Sort by: Class Year Year Awarded Name
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34Year Awarded: 2006
Temple, TX
Richard W. Younts received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University in 1967 and attended business school at Arizona State University. During his time at Texas A&M, he was a student assistant in the Engineering Research Laboratory.
Prior to attending Texas A&M, Younts served from 1957 to 1960 in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following completion of his education, Younts joined Motorola’s semiconductor division in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1967. After several years of advancement within that division, he was appointed to operations manager of the rectifier businesses in 1974. In 1979, he moved to the semiconductor group’s MOS division in Austin as the group operation manager of logic and special functions. In 1982, he was appointed vice president of Motorola and director of operations for the MOS Memory Group in Austin.
In 1984, Younts moved to Japan as vice president and general manager of the semiconductor division of Nippon Motorola, Ltd. Three years later, he was made an elected vice president and president of Nippon Motorola, Ltd. Younts returned to the U.S. in 1991 to serve as executive president and executive director for the Asia and Americas Regions. In 1997, he was named as president of the Asia Pacific regions and appointed to serve on the management board of Motorola Inc. Today, Younts serves on several boards and as an advisor to the city of Tianjin, China. In 2001 he was given an honorary citizenship of China.
As a former student, Younts has been an integral part of Texas A&M’s success in its international programs. He was the co-organizer for the China-U.S. Relations Conference in 2003 and 2005, and established the Kyle R. Younts International Forum, in memory of his son, to support the International Programs Office and international awareness on campus. In 2003, he was appointed by Dr. Robert M. Gates to serve as the Lockheed-Martin World-Scholar-in-Residence for Texas A&M to provide advice to university administration on building Texas A&M’s presence in China. Born in Temple, Younts and his wife, Pat, have three children, Rhonda, Class of 1985; Marcy, Class of 1986; and Kyle (deceased).
"A&M is not just an institution that Rick supports and to which he gives his participation and resources. The Spirit and the values of A&M are, in large measure, who and what he is. Rick Younts is the Aggie we all hoped we would grow up to be."
- Rick C. Smith ’62
Year Awarded: 2005
Houston, TX
The Honorable Willie E.B. Blackmon received a bachelor’s of Business Administration degree in Marketing from Texas A&M University in 1973 and a Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University in 1982. During his time at Texas A&M, he was an All-Southwest Conference and All-American athlete and member of the world record holding indoor mile relay team who won the U.S. Track and Field Federation National Championship. Blackmon was recognized for his athletic achievements with his induction into the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994.
In 1984, Blackmon entered the U.S. Air Force as a military attorney where he served for the next 20 years. In 2004, he was honorably discharged from the Texas Air National Guard at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Blackmon’s outstanding career contributions were recognized when he was selected to serve as an International Election Supervisor in Bosnia in 1997. Upon completion of active duty, he served as Assistant District Attorney in Lubbock and Houston and established a successful career as a private attorney prior to becoming a Municipal Court Judge for the City of Houston.
As a former student, Blackmon has served Texas A&M as a co-founding member of the Texas A&M Letterman’s Association, a member of the College of Education and Human Development Advisory Council and the Corps of Cadets Development Council, and a Representative at Large for The Association of Former Students.
"Being an Aggie means that I am part of a network of individuals that are as special collectively as they are individually. Our traditions and Aggie culture set us apart from all other universities in the nation. And let it be understood, our greatest asset is the Aggie Network, and its silver lining is the diversity of our student body, which is well on its way to living the “Dream” of a great Aggie, State Senator Mathew Gaines. Senator Gaines, an African American Senator of the Reconstruction era in Texas history, dreamed of an integrated land grant college where all Texans would have an equal opportunity to succeed. And those opportunities manifest themselves today, when we travel at home or abroad, while wearing the Aggie ring. This symbol of the Aggie Spirit becomes a worldwide passport to hospitality and camaraderie. I say this out of my experiences as a world traveler, meeting Aggies who recognize me not by face, but by the ring on my finger. This tells them that we share not only a heritage that has molded who and what we are, but also a common bond, which in a strange environment, beckons one to a harbor light of friendship."
Year Awarded: 2005
Baytown, TX
Jerry S. Cox received a bachelor’s of Business Administration degree in Finance from Texas A&M University in 1972, a Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from Pepperdine University in 2000, and a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Houston Baptist University in 2002. During his time as a student at Texas A&M, Cox was a member of the Corps of Cadets and received the Outstanding Cadet Award.
In 1977, he founded Cox & Perkins Exploration, Inc., a fully-integrated independent oil and gas exploration and production company, where he serves as President and Chairman. His peers in the oil and gas industry praise Cox as an adroit investor and businessman who operates with high integrity and honesty. Cox is a member of Hydril Co. Board of Directors and the Pepperdine University Board of Regents.
Cox has given his time to Texas A&M serving as President of the 12th Man Foundation, member of the Mays Business School Development Council, Director of the Private Enterprise Research Center, and was recently selected Chairman Elect of the Texas A&M Foundation. As Presiding Chair of the One Spirit One Vision Campaign, Cox directed the historic multi-year campaign surpassing the $1 billion goal. Perhaps the greatest testimony to Cox’s service to the university in his assistance with searches for key leadership positions at Texas A&M. In 1998, Cox’s professional achievements were recognized with the Mays Business School Outstanding Alumni Award.
Born in Baytown, Texas, Cox and his wife, Kay ’02, have two children, Courtney and Paul.
"To me, being an Aggie simply means family and community. It is a sense of belonging and loyalty to anyone and everyone who shares that label. A&M was immensely valuable to me in teaching me discipline, respect, and focus. These principles demonstrated to me that a steadfast work ethic focused on a worthy cause will, over time, produce good results. Over the years since A&M, I have been blessed to see these core beliefs prove beneficial and reliable in many different areas of my life."
Year Awarded: 2005
Mercedes, TX
Melbern G. Glasscock earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1959 and a master’s degree from Rice University in 1961. As a student, he was a member of the Corps of Cadets Fish Drill Team, commander of the Ross Volunteers and honored as a Distinguished Military Student. Upon completion of his master’s degree, Glasscock entered active duty with the U.S. Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and was later promoted to First Lieutenant. During his service from 1961-1964, Glasscock also served as a Project Officer in the Rocket Propulsion Laboratory at Edwards Air Force Base.
Upon leaving the military, Glasscock began his career at Mobil Chemical Co. and later Texas Olefins Co. In 1980 Glasscock and his wife, Susie, founded Texas Aromatics, Inc., where he serves as President and Chief Executive Officer. His company is primarily involved in the marketing of aromatics and aromatic containing by-products from refineries and petrochemical operations.
Glasscock’s love of his university is evident by his establishment of the Melbern G. Glasscock Center for Humanities Research whose dedication is to foster and celebrate the humanities and its research among Texas A&M scholars and all academia. He is also member of the Visual Arts Development Council, Vice Chair of the One Spirit One Vision Campaign, and an ardent supporter of the College of Liberal Arts. Glasscock was recently elected to the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees.
Born in Mercedes, Texas, Glasscock and his wife have two children, David and Anne Elizabeth ’86.
"Follow your dreams and do what excites you. Ignore the lure of money. If you are good at what you do and like what you do, monetary reward usually follows, but it shouldn’t be your primary goal. Finally, always remember to give back, particularly to Texas A&M. A lot of people have worked hard to make Texas A&M what it is today. Your turn is coming."
Year Awarded: 2005
Iraan, TX
Billy Pete Huddleston received a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1957. During his time as a student, he was a member of Paul “Bear” Bryant’s “Junction Boys” Aggie football team and served as Team Captain in 1955. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force where he served from 1958-1960.
After beginning his career with Marathon Oil Co., he established Huddleston & Co., Inc., in 1967 where he continues to serve as Chairman. In 1971, he founded Peter Paul Petroleum Co., which manages joint venture and partnership interests in over 2,500 oil and gas producing properties and 525,000 mineral acres. Huddleston’s vast knowledge of petroleum engineering consulting and financial analysis has provided expert testimony to various government agencies and commissions. He is a member of numerous professional societies including the American Association of Petroleum Engineers, the American Petroleum Institute, and the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Huddleston has given his time to Texas A&M as a co-founding member of the Texas A&M Letterman’s Association and a member of the Dwight Look College of Engineering Advisory Council. Perhaps his greatest contribution back to the university is his time as Visiting Professor in the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering from 1981-1998, for which he received the Robert L. Whiting Professorship for Excellence in Teaching. Huddleston is an ardent supporter of the Corps of Cadets and the Dwight Look College of Engineering.
Born in Iraan, Texas, he and his wife, Flos, have three children, Peter ’80, Paul ’82 and Lisa ’85.
"Texas A&M builds the confidence that you can accomplish just about anything if you continue to push your limits. Current students and new graduates should aspire to the old Army slogan: “Be all you can be.” If a person aspires to this creed, they will be honored regardless of their station in life."
Year Awarded: 2005
Brenham, TX
Edward F. Kruse received a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science from Texas A&M University in 1949. While a student, he was a varsity letterman in swimming, a member of the Corps of Cadets and honored as a Distinguished Military Student.
Shortly after graduation, Kruse joined family-owned Blue Bell Creameries, Inc. Kruse’s 50 plus years of service have included positions of General Manager, President, and Chief Executive Officer, and since 1993, Chairman of the Board. His oversight and management of the sales division was instrumental in building Blue Bell into the number three ice cream brand in the country. Kruse’s professional accomplishments were recognized by his induction into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Dairy Products Institute Hall of Fame in 1995. He served in leadership positions for the Dairy Products Institute of Texas, the Dixie Dairy Products Association, the International Dairy Foods Association, and the International Ice Cream Association. For 10 years, Kruse served on the Texas Lutheran University Board of Regents.
Texas A&M recognized Kruse with the College of Agriculture and Life Science Outstanding Alumni Award in 2002 and induction into the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor in 2003. Kruse has provided students the valuable resources of Blue Bell to enhance their educational opportunities. He is an ardent supporter of the College of Agriculture and Life Science, the Corps of Cadets, and the George Bush School of Government and Public Service.
Born in Brenham, Texas, Kruse and his wife, Evelyn, have four children, Karen ’73, Ken ’75 (deceased), Paul ’77, and Neil ’80 (deceased).
"A&M has been very special to me; the camaraderie I shared with others in school lasts even until today when I see former members. Many of the things I learned at A&M stay with me even today."
Year Awarded: 2005
Waco, TX
James K.B. Nelson received dual bachelor’s degrees in Petroleum and Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1950. While enrolled as a student, Nelson was a Ross Volunteer, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, Secretary/Treasurer of his senior class, and Editor of The Battalion newspaper. After graduation, Nelson was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.
Nelson’s career in the oil and gas industry began with entry level positions with various drilling companies. After working his way through the industry, in 1978 he became Owner and President of Grey Wolf Drilling Co., a leading provider of contract oil and gas land drilling services in the U.S. In 1997, Nelson sold his company and officially retired from Grey Wolf. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors as his expertise and knowledge of the industry are vast and valuable. Nelson founded Felicity Ventures, Ltd., an investment management firm, and where he serves as President. He was recognized by Ernst & Young, LLP with the Houston Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1997. The Dwight Look College of Engineering recognized Nelson’s accomplishments with the Outstanding Alumni Award in 2000.
As a former student, Nelson has served Texas A&M as a member of the College of Education and Human Development Advisory Council, the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering Industry Advisory Board and the Visual Arts Development Council, as well as his support of the Dwight Look College of Engineering and Texas A&M athletics.
Born in Waco, Texas, Nelson and his wife, Audrey, have one child, Felicia.
"Being an Aggie means a good education, friends for a lifetime, and a sense of values that benefits you, your family, your friends and associates and your nation all of your life."
Year Awarded: 2004
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Dr. Dionel E. Avilés '53 received Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Civil Engineering in 1954, 1961 and 1966, respectively. As a student, Avilés was a member of the 1st Battalion, A Company and Platoon Leader, B Company of the Corps of Cadets, and was active in various student organizations. Avilés served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and later furthered his education at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. He retired from the U.S. Army Reserve with the rank of Major General in 1993.
In 1981, he founded Avilés Engineering Corp., specializing in geotechnical engineering and exploration. Over the years, AEC has been instrumental in projects such as Houston’s Minute Maid Park, Reliant Stadium, Bush Intercontinental Airport, and the METRO Transit Authority. Avilés has served in many positions of leadership within engineering professional societies, such as the Texas Society of Professional Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Professional Engineers and the Society of American Military Engineers.
Avilés has volunteered his time to Texas A&M, serving on the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, Corps of Cadets Development Council, the Texas A&M Hispanic Network and the President’s Board of Visitors. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Avilés and wife Barbara Ann, have four children, Dionél, Marta, D’Ann ’87, and Rochelle, as well as five grandchildren.
"Dr. Avilés is a great example of someone who has made the most of the opportunities in front of him."
- John Small '92, Director of Development for Engineering with the Texas A&M Foundation
Year Awarded: 2004
Marion, LA
John David Crow '58 received his bachelor’s degree in general business in 1958. A member of the Aggie football team, Crow played on the 1957 Southwest Conference Championship team and was named Scholastic All-American. He was the first Aggie to be awarded the Heisman Memorial Trophy.
Upon graduation, Crow was the number one draft choice of the NFL Chicago Cardinals in 1958. He later played in St. Louis and San Francisco and was a Pro Bowl player in 1960, 1961, 1963 and 1966 before retiring in 1969. Crow went on to coach both collegiate and professional teams before returning to Texas A&M as Associate Athletic Director and later Athletic Director.
In recognition of his athletic career, Crow was honored by the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame. He served Texas A&M as Director Emeritus of Texas A&M Letterman’s Association and was an ardent supporter of Texas A&M athletics. Crow also gave of his time and talents in service of various charitable organizations in his community and across the country.
Born in Marion, Louisiana, Crow and his wife, Carolyn, had three children, Analisa, Jeannie and their late son, John, Jr., as well as seven grandchildren.
John David Crow passed away on June 17, 2015.
"John David Crow is admired widely, not only because of his athletic prowess and fame on the field, but rather because of his actions as a person, always finding the good in people and constantly crediting his alma mater for his success."
- Eddie J. Davis ’67, President of The Texas A&M Foundation
Year Awarded: 2004
San Antonio, TX
Joe B. Mattei '53 received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1953. As a student, he was a Ross Volunteer, served as Deputy Corps Commander of the Corps of Cadets, was a member of the Student Senate, and was Senior Class President. Upon graduation, he served as First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956.
Mattei worked 39 years with Exxon Corp. in key engineering, advisory and management positions. Currently President of EEM Enterprises, Inc. and Vice President of Carter Financial Management, he is a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor, and Registered Investment Advisor.
Mattei is a member of numerous financial planning societies, including the Financial Planning Association, the International Association of Financial Planners, the American Association of Individual Investors and the Houston Estate and Financial Forum.
Since graduation from Texas A&M, he has volunteered his time serving the Class of 1953 as a Class Agent, the Board of Directors of The Association of Former Students and the 12th Man Foundation, the Corps of Cadets Development Council, the President’s Board of Visitors, and the International Programs Advisory Committee. He is also a past president of the Houston A&M Club, the world’s largest A&M club.
Raised in San Antonio, Mattei and wife Eddie have two children, Braden and Karyn, as well as three grandchildren.