FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Higher education has never been more important than it is today. Many of the life-changing opportunities available to students and faculty have been provided by the generosity of alumni and friends, including those who are a part of the prestigious Towers of Old Main giving society.

This year, the Towers of Old Main event returned as a small in-person celebration after not being able to gather last year due to COVID-19 concerns, and it remained focused on honoring the benefactors whose cumulative giving or commitment to the university reached or exceeded $100,000. The honoree-only event was held outside at the Fowler House Garden and Conservatory on campus.

“Our university is grateful for the opportunity to honor those who have been so generous,” said interim Chancellor Charles Robinson. “The support from those who make up the Towers of Old Main giving society has made a big difference on our campus, and I’m glad we were able to show our thanks with this celebration.”

The Towers of Old Main giving society was created in 1999 and is a tribute to the physical towers of Old Main, which serves as an icon for higher education across the state of Arkansas. 

Honorees in attendance were presented with Towers of Old Main medallions and pins to commemorate their significant commitment and unparalleled support of the university during a private ceremony, which also featured harpist and alumna Devanee Williams. 

Chancellor’s Medal recipients and longtime benefactors and volunteers, Pat and Jim McClelland and Dick and Nancy Trammel were also recognized during the ceremony.

“The Towers of Old Main event is a wonderful time for us to express our gratitude,” said Mark Power, vice chancellor for advancement. “I’m proud to be a part of a university that has so much support from our alumni and friends who understand the importance of higher education and have helped support our mission.”

2021 TOWERS OF OLD MAIN HONOREES

• Dick and Nancy Trammel – Chancellor’s Medal Honorees
• Pat and Jim McClelland – Chancellor’s Medal Honorees
• Ann Ternes Rosso – Gold Tower of Old Main
• Tom and Jill King – Gold Towers of Old Main
• Patrick and Denise Segraves – Gold Towers of Old Main
• Larry and Patti Brown – Gold Towers of Old Main
• Ross and Mary Whipple – Gold Towers of Old Main
• Doug and Shelley McMillon – Gold Towers of Old Main
• Ted and Leslie Belden – Gold Towers of Old Main
• Steve and Kelly Barnes – Silver Towers of Old Main
• Christopher Liner and Dolores Proubasta – Towers of Old Main
• Bo and DeDe Long – Towers of Old Main
• Leah Glover Hales – Tower of Old Main
• Mark Carl Rom and S. Ayse Kadayifci-Orellana – Towers of Old Main
• Chris Michael Baribeau, Jason Howell Wright, Josh Allen Siebert of Modus Studio – Towers of Old Main
• David and Pattie Williams – Towers of Old Main
• Roy Curt Rom – Tower of Old Main
• David and Pamela Hallin – Towers of Old Main
• Todd and Marti Martin – Towers of Old Main
• Tom and Nancy Vandegrift – Towers of Old Main
• Wiley and Carol Christal – Towers of Old Main
• Kent and Sara McAllister – Towers of Old Main
• Edward J. “Eddie” Valek – Tower of Old Main
• Kenny Gibbs – Tower of Old Main

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.