Undergraduate Lab to Be Dedicated Sept. 8

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Larry and Gwen Stephens Undergraduate Research Laboratory in Industrial Engineering will be dedicated at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8, in 4134 Bell Engineering Center on the University of Arkansas campus.

The lab will provide state-of-the-art hardware and software designed for industrial engineering projects. As many as 12 researchers can be accommodated, according to John English, chair of the department of industrial engineering.

Larry and Gwen Stephens of Hot Springs pledged $75,000 to establish the lab and support its upgrade over the years ahead.

“Our family has received so much from the university over the years that it is a real privilege for us to be able to offer something in return,” Larry Stephens said. “The education we received, the life-long friendships we made, and the enthusiasm we have for the university makes us feel like we are part of the university. Therefore, our gift is a contribution to our university family.”

The Stephens’ gift supports the College of Engineering’s goal for increasing research opportunities for undergraduate students.

“As we speak with potential students and prospective employers, there is a fervent interest in engineering programs that offer undergraduates opportunities for hands-on research with Ph.D. researchers and professors,” said Ashok Saxena, dean of the College of Engineering. “The Stephens’ gift will help us to continue to attract the best and brightest students, and to better prepare those students for their futures.”

Larry Stephens is a 1958 UA industrial engineering graduate. He is vice chairman of Mid-South Engineering Co. in Hot Springs, a forest products consulting firm he helped found in 1969. He has worked in the forest products field for nearly 50 years.

With professional licenses and registrations in eight states, Larry Stephens was a founding member and initial president of the Arkansas Academy of Industrial Engineers and has served on the UA College of Engineering Advisory Council since 1992.

He is a past board member of the Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers, currently serves on the Levi Hospital Board and is actively involved in the Hot Springs and Garland County community. He is also and a member of the 2010 Commission and worked with the College of Engineering on the Campaign for the 21^st Century.

Gwen Stephens joins her husband of 44 years as a lifetime member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, the Chancellor’s Society and the UA Legislative Network.

“We both believe in the university mission established by John White and the Council of Trustees,” Larry Stephens said. “We also support the goals and leadership of the dean of engineering and industrial engineering department. After discussing the departmental needs with John English, it was an easy decision to make this gift during the Campaign for the 21st Century.”

Larry and Gwen Stephens are the parents of Jeffrey Stephens and Kerry Johnson, both of whom are also UA alumni.