Centennial Bank of Conway surprised founder and board chairman John W. Allison Tuesday evening at the annual shareholders meeting at the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock with an announcement that a $35,000 gift was made to the University of Central Arkansas in his honor.
The check signified the completion of a $35,000 commitment to New Vision, New Century: The Centennial Campaign for UCA.
Centennial Bank’s gifts have been directed to support the Johnny Allison Entrepreneurial Speaker Series Fund as well as the new College of Business building.The Johnny Allison Entrepreneurial Speaker Series Fund is used to invite leading entrepreneurs from Arkansas, or with strong ties to the state, to teach and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs who are studying in the UCA College of Business. This program is designed to engage 20 to 50 select students each academic year.
“We value Centennial Bank’s partnership in establishing a lecture series in Mr. Allison’s honor,” said Dr. Pat Cantrell, dean of the College of Business. “Opportunities such as this enable our students to realize the power of hard work, dedication and dreams.”
In recognition of the bank’s donation, a team study room in the new College of Business building will be named in honor of both the bank and Allison. Centennial Bank will also have a corporate display case in the 78,000-square-foot academic building, which opened at the beginning of the spring semester.
“We were proud to have the opportunity to name a room in the College of Business after our founder, John W. Allison,” said Randy Sims, chief executive officer of Centennial Bank. “It is important for us to show our appreciation for all he has done for our company and our community.”
Allison said having a room in the new UCA College of Business building named after him was truly humbling.
“I never expected such an honor to be bestowed upon me from my team at the bank,” he said. “They surprised me on this one. And what a pleasant surprise it is.” – Jennifer Boyett
