Photography by Rett Peek | Jewelry by Renee Williams with Gallery 26 | Shot on location at Trio’s Restaurant
Friends and supporters of UA Little Rock are looking forward to one of the tastiest events in the Capital City. Chairman Stephanie Caruthers of Trio’s Restaurant guarantees this year’s Taste of Little Rock will not disappoint. With more than 30 featured restaurants, there are plenty of mouth-watering reasons to join the fun in support of scholarships that make the UA Little Rock experience more accessible.
A graduate of the UA Little Rock Donaghey Scholars Program and proud alumna, Stephanie Caruthers considers herself fortunate to be a part of the Trojan family. “Connecting with other alumni has reinvigorated my devotion to my alma mater and validated my belief that UA Little Rock is one of the best things about Little Rock,” Stephanie declares. Throughout her collegiate experience, Stephanie worked at Trio’s. After more than three decades on the restaurant’s beloved team, she enjoys being a participating restaurant at Taste of Little Rock and recognizes the camaraderie in both communities of support: as a restaurant and an alumni. “I can truthfully say that Taste of Little Rock is one of Trio’s favorite events! We have as much fun as the attendees.”
Proceeds from the evening benefit the UA Little Rock Alumni Association Scholarship Fund – making an affordable education a reality for students. As a member of the UA Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors, Stephanie considers it a privilege to interview applicants and select recipients. “That’s the most rewarding aspect – awarding life-changing scholarships to deserving students.” This year’s honoree Sara Tariq, associate dean for student affairs in the College of Medicine at UAMS, reflects on her UA Little Rock experience, “As a child of immigrant parents from India, I have a first-hand understanding of the economic and social challenges that some students face. Getting a scholarship to UA Little Rock allowed me to focus solely on my studies.” Through the university’s unwavering commitment to remain a beacon in the Capital City’s vibrant infrastructure – cultivating future civic and business leaders – other individuals like Stephanie and Sara can gain knowledge + success through the unparalleled Trojan experience.
With a deep appreciation for UA Little Rock, Stephanie and Sara will welcome fellow civic and business leaders to the Jack Stephens Center for local fare and festivities “It’s such a fun casual event – there’s no program, no pressure,” Stephanie explains. “Really, you can just come as you are and see all your friends you didn’t realize would be there, too.”