20 Jun 2012 UCA hosts Night of Distinction

The University of Central Arkansas recently hosted the second annual Night of Distinction awards gala.

Five hundred special guests dined on filet mignon and crab cake and were treated to memorable entertainment by Hall of Fame songwriter Wayland Holyfield, Broadway baritone Lawrence Hamilton, acclaimed soprano Suzanne Banister and a pair of selections by the Central Arkansas Children’s Choir.

The elegant evening honored 2012 Distinguished Alumni Sen. Stanley Russ and the late James Bridges along with Alumni Service Award recipient Karen Sullards. 

The evening’s proceeds, including a $150,000 grant from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council, will help with the ongoing restoration of the Ida Waldran Auditorium, now in its 75th year.  

The university launched Night of Distinction in 2011 and intends for it to serve as an annual celebration of the relationship the campus enjoys with its alumni and friends, a time to recognize alumni and their significant accomplishments and as a fundraiser for a top campus priority.

501 LIFE was a major sponsor of the event.