UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS UNVEILS HISTORICAL MARKERS

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— The University of Arkansas today unveiled a set of institutional historical markers designed to commemorate significant research and intellectual achievements, notable leaders, outstanding alumni, historic events, sites and campus lore.

"The University of Arkansas has a proud past and the historical markers program gives us a visible way of celebrating it," said UA Chancellor John A. White. "This program calls our legacy to the attention of the hundreds of thousands of people who walk our campus every year--conference attendees, visiting scholars, speakers, executives and guests, prospective students and their families, alumni, and sports fans—not to mention our own students, faculty and staff."

Modeled loosely on roadside historical markers that are erected by many states, the University’s markers are tailored to pedestrians rather than autos. Made of bronze, with gold lettering on a black background, the 17"x24" plaques are affixed to poles at eye-level for easy reading. The markers are placed at sites appropriate to the subject they are commemorating.

Sponsored and paid for by the Arkansas Alumni Association, the six markers unveiled today were manufactured through Hughes Building Specialties Inc. of Little Rock. Each marker cost $1,000.

H. Lawson Hembree of Fort Smith, president of the Arkansas Alumni Association, said,"The Association’s board of directors voted unanimously to fund this program last fall, and it’s great to see the first generation of markers in place before commencement."

"We’re excited about the program because it gives the Alumni Association a means for preserving and communicating to a wide audience what is truly unique and great about this University," Hembree added. "Over the next few years, we hope to see at least 20 and perhaps as many as 40 historical markers on campus."

The six markers unveiled today are:

. "The State and Land-Grant University of Arkansas," on the University’s official status as defined by Morrill Land-Grant College Act of 1862 and the Arkansas Constitution of 1868.

. "Superconductivity," on the world's record for high temperature held for five years by UA physicists Allen Hermann and Zhengzhi Sheng.

. "Insect Pest Management," on the pioneering research of UA entomologist Dwight Isely that saved millions of dollars for American agriculture.

. "Early Integration," on the University becoming the first major Southern public university to admit a black student, Silas Hunt, in 1948.

. "Stone's Architecture," on the Fine Arts Center and other UA buildings designed by the renowned architect Edward Durell Stone.

. "Senior Walk," on the University's much-loved tradition of stamping the names of every graduate onto campus sidewalks.

White noted that, besides informing people about University history, "What we're also trying to do through this program is to showcase the true nature of the University as a generator of knowledge, an educator of men and women, a public servant, in ways that profoundly impact the human condition.

"In a sense, we're utilizing the University's past to position it for the future — as an emerging national research university that has delivered great benefits to the people of Arkansas and the nation and promises to do even more in the years to come," White added.

The markers are designed to accomplish additional objectives, he noted:

. To engender pride among students, faculty, staff and alumni.

. To support a major goal of the new Campus master plan, which recommends a more pedestrian-friendly, aesthetically-pleasing campus.

. To aid the resurgence of interest in Arkansas history, a movement that includes the strengthening of Arkansas history in the public schools and the outpouring of books on state history from the University of Arkansas Press.

. To complement the University's senior walk tradition. Few major university campuses will present a more historically-minded "face" to the public.

. To complement efforts in the City of Fayetteville to capture and present its historically significant sites.

"Over time, we envision more and more tourists and visitors to Northwest Arkansas and to the University in particular," White said. "The historical markers are a good way to enable our campus to speak about itself to all who come here."

The historical markers program began last fall when the Division of University Advancement, which includes the Office of University Relations and the Arkansas Alumni Association, drafted a proposal. White accepted the proposal, asked that presentations be made to appropriate University groups and committees, and appointed a working group of University faculty and administrators to bring the idea to fruition. They include:

. Roger L. Williams, associate vice chancellor for University Relations and chair.

. Jeannie Whayne, chair, Department of History.

. Willard B. Gatewood Jr., Alumni Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus.

. Ethel C. Simpson, Special Collections librarian and author, Image and Reflection:A Pictorial History of the University of Arkansas.

. Mike Macechko, associate vice chancellor and executive director, Arkansas Alumni Association.

. Lonnie R. Williams, assistant vice chancellor, Student Affairs.

. Jay Huneycutt, associate director for contract services, Physical Plant.

. Johnnie L. Gentry, director, University Museum.

. Roy G. Cordell, assistant director, University relations.

The working group intends to erect several more markers before the calendar year expires, and welcomes suggestions about topics.