702 Graduates Receive Degrees

More than 700 graduates received their degrees Saturday during Winter Commencement at the University of Central Arkansas. Degrees were conferred during two ceremonies held at the Farris Center on the UCA campus.

During the commencement address, UCA President Allen Meadors told the graduates they were about to embark on a new journey.

“You are, individually and collectively, passing symbolically from one place to another, from an old to a new status,” he said. “And like all such rights, it is both retrospective and prospective. You are graduating from college, which is the end of one journey. The ceremony we are participating in is called commencement – the start of another.”

For sights and sounds of Winter Commencement, visit UCA’s YouTube page.

 Meadors offered the graduates his heartfelt congratulations. 

“This is the pay-off for all of your studying and for all the events and activities you gave up so you could be here today,” he said. “Years from now, you will wonder what you actually learned during your time at the University of Central Arkansas.  But when you reflect upon it you will realize that you learned much more than you ever thought.”

Candace Williams, of Lambrook, Ark., received her bachelor of science degree in family and consumer sciences.  She will begin graduate school next month at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Williams plans to pursue her master of science degree in public health and her doctorate degree.

“I will be in school for a little while, but that is what I want,” Williams said. “I have had a great experience at this university. Student life is great at this university. I would recommend UCA to anybody because I have had a wonderful experience here.”