Marvin T.
Runyon, Jr. ’45
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Year Awarded: 1996
Fort Worth, TX
Runyon received a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering in 1948. After a 37-year career with Ford Motor Co., he was chosen to serve as President and CEO of Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corp. In 1992, he accepted appointment as Postmaster General of the United States. Under his leadership, the Postal Service delivered three straight years of record breaking success.
"At A&M, we lived in companies. I lived a very military life there, and I liked that life. It really puts the teamwork mentality into you. The spirit was just outstanding."
COL Henry C.
Wendler ’34
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Year Awarded: 1996
Boerne, TX
Wendler received a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Administration in 1934. After a 39-year career with International Business Machines, he retired as Director of Personnel and Customer Relations in 1971. Throughout his tenure, he hired and trained many who achieved uncommon success in computer system marketing and other executive positions, including Ross Perot.
He was an active member in the Dallas and Houston Rotary Clubs and Chambers of Commerce.
"Some of my fondest memories are of my business experiences at IBM with you. Much of my success is directly related to having an opportunity to work for you."
- In a letter to Wendler from Ross Perot
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.
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
George A.
Linskie ’38
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Year Awarded: 1993
Dallas, TX
Linskie studied Mechanical Engineering at A&M College of Texas. His career began in the air conditioning business and he worked for the Frigidaire Air Conditioning Division and then joined the firm of Rollins and Forest Consultuing Engineers as a mechanical design engineer. He later founded Linskie Co., who merged with Sam P. Wallace Co. in 1970. He was served in many leadership positions with his industry’s professional societies and was a founding member and past president of the Engineers Club of Dallas.
Outside his love for flying (he has had an active commercial pilots license for over 40 years) his first love has been, serving on the Board of the Children’s Medical Center for the past 30 years, where he is a past president and chairman of the board.
"I know of no more dedicated person who exhibits and demonstrates the high ideals and spirit of Aggieland."
- James W. Aston '33, Distinguished Alumnus, 1967
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.