Sort by: Class Year Year Awarded Name
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34Year Awarded: 2014
Bryan, TX
Dr. Stephen A. Holditch '69, received bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from A&M, all in petroleum engineering. He was a member of the Corps of Cadets, serving as Second Battalion commander and as a Ross Volunteer. Holditch is a former head of the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering and former director of the Texas A&M Energy Institute. He also founded S.A. Holditch and Associates, which had a worldwide reputation for being able to solve the most difficult petroleum engineering problems. Holditch has been honored as a member of the Petroleum Engineering Academy of Distinguished Graduates and as an Outstanding Alumnus of the Dwight Look College of Engineering. He and his wife, Ann, have funded multiple scholarships in petroleum engineering, as well as a Sul Ross Scholarship. They are Endowed Century Club donors to The Association of Former Students, and their many gifts to the 12th Man Foundation and Texas A&M Foundation have earned them recognition as Eppright Distinguished Donors and members of the Legacy Society. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1995 and has been honored with most of the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ top technical honors, including the Legends of Hydraulic Fracturing Award, which he received in 2014. He is former president of the Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas; and a board member of the Research Valley Partnership and of the National Petroleum Council. He and Ann have been married 43 years and have two daughters, Katie Rowe ’97 and Abbie Walsh ’01, and five grandchildren.
"You will look back at your years at Texas A&M as one of the best periods in your life. Your classmates will be lifelong friends, so keep in touch with them and the university as your career takes you to various parts of the world. Always remember the Aggie Code of Honor."
Year Awarded: 2014
The Woodlands, TX
Charles A. Mattei, Jr. '49 received a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Texas A&M. A veteran of the U.S. Army and chairman emeritus of United Business Corp., he was chairman and CEO of Cit-Con Oil Co. and a vice president of both Gulf Oil/Chevron and Citgo. He served as president of the Beaumont and Tulsa A&M clubs, Class of 1949 Agent, president of the 12th Man Foundation and the Sul Ross Group, and as a member of the Vision 2020 Task Force, President’s Board of Advisors, and the Corps Development Council. He was inducted into the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor in 2011 and was the Houston A&M Club’s 2009 Outstanding Aggie of the Year. He and his wife, Bettie, are Endowed Century Club donors to The Association of Former Students, and their generous gifts to the Texas A&M Foundation and the 12th Man Foundation earned them recognition as Eppright Distinguished Donors and members of the Legacy Society. Their gifts to Texas A&M included a President’s Endowed Scholarship, a 12th Man Endowed Scholarship and a Sul Ross Scholarship. The Matteis also supported The Association’s Building Enhancement Campaign, and the Mattei Conference Room at the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center is named in honor of Charlie and Bettie Mattie and Joe ’53 and Eddie Mattei (Charlie’s brother and sister-in-law). In addition to his service to Texas A&M, Mattei also filled leadership roles with his local Rotary Club, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and his local United Way. Mattei, who passed away April 18, and Bettie are parents to four children—Gail Lowell, Jim Mattei, Bob Mattei and the late Charles Mattei—and seven grandchildren.
You don’t have to know Charlie long to understand that few things were more important to him than Texas A&M. He believed Texas A&M gave him the knowledge and training that enabled him to build a successful career. Charlie is, was, and always comported himself as an Aggie. He felt the need to satisfy his obligation and love for Texas A&M by loyal and generous gifts of time, financial support and dedicated service to A&M Clubs, The Association of Former Students, and the 12th Man Foundation. His loyalty and actions always represented Texas A&M well.
- Melvin S. Maltz ’47, friend and Distinguished Alumnus
Year Awarded: 2014
Mathis, TX
James A. Mayo, Jr. '70 received a bachelor’s degree in management from Texas A&M, where he was also active in intramural athletics and a performer in a country band. After graduation, he enjoyed a successful career in banking and is the retired chairman/CEO of Alice Bancshares Inc. He is a Past Chair of The Association of Former Students Board of Directors and a past chair of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees. An active A&M Club volunteer, he has served as president of both the Laredo and Brush Country A&M Clubs, and served on Texas A&M’s Vision 2020 Task Force. He has funded two endowed scholarships, an opportunity award and is an Endowed Century Club donor to The Association of Former Students. His generosity to Texas A&M has earned him recognition as a member of the Legacy Society at the Texas A&M Foundation. Mayo provided a gift to The Association’s Building Enhancement Campaign, and the Mayo/Garner Conference Room in the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center is named in honor of him and Porter S. Garner, Jr. ’45. He has served on numerous bank boards, the board of directors for the Texas Bankers Association and many civic and philanthropic boards. He is a founding member of the Leadership Jim Wells County program, former president of the Alice Country Club, and a former member of the Alice Chamber of Commerce board, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation board, and the Jim Wells County Industrial Foundation board. He has three children, Sarah McDonald ’06, James Mayo III ’07 and John Mayo ’10.
"The culture, atmosphere, and people at A&M validated and strengthened the very morals, values and character traits my parents had preached to me from a young age. Combining these with learned self-sufficiency, a "can do" attitude, learning to handle success as well as failure with humbleness and dignity, and above all developing the courage and conviction to stand by principles no matter what the consequences, were all things A&M imparted to me and I have attempted to pass on to my children."
Year Awarded: 2014
Rosharon, TX
Clarence E. Sasser ’73, who served as an Army medic in Vietnam, was the eighth Aggie to be awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1968, while helping evacuate wounded soldiers under heavy enemy fire, he carried one to cover and returned to help carry others to safety, despite sustaining wounds in both his legs. Sasser’s Medal of Honor citation reads, in part, “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. ... Although in agonizing pain and faint from loss of blood, Sp5c. Sasser ... proceeded on to encourage another group of soldiers to crawl 200 meters to relative safety. There he attended their wounds for 5 hours until they were evacuated. ... Sasser’s extraordinary heroism is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.” Gen. Earl Rudder ’32, then university president, offered Sasser a scholarship to Texas A&M, where he studied chemistry. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, he worked briefly in an oil refinery, then established a lengthy career in service to veterans with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A scholarship at the Texas A&M University Health Science Center has been established in his honor. At Texas A&M’s commencement in May 2014, Sasser was presented with an honorary Doctorate of Letters. He joins Texas A&M’s Medal of Honor recipients from World War II who were named Distinguished Alumni in 2012.
"I often see people proclaim their patriotism on their sleeve. I believe it thrives best when nurtured in their hearts and minds."
Year Awarded: 2014
Fort Worth, TX
Charlie W. Seely '55, received a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from Texas A&M, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and a Distinguished Military Graduate. He was also vice president of his senior Class and president of the Petroleum Engineering Club. Seely, a U.S. Army veteran, is an independent oil and gas producer, president of Seely Oil Co. and chairman of three companies that manufacture plastic products. One of his companies has been honored as part of the Aggie 100, which spotlights the fastest-growing Aggie-owned or Aggie-led companies. He is a Past Chair of The Association of Former Students Board of Directors and of the Fort Worth Tarrant County A&M Club. He also is a former Class of 1955 Agent and a former board member for the 12th Man Foundation. He serves on the President’s Council of Advisors and on the development councils for the College of Science, the Corps of Cadets and Texas A&M University Press. He is an Endowed Century Club donor to The Association of Former Students, and his many gifts to the 12th Man Foundation and Texas A&M Foundation have earned him recognition as an Eppright Distinguished Donor and member of the Legacy Society. Seely also provided a gift to The Association’s Building Enhancement Campaign, and a Tribute Pillar in the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center is named in his honor. He has given of his time and resources to organizations beyond Texas A&M, including tangible support provided to an orphanage in Russia. Seely lives in Fort Worth with his wife, JoAnn. Between them, they have five children: Lea Ann Seely ’80, Sheri Van Sickle, Charles, Jr., Keith Rayburn ’96, and Kevin Rayburn, plus nine grandchildren.
"As an oilman and business owner, Charlie has seen good times and bad times. I have always admired how he has managed to keep his priorities straight: God, family and Texas A&M."
- Mike Havel ’76, friend and business partner
Year Awarded: 2014
Austin, TX
Dr. Sallie V. Sheppard '65 was one of the first women to graduate from Texas A&M, receiving both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from the university. She earned her doctorate in computer science from the University of Pittsburgh. Sheppard worked at NASA on simulations of the onboard Apollo computer for the lunar landing expeditions. After receiving her doctorate in computer science, she returned to A&M and rose through the ranks to professor of computer science and associate provost. She received two Distinguished Achievement Awards from The Association of Former Students, one in 1985 for teaching and one in 1998 for administration. She was the founding director of the computer science department’s first laboratory, the Laboratory for Software Research. In 1995 she was appointed interim executive vice president and provost, making her the first female top-ranking administrator at Texas A&M, a milestone she would also achieve at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Sheppard is a charter and organizing member of the Women Former Students’ Network, a constituent network of The Association. She is also a charter member of the Brazos County Advisory Committee for Blinn College, past branch president of the American Association of University Women, and a member and deacon at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin. She and her husband, Leland Blank, have funded a President’s Endowed Scholarship at Texas A&M. She is the recipient of an IEEE Third Millennium Award for Outstanding Achievements and Contributions. Sheppard and her husband have two daughters, Christina Blank and Allison McKay ’95, and three grandchildren.
"Being at Texas A&M in the early 1960s was very exciting – so much was happening as the institution was transforming from a college into a university. But the most exciting and enjoyable part of being an Aggie was the people that I met – faculty dedicated to helping students succeed and students intent on making the most of the experience. It was very special to be a part of it."
Year Awarded: 2014
San Antonio, TX
Dr. Charles R. Wiseman '57 earned his doctorate in veterinary medicine from Texas A&M, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He served the San Antonio area for 37 years at the Wiseman Animal Hospital before retiring to run his family’s ranch, the Rogers-Wiseman Ranch in Bexar and Bandera counties. He is a former president of the 12th Man Foundation and the San Antonio A&M Club, and he was inducted into the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association Hall of Honor in 2003. He is an Endowed Century Club donor to The Association of Former Students, and he and his wife, Pat, have endowed a scholarship and a chair in the College of Veterinary Medicine and have funded a President’s Endowed Scholarship in memory of their late daughter, Polly Wiseman Franklin ’86. The Polly Wiseman Franklin ’86 Ring Collection in the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center is named in her honor. Their generous gifts to the 12th Man Foundation and Texas A&M Foundation have earned them recognition as Eppright Distinguished Donors and members of the Legacy Society. Wiseman has also been honored by the College of Veterinary Medicine as an Outstanding Alumnus. He is a member of Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, where he also served on the foundation board. He is a former president of the Bexar County Veterinary Medical Association and a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. He is a past president of both the San Antonio Gun Club and the Texas International Gun Club. In addition to Polly, Wiseman and his wife, Pat, are parents to a son, Vince ’82, who is a physician in Austin. They have four grandchildren.
"I think all incoming freshman should attend Fish Camp and all students and alumni should embrace the ideals, the traditions and the core values of Texas A&M."
Year Awarded: 2015
Col. Edward Vergne Adams, Class of 1929, received a bachelor’s degree in English from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, where he played in the Aggie Band and later returned for a master’s degree. He studied music at the Cincinnati Conservatory and other institutions and was a high school teacher and band director before serving as a U.S. Army chemical warfare officer during World War II. He organized the first bands at Humble, Nederland and Bryan high schools. He also directed bands at Donna and Palestine.
He is recognized by the Texas Bandmasters Association as having had a major impact on the early development of bands in East Texas and is in the Phi Beta Mu band director Hall of Fame. He served as director of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band longer than any other individual for 27 years from 1946 to 1973, pioneering maneuvers other band directors called “impossible.” He is credited with inventing the two-way crisscross at close interval and the minstrel turn (co-invented with Roy Ben Wallace at Palestine).
He grounded thousands of young bandsmen in discipline and dedication and is remembered for his kindness and understanding as well as his precision; he, insisted on a strict military cadence of 120 beats per minute and specified 30 inch strides. He gave the Aggie Band its style and its look such as filling the bugle rank with seniors for an unbroken line of boots and its standard of perfection shown in televised performances that spread its fame nationwide.
His entry in the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor notes, “Colonel Adams retired in 1973 with 209 consecutive halftime victories.” The band hall was renamed for him. Adams passed away in 1982.
He and wife Ida Belle Higgs Adams had a son, Edward V. Adams Jr. ’61; their grandson is E.V. “Rusty” Adams III ’96.
"E.V. Adams was more than a band director. He was a leader, a role model, and a mentor to generations of Aggies, whose impact extended well beyond our lat Final Review."
- Excerpt from letter from Class of '66 Aggie Bandsmen
Year Awarded: 2015
San Antonio, TX
Stanton P. Bell, Class of 1954, received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Texas A&M, where he served as Corps Adjutant, executive officer of the Ross Volunteers and commander of the firing platoon for Silver Taps, Muster and other events, was a Distinguished Student and Distinguished Military Student and was involved with groups including Student Senate and MSC Council.
He served in the 24th Infantry Division in Korea and was selected as aide de camp to the commanding general. Bell is president and CEO of Bell Hydrogas, a propane company serving San Antonio and six counties. He has been a vice president and director of Mission Gas Company and has also served as a director of Compass Bank and the Valero Texas Open Golf Tournament.
Bell served five years as captain of the 12th Man Foundation’s Champions Council, created and funded the annual Ross Volunteer Spirit Award and is involved with the San Antonio A&M Club and has sponsored A&M functions.
He is a President’s Endowed Scholarship donor, Sul Ross Scholarship donor and a member of the Texas A&M Foundation’s Legacy Society.
Bell is a past president of the Rotary Club of San Antonio, the second-largest club in Rotary International. He is also a past president of the San Antonio Country Club, club golf champion, five-time club senior golf champion and served 23 years as a United States Golf Association committee member and rules official. He was elected King Antonio of Fiesta 1989, is a past president of the San Antonio Better Business Bureau and a past president of the San Antonio Golf Association.
His father was Stanton F. Bell ’29 and he has a daughter and a son.
"Stanton Bell stands tall on the pillars of honesty, integrity, leadership, fellowship and service. His record of service as an Aggie places him at the pinnacle of former students."
- Gen. Joseph Ashy '62, USAF (Ret)
Year Awarded: 2015
College Station, TX
Dr. Charles H. Bowman, Class of 1959, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University and received both a master’s degree and doctorate in petroleum engineering at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas.
Dr. Bowman rose to the top of the international oil industry, working with Gulf Oil Corp. for 24 years in all aspects of the business, concluding in 1982 with his appointment as president of Gulf Refining and Marketing Co. He then joined BP, where he spent 12 years, initially in the U.S. and Europe, then as managing director of BP Australia, and finally in 1993 becoming chairman and CEO of BP America. Following retirement from BP in 1997, he joined Texas A&M as a professor and head of the Department of Petroleum Engineering. He later led the negotiating team that created a new Texas A&M campus in Qatar, eventually serving as its interim dean and a member of its joint advisory board. He is dean emeritus of Texas A&M University at Qatar and professor emeritus of petroleum engineering.
Dr. Bowman and wife Lynn Holleran are Endowed Diamond Century Club members of The Association of Former Students and members of the Texas A&M Foundation Legacy Society. Their gifts to A&M include endowments for International Programs, the Department of Petroleum Engineering’s Resource Center and the College of Liberal Arts’ Cervantes Project, as well as a College of Engineering faculty fellowship.
He has served as a director of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, a trustee of Case Western Reserve University, a director of National City Corporation, a director and treasurer of the American Petroleum Institute, chairman of the Cleveland Ballet board, a director of both the Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Opera, and an advisory board member at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington, D.C., think-tank.
With first wife Ethel Kenah Bowman, he has five children, including Lisa Bowman Villalobos ’90.
"Dr. Bowman's four-decade career in the oil and gas industry helped the world meet its energy needs. He is an exceptional individual with outstanding professional achievements, extraordinary contributions to society and dedicated service to Texas A&M."
- Dr. Mark Weichold '78, Dean and CEO, Texas A&M University at Qatar