FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas campus community is invited to celebrate the public launch of the university’s capital campaign, Campaign Arkansas, beginning Sept. 15. The three-day celebration begins with a free performance by the legendary Commodores and concludes on Sept. 17 with the announcement of the campaign’s fundraising goal and the Razorbacks’ football game versus Texas State.

Campaign Arkansas seeks to continue the university’s transformation started by the billon-dollar Campaign for the Twenty-First Century, as private gift support continues to be critically important to enhancing the academic opportunities available to faculty, staff and students. Campaign Arkansas will support academic and need-based scholarships, technology enhancements, new and renovated facilities, undergraduate, graduate and faculty research, study abroad opportunities and other innovative programs.

The campaign will benefit the entire university and its launch is a campuswide partnership. 

“Prior to my arrival in January, Campaign Arkansas was well underway in the ‘quiet phase,’” said University of Arkansas Chancellor Joe Steinmetz. “Following months of planning and preparation, the launch is designed to generate excitement and build momentum moving into the ‘public phase’ of the campaign. As I learned more about the plans for the kickoff celebration, I wanted to ensure that the events were inclusive of the whole campus community – students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.

“Our commitment to fundraising is critical to the future of the University of Arkansas,” Steinmetz said. “As we wrap up our campus planning process, the significance of the campaign will take shape to help advance some signature initiatives.”  

THE KICKOFF EVENTS

Commodores Concert: 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, East Baum Stadium Parking Lot (Gates open at 6 p.m.)

In recognition of the launch of Campaign Arkansas, the Arkansas Alumni Association presents a concert featuring Grammy Award-winning artists, The Commodores, known for hits, such as “Three Times a Lady,” “Easy” and “Brick House.” 

The outdoor concert is open to the public. University of Arkansas faculty, staff and students, alumni, parents and family members of students in town for the annual Family Weekend are also invited.

Tickets may be picked up at the Arkansas Union from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 13 and 14. Will Call at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House will be from 3-5 p.m. Sept. 14 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 15. There will also be a Will Call tent at the concert.

Trey O’Dell, a senior in the Sam M. Walton College of Business and a former contestant on NBC’s The Voice, will open the show with a 20-minute set at 7:15 p.m.  O’Dell has written a song, “Arkansas for Life” specifically for the launch of Campaign Arkansas. He will perform it publicly for the first time at the concert. 

“Arkansas for Life” will be available to download from iTunes starting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. One hundred percent of the university’s proceeds from the download will go toward student scholarships.

The concert will kick off the Arkansas Alumni Association’s newest membership drive, Arkansas Everywhere, as well as launch the capital campaign.

“The Arkansas Everywhere membership drive is meant to encourage our vast network of alumni and friends to join or renew their membership,” said Brandy Cox, executive director of Arkansas Alumni Association. “It’s also a chance to remind faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends that they can join the Alumni Association through an annual or life membership.”

Five dollars of every annual membership and $50 of every life membership is dedicated to need-based scholarships.

Alumni are also invited to share why they love being graduates of the University of Arkansas through photos and videos both before and after the event. To participate, tag the Arkansas Alumni Association in social media posts and use the hashtag #ArkansasEverywhere.

Campaign Arkansas Gala: 7. p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, Bud Walton Arena

Volunteers, students and representatives of university faculty and staff will gather in Bud Walton Arena for a reception, dinner and program, with a theme of “Arkansas for the Ages,” as the university celebrates the multi-generational impact it has had on students, alumni, faculty and friends. Excerpts of the performances and stories shared throughout the evening will be available for public viewing after the event. 

Dedication of Fowler House Garden and Conservatory: 3:30 p.m. Sept. 17, Wallace W. and Jama M. Fowler House Chancellor’s Residence 

In 2014, the Fowlers pledged $2.93 million for the second construction phase of the residence, which allowed the university to expand Fowler House’s capacity for hospitality. The Garden and Conservatory is a separate structure designed to hold large seated dinners, faculty receptions, meetings and other campus events hosted by the chancellor.

Arkansas vs. Texas State Game Festivities: 6:30 p.m. Sept 17, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium

During the first quarter of the Arkansas vs. Texas State game, a short video will be shown to celebrate the launch of the campaign. A music video for Trey O’Dell’s song, “Arkansas for Life,” will be shown at halftime.

Share the fun. Those attending the Arkansas vs. Texas State game are encouraged to watch for the Campaign Arkansas launch video that will run during the first quarter break, and those who do not attend the game can watch for the launch video on the university’s primary Facebook page. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends are encouraged to show their excitement for the campaign by posting the giving opportunities that mean the most to them and tagging them with #CampaignArkansas.