| Why not e-mail us? Resources |
Staff Writer The University of Arkansas at Monticello Foundation Fund launched Phase I of its Master Plan to renovate Weevil Pond. The plan began as result of a $5,000 gift from Robert M. Boyd. Linda Yeiser, vice chancellor for Advancement, remains excited and hopeful regarding progress of the project, “Name a Brick.” Naomi Freeman, UAM Web publisher, coined the title of the campaign while helping the Office of Advancement design the homepage. “The project remains a work in progress with a tentative completion date sometime in December,” Yeiser said. According to the vice chancellor, the overall look will become visual by homecoming, but not all of the engravers will be ready by then. Individuals donated bricks in memory of, or in honor of, a family member, friend or themselves. One recent donor bought a brick for each member of the 1956 Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference team. Gene Gulledge, professor of business, donated a brick dedicated to his dog, which reads, “Ned walked here.” The trail measuring four-tenths of a mile in length for walking and exercise purposes, houses 19 panels containing 244 whole bricks and two stones, totaling a possible 4,636 engraved bricks if all of them receive sponsors. Each brick allows for a maximum of 15 characters per line, including spaces, and a two-line maximum. More than 400 have been purchased so far. Yeiser encourages anyone interested in donating a brick to do so as soon as possible, as the bricks will be ordered in groups, according to orders received. “The stones sold so quickly,” Yeiser said. “Originally we planned to sell 19 and later we doubled the quantity, in order to fill the demand.” Other naming opportunities offered on Weevil Walk include: 22 light fixtures at $2,000 each and 15 to 20 benches around the pond walk at $1,500 each. All gifts remain fully tax deductible. Yeiser said she feared the Weevil Walk brochure initially proved misleading by offering the gifts to UAM faculty, staff, students and alumni, exclusively. However, anyone can donate. In addition to individuals, several businesses already donated stones and bricks. “We want this to be a project that serves not only the university, but one that will be enjoyed by the whole community,” Yeiser said. The family of the late William E. Morgan, former Arkansas A&M president, bequeathed $25,000 in honor of his memory, which established an endowment for improvements and landscaping purposes. This provides the foundation with a perpetual fund. In addition, a fountain will be installed in the center of the pond inscribed in Morgan’s memory. With the help of Monticello mayor, David Anderson, the city received a grant, which will be earmarked for the Weevil Walk project. “The interest and support of the Weevil Walk project has been overwhelming! Weevil Pond has always been a focal point of the campus and the addition of the Walk with engraved bricks and stones will make it even better," Chancellor Jack Lassiter said. "Many generations will enjoy seeing names of classmates, friends and loved ones." Individual bricks cost $100 each, and the
larger stones are available for $1,000. If interested, contact the
Office of Advancement at 870-460-1028, or place your order on the Web at
http://www.uamont.edu/alumni/weevilwalk.htm.
ŠThe Voice 2006 Revised 10/21/2007 07:15:16 PM — http://www.uamont.edu/Organizations/TheVoice/4_3/walk.htm |
