UCA Night of Distinction

The University of Central Arkansas recently hosted its third annual Night of Distinction awards gala.

Dr. Joe Allison, a research fellow at Phillips 66, and Terry Pillow, CEO of Tommy Bahama Group, were honored as Distinguished Alumni at the event, held April 27 in the Farris Center on campus.

The gala evening also celebrated Patsy Minton Newton’s Alumni Service award and the naming of the UCA Honors College in honor of its founder, Dr. Norb Schedler.

Guests were treated to a “celebration concert” by the band Loose Ends.

Proceeds from the evening will support the $3 million Honors College Campaign that will support Travel Abroad Grants (TAG) and Undergraduate Research Grants for Education (URGE).

UCA President Tom Courtway (from left) with Distinguished Alum Dr. Joe D. Allison and Karen Sullards.

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.

UCA President Tom Courtway (from left) with 2013 Alumni Service Award recipient Patsy Minton Newton and Karen Sullards.