Late last month, the university hosted one of its successful alumni, Ricardo Martinelli, president of the Republic of Panama. His visit was a whirlwind of activities that ranged from a press conference that discussed Latin American politics to a homecoming with college buddies. Moreover, it rekindled a special 60-year relationship that the university has had with that Central American country.
In 1951, the United States commissioned the University of Arkansas to establish an agricultural foreign mission in Panama. One of the campus historical markers located outside the Animal Science Building highlights that mission to establish agricultural teaching, research and extension programs. Led by animal science professor Paul Noland, the mission continued until 1957. In all, 24 faculty members continued to assist Panama on agricultural issues. Noland was decorated with Panama’s top award for non-Panamanians for his work.
A pleasing offshoot of the mission was the interest among Panamanian students in attending the university. Twenty-five alumni are from Panama. Among those educated in Fayetteville were bankers, businessmen, ranchers and farmers. Martinelli, who admits that he came to study agriculture but knew after the first semester that he wanted business, became the CEO of the country’s largest supermarket chain. His victory, which boasted a 60 percent favorability vote, came after he had previously failed to earn the office. Martinelli was awarded the highest Arkansas Alumni Association Award, the Citation of Distinguished Alumni (CDA) in 2002. He was the first international alumnus to receive the award.
During his visit, the university announced that it would establish an endowed scholarship in the president’s name to attract Panamanian students to Fayetteville. When the announcement was made, he immediately committed to matching the endowment with his own gift. Throughout the weekend, he emphasized the role that the university played in his successful life and praised Arkansans for their work ethic, transparency and drive. He adopted those traits and credits them with his success in business and is carrying them out in politics.
What was most enjoyable for an alumni professional to observe was the obvious joy he had in returning to campus. A visit to Senior Walk, a tour of campus to note all the new buildings, a stop at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House to see his name on the CDA recognition plaque, and even a visit to Dickson Street were typical of what alumni do when they return. He was joined by a handful of his classmates and roommates for a nostalgic evening.
Again, this link to the university is paying other dividends. The World Trade Center, which partners with the university, will reintroduce Arkansas and its products and services to Panama. The Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors granted a “charter” to organize the first international alumni group in Panama later this spring.
When he left, the university’s only international alumnus to serve as a head of state, vowed to return again – often.
