Russellville, Arkansas – Students, faculty, and visitors at Arkansas Tech University will now have even more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors on campus thanks to the addition of dozens of newly installed benches. School officials recently announced that 33 six-foot benches have been placed at various pedestrian crossroads throughout the Russellville campus as part of an ongoing project to enhance the university’s green spaces and outdoor gathering areas.
Each of these benches serves a dual purpose — providing a convenient place to rest while also recognizing individuals and families who have supported the university. Every bench is engraved with the name of its sponsor or someone the sponsor wished to honor. University officials said the proceeds collected through these sponsorships help cover the cost of purchasing, delivering, and installing both the benches and accompanying trash containers.
The project isn’t quite finished yet, according to school officials. Approximately 10 more benches are expected to be added to the campus in the near future. Once fully complete, the university’s campus will feature more than 40 benches strategically located to improve the student experience and encourage time spent outdoors.
The idea for the legacy benches came from Arkansas Tech alumnus Robert Norman and his family, who have long been active supporters of campus improvement projects. Over the years, the Norman family has contributed to a variety of efforts aimed at enhancing the beauty and function of ATU’s campus, including planting over 1,500 trees and helping to fund the construction of the iconic Hindsman Tower.
“I have thought about this a lot…why I have a love for Arkansas Tech,” Norman said. “I received a lot of help along the way, and Tech gave me confidence in myself. I didn’t pay a dime for my schooling. It is important to me to pay forward what Tech did for me.”
University officials said the benches not only reflect the generosity of those who care about Arkansas Tech but also create lasting symbols of connection between past and present generations of students. The benches serve as everyday reminders of those who have contributed to making the campus a better place.
For anyone interested in seeing the names associated with the first group of legacy benches, Arkansas Tech has made the information available on its official website at ATU.edu. The university continues to welcome additional sponsorships as the project moves forward.
With the installation of these benches, Arkansas Tech further demonstrates its ongoing commitment to fostering a welcoming, comfortable environment for everyone who steps foot on campus — whether they’re students heading to class, alumni visiting their old stomping grounds, or members of the community enjoying a stroll through campus.
