University of Central Arkansas President Houston Davis recognized Hannah Bender and Marvin Russell as Bear CLAWS recipients during the February 2022 Board of Trustees meeting.
Hannah Bender and UCA President Houston Davis
CLAWS, an acronym for Celebrating the Lofty Achievements of our Wonderful Students, is given to one or more exceptional students or recognized student organizations during regularly scheduled board meetings.
Bender is a volunteer grant writer for the UCA bear food pantry. Last year, she helped secure a grant from the National Association of College Auxiliary Services foundation. The funds were used to expand campus access to fresh food.
“I’ve always just had a heart for giving. I like to give back, meet new people and gain more experience,” Bender said. “I feel really grateful that I’ve been able to receive an award like this.”
Bender, a senior graphic design major, is president of the Feminist Union and a member of UCA Students for the Arts.
President Houston Davis and Marvin Russell
Marvin Russell, a senior computer information systems student, was instrumental in planning and coordinating activities on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and during Black History Month. Since enrolling as a student at UCA, Russell says he has become more comfortable with leadership and mentorship roles.
“It is an honor to receive this award,” he said. “I never thought I would be here in this moment. In high school, I was not that involved. But when I got to college, I said I wanted to be more involved.”
Russell is a member of the Business Information Technology Club and treasurer for the Interdenominational Christian Council. He is also an active member of the Black Male Achievement Challenge (B-MAC) and Students for the Propagation of Black Culture. He was named outstanding mentor for the Minority Mentorship Program in 2020 and 2021 and is president of the UCA Gospel Choir.
