Arena Groundbreaking

Construction is underway for a regional livestock and rodeo arena

MAGNOLIA – A groundbreaking ceremony was held on August 8, 2011 for a  new regional livestock and rodeo arena on the campus of Southern Arkansas University.  In a unique twist, the ground was broken by a mule and a blue and gold plow.

The arena will be located on U.S. 82, just west of the Mulerider Stables.

Funded in large part by a $2 million gift from Therral and Jan Story of Magnolia, the arena will be the home of the Southern Arkansas University collegiate rodeo team, providing a covered facility for practice and competition. The team is nationally competitive, sending seven to Collegiate National Finals Rodeo in 2011 and producing a national champion in 2009.

SAU President Dr. David Rankin said the arena will be much more than just a home for the Mulerider rodeo team. The facility will also be available for use by those wishing to promote a variety of events from livestock shows and rodeos to concerts and trade shows.

“We really think this arena will make an impact on the economy of Magnolia and the region,” Rankin said. “It is going to draw people into town for multiple-day events, creating hotel stays and purchases at our stores and restaurants, feeding dollars back into the local economy.”

The arena complex will consist of two structures, the main arena and an enclosed reception area. The main structure will consist of a nearly 78,000 square foot covered rodeo-style arena with a dirt floor and seating for approximately 1,400. The 7,500 square foot reception area will sit in front of the arena and will include the ticket booth, concession stand, an office, a meeting/conference room, men’s and women’s restrooms, and a grilling porch.

During phase one of construction, only the main arena structure will be built. The reception area will be constructed in phase two.

CLICK HERE to download a booklet that contains more information on the arena.

2011 Farmers Bank and Trust Distinguished Speaker Series will feature John Walsh

Victims’ rights advocate and television host John Walsh will be the featured lecturer at the seventh annual Farmers Bank and Trust Distinguished Speaker Series on Monday, Sept. 26, at Southern Arkansas University.

Most people know Walsh as the host of “America’s Most Wanted,” the man whose groundbreaking television program has helped take down more than 1,050 dangerous fugitives and bring home more than 50 missing children in the past 22 years. But it is not the career he envisioned for himself. Born in Auburn, N.Y. and educated at the University of Buffalo, Walsh moved to Florida with his wife Revé, and was living the American dream. He was a successful businessman, building high-end luxury hotels and building his life. But after Adam’s murder, everything changed.

The Walsh’s experience taught them that the nation was in desperate need of leadership in the fight to protect children, and they decided to create something positive out of their personal tragedy. From the ad hoc organization they put together to help with the search for Adam, they established the Adam Walsh Child Resource Center, which eventually merged with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), which they co-founded in 1984. The NCMEC provides invaluable resources to parents, children and law enforcement in the United States and internationally.

Walsh’s search for justice and his determination to not let Adam’s death be in vain led him to fight back like few other Americans have. Although he has never held political office, Walsh has been the driving force behind major pieces of child protection legislation. This work led to Walsh being honored five times by four presidents: Ronald Reagan (twice), George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. One of Walsh’s proudest moments was when he and his wife stood beside President George W. Bush as the “Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act” was signed into law on the 25th anniversary of Adam’s murder.

In December 2008, the Hollywood, Fla. Police Department officially closed Adam’s case, naming the man who had always been the prime suspect, as Adam’s killer.

Thousands of crime victims have received justice in their own cases thanks to Walsh and Revé’s never ending dedication to fighting back. In addition to being named “Man of the Year” by both the U.S. Marshals and the FBI, Walsh was also made an honorary U.S. marshal. Walsh is only the third man to receive this honor in the organization’s 200-year history.

The Farmers Bank and Trust Distinguished Speaker Series was established in 2005 to benefit students of Southern Arkansas University through a scholarship endowment with the Southern Arkansas University Foundation. In fulfilling its mission, the series brings speakers of national and international prominence to the SAU campus, providing a memorable experience and enhancing the visibility of the university.

Previous speakers have included Steve Ford, Oliver North, Michael Reagan, James Carville, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and Fox News contributors Monica Crowley and Alan Colmes.

Tickets for this event are $200 for VIP Reception with photo, dinner, and lecture or $100 for dinner and lecture.  Sponsorship opportunities are Gold Sponsor at $2,000 which includes eight to ten tickets to dinner, lecture, and VIP Reception, premium seating, name prominently displayed on table, recognition in the event program, and mentioned during the evening or Blue Sponsor at $800 which includes eight tickets for the dinner and lecture, two tickets to VIP Reception, name prominently displayed on table, recognition in the event program, and mentioned during the evening.  All table and ticket locations will be assigned upon receipt of payment.

CLICK HERE for event flyer.

For more information or to obtain tickets, contact the SAU Foundation toll free at (877) 235-7409 or (870)235-4078.