UA Little Rock Celebrates New School Year with Massive Turnout at BBQ at Bailey
The UA Little Rock community did not let a little thing like rain put a stop to the fun and fellowship of BBQ at Bailey!
The annual school picnic held Oct. 4 was moved inside to the Donaghey Student Center Fitness Center to avoid the rain, and UA Little Rock students, employees, and alumni enjoyed some great food and music, all in the name of school spirit. BBQ at Bailey is made possible by a joint partnership of the UA Little Rock Alumni Association and the Office of the Chancellor.
“The event was a terrific success,” said Bryan Hosto, co-chair of BBQ at Bailey. “The UA Little Rock staff did a fantastic job considering the last-minute site shift due to the weather. Everyone had a great time, and, once again, this event has proven to be one of the best in the community!”
Participants ate a delicious lunch catered by Whole Hog Café, followed by dessert from Community Bakery.
“Despite the rain, this year’s BBQ at Bailey was a roaring success,” said Dr. Danyell Crutchfield Cummings, co-chair of BBQ at Bailey. “This campus tradition delivered on a promise of good music, good food, and good fun for our UA Little Rock family!”
More than 1,000 people attended the event. Peter Stuckey, database administrator with IT Services who volunteered to serve lunch, recalls being surprised by the large and enthusiastic crowd.
“The people just kept coming,” Stuckey said. “That is what really impressed me is the number of people that came. I was worried about the weather keeping people away, but they just kept coming and coming and coming.”
Alumna Catie Ross, who works at Priority1, enjoyed the chance to reconnect with the campus community.
“It is one of my favorite on-campus events that allows the UA Little Rock community to come together,” Ross said. “I enjoy getting to come back home and see the campus, the students, and my friends again.”
Don O’Donnell, senior program/project manager with IT Services, said he enjoyed the fun atmosphere while running a table to let people know about the Staff Senate Helping Hands Committee. Staff Senate members will begin collecting Helping Hands donations this month through boxes that are set up around campus.
“We are letting the campus community know about the importance of our Helping Hands Campaign to collect food for people in need during the holidays,” O’Donnell said. “Next week we begin our seven weeks of food collection. We will have collection locations across campus and at Bowen Law School. I always enjoy BBQ at Bailey every year. This year was no exception.”
Rosalie Shahan, contracts and operations manager, said she was impressed with the large crowd and the vibe of the event.
“Everyone was excited to see everybody, despite it being indoors because of the rain,” Shahan said. “I love to see the students interacting with the staff and faculty. I think BBQ at Bailey is one of the times we know we will all see each other and connect. I think it’s a really positive event.”
Next year, UA Little Rock looks forward to going back to the Bailey Alumni Center with the addition of a beautiful, newly constructed alumni patio that will house the alumni bricks that were previously placed in front of Ottenheimer Library.
Be sure to check out this video of the excitement of BBQ at Bailey!
