$50,000 Gift to Land of Opportunity Scholarship Honors Parents of Donor

John Berry and his partner, Richard Anderson, recently contributed $50,000 to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship endowment. John and Richard’s gift, made in honor of John’s parents Hank and Marty Berry, will benefit students across Arkansas, addressing the critical funding gap that can limit students’ access to education. 

"John and Richard’s long-standing dedication to the U of A has enriched our university in countless ways, and we are deeply grateful for their unwavering support,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "With their latest gift, they honor a family legacy of generosity and service by creating life-changing opportunities for students across Arkansas. John and Richard’s commitment to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship will help to shape a brighter future for our state by ensuring that talented, ambitious young Arkansans have the resources they need to succeed."  

The three-year Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign launched in Nov. 2024. The scholarship will improve access to education for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas, create partnerships between the university and businesses throughout the state, and fulfill the institution’s land-grant mission to uplift Arkansas. 

“There are so many capable students across Arkansas that have limited access to education,” Berry said. “The Land of Opportunity scholarship will address those needs, but it’s not just about giving students money. There will be people both on and off campus involved in supporting the students, improving their chances for success.” 

Berry said that his parents were always willing to give their time and resources to those in need, even when they did not have much for themselves. Their kindness and generosity were a driving force behind he and Anderson’s decision to establish the scholarship in their honor.  

“Hank and Marty always thought of others. When neighbors needed help, they would be there lending a hand,” Anderson said. “They taught John and his siblings the same values. That’s what is so nice about the scholarship, it’s a way to honor Hank and Marty’s memory and legacy.” 

John Berry grew up in South Dakota and Richard Anderson in Ohio. They both made their way to Fayetteville and have been in Northwest Arkansas ever since. Throughout their years here, John and Richard have given generously of their time and resources, developing a deep connection to the U of A.  

For 13 years, John worked in foodservice at the U of A, eventually serving as director of retail dining. He is president of the U of A Pride Alumni Society board of directors and serves on the Division of Student Affairs executive leadership board. John and Richard have served as fundraising volunteers on multiple U of A campaigns including John’s service as a committee member for Campaign Arkansas. 

In 2012, John and Richard created an endowed scholarship with a $25,000 founding gift. Since then, they have provided the originating gifts for the Student Affairs Student Meal Plan scholarship, the Student Emergency Fund, and the Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Campus Food Pantry. Additionally, through estate planning, John and Richard have established multiple planned gifts that support student, faculty and staff initiatives.  

“We are immensely grateful to John and Richard for their generous contribution to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign, made in honor of John’s parents, Hank and Marty,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “This thoughtful gift not only strengthens our land-grant mission but also stands as a tribute to the legacy of care and kindness instilled by their family. It is a powerful reminder of the profound impact that dedication and service to others can have on shaping the future for Arkansas students and the state.” 

“I think people should know that every donation matters, whether it’s $5 or $100,000,” John said. “Start with a small gift to a scholarship or a college that means something to you. Get in the habit of giving.” 

John holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration from Black Hills State University. He currently serves as the Director of Hospitality at Mount Sequoyah Center in Fayetteville. 

Richard is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Asbury University. He recently retired after over 20 years as a claims representative for the Social Security Administration. 

John and Richard are members of the Chancellor’s Society and are counted as Thoroughreds for their consecutive years of giving to the U of A. They are life members of the Arkansas Alumni Association. 
About the Land of Opportunity Scholarship: The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign is a three-year initiative to further educational access opportunities for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas, improve graduation rates, create two-way engagement between the university and businesses throughout the state, and fulfill the institution’s land-grant mission to uplift Arkansas. As of Mar. 1, 2025, the campaign has raised 64% of its goal in 11% of the time through more than $127,264,639 in pledges and commitments. 
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 $3 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.