Students who received scholarships to attend UCA had an opportunity to say thank you to donors and share with them how their generosity has changed their lives.
The University of Central Arkansas Foundation hosted its annual Scholarship Reception on Oct. 6 at the McCastlain Ballroom. Last year, the UCA Foundation awarded more than $359,101 in scholarships to deserving students.The foundation gave 130 named scholarships to 259 students.
To hear more about the Scholarship Reception, visit UCA’s YouTube page. 
Shelley Mehl, vice president for advancement, said the reception allows donors to see the impact their gifts have on the lives of UCA students.
“From a student prospective, I hope they come away with an understanding of their opportunity in the future to give back,” she said.
Education and helping the people of Arkansas are high on the list of priorities for Bill and Jane Hardin, who established the Johnelle Hunt Scholarship in honor of Jane Hardin’s mother. The Johnelle Hunt Scholarship is for female business students who need assistance during the fifth semester in order to complete their degree or to study for their CPA exam.
“We love hearing that maybe we made a difference in so many lives,” Jane Hardin said. “These women will certainly make a difference in a lot of people’s lives. “
Ashley Brizzall, sophomore chemistry major from Little Rock, is a recipient of the E. E. Cordrey Endowed Scholarship. She commended the donors for their generosity.
“The donors are giving money for scholarships to help people they don’t know,” she said. “I really appreciate it because I don’t have parents who can pay tuition out-of-pocket. The scholarship is truly a blessing.”
