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.
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.
Mary Lou and David
Behne ’52
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College Station, TX
David Behne ’52 graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor’s of science degree in civil engineering. From 1953 – 1955 Behne served in the United States Army as 1st Lieutenant. After serving in the military, he received his master’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M in 1959. In 1991, David retired from Electronic Data Systems as Vice President.
My wife and I appreciate the quality and values of today’s students. We enjoy living in College Station, interacting with the students and supporting their various activities. We would like to do what we can to help maintain the standards that make Aggies special.
Daniel D.
Clinton, Jr. ’52
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Houston, TX
Daniel D. Clinton, Jr. ’52 graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor’s of science degree in civil engineering. He continued his education at Stanford University where he received a master’s degree in civil engineering. Dan served 32 years in the US Air Force retiring with the rank of Colonel. After serving in the military, Dan was employed and retired as senior vice president of Lockwood, Andrews and Newnam. Dan is a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M and is a past board member of The Association of Former Students.
I have always had a love for Texas A&M University. The Association’s support of the many activities of Texas A&M is important to me, and it is one way that I can help support Texas A&M.
Nelda and Harry J.
Green Jr. ’52
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College Station, TX
Harry Green is retired after serving as The Association of Former Students’ first Field Director, Executive Director of The Aggie Club/12th Man Foundation, and Executive Vice President and Director of Marketing for First American Bank of Bryan. He was a Co-Class Agent and serves n the Executive Committee of the 12th Man Foundation. Nelda retired after a 30-year career assisting several Presidents and Chancellors of Texas A&M and the Texas A&M University System.
Alice and John H.
Hancock ’52
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San Angelo, TX
John Hancock spent 32 years with GTE Southwest before retiring as Business Relations Director in 1987. He has held engineering and management positions with the GTE Service Corporation as well as operating companies in Florida, the Northwest and the Southwest. Hancock has served his alma mater as a Past President of the West Texas A&M Club.
Eric O.
Holland ’52
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Eric Holland is a registered professional engineer in Texas since 1958. He retired in 1986 after 34 years with Phillips Petroleum Company as Chief Process Engineer in Borger, Texas and Bartsville, Oklahoma. Holland developed processes that received four patents that are assigned to Phillips Petroleum.
Jean and Skip
Johnson Jr. ’52
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College Station, TX
After a 30-year career with Gulf Oil Corporation directing engineering and operations for plants in Europe, Louisiana and Texas, Johnson did consulting and managed operations for PSE, Inc., DESTEC Energy and General Atomics. While at Texas A&M, Johnson earned Distinguished Student recognition and was a boxing champion.
James B.
Kelly ’52
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Brenham, TX
Kelly has served as President of the James B. Kelly & Co. and F.K. International Corporation. He was Board Chairman of Insurance Administrative Services, Inc. as well as an underwriting member of Lloyd’s of London. Kelly has served Texas A&M on the Member Development Council of Texas A&M College of Business Administration and Co-Class Agent for the Class of ’52.
Ada L. and Warren J.
Lovingfoss ’52
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Ventura, CA
Warren J. Lovingfoss ’52 graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering. Upon graduation, Lovingfoss was employed as an engineer with Texaco Inc. and later Conoco, Inc. In 1981, he became a consultant for Lovingfoss & Bowman retiring as president in 2004. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Salvation Army and Project Understanding.
Not only did Texas A&M provide me with a great education, it also instilled in me pride in a wonderful institution that will last forever. A contribution to this fund will provide the same opportunity for others.
James S.
Moore ’52
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Jim Moore is the Chairman of the Board of American Bank of Commerce. He briefly opened a law practice in Ft. Worth before serving as the Youngest State Representative ever elected to the Texas Legislature. He founded the Wolfforth State Bank and is owner and operator of Tahoka Bank. He served as President of The Association of Former Students and Board Chairman of the Texas A&M Foundation.
Jack L.
Morris ’52
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Dallas, TX
Morris served as CEO and President of the Clark-Morris Company, Inc. and was Executive Vice President of J.W. Bateson Co., Inc. He served as a Class Agent for the Class of ’52.
Elizabeth and Paul Haskell
Motheral ’52
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Spicewood, TX
Haskell Motheral graduated from Texas A&M in 1952 with a Bachelors of Science degree in civil engineering. After serving two years as an officer in the United States Army, he joined a small private construction company in the Rio Grande Valley in 1954. There, he worked as the manager until he started his own companies in the mid 1960’s, Motheral Contractors, Inc. and Valley Caliche Products, Inc.
There has always been someone at A&M to help me when I needed them. We believe in this University and appreciate the caliber of the students we have met here in recent years. We know the quality of education available at this very special school and are pleased to be able to support it.
Ruth and William J.
Neely ’52
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New Braunfels, TX
William J. Neely ’52 graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor’s of science degree in chemical engineering where he received an Opportunity Award Scholarship, the Engineering Faculty Senior Award and the Distinguished Military Graduate Award. Upon graduation, Bill joined Dow’s Texas Division where he held several leadership positions leading to vice president of The Dow Chemical Company and corporate director of Manufacturing and Engineering and was elected to Dow’s board of directors. Bill is a fellow for the Texas A&M Engineering Advisory Council and a former advisory council member for the chemical engineering department.
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.