FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Members of the Bogle family have been long-time supporters of the University of Arkansas, and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences has honored Marilyn Bogle for her family’s generosity by recognizing her as an official “Friend” of the college, Dean Michael Vayda has announced.

Bogle’s commitment has helped the college continue to focus on its mission of advancing food, family and the environment, and producing leaders for the economic and social well-being of Arkansas and the nation.

Bob and Marilyn Bogle sponsor two endowed scholarships for Bumpers College students: one is in horticulture and the other is an Access Arkansas Scholarship, which is based on need. Approximately 100 students have benefited from the horticulture scholarship since 1993, and 16 students have already received the needs-based scholarship since it started in the 2012-13 academic year.

The Bogles were also major contributors to the Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center, a state-of-the-art learning facility, which opened in August. It features classrooms and indoor and outdoor play spaces while providing daycare services for members of the campus and the community, giving university students insight into the behavioral and developmental patters in children. The Bogles are also regular contributors to the Equine Operational Fund.

“It is no secret that Marilyn has a green thumb,” said Vayda. “Everything she touches grows and blossoms. That is the best way to describe her family’s support of the Bumpers College. From supporting our students and faculty in horticulture to assisting with the development of our equine program to the Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center, their support has grown and made the work of the Bumpers College more beautiful and meaningful. Marilyn is a great friend of the college and we are thrilled to honor her in the inaugural year of this award.”

Bob Bogle was the first manager of Walton’s Five and Dime on the square in Bentonville and later created the name “Walmart” for the retail outlet. They had opportunities to leave Northwest Arkansas for other opportunities within the growing company, but made the area home and became huge fans of the Razorbacks. Eight members of the Bogle family have graduated from the University of Arkansas.

“Marilyn Bogle and her husband Bob have been outstanding friends and supporters of the department of horticulture for a number of years,” said David Hensley, chair of the department. “Their continued assistance to the department and our students has made it possible for more than 25 students to attend and complete their degree who may not have been able to do so otherwise. Marilyn is one of the dearest people I have met in Arkansas and is truly a joy.”

“The Bogles have donated substantial funding, but more impressively, they have donated their personal time as a family,” said Nancy Jack, assistant professor of animal science and director of the Dorothy E. King Equine Program. “They have loaned us plants and donated money for special events, Susan has guest lectured, Erin has lectured and Marilyn has attended our events. It’s more than their donations. They have immersed themselves as a family and helped us in many aspects. The Bogles really are friends of the college.”

Their love of the outdoors and their community resulted in the creation of Bogle Park, an outdoor park across from their home in Bentonville. At the very heart of the family’s philanthropy is a commitment to enhancing the lives of those in their communities and at the University of Arkansas.

In addition to their support of Bumpers College, the Bogles are members of the Chancellor’s Society at the University of Arkansas, ranking among the most generous benefactors. Their support is also evidenced by the Bob and Marilyn Bogle Academic Center, an endowed gymnastics scholarship, the Bev Lewis Center and the George Billingsley Tennis Center. They have also supported the renovation and expansion of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium and Baum Stadium. In May 2008, Bogle Park, one of the nation’s premier softball facilities, was officially dedicated.

The goals of the Bumpers College include advancing the prominence of Arkansas agriculture and food industries; advancing the quality of family life, child wellness, human development and healthy living choices; and advancing the stewardship of the environment for the strength and vibrancy of the economy.