As the out-of-state leg of the third week of the 2010 Pride of Arkansas Tour wrapped up in Tulsa, Okla., the in-state staff team continues their travels in southern Arkansas. No matter where we go, though, we are meeting many alumni who are proudly passing on the family legacy of receiving a diploma from the University of Arkansas to their children.
Do you have a story or campus memory you’d like to share with us and fellow alumni? Share your own story in the comments below if you live in one of the areas we have visited.
Magnolia, Arkansas
Through the eyes of Melissa Bowen, Assistant Director of the Arkansas Alumni Association
Steve Nipper, president and CEO of BancorpSouth, welcomed alumni and friends to a reception celebrating achievements of the University of Arkansas. Steve is also president-elect of the Arkansas Alumni Association’s Board of Directors.
Check out our Magnolia photos on Flickr
The alumni and staff who attended the Pride of Arkansas Tour lunch in Magnolia shared stories from The Hill. Laura Crowell ’96, ’97 told of her 16 relatives who all have their names engraved in Senior Walk. Dr. Scott Boaz ’52, ’64, a former Razorback cheerleader, led the group in Calling the Hogs.
Camden, Arkansas
Through the eyes of Melissa Bowen, Assistant Director of the Arkansas Alumni Association
James and Patty Woods welcomed the alumni association staff and alumni to their Camden restaurant, The River Woods. During the reception, a handful of alumni shared stories of their time on The Hill. Many told of younger relatives who are currently attending the University of Arkansas.
Check out our Camden photos on Flickr
The Woodses served an amazing spread of salmon, shrimp, fruit and desserts as guests watched the high river flow next to the banks. Jennifer Duncan ’03, senior director for the Office of Admissions, answered questions for alumni about prospective family members interested in attending the university.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Through the eyes of Heath Bowman, Student Programs Coordinator for the Arkansas Alumni Association
Razorback spirit came sweeping down the Plain as the Pride of Arkansas Tour arrived in Tulsa, Okla. The first to arrive was Britt Embry, an architect from the Tulsa area who has worked on numerous public school projects in Oklahoma and Arkansas, including a proposal for Fayetteville High School and a bid for the University of Arkansas Master Plan.
Britt was soon joined by Deanna Rocha and her longtime friend, Sherry Bass. Deanna and Sherry have a long-standing friendship, stemming from their time as classmates at Siloam Springs High School. After their high school graduation, they packed up and headed to The Hill as roommates in Futrall Hall. Deanna is now an accountant in the Tulsa area, and Sherry has more than 30 years of teaching experience in the Broken Arrow School District.
Check out our Tulsa photos on Flickr
Kristine and Mick Walsh were also in attendance. The Walshes have a son who is a sophomore at the University of Arkansas. Mick’s keen eye even caught the daughter of a family friend, also attending the university, who was an unsuspecting “star” in our video! It has long been acknowledged that our best recruiters are alumni and that certainly proved true with Kristine. During the course of our discussion, she was delighted to learn of the recent success enjoyed by the Hospitality and Restaurant Management program at the University of Arkansas. She informed us that her friend, a fellow University of Arkansas grad, has a son who has been looking at another university for such a program. Now that she knows what a reputable program we have in Fayetteville, she is hopeful that he will end up in cardinal and white.
Rounding out our Tulsa contingent was loyal Razorback Don Walker, the president and CEO of Arvest Bank Group, and Robert Babcock, who is looking forward to bringing his teenage son to northwest Arkansas for a tour of campus during the ‘Red Carpet Day’ legacy program on April 24.
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.
