Welcome to Monument 10, a fascinating site of historical significance in the state of Arkansas. This location is particularly notable for its connection to the University of Arkansas, where momentous events in education and research have taken place. On April 11, 2002, the University received an unparalleled $300 million gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation, a historic contribution that was the largest of its kind in U.S. public higher education at the time. This transformative gift established and endowed an undergraduate honors college and a graduate school, aiming to elevate the University of Arkansas to the level of the best public universities in America.
The Walton Family, known for founding Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of Arkansas through their generous support. This philanthropic act is commemorated by one of the institutional historical markers at the University of Arkansas, reflecting the commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovation.
Beyond this significant financial contribution, the University of Arkansas has been a ground for groundbreaking research. Professors Barnett Sure and Marinus C. Kik, from the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, made major advances in nutrition science. Sure was a co-discoverer of Vitamin E, enhancing our understanding of its role in reproduction and lactation. Kik, on the other hand, developed the process for parboiling rice, significantly improving its nutritional retention and cooking time.
The campus has also been a hub for archeological research. The Arkansas Archeological Survey, established in 1967, set the stage for a comprehensive archeological program in the United States, recording and preserving valuable information about 10,000 years of human existence in Arkansas. This program has served as a model for other states and nations.
Monument 10 stands as a reminder of the vibrant history and continuous evolution of the University of Arkansas, highlighting its contributions to education and research on a national scale.
