Arkansas Alumni Association to Honor Distinguished Alumni

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Alumni Association is proud to honor the exceptional achievements of seven alumni, who will receive awards during the 69^th annual Celebration of Excellence: 2013 Alumni Awards Dinner during Homecoming weekend this fall.

“The celebration of excellence is a wonderful opportunity to recognize our alumni who epitomize what it means to be a graduate of the University of Arkansas,” said Graham G. Stewart, associate vice chancellor for alumni and executive director of the Arkansas Alumni Association.

The Citation of Distinguished Alumni award recognizes exceptional professional and personal achievements, and extraordinary distinction in a specific field. This year’s three awardees include:

Mary Ann Greenwood, B.S.B.A. 1962, M.A. 1972, Ph.D. 1979, Fayetteville. As founder, president and investment adviser of Greenwood Associates Inc., Greenwood has managed her investment firm for more than 30 years. In 2010, the firm changed to Greenwood Gearhart Inc. with Brock Gearhart joining the team as vice president.

Montine Bowen McNulty, B.S.E. 1968, Pine Bluff. The executive director of the Arkansas Hospitality Association since 1997, McNulty has been the voice of the restaurant, entertainment, lodging and tourism industries in the state of Arkansas.

Lt. Gen. Marty Steele, B.A. 1974, Tampa. He is president and chief executive officer of Uncommon Leadership LLC in Tampa, Fla. Steele served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 34 years, rising from private to three-star general, serving three tours of duty on two continents.

Other alumni award recipients who will be honored during the celebration include:

David Woolly, B.S.E. 1972, M.E.D. 1977, E.D.S. 1980, Alma, and William Woolly B.S.B.A. 1968, M.E.D. 1972, Little Rock, will both receive the Andrew J. Lucas Alumni Service Award. As students, both served as members of the University of Arkansas Marching Band, receiving the outstanding bandsman and director’s awards. The Woolly brothers have devoted more than 70 combined years to making a difference as public education administrators in Arkansas. William has served as a member of the Arkansas Education Association, the American Vocational Association and Lions International. David aided in the formation of the Alma Education and Arts Foundation, and the building of the $12 million Alma Performing Arts Center.

Gene Fortson, B.A. 1957, Little Rock, will receive the Community Service Award. For more than 55 years, Fortson has dedicated himself to service and philanthropy to, in help advance Arkansas and its communities. He served as a leader in the development of the Clinton National Airport., and during his 16-year tenure with Worthen Bank & Trust, he was president/chief executive officer and senior vice president of marketing and governmental affairs. He advocated for community service and support of low-income loan programs.

Brandy Tuft, B.S.B.A. 2006, Fayetteville, is the recipient of the Young Alumni Award. She joined Ernst & Young, in 2006 as an assurance manager and is a part of the Walmart engagement team. Actively involved in mentoring young professionals, she serves on the Southwest Area People Advisory Forum and leads various recruiting efforts at the University of Arkansas. She serves on the boards of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund and Head Start of Northwest Arkansas, and is a supporter of Junior Achievement and the United Way of Northwest Arkansas.