Alumni Association announces major gift; construction begins in 2004 

The Alumni Association of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro today announces a $2 million gift from Darrell and Charlotte Pugh Cooper of Clarkston, Mich., and Reno, Nev. The contribution was given toward the construction of a proposed $5 million, 20,000 square-foot facility, to be called the Cooper Alumni Center, which will be built on the grounds near the lake across from the current student pavilion. Many ASU Alumni know this area as the former site of the "old pavilion."

"We are humbled by the generosity of Darrell and Charlotte Cooper with this gift. We could not build this without their contribution," said ASU President Dr. Les Wyatt. "Literally thousands of ASU alumni and friends of the University will benefit from the Cooper Alumni Center as it becomes the gathering place for business and social events. As evidenced by the recent increase in attendance at ASU events and by the growth of our alumni list to more than 53,000, we need a place to further the mission of the ASU Alumni Association."

Cooper, reflecting on his collegiate experience, said, "I received a quality education at ASU. I also met professors, friends, and my wife, all of whom profoundly influenced my life. Charlotte has been my wife and my inspiration for 40 years. I am grateful for the education and opportunity that attending ASU has afforded me, as they have contributed in many ways to my successes in life. These opportunities exist in large part due to private donors. Many of the buildings and programs at ASU bear the names of donors who contributed to help create academic opportunities for others and for myself. I believe it is fitting that I put something back into the system that contributed to my success."

The Coopers are life members of the ASU Alumni Association and continue to support the mission of the University. Cooper has been recognized by the Alumni Association as a Distinguished Alumnus and presently serves on the ASU Foundation Board. The Grand Hall of the Fowler Center on the ASU campus was funded by the Coopers in honor of the Pugh family, of Jonesboro, who have a vested interest in the performing arts in Northeast Arkansas.

 "Stephen Covey suggests that we should live, love, learn, and leave a legacy, and the Cooper Alumni Center is an excellent opportunity to leave a legacy. I believe that the entire alumni population has been touched and has benefited from his or her ASU experience. If each person will reflect on the school's contribution to his or her own success and happiness, I am confident that each one will be motivated to leave a personal legacy to this University,” Cooper said. “I hope this gift will be a challenge for my fellow alumni and others to participate in this endeavor. One of the great things about ASU is that any amount an individual gives makes a difference in the lives of the students. Every donor can count on Dr. Wyatt and his staff to make certain that every gift is recognized, appreciated, and put to good use to benefit the students."

According to Alumni Association President Bob Earwood of Memphis, Tenn., "The Cooper Alumni Center will provide a place for all alumni to gather with friends and family. It will be an asset to the University by promoting alumni involvement and will also be available to both campus and civic related groups for meetings and events, to continue to foster good relations between the University and Northeast Arkansas."

The building, to be nestled among large oak trees, is designed to be residential in style with an exterior of brick and natural stone. The landscaping will include arbor-covered walkways, trellises, and brick terraces sloping down to the lake. The interior will have a spacious foyer with a history room and a boardroom located on either side. Also included will be the offices for the Alumni Association, the Office of Development, and the Foundation. The lower lobby will serve as the reception area and multipurpose lounge with a scenic view of the lake. The western wing corridor will contain a large banquet room with enough dinner seating to accommodate 230 people. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2004.

Darrell Cooper was born in Jonesboro and moved to Michigan with his parents when he was four years old. He and his wife attended ASU and moved to Michigan following their graduation in 1964. After three years with General Motors, Cooper went to work for Fernco Inc., a manufacturer of flexible pipe connectors. He eventually purchased the company and now serves as Chairman of the Board and CEO. Today his family-owned business is a multi-million dollar operation with plants in Davison, Mich.; Sparks, Nev.; Sarnia, Ontario, Canada; and Wigen, England.

Cooper's history in fundraising extends back to 1982 when he participated in campaigns for Youth Home and several years later for the Oasis Renewal Center, both in Little Rock. As a former member of the Eastern Michigan University Foundation Board, in Ypsilanti, he was actively involved in the $12 million Campaign for Scholars. Cooper's presentation "Four Steps to Self-Leadership" and a book he co-authored titled Teams Turn Around Fernco, and other contributions, have supported and enhanced the leadership development activities in the College of Business. Additionally, he has received a Distinguished Service Award and an honorary doctorate from EMU.

Cooper is an avid golfer, who also enjoys hunting and fishing, in addition to being a private pilot and accomplished author, having written and published several short books. Charlotte Cooper is an alpine ski instructor, an ardent gardener and landscaper, and the family genealogist. The couple has five young and active grandchildren.

The Office of Alumni Relations at ASU was formally organized in 1984, serving fewer than 25,000 alumni. In 17 years, the alumni population has more than doubled to 53,500. For more information, contact the ASU Alumni Association at 870-972-2586, or via email at alumni@astate.edu.

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