Bequest from Helen Guinn Adams Recognized on Campus

Family and friends assemble at one of the recognition plaques.

In early April, about 14 relatives of the late Helen Guinn Adams met at UAMS as special guests. The occasion was to celebrate Mrs. Adams' bequest to the institution, and to memorialize her in an appropriate way. Her nephew and executor, Charles Stewart, and his wife, from Fayetteville, were among those present, as were other descendants, relatives and friends from far and wide. The stories and memorable exchanges coming from family members about 'Aunt Helen' during the luncheon were a pleasure for all.

For the institution, it was an opportunity for Chancellor I. Dodd Wilson, M.D., and others to say a resounding "Thank you!" for Mrs. Adams' generous bequest, received in 2005, of more than $8.7 million–one of the largest ever. The funds will create a permanent research endowment in support of medical research at UAMS. The large atrium area in the Biomedical Research Center I building was named in her honor, and a plaque bearing her likeness was unveiled in the hospital hallway leading to the research center.

Mrs. David Snowden spoke on behalf of the UAMS Foundation Fund, as did long-standing board member Mr. Lee Ronnel. Dr. Bobby McGehee, Dean of the Graduate School, and graduate student Courtney Wilkins addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of biomedical research for health care. Mr. Stewart addressed the audience on behalf of the family.

Mrs. Adams and her late husband, Roy, were in the floral business in Fayetteville for many years. She had been a member of the UAMS Chancellors Circle and had received important medical treatment at UAMS from Dr. James Suen, professor and chairman of otolaryngology, at one point in her life.