University of Arkansas graduates representing the 1950s through the 1990s and the father of a world champion duck caller who’s soon to be a Razorback were among the people we met in Stuttgart and Pine Bluff. We even met one alumnus who remembers when parking on campus was not a problem.
Stuttgart, Arkansas
Through the eyes of Catherine Baltz, Print Communications Coordinator for the Arkansas Alumni Association
Agriculture was the word of the day as we gathered at the El Canaveral Mexican Restaurant in Stuttgart. We were joined by Lalit Verma, interim dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, and Kellie Knight, director of development for Bumpers College. The Bumpers College staff who joined us are graduates from the college as well.
Dr. Verma provided us with a brief update on the Bumpers College, and we enjoyed a viewing of the video “The Razorback Family: Generations.”
Check out our Stuttgart photos on Flickr
Bill Free ’86 shared memories of his time as a Ag Business major, recalling professors like Max Meisch, whom he continued to see on a regular basis in a professional capacity in the years following graduation. Bill told us that his daughter, Shelby Free, will be attending the university this fall. She is the three-time women’s world champion duck caller.
The room filled with smiles and laughter as 90-year-old alumnus Seth Henry ‘50 entered the room and announced that he thought he might “find some old people there but you are all just kids.” Seth continued on to share that when he was a student on campus, he had a car, which was really very rare. He recalled only one other car that was regularly on campus and needless to say parking was not a problem. This latter sentiment was shared with a grin and following comment that the same could not be said for today.
Lunch concluded with more conversation and laughter. We look forward to seeing Shelby on campus this fall.
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Through the eyes of Angela Mosley Monts, Associate Director of the Arkansas Alumni Association
The Laurel House in Pine Bluff was filled with memories, joy and laughter. Alumni members and friends from the ‘50s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s gathered to hear the updates from the University of Arkansas and the Alumni Association.
Members and friends in attendance were Kelly Bryant ’94 BSCHE, Richard Bullard ’80 BA, Sharon Harris ’84 BSIE, Maxie Kizer ’79 BA, ’82 JD, Zachary Taylor ’76 BA, ’78 JD, Robert Wyatt ’95 JD, David Beck, Dr. Dewayne Goldmon ’85 BSA, ’87 MS, John Rush ’57 BA and Gene McKissic ’74 BA, ’76 JD.
Check out our Pine Bluff photos on Flickr
The group enjoyed the video, “The Razorback Family: Generations,” and cheered when they saw fellow student Cordia Harrington ’76 BSHE in the video. They were also pleased to know Earl Hill, a current student in the video, is from Pine Bluff.
The group also was pleased with the ratings the University of Arkansas School of Law has received being ranked 48 in the country and the standings the graduate engineering school has received for its 16th ranking in biological engineering and 26th in industrial engineering. The Sam M. Walton College of Business consistent ranking of 24th among the nation’s top public undergraduate business schools was also praised.
Come Share Your Stories With Us!
Do you have a story or campus memory you’d like to share with us and fellow alumni? Make plans to join us at one of our next Pride of Arkansas Tour Stops near you today or share your own story in the comments below if you live in one of the areas we have visited.
