The Women’s Giving Circle at the University of Central Arkansas awarded four grants with each focused on programs and initiatives to uplift young girls and women.
Established in 2014, the Women’s Giving Circle is a group of alumnae and friends who have pledged to make a difference for UCA through grants for students, faculty and university programs beyond current funding levels. The group emphasizes areas that provide and encourage unique learning and leadership development opportunities that will enrich the lives of women.
“What this Women’s Giving Circle has shown me in the last two years is two things: what girl power really is. It is awesome,” said UCA President Tom Courtway, adding the second point, “It shows me as president of this institution what people do when they care and they are committed to a cause.”
The founding group of the Women’s Giving Circle was 19 members. The latest membership is approximately 50 alumnae and friends of UCA. Alumnae members range from the class of 1950 to 2004.
“If we as a group continue to grow then our opportunities to support the faculty and the staff will continue to grow and those things trickle down to students which is really why we are all here,” said Dr. Rebecca Mills, a Women’s Giving Circle charter member.
The Women’s Giving Circle received 12 applications and awarded four grants for this 2015-2016 academic year. The grants range from $975 to $1,000.
“We wish we could have given one to every applicant,” said Nan Snow, a Women’s Giving Circle charter member and UCA Foundation member. “We will be giving more money in the future. We are starting slowly because we want to endow this program. Once it’s endowed, we can feel secure that it’s a permanent program, and we can expand our grants.”
For more information or to join the Women’s Giving Circle, visit www.uca.edu/giving/womens-giving-circle/
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2015-2016 UCA Women’s Giving Circle grantees
Women In Physics Event–$1,000
Dr. Debra Burris, associate professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Dr. Debra Burris (center) being presented a $1,000 check from UCA First Lady Melissa Courtway and Nan Snow (left to right) on behalf of the UCA Women’s Giving Circle.
Female juniors from central Arkansas high schools interested in the fields of physics or astronomy will attend a one-day program at UCA. These students will meet with female faculty in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, attend classes taught by these faculty, eat lunch and meet with current female students and hear a presentation from an alumna working in a nonacademic setting.
Hope for Women of Domestic Violence–$1,000
Kristy Carter, director of marketing, Division of Outreach and Community Engagement
Kristy Carter (center) being presented a $1,000 check from UCA First Lady Melissa Courtway and Nan Snow (left to right) on behalf of the UCA Women’s Giving Circle.
The UCA Division of Outreach and Community Engagement will partner with City of Hope Outreach, a local nonprofit organization, during their “Unseen Homeless Campaign” to host professional development and motivational workshop for individuals who work in homeless shelters with women who are victims of domestic violence and an “Evening of Hope” for women who are victims of domestic violence in Conway.
Girls like Technology and Engineering too!–$1,000
Karen Thessing, lecturer II, Department of Computer Science
Karen Thessing (center) being presented a $1,000 check from UCA First Lady Melissa Courtway and Nan Snow (left to right) on behalf of the UCA Women’s Giving Circle.
The UCA Department of Computer Science will purchase two robots that will give the female computer science majors and minors the opportunity to creatively design robots with a more feminine style and actions. These robots will be used for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach programs and recruitment programs with the emphasis on attracting young women to the computer science program.
Girl Power in STEM–$975
Dr. Ginny Adams, interim associate dean, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Dr. Ginny Adams (center) being presented a $975 check from UCA First Lady Melissa Courtway and Nan Snow (left to right) on behalf of the UCA Women’s Giving Circle.
The Girl Power in STEM will host their third annual “STEMulating” conference in April 2016. The event focuses on 8th grade girls to remain interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. This conference provides girls with hands-on experience through small group interaction with several female professionals, primarily from Arkansas, in STEM fields. Arkansas girls get an opportunity to see what they can accomplish by remaining in these fields of study. Last year, the conference supported approximately 200 young women, and this year the conference is set to expand to 300 participants.
