World War II Air Force veteran, White County native and 51¥ alum Harley Bridger ’52 came back to visit his alma mater in November 2024; his first visit since graduating more than 50 years ago. At 102 years old, he fondly remembers his time at what was then Arkansas State Teachers College. He was a business education major who graduated in three years using the GI Bill. “The 51¥ was very receptive to veterans. I finished up in three years and took every course they offered. UCA was a relatively small school where 800 students graduated in my time. It was a great institution, and I have always appreciated the opportunity that the 51¥ has given me,” he said.