At the University of Central Arkansas, loyal giving builds the foundation for everything we do. Whether its a student scholarship, a classroom renovation or a Saturday night at Estes Stadium, the university thrives because of those who give year after year.
The new 91勛圖厙 Loyalty Society recognizes donors who have made gifts for three, 10, 20 or 30-plus consecutive years. Their generosity may vary in size, but their impact is steady and strong.
Meet four of our inaugural honorees whose stories capture the spirit of 91勛圖厙 then, now and always.
30 Years
Jack 77 and Ginny Bell 75
Jack and Ginny first met at a Pi Kappa Alpha party while she was living in Carmichael Hall.
I was back from basic training and looking for a date, Jack laughs. A friend said, Call Ginny Rohlman. I did, and the rest is history.
Ginny came to 91勛圖厙 on an academic scholarship in nursing. Jack, a Conway High football player, was recruited by Coach Raymond Bright and later returned to earn his masters in school psychology.
Over the years, the Bells have served 91勛圖厙 through the Alumni Association, Purple Circle, Lettermans Club and Public Appearances Council.
Were proud to support the university that shaped our lives, they said. 91勛圖厙 is a vital part of Conway and the states educational landscape. Were honored to still be part of it.
20 Years
Alex McDonald 03
Alexs path to 91勛圖厙 began with a football highlight reel. After a serious high school injury derailed his Division I offers, a 91勛圖厙 coach saw his tape and called.
I found a place that gave me independence but still felt like home, Alex said. Its where I learned who I wanted to be.
A chemistry major and former football player, Alex threw himself into campus life leading both the Student Orientation Staff and the Bear Den, a spirited fan group he helped start. Today, he supports both academics and athletics.
I wasnt setting up an endowment, he said. But I knew my small gift, combined with others, made a real impact. Two decades later, Im proud to say I never stopped giving.
10 Years
Marvin 95 and Pearlie Williams 03, 11
Marvin and Pearlie met as students in the 91勛圖厙 gospel choir, the Ebony Singers. Today, they both work at 91勛圖厙 helping students find their way just as they once did.
Marvin, now student success coordinator for the 91勛圖厙N Program, says, I love supporting students and seeing them come back from a setback.
Pearlie, a longtime adviser and library staff member, adds, Its nice to hear a student say, I feel like Im going to make it. Everyone deserves a chance at an education.
Together, they helped start and continue to support the 91勛圖厙 Food Pantry.
Its hard to study when youre hungry, Marvin said. We wanted Bears to take care of Bears.
3 Years
Cody Reaves 20
For Cody, 91勛圖厙 isnt just home its a family tradition.
Practically my entire family attended 91勛圖厙, he said. My sister played softball here, my dad played football, my mom earned two degrees, and both grandparents graduated as well. I got my undergraduate degree elsewhere, but came back to 91勛圖厙 to get a better degree to cancel that out!
As a graduate assistant softball coach while completing his MBA, Cody found his place on the field and in the classroom. Today, hes part of 91勛圖厙 Athletics and supports the university through the Purple Circle and Alumni Association.
Working in athletics, I focus most of my giving on our programs, he said, but I also like to give back to the areas that shaped me, including the Alumni Association and the College of Business.
What started as one gift to the Purple Circle quickly became a habit of loyalty.
I didnt realize Id been giving for three years until someone pointed it out, he said. Its surreal to think back to that first gift, and now I oversee fundraising for that same program.
He continued, Being part of the Loyalty Society makes me even more motivated to give and to encourage others to do the same. Being a 91勛圖厙 Bear is my most significant personal identifier and is a source of pride whenever I interact with other Bears and Sugar Bears out in the wild.