BELLA VISTA COUPLE TO PROVIDE $9.3 MILLION TO UA ENDOWMENTS, ATHLETICS AND ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - In what UA Chancellor John A. White described as "extraordinary philanthropy," George and Boyce Billingsley of Bella Vista, Ark., will provide nearly $9.3 million to the University of Arkansas to fund scholarships, endowed chair positions in four colleges and support athletics, as well as support to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.

The Billingsleys will fund a charitable remainder trust with allocations of $8.4 million designated to the following University of Arkansas campus areas.

• Sam M. Walton College of Business - $1.5 million for an endowed chair
• College of Education and Health Professions - $1.5 million for an endowed chair
• College of Engineering - $1.5 million for an endowed chair
• Department of History in Fulbright College - $1.5 million for an endowed chair
• University Libraries - $500,000 for endowed acquisitions fund
• Chancellor’s Scholarships - $900,000 plus the remainder of the trust value at the time of transfer to the U of A.
• Razorback Foundation Inc. - $930,000 for men’s athletics

The Billingsleys’ trust will also benefit the endowment of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock with a gift of $930,000.

UA Chancellor John A. White said, "On behalf of the entire University of Arkansas community, I'd like to extend my sincere appreciation to George and Boyce Billingsley for their extraordinary philanthropy. This gift will provide significant support that will be felt for generations to come and reflects their commitment to enhance the reputation of the University of Arkansas by increasing the size and quality of the faculty and student body. It serves as a testament to the leadership they’ve demonstrated on this campus in so many ways."

George Billingsley, a 1957 UA graduate in history, is chairman and chief executive officer of Pacific Resources Export Limited and president of International Tours of Northwest Arkansas. He and his wife, Boyce, a 1955 graduate in finance and banking, are members of the Chancellor’s Society and contributors to the restoration of Old Main. The Billingsleys are longtime friends of the University of Arkansas and members of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Steering Committee, the volunteer leadership group for the Campaign, currently in the planning stages. Mr. Billingsley serves as a Campaign Vice Chair.

G. David Gearhart, vice chancellor for University Advancement, said, "The Billingsleys have again demonstrated their love and commitment for the future of this University, and the state of Arkansas. We are grateful that they have chosen to designate such a substantial trust to the University. Private funding for more Chancellor’s Scholarships annually is a significant University priority. To create four endowed chairs in four colleges is a remarkable commitment and will go a long way to help us continue to attract and retain stellar people. University Libraries is steadily increasing its acquisitions endowment and this gift will provide a much-needed boost to the ongoing efforts."

Chancellor’s Scholarships, considered among the most prestigious scholarships awarded at the U of A, are designed to recruit the most talented high school students in the nation. Chancellor’s Scholarships provide tuition, fees and room and board to qualified students.

Income from an endowed chair position can be used to supplement the holder’s salary and provide funds for graduate assistants’ salaries, course development, equipment and research. Chair holders are able to provide research opportunities for promising undergraduate and graduate students as a result of such supplemental funds.

"The Billingsleys have shared their success and leadership abilities with the University in many ways. Their leadership on the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Steering Committee has been extremely beneficial and their dedicated spirit is invaluable," White continued.

Frank Broyles, University of Arkansas men’s athletic director said, "I would like to thank the Billingsleys for their generous support of men’s athletics. Their gift to the Razorback Foundation will provide invaluable support for student-athletes. This gift helps kick off our fund-raising year and we are grateful for the Billingsleys’ leadership and support of our athletic programs. "

In February 2000, the Billingsleys made a $1.15 million gift that established a program for international music preservation in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and supports the efforts of three distinguished UA scholars in the music department: Sarah Caldwell, Rembrandt Wolpert and Elizabeth Markham. In September 2000, lettering was placed on the music building denoting the permanent renaming of the building in honor of the Billingsleys.

Chuck Dicus, Razorback Foundation president and former professional football player, said, "I have known George Billingsley since 1968. He gave me my first college summer job and I worked for him every summer through college and every off season of pro ball. I came to admire and respect him during those early years. Even today, I can truthfully say he has given me everything I ever asked of him. George and Boyce and their family have always supported the Razorbacks in many ways. They love our University and the Hogs and we are truly blessed to have them as a treasured part of our extended family."

John Bel, president of Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation, stated, "This continues the Billingsleys’ wonderful history of philanthropy in a most meaningful way. The Billingsley Endowment will bring healing to children and hope to their families for all future generations that come in need of care. Their gift will help sustain the hospital’s mission to provide the best care for the sickest children. The Billingsleys share a vision and sense of purpose about support for all of Arkansas’ children. The children of this state are the true beneficiaries of the Billingsleys’ generous hearts. We are so grateful."

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