Today - University of the Ozarks

Sullivent finds ways to thank alma materFreddia Jean Sullivent had been outof high school for almost 20 years whenshe decided to start attending night classesoffered by University of the Ozarks at asatellite campus in Fort Smith.In just a few years, Sullivent hadfulfilled a lifelong dream by obtaining hercollege degree. Now she is helping othersachieve that dream as a regular donor tothe University’s Annual Scholarship Fund.“If it had not been for the programand for University of the Ozarks, I wouldnot have been able to obtain my degree,”said Sullivent. “Because of Ozarks I wasable to achieve something that I wantedfor a long time but that seemed to be outof reach.”Sullivent is a senior accountant inMedicaid Reimbursement for GoldenVentures, a provider of healthcareservices to the elderly that operates morethan 400 nursing facilities throughout thecountry.Though Ozarks no longer has asatellite campus in Fort Smith, Sulliventhas been one of the University’s mostloyal and consistent champions, from herregular monthly contributions to theAnnual Scholarship Fund to her long-timeservice with the Alumni Board ofDirectors. She served as president of theAlumni Board from 2003-2005.“It is important for me to support theUniversity because the school gave methe opportunity to achieve something thatI had wanted and dreamed of having fora long time,” she said. “I hope that throughthe support that I can give to theUniversity that others can have theopportunity to have their dreams cometrue also. I feel that you should give backto those that give to you, both throughvolunteering when you’re able, andfinancially, if you are able.”Sullivent is also active in volunteeringfor her church, Butterfield Assembly ofGod in Van Buren, and with the UnitedWay of Fort Smith’s Women’s LeadershipCouncil that supports children’s literacyprojects.“I have been blessed with havingbeen touched by people who care,” shesaid. “It’s my responsibility and privilegeto be able to serve others. I hope fromthe example that I set that others willfollow in service.”Sullivent said she got into thephilanthropic habit after purchasing anamed brick in the University’s AlumniPlaza.“Once the brick was paid for Icontinued my contribution to theUniversity because it had become ahabit,” she said. “Over the years I wasable to increase my monthly donation. Byhaving it taken directly out of my checkingaccount, it is easy and convenient and Ireally don’t miss the money.Freddia and Tommy Sullivent“No matter what you are able to giveto Ozarks, whether it be small or large, itis important and appreciated by thosestudents who receive benefit from yoursupport. You may not realize howimportant it is to give to others until youdo it and see what Ozarks and its studentsare able to accomplish with your gift.”Sullivent and her husband of 20 years,Tommy, live in Alma, Ark.Students Support Promise of ExcellenceStudent Government Association (SGA) senators, along with matching gifts from SGAPresident David Ray and Dean of Residential and Campus Life Sherrie Arey, raised atotal of $150 for the Annual Scholarship Fund to show their support for the currentPromise of Excellence Campaign during an October meeting. Presenting the check tothe University were (from left) SGA Treasurer Jose Schonenberg, SGA SecretaryLisa Mercer, Ozarks President Dr. Rick Niece, David Ray, Sherrie Arey, SGAParliamentarian Jorge Avila, and SGA Vice President Tim Schmoker.12 Today, FALL/WINTER 2007