Shortly before elevenses on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, the Department of English and Tolkien fans on campus gathered in Kimpel Hall to celebrate the shared birthdays of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins with a Second Breakfast spread that would have made the Old Took proud.
Organized by visiting assistant professor Jane Harris, the event featured rustic foods and drinks befitting of Shire-folk, in addition to some Tolkien-themed trivia games. There were costumed professors about as attendees celebrated the work of J.R.R. Tolkien and enjoyed a potluck and each other's shared company in a manner that would have made any Hobbit proud.
Overall, the event was a splendid celebration of two of the greatest Hobbits in Shire history, and the department looks forward to hosting their shared birthday again in the years to come.
For more information about the Department of English, which often offers courses that cover the work of Tolkien, check out the links below!
Contacts
Adam Pope, UGS director
Department of English
475-575-2286, arpope@uark.edu
Mandy McClendon, senior director of communications and marketing
Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences
479-575-2065, amcclend@uark.edu