Martha and Phil
Vogel ’79
direct link to this listing
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.
Mary E. and Harry C.
Voss ’42
direct link to this listing
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.
Troy P.
Wakefield ’38
direct link to this listing
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.
Nell and Alfred H.
Walker ’36
direct link to this listing
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.
JoAnn ’92 and Robert L. "Bob"
Walker ’58
direct link to this listing
College Station, TX
Robert Walker ’58 graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, he then went on to get his master’s degree in education at Pepperdine University. He returned to Texas A&M to receive his doctorate in education administration. He has worked at Texas A&M for over 47 years, currently serving as the senior executive for development.
One of his fondest memories during his time at Texas A&M was when he met his wife-to-be, JoAnn Nolen, on the steps of Sbisa Dining Hall. They were later married in 1958, in the All Faiths Chapel on campus. They have four children, all of which graduated from Texas A&M.
Sara and E. L.
Walker, Jr. ’53
direct link to this listing
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.
Diane and A. Greg
Walla ’79
direct link to this listing
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.
Peggy and Wellington G.
Watson ’44
direct link to this listing
Kingwood, TX
After a 37 year career, W.G. Watson retired from Exxon USA as a Division Scout. He served as Vice President of the International Oil Scouts Association, a Boy Scout Master and is on the board of the Kingwood Area Emergency Medical Association. Peggy Watson earned degrees from Texas Woman’s University.
Doris and Joseph P.
Watson Jr. ’42
direct link to this listing
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.
Joe H.
Wellborn ’41
direct link to this listing
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.
In Memory of Donald Lee
Wells
direct link to this listing
Schulenburg, TX
In Memory of Donald Lee Wells, born October 30, 1970, Charleston, South Carolina and died April 29, 2001, in Harlingen, Texas. He graduated from Alief Hastings High School in 1989. He chose to make his career as a welder. At his death he was a self employed certified welder. He had a deep love for animals and was active in Alief Southwest 4-H club for six years as an adult leader and the Fort Bend Trail Riders Association. Lee never met a stranger and was a friend to all that knew him. He loved family gatherings and always did his part to help. He left behind his constant companion a Red Australian Cattle Dog named Cayanne who is loved and cared for by his mother and stepfather.
When Lee died in 2001 his mother and I wanted to do something in his memory that would also benefit others. We felt that a gift in his memory to Texas A&M would be a fitting means by which he could be remembered. Lee's life was short and he did not have time to build a life time of accomplishments to be remembered by. With this gift we know that Lee's memory will be forever honored in the rolls of the Endowed Diamond Century Club. We know that through our gift we will also be helping Texas A&M to carry on its work. Although Lee's memory will live in our hearts for as long as we live by this gift he will be remembered long after we are gone. - Wilma E. Wells and Oliver J. "Jim" Guiberteau '63
Wayne M.
Wendt ’62
direct link to this listing
Houston, TX
Wayne Wendt was a Project manager for the M.W. Kellogg Company and has had thirty three years of experience on a wide variety of refinery, petrochemical and gas processing facilities projects. He managed engineering, procurement and construction projects with total installed costs from $2 million to $100 million across the U.S. and around the globe.
Joseph C.
Wessendorff ’37
direct link to this listing
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.
David
Wesson ’82
direct link to this listing
Bryan, TX
David earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M in agricultural engineering. Later, in 2004, David earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Southern Methodist University. David is the president and chief executive officer of GEODynamics. GEODynamics received Aggie 100 honors in 2006, 2012 and 2014. David's support to A&M goes beyond financial assistance, as he serves as an advisory council member for A&M’s Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship. Additionally, he serves as the chairman of the Aggie Angel Network.
Allison S. '96 and Don R. '96
Whitaker
direct link to this listing
Victoria, TX
Allison S. '96 and Don R. '96 Whitaker Endowed Century Club Fund