Campus Prepares for Centennial Birthday Party

Editor-in-Chief

   As time draws nearer to April 1, preparations for the university’s 100th birthday celebration have entered the final stages.

   Carrie Ashcraft, director of Alumni Affairs, said the celebration period will kick-off April 1 with an event to commemorate the signing of Act 100, the Bellemy Act. She said the act created four schools in Arkansas – Arkanas Technical University, Arkansas State University, Southern Arkansas University and the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

   UAM’s “100th birthday party” will take place at the amphitheater area behind the Visual and Performance Arts Center. The morning will include a cake cutting with entertainment provided by the Symphonic Band, under the direction of Instructor of Music John Webb. Ashcraft added the post office will stamp outgoing mail that day with the centennial stamp.

   “People in the community are really excited about this event,” Ashcraft said. "This is a one-time deal; you only turn 100 once."

   The celebration period is set from April 1 to Sept. 14 of 2010. On Sept. 14, 1910, the campus opened its doors for the first classes, according to Ashcraft. Departments and divisions around campus will also hold individual celebrations throughout the centennial celebration period.

   She said various things will take place throughout the centennial period, including normal campus events and partnering with community events, like the Hamburg Armadillo Festival.

   “These events will be ‘centennial infused,’” Ashcraft said. “It’s important to involve the community, along with faculty and students.”

   Ashcraft said she felt partnering with these community events was important to show the community how much the campus appreciates them.

   The planning process for the celebration has been a long one. Ashcraft said the initial committee of faculty, staff and students started meeting in late 2007. She said the Chancellor appointed students based on recommendations from faculty members. The initial group of 25 members brainstormed for celebration ideas, according to Ashcraft. She said a smaller group of faculty and administrators are now broken down into a smaller working groups.

   Manda Leftwich, a senior resident assistant, helped the initial committee by acting as a judge for the Centennial Slogan Contest. She said she felt it was important to be involved because it shows faculty and administration that students have opinions about important activities on campus.

"The administration is happy to know what ideas we have about our school and the best way to be heard is to take advantage of the proper moment and setting and to do it in a respectable manner," Leftwich said. "Instead of complaining and truly doing nothing to help I took a proactive approach."

  Ashcraft became the chairperson of the centennial committee after the Chancellor asked for help in planning the important event.

   “Dr. Lassiter was looking for folks and I stepped up,” Ashcraft said. “I’m so excited because this is really a great time for (the campus).”

   As a UAM graduate, Ashcraft’s involvement is more than a job - it’s personal. She said she feels special to be so involved with such a big milestone on campus.

   “It’s the biggest milestone I will ever see, that a lot of people will ever see,” Ashcraft said. “Words can’t express how great it is to be involved with such a great group.”

   Ashcraft said the 100th anniversary shows the campus’ longevity. She said its not only an important time to acknowledge the people who shaped the university, but a time to look forward to the next 100 years.

   Ashcraft hopes members of the community will also attend the April 1 celebration along with the campus. The committee will publicize the event through different means, including newspaper releases, emailing alumni and by using the UAM Alumni and Friends Facebook page.

   “You know, I used to be anti-Facebook,” Ashcraft said as she laughed. “It’s amazing how many fans we already have in just over a month.”

   Ashcraft wants students to get involved and plans to use Facebook for this as well.

   “We want (students) to be involved and help spread the word,” Ashcraft said.

   The committee has used the centennial slogan, created by Director of Media Services Jim Brewer, on “everything,” according to Ashcraft. She said the committee has used it many times on businesses’ marquees, banners, lampost signs and more.

   A time capsule will also help commemorate the centennial celebration. Ashcraft said the capsule will be buried toward the end of the celebration period. No plans have been finalized for items to put in the capsule. Ashcraft said the committee is open to suggestions from anyone regarding things it should include in the capsule.

   As the committee prepares to enter the celebration period for 100 years, Ashcraft said she hopes to see continued growth in the next 100.

   “I want to see the university keep with it’s mission of creating opportunity,” Ashcraft said. “I know that will continue for 100 more years.”

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