Leanne ’94 and Clay
Gaspar ’94
direct link to this listing
Tulsa, OK
As a senior petroleum engineering student, Clay Gaspar ’94 couldn’t wait until Fridays. His excitement wasn’t for the weekend. Gaspar was impatient to go to class. “While I was there—and over a span of 17 years—Billy Pete Huddleston ’56 would spend every Friday teaching a class at A&M,” Gaspar said. No matter where Huddleston was in the world, he would make it back to Aggieland to lend an experienced hand to Gaspar and his classmates as they prepared to enter the challenging discipline of the oil and gas industry. Huddleston, a highly respected and successful leader in the petroleum engineering field, garnered a salary for his classroom instruction, but he never cashed the check for himself. “He would donate it back to the department,” Gaspar said. “Many people have helped me to get where I am,” he said, “but no one like Huddleston. He taught practical application of knowledge, and that a life led by selfless service was a life lived with excellence.” Texas A&M gave him and his wife—Leanne Gaspar, Accounting Class of ’94—a new direction to their lives. “From meeting each other, as well as many of our lifelong friends, Texas A&M has painted the spirit of Aggieland over all of life’s experiences,” he said.
He wears his Aggie Ring knowing that it connects him to thousands of other Aggies who experienced many of the same traditions.
“It is a tradition that expands well beyond the boundaries of College Station,” he said. “The Aggie Ring is a symbol of our Aggie family.”
Clay and Leanne’s college experience was made better by Aggies who came before them, he said. The sacrifices and generosity of former students is why they spend much of their time in service to the next generation. “The traditions at Texas A&M are a big part of the culture,” he said. “One of those traditions is giving back and supporting the next generation of Aggies.” Today, Clay and Leanne live in Tulsa with their future Aggies, Grant and Colten.
Bradford K.
Neely ’94
direct link to this listing
New Braunfels, TX
Bradford Neely ’94 is the Project Manager and Mill Supervisor for Hutchison Supply under Mike Hutchison ’68 in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Agricultural Development and is currently earning his Architectural Hardware Consultant (AHC) and Certified Door Consultant (CDC) certifications. Bradford volunteers his time as a member of the Comal County A&M Club and was a participant in the 2002 Muster Ceremony in New Braunfels.
I feel that being an Aggie has helped me in my career. Everywhere you turn, you run into other Aggies. It gives you an advantage that people from other schools don’t have. Aggies really stick together. I am inspired by my dad, L.C. “Chaz” Neely, Jr. ’62, to give back to A&M. He was the first in a growing family of Aggies to attend A&M. We are all grateful to have gone to A&M, so we want to contribute to A&M’s greatness for the future.
Angela M.
Arterberry-Chapman ’93
direct link to this listing
Frisco, TX
After visiting the university as the president of her high school Science Club, Angela Arterberry-Chapman became interested in the possibilities of becoming a TAMU student and this visit sparked her desire to become a part of the Aggie family. She saw this dream come to fruition when she graduated from A&M in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in health. Now her daughter, Lauren ’22, will be continuing the tradition as a second generation Aggie staring in the fall. Chapman treasured the time she was able to spend as a student on campus. She met Aggies who turned into lifelong friends and made memories that have stayed with her over time. She most fondly recounts meeting visitors through the Aggie Hostess program, walking through campus to attend class for the first time, and getting her Aggie Ring. Even as a student, Chapman knew that she wanted someday to find a way to give back to the university in a profound way. Through her participation in the Dallas A&M Club, Chapman has seen the impact of her club’s programs over the years, as well as providing a scholarship to a very deserving student. After seeing the joy and appreciation from the student she supported, Chapman wanted to make a larger impact by establishing an Endowed Century Club fund. She sees this gift as a commitment to the betterment of the university and as a way to express her love for Texas A&M. “I want to help others who yearn to go but may need added funds to make their dream possible,” she said.
"Still - I Rise"
- Maya Angelou
Andrew J. ’91 and Dannielle J.
Cantrell ’93
direct link to this listing
Cedar Park, TX
Andrew J. Cantrell ’91 graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.B.A. in business analysis with a directive in management information systems. Andrew is currently a Regional Manager for InterNetwork Experts, Inc. He is active in the Capital City A&M Club and has held office of Vice President of Programs in 1997-1998 and was Vice President of Scholarships in 1999-2000.
His wife, Dannielle J. Cantrell ’93 is a Residential Marketing Specialist with JB Goodwin Residential Corporation. She graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University with a bachelor of arts in speech communications. She is also active with Capital City A&M Club and was President in 2000 as well as President of Capital City A&M Foundation in 2001.
We both feel that Texas A&M and The Association of Former Students were integral to our success both while attending college and after graduation. We both were fortunate to be awarded scholarships while at A&M, and both of our first jobs out of college were with organizations that had Texas A&M ties. We believe in the purpose of The Association and in the success that it fosters with its commitment to students and the University. Our Endowed allows us to support The Association by perpetuating their ability to provide scholarships to deserving students.
Janet A.
Davis ’93
direct link to this listing
College Station, TX
Upon completion of Basic Training with the United States Army in 1985, Janet began her career as the Executive Administrative Assistant for the Army. After complete the FAA Academy at Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Janet continued her education at Texas A&M by earning her Bachelor's in Business Administration in Management. Janet contributes that the outstanding education she received while attending Texas A&M, obligates her to give back.
Michele M. ’92 and John C.
Wray ’93
direct link to this listing
Waxahachie, TX
John earned his Bachelor's in Political Science from Texas A&M University in 1993. Following his graduation, John attended the University of Texas School of Law, and in 1996 he earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence. In 1992 Michele earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English from Texas A&M.
John is the first in his family to graduate from college. After visiting A&M John loved the atmosphere and tradition rich environment of the school. For Michele, Texas A&M is a family tradition that she is thrilled to foster in our kids. Michele is 3rd generation Aggie with a grandfather (class of ’29), father (’63), and brother (’89) that are all graduates of Texas A&M.
John worked at several firms while living in Houston before opening the law firm Wray, Willett & Stoffer in 2002 with focus on real estate, probate and banking. John is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law. In addition, John owns a title company in Ellis County, and together Michele and John operate a real estate business.
Michele and John are active in the community and have served on and chaired numerous boards and organizations. John is a past city councilman and mayor of Waxahachie and currently the State Representative-Elect to the Texas House of Representatives for District 10 representing Ellis and Henderson Counties.
We owe much of our success to lessons learned in academics and leadership while attending Texas A&M. Texas A&M instills in its students both a strong allegiance to the University and the sense that it is our duty to serve those around us. It is in this spirit of giving back that we decided to make this gift to the Association of Former Students. Michele and I have been blessed with many opportunities, and it is only right that we should provide a helping hand to Aggie students striving for their own successes. It is important to give back to A&M because this University is truly educating the leaders of tomorrow. The opportunities available at Texas A&M are unparalleled. A degree from Texas A&M makes a powerful statement and has opened many doors since our days on campus. There’s nothing like comparing the class year on Aggie rings to get a conversation started, and those conversation have led to lifelong friendships, business ventures, and trips down memory lane. Although Michele and I knew each other before college, we began dating while attending A&M. We love coming back to College Station, and we became engaged on campus during a trip back to watch an Aggie football game. Today we have season tickets to the football games and enjoy making the trip to campus as a family with our children Morgan and Patrick. Experiencing the excitement and Aggie Spirit of game day together has become one of our favorite family traditions. - John C. Wray '93
Hieu Tri
Du ’92
direct link to this listing
Plano, TX
Hieu Tri Du ’92 is a design engineer for AMI Semiconductor in Plano, Texas. Hieu graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor’s of science degree in electrical engineering. Upon graduation, he held several engineering positions with Texas Instruments. Hieu received the TI HEIF Recognition Award as well as the Dallas B.E.S.T. Volunteer of the Year Award.
I have met fellow Aggies in all places and instantly we would talk like old friends. It can occur at work, shopping, playing golf, snorkeling in Belize, or even while walking around New Orleans. Aggies are my big extended family.
Cathy Gist
Mann ’92
direct link to this listing
Kingwood, TX
Cathy graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism in 1992 and later earned an MBA from Rice University in 2011. While at Texas A&M, she was active in Student Government, Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, served as a Fish Camp counselor, and was a member of the Aggieland yearbook staff. She serves as Senior Director of Global Marketing & Strategy at Halliburton where she leads the company’s global marketing strategy and execution, including industry communications, corporate events, branding and advertising, and digital marketing. She also drives the marketing strategy for the company’s unconventionals, deepwater and mature assets business. Previously, she led a product line’s marketing strategy and directed the company’s global public/media relations, community relations and employee communications functions. She also managed Halliburton’s relationship for leadership and executive training with Texas A&M University, and served as Vice President and Secretary for Halliburton Foundation Inc. She has broad experience in corporate communications and human resources management, and has completed global work assignments in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. In 2011, Cathy was named as one of the ‘Women Worth Watching’ by the Profiles in Diversity Journal and has received many other awards including the Quill Award from the International Association of Business Communicators, the Excalibur Award from the Public Relations Society of America, and Best of Texas and Silver Spur honors from the Texas Public Relations Association. While at Rice University, she received the Jones Citizenship Award and the M.A. “Mike” Wright Award for leadership excellence and exemplary service to the Jones Graduate School of Business. Cathy is a registered descendant member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and serves on the board of directors for the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council. Cathy and her husband, Stan, reside in Kingwood.
Karen M. ’97 and R. Cody
Moore ’91
direct link to this listing
Bellaire, TX
Cody Moore is currently senior vice president of Lehman Brothers, formerly Eagle Energy Partners in Houston, Texas. Cody graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics in 1991 and a Masters of Business Administration in International Business in 1993.
Karen (Kiewel) Moore graduated from the University of Houston after two years at A&M with a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics in 1997. After graduation, Karen went to work for American General/AIG until 2002 and then Manhattan Insurance Group until 2007.
We have always wanted to give back to A&M in a meaningful way and we have been blessed to be able to do it now. We are where we are today in part because of our time in Aggieland. Our fondest memory is definitely Bonfire. The mud, the burning sofas, the cigars – all great! But the years we were there were pretty special – the winning streak against tu, the ’89 baseball team. It’s hard to single something out, but still Bonfire is the fondest of all.
Garry B.
Rand ’91
direct link to this listing
Houston, TX
Garry Rand received his B.S. degree in Recreation Parks and Tourism Science and works as a QC/QA Specialist in the Engineering and Construction Department of the Texas Department of Transportation. He has also participated in various volunteer work and activities as a member of Alpha Phi Omega national Fraternity. This endowment is given in his honor by his parents, Patty and Glendale Rand ’57.