Former Arkansas State graduates Tom and Mary Manning’s love for their school will now be shown in the form of a full scholarship presented to one student from each of their hometowns. Tom grew up in Walnut Ridge and attended Walnut Ridge High School before attending Arkansas State. Mary grew up in Caruthersville Missouri and attended high school there.

The scholarship will be awarded to one student from each of there former schools in the amount of $75,000 for the next 5 years totaling $450,000.

Students chosen will be based on scholastic record and financial need with secondary preference to students majoring in journalism and education.

In a statement from ASU Chancellor Damphousse stated “Tom and Mary Manning’s positive experiences as students at Arkansas State laid the foundation for wonderful careers in their respective fields, All of us at A-State are grateful for their devotion to students, and for this generous gift that will support generations of future students from the communities where they were raised.”