Walton Foundation Adds $2,500 to USAO Scholarships

A $2,500 grant to support student programs and scholarships at USAO has been announced by local Arvest Bank officials.  The gift comes from the Walton Family Foundation through a grant proposal submitted by local Arvest officials.

“We are delighted to help the students at the University of Science and Arts,” said Arvest Community President David Snell. “USAO has served critical local and state needs in education and the arts for more than a century. We want to see USAO excel in the next century as well.”

The USAO Foundation is celebrating 33 years of service in providing support to USAO.

“We deeply appreciate the support of local friends and businesses,” said Dr. Michael Nealeigh, vice president for university advancement at USAO. “The need for scholarships and support for student programs has never been greater. Investment losses in this sluggish economy are making scholarship dollars more scarce. We accept and will invest the Walton gift with care. In recent years, the USAO Foundation has provided more than $450,000 annually in scholarships and program support.  We want to see that continue and grow substantially.”

The Walton Family Foundation works to support initiatives that honor the values and principles of Sam and Helen Walton. “The Foundation seeks to provide funding to grantees who are actively working to create positive change for others, Snell said. “The Walton philosophy of giving teaches the value of personal engagement and involvement, the power of education in society, and that making philanthropic investments should make an appreciable difference in communities.”

According to 2007 records, the Walton Family Foundation granted more than $241 million to institutions nationwide.