Gloria and Kenneth M.
Wiggins ’52
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Keystone, CO
Kenneth is Medical Director of the Adolescent Psychiatry Unit at HCA Willow Park Hospital in Plano and has operated a private child, adolescent and adult psychiatry practice from 1963 to 1967. He has held numerous positions with the Dallas Children’s Medical Center and the UT Health Science Center at Dallas.
Harriet and David B.
Wolf ’52
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Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
David Wolf is general insurance agent with Eichlitz Dennis Wray & Westheimer. He has been involved in the ownership of three insurance agencies and is a past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of San Antonio. Wolf served as a president of the San Antonio A&M Club and a Class Agent.
Norma and Ervin A.
Baumann ’53
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Midland, TX
Upon graduation from Texas A&M University with a degree in Agriculture, Mr. Baumann served as a U.S. Air Force First Lieutenant at Lackland Air Force Base until 1959. He began a Farming and Ranching Operation that he runs with his son, Jon. The Midland Chamber of Commerce named him Outstanding Young Farmer in 1964.
Joyce and John R.
Birdwell ’53
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College Station, TX
J.R. “Dick” Birdwell is a retired Consulting Engineer for the states of Michigan, Louisiana and Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1953 with a B.S. degree in civil engineering. Dick is a co-class agent for the class of 1953 and serves on the Civil Engineering Industrial Advisory Committee and the College of Engineering Doctor of Engineering Program Committee. The Birdwells have funded a Presidential Endowed Scholarship, several Sul Ross Scholarships, and a Rudder Scholarship and have endowed the Joyce and Dick Birdwell Civil Engineering Teaching Award.
Ralph F.
Cox ’53
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Fort Worth, TX
In a 31-year career with Atlantic Richfield Company, he handled engineering and operating assignments in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and offshore Gulf of Mexico before becoming Resident Manager at ARCO’s Prudhoe Bay operation in Alaska in 1969. After a successful career at ARCO, he served as President and COO of Union Pacific Resources Co as well as President of Greenhill Petroleum Corp.
Donna and Gaston C. “Red”
Detweiler ’53
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Dallas, TX
Gaston C. “Red” Detweiler ’53 graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation, he joined General Electric as a test engineer before joining the Army Signal Corps in 1954. Mr. Detweiler then joined Collins Radio Company in Dallas, where he remained until it was acquired by Rockwell International in 1970. During those years, he earned a Master’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at Southern Methodist University. Mr. Detweiler also volunteers twice a week teaching literacy and is currently President of the Bonaventure Condominium Association.
Being an Aggie has literally made me the person that I am. It has had an impact on every aspect of my life. I am convinced that A&M is one of the finest universities in the country and will make a very positive influence on every student who attends. It is the best place for my contributions (with the possible exception of my church) that I can think of.
Velma and Douglas E.
Flatt ’53
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Tyler, TX
Velma Flatt is the Chairman of the Board of ETTL Engineers and Consultants, Inc. and Doug Flatt is President and Principal Engineer of ETTL. Doug also serves as Chairman of the Southern Division of the American Council of Independent Laboratories. He has several professional awards and is a Past President of both the Texas Council of Engineers and the Tyler-Smith County A&M Club. Velma served as Secretary –Treasurer of ETTL for 28 years.
Weldon D.
Kruger ’53
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College Station, TX
Kruger received bachelor and master’s degrees in Petroleum Engineering. After 20 years of management experience, Kruger retired from Exxon as Corporate Vice President overseeing worldwide gas operations and supervising Exxon interests in the Middle East. He served as President of The Association of Former Students in 1994, was a Trustee of the Texas A&M Development Foundation and was awarded The Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
Joe B.
Mattei ’53
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Houston, TX
Joe B. Mattei '53 received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1953. 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. 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.
Billie D.
O'Neal ’53
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Houston, TX
Billie O’Neal is a Consulting Petroleum Engineer. He retired from Exxon Company USA as Senior Engineering Advisor after a 33-year career. O’Neal is a member of the American Petroleum Institute and a Registered Engineer in the Texas.
Clarine and Huel C.
Tucker ’53
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Longview, TX
Huel Tucker, an electronic engineer, was a research and engineering specialist with Monsanto Company for 30 years at Texas City; St. Louis; Dayton, Ohio; and Pensacola, Florida. He holds several patents and has produced publications on electronic control and analytical instruments design. Clarine Tucker is a teacher, and author and a Certified Tree Farmer.
Sara and E. L.
Walker, Jr. ’53
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Houston, TX
E. L. “Spur” Walker, Jr. ’53 graduated from Texas A&M College with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. Upon graduation, he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He attended Yale University and received a certificate from the Yale Bureau of Highway Traffic in 1958. In 1995, he retired after 30 years as senior vice president and member of the board of directors of the international consulting engineering firm of Wilbur Smith Associates. Since retirement, he and Sara have been on numerous trips with the Traveling Aggies.
The education received in civil engineering and leadership training in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M College has lasted a lifetime along with the friendship of my classmates in the Class of ’53 that are highly valued. Therefore, it was important for Sara and me to share some of our financial success with Texas A&M University and The Association of Former Students! We have also endowed 12th Man Foundation scholarships.
Velma and Richard M.
Zeek ’53
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Otto, NC
After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Richard Zeek became a research engineer at the GM Research lab in Detroit. He took time out to serve as a platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. He was a Senior Research Engineer at the GM Research Lab while completing his master’s degree at Wayne State University. In 1972, he was named Senior Project Engineer for the GM Engineering Staff at Warren, Michigan. He retired from GM in 1987 after receiving twelve patents on gas turbine heat exchangers, seals, combustors and controls.
John C.
Akard ’54
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Lubbock, TX
The Honorable John Akard graduated from Texas A&M with a B.A. in Business before attending the University of Texas School of Law. He retired in 2000 after 14 years as the United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Texas. He was with the El Paso law firm of Akard & Kirk before serving 25 years as Trustee under Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code in the El Paso Division. Akard was a Class Agent and established a Sul Ross Scholarship in memory of his parents, Mary Frances and Hunter Akard.
Betty and Bill R.
Brooks ’54
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Fort Worth, TX
Bill R. Brooks graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1954. After a successful career in the U.S. Air Force, Brooks worked for the group division of Actna Life Insurance Company, becoming manager of the Fort Worth office. He served as CEO of Fringe Benefit Management, Inc. and Fringe Benefit Life Insurance Co. He retired as owner of FBH Inc. in 1998. Betty and Bill are members of the Century Club, The 12th Man Foundation, The Corps of Cadets Association and The A&M Legacy Society.
Through the A&M placement office I had a job waiting for me after graduation. In addition I received an Air Force Commission and an assignment to flight school. At that time in my life this was all I had dreamed for. I feel we all have an obligation to contribute and I want to pay my fair share.
Sue and Louis E.
Capt ’54
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Uvalde, TX
Louis E. Capt ’54 graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s of science degree in agriculture. While a student, he served as commander of the Athletic Squadron in the Corps of Cadets and was a football letterman. He is a lifetime member of the Texas A&M Letterman’s Association and also serves as an advisory member of the Corps of Cadets Development Council. Louis and his wife, Sue, reside in Uvalde, Texas where he operates his company, LEC Investments, as well as numerous other business activities, community volunteerism and conservation efforts.
Attending Texas A&M, being in the Corps and having had the privilege of representing Texas A&M on Kyle Field are the most memorable days of my life. I want to help pass to others the many opportunities our great University has to offer.
Allen B.
Cunningham ’54
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Houston, TX
Allen B. Cunningham graduated from Texas A&M with Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering. Upon graduation, he was employed by Gulf Oil Corporation in Port Arthur, Texas. Later that year he was called into the U.S. Air Force where he was involved with the development and testing of cryptographic equipment. He was then employed by Humble Oil and Refining Company, which later became ExxonMobil Corporation, working in their Research Center. He holds several U.S. and foreign patents and has several professional publications in the field of petroleum exploration.
Like many Texas Aggies, Texas A&M has had a major impact on my life. As well as the many lifelong friendships made, it provided the foundation for a very enjoyable and rewarding profession. In addition many other traits learned and experiences enjoyed at A&M have enriched my entire life. I hope this gift will enable others to have the same opportunities I had.
Charles H.
Huff ’54
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Austin, TX
Huff is President of Huff Lobbying Company and has been President of Capital Surety Bond Underwriters Agency since 1983. He has served as Executive Director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and worked for the Texas Farm Bureau Legislative Office and the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. He is a founding member of the Texas Academy of Veterinary Practice. He has served as a Class Agent and created a Sul Ross Scholarship in memory of his son, Jim Bob Huff ’79.
Sally and Elmer E.
Kilgore ’54
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Austin, TX
Gene Kilgore graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation he began his career with ALCOA. Throughout his 38 years with the company he held numerous management positions in eight different cities. He continued his career as a Warehouse Operations Manager with Rockford Business Interiors.
Jerry and Cecil W.
Labhart ’54
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Irving, TX
Cecil Labhart retired in 1996 as Vice President Information Systems Services after 43 years with Textron. He used his aerospace industry and computing technology experience to develop information systems at Textron’s 30 divisions and 57 data centers. He also aided in creating a business blueprint to move the corporation into the 21st century.
Sandy and John A.
Matush ’54
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College Station, TX
The Aggie Network gave John Matush a job opportunity before he had even graduated from Texas A&M University. Despite a pending military commitment, he interviewed with a major oil company executive—a fellow Aggie—and was offered a job at Texaco. He credits his rapid rise to success in the industry to his geological engineering degree from Texas A&M and leadership training from the Corps of Cadets.
His fondest memories include the Corps and the fellowship and friendships developed in his unit; however, the most memorable moments from his university days include meeting his wife, Sandy, and taking her to Ring Dance.
The couple—who are 38-year members of the Century Club—are strong believers in giving back and want to provide opportunities for students to attend the “best university in the nation and allow our school to have the funds to attract the best professors, to continue and grow the excellence which we have.” They established an Endowed Century Club gift over a period of five years to make a more significant impact at Texas A&M.
John retired as corporate chief geoscientist at Texaco in August 1994. He and Sandy have three children and nine grandchildren, and their Aggie legacy extends to John’s three siblings, one grandchild, and eight nieces and nephews.
John C.
Nobles ’54
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El Paso, TX
John Nobles was the owner of John Nobles Construction Company after serving as project manager for J.W. Bateson Co. in San Fransisco and district engineer for C.H. Leavell Co. He has served as President of the Southwestern Contractors Association, Director of the Sun Bowl Association, and received the El Paso People of Vision Award in 1979.
Darlene and Norville L.
Riggan ’54
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Hillsboro, TX
After earning his BBA in marketing from Texas A&M, Lew Riggan joined the U.S. Air Force and was on active duty until 1965. He began a 18-year career with American Airlines as Captain in 1965. He has been co-owner of Riggan Enterprises, an international marketing company in 20 countries.
Mary Ann and Anthony S.
Russo ’54
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Fairfield, CT
Sam Russo retired in 1996 after three years as President and CEO of Coulton Chemical Company, L.P. of Sylvania, Ohio. He had retired in 1991 as President of Rhone-Poulenc Basic Chemicals Company in Shelton, Connecticut after 37 years in various manufacturing, sales, marketing, and general management positions.
Kay and Ray D.
Shanklin ’54
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Miami, FL
Ray D. Shanklin ’54 graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering. He later continued his education at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois where he received a master’s degree in engineering administration. Upon graduation from A&M, Ray joined Square D Company, a Fortune 500 manufacturer of electric equipment. He spent his entire career in a progression of sales, marketing, operations and senior management positions. After 33 years with the company, Ray retired as commercial vice president and president of Central and South America operations in 1989.
In honor of Ray and Kay’s 50th wedding anniversary, Craig and Diane wanted to give back to the university that has meant so much to the entire family. The Aggie traditions and values have always been a big part of the Shanklin family.
Hiltrud and William C.
Torbett, III ’54
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William Torbett gave this endowment in honor of his parents, Viola E. Torbett and the late William C. “Dub” Torbett ’23 of Dallas. William C. Torbett III earned a BBA degree in 1955 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army in 1977.
Patricia and Ray R.
Barrett Jr. ’55
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Midkiff, TX
Upon graduation from Texas A&M in 1955, Mr. Barrett fulfilled his military obligation at Ft. Sill, OK, then moved to Midkiff, Texas to ranch and farm. He oversees the family operations in Upton, Midland, Dawson, Lynn and Gaines Counties. While at Texas A&M, Barrett was a 3-year letterman and a “survivor” of Coach Bear Bryant’s Junction training camp. He is a 12th Man Foundation donor and on the Board of Directors of the Letterman’s Association. Mr. Barrett and his wife, Patricia, enjoy traveling with The Association of Former Students’ Traveling Aggies.
Barbara and Kenneth L.
Fry ’55
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Atlanta, GA
After graduating from Texas A&M University in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education, Kenneth Fry served in the United States Army until 1959. Fry then went to work for Mass Mutual Life Insurance as an agent in 1959. Fry held various positions while at Mass Mutual until his retirement as Executive Vice President in 1992. Fry has also held assorted positions within the American Cancer Society and United Way in the Atlanta area. Fry and his wife, Barbara reside in Atlanta, Georgia and have 5 children and 14 grandchildren.
James L.
Knutson ’55
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Montgomery, TX
Jim graduated in 1955 with a BS in Engineering. He then went on to work for Union Carbid as the Production Engineer in Texas City and then continued his career as the Project Engineer for Rocketdyne. He then moved to work for Exxon Chemical to serve as a supervisor and then retired as the Manager for Baton Rouge, Houston, Baytown and Saudi Arabia. Jim continues to illustrate the core values of being an Aggie through giving selflessly back. Jim has three children, Mark, Jill '88, and Blake '96.
Pat and Gerald B.
Schulz ’55
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San Antonio, TX
Gerald B. Schulz graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering in 1955. After graduation he served in the United States Army as a 1st Lieutenant from 1956 – 1958. Schulz has spent his entire career in a progression of sales, marketing, and senior management positions. He is currently the principal of The Schulz Company in San Antonio, Texas. Schulz received his Spanish Diploma in 1995 from Universidad National Autonoma de Mexico.
Some of my fondest memories include Corps and RV trips, the clay pits on a spring day, football weekends on campus with a date, Corps reviews and weekends with friends in Houston, Austin or Dallas. Being an Aggie is a strong foundation for growth and development. It is an identity that has helped me to have common sense and confidence in my personal and professional life.