2025 Laurels & Stripes, presented by Centennial Bank and co-chaired by Lisa and Brad Hegeman ’89, ’96, was UCA’s biggest night of the year as more than 300 attendees honored two new Distinguished Alumni, recognized donors who created 17 new scholarships over the last year and celebrated all of UCA’s many accomplishments.
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Miss UCA 2025 Tori Kiser
After growing up participating in pageants and competing on dance teams, 2025 Miss UCA Tori Kiser was prepared to take the stage and advocate for her social impact initiative.
Continue Reading11th Annual UCA Day of Giving
The University of Central Arkansas raised $1.51 million in its 11th annual Day of Giving. The total is the fourth time the university has topped $1 million since 2020.
Continue ReadingBears are Central to NWA
Northwest Arkansas is among the nation’s fastest-growing areas for many reasons, and the University of Central Arkansas is one of them. As a long-standing pipeline of professional talent for Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville and Rogers, UCA is uniquely positioned to shape business, communities and culture in NWA.
Continue ReadingImpact Stories
Every day, faculty and staff at the University of Central Arkansas shape students’ lives in meaningful ways, though many of those powerful moments often go untold. To bring these stories to light, the UCA Magazine staff invited students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their experiences and recognize those who have encouraged, supported and inspired them.
Continue ReadingDelta Doubles
During the 90s, the Lambda Upsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, (DST), Inc., experienced more than just that. In a six-year span, the chapter welcomed five sets of twins with three identical and two fraternal. UCA Magazine caught up with the ladies this spring.
Continue ReadingPainting with Purpose
Ozark native and senior Schedler Honors College student Madison Mainer never thought she would attend UCA, much less paint one of the most notable murals on campus. As a capstone project, she wanted to represent the programs housed in the newly renovated Schichtl Hall and provide students with sensory disorders a peaceful respite.
Continue ReadingReadying For Takeoff
The Aviation Academy was announced in November 2023 and launched in March 2024. The program selects 15 students for each cohort with three private pilot classes starting each year. More than 400 applications are on file at present. The academy uses three Tecnam P-Mentors and one Cessna 172, and eight instructors work with students.
Continue ReadingHarley Bridger ‘52
World War II Air Force veteran, White County native and University of Central Arkansas alum Harley Bridger ’52 came back to visit his alma mater in November 2024; his first visit since graduating more than 50 years ago.
Continue ReadingReaching the Summit
UCA criminology lecturer Robert Norvell summited Mount Kilimanjaro in December 2024. UCA Magazine caught up with him to talk about his experiences.
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