Alumni Chris and Debby Weiser of Springdale have contributed $50,000 to further provide funds to the Weiser Family Engineering Scholarship they created that supports mechanical engineering students who participate in the Razorback Band.

Chris and Debby Weiser both earned degrees from the University of Arkansas in 1973. Chris has a degree in mechanical engineering and Debby has a Bachelor of Science degree from the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. She also has a degree in dental hygiene from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. They learned about the experience of band students through their daughter, Heather, who started playing the oboe in junior high. As a U of A student, Heather was on the flag line of the HogWild Band. Their son-in-law, Jason, was also in the band, playing trombone.  

"We learned about the band and what they do and the dedication and how hard they work," said Chris Weiser. "So we wanted to help out a deserving kid."

"It's amazing what they do," added Debby Weiser, explaining that band students gain organizational skills and leadership skills, as well as dedicate a great amount of their time.

"Chris has been very generous to the College of Engineering, both with his time and through this scholarship," said John English, dean of the College of Engineering. "We are so grateful for the support he and Debby show to our students, and the way they encourage our future engineers to broaden their academic experience by participating in band."

Chris Weiser is the owner and president of JV Manufacturing in Springdale, a leading manufacturer of industrial recycling and solid waste disposal equipment. JV provides CRAM-A-LOT Solid Waste & Recycling equipment for commercial and industrial applications. He is a past chair of the board of the Arkansas Academy of Mechanical Engineering, and he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Engineering in 2013. He serves on the College of Engineering Advisory Council.