Spring/Summer 2023 – UCA Magazine

Planned Gift Spotlight: Patricia Smith ’01, ’03

As a two-time alumna of the University of Central Arkansas and now as dean of UCA’s Schedler Honors College, Patricia Smith ’01, ’03 has witnessed the profound influence higher education can have on students’ lives. That firsthand experience has made her passionate about making education accessible to as many students as possible.

Laurels and Stripes

University of Central Arkansas’ annual Laurels and Stripes event showcased UCA’s passion for fundraising as more than 500 alumni and friends enjoyed an unforgettable evening honoring outstanding alumni, celebrating the impact of privately funded scholarships and dancing to the sounds of The Rodney Block Collective.

Doyne Society

UCA’s Division of Advancement recently hosted its annual Doyne Legacy Society brunch at Buffalo Alumni Hall. The event, held on April 21, not only celebrated the addition of new members, but also honored the 118 existing members who comprise the esteemed Doyne Legacy Society.

President’s Society

The annual President’s Society Reception was held Feb. 21 at Cache restaurant in Little Rock. Members of the 2022 President’s Society were invited to the special event to be thanked for their gifts and donations.

This year has been filled with many history-making moments, and this issue of the UCA Magazine showcases several of those instances.

We start with the total solar eclipse in April and the rarity of witnessing this celestial event. With UCA being in the path of totality, our campus became a destination for thousands of individuals from Arkansas and at least 32 states and five countries. We hosted presentations with UCA professors, eclipse yoga, children’s book readings, a car show, and of course, the watch party on The Stripes. If that was not enough, our campus played host to Luna: the Eclipse Superhero, and the Barkanalia event which allowed visitors to experience the eclipse with their dogs. This was a “totally” great day.
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