Eugene C.
Owen ’42
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Eugene Owen graduated from Texas A&M in 1942 with a B.S. degree. He served as CEO of O&M Manufacturing Company in Houston, Texas, and retired in 1984. Owen was a member of Texas A&M’s Target 2000 Committee, and has also been a member of the Houston A&M Club since 1953.
John W.
Persohn ’42
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John Persohn served as Chairman and CEO of Persohn/Hahn Associates, Inc., a consulting engineering and elevator firm he founded in 1981. After serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II and the Korean War, he worked for Otis Elevator Company for 34 years.
Joe F.
Robinson ’42
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Clarendon, TX
Joe F. Robinson received a BS degree in Agriculture from Texas A&M University in 1942. Robinson has had a successful career in cattle ranching from 1948-2002. He is director of the Texas Livestock Marketing Association and the Panhandle Livestock Association.
Rosemary and Jack
Smither ’42
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For David Smither, being an Aggie runs in the family, a legacy that began with his father, Jack Smither ’42. Described as David’s “hero Aggie,” Jack Smither exemplified Texas A&M’s core values and was diligent in his dedication to the university.
David Smither followed his father’s footsteps to Texas A&M, where he was involved in MSC Great Issues and served as a Fish Camp counselor. Those experiences taught him skills, helped him build friendships, and further developed his leadership abilities. In 1984, he graduated with a degree in industrial distribution. He recalls his time at Texas A&M as the “educational and leadership foundation” of his life. His Aggie experience gave him opportunities to lead early in life.
Like his father, David Smither is committed to staying connected to the university and giving back to future generations of students. Jack Smither was a long-time donor to The Association of Former Students, inspiring his son to establish an Endowed Century Club fund in his memory. For the Smither family, the Aggie legacy that began with Jack will survive through the generations of Aggies who have been and will be touched by the Smithers’ generous donations.
“All of my Aggie experiences have given me a spirit and will to win, which have stayed with me in all that I do,” David says, “Texas A&M can continue to inspire students this way if we, the former students, never walk away, stay engaged, and contribute in some way to the best of our abilities.
“Look hard at those who traveled the path before us, and find and remember what made them great. With all of those memories in our hearts, mind and souls, we can reach the next level of excellence while honoring our past.”
Mary E. and Harry C.
Voss ’42
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Gatesville, TX
Harry C. Voss ’42 graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Air Force from 1941 – 1946. In 1950, he went to work for Union Oil Company of California, in Houston, Texas. From 1962 – 1966, Harry was a registered petroleum engineer consultant.
My loyalty to Texas A&M and the lasting effect A&M has had on my life is why I wanted to give back.
Doris and Joseph P.
Watson Jr. ’42
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J.P. Watson served as CEO and Owner of HGI Corporation and held various Engineering and Management positions with Cities Service Oil Company, Columbia Fuel Corporation and Southeastern Public Service Company. He has served Texas A&M students by endowing a President’s Endowed Scholarship.
Mary F. and James A.
Pridmore ’41
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James Pridmore operated a private practice as an engineering consultant following a 34-year career as Project and Materials Manager for Humble Oil/Exxon Corporation. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army Ordinance Corps during World War II. He was State Director of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers and a Life Member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Jean and Bernard C.
Richardson ’41
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Houston, TX
Richardson received a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1942. He served as President of Richardson Chevrolet, the largest dealership in the U.S., and Standard Life Insurance Co. Richardson helped finance several Texas A&M projects, including contributing $6 million for The Zone at Kyle Field, which was named in his honor. He endowed the Jean & Bernard C. Richardson ’41 General Rudder Corps Scholarship, the President’s Endowed Scholarship, a 12th Man Endowed Scholarship, a Diamond Century Club Endowment, and he provided the funding for the Medal of Honor bas-reliefs at the Sanders Corps Center.
Joe H.
Wellborn ’41
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Friendswood, TX
Joe Wellborn had a successful 43-year career with Humble-Exxon Company USA as Petroleum Engineer and Operations Superintendent. He served four years with the U.S. Army in World War II and is a Registered Professional Engineer. Wellborn served his alma mater as a Past President of the Houston A&M Club and the 12th Man Foundation Board.
Sully and Arthur D.
Alsobrook ’40
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Arthur “Dave” Alsobrook graduated from Texas A&M with a B.S. degree in accounting. In January 1942 he joined the U.S. Army until retirement from active duty in 1946. He then began a 35-year career with Humble Oil (ExxonMobile). Dave also remained in the Air Force Reserve program for a total of 30 years of service, retiring in 1975 as a full Colonel.
Jerry T.
Faubion ’40
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Faubion served as the President and CEO of Faubion Enterprises, Inc., a management consulting firm. He had a 21 year management career with Dow Chemical Co. and was President and CEO of Dow Badische Company for 11 years. He currently holds five corporate directorships. Past President of the Brazoria County A&M Club, Faubion also served as a city councilman and school board president in Freeport, Texas.
Iola and William M.
Hart ’40
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This endowment is given by Iola and William M. Hart in memory of their parents: Mr. & Mrs. Joe M. Hart and Mr. & Mrs. W.M. Thompson and an aunt, Mrs. Grace Hill. As commander of the U.S. Army Cargo Ship F.S. 192, he served in the 8th Naval District and in various war zones during World War II.
James F.
Hollingsworth ’40
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San Antonio, TX
Hollingsworth received a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture in 1940. Hollingsworth’s 36-year military career touched the sands of North Africa, spanned the length of Europe, and contributed to the stability of a volatile situation in the Far East. Hollingsworth was assigned to Korea in 1973 and served as Commanding General of the I Corps which is the largest field army command in the world. He also directed 13 divisions of Republic of Korea and United States Troops. His decorations include Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star and Purple Heart with five Oakleaf Clusters.
Joan and Beverley B.
Holt ’40
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The Woodlands, TX
Beverly Holt graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and began his professional career at AMOCO Production Company that continued until May 1984. He was awarded several United States Army Medals and retired from the Army in 1980 as Lieutenant Colonel.
Charles R.
McClintick ’40
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McClintick is owner of McClintick Enterprises which as land development, oil 7 gas operations in Louisiana and Texas, research & development in medical technology, and several retail chains. McClintick is also the Co-Founder of Pearle Health Services, the world’s largest retail optical chain with over 1,300 outlets. He flew B-29 Superfortress in World War II including the first land-based mission over Tokyo.
Richard L.
Patrick ’40
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After a 37-year career, Richard Patrick retired in 1988 as a consulting engineer with W.E. Kutzschbach Company and Walton & Associates Consulting Engineers. Patrick has served Texas A&M students with an establishment of a President’s Endowed Scholarship and 12th Man Endowed Scholarship.
Lula Mae and Jim M.
Ridlehuber ’40
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Temple, TX
Jim M. Ridlehuber received a BS degree in Dairy Science from Texas A&M in 1940 and an MS degree from California Institute of Technology in 1943. He began his career as a chemist with Swift & Co in Dallas. From 1942-46, he served as a 1st Lt. in the U.S. Army Air Corp in India and China. In 1985, Mr. Ridlehuber retired as Chief Chemist from Plains Cooperative Oil Mill in Lubbock, Texas. Mr. Ridlehuber is a member of the Century Club, the Aggie Club, The 12th Man Foundation, and the First United Methodist Church of Temple, Texas.
My education and degree from Texas A&M has been a major factor in my success in business. I feel that being an Aggie has opened more doors for me than would have been possible as a graduate from any other university. The contribution as Permanently Endowed Diamond Century Club member is a way of giving something back in appreciation.
Roy L.
Dye, Jr. ’39
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Houston, TX
Roy Dye retired from Sears Roebuck and Company as General Manager of the Gulf Coast Area of Texas in 1981 after 34 years handling management assignments throughout the Southwest. He served Texas A&M as a Class Agent for five years, and served on Alumni Council for the Texas A&M Research Foundation and the Development Council for Texas A&M College of Agriculture.
Royce E.
Wisenbaker ’39
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Wisenbaker received a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1939 and a master’s degree in Municipal and Sanitary Engineering in 1940. Following service in WWII, Wisenbaker and Robert E. Fix ’38 formed the engineering firm Wisenbaker Fix and Associates. Wisenbaker is considered to be the “father” of the Century Club and is credited with establishing the President’s Endowed Scholarship program. As president of The Association of Former Students in 1966, Wisenbaker clearly exhibited his devotion to his alma mater by initiating the study which resulted in a new organizational structure to more effectively serve Texas A&M University.
Rita and William A.
Bosse ’38
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William Bosse graduated from Texas A&M with a B.S. degree in Agriculture. He began his career as a salesman for Bewley Mills in 1938, and then worked for the Gulf States Utilities Company. In 1941, he became a Control Laboratory Supervisor with Mobil Oil Corporation where he retired in 1978. He was a member of the Beaumont A&M Club and Southeast Texas A&M Foundation.
Jack
Finney ’38
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Greenville, TX
Jack Finney is the owner of Finney Properties, Jack Finney Inc., Ja-Lu Quarter Houses, and Finney’s Holsum Bakery. He served as the Past President of the Greenville School Board and Chamber of Commerce and was awarded Greenville’s Businessman of the Year. He served Texas A&M as a member of the Board of Regents and the Chancellor Advisory Committee.
Troy P.
Wakefield ’38
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Troy Wakefield had a successful career in Oil & Gas Production and Investments. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Wakefield Corporation and Dreamers Oil, Inc. and Vice President of the Southern Mid-Continent Petroleum Corporation. Wakefield served his alma mater by serving as a Trustee on the Texas A&M Research Foundation and was on the planning committee for the Memorial Student Center and Rudder Tower.
Joseph C.
Wessendorff ’37
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Joe Wessendorff had a successful career in ranching and investments. He served as President of Wessendorf Development Co., Wessendorff Insurance Co. and Wessendorf Lumber Co. He also was a Trustee of The George Foundation trust and President of the Board of the Polly Ryon Memorial Hospital.
John F.
Younger ’37
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John F. Younger is the Founder and President of the Airport 20 Corporation and served as President of The Association of Former Students in 1965. He has been self employed in oil activities and real estate since 1957. Younger is a recipient of the Texas A&M Distinguished Alumni Award.
Norine and James R.
Jackson, Jr. ’36
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J.R. Jackson earned a B.S. degree in geology from Texas A&M and an M.S. in geology from the University of Texas. Jackson was employed for almost 40 years by Standard Oil Co. of Venezuela, Humble Oil and Exxon on numerous exploration, technical, professional and managerial assignments. He has served as President of Norjac Enterprises and on A&M’s Geosciences and Earth Advisory Council.
James A.
Lyon ’36
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This endowment was given in James Lyon’s memory by his wife, E. Mildred Lyon. James Lyon earned a B.S. degree in petroleum engineering at Texas A&M. He was a district engineer for the Texas Railroad Commission for four years and owned Lyon Wireline Service in Houston and Lyon Ranch ay Jay, Oklahoma.
Nell and Alfred H.
Walker ’36
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After serving 35 years with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Fred Walker became a rancher in 1972 at Walker Ranch in Comstock, Texas. He was first lieutenant and captain in the U.S. Cavalry and Air Force, and a captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.