Southern Arkansas University is having a dedication ceremony of the Monroe Gazebo, built in honor of Thomas Archie Monroe, at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, at the east lawn of Overstreet Hall.
The public is invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
This beautiful gazebo will stand as a lasting tribute to Mr. Monroe, who was a longtime friend and benefactor of the University. The project was funded Monroe’s family and friends.
Construction was completed on the structure just in time for SAU President Dr. Trey Berry’s Lone Pine Tree planting ceremony on July 1. It is a 16×24-foot oval gazebo made of treated pine. It has been stained white and has Oakridge shingles to match the surrounding
buildings.
Monroe passed away in Magnolia on February 3, 2015, at the age of 105. He lived almost all his life in Magnolia. He graduated from Magnolia High School and from A&M College (now SAU) in 1929. Before his death, he was the oldest graduate of SAU and was one of the first recipients of the Golden Rider Award.
He graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1931 and went to Little Rock to embark on a banking career. In 1939 he returned to Magnolia to own and manage the Magnolia Insurance Agency which had been founded by his father early in the 20th century.
He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, in San Antonio, Illinois and South Dakota. After the war he returned to Magnolia to continue managing the Magnolia Insurance Agency. He also served as trust officer of the First National Bank of Magnolia (now BancorpSouth). He later served as president of that institution. He was one of five founders of the First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Magnolia.
His civic achievements are legendary in Magnolia. He was selected Citizen of the Year in Magnolia/Columbia County in 1992. He served twice as president of the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce. He worked tirelessly to diversify the economy of Columbia County by seeking new industry in the 1950’s. His service on the Columbia County Library Board resulted in statewide recognition for his work in establishing an excellent library system for Columbia County. He served on the City Planning Committee for many years. He had been a member of the Magnolia Rotary Club since its inception in the 1930’s and served as its president. He was a strong supporter of the South Arkansas Symphony. He served for many years as a trustee of the Magale Foundation in Shreveport, Louisiana.
As he grew older, he became the unofficial historian of Magnolia and Columbia County. He never stopped learning and he had a vision for the future that was broader and more optimistic than many who are much younger. He was a booster of Magnolia in the best sense of the word. He loved life and his family.
