The University of Arkansas at Little Rock on Friday announced the launch of new scholarship program supported by a $7.5 million gift from the nonprofit Windgate Foundation of Little Rock.
The Windgate Foundation’s gift includes $5 million to establish the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Fund and $2.5 million in immediate-use funds to support affordability initiatives over the next several years while the scholarship endowment grows.
In a news release, the university said the new scholarship program reinforces its commitment to affordability and access in higher education. The program builds on earlier initiatives, such as the Half-Off Scholarship and Trojan Guarantee, made possible by a $25 million anonymous gift in 2020.
“For the last five years we’ve made affordability a top priority for our students,” UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale said in the release. We knew that to move the needle on educational attainment, we had to step up our game in the area of need-based student aid.”
UA Little Rock said the Windgate Foundation’s contribution marks a major milestone in the university’s Centennial Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in its history. The gift pushed the university’s fundraising total to $225.5 million, bringing it closer to its goal of raising $250 million ahead of the university’s 100-year anniversary in 2027.
“At Windgate, we believe that when students are empowered to pursue their education free from financial barriers, they are better positioned to thrive and reach their full potential,” Pat Forgy, executive director of the Windgate Foundation said in a statement. “We are proud to support Chancellor Drale and the entire UA Little Rock community for their thoughtful leadership and unwavering dedication to student success.
With the gift, the Windgate Foundation issued a $1.5 million challenge to university supporters to grow the endowed scholarship. UA Little Rock said it aims to meet this goal quickly and build on it to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.
Drale announced a personal gift of $25,000 as the first contribution.
“I am personally committed to this important effort and honored to take the first step,” Drale said. “I want to invite all of our supporters to dream big with me and help us grow this endowment many times over. Together, we can ensure that affordable education is forever.”
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