FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas has proven to the rest of the Southeastern Conference that its young alumni are loyal and supportive. The SEC Graduates Of the Last Decade (GOLD) Challenge, which celebrated the close of its first year on June 30, ranks schools by percentage of participation, signifying that no gift is too small to make a difference. The University of Arkansas finished in a second-place tie with Auburn University, while the University of Florida claimed the first-place position.

Susan Neyman, director of annual programs and gift services at the University of Arkansas, said: “The first year of the GOLD Challenge was an enlightening experience. We always knew our young alumni were proud of their alma mater and dedicated to supporting the university’s future. This competition has helped us to solidify what we already knew was true. Razorbacks are proud. Razorbacks are loyal. We hope to take Florida by storm this coming year.”

Earlier this year, directors of annual giving from several of the competing SEC schools joined together on the UA campus to discuss their progress in the challenge. The schools shared ideas as well as some playful competition.

Talking about her school’s first-year finish, Sharon Awtry, director of annual giving for the Auburn University Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be ranked in second place after the first year. Ending up neck and neck, or 'Paw to Tusk,' with the Razorbacks was an unexpected surprise ending. Throughout the year, that potential outcome never crossed our minds. It does create an extra incentive for our young alums to get even more excited in the current SEC Challenge year so the Tigers are on top!"

As the competition heats up for year two, alumni, faculty, students and staff can monitor the University of Arkansas’ progress by visiting http://gold.uark.edu.