Classes haven’t started yet, but UALR staff and faculty enjoyed an extended weekend after a winter storm dumped about 6-8 inches of snow on central Arkansas.

I walked around campus taking some photos, and found a surprising number of folks enjoying the winter wonderland.

Bertha Smith and Jason Norgaar thought these conditions were just right for a good size snowman.

Bertha, who is studying studio art, and Jason, a chemistry major, made the most of this (by Arkansas standards) unusual amount of snow.

I asked if their snowman deserved a name, and after some discussion, he… or she… was dubbed “Jackie.” Clearly a trendy dresser, maybe Jackie Sn”O”w would be a fitting tribute to another fashion icon.

As far as style goes, the UALR campus is always beautiful, but never more so than when it’s wearing white.

More photos are available on our Flickr page.

Also worth noting, our office used a new method of communicating about inclement weather. The alert system allows us to send voice and text messaging to users subscribed to the system. If you haven’t already, you might want to sign up for this service and be the first to receive UALR emergency and weather notifications.

Of course, not all of our staff enjoyed time off during the snow days&#151instead some braved the elements to make the parking lots and sidewalks safe for our return. Thanks to the hard-working Facilities Management crew for your service on these days and everyday.