Willard, Pat Walker foundation gives $5 million to UA scholarship campaign

The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation will give $5 million to support the University of Arkansas’ Land of Opportunity Scholarship endowment, according to a Thursday (April 17) news release.

With the gift, the foundation joins the Leaders of Arkansas Founders’ Circle. Those who give at least $1 million to the scholarship campaign become members of the group.

According to the release, the Land of Opportunity Scholarship is expected to increase educational access for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas and strengthen partnerships between the UA and businesses across the state. As of April 1, the three-year campaign has raised 64% of its goal in 14% of the time through more than $127.26 million in pledges and commitments.

“The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation has long been a cornerstone of progress at the University of Arkansas,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “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 foundation has previously supported the UA. The Pat Walker Health Center and Willard J. Walker Hall exist because of the foundation’s support. Other facilities supported by the foundation include Baum-Walker Stadium, Walker Family Training Center, which consists of 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.”

The foundation has supported other UA scholarships, including the Pat Walker Endowed Scholarship Fund, the Pat Walker Honors College Fellowship, the Pat Walker Lady Razorback Endowed Scholarship in Gymnastics, and the Merlin and Beverly Augustine Endowed Scholarship Fund.

“Willard and Pat Walker were true leaders of Arkansas whose legacy to improve the lives of all Arkansans continues through their son, Johnny Mike Walker, and The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “Our gratitude to the Walker Foundation is unending, and we are excited to continue working alongside the Walker Foundation, Johnny Mike, and Mandy Macke to make a life-changing impact on Arkansas students throughout our great state.”

Founded in 1986, The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation has partnered with hundreds of organizations.