Chancellor John A. White Among Distinguished Alumni, Faculty to Be Honored by Arkansas Alumni Association

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In a surprise announcement made during the University of Arkansas’ convocation to celebrate the conclusion of the successful Campaign for the Twenty-First Century, it was revealed that Chancellor John A. White will be among six distinguished alumni and three faculty awardees to be honored by the Arkansas Alumni Association this year at its annual awards banquet on Friday, Nov. 4. Brian Rosenthal, president of the Alumni Association’s board of directors, made the announcement.

Chancellor White, BSIE ’62, serving his ninth year as chancellor, will receive the Citation of Distinguished Alumni Award for the dramatic changes that he has orchestrated at the University of Arkansas, including the development of a larger, more diverse, high quality student body, and his oversight of and support for the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century which brought more than $1 billion to the university. The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to a UA alumnus or alumna who has achieved exceptional professional and personal distinction in a chosen field.

Also to be honored by the Arkansas Alumni Association this year are:

Thomas K. Butt, FAIA BA ’68, BARCH ’68, of Point Richmond, Calif., founder and president of Architect Interactive Resources, who will receive the Community Service Award.

Doyle Z. Williams of Fayetteville, former dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business, who will receive the Honorary Alumni Award for his exemplary leadership, service and devotion to the U of A.

Warwick Sabin, BA’98, of Little Rock, associate editor of the Arkansas Times, who will receive the Young Alumni Award.

Sunthorn Arunanondchai, MBA’69, of Bangkok, Thailand, president and chief executive officer of C.P. Land Co. Ltd. and C.P. Plaza Co. Ltd., who is to receive a Citation of Distinguished Alumni Award for his accomplishments in international business.

Robert T. Mitchell, MS’64, MSEE’65, of Northridge, Calif., program manager for the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn, who will receive a Citation of Distinguished Alumni Award for his professional distinction and contributions to space exploration.

Each year the Alumni Association recognizes and awards three faculty members for outstanding achievement. This year’s Distinguished Faculty Achievement Awards will be presented to:

John W. Cole, BSBA’76, MBA’78, marketing and transportation, Sam M. Walton College of Business, for teaching and enriching the lives of students.

Janine Parry, political science, Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, for exemplary service to students and teaching.

Xiaogang Peng, chemistry/biochemistry, Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, for internationally acclaimed research in nano-chemistry and nano-technology.

"The many achievements of these honorees exemplify what we mean when we say that the University of Arkansas is 'serving Arkansas and the world’," said Mike Macechko, executive director of the Arkansas Alumni Association.