William T. Moore ’40
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Year Awarded: 1976

Edge, TX

Moore received a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1940 and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas Law School in 1949. During his service in the Texas Senate, Moore was instrumental in the passage of many bills that affected the growth and progress of Texas A&M University.

"I am a free soul. Life would be hell if you had to worry about every decision you make and who you might offend. I call things like I see them and never take them home with me."

Dr. Durward B. Varner ’40
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Year Awarded: 1972

Cottonwood, TX

Varner received a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics in 1940 and honorary doctorate degrees from Oakland University, Utah State University, and the University of Nebraska. After a more than 30-year career in educational administration, he retired as President and Chancellor of the University of Nebraska System.



His professional career as an educator began in 1946 as assistant dean of students at Texas A&M. He joined the faculty of Michigan State University in 1949. In 1952, he came director if the Cooperative Extension Service at Michigan State, and in 1955 was named vice president of that University. From 1955-71, Varner served as chancellor of Oakland University in Michigan.

"Wherever we go or whatever we may be doing, this A&M college will be with us -a part of us- in our minds and in our hearts, and will serve as a guide in our lives."

Dr. Ogbourne D. Butler, Jr. ’39
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Year Awarded: 1989

Orange, TX

Butler received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Animal Husbandry. After serving in the U.S. Army Reserve, he gained stature as a specialist in meat research. In 1986, he retired as Texas A&M Associate Deputy Chancellor for Agriculture after 50 years of service to Texas A&M University.

"Dr. Butler’s long record of service and support of Texas A&M is well known and presents a rather unique picture of a man who not only succeeded in his chosen profession in a grand way but who has promoted and served Texas A&M virtually all of his adult life."

  - Dr. Perry L. Adkisson, Chancellor Emeritus, Texas A&M University System

J. Wayne Stark ’39
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Year Awarded: 2011

College Station, TX

Stark, Class of 1939, graduated from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in history. He later attended the University of Texas Law School but was unable to complete the program because he was drafted into service in World War II. While at A&M, he was associate editor of the student newspaper, club editor of the student yearbook, president of the Glee Club and the Biology Club and secretary for the Little Theatre. He was also a Ross Volunteer and a captain in the Corps of Cadets.



He served as an Army officer in World War II and then worked for Anderson Clayton Corp. before returning to A&M in 1947 as director of the Memorial Student Center. He conceived the mission of the MSC and oversaw construction of the MSC building, which serves as the campus’ “living room” and is dedicated to all Aggies who have died in all wars.



He served as the MSC director until 1980, when he retired and was named director emeritus.



Stark mentored thousands of young Aggies, encouraging both overseas travel and involvement in student organizations. He solicited millions of dollars in gifts and endowments for A&M and the MSC, increased the number of pieces in the University Art Collections and created numerous student organizations, including the Student Conference on National Affairs, the Opera and Performing Arts Society, the Black Awareness Committee and the Committee for the Awareness of Mexican American Culture. He was a recipient of the Distinguished Achievement Award from The Association of Former Students, and the J. Wayne Stark Galleries were named in his honor.



Stark and his wife, Jean, had two children. He passed away on Jan. 18, 1993.

“It was a very short step from the camaraderie of cadets and soldiers to the importance of helping Aggies, both graduates and students. He realized that by helping students, he would create relationships with people that would later help other students.”

  - Sallie McGehee, daughter of J. Wayne Stark, Class of 1939

Royce E. Wisenbaker ’39
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Year Awarded: 1973

Mineola, TX

Wisenbaker received a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1939 and a master’s degree in Municipal and Sanitary Engineering in 1940. Following service in WWII, Wisenbaker and Robert E. Fix ’38 formed the engineering firm Wisenbaker Fix and Associates. The company has been responsible for well over $100 million worth of construction projects.



Wisenbaker is considered to be the “father” of the Century Club and is credited with establishing the President’s Endowed Scholarship program. As president of The Association of Former Students in 1966, Wisenbaker clearly exhibited his devotion to his alma mater by initiating the study which resulted in a new organizational structure to more effectively serve Texas A&M University.

"Mr. Wisenbaker’s commitment to higher education was exemplary. He impacted a lot of young Texans’ lives by assisting them in their efforts to get a college education."

  - Governor Rick Perry ’72

Searcy Bracewell ’38
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Year Awarded: 1978

Houston, TX

Bracewell received a bachelor’s degree in History in 1938 and a Bachelor of Law degree at Houston Law School. He served as a U.S. Army Major in World War II. He is co-founder of Bracewell Patterson, LLP which was established in 1945.



Bracewell served in the Texas House of Representatives and Senate. He was a Counselor and Trustee to the Texas A&M Research Foundation and served on The Association of Former Students Board of Directors.

Horace S. Carswell, Jr. ’38
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Year Awarded: 2012

Horace S. Carswell, Jr., Class of 1938, studied agriculture at the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas before graduating from Texas Christian University with a bachelor of science degree in physical education and a minor in history.



In 1940, he enlisted as a flying cadet in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Dallas. He was commissioned a second lieutenant, air corps reserve, and then promoted to first lieutenant in 1942. Carswell was first assigned to the 62nd Squadron, 39th Bombardment Group at Tucson, Ariz., before he transferred to Biggs Field, where he became a flight commander and later promoted to captain. In 1944, he was transferred to the army air base in Clovis, NM, and then moved to Langley Field, Va., where he was promoted to major before departing for duty in China with the 374th Bombardment Squadron, 308th Bombardment Group. He served on the 374th Bomb Squadron and commanded a detachment of B-24 bombers in Liuchow, China, where his plane was attacked by antiaircraft fire during a sea-sweeping mission over the South China Sea to locate enemy vessels. After two engines were shot out, the hydraulic system and one gas tank were damaged, Carswell’s crew bailed out, but he remained with his aircraft and attempted to save his copilot and another crew member, whose parachute was damaged. All three were killed when the aircraft crashed into a mountain. He was the fourth Texas Aggie awarded the Medal of Honor.



Carswell and his wife, Virginia, had one son. He passed away on October 26, 1944.

"It was a dream come true for me. I've always wanted my father on this base. Flying was his entire life. He belongs here."

  - -Robert Ede Carswell, Horace Carswell's son, at the reburial of his father at Carswell AFB

O. Wayne Crisman ’38
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Year Awarded: 1985

Mansfield, LA

Crisman received a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1938. His 35+ year career with Gulf Oil Corporation began in 1946 and he worked his way to President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. He retired in 1979 after the company merged with Diamond Shamrock.



Crisman also created and endowed the Crisman Institute for Petroleum Management at Texas A&M University in 1984 and endowed a Texas A&M President’s Scholarship. He was also instrumental in founding Crisman Preparatory School for learning disabled children in Longview.

"O. Wayne Crisman brings honor to everyone who knows him and who has been touched by his caring. His life truly reflects the greatness of America and the goodness of the human heart. He is a man of great intellect, quiet, dignity, and genteel spirit – he is, above all, an Aggie."

  - Peggy C. Coghlan, Ed. D. ’76

R. A. "Murray" Fasken ’38
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Year Awarded: 1981

Toronto, Canada

Fasken received a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1938. He served in the United States Army from 1941-1946. Fasken began his career at Midland National Bank in 1950 as a teller and was named president of the bank in 1958, serving in that position until 1964, at which time he was named chairman of the board.



Fasken was a long time civic leader in Midland, Texas serving as president of the Midland Chamber of Commerce and the Midland College Board.



Fasken supported Texas A&M by contributing funds to the Center for Education and Research, the 12th Man Foundation and establishing several President Endowed Scholarships. He also gave his time and talent by serving on the Texas A&M University Development Foundation and assisted in efforts to recruit students and athletes to attend Texas A&M.

"Murray Fasken has quietly done everything possible for Texas A&M. He does it so quietly that most of us don’t even know to say thank you."

  - Joe Hiram Moore '38, classmate

Jack Finney ’38
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Year Awarded: 1992

Commerce, TX

Finney received a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Administration in 1938. His endeavors include a wholesale bakery, investment management, commercial/residential development and construction, and managing quarter horses. He was named Director Emeritus of the Texas A&M System Board of Directors and was instrumental in hiring football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

"My father Jack Finney, truly represents the greatest qualities that make the word ‘Aggie’ so special that only another Aggie would understand. I don’t remember when I first understood all the facets and dimensions such a word would encompass, but I do know it was a part of my life as I observed from my father in action. His love for A&M has been apparent to all who know him."

  - Jean Finney Townsend, daughter