Law School Hosts Ribbon-Cutting and Dedication of the Tracey and Steve Caple Law Review Office
The Arkansas Law Review has just moved into its newly renovated office on the second floor of the law building. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on April 23, at which Vice Chancellor of Advancement Mark Power, School of Law leadership and members of the Arkansas Law Review gathered to dedicate the office space to alumnus Steve Caple J.D.'93 and his wife, Tracey Caple.
The Caples pledged $100,000 to support the renovation of the Arkansas Law Review office to provide students with needed upgrades to the facility. Randy Thompson, director of the Robert and Vivian Young Law Library; Alex Nunn, faculty adviser for the Law Review; and Law Review editors Taylor Spillers and McKenna Moore worked with Jim Hanson from The Norman Company to imagine, plan, design and redesign a space that will house Law Review members for many years to come.
Reminiscing about his time as a law student and as managing editor of the Arkansas Law Review, Steve Caple recounted the humorous story about his participation in the "first" renovation of the Law Review space, where the walls of the room were surreptitiously painted white from a bright gold. He also shared the experiences he gained by being part of the Law Review editorial board — how it expanded his appreciation for research and scholarship, furthered his love of history and law, and, most importantly, fostered lifetime friendships.
"My parents and Steve's aunt were teachers, and they instilled in us the importance of education," said Tracey Caple. "As a result of their influence, Steve and I are always looking for ways to support our favorite academic institutions. The University of Arkansas is at the top of that list."
"When Tracey and I learned of planned renovations at the School of Law, we inquired about the possibility of upgrading the workspace for the Arkansas Law Review," said Steve Caple. "We are delighted that the office is now open and available for use. We hope that it enhances the overall student experience and that it becomes a preferred destination for current and future members to congregate and collaborate as they continue producing a preeminent legal journal."
"We're absolutely thrilled to have this new space in the law school and couldn't be more grateful to the Caples for their beyond generous contribution," said Taylor Spillers, editor-in-chief of the Arkansas Law Review. "I can't express how wonderful it has been to collaborate, study and mingle with everyone on the Law Review in the same room. Plus, the space is beautiful, bright and multifunctional. It has already become the go-to place for many of us throughout the day — whether we're silently studying at one of the standing desks, having a cup of coffee at the conference table or watching TV on the couch. Future members will undoubtedly fill this space with great memories as well. Again, thank you Steve and Tracey Caple!"
The Arkansas Law Review publishes relevant scholarship on notable domestic and international issues to elicit informed discussions and provide intellectual and practical assistance to members of the legal community. The flagship journal is published quarterly by students at the U of A School of Law and is an established part of the legal community in Arkansas and beyond. It is cited and relied upon by lawyers and courts throughout the nation.
The Law Review celebrated the 75th anniversary of its publication this year. The first issue was published in the fall semester of the 1946-47 academic year. It was preceded by the University of Arkansas Law School Bulletin, which was started five years after the U of A School of Law was established in 1924.
"The Tracey and Steve Caple Law Review Office is a space where collaboration will thrive, and community will be built," Vice Chancellor of Advancement Mark Power said. "It is evident that Steve holds his experience on the Arkansas Law Review near to his heart, and now through the Caples' generous gift, future generations of students will continue to publish articles of excellence to ensure the legacy of the Law Review stays strong."
Steve Caple is president of Unity Hunt Inc., the parent company for the Lamar Hunt family's holdings. Tracey Caple is a graduate of the University of North Texas and has adopted the U of A as her other favorite school. She is a merchandise buyer for the Army and Airforce Exchange Service.
The Caples are members of the Chancellor's Society and recognized in the Towers of Old Main, a giving society for the university's most generous benefactors. Steve Caple also serves on the Campaign Arkansas School of Law committee.
About the School of Law: The law school offers a competitive J.D. as well as an advanced LL.M. program, which are taught by nationally recognized faculty. The school offers unique opportunities for students to participate in pro bono work, externships, live client clinics, competitions, and food and agriculture initiatives. The school strives to identify, discuss, and challenge issues of race, color, ethnicity, and the impact(s) they have on students, faculty, and staff members in an effort to achieve a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. From admitting the Six Pioneers who were the first African American students to attend law school in the South without a court order to graduating governors, judges, prosecutors, and faculty who went on to become President of the United States and Secretary of State, the law school has a rich history and culture. Follows us at @uarklaw.
Contacts
Yusra Sultana, director of communications
School of Law
479-575-7417,
ysultana@uark.edu