As a testament to the impact of an esteemed educator, former students and colleagues of Ro Di Brezzo, or "Dr. D," as she is affectionately known, have come together to launch a scholarship in her honor.

"Dr. D is described as an incredible leader, teacher, influencer and friend," said Tory Gaddy, director of development in the College of Education and Health Professions. "She left an indelible mark on countless individuals throughout her distinguished career."

Gaddy said a deep appreciation and admiration for Dr. D inspired her former students and colleagues to initiate the Di Brezzo Endowed Scholarship in Exercise Science. The scholarship will support undergraduate students who have earned 60 credit hours or more and are pursuing a degree in the Exercise Science Program at the U of A.

Michelle Gray, a former student who's now chair of the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, said, "Dr. D has had an enormous impact on the lives of her students during her 37-year career at the University of Arkansas. She has a way of seeing the potential in her students and pushing them to achieve their absolute best, even if they cannot see that in themselves. I, personally, am a product of her mentorship and credit my achievements to the chance Dr. D took on me."

Di Brezzo joined the U of A as an assistant professor of physical education in 1983 and retired on June 30, 2020. During her tenure, Di Brezzo served as program chair and interim department head for the Kinesiology Department, director of the Human Performance Laboratory and co-director of the Office for Studies on Aging. In 1992, she co-founded the Teaching and Faculty Support Center. From 2012-2013, she served as vice provost for academic affairs, and from 2013 to 2017, she served as the university's first vice provost for faculty development and enhancement. In 2017, Di Brezzo became the first vice provost for faculty affairs. In October 2019, she returned to the faculty as a University Professor of exercise science. She earned multiple awards from the College of Education and Health Professions, as well as the U of A, for her research and teaching.

The dean of the College of Education and Health Professions, Kate Mamiseishvili, noted that the scholarship is a lasting tribute to Di Brezzo's legacy. "The Di Brezzo Endowed Scholarship in Exercise Science represents an opportunity for individuals to honor the profound influence of an educator while empowering future generations of students in the Exercise Science program to reach their academic goals," she said.

Contributions to the Di Brezzo Endowed Scholarship in Exercise Science may be made here.