1933 Graduate Funds Endowed Scholarships in Four Disciplines at University of Arkansas

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Octa N. High

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Octa N. High almost dropped out of school after her junior year at the University of Arkansas due to her family’s inability to afford her tuition during the Great Depression. Fortunately, the institution was able to provide enough financial support for her to earn a bachelor’s degree in zoology in 1933. She remained grateful throughout her life for the university’s assistance toward completing her degree.

Although she passed away in 2005, High’s love for the University of Arkansas will live on through her gift of $3 million in her will and estate plans. She created the Octa N. High Endowed Scholarship Fundin the programs of anthropology, biological sciences, and chemistry and bio-chemistry. Recipients will be referred to as Octa N. High Scholars.

“We greatly appreciate the generosity shown by Ms. High,” said Brad Choate, vice chancellor for university advancement. “As a 1933 graduate, she undoubtedly saw the University of Arkansas through a great deal of progress and change. I am confident that Ms. High would be proud of the many academic opportunities her gift will create for students of her alma mater. We are truly grateful for the newly endowed scholarships, and I look forward to seeing these gifts put into action very soon.”

Originally from England, Ark., High taught high school chemistry and physics for several years. Her husband, Bernard, died in the 1950s, and she took over the responsibility of handling the couple’s financial interests. High was one of the originators of the Twenty Club, a philanthropic organization in West Memphis, Ark., — where she lived from 1938 until her death — and a member of First United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Chi Omega fraternity for women, the Towers of Old Main, the Arkansas Alumni Association and the Heritage Society.

“The Fulbright College welcomes bright, promising students to our programs every year,” said Bill Schwab, interim dean of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. “Many of them are more than deserving of scholarship support to help them along their educational paths. Funds like the ones established by Ms. High will open doors. Certainly, her legacy at the University of Arkansas will never be forgotten.”