Family Ties Inspire Gift to Civil Engineering Research Center
Members of Buster Jones' family stand together outside the Grady E. Harvell Civil Engineering Research Center. From left: Grandson Drew Hasley; son David Jones; Buster Jones; granddaughter Wittney Jones; grandson Blake Hasley; and grandson Taylor Hasley.
Howard "Buster" Jones' connection to the University of Arkansas goes back to a great-great uncle who, as a mason, helped to build Old Main. Many people in his immediate and extended family attended U of A System schools, including Buster Jones, his parents, sister, wife, father-in-law, daughter, son, three grandchildren and three uncles.
These deep family ties to the university inspired Jones and his late wife, Sharon Young Jones, to honor their heritage with a gift to the Grady E. Harvell Civil Engineering Research Center, completed in the summer of 2021. The 37,400-square-foot center provides research and teaching laboratories related to materials testing for civil engineering students and faculty.
Buster Jones said the contribution will enable civil engineering students and faculty to engage in research and teaching to further the good of the profession of engineering.
"The University of Arkansas has always been a family topic, whether talking about how education has contributed to our success or the Razorbacks as an item of state pride," he said. "We are proud to contribute to the U of A, which has such meaning in our lives."
He studied civil engineering, graduating with a bachelor's degree from U of A in 1962. Sharon Young Jones earned a Bachelor of Science from U of A in 1961.
A conference room in the center will be named Jones Family Heritage in acknowledgement of the gift.
Contacts
Jennifer Cook, director of communications
College of Engineering
479-575-5697,
jpc022@uark.edu
Headlines
Peter Ungar Chosen as Member of the National Academy of Sciences
A distinguished professor of anthropology and director of environmental dynamics, Ungar is the first U of A faculty member to be elected to the prestigious Academy.
Ag Technology Students Visit Greenway Equipment, Learn About Advances in Machinery
Members of the U of A's Agricultural Systems and Technology Club recently spent a day at the Greenway Technology Farm in Newport to learn about advances featured in John Deere tractors and machinery.
College of Education and Health Professions WE CARE Everywhere Campaign Kicks Off This Summer
Retractable scroll banners with the phrase "WE CARE Everywhere" are small enough to fit any suitcase and just waiting for your chance to shine in social media posts throughout the summer.
Staff Senators for 2024-25 Elected
Twelve newly elected staff members will begin serving the U of A staff community for three-year terms beginning July 1 on the university's Staff Senate.
Matlock Briefs Congressional Staff Regarding Crop Sustainability Research
Professor Marty Matlock briefed U.S. House of Representative and Senate staff members on research conducted by the U of A regarding the effects of management practices on crop sustainability.