After a chance meeting in a laundry room during their freshman year at the University of Arkansas, Grace Martin and Jack Norris fell in love. Five years later, their paths took them halfway across the globe to Paraguay as Peace Corps volunteers. 

Since 2014, IMPACT has been a pipeline for school leaders in rural or geographically isolated parts of the state, providing the education and training needed for educators who aspire to be principals or in other leadership roles.

More than $169.6 million was committed to the U of A in the last year by alumni and friends, marking the fifth-highest fundraising year in university history.

Related Stories:

• $10 Million Grant Supports New Academic Building at Walton College
• Trottas Open Doors at Home and Abroad With $350,000 Gift
• Brock and Lindsey Gearhart Invest in Future of Walton College and Student Scholarships

The Manning scholarship helps support U of A students studying in online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Many of these students remain in their communities, work full time and take care of their families while earning a degree.