Liberty Bank, headquartered in Jonesboro, has provided a gift to fund the annual Liberty Bank Distinguished Lecture Series at Arkansas State University.
William Jefferson Clinton, the
nation’s 42nd president, acted as the series inaugural speaker,
speaking to a 
standing room only crowd in Riceland Hall at Fowler Center on
October 28, 2003.
In additional to the group in Riceland Hall, a direct feed of his speech was funneled into the 350-seat drama theatre, where invited high school student leaders from the region viewed Mr. Clinton’s presentation.
Wallace Fowler, chairman and CEO of Liberty Bank, said the annual lecture series will provide an excellent means for Liberty Bank to enhance the educational experience for Arkansas State students through this and future lectures by business, industrial, educational and governmental leaders.
"Arkansas State University is truly grateful to Liberty Bank for this gift that will mean so much to students," said Dr. Les Wyatt, ASU president.
"We were honored by President Clinton’s visit; he is recognized as an authority on many of the most complex issues facing our world and our society," Dr. Wyatt said. "The lecture has been a wonderful opportunity for our students."
In his presentation, the former president told the crowd, which consisted of more than 70 percent students, he was pleased to see the growth of the university since his first visit during the 1970s as Arkansas’ attorney general.
He said he was especially pleased with the addition of the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, and how Arkansas State University will be recognized for the research it conducts.
Speaking to the group about global interdependence, the President asked students to think about their futures, and about ideas–how they matter. But he reminded the group that actions based on ideas have a resulting consequence, which can affect people’s lives.
President Clinton visited ASU in June to discuss the prospect of a presentation series with Mr. Fowler and Dr. Wyatt, and to tour Fowler Center.
While in office,
President Clinton was on campus April 3, 1995, to give the dedicatory address
for the expanded and remodeled Dean B. Ellis Library. He also visited ASU many
times in his capacities as Arkansas’ governor and attorney general.
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