AUG. 22, 2003 | The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation has pledged $3 million to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) for a conference center and auditorium on the top floor of the 12-story Jackson T. Stephens Spine and Neurosciences Institute.

UAMS will name the conference and education center and 350-seat auditorium in honor of Fred W. Smith. chairman of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. The center, with sweeping views of central Arkansas through floor-to-ceiling windows, will be the new setting for lectures and symposia by physicians and scientists from around the world.                            

In announcing the pledge Steve Anderson, president of the foundation, said “The trustees of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation felt it appropriate to recognize our board chairman, Mr. Fred W. Smith, and his long term association with Jack Stephens.  Both gentlemen have made a significant impact upon Arkansas through their personal commitments and respective professions throughout the state.  We are hopeful that same impact can be accomplished at the Stephens Spine and Neurosciences Institute.”

UAMS built the institute thanks to a gift of $48 million by philanthropist Jackson T. Stephens of Little Rock. The gift was the largest in UAMS history and the second-largest charitable gift in Arkansas history.

Fred W. Smith (Donald W. Reynolds Foundation)

President Jimmy Carter Praises Jack Stephens for Funding New Neurosciences Institute at UAMS APRIL 1, 2003 Donald W. Reynolds Foundation To Give Up to $18.25 Million More to UAMS JULY 1, 2002

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“The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation has again provided another major gift for academic medicine in Arkansas. We are so pleased to be able to honor Mr. Fred W. Smith, who has been a friend to UAMS for many years, by naming this conference center for him,” UAMS Chancellor I. Dodd Wilson, M.D., said.

Founding director T. Glenn Pait, M.D., an associate professor in the UAMS College of Medicine, has predicted that the Stephens Institute will become a worldwide seat of learning on treatment of spinal injuries. Former United States President Bill Clinton attended a topping-out ceremony for the building in February 2002 and former President Jimmy Carter attended the dedication of the building April 1.

The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation has previously helped UAMS build the Donald W. Reynolds Center on Aging with gifts of $32 million and has made an additional challenge grant of $15 million for an endowment for that center.

 The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation is a national philanthropic organization founded in 1954 by the late media entrepreneur for whom it is named.  Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, it is one of the 50 largest private foundations in the United States.

Links on This Page

Jackson T. Stephens Institute: http://www.uams.edu/stephensinstitute/
President Jimmy Carter: http://www.uams.edu/today/2003/040303/President_Carter.htm
Donald W. Reynolds Foundation To Give: http://www.uams.edu/today/2002/062802/reynolds.htm


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