Cole Family Selected as the 2016 Family of the Year

provided by Cole family

The Cole Family of Conway is the 2016 Family of the Year

The 2016 Family of the Year has deep roots at the University of Arkansas. The Cole family of Conway, Arkansas was nominated by Madison Cole, a senior majoring in Biochemisty. The family will be honored during halftime of the Arkansas v. Texas State game during Family Weekend on Saturday, September 17. 

All four grandparents, all six aunts and uncles, Madison's brother and sister-in-law, and both parents earned degrees from the U of A, representing four academic colleges, three fraternities, four sororities, and numerous campus organizations. The Cole name is permanently enshrined on campus as Madison's great-grandfather, former athletic director George Cole, is memorialized in George Cole Field at Baum Stadium. The Cole family has been in section 115 on row 29 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium for almost 50 years!

During the Arkansas v. Texas State game the family will be presented with a framed print of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on the field, tickets to the game, as well as the PorkChop Package that includes entrance into various Family Weekend events. In addition, the family will enjoy breakfast with the ASG Executive Officers Saturday morning.

"The Associated Student Government is very excited to have the Cole Family as the 2016 Family of the Year," said Maggie Benton, ASG Vice President. "It is wonderful for a family like theirs to be recognized because of their deeply rooted Razorback pride and their dedication to their membership in the Razorback family through the years."

Madison Cole is a member of the Collegiate Razorback Foundation, Director of Alumni Relations for the Student Alumni Board, and president for Order of Omega honor society. Her brother Austin served as Associated Student Government secretary and established the first-ever Razorback Day of Prayer.

The Associated Student Government and Parent & Family Programs sponsor the annual Family of the Year. The Family of the Year represents the university as the model Razorback family. The model Razorback family exemplifies the Arkansas spirit and provides exceptional support for their students to succeed at the university. The difficult selection of the Honorary Family was tasked to a committee consisting of student leaders and staff from across the university. 

Madison said of her family, "They have helped to provide me with confidence in myself by pushing me to be an active participant and a leader on this campus.  They come to visit often and to support my roles on campus. That's what makes our family so close - our support in all areas that never ends."

Any questions should be referred to Maggie Benton, ASG Vice President at asgvp@uark.edu.

The Associated Student Government at the University of Arkansas is a student-led organization that acts as an organized voice for all students and strives to effectively represent student interest. More information can be found at asg.uark.edu.  For accommodations due to disability, please contact the Office of Student Activities, osa@uark.edu or call 479-575-5255.