UCA pulled out all the stops to make the April 8 total solar eclipse a defining day for Conway, and its efforts resulted in a refreshing community gathering that was so perfect it may have been written in the stars. 

Gayle Seymour, an associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, played a major role in curating the events.

She planned Barkanalia, a dog-friendly viewing party, found an ensemble for the silent film “Voyage dans la Lune” and inspired the creation of LUNA, a 25-foot inflatable eclipse superhero modeled after a woman of color. 

Seymour’s dedication to combining fun and excellence touched the hearts of thousands, whether they realized it or not. 

However, the day was only possible with the work of local artists and vendors.

Morton Brown, an independent art consultant and educator at Robert Morris University in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, delicately designed LUNA, an impressive moth-like superhero standing boldly on the moon, serving a thumbs up. 

According to an article from The Echo, Brown got to work on devising the inflatable icon after a discussion with Seymour about the eclipse events’ needs. 

NASA astrophysicist Amber Straughn discussed her work on the James Webb telescope and explained how it has expanded scientists’ understanding of galaxies’ complexities to an audience at the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts on April 7. 

She was a deputy project scientist for the James Webb telescope, and she helped capture visuals of the Carina Nebula’s cliffs with it.

UCA students and the Conway community should be proud to see an Arkansas native making significant scientific strides; people from Florida even traveled to hear her enlightening talk.

Professor Blake Tyson and his nine students performed Tyson’s new score during the “Voyage dans la Lune” screening, a 1902 classic silent film, at the Windgate Center on April 7.

LUNA stood tall and proud at Barkanalia on the College of Business lawn, where admirers could snag a photo op. 

Barkanalia boasted lawn games, a dog kissing booth, live music and dog adoptions. 

A crew of mostly UCA professors also shot a scene from the film “Road Trip to Totality,” amplifying the event’s novelty and giving dogs an acting debut. 

President Houston Davis even channeled his inner canine in a poem about seeking shade from the sun, using the typewriter at The Vortex’s booth.

The event’s wholesome pet-inclusive concept, the level of excitement in every corner and Davis’ presence proved why planning ahead and planning with intention always pays off.

Locals, newcomers, students and literal dogs got to experience the eclipse’s glory together after a long day of snacks and play. 

The Estes Stadium viewing party was at the center of UCA’s galaxy of events.

Vendors and campus RSOs peppered Bruce Street and offered a dazzling selection of food, merchandise and activities.

Visitors at the Green Bear Coalition booth could hold Speckles, a speckled king snake, as they watched NASA TV from the stadium’s big screen or listened to eclipsed-themed music like the song “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler.

The eclipse reminded the world that humans are mere specks in space, but UCA showed its students that community is what counts.