Mary and Ross Whipple of Arkadelphia have given $1.5 million to Arkansas Children’s Hospital to endow a chair devoted to pediatric research. The gift will be matched by the hospital’s foundation.

Whipple was chair of Summit Bancorp when it was sold last year to Bank of the Ozarks in a $216 million deal. Whipple has since sold millions of dollars worth of Bank of the Ozarks stock. He is also chair of the Ross Foundation.

Advertisement

When the gift was first mentioned by the hospital a month ago, it was described as the first research chair at the hospital. The gift was made in honor of Dr. Richard F. Jacobs, who ended 10 years as president of the Children’s Research Institute in June.

The new chair’s focuses will include hematology/oncology, endocrinology, immunology, neurology, and infectious diseases. 

Advertisement

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Little Rock Zoo welcomes new chimpanzee Next article Smalley pleads guilty to one count, charges related to TC Edwards dropped