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.
Amy P. ’83 and Larry R.
Bloomquist ’79
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Austin, TX
Amy and Larry Bloomquist can sum up their feelings toward Texas A&M in one word: gratitude. Since leaving Aggieland, the two have continued to support Texas A&M in various leadership positions: Larry as former president of Capital City A&M Club, member of The Association of Former Students’ Board of Directors, past chair the 12th Man Foundation’s board of trustees, and currently a member of the Mechanical Engineering Advisory Council; Amy as member of the Texas A&M Planned Giving Council and member and sponsor of the Austin A&M Mothers’ Club. “The Association supports so many A&M programs and clubs throughout the country that strengthen the Aggie Network,” Larry said. “We felt becoming endowed members was important since the Aggie Network has been so instrumental in the success of our careers and lives.” Amy is a board-certified estate planning attorney and Larry recently sold his HVAC manufacturer’s rep firm, but stays active in the company. They are proud parents of two Aggie children, Randall ’15 and Rachel ’20.
Linda and Michael B.
Cates ’79
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Manhattan, KS
Michael B. Cates is Commander of Veterinary Services Europe for the Veterinary Corps in the United States Army. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Veterinary Science and then received his DVM from Texas A&M University. Michael also received his MPH from the University of Texas Health Science Center. His wife Linda is a registered nurse and received her BSN from the University of Oklahoma.
Lisa W. ’91 and Porter S.
Garner III ’79
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College Station, TX
Porter S. Garner III earned his B.B.A. in marketing and Lisa (West) Garner, earned her B.A. in Speech Communications, both from Texas A&M. Porter joined The Association staff in 1981 and nearly 20 years later became only the sixth professional Executive Director for The Association in its 124-year history. Porter is leading the effort to increase membership and participation among former students by expanding services and improving communications. Lisa has a history of service to Texas A&M as well, having served on the staffs of both The Association of Former Students and the Texas A&M Foundation.
Regardless of when we walked this campus, how we arrived or from where we began our journey, we share a bond that transcends time. We share a bond, respected and envied throughout the world that recognizes we are as individually unique as we are collectively common.
Janet and Mark S.
Heiman ’79
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Houston, TX
In 17 years with AMOCO, Mark Heiman has handled design and production of facilities in Texas, New Mexico, the Arabian Desert and Norway. He helped establish the first APC interruptible power contract between AMOCO and Plains Electric. Since 1992, he has been project engineer for plant and gas field developments in the United Arab Emirates and, as project engineer and construction manager, he has upgraded a processing plant and expanded collection facilities in Norway.
Cindy and Jerry F.
Holditch ’79
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Tomball, TX
Jerry F. Holditch ’79 graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science in geology. Upon graduation from Texas A&M, Holditch served in the U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers. He began his career as a geologist for Gulf Oil and then worked for GHR Energy. Presently, Holditch is vice president at Laredo Energy. In Tomball, he served on the Board of Directors for Brazos Resources from 1991 until 2000. Currently, he serves on the school board at Salem Lutheran School.
The success I have achieved is due in part to the Corps and those friends and the business connections I have made by attending Texas A&M.
Scott D.
Josey ’79
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Houston, TX
Scott graduated from Texas A&M in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Additionally, he received an MBA from The University of Texas and a Master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from The University of Houston. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Mariner Energy, Inc. since August 2001. In October 2002, Scott was also appointed Chief Executive Officer and in February 2005 was appointed President. From 2000 to 2001, he served as Vice President of Enron North American Corp. and co-managed its Energy Capital Resources group, which provided structured capital to the energy industry. From 1995 to 2000, Scott was the co-founder of Sagestone Capital, which provided investment banking services to the oil and gas industry and managed two funds for Commonfund Capital, a large fund of funds for college and university endowments. From 1991-1993, he was a Director with Enron Capital & Trade Resources Corp. in its energy finance group. Prior to Enron, he spent 11 years with Texas Oil & Gas Corp working in all phases of its drilling, production, pipeline, corporate planning and commercial activities. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Independent Producers Association of America. He serves on the Board of the Bellville Hospital Foundation. Scott serves The Association of Former Students as a Representative at Large. Scott and his wife, Holly, have three children, Luke, Zachary and Reese.
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.