08/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/27/2024 07:59
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is excited to welcome the campus community and the public to a special dedication ceremony marking the completion of a major transformative campus improvement project.
Set for 4 p.m. Oct. 8, the ceremony will highlight the Trojan Way Project, a series of campus improvement and renovation projects funded by a generous grant from the Donaghey Foundation and other donors. These include a new north to south promenade across campus and the newly revitalized Ottenheimer Library Plaza, and spaces which have significantly enhanced the university landscape by providing vibrant new places for the campus community to gather, study, and connect.
"The Library Plaza portion of the project revitalizes the heart of campus with an outdoor bistro-style landscape with trees, plantings, ample seating, and an outdoor stage," UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale said. "The Trojan Way is an engaging new environment that is welcoming and attractive, and supports a strong sense of campus community. With the new Trojan Way, we are recreating the Trojan spirit."
The ceremony will begin at the North Terminus of Trojan Way, given in memory of John A. Riggs Jr. by the Riggs Benevolent Fund. The ceremony will then move toward the stage in front of Ottenheimer Library, given in honor of the George W. Donaghey Foundation Board of Trustees by an anonymous donor. Guests will be entertained with musical performances by the Trojan Pep Band and the Rodney Block Collective.
Chancellor Drale, Donaghey Foundation President Greg Flesher, Alumni Board of Directors President Rhonda Aaron, and Student Government Association President An Le will share the Donaghey Foundation's vision of the Trojan Way Project, recognize those involved with the project, and talk about what it means for students and the campus community.
The ceremony will honor the efforts that have transformed the campus, creating vibrant new spaces that foster connectivity, accessibility, and a more welcoming environment for students, faculty, and visitors. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the beautifully redesigned areas and appreciate the university's commitment to continuous improvement. Refreshments will be served.
"I'm thrilled to invite you to the Trojan Way Dedication Ceremony," Le said. "We've put in a lot of hard work, and I can't wait for you to see the incredible changes on campus. The new outdoor seating and walkway have quickly become some of my favorite spots. I look forward to sharing them with you and invite you to take a stroll along campus to see the changes for yourself"
The Trojan Way Project is a part of UA Little Rock's Centennial Campaign efforts to improve the university's living and learning environment, ensuring that students learn in an environment that meets their needs and has the latest innovation and technology. Find out more by visiting ualr.edu/centennial.
"One of the ways that we invest in the wellbeing of our students is to improve the quality of our living and learning environment," Chancellor Drale said. "We've made these improvements in a variety of ways across campus, but the Trojan Way project was an opportunity to transform the campus experience on a large scale and in a way that would impact every student."