NEWS RELEASE
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS
AUG. 12, 2011
CONTACT: Jeff Pitchford, vice president of university and government relations, at jeffp@uca.edu or (501) 450- 3185.
Venita Jenkins, associate director of media relations, at vjenkins@uca.edu or (501) 450-5114.
CONWAY – For Matt Morgan, earning his bachelor’s degree in biology Friday night was about setting an example. He is the first in his family to go to college and the proud father of a three-year-old.
“I want to be an example for my son, who will start his education in the next two years,” he said. “That is what it has been about all along. I want to have a job I enjoy and also something my family can appreciate. Hopefully, my son can learn a lot from me and the knowledge that I have will help him in his future career.”
Morgan, of Conway, was among the more than 490 graduates who were conferred degrees during summer commencement held Friday at the Farris Center on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas. He graduated with honors at UCA and started pharmacy school at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences on Aug. 8.
“It’s has been great,” Morgan said about his time at UCA. “The professors have been excellent. The whole experience has been quite awesome.”
Hundreds of family and friends gathered at the Farris Center to celebrate the graduates’ accomplishment. During his commencement address, UCA President Allen Meadors told the audience the university’s faculty and staff share their pride.
“We are honored to be a part of your and your families’ dreams,” he said. “As faculty and staff of UCA, we seek to prepare our graduates to be citizens of the world, to be open to the perspective of other people and cultures and always seek personal and professional growth.”
Graduates will take away wonderful relationships, broader knowledge and unlimited possibilities, Meadors said.
“I challenge each graduate to be the best you can be for yourself, your family, your community and for your university,” Meadors added. “… My personal advice to you as you enter the next phase of your wonderful journey is to be passionate about life. “
Friday was a very emotional day for Catlin Fitch, a marketing major from Fort Smith. There were several moments when she reflected on the people and fond memories of UCA.
“Looking back on the past four years, I am a totally different person,” she said. “Every experience I have had at UCA I have learned from. It’s a little bit scary knowing that it is over.”
Fitch, who serves as president of the Association of Future Alumni, will start her job as an executive team leader with Target on Aug. 15. She completed her internship with the company this summer.
“I’ll have two days of rest then I am off to work,” she said.
-30-
