The University of Arkansas Women’s Giving Circle celebrated its 21st year of funding innovative projects, programs and research last week by awarding $110,000 at its annual fall voting event.  

This year’s funding brings the group’s total to more than $1.8 million awarded since 2002. 

The Women’s Giving Circle is made up of U of A alumnae, faculty, staff and friends of the university and was created to encourage women as philanthropic leaders. 

Members of the circle make yearly contributions to generate funds for the awards, and these contributions are pooled together and awarded annually to selected recipients who complete the grant proposal process.  

This year’s grant recipients were chosen from 18 proposals, with nine finalists selected through an online vote. Women’s Giving Circle members heard presentations from the finalists as part of the event and then voted to select the winning programs. The amounts of the nine grants awarded this year ranged from $5,000 up to $20,000.  
 
“I’m proud of the amazing work that we do every year,” said Billye Veteto, WGC president. “Voting Day is magic. There is nothing better than a room full of strong women working together to impact the lives of people across the state of Arkansas. Everyone is invited to join the Women’s Giving Circle. The more members we have, the more funding we can provide for research and projects.” 

The recipients of funding this year include:

ArtSpark!
A summer camp for youth to engage in creative, artistic projects with experienced artists and educators while simultaneously developing social justice, belonging, solution-building and career readiness awareness and skills.  

Nicole Leachman from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and Martha Sandven and Hung Pham from the College of Education and Health Professions presented this project, which received $20,000 in funding.  
 
SEAM Studio: Sewing Entrance Academy Mentorship Studio
A project creating summer camps for children in locations across Arkansas providing the opportunity to acquire basic sewing skills, knowledge about the apparel and textile industry and potential career paths, and connection with university student mentors. 

Presented by Stephanie Hubert and Sarah Hixson in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, this proposal received $20,000. 

Know My ACES
A proposal presented by Glenda Hux and Amanda Troillett in the College of Education and Health Professions received $16,615.  

Data collected from this research project will guide the development of a training curriculum for occupational therapy practitioners to better understand and help minimize the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) on children throughout the state. 

Advancing Adult Mental Health Education in Arkansas through Mental Health First Aid Training
A proposal presented by Betsy Garrison, Shari Moxley, Donia Timby and Dede Hamm in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences received $12,235.  

This project brings additional Mental Health First Aid training to non-medical professionals in the community so they may identify people at risk, provide strategies for assisting others who are experiencing mental health challenges and help identify professional mental health resources. 

Efficient LNP-CRISPR Formulations for Gene Correction and Immune Evasion in Mouse Models of DMD
A proposal presented by Shilpi Agrawal from the College of Engineering received $11,800.  

This research project will study methods aimed at improving the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a common genetic disorder affecting children. 

The Incredible Years: Parenting Support and Guidance
A proposal presented by LaShawnda Fields and Ananda Rosa in the  Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences received $9,090.   

This project aims to reduce delinquent behaviors in children using curriculum focused on communication, emotional intelligence and emotional regulation in partnership with families who utilize the Yvonne Richardson Community Center in Northwest Arkansas.  

Physical activity as preventative medicine for cancer-induced muscle wasting
A proposal presented by Stavroula Tsitkanou in the College of Education and Health Professions received $8,000.  

This research project aims to investigate the effects of lifestyle physical activity as a preventative medicine for cancer cachexia – a syndrome characterized by the unintentional loss of body weight and muscle mass in cancer patients responsible for as many as 40% of cancer related deaths.  

LEAP: Learn Engineering After-School Programs
An expansion of after-school programs for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged elementary students aimed to increase interest and excitement in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). 

Submitted by Teresa Simpson, this proposal received $7,260 and was presented by Katelyn Burks in the College of Engineering and Corrin Bowen, an engineering student.  

Girls Compose: A SHE Festival Program for Girls in Music Composition
An after-school program and summer camp to train high school girls in classical music composition with the goal of increasing the number of professional female composers in the field.  

Presented by Theresa Delaplain and Robert Mueller in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, this project received $5,000. 

The Women's Giving Circle

The Women’s Giving Circle was established in 2002, and its founding members include Sylvia Boyer (B.S.E.’63), Pat Cooper, Johnelle Hunt, Debbie King, Mary Trimble Maier (B.A.’49), Julia Peck Mobley (B.S.E.’65), Harriett Phillips (B.A.’72), Lynne Walton (B.A.’70), Margaret Whillock (B.S.E.’57), Mary Lib White and Donna Axum Whitworth (B.A.’66, M.A.’69). 

Life members of the circle include Carol S. Adams, Nancy Bittle, Beth Carter, Kelly Chaney, Charlotte Downs, Sandra K. Edwards, Margie Pomfret Farber, Denise Garner, Martha Cornwell Haguewood, Melissa McIlroy Hawkins, Denise Henderson, Trish Brown Joyner, Ranu Jung, Debbie King, Kellie Knight, Lee Lane, Jacqui Lefler, Marybeth Mayfield, Judy McDonald, Julia Peck Mobley, Janet Parsch, Connie Pate, Harriett Phillips, Karen Pope, Cindy Pugh, Leslie Smith Reeves, Catherine Ross, Susan Scott Ross, Jane Shipley, Sandy Steinmetz,  Mary Belden Ward, Melissa Lee Werner, Mary Lib White, Dina Wood and Ann Marie Ziegler.  

About University Advancement: University Advancement advances the mission of the University of Arkansas by raising private gift support from alumni, friends, parents, foundations, corporations, and other institutional supporters. Working in philanthropic partnership with academic leaders and volunteers, Advancement team members are determined to advance the people, work, and impact of the greater whole at the University of Arkansas. 

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 few 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 and Economic Development News.