FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Harry and Lois Alward are living proof that you don’t have to be born in a state to make it your home. The couple moved to Fayetteville from Nebraska in 1995 and have had no problem adopting the area as their own. After visiting family and friends for many years, it is now the place they love, and they call themselves Arkansans.

Evidence of this love is found in a recent gift of $168,000 to support scholarships and a lectureship in political science in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas. This gift was not only made to recognize the accomplishments of the department in preparing students for their careers; it was also made in remembrance of the service and contributions of Lois Alward’s sister, Diane Divers Blair.

A portion of the gift may be used to support programs promoted through the Diane D. Blair Center of Southern Politics and Society and to advance the goals of the holder of the Diane D. Blair Professorship in Political Science.

“We need bright young people in the political science field,” Lois said. “We hope this gift will help students who may not otherwise be able to continue or begin their education. Also, we hope the lectureship support will provide students with an opportunity to hear from outstanding individuals in the field. It is our intention for this gift to allow for two-day workshops rather than just one-hour speeches on campus, … time for the students to interact with and learn from leaders.”

The Alwards believe in the good of higher education, in Arkansas and everywhere. She retired as a special education teacher, and he worked as an engineer before starting his own business.

“I worked in education and I’ve seen the impact on so many young people,” Lois said. “Although I was not working in higher education specifically, teaching and influencing children is the same at every level. Now, higher education is something people need. Not only do they need the degree to be successful, but they need the experiences and the exposure to other students and faculty to become well-rounded.”

“The political science department will benefit greatly from this gift,” said Bill Schwab, dean of Fulbright College. “I appreciate the thoughtfulness behind this support and the new relationships and connections that will be formed as we bring presenters to campus. Students deserve every opportunity to learn from leaders in their chosen field, and they will only grow from others’ experiences. The scholarship support will ensure that more young minds are able to be a part of what we’re doing here.”