P. William "Bill"
Toler ’76
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Year Awarded: 2023
Bryan, TX
A member of the Corps of Cadets and ROTC, Toler studied accounting at A&M before commissioning as a U.S. Army field artillery officer with airborne and ranger qualifications. He served in Germany for four years on active duty. Returning to the U.S., he joined Procter & Gamble, where he would remain for nearly 30 years.
Toler began at P&G in sales and marketing roles. He rose in customer business development and was named a vice president in 1994. His next roles took him across the globe, first to Europe and then to Asia, Australia and Latin America. In 2007, he was promoted to global vice president for professional oral care. In each of his roles, he increased market share and held fast to vision and values above all. His leadership style emphasizes developing those he manages and keeping the promises he makes.
In 2009, Toler was made CEO of Swift Communications, a privately held publisher of over 30 newspapers. While he didn’t have experience with journalism, his past roles had equipped him with skills in strategic growth. Within a year, he stabilized revenues and increased profits by 70%. He finally retired from industry in 2018.
Although Toler lived far from Texas for many years, he has stayed closely involved with Texas A&M. Toler held leadership positions in both the Vision 2020 and Lead By Example campaigns. He served on the boards of The Association of Former Students and the Texas A&M Foundation, including one year as chair of the Foundation’s board. He currently serves on the Mays Business School Dean’s Advisory Board and co-chairs the Division of Student Affairs Development Council with his wife, Melanie ’76.
The Tolers have two children, Courtney ’17 and Mark ’19.
“People have always been able to sense Bill’s respect for other people and his utmost integrity.”
- John E. Pepper
Anthony J.
Wood ’87
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Year Awarded: 2023
Austin, TX
Born in the U.K., Wood spent most of his teenage years in Houston. He started his first computer company in high school and worked odd jobs to earn extra cash. Neither of his parents attended college, so what brought Wood to Texas A&M was a $500 scholarship.
Wood studied electrical engineering, a discipline that complemented his interests, but his grades began to drop his junior year because he was devoting too much time to his newest company, SunRize Industries, instead of his classes. With some encouragement from Aggie administrators, he brought his grades up and graduated.
Wood is best known as the founder and CEO of Roku, a TV streaming platform. With an innovative understanding of demand, technology and trends, Wood envisions that all TV would someday be streamed. His foresight, paired with his drive, humility, quiet thoughtfulness and respect for others’ input, have earned him great success.
His innovation is not limited to his business ventures. Through the WoodNext Foundation, Wood funds research in a broad range of disciplines, including mental health, homelessness, entrepreneurship, dementia, pollution and more. He even supports the study of circadian rhythms, hoping to find a cure for jet lag.
Texas A&M is also a beneficiary of Wood’s generosity. He is the named donor of the new stage in Aggie Park. He has also given major gifts to the Texas A&M Global Cyber Research Institute, the School of Medicine’s PTSD and Mental Health Research Fund and much more.
“He remains kind, humble and passionate, and uses his numerous successes in life to help better his community, his country and the world.”
- Ray A. Rothrock ’77
Mark W.
Albers ’79
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Year Awarded: 2022
The Woodlands, TX
Mark W. Albers ’79 believes, “We are all put here for a purpose, and that purpose is not ‘all about us.’” Rather, he says, our purpose “is found in the One who put us here in the first place.”
From the beginning, Albers knew he wanted a career in oil. He studied petroleum engineering at A&M, participating in Student Engineers’ Council, Engineering Honor Society, Campus Crusade for Christ and even walking onto the football team. After graduating summa cum laude, Albers soon found a job with Exxon. It was the perfect fit. Albers remained at ExxonMobil for over 38 years, eventually working his way up to corporate senior vice president over the upstream at the company’s headquarters in Irving, Texas. Albers’ career took him from Australia to Africa, bringing on new supplies of energy.
While excelling in industry, Albers also found the time to stay involved in his local community. Albers is an area advisor to Men’s Bible Study Fellowship over Houston and East Texas, providing leadership for about 2,500 participants. He has served on the boards of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, CEO Forum and the Grace School of Theology.
Service to Texas A&M has remained a priority to Albers. Albers served on the boards of The Association of Former Students, the A&M System’s University Lands Board, and the Engineering Advisory Board. Albers and his wife, Cindy, are Endowed Century Club members. They have funded an endowed scholarship, an endowed faculty fellowship, and classroom improvements in the new Zachry engineering complex.
Three of Mark and Cindy’s four children attended A&M with their spouses: Byron ’06 (Sharla ’06), Amanda ’11 (Scott ’11), and Amy ’15 (Tony ’11). Their son David (Marin) graduated from Rice University. They have 12 grandchildren.
“Mark is a steady influence with the rare gift of raising the level of accomplishment of all those with whom he works.”
- George N. Harris, Jr. '85
General Joe
Ashy ’62
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Year Awarded: 2022
College Station, TX
ccording to General Joe Ashy ’62, the saying, “We are the Aggies, The Aggies are we,” “highlights the imperative that Aggie excellence demands ‘us’ (rather than ‘me’) to selflessly serve for the greater good. Our unity and collective spirit are what make us transcendent and distinctive!”
Ashy is one of only 10 Aggies to rise to the rank of four-star general in the U.S. military. He began his 35-year military career as a fighter pilot in the Air Force after four years of ROTC with the Corps of Cadets. By the end of his service, Ashy was concurrently serving as the commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Space Command and Air Force Space Command. Included in his many military decorations are the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and the U.S. Defense Distinguished Service Medal with cluster. General Ashy’s command touched the lives of countless U.S. and global coalition partner members.
After retirement from the military, Ashy founded aerospace consulting company Ashy and Associates LLC, where he served as president and CEO. He was appointed to the Independent Strategic Assessment Group, which advises the Air Force in the areas of air, space, cyber, and command and control. Appointed as a senior fellow by the Department of Defense, Ashy mentored up-and-coming U.S. flag officers through the Capstone and Pinnacle programs. During his 18 years of involvement with these programs, Ashy also led U.S. delegations to over 120 countries.
Ashy has been closely involved in Texas A&M’s Sul Ross Group, which includes Aggie former students of 55 or more years from graduation. Ashy served as the group’s president during the 2021-22 term. Ashy has been married to his wife, Sue, for 61 years. They have a daughter, Karen, and a granddaughter, Lt. Col. Kristin Clinger ’09.
Ashy’s Aggie family includes his late father, Joe Ashy ’29, his brother, Dr. Thomas Ashy ’64.
“General Ashy’s reputation for integrity and selfless dedication to supporting America’s warfighters combined to set the highest possible standards for military and industry interactions.”
- Lt. Gen. Bruce "Orville" Wright
Gregory
Cokinos ’79
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Year Awarded: 2022
Houston, TX
“The core values embraced by the student body and stressed in the Aggie culture have built and guided me to a more virtuous and fulfilled life, which is essential to maintaining the traditions of this great country,” said Gregory Cokinos ’79.
Cokinos earned his bachelor of business administration degree from A&M, quickly followed in 1982 by his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law. In 1989, he cofounded Cokinos Young law firm, specializing in construction, engineering and real estate law. Cokinos is the firm’s president and CEO. Under his leadership, the firm has grown from three lawyers to over 85 across three states.
Cokinos has been repeatedly recognized for his contributions to his field. He was the first Houston lawyer to be inducted into the American College of Construction Lawyers, a group considered the top 1% of U.S. construction lawyers. Thomson Reuters has named Cokinos a Texas Super Lawyer every year since 2005 and one of The Top 100 Super Lawyers in Texas every year since 2007. He was awarded 2018 Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers and is the 2022 chair-elect to the Texas State Bar Construction Law section. In 2021, Cokinos was named Houston Business Journal’s most admired CEO.
Never far from his beloved alma mater, Cokinos is an avid fan of all things Aggie. In 2017, Mays Business School named him an Outstanding Alumnus. Cokinos has served on the board of The Association of Former Students and was chair of the board of the 12th Man Foundation. Since 2019, Cokinos has returned to campus as a professor of construction law.
Cokinos comes from a large Aggie family — more than 30 Cokinoses have graduated from A&M since 1939. He and his wife, Page, have six children, four of whom have attended A&M: Kyle ’16, Katherine ’17, Carter ’19 and Mary Kristen ’24.
“I’ve never seen him back down, even in the face of long odds and tremendous adversity. He will not be outworked. He will not be outmaneuvered. He will not be discouraged.”
- Russell W. Smith '03
Mark
Fischer ’72
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Year Awarded: 2022
Oklahoma City, OK
If Mark Fischer ’72 were to share some advice, he would say, “Make a difference, and be a master of your own destiny. Always remember, in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity, so embrace complexity to arrive at the best outcome.”
Originally, Fischer wanted to become an astronaut. In 1968, when he was a freshman at Texas A&M, the United States was engaged in the space race, and Fischer thought that acquiring an aerospace engineering degree was the best way to join this exciting new field. He did graduate in aerospace engineering; but by 1972, he had decided to turn his attention to the energy sector instead.
Fischer started his career with Exxon, and in 1988, he founded his own oil and gas company, Chaparral Energy. The company operated in 13 states under Fischer’s leadership. It was recognized by the Aggie 100 four times, the Oklahoma City Metro 50 award eight times, and was recognized as one of the best places to work in Oklahoma City. Ernst and Young named Fischer an Entrepreneur of the Year national finalist in 2012. Fischer served as Chaparral’s CEO and chairman of the board until his retirement in 2017. Additionally, Fischer owns and chairs the boards of six other companies: Dippin’ Dots, Pointe Vista Development, SuMark Pharmacies, Doc Popcorn, Resource Oil and Gas and Skybridge Development.
Recently, Fischer and his wife, SuSu, co-chaired A&M’s Lead by Example campaign, which raised over $4.25 billion in support of Texas Aggies. Fischer has served on a number of nonprofit boards, including the Boy Scouts of America, and he chaired the board of The Association of Former Students in 2019. The Fischers have sponsored Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as the Zachry Engineering Complex’s Fischer Engineering Design Center.
The Fischers have two children, Scott and Christy ’04, and three grandchildren. Two of Mark’s brothers are Aggies as well.
“While his business successes are impressive and noteworthy, his greatest attribute is his engaging spirit for life and his desire to help others.”
- Lias J. "Jeff" Steen '80
Dr. Joe R.
Fowler ’68
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Year Awarded: 2022
Houston, TX
“The essence of Texas A&M is the Aggie Spirit,” said Dr. Joe R. Fowler ’68. “In my mind, this means competence in your chosen work, a desire to get the job done correctly, caring deeply about others, and being willing to pitch in and help others who need your help.”
Fowler holds three degrees in mechanical engineering, all from Texas A&M, and all earned with honors. He was a member of the Corps of Cadets, American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Student Engineers’ Council. As a graduate student, he discovered a love for engineering consulting, which would eventually become his life’s work.
After earning his doctorate, Fowler co-founded Stress Engineering Services Inc. In 1984, he was named president of the company, and would continue to hold that title until 2016. Stress Engineering was twice named to the Aggie 100, and won “Best Place to Work” awards in Texas, Ohio, Houston, New Orleans and Cincinnati. In 2012, Fowler was selected by Ernst and Young as a regional winner in their Entrepreneur of the Year contest.
When he was an undergraduate, Fowler relied on a scholarship from a former student to assist with his expenses; and it is now important to him to pay that investment forward. He and his wife, Linda, have supported 35 Aggies through endowed scholarships. In addition, they have given a number of scholarships to students at their local church who are pursuing higher education. Joe and his brother, Don Fowler ’66, endowed the Fowler Lecture series in 2001, and Joe himself has returned as a guest lecturer for many different engineering classes.
All three of Joe and Linda’s children are Aggies who met their spouses at A&M: Jodi Malanga ’90 (John ’89), Rob Fowler ’92 (Barb ’92) and Amy Shawver ’96 (Robert ’95). Five grandchildren and Joe’s two older brothers are also Aggies.
“Joe is unique in his gifts and talents, in his humility, and in his quest to build up all those around him.”
- James M. Donnell '82
Bill
Jones ’81
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Year Awarded: 2022
Austin, TX
“I have tried to do all things such that anyone following me would have difficulty doing them better,” said Bill Jones ’81.
From the time he entered as a student at Texas A&M, Jones has displayed a dedication to excellence. He was named Outstanding Freshman in the Corps of Cadets, and would go on to become First Brigade commander and a Ross Volunteer. Not only that, but he served off the quad as both sophomore class president and president of the MSC Fall Leadership Committee. In each of these positions, Jones strengthened his leadership skills through service to others.
After graduating with a degree in business management, Jones enrolled at Baylor Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 1985. The early part of his legal career focused on litigation, dealing with complex business cases in both state and federal courts. Jones paused his time in private practice for three years to serve as general counsel to Gov. Rick Perry ’72. Now, Jones owns and is current principal of The Jones Firm, where he specializes in matters of public law and government relations. In addition, Jones manages a startup company: AFCI Texas LLC.
Jones has consistently risen to leadership — not only in his professional life, but also in his philanthropic service. Jones is a chairman emeritus of The Texas A&M System Board of Regents and a former board member of The Association of Former Students. He has served as commissioner of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Association, president of the Texas Young Lawyers Association, treasurer of the Texas Association of Business and as a member of the ERCOT Selection Committee. He is president of the Texas African American History Memorial Foundation, placing the Texas African American History Memorial on the state capitol grounds during his tenure.
Jones and his wife, Johnita ’83, have three children and two grandchildren.
“Bill reflects the best of A&M core values and is a role model for those that have come after him.”
- John D. White '70
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Bill
Mahomes, Jr. ’69
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Year Awarded: 2022
Dallas, TX
Texas A&M taught Bill Mahomes ’69 that, “I was tougher and more resilient than I knew. That life may or may not have always been fair, but how I respond and feel about it is the real test, not the action itself.”
As the first Black student to complete four years in the Corps of Cadets, Mahomes experienced his share of tests. Growing up in Lindale, Texas, he attended segregated schools before coming to the recently integrated Texas A&M. He was the first in his family to attend college, and at the time, he struggled with a speech impediment. However, Mahomes was determined to uphold A&M’s values, even when others didn’t. He graduated with a finance degree, participating in the Cadet Honor Council among other student organizations. Mahomes went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas in 1972, serving as vice president of the Student Bar Association while there.
In his distinguished legal career, Mahomes has spent over 30 years specializing in public finance, real estate and commercial transactions. He is the former managing partner, president and director of Mahomes Bolden PC, and is currently a partner at Bracewell LLC. He is also the general counsel and executive vice president for Vista Bank. Some of his most notable clients include the city of Dallas, DFW International Airport and the Texas Turnpike Authority.
Mahomes has served on the boards of over 25 different civic and charitable organizations, including the Salvation Army, the Dallas Legal Service Corp., the Bethlehem Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. In 2015, Mahomes was appointed to The Texas A&M System Board of Regents, where he continues to serve. He was reappointed and named vice chairman of the board in 2021. Bill and his wife, Pam, have two children.
“Bill is a wonderful example of an Aggie that has spent his life personifying the core values of Texas A&M. Despite all his success and recognition, he remains exceedingly humble.”
- Bill Carter ’69
Bill
Mahomes, Jr. ’69
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Year Awarded: 2022
Dallas, TX
Texas A&M taught Bill Mahomes ’69 that, “I was tougher and more resilient than I knew. That life may or may not have always been fair, but how I respond and feel about it is the real test, not the action itself.”
As the first Black student to complete four years in the Corps of Cadets, Mahomes experienced his share of tests. Growing up in Lindale, Texas, he attended segregated schools before coming to the recently integrated Texas A&M. He was the first in his family to attend college, and at the time, he struggled with a speech impediment. However, Mahomes was determined to uphold A&M’s values, even when others didn’t. He graduated with a finance degree, participating in the Cadet Honor Council among other student organizations. Mahomes went on to earn his Juris Doctor from The University of Texas in 1972, serving as vice president of the Student Bar Association while there.
In his distinguished legal career, Mahomes has spent over 30 years specializing in public finance, real estate and commercial transactions. He is the former managing partner, president and director of Mahomes Bolden PC, and a former partner at Bracewell LLC. He currently serves as the general counsel and executive vice president for Vista Bank. Some of his most notable clients include the city of Dallas, DFW International Airport and the Texas Turnpike Authority.
Mahomes has served on the boards of over 25 different civic and charitable organizations, including the Salvation Army, the Dallas Legal Service Corp., the Bethlehem Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. In 2015, Mahomes was appointed to The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, where he continues to serve. He was reappointed and named vice chairman of the board in 2021. Bill and his wife, Pam, have two children.
“Bill is a wonderful example of an Aggie that has spent his life personifying the core values of Texas A&M. Despite all his success and recognition, he remains exceedingly humble.”
- Bill Carter ’69