Royce E.
Wisenbaker ’39
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Wisenbaker received a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1939 and a master’s degree in Municipal and Sanitary Engineering in 1940. Following service in WWII, Wisenbaker and Robert E. Fix ’38 formed the engineering firm Wisenbaker Fix and Associates. Wisenbaker is considered to be the “father” of the Century Club and is credited with establishing the President’s Endowed Scholarship program. As president of The Association of Former Students in 1966, Wisenbaker clearly exhibited his devotion to his alma mater by initiating the study which resulted in a new organizational structure to more effectively serve Texas A&M University.
Sully and Arthur D.
Alsobrook ’40
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Arthur “Dave” Alsobrook graduated from Texas A&M with a B.S. degree in accounting. In January 1942 he joined the U.S. Army until retirement from active duty in 1946. He then began a 35-year career with Humble Oil (ExxonMobile). Dave also remained in the Air Force Reserve program for a total of 30 years of service, retiring in 1975 as a full Colonel.
Jerry T.
Faubion ’40
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Faubion served as the President and CEO of Faubion Enterprises, Inc., a management consulting firm. He had a 21 year management career with Dow Chemical Co. and was President and CEO of Dow Badische Company for 11 years. He currently holds five corporate directorships. Past President of the Brazoria County A&M Club, Faubion also served as a city councilman and school board president in Freeport, Texas.
Iola and William M.
Hart ’40
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This endowment is given by Iola and William M. Hart in memory of their parents: Mr. & Mrs. Joe M. Hart and Mr. & Mrs. W.M. Thompson and an aunt, Mrs. Grace Hill. As commander of the U.S. Army Cargo Ship F.S. 192, he served in the 8th Naval District and in various war zones during World War II.
James F.
Hollingsworth ’40
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San Antonio, TX
Hollingsworth received a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture in 1940. Hollingsworth’s 36-year military career touched the sands of North Africa, spanned the length of Europe, and contributed to the stability of a volatile situation in the Far East. Hollingsworth was assigned to Korea in 1973 and served as Commanding General of the I Corps which is the largest field army command in the world. He also directed 13 divisions of Republic of Korea and United States Troops. His decorations include Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star and Purple Heart with five Oakleaf Clusters.
Joan and Beverley B.
Holt ’40
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The Woodlands, TX
Beverly Holt graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and began his professional career at AMOCO Production Company that continued until May 1984. He was awarded several United States Army Medals and retired from the Army in 1980 as Lieutenant Colonel.
Charles R.
McClintick ’40
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McClintick is owner of McClintick Enterprises which as land development, oil 7 gas operations in Louisiana and Texas, research & development in medical technology, and several retail chains. McClintick is also the Co-Founder of Pearle Health Services, the world’s largest retail optical chain with over 1,300 outlets. He flew B-29 Superfortress in World War II including the first land-based mission over Tokyo.
Richard L.
Patrick ’40
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After a 37-year career, Richard Patrick retired in 1988 as a consulting engineer with W.E. Kutzschbach Company and Walton & Associates Consulting Engineers. Patrick has served Texas A&M students with an establishment of a President’s Endowed Scholarship and 12th Man Endowed Scholarship.
Lula Mae and Jim M.
Ridlehuber ’40
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Temple, TX
Jim M. Ridlehuber received a BS degree in Dairy Science from Texas A&M in 1940 and an MS degree from California Institute of Technology in 1943. He began his career as a chemist with Swift & Co in Dallas. From 1942-46, he served as a 1st Lt. in the U.S. Army Air Corp in India and China. In 1985, Mr. Ridlehuber retired as Chief Chemist from Plains Cooperative Oil Mill in Lubbock, Texas. Mr. Ridlehuber is a member of the Century Club, the Aggie Club, The 12th Man Foundation, and the First United Methodist Church of Temple, Texas.
My education and degree from Texas A&M has been a major factor in my success in business. I feel that being an Aggie has opened more doors for me than would have been possible as a graduate from any other university. The contribution as Permanently Endowed Diamond Century Club member is a way of giving something back in appreciation.
Mary F. and James A.
Pridmore ’41
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James Pridmore operated a private practice as an engineering consultant following a 34-year career as Project and Materials Manager for Humble Oil/Exxon Corporation. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army Ordinance Corps during World War II. He was State Director of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers and a Life Member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Jean and Bernard C.
Richardson ’41
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Houston, TX
Richardson received a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1942. He served as President of Richardson Chevrolet, the largest dealership in the U.S., and Standard Life Insurance Co. Richardson helped finance several Texas A&M projects, including contributing $6 million for The Zone at Kyle Field, which was named in his honor. He endowed the Jean & Bernard C. Richardson ’41 General Rudder Corps Scholarship, the President’s Endowed Scholarship, a 12th Man Endowed Scholarship, a Diamond Century Club Endowment, and he provided the funding for the Medal of Honor bas-reliefs at the Sanders Corps Center.
Joe H.
Wellborn ’41
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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.
Robert H.
Abbott, Jr. ’42
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Gretna, LA
Robert H. Abbott, Jr. ’42 graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering and mechanical engineering. After serving in the U.S. Army, Bob was employed and retired after 39 years as general manager, responsible for USA producing operations of Texaco. Bob was presented the Purple Heart award in 1944. This gift was given in memory of his parents Robert H. and Laura Landa Abbott.
The total effort made by the University to become a top notch educational facility and to encourage students to get a higher education to better themselves and their country encouraged me to give my gift.
Elizabeth and William J.
Beck ’42
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Colorado Springs, CO
William J. “Bill” Beck graduated with a Bachelor of Science Business degree from Texas A&M in 1942. He decided to expand his education and got his Masters of Science at George Washington University in International Affairs. Bill has now since retired with his wife Betty from a successful career, and has realized that giving back to Texas A&M was the thing to do in order to express the gratitude he has for the school that has made him the person he is today.
Chester
Helmer ’42
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Chester Helmer began his career as a test engineer for Douglas Aircraft and then became a design engineer for C.F. Braun & Company. He helped design prototypes of variable depth sonar gear so the U.S. Navy could detect enemy submarines and engine shafts for the first atomic aircraft engines. The latter process was later used for production of oil field valves and equipment.
Walter
Lasley ’42
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Walter Lasley served as President of Walter Lasely & Sons, Inc., which specializes in farming and cattle feeding, and President of A&I Parts, Inc., an automotive, industrial and agricultural supplier. Lasley was the Vice Chairman of the Texas A&M College of Agriculture Development Council and was awarded the Texas Panhandle Aggie of the Year in 1991.
Eugene C.
Owen ’42
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Eugene Owen graduated from Texas A&M in 1942 with a B.S. degree. He served as CEO of O&M Manufacturing Company in Houston, Texas, and retired in 1984. Owen was a member of Texas A&M’s Target 2000 Committee, and has also been a member of the Houston A&M Club since 1953.
John W.
Persohn ’42
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John Persohn served as Chairman and CEO of Persohn/Hahn Associates, Inc., a consulting engineering and elevator firm he founded in 1981. After serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II and the Korean War, he worked for Otis Elevator Company for 34 years.
Joe F.
Robinson ’42
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Clarendon, TX
Joe F. Robinson received a BS degree in Agriculture from Texas A&M University in 1942. Robinson has had a successful career in cattle ranching from 1948-2002. He is director of the Texas Livestock Marketing Association and the Panhandle Livestock Association.
Rosemary and Jack
Smither ’42
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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.”
Mary E. and Harry C.
Voss ’42
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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.
Doris and Joseph P.
Watson Jr. ’42
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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.
Edward M.
Hale ’43
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Houston, TX
Edward M. Hale graduated from Texas A&M in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He served in the United States Army during World War II and in the Reserves for 34 years, which included eight Army schools. Edward began his professional career with Humble Oil in 1946 and retired in 1986 after 40 years with Exxon Companies. He was active in Boy Scouts of America for 30 years and in amateur radio for 50 years.
Several of my family members are Aggies; we have 9 Aggie Rings in the family! I’m trying to set an example. First wife started an education fund and I am continuing the tradition.
Lee D.
Housewright, Jr. ’43
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Austin, MN
Lee Housewright retired as Executive Vice President for Meat Products after 37 years with Hormel Foods. He served with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the South Pacific and Japan from 1943 to 1946.
William C.
Huber ’43
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Dallas, TX
William “Bill” Huber received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Texas A&M and later attended the Naval Reserve Midshipman School at the University of Notre Dame. Huber served as a gunnery officer on the USS Iowa where he and his fellow sailors escorted President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was a co-founder of Huber & Scott Insurance Agency in 1951, which enjoyed 51 years of success before dissolving in 2002.
Truman R.
Jones Jr. ’43
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Truman Jones served as the Technical Director for construction materials at Vulcan Materials Company. He also was a instructor, professor and research engineer for Texas A&M University, Texas Engineering Experiment Station and Texas Transportation Institute.
Julie and Edward J.
Klein ’43
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The Woodlands, TX
Edward J. Klein graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelors of science in Economics in 1942. After graduation Ed joined the United States Army until 1945 and then returned in 1950 and served until 1952. Ed has served as a partner at Klein Associates in Houston since 1945. Ed and his wife, Julie, reside in The Woodlands and have three children.
M. Scott
Kraemer ’43
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M. Scott Kraemer is retired from the oil and gas industry after holding numerous positions with Stanolind Oil and Gas (BP) and Champlin Petroleum Company (Anodarko). He graduated from Texas A&M with a B.S. degree in petroleum engineering and graduated from the Institute for Management Development of Business at Northwestern University. Scott received the Dwight Look College of Engineering Outstanding Alumni Honor Award in 1966, and the Texas A&M Department of Petroleum Engineering inducted him into the Petroleum Engineering Academy of Distinguished Graduates.
Louis
Leon ’43
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Sugarland, TX
Leon was awarded a Silver Star in World War II from the US Army. He then went on to join Fluor Corporation in 1950 and directed numerous major projects as project manager, product engineer, and structural engineer. After 12 years as a general contractor, he rejoined Fluor and handled refinery and petrochemical projects in Louisiana and Indonesia before being named Vice President for Project Management.
John H.
Parker ’43
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Houston, TX
John Parker retired after a 39-year career as a staff accountant for Exxon Company USA in Houston. His great grandfather, William A. Banks, served as a member of Texas A&M’s first faculty. Parker served in the European Theatre with the 8th Air Force in the latter stages of World War II.