MAGNOLIA, Ark. (Aug. 15, 2024) — The Farmers Bank Foundation, Farmers Bank & Trust (FB&T), and the Southern Arkansas University Foundation are thrilled to announce NFL legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith will headline the 19th annual Farmers Bank & Trust Distinguished Speaker Series on Thursday, September 26, 2024. The special event will be held at Southern Arkansas University’s W.T. Watson Athletic Center in Magnolia, Ark., and offers a unique opportunity to hear from one of the most accomplished athletes and entrepreneurs of our time.

As a running back for 15 years in the NFL, Smith’s career is marked by records that still stand today, including the most career rushing yards and touchdowns in the league’s history. Selected as a first-round pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, Smith was a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys offense, helping clinch three Super Bowl championships in the 1990s. His outstanding achievements were later honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010 and selection to the NFL 100 All-Time Team in 2019.

Following his football career, Smith has excelled as an entrepreneur with successful ventures in real estate, construction, and technology. He is also a dedicated philanthropist, focused on providing educational opportunities for underserved youth. Smith’s influence extends to his role as a motivational speaker, where he shares his journey of perseverance and success.

Proceeds from the annual Farmers Bank & Trust Distinguished Speaker Series help fund the Dr. Bob Burns Distinguished Speaker Scholarship Endowment, which provides annual scholarships to deserving students to build futures with an education at SAU.

 

A private reception will be held with Smith at 5:30 p.m. at the Farmers Bank & Trust main bank in Magnolia. The dinner and lecture will follow at 7 p.m. at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center.

 

Sponsorship opportunities are offered through the SAU Foundation, and include:

 

Gold Sponsorship, $2,500, includes 10 tickets to the dinner, lecture, and pre-dinner reception; premium dinner seating in the Gold Section with name or corporate logo prominently displayed on table; five premium parking passes; and recognition during the event and in the program.
 

Blue Sponsorship, $1,500, includes eight tickets to the dinner and lecture; two tickets to the pre-dinner reception; premium seating in the Blue Section with name or corporate logo prominently displayed on the table; one premium parking pass; and recognition during the event and in the program.
 

Individual tickets to the reception, dinner, and lecture are $250, while dinner and lecture tickets are $150.
 

Reserve your table or ticket now at http://www.saudevelopment.com/FBT, or by calling 870-235-4287.

 

About Farmers Bank Foundation: Created in 2021 for Farmers Bank & Trust's 115th anniversary, the Farmers Bank Foundation's giving priorities are to support local nonprofits whose mission is to purposefully enrich the quality of life in the communities where Farmers Bank & Trust customers and employees live. The foundation's funding is made possible by the bank's shareholders and employees across Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Farmers Bank Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that will operate independently from Farmers Bank & Trust. For additional information or to apply for Farmers Bank Foundation funding, please visit www.MyFarmers.Bank/FarmersBankFoundation.

 

About Farmers Bank & Trust: Founded in 1906, Farmers Bank & Trust is a community bank owned by the privately held holding company Magnolia Banking Corporation, headquartered in Magnolia, Arkansas. Farmers Bank & Trust now has over 30 Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma locations and approximately $2.8 billion in assets. Farmers Bank offers a full range of deposit services, trust and investment management services, as well as business, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential, and consumer loans. To learn more, visit their website at MyFarmers.Bank.

About Southern Arkansas University Foundation: Established in 1981, the Southern Arkansas University Foundation inspires and stewards philanthropic gifts that unite donor passions with University priorities to elevate excellence and achievement of all Muleriders. With a vision of being prepared, resourceful, and trusted, the Foundation enhances the future of SAUF and all Muleriders. To learn more about the SAU Foundation, visit their website at SAUFoundation.org.