FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The Arkansas Alumni Association is pivoting its focus this year and creating new and innovative programs to better connect and serve University of Arkansas alumni. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the new programs will focus on three initiatives: conversations on race, college spotlights and community outreach. 

The Alumni Town Hall Series: Conversations on Race will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m.  Chancellor Joe Steinmetz and Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion Yvette Murphy-Erby will lead the conversation and share with alumni the current actions taking place at the university to build a more inclusive campus. Registration for the event is available at the Arkansas Alumni website.

Additional events will include conversations with current students, discussions with alumni leaders, and an interactive session led by the University's IDEALs Institute.  

"We know there is much more work to be done to support our university in becoming a more inclusive campus," said Ron Rainey, National Alumni Board President.  "We want to listen to alumni concerns and learn more about the student experience to continue taking action that matters. We are listening to a number of issues that relate to experience on campus as a past or current student, and we believe it is important to stand with those concerns because the campus experience determines alumni pride." 

This week the association also launched a campus collaboration series, Arkansas Alumni Presents.  Colleges have been invited to host lunch and learns with students, faculty, and alumni as well as other virtual engagement events. 

Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences will be the first college spotlight and it will include an interactive session with the Razorback Band on Sept. 24 at noon. 

As the association works to bring the campus to alumni, it also recognizes the connection for many alumni in local businesses.  The association seeks to strengthen its long-standing perks partners program with a special Fall in Fayetteville partnership. To participate visit www.arkansasalumni.org/fif.  

The Arkansas Alumni Association will continue to update all events on its website and social media. The full schedule of college spotlights can be found at www.arkansasalumni.org/presents.