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The Society of the Double Helix reception was hosted at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
Image by Bryan Clifton
UAMS Honors Philanthropists and Spirit of Giving at Society of the Double Helix Celebration
| April 24, 2026 | The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) honored members of the Society of the Double Helix during an April 16 reception at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock.
John Erck welcomed guests and praised society members.Bryan Clifton
The Society of the Double Helix was established by UAMS in 1998 as a way for the university to recognize the philanthropy of individuals, foundations, corporations, and organizations that have contributed $100,000 or more to the institution since its founding in 1879. To date, members of the Society of the Double Helix have collectively invested more than $793 million in the work at UAMS.
John Erck, vice chancellor for the Division of Institutional Advancement, opened the evening with praise of society members.
“Many of you have shared with me your motivation for supporting the UAMS mission, and while the themes are common, rooted in an experience as a patient, a student, an employee, a community partner, I have found that no two people share the same story,” said Erck. “These unique motivations are exemplified by where each member of this group directs his or her philanthropic support, thus your generosity has touched every aspect of our institution.”
UAMS Chancellor C. Lowry Barnes, M.D., was also on hand to acknowledge society members for their support of UAMS.
“The health and wellness of every Arkansan is the bedrock of our work at UAMS, and with you, we are igniting statewide transformation and accelerating our ability to discover cures, save, and improve lives,” said Barnes. “Without your partnership, your support, or your philanthropy, UAMS would not have the resources to provide exceptional patient care, fund pioneering research, or train the next generation of health professionals.”
C. Lowry Barnes, M.D., (right) was able to visit with Society of the Double Helix such as Ross and Mary Whipple.Bryan Clifton
At UAMS, the double helix, adopted by the worldwide scientific community as a symbol of the quest for knowledge through scientific research, represents a distinguished group whose individual contributions have combined to advance the university’s central mission: to teach, to search, to serve, and to heal.
“UAMS is a world-class academic health system fueled by your philanthropy, and its impact is seen in all that we do. We are distinguished by our innovation, ingenuity, curiosity, determination, and compassion,” said Erck. “Every aspect of our mission — patient care, research, education, and building health in communities — is inspired by our desire to improve health care for the people of Arkansas.”
You can view photos of the event here.