James K.B.
Nelson ’49
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Year Awarded: 2005
Waco, TX
James K.B. Nelson received dual bachelor’s degrees in Petroleum and Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1950. While enrolled as a student, Nelson was a Ross Volunteer, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, Secretary/Treasurer of his senior class, and Editor of The Battalion newspaper. After graduation, Nelson was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.
Nelson’s career in the oil and gas industry began with entry level positions with various drilling companies. After working his way through the industry, in 1978 he became Owner and President of Grey Wolf Drilling Co., a leading provider of contract oil and gas land drilling services in the U.S. In 1997, Nelson sold his company and officially retired from Grey Wolf. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors as his expertise and knowledge of the industry are vast and valuable. Nelson founded Felicity Ventures, Ltd., an investment management firm, and where he serves as President. He was recognized by Ernst & Young, LLP with the Houston Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1997. The Dwight Look College of Engineering recognized Nelson’s accomplishments with the Outstanding Alumni Award in 2000.
As a former student, Nelson has served Texas A&M as a member of the College of Education and Human Development Advisory Council, the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering Industry Advisory Board and the Visual Arts Development Council, as well as his support of the Dwight Look College of Engineering and Texas A&M athletics.
Born in Waco, Texas, Nelson and his wife, Audrey, have one child, Felicia.
"Being an Aggie means a good education, friends for a lifetime, and a sense of values that benefits you, your family, your friends and associates and your nation all of your life."
James D.
Pitcock, Jr. ’49
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Year Awarded: 2008
Houston, TX
Pitcock graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. As a student, he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, American Society of Civil Engineers, Houston Hometown Club and Saddle and Sirloin Club.
Pitcock began his professional career in 1950 as a purchasing agent for Farnsworth & Chambers in Houston. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1952 before returning to Farnsworth & Chambers. By 1955, he was co-founder, partner, president and CEO of Williams Brothers Construction, a company he built from a startup to one of the nation’s largest highway construction firms.
In 1976 Pitcock was appointed by President Gerald R. Ford to the National Transportation Policy Study Commission, and served as national president of Associated General Contractors of America in 1984. In 2002, he was honored for his emergency reconstruction of the collapsed Queen Isabella Causeway in Port Isabel, Texas. Pitcock was inducted into the Texas Good Roads and Transportation Association Hall of Fame in 2004, the Texas Transportation Institute’s Hall of Honor in 2005 and was honored as the ‘Houston Engineer of the Year’ in 2006.
Pitcock has generously volunteered his time and resources to Texas A&M, funding numerous scholarships, fellowships and research projects. He has been honored as a Distinguished Graduate of Texas A&M’s Department of Civil Engineering and as an Outstanding Alumnus of the Dwight Look College of Engineering. Pitcock and his wife, “Puddie,” have two children, Jim and the late Jan.
"Mr. Pitcock has served as a remarkable example of a leader of character throughout his life and his career- as a student, a cadet and a highly successful former student of Texas A&M University."
- LTG John A. Van Alstyne '66
Joe C.
Richardson, Jr. ’49
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Year Awarded: 1989
Amarillo, TX
Richardson received a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering in 1950. His career placed him in charge of oil and gas operations throughout North and South America. In 1968, he organized Petro-Dynamics, Inc., a public over the counter energy company with operations in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, Canada, and Venezuela.
After merging the company into worldwide Energy Corporation in 1974, he became an independent oil and gas producer with operations in Texas, Montana, North and South Dakota, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Mississippi. He also, became a real estate investor in Texas, Oklahoma and California and has operated farming interests in Texas.
He served on the Texas A&M University Board of Regents from 1981-1987 and was President of the Amarillo A&M Club.
"Joe truly represents the ‘Spirit of Aggieland’ and has brought much credit to our outstanding university."
- William R. Black ’43
James D. "Jimmy"
Tittle ’49
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Year Awarded: 2023
Abilene, TX
Tittle has been called “Abilene’s architect” for his numerous designs throughout his hometown. His illustrious architecture career began at Texas A&M, which he originally chose to attend because of the financial benefits and free uniforms offered through the Corps of Cadets. Tittle served two years in the U.S. Army before returning to Abilene.
In 1957, he cofounded The Tittle Luther Partnership with Jack Luther ’49. They designed iconic residential and commercial builds that are still standing in Abilene today, including the Taylor County Courthouse, expansions to the Hendrick Medical Center, a terminal at Abilene Regional Airport and various buildings at both Abilene Christian University and Hardin-Simmons University.
As Tittle’s designs rose in prominence, he actively sought opportunities to give back. He was a member of Abilene’s Chamber of Commerce, Business Council and Cultural Affairs Council. In 1988, he was named Abilene’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year. He supported Aggies by establishing three scholarships with the now School of Architecture. Serving the state of Texas, Tittle was appointed to the Texas Commission on the Arts and was a founding member of the Texas Cultural Trust. In 1998, Tittle was named chancellor of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. Most recently, in 2022, the Abilene Zoo dedicated Tittle Lake in his honor.
Tittle leaves, in addition to numerous physical landmarks, a legacy of integrity, leadership and service to his beloved city and state.
“Through his infectious personality, talent, education, generosity, loyalty and high moral and ethical standards, Tittle stands tall.”
- Fred Lee Hughes '49
Robert H.
Allen ’50
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Year Awarded: 1979
Houston, TX
Allen received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 1951 and did postgraduate studies at the University of Houston and studied law at the South Texas School of Law. As a student, he was a member of the 1950 Southwest Conference championship basketball team. Allen was named President of Gulf Resources and Chemical Corp. in 1960.
After his position as Senior Accountant at J.L. Block & Company in Houston, he joined Gulf Sulfur Corporation and served as Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer before being elected President in 1959. He served on governing boards of the American Mining Congress, First City National Bank of Houston, St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, Colorado Outward Bound School, and SMC Industries, Inc. of Dallas.
"As a young man, I was impressed with the unanimity of spirit which was the hallmark of A&M. Having long since joined the ranks of the alumni, I am pleased that this spirit still prevails."
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)
Hon. Bill W.
Clayton ’50
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Year Awarded: 1979
Olney, TX
Clayton received a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics in 1950. His leadership as Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives was instrumental in the development and passage of school finance legislation, a highway funding bill, sunset legislation, reorganization of state water agencies, and the Briscoe-Clayton anti-crime package. In 1979, he became the first person to be elected to a third consecutive term as Speaker of the House.
"Words and songs have been written about the Aggie spirit but only an Aggie truly understands and comprehends it's meaning. It's more than an outward saying, its an inward feeling that many times sends cold chills up and down our spine. It stands for courage, togetherness, sincerity, camaraderie, caring and action."
Dr. James H. “Red”
Duke, Jr. ’50
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Year Awarded: 1988
Ennis, TX
Duke received a bachelor’s degree in Economics at Texas A&M University in 1950, a Bachelor in Divinity from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Houston where he later was a Professor of Surgery and a Special Assistant to the President.
Duke served in many professorial positions throughout his medical career. He was Founder and Medical Director of Life Flight Operations and Medical Director or Affiliated Hospital Systems and Hermann Hospital in Houston where he developed the Intensive Care Unit into the largest blunt trauma center in the world. He has been featured on several national news reports, health specials and a television series, one of his most noteworthy being the nationally syndicated “Health Reports” where he was a Television Medical Reporter and Host of the “BodyWatch” TV series.
"When asked how an Aggie ended up working for UT in Houston, Duke doesn’t skip a beat: ‘I’m a missionary.’"
- Excerpt from article in the Houston Post
LTG Eivind H.
Johansen ’50
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Year Awarded: 1985
Charleston, SC
Johansen received a bachelor’s degree in General Business in 1950 and a master’s degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. Upon graduation, Johansen served in the U.S. Army and rose to the position of U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics.
He served as Chairman of the Army Logistics Policy Council, Logistics Center Advisory Board and Military Logistics Council and member of the Board of Directors of the Goodwill Industries and the Army’s Logistic Management Center and School in Virginia.
Herschel G.
Maltz ’50
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Year Awarded: 1987
Houston, TX
Maltz received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1950. In 1968, he was elected President and Chief Executive Officer of Century Papers, a firm which distributes paper products. Widely recognized as a leader in his field, Mr. Maltz is a past president of the Southwest Paper Merchants Association and a director of the National Paper Trade Association.
A member of various civic and charitable organizations, he received the 1978 Humanitarian Award for Outstanding Philanthropic Service from the National Jewish Hospital, for which he also served as a trustee. Maltz served as a Class Agent for the Class of 1950 and was President of the Houston A&M Club.