Bumpers College Dean Kicks off Centennial Celebration

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Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Dean Greg Weidemann of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas kicked off the college's centennial celebration Thursday during a reception in the Arkansas Union. An exhibit on the history of Bumpers College unveiled at the reception is now on display in the atrium of the Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences Building. The centennial party included the cutting of a 100th birthday cake and 100 peals of the William and JoElla Toller Celebration Bell at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House.

Weidemann said the college was formally established in 1905 with 10 students and two full-time faculty members.

"This year the college enrolled nearly 1,200 undergraduates and over 340 graduate students served by more than 160 faculty," Weidemann said. "Over the 100 years of our existence, nearly 12,000 graduates have had their names inscribed on senior walk."

Other centennial events will include a fall lecture series and a time capsule to be placed in the Agriculture Building. Details will be announced on a special centennial Web site at http://bumpers100.uark.edu. The celebration will conclude with a "Party of the Century" gala set for Dec. 3 at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center to include distinguished speakers, a banquet and entertainment.