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The Heart of a Trojan

Kevin and Cathy Crass will be celebrated at the 10th annual SpectacUALR event for their commitment to UA Little Rock and student athletes.

By Rebekah Hall | Photography by Lori Sparkman Photography

   Kevin and Cathy Crass will be celebrated at this year’s SpectacUALR for their dedication and support to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and its athletic programs. The couple’s commitment to the university and its students is a family affair, as is their genuine compassion for the Little Rock community.

   For Kevin, college athletics are a vital part of a city’s culture. “It’s not only entertainment, but I really believe it’s part of the quality of life of a community and a source of pride that’s part of the fabric of what makes a city great,” he explains. “I enjoy watching the games and I enjoy participating, but I think in a broader sense it’s important to the city that our athletic programs thrive and succeed.” From his time as a student, he played basketball for Ouachita Baptist University on a scholarship, and he recognizes the discipline and determination that Trojan student athletes develop. “I know from my own life that college athletics is a great way to learn and experience life lessons,” he explains. “You learn to handle winning and you learn to handle losing. You learn how to be a part of a team, and whether you’re a player, cheerleader, band member, or just a fan, you unite in a common purpose.”

   UA Little Rock Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque explains that Kevin and Cathy are the perfect couple for this year’s SpectacUALR honorees. “We’re lucky that these two have chosen us as one of their philanthropic organizations that they believe in and want to give back to,” he says. “Rallying the community is at the heart of what they’re about.” Celebrating a decade of success, SpectacUALR is hosted by the Little Rock Trojan Department of Athletics and supports scholarships for student athletes as well as campus improvements. The Kevin Crass Heart of a Trojan award was established two years ago as “another way for us to show our appreciation for everything that Kevin stands for,” Chasse explains. “He demonstrates the heart of a Trojan each and every day in our community.”

   Cathy’s civic leadership throughout the Capital City is noteworthy as well. She serves on UAMS Reynolds Institute on Aging Board of Directors and is a past president of the Little Rock Garden Club. She’s also a Stephen Ministry Leader at Second Presbyterian Church. Kevin admits that philanthropy is simply a part of their family’s values – noting it’s a responsibility that they consider fundamental. Throughout their lives, their parents and mentors were examples of successful, community-minded people.

   Chasse encourages Trojan sports fans and Capital City constituents to join the evening’s festivities at SpectacUALR. “It’s a true celebration. It brings people from our past, it goes back to rallying the community and we celebrate all of our successes. We also look ahead to the future by bringing our community together and sharing a vision with them of what this program is today and what it can be.”

Inviting Arkansas

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