Winter / Spring 2007 - University of Arkansas at Monticello

Alumni
“We are pleased to honor two individuals who have meant
so much to this institution and who have forged such successful
lives,” said UAM Chancellor Jack Lassiter. “Frank Wilson
has been a success in business, a leader in his community, and
a loyal supporter of UAM. Jim Trimm is one of those special
people whose love for this university has made him a part of
our tradition and history. He was an outstanding basketball
player who took that same drive to win and translated it into
success in business.”
Wilson earned a bachelor of science degree in forestry from
what was then Arkansas A&M in 1966. He became a leader in
the south Arkansas timber industry, developing Wilson Brothers
Lumber Company and Tri-W Logging, and is currently a
member of the Executive Committee of the Arkansas Forestry
Association. He is also a member of the UAM Board of Visitors.
Frank Wilson is the oldest of three generations of Wilsons
who have earned degrees from, or are currently attending
UAM. His son, Harrell, and nephews, James and Jeff, earned
forestry degrees from UAM and work with Frank Wilson in the
timber business along with another nephew, Brad, who also attended
UAM. Another son, Jeremy, attended UAM and played
football before earning a degree in history. Frank Wilson’s great
nephew, Tyler, is currently pursuing a forestry degree at UAM.
“UAM has always meant a lot to me and it’s certainly an
honor to be chosen,” said Wilson. “There are probably a lot of
people more deserving than I am, but to be a part of the legacy
of UAM is very special to me.”
Jim Trimm was a starting forward on the Arkansas A&M
basketball team in 1956 when the Boll Weevils won the
school’s only conference championship in men’s basketball.
Known as “Ace” to his classmates, Trimm grew up in the shadow
of the university campus, attended Drew Central schools
next door for 12 years, then went to A&M as an unrecruited
walk-on for the basketball team.
He quickly earned a scholarship and helped lead the Boll
Weevils to one of their most successful four-year periods.
“Those were the happiest days of my life,” said Trimm.
“I’ve looked back on those days so many times. That was a
very special time. The campus was small and you knew everybody.
I was just an old country boy who learned a lot there.
Everything I am today I owe to Arkansas A&M. This is a great
honor.”
(Above, from left) Delores and Frank
Wilson visit with Judy and Jack Lassiter
at a reception in the Chancellor’s
home at Homecoming. (Left) Jim
“Ace” Trimm as he appeared in the
1956 Boll Weevil.
Winter / Spring 2007