The Taste of Little Rock

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Photography by Justin King

   With more than 40 restaurants participating in Taste of Little Rock, there are plenty of mouth-watering reasons to support UA Little Rock at this year’s annual event. Honoree Bruce Murphy will join guests and enjoy some of Central Arkansas’ tastiest cuisine. Proceeds from the evening benefit the UA Little Rock Alumni Association Scholarship Fund – a mission Dr. Murphy embraces.

   As a UA Little Rock graduate and CEO of Arkansas Heart Hospital, Dr. Murphy is deeply invested in the future of the Capital City.  He recognizes the value of his UA Little Rock education and the impact it has on his professional success. “UA Little Rock made me highly competitive with University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences students in both pharmacology and in the medical school. I was able to excel in competition because of the background education I received.” His vision to bring this kind of opportunity to more students is inspiring.

   Dr. Murphy’s commitment to the university and its students spans more than four decades. He believes it’s a civic responsibility to further the accessibility of higher education to more Arkansans, and that a strong metropolitan university improves the quality of life for all residents. He notes, “UA Little Rock is my school and I support it through supporting education – it’s a source of great pride in which I want to see the institution grow.” Through his support of the Student Success Initiative Fund, students are provided academic tutoring and mentoring programs, career development and financial management workshops, emergency student assistance funds and scholarships. As result of these resources, Dr. Murphy hopes more prospective students can overcome obstacles that might prevent them from pursuing a college education.

   The UA Little Rock Alumni Association Scholarship Fund helps makes a truly affordable education a reality for students. Chairmen Mauri Douglas and Stephanie Caruthers will welcome fellow civic and business leaders to the Jack Stephens Center for an evening of local fare and festivities. A highlight will be a tribute to Dr. Murphy for his devotion to his alma mater. “We are excited to honor Dr. Murphy for his passion to impact the lives of Arkansans through education and creating a healthy lifestyle,” says UA Little Rock Alumni Association Director Ryan Miller. “He is passionate about moving the city of Little Rock forward in collaboration with the university.”

   Dr. Murphy hopes that through a shared vision for the future of Little Rock, businesses and education partners can continue to collaborate and nurture the next generation of leaders. He stresses the important role the university plays in making this happen. “I’m quite certain that without the higher education at both UA Little Rock and UAMS I would certainly not be where I am today.”

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