LANEY AWARD

LANEY AWARD

This award was established by Sigma Chapter in 2000 to honor Sigma alumnni that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and achievement. The award is named in honor of alumnus Ben Laney (1924) who served as Governor of Arkansas from 1945 to 1949.


Ben Laney was born in 1896 in rural Ouachita County. He joined the Navy in 1918 and served in World War I. After the war, he returned to Arkansas and enrolled at UCA. Before graduating, he worked on the Echo staff and served as senior class president in 1924. After graduation, Laney was a successful businessman in Conway and then Camden. His first venture into politics occurred when he was elected Mayor of Camden in 1935. He was later elected to two terms as Governor of Arkansas. In addition, he was offered a nomination for President of the United States, but declined the nomination. During his tenure as Governor, "business" Ben Laney, as he was called, oversaw the passage of the Revenue Stabilization Act. The construction of the Governor's Mansion and War Memorial Stadium were set forth during his time in office. Laney passed away in 1977.


Winners of the Laney Award receive a plaque and their names are listed on a plaque that hangs in Buffalo Alumni Hall at UCA.

Recipients

2000 – Sheffield Nelson (1963) - Became President & CEO of Arkla Gas Co. at age 30; Republican nominee for Governor of Arkansas in 1990 and 1992; named UCA Distinguished Alumnus in 1986.

2001 – Dee Brown (1931) - Award winning author of numerous critically acclaimed books about the American West, including the landmark "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee"; named UCA Distinguished Alumnus in 1988.

2002 – Don King (1985) - Very active alumnus for many years involved with undergraduate chapter, housing project, alumni association, and alumni golf tourneys. Died while saving the life of a fraternity brother’s daughter in a boating accident in 2001.

2003 – H. B. Hardy, Jr. (1948) - Served at UCA in a number of capacities for 36 years, including teacher, dean of undergraduate studies, interim president; served fraternity as advisor for many years; named UCA Distinguished Professor Emeritus in 2001.

2004 - Buddy Harding (1951) - Inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 for his achievements as a player and coach; lettered in basketball and track at UCA then excelled as Coach at Clarendon High School in football, basketball and track.

2005 - Bill Johnson (1960) - Native of Conway, longtime bank president and community leader in Conway; radio voice of UCA football games for over 40 years; served on UCA Board of Trustees for 14 years; served on State Board of Higher Education.

2006 - Jim Brewer (1949) - Served as general manager of Conway Corporation
from 1965 to 1991; longtime community leader in Conway area; Conway's water
supply, Brewer Lake, is named in his honor; UCA’s Brewer-Hegeman Hall
co-named in his honor.