Alice Walton to Receive Honorary Degree from the University of Arkansas [View all]

[sinkingfeeling]

http://newswire.uark.edu/article.aspx?id=17741

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville received international attention even before it opened last November, but it is only the most recent example of Alice Walton’s influence and impact on the people in her home state. To recognize her lifetime of contributions Ms. Walton will receive an honorary Doctor of Arts and Humane Letters from the University of Arkansas during the spring All-University commencement ceremony Saturday, May 12.

Alice Walton is the youngest child of Helen and Sam Walton. She grew up in Bentonville, where her father operated the local five-and-ten store before starting his own company, Wal-Mart, in 1962. She attended Trinity University in San Antonio, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance. She began her business career with the First Commerce Corp. and later served as head of all investment-related activities at the Arvest Bank Group. In 1988, she founded the investment bank Llama Company, serving as president, chairman and chief executive officer.

Walton has also played a guiding role in the Walton Family Foundation, one of the nation’s foremost philanthropic organizations. The foundation has made significant donations to the University of Arkansas, transforming the Sam M. Walton College of Business, creating the Honors College and endowing the Graduate School, turning each into nationally prominent and competitive institutions. She has continued to take an active interest in the university, serving on the Board of Advisors for the Graduate School of Business.

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Basically anything the Walton's want, the U of A does.