Before he officially begins his second season as head coach of the New York Knicks, Derek Fisher will be headed back to Little Rock, where he’ll receive a unique honor from his alma mater.
Just a few weeks prior to the start of the New York Knicks’ 2015 training camp, Coach Fisher will be in his hometown, where he will be honored by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, at an event benefitting the school’s department of athletics.
The event, SpectacUALR, is presented by Triple-S Alarm and will take place on Sept. 10, 2015 at the Jack Stephens Center on the UALR campus. The annual celebration of Trojan athletics was started six years ago by Derek’s mother, Annette Fisher. She was the first honoree at the event, which has since generated more than $1.1 million for Little Rock Trojan student athletes.
“I’m excited to be this year’s SpectacUALR honoree and to be back in Little Rock,” Derek said. “Little Rock has meant so much to me and my family, and I cannot wait for this event. Triple-S Alarm has been so gracious in supporting this event, supporting me and supporting the university. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in September as we celebrate Little Rock’s Team.”
Derek spent four years at UALR from 1992-96, and he stands as one of the school’s most esteemed basketball alumni. To create a lasting legacy in honor of Derek, the Little Rock Department of Athletics recently surprised him with the establishment of the Derek Fisher Student-Athlete Enhancement Fund. This Fund stands for the future of Little Rock Trojan athletics, a future Derek is committed to helping build so more student-athletes can fulfill their dreams.
To learn how you can support the Derek Fisher Student-Athlete Enhancement Fund visit: http://ualr.at/fisherfund
Earlier this offseason, Derek returned to UALR, where he received an honorary doctorate degree and gave the commencement speech at the school’s graduation ceremony. In 2005, he founded the Fisher Fellows Life Program, which provides mentoring for UALR student athletes.
“We are thrilled to welcome home one of our own in Derek Fisher,” Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said. “Derek is the ultimate representative of Little Rock’s Team. As a Little Rock Parkview graduate turned Trojan, Derek has made our city, state and Trojan Nation proud every step in his journey. We couldn’t be happier to honor one of our all-time greats this September.”
The event will feature silent and live auctions with items unique to other auctions in central Arkansas. Cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Attire will be business casual. Doors open at 6:30 p.m; live auction will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $75, of which $50 is a tax-deductible donation.
To purchase tickets, follow this link to the UALR website.