On the third Thursday of April 2022, the lives of recently deceased members of the UCA community were honored at the first-ever “Forever a Bear” memorial.
Students, faculty, staff and retirees whose deaths occurred from December 25, 2020, to April 13, 2022, were recognized and honored at the event by family members, friends, colleagues and the campus community.
The purpose of this event was not only to recognize the fallen Bears but to also dedicate a memorial garden to those who the campus and community have lost.
The memorial garden is located around Ferguson Chapel in raised flower beds. The garden is named “Forever a Bear” memorial garden.
“This event is one day out of the whole year, but we thought ‘What could we do that showed the families, the friends, the loved ones of these forever Bears that they’re always in our hearts and in our minds?’ So we thought that a garden would be a really nice space and we like this place because it’s kind of in the heart of campus and people walk by it often and it’s easily accessible,” said Robin Williamson, Vice President of Student Affairs and co-coordinator of the memorial.
The memorial service was held at the amphitheater, right beside the chapel and the dedicated memorial garden during X-period on April 21. This event was the first of its kind and will become an annual event hosted on the third Thursday of April each year in the 1:40 – 2:30 p.m. time block.
During the service, the name of each fallen Bear was read aloud by respective members of the community. Student Government Association President Mya Hall shared the names of the students. Faculty Senate President Amber Wilson shared the names of faculty members. Staff Senate President Nadia Eslinger shared the names of current and retired staff members.
Following the reading of the names, the Old Main bells were rung three times — one for students, faculty, and staff. A short moment of silence was observed after the bells rang.
President Houston Davis opened the ceremony with a few short words about the forever Bears and gave thanks to all of the family and friends who were in attendance.
Davis said, “Our community is a strong one, just as our mascot, the Bear: powerful, resilient, and enduring. We will continue to move forward, but we will move forward honoring and upholding the memories and legacies of our lost colleagues and friends.”
Dean of Students Kelly Owens recited a poem titled “Remember Me.” Patricia Poulter, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Marvin Williams, Student Success Coordinator sang the Alma Mater.
At the end of the memorial ceremony, Williamson invited loved ones of the fallen Bears to take a flower from a large vase of 33 white roses, one for each forever Bear.
UCA alumni Amanda and Matthew Kelley attended the memorial together. Amanda took a rose in honor of her mother, Linda Horton. Horton worked in the Office of Candidate Services.
Amanda said, “This was really nice. We have a long family history at UCA. This event was very meaningful.”
Matthew and Amanda agreed that they would attend the Forever a Bear memorial ceremony in future years, as well as visit the memorial garden.
Matthew said, “It’s a great excuse to get back on campus.”
When the memorial ceremony concluded, friends and family migrated towards the memorial garden and took the time to visit with one another. The Ferguson Chapel was also open for anyone who wished to have more time to quietly reflect on the memorial.