More than 1,200 degrees were conferred during Spring Commencement at the University of Central Arkansas Saturday.
About 438 graduates walked across the stage in the Farris Health and Physical Education Center Saturday morning to receive their degrees. An additional 766 graduates received their degrees during two other commencement ceremonies Saturday afternoon.
Dr. Donald E. Culwell, a former biology professor, was recognized as the 2010 Professor Emeritus during Saturday’s commencement. Culwell began his career at UCA as an assistant professor of biology in 1970. Culwell’s contributions to UCA and the community are tremendous.
He led the Prairie Restoration project on the UCA campus, which came to fruition in 1981 and is still a valuable learning tool for botany students. Culwell also was curator and major plant contributor of the UCA Vascular Plant Herbarium, which is a major source of information to botanists around the country. He was also one of nine scientists selected to defend the Endangered Species Act at a congressional hearing in Washington D.C.
During his commencement speech to graduates of the colleges of Education, Liberal Arts, and Natural Sciences and Mathematics, UCA President Allen C. Meadors challenged the graduates to make a list of things they want to learn, see, and experience in the future.
“Carry this list with you daily and make a commitment to pursue those dreams,” he said.
Meadors also reminded the graduates that life is “both a team sport and a relay.”
“What you achieve and what you contribute depends on not only on your own talent and effort but also on your ability and effectiveness in working with others in our global world,” he said. “And though you may set out to change the world – and each of you will indeed change it in some way – what you achieve will be built on what others before you have contributed and what you contributed will, in turn, be carried on by those who follow.”
Meadors told the 390 graduates in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences to remember how far they have come since arriving at UCA. He shared a story about Renaissance artist Michelangelo. A little boy visited the artist every day during the time Michelangelo was creating the sculpture of David. When the sculpture was completed, the little boy asked: “How did you know he was in there?”
“So I ask you, how did we know that all of these possibilities existed in you? How did we know that it was all there waiting to be tapped?” Meadors asked the graduates. “I believe it is because we have faculty and staff who were willing to envision it and bold enough to create it. As they say, the impossible is only just the untried.”
Meadors challenged the 376 graduates of the University College and the colleges of Business and Fine Arts and Communications to be leaders.
“During your years here at UCA, we have often spoken to you about leadership,” he said. “We want each of you to take your place as leaders in your community; in your profession; and in society. … You do not have to wait for a tap on the shoulder. You do not have to be at the top of the organizational chart. You can step up and lead at any point in your life.”
Nicki Petrucci, of Fort Smith, said balancing her time between being a mom, a wife, and a student was tough, but it was worth it. She received her Master of Science degree in library media and information technology.
“It was definitely well worth it now that it is over,” Petrucci said.
Tara Holloman, of Lonoke, received her degree in athletic training. She was thrilled to finish her long journey, she said.
“When we started the last semester, we started counting down the days. Now it’s here,” she said.
Jacob Wesson, of Nashville, received his degree in environmental science. He will soon start a job as an environmental coordinator with Southwest Energy Company, a natural gas company.
“I have really enjoyed my time here at UCA. I made a lot of great friends,” he said. “But at the same time, it is kind of sad because I am leaving what I have known for the past four years. I am moving into a whole new part of my life. So, it’s kind of bittersweet.”
