Hundreds from the University of Central Arkansas community turned out Tuesday, Sept. 20, as UCA President Lu Hardin dedicated UCA?s new signature landmark Harding Centennial Plaza.
The plaza is named in honor of UCA alumni Rush and Linda Harding of Little Rock. Last October the Hardings gave $1.2 million to UCA. It was the largest single gift in UCA history. The gift was divided between scholarships and the construction of the plaza.Rush (?76) is president of Crews & Associates, an investment firm based in Little Rock. He also has served on the UCA Board of Trustees for 13 years.
His wife, Linda (Turner) (?82), is an avid equestrian, breeding horses and training American Saddlebreds from her facilities in western Pulaski County for 15 years.
The $500,000 plaza occupies nearly 2.5 acres of campus and features a stunning fountain and lush surrounding gardens. Since it?s completion in August it has become a unique focal point for the campus.
UCA President Lu Hardin said, ?Over the next 100 years many, many, many memories will be made at UCA, and many of those memories will include Harding Centennial Plaza.? He noted that at least one student had already proposed marriage at the plaza.
The idea for a centennial plaza was originally conceived by President Hardin and his wife, Mary, who saw a similar feature at another campus. ?We wanted to have a fountain and plaza area for our students to enjoy, and when we mentioned the idea to Rush and his wife, they graciously offered to donate the funds to build this beautiful landmark,? he said.
Rush said, ?I have to thank Lu and Mary for having a dream of having this on campus, but most of all I have to thank my wife, Linda, for her support. She supported me when I told her that I wanted to make this gift to UCA.?
Student Government Association President Max Carranza expressed the student body?s appreciation for the plaza. ?As students, we really appreciate having this plaza. Students have already been using it as a place to study and hang out with friends,? he said.
As President Hardin made the formal dedication of the plaza, the fountain was turned on and a brass quintet played a special tribute. ?Fountain Fanfare: A Tribute to the Harding Centennial Plaza? was written by UCA employee Troy Helm in honor of the dedication.
Dr. Michael Stanton, chairman of the UCA Board of Trustees, called it ?a momentous day for the UCA campus.?
Harding Centennial Plaza will serve as a historical marker in celebration of UCA?s centennial anniversary in 2007, and will recognize the generous benefactors who commit their private support to UCA?s centennial campaign.
