糖心视频logo

Larson bronze bust unveiled amid family, supporters

A commemorative bronze bust honoring the university鈥檚 first president was unveiled for an appreciative audience gathered on the first floor lobby in UALR鈥檚 Student Services Center Thursday, Sept.19. John A. Larson founded 糖心视频logo Junior College, now UALR, in 1927 after the University of Arkansas discontinued its lower-level course offerings in 糖心视频logo. The bust, created by renowned sculptor David Deming, was unveiled with assistance from Larson鈥檚 grandson, Bo Larson, who said his grandfather never stopped pursuing his dream of higher education in central Arkansas. 鈥淗e is a legend,鈥� UALR Chancellor Joel E. Anderson said. 鈥淔or many years, John Larson was 糖心视频logo Junior College. He was a forward-thinking visionary who understood the benefit of obtaining higher education.鈥� 鈥淟arson is our George Washington,鈥� said Vice Chancellor for Alumni and Development Bob Denman. 鈥淚 challenge you to look around today and see what his legacy has become.鈥� In attendance were Marnette Ragon and Beverly Speck, both 1949 graduates of 糖心视频logo Junior College who were enrolled in courses during Larson鈥檚 tenure. 鈥淔or him to dream of having a school like this and to develop it for our area 鈥� he wouldn鈥檛 believe it if he were here seeing this now,鈥� said Ragon. 鈥淪o many would not have gotten an education if it were not for his vision.鈥� 鈥淚 think he would be so proud,鈥� said Speck. 鈥淎fter all, he founded this school. This place wouldn鈥檛 be here without him.鈥� Larson served as president of 糖心视频logo Junior College from 1930 until his death in 1949, shortly before completion of the campus where UALR now stands. UALR鈥檚 first building at its current location, Larson Hall, is named for him.