State Senator Linda Pondexter Chesterfield ’69, Ben Goodwin ’01 recognized at Friends of Children Annual Luncheon
From left, Roby
Brock ’88, Ben Goodwin ’01, and Senator Linda Chesterfield ’69 during the panel
discussion portion of the 2024 Friends of Children Annual Luncheon at which
Chesterfield and Goodwin were honored. (Photo courtesy AACF)
CONWAY, Ark.
(October 25, 2024) – Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families on Tuesday honored
State Senator Linda Pondexter Chesterfield, Hendrix College Class of 1969, and Our
House Executive Director Ben Goodwin, Hendrix College Class of 2001, at its
Friends of Children Annual Luncheon, which celebrates the power of advocacy in
improving the lives of children and families across Arkansas.
“The commitment Senator
Chesterfield and Ben Goodwin have demonstrated in improving the lives of Arkansas’
children is remarkable,” said Hendrix College President Karen Petersen. “Their journeys
have looked different, but their shared passion for improving life in their
home state has had a meaningful impact that will span generations. Congratulations
to both of these exemplary alumni on a well-deserved honor.”
The luncheon
hosted advocates for children and families from across the state with Roby
Brock ’88 serving as master of ceremonies. A posthumous Special Recognition was
made for Judge Wiley Branton Jr., who was a Friend of Children honoree in 2013
and who died last year.
Senator
Chesterfield reflected upon her experiences in breaking barriers throughout her
life and credited her family in providing her with motivation. “Education
is something they can never take away from you,” she said. Chesterfield, a
retired educator, has been a strong advocate for policies such as access to a
college degree path for incarcerated teens and equal access to pre-K education
for all children.
“Everyone in this
room is an advocate for children,” said Goodwin in his remarks, encouraging the
attendees to get involved in making lives better for children and their
families, particularly through affordable housing opportunities.
About Hendrix
College
Founded in 1876,
Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will
Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s
leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning
opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The
Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has
been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more
at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through
engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to
diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix
community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity,
service, and joy.” —Hendrix
College Statement of Purpose