Distinguished College of Visual Arts and Design alumna, Dr. Jean Andrews, passed away January 7th in her home. She was 86. Known widely as "The Pepper Lady," Dr. Andrews blended her love of botany, gardening, travel, cooking and art, and became a best-selling author of books on sea shells, bluebonnets and hot peppers.

In 1994, she generously established the Jean Andrews Scholarship, a permanently endowed fund which provides scholarships for undergraduate students in the College of Visual Arts and Design. She also donated more than 80 original gouache paintings from her books to be offered for sale by UNT to support this scholarship fund. Of these beautiful artworks, 17 remain, and are again available for purchase.

From her books Peppers: The Domesticated Capsicums, The Texas Blubonnet and American Wildflower Floriigium, each painting includes careful details of botanical drawing and vibrant color and measure approximately 16x20 inches (matted). These documented works of botanical art are offered for $1,500.00 plus shipping. Of the purchase price, $1,050 is tax deductible. As she intended, all proceeds will benefit the Jean Andrews Scholarship in the College of Visual Arts and Design at UNT.

To purchase one of these exceptional works, or to make a contribution the Jean Andrews Scholarship, please contact College of Visual Arts and Design Director of Development, Eva James Toia at 940-565-4026 or by email at eva.toia@unt.edu.

When Communication Design Professor Jack Sprague began making plans for his retirement, it wasn’t long before alumni, colleagues and friends began talking about the right way to thank him and celebrate his UNT teaching career. To honor his long history of dedication to his students’ success, Jack, his colleagues, students, alumni, and friends are embarking on a fundraising campaign to create the Jack Sprague Scholarship in Communication Design. When we reach our goal of $25,000, the fund will become a permanently endowed scholarship fund that will serve as a lasting tribute to Jack Sprague. This special scholarship will provide much needed support for students continuing in the Communication Design tradition of excellence. We hope you will make plans now to contribute to this meaningful acknowledgement of Jack Sprague.

If you should have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Eva James Toia at 940.565.4026. We look forward to hearing from you!