Founders' Week - University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Join us for UAPB’s 152nd Founders’ Week, celebrating the theme “UAPB/AM&N Strong: Rooted In Tradition. Roaring Into The Future.”

UAPB’s annual Founders’ Week Celebration has been a formal tradition for over 80 years, blending academics, social activities, and history to communicate the history of the University and the importance of remembering how history built the school into this great institution we affectionately call “Dear Mother.”

2025 Schedule of Events

Activities are scheduled daily, from Monday, April 21, through Sunday, April 27, 2025. Below is an event calendar for a list of each day’s exciting and memorable events.

Monday | April 21
- Arbor Day Program · W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower | 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
  A campus-wide celebration of nature, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.
- Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia – Rho Gamma Chapter New Member Presentation Henderson-Young Auditorium | 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  A formal introduction of the newest members of this historic music fraternity.
Tuesday | April 22
- Founders Week Kick-off · W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  The official start of the week-long celebration with music, vendors, and student engagement.
- Emerging Scholars Leadership Institute Graduation · STEM Conference Room
  6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  Recognizing student leaders who have completed the Emerging Scholars Leadership Institute.
Wednesday | April 23
- “Rep Yo City” Wednesday · Shirley Jacob Lion’s Den | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  A spirited showcase of hometown pride through fashion, music, and cultural expression.
- Social Work Unit Graduate Luncheon* · STEM Conference Room
  12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
  A private luncheon honoring Social Work graduates for their academic achievements.
- Mister Crimson & Cream Pageant – Presented by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Delta Eta Pageant · STEM Conference Room | 6:13 p.m. – 9:13 p.m.
  Presented by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Delta Eta Chapter, this event highlights excellence, poise, and purpose among male students.
Thursday | April 24
- Chris Robinson Golf Tournament · Pine Bluff Country Club | 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  A signature tournament hosted by Athletic Director Chris Robinson, supporting student-athletes and athletic programming.
- Founders & Award Convocation · H.O. Clemmons Arena | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  A formal convocation recognizing academic excellence and institutional legacy.
- School of Education Banquet* · STEM Conference Room | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  An invitation-only banquet recognizing outstanding graduates in the School of Education.
- Silent Headphone Party + Skate Night · W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower
  7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
  A fun-filled night of skating and silent dancing under the stars.
Friday | April 25
- Spring Unity Fest · W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower | 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  A celebration of diversity and togetherness featuring food, music, and cultural exchange.
- Senior Reception – Sponsored by the UAPB/AM&N Alumni Association · UAPB/AM&N Alumni Association House | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  A special celebration for graduating seniors, hosted by the UAPB/AM&N Alumni Association Leadership.
- ROTC Military Ball* · STEM Conference Room | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  A formal military event honoring ROTC cadets and their leadership achievements.
- A Night of Elegance All White Affair · Pine Bluff Country Club | 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
  A formal fundraising gala benefiting the Golden Lion Athletic Fund, featuring live entertainment from Dee Dee Jones.
  - Table for 8: $150
  - Individual Tickets (Advance): $25
  - Individual Tickets (Day-of-Event): $35
  All proceeds from this event will directly contribute to the Golden Lion Athletic Fund
Saturday | April 26
- ROAR Fest · Simmons Bank Field | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  A lively outdoor festival filled with student organizations, entertainment, and food trucks.
- State of Athletics · S.J. Parker 1890 Auditorium | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  An informative session about the direction and accomplishments of UAPB Athletics.
- Future Golden Lions Football Camp · Simmons Bank Field | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  A youth camp designed to develop skills and school spirit among future athletes.
- UAPB Softball Game · Torii Hunter Baseball & Softball Complex | 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
- UAPB Baseball Game · Torii Hunter Baseball & Softball Complex | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- UAPB Football Spring Black & Gold Game · Simmons Bank Field | 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  A showcase of Golden Lion football talent in the annual spring scrimmage.
- UAPB Softball Game · Torii Hunter Baseball & Softball Complex | 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Chancellor’s Scholarship Soiree · STEM Conference Room | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  A formal evening reception to support student scholarships.
  - Advance Individual Tickets: $100
  All proceeds from this event will directly contribute to UAPB Scholarships
Sunday | April 27
- Sunrise Service & UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association Breakfast · STEM Conference Room | 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  A morning of worship and community engagement led by alumni leaders.
- Annual Founders’ Week Concert Featuring the UAPB Jazz Ensemble · Caldwell Hall Auditorium | 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  A grand finale to the week featuring the soulful sounds of UAPB’s Jazz Ensemble.