William C.
McCord ’49
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Year Awarded: 1993
San Antonio, TX
McCord received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1949. Shortly after graduation, he began working for ENSERCH Corp. (formerly Lone Star Gas Co.) and served as President, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer. He served on the Board of Directors of Employers Casualty, ENSERCH Exploration, Inc., Pool Energy Services Co., and Lone Star Technologies, Inc as well as the Dallas Citizen’s Council, State Fair of Texas, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, and Presbyterian Hospital.
In 1992, he received the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents Star of Texas award and served as Chairman of the Texas A&M Board of Trustees and Texas A&M University Development Foundation.
Edward E.
Monteith ’43
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Year Awarded: 1993
Dallas, TX
Monteith received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Petroleum Engineering in 1943. Mr. Monteith began his professional career as a Petroleum Engineer for Standard Oil Company of Texas. He moved to Republic Bank of Dallas working as a Petroleum Engineer in the Petroleum and Minerals Division where he later held the positions of Senior Vice President and Executive Vice President where he managed the Mineral Division for 14 years.
After working for Republic Bank, he founded Thomson-Monteith, an oil investment firm, and served as President and CEO. Monteith served as a Texas A&M Development Foundation Trustee from 1972-1983. He has provided a President’s Endowed Scholarship and special gifts to the Petroleum Engineering Department for budget supplementation and special projects.
Richard “Buck”
Weirus ’42
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Year Awarded: 1993
Weirus received a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering in 1942. In 1961, he was named Executive Director of The Association of Former Students. During his tenure, membership grew to nearly 100,000, the Century Club was instituted, and he assisted in fundraising for the Kyle Field expansion in 1968.
Because of his unique leadership, vision, and support of student involvement, the Buck Weirus Spirit Award was established by The Association to recognize students' contributions to student life.
John R.
Hill, Jr. ’44
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Year Awarded: 1994
Dallas, TX
Hill received a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1947. After serving in WWII, he joined Gifford-Hill and Co., rising to President, CEO and Chairman of the Board. He is acknowledged as an innovative leader in the development and marketing of construction materials and fellow professionals cite him for unique advancements in construction materials and methods, laud his managerial skills and praise his leadership in the civil engineering profession.
Hill served on the Board of The Association of Former Students and a Trustee of the Texas A&M Development Foundation. He also was a charter donor of a 12th Man Athletic Scholarship and received the Dallas A&M Club’s Jimmy Williams Award for service to the community and the club.
"John is truly a quality individual who cares about Aggies and cares about Texas A&M University. He is a friend to many, many Aggies and Texans."
- Dr. William H. Mobley, Texas A&M University System Chancellor Emeritus
Wayne A.
Showers ’53
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Year Awarded: 1994
Vernon, TX
Showers received a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture and bachelor and master’s degrees in Entomology. His expertise in the fruit and vegetable industry were critical to the development and marketing of these commodities. He joined Griffin & Brand, Inc. as an entomologist and production supervisor in 1963 and quickly moved up to general manager and executive vice president. Showers served as president from 1977 to 1993 when he became a consultant/investor with Elmore & Stahl Produce.
Showers served on the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents and was a Vice President for The Association of Former Students.
"He was a man of principle and conviction. He was always someone people young and old and of all social status could come and talk to for advice and guidance. When you go through life, there’s always at least one or two people that stick out in your memory, Wayne Showers was one of those."
- Hollis Rutledge
A. P.
Wiley, Jr. ’46
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Year Awarded: 1994
Dallas, TX
Wiley received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1949. A recognized authority on construction feasibility and sire selection, A.P. Wiley does consulting work with insurance companies. In 1949, he joined his father in A.P. Wiley and Son Contractors. In 1960, he and his brother established Wiley Brothers General Contractors, In., which he served as Chairman of the Board. Wiley has served as president of the 30th Infantry Division Association and actively supports the Dallas Theatre Center and the Dallas Symphony Super Pops.
He was presented the Dallas A&M Club’s Jimmy Williams Award for service to his community and to Texas A&M. He and his brother endowed Texas A&M’s internationally-renowned annual MSC Wiley Lecture Series and assist the program with their advice and resources. He and James F. Wiley ’46 are the only brothers ever selected for the Texas A&M Distinguished Alumnus Award. He has also endowed a chair in A&M’s College of Business and Veterinary Medicine. He is on the A&M President’s Council and the College of Business Development Council.
"I first met A.P. and Earline Wiley as a veterinary student 3 years ago, and have remained close friends with them ever since. I have yet to meet a truer Aggie."
- Dr. Cindi Lee Welch '90, Chief of Staff, I-20 Animal Med Center
Gabe D.
Anderson, Jr. ’41
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Year Awarded: 1995
Bovina, TX
Anderson received a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Administration in 1941. He established the Sherley, Anderson Pitman Grain Co. in 1947. The firm ran five Panhandle elevator operations with a total capacity of 22 million bushels.
Over the years, he became a significant agricultural producer, and in the 1960’s expanded his interests in banking and was the Director of the North American Bankshares of Denison, American Bank & Trust of Denison, American Bank of Sherman, and First Bank Southwest of Amarillo. He served as President of the 12th Man Foundation and was named to the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Hall of Honor. Anderson and his wife, Anita, have one son, Gabe, III, and four grandchildren.
"Through the years after graduation, his moral fiber has been a distinguishing mark of his character. In subsequent years, I have been repeatedly impressed with the fact that Gabe has not drifted away from his high ideals and that he still invariably takes a position on the side of honesty and fairness. As do many others, Gabe Anderson loves Texas A&M. This is evidenced by his gifts, his presence, and his personal efforts."
- Andrew W. Rodgers ’39, former First Sergeant Battery C
Willy F.
Bohlmann, Jr. ’50
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Year Awarded: 1995
Schulenburg, TX
Willy F. Bohlmann, Jr. ’50 graduated from Texas A&M University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering. While at A&M, he was President of the American Society of Civil Engineers and was a Ross Volunteer. After a successful career with the U.S. Army Reserve, Willy retired as a colonel in 1980. He is now retired as President of Esso China, Ltd. after serving 41 years with Exxon affiliate companies. He has been awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Department of Civil Engineering’s Distinguished Graduate Award, and was recognized in the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor.
“From the time I set foot on campus in May 1945, it was the strong esprit de corps that made an impact. This spirit gave me a feeling of camaraderie among class members and fellow students. Being an Aggie opened doors to other Aggies in a worldwide network. It is a good feeling to be a part of the world’s largest fraternity.”
Willie Bohlmann '50
"Willy Bohlman is tangible evidence of how A&M made the person and how the person made A&M! His record of outstanding accomplishments and significant contributions to society have brought great credit to our nation, the citizens of Texas, and Texas A&M."
- Eivind H. Johansen ’50, Lt. General, U.S. Army (Retired)
Daniel D.
Clinton, Jr. ’52
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Year Awarded: 1995
Marlin, TX
Clinton received a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1952 and a master’s degree from Stanford University. His 39-year career began at the Houston firm of Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc., with much of his work done in the Houston area. He was president of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers, which named him Engineer of the Year in 1993, and was president of the National Society of Professional Engineers. Clinton served on The Association of Former Students Board of Directors and was a Class of 1952 Class Agent.
BG Mike P.
Cokinos ’43
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Year Awarded: 1996
Beaumont, TX
Cokinos received a bachelor’s degree in Science in 1943. He served in the U.S. Army, retiring with the rank of Brigadier General in 1980. In 1951 he established the Cokinos Insurance Agency in Beaumont and served as an insurance consultant. He was President of the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association, was a Vice President of The Association of Former Students, and is the 2004 Sul Ross Group President.
"As a former student, I believe that General Cokinos exemplifies the traits and characteristics that have made Texas A&M University the respected institution that it is today. His integrity and stature in the community is a benchmark for any American. His loyalty to Texas A&M is demonstrated by his uninterrupted active involvement with the school since he entered in 1939. As his son, I can personally attest to the same characteristics inasmuch as he has tirelessly made attempts to instill them in all his children."
- Gregory Cokinos ’79