The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation has donated $5 million to the University of Arkansas Land of Opportunity Scholarship endowment.
The scholarship was established to increase educational access for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas. With the gift, the Walker Foundation joins the Leaders of Arkansas Founders’ Circle, described in a UA press release as “an esteemed group of benefactors who have each committed at least $1 million to the scholarship.”
“The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation has long been a cornerstone of progress at the University of Arkansas,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson in the release. “Time and again, their generosity has opened doors for students, elevated the quality of our campus and advanced our land-grant mission to serve all of Arkansas. Their latest gift to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship continues that extraordinary legacy — helping us build a brighter future for students, families and communities across the state.”
The Walker Foundation also helped fund the Pat Walker Health Center and Willard J. Walker Hall on campus, and the Walker name is also found on other iconic campus facilities — Baum-Walker Stadium, Walker Family Training Center, which includes the Willard and Pat Walker Pavilion, and the Razorbacks’ 18,000-square-foot weight room facility, the Willard & Pat Walker Entry to Bud Walton Arena and the Willard and Pat Walker Entry to Razorback Stadium.
“Our investment in education is demonstrated by our ongoing support for the U of A and its students, faculty and staff,” said Mandy Macke, executive director of the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation. “The Land of Opportunity Scholarship will create life-changing opportunities for countless students across Arkansas and embodies our commitment to improving educational access for those with significant financial needs.”
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