Bodenhamer, Walker Honored for Service and Commitment

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Debbie Walker and Lee Bodenhamer

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Lee Bodenhamer (B.S.B.A. 1957, M.B.A. 1964) of Little Rock has been named by the University of Arkansas as this year's recipient of the Chancellor's Medal. Debbie Walker of Fayetteville has been named the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award.

 “The commitment shown by Debbie and Lee to the University of Arkansas is deserving of much more than the recognition we are able to give,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “In very different ways, they each play a key role in the direction of the institution. I value their advice and opinions, and I know their involvement will only grow from this point forward. We, as a university, are incredibly fortunate to have support from caring, generous individuals like Debbie Walker and Lee Bodenhamer.”

Lee Bodenhamer, president of Centennial Consulting Co., served on the Steering and Leadership and Principal Gifts Committees during the university’s Campaign for the Twenty-First Century. Currently, he serves on the Board of Advisors, and he is a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association. In 1998, Bodenhamer established the Bodenhamer Fellowships. Since that time, the university has awarded 79 fellowships, which include educational trips to Washington, D.C., each summer.

Outside his work with the University of Arkansas, Bodenhamer has been involved with many community groups over the years including the Rotary Club of Little Rock, the Centers for Youth and Families, the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute and the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce.

Bodenhamer is originally from El Dorado. He has four children — Ann, Jim, John and Bob — and 14 grandchildren.

“Lee was instrumental in the success of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century,” said Gearhart. “His service has been extraordinary, and the Bodenhamer Fellowships have created outstanding opportunities for many of our top students. He understands the mission of the University of Arkansas, and he clearly understands the value of putting students first and improving the Arkansas experience. His involvement as a member of the Board of Advisors is critical because he knows where we’ve been and he knows where we need to go.”

Debbie Walker, executive director of the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, currently serves as vice chair of the university’s Board of Advisors. During the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century, she served on the Steering Committee and was also a member of the Women and Philanthropy Committee that founded the Women’s Giving Circle, which continues to thrive today. From 1994 to 2008, Walker was the Razorback Diamond Dolls sponsor, where she encouraged student involvement in community volunteerism.

Around Fayetteville, Walker’s face is a recognizable one. She has served on the boards for the Washington Regional Medical Foundation and the New School, and she is a founding board member of Pagnozzi Charities. She also supports Life Styles Inc.

Walker and her husband, Johnny Mike, have two children, Austin and Clancy.

“Debbie’s leadership, past and present, means a great deal to the university,” said Gearhart. “Soon, she will take over as chairwoman for the Board of Advisors, and we will rely on her expertise and guidance as the university strives to grow and progress. Naming her as this year’s Volunteer of the Year seems more than appropriate. We are recognizing someone who loves the University of Arkansas and the northwest Arkansas community as a whole, and it really shows through her commitment to volunteerism.”

The recipients will be recognized at this year’s Towers of Old Main dinner Friday, April 24, at the Fayetteville Town Center. Membership in the Towers of Old Main is a singular honor bestowed upon individuals whose cumulative giving or commitment to the University of Arkansas has reached or exceeded $100,000.