On April 10, more than 80 Razorbacks supported two funds from the Division of Student Affairs during the inaugural “One Day, One U of A” giving day, raising more than $10,000 for Meal Plan Scholarships and the UA Cares Student Emergency Fund! In just 24 hours, the U of A community came together in an extraordinary show of support, raising more than $180,000 through 823 gifts for 21 projects. Our two funds exceeded their goals, and we thank you for your support.
Speaking of support, the Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Campus Food Pantry recently expanded its offerings for clients due to a financial gift from Hellmann’s Walmart Team, iHeartMedia, and the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. The support from these groups allowed the pantry to install a new walk-in freezer so they can accept large donations of frozen products. The money also allowed the pantry to double the number of lockers where clients can pick up their food orders at any time, even when the pantry is closed.
Tatum Reiss, a senior communications major minoring in equine studies, was selected as the 2025 Queen of Carnival for the Rex Organization in New Orleans, one of the city’s most prestigious Carnival krewes. The Queen of Carnival reigns alongside the King of Carnival (Rex) during Mardi Gras festivities. Reiss grew up in New Orleans and has fond memories of watching the Rex parade. Her father served as King of Carnival in 2022, and she was excited to carry on her family’s legacy.
The Springtime of Youth concert festival has become a spring semester tradition, planned all year by the Headliner Concerts Committee in Student Involvement & Leadership. This year, the concert was held on Saturday, April 12, in the parking lot of Baum Stadium. Addie Jones, a senior from Harrison, Ark., is the chair of the student-led concerts committee. Addie gives us a first-person account of what it takes for the committee to make this huge concert event happen and looks to the future with some big changes coming next school year.
In the department highlight, we learn more about Student Involvement & Leadership (SIL). This department fosters an environment that encourages participation, empowers students through student organizations, offers diverse programming experiences, and provides leadership opportunities. From the Distinguished Lectures Committee and Headliner Concerts Committee to University Programs, staff and students in SIL create some of the best programming for students on campus.
In our staff Q&A, we learn more about Camille Jordan, assistant director for Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) in the Office of Student Involvement & Leadership. There are more than 400 RSOs on campus, and Camille helps ensure that those organizations know about resources and funding available to them. She also works to help students grow in their leadership roles within their organizations. When she’s not working, Camille loves fishing and farming.
I would love to hear from you! If you have questions about what you’ve read here or if you have ideas for stories you would like to see in this space, please email me at jbattje@uark.edu or give me a call at 479-575-5007.