19 Jul 2021 Topping out ceremony for UCA Windgate Center

The University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees and President Houston Davis will host a topping out ceremony for the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts at noon, July 29, at the corner of Bruce Street and Donaghey Avenue.

Beginning at 11:30, attendees may include their signature on the topping out beam and enjoy a cookout with hot dogs and hamburgers courtesy of Baldwin & Shell Construction Co.

In addition to Davis, speakers include Kay Hinkle, chair of the UCA Board of Trustees; Mary Bane Lackie, vice president for University Advancement; and Scott Copas, president and CEO of Baldwin & Shell.

The event is part of the university’s $100 million comprehensive fundraising campaign, UCA Now: Impact Arkansas and Beyond. Go to uca.edu/now to learn how to help transform the university and communities for generations to come – one student at a time.

The university broke ground on the facility in October. Upon completion, the new Windgate facility will provide almost 100,000 square feet of much-needed classroom, studio, and rehearsal and design spaces.

The topping out ceremony dates back to Scandinavian or Viking tradition to mark a milestone in construction. An evergreen tree is placed at the topmost part of the framework or skeleton of a building to commemorate the successful construction of the building.