UCA Magazine

Alumni Awards Dinner

Three UCA alumni were honored during the 2024 Alumni Awards Celebration on Oct. 25, 2024. The Awards Dinner honors alumni who demonstrate dedication and exceptional achievements towards UCA and those who make significant contributions while volunteering on behalf of the Alumni Association. Drew Spurgers ’11, ’17 received the Young Alumni Award. Carolyn (Floyd) Ishee ’74 received the Volunteer of the Year Award. Darryl Arbor ’83 received the Karen Sullards Alumni Service Award. A longtime supporter of UCA, Karen Sullards passed away in July. In 2012, she was the recipient of the Alumni Service Award that now bears her name.

Scholarship Reception

Many gathered to celebrate the spirit of philanthropy at the University of Central Arkansas’ annual scholarship reception hosted by the UCA Foundation at the Farris Center on Sept. 26. The reception celebrated scholarship donors and the impact their gifts have had on both scholarship recipients and the university as a whole. The event provided an opportunity for students to connect and network with scholarship donors.

Half Century Club Induction

The UCA Alumni Association inducted the Class of 1974 into the Half Century Club on Oct. 26. The annual tradition recognizes alumni celebrating their 50th anniversary of graduating from UCA. Alumni enjoyed brunch and shared memories in Buffalo Alumni Hall over Homecoming Weekend.

No Hungry Bears

Arkansas has the nation’s highest rate of food insecurity, according to a recent study by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. To help tackle this issue, the University of Central Arkansas offers the Bear Essentials Food Pantry to combat hunger in our campus community.

Change Starts With Us

The University of Central Arkansas has been selected as the recipient of $30 million in funding as part of the U.S. Department of Education’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). UCA is the first university in Arkansas to receive the GEAR UP statewide grant, which the university’s College of Education will facilitate for programming to prepare students for the pathway to college.

Taking Off – UCA Aviation Academy

The University of Central Arkansas Aviation Academy is a pilot training program where students obtain the knowledge, skill and aeronautical experience necessary to meet the requirements for pilot certification.

When You Give, We Grow

The University of Central Arkansas had the 10th anniversary of its annual Day of Giving on March 7, 2024. As part of Day of Giving, alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, friends and family members are challenged to donate any amount during the 24-hour campaign to support the university.

Occupational Therapy Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The University of Central Arkansas’ Department of Occupational Therapy celebrates its 50th anniversary of accreditation this year with events inviting the campus and surrounding community to see the impact this innovative program has had since its establishment in 1970 and accreditation in 1974.

Veterans and Military Resource Center

A new location for the Veterans and Military Resource Center officially opened at the University of Central Arkansas during the spring semester of 2024. The newly renovated building will now be shared by both the Veterans and Military Resource Center and the Office of Student Success. The facility offers new amenities, such as a study room, computer lab, kitchen, lounge, meeting room and veteran’s benefits processing office.

Community & The Cosmos

The campus hosted two watch parties on eclipse day. A countdown to totality was performed at Estes Stadium while viewers listened to eclipse-themed music. The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics hosted learning activities for children and adults, including scientists, to answer questions about the eclipse.