S. Jann ’79 and Stephen K.
London ’79
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Katy, TX
After graduating as Valedictorian from Hereford, Texas in 1942, Jack became the first in his family to attend college. However, after starting at A&M he quickly left to join the Army to fight in World War II. After serving in both the European and Pacific theatres, he returned to A&M to complete his civil engineering degree. After moving to Texas from Waupun, Wisconsin, Gretchen graduated from the Baylor University School of Nursing. Jack became the Supervising Resident Engineer for the Texas Highway Department before he retired after 36 years. During this time, Gretchen worked as a R.N. for a private clinic, the school system, and the county. Jack and Gretchen have spent a lifetime as supporters of Texas A&M.
I wanted to attend A&M because, even in the 40's, it had a good reputation, high standards, and a great engineering school. I have continued to believe in A&M and encouraged our children to attend there. We love going back to the campus for athletic events and other activities and to watch its growth.
Rosemary ’80 and Monte
McGowan ’79
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Fairview, TX
Monte McGowan ’79 graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s of science degree in industrial technology and has been involved in manufacturing tool design for 23 years.
His wife, Rosemary Gately McGowan ’80, graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s of science degree in applied mathematical science and received her master’s degree in computer science from the University of Colorado. Rosemary is employed with Nortel.
My wife and I chose to make this gift to honor the memory of my father. Over the years, he attended many of his Class of 1947 on campus reunions, and I attended some with him. It was easy for me to see the genuine affection he felt for his classmates. As I grew up, he instilled in me the basic values of honesty and integrity he had learned at A&M. Besides providing a sound education, I believe A&M helped mold us into better men, and as the University continues to perform this service, I believe it is worth supporting financially.
Evelyn K. and Ernest
Stephens, III ’79
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Dallas, TX
Ernest Stephens III calls his experience at Texas A&M the most challenging and enjoyable educational experience of his life. He graduated in 1979 with a degree in industrial distribution. Being an Aggie gave Stephens a greater appreciation for respect, integrity, and guidance. He says that his class benefitted from former students who have given back to A&M and he wanted to do the same.
Martha and Phil
Vogel ’79
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Houston, TX
Phil graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Distribution in 1979. After graduating Phil began working at Baker Hughes and rose to the rank of president, production quest. He has over 25 years of increasingly senior experience with Baker Hughes in domestic and international operating roles. He then served as president for Tervita Corporation. He currently serves as CEO for Top-Co Holding Inc. Phil and his wife, Martha, have one child, Carl '15.
While the University has grown and changed through the years, the Core Values and our Traditions continue to be the foundation. This is something that needs to be preserved for future generations and passed on with each new class of Aggies. It's important to give back to the institution that gave us so much.
Diane and A. Greg
Walla ’79
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Houston, TX
The ties that bind Greg Walla ’79 to Texas A&M go to his core. Born to two University of Texas graduates, he doesn’t know what gave him that last motivational push to attend Texas A&M, “but I’m sure glad I did,” he said. “This great university provided a solid foundation for me.”
At Texas A&M, it’s character that’s celebrated most enthusiastically, he said, not status. An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal. “And it’s true,” he said. It’s no coincidence that excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service characterize a graduate of Texas A&M. “That’s what is expected from an Aggie,” he said. “Even today, when I walk around campus, Aggies look different and act differently from other students,” he said. That makes Walla proud, because if there’s one thing for which he’s known, it’s his commitment to living out the core values. Walla runs his business, Comanche Contractors in Houston, in the same manner. He’s twice been honored with recognition by Aggie 100, a list of the fastest growing Aggie-owned businesses, and he was included in the Houston Fast 100 awards. He attributes his success in part to the education he received in Aggieland. That’s why he joined the Endowed Century Club, he said, “to help others receive the education I did.” Ever since he watched neighboring homes be built as a child, Walla knew that he wanted to be in construction and build something great. Through Texas A&M, he received the training for the tangible buildings. Through being an Aggie, he’s building the intangible through his support of Texas A&M. Texas A&M made a difference in his life, and he’s dedicated to making a difference because of it.“Wherever I go in the world, if I see an Aggie Ring, I know I have found a friend and an ally,” he said.
Phillip D.
Bairrington ’78
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Bartlesville, OK
P.D. (David) Bairrington is Sr. Vice President of Branded Marketing for Phillips 66 Company, a division of Phillips Petroleum Company. He joined the company in 1978 as a reservoir engineer and rose to the rank of president of Drilling Specialties Company, a subsidiary of Phillips, and served as the company’s planning and development manager before being named to his current position. He graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering in 1978.
Suzanne and Randall P.
Birdwell ’78
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The Woodlands, TX
Randall P. Birdwell ’78 began his housing career with a national builder in 1978. Emerald Builders, under his leadership as president and chief executive officer, went on to become one of the top 60 builders in the nation receiving numerous state and national awards. In July 2001, Randy sold Emerald to D. R. Horton – America’s Builder the nation’s largest homebuilder. He currently serves as the central region president and is on the company’s operating committee. Randy graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.
Texas A&M provided me the opportunity to succeed as a leader in the corps and a civil engineering student. Texas A&M provided part of the foundation for success in business.
Brandon C.
Coleman, Jr. ’78
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Houston, TX
Brandon Coleman served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Coleman & Coleman, a marketing and advertising firm. He was twice nominated for the Houston Entrepreneur of the Year award and local awards for advertising effectiveness in television, radio, and print media. Serves on the University Academic Enrichment Council of Texas A&M’s Capturing the Spirit campaign and on the Management Advisory Board of A&M’s College of Business.
Kim and Steve
Cooper ’78
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El Campo, TX
Texas A&M gave Stephen Cooper ’78 an education and the benefit of a life driven by its core values.
As the first in his family to attend college, Cooper knows what a gift Texas A&M is to each incoming Class of freshmen. He knows the power of the Aggie Ring. He shares the indescribable Aggie Spirit and passion to protect and perpetuate Texas A&M’s legacy of excellence.
“I feel indebted,” he said. “I will never be able to give back to TAMU what I have received. But I will try.”
Cooper is president and partner of La Tierra de Esmeralda Inc. He started farming when he was a sophomore in college, and in 1979, he got in the turf business. In 1987, he established Emerald Sod Farms near Denver, Colorado.
“We’ve been very fortunate in life,” he said. “I think it’s very important to give back.”
Active in in his local A&M Club for decades, Cooper first served as president of the Matagorda County A&M Club, and currently serves on the Wharton County A&M Club’s board. April is the busiest time for agriculturalists, but no matter where he was on April 21, he would try to attend Muster.
“Muster, I think, defines our university,” he said. At Texas A&M, “You’re not a number; you’re a person,” he said. Muster reminds Aggies that they’re never forgotten and that every person matters.
Every person matters when it comes to The Association of Former Students, too, he said.
As former students work together, both in raising funds for Texas A&M and in living a life guided by core values, Texas A&M is strengthened, he said. Together, Aggies can change the world.
“And it’s never too early to set a precedent for our kids,” he said.
Cooper and his wife, Kimberley, have two daughters, Alexis ’12 and Shelby ’13. As a graduation gift, they made Endowed Century Club donations in their daughters’ names.
“My wife and I thought of all the blessings we have and they have and thought the greatest gift we could give them would be a gift that would give back,” he said.
“We were right,” he said. “I’ve never seen them cry so hard.”
Gail R. and Sam R.
Craig ’78
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Houston, TX
Gail ’78 and Sam ’78 Craig believe being a part of the Aggie Network has made a profound impact on their lives, both personally and professionally, resulting in many lifelong friends and business relationships.
They fondly remember meeting their freshman year and experiencing all of Aggie student life together, and they say Texas A&M gave them “so much more than just a degree.”
Because they understand the need for financial assistance that many Aggie students experience during their time at A&M, they were inspired to establish an Endowed Century Club fund.
Glenn D.
Hart ’78
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Houston, TX
Glenn D. Hart ’78 is President of Houston-based Laredo Energy. He served as President and CEO of Michael Petroleum Corporation for 19 years until the sale of the company in 2001. He is also the founder and Chairman of Arena Ventures and founder of Houston’s current professional hockey team, the Aeros. Glenn graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Petroleum Engineering and was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He is currently serving on the Executive Committee of Texas A&M University’s Twelfth Man Foundation and the Chancellor’s Century Council.
Texas A&M has been part of my life since I was born. My dad is Class of ’50 and he and my mom instilled a love for A&M that continues to grow now that my two oldest children are current A&M students. I want others to have the blessing of the lifetime of joy being an Aggie can bring.
Sharon R. and Keith D.
Manning ’78
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Bryan, TX
Keith graduated from Texas A&M in 1978 with a BBA and went on to complete his executive program from Duke University. He became an executive and board member with Zachry Group where he worked for 41 years before retiring. Keith was recognized by the National Academy of Construction and was on the executive board of ECC. In retirement, Keith participates with the 12th Man Foundation through their Champion’s Council, and he and Sharon are active with St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Sharon was a successful real estate agent in San Antonio, TX, for many years. The couple have two Aggie children, Kyle and Katelyn, who are both married to Aggies. They have six grandchildren.
Phillip D.
Robinson ’78
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Houston, TX
Phillip D. Robinson ’78 is chief executive officer of Bayshore Medical Center in Pasadena, Texas. Phil graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor’s of science degree in biology. He continued his education at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri where he received his master’s degree in health administration. Since graduation, Phil has held numerous leadership positions in healthcare organizations in Houston, New Orleans, West Palm Beach and Richmond, Va.
I felt that it was the least I could do to repay in some small way all that Texas A&M has done for me. Not only did I have a great academic experience while at A&M, but I made lifelong friends and learned excellent leadership skills that have been of tremendous benefit to me in my career. I have lived and worked in five different states since graduating from Texas A&M. Being an Aggie has given me instant friends and contacts in all of them. It is the world’s best network and the world’s largest fraternity.
Michael B.
Cox ’77
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Houston, TX
Michael B. Cox ’77 graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas A&M University in 1977 with a degree in Management and received an MBA from University of Texas at Austin in 1978. Upon graduation, Michael was employed with Texas Instruments as a Financial Analyst. In 1984, he was employed with Continental Airlines as Vice President and Treasurer and was later a Director at Price Waterhouse. Michael is currently the Managing Director for Seabury Group LLC.
I have always believed in giving to those organizations or institutions that were influential to me as I have become older and theoretically wiser. I believe it is very important to give to the success of future generations as part generations have done for me.