Established in 1980 to honor alumni celebrating 50 years since graduation, the Half-Century Club has become one of the university’s most distinguished traditions. Each induction welcomes a class with its own stories and shared history, and the Class of 1975 proved no exception.

Former inductees also joined the celebration, adding to the warmth and camaraderie that make this gathering a treasured moment on the alumni calendar.

“Competing for the role of Miss Arkansas is an opportunity that I’ve never taken lightly,” Holland said. “From a young age, I understood the importance of who Miss Arkansas is and the impact she has on our state. When I heard ‘Miss Arkansas 2025, Kennedy Holland,’ I remember feeling a wave of joy and relief that my dream and years of hard work had finally come to fruition.”

As Miss Arkansas, she has been promoting her community service initiative, Compassion Legacy, which focuses on advocating for and funding adaptive recreational spaces. Through this effort, she is committed to creating inclusive environments where individuals of all abilities can enjoy safe, accessible and enriching recreational opportunities.

In addition to earning the state title, Holland was awarded more than $36,000 in scholarships to support her educational and professional pursuits. She was also recognized with numerous additional honors, including the Overall Service Above Self Award, the Journalism & Mass Communication Profession Scholarship sponsored by KARK Channel 4 and many preliminary awards celebrating her excellence throughout the competition.

After winning Miss Arkansas, she began working throughout the state, serving the people and advocating for causes such as the American Heart Association, Compassion Legacy and more. She credits her time as Miss UCA and Miss Metro with preparing her for Miss Arkansas.

“My first year at UCA was truly one of the most transformative years of my life, and I’m so thankful for Stephanie McBrayer and Kelly Owens for making my time as Miss UCA so special. Being Miss Metro and serving the greater Little Rock area provided countless opportunities for me to connect with so many people who make a difference in Arkansans’ lives daily.”

UCA celebrated Miss Arkansas Kennedy Holland Monday, Aug. 25, with a reception at the home of UCA President Houston Davis, who hosted along with his wife, Jenny, ahead of Holland’s participation in the Miss America Pageant Sept. 1-7 in Orlando, Florida.

She reflected, “They [President Davis and First Lady Jenny Davis] love this institution and each person who steps foot onto campus, and 51��¥ is so lucky to have them. Being honored at their home before going to Miss America felt so special because it shows that we have servant-hearted leadership.”

Holland then traveled to Florida in September to compete, and she came back with several honors. She earned the Miss Preliminary Talent award for her vocal rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and was one of 11 finalists. When asked how it felt competing in Miss America, she talked of dreams coming true and feeling gratitude for the experience.

“Every little girl dreams big – my big dream was competing at Miss America. To say that is such a surreal statement, and I will talk about it for the rest of my life. I met 51 of America’s best and brightest women.”

Holland continued, “I also had the privilege of representing the greatest state in the nation and advocating on behalf of Compassion Legacy on national television. My biggest and wildest dream had come true!”

While she takes the next year traveling the state and the nation as Miss Arkansas, she continues to represent the capital city and UCA and keeps the campus close to her heart.

“51��¥ is a very special place, and the community there treats Miss UCA so incredibly well,” she said.

Arcs of water sprayed across the taxiway at Conway Regional Airport Friday, Aug. 22, as the water cannon salute – a time-honored aviation tradition – marked the grand opening of the Bill Cope Memorial Hangar, which is home to the 51��¥ (UCA) Aviation Academy.

“In March of 2024, UCA officially launched its Aviation Academy with a simple but powerful goal: to meet a growing need for qualified pilots while creating pathways for Arkansas students to pursue fulfilling careers,” UCA President Houston Davis said during the grand opening. “Thanks to partnerships and private support, we are not just producing pilots, we are producing leaders.

“We are deeply grateful to Simmons Bank and the many individuals who believed in this vision early on.”

The Bill Cope Memorial Hangar was a privately-funded project spearheaded by the UCA Foundation. UCA Foundation Board Chairman Bret Carroll ’89, ’96 called the project donor-powered from concept to completion.

Simmons Bank made the lead gift on the project, naming the hangar in memory of Bill Cope who served as the bank’s chief pilot for five years until he passed away in 2024.

“Simmons Bank is honored to have made the lead gift to this project,” Simmons Bank Community Regional Executive Justin McCarty ’16, ’18 said. “We know this hangar and the activities that happen inside it will reflect the same characteristics Bill brought to everything he did – a generous heart, an adventurous spirit and a deep commitment to helping all succeed.”

Tina Cope, widow of the hangar’s namesake, said Bill would be humbled, but also deeply proud of the naming. “Proud that this hangar will inspire and train the next generation of pilots,” she said. “Proud that his love for flying created friendships, built community and left behind memories that many of us share today. To Simmons Bank, UCA, the UCA Foundation and every donor who made this hangar possible – especially those who were not just clients, but dear friends – thank you. Your generosity is a lasting gift. And, to the future aviators who will walk into this hangar, remember this: Passion will keep you going. Determination will carry you through the challenges. And, joy is found not only in the destination, but in the journey itself.”

Other major donors and advocates who supported the initiative include: Rick and Mary Edwards, Linda ’82 and Rush Harding ’76, The Crain Family Foundation, Dhu and Mary Thompson, and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders and the State of Arkansas.

Earlier this year, Gov. Sanders announced support from the state in the amount of $750,000 for the buildout of the hangar and purchase of two flight simulators and other equipment for the hangar.

UCA’s Aviation Academy is a highly certified pilot training program offering multiple pilot licensure options, including private and commercial pilot licenses, instructor licenses, instrument and multi-engine ratings.

The academy launched in March 2024 and has already served 55 students. Student pilots train with eight instructors and use the new Tecnam line of aircraft, including P-Mentors and 2010s, courtesy of a partnership with Central Flying Academy.

Launching K-12 Educators and Students into the Future

Launching a trash can 20 to 30 feet in the air using liquid nitrogen in front of the oldest building on campus sounds like a college prank, but it is just one of many engaging activities offered by the STEM Institute.

The STEM Institute, housed on the second floor of Old Main, is a hidden gem of supplies for K-12 science and math classrooms in Central Arkansas. Stocked with microscopes, learning materials, lesson plans and much more, this institute’s mission is to enrich STEM education with an emphasis on supporting and resourcing K-12 STEM teachers and students.

Its beginning in the early 2000s coincided with other STEM institutes being established around the state, but as funding shifted through the years, they either closed their doors or got absorbed into universities. UCA was one university that kept the STEM Institute.

Mathematics professor and co-director Todd Abel reflected on UCA’s STEM Institute’s beginning, “The decision was made to absorb the institute into the College of Science and Engineering as an outreach arm for STEM to K-12 teachers and students. Our STEM Institute has persisted because UCA thought it important to have this connection to the community.”

Azida Walker, physics professor and co-director, agreed that the STEM Institute’s importance lies in its connection with students, especially those in rural Arkansas. “I grew up in Trinidad, and so I see those children in rural communities as being much like me. I wanted to be able to go out into these communities and reach young students and expose them to technology and science.”

Abel and Walker coordinate the activities by the STEM Institute, such as STEM Day, professional development days for K-12 teachers, STEM nights at area schools, enrichment activities for students, field days, Summer Camps and more. Through partnerships with local school districts and help from professors and students on campus, opportunities for young children to get engaged with science and math are part of a promising future for Central Arkansas’ students, in conjunction with providing much-needed supplies and assistance for teachers.

“We know that Arkansas students may be struggling in science and math, and hand in hand with that, a lot of teachers need resources and help to teach science and math. We want to support our community and be a part of the education community at large.”

Abel continued, “We also want to prepare students to come here. We want students who are well-prepared and interested in STEM disciplines, so giving them experiences with STEM activities and getting their teachers well-prepared helps get them excited about STEM disciplines.”

Walker agreed, “We’re lucky because we get to do all the fun science. We get to have them put their thinking caps on and question ‘Why?’ When the kids come here, we do different demonstrations with them, activities they can learn from with hands-on experiences.”

Part of that excitement comes from the unique activities and equipment held in the institute. Students get to work with lasers, experiment with Van de Graff generators, make slime, code Ozobots, see animals brought over from the biology department or explore a portable planetarium. The experiments and activities largely depend on the concepts being taught in their classrooms. To further this experiential learning, the institute loans materials for classrooms to K-12 teachers who may not have them for their own classrooms.

“There’s a lot of stuff we have here that schools just cannot afford to keep on site themselves, and that gives us the opportunity to support the community and serve with outreach,” Abel said.

Additionally, as part of this outreach, UCA faculty and student volunteer groups also interact with young students. Award-winning student volunteer organizations Girls Who Code and UCA’s Fisheries and Wildlife Society are just a couple that work with the new generation of scientists, giving them the opportunity to learn more about the art of instruction.

“Girls Who Code worked with students coding Ozobots, a lot of biology students helped out with either field trips or STEM Day, and the Fisheries and Wildlife Society did a lot of work with our stream table last year,” Abel related.

If you happen to come to UCA’s campus and witness 20 or more young student-scholars jumping about in a portable, inflatable planetarium, notice the fun and learning taking place. It’s no college prank. It’s UCA’s STEM Institute preparing for the future of mathematics and science in Central Arkansas.

“We want to make sure our teachers and students have the resources they need and to develop more interest in STEM disciplines. We want to help students realize possibilities for their interests that they might not have otherwise,” Abel said.

UCA Alumni Association Promotes Literacy, Legacy and UCA’s Campus with Children’s Book

Having two young children at home, Executive Director of Alumni Relations Alison Taylor was more than excited when Vice President of University Advancement Mary Bane Lackie brought her the idea for a children’s book. Taylor took this idea and began work on UCA’s children’s book “B Is for Bears: The UCA Alphabet.”

“I loved the idea,” Taylor said. “Having two young boys at home, I spend a lot of my time reading kids’ books to them.”

The book began to take shape with writing and design support from Kimberly Graves ’06, ’13 and Riley Hancock Matheny, director of branding and creative services. Matheny’s two young children also contributed ideas, while alumna and adjunct writing professor Jennifer McCune ’02, ’03, ’23, managing editor of UCA Magazine, provided editorial guidance. Built around the ABCs, the book highlights the many remarkable aspects of UCA’s campus, from learning to landmarks and legacy.

“After we got our storyboard put together, I talked with my kids, who are 4 and 6, about getting their reactions to different ways of saying things to narrow it down to what would be interesting and relevant to that age of children. Since they’re kids and they have no filters, they were very honest,” Matheny said.

The book teaches young readers by using the alphabet alongside engaging illustrations and providing opportunities for alumni to share their stories from UCA with future generations. Additionally, sales will help raise funding for future bears through the Kathy Carroll General Alumni Scholarship fund.

“This book provides a way for our alumni and friends to share UCA with the children in their lives. I hope this book will become a treasured item for families. When designing the book, we provided room in the front and back for people to share their campus memories,” Taylor said. “I hope we will inspire future Bears.”

The book was celebrated with a launch party on June 5, 2025, in Buffalo Alumni Hall. Bruce D. Bear autographed books for the children in attendance, and there were crafts, snacks and a reading performed by Miss UCA 2025 Tori Kiser.

It was officially released on August 5, 2025, and is currently available for purchase from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and the publisher, Mascot Books.

The new UCA Loyalty Society recognizes donors who have made gifts for three, 10, 20 or 30-plus consecutive years. Their generosity may vary in size, but their impact is steady and strong.

Meet four of our inaugural honorees whose stories capture the spirit of UCA — then, now and always.

30 Years

Jack ’77 and Ginny Bell ’75

Jack and Ginny first met at a Pi Kappa Alpha party while she was living in Carmichael Hall.

“I was back from basic training and looking for a date,” Jack laughs. “A friend said, ‘Call Ginny Rohlman.’ I did, and the rest is history.”

Ginny came to UCA on an academic scholarship in nursing. Jack, a Conway High football player, was recruited by Coach Raymond Bright and later returned to earn his master’s in school psychology.

Over the years, the Bells have served UCA through the Alumni Association, Purple Circle, Letterman’s Club and Public Appearances Council.

“We’re proud to support the university that shaped our lives,” they said. “51��¥ is a vital part of Conway and the state’s educational landscape. We’re honored to still be part of it.”

20 Years

Alex McDonald ’03

Alex’s path to UCA began with a football highlight reel. After a serious high school injury derailed his Division I offers, a UCA coach saw his tape and called.

“I found a place that gave me independence but still felt like home,” Alex said. “It’s where I learned who I wanted to be.”

A chemistry major and former football player, Alex threw himself into campus life — leading both the Student Orientation Staff and the Bear Den, a spirited fan group he helped start. Today, he supports both academics and athletics.

“I wasn’t setting up an endowment,” he said. “But I knew my small gift, combined with others, made a real impact. Two decades later, I’m proud to say I never stopped giving.”

10 Years

Marvin ’95 and Pearlie Williams ’03, ’11

Marvin and Pearlie met as students in the UCA gospel choir, the Ebony Singers. Today, they both work at UCA helping students find their way — just as they once did.

Marvin, now student success coordinator for the UCAN Program, says, “I love supporting students and seeing them come back from a setback.”

Pearlie, a longtime adviser and library staff member, adds, “It’s nice to hear a student say, ‘I feel like I’m going to make it.’ Everyone deserves a chance at an education.”

Together, they helped start and continue to support the UCA Food Pantry.

“It’s hard to study when you’re hungry,” Marvin said. “We wanted Bears to take care of Bears.”

3 Years

Cody Reaves ’20

For Cody, 51��¥ isn’t just home — it’s a family tradition.

Practically my entire family attended UCA,” he said. “My sister played softball here, my dad played football, my mom earned two degrees, and both grandparents graduated as well. I got my undergraduate degree elsewhere, but came back to UCA to get a better degree to cancel that out!”

As a graduate assistant softball coach while completing his MBA, Cody found his place on the field and in the classroom. Today, he’s part of UCA Athletics and supports the university through the Purple Circle and Alumni Association.

“Working in athletics, I focus most of my giving on our programs,” he said, “but I also like to give back to the areas that shaped me, including the Alumni Association and the College of Business.”

What started as one gift to the Purple Circle quickly became a habit of loyalty.

“I didn’t realize I’d been giving for three years until someone pointed it out,” he said. “It’s surreal to think back to that first gift, and now I oversee fundraising for that same program.”

He continued, “Being part of the Loyalty Society makes me even more motivated to give and to encourage others to do the same. Being a 51��¥ Bear is my most significant personal identifier and is a source of pride whenever I interact with other Bears and Sugar Bears out in the wild.”

OLD MAIN

Old Main was built in 1919 as the administration building for Arkansas’ first Normal School. It currently houses classrooms, the STEM Institute, offices, Minton Commuter College (MCC), UCA’s Office of Student Transitions and Ida Waldran Auditorium.

TORREYSON LIBRARY

Torreyson Library was originally housed in what is now known as Harrin Hall. Construction on the new Torreyson Library was completed in 1964 when UCA was called Arkansas State Teachers College. Today, Torreyson Library holds more than 290,000 books, 350,800 ebooks, 93,000 digital serials and 130 databases spanning diverse disciplines.

MCALISTER HALL

The first building to be built on UCA’s campus with assistance from President Roosevelt’s New Deal Program was McAlister Hall. Constructed in 1934, it first served as a women’s dormitory. McAlister Hall is one of eight campus buildings comprising UCA’s Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

HARRIN HALL

Harrin Hall, originally known as Torreyson Library, has the distinction of being the only building on campus initially constructed without the assistance of state or federal funds. It currently houses several departments including enrollment, financial aid, the registrar’s office and transfer services.

MANION HALL

Initially constructed in 1948, the Ben T. Laney Industrial Education building occupied the site that is now home to Manion Hall, built in 1994. It was originally known as Laney-Manion Hall until it was renamed Manion Hall in 2020 in recognition of the distinguished service of Jerald “Jerry” M. Manion to the university. Manion was the longest-serving professor in the history of UCA, having served at UCA for 49 years. Manion Hall is home to the chemistry department.

BARIDON HALL

Baridon Hall was constructed in 1940 during the Depression Era. It was known as the National Youth Administration Building. It was later named Baridon Hall after Ida Emilie Baridon Frauenthal. Following reconstruction in the 1990s, it now houses freshman students in the Exploration, Discovery, and Global Engagement (EDGE) Living Learning Community.

IRBY HALL

Irby Hall was originally constructed in 1949 as a training school for teachers and was named after UCA’s fourth president Nolen M. Irby. It was then demolished in 1992 and rebuilt in 1993. Today, it houses several departments within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

WINGO HALL

Wingo Hall was the most hurriedly built building on UCA’s campus. It was built in 1934, in less than five months, and was the first Public Works Administration project in the state to be completed and dedicated. It now serves as the UCA Administration building.

HARDING PLAZA

Harding Centennial Plaza was dedicated in 2005 as the result of a major gift by loyal 51��¥ alumni Rush ’76 and Linda Harding ’82. The plaza’s fountain and surrounding gardens make it a signature landmark, commemorating UCA’s centennial anniversary.