FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Dean Margaret Sova McCabe welcomed scholarship recipients, donors, staff and guests at the University of Arkansas School of Law's 11th annual scholarship luncheon Friday, March 12. The event took place at noon via Zoom.

Nearly 75 individuals including Mark Power, vice chancellor for university advancement, and Kellie Knight, assistant vice chancellor for university development, gathered for the virtual event.

Benefactors and friends from near and far reminisced about their time in college, how the U of A law school allowed them to excel in their legal profession, and what motivates them to give today. They also interacted with the students they support — listening to their achievements, personal stories and student journeys, which had been significantly impacted by the scholarships.

Third-year law student Julian Sharp thanked the donors and reminded them that due to their generosity, students spend a little less time worried about finances and more time focusing on their coursework and participating in activities, competitions and externships that allow them to become the best attorneys they can.

"I learned that once you're a hog walking the halls of Leflar Law Center, you're not alone. So having that email pop in my notifications that someone I never met wanted to support me because of this community, really helped my transition to not only law school, but to the Arkansas community as a whole. Once I started law school, because of you, I didn't feel as alone or as an outsider," Sharp said.

"These students excel in the classroom, are committed to pro bono and community service, participate in moot and trial competitions, serve as law review and legal journal editor, and give us confidence in the future of the legal profession," said Dean McCabe. "They are a terrific investment and I know that many years later, they will make a difference in other law students' lives by paying it forward."

Tory Gaddy, director of development at the law school, concluded the event by emphasizing the significance of bringing benefactors and scholarship recipients together. "This is my favorite event the law school hosts every year—it is moving, impactful and heartwarming," Gaddy said. "When you put students and their benefactors together, true magic happens!"

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.