Community Events

BT��Hosts 2016 Leaders of the World Conference

The University of Central Arkansas Division of International Engagement hosted the annual Leaders of the World Conference from Wednesday, Nov. 16 to Friday, Nov. 18.

The keynote address, art lecture and moderated conversations were free and open to the public.

The first day of the conference began with a keynote address from His Excellency Diabaté Daouda, Ambassador of the Ivory Coast on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. and an evening multimedia presentation on Nobel laureate poet Octavio Paz by Gregorio Luke in Reynolds Performance Hall at 7 p.m.

The Leaders of the World 2016 included speakers such as Greg Williams of Nabholz Corporation, Faulkner County Judge Jim Baker, Ray Montgomery of Unity Health and Phyllis Dickerson from Little Rock Mayor’s Office.

Discussion topics spanned technology, rural health, fine arts and changing dynamics in Cuba.

The conference ended with a keynote address from Juana Acosta López, director of the Law Program at the University of Sabana in Chía, Colombia on Friday, Nov. 18 at 12:30 p.m. Juana Acosta discussed the ongoing peace talks in Colombia.

All events were part of International Education Week and programs were developed to ensure the campus and community had the opportunity to interact directly with international leaders that included his Excellency Diabaté Daouda from Ivory Coast and the Honorable Consul Rodolfo Quilantan-Arenas from Mexico.

Leaders of the World promotes international collaboration opportunities in education, business, governance, and community development. Through moderated conversations, workshops and keynotes, leaders across the globe develop long-term relationships and skills.

To see a full listing of events for the Leaders of the World Conference, visit /leadersoftheworld/

UCA’s Got Talent Show Serves As Donation Drive

The BT��Bear Essentials Food Pantry and BT��Rotaract International Club joined to host UCA’s Got Talent! The talent show served as a donation drive, and as a place to witness many talented students on campus.

UCA’s Got Talent took place on Thursday, Nov. 10th at 6:30 pm in Ida Waldran Auditorium. Audience members were asked to bring a donation item (nonperishable food, clothing, books, cash, etc.) to watch the show. This event not only benefited BT��Bear Essentials Food Pantry, but also supported foster children in Conway under DHS Division of Children and Family Services, and children abroad through Operation Christmas Child.

BT��Celebrates Veterans Day; Honors Fallen Veterans With Monument Dedication

The University of Central Arkansas installed a War Memorial at the north end of McAlister Hall on the campus.

The War Memorial was dedicated during UCA’s 19th Annual Veterans Day celebration on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 1:40 p.m. on the McAlister Hall Lawn.

Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin was the keynote speaker. Griffin has served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 20 years, was deployed to Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

The War Memorial includes the names of fallen BT��alumni from World War I, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Somalia and Global War on Terror. BT��dedicated a memorial to World War II alumni in 2003. The War Memorial is approximately 60 percent larger than the World War II Memorial to accommodate alumni who may perish in future wars.

“It is fitting and proper that we honor our alums who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us. With this memorial and the World War II memorial, we now have all of our alums listed,” said BT��President Tom Courtway. “While we pray and hope additional names will never be added, there is room to do so. We, as a community, are very grateful and proud as we dedicate this memorial.”

The black granite War Memorial is nearly seven feet tall, when the base is included, and seven feet wide. It weighs approximately 7,000 pounds, not including the base. It is illuminated with lights each night.

“On the north side is the name of the memorial and the emblems of the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Jimmy Bryant, director of Archives and university historian. “On the other side, the south, are the names of the wars/hostile actions and the names of BT��alumni who died in those wars and hostile actions.”

BT��also held its annual Veterans Day Celebration.

BT��will always honor and recognize the individuals that sacrifice so much for our great country.

NLRPD Officer Tommy Norman Lectures At UCA’s College of Business

The African/American Studies Program (AFAM) Students Society and the Honors College hosted a talk by Officer Tommy Norman of the North Little Rock Police Department Thursday, November 3 at the College of Business from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Officer Norman is highly acclaimed due to his work with the community. He has won tremendous praise for his dedication to connecting with inner city youth in an effort to bridge the gap through trust and respect. His motto is: “the more time you spend outside of your police car, the bigger the difference you’ll make!”

BT��Welcomes Houston Davis as 11th President

The University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees has named Dr. Houston D. Davis as the 11th president.

President Tom Courtway welcomed Dr. Houston Davis to UCA.

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