Mary Katherine Henderson is a proud Little Rock Trojan.
She can quickly list her Trojan bona fides.
There are her two diplomas from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock -- a bachelor's degree in 2009 and a master of business administration degree in 2012.
And then there are her words, laced with maroon and silver.
"It's my school," says Henderson, 30. "So, not only am I from Little Rock -- and it's Little Rock's team -- but it's also my alma mater. ... I love everything about [it]."
So it's only natural that when Andrea Peel and Jane Yocum stepped down as longtime co-chairmen of the university's SpectacUALR, which raises money for Trojan athletics and student-athletes, Henderson was chosen as the new co-chairman of this year's event.
Her co-chairman for the 2016 version of SpectacUALR, which is Thursday at the university's Jack Stephens Center, was likewise an effortless pick. Mike Castleberry, 46, is a 1992 graduate of UALR and longtime Trojan fan. Both have volunteered for the event before.
In its eighth year, the fundraiser has raised nearly $1.5 million in support of Little Rock student-athletes -- money used for student-athlete scholarships, refurbishing a weight room and traveling expenses for university athletic programs.
"This event is specifically designed for the athletic department," says Castleberry, a senior vice president at HealthSCOPE Benefits Inc., a claims administration and health management firm in Little Rock.
"I think it's important that the capital city have a strong university for being able to attract businesses, attract people who want to come and live here, for producing good quality employees for folks to hire," Castleberry says. "The sports are just a nice add-on. It's nice to be able to say we participate at a high level of college athletics right here in the capital city."
The event includes a silent and live auction, with Craig O'Neill from KTHV as the master of ceremonies, along with an open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres.
The evening also includes a raffle where an additional $100 ticket provides three chances to win either a pool table from Jones Brothers Pool Tables, a 55-inch flat-screen TV from Nino's Trading Co. or a trip for four to the 2017 Sun Belt Conference Basketball Tournament in New Orleans with VIP tickets, airfare and hotel accommodations.
Fans don't need to attend SpectacUALR to win the raffle either.
"This is not just an UALR [event]," says Henderson, who is an account manager at Insurance Center Inc. in Little Rock. "This is Little Rock's university. Even if you're not a UALR alumni, this is still -- if you live in Little Rock or the greater Little Rock area -- this is your university. This event is a great way to support Little Rock's team."
The festivities also will honor "people ... who have donated their time and money and energy to building the program," Castleberry says. "There are a lot of people to thank.
"These are people who have really stepped up and done a lot."
Special recognition at this year's SpectacUALR will go to Greg and Marilyn Brown, UALR alumni and benefactors to the Trojan athletic programs.
The university's Academic Success Center for Student Athletes at the Jack Stephens Center was dedicated in their name in 2009, and the couple also provide their home in Utah to the Little Rock men's golf team almost every year when the team travels to Utah for tournaments.
Greg Brown received his bachelor's degree from UALR in 1970 and his law degree from the university in 1976. He was on the university's Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2001-2010. Marilyn Brown earned her bachelor's degree from UALR in 1993. She served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2001-2010 and on the Athletic Foundation Board of Directors from 2007-2009.
The Browns are among just a handful of people working hard to make the Trojans great. SpectacUALR is a major fundraising event for UALR and Little Rock Trojan athletics, but it's also an evening during which student-athletes and community supporters are recognized, says UALR Athletic Director Chasse Conque.
"Funds raised from this event support all 14 sports and help enhance the student-athlete experience," Conque says.
"It is a special evening where we bring together our campus, donors, fans and community -- all to celebrate Little Rock's team."
The eighth annual SpectacUALR fundraiser is 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday at the Jack Stephens Center, UALR. Attire is business casual. Tickets are $75 each or $2,500 for a table of 10 and are available at ualr.edu/giving/event/spectacualr/. Raffle tickets for $100 can be bought at bit.ly/2dxAan8.
High Profile on 10/09/2016