New Boyer Fellow Selected

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Robert Bryan Ivers, the son of Nina Ivers of Texarkana, Ark., and Barry Ivers of Golden, Colo., has been selected as the eighth Boyer Fellow in the Sam M. Walton College at the University of Arkansas.

In 1999, alumni Tommy and Sylvia Boyer established the Boyer Fellowship to encourage outstanding students to pursue an education in the Walton College.

The fellowship is designed to encourage and attract outstanding Arkansas students who want to study business at the university. To become a Boyer Fellow, the student must demonstrate financial need and the potential to be a leader. The gift commitment provides the student with $12,500 a year for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, travel and special equipment.

Ivers graduated with a 4.00 grade point average this May from Arkansas High School in Texarkana. He is a National Merit semi-finalist. His recognitions also include senior class treasurer, Boys’ State delegate, Who’s Who among American High School Students, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership delegrate, and Outstanding Science Student. At Arkansas High, he was a member of the Foreign Language Club, Mu Alpha Theta math club, AHS Players Drama Club, Future Business Leaders of America Club, Student Council, National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl team, and Gifted and Talented Program.

“I have always enjoyed math and the challenges it can bring,” said Ivers. “I plan to major in finance where I can work with numbers and also prepare for a career in business.”

At the time they made the gift for the fellowships, the Boyers said, “We’ve been very interested in helping young people, particularly those who have financial barriers in getting a quality education.” The program also supports three other Boyer fellows studying in the Walton College, including Tommy Vo, Fort Smith; and Sarah Wells, Arkadelphia. Previous Boyers Fellows include Adrienne Jung of Van Buren, Brandy Wells of West Fork, Chenin Vadalma of Hot Springs and Kimberly Wilkes of Fort Smith who graduated this spring.

The Boyers, who split time between Amarillo, Texas, and Fayetteville, have been long-time supporters of the University of Arkansas. Tommy Boyer, B.S.B.A. ’64, serves as chair of the Walton College Dean’s Executive Advisory Committee and chair of the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame board. Mr. Boyer was presiding co-chair of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century from July 1, 2000, until June 30, 2002, and resumed service as presiding co-chair in July 2004. He led the campaign, which raised $1 billion for the University of Arkansas.

Mrs. Boyer, B.S.E. ’63, also served with her husband on the Campaign Steering Committee and was vice chair of the committee’s College/School/Unit and Regional Subcommittee. Mr. Boyer is chief executive officer of Micro Images in Amarillo.

In the past, the Boyers had also established seven endowed scholarships across the campus. For instance, in 1989, Mrs. Boyer established the Thomas E. Boyer Scholarship in the Walton College as a 25^th wedding anniversary gift to her husband. He reciprocated with the Sylvia Ann Boyer Scholarship in the College of Education and Health Professions.