Three UCA alumni will be recognized at the 2024 Alumni Awards Celebration on Friday, Oct. 25.
Darryl Arbor ’83 is the recipient of the Karen Sullards Alumni Service Award, which honors a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding service to UCA through sustained involvement, leadership, and support.
Darryl Arbor
Arbor is a CPA and serves as the Director of Corporate Audit for Methodist Healthcare in Memphis, Tenn. His service to UCA includes serving as the co-chair of the Theta Psi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2023. He is a previous speaker at the UCA Project X back-to-school weekend event; a mentor and supporter of collegiate Theta Psi chapter members; and a participant in the UCA Oral History Project 1907-2021.
Arbor is also a supporter of UCA Day of Giving, UCA Professors Scholarship Fund for his mentors, UCA Diversity & Community Fund, and supported the Theta Psi chapter room in the National Pan-Hellenic Council Fraternity Complex along with establishing the 2024 Alpha Scholarship Foundation Fund.
“I am immensely proud to receive this award and to give back to the university that played a significant part in my journey to being successful in my career and overall life,” Arbor said. “I hope my service has been and will continue to be a blessing to current and former students the same way that UCA mentors positively affected my life.”
Drew Spurgers
Drew Spurgers ’11, ’17 is the recipient of the Young Alumni Award, which recognizes a young graduate (under the age of 40) who has made significant strides in their career and has shown strong leadership and promise in their field.
Spurgers resides in Conway and is self-employed Certified EOS Implementer. He has started and sold businesses including Kana Studio (formerly Kangabloo Creative), SHADE Sunless Spa. Spurgers also co-owns Align Counseling and Wellness with his husband Kevin.
He is actively involved in the community and at UCA having served on Conway Public Schools Foundation Board, Arkansas PBS Foundation Board, Reynolds Performance Hall Community Council, Conway Planning Commission. He is also a life member of the UCA Alumni Association and has been a guest lecturer in the College of Business.
Spurgers said he is humbled by this honor. “To be recognized for any achievement by the university we both graduated from means more than I can say.”
Carolyn (Floyd) Ishee
Carolyn (Floyd) Ishee ’75 is the recipient of the Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award, which recognizes an alumnus for their dedication and commitment to volunteering, often going above and beyond in their efforts to support the university and its alumni community.
Ishee is a retired higher education fundraising professional living in Waveland, Mississippi. Her UCA and community involvement includes member of UCA Alumni Association Board of Directors; member of College of Education Advisory Council; member and past president of Pass Christian (Mississippi) Rotary Club; past member and past president of Conway Morning Rotary; former Rotary District Governor, District 6170; and UCA Purple Circle member.
Ishee called the recognition a great honor. “To be recognized by the place and people who have meant so much in my life; SCA/UCA helped me become who I am today and the friends I have made through my association with the school are among the most important people in my life,” she said. “I am humbled to join with other alumni who have received this honor and it further inspires me to help the institution and the people who have meant so much in my life.”
