The campus community is invited to join Chancellor Charles Robinson and other university leaders from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, at the Arkansas Union as they celebrate the university’s founding 153 years ago.

This celebration will offer an opportunity for the community to come together and not only commemorate the university’s birthday, but also to recognize the many successes of students, faculty and staff who have contributed to a record enrollment, retention rates and research success. 

The celebration will take place at the Arkansas Union mall with giveaways, cake and snacks for everyone in attendance. In the event of rain, the celebration will move indoors into the Union living room. 

Earlier this semester, the U of A announced record fall-to-spring retention rates, with 95% of full-time degree-seeking new freshmen that began the academic year in fall 2023 returning for the spring 2024 semester.

The increases and record rates come as the university continues to emphasize its commitment to its land-grant mission including student success as one of the pillars of the 150 Forward Strategic Plan.  

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 few 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 and Economic Development News.