News

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SANDS OF TIME: AN EVENING OF MEMORABLE IMPRESSIONS

By Judy Normand/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Saturday, February 21, 2009 11:12 PM CST

The 22nd annual Chancellor’s Benefit for the Arts was attended Saturday by hundreds who gathered to celebrate “Footprints in the Sands of Time: An Evening of Memorable Impressions.” The benefit was dedicated to the late Velma Louise Dalton Gilbert and Dr. Clifton Orr, two who faithfully served the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in various capacities for many years.

A packed house Saturday night at the Chancellor's Benefit for the arts. Pine Bluff Commercial/Ralph Fitzgerald

The elegant, black-tie affair at the Pine Bluff Convention Center shows support for UAPB’s arts and cultural programs. Dr. Mary Benjamin, vice chancellor for academic affairs at the university, served as the evening’s mistress of ceremonies and put the banquet’s theme in perspective.

“This is simply a great opportunity for UAPB to reflect on our progress and to celebrate the people who support us and have left their ‘footprints’ at the university over the years. It’s a wonderful fundraising event for UAPB and in support of the arts,” Benjamin said.

Henri Linton, one of the benefit’s founders, said the theme actually was chosen before the concepts for the evening were finalized, which included a silent auction with offerings from area artists, including Linton.

“We had the theme and then built on it, one idea at a time,” he said, adding that, in spite of economic conditions, the benefit has consistently drawn large crowds who enjoy the delicious food, great entertainment and interaction with others who recognize UAPB’s positive influence and impact on Pine Bluff and Southeast Arkansas.

“And where else in Pine Bluff can you attend something like this?” he asked.

UAPB’s Jazz Ensemble provided the entertainment under the guidance of Darryl Evans, assistant director of bands at UAPB, soloist Dovie Burl and Ameria Jones, an accomplished visual artist.

“Heroes and heroines” were recognized during the evening for their work “behind the scenes,” including Bunia Baxter, Dr. Lina Godfrey and Lugene Jasper. Special recognition was given to Gladys Turner-Finney, John Smith and Torii and Katrina Hunter. Cornell Scott and Neal Blakely were recognized posthumously.

The Rev. Dr. James Bell, a retired professor at UAPB, said he was happy to be a part of the celebration.

“It’s a special honor to share this evening with friends, former co-workers and classmates at such an important occasion,” Bell said. “I’m especially glad because, although I’ve been retired for 16 years, I can still have this special feeling about the activities at UAPB.”

Chancellor Lawrence A. Davis Jr. said he’d been involved in the benefit’s planning since its beginning and that the event had always been a very important fundraiser for the university. He said the support is there every year.

“I was not chancellor when it began — I’ve been chancellor for 18 years, and we’ve held the benefit for 22 years now — but I’ve helped plan it from the beginning,” he said. “It’s a wonderful event for the university, and we’re grateful that people continue to support us by attending each year.”

Tommy May, chairman and chief executive officer at Simmons First National Bank, attended and supported the chancellor’s comments by saying the event was “always good.”

Print this story   |   Email this story