Edmondsons, Evanses Honored as 2011 Chancellor’s Medal Recipients

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2011 Chancellor’s Medal recipients

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – At Friday’s Towers of Old Main event — an evening that celebrates individuals whose cumulative giving or commitment to the University of Arkansas has reached or exceeded $100,000 — two couples will be recognized as Chancellor’s Medal recipients, an honor that speaks to their ongoing support and service to the University of Arkansas and the state of Arkansas.

Don (B.S.B.A. 1958) and Ellen Edmondson of Forrest City, Ark., are long-time supporters and friends of the University of Arkansas. While many of the couple’s contributions have had a significant impact on students and the institution as a whole, the Edmondsons’ gift to name the School of Architecture in 2008 in memory of their dear friend and prize-winning architect, Fay Jones, changed the university’s future. The couple’s support will enhance student experiences for many years to come.

Also benefiting the architecture school is the couple’s gift in 1999 to endow the Fay Jones Chair in Architecture, which brings nationally respected architects and teachers to campus to work with students and faculty. The couple has also funded an international scholarship to honor architect Maurice Jennings, a long-time colleague of Fay Jones, and they have generously supported the Arkansas Alumni Association’s Cornerstone Fund.

Don Edmonson is a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, served on the University of Arkansas Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Steering Committee, and chaired the School of Architecture’s Campaign Committee. He currently serves on the University of Arkansas Board of Advisors.

“Don and Ellen’s impact on the students, the faculty and the landscape at the University of Arkansas is not only remarkable, it is long-lasting,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “The future of the Fay Jones School of Architecture is brighter than ever, thanks in large part to the vision and generosity of the Edmondsons. Their love for the University of Arkansas and their respect and admiration for the late Fay Jones have led their philanthropy decisions that will touch an unimaginable number of lives, not just on our campus but throughout the state. We are grateful beyond words for what they have done and continue to do for Arkansas.” 

Bob and Sunny Evans of Hot Springs, Ark., are also recognized for their unending generosity and commitment to the university and, specifically, to the Fay Jones School of Architecture’s Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs. Their contributions helped complete the sanctuary within the Anthony Chapel and provided funding for the Evans Groom’s Quarters, the Evans Celebration Garden and the Evans Children’s Garden.

In addition to the Evanses’ impact on Garvan Woodland Gardens, gifts have also been designated toward establishing a scholarship in the department of music in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, endowing a Chancellor’s Scholarship, and supporting the Arkansas Alumni Association Cornerstone Fund. Both are life members of the Arkansas Alumni Association.

Bob and Sunny Evans are members of the Board of Advisors and the Garvan Woodland Gardens Advisory Board. During the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century, Bob Evans was a member of the Steering Committee and the Leadership and Principal Gifts Committee.

“Garvan Woodland Gardens is one of the most beautiful attractions in our state, and it is an honor to claim it as a part of the University of Arkansas,” said Gearhart. “Bob and Sunny have seen the gardens’ potential for growth, literally and figuratively, and made it more of a treasure than it has ever been before. Visitors to the gardens can see the breathtaking outcomes of the Evanses’ support around every corner. I am proud they are a part of our university family, and I am thankful for all they give to the university — through the gardens and otherwise.”