Helen Ann and Charles Dewey
McMullan ’57
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College Station, TX
Charles Dewey McMullan had a lifelong affiliation with Texas A&M. Interested in architectural construction and in military services, he chose to enter the Air Force ROTC program at A&M. Through scholarships and working summer jobs, McMullan paid his way through school.
While at Texas A&M, McMullan was a Ross Volunteer. He was a distinguished student eight of his 10 semesters at A&M and was initiated into Tau Beta Pi engineering honorary society and Phi Kappa Phi national honorary society. During his senior year, he met and married the love of his life, Ann. In May 1958, he was named ROTC Distinguished Graduate and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.
McMullan’s education in architectural construction prepared him for his 21-year career in the Air Force as a civil engineer. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
In 1980 McMullan returned to Texas A&M as an assistant professor and then an associate professor in the Department of Construction Science. He received the Distinguished Teaching Award in 1997 from The Association of Former Students and in his honor, the Charles Dewey McMullan Endowed Scholarship for construction science students was established. In December 1999, the Board of Regents bestowed the title “Associate Professor Emeritus of Construction Science.”
McMullan considered himself the luckiest guy he knew. Both McMullan and his wife retired from A&M in 1998 and McMullan said that they were richly blessed through their association with Texas A&M. They felt very fortunate to be able to return some of the resources A&M gave to them.
Charles McMullan passed away in May 2012.
Ann and I have been richly blessed through our association with Texas A&M. If asked to sum up my life in two words it would be, “Lucky me!” Seldom does a day go by that we don’t comment on how great it is to live in this area where we can take in Aggie sports, especially volleyball, football, and baseball. We also enjoy programs offered through the Bush Presidential Library. Again, we thank our lucky stars for bringing us full circle back to A&M.
Patricia and Glendale B.
Rand ’57
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Houston, TX
After a successful 28-year career, Glendale Rand retired in 1986 as District Sales Manager for Exxon Co. USA in Houston. He also served as the State Marketing Manager for T.I.H. Rand has funded an endowment for A&M’s Management Department, endowed a Sul Ross Scholarship for the Corp of Cadets and quarterbacked the 1953 Aggie Freshman football team.
Joy and Glen D.
Churchill ’56
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Fountain Hills, AZ
Glen Churchill retired in 1992 after 13 years as the President and CEO of West Texas Utilities Company in Abilene. He served as Executive VP and CFO for Central Power and Light Co. in Corpus Christi. He serves on the board of Phoenix Investment Partners. He has been on the boards of numerous industrial foundations and civic organizations. He was president of the Abilene A&M Club and served as a campaign chairman and president of the United Way of Abilene.
Harriet and Fred B.
Cox, Jr. ’56
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Henderson, NV
Fred Cox, Jr. graduated from Texas A&M as co-valedictorian in 1956 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He then attended MIT and became a Professional Electrical Engineer and founded numerous corporations including Emulex Corporation and Continuus Software Corporation, which he served as president and chairman.
Harriet and Joe B.
Foster ’56
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Houston, TX
Joe Foster is a Texas businessman, oilman, and philanthropist. From 1989 to 2005, Foster was Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Newfield Exploration Company, headquartered in Houston. Previously, Mr. Foster was Chairman of Tenneco Oil Company and Executive Vice President and director of its parent, Tenneco Inc. He was with Tenneco for 31 years and also served as Chairman of the Tenneco Gas Pipeline Group.[4]
Mr. Foster was born in Arp, Texas and attended Texas A&M University. He graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in general business. He served in the U.S. Army in 1958. In May, 1997, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M University. Mr. Foster served as Chairman of the National Petroleum Council, an industry advisory body to the U.S. Secretary of Energy in 1997, and in 1995-1996 served as Chairman of the Offshore Committee of the Independent Petroleum Association of America. He was a Director of Memorial Hermann Hospital System in Houston and has served as Chairman of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Greater Houston YMCA, and the Texas A&M Development Foundation.[1] He also served on the Boards of Baker Hughes Incorporated, and New Jersey Resources Corporation, Currently, Foster is chairman of a private equity fund, and a senior advisor at Tudor, Pickering, and Holt in Houston..
Ray L.
Howdeshell ’56
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Dallas, TX
Ray Howdeshell served as the Executive Vice President of the Tonkawa Gas Processing Company and the Texas Oil & Gas Corporation. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Texas and served on the Board of Directors of the Gas Processors Association. This endowment is made in honor of his mother, the late Anna Kathryn Howdeshell, and his three children, Paul Ray, Amy Lynn and Davis Scott Howdeshell.
Rose and Harold G.
Jacobson ’56
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Houston, TX
Following his brother, Arch ’49, Harold Jacobson graduated from Texas A&M in 1956 with a degree in chemistry and was commissioned as second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force in 1957. While serving in the Air Force, Jacobson spent a year at Thule Air Base in Greenland, about 650 miles south of the North Pole. It was his first trip north of Dallas. Jacobson went to work for Shell Chemical Co. prior to entering the service in 1956 and returned to Shell in 1960. While working for Shell, Jacobson worked in Texas, Manhattan, and New Jersey until his retirement in 1995. Jacobson has served as a Director of the Shell Alumni Association and maintained his interest in aviation. He pursued pilot training in general aviation and became a single-engine, multi-engine and instrument instructor pilot, teaching flying as a weekend activity.
Harold Jacobson and his wife, Rose, live in Houston, and their children, Laura ’81, Gregg ’83 and Amy ’92, attended Texas A&M. They believe it is their obligation to give back to A&M and to other charitable organizations to help make the world a better place. Jacobson says A&M provided him with an everlasting pool of contacts, friendships, and preparation for life.
Jo and Donald F.
Keprta ’56
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Plano, TX
Upon graduating from Texas A&M with a B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering, Don Keprta went to work for Sinclair Oil & Gas Company. He continued with ARCO when the companies merged, serving in various Operations and Engineering Management assignments. Don is also a seven year veteran of the Aggie Kickoff Team.
Lynn D.
Monical ’56
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Lake Jackson, TX
Following graduation, Lynn Monical served as the U.S. Army Captain until 1967. He was Vice President of Monical & Powell, Inc. and President of U.S. Contractors, LLD. Monical also served on the Board of Directors for the 12th Man Foundation.
The Family of John H.
Moser ’56
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Jan Moser earned a degree in Civil Engineering, attended graduate school and worked as an Environmental Engineer. At A&M, Jan was active in the Catholic Student Assn., intramural sports, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and served on the Student Government Election Commission, and the MSC Conference on National Affairs.
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.
Glenwood W.
Specht ’55
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Littleton, CO
After a 39-year career with Exxon Company USA, Glen Specht retired in 1944. He was assigned to the Property Management Group as a geological scientist, served on the committees for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and was a visiting petroleum geologist in the West Texas Geological Society of Petroleum Engineers.
James P.
Staehs ’55
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San Jose, CA
James Staehs served as the President and Owner of Jasta, Inc., a producer of industrial electromechanical linear actuators, antenna drive pedestals and custom items. He formed Jasta in 1974 after working as general manager and owner of Engineering Corporation of America.
Mary Ann and Dale
Stice ’55
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Midland, TX
After graduating in 1955 from Texas A&M with a bachelors in marketing, Dale Stice joined the United Stated Air Force and served for three years. In 1958, Dale went to work in the family grocery business until 1963 when he decided to go to the University of Houston Law School. Upon graduation from law school, Dale held various positions with numerous companies in Midland.
Texas A&M gave me a good foundation on which to build my life on and establish many lifelong friendships. This gift allows me to show my appreciation by returning a small portion of what TAMU did for me. May the old Aggie Spirit continue to burn in our lives – Gig‘Em!
Richard A.
Williford ’55
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Richard Williford served as the Board Chairman and Owner of Williford Energy Company as well as Williford, Inc. and Safety Training Systems, Inc. He was the President of The Association of Former Students and on the 12th Man Foundation Board of Directors.
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.