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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock surprised longtime supporters Dee and Don Riggin with the announcement of an estate gift from their son, Sean Riggin, to establish an endowed scholarship in nursing in their honor.
Though Sean Riggin, a retired healthcare administrator from Florida, could not be present, a letter he penned was read aloud during a May 29 luncheon held at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center, where the announcement was made during the same week as both of his parents’ birthdays. The event was attended by the Riggin family, including Sean’s sister Ashley Coldiron, as well as university leaders and nursing faculty.
“This planned gathering is to announce my estate gift that will establish the Dee and Don Riggin Endowed Scholarship for students studying nursing in the School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock,” Sean wrote. “This honorary gift is a tribute to my mom and dad who, through endless examples, demonstrate there is no higher purpose in life than to love and support others.”
Provost Ann Bain read the letter to the family and praised the Riggin family’s decades-long support of the university.
“The Riggins have been associated with UA Little Rock for many years,” O’Neal said. “It’s not only our institution they support, but other wonderful organizations across the city. We’re thrilled to be associated with the Riggin family. Don’s legacy goes back to his time as a student body president at Little Rock University, and Dee’s career in the health profession makes this scholarship especially meaningful.”
Don Riggin earned his bachelor’s degree in 1962 from what was then Little Rock University. He later served as president of the UA Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors and was deeply involved in shaping the institution’s development initiatives. Speaking at the event, he reflected on how much the university has meant to his life.
“It’s mutual,” Don said. “I had some great instructors, great mentors, great friends. We didn’t have a strong alumni association at that time, and then we made a decision that development was very important to this institution. Dee and I both think we have two of the greatest children you could ever want. If you look at what Ashley and Sean have done, we are extremely proud of both of them.”
Dee Riggin, a retired labor and delivery nurse, added, “We love the university. Don has loved it a very long time since he was here as a student. It’s a part of our family. Sean and Ashley will be the next people to support the university too.”
Sean, whose 36-year career in healthcare spanned both clinical and administrative roles, wrote of his admiration for the nursing profession and the vital role nurses play in healthcare systems.
“In every capacity, and at all levels, nursing professionals are the fulcrum of the care matrix,” he said. “The demands require delegation, diligence, and integrated knowledge at every level. I believe healthcare is the future for the jobs marketplace, with nurses filling roles that general practice gatekeepers traditionally held.”
Dr. Sloan Davidson, director of the School of Nursing, expressed gratitude for the gift.
“This is outstanding news,” Davidson said. “Our student population includes many first-generation college students, and they need support to succeed. We are deeply appreciative of this gift.”
Joanna Hall, director of simulation and assistant professor of nursing, added that it’s a full-circle moment.
“We have already received support from the Riggins for simulation equipment and now for scholarships, it feels like they’ve been woven into UA Little Rock’s culture for a long time,” Hall said.
Provost Ann Bain said the planned scholarship is “a fabulous tribute to both of you and your family. We appreciate it so much.”
Provost Bain also announced that Sean will be inducted into the UA Little Rock Heritage Society this fall, recognizing donors who have made planned gifts to the university.
After the luncheon, Dee and Don Riggin toured the School of Nursing and the Center for Simulation Innovation, where they saw the Echo masks and virtual reality technology that had so impressed their son on his earlier visit.
In his letter, Sean thanked his sister Ashley for her support in establishing the gift and praised the university’s planned giving team and nursing faculty for their professionalism and dedication.
“I was amazed and inspired during my tour of the School of Nursing and the experience-based training demonstrated through virtual reality technology,” Sean wrote. “Their commitment to an innovative and quality learning environment is palpable and exciting.”
The endowment ensures that future nursing students at UA Little Rock will receive vital financial support while honoring the legacy of a family whose love for the university spans generations.
“I wish all future graduates a purpose-driven career that fulfills and inspires them to provide dedicated care to countless individuals in Arkansas and beyond,” Sean concluded.
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Little Rock, AR 72204
501-916-3397
UA Little Rock is a metropolitan research university in the South that provides accessibility to a quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities.
2801 S. University Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72204
501-916-3000