May L.
Benke ’32
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May Benke was a self employed Geophysicist since 1970. He earned World War II medals as an officer in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Benke worked for The Texas Company (Texaco), Sinclair Oil & Gas Corporation, and several other firms from 1932-1970.
Blake R.
Berend ’03
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Houston, TX
Blake earned his Bachelor's in Business Administration in Information & Operations Management from Mays Business School in 2003. Upon graduating he then worked for Dell, Inc. from 2003 to 2009. He went back to school to earn his Masters of Business Administration from Texas A&M in 2010. Following the completion of his Master's degree he began working for ExxonMobil and is currently an Advisor for XTO Energy Incorporated.
Denise and Jorge A.
Bermudez ’73
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College Station, TX
Jorge is a Past Board Chair of The Association of Former Students. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and went on to receive a master’s degree in the same field. He is President and CEO of the Byebrook Group, a small firm dedicated to research and advisory work in the financial services industry. Jorge is the former Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup. Prior to this appointment, he served as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Commercial Business Group in North America, as well as Citibank Texas. During his 30-year career with Citibank/Citigroup, he held the following positions: Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup Latin America; Executive Vice President and Head of Global Cash Management and Trade; President of Citibank Argentina and Head of the South America Division; Head of Credit Policy and Risk for International Banking; Head of Risk for the Corporate Banking Division in North America. Jorge currently serves as director on the following boards: The Houston Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; The Council of the Americas, New York; The Americas Society, New York; and The Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley. A selfless leader to Texas A&M University, Jorge serves on the International Board, the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Development Council, the Mays Business School Development Council. A recipient of the Tyrus R.Timm Honor Registry Award, he was recently recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Jorge and his wife Denise have four children, Jorge II, Andres, Elena and Antonio.
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.
Suzanne and Randall P.
Birdwell ’78
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The Woodlands, TX
Randall P. Birdwell ’78 began his housing career with a national builder in 1978. Emerald Builders, under his leadership as president and chief executive officer, went on to become one of the top 60 builders in the nation receiving numerous state and national awards. In July 2001, Randy sold Emerald to D. R. Horton – America’s Builder the nation’s largest homebuilder. He currently serves as the central region president and is on the company’s operating committee. Randy graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.
Texas A&M provided me the opportunity to succeed as a leader in the corps and a civil engineering student. Texas A&M provided part of the foundation for success in business.
Shirley and Donald F.
Birkelbach ’70
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College Station, TX
Don received both his bachelors and masters degrees in chemistry from Texas A&M University in 1970 and 1971 respectively. After serving three years as an officer in the US Navy, Don joined The Dow Chemical Company in 1974. Don and Shirley both attended the University of Houston-Clear Lake and Shirley graduated with a bachelors degree in marketing and Don received his masters of business administration in personnel management both in 1979. During a successful career with Dow that spanned 27 years, Don held several positions in plastics research and development, manufacturing and human resources. Don was inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Former Students for the College of Science in 2000.
In 2001, after retiring from Dow, Don joined the Texas A&M Foundation. He served as the Senior Director of Development for the College of Science until 2010 and as the Assistant Vice President for Development leading the development efforts for the Look College of Engineering until 2012. He currently serves as the Senior Regional Director of Major Gifts for the Gulf Coast area. Don and Shirley reside in College Station and have 2 daughters and two son-in laws, all Aggies. Sandra ‘ 04 and Justin ’05 Bruce reside in Angleton and Candace ’07 and Christopher Suchma ’03 reside in Austin. They have one grandson Zachariah Bruce ’35 (hopefully).
Faye and John M.
Blackshear ’81
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Seabrook, TX
Murray Blackshear ’81 is President of the Texas HMO, known as Texas HealthSpring in Seabrook, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Management and in 2000 was part of a new start up healthcare company that currently owns and manages HMO’s in Nashville, Tennessee, Birmingham, Alabama and Houston, Texas.
Texas A&M has always been a part of my life. Growing up with a dad that went to Texas A&M meant many trips to Aggieland to see football games, bonfire, midnight yell practice or any other excuse he could come up with for us to pile into the car and head to College Station. I could not have imagined going to any other school.
Dennis A.
Blagrave ’70
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Iola, TX
This gift was given in honor of his parents, R.A. and Beth Blagrave.
R.A. (Ashley) and Beth Blagrave grew up in Madison County, Texas, where they met as teenagers. Shortly after they married and moved to Houston, Beth worked in a furniture store while Ashley, who had since joined the Navy, was away at the war. In 1945, when he returned, Ashley went to work for Ms. Baird’s for eleven years and then went to work for Able Supply and Huber Construction for 29 years. Ashley retired as Executive Vice President from Able and was a consultant for General Refractories for four years. Their numerous children and grandchildren have been blessed by the education, fellowship and traditions of Texas A&M University.
We hope that the lives of other aspiring students will be enhanced as have the lives of our descendants who attended and/or graduated from TAMU.
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.
Mildred and Willy F.
Bohlmann, Jr. ’50
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Schulenburg, TX
Willy F. Bohlmann, Jr. ’50 graduated from Texas A&M University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering. While at A&M, he was President of the American Society of Civil Engineers and was a Ross Volunteer. In 1992 he retired as President of Esso China, Ltd. after serving 41 years with Exxon affiliate companies. Willy also had a successful dual career with the U.S. Army Reserve. He retired with the rank of colonel in 1980. He has been
awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Department of Civil Engineering’s Distinguished Graduate Award,
and was recognized in the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor.
From the time I set foot on campus in May 1945, it was the strong esprit de corps that made an impact. The “spirit” gave me a feeling of camaraderie among class members and fellow students. Being an Aggie opened doors to other Aggies in a worldwide network. It is a good feeling to be a part of the world’s largest fraternity.
- Willy Bohlmann, Jr. '50
Vickie ’82 and David
Bolen ’81
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Sugar Land, TX
David Bolen earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Texas A&M University with cum laude honors, and he later graduated from the University of Houston Law School. While attending Texas A&M, Vickie Bolen’s focus was in pre-medicine and she later graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch with a bachelor’s degree in medical technology. David is currently employed with ExxonMobil as a Tax Attorney. Aggieland holds a special place in the hearts of David and Vickie as this is where they met and established life-long friendships. Vickie and David wanted to give back to the university since, “Texas A&M’s spirit and principles are something we believe in and want to support. A&M gave us such a great start in life!” Vickie and David have three children: Elizabeth, Carrie and Matthew ’16.
Becky and Jerry L.
Boles ’71
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San Antonio, TX
Jerry L. Boles ’71 is President of Grona Boles & Martin Insurance & Financial Services. He has been in the insurance business since he graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Business Administration. In 1972 he attended the US Army Field Artillery School, in Fort Still, Oklahoma. Jerry was President of the San Antonio A&M Club in1991, President of The Association of Former Students in 1999, as well as an Auction Committee Member for the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo.
It is important that The Association continue to grow, remain strong and independent. Legacy is the foundation of A&M. Legacy built the Aggie family and developed the Aggie Network. The Association needs the support of all former students in order to be in a position to insure that the traditions and values that are our cornerstone remain so.
Rosalie and Clifton J.
Bolner ’49
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San Antonio, TX
Getting his start as a partner in Bolner’s Grocery and Meat Market when he graduated from Texas A&M, Clifton Bolner is now President and CEO of Bolner’s Fiesta Products, Inc., which imports ninety raw/natural spices from sixty countries, processes them and markets them under the Fiesta Brand. The former Aggie Band executive officer and his wife have endowed major scholarships at Texas A&M University and Our Lady of The Lake University, and have been recognized for their continuing support of numerous church and community endeavors.
Annette ’82 and Richard
Borkowski ’83
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Southlake, TX
Annette and Richard studied geology at Texas A&M and met on geology field camp in 1981. What pushed Annette and Richard to go to A&M was the great reputation of the College of Geosciences. In giving an Endowed Century Club gift to Texas A&M, they want to enable future students to have a great Aggie experience. Annette and Richard work in the oil and gas industry in Texas and Annette says that her geology degree and Aggie contacts have been essential to her career. They have both received Texas Professional Geoscientist and AAPG Certified Petroleum Geologist awards. Annette is currently a division geophysicist and Richard is currently a consulting geologist.
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.
Kristin L. ’07 and Kevin W.
Botsford ’06
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Navarre, FL
Kevin graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Marketing in 2006. Following his education he became an Officer for the United States Air Force and has received 5 Air Medals in over 100 combat missions. He is currently stationed at Hurlburt Field as a Navigator on Gunships. Kristin graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Communications and then earned her Master’s in Business Administration at the University of West Florida in 2010. She then worked for the Tesoro Corporation as a Tax Analysis and is currently a Recruiting Director for Absolute Consulting. Kristin and Kevin state that, “Texas A&M has always held a special place in our hearts. It shaped us as young adults and readied us for the business world and military service. We met as counselors for Fish Camp and have always enjoyed seeing the next generation of Aggies take their place on campus. Texas A&M will continue to be an integral part of our lives and the lives of our families for many years to come. We enjoy giving to an institution that gave us so much.” Kristin and Kevin are giving back through their endowment as they are inspiring many Texas Aggies that are still yet to come.