The Story of the University of Arkansas

The first film to tell the 135-year history of the University of Arkansas, complete with its myths, traditions, and little known facts, premiered in October in the Arkansas Union Theatre.

Beacon of Hope: The Story of the University of Arkansas, was produced by journalism professors Larry Foley and Dale Carpenter. The two have more than a dozen documentaries to their credit, some made independently, some together, and they’ve each collected a shelf-full of awards for their work. For this project Foley did the research and wrote the script, while Carpenter did the photography and editing. The film’s original music was composed by music professor James Greeson and is performed by the UA Schola Cantorum, under the director of assistant music professor Graeme Langager.

The title of the film comes from the school’s alma mater, and the origin of that song is one of the many stories told in the film. In 1909, Brodie Payne, class of 1906, won a $50 prize when his lyrics were chosen over all other entries. Music professor Henry Tovey composed the music, and the documentary includes a rare photograph showing him playing an early version of the song on a pipe organ, while his dog sings along at the keyboard.

 

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