Betty Jo Ward’s name Added to Harry P. Ward Tower
| June 24, 2015 | The strong, steady force behind a former UAMS chancellor was honored June 22 as Betty Jo Ward’s name was added to the Ward Tower building, originally named for her husband, the late Harry P. Ward.
Dozens of UAMS physicians, faculty and staff gathered to honor Betty Jo Ward, and recognize what is now known as the Harry P. & Betty Jo Ward Tower, a six-story, 98-bed facility that houses intensive care, labor and delivery and oncology. The resolution to rename the tower was adopted by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees on Jan. 21.
“When you’re talking about renaming a building, you know you’re dealing with something for the ages,” said John Coffin, former executive director of development at UAMS. “Betty is someone we all love, admire and respect.”
Ward and her son, Stewart, unveiled the new name on the wall next to where a painting of the former chancellor hangs along with a resolution from the Arkansas Legislature commending Harry Ward. Next to the painting has been added a framed narrative highlighting Betty Jo Ward’s contributions to UAMS. The building opened in 1997.
The group of Ward supporters also trekked outside to admire the new name displayed on the tower’s outer wall.
Coffin read a personal note to Ward from UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn, who acknowledged her work in the UAMS gift shop and how much the funds raised there have meant to the UAMS Medical Center and patient care since the shop’s opening in 1981.
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Betty Jo, with son, Stewart, and daughter-in-law, Margaret, stand outside the newly named Harry P. & Betty Jo Ward Tower.
Ward spearheaded creation of the gift shop and worked tirelessly to make it a success. She and several other faculty spouses got together and borrowed $7,000 from the chancellor’s office to open the shop. They even drove to Memphis to buy the initial stock. The shop made $19,000 in its first year and paid off its five-year loan in two years.
“In 1997, UAMS dedicated the Harry P. Ward Tower in honor of Harry and his immeasurable impact on UAMS,” Rahn wrote. “I think he would be very pleased today we are renaming it the Harry P. & Betty Jo Ward Tower in recognition of the contributions both of you have made to the health and health care of all Arkansans.”
In addition to philanthropy, Ward assisted her husband in several key aspects of his job during his 21 years as chancellor. Whether it was fundraising, hosting prospective clinicians, researchers and physicians in her home, or going on meetings as her husband’s assistant, Ward was a crucial part in advancing the UAMS mission.
Jane McGhee Wilson, a lifetime member of the UAMS Foundation Fund Board, said an old saying from her father, “a man will only go as far as his wife will let him,” was an appropriate definition of Harry and Betty Jo Ward.
“Betty Jo did so much more than support Harry,” said Ronald Winters, dean emeritus of the UAMS College of Health Professions. “They worked together on so many things, and collectively, were the most instrumental people in putting UAMS on the map.”
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Ward speaks to dozens of UAMS physicians, faculty and staff who gathered for the Ward tower renaming ceremony.
Tom Bruce, former dean of the college of medicine, also spoke at the occasion.
Ward, who attended the ceremony with her son and his wife, Margaret, dedicated the recognition to all past and present UAMS volunteers.
“On behalf of anyone who ever stuffed an envelope, sat on a board, put together a patient gift, spent one hour or countless hours volunteering, I take this honor for you,” she said.