The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will honor three outstanding graduates and one honorary alumnus with the UA Little Rock Distinguished Alumni Awards during a Feb. 20 ceremony at the Clinton Presidential Center.

UA Little Rock will honor legendary Arkansas artist Kevin Kresse as the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year as well as Libby Smith, the longtime award-winning travel editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with the Presidents Award.

“Each honoree embodies the spirit of excellence that defines UA Little Rock,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. “Their achievements inspire us, their contributions have enriched our communities, and their stories remind us of the limitless potential of education. On Feb. 20, we celebrate their remarkable journeys and the lasting impact they continue to make here in Little Rock and beyond.”

The UA Little Rock Alumni Association annually awards the Distinguished Alumnus Award to a Little Rock Junior College, Little Rock University, or UA Little Rock alumnus. The award is reserved for individuals who have achieved extraordinary distinction in their chosen field and made special contributions to the community.

“I always believed the greatest honor I would receive from UA Little Rock was my signed diploma,” Kresse said. “Being recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award was a completely unexpected surprise, and I am deeply grateful for this incredible honor.”

The Presidents Award was established to recognize UA Little Rock graduates who achieved success in their career, donated time and talents to their community, and remained in touch with their alma mater as a volunteer and resource person.

UA Little Rock will also celebrate the addition of two new awards to the ceremony. Summer Khairi, assistant professor and program director at UAMS, will receive the Young Alumna Award, which recognizes a graduate who is currently excelling in their career, public service, and/or volunteer activities that bring honor and awareness to UA Little Rock.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Young Alumni Award,” Khairi said. “My time at UA Little Rock was transformative, providing me with the foundation to pursue my passions and make a difference. This recognition reflects the values instilled in me during my time here, and it inspires me to give back to the community that has given me so much.”

Jerry Damerow, co-chair of the Centennial Campaign, will receive the Honorary Alumnus Award, which recognizes a non-alumni who has served, promoted, and developed UA Little Rock in the tradition of an alum.

“UA Little Rock is so very important to our community and our state so volunteering there is a great way for me to say thank you to Arkansas for warmly embracing my wife and me and welcoming us to this great state,” Damerow said. “Our state capital needs a prestigious research-based university and that is UA Little Rock. I am so thrilled to receive the Honorary Alumni Award this year. I am committed to helping build Arkansas and UA Little Rock. If we don’t do the building, it won’t get done.”

The ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Clinton Presidential Center. For more information, contact Sarah Grace Hall at sghall@ualr.edu.