UAM Celebrates Homecoming Week
The University of Arkansas at Monticello held its 2023 Homecoming Week from September 25-30.
On September 28, during the UAM Department of Athletics’ annual UAM Sports Hall of Fame banquet, Kori Forge (men’s basketball), Jordan Goforth (women’s basketball), Andres Rios (baseball), Cole Sears (football) and Jalen Tolliver (football) were inducted into the UAM Sports Hall of Fame. Larry and Shirley Fisackerly received the 2023 UAM Spirit Award.
On September 29, the UAM Alumni Association hosted a reception for the annual alumni award winners. Reagan Wise was the recipient of the Young Alumni Rising Star Award. Alumni Achievement and Merit recipients for 2023 included Ronald Feeser, Jr., Paul Griffin, Shawn Higginbotham and John McAlpine. Ginger Tarver Johnson was the recipient of the 2023 Continuing the Connection Award.
On September 30, the UAM African-American Alumni Association held a reunion. During the event, the alumni association presented Kenneth H. Hunt and Katrina English with the UAM African-American Alumni Association Trailblazer distinction. Anastasia Collins, Na’Tasha Lucas, Steven Pinell, Anthony Senegal, Jr. and DeMarcus Wilson were named the 2023 UAM African-American Alumni Elites.
On September 30, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Kenneth H. Hunt Athletic Performance Center. During the ceremony, Kenneth Hunt received a resolution from the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees naming the newly renovated Athletic Performance Center in his honor.
On September 30, during the Homecoming Coronation Ceremony, Addison Langford, a junior exercise science major from Warren, was crowned the 2023 Homecoming Queen. The eleven other members of the 2023 Homecoming Court included Kinlee Baker, a senior biology major from Monticello; Rylee Griffin-Brewer, a senior English major from DeWitt; Rayvin Callaway, a senior animal science major from Star City; Allison Chambers, a senior social work major from Monticello; Katelyn Harris, a senior education major from Monticello; Shylee Head, a senior natural resource management and forestry major from Mena; Taylor East, a senior biology and biochemistry major from Houston, TX; Annsley Pugh, a junior business major with an emphasis in marketing from McGehee; Cyarah Kensmil, a senior business administration major from Paramaribo, Suriname; Nicole Martin, a junior nursing major from Hamburg; and Faith Simmons, a senior music performance major from Dumas.
On September 30, prior to the Homecoming football game against East Central University, the UAM community enjoyed a tailgate party and parade. During the game, fans cheered on Boll Weevils Football, UAM Cheer and the UAM “Pride of Southeast Arkansas” Marching Band.