Berry, Anderson Establish PRIDE in Education Scholarship

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas will begin awarding PRIDE in Education Scholarships, now that the minimum endowment level has been reached and surpasses. The initial gift to create the scholarship, made in 2012 by John Berry and Richard Anderson of Springdale, was made in recognition of the registered student organization, People Respecting Individual Differences and Equality, and its 30th year on campus. The organization focuses on creating visibility and respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members of the campus community.

"At that time I had been thinking about how to give back to the campus community and in the process create awareness and understanding of LGBT issues," Berry said. "I worked in Student Affairs for more than a decade and am very familiar with the great work and services the PRIDE staff provides U of A students. I just knew that this was the right place and time for this scholarship."

Berry started working on campus as a night cook supervisor and later became the director of retail dining. He was an adviser to the campus PRIDE group in the late 1990s, but never attended the university as a student.

"I'm aware of several students who have experienced serious financial challenges because of their involvement with LGBT issues," said Berry. "Some families have even cut off all financial support for their children. This scholarship can go a long way in easing that burden for some students."

In just two years, the scholarship's endowment has grown to more than $31,000, thanks to the ongoing support of faculty, staff and community donors. The goal is to bring the endowment up to the $50,000 level and beyond.

"We embrace and encourage diversity of all types on the University of Arkansas campus, including sexual orientation," said Danny Pugh, vice provost for student affairs. "This scholarship enhances our diversity and helps us create a more understanding and socially responsible campus community."

Berry is excited that others are following his philanthropic lead.

"People continue to support this scholarship and we hope to keep building it up," Berry said. "It will be great to get it to the point that we are funding more than one student every semester."

The Division of Student Affairs and the University of Arkansas are committed to growing this scholarship.

"We will continue to accept donations for this very important scholarship," Pugh said. "The first scholarship monies will be awarded in the 2015 spring semester."

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.