24 Oct 2016 UCA holds grand openings

The University of Central Arkansas hosted two grand openings and unveiled Otis the bear, the latest art installation on campus, all during Homecoming 2016.

Donaghey Hall and the Conway Corporation Center for Sciences both had a Grand Opening celebration Saturday, Oct. 22.

Donaghey Hall is the mixed-use 67,500-square-foot, four-story building at the intersection of Bruce Street and Donaghey Avenue. The building includes 165 beds of residential space on the three upper floors and commercial space on the first level.

Students moved into the space in August. Retailers that have opened or will open include Blue Sail Coffee, Mosaique Bistro and Grill, Marble Slab Creamery, Uncle T’s Deli Market and Chainwheel.

As part of the grand opening for Donaghey Hall, Otis the bear was unveiled to the community. Introduced by sculptor and university professor Bryan Massey, “Otis” now hangs from the side of Donaghey Hall. The stainless steel replica is 15 feet long and weighs approximately 2,000 pounds.

After the Donaghey Hall grand opening, a parade of approximately 200 people, including members of the University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees, President Tom Courtway, faculty, staff, cheerleaders and well-wishers, marched with the band down Bruce Street to the Conway Corporation Center for Sciences grand opening.

The Conway Corporation Center for Sciences is an extension to the Lewis Science Center and was made possible in part by a Conway Corporation $3-million gift.

The project design includes a 50,000-square-foot-addition that will provide state-of-the-art laboratories and scientific facilities for students and a 100-seat digital planetarium.

The design also includes a lobby display that shows the significance between Conway Corporation and higher education in Conway.

Students will begin using the facility in January.