At a predominantly white institution (PWI), finding a sense of belonging might not be instant for all students. For many Black students at the University of Arkansas,community can be found through spaces like the Multicultural Center and historically Black Greek organizations.

AnReckez Daniels, associate director of the Multicultural Center, said the center’s mission is rooted in creating an environment where students can feel supported and seen.

“We try to be a safe space, a safe hub, a safe haven,” Daniels said. “We try to be a shoulder to cry on, a face to laugh with. We just want to be those people where students feel as if they belong here.”

The Multicultural Center supports student organizations by helping with funding, planning events and connecting students with campus resources. Daniels described his team as experts and explained that when they don’t have an answer for a student, they will guide them to someone who does. Beyond just logistical support, Daniels said the center plays an important role especially at a PWI.

“If students come from communities where most of the people look like them, and then they get here and it’s not like that, they need somewhere to retreat to,” Daniels said. “Somewhere that feels familiar, like a home away from home.”

One of the center’s recent initiatives, “Mirror,”a Black History month photo gallery, had the goal of providingvisibility. What was originally just an idea to capture professional portraits of students transformed into a larger display celebrating Black students on campus.

“I wanted students to have that one picture,” Daniels said. “When they’re older and they pull out a photo from college, I want them to say, ‘This is when I was at the University of Arkansas. This is when I took up space there.’”

For L Jones, a freshman double majoring in political science and communications with a minor in African American studies, the Multicultural Center became a space of belonging early in his first year. 

Jones said he first learned about the MC through a friend who would often spend time there. He said he was curious and decided to visit. 

“I didn’t even know what it was at first,” Jones said. “But when I walked in, it was just people hanging out, studying and talking. It felt like unity.”

Jones said he actually participated in the “Mirror” photo shoot. He said he did not expect a full professional setup with lighting and a backdrop.

“It was a great experience,” Jones said. “Everyone was welcoming and warm. It just felt good to be in that space.”

Seeing the finished gallery left an impact on him, especially due to exposing him to other Black students.

“I didn’t think there were this many of us here,” Jones said. “Sometimes you don’t see everybody all at once. Seeing all those pictures together was powerful.”

Jones said at first college felt very overwhelming, both academically and socially. Having a space where he felt understood helped make the transition easier.

“When I’m stressed, I can go there and just hang out,” Jones said. “It’s like being around family. It’s  a place where I can do my work and talk to people who understand me.”

He added that the center has supported him academically as well by providing peer support and encouragement. He said they have made a difference in his life.

For Antwanette Wilchie, a junior biology major on the pre-dental track, community can be found through leadership and sisterhood. Wilchie serves as president of the Phi Theta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., a historically Black sorority founded in 1920 on the principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood and fine womanhood.

“It’s an honor,” Wilchie said. “I feel like I have big shoes to fill. I get to represent our history and continue the principles we were founded on.”

Zeta Phi Beta is one of the organizations under the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), more commonly known as the Divine Nine. Wilchie explained that her chapter is committed to being a community conscious, action oriented organization.

This year, alongside other NPHC organizations, members helped contribute more than 62,000 hygiene items for local women’s shelters. The chapter also volunteers with local organizations in Fayetteville and participates in campus initiatives such as Pack the Pantry.

However, Wilchie said the importance of her sorority goes beyond just service.

“At a PWI, you might not always be in spaces where people look like you or share your experiences,” Wilchie said. “So having places like our sorority, the Multicultural Center or Unity House, those spaces are important.”

Unity House serves as a meeting place for NPHC organizations, housing offices and event spaces. Wilchie described it as a central location where members can host programs and build connections.

Wilchie said Divine Nine organizations also play a larger role in strengthening the Black campus community. While centered around Greek life, many events are open to all students.

“It’s important that we reach out to people who aren’t Greek,” Wilchie said. “There are Black students in other organizations who care about community service and connection. We need more unity on campus.”

Serving as president has also shaped her personal growth. 

“It’s pushed me outside of my comfort zone,” Wilchie said. “Public speaking, leadership and connecting with new people have helped me grow as a student and as a leader.”

Daniels said that while student needs may evolve over time, the importance of belonging will remain constant. 

“The need will always be there,” Daniels said. “This space is a PWI, and it always will be. But what we can do is create spaces where students feel supported.”

In a university where representation can often feel limited, community, whether it’s found at the MC, Unity House, a sorority meeting or a campus  event, makes a lasting difference. For students looking for connection, spaces like the MC and Unity House, as well as RSOs like the Black Student Association, offer a place that ensures Black students do not have to navigate college alone. 

The post Finding community at the University of Arkansas: How Black student spaces create belonging at a predominantly white institution appeared first on Hill Magazine.

Razorback fans unite at the palace in inclement weather.

When January arrived, a familiar panic made its way to Fayetteville. Suddenly, grocery store shelves were empty, rumors spread of days and days of canceled classes, and social media feeds were flooded with talk of “the snowstorm you’ll tell your kids about” heading straight towards Fayetteville. 

On Thursday, students got calls from family members pleading with them to make arrangements and stay safe, and at 5:07 p.m. The University of Arkansas sent out the much anticipated WxAlert text alert cancelling classes for Friday. Students checked the weather app on Friday night to find that a projected 12-14” of snow would be falling overnight, and woke up Saturday morning to see it was true. 

On Saturday Jan. 24, the snow fell hard, the temperature was subzero, and every store and business was shut down as predicted. Roads were coated in a wintry mix of ice, sleet and snow, and you may think that any plans of a basketball game that day were tossed out the window–but you would be wrong.

At 8:00 a.m., before there was even time to shovel snow off the driveway, @Razorbackmbb on X, formerly Twitter, posted that the Razorback game against LSU at the Bud Walton Arena wasis still on, and had been moved from 7:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in an attempt to beat the worst of the conditions;

“Snow day essentials: 

– Boots 

– Hot chocolate 

– Hog basketball”.

When roads are impassable, conditions are lethal, and the governor even declares a state of emergency, the hogs still call. 

“Come on out, the crowds will surprise you”, Matt Zimmerman, Razorback Sports Network analyst and former assistant basketball coach said in a pre-game report on Instagram. “There will be a lot of students here”. 

That evening, students in everything from a full ski-suit to a mere hoodie and sweatpants made the trek to Bud Walton, tickets in hand. 

“My mom was like ‘are you seriously going to a basketball game right now?’” said Hailee, a University of Arkansas freshman. “I was like yeah mom, it’s okay, literally everyone I know is”.

“Generally for an SEC game we’ll get about 4,000 students, but we’ll have more than that”, Zimmerman predicted in his post earlier that day. Sure enough, 4,500 Students rolled their eyes at the weather reports and showed up for their team, and the Arena was at its capacity of 19,200 by the time 4 p.m. rolled around. 

The majority of students didn’t think twice about their decision to make the journey to the game. Hailee recalled that the U of A story on Snapchat was everyone joking about sledding to the game or risking frostbite to be there.

“None of my friends even brought up the idea of not going”, She said.

The circumstances brought students together and fostered camaraderie among them. An anonymous student on the U of A Yik Yak page said that they have never felt closer to the student body than during this snowstorm in a post with over 200 upvotes. 

There’s something unique in a Razorback fan that sees negative temperatures, countless warnings, and over a foot of snow, sleet, and ice as a challenge instead of a sign to stay in bed. As wild as the hogs can seem to an outsider, those within their circle are not surprised by this. 

“Working in the Bud Walton arena, I had no doubt that it was going to be packed”, Avri Kamplain, communications assistant for Razorback woman’s basketball said. “A situation like this brings a different kind of excitement to our community, we all get to come together even if it’s difficult to get there.” 

This “different kind of excitement” filled the arena that evening, from a crowd connected by shared experience of the trek and brought together in the warmth of the Palace. With 9:45 left in the game, Arkansas overtook LSU and, accompanied by the rallies of frenzied fans, achieved the victory with 85-81. 

The adrenaline of a crowd who had just braved the emergency warnings and thrown caution to the wind to show up inevitably brings a unique energy and atmosphere. When asked if the crowd vibe has influence on the court and outcome of the game, Kamlain says definitely, and added that players feel recognized by their fans when the energy is high. 

“I work many press conferences and notice players saying they were confident playing because of how loud the Bud Walton arena got”. 

The confidence of the athletic staff in their fans says a lot about the grit of the Razorback and the no-excuses mindset of the students at the U of A. A sold-out arena is more-or-less guaranteed, regardless of the situation. Grit and loyalty is expected from fans, and that’s what sets the fanbase apart from others. When it comes down to choosing comfort or loyalty, the hogs choose loyalty every time. 

The post Woooo Pig Snowie  appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Lilliana Cardenas 

If you were to ask someone on campus where their outfit was from, there is a likely chance part of it was thrifted. For students at the University of Arkansas, thrifting is not just a way to save money; it’s a way to express themselves, help the environment and connect with friends. 

“I like going thrifting just because there’s a lot of unique things,” Emma Livingston, a sophomore at the UA, said. “It’s good to find things that have been previously loved, just to combat all the fast fashion and give something more life.”

Livingston said that even though she doesn’t thrift as often as she would like, it’s always a personal and creative experience when she does go. For her, thrifting is a way to experiment with her personal style on a budget. 

“It’s a good way to expand your closet and have a lot of fun pieces,” she said. “I want to be fun in what I wear–different, not just basic.”

Gabby Keller, a freshman at the UA, explained that thrifting originally started as an activity she would do with her friends, but it quickly became a part of her lifestyle. 

“I probably go [thrifting] twice a month,” Keller said. “At first, it was just something fun to do with my friends, but after taking an environmental science class in high school, I learned why it’s important to thrift, because it’s better for the environment and the clothes are typically better quality.”

Keller explained that she now views thrifting as both a creative outlet and a way to be more environmentally mindful.

 “It’s kind of made me more creative in my style,” she said. “I always try to find something that stands out and catches people’s eye.” 

While thrifting is often seen as a better alternative to finding new pieces to add to your wardrobe, Keller is also aware of certain challenges that come along with thrifting.

 “It’s good that more people are doing it,” she said. “But sometimes it feels like people are just over-consuming. They’ll buy a bunch of stuff and then throw it out again. So it’s good and bad at the same time.”

Riley Holt, another student at the UA agreed with Keller’s outlook on thrifting. Holt said she started thrifting right before high school with her aunt and was a part of her school’s “Eco Fashion Club,” which promoted sustainable clothing habits. For Holt, fashion has always been about being creative while also being ethical.

“I’ve been thrifting for years,” Holt said. “I like getting pieces that have already been worn because they kind of have their own story before me.” 

She said the connection she feels to thrifted clothes goes beyond aesthetics. “It just makes me feel more connected to what I’m wearing,” she said. “There’s more personality that comes from it because I know nobody else I know has the same thing.”

Holt explained that she views thrifting as primarily a choice to be more sustainable. 

“I don’t always like supporting brands that are unethical in how they produce clothes or treat their workers,” she said. “When I buy from a thrift store, I know it’s not contributing to new production.”

Social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, have also played a crucial role in promoting thrift culture. Many influencers will post “thrift hauls” and provide inspiration on how to style thrifted articles of clothing, which not only promotes thrifting but also glamorizes it. Livingston said she has noticed how Instagram and TikTok have changed the stigma around thrifting entirely. 

“A lot of people who you see on Instagram with really cool style thrift all their clothes,” she said.

Bear Thompson, the owner and founder of Ozark Vintage Market and 233 Vintage in Fayetteville, has seen firsthand how whatever is trending online affects what people search for in thrift stores.

“There are so many microtrends that happen,” Thompson said. “We kind of see the back end of it. Those microtrends show up a couple months after they’re popular.”

Thompson explained that thrifting has definitely become more mainstream in the past few years. A microtrend is a specific trend that becomes popular for a short period of time.

“It’s beneficial because more people are shopping my stuff,” he said. “But it’s gotten so mainstream that it’s harder to find things.”

Even as more students have been gravitating more towards thrifting rather than traditional shopping, Thompson said the rise of thrifting has its own complications. 

“Fast fashion will always be a thing, no matter how much I dislike it,” he said. “Overconsumption affects everything, from pollution to the amount of Shein products showing up in thrift stores.”

Shein is a fast fashion brand that is notorious for its cheap prices and unethical means of producing items. The company, like many fast-fashion companies, plays a major role in the clothing industries environmental impact. Despite the backlash, these companies remain successful due to their low prices.

While thrifting is gaining more and more popularity, many students and business owners are being mindful of what makes thrifting meaningful, which is the individuality, the sustainability efforts, and the sense of creativity it can instill in people.

The post More Than a Trend: Thrifting in Northwest Arkansas  appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Lillie Cardenas

When Ava Carroll arrived at the University of Arkansas, she never planned to become the go-to nail technician on campus. What was initially a creative outlet and way to save some money quickly expanded into a small business that has helped her connect with other students in ways she never expected. 

Carroll, an apparel merchandising and product development major, describes how her journey began.

“My senior year of high school, I hated not having my nails done,” she said. “I would go every two weeks to get them done and spend about $80 each time.”

When she moved to Fayetteville for school, she realized how expensive it is to maintain that lifestyle and how difficult it would be to find a new salon she liked.

“So I ordered the stuff and started doing them myself,” Carroll said. “And then that’s history, I guess.”

In the beginning, it was just a personal project–something she did for herself and out of mere convenience. But during the summer before her sophomore year, Carroll started taking a few clients back home in Central Arkansas.

“It was mostly my friends at the time, and they really liked it,” she said. “I started posting [about my business] more publicly, and I found that it feels nice to make other girls feel pretty.”

When she returned to campus in the fall, Carroll decided to integrate her nail business into her college life. She started small, creating posters on Canva that showcased previous nail designs she had done in the past. 

“I posted them on Snapchat and Instagram stories,” she said. “That’s really how I got my first clients here.”

Since then, Carroll rapidly gained a significant amount of clientele. Her designs, which have a variety of styles, have made her a popular name among students looking for stylish, affordable nails with the convenience of being right on campus. 

However, running a business while in college is not entirely easy.

“At first, it felt like a hobby,” she said. “I didn’t have that many clients, so it was just something fun to do after school. But now that I have more, it’s definitely more of a challenge.”

Carroll said most days she goes straight from class to what feels like another job, which can be stressful.

“I usually have somebody right after I get out of school until late that night,” she said. “Then I still have to balance my schoolwork and everything else.”

Even though it can be hard to balance, Carroll said it’s all worth it, especially when she sees the effect her business has on her clients.

“I always get a good response,” she said. “Most girls are like ‘Wow this is so cheap,’ and I’m like ‘Yeah I get it, I’m a broke college student too.’ I just try to be as generous as I wish someone would’ve been with me.”

“Sometimes I really don’t want to do nails that day,” she said. “But I always try to lock in and do the best I can. It’s hard when your energy is low, because it takes longer and then I have less time for schoolwork. Balancing it all can be a lot.”

Carroll said doing nails has completely changed her college experience for the better, regardless of the challenges that come with it. She said that she didn’t initially have the best experience being at school.

“My freshman year was really hard,” she said. “None of my friends were up here yet, and I felt like I sucked at making friends. I didn’t really know how to talk to anyone.”

That all changed once she started her business on campus. She said she likes the social aspect of her business almost as much as the creative aspect. Meeting new students helped settle into campus life, she said.

“Now I actually get that social time to talk to people,” Carroll said. “There are even a few people where I’m like, wow, I should be friends with them outside of this.”

Carroll also believes that there is a creative side to campus that is not easy to see. She said students often have to actively seek out creative spaces and people rather than expecting them to appear.

“You just really have to look for it,” she said. “I feel like in college, everyone tries to put on that front that they’ve got it all together, you don’t always see that creative side.”

At the start of her career, her clients were mostly friends from her hometown who also attended the university. But due to her recent advertising, her current clientele is a mix of new and familiar faces.

“Now it’s mostly people who find me online,” Carroll said. “It’s been a really cool way to meet new people.”

Beyond the process of doing nails, Carroll said she has learned so much valuable information  from her experience. 

“I’ve definitely learned that being an entrepreneur or business builder is really difficult,” she said. “It’s not as easy as it looks. You think it’s going to be simple because you make your own rules, but it’s really not.”

While she is still figuring some things out regarding her business, like saying no when her schedule is too full, she said she is extremely proud of what she has built so far. 

“There have been times when I’ve said I wasn’t going to take any clients that week,” she said. “Then five girls hit me up asking for appointments, I just can’t say no.”

Even with a schedule full of long nights and jam-packed days, Carroll said doing nails helps stabilize her while in this stage of her life. Her business has given her a sense of independence and has helped her feel more at home at the University.

“It’s not easy,” she said. “But it’s really rewarding. I feel like I’ve found something that’s mine.”

The post Nailed it! UofA Student Turns Passion into  Business appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Angie Ramirez

Across the nation, first-generation college students are breaking barriers and forging new paths to success as they work toward their accomplishments. On the annual National First-Generation College Celebration Day held on Nov. 8, college campuses come together to honor first-generation students and spotlight the determination required to navigate higher education.  

On the week of Nov. 3-7, the Office of Transition Programs and Initiatives at the University of Arkansas organized a week of events and activities designed to celebrate, support and connect first-generation students. Throughout the week, students had opportunities to engage with one another through events such as a resource fair, employer panel and social gatherings. These events offered valuable information and career connections as well as a space where students’ experiences could be heard and celebrated. 

At the UofA, nearly one in four students are first-generation. While every student’s transition to college is different, for first-generation students, the experience often comes with a lot of uncertainty. For many, small aspects of campus life, such as finding study resources or understanding financial aid, are new to them. 

The UofA offers a variety of programs for first-generation students, including the 360 Program, the Accelerated Student Achievement Program (ASAP) and the First-Generation Mentoring Program. These programs provide academic support, advising services and opportunities to connect with faculty and peers. 

Freshman landscape architecture major Whitney Juarez said the ASAP helped her settle in her first semester. 

“I’m currently part of the ASAP program where I participated in a summer-bridge program weeks before the fall semester started,” Juarez said. “This program helped me gradually become more used to campus life, allowing the first week of classes to be less scary to navigate.” 

ASAP is a two-year program of peer mentoring, professional advising and academic support for first-generation students from eastern Arkansas communities. ASAP Scholars get awarded scholarships each year upon their enrollment and participation in student success programming. Their Summer Bridge Program takes place for a few weeks in the summer and includes workshops, classes and mentoring opportunities. Students learn about the university and connect with other students as well as faculty. Juarez said that ASAP has made her feel more accommodated in the university as a first-generation student. 

“I was able to get into contact with faculty within Fay Jones School through the university’s First-Generation Mentoring Program that gave me advice on how to navigate certain aspects of design school, which has made my first semester of design school easier to understand at times,” Juarez said. 

Sponsored by the Honors College, the First-Generation Mentoring Program helps first-generation freshmen and sophomore students to navigate life on campus by pairing them with faculty. Through these connections, students can ask questions, seek advice and get more involved on campus. 

For Jarika Phillips, a sophomore majoring in history, adjusting to college life was also a challenge. 

“Navigating how to adapt to university was challenging,” Phillips said. “Since neither of my parents knew anything about it, I was kind of on my own, which can be overwhelming, but I’ve managed.” 

While Phillips said the university has great resources and support systems, she also noted that financial barriers are an obstacle for many first-generation students.  

“The most challenging part is despite the support system there still isn’t enough support,” Phillips said. “I think many first-gen students are from lower income households and there is little to no funding to help aid them even if they have good grades and work.”

Financial stress often adds more pressure to the college experience. More accessible funding would ease that burden and allow students to focus on academics and campus involvement. 

Sophomore psychology major Natalie Dominguez shared that while academics have gone well for her, she struggles to find a sense of belonging.

“I have enjoyed my classes and learned a lot, but I still feel like I have yet to fit in,” Dominguez said. “I still haven’t made any friends or gotten involved much outside of classes, but I am hopeful that I will soon.” 

Despite the obstacles, first-generation students continue to thrive in their education and achieve their goals and dreams. Their stories are a celebration of determination and the transformative power of higher education.

The post The Challenges and Achievements of First-Generation Students  appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Lillian Sage 

When walking into a party, what are the things that people should expect to see? There might be people chit-chatting and laughing together. Maybe music is playing and guests are swaying to the beat. If it is a birthday party, there could be gifts and wrapping paper everywhere. 

There is also a consensus that some baked good or pastry will be at these get-togethers. Here in Northwest Arkansas, these sweets often come from Rick’s Bakery. 

Located off of College Avenue, Rick’s Bakery has been serving the people of Northwest Arkansas since 1980. From donuts to custom cake orders, the bakery has something for everyone’s sweet tooth. 

Chelsea Ecklund, manager of Rick’s Bakery’s Streetside Studio, has been working there for nine years. On top of managing the Streetside Studio, she also works on the bakery’s social media and places orders. 

Ecklund discussed how Rick, the bakery’s founder, originally wanted to make donuts. There were multiple storefronts before they decided to focus on the one in Fayetteville. Today, there is another Rick’s Bakery in Rogers as well. 

“We have every type of small dessert,” Ecklund said, “and then you can come in and get all sorts of different cakes for an occasion. I think that definitely is what keeps us relevant and eclectic, it’s kind of a hodgepodge of different things.”

Ecklund said there is a lot of action that goes on that the customers do not see that keeps Rick’s going. 

“It can be really hard because we put a lot of our heart and time into the things that we do here,” Ecklund said, “and we make mistakes just like anyone else. So, I think I just want customers to know the amount of care and commitment that goes into every product.”

Ecklund mentioned that Rick’s Bakery is the only bakery licensed to use the Razorbacks logo and brand, and this helps the bakery to have a culture within Northwest Arkansas, she said

Samantha Powell, a salesperson at Rick’s, has only been there for about six months, but sees Rick’s as a family. Powell mentioned how everyone who works there wants to help the customers with whatever they can. 

“It’s like the community, too,” Powell said. “Everyone’s really tight-knit. Everyone always makes you feel welcome when you come in. Everything is made with love and by hand. Nothing’s really mass-produced. We have a bunch of hard-working people making everything every morning.”

Powell said her favorite part about Rick’s, after getting free donuts, is being able to see all the different custom cake orders come together.

Ecklund said Rick’s wife was the one who wanted the bakery to step into the world of decorating cakes. This is where the Streetside Studio comes into the picture–a section of the bakery where they have cake decorating classes and other workshops. 

Lynlee Rankin, a senior at the University of Arkansas, attended one of the cake decorating classes through her sorority. Rankin discussed how the teacher was helpful and knew what she was doing. 

On top of attending the class, Rankin mentioned she sees Rick’s products a lot, whether it is through her sorority or through the university. Whenever Rankin is in town for an event, she heads to Rick’s for the sweets.

“You can taste the quality in everything they do,” Rankin said. “You can tell it’s homemade, or at least it’s not bulk importing frozen brownies and throwing them in the oven. You can definitely tell everyone that works there is knowledgeable.” 

Ecklund said her nine years of working there have felt like a blur. She described how, in general, it feels like the bakery has not changed, but this is not the case. By working on the social media side, Ecklund said she can see the progress made just by looking at old photos of products from the bakery. 

“It’s crazy because it just shows you that you can go even further,” Ecklund said. “It’s a lot of pressure to keep reinventing the wheel, but it’s the same thing, just better every year.

Everybody gets a little bit better. We’re constantly improving ourselves on the same things.” 

Those who have visited the bakery claim the popularity of Rick’s within Northwest Arkansas is thanks to the staff, the quality, and the variety. If you are in need of something to curb your sweet tooth, keep Rick’s in mind.

The post Headline: ‘Have Your Cake and Eat It Too:’ Rick’s Bakery’s Legacy in Northwest Arkansas appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Angie Ramirez

Registered organizations and sororities on campus found meaningful ways to advocate and participate throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Among them, the Craft for a Cause student organization partnered up with Peace at Home Family Shelter, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing shelter services, for a donation drive aimed at helping families escape abusive situations and start fresh in a safe environment. 

Through Nov. 28, CFAC is collecting a variety of items such as towels, cleaning supplies, sheets and baby bottles to support families transitioning to new homes after leaving violent situations. 

CFAC’s vice president, Anna Bolding, hopes they gather enough donations to make an impact on the family shelter.

With the gathered home-warming items and house goods, CFAC will send them to the family shelter where they will make house-warming baskets, so that once the survivors transition to a new place, they will have everything they need to feel at home. 

“The ultimate goal of the drive is just to gather enough items so that we can provide warmth and help survivors feel like they have a home whenever they are transitioning into a new place,” Bolding said. “That transition can be scary, it can be obviously very stressful and we want to ease that burden as much as possible.”

Donation drop-off locations are found in the Human Environmental Sciences building, the Arkansas Union and the Walton Arts Center, making it easy for students to contribute. 

In conjunction with the donation drive, CFAC and the family shelter are also partnering for their initiative Survivor Celebration Cards. Students and volunteers create handmade cards to honor survivors who have achieved big milestones. The cards will be added to the house-warming baskets and will be given to individuals and families, offering encouragement and recognition.

“Each card includes a positive, uplifting message in English or Spanish, and it’s been incredible seeing our community come together to handcraft over 400 cards and counting,” Ella McKay, CFAC’s president, said. “The creativity and heart that people put into every design truly captures what CFAC is all about, spreading kindness, encouragement, and hope through something as simple as art.”

Students who participate in the donation drive or create cards earn volunteer hours that they can log in GivePulse, an online service platform. Donating three items counts as one service hour, and making two cards equals one hour of service. 

“I would say there’s about three ways and three things on why students should get involved, which would be giving back to the community, learning how to be creative, and gathering those hours and showing that you know you are making an impact in your community,” Bolding said. 

Beyond the drive, many members crochet and knit beanies, socks and other handmade items to donate. New members are encouraged to learn these skills, making CFAC both a creative outlet and a community of giving.

“In a world that relies so heavily on machines and enterprises, traditional crafts like knitting and sewing are becoming lost arts,” McKay said. “CFAC helps keep those skills alive by teaching and sharing them with our generation while using them to serve others.”

Each month, the organization hosts gatherings to bring students together and learn about their ongoing service projects. McKay said they are hoping to feature a special guest speaker from another local violence shelter for their next meeting on Nov. 19 and include a hands-on crafting activity related to supporting survivors in the community. 

“It’s a relaxed and welcoming space, whether you’re new to crafting, looking to get service hours, or just wanting to meet kind, creative people who care about making a difference,” McKay said. 

The CFAC student organization started last year with the mission to bring students together in a creative and supportive environment and make items to comfort the people experiencing hardship in the community. 

“Students should get involved with CFAC because it’s more than just a club, it’s a community built on creativity, compassion, and connection,” McKay said. “It’s a space where you can unwind, learn something new, and create from the heart. Whether you’re looking for service hours or simply a place to belong, CFAC offers both.”

The post From Craft to Cause: Student Group Creates Housewarming Gifts for Families in Need appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Jack C. Humphreys

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Halloween weekend at the University of Arkansas is more than a college party—it’s an economic event. Each October, Fayetteville becomes a hub of costumes, crowded venues, and cash flow, as students pour into fraternity functions, bars, and local businesses in what has become one of the university’s most anticipated traditions.

“Halloween has always been one of the biggest weekends of the year for us,” said Ben Bricker, Lambda Chi Alpha’s social chair. “It’s one of those holidays that isn’t family-oriented, and students don’t go home, so everyone’s here ready to celebrate together.”

For Greek organizations like Lambda Chi, that celebration comes with a serious price tag. Bricker says fraternities and sororities now dedicate larger portions of their yearly budgets to Halloween events. “We’ve already seen the effects of how big Halloween has gotten,” he said. “Chapters at the university have started setting aside more money to make it the best it can be. We look for the biggest venues, the best talent, and the craziest production we can fit within budget.”

The Cost of Celebration

Planning begins weeks in advance. Social chairs coordinate venues, book DJs or live acts, hire security, and pay for transportation and decorations—all of which adds up fast. For a large fraternity like Lambda Chi, hosting a weekend function can cost thousands.

While those expenses strain chapter budgets, they also pour directly into Fayetteville’s economy. “These events definitely contribute to the local economy,” Bricker said. “We keep venues in business with rentals and bar spend, and students rely on Uber and other safe-ride options to get around. There’s a big spillover into Dickson Street, too, when people head downtown after our events.”

That “spillover” effect is key. Dickson Street bars and restaurants see packed crowds late into the night, while costume shops and convenience stores experience sharp upticks in sales. Local businesses often plan staffing and inventory around the weekend, knowing thousands of students will be out in full force.

“It’s a big few days for Fayetteville,” said one Dickson Street bartender who’s worked Halloween weekends for several years. “We bring in extra bartenders, and the place is shoulder-to-shoulder until 2 a.m. It’s like a home football game crowd, but in costumes.”

Behind the Scenes: Coordination and Compliance

For all the fun, Halloween weekend in Fayetteville runs on coordination and regulation. According to Bricker, the University of Arkansas and the City of Fayetteville play an active role in ensuring the celebrations are safe and orderly.

“The University communicates with local police to notify them of any off- or on-campus events happening so they’re aware,” he said. “As social chairs, we’re required to supply the Greek Life office with the details of each event in a timely manner so everyone is informed. All of the venues we use have to have the right licenses and certifications to host us.”

Permits, security costs, and insurance fees add another layer of expense to the weekend’s financial equation. But for many organizations, those costs are viewed as necessary investments in keeping the tradition alive—and keeping students safe.

A Tradition That Defines the Fall Semester

Halloween weekend has grown into a signature part of UARK’s fall semester calendar, rivaling even home football games in terms of student anticipation. For many, it marks the midpoint of the semester—a break from 23midterms and a time to unwind before the late-fall academic grind sets in.

Bricker said the weekend’s structure has become a local tradition of its own. “Traditionally, at the University of Arkansas, we celebrate Halloween Thursday through Saturday,” he explained. “Sororities usually have their functions on Thursday, and fraternities host parties on Friday and Saturday. This year, we even have a home game on November 1st, so we’re expecting a great game-day atmosphere with costumes everywhere.”

That overlapping schedule—Greek events, downtown nightlife, and Razorback football—makes for a busy weekend across the city. Fayetteville hotels, rideshare drivers, and restaurants all benefit from the surge in student and visitor activity.

Attendance and Reach

Lambda Chi’s events alone draw anywhere from 800 to 1,500 attendees, depending on the year. Though the crowds are large, Bricker said the majority are University of Arkansas students, not out-of-towners. “We scarcely see visitors,” he said. “Most of our attendees are members and their guests who go here. It’s really a campus thing more than a regional one.”

That focus on local participation keeps the weekend rooted in Fayetteville’s community rather than turning it into a traveling spectacle. Yet the scale of spending—from ticket sales and bar tabs to transportation and food—still makes Halloween weekend one of the most profitable periods of the semester for businesses tied to student life.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Halloween at UARK

As both costs and expectations rise, Bricker sees Halloween weekend continuing to grow—financially and culturally. “The popularity of big Halloween functions is only going up,” he said. “Chapters are investing more every year, and Dickson Street looks forward to it as much as we do. It’s something that brings everyone together, from students to Fayetteville residents.”

The city’s reputation as a college-town hotspot has long relied on the rhythm of football games, graduation weekends, and Razorback events. But Halloween has carved out its own spot on that list, blending the creativity of campus life with the financial boost local businesses count on.

“It’s not just a party,” Bricker added. “It’s part of what makes Fayetteville unique—the way students and the city come together for one weekend. Everyone gets something out of it.”

As Halloween approaches, preparations across campus and downtown are already underway. Venues are booked, DJs confirmed, and costume racks thinned. For Fayetteville, Halloween weekend is more than a night of masquerades—it’s an annual reminder that behind the masks and music lies a micro-economy driven by student life.

The bars may close and the decorations come down, but for many local businesses, Halloween marks a highlight of the fiscal year—and for students, it remains one of the most memorable, and expensive, weekends on the college calendar.

The post Costumes and Cash Flow: How Halloween Weekend Fuels Fayetteville’s Economy appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Anna Mason

As the school nights start to shorten and the leaves cast an array of colors over the carved out sidewalks, the University of Arkansas campus showcases the growing anticipation of football season with vibrant reds, creative buttons and calling the hogs. Football at the University of Arkansas is a rollercoaster of emotions, ranging from beating the then fourth team in the SEC, Tennessee, last season and rushing the field to the heartbreaks of close games and staggering scoreboards. 

Sam Pittman was hired as head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks at the end of 2019 after the firing of Chad Morris. The 2021-2022 school year was a remarkable year for Pittman, with a record of 9-4 and taking home the win at the Outback Bowl; however, from 2022-2025, the coaching started to suffer in reflection of poor defensive lines, a lack of a tight-knit team and continual loss. 

Lucy Kramer, a freshman at the University of Arkansas, criticized Coach Pittman’s coaching style. 

“I just think that he didn’t lead the defensive lineman very well. I feel like our offence was great – we could like . . . conquer. But then, our defence always fumbled, and then [the other team] would just destroy us every game.” 

Our defensive line was really put to the test, and ultimately lost on that green field when the Razorbacks played against Notre Dame on September 27th. Coming off two major losses (close ones at that, too) against Ole Miss and Memphis, the campus was alive with anticipation and murmurs of hopeful wishes of winning against Notre Dame, which is a non-SEC school. Being a home game, too, turned Fayetteville into a frenzy of red, white, and black. Music through the tailgating tents could be heard all the way on the other side of campus, as if this would bring good luck.

However, as the game proceeded, hope was dwindling and eventually smushed as the final score pixilated the numbers 56-13 onto the jumbotron. Almost the entirety of the student section, and most of the regular seats, were vacant, leaving only crumpled-up candy wrappers and despair. This is not the first time Razorback fans have been disheartened by their favorite college team, but it definitely stung worse than others. 

“I think [Pittman] had a long time to get the results we wanted, and it still felt like we stayed at the same level. I think a new coach was needed.” Lily Weis, a junior at the University of Arkansas, responds, addressing the Notre Dame game and the ultimate firing of head coach Sam Pittman. 

On the same topic, U of A sophomore Josh Brunson opines that firing Pittman mid-season “was not right.” He elaborates on this: “I think it would have been better if he retired. I think [Arkansas] should’ve waited until the end of the year.” 

Sam Pittman “was a good guy,” according to Kramer, and “he seemed like he cared [for the team].” It was ultimately his coaching style, which is the most important aspect of leading a football team to success. 

As the season wanes on and temperatures start to drop, football starts to shift towards the playoffs. Hopefully, with interim coach Bobby Petrino, whom Weis, Kramer, and Brunson believe to be a good choice for the rest of the season, the Arkansas Razorbacks seem to be on the up. 

Brunon notes that a previous game on October 11 against Tennessee “was better in terms of points.” He also notes that Petrino “could turn this team around. I am just excited for a new coach.” 

The post Arkansas Razorback Football: Fumble or Fate appeared first on Hill Magazine.

By Lilliana Cardenas

The line at the campus Starbucks tends to lengthen this time of year, as students clutch on their pumpkin chai lattes despite the lingering summer heat. For many, the return of the fall menu at Starbucks is not just a signal of the changing seasons, but a signal for the return of a comforting tradition. 

“I always get the pumpkin chai latte from Starbucks,” Evelyn Bahena, a computer engineering major at the University of Arkansas, said. “I buy it just because it’s fall, even though I don’t need it, but I get it because it’s seasonal and it tastes really good.”

Bahena is not alone with her love for these drinks. Every Autumn, students ambush the campus cafes, not simply for a little something to wake them up, but for a taste of nostalgia. These seasonal drinks entice a feeling of warmth and comfort, especially as midterms are starting and the cooler weather sets in.

“It’s kind of a ritual,” Davis McClure, an advertising and public relations major at UA, said. “When I get one of those drinks, it just makes me slow down for a second. It’s nostalgic because I do it every year. My favorite fall purchase is hands down the apple crisp shaken espresso from Starbucks,” McClure said. 

For McClure and other students, seasonal drinks and college life go hand in hand. They mark the turning point between the chaos of the back-to-school season and when the academic stress really settles in. 

“It makes me enjoy walking through leaves more and going to a pumpkin patch,” McClure said. “It’s like an experience, not just a drink.” 

But fall consumerism goes far beyond some chai lattes. This transitional time marks the transition of wardrobes, dorm decor and shopping habits. 

“My favorite fall purchase so far has been this really big orange sweater that looks like Rory Gilmore’s,” Brooklyn Nelson, journalism major at UA, said. “If you have a good outfit and a good crisp drink on your walk in the crisp weather, it just makes it such an experience and gives you that nostalgic movie-esque vibe.”

Nelson said she had always been drawn to the colors and textures most commonly seen in fall fashion– a lot of oranges, deep greens, and brown. 

“I’ll buy sweaters or nail sets that match the season,” she said. “Even if I don’t really need them, it just feels right for fall.”

Nelson’s reference to Rory Gilmore, one of the main characters of the early 2000s show “Gilmore Girls” highlights how pop culture shapes the way people perceive the season of fall. The show is known for its scenes displaying aesthetic coffee shops, thick knitted sweaters, and small town charm. Social media has deemed the show the show of the season, and is used as a blueprint on how to properly celebrate this cozy season. 

A common TikTok trend is the “Rory Gilmore fall,” which entails academic success, lots of coffee, and warm fashion choices. For many students, dressing like Lorelai and Rory Gilmore or participating in certain fall trends is not performative, it’s to take advantage of the traditions that come along this time of year and get in the fall spirit.

“There’s something about matching the vibe of the season that feels satisfying,” Bahena said. “Even if it’s still warm outside, I’ll wear a sweater or drink a hot latte because it makes it feel like fall time.”

Social media is a big factor of what’s trending this fall season. Platforms like TikTok and Pinterest are a go-to for fall content such as outfit inspiration, decor ideas, and ideas for fall activities to partake in. Bahena said her purchases are often influenced by what she sees on social media. 

“I see cute sweaters, pumpkin decorations, and people holding their Starbucks drinks in the most perfect lighting,” she said. “It inspires me a lot and makes me want to participate too.”

Leslie Bustamante, a marketing major, welcomes the fall season with candles. Her snickerdoodle candle from Bath and Body Works makes her room smell sweet and sugary, and brings a warmth that she only feels during this time of year. 

“Buying stuff for fall is a fun tradition for me,” Bustamante said. “I feel like a lot of people get tired of summer easily and are ready to move on to the new season.” 

Bustamante explained that the aesthetics are what entice her. 

“I love how everything feels cozy,” she said. “Even the way stores market things, like with the fonts and the colors, it’s all meant to make you feel relaxed and happy.”

Similar to Bahena, Bustamante also credits TikTok for curating her fall shopping list. 

“That’s kind of where I get most of my information of what to buy and where to buy it from,” she said. “Everyone promotes it, UGGs, pumpkin candles, sweaters, it’s hard not to join.”

Even students who don’t consider themselves as big consumerists notice the trends.

 “I don’t think I buy more in fall than in other seasons,” McClure said. “But it’s definitely the time of year when spending feels more fun.”

For Nelson, expressing herself in the fall is a big tradition. “Fall is my favorite season, and I think it matches my personality,” she said. “The way I dress and the certain things I buy is how I express myself.”

The consumerism habits that students adopt this time of year is more about materialistic items, these habits make the season feel special and create a sense of warmth. So that dwindling line outside Starbucks is not just for coffee, but for that familiar fall feeling. Students enjoy every single sip of that pumpkin spice.

The post The Price of Pumpkin Spice: How Fall Consumerism Takes Over Campus appeared first on Hill Magazine.