Panama and University of Arkansas Strengthening Ties
The University of Arkansas, President Ricardo Martinelli’s alma mater, will donate $100,000 worth of scholarships to Panamanian students.
“This is a positive achievement resulting from the meeting with the authorities of this important university, one which maintains important ties of cooperation with Panama,” said the State’s Secretary of Communication of President Martintelli’s visit to the University this week.
Last October, U of A Chancellor Gearhart led an “Academic Trade Mission” to Panama to renew University ties. A delegation of alumni, administrators and state business leaders from Arkansas made the trip.
During the visit, Professor Emeritus Paul Noland was honored with the highest civilian honor given by the Panamanian government for establishing an agricultural teaching, research and extension program in 1951, the first foreign agricultural mission started by a U.S. land grant institution. Discussions during the visit included talk of educational exchange programs and increasing the market for Arkansas agriculture, construction and industrial products in Panama.
“We want Arkansas to be in position to take advantage of [the free trade agreement currently on the floor of the U.S. Senate] as soon as it is ratified,” Dan Hendrix, president and chief executive officer of the Arkansas World Trade Center. “There is a demand for Arkansas rice, soybeans and cotton now, and we have a long, established relationship with Panama, through the university, that should definitely benefit the Arkansas economy.”
Chancellor Gearhart also presented President Martinelli with a framed rubbing of his name on the ‘Senior Walk’ and Old Main, a Razorback helmet signed by Bobby Patrino, and a Razorback Football Jersey with the number 99 for the Super 99 grocery chain owned by Martinelli.
Other notable University of Arkansas alumns include John Daly, winner of five PGA Tour tournaments; William T. Dillard, founder of Dillard’s Department Stores; J. William Fulbright, U.S. Senator and creator of the Fulbright Scholar Program; Walter Keller, developer of the heart pacemaker; and Laurence Luckinbill, an actor best known for his role as the brother of Spock in Star Trek V.
President Ricardo Martinelli with Hog Helmet Gift