Join our fellow out-of-state comrades as the Pride of Arkansas Tour crosses the state line into Texas. Although mingled amongst our SEC rivals, alumni & fans still hold true to their Razorback Pride & Spirit and are not afraid to show it.
Austin Kicks Off the Out-of-State Pride of Arkansas Tour
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Melissa and Angela spent half the day (Monday) driving to Dallas, Texas. Our first Pride of Arkansas destination was Austin. We personalized the Pride of Arkansas speech, reviewed notes and developed a strategy for our POA events in Texas.
Because there was an educational conference going on in the area and many of the hotels were full, we decided to stay south of Austin in San Marcos. This would also allow us to beat the traffic in the morning for an early start.
Pride of Arkansas Tour Photos on Flickr
The event was held at the Iron Cactus. We had 29 attendees including Kim Randle, director of Corporate & Foundation Relations for University Development. Brad Clutter did an outstanding job organizing this event. We had a private room and a wonderful Mexican buffet. Zack Campbell, a prospective student, was in attendance with his parents, a friend of Joe Armstrong.
The group also wanted details concerning the ice storm. Melissa had pictures she had taken and we showed the Chancellor’s video on the ice storm. We had alumni tell their stories about the 1977 ice storm. Wayne Hachenberg told about assisting a fellow student with sculpting a Razorback on the lawn of Old Main facing Arkansas Avenue.
We also asked alumni to share their favorite memories of the University. The alumni shared memories of their favorite football and basketball games played in Austin between UA and Louisville, the UA winning shot with U.S. Reed shooting the ball with his half court heave with one second left which gave the Razorbacks a 74-73 victory over defending national champions Louisville in the second round of the 1981 NCAA Tournament.
Greek Life in San Antonio
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
We spent the next day in San Antonio. Acenar Restaurant was the location for the Pride of Arkansas Tour. The restaurant’s service was awesome. We had nine alumni join us for dinner. The evening was filled with talks about ADPi, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Sigma Nu and Phi Delta Theta. The ladies shared stories about being serenaded, girls having curfews and only going on dates on Friday and Saturdays. One sneaked out the dorm to play bridge with her now husband. We appreciate the stories told by the Baber (Raymond and Janet) wives (they are married to two brothers, Thomas and Gary.).
Pride of Arkansas Tour Photos on Flickr
The oldest alumnus was John Ray. He graduated in 1949. He is the first UA graduate from his hometown of Montrose, Arkansas. He is now a widow but told stories about how he met his wife of 55 years and the wonderful four daughters he has. Although they are graduates from the University of Texas, he is holding out for his grandchildren to be Razorbacks.
He has never seen his name on Senior Walk. Angela will take a picture of his name and e-mail it to him. Ray wants to frame the picture to show it to his family. We called the Hogs and Acenar will never be the same after that thunderous call.
Alumni of All Generations Enjoy Houston
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Randy Gillespie (Houston Chapter President) and Sean Gentry (Young Alumni) met Angela and Melissa for lunch at the Red Onion in Houston. Randy and Sean give Melissa and Angela great ideas for engaging and interacting with alumni.
The group reconvened at 5:30 p.m. for Happy Hour at Churrasco. The event started off as a Happy Hour at 5:30 p.m. and the POA started at 6 p.m. Melissa give an overview about the ice storm, Drive for 35, volunteering opportunities and a call to action for all alumni. There were 30 alumni and friends in attendance. Angela, Melissa and Kim Randle represented the University. The group enjoyed the Beacon of Hope video. Kim also gave a short speech on UA Development.
Pride of Arkansas Tour Photos on Flickr
Alumni in the room represented every generation. It was fun to watch and see how they interacted with each other. We had traditional, baby boomers, Generations X and Y. Alumni enjoyed the video, introduced themselves to each other, networked and enjoyed a great evening. This was our most diverse and interactive crowd. Alumni appreciated having the opportunity to talk and share their experience with other alumni.
Last Stop in Texas, Longview
Friday, February 6, 2009
Tired, exhausted but full of memories, laughter, fun and stories Angela and Melissa will always cherish. They are now off to Longview, the last event of their Texas Pride of Arkansas Tour.
Melissa and Angela had lunch with Joe Hill, Longview Chapter president. Joe had arranged our evening meal at Johnny Cace’s Restaurant. We had seven alumni in attendance. The majority of the alumni knew each other. The group listened to the presentation but their focus was on athletics. They had great Razorback coach and player stories to tell and many of the stories were based on Razorback sporting events with the majority of the alumni in the room engaging with each other. The Crains had some fascinating stories to tell about Coach Nutt and they still keep in contact with him. They are friends with Coach Nutt until Arkansas plays Ole Miss and the friendship continues as long as the Razorbacks win.
We would love to hear what you thought about the Pride of Arkansas Tour!
Leave us a comment below and let us know how we can help keep you connected to the University of Arkansas.
It was a pleasure having y’all visit our fine Alumni Chapter in Austin.
I’m proud to see our attendance was proportionately higher than Houston. Go Brad…
I’ll have to dig up that Razorback Snow sculpture to go with your story line.
Sooiiee PIG
“Wild HOG” Wayne
BSEE ’79