UA alums give $375,000 for libraries
by October 20, 2016 10:50 am 423 views
The University of Arkansas Libraries will receive $375,000 from two UA alumni, Ben and Janet Hyneman of Jonesboro, the UA announced on Thursday (Oct. 20).
The Janet and Ben Hyneman Leadership Endowment will be used to “formalize” an art/culture lecture series hosted by UA libraries, according to a news release.
“We wanted to make this gift to the University Libraries because we are so impressed with the collections and programs offered there,” Ben Hyneman said, according to the press release. “A strong library system is so important to our university. By helping the libraries, we are helping all students.”
Janet Hyneman also stressed the importance of school libraries.
“It is the intellectual center of the campus and serves every student and faculty member at the University of Arkansas,” she said.
Previous lectures in the series that will be funded by the Hynemans have featured representatives from the Walton Arts Center, the Arkansas Archeological Survey, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the State House Museum.
“The Hynemans’ endowment to support the art and lecture series validates its importance in the intellectual and cultural life of campus,” Carolyn Allen, dean of UA Libraries, said in the press release. “The gift ensures that the libraries can continue to offer opportunities for the campus community to experience artistic expression that invokes contemplation and innovation.”
Ben Hyneman has served on the UA System Board of Trustees since 2008 and is a past chair. The Hynemans are longtime members of the Arkansas Alumni Association and the Chancellor’s Society and have been recognized by the university for their consecutive years of giving, according to the press release.