FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Two couples will be recognized as Chancellor’s Medal recipients at the University of Arkansas Towers of Old Main event on April 26. The event, which celebrates individuals whose cumulative giving or commitment to the university has reached or exceeded $100,000, will recognize the philanthropy of Wallace W. and Jama M. Fowler and Fred W. and the late Mary B. Smith. Both couples are being honored for their extraordinary leadership and commitment to higher education at the University of Arkansas.

Wallace W. and Jama M. Fowler of Jonesboro, Ark., have supported the University of Arkansas extensively over the years with their philanthropic efforts. In 2005, the Fowlers provided funds to begin construction of the University of Arkansas chancellor’s residence, which was named the Wallace W. and Jama M. Fowler House in their honor. In 2011, the Fowlers surprised their friends Don and Ellen Edmondson by naming the Don and Ellen Edmondson Legacy Studio in Vol Walker Hall, which is the home to the Fay Jones School of Architecture. This gift, which was fittingly announced over dinner at the Fowler House, was a touching tribute to the Edmondsons, who in 2008 provided funds to name the school after Fay Jones.

During the university’s last capital campaign, Wallace served on the Campaign for the 21^st Century Steering Committee. In 2011, he was inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame because of his success with Fowler Foods and his career in banking. He is currently the chairman and chief executive officer of Liberty Bank of Arkansas while continuing to serve as chairman of Fowler Foods. He and Jama both served on the Board of Advisors and are currently members of the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee.

“Wallace and Jama have been incredible supporters of the University and the state of Arkansas,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “Their contributions have made a lasting impact on our campus, and their generosity has touched us all. Their friendship with the Edmondsons is inspiring, and it is heartwarming to see how they make their philanthropic decisions. All of their gifts have been made with a purpose, and they have improved every area they have supported.”

Fred W. and the late Mary B. Smith of Las Vegas are also being recognized for their personal and professional support of the university. Through his work as chairman of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, Fred was instrumental in securing several multi-million dollar gifts for the university, including the Steven L. Anderson Design Center within the Fay Jones School of Architecture; the Reynolds Center for Enterprise Development in the Sam M. Walton College of Business; and the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium expansion, the Student-Athlete Success Center and Jeff Long Student-Athlete Development Program, all within Razorback Athletics. In October 2010, the Reynolds Foundation issued a $10 million challenge grant to help raise additional funds for the Football Operations Center. This challenge was met in August 2011, leading the way for construction of the facility.

On a personal level, Fred and Mary have contributed to several initiatives at the university, including the Barbara Broyles Caregiving Legacy Fund, the Razorback Athletics Student-Athlete Success Center and the Fred W. and Mary B. Smith Golf Center. In 2001, he and his wife were awarded the distinguished service award as part of the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor.

“Fred and Mary are an essential part of the University of Arkansas family,” said Gearhart. “From Fred’s leadership with the Reynolds Foundation to their shared personal contributions, their support has been transformational in allowing our university to make significant capital improvements and program enhancements. They are well-loved and respected by those in Razorback Athletics and throughout the campus community. Mary was one of our most passionate and dedicated fans, and she is greatly missed. Her legacy lives on through the many initiatives they have supported, which continue to enrich the lives of students, faculty and staff at the University of Arkansas.”