University of Arkansas administrators invited local government officials, business representatives and community leaders to lunch Wednesday to celebrate the ways in which the university and surrounding communities make Northwest Arkansas a great place to live.
“ A Community of Champions” was the theme for the university’s “ town and gown” luncheon, held at the Broyles Center on the north side of Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Banners representing 31 Northwest Arkansas cities were displayed on the walls of the Broyles Center to recognize their impact on the university.
Borrowing from the expression “ it takes a village to raise a child, ” Chancellor John White said, “ In our case, it takes a region. ”
In many ways, the event resembled a pep rally as administrators and others spoke positively of the institution’s many accomplishments. The Razorback band also played, and cheerleaders cheered to wrap up the event; students in the parking lot passed out stickers commemorating the UA Homecoming football game, set for Saturday against Southeast Missouri State.
Cathy Foraker, chairman of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, said the leaders in the region have made Arkansas a “ blue-ribbon community, ” a reference to first-place blue ribbons awarded at fairs.
David Gearhart, vice chancellor for university advancement, began by noting that the university was established in Fayetteville over other communities because area residents raised $ 130, 000 to help found it.
UA plays a major role in the state’s economy by educating students, White said. The university serves the state in many ways – and it is increasingly becoming a top choice for higher education by state students.
If students stay in Arkansas after graduation, they will help build up the state, he added.
“ We’re doing everything to ensure Arkansas has a great future, ” White said.
There are many reasons to be thankful, White said, adding he could think of more than a billion, referring to the UA’s landmark fund-raiser, the Campaign for the 21 st Century, which has raised more than $ 1 billion.
“ Many, many people in this room gave generously, ” said Julian Stewart, chairman of the UA Board of Advisers and one of the leaders in the campaign. “ There is no way we can thank you enough. ”
White credited U. S. Rep. John Boozman with getting the UA’s new World Trade Center started in Rogers.
Boozman, a former UA football player and the keynote speaker at the event, said a community’s success ultimately depends on the efforts and contributions of hometown people.
When asked to name someone who had a great influence on one’s life, most people will name a teacher, pastor or family member before naming a congressman, he noted.
“ You guys are making a tremendous difference, ” Boozman said. “ I’m very proud of being somebody who attended here. ”
As the event came to an end, audience members watched about 10 minutes of a documentary about the history of the university, “ Beacon of Hope, ” which is being produced by journalism faculty members Larry Foley and Dale Carpenter.
The film discusses how Fayetteville, despite its remote location, beat out other potential sites for the state university. The first classes were held in 1872.
The film describes Fayetteville as a “ church-going, politically active community with plenty of saloons to quench one’s thirst” at the time the university was established.
The film also quotes a former college president stating in 1909 that enrollment was 1, 200, the scenery is beautiful and tuition is free “ except for music and art. ”
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
