by Sam Giudice, alumni communications intern
Sara Bland Burnett graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in communications. She is a life member, A+, of the Arkansas Alumni Association and recently shared some thoughts with us about the university and the association.
While faced with initial trepidation regarding selecting her future career, Burnett said that she picked the U of A due to “the range of opportunities at Arkansas. I wasn’t sure about a major when I started, and I was thankful for the variety of cocurricular experiences and classes that the U of A offered. I also loved all the school traditions! I am pleased that the school continues to grow and evolve, and I appreciate the value of different perspectives from professors and students from all backgrounds and experiences.”
After settling on a major in communications, Burnett was able to make “lifelong friends and wonderful memories. We grew up together and our friends support each other during both good and challenging times. I appreciate the depth of connections with other Arkansas alums – it is easy to establish a connection with someone who is a fellow Arkansas graduate, no matter their graduation year. They are always willing to make a connection or help however they can.” Not only was Burnett able to create deep bonds with her cohort, but she also “really enjoyed my communication classes, and those experiences helped me determine my career path. I am also thankful I got involved on campus in a variety of ways,” she said. For example, she became a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma during her time on campus. “Being involved with campus activities was a wonderful way to broaden my horizons and experiences – Sylvia Scott and Tammy Hedges, were always so warm and welcoming. I keep up with both still today! The programming on campus was excellent then, and they are still doing a great job of connecting with students today,” Burnett said.
When reminiscing about her favorite moment on campus, Burnett spoke fondly of Old Main. It had undergone a long renovation and was reopened during her first year as a student. She recalls “specifically checking to make sure I got to take a class there right after it opened. I used to give campus tours and enjoyed sharing the history of that building. I still love catching a glimpse of it through the trees in town and seeing it and the entire campus over the mountain as I’m driving into Fayetteville.” Burnett’s time at the U of A remains deeply ingrained with her as a member of the association which she says has “helped me stay informed about all the things happening at the University and to watch the growth happening on campus when I can’t be there as often as I’d like. I enjoy connecting and reconnecting with other Arkansas alums and developing both personal and professional relationships.”
Burnett has made the U of A a family legacy. Her oldest daughter now attends the U of A as a double major in political science and communications.
