An institute within the University of Arkansas System has received a gift of more than $100 million to continue funding for a range of programs, officials said Friday.
The Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust donated the money to the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, which was established as part of the University of Arkansas System in 2005 in honor of the late Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller.
The University of Arkansas Foundation will manage the gift, which is the largest the trust has ever given, trustees say. The exact amount of the donation was not listed in a news release from the system.
“I have a tremendous appreciation for the spirit, legacy and impact of Winthrop Rockefeller and the institute that bears his name,” UA System President Donald Bobbitt said in a statement. “We reap the benefits not only from the size of this generous gift, but by the important work of the institute as it supports the broad mission of the UA System.”
The endowment, called The Governor Winthrop Rockefeller Endowment, will help pay for the institute's broad range of civic, cultural, research and educational programs and conferences. Past programs focused on improving health and business development in rural Arkansas.
The institute is located at 1 Rockefeller Drive in Morrilton, near Petit Jean State Park.
“Winthrop Rockefeller left his mark on Arkansas history by respecting people from different backgrounds and viewpoints and challenging us to work together to solve difficult problems," institute CEO Marta Loyd said in a statement. “This historic endowment makes it possible for us to engage a wider audience with Gov. Rockefeller’s legacy from the mountain where he convened groups during his day."
Read Saturday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.