UCA to present Night of Distinction

University of Central Arkansas President and Mrs. Meadors along with the UCA Foundation and Alumni Association boards of directors are introducing a new tradition. On Saturday, May 14, the inaugural Night of Distinction gala will be hosted at the UCA Farris Center beginning at 7 p.m.

Much more than a black-tie affair featuring dinner and dancing, Night of Distinction is a celebration of the Alumni Association’s 100th anniversary.

Melvin “Ralph” Carruth Jr. (1975), associate director of engineering at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.

On this special evening, the university will recognize recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Award, as well as the Alumni Service Award, in front of about 600 special guests. Honorees of the evening include Melvin “Ralph” Carruth Jr. (1975), associate director of engineering at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center; the late Dr. Jefferson D. Farris, Jr. (1949), the sixth president of UCA and the second alumnus to rise to the helm; and Dr. Audie Lynch (1947), a retired “teacher of teachers,” former alumni association board member and longtime volunteer and supporter.

The event is also poised to raise enough money to complete the endowment of all Alumni Association scholarships. Six of the association’s 13 scholarships are not currently at the minimum $25,000 endowment level.
Special music entertainment will be presented by country music artist Lee Greenwood, as well as the Conway Jazz Orchestra.

A silent auction features a stunning one-carat diamond necklace, an original oil painting by Steve Griffith and a U.S. Space & Rocket Center experience with Distinguished Alumnus Ralph Carruth.

The event is nearly sold out, but a few tickets remain. Tickets may be purchased online at www.uca.edu/gala or by calling 501-852-2892.