Fayetteville in Washington County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

The $300 Million Gift

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 20, 2023

1. The $300 Million Gift Marker

Inscription. On April 11, 2002, the university received the largest gift in the history of U.S. public higher education – a $300 million challenge gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation. The gift established and endowed an undergraduate honors college and the graduate school. Its express purpose was to elevate the university and the state of Arkansas, “placing an aspiring flagship public university on a level playing field with the best public universities in America.” The gift was the fifth-largest ever to any American university, public or private. The Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation was established by the family of the late Sam M. Walton, creator of the world's largest corporation, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. of Bentonville, Ark.

Erected by Arkansas Alumni Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is April 11, 2002.

Location. 36° 4.226′ N, 94° 10.468′ W. Marker is in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in Washington County. Marker is at the intersection of West Maple Street and North Lindell Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West Maple Street. Marker is in front of University House at the University of Arkansas. Touch for map

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1002 W Maple St, Fayetteville AR 72701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Campaign for the Twenty-First Century (here, next to this marker); The Leflar Legacy (within shouting distance of this marker); Clintons on Law Faculty (within shouting distance of this marker); Chi Omega Fraternity (within shouting distance of this marker); Chi Omega Chapter House (within shouting distance of this marker); First Biological Herbicide (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Six Pioneers (about 300 feet away); Delta Delta Delta 1913-2013 Centennial (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fayetteville.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 20, 2023

2. The $300 Million Gift Marker

Featured marker is on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 83 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 30, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.