Relay for Life committee members Katie Boysen (left), Laney Sellers, Rebecca Thomas and Anneliese Peiserich with UCA President Houston Davis.
The Relay for Life (Colleges Against Cancer) organization received the Bear CLAWS award at the May meeting of the University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees.
CLAWS, an acronym for Celebrating the Lofty Achievements of Our Wonderful Students, is awarded to one or more exceptional students or recognized student organizations during regularly scheduled board meetings.
Accepting the CLAWS award on behalf of Representing Relay for Life at the board meeting were 2024-25 officers Rebecca Thomas, president; Laney Sellers, vice president of recruitment and retention; Katie Boysen, vice president of fundraising; and incoming vice president of recruitment and retention, Anneliese Peiserich.
This year’s Relay for Life event was held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, with the theme “Get in the Game: Find a Cure.” The 2024-25 event committee was comprised of 54 students and led by seven members of the executive board. They obtained nearly $8,000 in sponsorships from 23 businesses in Conway and surrounding areas, raising $25,729.19 for the year. Their total during their time on campus is $175,466.17, all going to the American Cancer Society to further awareness and research.
Relay for Life, established at UCA in 2012, is a volunteer organization that raises funds for the American Cancer Society and spreads awareness about cancer on campus and in the local community. The committee organizes numerous awareness and fundraising events throughout the year, hosting more than 20 events this year.