Elrod Center presents service awards
ARKADELPHIA — Ouachita Baptist University’s Ben M. Elrod Center for Family and Community held its annual awards banquet April 11.
Jim and Janie Smith, of Hot Springs, were honored with the Elrod Center’s 2016 Community Service Excellence Award. Numerous students, faculty and staff were also honored for their service during the academic year.
“The Elrod Center has been given a mandate by the university to recognize and celebrate the work of volunteers each academic year,” said Ian Cosh, Ouachita’s vice president for community and international engagement.
“We believe that the good work that is done to serve the common good ought to be celebrated and highlighted each year and due recognition given to those who have excelled in their service efforts.”
Jim Smith is a lifelong resident of Hot Springs and is an alumnus of the University of Arkansas. He is the second-generation owner of Keith Smith Co. Both Jim and Janie support service opportunities coordinated by the Elrod Center throughout the year, especially Tiger Serve Day.
“The Smiths have been strong supporters of the work done through the Elrod Center, in particular Tiger Serve Day,” said Ouachita Chancellor Ben Elrod, describing the Smiths’ dedication to the community service completed by Ouachita’s students. “We didn’t go after them, they came after us and offered to help pay for Tiger Serve Day. That tells you of the quality people they are.”
Along with supporting local community service, the Smiths support service globally. They also sponsor children through World Vision and have helped with various development projects internationally, particularly in Haiti and Malawi.