The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will be honored as a Purple Heart University during Hometown Hero Night on Nov. 18. 

Trojans Athletics will salute local veterans during Hometown Hero Night at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at the Jack Stephens Center. All service personnel and veterans will receive a free ticket to watch the Trojans men’s basketball team battle the University of Idaho Vandals.

The designation signifies the university’s recognition and honor of veterans who were wounded in combat while serving their country and are now pursuing higher education and careers at UALR.

“The proclamation says it all,” said Kathy Oliverio, UALR director of military student success. “‘The University of Arkansas at Little Rock appreciates the sacrifices our Purple Heart recipients made in defending our freedoms and believe it is important that we acknowledge them for their courage and show them the honor and support they have earned.’”

The Military Order of the Purple Heart is a national nonprofit organization whose membership consists of veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal for wounds received in combat.

In 1992, the organization instituted a National Purple Heart Trail Program to create a symbolic and honorary systems of roads, highways, bridges, cities, counties, monuments, military installations, universities, and other institutions that give tribute to Purple Heart recipients.

The Department of Arkansas and Central Arkansas Chapter 431 of the National Order of the Purple Heart will present UALR with a plaque and proclaim UALR as a Purple Heart University during the basketball game. Chancellor Andrew Rogerson, military personnel, and Purple Heart recipients will be in attendance.

All UALR faculty, staff, and student Purple Heart recipients are encouraged to attend Hometown Hero Night and RSVP by filling out the online form.

Service members and veterans can request free tickets by contacting Travis Whipple at tmwhipple@ualr.edu or 501.569.3382.