The Arkansas Alumni Association is proud to announce that the nomination period for the Class of 2018 Seniors of Significance is now open. In honor of the university's founding date of 1871, 71 outstanding graduating students will be selected. Nominations are currently being accepted from faculty, staff and students.

The Alumni Association is building on more than 50 years of recognizing two seniors with the Senior Honor Citation — the top award for graduating students. Over the past four years, the association expanded its recognition program by re-establishing the Razorback Classic tradition and honoring 10 male and 10 female students. The number of students reflects 1910, the year the Razorback became our mascot. In 2015, the final tier of students were added — 71 Seniors of Significance.

Selected students will be recognized at a ceremony and reception on December 1, 2017, and will receive a gold cord to wear at graduation. Additionally, they will be featured in the spring edition of Arkansas, the magazine exclusive to Alumni Association members, as well as in the 2018 Razorback yearbook. Finally, only these 71 seniors will be allowed to further apply for the final prestigious awards — the Razorback Classics and Senior Honor Citations — during the spring semester.

Applicants should be seniors who are graduating in December 2017, May 2018 or August 2018. Students will be judged based on academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and significant campus or community involvement.

Nominations can be submitted at www.arkansasalumni.org/SOSNomination. Nominations must be submitted by Oct. 18, 2017.

Complete applications should be submitted at www.arkansasalumni.org/SOSApplication. Applications must be submitted by Oct. 25, 2017 at noon. For additional information, please visit www.arkansasalumni.org/studentawards.