7. Campus News

$100,000 from Sturgis Trust major

funding for new SAU band Uniforms

For the first time in 15 years, Southern Arkansas University Mulerider Band will show off their new uniforms gifted to them by the Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable and Educational Trust of Arkadelphia. The grant provided $100,000 worth of funding to provide our band with these new uniforms. 
THE ROY AND CHRISTINE STURGIS CHARITABLE TRUST STEPS UP. AGAIN. - The Fulbright College Honors Blog


 “We would not be able to purchase these uniforms without the Sturgis Trust getting us to our goal,” thanked J.P. Wilson, director of bands, “These uniforms are solid, sharp, and will provide a great visual to go along with our awesome sound.” The uniforms were ordered recently and are expected to arrive during the Spring 2022 semester to dress the band’s 160 members. The order also included accessories and 10 drum major uniforms.

SAU
Curt Smead, a senior music education major models the new band uniform

The band’s current uniforms are 17 years old, and not all members have full uniforms. The SAU Band was well overdue in the uniform department. According to the Magnolia Reporter, the new ensemble will “maintain a traditional look, but have clean lines and colors that reflect the University’s colors of blue and gold.” They will also be new, which is a major win in my books. 

Students are thrilled about the new uniforms. Wilson even added, “Many were involved in the design and some of our seniors are sad they won’t be able to wear these uniforms next year.”


This isn’t the first time Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable and Educational Trust of Arkadelphia has partnered with SAU. In the past, they have granted funds for SAU’s nursing and theatre departments. Their kindness has allowed our campus to flourish.

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