Halloween Carnival Begins – 1950

Initially held as a benefit for the athletic department, the Halloween Carnival became a popular annual event supported by many social clubs. The Battlecriers sponsored a kissing booth, the Zeta Phis ran a concession stand, the Phi Alpha fraternity ran a poker game, and the Sigma Taus held a dance.

This event continues today as the outdoor Fall-o-Ween, which features treats, games, costume contests, and booths hosted by student organizations.

Enrollment Growth – 1951-1952

As LRJC entered the 1950s, the college expanded rapidly to meet the community’s growing educational needs. In 1951, the college enrolled 457 daytime students and more than 700 students in its night school program, which became a vital resource for military veterans and working professionals.

During the 1951-52 academic year, total enrollment reached a then-record 1,356 students.

Businesses Pay Employees’ Tuition – 1951

Under President Davis’s leadership, LRJC focused on maintaining general education courses during the day with more practical courses in the evening classes. Davis believed that emphasizing practical courses “will be helpful to employers and employees in our business community.” Courses in accounting, commercial law, marketing, salesmanship, air conditioning, shorthand, and typing all reached record enrollments.

Additionally, several Little Rock businesses began paying the tuition of their employees who enrolled in courses related to their jobs. This strengthened LRJC’s partnership with the community. Today, ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock’s Corporate Partnerships Program offers educational benefits to employees of over 150 Arkansas organizations. 

Silver Anniversary Celebration – 1952

LRJC marked its 25th anniversary with a year-long celebration from May 1952 to May 1953. Festivities included special exhibits of student and faculty artwork, a series of theatrical productions, and colorful brochures mailed to alumni and local high school graduates. The yearlong celebration was an opportunity for the faculty and staff to promote LRJC’s achievements and call attention to the future needs of the college.

In the quarter century since its opening, LRJC saw 2,384 students graduate and an additional 9,667 enrolled. The anniversary allowed the college to build excitement for its future.

Changes in Athletics – 1955

The college board voted in December 1955 to discontinue varsity football, despite various efforts to keep the program running. Multiple factors contributed to the decision, including the lack of athletic scholarships, students leaving school to join the armed forces, rising support for the emerging University of Arkansas program, and financial challenges.

LRJC Becomes a Four-Year Institution – 1954-1957

Interest continued to grow in transforming LRJC into a four-year institution. President Davis met with the sophomore class to discuss the possibility, and the students were enthusiastic.

In 1954, members of the Little Rock School Board passed a resolution recommending that the school expand to a four-year senior college; however, the Donaghey Foundation believed this would be too expensive and was not in favor of the idea. The conflicting opinions of the two boards eventually led to President Davis’s resignation.

After several appearances in court and a decision by the Arkansas Supreme Court, the Donaghey Foundation and the college board held a joint meeting in May 1955 and appointed Little Rock business leader Gus Ottenheimer to chair a task force. The Ottenheimer Committee unanimously agreed that Little Rock needed a four-year collegiate program and that the community overwhelmingly supported this plan. Their final report recommended expanding LRJC to a four-year institution by 1961 and that the institution should be renamed to “George W. Donaghey College of Little Rock.” 

Two months later, the board elected Dr. Carey V. Stabler as the new LRJC president with an annual salary of $12,000. Stabler quickly worked with faculty on the new school structure, which included four schools and three degrees. On June 1, 1957, the college trustees voted to accept Stabler’s idea to officially name the institution Little Rock University.

First Class Graduates from LRU – 1959

Twenty-eight seniors became the first graduates of the new four-year institution in 1959. To distinguish them from the sophomores receiving junior college certificates in blue gowns, the seniors wore black robes with white collars. This ceremony marked the beginning of a new era for LRU.

Moving Forward

As we celebrate our Centennial, each decade’s moments of impact will be published monthly. Follow along as we explore the people, milestones, and moments that shaped ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock’s first century and continue to inspire its future.

The post Moments of Impact: 1950s appeared first on Centennial Campaign.

Civilian Pilot Training Program Begins – 1940s

On the eve of World War II, Little Rock Junior College joined the nation’s effort to prepare a new generation of pilots. The college was among the first Arkansas institutions selected for the Civilian Pilot Training Program, in part because of the aviation facilities at the nearby Adams Field airport, now known as the Clinton National Airport.

In the two-year program, students studied civil air regulations, air navigation, meteorology, and practical skills, including cross-country flying. Those who completed the training could earn a private pilot’s certificate. Because of government regulations, women were not allowed in the secondary course. 

By the early 1940s, the program had become an important part of the college’s wartime contribution, helping meet the nation’s growing need for trained pilots.

LRJC Adjusts Courses to Meet Wartime Needs – 1943

In 1943, Dean Brothers and President Larson recommended shortening the spring term by eliminating final exams in order to allow students to receive the maximum amount of college credit before entering the armed forces.

Faculty also voted to grant full credit to every student called into military service. Students and faculty participated in community service projects, such as assisting in charity drives, explaining the importance of rationing, and teaching first aid classes. A War Bond booth on campus, supported partly by the Battlecriers, helped raise more than $14,000 for the war. 

Postwar Enrollment Surges – 1946

After World War II, the GI Bill provided education benefits to returning veterans and brought a rush of students to LRJC. Enrollment leaped from 250 to 800 by fall 1946, prompting classes to be held six days a week and increasing the faculty from 22 to 45. The growth also led to the addition of five temporary buildings from Camp Robinson. The surge transformed LRJC and expanded its role in meeting the community’s postwar demand for higher education.

Additionally, student veterans actively promoted the concept of expanding the school into a four-year institution. They spoke to civic groups encouraging the community to develop a complete collegiate program. Their efforts helped encourage the momentum that eventually resulted in Little Rock University. 

LRJC Receives Land Donation for Permanent Campus – 1947

In 1947, Little Rock businessman and civic leader Raymond Rebsamen donated 80 acres along Hayes Street, now University Avenue, to LRJC for a permanent campus. In the fall term, school officials secured four temporary buildings that faced south on 32nd Street. By 1949, the campus had expanded to 12 semi-permanent buildings. 

The new campus fueled significant increases in enrollment, facilities, and academic programs. Rebsamen’s gift did more than provide a new campus; it gave the college the space and opportunity to grow.

In 2008, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock honored Rebsamen’s lasting impact by designating the site the Raymond Rebsamen Campus.

Alumni Association Supports $650,000 Campaign – 1948

During the 1940s, the LRJC Alumni Association became increasingly active in supporting the college. It published a newsletter to keep former students connected, supported memorial funds, and established the Shield of the Trojan award to recognize distinguished alumni at graduation. 

With LRJC’s move to Hayes Street, leadership faced the task of raising funds for permanent buildings. The newly created Little Rock Junior College Foundation, chaired by James H. Penick, launched the Permanent Home Campaign to finance the construction of a modern campus. At the time, the campaign was described as the “largest and most successful financial campaign that Little Rock had seen.” 

The community rallied behind the college, raising $650,000 through the efforts of corporations, alumni, and private citizens. The campaign enabled LRJC to build four modern facilities on its new campus in 1949, including two classroom buildings, a library, and a fieldhouse. 

The campaign not only provided LRJC with a permanent home but demonstrated the community’s investment in the college’s future. These efforts reflected growing alumni pride and support for LRJC.

Football Returns – 1947

In 1947, President John A. Larson and Coach James T. “Jimmy” Karam revived football after a decade-long absence. They realized the lack of a team had a negative impact on student morale. Soon after the announcement was made, t-shirts with the Trojan emblem became a top-selling item in the campus bookstore.

The Trojans quickly became a force, winning the Coffee Bowl in 1947.

Trojans Win Junior Rose Bowl – 1949

In 1949, the Trojans achieved an historic undefeated season winning ten straight games. The team was invited to play in the Junior Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA., the most prestigious postseason junior college game. The Trojans closed out their remarkable run by defeating Santa Ana Junior College, 25-19.

Led by Coach Karam in front of 50,000 people, the championship win brought widespread attention to LRJC and became a defining moment in Trojan athletics history. 

At a 2006 ceremony at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, surviving members of the 1949 Trojans finally received their Junior Rose Bowl championship rings. For reasons unknown, the players never received them after their victory.

Construction Begins on Larson Memorial Library – 1949

In November 1949, President Larson passed away just as the new campus neared completion. The trustees of the college immediately voted to name the new library in his honor, and construction began on the John A. Larson Memorial Library to anchor the new campus.

The innovative design of the library and two classroom buildings later drew national attention, earning LRJC a feature in the February 1952 issue of Progressive Architecture.

Moving Forward

As we celebrate our Centennial, each decade’s moments of impact will be published monthly.

Follow along as we explore the people, milestones, and moments that shaped ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock’s first century and continue to inspire its future.

The post Moments of Impact: 1940s appeared first on Centennial Campaign.

Inaugural Football Team – 1930

One of the more memorable moments of this decade was the creation of the football team. In 1930, Little Rock Junior College fielded its first football team after students pointed out that the college had one of the state’s largest freshman classes but no football program. Coached by chemistry instructor Kenneth Bird and recent college football player Johnny Estrada, the 14-member squad chose the name “Trojans” – a name that has remained the university’s athletic identity ever since.

Although the inaugural team lost all six games without scoring a point, football continued at the college for four more seasons before the program was discontinued in 1935.

First Homecoming – 1931

LRJC held its first homecoming celebration in November 1931, just weeks after the Trojans earned their first gridiron victory with a 13-12 win over El Dorado Junior College. Homecoming featured a special assembly, a parade through downtown Little Rock, a football game, and a dance.

School traditions continued to grow throughout the decade, including the adoption of the college’s alma mater in 1935. Written by Blanche Markham after winning a campus-wide contest sponsored by The Trojan, the song’s lyrics were:

Hail LRJC, Hail to thy name!
We’ll wave thy colors, Long sing thy fame!
Maroon and White forever! Loyal we’ll be;
Our Alma Mater, LRJC!

Campus Relocation – 1931

LRJC made its first campus relocation in 1931, moving from the second floor of Little Rock Senior High School (what is currently known as Central High), to the former Uriah M. Rose Grammar School at 13th and State. The new campus welcomed 425 students and gave the college its own identity, separate from its high school location.

Under the leadership of President John A. Larson, the college invested $10,000 in remodeling and equipment to prepare the campus for its growing student population. The total monthly utility bill was just $50 – a reminder of a very different era.

The Rise of Greek Life – 1932

As enrollment grew at LRJC, so did student life. The first Greek organizations took shape with the founding of the men’s fraternity Phi Alpha Beta. In 1932, the Battlecriers Club, initially created to support Trojan athletics, evolved into the college’s first sorority, Beta Chi. This local sorority formed the foundation for the Arkansas Beta chapter of Pi Beta Phi.

The Delta Kappa fraternity was also established this year, which sparked a spirited rivalry with Phi Alpha Beta. The Greek community continued to grow with the founding of the Tri Phi sorority in 1938, creating lasting traditions of Greek life leadership, service, and campus involvement that continue today.

Donaghey Week – 1932

A new campus tradition took root in 1932 with the celebration of Donaghey Week, an annual event created to honor former Arkansas Gov. George W. Donaghey and his generous endowment to LRJC. Built around the slogan, “Honor to Whom Honor is Due,” the first observance featured a box supper, a series of radio programs, special editions of the campus newspaper, and a luncheon in honor of Gov. and Mrs. Donaghey. Although the week’s activities changed over time, Donaghey Week remained a cherished tradition for nearly three decades. 

LRJC Receives Carnegie Corporation Grants – 1937 and 1938

In the fall of 1937, LRJC received a $6,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation to upgrade its library collection. The funds enabled the college to buy new books, expanding resources for students and faculty. As one of only 10 institutions chosen in this round of grants, this helped earn the college national recognition. The Carnegie Corporation continued its support the following year, awarding a $1,500 music set that included a phonograph and records.

LRJC Opens Peanut Butter Plant – 1938

During the Great Depression, Little Rock Junior College created a student-run peanut butter plant on 14th Street to help rural students afford college. The operation provided students with paid work and hands-on experience in scientific farming, production, and distribution. The program reflected the college’s commitment to practical education and supporting students during challenging times. The jars carried the slogan, “Build Arkansas – Use Jaycee Butter.” One year later, the plant relocated to Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Moving Forward

As we celebrate our Centennial, each decade’s moments of impact will be published monthly. Follow along as we explore the people, milestones, and moments that shaped ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock’s first century and continue to inspire its future.

The post Moments of Impact: 1930s appeared first on Centennial Campaign.

Little Rock Junior College is Founded – 1927

The history of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock begins in 1927 when John A. Larson had a goal to expand access to higher education in Arkansas’ capital city. Larson was the principal of Little Rock Senior High School, what later became Central High School, and he was determined to provide higher education opportunities in Little Rock after the college courses offered through the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville’s extension program were cancelled.

Despite limited funding, Little Rock Junior College opened on the second floor of Little Rock Senior High School. Larson was named LRJC’s first Dean and R.C. Hall, Superintendent of the Little Rock School District, served as the first President.

LRJC, affectionately nicknamed “Jaycee,” began with 100 students who paid $5 per semester hour and were taught by one full-time teacher, Lula B. Chase, and part-time teachers.

First Library Opens – 1927

Even in its earliest days, the college began investing in the resources needed to support its students. In 1927, LRJC established its first library with just over 1,400 books. The collection was initially housed in a repurposed storeroom before expanding into a former classroom. What began as a modest collection quickly became an important part of the college’s academic foundation. As the library expanded, Phyllis Perkins became the institution’s first librarian, helping shape one of LRJC’s earliest academic resources.

First Student-Newspaper Debuts – 1928

Student life quickly took shape as an important part of campus life. In 1928, students launched “The College Chatter,” a newspaper that not only connected the campus community but also helped strengthen it. Proceeds from newspaper sales helped purchase new books for the library, supporting its continued growth. The 2-cent two-column publication eventually grew alongside the institution and community it served, becoming a longstanding voice for students and an enduring aspect of campus life.

LRJC Earns Accreditation – 1929

In spring 1929, LRJC achieved a milestone of earning full accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools while also celebrating its first graduating class.

First Class Graduates – 1929

LRJC celebrated a pair of early milestones with its first graduating classes in 1928 and 1929. The inaugural class consisted of 12 graduates and commencement was held jointly with Little Rock Senior High School in 1928.

The following year, the college graduated the first students who had completed the institution’s full two-year program after enrolling when LRJC opened its doors. Together, these early graduates helped establish a foundation of academic achievement and institutional pride that would support the college’s continued growth in the years to come.

LRJC Receives $2 Million Gift – 1929

Momentum continued in 1929 when former Arkansas Gov. George W. Donaghey and his wife designated LRJC as the sole beneficiary of a $2 million trust – the largest gift ever made to an Arkansas educational institution at the time. Donaghey also appointed a board of trustees to administer the endowment.

Donaghey was a strong advocate for education and said, “I was convinced that no greater field for educational development exists anywhere that can be found right here in Little Rock.”

The gift not only gave LRJC the financial stability it needed, but it also put statewide attention on the College and gave its supporters optimism that the college would endure.

Enrollment Grows Nearly 200% – 1929

Donaghey’s transformative gift and LRJC’s accreditation helped propel enrollment. From fall 1928 to fall 1929, enrollment surged from 119 to 347 students. 

LRJC Offers Evening and Late-Afternoon Classes – 1929

To meet the demand of growing enrollment, LRJC introduced evening and late-afternoon classes for local school teachers seeking advanced credit. The classes soon attracted more than 140 students and demonstrated LRJC’s commitment to serving nontraditional students.

By the end of the decade, Little Rock Junior College had already begun laying the foundations of a thriving university: academic resources, student engagement, and a growing sense of community. Though still in its infancy, the college was building the groundwork for decades of growth.

Moving Forward

As we celebrate our Centennial, each decade’s moments of impact will be published monthly. Follow along as we explore the people, milestones, and moments that shaped ĚÇĐÄVlog´«Ă˝ Little Rock’s first century and continue to inspire its future.

The post Moments of Impact: 1920s appeared first on Centennial Campaign.