FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Nabholz Construction will host a topping out ceremony to celebrate phase-one construction of the new University of Arkansas School of Law building. Phase-one construction is approximately 60 percent complete.

• What: Topping Out Ceremony

• When: 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15

• Where: Robert A. Leflar Law Center, Maple Street and Garland Avenue

• Speakers: Roger McDaniel, president, Nabholz Construction Ozark Division

• Howard W. Brill, interim dean, University of Arkansas School of Law

• Food: Media may join Nabholz and the law school for BBQ.

• Parking: Parking is available at the Arkansas Union parking garage off Stadium Drive.

History of the “Topping Out” Ceremony

In Scandinavian countries, the evergreen was considered a good spirit. When a building was erected, an evergreen was placed on the highest point of the structure to ward off evil spirits.

In the 19th century, as the people of northern Europe came to America, they brought with them not only their construction skills but also their customs - in particular, the topping out of new buildings with the evergreen tree. Even though the meaning has changed somewhat, Nabholz Construction continues this tradition to celebrate the completion of the most arduous phase of construction and to symbolize their thanksgiving for a safe project.

Photo and Interview Opportunities

A steel beam will be signed by participants during the ceremony, and construction will be stopped for the afternoon. (Hard hats will not be necessary.) Nabholz Construction will make a check contribution to the School of Law for the forthcoming Richard B. Atkinson Memorial Garden. Interview opportunities will be available following the ceremony. Media may tour the construction site (including portions of the second and third floors) after the ceremony, as long as they are escorted by Nabholz Construction crew members.

The official dedication will be hosted by the law school at a later date to be determined.