Arch "Beaver"
Aplin III ’80
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Year Awarded: 2025
Lake Jackson, TX
Arch “Beaver” Aplin III ’80 earned his degree in construction science from Texas A&M University and founded Buc-ee’s in 1982. He grew a single Lake Jackson store into a nationally acclaimed chain of destination travel centers known for exceptional service and selection.
Beaver has devoted over 40 years to community and public service, serving as chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, board member of The Association of Former Students, member of the lieutenant governor’s Transportation Advisory Board and president of the Brazosport ISD Board. He made a transformative gift to establish the Aplin Center at Texas A&M, which will serve as an immersive learning laboratory for programs in hospitality and more. He is an Endowed Century Club member of The Association.
Beaver's accolades include the 2012 Outstanding Alumnus Award from the College of Architecture and his 2024 induction into the Texas Business Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Joanie, have five children: Anne Elizabeth, Katherine, Hart ’21, Lauren and Joshua.
“When ‘Beaver’ Aplin, the CEO of Buc-ee’s, does something, it’s never halfway. The love he shows for Texas A&M and Aggies is nothing short of inspirational.”
- John Sharp ’72
John E.
Ball, Col. USAF (Ret.) ’78
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Year Awarded: 2025
Helotes, TX
John E. Ball ’78 earned a bachelor’s in psychology from Texas A&M University and served 26 years in the U.S. Air Force. With over 5,200 flight hours as a command pilot, he commanded four operational units, flew as an Air Force Two pilot for two vice presidents and served as dean of students at the Air War College.
His commitment to Texas A&M is evident through his journey as “The Walking Aggie.” In 2015, he completed an unassisted coast-to-coast walk across America, raising funds to create The Walking Aggie Endowed Aggie Ring Scholarship. He has since walked across Europe and Australia, covering more than 6,300 miles in support of the endowment.
Ball remains actively engaged with Texas A&M as a representative at large on The Association of Former Students’ Leadership Council. A loyal supporter of The Association and the 12th Man Foundation, he was honored with The Association’s Core Values Coin for exemplifying Texas A&M’s core values. Ball and his wife, Wyn, reside in Helotes, Texas, near their daughters, sons-in-law and granddaughters.
“As I look to our core values — loyalty, integrity, excellence, leadership, respect and selfless service — I see them written all over John Ball. His distinguished Air Force career demanded all these core values.”
- Charles E. Graf ’60
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Cydney C.
Donnell ’81
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Year Awarded: 2025
Fredericksburg, TX
Cydney C. Donnell ’81 built a distinguished career in commercial real estate, managing portfolios valued at over $3 billion and serving on boards of leading real estate investment trusts across the country.
Cyd returned to Texas A&M University as executive professor and director of the Master of Real Estate Program, where she helped shape future leaders through mentorship, curriculum development, guest speaker recruitment and industry engagement. A generous supporter of education, she has funded scholarships and program enhancements that continue to benefit real estate students.
Cyd served on the board of The Association of Former Students and is an Endowed Century Club member with 36 years of giving. She was recognized as a 2017 Outstanding Alumnus of Mays Business School. She is vice chair of the board of trustees of Trinity University in San Antonio and was twice appointed by the governor to oversee the $23 billion Employee Retirement System of Texas. Now retired, Cyd remains deeply committed to higher education and public service.
“Cydney possesses a remarkable combination of expertise, passion, commitment and communication skills that sets her apart as a true Aggie leader and role model with a lengthy list of student mentees.”
- Wally Reid ’92
Gary W.
Kubiak ’83
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Year Awarded: 2025
Plantersville, TX
Gary W. Kubiak ’83 earned a bachelor’s in physical education from Texas A&M University. As a quarterback for the Aggies, he set a Southwest Conference record with six touchdown passes in a game and earned the prestigious Aggie Heart Award for leadership and dedication. Drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1983, Gary played nine seasons, contributing to three AFC Championship and Super Bowl teams.
After beginning his coaching career at Texas A&M in 1992, Gary spent 27 years coaching in the NFL, including 10 as a head coach. He has participated in seven Super Bowls, resulting in four world championships — including becoming the first Aggie coach to win a Super Bowl when he led the 2015 Broncos to victory. He is recognized for steady leadership, football expertise and talent for developing players and coaches.
Gary has been praised for his mentorship, empowering others to reach their full potential. His influence extends beyond football through community engagement and quietly shaping future leaders with integrity, resilience and selfless service.
“Every time I talk with him, he always asks, ‘How are things in Aggieland?’ He is very proud of the education and the opportunity Texas A&M provided for him and he is always willing to give back.”
- Arno W. Krebs, Jr. ’64
Linda Peckham
LaMantia ’82
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Year Awarded: 2025
Laredo, TX
Linda Peckham LaMantia ’82, an accomplished artist and passionate community leader, has held significant roles including chair of the Texas Cultural Trust Board and helped award more than $40 million in scholarships. She served as development chair for Texas A&M’s College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts. Her commitment to fostering arts and education has made an impact across the state.
Linda serves on the Texas Cultural Trust Board, Texas Women for the Arts and the Chancellor’s Century Council, championing initiatives that support cultural growth and student success. Since 2003, she and her family have supported the STARS Scholarship Foundation, which has provided scholarships to over 19,000 students in South Texas and El Paso. She served on The Association of Former Students’ board, has volunteered at Aggie Ring Day and Orange & Maroon Legislative Days and is an Endowed Century Club donor with 35 years of giving. She has served the board of the A&M PAC for 15 years.
Linda and her husband, Steve LaMantia ’81, have five daughters and 11 future Aggie grandchildren.
“Linda is a woman of strong character and moral code, of deep faith, love for family, an incredible sense of pride in her home state of Texas, and a proud graduate of Texas A&M.”
- Kathleen Keating ’94
M. Leroy "Shafe"
Shafer ’67
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Year Awarded: 2025
Missouri City, TX
M. Leroy “Shafe” Shafer ’67 earned a bachelor’s in agricultural journalism from Texas A&M University. Commissioned into the U.S. Army, he spent four years on active duty where he served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster and the Air Medal six times.
Shafe spent the next 41 years with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, retiring as chief operating officer. Under his leadership, it grew into the largest event of its kind in the world, drawing over 2.5 million annual attendees and contributing monumental scholarship support to Texas youth, including more than 6,000 Aggies.
In 2015, Shafe was named an Outstanding Alumnus of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He and his wife of 57 years, Nancy, have generously supported Texas A&M University through scholarships, internships and leadership gifts that benefit students across multiple colleges and programs. They are Endowed Century Club members of The Association of Former Students.
“It is clear that Shafe is a leader in media, entertainment and fair/festival operations, as well as philanthropy at both the community level and at Texas A&M.”
- Patrick J. Stover
M. Scott
Taylor ’69
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Year Awarded: 2025
Bryan, TX
M. Scott Taylor ’69 earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance at Texas A&M University before earning his law degree from the University of Houston’s Bates College of Law. He served in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of captain. Scott is a board-certified trial attorney who practiced over 36 years. He served roles with the Angelina County Bar Association, the East Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Area 2-B State Bar Grievance Committee and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Scott is a 47-year donor to The Association of Former Students. He served on the 12th Man Foundation Board of Trustees, including as chairman. He served on the Kyle Field Redevelopment Committee and played a key role in Texas A&M’s transition to the SEC. Honors include the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor and the 12th Man Foundation’s 12th Man Award.
Scott has two children: Robin and Laura ’99. His wife of 53 years, Patricia, passed away earlier this year.
“A true leader is a true servant. This is how Scott leads. He has been recognized as a leader throughout his life in the practice of law and in being chosen to serve the 12th Man Foundation.”
- R. Sam Torn ’70
Stephen H.
Vincent ’73
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Year Awarded: 2025
Bryan, TX
Stephen Vincent ’73 earned a bachelor’s in engineering technology from Texas A&M University. He was a principal at Priester Supply, which served electric utilities. After retiring, he founded Power From the SON, a nonprofit providing electrical infrastructure to hospitals, schools and orphanages in Africa and South America.
His work on the Ganta Liberia Hospital brought reliable electricity to a war-damaged hospital. Vincent authored When Faith Lights the Way, chronicling his mission experiences and co-authored two civics books. He serves as the board vice chair of the Higher Education Servicing Corp., a nonprofit that provides affordable education loans to thousands of students. He is board chair of the local Salvation Army.
He is a member of Texas A&M 2040, a BUILD board member and advisor and an Endowed Century Club and Legacy Society member. He lives in Bryan with his wife, Linda. They have provided endowments benefiting the Bush School of Government and Public Service, BUILD and the Texas A&M School of Law.
“The story of Texas A&M and our commitment to service above self is embodied in our graduates like Steve Vincent. I have known and admired him for 50 years.”
- John Sharp ’72
J. Mike
Walker ’66
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Year Awarded: 2025
Houston, TX
J. Mike Walker ’66 earned a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University, graduating first in his class. He went on to earn a master’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin and begin his career at Exxon. He ultimately returned to Texas A&M to complete his doctorate in mechanical engineering, graduating with a 4.0. Mike built a notable career in the energy sector. In 1981, he co-founded Dril- Quip, a leading offshore oilfield equipment company, and served as chairman, CEO and president until his retirement in 2011.
His deep commitment to Texas A&M is reflected in his extraordinary generosity and vision. In 2003, Mike made gifts to both Texas A&M and The University of Texas, resulting in the naming of both the mechanical engineering departments in his
honor.
A man of humility and faith, Mike remained actively engaged in his church and community throughout his life; he passed away in 2018. He and his wife, Donna, shared a lasting devotion to family and the Aggie legacy.
“Mike is to be commended for his generous support that will help thousands of students in universities in Texas realize their dreams and prepare to be good global citizens.”
- G.P. “Bud” Peterson ’85
James Patrick
Wilson, Jr. ’81
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Year Awarded: 2025
Bryan, TX
James Patrick Wilson, Jr. ’81 earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Texas A&M University before beginning his career as a certified public accountant with Arthur Young and Co. He co-founded RSTW Partners, a private equity firm managing over $800 million in assets. He later joined Rock Hill Capital as a partner and now serves as president of JPW Inc. and manager of Metroplex Concrete Co. and Geo-Systems, USA.
Jim served on The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents from 2007 to 2013 and was vice chairman from 2009 to 2011. He chaired the 12th Man Foundation Board in 2008, played a key role in the university’s transition from the Big 12 to the SEC, and served on the UT/Texas A&M Investment Management Co. board. In 2018, he received the E. King Gill Award from the 12th Man Foundation for his exceptional contributions.
Jim and his wife, Sharon Wilson ’81, are proud members of a multi-generational Aggie family.
“He has played a remarkable role in steering Texas A&M through extraordinary challenges, but he has also been a loving husband and father, a stalwart friend to those who have come to know him, and an astute businessman.”
- R. Bowen Loftin ’71