BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — Former University of Arkansas-Little Rock swimmer and water polo athlete Larry Golden ’82, who is currently a member of the university’s Board of Visitors, and his wife Debbie will be recognized for their philanthropic work to aid his alma mater during the 2026 SpectacuaLR.
The event will take place at the Jack Stephens Center on the UA Little Rock campus Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds from the event directly support Little Rock student-athletes.
His relationship with UA Little Rock began nearly five decades ago when he arrived on campus in the fall of 1978 as a student-athlete on the Trojan swimming and water polo teams. Athletics provided him with opportunities that would shape the trajectory of his life.
“I wouldn’t have earned my college degree without athletics. At the time, I never realized how many generous people worked behind the scenes to make that opportunity possible. As the years passed, I came to appreciate the impact those supporters had on my life. Debbie and I now feel incredibly fortunate to help provide those same opportunities for today’s student-athletes.”
“Nearly one third of UA Little Rock students are the first in their families to attend college. Debbie and I are both first generation college graduates so we know the power education can bring to families.”
“Our athletic department is recruiting the types of student athletes that can make the university and the community proud,” stated Larry Golden.
Each year, SpectacuaLR celebrates the accomplishments of the UA Little Rock student-athletes and a winning combination of academics and sports training. This evening of camaraderie generates critical funding for the 15 Trojan athletic programs, raising more than $4 million since its inception in 2009.
“SpectacuaLR is about building community, showcasing the incredible things happening at UA Little Rock and bringing people together around a shared purpose. Being a part of it is truly exciting,” noted Debbie Golden.
A member of the Arkansas Swimming Hall of Fame, Larry Golden adds, “Athletics was the entry point for our engagement. We fell in love with the excitement, the friendships and the Trojan spirit. The more involved we became, the more we realized how important the education mission truly is.”
The owners of Golden Collision Center in Little Rock, the Goldens have been active in recent fundraising efforts as they committed $95,000 for improvements to the university’s swimming facilities and the Donaghey Student Center. They are supporting upgrades to locker rooms in the Donaghey Student Center, improvements to gym lighting, and new equipment and technology for the swimming facilities.
Their involvement was part of a broader response from the swimming community, including current and former members of the Arkansas Dolphins program and others who regularly use the facility. Many offered ideas, encouragement, and financial support to help move the effort forward. Together with university support and contributions from alumni and community partners, the effort resulted in nearly $450,000 in improvements benefiting students and campus users.
