Meredith and Aaron Dunn have donated $100,000 to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, aiming to address funding gaps that limit access to education.
The U of A launched a three-year campaign in November 2024 to establish the Land of Opportunity Scholarship. The scholarship aims to expand educational access for students from all 75 Arkansas counties and strengthen partnerships between the university and businesses.
“It’s important to build up future generations through education,” Aaron Dunn said in a press release from the university. “Students with high financial needs graduate at a lower rate than other students. This scholarship initiative will address more than just the financial needs of its recipients.”
As of June 30, the Land of Opportunity campaign had raised 66% of its goal in 22% of the time through more than $132.7 million in pledges and commitments.
Both Meredith and Aaron Dunn are alumni of the university and Jonesboro natives. Aaron Dunn grew up on his family farm in Sharp County and was one of the first in his family to attend college. The press release stated he was able to attend the U of A due to financial aid.
“Even with a full scholarship, Aaron had to work various jobs during college to fill the financial gaps,” the press release stated. “For years, he worked at Tiny Tim’s Pizza on the square and built fences and performed other odd jobs during the summers.”
Aaron Dunn holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Sam M. Walton College of Business and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He currently serves as a managing director of Morgan Stanley, where he is co-head of Value Equity business.
“Intelligence and drive don’t always align with opportunity. The state and the university gave so much to me, and we think it’s important to help improve outcomes for more students,” Aaron Dunn said in the press release. “But it’s not a free pass. Students still have to work hard. They must take advantage of everything the U of A has to offer.”
Meredith Dunn is the daughter of two U of A alumni: Jane Braswell Gilbert, a 1973 graduate, and William Gilbert, a 1974 graduate. She earned double degrees in Spanish and communications from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.
“Meredith and Aaron Dunn embody the spirit of perseverance and generosity that defines the University of Arkansas community,” Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement, said in the press release. “Their gift to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment honors their own journeys and opens doors for students across the state who share their determination to succeed. Their support helps ensure that a student’s financial circumstances don’t limit their potential to thrive at the U of A and ultimately contribute to the future of Arkansas and beyond. We are grateful for their magnificent support in helping lead the way for generations of Arkansans.”
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