Robert M. Bright, a former faculty member in the Department of Music, was recently honored for his contributions to the U of A with a scholarship bearing his name — an initiative led by six U of A alumni and former students of Bright's.

More than $50,000 in pledges and outright gifts supported the creation of the endowed scholarship, which will generate $2,000 to be awarded annually to a sophomore, junior or senior student. The student must also have at least a 2.50 GPA, exemplify leadership and be studying trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium or tuba.

The inaugural Robert M. Bright Endowed Brass Scholarship was awarded to Bradly Mathews, a junior music education major from West Fork who has performed with the U of A Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Razorback Marching Band, Hogwild Band and Jazz Orchestra.

"Our congratulations to both the committee for their incredible work and to Bradly for being our inaugural scholarship awardee," said Lia Uribe, chair of the Department of Music. "This scholarship demonstrates the impact our faculty have on our students and also demonstrates our commitment to holistically supporting our students' success."

On April 15, more than 100 scholarship supporters, alumni and current U of A faculty, staff and students gathered to celebrate Bright's legacy and present the scholarship to Mathews.

At the celebration, the scholarship campaign committee members, who include Benny Davis ('78), Charles Goss ('75, '77), Eric Mason ('75, '77), Kenneth McIntosh ('76), Larry Patton ('74), Bill Ratcliff ('81, '83) and Jerry Young ('74), reflected on their efforts to honor Bright and shared stories of how he created a legacy of excellence in the U of A Department of Music and U of A Bands.

"Without a doubt, Mr. Bright changed my life, the lives of my fellow committee members and the lives of so many others for the better," said Young, chair of the campaign committee. "Creating this scholarship in his name is the least we could do to honor him. We certainly hope this scholarship continues to honor excellence of his performance and teaching by supporting students who are most deserving."

"Bradly is the perfect inaugural recipient of this scholarship. He is a leader and peer whom other students depend on for assistance, which he is eager to give. Even better, prior to his time as a student at the U of A, Bradly graduated from West Fork High School, where he was trained up under Omar Taweel — a former trumpet student of Mr. Bright," Young added.

Contribute to the Robert M. Bright Endowed Scholarship fund. You can also contact Erin Cowger, associate director of development for the Fulbright College at (479) 575-8400 or by e-mail at erinc@uark.edu for more information.