The 2014 University of Arkansas Family of the Year is the Reed family of Fayetteville. Nominated by Peter Reed, a senior chemistry and biology major, the Reed family – Peter, his father, Justin Reed, and Laura Mortensen – will be honored during the pre-game of the Arkansas v. Northern Illinois game on Saturday, Sept. 20.

The family will be presented with an Arkansas print on the field, tickets to the Chancellor’s Box to watch the game, as well as the PorkChop Package that includes entrance into various Family Weekend events. The family will enjoy dinner with the ASG executive officers Friday night.

The Reed family moved to Fayetteville three years ago allowing Peter to begin his college career at the University of Arkansas at age 14. Peter nominated his family for the 2014 Family of the Year, so that his father could be recognized for the many sacrifices he has had to make so that his son could pursue higher education at such an early age. Peter will graduate this academic year, with honors and a 4.0 GPA, with intentions to attend an MD/PhD program.

Peter says that he can see “many people will benefit when I am a doctor, which would have never happened without my dad dedicating his life to launching my education.” Beyond academics, Peter says that his father checks in with Newswire every day, trying to find ways to help Peter become more involved on campus. Laura Mortensen attended the University of Arkansas and has helped mentor Peter as he volunteers at the Veteran Affairs hospital, as a pre-med student.

The Associated Student Government and Parent & Family Programs sponsor the annual Family of the Year. The Family of the Year represents the university as the model Razorback family. The family exemplifies the Arkansas spirit and provides exceptional support for their students to succeed at the university. The difficult selection of the Family of the Year was tasked to a selection committee consisting of student leaders, faculty, staff, and administration from across the university. Said one committee member, “One of the things that made the Reed Family stand out through the review process was their commitment to academic success and their desire to take this success and turn it into a positive impact in a professional career.”

ASG Vice-President Amy May West said, “Despite all odds, the Reed family has put Peter’s education first with the hope that he will have the opportunity to leave his community better than they found it. This is the spirit we all strive to exhibit has a Razorback.”

Any questions should be referred to West at asgvp@uark.edu.

The Associated Student Government at the University of Arkansas is a student-led organization that acts as an organized voice for all students and strives to effectively represent student interest.