UAPB Receives Bigger Than Band Bag Surprise - Local Nonprofit Adds $150K During Band Practice Presentation

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) leadership joined board members of the Trinity Foundation to surprise and gift the UAPB M4 (Musical Marching Machine of the Mid-South) Band with M4 branded backpacks during their band practice outside Caldwell Hall. The big reveal came after approximately 300 band members celebrated receiving their black, gold, and white string backpacks with a surprise $150K check donation in honor of UAPB’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. The $150K donation also launched the Trinity Foundation Sesquicentennial Challenge to others to donate $150 – $1,500 -$15,000 – $150,000 or more to recognize UAPB as an educational leader and a positive force for the future.

Trinity Foundation presents $150K Check to UAPB outside Caldwell Hall and launches Sesquicentennial Challenge.

M4 Band received M4 branded backpacks during practice

Band member models M4 branded backpack gift

UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander and Vice-Chancellor George Cotton were on hand when UAPB Band Director John Graham and two band students accepted the $150K check from the Trinity Foundation board member Drew Atkinson as M4 band members cheered again with surprise and showed their appreciation with a unique musical rendition in response.   Chancellor Alexander remarked, “This generous contribution acknowledges UAPB’s impact in shaping the region. It also provides a philanthropic boost as we expand fundraising for the next generation of scholars.” 

According to Drew Atkinson, “We wanted to acknowledge the 150th anniversary of UAPB and honor the students of M4 for their hard work and dedication to being positive representatives of UAPB all across the country. We recognize that the band members are great ambassadors for the university, and we are hopeful that our gift will assist them in their future performances, wherever they may be,” noting that the UAPB M4 band has already performed outside the state at least three times (OK, TN and LA) since the start of this semester. Mr. Atkinson added, “We also note the long-time dedication of Mr. John Graham, Mr. Darryl Evans, and Mr. Harold Fooster for their dedication to making musicians and entertainers at UAPB.”

Trinity Foundation is a nonprofit that works to support and contribute to building a better Jefferson County community. Trinity Board members in attendance for the presentation included Scott McGeorge, Chairman of PBSGC and of Trinity Foundation; Angela Thomas, long-time PBSG employee, and UAPB graduate; Catherine Anne Atkinson, PBSG employee and Drew Atkinson, long-time PBSG employee and Trinity Board member. According to public sources, The Trinity Foundation was formed in 1952 and primarily supported by McGeorge Contracting Co., Inc. and Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel Company, both headquartered in Jefferson County.

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