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.
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
C. Ray
Holbrook, Jr. ’48
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Year Awarded: 2014
Santa Fe, TX
C. Ray Holbrook, Jr. '48 received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from A&M. While at A&M, he was in the Corps of Cadets, the Aggie Band and student government. He was named to Who’s Who Among American Universities and received the Engineering Achievement Award. He also won four varsity track letters, won several conference championships and was a member of the 1948 national-champion mile relay team. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he began his career as an engineer with Monsanto Chemical Co. in 1952, and after earning a law degree, transferred to Monsanto’s patent department. He served as Galveston County judge from 1967 to 1995. He also served on the Texas State Board of Education and the Gulf Coast Water Authority. He is a former president of the Houston Galveston Area Council and a former chairman of the Texas Conference of Urban Counties. Holbrook was a founding member of the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association and served on the Board of Visitors for Texas A&M University at Galveston. He is an Endowed Century Club donor to The Association of Former Students, has been active with the Galveston County A&M Club for more than 50 years and is a member of the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame. He is also an Eagle Scout and serves on the executive board of the Bay Area Boy Scouts. He has been a member of the Episcopal Church for over 70 years and serves on the vestry of St. Michael’s Church in La Marque. He has won multiple gold medals in bicycling, walking and swimming in the Texas Senior Games and Texas Senior Olympics. Holbrook’s wife of nearly 60 years is Mary Ann, a graduate of Texas A&M-Commerce. They have three children, C. Ray III ’78, Lauren Spalding, and Lee Ann Postma ’82; and 10 grandchildren.
"Everyone knows that being an Aggie gives you access to the largest and greatest fraternity in the world. Everybody admires Aggies whether they are one or not. And I hear every day from people they are so thankful they had a chance to be an Aggie, or they did not go to college but if they had they would have gone to A&M."
Robert E.
Bolen ’47
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Year Awarded: 1998
Fort Worth, TX
Bob Bolen received a bachelor’s degree in General Business in 1948. Bolen is a partner in Cornerstone Investment Group in Fort Worth. His undergraduate years at Texas A&M were interrupted by two and a half years as a U.S. Navy Gunnery Officer abroad the USS Iowa during World War II. After returning and completing his business degree, he worked at McCrory’s Five and Dime stores for several years at various locations across the country. In 1951, he founded Bolen Enterprises, opening a Fort Worth toy store and then a bicycle shop. The firm now operates 20 Hallmark Card shops around the city.
His interest in civic affairs led to his election to the Fort Worth City Council in 1979. He served as Mayor of Fort Worth from 1982 to 1991 and has been President of the National League of Cities and the Texas Municipal League. He was instrumental in establishing Forth Worth’s international sister cities program, bringing a U.S. Treasury Currency Plant, the Texas Robotics Center and the American Airlines Maintenance Facility to the Fort Worth-Arlington area, and acquiring the Rock Island Railroad right-of-way between Fort Worth and Dallas.
His work to create a spirit of cooperation between Dallas and Fort Worth resulted in the establishment of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board, the Metroplex High Technology Education Task Force, and the Dallas/Fort Worth International Trade Resource Center. Mr. Bolen served on Texas A&M’s College of Business Administration Development Council.
He has been recognized by the B’nai B’rith Jewish Anti-Defamation League, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and the International Good Neighbor Council.
Dr. Richard H.
Harrison III ’47
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Year Awarded: 1986
Dallas, TX
Harrison received a bachelor’s degree in Zoology in 1948 and a Doctorate of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine. He entered private practice in Bryan in 1956 and fulfilled visiting professorships at the medical schools of the University of Cairo and the University of Kentucky and has authored 95 publications and papers.
He was a Clinical Professor of Surgery for Texas A&M’s College of Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His strong support of Texas A&M includes a President’s Endowed Scholarship. And endowed Mark Francis Veterinary Medicine Scholarship, and endowed 12th Man Athletic Scholarship, and endowed Medical College Scholarship, an endowed Sul Ross Scholarship for A&M’s Corp of Cadets and an Endowed Century Club membership. Dr. Harrison served as 1958 President of the Brazos County A&M Club.
L.D. (Duke)
Hobbs ’47
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Year Awarded: 2018
Plano, TX
As a 314th Infantry sergeant in World War II, he earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After returning to A&M to finish his degree, he served as an Air Force intelligence officer in the Korean War. Moving to a civilian career, he worked for Procter & Gamble Co., then W.L. Gordon Co. merchandise brokers, where as vice president he was responsible for growing one of the largest non-food organizations in the industry. Upon retiring, he came back to A&M to teach management and direct the Center for Executive Development, during which time he also actively supported many A&M organizations.
He served for more than 20 years as a Class Agent for the Class of ’47, is now a Class Agent Emeritus, and has been a Fish Camp namesake. Proceeds from his book I Knew I Was an Aggie When support Texas A&M’s Cushing Memorial Library.
Hobbs is a Bronze Century Club member of The Association with 47 years of giving; he is a Heritage member of the A&M Legacy Society and Corps of Cadets Center, and with wife Laura created a Sul Ross Scholarship fund.
He has been congregation vice president at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in College Station; an Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster, merit badge counselor and Boy Scouts of America regional director; a Republican National Convention delegate, election judge and county chair for regional development.
His family includes wife Laura; four children, David, Mark, Keith '84 and Stuart '84; four grandchildren; and siblings Sara Pitcher, John H. Wallace, Jr. ’52 and David M. Wallace ’59.
“Everything I have done since my fish year has been guided by Aggie core values"
- Duke Hobbs '47
Melvin S.
Maltz ’47
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Year Awarded: 2013
Houston, TX
Melvin S. Maltz, Class of 1947, earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas. In 1944, he served in the U. S. Army Air Corps and was honorably discharged in 1946. He reentered A&M to finish his degree in 1948. As a student, he was Cadet Lieutenant of Squadron A, an athletic officer in the Corps of Cadets, and assistant sports editor for The Longhorn in 1946. He was also involved in the student chapter of the Institute for Aeronautical Sciences and the Houston Hometown Club.
After graduation in 1948, Maltz was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1953. He worked as secretary, director and vice president of Century Papers, Inc. from 1952 to 1976. In 1966, he was Industry Group Chairman of the Southern Division of the Paperboard Packaging Council.
Maltz and two partners formed National Inpack Corporation in 1976 and he served as president until the company was sold in 1985. He earned a Broker Securities license and licensed life insurance agent in the state of Texas in 1987. During that time he was a frequent member of the President’s Cabinet of the Acacia Group, earning qualification as a Life Member of the Million Dollar Roundtable. In 2005, Maltz became a member of Silver Fox Advisors and now serves as a senior account manager for the Lone Star Advisory Group, Inc.
Maltz has been an active Houstonian, serving as Masonic Master Mason in 1949, chairman of the Lombardi Committee for the Rotary Club of Houston in 1985, vice president of Congregation Beth Israel and president of Westwood Country Club in 1987. In 1949, he earned the Shriners Cripple Children Cross Crutch Award in recognition for his fundraising efforts for Arabia Shriners Hospital. He served on the Greater Houston Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society from 1974 to 1988—twice as its Chairman—and he was vice president of the Lone Star Chapter National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and director and vice president of Lighthouse Houston. He served on the Texas Division of the American Cancer Society’s Board of Directors until 2003. Maltz currently serves as a member of the Houston Advisory Board of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program mentoring prisoners in business principles.
He has also remained active at Texas A&M, having served as director and president of the Houston A&M Club from 1952 to 1955, Class Agent from 1957 to 1962, Chair of The Association of Former Students’ Board of Directors in 1973 and commencement speaker at Texas A&M in 1974. A member of the A&M Legacy Society, Maltz funded a President’s Endowed Scholarship in 1986. He served on the College of Science Development Council, the Planned Giving Council at the Texas A&M Foundation, and as chairman of the Board of Visitors for the Texas Maritime Academy, and vice president and president of the Sul Ross Group of The Association of Former Students. In 1970, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Houston A&M Club. Maltz currently serves on the President’s Board of Visitors for the Corps of Cadets.
Maltz and his wife, Corky, live in Houston. They have seven children, one of whom graduated from A&M, and a grandson who also graduated from A&M.
Muster is one of the traditions that I am most proud of. It maintains relations with Aggies, an emotional tie to Aggies who have passed on; and will at least annually remind you of relations built, friends made, and friends lost. It reminds of those days of "yore" that we lived, learned, and grew from.