The Texas A&M Foundation Magazine

THE TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION MAGAZINE | S P R I N G 2 0 1 1 PresiDent’s letter

‘Whopper of a Donation’ ecently i received a remarkable letter from Jon hagler ’58, whose scholarship gifts you may have read about in the fall 2010 issue of Spirit. Jon is one of only two people named “trustee emeritus” at the texas a&M Foundation and received our revered sterling C. evans Medal in 2005. as the lead donor to the Jon l. hagler Center, he ushered in a new Foundation era through his vision of our headquarters building as an investment in a&M’s future. he also led the modernization of the Foundation’s endowment portfolio during seven years as a trustee. this former Corps Commander is a Distinguished alumnus and was a co- chair in a&M’s landmark strategic planning initiative, Vision 2020. among his numerous gifts to a&M are scholarships that support hundreds of aggies who qualify for the Foundation excellence award. these scholarships help outstanding undergraduates from historically disadvantaged groups, including minorities and those who face significant economic or educational hurdles. You won’t meet many men with such wisdom, insight and commitment. i’m honored to call Jon my friend and proud to work in a building that bears his name. his handwritten note was brief:

“Ed—Here’s a whopper of a donation. At least I was determined to give something! My best, Jon”

attached was this faded check sent shortly after Jon completed studies at harvard Business school. this old canceled check from Jon hagler epitomizes aggie philanthropy and makes my job worthwhile. i’m sure it’s just one of many from aggies who, despite limited means, feel moved to give back. in 1962 Jon could not foresee his future success, but he shared a few dollars to help others experience texas a&M and the opportunity it gave him. since then he has multiplied that early gift a million times over. that’s the aggie spirit.

eddie j. davis ’67 president texas a &m foundation Memorial scholarships honoring Tom Gillis ’42 will help Aggie cadets make their mark on Texas A&M as he did. » p.26

Contents

FEATURES 16 Student Impact: GATEWAYTODREAMS With assistance from regents’ Scholarships, first-generation college students pursue degrees from Texas A&M. 20 College Impact: WANTED : PROJECTMANAGERS A gift from the Chevron Corp. expands Aggie engineers can graduate with a multidisciplinary engineering project management program that gives Aggie management skills that give them an edge careers a boost. » p.20 in landing that first job and advancing in their careers. 26 Spirit Impact: ESPRITDECORPS Tom Gillis ’42 was a picture-perfect cadet vOlUMe XII nO . 2|S p r I n G 2 011 and Army officer during World War II. Spirit is published three times a year by the Texas His family honors his memory with two A&M Foun dation, which manages major gifts and endowments for the benefit of academic Corps scholarships. programs, scholarships and student activities at Texas A&M University. Direct inquiries to the Marketing Office, Texas A&M Foun dation, 401 30 Throughout this and future issues of Spirit, George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840- you’ll see bar codes like this called quick response 2811, call (800) 392-3310 or (979) 845-8161, or e- Faculty Impact: (QR) codes. Each one represents the URL for a mail [email protected]. Information in ONCEAFARMER ... NOWAMENTOR this magazine is for educational purposes only website, enabling you to view a webpage on and should be examined by independent legal Dr. Jim Kracht, holder of the Marilyn Kent many mobile phones. counsel due to possible differences in local laws Byrne Chair, provides Aggies with crucial What you need and individual needs. ingredients for success, whether it’s n A mobile phone with a camera and giving.tamu.edu improved study skills or financial aid. Internet access www.facebook.com/TexasAMFoundation www.texags.com n A QR code reader application www.youtube.com/AggieSpiritAndMind Download a free reader application from your phone’s app store, open it on your phone, scan

MAnAGInG eDITOr Mary vinnedge ’75

DIreCTOr OF MArKeTInG Kathy McCoy ’80

MAnAGer OF MArKeTInG John Zollinger

WeB COMMUnICATIOnS SpeCIAlIST rachel Dohmann ’07

MArKeTInG SpeCIAlIST Alice Bassett DEPARTMENTS STUDenT InTernS nichelle Jaeger ’12 Jennifer Albee ’13

ArT DIreCTIOn & D e S I G n Geer Design, Inc. 3 THELEGACY pHOTOGrApHY James H. Johnson ’86 plans a gift for A&M Confucius Institute (pp. 2; 35) before heading to Afghanistan. Cushing Memorial library Archives (pp. 11, bottom; 14) 4 LETTERS / CORRECTIONS Denise Keller (pp. 7, top; 38, bottom) robb Kendrick (cover; inside front cover; 6 ONCAMPUS pp. 1, left; 11, top; 16; 19-22; 28; The university wins accolades from recruiters 37, center; 38, top; inside back cover) and publications; a team of veterinary John lewis (p. 25) experts will help animals in disaster areas. Jim lyle (pp. 3; 30; 32; 33) nASA/Jpl-Caltech/K. Tran & C. papovich, 8 LABWORK Texas A&M University (p. 8) Josiah pugh (p. 34) Aggie researchers are preserving the wooden © Snow leopard Conservancy (p. 9) remnants of a ship in the expedition of Bryce Swihart (pp. 12-13) famed explorer la Salle, and A&M TAMU Conservation research astronomers find hundreds of new stars. Through videoconferencing, Xing Jun teaches laboratory (p. 8) a long-distance Chinese language class in Texas 10 NEWGIFTS public schools. » p.34 p r I n T I n G Chas. p. Young printing A gift from reta Haynes honors her late Aggie husband and supports her favorite BOArD OF TrUSTeeS A&M programs. Bob Surovik ’58 Chairman 12 ONEVOICE John Bethancourt ’74 Chairman-elect The Memorial Student Center is at the Mel Glasscock ’59 heart of this Aggie’s family legacy. Charles Gregory ’64 by Collin laden ’10 richard Kardys ’67 Tom Saylak ’82 14 VIEWPOINT van Taylor ’71 legett Hall has undergone major changes

O F F I C e r S in its 100-year history: now only women ed Davis ’67 live in the renovated dorm, which offers Contents president high-tech perks. Jim palincsar Senior vice president for Development 34 OPPORTUNITY Doyle Thompson The Confucius Institute, which educates vice president and Controller Aggies and other Texans about China, liska lusk vice president and General Counsel seeks scholarships for study abroad.

36 @FOUNDATION Donors have given $7.5 million for the Memorial Student Center renovation and expansion.

C Ov e r p H OTO 38 POSTSCRIPT Reveille VIII breaks in a new mascot ready for My Close-up corporal every year. Cody Guffey ’13 by reveille vIII (as told to Cody Guffey ’13) will hang up his leash later this spring.

2 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION Aggie Creates Gift Before Starting Afghanistan Job TheLegacy

Before James H. Johnson ’86 started a The revocable living trust makes To discuss how a planned gift to new job in Afghanistan this year, he provisions for the university and other the Texas A&M Foundation might wanted to finish an important item on beneficiaries of his estate, and Johnson benefit A&M, you and your his to-do list: establish a planned gift chose a trustee who will carry out his family, contact Glenn Pittsford ’72 for Texas A&M University. Johnson wishes exactly. As he made his gift to in the Office of Gift Planning at decided that a revocable living trust was the Texas A&M Foundation for the [email protected] or (800) the best giving vehicle for him. “It’s benefit of Texas A&M, Johnson was 392-3310. He or another gift easier to revise than a will. I can move surprised how specifically he could planning officer can describe how and manipulate the trust distributions customize it. “everything I did is a such plans work and provide when my circumstances change.” reflection of who I was and what I personalized illustrations. They Johnson, who has bachelor’s and became through A&M.” consult with you and your advisers master’s degrees in agricultural eco- His trust will fund a Memorial as you consider and implement nomics from A&M, accepted a job Student Center (MSC) Fall leadership a charitable planned gift. with the Texas A&M-based norman Conference endowment that will devel- Borlaug Institute for International op future Aggie leaders in perpetuity. Agri culture in 2010. He will improve In addition, Johnson will establish stability and growth of commercial four endowed scholarships. Two will agriculture in nangarhar province. “I be Southerland Aggie leader scholar- had been thinking about my trust ships. Two more will assist freshmen James H. Johnson ’86 will use his creation for five or six years. Then I or sophomore agri cultural economics agribusiness expertise to develop a sustainable commercial agricultural met with a lawyer in Georgetown, and majors with a preference for Future sector in Afghanistan. we set it up within about a week.” Farmers of America (FFA) members. “Through FFA involvement, I got my Houston livestock Show and rodeo scholarship. It let me be active in student organizations instead of working to pay for school. I wanted to give back to someone like me years from now. “A planned gift is the perfect vehicle for me. It’s a way of giving to A&M in the future without any financial impact on me today. I’ve always felt A&M was welcome to use my money to help others—after I get through having fun with it,” Johnson said with a big laugh.

—by mary vinnedge ’75

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2 0 1 1 3 Mr. Hickman hired me to be in charge Share Your Comments CORRECTIONS of answering the phone after the main We always enjoy receiving our The A&M legacy Society list, published office at the annex closed each day and readers’ reactions to Spirit. If as part of the 2010 annual report in on holidays. I took all calls and delivered any of the magazine’s content the fall issue of Spirit, placed the messages by bicycle all over the annex moves you to write, please e-mail names of Claudia & roderick D. campus from fall of 1946 until I graduated Stepp ’59 in an incorrect category. 1949 us at [email protected] or in June . Most calls were long-distance, The Stepps’ names should have and students went to pay phones to send a note on the postage-paid appeared under the $1,000,000- return calls. form on the back cover. $4,999,999 heading. leota managed the snack bar at the annex until January 1949. The college sondra white ’87 On page 10 of the fall 2010 issue, provided us with a barracks where we lived Editor Mays Business School’s Center for for the entire period. mary vinnedge ’75 executive Development was described Willie Fae Atkinson was telephone Managing Editor incorrectly. The center educates operator at the annex, and she and Tom executives. lived in the telephone building until he graduated. A caption on page 21 of the fall 2010 After my freshman year at the annex, issue contained an error. Christina I commuted to the main campus each day, Uriegas Austin ’07 ’11 is a fourth-year which led to small jobs. I took sandwiches medical student. made by the annex snack bar to the YMCA on main campus. I also picked up The Battalion Editor’s note: The next two letters, and movies on main campus responses to an essay by J. Decker and took them to the annex, and then White ’51 on Page 38 of the summer returned films to the main campus. I earned a small fee for these errands. issue of Spirit, arrived too late for insertion in the fall 2010 issue. But we I appreciate your interest in keeping thought readers would belatedly enjoy memories of the annex alive. It was a big part of our lives. more about life at the Texas A&M Annex.

—marvin a. daniel ’50 LIVING / WORKINGATTHEANNEX Fredericksburg My wife, leota, and I—along with our friends Tom and Willie Fae Atkinson— MOREABOUTTHEA &MANNEX headed for Texas A&M in August 1946. I enjoy your magazine. Some of your articles Tom and I were using the GI Bill to pay bring back the old times—keep ’em coming. for agriculture degrees. We were informed I would like to point out a misstatement we could be in the freshman class at the in the lead-in to the article “postwar life at A&M Annex at the former Bryan Air Base the A&M Annex” in the summer 2010 issue. because there were too many students at The lead-in states, “for four consecutive the main campus. years, all A&M freshmen ‘learned and lived In the application process, we asked at the A&M Annex.’ ” I entered A&M as a if there were any part-time jobs available. freshman in the fall of 1946 assigned to They referred us to Mr. Hickman, head of D Troop Cavalry on the main campus. I campus security. don’t know the percentage of freshman

4 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION Marvin Daniel ’50 (shown in 1947) earned except Mom said that when she visited ‘ SPIRIT ’ EVOKESAGGIEPRIDE money delivering phone messages by bicycle A&M, Uncle John had to “walk the bull I have been meaning to write, but like many to students living at the Texas A&M Annex. pen” because he was in trouble. He must things in my life, it just hasn’t happened. on the main campus at that time versus have been a character! I think your journal is one of the most those at, as we called it, Bryan Field, but I’ve included my address if Dr. DuBose professional publications that comes out there were at least several hundred in the has an interest in writing to me. Thanks of Brazos County. The publication reflects in advance for any help you can give me. rOTC units on the main campus. D Troop Aggie quality at the highest possible level. (one of four cavalry troops on the main That includes writing, editing, photography, —nancy book design, and the list goes on and on. campus) had 32 freshmen at the start Vancourt of the fall semester. I have been involved with all aspects of organizational communications for At that time physical hazing was a Editor’s note: We maintain the confiden- nearly half a century. This involvement serious problem on the main campus, tiality of our donors’ records, but we sent includes a stint years ago editing the Texas especially in the cavalry units. Only seven Dr. DuBose an e-mail regarding this Aggie for The Association of Former of those 32 freshman finished spring request. His response follows. semester 1947. I think most who left did Students. every time I receive Spirit, the publication makes me even prouder of my so because it was nearly impossible to get in Dear nancy, Texas A&M heritage. the necessary study time, not just because I have looked in my 1942 yearbook and they couldn’t “take it.” The D Troop see that your uncle, John Harold Allen, —connie eckard ’55 commander was relieved before the second was in the field artillery and a mechanical Richland, Wash. semester ended, and the unit was disbanded engineering graduate. before the fall semester of 1947. I finished I graduated civil ABRIGHTSPOTINDEED my education at A&M as a member of engineering and was “Howdy” and congratulations to the Texas A Troop in 1950. in the coast artillery. A&M Foundation on another spectacular I would like to see someone write an At that time the field issue of Spirit. I read with great interest article about this particular period on the artillery, along with about the continued success the Foundation main campus. Although it was not such a the infantry, signal is having and its growing impact on the pleasant time to be a freshman there, it corps and chemical educational enterprise at A&M. I always was a historical part of the scene at A&M. engineering, were enjoy reading the profiles of students, housed in the 12 —bob mcdonald ’50 Lawrence DuBose ’42 faculty and former students in your dormitories that were Athens magazine—from my perspective, one of 1939 completed before September . So we the best of its kind in the nation. Editor’s note: If Aggies respond, we’ll attended different classes, ate in different recognizing that these are challenging mess halls and lived in different areas. I share their recollections about the mid- times for higher education in the U.S. and regret to say I did not know your uncle. century era in Spirit. for fundraising to support our country’s There was no disgrace to “walk the great academic institutions (particularly bull pen” as minor infractions sometimes DOESTHISNAMERINGABELL? those facing significant budget cuts), the earned the cadet that privilege. My husband is an advances the Texas A&M Foundation con- Once, as a fish, an upperclassman A&M graduate of tinues to make and the resources you allowed me the opportunity to do the 1973, and we receive continue to generate for A&M are a bright “walking” (which was more like a shuffle) Spirit magazine, where spot indeed. I am glad A&M continues in his place as he relaxed in the dormitory. I read an article to occupy this privileged position, which How could I refuse such an offer to please (summer 2010) about further underscores the extraordinary a no-good (my opinion now) sophomore? lawrence DuBose ’42. generosity of the former students. I wish But A&M was a great place for an you and the entire Foundation a productive My uncle was education with a football team that lost John Harold Allen, and prosperous new Year. John Harold Allen ’42 only to Texas. a 1942 mechanical Sorry I have been of no help. —david v. rosowsky, ph.d., engineering graduate. He died in the war Unfortunately, there are fewer survivors p.e., f. asce 1943 in December . My mom has also in the class of 1942 each year. Dean of Engineering passed away, so I thought Dr. DuBose Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y. (Head of Texas A&M’s Zachry Department might have memories of my uncle. Our —lawrence dubose ’42 of Civil Engineering, 2004-09) family did not talk about him much, Carol Stream, Ill.

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2 0 1 1 5 The renovated first floor of the Sterling C. Evans Library reopened as the fall semester began. The Charles Benjamin Look Reading Room houses the Weinbaum Poetry Collection (shown right). Other upgrades include a study lounge furnished by the Federation of Texas A&M University Mothers’ Clubs Library Endowment, 12 new group study rooms and an expanded coffee shop. In addition, a bequest by Gina and Bill Flores ’76 will complete their funding of the Johnette and Elwyn Bass Library Commons.

To see a video related to this article, scan this code with your mobile phone or visit OnCampus giving.tamu.edu/SpiritMagazine.

Canada Firm Tops Aggie 100 “We want to limit animal suffer- The Aggie 100 recognizes the world’s ing,” said Dr. Wesley Bissett, assistant fastest-growing Aggie-owned or Aggie- professor and the team’s coordinator. led businesses. Topping this year’s list “Being able to respond when animals is Caltex energy, a Canada-based oil are in need is in our tradition of and gas exploration company. presi - service.” dent Tom Bieschke ’95 started Caltex Start-up costs, which includ ed energy five years ago, and despite the purchases of equipment and a four- wheel-drive crew-cab pickup, ran about Aggie 100 winner Tom Bieschke ’95 recession has grown it into a highly successful business. $450,000; funding and equipment Companies representing six states were provided by multiple agencies Aggie 100 Top 10 for 2010 and three countries were ranked and organizations.

01. Caltex Energy Inc. accord ing to the compound growth Tom Bieschke ’95 rate in the last two years. Caltex energy Texas A&M Walks the Talk Calgary, Alberta, Canada grew more than 224 percent, and Aggies can take pride in these recent 02. Republic Landscapes second-place republic landscapes of Brandon Spears ’94 accomplishments: College Station College Station grew 127 percent from ◊ Texas A&M University ranked sec- 2007 to 2009. 03. Brazos Technology ond (behind penn State) among Michael McAleer ’92 More than 600 guests attended the recruiters’ favorite schools, according College Station Aggie 100 celebration held at the Zone to a Wall Street Journal survey of major 04. Opportune LLP Club in Kyle Field on Oct. 22. For David Baggett ’81 recruiters whose companies hired more information, visit aggie100.com. Houston 43,000 new graduates in 2009. A&M 05. Improving Enterprises Inc. Veterinary Team Will Treat Pets was the only Texas school in the top Curtis Hite ’91 10 479 Dallas and Livestock in Disaster Areas of the survey of corporate, nonprofit and government recruiters 06. Monico Monitoring Inc. The College of veterinary Medicine released in September. Doyle Taylor ’82 & Biomedical Sciences unveiled its Spring veterinary emergency Team on Dec. 1. ◊ U.S. News & World Report placed 07. Employer Flexible Texas A&M second in the “Great Michael Greathouse ’98 This mobile unit can respond to dis- Houston asters and go into hazardous sites Schools, Great prices” category behind 08. Salvaggio, Teal & Associates throughout the south to help pets and the University of north Carolina at Mitt Salvaggio ’82 livestock for up to two weeks. Chapel Hill. The Dwight look Col - Austin When a governor declares a disas- lege of engineering maintained its 09. Internet Contrasts Co. ter area, the emergency team—which no. 9 status for engineering programs Brandon Zumwalt ’99 at public universities. Helotes includes veterinarians, students and

10. iSpeak Inc. other staff—will perform minor ◊ The princeton review listed Texas Russ Peterson Jr. ’91 surgeries and pro vide other care as A&M among its 10 best-value public Round Rock needed. colleges based on available financial aid

6 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION New Campus Apartments Open In August 2010 the Department of residence life opened 250 furnished apartments, the first new on-campus housing since 1986, near the intersec- tion of University Drive and College Avenue. This housing is phase one of The Gardens at University Apartments, built at a cost of $35 million. The Gardens’ one- and two-bed- room units cater to graduate students, veterans, married students and students with children, but any student with 30 or more hours may apply. Some and cost to attend. A&M also ranked four years, according to the Texas units are handicap-accessible. no. 1 for most conservative students A&M Office of Institutional Studies phase two, opening in August and no. 5 for best athletic facilities. and planning. That’s up from 36 per- 2011, will add 168 apartments. The 2000 ◊ A&M’s annual expenditures in sci- cent for Aggies entering in . third and final phase will be completed ence and engineering research topped in five to seven years. the $600 million mark for the first time So You Think You Can Dance? In 2013 A&M will open a new, in history. Based on that spending, Step right up: Texas A&M now offers 600-bed northside dormitory to replace the national Science Foundation a dance science degree. This 120-hour Crocker, Moore and McInnis halls, ranked Texas A&M in its Top 20 degree focuses on dance research, which will close this summer. Academic research performers for the anatomy, nutrition, injury prevention, second consecutive year. psychological aspects of the dancer and

◊ The university’s undergraduate biomechanical principles of technique. and graduate landscape architecture Graduates, who earn a bachelor programs ranked no. 2 and no. 3 of science degree, may become pro- respectively in 2011 rankings by the fessional dancers, researchers, dance Tiffany Creecy McElmurry ’09 and her husband, Design Futures Council, a leading therapists and teachers. Admission into Rick McElmurry ’09, strike their winning pose this program, offered through the with the Menos sculpture near the Engineering design industry collaborative. Physics and Halbouty Geosciences buildings. Department of Health & Kinesiology, Their prize was a gift certificate to Grand Station ◊ The George Bush School of requires an audition. Entertainment. University Art Collec tions Government and public Service is one sponsored last fall’s inaugural Art Pose contest, which invited A&M students to photograph of five schools selected to participate To see a video related to this article, scan this code with your mobile phone or visit themselves creatively complementing a sculpture the next academic year in a new giving.tamu.edu/SpiritMagazine. or other artwork on campus. national program to prepare top graduate students for federal government careers in international relations and related fields. A&M’s robertson Fellows program will be funded by a $386,400 four-year gift from the robertson Foundation for Govern - ment, which was established by the family of the late philanthropists Charles and Marie robertson.

◊ Military Times Edge magazine rated A&M no. 7 among 101 schools on its list of veteran-friendly universities.

◊ nearly half (49.8 percent) of Aggies entering in 2005 received degrees in

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2 0 1 1 7 A&M astronomers discovered that this distant galaxy cluster forms hundreds of new stars LabWork each year.

Aggies Save La Salle’s Ship More Stars Are Born Aggie researchers are using an uncon - Using nASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope, ventional freeze-drying process to a research team led by Dr. Kim-vy Tran preserve the wooden remnants of the discovered that some of the universe’s la Belle, which sank in Matagorda Bay oldest, most distant clusters of galaxies in 1686. The ship was one of four are adding new stars. under the command of famed explorer Tran, an assistant professor in robert de la Salle when he hoped to Texas A&M’s Department of physics establish a French colony at the mouth and Astronomy, and her team spent of the Mississippi river. The loss of four months studying images from the ship doomed his effort. the telescope. They discovered that Dr. Donny Hamilton, director of the galaxy cluster ClG J02182-05102 A freeze dryer expedites dehydration of the wooden remains of La Salle’s A&M’s Conservation research labo - alone produces hundreds to thousands ship, the La Belle, which sank in 1686. ratory, explained that freeze-drying— of new stars each year, a much faster instead of direct rate than that of nearby galaxies. dehydration— The stellar birth rate is higher in reduces preserva- the cluster’s center than at its edges, tion time by three which poses a mystery: It’s the opposite years and cuts costs of our sun’s portion of the universe, dramatically. The where old stars fill the cores of massive ship’s parts will stay elliptical galaxies. in a 40-foot-long, The international team’s discovery 8-foot-diameter could ultimately reveal more about freeze dryer at Texas how huge galaxies form. “We will ana- A&M Uni versity’s lyze new observations scheduled to be riverside Campus taken with the Hubble Space Tele - in Bryan for up to scope and Herschel Space Telescope to six months. understand why these galaxies are so Then they will active,” said Tran, a member of A&M’s be stored until George p. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell 2013, when the his - Institute for Fundamental physics and toric ship’s rem- Astronomy. “We will also start looking nants will be at several more distant galaxy clusters reassembled and to see if we find similar behavior.” displayed at the Bob Bullock Muse - Aggies Plan Bellville Makeover um in Austin. Five Aggie graduate students have crafted a proposal to revitalize down-

8 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION town Bellville, population 4,500. Bhutan, there will be a wealth of pos- Using a grant from the city’s economic sible studies that can be initiated,” Texas To Keep Getting Hotter development corporation, the students said Janecka, the genetics research pro - outlined improvements to streets, gram director for the Snow leopard A Texas A&M University climate expert predicts temperatures building facades, pedestrian paths, Conservancy. throughout the state could reach natural landscaping, artwork, shade 5 degrees higher than present day structures, lighting, drainage and Family Values Can Cut Pollution by 2060. After analyzing computer models and projections from years 63 more in the town miles northwest Family ownership and financial 2000 to 2060, atmospheric sciences of Houston. incen tives can significantly decrease a professor John Nielsen-Gammon The students—four in landscape company’s pollution levels, according expects temperatures to rise by architecture master’s degree programs about .5 to .8 of a degree to two new studies co-authored by Dr. Fahrenheit per decade. and one working on a ph.D. in urban luis Gomez-Mejia, management pro- “Barring some massive volcanic activity or a sudden decline in solar and regional science—began with fessor in A&M’s Mays Business School. surveys and base maps. After analysis, output, Texas is almost certain to When a family owns at least 5 continue getting hotter in the next they developed design guidelines and percent of a company’s voting stock, 20 to 50 years,” said Nielsen- met with Bellville’s economic devel- pollution levels are much lower. Gammon, who is also state opment corporation rep resentatives for climatologist. “By 2050 or 2060, we Companies also pollute less when the are likely to average 2 to 6 degrees a preliminary review. With feedback CeO receives long-term financial warmer than temperatures back in from that meet ing, the team developed incen tives such as stock options (rather 1981 to 2000.” Highs of 100 degrees could and presented its proposal, which is than cash) for enacting pollution become routine, with 105- to 110- online at www.bellvilleedc.com/BeDC- controls. The researchers based their degree days not that surprising. revitalization.htm. findings on an analysis of actions by “The unusually warm summers in hundreds of companies documented parts of Texas in 2009 and 2010 were a taste of the future,” he Veterinary DNA Specialist Trains in environmental protection Agency said. “They are likely to be the Conservation Experts in Bhutan toxic emission reports. typical summers of mid-century, and the unusually hot summers Dr. Jan Janecka ’06, a Texas A&M researchers hypothesize that when will be that much hotter.” research assistant professor in the families’ images and reputations are at Rising temperatures could lead Depart ment of veterinary Integrative stake through company practices, they to problems such as water short- Biosciences, visited Bhutan last May to push ecological responsibility. Gener - ages, increased farm and ranch irrigation, crop failures, and long, teach the Asian nation’s conservation ally speaking, family owners are more severe droughts. “There will also leaders the latest techniques for wild - concerned with a company’s overall be some changes that most people life conservation and to produce a quality and longevity while institution- would regard as beneficial, such handbook on conducting wildlife al investors can tend toward a shorter- as milder winters. But we may as well start planning for a climate research in remote rugged landscapes. term view, says Gomez-Mejia, who that’s different from the one we Janecka—who specializes in genet - holds the Benton Cocanougher Chair have now.” ic analysis of cats such as the snow in Business. leopard—was part of an international team of scientists. The team taught Bhutan wildlife specialists how to set up a lab, conduct noninvasive DnA surveys, and extract DnA from tissue and feces. Genetic analysis aids understanding of species and their populations, which is important for conservation and management. “By collecting and properly main - taining tissues and DnA samples in

A College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences researcher who specializes in snow leopards traveled to Bhutan to assist the Himalayan nation with wildlife conservation.

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2 0 1 1 9 Gifts to the Texas A&M Foundation Inspire Spirit and Mind NewGifts

Reta Haynes’ Gift Honors Husband, COLLEGEIMPACT Helps Her Favorite A&M Programs Dow Continues Support of Engineering reta Haynes honored her late husband, Harold J. “Bill” Haynes ’46, and A recent Dow Chemical Co. gift will benefit Aggie engineers in three ways. supported her favorite Texas A&M University programs by creating endow - Dow directed $200,000 to support the ments totaling $900,000 in August. “I Chemical engineering endowment have such respect and love for the account and the Dwight look College university,” she said. “Its values are of engineering excellence Fund. And close to my values.” the company specified that an addi- Her gift provided an endowment tional $100,000 be used to upgrade and sponsor the fluid-flow and heat- of $500,000 for the reta Haynes learning Community in the College exchange units in the Artie McFerrin of education and Human Develop - Department of Chemical engineering ment. This learning community unit operations laboratory. focuses on developing and retaining The company enjoys a close rela- Reta Haynes recently provided students planning careers in pre-K-12 tionship with the department, heavily $500,000 to endow the Reta Haynes recruiting chemical engineers and par - Learning Community in the College of education. Education and Human Devel opment. Haynes called this gift “a won - ticipating in department activities, said She contributed $400,000 for Corps derful opportunity to do something Dow representative Mike Walzel ’82, and Singing Cadets scholarships. who serves on the department’s advi- worthwhile, not only for the A&M students who will become teachers, sory council. “Texas A&M chemical but also for their students and the engineering graduates are known for future leadership of our country.” their hands-on approach to solving She also contributed $300,000 for prob lems and making improve ments, three endowed Corps of Cadets 21st and the unit ops lab is a place where Century Scholarships that took effect these skills are developed,” he said. in fall 2010. The scholarships honor For decades Dow Chemical has her husband of 64 years, a 1972 Dis - made generous outright and matching tinguished Alumnus, and pay tribute gifts to chemical engineering faculty, to all current and former Corps of students and facilities as well as to Cadets members. many other A&M programs. Her additional gift of $100,000 established the reta Haynes Singing STUDENTIMPACT Cadet endowment Fund to support Former Students Boost Sociology the group’s activities and future Aggie graduate students in sociology development. will benefit from two after-lifetime

10 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION Fellowship Honors Lunsford ’57

Graduate students conducting research in surface science and catalysis will be eligible for a chemistry fellowship funded in honor of Dr. Jack Lunsford ’57, a Texas A&M professor who retired in 2008. Lunsford was Corps of Cadets Commander and followed his Aggie bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with a Ph.D. from Rice University in 1962. After Air Force service, he returned to A&M in 1966 to teach chemistry. “The Lunsford Fellowship will provide important financial support for next-generation scientists Monica Greene ’14 is the first recipient of a one-year endowed scholarship funded by the Class of ’94 working in surface chemistry and as part of its class gift. The scholarship is awarded for academic achievement and extracurricular activities catalysis,” said Dr. David H. Russell, with preference to relatives of a member of the Class of ’94 or relatives of other 1990s graduates. chemistry department head. Greene’s parents—Mindi and Matthew Greene of College Station—are both Class of ’94. “Of even greater significance is the recognition afforded to Jack Lunsford. Members of the Texas gifts recently established through the veterinary Medicine. “Dorothy and I A&M faculty, especially those in Texas A&M Foundation. have strong feelings for what the soci- the Department of Chemistry, Gabriela M. Guazzo ’09 will fund ology and rural sociology program have immense respect for Jack’s scientific contributions and for fellowships for doctoral students provided during our lives,” said the person that he is. To many through an estate gift. “During my Ohlendorf, who was encouraged to do of us, he truly represents the time as a graduate student, I received graduate work by the Aggie faculty. scientist’s scientist.” If you or your company would funding via a departmental graduate “We wanted to be able to give others like to support the fellowship, assistantship. But I found that even an opportunity to benefit from the contact Sharon Allen at (979) 458- with these funds, it was still financially excellent program that has emerged.” 4393 or [email protected]. challenging to complete my degree,” To contribute online, go to giving.tamu.edu/SupportLunsford. Guazzo said. “Knowing that other stu - Huddlestons Establish Fellowship dents may be in a last spring, Kathy B. ’81 and peter D. similar situation, I ’80 Huddleston established a $50,000 plan to donate a endowed fellowship at the George por tion of my estate Bush School of Government and Dr. Jack Lunsford ’57, former Corps Commander, taught chemistry at public Service. “Kathy and I are hon- to the Department Texas A&M for more than 40 years. of Sociology to ored to be able to provide support to assist ph.D. stu- the Bush School,” peter Huddleston dents by providing Gabriela M. said. “We have been moved by the Guazzo ’09 additional funding school’s mission of service and have over and above the departmental been highly impressed by the charac- assistantship.” ter and talents of both the faculty Dr. George W. Ohlendorf ’60 and and students. We plan to add to the his wife, Dorothy, will fund sociology fellow ship in the future.” fellowships for full-time graduate stu- The Huddlestons, longtime A&M dents through a charitable gift annuity. benefactors, have made other gifts to He earned bachelor’s, master’s and the Bush School, Department of doctoral degrees in sociology from petroleum engineering, The Associa - th Texas A&M and then worked 29 years tion of Former Students and 12 Man at louisiana State University’s Foundation. Both are petroleum Departments of Sociology and rural engineering graduates. Sociology and its School of

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2 0 1 1 11 Our Campus Living Room the memorial student center lies at the heart of this aggie’s family legacy. OneVoice

“ no trip to Texas A&M University would be complete without a visit to the Memorial Student Center—‘the living room.’ ”

—amy bacon ’91 in Building Leaders, Living Traditions: The Memorial Student Center at Texas A&M University

Amy Bacon’s statement perfectly that would become an iconic symbol of conveys what thousands of Aggies feel selfless sacrifice for Aggies everywhere. about the Memorial Student Center Construction began in the 1940s, (MSC). But why do we call it our “living and the MSC dedication occurred the memorial” and “campus living room”? same day as Aggie Muster in 1951. As the 61st MSC president, I think I The memorial pays tribute to can answer that question by first Aggies who sacrificed their lives for looking back two generations before the freedom of others. It was dedicated me and then understanding what’s to honor Aggies who lost their lives in right in front of me. You see, the MSC World Wars I and II. later it evolved is found in almost every chapter of to honor those who sacrifice their lives my Texas A&M story, from beginning in all U.S. wars. MSC President Collin Laden ’10 has to end. The MSC serves as a training experienced the valuable leadership- My Aggie story began more than ground for student leaders and future building programs of A&M’s Memorial Student Center. four years ago, sitting around the world leaders. It is a landmark for all kitchen table with my parents, dis- Aggies and campus visitors. cussing college life—the experiences, Shortly before my freshman year, the challenges, the successes and the my parents and I visited the A&M impact it would have on me. I am the admissions and scholarship offices, oldest of five, so I was the first child met with academic advisers, and later to attend Texas A&M. But this uni- went to the MSC. versity was nothing new to me: I am As we walked its hallways, my dad, a third-generation Aggie, part of a Gary laden ’81, told of his memo- laden family tradition that I hope rable meetings on a green couch in my children will carry on. the office of Wayne Stark, who was My grandfather, Sam laden ’55, MSC director for 33 years until retir- arrived at Texas A&M during an epic ing in 1980. Stark encouraged my time in the university’s history. As a father and many other students to fish entering in 1951, he visited the travel, experience the visual arts and new Memorial Student Center, a place study leadership to broaden their of reverence and inspiration, a home horizons. My dad attributes his leader- for campus activities, and an edifice ship development to his time with

12 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION Like his father, Gary Laden ’81, and grandfather, Sam Laden ’55, Collin Laden appreciates the MSC as a memorial, as the campus living room and as a hub of leadership training on the A&M campus.

and Town Hall musical events, Aggie Cinema films and student art exhibits that enhance campus life. perhaps most amazingly, hundreds of these opportunities continue as the facility undergoes substantial renovation and expansion. The three-year project, which began in 2009, will improve the lives of Aggies by accom- modating our ever-changing student population; by echoing the history, tradition and spirit of Aggieland; and by honoring the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. While the structure, functionality the MSC’s annual Student Conference in Costa rica. It was a once-in-a-life- and appearance of the MSC are sig- on nation al Affairs (SCOnA) and time journey of discovery with lessons nificant, its purpose as a memorial to other MSC programs. that will stay with me. fallen Aggies and as a place that molds We also visited the Flag room, The challenges, successes, network - leaders are what make it a remarkable where students gathered to study, ing opportunities and international A&M landmark. It’s our “campus living exchange stories and plan events. immersion in programs such as FISH room” because Aggies are comfortable When I left the MSC and Aggieland illustrate why the MSC is a leadership chatting, relaxing, studying and that day, I knew I would return to the laboratory for thousands of Aggies. reflecting there. MSC, but I had no idea what valuable It increases opportunities for As I prepare to graduate, I am con - opportunities awaited. students to grow, learn and serve in tent knowing the Memorial Student During my first few weeks as a many ways. examples include SCOnA, Center will live on inside me as it has freshman, I quickly realized the end- which attract students from around in my grandfather and father, and as less possibilities for involvement and the world to develop policies on issues it does in all Aggies. Aggie experiences. I joined MSC Fresh - facing our generation and the next; men in Service and Hosting (FISH), MSC leAD’s Whoop! for Troops, —by collin laden ’10 msc president which gave me the chance to network which collects and sends Christmas with incredible student leaders, U.S. cards and goods to U.S. military per- and international diplomats, and sonnel stationed overseas; the Abbott To support the MSC renovation, contact: influential former students who told Family leadership Conference; the David Wilkinson ’87 me to dream big and dream now. Wiley lecture series, which showcases Senior Regional Director of Major Gifts

As a sophomore and junior, I inter nationally renowned speakers Texas A&M Foundation

continued as assistant director and on issues of global significance; the [email protected] later chairman of FISH. My most Carter G. Woodson Black Awareness (800) 392-3310 or (979) 845-8161 reward ing experience came through Commit tee and Committee for the initiating and leading an international Awareness of Mexican-American Cul - To make an online donation, service-learning trip to the Texas A&M ture, which enrich the multicultural go to giving.tamu.edu/SupportMSC. Soltis research and education Center experiences of the campus community;

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2 0 1 1 13

Happy 100th to legett Hall

This dorm is named for Judge K. K. legett, who served on Texas A&M’s Board of Directors from 1907-11. In 1908, he wrote the governor saying, “This is the only institution in the civilized world where a number of its students are forced to live in tents.” The directors authorized construction of a $75,000 dorm bearing his name, and it opened Sept. 26, 1911. Times change, and legett Hall became (and stayed) a women-only dorm after extensive renovation in 1979. It retains the same exterior character, but offers millennium perks: card-key access for security, a community kitchen, a study/television lounge, basic cable, computer network connections in each room, and free washers and dryers on each floor. A residents’ reunion is planned for mid-April, during parents’ Weekend; find details on the legett Hall Facebook page. Sydney Van Wyk ’ will pursue a humanitarian career because of an experience as a freshman at Texas A&M. As a young girl, Sydney Van Wyk ’13 dreamed of singing country music standards on the storied stage of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. Attending Texas A&M with the support of a Regents’ Scholarship has given Van Wyk a new dream...and the education she needs to achieve it. “This scholarship is more than a financial contribution,” said Van Wyk. “It’s a gateway to a new me.” Growing up in Harlingen in the Rio Grande Valley, Van Wyk devoted herself to horses, including competitive barrel racing. “As long as I can remember, I’ve been on the back of a horse. When things were hard, I could go out in the pasture and escape.” Through endowed Regents’ Her parents, who divorced when she was a youngster, believed in higher edu- Scholarships, these two Aggies will cation even though they never com pleted their degrees. “They always inspired me eclipse their parents’ educations by and told me they wanted me to go to college,” she said. Because of their financial earning college degrees. situations, Van Wyk needed to pay for her college education with scholarships and a job managing a herd of miniature donkeys, miniature horses and stock horses on a ranch. She decided to major in agriculture leadership instead of music while at Texas A&M. “I had a hard time seeing myself performing until I was 60, combined with the realization that I am most likely going to be the type of person who will never be able to truly retire,” she said. As a freshman at A&M, she read Hope Rising by Kim Meeder, which gave rise to a new dream. The book describes the Oregon ranch that Meeder and her husband established to assist children and horses who have suffered abuse and neglect. “Halfway through the book, a lightbulb went off and I realized this is what I want for my life and those in it,” Van Wyk said. “Singing gives me such joy, but I’ve learned that help ing one person take a step toward a productive, promising future could give me more enjoyment than singing in front of thousands at the Grand Ole Opry.” GatewaySTUDENT IMPACT

to DreamsVALLEY KIDS GET A BREAK ➵ As a trustee for Hygeia Foundation, Lee Richards ’56 established Van Wyk’s Regents’ Scholarship. He remembers his own hurdles, including taking an entrance test for admission to A&M when he was a young man. “I went to talk to this counselor about the results,” the Harlingen resident said. “He started the conversation politely, but then told me that I wouldn’t make it at Texas A&M with my ability level.” Despite the counselor’s verdict, Richards persevered. “He didn’t influ ence me to believe that I wasn’t going to succeed. I knew I was going to make it at Texas A&M,” said Richards, who hailed from an Aggie family. His father, Harvey ’27, and

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2 0 1 1 17 Uncle John ’30 also worked at Hygeia Dairy; its Hygeia Foundation was started in 1954 and funded by the dairy, whose majority ownership later was held by the Richards family. Since then Richards has influenced many young people—in many ways—to reach for their college dreams. In 1990, he helped bring the Texas Scholars program to Harlingen. The program encourages high school students to complete college preparatory classes. He also was instrumental in creating the Harlingen Area Educational Foundation, and still works with its New Directions program to reduce the drop-out rate by nurturing students’ realization that education is vital to their futures and by teaching skills they need to succeed in high school. “I want to earn my doctorate At Texas A&M, he assists aspiring Aggies from Harlingen through four Regents’ and then work for the Scholarships, including Van Wyk’s. The Hygeia Foundation, which also funded government researching an academic-based Presi dent’s Endowed Scholarship, will terminate when all of new energy sources or the Regents’ Scholarships are fully funded. “There are a lot of people in this area engineering new types of who can’t afford to send their children to college, and many students don’t have air travel.” the grades to get academic scholarships,” Richards said. “The Regents’ Scholarship fills this gap.” —DANIEL CARMONA ’12 Richards believes the Hygeia Foun dation Regents’ Scholarships will ultimately benefit both the recipient and the Harlingen community. “I put emphasis on education because I think it’s the best way to help people become qualified for life’s challenges,” he said. “A lot of these kids will come back and become the leaders in area businesses and in our community.”

HAND ME THE KEYS ➵ After nine years on the Harlingen Independent School District Board of Trustees, Frank Boggus ’49—who established an endowed Regents’ Schol arship in 2008—understands the challenges that Rio Grande Valley students face in seeking higher education. “We have too many young people who are out there ready to do great things but can’t afford a college education,” said Boggus, CEO and chairman of Boggus Ford Lincoln Mercury in Harlingen. “I’m at the age and time in my life when I can create a scholarship that will do some good. And a scholarship to Texas A&M is the way to do it.” Daniel Carmona ’12, recipient of the Boggus scholarship, majors in physics. “I want to earn my doctorate and then work for the government researching new energy sources or engineering new types of air travel,” he said. Carmona, who also hails from Harlingen, considered other colleges, but For information about how you can eventually settled on Texas A&M. “I liked that they were really big on engineering support the endowed Regents’ and science,” he said. “The Regents’ Scholarship has helped a lot. We’re not too Scholarship program, contact: wealthy. Now my mom doesn’t have to worry about paying for tuition and covering my personal needs and expenses.” Jody Ford ’99 Regents’ Scholars such as Carmona and Van Wyk look forward to stepping Director of Development— into leadership roles and eventually providing financial support for a future gen- Scholarships eration of Aggies. Texas A&M Foundation “When you give an opportunity to someone as huge as attending Texas A&M (979) 845-8161 or (800) 392-3310 on scholarship, you’re handing them a set of keys to doors that they wouldn’t [email protected] have had the opportunity to open,” Van Wyk said. “I want to spread that hope, that giving.tamu.edu chance one day.”

—by dorian martin Daniel Carmona ’ is majoring in physics. The Regents’ Scholarship makes his Texas A&M education possible.

18 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION How Regents’ Scholarships Help Aggies

When he was university president in , Dr. Robert Gates established the Regents’ Scholarship program to help Texas A&M students become the first generations in their families to earn college degrees. The Regents’ Scholars Program originally was funded through the university’s operating budget, but endowed Regents’ Scholarships are now established through and held by the Texas A&M Foundation. A , gift to the Texas A&M Foundation can establish an endowed Regents’ Scholarship that will per manently provide one student at a time with an annual scholarship for four years. (The annual stipend varies based on an investment payout rate approved by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees; it’s currently $4,500.) Donors—whether individuals, corporations, foundations, A&M clubs or other organizations— may name scholarships in memory or in honor of a person, class or organization. About  freshmen and about , upperclassmen receive annual financial support from Regents’ Schol ar ships. Since its inception, the Regents’ Scholars Program has assisted , students. Regents’ Scholars have a  percent student retention rate at A&M, thanks in part to a structured academic and social assistance pro gram. These scholars must live on campus during their freshman year and participate in a learning community; they also attend an orientation designed by sopho - more, junior and senior Regents’ Scholars.

To learn more about Regents’ Scholarships, go to giving.tamu.edu/regents. Read the Regents’ Scholar Blog at https://sfaid.tamu.edu/RegentBlog and the Regents’ Review newsletter at FinancialAid.tamu.edu/RegentsReview. 20 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION COLLEGE IMPACT

Within five years of his 1982 graduation from Texas A&M, Joe Gregory was managing mul ti million-dollar projects for Chevron Corp. in Angola, Singapore and Korea. He had joined Chevron after graduating and worked up to those major assignments by managing small er projects out of New Orleans. “It was a great opportunity to build proj ect man agement skills and grow in account ability,” said Gregory, a civil engineer who later managed a multibillion-dollar endeavor in Australia and now oversees Chevron’s major capital projects in the Gulf of Mexico. “Projects that cost hundreds of millions when my career began now cost billions, and industry performance expectations are greater. Graduates with basic knowledge of project planning, cost man - agement, risk management and safety as well as international experience have a leg up when they join a global company.”

Chevron’s gift expands a multidisciplinary program that provides career advantages to Aggie engineers.

Paul Govan ’11 (left), Jarod Stojanik ’04 and Hannah Chartouni ’10 discuss building specifications at a construction site. “The oil and gas industry is capital-intensive, so getting things done safely, on time and on budget is important.”

— MARKPUCKETT ’ 7 3

Chevron, the Texas A&M Founda - That responsiveness is exem- hired the brightest engineers and tion’s largest corporate donor, has plified by Chevron’s single largest they learned on the job. Then we provided transformational philan- gift to Texas A&M: $2.5 million to saw that engineers could gain many thropic support—more than $41 expand a pioneering initiative that project management skills in the million not including research equips engineers with project man - academic setting.” funding—during its longtime rela- agement skills prized by indus try. tionship with A&M. Chevron’s Mark Puckett ’73 guided that Meeting “a Dire Need” impact stems not just from its gifts gift before retiring as president of Puckett credits petroleum engineer but also from “listening to our Chevron Energy Technology Co. J. L. “Corky” Frank ’58 with starting needs, working with us and finding in 2008. “Chevron requires a high the engineering project manage- ways to respond,” said Dr. John level of project management exper - ment initiative. Frank has served on Niedzwecki, Regents Professor, R. t ise,” Puckett said. “In the past, we A&M’s Engineering Advisory Coun - P. Gregory ’32 Chair (no relation cil since 1986. When he retired in to Joe Gregory) and head of the 2001 as president of Marathon Dr. Kenneth F. Reinschmidt holds the J. L. Zachry Department of Civil Engi - “Corky” Frank/Marathon Oil Company Chair Ashland Petroleum, he wanted to neering. in Engineering Project Management. help the industry and Marathon.

22 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION From 2007 to 2010, Chevron contributed more than $6.2 million to Texas A&M University through the Texas A&M Foundation. Chevron’s gifts, made through its University Partnership Program, have supported these programs:

n Engineering project management

n Petroleum engineering

n Facilities engineering

n Health, environment & safety– “Every oil company and major engineering graduates, they began School of Rural Public Health n Zachry Department of Civil indus try had a dire need for proj- developing the certificate program. Engineering

ect management skills, so I thought “Several universities had mas- n Artie McFerrin Department of this was a natural fit,” Frank said. ter’s degrees or short courses in Chemical Engineering–Safety Certificate Program Through the Texas A&M project management,” Reinschmidt n Earth science Foun dation, he gave the univer - said, “but I am not aware of any n Information technology

sity $500,000—which Marathon that had this kind of program for n Human resources matched—to endow the J. L. undergraduates.” n Accounting/finance “Corky” Frank/Marathon Oil n Texas A&M University at Galveston. Company Chair in Engineering Certificate Program Approved More than 650 Texas A&M graduates Project Management. The endow- The Undergraduate Certificate work for Chevron, which recruits from information technology, engineering, ment funds the faculty chair’s Program in Engineering Project finance, geology, process safety and

project management activities. Management, which produces grad - supply chain programs. CHEVRON PROGRAM DONATIONS Dr. Kenneth F. Reinschmidt uates with basic project manage- was named to that chair in 2002. ment skills, was approved in 2006. He was educated at and taught civil To earn the certificate, students engineering at the Massachusetts must complete four three-hour Institute of Technology before work - cours es. Two of the courses surpass ing 19 years for a Boston engineer- the students’ degree requirements; ing firm. While advancing to senior they include a multidisciplinary vice president and a subsidiary pres - pro ject management course cross- ident and CEO, he gained expertise listed by the departments of civil, in systems functions, project man- mechanical, and industrial and agement and business development. systems engineering as well as a The certificate program grew management process class at the out of discussions about possible Mays Business School. activities and priorities for the Priscila Lonngi ’09 is one of Frank/Marathon chair with 100 students who have earned cer- Niedzwecki (then in the dean’s tificates along with their degrees. office), other faculty and former She believes the certificate helped students in industry. Together, her obtain a job in manufacturing, Reinschmidt and Niedzwecki her primary interest. A month established the project manage- after graduating with an industrial ment advisory council with Frank and systems engineering degree, as its founding chair. Supported by she became a shop supervisor for a survey of several college advisory Sercel Inc., which manufactures groups advocating more project seismic equipment in Houston for To see a video related to this article, scan this code with your mobile phone or visit management education for A&M the oil and gas industry. giving.tamu.edu/SpiritMagazine.

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2 0 1 1 23 J. L. “Corky” Frank ’58, chair of the Texas A&M Engineer - ing College Advisory Council on Project Man - agement, prais- es the universi- J. L. “Corky” Frank ’58 ty and industry for their enthusiastic support of the engineering project management program. “It’s a feather “I enjoy the hands-on experi- Thirty fellowships have been in A&M’s cap and a service to students ence in manufacturing—using my awarded. Undergraduates receive and industry. Since A&M got involved, engineering, technical and project $4,000 per semester and typically quite a few universities have embarked on the same thing. We’ve made a management skills,” said Lonngi, assist project management faculty great start and have a lot of room to who supervises 100 employees and with research, create a case study or grow, but there’s still a big need for is responsible for materials order- undertake another project approved additional resources.” ing and delivery, planning, process by Reinschmidt. Graduate students Dr. Kenneth F. Reinschmidt, who $ oversees the project management improvement, and quality control. receive 15,000 per semester to teach curriculum and envisions expanding or conduct research in project the certificate program to the master’s Chevron Gift Creates Fellowships management. level, believes “every undergraduate In 2006, as the certificate program in engineering should have project management experience, but that started, Chevron began examining Fellowship Recipients goal far exceeds our resources.” its hiring relationships with uni- Reid Dumas ’11, a Chevron under - The certificate program enrollment, versities worldwide, said Pucket, graduate fellow, introduced project now at 109, is at faculty capacity, who is a member of A&M’s Engi - management skills to Texas A&M’s said Reinschmidt, noting that many students who do not pursue the neering Col lege Advisory Council. student chapter of Engineers With - certificate or apply for fellowships take Chevron began the University out Borders. This volunteer group the introductory project management Partnership Program to strengthen built a storage facility in Del Rio course, an engineering elective. support for key universities around that was later moved to Acuña, “We need additional philanthropic support to expand the project man- the world and assigned him as Mexico, for use as a community agement program,” Reinschmidt said. A&M’s liaison. center. “With donor help, we can add courses “The project management pro - The Acuña project was split HELPand BUILD the THE master’s PROJECT MANAGEMENT certificate PROGRAM program.” gram caught our attention,” Puckett into work packages and broken said. “The oil and gas industry is down by resources, team duties and capital-intensive, so getting things time lines. Dumas said project man - done safely, on time and on budget agement has “shown us how to is important. Engineers with project plan, set goals, monitor progress, management skills are immediately assess it and correct our course more hirable, more valuable.” when needed.” In 2008, Chevron Energy Michael Mazzola ’07 believes Tech nology Co. gave $2 million to the Chevron fellowship and his endow the Chevron Project Man - Aggie connections helped him agement Fund and $500,000 for secure a job as a project engineer initial activities. The fund elevated with the Houston civil engineering the certificate program by estab- firm of Cobb, Fendley & Associ - lishing the Chevron Undergraduate ates, where he is acquiring skills in and Graduate Fellowships in Pro - road design, piping schematic ject Management. design and contract development.

24 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION “I enjoy the hands-on experience in manufacturing— using my engineering, technical and project management skills.”

— PRISCILALONNGI ’ 0 9 Priscila Lonngi ’09 is one of 100 Aggies who earned certificates along with their degrees.

Mazzola completed a master’s exposed to the project management with people in other disciplines, in civil engineering in 2009 after curriculum have learned how and project management cuts across earn ing a bachelor’s in construction their technical expertise fits with all disciplines.” science. “The fellowship helped the business side of the industry,” me complete my master’s degree, said Taylor, who earned his bache- —by nancy mills mackey ensured my success as a project lor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineer and will assist in further- engineering from the University To provide additional support for the ing my career,” he said. of Kentucky and joined the facul- project management program, contact:

ty there after earning a civil engi- Don Birkelbach ’70 The Project Management Advantage neering doctorate at Texas A&M. Assistant Vice President for Another Chevron graduate fellow, Reinschmidt predicts “employ- Development R. B. 09 Dr. Timothy Taylor ’ , ers who once hired any Aggie engi- Texas A&M Foundation worked with Reinschmidt to devel - neer now will show a preference for (800) 392-3310 or (979) 845-5113

op and teach an introductory class graduates with project management [email protected] in project management for engi- experience. Every thing that engi- giving.tamu.edu neering undergraduates. “Engineers neers do is a project. Engineers deal

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2 0 1 1 25 TOM GILLIS ’42 MADE HIS MARK ON A&M SOME 70 YEARS AGO. THROUGHTWOFAMILYGIFTS,OTHERCADETSAREPOISEDTODOTHESAME.

an Lengyel never met leges, he considered Florida schools but ultimately Tom Gillis. But despite felt his father’s alma mater was the right choice. a seven-decade age dif - The fact that Lengyel’s parents—Diane and fer ence, the two would Col. Gregory Lengyel ’—live in Belgium cer- have undoubtedly hit it tainly influenced the decision. With other family off. members residing in San Antonio, Lengyel has a Both Gillis, Class of place to go for holidays and weekends away. , and Lengyel, Class Primarily, though, it was Lengyel’s admiration of , spent time liv- for Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets that solidified ing abroad. Both came his decision. to Texas A&M with plans to join the military. And “I decided the Corps would be a good experi- both were attracted to the leadership training oppor - ence because I’ve seen how it helps people become tunities of Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets. leaders and learn life lessons,” he said. Such knowl - Gillis, then, would surely approve of the selec- edge and experience, he added, could help him tion of Lengyel for a scholarship that bears his name. achieve his goal of becoming an Air Force pilot Last fall, Lengyel became the first recipient of the like his father. Thomas S. Gillis Jr. ’ Corps of Cadets st Century A self-proclaimed “military brat,” Lengyel Scholarship No. . The scholarship was funded in has lived in England, New Mexico, Florida and memory of Gillis by his son, Stratton Gillis ’. Washington, D.C. At every stop, he explored heli - copters. “I always thought it would be pretty amaz- Corps Values ing controlling them in the sky myself,” he said. Having an Aggie father meant that Lengyel, like Lengyel plans to be commissioned into the Air most Aggie descendants, grew up as a Texas A&M Force upon graduation. An environmental studies fan. But when he graduated from high school, home major, he hopes to pursue a military career or was Fort Walton Beach, Fla. When scouting col- become involved in environmental pol icy making.

26 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION Tom Gillis, Class of  “I decided the Corps would be a good experience because I’ve seen how it helps people become leaders and learn life lessons.”

— DAN LENGYEL ’14 “Eternal Seeker of Knowledge” knelt in front of her, removed his four-diamond cadet Like Lengyel, Gillis came to Texas A&M in large part colonel insignia, and carefully handed it to her. to prepare for military service. Rather than facing a All Frances Gillis could say to Lanier was, “Can “war on terror,” Gillis and his fellow cadets were I give you a kiss?” And, of course, she did. gearing up for deployment in World War II. Gillis family members had already plan ned to Family members said the Corps helped Gillis give $100,000 to the Texas A&M Foundation to attain discipline and leadership skills. His abilities endow a Corps 21 scholarship in Tom Gillis’ name. were so honed, in fact, that he joined Gen. George But they were so moved by the cadets’ presence at the rd Patton’s 3 Army Staff during the war, rose to the funeral and Lanier’s meaningful gesture that Stratton rank of major by age 26, and served as military gov- Gillis decided to endow a second Corps 21 scholar- ernor of a German province at war’s end. ship. Although that scholarship, too, is in his father’s Those who knew Gillis during his student days name, he created it to honor the five cadets who paid expected nothing less of the Fort Worth native. Not their respects to a man they never met. only was he Corps Commander and class valedic- In essence, Texas A&M’s influence on a cadet torian, Stratton Gillis said proudly that his father seven decades ago is preparing today’s cadets for “was the first straight-A student in Texas A&M’s 66- leadership success in their lives. By establishing year history.” He was editor of The Battalion and a endowed scholarships, the Gillis family perpetually member of the Ross Volunteer Company. And he will provide students with financial assistance and authored what is now a legendary compilation of honor Tom Gillis. Texas A&M traditions, the Cadence. But Gillis was just getting started. His daughter, Lightening the Load Amy Gillis Schwartz, said her father “reinvented Lengyel’s Corps 21 scholarship—prompted by the him self” throughout his life. After returning from generous act of five cadets—defrays the cost of his the war, he married Frances Roensch. He pursued tuition and expenses by more than 20 percent. careers as an accountant and lawyer, owned an oil “I’m really appreciative to Mr. Stratton Gillis tool manufacturing company, wrote a book still for the schol arship. It means a lot that he and his used in college business curricula, and taught family want to contribute to A&M like this,” said entrepreneurship, serving at universities all over the Lengyel, who—because his father is on active duty— world. “He was the eternal seeker of knowledge,” receives other financial aid under the Hazelwood Act. Schwartz said. “This scholarship lets me focus more on academics and on Corps activities without having to focus on A Day to Remember financial issues. In the long run, I know my time in Tom Gillis’ experience at Texas A&M, his wife and the Corps is going to be well worth it.” children said, significantly shaped his life. So when he died in April 2010, it seemed fitting that he be —by kara bounds socol laid to rest on Muster—a sacred day of remem- brance for Aggies around the world. To learn more about supporting the In the Muster spirit, five members of the Corps Corps of Cadets, contact: attended the Bellville funeral, tangibly demonstrat- ing that Gillis would always be a part of his beloved Brian Bishop ’91 alma mater. Senior Director of Development Cadets in Texas A&M’s Color Guard presented Texas A&M Foundation an American flag to Frances Gillis. But what hap- (800) 392-3310 or (979) 862-4085 pened next was something the Gillis family will never [email protected] forget: Aggie Corps Commander Brent Lanier ’10 giving.tamu.edu

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2 0 1 1 29 Dr. Jim Kracht believes in the power of potential. His unique approach to student mentoring is a guiding force for the Byrne Student Success Center. FACULTY IMPACT “I came to Texas A&M in the sum - also increases access to services that “Life is more complex,” Kracht mer of 1974. Dr. David David offered help students succeed. said. “The answer often lies with finan - me a job as an assistant professor in As a student and later as a faculty cial aid, but sometimes the problem curriculum and instruction and social member, Kracht learned firsthand how involves a lack of study or time man- studies education. The college paid my mentors shape lives. agement skills, relationship challenges, airfare and hotel bill so I could visit “One of my professors in partic- or alcohol and drug abuse. Seldom are the campus. I was told that if I didn’t ular, Dr. Herbert H. Gross, a professor there easy answers. But through the accept the position, I would have to and chair of the Geography/Geology Byrne chair and center, we address a reimburse A&M for my travel expens- Department at Concordia University number of obstacles facing students es,” Kracht says. “I got here and just Chicago, made an incredible differ- today.” loved it. Yes, it is hot, but it is my kind ence in my life. Our connection began Kracht has found a kindred spirit of country.” when I was an undergraduate student in Dorothy McFerrin. “I’m a sociolo- Dr. Robert Shutes, the department and it ended decades later, when he gist,” she said, “so I wanted to do more head at the time, asked Kracht what passed away,” Kracht said. “He mod- for a group of students than what he thought about the job offer. “I told eled the idea that students need more would be possible through a single him that I didn’t know if I could of their teachers than they can get scholarship. I wanted to focus on at- afford to move here from Oak Park, in three hours of class. He not only risk students, those whose struggles Ill., where I was living at the time. I helped me with the subject, but he threaten their academic success.” didn’t even have rent money. But if I also provided me with guidance and McFerrin researched the idea of didn’t accept the posi tion, paying back feedback—and helped me realize that a student success center for about a the cost of the airfare would have been I could succeed on my own.” month, looking at what other schools a stretch. He took me to a bank and Kracht believes mentoring may be offered. Then she visited with Dean introduced me to the pres ident, who even more crucial today. Doug Palmer. Within a short time, made sure that I had enough money to make the move, rent a house and Jose Zelaya ’10 admires Kracht’s integrity and passion for helping students. Kracht received the chair buy season tickets for football.” in the background when he was named to the Marilyn Kent Byrne Chair for Student Success. During that first semester, Kracht taught four classes and supervised stu - dent teachers. He also taught summer school. “We had a little house off Dominik Drive and had classes over there. There were students around all of the time. It was wonderful!” Kracht still loves working with stu dents, and thanks to Dorothy and Artie McFerrin ’65, he has many resources for helping them. In 2007 the McFerrins established the Marilyn Kent Byrne Chair for Stu dent Success and a similarly named center to support mentoring and tutor ing for students in the College of Education and Human Develop ment. The center

32 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION the college made a formal proposal for ily debt. “He was by himself and almost a student success center and a faculty hopeless, and we were able to find the chair, both of which McFerrin named resources he needed in order to stay for her friend and fellow educator, in school. It was most satisfying to do Marilyn Kent Byrne. something that allowed this student to “I remember giving Dr. Kracht my continue his education,” Kracht said. big fold-out binder of research and “He graduated and is now working on the surprised look on his face. He his master’s degree. I told him that laughed and said ‘I wish I had you for down the road, we expected him to a graduate student,’ ” McFerrin said. do at least twice as much for another “He is the perfect link to students away student in need.” from home. He and Shailen Singh, the Kracht has dozens of similar sto- director of the center, provide sup port ries, but with the resources provided for students through a variety of through the Byrne Student Success class room and evening presentations. Center and chair, it has never been I couldn’t be prouder of what has easier to address the challenges. been accomplished in a relatively short Dorothy McFerrin and her husband, Artie “There is need out there. It’s our period.” McFerrin ’65, established the chair held responsibility as human beings to Programs through the Byrne Cen - by Kracht. give a hand up to the next generation. ter help students meet the demands At least, I know that it’s my responsi- of life inside and outside of the class- Kracht’s approach is a guiding bility to help—just like my parents, room. force for the center. “We interact with teachers and the McFerrins have.” “We offer a variety of seminars individual students as much as we and teach study skills, time manage- can,” he says. “Shailen plans specific Through their estate gift for Texas A&M University, Kracht and his wife, Erin, ment, budgeting, organizational and elements of programs and marketing, are Heritage Members of the Texas A&M life skills when they need it most,” meets with students one-on-one and Legacy Society. Kracht explained. “But we can’t do it then sends them to me if they are alone. We refer students to other particularly troubled.” —by diane l. oswald resources on campus including the The chair and center have a meas - library, writing center, career center urable impact on student success. “We For information about how you can and programs specifically tailored to have seen a substantial improvement support the College of Education and meet the needs of student athletes.” in student retention, which helps stu- Human Development, contact: Personalized assistance is the key dents, families, the university and tax - to the center’s success. payers,” Kracht said. “With the Byrne Steve Blomstedt ’83 “Dr. Kracht is a man of great Student Success Center, we’ve demon - Senior Director of Development integri ty and he really cares about stu - strated success, and now other colleges College of Education dents,” said education major Jose Luis are asking how they can develop sim- & Human Development Zelaya ’10. “He’s helped me when I ilar programs.” (800) 392-3310 or (979) 847-8655 needed help the most—whether Students walk into Kracht’s office [email protected] through listening, advising or helping with touching and often heartbreak- giving.tamu.edu me to apply for scholarships. I look ing stories. up to him because of his passion to The single parent of one student help students.” died, leaving behind considerable fam -

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2 0 1 1 33 Confucius Institute Sleeping Dragon Awakens in Aggieland Opportunity

Walk across the Texas A&M University campus these days and you are likely to hear not just “Howdy” but also the Chinese version, “ni howdy!” Chinese students have long studied at A&M, but non-Chinese Aggies increasingly are learning Mandarin and prepar ing to enter professions in which they will interact with China.

“There is no more important relation- Texas-China Trade Explosion ship in the world than that between Trade ties alone make a compelling the United States and China,” said 41st case for the Confucius Institute’s mis - president George H. W. Bush, who in sion. According to recent figures, trade 1974 served as chief of the U.S. liaison between Texas and China is growing Office in Beijing when the United sharply. Between 2001 and 2009, Texas States was renewing ties with China. exports to China increased more than Taking this adopted Aggie’s advice to 465 percent to almost $9 billion, while heart, Texas A&M has cultivated an shipments to Canada and Mexico dur - abid ing commitment to strong edu- ing the same period grew only about cational, research and personal rela - 30 and 35 percent, respectively. tion ships in China. Texas A&M—with assistance from Texas A&M’s Confucius Institute the Confucius Institute—sponsors a Visiting professor Han Mei teaches Mandarin Chinese to Aggies. works at the hub of the university’s biannual conference to strengthen effort. established in 2008, the insti- Texas-China trade and diplomatic tute is a partnership between the relationships. In 2009 it created an Institute for pacific Asia, the Office of opportunity for 20 Aggies to travel to International Outreach, the College China; live with Chinese roommates; of liberal Arts, and the College of learn language, culture, politics and education and Human Development. economics; and interact in all confer- Its goal is to prepare students for ence events, including private ses- a global future, in particular to equip sions with U.S. Ambassador Jon Aggies to understand China’s role in Huntsman and Chinese Foreign the world and in the global economy. Minister Yang Jiechi. The Confucius Institute teaches Aggies about China’s business, political, edu - Earth’s Most Widely Spoken Language cation and science sectors. Then it The institute’s primary activities helps them develop relationships with - include improving Texas A&M’s in that nation for success in Texas Chinese language program, develop- and beyond. ing other Chinese language programs

34 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION Derek Hahn '10 and other Aggies taught 9- to 15-year-old orphans in the Si Kai Love Class about the United States during their 2009 trip. Aggies learned about Chinese culture from the youngsters, whose parents died from AIDS.

side by side with residents,” la pastina said. That experience forever changed the worldviews of many Aggies. The limited funding available for study abroad remains a great barrier to Aggies. Although tuition costs and living expenses are far lower in China than in the United States, travel costs often deter students from going. and infrastructure in Texas, and bring- participates in a Chinese new Year fes- private support for the Confucius ing Chinese educators here while tival on campus that draws about Institute could create enduring schol- sending Aggie students and faculty to 1,500 people to cultural performances arships for Aggies to study in China China to broaden their knowledge. and a traditional holiday feast. and in turn would enhance Texas A&M’s Chinese language classes Texas A&M’s relationship with A&M’s role in building strong future have progressed significantly through Ocean University is key to helping collaborations with China. the contributions of visiting professors A&M students and faculty get to know During his 2009 service learning from Ocean University of China in Chinese citizens and broaden under- trip to China, Thomas Kearney ’08 ’10, Qingdao. Two to three professors standing of that nation’s needs, who earned a master’s degree in inter - arrive each year to teach Chinese potential and people. visiting profes- national affairs from the George Bush classes and develop curriculum at sors plan seminars and events that foster School of Government and public A&M. During their one- to two-year under standing of China, such as the Service, learned about Chinese culture visits, they expand and strengthen annual China booth at the Brazos and taught orphans about American course offerings. valley Worldfest, the language and culture. “Though having the oppor- In Texas, lack of expertise is one Culture Tour through Texas schools, tunity to serve for several days is of the most significant barriers to and com munity tai chi classes. These amazing, there is always the desire to growth of Chinese language programs. pro fessors often bond with their do more,” Kearney said. “Hopefully So the Confucius Institute developed Aggie students and maintain these this experience will motivate all of a unique distance education model for relationships when A&M students the students to look for more oppor- teachers in rural Texas school dis- travel to China for intensive lan- tunities to serve, both abroad and in tricts who wanted to begin Chinese guage programs. the U.S.” language programs but lacked the expertise. Teachers at Texas A&M Changing Aggie Perceptions —dr. randy kluver executive director, used videoconferencing to teach Since 2008, Dr. Antonio la pastina, institute for pacific asia, Mandarin to students in navasota, associate professor in the Department texas a &m university Splendora and new Caney school dis - of Communication, has accompanied tricts. The institute also developed a students to the vibrant city of Qingdao To learn more about how you can support teacher certification program with the to study Chinese and international global study scholarships, contact: College of education and Human communication. Confucius Institute Jody Ford ’99 Development to address this deficit. staff helped la pastina organize his Director of Development— 2009 itinerary so Aggies could spend Scholarship Programs Culture in the Community time at an orphan age in a remote vil- Texas A&M Foundation The Confucius Institute regularly lage devastated by the 2008 Sichuan (800) 392-3310 or (979) 845-8161 engages the Bryan/College Station earthquake. [email protected] community—along with the A&M “The trip provides Texas A&M giving.tamu.edu campus—by sponsoring events about students with a greater understanding Chinese history, culture, philosophy of the cultural, historical and geo - To see a video related to this article, scan this code with your mobile phone or visit and politics. For instance, the institute graph ical diversity of China by working giving.tamu.edu/SpiritMagazine.

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2 0 1 1 35 Operation Spirit and Mind,SM an initiative raising $300 million for Texas A&M University scholarships and graduate fellowships, received more than $52 million in contributions during 2010. That amount brings the total for the initiative to $241 million as of Dec. 31, 2010. To learn more about Operation Spirit and Mind, contact Jody Ford at (800) 392-3310 or [email protected].

@Foundation

Davis Named to Corps Hall of Honor expectations for its new members, Foundation president ed Davis ’67 and who were selected from more than eight other former cadets have been 150 applicants. named to the Corps Hall of Honor, Maroon Coats kicked off recruit- which pays tribute to former cadets ment last fall with a push on social who exemplify Aggie spirit and Corps media and in The Battalion. Word-of- values: honor, loyalty, service, patri- mouth and a booth at the spring open otism and leadership. house expanded the group’s reach. During 2007 Davis served as inter - Maroon Coats, who call and visit im president of Texas A&M Uni versity. donors and assist with Foundation Before joining the Foundation as events, embody the Aggie core values Corps Commander Eddie Joe Davis president in 1993, he was executive of selfless service and integri ty. poses for the 1967 Aggieland. deputy chan cellor for the Texas A&M leaders from all walks of campus life, University System and vice president they link student days of past and for fiscal affairs of the university. He pres ent for Foundation donors. An was vice president for fiscal affairs and executive council and staff adviser treasurer at north Texas State Uni - manage the organization. versity and is a retired tenured full “The Maroon Coats will elevate professor at Texas A&M. the awareness and understanding of He retired as a colonel after serv- the Texas A&M Foundation as well as ing 26 years in the Army reserve with the importance of philanthropy as the four years on active duty including a tour in vietnam with the 173rd Air - borne Brigade. Davis served as A&M Corps Commander his senior year. Also being inducted March 26 were Michel T. Halbouty ’30, Charles A. Mattei Jr. ’49, Col. Thomas reed parsons ’49, Col. James r. Woodall ’50, Joseph B. Mattei ’53, ronald l. Skaggs ’65, James r. Thompson ’68 and John A. Adams Jr. ’73.

The Making of a Maroon Coat As Spirit went to press, 17 new Maroon Coats began working as ambassadors for the Texas A&M Foundation. now in its third year, the group has high

36 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION fuel of future excellence at A&M,” said Foundation president ed Davis ’67.

Foundation Welcomes Logan West logan West ’09 joined the Foun - dation nov. 15 as assistant director of development for the College of Agri - culture and life Logan West ’09 Sciences. West joins MSC Renovation Inspires Generosity the Foundation after working for The Foundation has raised more than $7.5 million toward a goal of $20 million for Texas Commissioner of Agriculture the Memorial Student Center (MSC) renovation. This total includes a $1 million gift Todd Staples. He also participated in from Trisha and L. C. “Chaz” Neely ’62. In appreciation for that gift, the 12th Man Hall in the MSC (shown in above rendering) will be named in their honor. Texas A&M University’s Agricultural The $125 million renovation will expand the facility as well as bring it up to current and natural resources policy congres - building codes and Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Students increased their sional internship program, working fees to cover $82 million of the cost. for the U.S. Depart ment of Agricul - “I was impressed that students voted to pay for most of the renovation,” Chaz Neely said. “Many student organizations operate out of the MSC, and it will be a source ture’s Depart ment of Congressional of pride and a nice place for Aggies to enjoy. Trisha and I want to be part of this.” relations. While attending A&M, West Other major contributors to the campaign include: held several agriculture and petroleum Carol & Jack L. Benson ’63 Houston A&M Mothers’ Club Nancy & D. Bryan Ruez ’80 industry-related jobs. Class of 1962 Ruth Neely Kaminski ’89 & Mary Sue & RADM Robert Class of 1980 Bryan Joseph Kaminski ’84 Smith III ’61 Class of 1987 Joan & Herb Kelleher Nancy C. & Ted H. Foundation Marketing Wins Big Class of 1988 Foundation Smith Jr. ’75 The International Association of Class of 1997 Misty & Kyle Killebrew ’83 Robin C. ’76 & Robert D. Class of 1999 Patti & Weldon D. Starnes ’72 Busi ness Communicators (IABC) has Kay & Jerry Cox ’72 Kruger ’53 Jocelyn L. & Joe R. honored Texas A&M Foundation staff Mary W. & James B. Bonnie & Trent B. Straus ’50 members for their publications and Crawley ’47 Latshaw ’75 Sul Ross Group writing expertise. Jean Deere Estate Dorothy & Artie Gretchen Ruez Tharp ’81 Dusty R. Durrill ’55 McFerrin Jr. ’65 Jane & R. Ken Williams ’45 The fall 2009 issue of Spirit mag- Joy & Ralph Ellis LTC Jack H. Murray Jr. ’42 Diane & Robert S. Winter ’45 azine and the Foundation’s annual Harriet & Joe B. Foster ’56 Lynda & Craig Noonan ’66 Pattie & Freddie Wong ’69 report won the highest award, a Brazos Kenneth K. Foster ’85 Becky B. & Joe H. Michael D. Wong ’92 Susanne M. & Melbern G. Nussbaum ’84 Bravo, for pub lications in the local Glasscock ’59 Alice A. & Erle A. Nye ’59 To give to the MSC campaign, Mary & Charles H. Ed Rachal Foundation contact David Wilkinson ’87 Gregory ’64 Ginger H. ’76 & Terry W. at [email protected] Zelma A. & Robert A. Rathert ’75 or (800) 392-3310. Give Hall ’63 Meredith & Ray A. online at giving.tamu.edu/ Houston A&M Club Rothrock ’77 SupportMSC.

chapter’s contest last spring. Out-of- Angela Throne ’03 and Alice state IABC chapters judged the entries. Bassett won an Award of excellence rachel Dohmann ’07 won a for a Heritage Membership brochure Brazos Bravo writing award for “Stop for the Office of plan ned Giving. the Bad Guys,” a website article about At IABC’s regional competition CIA operative Andrea pool ’94 ’98 ’05, held last fall in Atlanta, Spirit, the who died of breast cancer. article and the brochure won Awards of Merit. Maroon Coats Jeff Gregory ’12 and Perpetua Mbachu ’12 hand out Foundation rally towels to A&M football fans before the Aggies’ 48-16 victory over Louisiana Tech on Sept. 11.

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2 0 1 1 37 Never underestimate the power of the Aggie mascot to inspire an impromptu yell practice such as this one last September. Beside Reveille VIII are Mascot Cpl. Cody Guffey ’13 (left) and Assistant Mascot Cpl. Evan Wasser ’13.

Ready for My Close-up for one dog, and I have to get plenty of beauty rest. On a hot mid-April day in 2010, I moved on to another chapter in When football season started, I my life as the Aggie mascot when I got my current handler, Mascot became one busy mascot. The first Cpl. Cody Guffey ’13. Cody is my protector, caretaker and event game was against Stephen F. Austin. assistant. It’s his job to make sure I am fed, groomed, and arrive at my I was a little nervous walking back into events safely and punctually. Kyle Field with a new mascot corporal, but everything went smoothly. We Before the 2010 football season, Cody takes me to events where I meet Aggies ran onto the field together with the and I took a little time to get to know from all over, each with a friendly smile team before the game, we visited peo- each other ... you know, to see if he and a good story to tell. From elabo- ple in the stands and in the suites, was right for the job. We went to his rate galas to quick photo ops, I go all and most important, the Aggies won! home in San Angelo, where I had a over College Station to support Texas grand time with his dogs, Hank and A&M University. Being the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Toby, in their big open yard. We often During the occasional downtime, mascot and the highest-ranking played catch with a tennis ball or just I play catch with Cody, go for a nice member of the Corps of Cadets relaxed in the warm summer sun. walk and once a week I visit the spa is a lot of work for one dog. eventually it was time to go back with my good friend reveille vII for to work. Toward the end of summer, a day of rest and relaxation. After all, By the time we played conference Cody took me to my first major assign - being the Fightin’ Texas Aggie mascot games, Cody and I were quite comments under his watch, the Aggie and the highest-ranking member of fortable together—I trained him well Coach’s nights. These were formal the Corps of Cadets is a lot of work on the routine. We even attended the appearances in Dallas, Houston, San Last fall I boned up on mascot etiquette at the Arkansas game in Dallas and the game Antonio and, of course, College Sterling C. Evans Library. against t.u. in Austin. It was great that Station. During these events I’d hear I helped inspire the team to enough coach Mike Sherman fill us in on how victories that we went to the Cotton the team was doing, giving insight on Bowl together (even though I didn’t the football season to come. While I wag my tail over the outcome). was there, people seemed excit ed to Oops, Cody is telling me to sign see me and took pictures of me with off so we can head to class. If you see their families. (It’s funny how that me on campus or around town, be sure always seems to happen.) I’ve never to say howdy and scratch behind my met a camera or fan I didn’t like. ears. I love that. Gig ’em! The real work began with the fall —by reveille viii semester. each day I attend class with (as told to cody guffey ’13) Cody and the guys from Company e-2 to be sure they are all making good To see a video related to this article, scan this code with your mobile phone or visit grades. Between sleep and study, Cody giving.tamu.edu/SpiritMagazine.

38 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION Contact

Get in touch with the Executive Staff Cara Milligan ’08 ed Davis ’67, president Assistant Director of Development Texas A&M Foundation. Jim palincsar, Senior vice president [email protected] for Development (979) 845-2775 Doyle Thompson, vice president 401 George Bush Drive & Controller College of Education & Human Development Steve Blomstedt ’83 College Station, Texas 77840-2811 liska lusk, vice president & General Counsel Janet Handley ’76, vice president for Investments Senior Director of Development Toll-free: (800) 392-3310 Kathy McCoy ’80, Director of Marketing [email protected] Phone: (979) 845-8161 (979) 847-8655 Development Staff Fax: (979) 845-3973 Carl Jaedicke ’73 Dwight Look College of Engineering Don Birkelbach ’70 giving.tamu.edu vice president for Development [email protected] Assistant vice president for Development [email protected] (979) 845-8161 [email protected] (979) 845-5113 Jody Ford ’99 Director of Development–Scholarship programs Departments of Chemical and Nuclear [email protected] Engineering www.facebook.com/TexasAMFoundation (979) 845-8161 or 218-7368 Andrew Acker Director of Development College Programs [email protected] www.texags.com/main/SpiritAndMind.asp College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (979) 845-5113 Monica Delisa Departments of Computer Science and Senior Director of Development Engineering, and Electrical and Computer [email protected] Engineering www.youtube.com/AggieSpiritAndMind (979) 847-9314 Brittany Borden ’06 patrick Williams ’92 Assistant Director of Development Director of Development [email protected] www.twitter.com/TXAMFoundation [email protected] (979) 845-5113 (979) 847-9314 Departments of Biomedical and Allison Chipman ’05 Petroleum Engineering Assistant Director of Development Brady Bullard ’95 [email protected] Director of Development (979) 847-9314 [email protected] logan West ’09 (979) 845-5113 Assistant Director of Development Departments of Aerospace and [email protected] Mechanical Engineering (979) 847-9314 Jennifer Hester ’98 Director of Development College of Architecture [email protected] larry Zuber (979) 845-5113 Assistant vice president for Development [email protected] Departments of Civil Engineering, and (979) 845-0939 Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution Mays Business School Jay roberts ’05 David Hicks ’75 Director of Development Assistant vice president for Development [email protected] [email protected] (979) 845-5113 (979) 845-2904 or 458-1452 Departments of Industrial and Systems Jessica McCann ’07 Engineering, and Engineering Technology Assistant Director of Development and Industrial Distribution [email protected] ryan vaughan ’07 (979) 862-7247 Assistant Director of Development [email protected] (979) 845-5113

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SPRING 2 0 1 1 39 Texas A&M University at Galveston William Fusselman ’95 Andy Acker Senior Gift planning Officer Director of Development [email protected] [email protected] (979) 845-8161 (979) 845-5113 Mark Browning ’88 College of Geosciences Gift planning Officer Diane Barron ’81 [email protected] Director of Development (979) 845-8161 [email protected] Mark Matthews ’80 (979) 845-3651 Gift planning Officer The George Bush School of Government [email protected] & Public Service (979) 845-8161 Jerome rektorik ’65 Angela Throne ’03 Director of Development Assistant Gift planning Officer [email protected] [email protected] Contact (979) 458-8035 (979) 845-8161 College of Liberal Arts Real Estate Services Mark Klemm ’81 Tim Walton ’90 Senior Director of Development Assistant vice president for real estate Services [email protected] [email protected] (979) 845-5192 (979) 845-8161

larry Walker II ’97 Regional Major Gifts Director of Development Bill estes [email protected] regional Director of Major Gifts (979) 458-1304 (north and West Texas; Central Midwest) College of Science [email protected] Sharon Smith Allen ’04 (972) 507-0564 Assistant Director of Development Matt Jennings ’95 [email protected] regional Director of Major Gifts (Western States) (979) 458-4393 [email protected] (979) 845-8161 Student Affairs Cindy Brown Munson ’99 ron Streibich Assistant Director of Development regional Director of Major Gifts (Gulf Coast) [email protected] [email protected] (979) 458-1689 (713) 677-7411 or (281) 415-5520

Corps of Cadets David Wilkinson ’87 Brian Bishop ’91 Senior regional Director of Major Gifts Senior Director of Development (east Coast) [email protected] [email protected] (979) 862-4085 (979) 845-8161 Trust Company College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Gina Jett ’79 O. J. “Bubba” Woytek ’64 Manager of Trust Operations Assistant vice president for Development & [email protected] Director of Alumni relations (979) 845-8161 [email protected] Scholarship Programs (979) 845-9043 Marcy Ullmann ’86 Guy Sheppard ’76 Manager Director of Development [email protected] [email protected] (979) 845-8161 (979) 845-9043 Donor Relations Private Enterprise Research Center lynn Harris Jerome rektorik ’65 Manager Director of Development [email protected] [email protected] (979) 845-8161 (979) 458-8035 Gift Processing Corporate & Foundation Relations Ann lovett ’81 Jim Keller ’63 Manager Senior Director of Development [email protected] [email protected] (979) 845-8161 (979) 845-8161 Al pulliam ’87 Director of Development [email protected] (979) 845-8161

Office of Gift Planning Glenn pittsford ’72 vice president for Gift planning [email protected] (979) 845-8161

40 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION cut along dotted line student leadership. an individual or group may establish a establish may group or individual an leadership. student achieveacademic of basis the on awardedsolely demonstrated and ment univer are scholarships merit si these program. scholarship premier ty’s scholarship endowed President’s the to thanks Scholarship at giving.tamu.edu. at Endowed Scholarship President’s the about more Learn ’ Mark ’ Pianta P.e. Marie James and Krogstad alva and stanley Dr. Mel and ann eliades ann and Dr.Mel tom’ print. acknowledgedin previouslynot one-time gift of gift one-time ✄ year period. the list below recognizes Alva Krogstad Alva and Stanley of estate the from ’87 Eliades D. John by given 78 78 and Caren ’ Caren and and Judy ’ Judy and of three texasthree of he planned this gift, Murray touched the lives the Memorial student Center renovation. as loyal of wasreal a gift aggie estate to sup port and american patriotic this of acts final the of one honors. military full with Cemetery national arlington at buried was he 2010. lt. Col. Jack h. Murray Jr. ’ honor of act Final a $ giving.tamu.edu/JackMurray. giving.tamu.edu/JackMurray. visit or phone mobile your with code scan this Murray, for act final their about more read to 100,000 & 79 M 78 Weichold ’s newest’s Bundy a or with a series of payments made over a five- a over made payments of series a with or & M 51 Foundation employees.Foundation 42 Pes Pes died on July (Pes) donors donors whose recent gifts were Donors Donors rga i texas is program 12 ,

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Requests & Comments: Spring 2011 Please contact me about making a gift to texas a&M. if you have a comment or question, please fill out this form and mail it postage-free, or e-mail us at [email protected]. in i’d like to know more about making an estate gift addition, you can update your contact information online at (trusts, life insurance, bequests, gift annuities). giving.tamu.edu/update. thank you. i’d like to know more about supporting the following: f i r s t n a m e l a s t c l a s s y e a r agriculture & life sciences taMu Galveston street address architecture student activities Bush school of Government Corps of Cadets c i t y s t at e z i p c o d e Dwight look/engineering scholarships/Fellowships education & human Confucius institute home phone daytime phone Development engineering Project e-mail address Geosciences Management Program liberal arts MsC renovation Check here if: new home address Mays Business school regents’ scholarships new business address science reveille Fund veterinary Medicine university libraries i have a comment/question:

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