Shewmaker Receives National Benefactor Recognitions
Contributions, Service To Community College Lauded
Last updated Wednesday, December 3, 2008 5:59 PM CST in Our Town
By SPECIAL TO THE MORNING NEWS
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Retail magnate and local philanthropist Jack C. Shewmaker was recognized recently as an outstanding benefactor at the Council for Resource Development national conference in Washington, D.C.
Shewmaker received the award on Nov. 7 in recognition for his generosity and volunteerism to NorthWest Arkansas Community College.
"Jack is a beacon of leadership and inspiration to NWACC and its students," said Becky Paneitz, the college's president. "He has a genuine passion for students and is steadfast with his support for them. We are so grateful for his friendship."
Shewmaker's philanthropy at NWACC began in 2001 when his family donated $1 million to name the Shewmaker Center for Workforce Technologies facility. Since that time, the Shewmaker family has donated millions more for capital projects and student scholarships.
Most recently, the Shewmaker family stepped forward with a leadership gift to name NWACC's entrepreneurial center, which will be known as the Shewmaker Center for Global Business Development.
Perhaps Shewmaker's greatest contribution is his volunteerism. Since 2005, he has served as the very active honorary chairman for NWACC's capital campaign. He has spent countless hours at meetings with committee members and donors to ensure the campaign is a success. To date, approximately $14 million has been raised under his leadership.
"Jack's dedication to student-centered learning is evident," said Jill Wagar, associate vice president for development. "He always begins meetings with a student testimonial and can often be seen visiting with students around campus."
An advocate for emerging entrepreneurs, he dedicates his energy to developing leadership skills necessary for their success. In 1997, he established a Students In Free Enterprise team at NWACC, and the team has been nationally recognized for its work. Today it remains the only SIFE team at a two-year college in Arkansas.
As retired president and vice chairman of Wal-Mart Stores, Shewmaker shares his knowledge and entrepreneurial leadership with students, faculty, and staff. Twice a year, he hosts the Jack Shewmaker SIFE Business Leaders Lecture Series on the NWACC campus featuring national, top-notch speakers.
Council for Resource Development is a national organization that provides educational and networking opportunities for resource development professionals in community colleges. An outstanding benefactor was named for each of the council's 10 regions. NWACC's region includes Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.
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