FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Producers of a film about the University of Arkansas’ 150-year story want an overarching story built around the individual stories of students as well as alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university. Send them your story for consideration of inclusion in the project.

“We know every U of A student has a story, and I tell my journalism students those personal stories are the ones that resonate with viewers,” said Larry Foley, chair of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media and the film's producer. “We want students to send us short essays about their personal connection to the U of A, and how their time on campus shaped their lives. We want these essays to be focused and meaningful to each author."

The film, titled If This Walk Could Talk, will cover the university’s history, from its founding in 1871 and its first classes in 1872 through the creation of traditions such as Senior Walk and the Razorback mascot to today’s campus with a look forward as well.

Alumni John Cooper and Ben Goodwin, who both work in the Office of University Relations, will serve as associate producers and photographers for the film.

themes for the film

Foley hopes to build the film around several themes. Essays can be any length as long as they stay focused on one story. The student essays can start along the lines of any of the following themes:

• The first time I visited campus was...
• I decided to attend the U of A because...
• Memories of my days on campus...
• I remember a poignant memory when....
• A classmate who made a difference was...
• A teacher who shaped by life and direction...
• I remember a challenging moment when...
• I remember a funny time when…
• One of the stories that I hold close to my heart...
• My hopes for my school as we move forward are….

Send essays to editor@uark.edu for consideration in the film.

Alumni, faculty and staff are also invited to send in essays. Go to the alumni article here. Go to the faculty and staff article here.

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 3% of colleges and 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.