FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding this year after more than a year of planning. The sesquicentennial celebration will feature a number of interactive events for the entire campus community in 2021 and 2022 including the fall kick off event, Come as You Arkansas.

Come as You Arkansas will take place on Sept. 10, 2021, and will be an all-day event in a progressive style and open to all who wish to attend – from alumni to new visitors, families, faculty and staff. Events will be occurring in a variety of buildings, outdoor spaces and venues throughout the day and will celebrate the U of A’s unique traditions while highlighting its mission, vision, history and future. 

“Our sesquicentennial marks an important milestone in the university’s history,” Chancellor Joe Steinmetz said. “For the last 150 years, our campus has grown exponentially, provided educational opportunities to more than 200,000 graduates, and provided tremendous positive impacts to Arkansas, our nation and the world. The Come as You Arkansas event will showcase many of those accomplishments and give us a glimpse of what the future has in store for our campus.”

There will be campus-wide gatherings throughout the day as attendees walk through campus, learning from students, faculty and staff about the university’s innovative ideas, research and far-reaching impact. 

Attendees are encouraged to come as they are – comfy and casual with Razorback attire encouraged but not required. 

If you are a member of our campus community and would like to submit an idea or activity to showcase, more information will be available in the coming days.

SESQUICENTENNIAL SCHEDULE

Prior to 2020, many of the 150th anniversary celebrations were expected to occur in spring 2021. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the schedule of events has been extended into Spring 2022 to allow for more in-person activities and also mark the 150th anniversary of the first day of classes on campus.

A wide range of events and activities are planned to help commemorate the university’s sesquicentennial year. Information on upcoming events and ways to stay engaged can be found on the 150th website:

Spring/Summer 2021 

• Virtual celebration of the university’s founding – March 27, 2021. Become a social media ambassador – Social Hog – and help make the day special.
• Sesquicentennial merchandise becomes available.
• Spring commencement ceremonies. 

Fall 2021

• Come As You Arkansas campus and community celebration officially kicks off fall sesquicentennial season – Sept. 10, 2021.
• Innovative, engaging series of HogTalks (TedTalk-like presentations focused on the impacts of students, faculty and alumni) launches online 
• Portraits of Progress Celebration – Oct. 22, 2021.
  • A special celebration of Silas Hunt and others who made a difference in helping the U of A become more diverse and inclusive.
• Sesquicentennial Homecoming Activities.
• Arkansas corn maze designs that celebrate the 150th while reinforcing the university’s agricultural roots. 
• Expanded, sesquicentennial edition of Arkansas magazine highlighting the university’s impact over the years and the transformative events underway that will help shape the university’s next 150 years.
• Fall commencement ceremonies.

Spring 2022

• Celebration of the 150th anniversary of the U of A’s First Day of Classes. 
• Open House for the new Student Success Center. 
• Premiere of the If This Walk Could Talk documentary, connecting the university’s past to its present through stories from Senior Walk
• Legislative Day at the State Capitol. 
• Founders Day Event recognizing academic and faculty achievements through the university’s history.
• History Walks featuring architecture, historical events and markers and other similar themes. 
• Expanded Chancellor’s Bus Tour across the state.

Other university sesquicentennial activities are also being planned or considered in addition to the many annual campus activities, events and forums that will have a sesquicentennial feel in 2021-22. Colleges, schools, units and other groups on campus are also scheduling activities and events for the 150th celebration. Information about these events will be included in the calendar of events and sesquicentennial website. 

A Sesquicentennial Planning Team and 10 specialized Working Groups continue to lead the planning effort for this important university milestone. Questions and feedback can be addressed to 150@uark.edu. 

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 U of A 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.