Dick and Nancy Trammel Cheer on Student Success with Scholarship Gift

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Dick and Nancy Trammel

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – At the 2018 Homecoming football game this Saturday, Oct. 20, University of Arkansas alumnus Dick Trammel will celebrate a 60-year milestone since he became a U of A cheerleader. Because of his enthusiasm for the university and love for the cheerleading program, Trammel and his wife, Nancy, created a scholarship for cheer students with a $250,000 estate gift.

Their contribution will support student success through Campaign Arkansas, the university’s $1.25 billion capital campaign.

“From the moment I met Dick Trammel, I knew he loved the University of Arkansas,” said Chancellor Joe Steinmetz. “He exudes true Razorback spirit and is one of our biggest cheerleaders. It’s incredibly fitting that he and Nancy chose to support student success through the creation of this scholarship, because the Razorback Cheerleading Squad contributes to the energy and feeling of community on our campus – just as the Trammels do in Northwest Arkansas.”

Dick Trammel, a native of Pocahontas, was the first in his family to attend college, noting, “My dad wanted me to come to the university, get an education and have fun.” During his sophomore year in 1958, Trammel’s fraternity, Sigma Chi, asked him to try out for the cheer squad. Trammel was one of nine cheerleaders chosen for the squad, picked for his ability to motivate other students and show his school spirit.

“It has touched my life since 1958, and I thank God for that opportunity,” he said.

Trammel earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Sam M. Walton College of Business and was hired by Sam Walton to work at Arvest Bank. He has spent 43 years with the company and is their executive vice president.

Since 1975, Trammel has made an appearance with the cheer squad every year at the Homecoming football game. It’s a tradition he appreciates and anticipates annually.

“I’m going to call the Hogs on the 50-yard-line as long as they let me,” he said. “There’s nothing like it.”

The Dick and Nancy Trammel Endowed Razorback Cheerleading Scholarship will benefit members of the Razorback Cheerleading Squad and provide scholarship support for one year to each of the recipients.

“I just want to help a young person involved in cheerleading,” he said. “People don’t realize what’s expected of them. I hope this scholarship will make it easier for a student to enjoy their cheerleading experience, because it’s an experience they will cherish the rest of their life.”

Trammel greatly respects Jean Nail, the retired spirit coordinator for the University of Arkansas, as well as the current coordinator, Brooke Bailey.

“Jean and Brooke are great examples for young people,” he said.

“Dick Trammel has been a loyal supporter of the Spirit Program for as long as I can remember,” said Brooke Bailey, director of spirit programs. “Even after going on to have a successful business career, he never forgot his experience as a Razorback cheerleader.

“There’s a commonality between the people who go through our program. We understand the unique role we play on game day and our role as ambassadors for the U of A. Mr. Trammel values the hard work and dedication it takes to be a member of the program. We are honored he is part of our Razorback Spirit Family, and his generosity will benefit our program for years to come.”

Trammel hopes other former cheerleaders, as well as current fans and friends, will add to the fund.

“The University of Arkansas has made my life what it is today,” he said. “And I am proud of the cheerleaders who have made a difference in my life and the state. I hope others can join me in adding to this scholarship. Go Hogs Go!”

Dick Trammel serves on the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee, the University Libraries Campaign Arkansas Committee and the UA Foundation Board. He and his wife, Nancy, are members of the Arkansas Alumni Association and counted as Thoroughreds for their 24 years of consecutive giving to the university. They are also included in the Towers of Old Main, a giving society for the university’s most generous benefactors.

About Campaign Arkansas: Campaign Arkansas is the ongoing capital campaign for the University of Arkansas to raise private gift support for the university’s academic mission and other key priorities. The campaign’s goal is to raise $1.25 billion to support academic and need-based scholarships, technology enhancements, new and renovated facilities, undergraduate, graduate and faculty research, study abroad opportunities and other innovative programs. The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in a wide spectrum of disciplines as it works to fulfill its public land-grant mission to serve Arkansas and beyond as a partner, resource and catalyst.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.