THE PARTY YOU LOVE — REMIXED.

We’re turning up the volume on Laurels & Stripes! A new venue, new energy, and new sounds are taking the stage on March 7, 2026. It’s the same spirit of celebration—with a bold new twist.

This year’s Laurels & Stripes will look and feel unlike any before it:

• Social hour in the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts with heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and live entertainment

• A program celebrating our Distinguished Alumni and recognizing Foundation-supported student scholarships in the Windgate Concert Hall

• A high-energy after-party, Bruce’s Bear Cave in the James Bridges Black Box Theatre, featuring Tyler Kinchen & The Right Pieces from New Orleans

We will also offer valet parking and encourage elevated cocktail attire for a relaxed yet polished evening. Because of the venue layout and program format, space is limited this year and we do expect to sell out.

2026 Distinguished Alumni

Col. Addie M. Morris (Drake), USA (Ret.) ’80

Col. Addie Mae Morris of Little Rock has led a distinguished career in military service, health care leadership, business, and community advocacy. Born in Alabama to sharecropper parents, she overcame racial barriers to pursue nursing, earning her LPN, continuing her education at the University of Michigan, completing a Master of Science in Nursing at UCA in 1980, and later earning a Ph.D. in educational psychology and a Master of Military Science. She has served as president and CEO of Grandville Construction Company since 1968, held senior leadership roles in Arkansas Health Services, and completed 27 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, rising to colonel and deploying during Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning multiple military honors. Respected statewide, Morris has served on numerous Arkansas boards and commissions and authored a weekly newspaper column in the 1990s. Her lifelong commitment to service includes founding the Drake Nurses Charity, supporting youth development initiatives, promoting civility through the Hat & Glove Society, and continuing her service to UCA through the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences advisory board.

Dr. Jeff Standridge ’90

Dr. Jeff D. Standridge of Conway is a UCA alumnus and nationally recognized leader in business, entrepreneurship, and civic service with a deep commitment to advancing educational and economic opportunity in Arkansas. A 1990 UCA graduate, he also holds a master’s degree from UA Little Rock and a Doctor of Education in leadership and organizational behavior, and remains closely connected to UCA through teaching, philanthropy, mentorship, and volunteer leadership. Standridge began his career in health care as a paramedic and respiratory therapist, serving at Conway Regional Hospital, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and UAMS, before joining Acxiom Corporation as vice president of global operations, leading business units across five continents and becoming a best-selling author and sought-after speaker. He is managing director of The Conductor and Innovation Junkie, co-founder of Cadron Capital Partners, and a retired Arkansas Army National Guard member recognized as Soldier of the Year. Appointed by Governor Sanders, he chaired the Arkansas Aeronautics Commission in 2025 and currently chairs the Conway Regional Health System board while serving on the Conway Development Corporation board. His extensive service to UCA includes leadership on multiple advisory boards, chairing the UCA Foundation Board, co-chairing the Laurels & Stripes gala, and establishing multiple endowed scholarships, with his volunteer and philanthropic leadership recognized statewide.