3 years ago
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The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is celebrating its 100th year.
Thursday, the school is kicked off its centennial with a group photo of 12,000 students. Students were given purple T-shirts and told to stand on the football stadium to make out a 100. The picture was taken from high above the press box.
There are many other events planned for this centennial celebration. (See link for events.)
UCA student Lisa Porterfield says, "It's UCA's birthday, so they want to celebrate and get as many students involved as possible and just get everybody excited and spend the whole year celebrating."
UCA began 100 years ago when a group of Conway businessmen pitched to the state Legislature that they had enough land and money for what would be called normal school. UCA President Lu Hardin says they've made a tremendous transition over the years.
Hardin says, "It started in 1907 as normal, later became a teachers? college to train teachers. Now, we have doctorates, dozens of graduate programs, even 3,000 health sciences majors."
Looking to the next 100 years, UCA has a new College of Business building, nursing building and new education building.
"100 years from today, the goal here will remain emphasizing the student is first,? Hardin says. ?Helping that student graduate and have a better future and a better life.?
Click the THVideo icon to watch Melissa Dunbar's report from UCA.
