As the Pride of Arkansas Tour drove through the winter wonderland that is between Harrison and Mountain Home with its opaque morning skyline, rocky grags and abundant wildlife, the true beauty of the state of Arkansas was realized.

From the hilltop of Mountain Home to the Delta of Jonesboro to San Antonio, Texas, with each passing mile our excitement for the Pride of Arkansas Tour increases.

Mountain Home, Arkansas
Through the eyes of Elizabeth Underwood, Associate Director of the Arkansas Alumni Association

Many of our alumni joined us for lunch at Big Creek Country Club and shared their University of Arkansas stories with us. In attendance was Van Gearhart (who shares a close physical resemblance to his brother, Chancellor Dave Gearhart) and 20 of his fellow community members. Jerry Litty shared one of his fond memories of living on campus. He was an RA in Holcombe Hall during a snowstorm in Northwest Arkansas. Jerry and one of his friends, who happened to own a Chevy Luv pick-up, decided to go four-wheelin’ in the snow on campus. After searching the campus, they landed, literally, on the steps and lawn of Old Main doing donuts in his friend’s Chevy Luv pick-up truck.


Check out our Mountain Home photos on Flickr

Randy Flanagin, who happens to be the father of our own Scott Flanigan (Director of Communications for the University of Arkansas Division of Student Affairs and producer of the video we showcased) shared his story with us. Randy started out at Arkansas Tech and then transferred to the University of Arkansas. Both Randy and his wife Neilla were beginning their life together as parents to a 3-year-old and a newborn while residing at Carlson Terrace, the apartments for married adults on the campus of the University of Arkansas. Neilla postponed her education to be a full-time mom to her young children, and Randy pursued on to finish his master’s degree. Neilla was eventually able to return to school and finished her degree in ’91.

Jonesboro, Arkansas
Through the eyes of Elizabeth Underwood, Associate Director of the Arkansas Alumni Association

Gene Roebuck, one of the former 25 Little Pigs, shared with us that he played tackle for the Razorbacks football team from 1955 – 1959. He is also a proud member of the Letterman’s Club. Belinda Ferguson is another former athlete who joined us. She ran on the track team.

Virginia Cox, one of our newest members of the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors, joined us for the reception. After the reception, Virginia was anxious to get home to watch the Razorback basketball team play. Her son, Stephen, is a walk-on this year for the Razorbacks.


Check out the Jonesboro photos on Flickr

Both Belinda and Virginia have boys who will be freshmen this fall at the university.

Another future Razorback, Mollie Price and her father, former University of Arkansas Band member, Val Price also joined us for the reception. Val is now a board member of the Razorback Band Alumni Society and a successful attorney in Jonesboro.

We ended the evening with our recollection of where our names are on Senior Walk, and Lonnie Williams shared with us that his name is on Senior Walk four times!

San Antonio, Texas
Through the eyes of Carolyn Baltz, Assistant Director of the Arkansas Alumni Association

What do you get when you put Kappas, military men, Razorback fans and supporters together?  The some of wonderful people we visited with in San Antonio.

Our event began at 6 p.m. on the north side of San Antonio at Carino’s. Margaret Legault greeted our Pride of Arkansas van and was bursting with enthusiasm about our arrival, the event and the progress the San Antonio Regional Razorbacks have made toward becoming a chapter. The Babers welcomed us and couldn’t wait to hear about what was going on at the University of Arkansas. Conley and Charlotte Meredith joined us and served as excellent hosts for us for the evening and saved us from another night in a hotel.


Check out our San Antonio photos on Flickr

We were happy to see Johnny Ray, who graduated earlier than any other alumni we visited in Texas – 1949. He had one request, and we hope to fulfill it. We promised to put a good word in to our magazine editor to get the San Antonio group in ARKANSAS magazine. We noticed a trend in this group, as we went around the room to talk about where everyone’s name is on Senior Walk, and we all shared our University of Arkansas memories. We found there were four Kappa Kappa Gammas who did not know each other until that evening. And almost all of the men at the event had served or were serving in the military. This highlights the power of the Razorback Family ties and continues to keep our pride overflowing from city to city.

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.