Jerry and Sherri Damerow have pledged $1 million to support scholarships for science majors attending University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Longtime supporters of STEM education in Arkansas, the Damerow family made the planned gift to encourage a “commitment to lifelong learning” through STEM degree programs.
“There are multiple reasons why we decided to fund an endowed science scholarship at UA Little Rock,” Jerry Damerow said in a statement “First, we believe a strong UA Little Rock is extremely important to Arkansas’ economy going forward, particularly Central Arkansas. We do not believe we can simply sit by and expect others to build and support this important university. Arkansas’ Women’s Hall of Fame member Dorothy Stuck once told me, ‘If we don’t build Arkansas, who will?’”
This gift will support the Jerry and Sherri Damerow Endowed Science Scholarship, which is used for scholarships for students majoring in astronomy, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and Earth science. These scholarships assist students with tuition, fees, books, and room and board.
“This incredibly generous gift from the Damerows will be a wonderful legacy for two people who have steadfastly supported science education at UA Little Rock for many years,” UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale said. “As we expand our applied fields in the sciences, it is important to remember that basic science education remains the foundation for all that we accomplish in the applied fields. I am grateful to the Damerows for supporting this curriculum and for investing in our future.”
Jerry Damerow, a former managing partner for Ernest & Young, is a past president and current board member of the Dean’s Science Council and the Centennial Campaign Cabinet for UA Little Rock. He is also the former chair of the UA Little Rock’s College of Science and Mathematics Council and the former board chair of the EAST Initiative.
Sherri Damerow also has extensive chartiable experience, volunteering at the UAMS Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Literacy Action of Central Arkansas and the Humane Society of Pulaski County.
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