As part of an ongoing yearlong celebration of its 50th Anniversary, North Arkansas College invited the public to the south campus Aug. 26 to attend a ceremonial ribbon-cutting featuring Mrs. Bonnie Baker, wife of founding President Dr. Bill Baker. This mirrored the exact date Northark opened its doors 50 years ago in 1974.
The ribbon cutting was held in partnership with the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce. The 4 p.m. ceremony was conducted at the rock fountain on the Plaza near Bradley Student Center on the South Campus.
“When we discussed what activities to do to celebrate this special anniversary, one stood out to me,” Northark President Dr. Rick Massengale said. “I envisioned Mrs. Bonnie reopening campus on the day we opened 50 years ago. That was my special request. She has so many memories of the evolution of this college, and we are excited to share those as we continue to observe 50 years of rich history.”
After the ribbon-cutting a commemorative time capsule designed by the welding students was buried near the fountain. The capsule is filled with Northark artifacts and historical items. Northark invited former students, employees, and members of the public to donate college-related items, letters and memorabilia for consideration to be included in the capsule. One of the items included in the capsule is an original pair of Dr. Baker’s overalls. He would wear them to campus often walking the halls while visiting with students.
The capsule will rest in place for 50 years to be unearthed and opened on August 26, 2074, to celebrate Northark’s 100th anniversary.
