Thirty students from the University of Arkansas College of Engineering and 20 students from the Sam M. Walton College of Business attended the second annual Alley Scholars Summit at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Tex. on Saturday, February 2. The summit was created and organized by Troy Alley, who received his electrical engineering degree from the University of Arkansas in 1969.

The Alley Scholars are composed of recipients of scholarships or other support through the Troy and Gladys Alley Memorial Scholarship, the Engineering Career Awareness Program, the Troy and Unnice Alley Jr. Foundation and the Gerald and Candace Alley Foundation. These organizations provide educational funding and support for underrepresented students at the University of Arkansas and other institutions.

“It is our wish that the Alley Scholars will help develop resources and open doors to future career opportunities and financing sources for graduate education or business and entrepreneurship ventures,” said Alley.

The event included workshops on resumes and networking, and students had several opportunities to meet entrepreneurs and community leaders.

“This event is a great way for our students to get valuable networking experience and to connect with people who can help them in their future careers,” said Thomas Carter III, assistant dean of student affairs for the College of Engineering. “We are very grateful for the generous support that Troy has given our students.”