Claire and Buck Weirus '42 Ring Dedication

"A small light in each of us is due in part to this great Aggie," the Rev. Gary Leinhard '68 said as he led an invocation to begin the dedication ceremony for the Aggie Ring of Richard "Buck" Weirus '42 and the Aggie sweetheart ring of Weirus' wife, Claire. The two Weirus rings were added Saturday to the Legacy exhibit at the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center. 

Members of the Weirus family gathered on Saturday afternoon, including several of Buck's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with friends and coworkers of Buck and Claire, many of whom are spread widely across the country. They reflected on the way Buck "touched us and made us better" and spent time "in remembrance of the love and compassion he and Claire showed."

Buck's daughter Dianna Burke thanked The Association of Former Students for honoring the Weirus couple, for giving the opportunity for her children and grandchildren to know what they meant, and for taking the time to fondly remember them as great Aggies.

Guests at the ceremony warmly reminisced on Buck's tendency to offer occasional advice, but moreso his ability to offer encouragement, and the room lit up, with many nodding in agreement at the mention of his "contagious, Weirus smile" and optimism.

Lt. Col. Donald R. “Buck” Henderson '62 said he remembers Weirus as someone who was down to earth, friendly and loved to tell stories. "Some of them would be a while," he said with a laugh, "but they were always interesting."

Weirus served as executive director for The Association of Former Students from 1964 to 1980. Randy Matson '67, who followed Weirus in the role, said it was not work to Buck, whose plans, hopes and ambitions all centered on what he was doing for The Association. "Buck loved every Aggie," Matson said. "Buck loved them all."

Matson recalled that when Weirus attended an A&M Club event or a meeting, if he didn't know everyone there when he walked in, he would by the time he left. Weirus left his mark on The Association and the university and had a tremendous impact on people. "He exhibited the Aggie Spirit better than anyone I've ever met," Matson said. "I would describe the Aggie Spirit as Buck Weirus."

Because of Weirus' leadership, vision, and support of student involvement, the Buck Weirus Spirit Award was established by The Association's Board of Directors in 1982. The award annually recognizes students for their outstanding contributions to student life programs at Texas A&M University. (See past recipients of the award here.)

Weirus was known outside of the Aggie community as well, and Matson noted that he was respected as an innovator in the alumni business. "Many alumni directors looked up to him," Matson said. "Everyone would come talk to him; they wanted his input."

Olive DeLucia, who served as class programs director during Weirus' years as executive director, spoke of Buck's kindness and thoughtfulness, describing him as a good example and a good friend. In her book Olive's Aggie Journey, she wrote of Weirus, "I do not know enough words to express my admiration."

Olive DeLucia spoke of her respect for Buck Weirus during the dedication ceremony.

Under Buck's leadership, The Association's now 52-year-old Century Club program began. "I can't imagine what he would think about the Annual Fund and the enrollment numbers today," DeLucia said. 

"He blessed my life and many others, I'm sure. I don't know anyone I learned more from, and I don't know anyone I learned better things from."

Porter S. Garner III '79, President and CEO of The Association of Former Students, said a large majority of the work The Association is able to do today is a reflection of what Buck started. Addressing the family, he said, "What an inspiration to know you follow in his footsteps and uphold the legacy of Richard 'Buck' Weirus—a great man, a great Aggie, a great husband and a great father."

Vivian, Haley and Skylar—children of Holly and Scott Schautschick ’96 and Meredith and Ross Burke ’03— with their great-grandparents' Rings.

Visitors to the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center can view the Weirus Rings in the Legacy exhibit on the Neely Mezzanine. Read more about The Association's interactive exhibits.

Watch the video below to learn more about Buck Weirus '42 and the Buck Weirus Spirit Award.