Walton College to Honor Outstanding Alumni at Awards Banquet on April 23

Submitted Photos

From left, Gerald Alley, Jane Henry and Laura Phillips.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Three outstanding alumni of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas will be honored April 23 at the college's 2020 awards banquet.

The banquet will recognize outstanding achievement by Walton College students for the 2019-20 school year and honor three alumni for success in business and service to the college and the community.

The three alumni honorees for 2020 are:

• Lifetime Achievement Award — Gerald Alley, B.S.B.A.’73, president and chief executive officer of Con-Real LP in Arlington, Texas
• Entrepreneur of the Year Award — Jane Henry, B.S.B.A.’99, founder and chief executive officer of SeeHerWork in Houston, Texas
• Outstanding Service Award — Laura Phillips, M.B.A.’01, senior vice president-global sourcing, Walmart Inc. in Bentonville

The Walton College recognizes up to three alumni annually in the categories of service, entrepreneurship and lifetime achievement. Nominations for each category are gathered from faculty, staff and alumni. Final approval of the awards rests with Dean Matthew A. Waller, with input from faculty and staff.

Walton College's lifetime achievement award is presented only to those who make significant achievements in their careers and are recognized as industry and community leaders. To be considered for this award, a Walton College graduate must exemplify the core values of the college, inspire students and be a source of pride for the school.

The entrepreneur of the year award recognizes a Walton College graduate who has proven innovative and successful in a business venture of his or her own creation or reinvention. Preference is given to entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least five years. Consideration is also given to emerging entrepreneurs who exhibit the business acumen, drive and dedication essential to long-term success.

The college's outstanding service award recognizes service by a Walton College graduate who helps build and sustain the alumni and student network through active engagement, such as helping students find jobs and internships, participating in and promoting alumni activities and volunteering for one of the many Walton College department, center or advisory boards.

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 fewer than 3 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.