Former President Tom Courtway
Although the Notable Alumni section will usually be devoted to former music students and their success, we will break slightly with tradition on this first installment and honor a man who should be considered a “Notable Band Alumnus.” The Department of Music would like to acknowledge the support of former UCA President Tom Courtway upon his recent retirement. Always a fan of the Bear Marching Band, former President Courtway could often be found taking part in 5th quarter band activities following UCA Bear football games. He frequently stood alongside the band during Precious Lord and the Alma Mater. During his last year as president, he worked with his staff to ensure that the Bear Marching Band would be able to have new uniforms for the fall 2017 season, as the typical lifespan of uniforms is ten years.
Courtway would often comment on how hard the band would work from week to week, and he would also remark that he couldn’t take a walk across campus without a band member stopping him to thank him for his support. That support often came in the form of pizzas after rehearsal or a cook-out at the end of band camp. His kindness to the music department was often felt, but was never so visible as in the new band uniform that will grace the stripes for at least a decade to come. The uniform, designed by Stanbury, was customized around student and director feedback. It was recently featured in the Arkansas All State Convention exhibits area, and is constructed with state of the art performance fabric similar to athletic wear. This has made many band members literally breathe easier while marching and holding heavy instruments in the Arkansas heat! The Department of Music is forever grateful to our honorary band alumnus and former President Courtway for his legacy, and we are extremely excited to welcome President Houston Davis to Bear Country!
