Planning Underway for University's 150th Anniversary Celebration

Courtesy of the Arkansas Alumni Association

When alumni celebrated the 50th anniversary of the university's first day of classes back in 1922, they spelled out "U of A" on the lawn in front of Old Main. Plans are starting for the university's 150th anniversary in 2021 and ending on the anniversary of the first day of classes in January 2022.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Planning is underway for the University of Arkansas' 150th anniversary celebration to be held during calendar year 2021. A Sesquicentennial Planning Team has been appointed to lead the effort with help from 10 specialized working groups representing alumni and students, faculty and staff from across campus.

"We will celebrate this milestone and have some fun along the way but more importantly, I think our sesquicentennial is an opportunity to reinforce our mission and value, highlight our past achievements and current work, and look forward to what our institution should be in the future," said Chancellor Joe Steinmetz.

The campus community and other university stakeholders are encouraged to submit ideas for sesquicentennial events and activities as soon as possible to allow for sufficient time for review, approval and implementation. Submissions will be reviewed and prioritized by the working groups before going to the Sesquicentennial Planning Team for consideration and approval.

The Sesquicentennial Planning Team

• Ann Catherine Jouett, co-chair, director of advancement strategy and campaign, University Advancement
• Mark Rushing, co-chair, assistant vice chancellor for University Relations
• Deb Euculano, senior associate director for alumni events, Arkansas Alumni Association
• Dan Ferritor, chancellor emeritus
• Larry Foley, professor and chair of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media
• Bill Kincaid, associate general counsel
• Amy Linimon, director of donor engagement
• Yvette Murphy-Erby, professor and vice chancellor for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion
• Mark Power, vice chancellor for University Advancement 
• Charles Robinson, professor and vice chancellor for the Division of Student Affairs
• Amy Schlesing, executive director of strategic communications, University Relations
• Kevin Trainor, senior associate athletic director/public relations, Razorback Athletics

A student representative or representatives will be added to the team this fall.

Ten working groups will also contribute ideas for the anniversary and then help vet the ideas submitted from across campus. Each working group is focusing on a different part of the larger planning process:

• University History
• Premiere Events
• Speakers and Forums
• Special Publications and Editorial Focus
• Special Video and Digital Projects
• Specialized Engagement
• Engagement Through Partnerships and Sponsorships
• Inclusion
• Razorback Spirit
• Communicating and Branding

More information about the planning team and process is available online at 150planning.uark.edu. Questions about the sesquicentennial should be directed to 150@uark.edu.

The year-long commemoration will begin Jan. 1, 2021, building momentum to the university's "Founders' Day" anniversary in March 2021, continuing through the fall semester and ending in early 2022. A celebration of the 150th anniversary of the university's first day of classes on January 22, 2022, will mark the sesquicentennial's official conclusion.

Chancellor Steinmetz speaks to members of the sesquicentennial planning team at a June meeting.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 2.7 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.