Fall/Winter 2019

Bears Abound

Prior to being known as the Bears, University of Central Arkansas students and teams were known as many things–tutors, teachers and even pedagogues. In 1920, inspired by a student’s class ring design that featured a bear, what was then Arkansas State Normal School adopted the bear as the school mascot.

Moments in History

The University of Central Arkansas has undergone many changes since its 1907 establishment, from beginning as a training college for teachers to now being a premier destination institution with more than 160 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates.

Distinguished Alumni Award 2020

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the most prestigious award presented to an alumnus or alumna of the University of Central Arkansas. The award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the university, community, state or society; outstanding achievements in a particular field of endeavor; or have a character that enhances the reputation of the university.

Greek Village Phase II Construction Begins

This phase of Greek Village includes construction of housing for Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities Sigma Tau Gamma, Sigma Nu and Pi Kappa Alpha, along with a National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Fraternity Complex that will have meeting spaces and chapter rooms for Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma.

We Did It Again!

The University of Central Arkansas, once again, toppled its previous all-time fundraising record with a total of $30,051,844 raised in 2018-19. This marks the second time in as many years that the institution has bested its record.

Jimmy Bryant The Archivist

Bryant first came to UCA in the ’70s as a student. While here, he met his wife, Jann ’77, ’91, who retired from the UCA Community School of Music, now the Community Music Institute. He completed a bachelor’s and master’s in history in 1995 and 1996, respectively. He began working as director of archives and university historian in 1998.

UCA Celebrates Homecoming with the ’90s

The University of Central Arkansas celebrated a ’90s-themed Homecoming Week from Oct. 21-26, with students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university celebrating at the week’s various events. This year marked UCA’s 92nd Homecoming.

Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre Season Reveal

The lineup for the 2020 season of the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre was announced at the annual Season Reveal party Oct. 15 at the President’s Home on the University of Central Arkansas campus. The event also featured live music and special appearances by AST actors.

Decades Brunch

Alumni from the class of 1969 were inducted into the Half-Century Club during the Decades Brunch held Oct. 26. Established in 1980, the Half-Century Club recognizes alumni who graduated at least 50 years ago. The induction ceremony takes place every year at Homecoming.

Alumni and Friends Party

Homecoming 2019 included the Alumni and Friends Party held Oct. 25 at the Centennial Events Center in Conway. During this event, the University of Central Arkansas Alumni Association presented the Alumni Service Award to Brandy Pate ’98 and the inaugural Young Alumni Award to Spencer Gordy ’07.