Sesquicentennial Filmmakers Seek Stories From Faculty and Staff on the Hill

A post card from about 1910 shows Old Main towering above the countryside.

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

"We know faculty and staff members have wonderful stories about the university, and I teach 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 faculty and staff to send us short essays about their personal connection to the U of A, and how their time on campus shaped their careers and 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 faculty and student essays can start along the lines of any of the following themes:

• The first year on campus seemed like...
• Memories of my days on campus...
• I remember a poignant moment when....
• A colleague who made a difference was...
• A student who surprised me was...
• I remember a challenging moment when...
• I remember the funny time when…
• My hopes for the university as we move forward are….

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

Students, alumni and friends of the university are also invited to send in essays. Go to the alumni article here. Go to the student 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.