Loyalty Society: Celebrating Consistent Support

At the University of Central Arkansas, loyal giving builds the foundation for everything we do. Whether it’s 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 BT��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 BT��— 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 BT��on an academic scholarship in nursing. Jack, a Conway High football player, was recruited by Coach Raymond Bright and later returned to earn his master’s in school psychology.

Over the years, the Bells have served BT��through the Alumni Association, Purple Circle, Letterman’s Club and Public Appearances Council.

“We’re proud to support the university that shaped our lives,” they said. “BT��is a vital part of Conway and the state’s educational landscape. We’re honored to still be part of it.”

20 Years

Alex McDonald ’03

Alex’s path to BT��began with a football highlight reel. After a serious high school injury derailed his Division I offers, a BT��coach saw his tape and called.

“I found a place that gave me independence but still felt like home,” Alex said. “It’s 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 wasn’t setting up an endowment,” he said. “But I knew my small gift, combined with others, made a real impact. Two decades later, I’m proud to say I never stopped giving.”

10 Years

Marvin ’95 and Pearlie Williams ’03, ’11

Marvin and Pearlie met as students in the BT��gospel choir, the Ebony Singers. Today, they both work at BT��helping students find their way — just as they once did.

Marvin, now student success coordinator for the UCAN Program, says, “I love supporting students and seeing them come back from a setback.”

Pearlie, a longtime adviser and library staff member, adds, “It’s nice to hear a student say, ‘I feel like I’m going to make it.’ Everyone deserves a chance at an education.”

Together, they helped start and continue to support the BT��Food Pantry.

“It’s hard to study when you’re hungry,” Marvin said. “We wanted Bears to take care of Bears.”

3 Years

Cody Reaves ’20

For Cody, BT��isn’t just home — it’s a family tradition.

Practically my entire family attended UCA,” 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 BT��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, he’s part of BT��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 didn’t realize I’d been giving for three years until someone pointed it out,” he said. “It’s 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 BT��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.”

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