J. Malon
Southerland ’65
direct link to this listing
College Station, TX
Malon Southerland ’65 graduated with a degree in management and later earned both his master’s and Ph.D. in educational administration from Texas A&M University. Malon retired in 2003 after serving the University and the Division of Student Affairs with distinction for more than 35 years. His University leadership roles included serving as Assistant to the President of Texas A&M University and as the University’s first Director of Cooperative Education.
The Association is the eternal representation of what students and former students wish for Texas A&M. The Endowed Diamond Century Club lets you be a part of the future. With three degrees and 36 years of services at Texas A&M, I have a full understanding of the good future that comes with being a Texas Aggie, and I am fulfilled with that title, a Texas Aggie, for my life’s work.
Carroll V.
SoRelle ’51
direct link to this listing
Greeley, CO
Carroll SoRelle served as Chairman of the Board for the Bank of Boulder in Boulder, Colorado as well as Royal Petroleum Inc. He had a successful career with Diamond Shamrock Corporation and holds several corporate directorships.
Rosemary and Jack
Smither ’42
direct link to this listing
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.”
Dale and W. Hiram
Smith, Jr. ’49
direct link to this listing
De Leon, TX
Hiram Smith served as owner of W.H. Smith Department Store and W.H. Smith Fruit Farm. He was president of the Texas Fruit growers, the DeLeon Chamber of Commerce and the DeLeon School Board of Trustees. Hiram earned his MBA from the University of Texas and Dale holds a degree from Texas State College for Women.
Robert
Smith III ’61
direct link to this listing
Houston, TX
Robert Smith III received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M and is a graduate of Louisiana State University’s School of Banking. After his 35 years of Navy service, he retired in 1996 as chief of staff to the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He is senior vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank, responsible for its Houston’s branch. Smith is actively involved as a Texas A&M former student as an ardent supporter and past president of The Association of Former Students and the Dallas A&M Club and past chairman of the Texas A&M Foundation.
Chris Mark Merle
Smith Foundation
direct link to this listing
Chris M. Smith ’85 is Chief Operating Officer of Prism Enterprises, a San Antonio medical and consumer products firm. He was with Abbott Laboratories and Kinetic Concepts before joining Prism in 1992 as VP-Sales and Marketing. Mark S. Smith ’83 is Chief Financial Officer for NASCO and had previously worked for Mbank, Citizens & Southern National Bank and Norrell Corp. Their father, Merle M. Smith, graduated from the University of Califorinia-Berkley. He serves as President and CEO of Prism Enterprises and was president of Kinetic Concepts, Shoreline Companies, Inc., and Covey Corp.
R. Michael
Smith ’87
direct link to this listing
Azle, TX
R. Michael Smith has been a software engineering consultant with Anderson Consulting in Dallas since 1994. His experience includes designing and laying out production lines and developing process control systems, designing and implementing simulation software for the Space Division of the U.S. Air Force, and developing state of the art OSI communication for the U.S. Navy.
Josetta and Jerry Paul
Smith ’61
direct link to this listing
Houston, TX
Jerry Paul Smith received a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M in 1962. Mr. Smith has been employed with Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corp since 1962. He has held various positions in Engineering and Operations with the latest being Manager of Measurement in Houston, Texas. Mr. Smith received the Laurance Reid Award in 2002 for his contributions in the field of Hydrocarbon Measurement.
I wanted to contribute to The Association of Former Students and help them continue the important functions they perform for Texas A&M University. It is important to give back to Texas A&M so that it can continue to be one of the finest universities in the USA.
Keith R.
Slaughter ’49
direct link to this listing
After a successful 31 years with Mobil Corporation, Keith Slaughter retired in 1984 as Project Manager for Offshore Platforms. Most of his career was in the Project Division of Mobil’s Corporate Engineering Department, working on major capital projects, both domestic and foreign. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M.
Susan R. '06 and Westin E. '08
Skinner
direct link to this listing
Richmond, TX
Westin Skinner graduated from Texas A&M in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering. He was a member of the Corps of Cadets, the source of some of his favorite memories as a student.
He met his wife, Susan ’06, at A&M, and the Skinners have many happy memories of their time in school. They also attribute much of their success to the university. For Westin, experiencing the values of A&M as a student instilled a code of conduct that he says he still lives by today. Among these is the Aggie code of honor: “An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate those who do so.”
The Skinners chose to become members of the Endowed Century Club because they recognized it was important to “pay it forward for the next generation [and] to make sure A&M remains a world-class university.”
Clifford A.
Skiles, Jr. ’66
direct link to this listing
Dalhart, TX
Dr. Skiles is a Consulting Veterinarian for various farming, ranching, grain business, and cattle feeding companies.
Ronald L.
Skaggs ’65
direct link to this listing
Plano, TX
Ron Skaggs has been Chairman and CEO of HKS Architects, an internationally-renowned Dallas firm, since 1973. He joined HKS in 1970 after serving three years as a captain in the U.S. Army. He has served on the boards of the American Institute of Architects, the Texas Society of Architects, the Construction Industry President’s Forum, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, the Salvation Army and the American Architectural Foundation. He served on the Advisory Committee for Texas A&M’s successful “Capturing the Spirit” Campaign.
Patricia and Steven L.
Sisney ’83
direct link to this listing
Lexington, SC
Steven L. Sisney ’83 is the group president for Cooper Industries, Inc. and specifically leads the Tools and Hardware Group in Lexington, South Carolina. He graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s of science degree in industrial engineering and received an MBA from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. Steven accepted a job with Cooper Industries in 1987 and has held numerous leadership positions in several different states.
The education and experiences provided while attending Texas A&M created a great foundation that has allowed me to grow personally and professionally. Having benefited from prior generations of Aggies while attending Texas A&M, I have always felt a responsibility to give back to the University.
Dr. William "Bill"
Shughart ’69
direct link to this listing
Logan, UT
William F. Shughart II is a widely published professor of economics. He received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in economics from Texas A&M.
From 1971 to 1973, Shughart served on active duty in the U.S. Navy as a courier for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. From 1973 to 1974, he worked as a systems analyst at the Center for Naval Analyses. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1975 to 1976.
Shughart is a member of the Western, Southern, and American Economic Associations, Public Choice Society, and Academy of Political Science. He has taught at the University of Arizona, Clemson University, George Mason University, and the University of Mississippi. Since 2011, he has been a professor in public choice at Utah State University in the Department of Economics.
As of 2017, Shughart held six editorial positions and had written or co-written a dozen books in the economics and public choice fields and made contributions to more than 60. He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Times, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the New York Post, and the Fort Worth Star Telegram.
John S.
Sheffield, Jr. '56
direct link to this listing
Longview, TX
John S. Sheffield, Jr. '56 Endowed Century Club Fund
Nancy and Baker Lee
Shannon ’46
direct link to this listing
Houston, TX
Baker Shannon had a lifetime career in all phases of creating, installing, and servicing air conditioning, ventilating, refrigeration and controlled temperature systems. He was owner of Air Conditioning Industries for 25 years before establishing Shannon Engineering in 1980. His work has included precision-controlled environmental rooms for hospitals, educational institutions and industrial labs, portable a/c units for NASA satellites and Saturn fuel tanks, and design of surface facilities for disposal wells.
Kay and Ray D.
Shanklin ’54
direct link to this listing
Miami, FL
Ray D. Shanklin ’54 graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering. He later continued his education at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois where he received a master’s degree in engineering administration. Upon graduation from A&M, Ray joined Square D Company, a Fortune 500 manufacturer of electric equipment. He spent his entire career in a progression of sales, marketing, operations and senior management positions. After 33 years with the company, Ray retired as commercial vice president and president of Central and South America operations in 1989.
In honor of Ray and Kay’s 50th wedding anniversary, Craig and Diane wanted to give back to the university that has meant so much to the entire family. The Aggie traditions and values have always been a big part of the Shanklin family.
Nancy N. and M. Leroy
Shafer ’67
direct link to this listing
Missouri City, Texas
M. Leroy Shafer graduated from Texas A&M in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism and received his master’s degree in technical journalism from Iowa State University. Shafer’s commitment to Texas A&M began at 9 years old when he showed 4-H animals in West Texas, where his role models and leaders were Aggies. While an undergraduate at Texas A&M University, Shafer was on Corps staff, was a class officer, was a Ross Volunteer, was editor of the Agriculturist Magazine, and was listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. Shafer learned how to fly through A&M’s ROTC aviation program and after graduating, he was commissioned as a U.S. Army officer.
Shafer served as a U.S. Army Infantry officer (active and reserve) from 1969 to 1989. He completed one tour of duty as a helicopter pilot with the 12th Combat Aviation Group, Republic of Vietnam (1970-71). He served as deputy editor of Infantry Magazine and as a headquarters helicopter pilot, Fort Benning, Georgia, from May 1971 to May 1973. He commanded the 345th Public Information Detachment in Pasadena, Texas, from 1974 to 1975 and he commanded the 75th Maneuver Area Command Aviation Detachment in Houston from 1981 to 1986.
In addition to being active in youth and community efforts, Shafer developed a student intern program that has benefited hundreds of students at Texas A&M University. Shafer currently serves as Chief Operating Officer Emeritus of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where he began his career in 1973. Shafer and his wife are proud to give back to Texas A&M to help future students achieve their goals.
Dr. William
Serrata '91
direct link to this listing
El Paso, TX
Dr. William Serrata '91 Endowed Century Club Fund