U of A Trailblazers to be Honored at Portraits of Progress Event This Fall

"The university’s sesquicentennial isn’t just about the last 150 years," Vice Chancellor for the Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Yvette Murphy-Erby said. "It’s about the trailblazers, dreams achieved and progress that has been made in that time. As we recognize the U of A’s sesquicentennial, we also celebrate the many figures in our history who moved the university forward to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive campus." 

Originally scheduled for the spring, the event has been moved to Friday, Sept. 9, at the Walton Arts Center, with a reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. Those interested in attending or with questions about the event should email engage@uark.edu. Portraits of Progress is hosted by the sesquicentennial planning group and the inclusion working group.

One of the university's best known trailblazers is Silas Hunt, a native of Texarkana and veteran of World War II. He became the first African American student to attend a major public university in the South when he was admitted to the U of A School of Law on Feb. 2, 1948. To honor Hunt, the university created the Silas Hunt Legacy Awards Celebration, first awarded in 2006. The event recognizes individuals and organizations that have had a significant impact on the U of A and the state – just as Hunt did.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.