19 Feb 2015 UCA plans Night of Distinction at Arkansas Governor's Mansion

The University of Central Arkansas has a special venue planned for its fifth annual Night of Distinction.

This year’s gala will be held 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock.

Three individuals will be honored at the event: Distinguished Alumni Award recipients Dr. Kofi Boahene ‘94 and Faith A. Fields ‘75,’88, and Alumni Service Award winner Dr. Herman B. Ellis ‘59.

“In celebrating our Night of Distinction’s fifth year, we are honored to move the event to the Governor’s Mansion,” said Shelley Mehl, vice president for UCA Advancement and president of the UCA Foundation. ”Our 2015 award winners exemplify UCA’s commitment and reputation as a regional leader in health science graduates.”

Boahene is an associate professor of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology head and neck surgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute in Baltimore. His practice encompasses the entire spectrum of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, including cosmetic procedures, corrective surgery for congenital facial defects, facial paralysis, open and endoscopic minimally invasive skull base surgery, microsurgery, reconstruction of cancer patients and extensive post-traumatic deformities.

Fields significantly advanced the nursing profession through improved systems, communication and regulatory updates during her long and fulfilling nursing career. Upon graduation from UCA in 1975, Fields spent several years working in the areas of critical care, education, long-term care and nursing administration. She retired as executive director of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and currently serves as the nurse residency program coordinator at Conway Regional Medical Center.

Ellis is a lifetime member of the UCA Alumni Association (UCAAA). He retired from the U.S. Army Dental Corp in 1992. Ellis has been an active volunteer for the UCAAA for many years and served as vice president of the board in 2008. He chaired the Class of 1959 Reunion Committee and was inducted into the Half-Century Club in 2009.

Brad Lacy, chairman of the UCA Board of Trustees, will serve as the emcee. Proceeds from the gala benefit student scholarships.

Top sponsors include 501 LIFE, Conway Regional Health System, Crews & Associates/Linda and Rush Harding and Nabholz Construction. Additional corporate sponsorships are available.

For more information, visit uca.edu/gala or call 501.450.3421.