UCA Magazine

Serving Up Good Energy

Rachel Whitfield ’22 grew up with no aspirations for cooking or creating and sharing recipes. Still, she has grown a culinary brand that not only emphasizes the importance of flavorful, healthy eating, but she also attracted the attention of Vogue magazine and music icon Beyoncé.

Creation Of The College of Science and Engineering

The college also announced the expansion of its Department of Physics and Astronomy to the Department of Physics, Astronomy and Engineering. Additional departments in the college include: Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science and Engineering, Geography, and Mathematics.

Living Learning Communities at UCA

The University of Central Arkansas’ residential colleges, which began in the 1980s and 90s as a specialized program for first-year honors students, evolved into four residential colleges focused on specific majors for new students. As the only institution in the state to maintain a learning community system, UCA saw a growing interest in the concept.

Going Digital

In honor of The Vortex magazine’s 50th anniversary, some University of Central Arkansas students and alumni have initiated the process of digitally archiving the magazine’s past issues into the university’s database.

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.