After over 30 years work in teaching and as an administrator for University of Arkansas Community College Hope and then, after is name change, the University of Hope-Texarkana, John Hollis is entering retirement with some idea how much he was valued in his time of service. Wednesday afternoon, at Hempstead Hall, the reception held in his honor drew dozens of colleagues and friends, many of whom are ex-students themselves.

Present at the event were two UAHT Chancellors, the current one Ricky Tompkins as well as past UAHT Chancellor and current Vice President of the UA System Chris Thomason. Also attending was UAHT Board of Visitors Chairman Freddie Smith, Vice Chancellor for Academics Laura Clark, Vice Chancellor for Student Services Brian Berry and many other colleagues of Hollis who has ranged in his tenure at UAHT from Division Chair to Dean of Institutional Effectiveness while always keeping his hand in as a teacher, whether of students or peers.

As dozens were already in the large room and many more were arriving, Hollis, asked what his thoughts were about the occasion, said, " I have always had really good support from this community, and that's the reason I love the Hope community so much and southwest Arkansas ... I've been here since the very beginning, when we became part of the UA system. So I've seen lots of changes and lots of expansions."

A program took place about a half hour after the gathering began, with many speakers recounting their memories of working with Hollis, who with wife Kim, gamely posed for for pictures at the request of the many who asked.

The Hollises were nominated last year by community members to take part in SWARK.Today's 20 Over 50 list. Their essay and picture can be seen on page ten in this publication.