Michael B.
Cox ’77
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Houston, TX
Michael B. Cox ’77 graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas A&M University in 1977 with a degree in Management and received an MBA from University of Texas at Austin in 1978. Upon graduation, Michael was employed with Texas Instruments as a Financial Analyst. In 1984, he was employed with Continental Airlines as Vice President and Treasurer and was later a Director at Price Waterhouse. Michael is currently the Managing Director for Seabury Group LLC.
I have always believed in giving to those organizations or institutions that were influential to me as I have become older and theoretically wiser. I believe it is very important to give to the success of future generations as part generations have done for me.
Susan and Travis B.
Cox ’76
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Seguin, TX
Travis Cox graduated cum laude with a B.S. degree in Physical Education and received his M.S. degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California. He is President of Professional Therapy Services of Texas, Inc. and a past Vice Chairman for the Texas State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. Cox is an Advisory Board Member of the 12th Man Foundation and past President of the Guadalupe County A&M Club.
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.
Carroll W.
Cox ’34
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Houston, TX
After earning degrees in Dairy Husbandry in 1934 and Agricultural Education in 1936 from Texas A&M, Mr. Cox served in World War II and the Korean War. He later retired from both the U.S. Air Force Reserve and Mobil Chemical in the early 1970’s and then began breeding and raising registered Brangus cattle.
Elaine and J. W.
Cotton, Jr. ’49
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J.W. Cotton earned a B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering and Geology. Throughout his 29 year career with the Air Force, Cotton was an officer pilot, navigator, and held various unit and staff jobs. He received the Silver Star, Purple Heart, USAF Commendation Medal, and various other honors.
Kim and Steve
Cooper ’78
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El Campo, TX
Texas A&M gave Stephen Cooper ’78 an education and the benefit of a life driven by its core values.
As the first in his family to attend college, Cooper knows what a gift Texas A&M is to each incoming Class of freshmen. He knows the power of the Aggie Ring. He shares the indescribable Aggie Spirit and passion to protect and perpetuate Texas A&M’s legacy of excellence.
“I feel indebted,” he said. “I will never be able to give back to TAMU what I have received. But I will try.”
Cooper is president and partner of La Tierra de Esmeralda Inc. He started farming when he was a sophomore in college, and in 1979, he got in the turf business. In 1987, he established Emerald Sod Farms near Denver, Colorado.
“We’ve been very fortunate in life,” he said. “I think it’s very important to give back.”
Active in in his local A&M Club for decades, Cooper first served as president of the Matagorda County A&M Club, and currently serves on the Wharton County A&M Club’s board. April is the busiest time for agriculturalists, but no matter where he was on April 21, he would try to attend Muster.
“Muster, I think, defines our university,” he said. At Texas A&M, “You’re not a number; you’re a person,” he said. Muster reminds Aggies that they’re never forgotten and that every person matters.
Every person matters when it comes to The Association of Former Students, too, he said.
As former students work together, both in raising funds for Texas A&M and in living a life guided by core values, Texas A&M is strengthened, he said. Together, Aggies can change the world.
“And it’s never too early to set a precedent for our kids,” he said.
Cooper and his wife, Kimberley, have two daughters, Alexis ’12 and Shelby ’13. As a graduation gift, they made Endowed Century Club donations in their daughters’ names.
“My wife and I thought of all the blessings we have and they have and thought the greatest gift we could give them would be a gift that would give back,” he said.
“We were right,” he said. “I’ve never seen them cry so hard.”
Shelby S.
Cooper ’13
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El Campo, TX
Shelby Cooper ’13 gets goose bumps every time the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band plays the opening notes of The Spirit of Aggieland. The same thing happens with the short staccato opening tones of the Aggie War Hymn and the long solemn trumpet call of Silver Taps.
“Texas A&M has been in my life since I was a child,” Cooper said. A lifetime as an Aggie has taught her this—“This university is unlike any other in the world,” Cooper said.
That knowledge has motivated her to action in order to defend its uniqueness and pave the way for future Aggies to get a top-tier education and their own incomparable Aggie experience.
“I want the future of this university to be even better,” she said. “Everyone should have a chance to receive a fantastic education.”
When she thinks about her own Aggie education, she can see how Texas A&M and its core values became part of her personality and influenced her decision-making. “It taught me, yes, I am a leader, but I can make sacrifices as well,” she said. “Being an Aggie makes you part of the Aggie family and you would be surprised how humbling and wonderful that is.”
Texas A&M is made better because of The Association of Former Students, she said, and she’s proud to be part of the group of former students who help stand in the gap for the future generation.
“As former students, we protect and uphold traditions that make us so special,” she said. “It’s unbelievable to be part of that.”
Her Endowed Century Club donation was a graduation gift from her parents, Stephen ’78 and Kimberley Cooper. When she chose Texas A&M as her university as a high schooler, she had no backup plan. She filled out one college application and sent it to Aggieland. “It was an easy decision. I wanted to be with my family. I wanted to be part of what we created,” she said. Now, as a member of the Aggie family, she’s honored to be part of the future Texas A&M is creating.
Alexis A.
Cooper ’12
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College Station, TX
Ever since Alexis Cooper ’12 was born, her parents have reinforced the discipline of responsibility. When she wanted a horse, it was her job to muck the stalls. When she wanted to participate in livestock shows, the duty of caring for the animals fell completely on her shoulders. When she wanted to get involved in student organizations and sports as a high schooler, she was the one who had to be the reliable teammate.
“My whole life, my parents have taught us that hard work pays off,” she said.
That lesson was applied to her education, as well. Some of her earliest memories are of being in Kyle Field, knee-high to her dad and swaying with the 12th Man as they sawed off Varsity’s horns. She said she felt the Spirit in her bones.
She attempted to consider other schools, but when it came time to send in her college application, she only needed one stamp. “I only wanted to go to A&M,” she said.
And so she did.
“One of the biggest things I love about A&M is our core values,” she said. As a college student, when she worked as the manager for the Texas A&M softball team for two years, or helped establish Collegiate 4-H, or coached a high school volleyball team, the core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service helped guide her decision making.
The core values continue to provide her firm footing, and her Aggie Ring serves as the daily reminder. Each time she puts on her Ring, through its symbolism, she said she’s putting on the core values.
Responsibility shapes you, she said. When she learned that her parents, Stephen ’78 and Kimberley Cooper, had given an Endowed Century Club gift in her name, all her emotions funneled into one overlying theme—gratitude.
“I want to allow others to be able to experience the things I have, and to alleviate the burden of finances to get a great education,” she said. “There’s no other experience like Texas A&M. The ultimate goal of mine is to continue to give.
“I want more students to have this legacy,” she said.
Archie D.
Cook ’50
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Lake Jackson, TX
Archie D. Cook retired from Dow Chemical Company after more than 30 years of service in 1985. He managed Ethylene, Borzene and Butediene plants in Freeport and directed construction of other petrochemical complexes. Cook served in a dive bomber squadron with the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Jeanette L. and Robert B. "Bob"
Conn ’51
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San Antonio, TX
It was 1947 when Bob Conn ’51 started his fish year at Texas A&M. “I had no idea what I was getting into,” he laughed. World War II had just ended and the AMC of Texas was bursting with veterans returning to school on the GI Bill. Since main campus was full, “they set us up on the air force base,” he said. Now known as Riverside Campus, the Bryan Air Force Base became home for Conn and his Classmates. It had a dining facility, barracks and classes. “The only time we went to main campus was for football games,” he said. “They’d bus us in and bus us out.”
He holds the memories dear, but knows that time has been good to Texas A&M. He has watched as campus has adjusted to new requirements, new construction and a more intense academic focus. First as he and his wife dropped off their daughter— Kathy Saucier ’80—for her first year in Aggieland, and then when they came back on their own for Aggie Hostel. Conn is a lifetime member of the San Antonio A&M Club & Foundation, and for years has enjoyed eating lunch every Monday with Aggies at the Club’s facility, Aggie Park. “One of my real close friends whom I visited with every Monday started going crazy about Aggie Hostel.” Discontinued in 2005, Aggie Hostel was a program that invited former students aged 65 and older to come back to campus and spend a week with students. “I couldn’t wait until I was 65,” he said. “I think I set the record for attending Hostels.” Former students went to class with students, ate lunch with students, and went to events with students. “Through that, we met lots of first-class students and they became like our children, like our grandchildren,” he said. “And they are the main reason that we’re most appreciative as a whole for Texas A&M.” As an active member of his Class, Conn interacts with the Class of ’51 scholarship recipients. He and his wife also personally support two scholarship students—one member of the Corps of Cadets and one mechanical engineer. “In a word, these students are quality,” he said. “These are great students who attend A&M and I am so proud of what they do and how they represent Texas A&M.” Texas A&M continues to impact the future through its students. As for himself, he gives full credit to A&M for giving him the education and discipline to serve in the U.S. Army and enjoy a 46-year career in mechanical contracting.
Sarah Anne and Mario M.
Coll III ’84
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The Woodlands, TX
Mario M. Coll III ’84 graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor of sciences in petroleum engineering. Upon graduation, he held various positions with numerous companies in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Coll also continued his executive education programs at Southern Methodist University, Rice University and the University of Pennsylvania. Mario is currently the Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Information Technology Services at Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
I love Texas A&M University and the Aggie Spirit. I want Texas A&M to continue to educate and develop future leaders.
Brandon C.
Coleman, Jr. ’78
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Houston, TX
Brandon Coleman served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Coleman & Coleman, a marketing and advertising firm. He was twice nominated for the Houston Entrepreneur of the Year award and local awards for advertising effectiveness in television, radio, and print media. Serves on the University Academic Enrichment Council of Texas A&M’s Capturing the Spirit campaign and on the Management Advisory Board of A&M’s College of Business.
Nancy and Arthur L.
Cochrum ’45
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Canyon Lake, TX
Arthur L. Cochrum graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science degree in geological engineering. He served in the U.S. Navy for five years before furthering his education with a Master of Science degree in geology from the University of Texas. Cochrum was employed with Humble Oil and Refinery as a geologist until his retirement in 1977. However, he continues to work as a petroleum consultant. Cochrum is a senior fellow of the Geological Society of America and is a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.
Christine T. and Eugene H. "Gene"
Cloud ’66
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Greenwood Village, CO
He had always wanted to be an Aggie. Growing up a child of a serviceman, Texas A&M was spoken of fondly in his house. Though his dad’s military service took Gene Cloud ’66 all over the world, there was only one place he wanted to attend school. But, when it came to the scholastic part of being a student, “I just really didn’t know what I wanted to do,” he said. He bounced around between different fields of studies, and finding no real passion, “I flunked out,” he said.
However, Cloud said his Aggie story is one of second chances. After serving in the Army for three years, repairing missiles and
radar systems and calibrating test equipment, he decided to make another attempt for a college degree. Texas A&M was the only school that agreed to give him another shot to hit the target. Armed with a new delight in semiconductors, Cloud registered for classes, and by the time he graduated, he had been inducted into a couple of honor societies.
After graduating, he became an esteemed member of his field. “And, I know,” he said, “I absolutely know that I would not have gotten where I am today if A&M had not given me a second chance. Now I want to give back to A&M so others will get a chance to succeed.”
School teaches the skill of learning, he said— “It prepares you to learn on the job; how to really get something done.” So, when he thinks of his second chance and what he learned in school, his drive to give is an internal motivation to give others a chance, too.
“Texas A&M made a huge difference, and not just in my career,” he said. Going through the Corps of Cadets taught him leadership that carried over to how he ran his employees. As an underclassman, his superiors were relentless in teaching that individuals do not exist in a team, and that it’s only through teamwork that you can be successful. “At A&M, I also learned to not just be a taker. Give back,” he said. “And if there’s something that needs to be done, you go do it yourself.” Cloud and his wife, Christine, have two sons, Scott Fearon and Thomas Cloud.
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.
Bill W.
Clayton ’50
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Clayton received a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics in 1950. His leadership as Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives was instrumental in the development and passage of school finance legislation, a highway funding bill, sunset legislation, reorganization of state water agencies, and the Briscoe-Clayton anti-crime package. In 1979, he became the first person to be elected to a third consecutive term as Speaker of the House.
Class of '70 Gift
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In association with their class’ 35th Anniversary in 2005, the Class of ’70 has generously given to the Endowed Diamond Century Club program, as well as funded a Sul Ross Corps Scholarship and an Aggie Spirit Endowment. When the Class of ’70 was attending Texas A&M University, there were clubs such as horseshoes, bowling and gymnastics. It was a time of Vanity Fair and sweethearts. The Class of '70 saw such milestones as the tallest bonfire to date, standing at 107 feet and 10 inches, and they dealt with the loss of Texas A&M University’s President J. Earl Rudder. They add another milestone by becoming the first class to give to The Endowed Diamond Century Club program. Times have changed for the Class of ’70, but their loyalty and support of Texas A&M University and The Association of Former Students has not.
For the Class of ’70 it was not a matter of what we wanted to give back, but that we needed to give back. We wanted to make sure that the donation was used in the most productive manner and we feel that there is a real “bang for your buck” in the way The Association of Former Students uses our gifts. Even though the majority of our class is former Corps, we have some faithful non-regs as well as children that are not in the Corps, and we felt that giving back to The Association, all Aggies could enjoy the benefits.
Class of '68
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A member of the Class of ’68 made a commitment to the Endowed Century Club on behalf of his class. His gift truly is an example of the self-less giving of our faithful Former Students that sets Texas A&M University apart from the rest. His desire is that this gift will encourage others in his class, and in other classes, to make a generous contribution as well.
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.
Donna T. and Douglas K.
Chester '80
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Katy, TX
Doug Chester attributes his successful career to his experience at Texas A&M, partly because of the invaluable education he received, but also as a result of the friendships and connections he’s made along the way. “The common bond Aggies have, whether at work, at play or in the community, is something I will always cherish,” he said.
In particular, his time spent playing in the A&M Rugby Club gave him strong friendships and lifelong ties to the Aggie Spirit. “I’m still friends with many of those I played with,” he said. “The camaraderie and spirit have been what has stuck with me through the years.”
Doug had been a Century Club member for 36 years and wanted to ensure future students would have similar university experiences and build successful lives after they graduated. With the help of his company’s matching gifts program, he and his wife, Donna, established an Endowed Century Club gift. “Texas A&M is a special place, with its long history of traditions that are continuing today. It is important to make sure they continue for generations to come.”
Doug graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and has worked for BHP Billiton for almost nine years, now serving as drilling manager. The couple resides in Katy and are proud parents of two children, Ryan and Danielle.