Off the Quad CADETS LAND THEIR BOOTS on FOREIGN SOIL DURING the CORPS of CADETS’ GLOBAL LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE PRESIDENT’S LETTER

THE TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION MAGAZINE | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

Off the Quad CADETS LAND THEIR BOOTS ON FOREIGN SOIL DURING THE CORPS OF CADETS’ GLOBAL LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE PRESIDENT’S LETTER

This Cyclical Life ’ve long been fascinated with the “full circle” notion of life—the idea that stories with a beginning and end tie together in a seamless way. I was reminded of this after hearing a recent human-interest story relevant to the culture of Texas A&M University. In 2012, former Texas A&M Foundation Trustee Mel Glasscock ’59 and his wife Susie created the endowed Trustees’ Outstanding Student Award. This award honors a meritorious graduating senior annually with $2,500 to assist the student’s transition into the real world. The recipient is selected by the Founda tion’s Board of Trustees from a competitive pool of applicants and must exhibit an exemplary record of academic achievement, leadership and service. This year’s recipient is Minhtuan “Tuan” Nguyen, a December 2014 graduate in mechanical engineering with a minor in petroleum engineering. Tuan is now an employee of Shell Oil Co., engaged in a training program and preparing for de - ployment somewhere in the world as a Texas A&M engineer. So what’s the “full circle” story? In Minhtuan “Tuan” Nguyen ’14 1969, after significant schooling that in - rd cluded Vietnamese language training by the U.S. Army, I was assigned to the 173 Airborne Brigade in Vietnam. As a young lieutenant, I observed that our senior leadership intended the U.S. Army to win the war. They not so subtly considered the Army of the Republic of Vietnam incapable of succeeding against the Viet Cong and the North Viet - namese Army. I was shocked by the American view that the Vietnamese military leadership—and more generally the Vietnamese people—were lazy, unintelligent and incapable of handling their own affairs. As it turns out, Vietnamese immigrants to the U.S. have proven that we could not have been more wrong. Take Tuan and his family, for example. When South Vietnam collapsed in 1975, Tuan’s aunt and uncle left the country by boat and ultimately made it to Houston, where there is a sizeable Viet namese population (now including my old interpreter Nguyen Van Hiep). They later spon - sored his grandparents, his mother and finally Tuan as a 10-year-old fourth grader. Tuan’s family now lives in Richmond, Texas, where his mom is a manicurist. She emotionally supported her son’s journey through Texas A&M, while many scholarships supported him financially. His story is moving and also representative of the diverse student population graduating from Texas A&M today. In his spare time, Tuan teaches first graders in his church community to speak Vietnamese, thus completing this chapter of the “full circle” of life. I hope you will read about him and the many other compelling stories in this issue of Spirit.

eddie j. davis ’67 president texas a &m foundation FEATURES

After the loss of her husband Dick Scobee, 16 com mander of NASA’s Space Shuttle Challenger, June Scobee ’83 set up the Challenger Center Global Footprint: for Space Science Education to continue the OFFTHEQUAD crew’s educational mission. » p.32 Cadets land their boots on foreign soil during the Corps of Cadets’ Global Leadership Initiative. 22 Student Impact: APARTINGGIFT Contents Tuan Nguyen ’14 jump-started his future with the Texas A&M Foundation Trustees’ Outstanding Student Award. 24 Faculty Impact: BUILDINGBETTERBANKERS An innovative commercial banking program The Corps of Cadets’ Global Leadership Initiative gives students the chance to learn helps students cash in on success. about other countries through cross-cultural 28 exchanges. » p.16 College Impact: SCIENCEINMOTION The Chemistry Road Show dazzles and Gracie Wood ’15 gained leadership inspires audiences with scientific wonders. and service skills through her active involvement in Texas A&M’s Student Government Association. » p.36 30 College Impact: THECHERRYONTOP A Houston couple’s $2 million gift completes the Memorial Student Center fundraising campaign. VOLUMEXVINO . 3|SUMMER 2 01 5 Spirit is published three times per year by the Texas A&M Foun dation, which manages major 32 gifts and endowments for the benefit of academ ic Trailblazers: programs, scholarships and student activities at Texas A&M University. Please direct inquiries to PERMISSIONTOLAUNCH the Marketing Office, Texas A&M Foun dation, The first in a new series on Aggie leaders 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840- 2811, call (800) 392-3310 or (979) 845-8161, details the courageous ascent of June or email [email protected]. Information Scobee ’83, whose husband died in the in this magazine is for educational purposes only and should be examined by independent legal Challenger explosion. counsel due to possible differences in local laws and individual needs. 36 txamfoundation.com txamfoundation.com/SpiritMagazine Spirit Impact: facebook.com/TexasAMFoundation ONEGOVERNMENT, INDIVISIBLE youtube.com/AggieSpiritandMind twitter.com/TXAMFoundation Members of the Student Government linkedin.com/company/texas-a&m-foundation Association drive student-led change.

SENIOREDITOR Sondra White ’87

ASSISTANTEDITOR Monika Blackwell

ARTDIRECTION & DESIGN Geer Design, Inc. DEPARTMENTS

PHOTOGRAPHY Gabriel Chmielewski (p. 6, top right; 7, top right; p. 13; inside back cover, bottom) 3 THELEGACY James Di Loreto (p. 8, lower left) Josh Huskin (p. 4, bottom left; 5, bottom left) The Keefes establish a planned gift 31, Robb Kendrick (p. top and bottom left) to fund multiple scholarships. Igor Kraguljac (p. 26) Jim Lyle (inside front cover, top; p. 1, left; 4 LETTERS / CORRECTIONS 10, bottom left; 22; 31, top right; 38; 44-45) 6 ONCAMPUS As early as 1928, Professor W.D. Bliss, head Dan Reynolds (p. 34-35) Reveille I painting returns to campus; of the mechanical engineering department, MSC Bethancourt (inside back cover, top) Stuart Villanueva/The Bryan-College Disaster Day prepares medical students; foresaw the importance of the airplane and Station Eagle (p. 28-29) aerospace engineering celebrates 75 years. introduced the course ME 428 Aerodynamics Tempora (p. 46) into the curriculum. In May, the Department Texas A&M College of Architecture 8 LABWORK of Aerospace Engineering celebrated 75 years 11 (p. , bottom left) Researchers study muscle and memory of providing cutting-edge educational and Texas A&M Corps of Cadets (p. 1, right; research opportunities. » p.6 16-17; 19; 20) loss in the elderly; professors may develop Texas A&M Department of Aerospace sensors for rugby team; old brain tissue Engineering (p. 2; 6, bottom left) provides new clues to mammalian history.

ILLUSTRATION 10 NEWGIFTS Andy Dearwater (p. 41) Kevin Sprouls (p. 10, top right; 23, First visualization professorship established; bottom left) new Financial Planning Program receives PRINTING major gift; former student honors biology Chas. P. Young Printing professor. BOARDOFTRUSTEES 12 ONEVOICE George K. Hickox Jr. ’80 Chairman My research explores how diet causes 76 P. William Toler ’ and prevents cancer. Chairman-elect Jorge A. Bermudez ’73 By Dr. Roderick Dashwood 82 T. Randall Cain ’ 14 VIEWPOINT 71 Otway Denny Jr. ’ 1897 Charles H. Gregory ’64 An mechanical engineering drawing Van H. Taylor ’71 by Joseph Gray Dance provides insight into vintage Aggieland.

EXECUTIVES 40 SPIRIT READER SURVEY 67 Ed Davis ’ You talked. We listened. See what you President Spirit Jim Palincsar had to say about . Senior Vice President for Development 42 OPPORTUNITY Doyle Thompson Senior Vice President and Chief The first endowed position for a Texas Financial Officer A&M AgriLife Extension Service county Contents Liska Lusk agent honors Tillie and J.E. Mudd ’43. Vice President and General Counsel 76 Janet Handley ’ 44 @FOUNDATION Vice President for Investments Kathy McCoy ’80 Trustees award two Foundation employees 71 Assistant Vice President for Marketing for outstanding service; Otway Denny Jr. ’ COVERPHOTO joins the Board of Trustees; new Maroon Dennis Richard ’14 overlooks the Andes Coats selected. Mountains just outside of Santiago, Chile, during a Corps of Cadets excursion in March 46 POSTSCRIPT 2014. Cadets who participate in the Corps’ “Counting Blessings at Bastogne” Global Leadership Initiative gain global competency through experiences in countries By Andrew Nelson ’92 that are strategically important to U.S. 47 CONTACTUS interests.

2 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION Ken and Lynn Keefe ’81 established a planned gift of retirement assets to fund multiple scholarships.

TheLegacy By Chris Scoggins ’15

s a freshman during fall 1977, Lynn Keefe ’81 rec - ognized that there was no better place than Texas A&M University for a first-generation college student to gain a well-round- Costly to Inherit but Easy to Give ed experience and lasting memories. pres ident of Hossley Lighting As so - sets directed where they could have the “I didn’t look at any other school,” ciates. most impact, and scholarships seem to said Lynn, a zoology graduate. Now living in Coppell, Texas, the be the obvious answer.” During her time as a student, the strong correlation the Keefes saw be - Regents’ Scholarships support first- Dallas native was a walk-on athlete for tween their college experiences and ca - generation, low-income students, while the Texas A&M track team and partic - reer success motivated them to create Endowed Opportunity Awards typical- ipated in Town Hall, a Memorial Stu - a planned gift of retirement as sets to ly support deserving middle-in come dent Center organization that brings Texas A&M. These assets can be costly stu dents who often miss out on need- live entertainment and concerts to to inherit but simple to give. Most re - based funding. cam pus. Keefe originally wanted to be tire ment plans carry a tax bur den to “These scholarships will pay div- a veterinarian until discovering she was beneficiaries (except spouses) when in - idends to students for many years to allergic to dogs, cats, horses and cows herited. Many individuals leave less- come,” Ken said. during her junior year. So instead, she taxed assets to their heirs and give IRAs The couple hopes their gift in - dabbled in research for a few years be - or other tax-deferred accounts to the spires others to give in a similar fash- fore entering medical sales at Bracco Texas A&M Foundation. As a char i - ion. Diagnostics, a career she pursued 31 table organization, the Founda tion re - “I was the first in my family to years before retiring. ceives these retirement assets tax-free. attend college, and we wanted to help Her husband Ken, a political sci - With no children of their own, the students who may not otherwise be ence graduate from Kent State Univer - Keefes give knowing the full extent of able to go to school,” said Lynn. “It’s so sity in Ohio, played college football their savings will serve the universities important for those with the financial on scholarship. In 1982, the pair met where they began their careers. means to give back to the institutions through a mutual friend while Ken It was in this spirit that the Keefes that allowed them to achieve their suc - was employed at General Electric. established gifts of scholarships sup- cess in the first place.” They married shortly after and bought porting both of their alma maters. A To discuss how a planned gift to the Texas their first home in Lewisville, Texas. significant planned gift to the Foun - A&M Foundation might benefit you, your While not an Aggie himself, the envi- dation will fund a Regents’ Scholar - family and the university, contact Glenn ronment and culture of Texas A&M ship and an Endowed Opportunity Pittsford ’72 in the Office of Gift Planning res onate with Ken. Award for Aggie students. at [email protected] or (800) 392-3310. “I was blown away by every thing “It was an easy decision, since our about Texas A&M when I visited the success is due to our education,” said first time,” said Ken, executive vice Lynn. “We wanted our retirement as -

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2 0 1 5 3 Letters

Share Your Comments We always enjoy receiving our readers’ reactions to Spirit. If ARTTHATTOUCHESTHEHEART any of the magazine’s content fessor named Joe Donaldson, and one day My wife and I donated a portion of our art moves you to write, please email he asked me if I was sure I wanted to pur- collection to the Texas A&M University sue a career in architecture. It was one of us at [email protected] Stark Galleries. Working with Cathy those inadvertent discussions that goes one or send a note on the postage-paid Hastedt, curator at the Stark Galleries, way then another, with no real objective $25,000 form on the inside back cover. we donated art valued in excess of , in mind. But I knew from his tone of voice including pieces by Alvar, Azoulay, Dali, and the way he phrased the question that dunae crenwelge ’15 Calder, Miro, Rembrandt, former President he was poking at the possibility that I Editor Gerald Ford and Texas artists Harvey and might be able to contribute to the world sondra white ’87 Yeates. I am a retired Army colonel and by making art. That moment and his Senior Editor later retired as vice president of NTB question are still vivid in my memory even monika blackwell Invest ments, while my wife is a retired though there certainly have been other Assistant Editor school principal. We have been lifelong epiphanies that contributed to the shift. collectors of art. Today I own my own business, Mark While recently attending the Class of Stewart Watercolor, and make a living 1960 reunion and induction into the Sul doing what I love: painting. Ross Group, we had the opportunity to go I know Texas A&M is large on its ath- to the Stark Galleries and “visit” some of letics. But I am interested in its “cultural” the art we donated. We were hosted by development as well and would like to see Cathy Hastedt, who showed us how the it focus more resources in that direction. art is displayed and conserved. The Uni - Every major university (Princeton, Yale, Spring 2015 Spirit magazine versity Art Galleries have done a great job Harvard, the University of Texas at Austin, with its outstanding collections of art, and etc.) has a significant museum as part of we are happy to support the Stark Galleries! its university culture. There’s little doubt in my mind that it’s a vital part of a healthy —gayle and john erskine ’60 The Villages, Florida education. I urge this shift not as someone with a myopic focus on fine arts, but

ARTFORLIFE as a person who was also a college athlete playing basketball under Shelby Metcalf in I was thrilled to see the Stark Galleries and the early 1970s. I know the importance of the Forsyth Galleries get “top billing” athletics and the arts. Spirit attention in the spring issue of and I have met and talked with Cathy the Texas A&M Foundation’s e-newsletter. Hastedt on many occasions and champion I am a Texas A&M University graduate from her efforts to grow the university’s art the College of Architecture. My lifelong collection and impact the cultural develop- passion has been to make art. ment of Aggie students. I entered Texas A&M having already Please keep up this good work! made the decision that architecture would —mark stewart ’74 be the best way for me to have a career Houston, Texas doing the thing I enjoyed. While at Texas A&M, I worked with an architecture pro- 4 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION Gayle and John Erskine ’60 donated a portion of their art collection to the Texas A&M University Stark Galleries.

IT ’ SNOTTHE 1960 S Digital Dialogue Comments from our readers online I read with dismay the article on Dr. Feagin in the spring 2015 issue of Spirit, and I can truthfully say I was not impressed. The first red flag came up when his academic back- ground was listed and included the liberal hotbed of Harvard in the 1960s. The next came with the discovery of several pieces More for the Corps of standard socialist boilerplate phrases like “unjust enrichment for whites and unjust The building of two more Leadership impoverishment of African-Americans . . .” Learning Centers on the Quad is a What was surprising was not seeing a great addition to our Corps of mention of his membership in the Al Cadets, and I’d like to give a great Sharpton and Jesse Jackson fan clubs. big thank you to those generous Whatever happened to endorsing the donors that made this possible. American dream: work hard and reap the — Joe B Reuss ’49 benefits? The “I am a victim” mantra gets Congrats to You! Cuero, Texas old after a while. And maybe it’s time to tell Dr. Feagin the 1960s are long past. Congratulations and best wishes How I miss the time when Texas A&M to Elizabeth Colmenares ’14. Her A Vote for Performance Arts University was known for producing leaders story is what Texas A&M University in engineering, science, agriculture and is all about. As a senior at Texas A&M University the military. and one of the charter members — Larry Martin ’58 of the University Concert Band, Gig ’em! Dallas, Texas I remember serving on the faculty —bob locke ’78 senate committee to increase the Glendale, Arizona presence of performing arts on Goose Bumps on Kyle Field QUESTIONABLECONCLUSIONS campus. I’m thrilled to see this I participated in Parson’s Mounted come to fruition with the building That was certainly an interesting article on Cavalry (Company D-1), and I loved of a new Music Activities Center. Texas A&M University’s Endowed Profes - sitting on my horse as the Fightin’ sorship in White Guilt in the spring issue. — Tara Burkholder ’99 Texas Aggie Band marched into Katy, Texas Perhaps Dr. Feagin will use the discretionary Kyle Field to the beat of the drums. funds to study whether more Latinos are It gives me goose bumps just crossing our south- typing this post. Gig ’em and ern border to escape God Bless. racist America or enter. Or to compare — Cullen W. Pickett ’14 the quality of life of College Station, Texas African-Americans relative to Africans living more free of white oppression Professor Joe Feagin elsewhere. But if his conclusions are scientifically valid, it hardly makes for a compelling development initiative. Since, according to out in a box,” perhaps he should step aside Of course, I jest. As it seems social his worldview, he only achieved the pinnacle and allow his place to be taken by a more science researchers achieve recognition not of his field and received such a plum faculty deserving female or minority candidate. through institutionalized racism so much appointment due to institutionalized racism One who might not have such antipathy as institutionalized liberalism. rather than scholarly merit. towards the country that provides the —matt poling ’90 Rather than continue to enjoy the freedoms that academics such as he enjoy. College Station, Texas largess of his position until “they carry me

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2 0 1 5 5 A painting of Texas A&M University’s first mascot, Reveille 1, returned to campus after a 25-year disappearance. The painting was commissioned and funded in 1943 by students and faculty in re sponse to the mascot’s failing OnCampus health.

Happy 75th, Aerospace Engineering! we prepare for the next 75 years, the The Department of Aerospace Engi - department will increase the size of neering at Texas A&M University cel e - the aerospace student body and fac- 75th brates its anniversary this year. ulty, create new lab oratories and strate - 500 With approximately under- gically strengthen our acclaimed 115 The Department of Aerospace graduate and graduate students en - research program.” th Engi neer ing celebrates its 75 rolled, the aerospace program ranks To support aerospace engineering, anniversary this year. The first Texas seventh among all public institutions A&M course in aerospace engineering visit give.am/SupportAeroEngineering. U.S. News & World Report was introduced in 1928 to prepare by . The pro - students for careers in modern gram provides cutting-edge education- Reveille I Painting Rediscovered aviation. The addition of multiple A&M undergraduate and graduate courses al and research opportunities in space A painting of Texas University’s led to the department’s official exploration, national defense, air trans - first mascot, Reveille 1, returned to founding in 1940. portation, communications and sus- cam pus after a 25-year disappearance. tainable energy. College Station art ist Marie Strong connections Haines completed the painting in to aerospace in - 1943. Cushing Memo rial Library and dus try leaders, the Archives initially displayed the work De part ment of De - of art before it moved to the Military fense and NASA Sciences Build ing, where it remained further strengthen for decades. It disappeared during its prestige. build ing renovations in the 1990s. “Our program In December 2014, an online post - offers a modern ing about the missing painting and its cur riculum, an ac - location in a storage facility elicited a tive seminar series, call to the Sam Houston Sanders Corps advanced laborato- of Cadets Center. Several weeks later, ries and state-of- it was recovered and reinstated on cam - the-art sponsored pus at the Corps Center. research,” said De - The painting was originally un - part ment Head veiled to the student body outside of Rodney Bowersox. Sbisa Dining Hall after the 1943 bon- “Aero space stu- fire and before the annual Thanks - dents in ter act with giving dance. some of the na - “We are grateful that this historic tion’s top faculty painting will once again hang in Aggie - and go on to high- land where it be longs,” said Brig. Gen. level careers that Joe Ramirez Jr. ’79, Corps comman- shape the field. As dant. 6 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION The Genius Corps Seven internationally prominent schol - ars were inducted in February into the third class of Faculty Fellows of the Texas A&M University Institute for Ad - vanced Study. Established with a $5 million en - dowment through the Texas A&M Uni versity System’s Academic En - hance ment Program and supported with additional private funding through the Texas A&M Foundation, the institute brings renowned scholars to Texas A&M for extended visits to collaborate with faculty and students on research. “The positive impact on the university as a consequence of attracting Masters of Disasters More than 400 students participated in the eighth annual Disaster Day, a student-run mock disaster these extraordinarily accomplished in - experience that took place March 26. The College of Nursing created the event in 2008 to provide di viduals cannot be over-emphasized,” students of all medical disciplines hands-on experience in responding to mass casualty disasters. said Director John Junkins. “These ex - This year’s disaster simulated a wildfire that caused a massive explosion, injuring unsuspecting students at a nearby high school. ceptional scholars foster a vibrant envi - A new scenario each year enables students to test their emergency management, clinical and ronment for research and teaching and interpersonal skills outside the classroom. The specific details are kept secret until the day of the event to provide a more realistic experience. Past drills have included hurricanes and structure collapses. pay tremendous future dividends More than 500 volunteers and 300 students from across the Texas A&M Health Science through enhanced collaborations and Center and Blinn College organized the event. Five student committees raised funds, gathered faculty recruitment.” supplies, developed case studies and recruited volunteers. Approximately 700 volunteers from the community acted as patients for medical students. The new inductees will serve as in- With pretend injuries ranging from fractures to head wounds, respiratory distress and child labor, residence fellows for two to 12 months. each vol unteer represented a real-life scenario that an emergency responder could face. By 2018, Junkins hopes the institute will attract 20 new world-class scholars annually. Endowment Ranks No. 7 billion as of June 30, 2014, a 27.2 per - Faculty fellows of The National Association of College cent increase over the previous year. the Texas A&M and University Business Officers high - “A healthy endowment lends fis- Univer sity Institute lighted The Texas A&M University Sys - cal stability to Texas A&M and provides for Advanced Study each receive a tem and Foundations as one of the top essential resources that enable the uni - 10-pound bronze endowment funding entities among all versity to support high-quality academ - replica of sculptor colleges and universities in the United ics, attract top faculty and ensure that Auguste Rodin’s 2013- famous statue The States and Canada for fiscal year the brightest students have access to Thinker. 2014. an Aggie education,” said Texas A&M Texas A&M ranked seventh among Foundation President Ed Davis ’67. Members of the 2014-2015 fellows 832 U.S. public and private colleges “Texas A&M will continue building its and the academic areas in which they and universities. Har vard University, endowment so that it can compete will serve include Harold Adams ’61, ar - The University of Texas at Austin, Yale among the best institutions of higher chi tecture; Dr. Rakesh Agrawal, chem - University, Stanford University, Prince - education in the nation.” ical engineering; Dr. Jack Dongarra, ton University and Massachu setts Insti - The Texas A&M endowment is computer science; Dr. William Marras, tute of Technology topped the list. com prised of the Texas A&M System sys tems engineering; Dr. Ed Moses, Texas A&M posted the highest in - Endowment Fund, 16 supporting foun - physics and astronomy; Dr. Yuri Ogan - crease in endowment market value of dations (including the Texas A&M es sian, nuclear engineering; and Dr. any of the top 37 higher education Foun dation) and a one-third share of Robert Skelton, mechanical and aero - institutions in the nation. The mar- the Permanent University Fund. space engineering. To learn more, visit ket value of that endowment was $11.1 give.am/TIASFellows.

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2 0 1 5 7 Mechanical Engineering Professor Jaime Grunlan may soon develop a new technology for powering sensors contained in rugby players’ jerseys.

LabWork

Mammalian Mania They also seek to understand how Dr. Bill Murphy, a mammalian genet - rare groups of mammals fit into the icist in the College of Veterinary mammalian family tree and to identify Med icine & Biomedical Sciences, is the true number of mammalian species extracting DNA from museum speci- on Earth. mens to learn more about ancient and Due to risk of damage or contam - extinct mammal species. ination, it has historically been chal- Murphy and graduate student Vic - lenging to sequence large amounts of 10 tor Mason ’ teamed with mammal- DNA from museum specimens. ogist Dr. Kris Helgen, curator in charge “We developed a less destructive of the Division of Mammals at the ap proach where we extract DNA from Smithsonian National Museum of dried brain tissue inside the skull that Nat ural History—home to a collection has never been exposed to direct hu - 590,000 Researchers are extracting DNA from of roughly preserved mammal man contact,” Murphy said. dried brain tissue in museum specimens specimens. They are studying the an - Researchers formerly believed that to better understand convergent cestral relationships between groups of evolution in extinct mammals. The if species shared the same physical char - project is a collaboration between mammalian species, in clud ing when acteristics, they must be related. But Dr. Bill Murphy in the College of they originated, what factors drove new sequencing technologies and the Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and Dr. Kris Helgen (left) them to diversify and what pro cesses process of extracting DNA from muse - from the Smithsonian National led to their distribution around the um specimens have revealed that sim - Museum of Natural History. globe. ilar physical characteristics in related but distinct species is happen ing along the whole mammalian tree.

Knock Some Sensor Into ’Em A benefactor of the Queensland Ma - roons—an Australian rugby team—is negotiating a project with Texas A&M University Mechanical Engineering Pro fessor Jaime Grunlan to develop a new technology for powering sensors contained in players’ jerseys. Each player on the Maroons wears sensors to monitor hydration levels and the level of G-force ex perienced when taking a hit, a key com ponent in determining if a player suffered a con - cussion.

8 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION “Right now the sensors are pow- Aggies Lead Tourism Research ered by a battery pack worn by each A recent study published in Tourism Management Perspectives ranks Texas A&M University third player, but this can be quite intrusive in the world for most contributions to tourism research in the last decade. The study also found James Petrick, professor of recreation, park and tourism sciences in the College of Agriculture and during games,” said Grunlan. Life Sciences, to be the second most published author in this subject area internationally. If a contract with the Maroons is Petrick studies the application of psychology and marketing principles in leisure services, signed, Grunlan and fellow Mechan - particularly in the cruise industry. His research includes tourism marketing; tourist behavior and satisfaction; pricing and perceived value of tourism services; and tourist intentions to revisit. ical Engineering Professor Choongho “We’ve developed models that show how perceptions of quality and value affect tourists’ Yu—who specializes in energy harvest - satisfaction aboard cruise liners,” Petrick said. ing and cooling as well as thermo- Research shows that there are five dimensions to cruisers’ perceptions of value—quality, behavioral price, monetary price, reputation and emotional response. Petrick assists cruise lines electrics—will develop power fabric in understanding effective and ineffective attributes of their ships to improve customer satisfaction made of polymer or plastic-based ther - onboard. He also suggests pricing for cabins and services, possibilities for improved services and moelectric materials that can be ap - best-practice policies. plied as coatings to players’ jerseys. “When the body heats up while working out, it can drive electricity as long as there is a temperature gradi- ent,” Grunlan said. “That electricity can power sensors coated on the jer- sey, which will transmit informa tion about a player’s hydration, G-force ex - perience and vitals to a com puter. This would elim inate the need for battery packs.”

Lying Down on the Job Researchers from the Texas A&M Uni - versity Center for Translational Re - search in Aging and Longevity are studying how prolonged bed rest af - Memory Boost fects muscle loss in the elderly. mood. Resveratrol, an antioxidant that In the study, volunteers are charged A compound found in common foods is found in the skin of red grapes, as with lying in hospital-like beds for 10 such as red grapes and peanuts might well as in red wine, peanuts and some days straight. They are re stricted from help prevent age-related decline in berries, is already known for its poten - standing, sitting up or getting up to use mem ory, according to research by a fac - tial to prevent heart disease. the bathroom to provide researchers ulty member in the Texas A&M Health “The results of the study were strik - with an accurate idea of how quickly Sci ence Center College of Medicine. ing,” Shetty said. “They indicated that atrophy—the wasting away of cells that Ashok Shetty, director of neuro- for the control rats who did not receive form muscles—occurs. sciences at the Institute for Regenera - resveratrol, spatial learning ability was “Muscle strength can decrease by tive Medicine, studied the benefits of largely maintained but the ability to 25 percent after only one week of bed resveratrol in aged rats and found that make new spatial memories significant- rest,” said Center Director Nicolaas it had positive effects on the hippocam- ly declined between 22 and 25 months. Deutz. “If we can stop muscle loss in pus, an area of the brain critical to func - By contrast, both spatial learning and older adults during a hospital stay with tions such as memory, learning and memory improved in the resveratrol- specific nutritional supplements, they treated rats.” can regain their health sooner.” Because both humans and ani- Volunteers are held to a strict food mals show a decline in cognitive capac - menu that includes a supplement and ity after middle age, Shetty’s findings weighed to gauge muscle loss. may have implications for treating The center is part of the College of mem ory loss in the elderly. Resvera - Education and Human De velop ment trol may even be able to help people and conducts research on nu tri tion, afflicted with severe neurodegenerative Hippocampus exer cise and diseases related to aging. conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2 0 1 5 9 Gifts to the Texas A&M Foundation Inspire Spirit and Mind NewGifts

Innovative Investments Fiddler’s Green Gets $1 Million Boost In 1990, Senior Distinguished Profes - sor of Bio logy Timothy C. Hall took a chance on a prospective graduate student when he invited the young Eric Yong Xu ’93 to join his Texas A&M Uni ver sity laboratory. Twenty-five years later, Xu is re - turn ing the favor by invest ing in Texas A&M and simultaneously honoring Utilizing matching funds, Eric Yong Hall, who mentored him to his Ph.D. Xu ’93 (left) honored his mentor, Senior Distinguished Professor in biology and to a future as one of Timothy C. Hall, with a $2 million China’s most influential entrepreneurs Dorothy and Artie McFerrin ’65 faculty chair in biology. and investors. Xu helped establish the Texas A&M University supporters Dor - Timothy C. Hall-Heep Foun - othy and Artie McFerrin ’65 committed da tion Distinguish ed Visiting $1 mil lion toward the renovation and Faculty Chair in Biology. His ex pan sion of Fiddler’s Green, home to $1 million gift will be matched the Corps of Cadets’ Parsons Mount ed with Herman F. and Minnie Cav alry. Bell Heep Foundation funds New facilities on the Green—to be to create a $2 million chair to completed this September—will in - bring distinguished faculty clude a leather shop, restrooms, offices mem bers to campus through and a storage space for equipment. the Texas A&M University In - More than 8,000 feet of fence was re - sti tute for Ad vanced Study placed and pipe fencing will be added (TIAS). The chair will defray around the equine training arena. The costs associated with recruiting expanded facility will in clude an ad di - TIAS Fac ulty Fel lows in bio logy tional 16 acres of land. and support an on going visit- The McFerrins have sup ported ing faculty lecture series. Texas A&M for more than 26 years in Xu is co-founder of Baidu, a diverse range of organizations, proj- the world’s largest Chinese ects and academic initiatives. search engine, and founder and In 2013, they received the Ster ling chairman of YIFANG Ventures C. Evans Medal from the Texas A&M Inc., an asset management and Foundation in recognition of their con- venture capital company based tributions to the univer sity. in Beijing and Singapore. 10 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION Adams Creates Fifth Endowment Today he maintains ties with the 61 Harold L. Adams ’ recently estab- College of Architecture by serving on $150,000 lished a professorship in its Development Advisory Council visu alization, marking his fourth pro- and assisting with research, planning, fessorship and fifth endowment with- lectures and student counseling as a in the College of Architecture. visiting professor. He was named a dis - Adams previously established en - tinguished alumnus of the college in dowed professorships within the de - 1998 and a distinguished alum nus of part ments of architecture, construction the university in 2011. He also serves science and landscape architecture as on the Presi dent’s Council and is the Phyllis Keller ’80 and Lane Keller ’80 well as an endowed scholarship for ar - first Aggie fellow in Texas A&M Uni - chi tecture majors. versity’s Insti tute for Advanced Study. As a result, the Kellers dedicated “I’m old enough to be sitting in a $250,000 to provide operational fund- rocking chair,” Adams said. “But I have $25 Million for 25 by 25 ing for the Financial Planning Program the opportunity to help the college A $25 million gift from San Antonio- in the Department of Agricultural Eco - con tinue developing into one of the based Zachry Group will support the nomics. country’s finest. That’s something I 25 by 25 Initiative in the Dwight Look “There is a tremendous demand can’t pass up.” His gift is the first to College of Engineering. for qualified graduates in financial fund a professorship in the Depart - The contribution is the largest gift plan ning,” said Lane. “Students who ® ment of Visualization. Its faculty hold - to date for the 550,000-square-foot Engi - can graduate ready to sit for the CFP er will coordinate teaching and research neering Education Complex that will Cer tification Exam ination have a activities with the faculty holders of function as the hub of the college’s un - huge ad vantage.” 2013 his other professorships. dergraduate program. The building Founded in , the program pre - “This will foster further collabo- pro ject includes an extensive renova- pares students and profes sion als for ration between all four departments in tion and addition to the Zachry Engi - careers in financial planning through the college,” Adams said. “Inter dis ci - neering Center to be completed in online and classroom course work. plinary cooperation is vital to the suc - spring 2018. “We hope the program will not cess of the field and its students.” A second component of the gift only benefit students but their future Adams is the retired CEO of RTKL creates the Zachry Leadership Program clients as well,” said Phyllis. Associates, a global architecture and at Texas A&M, which will provide 100 In recognition of their gift, a con - design firm that he joined in 1967. By engineering students scholarship sup - ference room in the agriculture and the time of his retirement in 2003, he port and leadership development op - life sciences building will be named had successfully grown the firm to in - portunities. in honor of R.L. “Bo” Keller, Lane’s clude nine international offices. The gift will also establish a pro- father. fessor of practice in mechanical engineering, enabling the de part ment to President’s Endowed Scholarship place in dus try leaders in the classroom. The Texas A&M Foundation would “At a time when there is a na tion - like to thank donors who have re - al shortage of engineers, we are excit- cently contributed to Texas A&M’s ed to support the vision of the uni- premier scholarship program, the versity to produce more engineers than President’s Endowed Scholar ship. any other institution,” said John B. Zachry ’84, chairman and chief exec- Jacqueline V. and George N. Anderson ’52 utive officer of Zachry Group. B.F. and Adelene Bolton

Vicki and Brian Miller ’80 A Vote for Financial Planning Dorothy R. and John W. Persohn ’42 Lane Keller ’80 and Phyllis Keller ’80 (two scholarships) work with businesses every day. As Neva and A.E. (Buddy) White ’42 Given by Daisy and John D. White ’70 own ers of Keller & Associates CPAs WFSN Women’s Legacy II KMH LLC and Wealth Management , Given by The Women Former Students' Harold J. Adams ’61 recently established the they recognize the value of sound finan - Network of Texas A&M University first professorship in visualization. cial planning.

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2 0 1 5 11 Genes Genius cutting-edge research explores how diet causes and prevents cancer

A Q&A with Dr. Roderick Dashwood

Dr. Roderick Dashwood has always zeroed in on why things don’t work. “During biology classes when we were learning things like how the heart works,” he said, “I was interested in why it stops working and what causes it to go awry. “It wasn’t a morbid curiosity, either. visions of tumbleweeds and spittoons. I wasn’t interested in death for the But upon arriving, I was blown away by sake of death. Under standing abnor- the huge concentration of medical ex - mal aspects helps you understand pertise in one square mile and impressed normal biology better.” that the science was so highly coopera- His early interests led him to study tive. After my seminar presentation, Dr. genetic toxicology—how our environ- Walker mentioned plans for a new IBT ment, diet and lifestyle affect our center focused on epigenetics. That’s where Tea Tip it all started. Looking for a way to beat the heat DNA—at the undergraduate, masters this summer? Dashwood recommends and doctoral levels. Now director of chilled green tea: “Take a 12-cup the Center for Epigenetics and Dis ease What is the field of epigenetics and coffee carafe, fill it with cold filtered & how did it evolve? water, add five green tea bags and Prevention at the Texas A M Uni ver - place it in the fridge overnight. In the sity Health Science Center’s Institute Epigenetics is the study of heritable morning, remove the tea bags and for Biosciences and Technol ogy (IBT) changes in gene expression that are not squeeze them if you prefer a slightly caused by changes in DNA sequence. The more astringent beverage. Without in Houston, Dashwood still asks ques - adding sugar or artificial sweetener, tions about abnormal biology, particu- medical profession historically has under - it will be utterly refreshing and far larly cancer. stood cancer development as changes in better than store-bought varieties.” His research focus on epi genetics DNA sequence—either change in indi- and cancer prevention is rep resen tative vidual bases in the DNA or whole-scale of the caliber of work being conducted changes that lead to chromosome rearrange - at the IBT. The English na tive partic- ment. But re searchers started realizing ipated in a Spirit Q&A to elaborate on that there were instances of tumors aris- his research and why it matters. ing in humans and in animals that didn’t have genetic changes as the main driver How did you come to direct the of cancer development. Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention? How can dietary choices and the About two years ago, IBT Director Dr. beneficial components of food be Cheryl Walker invited me to give a sem - utilized to prevent or fight cancer? inar at the Texas Medical Center. At the If a cancer has epigenetically-silenced time, I was naïve about Hou ston, with genes, the hope is that through diet and

12 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION lifestyle, we can open up chromatin, turn the identification of so-called early bio- ob jectives. However, as NIH dollars are genes back on and trigger cancer cells to markers, which might be used as early stagnating and becoming more competi- die. We study scenarios in which cancers pre dictors of cancer. Much of the historic tive, scientists have to think about other in the human population are high or low medical focus on cancer has centered on ways to support their research, such as and try to cor relate those rates to dietary therapy, which is certainly important. through foundations or private in vestors. and life style practices. Going deeper, we When people come into hospitals or clin- try to pin point particularly beneficial or ics with cancer, we need immediate ways to Were you a science geek as a child? harmful components of our foods. Our help them—typically via surgery, radio - While I loved science, I wasn’t a typical goal is to understand which foods might therapy or chemotherapy. How ever, this geek. My parents required me to choose cause or prevent cancer and what we can approach tends to categorize cancer as an one artistic pursuit and one physical do to optimize preventive strategies. event, when it is actually a process. What pursuit outside of school, so I chose judo and classical guitar. I grew up hear ing great Nobel laureates speak at Cam - bridge University, like Wat son & Crick (discoverers of the DNA double helix struc ture) and Max Perutz (who was in - fluential in identifying the structure of blood transport proteins like hemoglo- bin). I remember Perutz saying, ‘Students these days work too hard and think too little.’ He meant to remind us that while we’re in our labs, buried in the technical - ities of our experiments, we have to keep perspective about what we’re doing and its potential impact.

Dr. Roderick Dashwood Dashwood holds joint professorships in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science and the Texas A&M Uni versity College of Medicine. He is also a professor in the Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention What foods have been identified causes a cancer is usually a series of bio - at MD Anderson Cancer Center. that may help prevent cancer? chemical or mole cular processes that accu -

One group includes cruciferous vegeta- mulated over time—maybe the patient To support the Texas A&M University bles like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and smoked cigarettes, stayed out in the sun Health Science Center, contact: bok choy. Others include allium vegeta- too long, ate the wrong foods, or all of the bles such as onions, garlic and shallots, above. We need to understand the car - Andrew Robison ’04 which are high in beneficial sulfur com- cinogenic process and how components in Director of Development pounds; foods like Brazil nuts that have our food might act at steps along the way Texas A&M Foundation high selenium content; and spinach, which in order to potentially prevent tumors from (800) 392-3310 or (979) 436-0811 has abundant chlorophyll. One way to ever happening. That has been my No. 1 [email protected] optimize foods is to grow them in differ- driving passion throughout my career. ent types of soils and climate conditions. How is your research funded? What is chemoprevention? I received funding via Texas A&M’s Chan - Cancer chemoprevention refers to the use cellor’s Research Initiative, which brings of natural, synthetic or biological chem- high-profile scientists to the university. I ical agents to reverse, suppress or prevent also brought with me a PO1 program pro - invasive cancer development. It has been ject grant from the National Cancer Insti - studied extensively through various agents tute, part of the National Institutes of like vitamins, minerals and certain sup- Health (NIH), which supports long-term plements or whole foods. It also includes research programs with specific major

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2 0 1 5 13

A Vintage Aggie Discovery

Only the steady hand and precise mind of an engineer could have By 1887, the engineering college housed separate departments in perfected this 1897 drawing of a circular cone’s shadow on a plane. mechanical engineering, civil engineering and drawing. The curriculum, Sketched by Joseph Gray Dance, who attended Texas A&M Uni versi- taught by about 25 professors prior to 1900, focused on practical train - ty as a mechanical engineering undergraduate in 1897 and 1898, this ing to assist students in finding industrial and vocational work. illustration is one of many discovered in a notebook he kept for an Dance likely attended classes in the mechanical engineering shops introductory drawing class. erected in 1892 by the order of then university President Lawrence Sul - All engineering students at the time were required to take drawing livan Ross (1891-1898). The shops, destroyed by fire in 1920, stood on courses, during which they received instruction in mapping, charting, the site now occupied by Harrington Education Center. lettering, free-hand drawing, geometrical construction and elemen- These drawings, discovered by his granddaughters, will be donated tary projections. to the Cushing Memo rial Library and Archives. Seeing Angela Merkel was the bonus. Last fall, Jacob Brown ’ This kind of exploration of the world, fraught with crit ical was one of seven cadets who spent the semester at Helmut thinking and historical inquiry, is exactly what Brig. Gen. Joe Schmidt University (HSU) in Hamburg, Germany, as part of a Ramirez Jr. ’, Corps commandant, hopes his cadets will achieve Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets exchange program. In through a project that is close to his heart: The Corps’ Global November, he traveled to Berlin for the th anniversary of the Leadership Initiative. The comman dant goes to great lengths to collapse of the Berlin Wall. There he found the city transformed give cadets the chance to learn about other countries through into an open-air museum with exhibits depicting Berlin’s post-war this cross-cultural initiative, which has grown tremendously in transformation. At one display, Brown spotted German Chan - size and significance since he took command of the Corps in . cellor Angela Merkel. “That made my trip an especially memo- At the time, the Corps sent a few cadets abroad through pro - rable experience,” he said. grams funded by the university or the Department of Defense. But the most powerful part of the visit was seeing the con- “I thought to myself: ‘Let’s send more,’ ” said Gen. Ramirez, who trasting worlds on either side of the wall. “Berlin is one of the spent seven of his last  years in the Army either living overseas few places you can see a stark juxtaposition between the effects or deployed. Before coming to Col lege Station, he served as dep - of communism and capitalism,” said Brown, an international stud - uty director of policy and strategy for the U.S. European Com - ies major. He noticed that in former East Berlin, the buildings mand. were more drab and the streets narrower. The setting depicted His international experience made his goals for the Corps how constricted life for East Berliners had been. “The biggest clear. “I realized the significance of ensuring that our young realization I had was the constant fear that people lived under,” people understand the global marketplace,” he said. “Having trav - said Brown. “The idea that citizens could not control many eled to countries around the world, I know the advantages to aspects of their lives had a profound impact on me and made me understanding a country’s environment, culture and the way its thank ful for the freedoms I experience every day in the U.S.” people view the world.”

BY JEANNIE RALSTON

The Brandenburg Gate is an th-century neoclassical triumphal arch in Berlin and one of the best-known landmarks in Germany. During the post-war partition of Germany, the gate was isolated and inaccessible immediately next to the Berlin Wall, and the area around the gate was featured most prominently in media coverage showcasing the fall of the wall in . TEXASA&M’S GLOBALFOOTPRINT

Editor’s Note: This is the fifth in a series of features on Texas A&M University’s global footprint.

The Corps of Cadets’ Global Leadership Initiative blends history, culture and policy in a study-abroad-on-steroids experience. Gen. Ramirez and his staff built an international pro- en. Ramirez, who speaks with each group gram tailor-made for Aggie cadets. His priorities became of cadets before their departure, is specif- three all-expense-paid excursions a year, semesters abroad at ic about what they should take from their military universities and an international exchange plan to time away. “I want them to learn how we bring foreign cadets to College Station. The comman dant do business with that country diplomatical- also set up the Leadership Learning Center, where cadets ly, how the country uses infor mation as influence, and what have free access to a library of Rosetta Stone programs to the information is saying, espe cially about the U.S.,” Gen. study critical languages such as Russian, Mandarin and Ara - Ramirez explained. “What type of military relationship do bic. Since the program’s inception, the number of cadets we have with them? What companies are doing business traveling overseas has jumped dramatically. In 2007, less than there? And while religion is not always a significant factor 1 percent of Texas A&M students who studied abroad were in every country, they must be conscious of it when they go cadets; today cadets comprise 12 percent. to countries like Qatar and Kuwait.” “Our hope,” said Randy Kluver, Texas A&M’s executive Last summer’s excursion to India took place in the weeks director of global partnerships and outreach, “is that every leading up to national elections. “Cadets got the chance to cadet gains some form of international engagement over the understand who all of the different candidates were and how course of their education.” Kluver helped implement the they were being discussed—not just by the media but by program from the beginning and is one of its most ada mant local people,” Gen. Ramirez said. On a 2013 trip to China, endorsers. Kluver was able to arrange the first cadet-to-cadet ex change between the countries, thanks to his position as director of he cornerstone of the Corps’ international the Texas A&M Confucius Institute, which strengthens edu - program is three annual excursions, normal- cational ties with China. Members of the Corps spent time ly taken at the conclusion of the spring se - with cadets at Ocean University in Qingdao, one of the only mester. “This is study abroad on steroids,” universities in China with an ROTC program. “We engaged said Kluver. “The quality of the experience in discussions with the cadets and addressed numerous his - is unparalleled.” torical events and current issues between our two nations,” The excursions normally consist of 10 to 12 days in coun- said Sam Hodges ’13, who took part in the China trip. tries that are strategically important to U.S. interests—such These excursions are set up in unique Texas A&M style. as Egypt, Morocco, Germany, Poland, China, Taiwan, Sin - “West Point can’t do an ex - “Our hope is that every ga pore and Chile. But these are no leisurely sightseeing change like the one in Chi - cadet gains some form of vacations. Accompanying the 26 cadets that travel on each na,” said Kluver. “The Air excursion are three chaperones—a staff member from the Force Academy can’t do this. international engagement commandant’s office, an ROTC officer and a Texas A&M But we can because of our over the course of their faculty member who has special knowledge of the destina- select military relation ships education.” tion country or region. and Aggie connections.” Before they travel, cadets receive detailed briefings from Stories about the im pact —Randy Kluver experts on the country’s culture and government so they can of the trips continue. Gen. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF hit the ground running. Days abroad are packed with meet - Ramirez recalls that ca dets on GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS & OUTREACH, TEXAS A&M 2012 ings with key decision-makers and tours of influential insti - a excursion to Qatar UNIVERSITY tutions. Gen. Ramirez adapted the excursions—from which got a tour of the Al Udeid cadets earn an hour’s worth of academic credit—after the Air Base and an unexpected DIME-R model he learned at the U.S. Army War College. briefing from Lt. Gen David Goldfein, commander of the Each trip examines the elements of national power: diplo- U.S. Air Force Central Command in Southwest Asia. “It is macy, information, military, economics, religion and culture. rare for a three-star general to give three hours to a group “When we decide which countries we’re going to, we of students,” said Kluver. “In fact, it doesn’t happen.” One all look through our contacts to see who we know could clue to his gen erosity: the general’s two daughters are Aggies. help us,” said Kluver. The commandant himself provides “It was fasci nat ing for our cadets to see how that operation connections since he has worked in many of the destinations came together,” said Gen. Ramirez. while serving in the Army. The Aggie network lends a hand Clayton Sorem ’13, who participated in that Qatar excur - as well, with many Texas A&M former students providing sion, recalls another memorable meeting with the head of sug gestions and contacts. “Almost every embassy employs international relations at the Al Jazeera network. “The abil- someone from Texas A&M,” said Kluver. “And because it’s ity to ask questions about a news program that many people the Corps, someone with the military is always willing to in the U.S. find controversial was an eye-opening experience,” help.” said Sorem, whose trip inspired him to spend a year in China Clockwise from top: Each Corps excursion includes stops at local government buildings. Students toured the Duetsches Historisches Museum to experience German culture, history, religion and art (left). During a trip to Chile, cadets visited the Escuela de Militar Bernardo O’Higgins in Santiago. Chilean cadets at this military school begin their Chilean Army service as cadets in an undergraduate corps, similar to the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M. G OING G LOBAL

Any cadet may apply for an excursion or exchange. For the 2015 excursions, 147 cadets applied for 78 slots, with selections based mainly on grades, merit and ability to Clockwise from top: Groups of South work on a team. Korean ROTC students visited the The three excursions cost College Station campus for three roughly $200,000 a year. To weeks each in  and . keep the program inexpensive Cantonese opera is a traditional Chinese art form. Cadets explored and accessible, cadets are the Great Wall of China during a asked to pay only for one meal  excursion to China. Sam per day. Hodges ’ engaged in discussions For semester-long with Chinese cadets about historical exchanges, the commandant’s events and current issues and toured numerous cultural sites such as the office covers airfare and National Theater and Concert application fees or visas. Hall at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Tuition plus room and board Hall in Taipei, Taiwan. are roughly comparable to the

cost of attending Texas A&M for the semester. The Division of Student Affairs funds the program along with donations from individuals and companies. To include more destinations and cadets, the Corps created a global initiative fund to which former students and other supporters may donate. “This program is an investment in our future,” said Gen. Ramirez. “A few short weeks can pay huge dividends.” after graduation. “We learned about some of our miscon- about their family, and the next you are discussing the pol- ceptions of the Middle East. I also saw how various factors itics and for eign relations of South Korea,” said Mogensen, lead people to completely different conclusions about cer- whose expe rience traveling abroad prompted him to apply tain topics and none are necessarily wrong.” for a master’s program at The Bush School of Govern ment Insights like these are commonly heard during the man - and Public Service, which he completed simul tane ously with da tory three-hour outbriefings that cadets give the comman - his undergraduate degree in international studies. dant following each excursion. The students are required “A cadet’s global competence is more than what they to be thorough in these briefings, not only to prove how learn in-country or in a classroom. The friendships that form much they learned but also because the commandant lis- as a result of an international experience greatly impact a tens with preexisting knowledge about each country. “They cadet,” said Meredith Simpson ’03, assistant commandant need to show him that they’re thinking deeply about what for academics and international programs. “Whether they it all means,” Kluver noted. “The commandant does not let seek a military commission or a career in the private sector, them off easy.” these cadets build a network they can call upon later.” At these briefings, Gen. Ramirez loves to “see the light The commandant recently set up an exchange with the bulbs going on,” he said. “You hear things like, ‘I never Australian Defence Forces Academy, sending four Aggie knew…’ or ‘Now I understand….’ These are the students cadets in the spring semester, and he hopes to establish the we’re preparing for companies like IBM, Dell, Goodyear, same with schools in Chile, Taiwan and possibly Mexico. He ExxonMobil or the CIA and the U.S. military. That’s why also would like to expand the program with South Korea. these trips are so important.” The South Korean ROTC leaders want to bring cadets for a third time in 2016, and Gen. Ramirez is eyeing May 2016 nother key area of the program is the coor- as a date when some of his cadets could visit Korea. dination of longer exchanges like the one “Now I want our cadets to come to your country to the Corps of Cadets establish ed with HSU see how you operate,” Gen. Ramirez told 34 South Korean in Germany. This is where Brown and six cadets in a conference room in the Sanders Corps Center, other cadets discovered there is no substi- after hearing what they’d learned after three weeks of liv- tute for experiencing cur rent events as well as history first- ing with Aggie cadets and completing a leadership course. hand. “We actually talked about the reunification of Ger - “That will give our cadets the chance to learn about your many quite extensively in a German history class I was tak- program, your culture and the beauty of your country.” ing at HSU,” said Reiner Guenther ’16, an agricultural eco - Gen. Ramirez explained his own connection to their nomics major. “But of course you can only get to a certain country; not only did he serve in Korea but his father did level of understanding through words, pictures and videos. as well, during the Korean War. “He was shot five times and Going to Berlin was extremely powerful and probably the spent 33 months as a prisoner of war,” he said. The Korean best history lesson I’ll ever receive.” cadets gasped. “I’d like our cadets to see the importance of At the same time, three HSU cadets studied in Aggie - what we have done in Korea with our Korean partners,” he land, immersing themselves in all of the Corps of Cadets’ added. activ ities—even marching off the Quad in their own Ger - Then Gen. Ramirez gathered for a photo with the cadets. man uniforms before a football game. Having foreign stu- “I’ll show this to my father,” he promised as he stood grin- dents in College Station brings a global perspective to ning, surrounded by smiling young Koreans, all with their members of the Corps who haven’t been able to travel thumbs raised. “Gig ’em!” they said in unison. overseas. “That’s the beauty of these exchanges,” said Gen. Ramirez. “There’s great value in having internation- To support the Corps of Cadets’ al cadets here interacting with our cadets. It’s the same Global Leadership Initiative, contact: kind of learning that goes on as if our cadets were in their Matt Jennings ’95 country with them.” Senior Director of Development 15 Nick Mogensen ’ served as a “buddy” to a cadet when Texas A&M Foundation groups of South Korean ROTC students visited for three (800) 392-3310 or (979) 845-7604 2014 2015 weeks each in and . He gained an appreciation for [email protected] the pressure under which those cadets live, with the threat of an invasion from North Korea always looming. “It is one To give online, visit give.am/CorpsGoGlobal. thing to read a CNN news blurb about tensions between North and South Korea, and another to befriend a South Korean cadet over the course of three or four weeks. One minute you are discussing your hometown and hearing Watch a video about the program at give.am/CadetsAbroad. Each year the Texas A&M Foundation Trustees’ Outstanding Student Award gives one graduating senior a jump-start in life.

      , :   ’        () -  () - @. —   —

For Minhtuan “Tuan” Nguyen ’14, pur - other universities, including The Univer - with Shell Oil Co. Following his intern - suing an education was never about tak - sity of Texas at Austin. ships, Shell offered Nguyen a job: He is ing the path of least resistance. “To some While at Texas A&M, Nguyen found - now employed as an associate pressure people, education might be a word that ed the Texas A&M chapter of the Soci ety equip ment engineer at the company’s feels like imprisonment,” Nguyen said. of Asian Scientists and Engineers, the branch in Deer Park, Texas. “To me, it signifies freedom, future and first professional organization for Asian “I want to help improve our nation’s prosperity.” Americans on campus. Nguyen was also energy dissipation,” said Nguyen, who Nguyen, who grew up in a Vietnam - active in the American Society of Mech - dreams of be com ing a sub ject matter ex - ese immigrant family, always considered anical Engineers during his un der grad - pert in his field. attending a top-notch institution like uate career, serving as a mentor to “We had many exceptional appli- Texas A&M University a pipedream— under classmen and assisting recruiting cants for this award, but Tuan’s determi - until the day he walked the stage in Reed efforts in the Dwight Look Col lege of nation and enthusiasm stood out to us Arena, where Interim President Mark Engineering by promoting mechanical as we made our final decision,” said Van Hussey ’79 handed him a hard-earned engineering to prospective students. Taylor ’71, former chairman of the Foun - mechanical engineering degree. “Tuan is one of those rare students da tion’s Board of Trustees. “He is an Nguyen, a December 2014 graduate, who truly embodies a well-rounded ap - excellent example of the kind of stu dent funded his education through scholar - proach and manner,” said Harry Hogan, for whom this award was created.” ships, grants and income from intern- associate professor of mechanical engi- Nguyen plans to use the money he ships. He received the Con oco Phillips neering. “The Society of Asian Scientists received to offset his cost of living while Endowed Foundation Excel lence Award, a Regents’ Scholarship and the George A Parting and Mary B. Lewis Endow ed Scholar - ship, all funded through the Texas A&M Foundation. His impressive academic record, out - standing leadership skills and trademark dedication inspired his selection as the 2015 recipient of the Texas A&M Foun - Gift dation Trustees’ Outstanding Student Award. Nguyen is the third recipient of the honor, which annually awards an ex - and Engineers promotes professional de - working in Houston, and he hopes to ceptional graduating student with $2,500. velopment and collegiality among stu- eventually fund a scholarship supporting dents, and is now a thriving organization students of immigrant families. Hard Work Pays Off with approximately 75 members due to “I will never forget my family’s Viet - “What sold me on Texas A&M was how Tuan’s leadership and personal efforts.” namese roots, nor will I forget my Texas dedicated everyone is to the school and Nguyen also completed several in - A&M experience, regardless of my career its traditions,” said Nguyen, who grew tern ships during his undergraduate ca - success,” he said. “I am grateful to the up in Richmond, Texas. After his first reer. He interned as a freshman for the Foundation for this award.” cam pus visit, he was so set on Aggie land Primary Sourcing Corp. in Houston and that he cancelled planned tours of all later secured two separate internships —BY CHRIS SCOGGINS ’15

Post-Graduation Boost they move into the next stages of served as a leader of one or more their lives after graduation,” Melbern student organizations or service Created in 2012 by former Foundation said. “Susie and I believe strongly groups. To be eligible, applicants Trustee Melbern Glasscock ’59 and that investing in education and giving also must be a current or past his wife Susanne of Houston, the a young person a kick-start in life recipient of a Foundation-supported Trustees’ Outstanding Student Award pays multiple dividends to society.” scholarship. recognizes an exceptional graduating Recipients of the award must have Previous winners of the award student each year. a minimum GPR of 3.0, demonstrate are Shahrum Iqbal ’12 and Mollie “It is my intention that this award financial challenges, embody the Lastovica ’14. Susanne and Melbern Glasscock ’59 will give these students a boost as university’s core values and have ∏rofessor James olari spear˙eaded an inno√ati√e commercial ban˚ing program in ˜ays ıusiness School t˙at ˙elps students cas˙ in on success. “Bankers are the nuts and bolts of Amer - of a complex career through specialized With a blossoming economy comes ican finance,” said Alexandra Washing - coursework, hands-on experience and col - increasing demand for talent from the ton ’, a commercial real estate analyst at laboration with industry sponsors. banking sector. That’s why the pro gram Bank of Texas in Dallas. “If banks aren’t Now in its fourth year, the Com mer - is essential. “Training these young bank - making loans, small businesses can’t start cial Banking Program is the largest pro- ers is important,” Kolari said. “We are or grow. That’s what I like about my job— gram of its kind in the state. “It’s the right help ing local businesses grow and in creas - we are en hanc ing communities.” time to be focused on banking,” said Pro - ing the standard of living. That ben efits Washington is a recent graduate of gram Director James Kolari, JP Morgan everybody. the Commercial Banking Program at Chase Professor of Finance. “The pop- “Strong banks create a stronger fi nan - Texas A&M University’s Mays Business ulation in Texas is expanding, and it’s cial system in Texas,” he added. “Bank ing School. The Department of Finance pro - important to the future of our state that is the bedrock of every community.” gram prepares students for the demands our financial sector be strong.”

ıenjamin Fran˚lin Success t˙at spea˚s for itself students seeking employment in the Vickers ’00 (Comerica Bank) and Steve bank ing sector. York ’82 (Broadway Bank). These bank - Having taught finance at Texas A&M for “Our vision is for this to be the pre - ers play an integral role in support and 35 years, Kolari’s teaching philosophy is mier banking program in Texas and regularly in vite banks across the state to that students need a balance of techni- one of the top programs in the United become cor porate sponsors. Member - cal skills and hands-on practical train- States,” Kolari said. “However, we don’t ship fees from sponsors cover ad min is - ing to apply those skills. Previously a want to grow too big too fast. We want trative costs. As Kolari noted, “There are bank policy expert at the Federal Re - to maintain the highest quality for our many Aggies in sig nificant banking posi - serve Bank of Chicago, he came to Texas students and for the banks.” tions that have answered the call.” A&M to conduct independent bank re - search and teach banking and financial markets classes. His main research inter - ests are banking, financial analysis, sta- tistical modeling and securities markets. “Dr. Kolari is one of the few profes - sors I’ve kept in contact with after grad - uation,” Washington said. “What sets him apart is his passion to make sure his students secure jobs. He constantly reminds alumni to consider Aggie students when making hiring decisions.” Washington described Kolari as ap - proachable, well-informed and always on the lookout for opportunities to en - hance his students’ experience. “Don’t let his easy demeanor fool you, though,” she said. “He’s knowledge - able about financial markets and the banking industry, and passionate about making a great program for the state of Texas and for his students.” Kolari’s concern for students led him to start the Commercial Banking Program in 2009 in cooperation with fi nance department head Dr. Sorin Sorescu and Robert Messer ’79, executive vice president and CFO at Ameri - can National Bank of Texas. After the U.S. financial collapse and economic downturn, Kolari witnessed students More t˙an Deposits and struggling to find internships and jobs. Withdrawals The program solves that problem by cre - ating a pipe line for banking students From the onset, the Commercial Bank - to industry partners. Spon soring banks ing Program has been a partnership be - create the program’s curriculum to en - tween Texas A&M former students and sure well-trained students are an asset the banking community. For example, to their employers immediately after the program’s recruiting committee chair graduating. is Dwight Garey ’67 (Amegy Bank), The program has grown exponen- while the advisory board includes Pat Leadership is provided by various tially. In just a few short years, it has Brockette ’88 (Bank of Texas), Chris advisory board members that work to - mush roomed from 10 banks and 16 stu - Cowan ’95 (Texas Capital Bank), David gether to develop and build the pro- dents to 31 banks and 72 students. It LePori ’81 (Frost Bank), Bobby Mor - gram. They meet twice a year to discuss 100 05 boasts a percent placement rate for gan ’ (JP Morgan Chase), Jarred ad mission, curriculum, internships, men- 26 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION “When students are better inform ed „˙at’s on t˙e Horizon? about the banking industry, those who are not a good fit self-select out of the “We’ve enjoyed a lot of success, but we recruitment process. This streamlining are not standing still,” Kolari said. “We is of enormous value to our partners,” are improving our program in every di - Kolari continued. “Through the Com - men sion. Banks work with us hand-in- mercial Banking Program, banks have hand to create and meet future goals for access to top talent with less screening our program.” required.” Kolari plans to open the program to other departments in the business It’s a t∑o-∑ay school. “Banks need all kinds of talent. ∏rofessor James olari (left), director of t˙e Street Their hiring needs are diverse,” he said. Commercial Ban˚ing ∏rogram at Texas A&M, Advisory board members praise the pro - is training young ban˚ers to address t˙e needs Private support would expand the of a gro∑ing financial system in t˙e state. gram and the talented employees it gen - program and enhance educational ex cel - 82 Geoff Green∑ade ’83 (top) is president and erates. lence. With this in mind, Cindy ’ and 83 81 CEO of Green Ban˚ in Houston, a partner Geoff Greenwade ’ is pres ident Russell Marshall ’ established an en - of t˙e Mays program. olari and Åssistant and CEO of Green Bank in Houston. dowed scholarship in 2014 to support ∏rogram Îirector Sally Guyton (bottom left) Prior to working with the Com mercial students majoring in finance who par- are preparing students li˚e Gregg S˙oope '15, Banking Program at Texas A&M, Green - ticipate in the Commercial Banking Pro - Kat˙erine Hepler '15 and Ryan Yeager '15 wade’s bank never considered hiring stu - gram. The first scholarship will be award - to meet t˙e demands of a complex ban˚ing dents right out of college. Today, it does. ed in 2016, and a planned gift of life career t˙roug˙ specialized course∑or˚. Commercial Banking Program in - insurance will grow the Marshall en dow - terns work on financial statements, assist ment following their lifetimes. in underwriting loans, shadow commer - Kolari believes the program is well- cial lenders on customer calls and at - situated for continued growth. “This is a tend credit meetings. “We treat them new model for business education, and like a new hire,” Greenwade said. “We it’s challeng ing because bankers have give them real tasks and training, even high expectations,” Kolari said. “But so though we only have them for 10 weeks. do we.” We prepare them to enter the workforce For Kolari, success isn’t measured in immediately after graduation.” numbers. “I love to see the faces of stu- In addition to the immediate bene- dents when they are offered an intern- fit of new hires for a bank, the program ship or a job. It is incredibly rewarding to impacts the future of banking in the see that their education matters to them state. “Ultimately we want to be judged and that they are happy about where it’s on placement and how many of our taking them in life. grad uates are leaders in the industry in “I want my students to be success- 10 to 15 years,” Greenwade said. “We are ful in many ways, not just in their job. creating future leaders for Texas bank- I want them to have the total package,” toring and other program details. In the ing, one day at a time.” he said. spring semester, exec utives from mem- Messer, who chairs the advisory ber banks lecture on campus. The pro - board for the Commercial Banking Pro - To learn more about supporting the fessionals give presentations on a range gram, agrees with Greenwade. “Of all Commercial Banking Program in Mays of real-world scenarios involving loans, the changes and challenges facing the Business School, contact: 1 treasury cash management, regu lation, banking industry, the No. challenge is Brian Bishop ’91 community bank ing and other topics. the acquisition of top talent,” he said. Senior Director of Development “Banking is much more than de pos - “There are fewer people entering this Texas A&M Foundation its and withdrawals,” Kolari said. “We industry today. As we think long term (800) 392-3310 or (979) 862-3615 train students in many areas so that about the health of the industry, we rec - [email protected] they are competitive when they grad - ognize that building a talent base is es - uate, and we give them a better under- sential. This program helps us do that.” Visit give.am/SupportCommercialBanking standing of where they want to direct to give online. their careers. SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2 0 1 5 27 Texas A&M University chemist and its people, but sometimes it’s harder chemical wonders turn ordinary objects James Pen nington looks forward to sum - to relate to complex research and scien - into exciting learning experiences. Pen - mer as much as any school kid, to the ex - tific concepts.” nington has more than a few tricks up tent that he plans his calendar a year in Every bit as colorful as the trade- his sleeve, including showing iron burn- advance. After all, it’s for the children. mark tie-dyed lab coat he dons for each ing as brightly as the sun; pro ducing a For the past seven years, Penning- show, Pennington took rein of the Road genie from a bottle; and solidifying a cup ton has coordinated one of Texas A&M’s Show in 2008 following the death of its of water by adding a pinch of dry pow- most popular educational outreach pro - founder, Texas A&M chemist John L. der—all reminders that science is stim- grams, the Chemistry Road Show. A free Hogg. In the mid-1980s, Hogg envision - ulating. public service funded by the Depart - ment of Chemistry and the College of Science in partnership with The Dow Chemical Co. and Shell Oil Co., the Road Show sparks public inter est in ex - ploring the wonders of science, regardless of age or experience level. Each summer and on occasional days during the school year, Pennington treks across Texas in a 2011 Chevy Ex - press cargo model van donated by Dow and custom-outfitted to meet the program’s transportation and safe ty needs. With Pennington in the driver’s seat, the Road Show has expanded from about 30 performances seen by roughly 6,000 students in the Brazos Valley in 2008 to Inspiration and education react during the Chemistry Road Show. 83 shows reaching more than 22,000 stu - dents statewide in 2014. He logged 7,000 miles last summer alone, spreading scientific goodwill to supplement sum mer enrichment programs, library reading pro grams and scout camps. He also ap - peared at museums and outreach programs held on the Texas A&M campus. Pennington, an instructional assistant professor of chemistry and 2015 re - cip ient of The Association of Former Students’ Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching, said he’s constantly thinking of new ways to use the inher- ent properties of science to engage and inspire the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering and math ematics (STEM), whether he’s teach - ing organic chemistry to non-chemistry majors or expanding the Road Show. ed the show’s pioneering concept of en - Miles and Miles to Go “One of the things I always tell peo - abling the public to experience science Although Pennington is licensed to pres- ple is that in terms of science, the road in basic and entertaining ways within ent the Road Show anywhere in Texas, show is not the most valuable program the comfortable confines of a familiar there are notable absences he’d like to within the Department of Chemistry,” educational environment. correct in West and South Texas. Pennington said. “The research and sci - During each show, audience mem- “Rural and socioeconomically chal - ence that is underway here has a much bers are dazzled by colorful reactions and lenged schools and districts don’t always more positive effect on the state of Texas polymers growing before their eyes as have the money for the curriculum and COLLEGE IMPACT In addition to campus partners and donors like Dow and Shell, Penning ton credits about two dozen Texas A&M un - der graduate students who volunteer an - By Shana Hutchins ’93 nually to ensure the show’s future. Most volunteer at three or more events, from setting up and repacking to working with Pennington during the show. In the fu - ture, Pennington would like to expand available opportunities for students by providing a service-learning option, pos - sibly via a flexible, non-credit certificate program. He would also like to explore the potential of an endowment to en sure that the Road Show would be funded and self-sufficient in perpetuity. Science “We greatly appreciate the annual inmotion generosity of our corporate partners, but our hope is to inspire an endowed fund that we can rely on for future programs, versus cobbling a budget together each year,” Pennington said. “It would be an investment in the future of the program and the future of Texas A&M’s vital role in science education and outreach.” The program presents Pennington with an opportunity to transform from teacher to performer. “I’m a ham,” Pennington said. “I en - joy getting in front of a crowd, and I enjoy seeing the enthusiasm and the ex - Each summer Professor James Pennington cite ment. I hope it’s educational but also treks across Texas in a custom-fitted cargo van to spread scientific goodwill and motivational. I just want to remind kids supplement summer enrichment programs that science lets them do some pretty at area schools. cool stuff.”

To support the Chemistry Road Show or other College of Science educational outreach programs, contact:

Michael Morelius ’98 Director of Development Texas A&M Foundation (800) 392-3310 or (979) 847-9218 [email protected]

safety training the show offers,” Pen ning - the George Bush Presidential Library Give online at ton said. “Beyond whetting appetites, we and Museum and its educational out- give.am/SupportChemRoadShow. could give teachers additional re sources reach program within the Annenberg as well as points of contact for potential Pres idential Conference Center. In supplements and possible supplies.” 2014, the Road Show reached an esti- Watch a video about the Chemistry Road Show Pennington is also iden tifying tar- mated 4,500 students from 13 states via at give.am/ChemRoadShowVideo. gets beyond Texas through a distance- live-streaming and videoconferencing learning-driven collaboration involving serv ices provided by the library. ship, service and communication skills, Aggies and Beyond Vital to the preservation of the Aggie he immediately got involved with MSC The MSC impacts the lives of Aggies and spirit, the development of the student student organizations. non-Aggies alike, as testified by Steve’s body and the unity of the Aggie family As a senior, Steve served as chair- wife Kaye, who was introduced to Texas worldwide, the Memorial Student Cen - man of the MSC Great Issues Commit - A&M after marrying Steve in 1992. ter (MSC) embodies an immortal banner tee, a group that presented programs on “We’ve always enjoyed spending of everything “Aggie.” social and economic issues of local, state, time in the MSC and in particular, the In 2009, the Texas A&M Founda tion national and international importance flag room,” Kaye said. “I admire the began the Our MSC capital campaign— to the Texas A&M community. He was prem ise that the MSC stands for in hon - an endeavor to raise $20 million in pri- also on the MSC Council. “I spent a lot oring soldiers that sacrificed their lives vate funding for a renovation that ex - of time in the MSC student programs of - for our freedoms. Steve and I are both pand ed the MSC to accommodate an fice. It seemed like I lived there,” said big history fans, and we recognize that ever-growing student body and updated Steve, a petroleum engineering graduate. it was those individuals that provided its facilities to comply with Amer ican During his time at Texas A&M, our liberties and our strong country.” with Disabilities Act regulations. Steve was mentored by the legendary The Horns’ gift to the MSC Reno va - Six years after its initiation, the cam - Wayne Stark ’39, who played an integral tion and Expansion Project is not their paign reached its goal in February 2015 role not only in overseeing the construc - first contribution to Texas A&M. They through a $2 million gift from Kaye and tion of the original MSC but also in the are longtime supporters of the Dwight Steve Horn ’79 to name the flag room. development and implementation of Look College of Engineering and the The room contains flags represent- stu dent programs such as the Opera and Department of Petroleum Engineer ing. ing Texas, the U.S., the ROTC and the Performing Arts Society and the Stu dent Since Steve was a President’s Endowed Corps of Cadets; serves as a gathering Conference on National Affairs. Both of Scholar, the couple es tab lished two Pres - place for camaraderie; and functions as these organizations continue to bring ident’s Endowed Schol ar ships through

By Sarah Skinner ’15 the

A Houston couple’s $2 Million gift completes the Memorial Student Center fundraising campaign.

a campus living room. With regal fur - world leaders and famous performers to the Texas A&M Foundation. They also niture, elegant lighting, high ceilings and campus for the benefit of the student sup port the Stevenson Companion Ani - the sounds of soothing music ema nat ing body and Bryan-College Station com- mal Life-Care Center at the College of Cherryfrom its grand piano, it’s no sur prise that munity. Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sci - the room is an MSC hallmark and a pre - “Considering I was an engineering ences and The Association of Former ferred choice for meetings, napping and major, I greatly benefitted from my in - Students. studying among students. volve ment in MSC programs and my re - “Texas A&M has a student body full la tionship with Wayne Stark. I developed of well-mannered and hard-working stu - More than a Building other interests and acquired leadership dents,” said Kaye. “Steve and I attended Steve Horn first stepped foot on the skills,” said Steve. “Wayne and the MSC school with scholarships and assis tance, Texas A&M University campus in 1975. experience were responsible for my at - so we are paying it back while also pay- Ambitious and determined, he under- tend ing Harvard’s MBA program, once ing it forward. This is our way of express - stood that his future success would neces - I realized that managerial leadership was ing gratitude for our education and tak - sitate an education inside and outside more interesting to me long term than ing to heart the MSC’s slogan—‘be part of the classroom. To develop his leader - being a practicing engineer.” of something.’” 30 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION [ COLLEGE IMPACT ]

IN ADDITION TO KAYE AND STEVE HORN ’79, THE TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF THE DONORS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OUR MSC CAMPAIGN. FOR A COMPLETE LIST, VISIT GIVE.AM/MSCDONORS.

Kaye and Steve Horn ’79 gave a $2 million gift to name the flag room and close the Our MSC campaign. onTop

NAMING OPPORTUNITIES ARE STILL AVAILABLE IN THE RENOVATED MSC. TO LEARN MORE, CONTACT:

CINDY MUNSON ’99 REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION (800) 392-3310 OR (979) 845-7558 CMUNSON @TXAMFOUNDATION.COM . These are the trailblazers the are These This is the first article in our new feature series “Trailblazers.” use some And everywhere. are Aggies exaggeration: an not It’s University. With courage as a compass, the paths they have forged multiply forged have they paths the compass, a as courage With University. M & A their education and experience to generate an awe-inspiring maroon ripple effect. These stories are about people whose impact extends beyond Texas 1 into the distance. And the limits of their determination are yet to be seen.

Between the first launch on April 12, 1981, and the final landing on July 21, 2011, NASA’s space shuttle fleet— Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour—pushed the bounds of discovery and set high marks of achievement and endurance through 30 years of missions. As June Scobee ‘83 sat on the ivory sofa in the living room of her Chattanooga town- home, she draped a gold chain across her neck. “I just returned from the gym,” she apol -

ogized. “I had time to shower and dress, but By Monika Blackwell I still need to put on my necklace.” Apart from her diploma and a large pine bookcase she purchased in Spring, Texas, Scobee’s home bears little indication of her Lone Star State connection. She’s not situated on acres of ranchland nor does she festoon her walls with Texas stars or A&M pennants. But the petite 73-year-old has a rich Texas history, one that took her from San Antonio to the Johnson Space Center to Aggieland. Although she was born in Alabama, if you ask where she is from, her re sponse is adamant: “I’m from Texas. Period.” “Everyone who works with my bio al - ways wants to put that I’m from Ala bama, but I only spent two years of my life there,” she added. Much like the subject of her home state, many other aspects of Scobee’s life are com posed of blurred boundaries. Her Permission to time of destitution bled into her suc cess. Her commitment to faith comingles with her passion for science. Her pri vate life abuts her very public persona. And one of her life’s greatest tragedies—the loss of her first husband—dovetails with some of her most significant accom plishments. She is the widow of Dick Scobee, commander of the Space Shuttle Chal leng er, which exploded 73 seconds after takeoff on Jan. 28, 1986.

Stars in Her Eyes As a child, Scobee (then June Kent) would gaze into the night sky and name the con- stellations. She’d often wish on stars, pray- ing to God as she marveled at the vastness

of the universe. The courageous ascent of June Scobee Her family life was tumultuous—her par ents struggled financially, and their mar - riage ultimately failed as a result of her moth er’s ongoing battle with schizophrenia. The eldest of four children, Scobee was thrust into the role of caregiver for her sib- lings, adapting to a frequently changing environment while striv ing to be a rock for her family.

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2 0 1 5 33Launch These experiences no doubt shaped was ready to quit, when my teenage son her into the woman she is today—ten- and daughter gave me this little plaque der and affectionate, but also feisty and that said ‘Dr. June Scobee’ and said, resilient. ‘You’re going to disappoint us if you Guided by two books—the Bible don’t finish your degree.’” and Norman Vincent Peale’s “The Power Her family’s “permission to finish” of Positive Thinking”—as a child, Sco - was a game-changer. Many years later, bee created her own version of the ABCs she realized that this time apart from her as a device to get through her tough peri - children allowed them to spend precious ods. A stood for attitude, B for belief and time with their father. C for courage. “I lived by those words,” While at Texas A&M, Scobee would she said. “And as I lived them, positive teach school and attend classes in the things started happening for me.” same semester, and she found great sup - Perhaps the start of those “positive port in her faculty advisers, particularly things” was her introduction to Dick William Nash, now a professor emeri- Sco bee, a high school boy with a letter- tus in the Department of Educational man jacket and sky-high aspirations. The Psychology. With Nash’s guidance, she pair met in San Antonio when she was helped develop a space science program 16 and married shortly thereafter. “We through the Texas A&M Gifted and Tal - saved each other,” she said. ented Institute. The institute gave gifted Their family expanded as the Sco - teenagers a glimpse at career possibilities bees welcomed first a daughter, Kathie, through hands-on experiences. Scobee and then a son, Rich. The couple work - remained active in the program even ed to earn their college degrees and after she completed her studies. while Dick pursued becoming a pilot, “June wanted to create every oppor - his wife’s teaching career took off. tu nity she could for young people to “I wasn’t going to be a great scien- learn about space science,” said Nash. tist or an attorney,” said Scobee, “but I “She has a strong sense of curiosity and pas sion for education inspired a close knew I could touch the future with these courage in her con victions.” alliance with Christa McAuliffe, the youngsters, that I could inspire them to Scobee views this snapshot of her life New Hampshire teacher chosen to con - go into these fields and be the best they from a larger perspective. Her graduate duct lessons from zero gravity. could be.” She would go on to teach all school experience, she believes, “gave me “From her arrival in Houston, June grade levels and nearly all subject areas. the confidence to talk about turning the took Christa under her wing, making When Dick Scobee was selected as tragedy of the Challenger disaster into sure she came for home-cooked meals, an astronaut for NASA, the family moved something positive.” and they’d just hang around and talk,” from California—where he attended the Aerospace Research Pilot School at “June wanted to create every opportunity she could for young people to Edwards Air Force Base—to Houston’s Johnson Space Center. The relocation learn about space science.” gave Scobee the opportunity to start —William Nash, professor emeritus, Department of Educational Psychology grad uate school. Each week, she made the 120-mile journey to College Station In 1983, Scobee graduated just one said Steve McAuliffe, Christa’s husband. to earn a doctorate in curriculum and year before her husband flew in space On that bitterly cold January morn - instruction from Texas A&M University’s for the first time. Following the success - ing in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Scobee College of Education and Human De - ful mission, NASA selected Dick Scobee and her children stood with Steve Mc - vel opment. as commander of the Challenger flight, Auliffe and his two children, explaining “That was a tough time,” she said, later dubbed the Teacher in Space Proj - to them what was happening as the shut - reminiscing on the early ’80s when she ect. June Scobee would spend the fol- tle prepared to launch. Then, as the twin was attempting to bolster her own ca - lowing months getting to know the crew - rockets hurtled into space, everything reer while still supporting a family. “I members and their families, and her changed. To the world’s horror, the

34 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION a new life for herself. She has been re - married to retired Army Lt. Gen. Don Rodgers for more than 25 years (she now goes by June Scobee Rodgers). To geth er the couple has nine grandchildren. “He’s the sweetest man,” Scobee said of Rodgers as she touched two inter - twined hearts on her necklace. “It was a golden anniversary pres- ent to celebrate 50 years of marriage— 25-plus years to Dick and 25 years to Don,” she said with a smile. “It stands for both my loves.” It’s the perfect symbol for the many intersections of Scobee’s life: All of the links fitting together in their own way, all playing a part of the woman she is today.

To support the College of Education June Scobee ’83 enjoys hearing from students who and Human Development, contact: pursued a STEM profession because they were inspired Jody Ford ‘99 by an experience at the Director of Development Challenger Center. Texas A&M Foundation (800) 392-3310 or (979) 847-8655 [email protected]

O-rings that sealed the joints of the shut - about the pro ject. Bush encouraged Sco - To give to the Francis R. “Dick” tle’s solid rocket boosters failed, causing bee to expand the Chal lenger Center’s Scobee Memorial Scholarship fund, the shuttle to burst into a ball of smoke board of direc tors to include national visit give.am/SupportScobee. To locate and plummet into the sea. representation, advising her to treat the a Challenger Center near you, visit experience as a day in front of class. give.am/ChallengerCenters. A Eureka Moment Today, the organization operates The loss of her husband and the six other near ly 50 Challenger Learning Centers crewmembers left Scobee reeling. But, in the U.S., Canada, South Korea and Listen to a related podcast at give.am/ScobeePodcast. “I felt responsible for the families, and the U.K. The program reaches more than continued to be the mother hen of the 500,000 stu dents annually. The Mission Continues group,” she said, remembering her ABCs Scobee speaks to groups around the The year of his death, friends of Dick Scobee set up a memorial scholarship in his honor in the to find the courage to help oth ers while country about the importance of STEM College of Education and Human Development. mourning her own deep loss. “We want- education and tak ing risks in the name Scobee had been a member of the college’s ed the world to remember not how they of discovery. She remains on the board development council, and on his first mission in died, but how they lived and what they of the Chal lenger Center, serv ing as its space, he carried a medallion from the college. 2011 Scobee provided encouragement to Texas A&M were passionate about.” founding chair man. In , she was students, even arranging a special tour of the Recalling the space science program named an outstanding alum nus by Johnson Space Center. The Francis R. “Dick” Scobee Memorial Scholarship, created through she directed through Texas A&M, Scobee Texas A&M. She also wrote the book, the Texas A&M Foundation, supports students work ed with the families to set up the “Silver Linings: My Life Before and After committed to teaching math or science. The col - Chal lenger Center for Space Science Challenger 7.” lege is actively seeking to grow the endowment Educa tion to continue the crew’s edu- Dick Scobee and the Space Shuttle and support more students who aspire to teach in STEM fields. This effort coincides with the 30th cational mission. She confided in then Challenger will always be an inalienable anniversary of the Challenger accident. Vice Pres ident George H.W. Bush part of her identity, but Scobee has built

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2 0 1 5 35 SPIRITIMPACT ONEGOVER

It all started when visually impaired student Kaitlyn Kellermeyer ’ spoke to her longtime friend and student senator Joseph Hood ’ about the difficulties of navigating campus. Not long after, Hood realized he could devise a solution—he could write a bill. He and Kellermeyer worked with admin - istrators, building proctors and the visually im - paired community to understand the most dif - ficult areas to navigate and coauthored a bill that will result in placing wind chimes at  campus locations—both near door entrances and in open plazas—to assist visually im paired students. “Achievements like this are a great illustra - tion of the political process,” said Amy Loyd, assistant director of the Student Govern ment Association (SGA) at Texas A&M University. “The most effective student government is one that tackles day-to-day issues affecting the student body.”

POLITICSIN ACTION Much of the hustle and bustle that happens in Room  of the John J. Koldus Student Services Building—SGA headquarters—is the result of the political process in action. In this urgency-tinged environment, where every day holds new possibilities for student-led action on a wide variety of issues, SGA members brainstorm and write bills, review legislation and respond to student body concerns. Any questions they might have—such as how to correctly file a bill, submit an appeal or determine an election violation—are direct - ed to Loyd, who can usually be found sitting amidst the backdrop of her office’s floor-to- ceiling Hello Kitty memorabilia. “The fact is I don’t remember not liking her,” Loyd said in reference to the Hello Kitty-

36 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION NMENT INDIVISIBLE ROUGHLY 1,800 PARTICIPANTS IN TEXAS A&M’SSTUDENTGOVERNMENTASSOCIATION TACKLEISSUESLARGEANDSMALLTODRIVESTUDENT-LEDCHANGE. By Dunae Crenwelge ’

Measurable Moments

In , the College Station City Council introduced Proposition , which proposed changing its voting cycle from November to May—when significantly less students reside in College Station. An SGA campaign educated students that were registered to vote in College Station about the potential effects the proposition could have on their ability to voice opinions to the city council. Proposition  later failed and the City of College Station continues to hold its elections in November. When mandatory meal plans became required for on-campus students in , SGA ensured that a variety of meal plan choices and fair prices remained. In -, the Student Senate passed a bill requesting that the plaques displayed on O.R. Simpson Drill Field honoring Aggies who passed away in World War I be replaced. Many of the plaques were broken or damaged by weather. New plaques were ordered and installed in fall . In , SGA requested that professors refrain from having tests or Joseph Benigno ’ (second from right) reacts assign ments due on the day of Bonfire to winning student body president for the Remembrance so that students could - year. Election results for new attend the early morning ceremony Student Government Association officers are announced each February in front of without fear of missing out on valuable the Sul Ross statue. sleep or study time.

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2 0 1 5 37 themed coffee cups, pens, toys and even ulation, and many of those are ad dressed cians,” said Rusty Thompson ’85, direc - a microwave and fridge that illuminate in our senate.” tor of student activities. her office in a pinkish light. “I have The Texas A&M Student Senate Hello Kitty artifacts from five conti- makes up the legislative branch. Eighty IMPACTING CAMPUSAND BEYOND nents. Most were given to me by stu- senators representing the student body In addition to the three branches, students when they were trying to but ter convene every other Wednesday during dents can participate in SGA through me up for something!” the academic year to hear student and one of 14 committees, including Aggie As adviser to the Texas A&M stu- faculty opinion, debate legislation and Muster, CARPOOL, Replant, Fish Aides, dent body president, his or her cabinet, vote for bills and resolutions concern- Alternative Spring Break, The Big Event four executive commissioners and a ing a broad spectrum of campus issues, and Traditions Council, among others. staff that manages about 1,800 Aggies such as dining, transportation, parking “SGA committees coordinate pro- in volved in student government, Loyd and student housing. grams and events like community-wide pro vides guidance for the organ ization. SGA’s judicial branch decides ques - service projects, leadership conferences “But make no mistakes, I’m not the tions regarding interpretation, legisla- and traditions like Silver Taps and Mus - one making decisions,” Loyd said. “I tion and elections to ensure balance in ter that reinforce and ensure the conti- love what student-led means at Texas SGA operations. Through involvement nuity of Aggie values,” said Thompson. A&M. Our members decide their agen- in any of the three branches, students Another option for involvement be - das, set forth their priorities and strive develop leadership skills such as time yond the Texas A&M campus exists in to create an environment that both stim - and people man agement, communica- SEC in DC, an annual student lobbying ulates and enacts change.” tion, problem solving and budgeting. conference for all 14 SEC schools. Stu - “SGA offers opportunities for student representatives spend a week in THREE UNITED BRANCHES dents to practice these skills with their Washington, D.C., lobbying for higher Founded in 1947 and modeled after the peers, university and system administra- education issues to members of Congress United States government, the SGA is tors, community leaders and state politi - and other state and federal officials. composed of executive, legislative and ju - di cial branches that share a constitution. The student body president, elected each February, comprises the executive branch. As the face of SGA and the student body, the president is involved in speaking engagements across the state and Texas A&M administrative actions relating to the student body. “I came into office with three goals,” said 2014-2015 Student Body President Kyle Kelly ’14, whose tenure ended in April. “I wanted to improve the tradition, spirit and core values at Texas A&M; raise the integrity of SGA; and enhance the Aggie experience.” Under Kelly’s administration, the number of Silver Taps letters written for families by students more than doubled. At the suggestion of Texas A&M admin - istrators, he also helped create a task force to raise awareness about sexual as - sault and prevention on campus. “Our administration makes great decisions on be half of students every day,” Kelly said. “But to have student representation and a voice on cam pus is critical. We keep abreast of large and small issues af fect ing the student pop-

38 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION “Opportunities like this give mem- match donations made by employ ees. NO CONTRIBUTION TOO SMALL bers experience in a wider process of gov - Multiple bricks purchased together are In everything it does, SGA strives to be ernment and public service,” said Loyd. given adjacent placement on the plaza. a model government. Loyd takes seri- “These bricks allow Aggies to leave a ously the fact that these students are, ENSURING SGA VITALITY lasting legacy at Texas A&M, while also in many cases, the world’s future pub- To fund its activities, programs and oper - supporting an organization that strives lic servants. ations, SGA conducts a number of fund - to make Texas A&M a better place for all “One thing I impart to our mem- raisers annually under the direction of current and future Aggies,” said Gracie bers is that government and public ser - its development commission. Wood ’15, development commissioner. vice are what you make of them,” Loyd One such initiative, the Path to Suc - To supplement money raised from said. “It doesn’t have to be what is on cess Brick Endowment Campaign, was the brick campaign, the development TV, with conflict, negativity or the type the brainchild of former Student Body commission constantly evaluates other of mudslinging that makes headlines. President Nic Taunton ’07. Launched in fundraising ideas with a low start-up It’s important that our students under- 2006, the campaign is one fundraiser of cost. A new talent show and silent auc- stand that public service is about getting many that jointly seek to create a $1 mil - tion held this spring, Aggies Got Talent, down to your roots and helping those lion endowment for SGA at the Texas raised more than $3,000 for the SGA en - closest to you—your community—first. A&M Foundation, which will provide dowment. When the endowment reach- No contribution is too small.” sustainable funding for its operations es its $1 million goal (its current value is Wood, who is entering law school and decrease its reliance on student fees. approximately $205,000), interest from this fall to pursue a career focusing on The campaign gives students, for- the endowment will be used to support family and child advocacy, firmly be - mer students, families, organizations and SGA programs and branches, thereby lieves that SGA provides fulfilling expe- friends of Texas A&M the opportunity to eliminating some student fees. riences for students. “I learned how to purchase a customized inscribed brick Currently, every Texas A&M student work with people who have different in the plaza outside of the Koldus build - pays $1 annually in fees to the SGA oper - opinions and views than me, as well as ing. Since the campaign’s launch, the ating budget. This roughly $50,000 is how to collaborate on a team and del - SGA has sold all 430 8-by-8-inch white then appropriated by the student sen - egate tasks,” she said. “Everyone in SGA bricks and 750 4-by-8-inch maroon ate to SGA committees and branches. wants to leave Texas A&M a better place bricks. About 545 maroon bricks remain The SGA receives additional funding than when they arrived, and I think we for sale at $150 each. from the University Advancement Fee. do accomplish that each year.” Aggies typically purchase bricks as “If we could raise $1 million for our For years to come, the sounds of gifts for graduation, birthdays and hol- endowment, we would forgo the $50,000 wind chimes will echo that fact, serving idays or to commemorate achievements that we take from student fees, and that as a gentle reminder that one conversa- and legacies. Duplicates may be pur- money could be redirected to other stu - tion can spur change. chased for $50 and companies may dent programs,” said Wood. To learn more about supporting the Student Government Association and its committees, contact:

“ ILEARNEDHOWTOWORKWITH Cindy Munson ’99 PEOPLEWHOHAVEDIFFERENT Regional Director of Major Gifts OPINIONSTHANME.” Texas A&M Foundation (800) 392-3310 or (979) 845-7558 —Gracie Wood ’, Student Government Association development commisioner [email protected]

The next brick order deadline for the December 2015 installation is in October. Visit brick.tamu.edu for order information Clockwise from top left: Development Commissioner While the organization receives and directions. Gracie Wood ’ learned leadership and service many small donations and substantial skills through her SGA involvement. Amy Loyd, To give to the SGA endowment online, assistant director of the SGA, provides guidance for commitments from Aggie moms’ clubs, visit give.am/SupportSGA. roughly , Aggies involved in student government. the SGA has yet to re ceive an endow- Student Body President Kyle Kelly ’, whose tenure ment-level gift of $25,000 or more to ended in April, helped create a task force to raise fund its operations. awareness about sexual assault and prevention on campus during his term.

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2 0 1 5 39 Spirit READER SURVEY

During fall 2014, our editorial staff submitted questions to you, our readers, to gain insight into how Spirit is perceived and to use as input for continuous improvement. We appreciate your feedback. Here are some highlights:

“ It is important to me to see Texas A&M University prosper and gain more respect academically and athletically. The Texas A&M Foundation is a tremendous tool to achieve the acceptance of its programs and students nationally. I respect and ad mire the leadership of the Foundation and believe it is a key cog in national recognition for Texas A&M’s programs and research.” 1,234 — melvin maltz ’47

RESPONSES (received via email )

“Spirit helps me stay connected since I live out of state.” — kimberly weitkamp ’93

PERCENTAGE of respondents from class years We listened. 1960s, 1970s and 1980s We will continue producing Spirit in print three times per year, but have plans for an enhanced digital option and a redesigned look with some new content.

We will keep telling great Aggie stories and recognizing the generosity of our donors and the impact of their gifts. We are always interested in hearing your ideas for stories % in . If you have a compelling Aggie story—or if you 70 Spirit have interest in writing a guest column with an Aggie → angle—please contact us at [email protected].

40 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION PERCENTAGE of readers who say they are interested in guest columns written by Aggie former students, current students, faculty and donors 92%

“Well, it’s the name Spirit... that’s the unique and thriving tradition that this university gives and hopefully will always radiate.” — james mortensen ’48

OVERALL PUBLICATION QUALITY (reader rating )

Excellent 70% More than half of readers say: “ The primary purpose of my donations to Texas A&M is to advance Texas A&M toward the future,” while 45 percent ofreaders say that “The primary purpose of my donations is to preserve its traditions.” 98% Good 28%

Fair 2%

98 percent of readers rate the overall quality of Spirit as excellent/good.

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2 0 1 5 41 Getting Down to Your Roots how one family is investing in the future of their Opportunity community By Dr. Darrell Dromgoole

Yoakum, Texas, is a town of fewer than 6,000 residents, but this number was even smaller when I was a kid. Grow ing up in a tight-knit community, you learn which people you can count on, and you find special people who make a lifelong impression on you—people like the Mudds. I’ve known the Mudds since I was a ber of grandchildren). Dennis, who little boy. J.E. Mudd’s family compet- graduated with a civil engineering de - ed with mine in the cattle marketing gree, was a good friend of mine dur- business, but despite their profession- ing my studies at Texas A&M. Like his al rivalry, my dad and J.E. were good dad, Dennis has an incredible work friends. J.E. has always been as honest ethic. He is also one of the most kind- as the day is long. As my granddaddy hearted people I’ve ever known, some - used to say, “If J.E. says the chicken dips one who gives generously of himself Wendy Bishop is the first AgriLife snuff, look for the can under its wing.” to help others. Extension Service county agent to J.E. and his wife of 71 years, Tillie, During Aggie football games, Den - hold an endowed position. She was 69 hired in January as the 4-H program raised five children—Jimmy ’ , nis and his wife Jamie often come to assistant for DeWitt County, where Janice ’72, Phyllis, Eunice ’91 and stay with my wife and me in College she is in charge of implementing 85 educational programs for youth. Dennis ’ . They focused on teach- Station. Outspoken about the impor- ing their children the importance of tance of teaching today’s youth to work hard work and putting them through with their hands, Dennis has said, “You college. Providing for their children have to get outside and work and ask in the 1960s and 1970s meant living questions. It’s not about looking at a off of the land as much as possible. computer screen. It’s about getting out For food to reach the table, the Mudds and actually doing it.” taught their children about tilling soil, In November 2013 on the week - planting seeds, gathering eggs and end of the Mississippi State game, Den - cook ing from scratch. nis and I were sitting at my dining J.E. graduated from Texas A&M room table talking about the 20x20 Uni versity in 1943 with a degree in Initiative, the goal of which is to fund agri cultural economics, and four of the 20 endowed positions for agents with - five Mudd children continued his in Texas A&M AgriLife Extension by Aggie legacy (as well as a large num- 2020. Knowing his passion for sharing

42 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION Tillie and J.E. Mudd ’43 taught their children the importance of hard work and the value of education. To honor their parents, the Mudds’ children endowed a gift to support a county agent position.

like the DeWitt County Agent Agri - Life Extension Endowment will allow us to expand our program, giving us financial flexibility and security. Pro - grams like 20x20 will touch the lives of many young people and improve the communities they live in. It is not an exaggeration to say that they will have a resounding impact on the fu - ture of our great state. I’m grateful that people like the Mudds believe that as well, and I hope that others will also see the potential and join us in our mission.

“YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO TAKE WHAT YOU HAVE Dromgoole is the associate department head WITH YOU IN LIFE AFTER YOU LEAVE THIS EARTH, SO IF YOU of extension partnerships for the Texas CAN, TRY TO DO SOME GOOD WITH IT. IT’S ABOUT SHARING A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the engagement program director in the WHAT YOU HAVE.” —J.E. MUDD ’43 Depart ment of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications at Texas the value of a hands-on, “do-it-your- “You’re not going to be able to take A&M University. self” education with young people, I what you have with you in life after knew this program would resonate you leave this earth, so if you can, try To support the Texas A&M AgriLife with Dennis. to do some good with it. It’s about Extension Service, contact: Extension agents are extremely sharing what you have.” valu able to the communities they The idea took root. By July 2013, Darin Paine serve. They support the three C’s that just a few months after Dennis and I Director of Development are crucial in the development of talked about the gift, the first-ever en - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Texas A&M Foundation young people: college, career and cit- dowed position for a Texas A&M Agri - izenship. Because J.E. and Tillie Mudd Life Extension Service coun ty agent (800) 392-3310 or (979) 458-5725 have spent their lives dedicated to in - was born. The DeWitt County Agent [email protected] stilling these values in their own chil- AgriLife Extension Endowment in dren and grandchildren, I suggested honor of J.E. and Tillie Mudd allowed that Dennis talk to his brother and AgriLife Extension to add a new posi- sisters about endowing a gift to sup- tion, a 4-H program assistant, to impact port a county agent position in youth in DeWitt County. honor of their parents. As J.E. had told As the population in Texas con- me during one of my recent visits, tinues to multiply, funding for gifts

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2 0 1 5 43 @Foundation

Denny Joins Board of Trustees especially as the state continues to be Otway Denny Jr. ’71, a Texas A&M Uni - challenged to adequately fund Texas versity graduate and a partner at Nor - uni versities,” Denny said. ton Rose Fulbright LLP, joined the Denny and his wife Bonnie en - Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trust - dowed Corps of Cadets’ Sul Ross and ees on July 1. General Rudder scholarships as well Denny, a Loui siana native who as a scholarship in the College of Lib - lives in Bryan, Texas, holds a bach - eral Arts designated for students who elor’s degree in po litical science from study abroad, complete an internship the Col lege of Lib eral Arts and a Juris or participate in a faculty-directed re - Doc tor from Baylor Law School. His search project. They have also sup port - career with Norton Rose Fulbright LLP ed the Memorial spans more than 40 years. Den ny has Student Center rep resented the firm’s Houston of fice (MSC) Renovation since 1973, first as an associate before and Expansion Pro - transitioning to partner in 1981. ject, the 12th Man “I’ve always admired the Founda - Foundation, The tion and the work it does to improve As sociation of For - Texas A&M through private funding, Otway Denny Jr. ’71 mer Students and

Gifts from Within ation and served two tours in Vietnam. He The couple contributed $25,000 to the This is the third in a series of articles on Texas was stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia, MSC Renovation and Expansion Project and A&M Foundation employees who are committed where he met his wife Diane ’75. While in an additional $25,000 to establish an endow - to giving back to Texas A&M University. the service, Rektorik returned to Texas A&M ment to fund operations of the MSC Opera in 1972 to earn an MBA in management and Performing Arts Society. In addition to Few Aggies exemplify the core values of and remained as an ROTC instructor before supporting the 12th Man Foundation and Texas A&M University quite like former Texas resigning from the Army. He then worked in The Association of Former Students, they A&M Foundation Director of Development several national and international positions also created the Neil L. Kelter ’65 Memorial Jerome Rektorik ’65. before joining the Foundation in 2002 as Corps Scholarship through the Foundation Rektorik, a 13-year Foundation employ- a development officer for The Bush School with three other contributors. In 2014, they ee and development officer for the Corps of Government and Public Service, where committed a planned gift that after their of Cadets before his retirement earlier this he served until his 2013 transition to the lifetimes will fund scholarships for deserving year, was an economics Corps. students in the Corps and graduate students major and a member Rektorik credits Wayne Stark ’39 with in The Bush School, as well as support MSC of the Corps when inspiring his involvement in Memorial Student programs. Texas A&M administra- Center (MSC) programs like the Student “Texas A&M has been one of the most tors decided to admit Conference on National Affairs and Town influential experiences in my life,” Rektorik women and African Hall, in which he developed leadership said. “We all need to give back every way Americans to the skills and made an impact on campus. The we can; that’s what this university in 1963. Rektoriks’ financial contributions to MSC university is all about.” Rektorik was organizations and to the Corps reflect a commissioned in the belief that both programs transform students Jerome Rektorik ’65 U.S. Army after gradu- into future leaders.

44 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION Will Fusselman ’95, senior gift planning officer, and Shannon Zwernemann ’03, donor relations specialist, received the 2014 Texas A&M Foun dation Trustees’ Awards. The $500 cash award annually recognizes employees who exemplify the Foundation's spirit and who work to promote its mission.

the MSC Opera and Performing Arts Society. As a Texas A&M student, Denny was a member of the Ross Volun teers and served on the Corps staff. He also participated in MSC organizations and directed Fish Camp as a senior. “I grew up in Louisiana, so natu- rally I was an LSU fan,” he said. “I didn’t know anything about Texas Foundation Inducts New Maroon Coats A&M other than that my dad and un - This spring, the Texas A&M Foundation welcomed 20 new members into the eighth class of its cle at tended. During my junior year student ambassadors organization, the Maroon Coats. The group consists of Texas A&M student of high school, we moved to Houston leaders who enhance the impact of the Foundation through stewardship and service. Each member volunteers a minimum of 20 hours per semester and receives a signature maroon blazer during and my father revisited the Texas A&M induction ceremonies. campus for the first time since 1939. New members of the 2015-2016 Maroon Coats are (back row, left to right) Blake Barnes ’16, We walk ed through the MSC, and he Jacob Cook ’15, Kyle Cook ’16, Scott Bradshaw ’16, Connor Adams ’16, Brian Skulski ’16, cried when he read the names of Vielka Fajardo ’17, Walker Ryan ’16, Joseph Benigno ’16, Cameron Cardwell ’16, Joshua count less men he knew who had died Sutton ’17 and Thomas Burrets ’15; and (front row, left to right) Nakul Moolji ’16, Marisa Howat ’16, Arianne Couch ’17, Linda D’Arezzo ’16, Bethany Joseph ’16, Amy Gray ’16, in service to our country. I thought, Lauren Friend ’16 and Jeff Algra ’15. ‘there must be something about this place.’ In that moment, I chose Texas A&M, and I have no regrets.” New Staff and strategy. He for- Denny serves on the Liberal Arts Realignments merly worked at Development Council and the Presi - Jennifer Burnett ’05 the Indiana Uni - dent’s Council, and he formerly served joins the Foun da - versity Foundation on The Association of Former Stu - tion as director of as an investment dents’ Board of Directors, acting as development for associate. chairman in 2012. He and his wife are the College of Agri - After five years members of the A&M Legacy Society Jennifer Burnett ’05 culture and Life Sci - Cara Milligan ’08 with the Texas A&M and The Association of Former Stu - ences. She previously worked as a sales Foundation as director of develop- dents’ Endowed Century Club. Denny manager at Guardian Healthcare. ment for the College of Agriculture was inducted into the Corps of Cadets Josh Burgan and Life Sciences, Cara Milligan ’08 Hall of Honor in 2012 and was a Fish joined the Founda - assumed the position of senior direc - Camp namesake in 2008. tion in May as dir - tor of development for the College of Seven trustees are appointed for a ector of invest- Geosciences in March. seven-year period to govern the Foun - ments, where he da tion. Denny replaces departing will collaborate on trust ee Richard Kardys ’67 of San An - overall portfolio tonio, whose term ended June 30. Josh Burgan man agement and

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2 0 1 5 45 The exhibit “From Texas to Bastogne: Texas Aggies Go to War” commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. The people of Belgium created the exhibit to celebrate the solidarity between the Wallonia region of Belgium and Texas A&M University.

By Andrew Nelson ’92

few months ago, I was a small part of a special week that made me prouder than ever to be an Aggie, a Texan and an American. Situated amidst quiet woods, gentle Counting Blessings at Bastogne meadows and small valleys, Bastogne ple remember the significance of what region during World War II, including might have been just another beauti- happened there 70 years ago. their childhood; experiences as cadets ful town in Belgium had history not We arrived in Bastogne on a cold on campus; and lives during and after intervened so dramatically in the win- and windy December night and were the war. Content for the displays was ter of 1944. excited to see heavy snow falling as it culled from individuals, museums, the My family and I visited Bastogne had during the battle. The atmosphere Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Ca - in December to participate in activities was especially poignant to my wife dets Center and Cushing memorial planned around the 70th anniversary of Shel ley, whose grandfather Fred Fon - Library and Archives. The display also the Battle of the Bulge, culminating in taine was hit by shrapnel during the honors the 953 Aggies who died in the opening of Bastogne’s newest ex - battle and laid in the snow for 30 hours com bat during World War II. hibit, “From Texas to Bastogne: Texas before his rescue. One display is a replica of the Aggies Go to War.” The people of Bel - The old stone building housing Cush ing Library Reading Room, com - gium created the exhibit to celebrate the 5,000-square-foot exhibit was the plete with the ornate ceiling stencil this historic anniversary and to salute former command headquarters of U.S. work and a faux view of campus from the solidarity between the Wallonia Gen. Anthony McAuliffe and his 101st the library’s windows as it would have region of Belgium and Texas A&M Airborne Division, which was instruct - appeared during the World War II era. Uni versity. ed to hold Bastogne at all costs. When I left my tour of the exhibit feel- Before taking the trip, I was well the Germans demanded he surren- ing proud of the service Aggies gave aware of this special relationship. In der, McAuliffe famously responded, in this special place, proud of our great a 2010 joint venture with Lisam Sys - “NUTS!” and became a legend. university and proud to be an Ameri - tems of Belgium and The Texas A&M The exhibit tells the story of five can. I was inspired to make the world University System, I started a company Texas A&M soldiers—Maj. James Hol - a little bit better each day; to honor in Bryan called Lisam America Inc., lingsworth ’40, Lt. Turney Leonard ’42, those who gave their lives so we could which sells environmental health and Lt. William Pena ’42, Capt. Joe enjoy ours; and to give back to Aggies, safety compliance software and servic- Routt ’37 and Lt. Col. James Earl Americans and the world—much as es. Lisam is headquartered in Wallo - Rudder ’32. These heroesembody ded - these men did. nia, the same French-speaking region ication, sacrifice and the best of the as Bastogne. As my company has Aggie and American spirit. The exhibit will remain in Bastogne through grown, I’ve regularly visited Belgium In addition to highlighting the August 31, 2016, before moving to the Bryan-College Station community. and hosted Belgian interns, exchange legacy of these five men, the museum To view photos from the exhibit, visit students, employees and entrepre- features displays that trace the journeys give.am/WarExhibit. neurs. Young or old, the Belgian peo- of Aggie soldiers who fought in this 46 TEXAS A&M FOUNDATION College of Liberal Arts Executive Staff 97 67 Larry Walker ’ Ed Davis ’ , President Director of Development Jim Palincsar, Senior Vice President [email protected] for Development (979) 458-1304 Doyle Thompson, Senior Vice President College of Science & Chief Financial Officer 98 Liska Lusk, Vice President & General Counsel Michael V. Morelius ’ Janet Handley ’76, Vice President for Investments Director of Development 80 [email protected] Kathy McCoy ’ , Assistant Vice President (979) 847-9218 for Marketing College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Development Staff 64 73 O. J. “Bubba” Woytek DVM ’ Carl Jaedicke ’ Assistant Vice President for Development & Vice President for Principal Gifts Director of Alumni Relations [email protected] [email protected] (979) 845-6551 (979) 845-9043 75 Contact David Hicks ’ Student Affairs Assistant Vice President for College Programs Cindy Munson ’99 [email protected] (979) 845-2904 Regional Director of Major Gifts (Central States) [email protected] Get in touch with the Mark Klemm ’81 (979) 845-7558 Campaign Director Corps of Cadets Texas A&M Foundation. [email protected] 95 (979) 845-6537 Matt Jennings ’ Senior Director of Development For a comprehensive staff listing, [email protected] please visit our website. College Programs (979) 845-7604 College of Agriculture & Life Sciences 83 Steve Blomstedt ’ Corporate Relations 401 George Bush Drive Senior Director of Development Jim Keller ’63 College Station, Texas 77840-2811 [email protected] (979) 845-9582 Senior Director of Corporate & Toll-free: (800) 392-3310 Foundation Relations College of Architecture [email protected] Phone: (979) 845-8161 Larry Zuber (979) 845-6227 Fax: (979) 845-3973 Assistant Vice President for Development [email protected] txamfoundation.com (979) 845-0939 Foundation Relations George Grainger [email protected] The Bush School of Government & Public Service Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships [email protected] Jessica McCann ’07 (979) 847-6191 Senior Director of Development [email protected] txamfoundation.com/SpiritMagazine (979) 458-8035 Office of Gift Planning 72 Mays Business School Glenn Pittsford ’ Vice President for Gift Planning Brian Bishop ’91 [email protected] facebook.com/TexasAMFoundation Senior Director of Development (979) 845-5493 [email protected] (979) 862-3615 College of Education & Human Development Real Estate Services youtube.com/AggieSpiritAndMind 90 Jody Ford ’99 Tim Walton ’ Director of Development Assistant Vice President for Real Estate Services [email protected] [email protected] twitter.com/TXAMFoundation (979) 847-8655 (979) 845-8026 Dwight Look College of Engineering Andy Acker Regional Major Gifts linkedin.com/company/texas- Assistant Vice President for Development David Wilkinson ’87 a&m-foundation [email protected] Assistant Vice President for Major Gifts (979) 458-4493 [email protected] (979) 845-7609 Texas A&M University at Galveston Richard Kline Senior Director of Development Scholarship Programs [email protected] 86 (409) 741-4030 Marcy Ullmann ’ Manager of Scholarship Programs College of Geosciences [email protected] Cara Milligan ’08 (979) 845-6383 Senior Director of Development [email protected] (979) 862-4944 Donor Relations Lynn Harris Texas A&M Health Science Center Manager of Donor Relations 07 Jessica McCann ’ [email protected] Senior Director of Development (979) 845-5963 [email protected] (979) 436-9107 Gift Processing Texas A&M University School of Law Ann Lovett ’81 Myke Holt Manager of Gift Processing Senior Director of Development [email protected] [email protected] (979) 845-8167 (817) 212-4061

SPIRIT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2 0 1 5 47

selection of selection com petitive applicationa processsaw and year the first organization’s The er. ancourt ’ ancourt lion gift from Debbie ’ A new Memorial Student Center ( Learning High-Impact and seniors who hold a juniors sophomores, high-achieving to visits. and lectures discussions, events, als, politicians and other leaders through tinguished faculty, business profession- dis- including backgrounds, various of the opportunity to interact with experts organization founded as part of a sional insights. sional challengesthinking critical profes-and through exposure to global perspectives, toprepare students for life after college andprofessional development ac tiv ities ✄ cut along dotted line Membership in the group is open is group the in Membership MSC 74 Bethancourt Associates have Associates Bethancourt 25 offers a range of personal of range a offers Animal Life-Care Center operated by Texas A Texas by operated Center Life-Care Animal will remain in Aggieland at the Stevenson Companion Stevenson the at Aggieland in remain will due to her positive attitude and outgoing personality. personality. outgoing and attitude positive her to due of four collie finalists, she was selected as the top choice top the as selected was she pool a finalists, In collie affairs. four student of for president vice interim Reber, committee of students, faculty and staff chaired by Tom by chaired staff and faculty students, of committee followed a seven-month nationwide search by a 12-member a by search nationwide seven-month a followed as Reveille IX assumed the role of Texas A Texas of role the assumed IX Reveille as by Overland Collies in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Her selection Her Ohio. Falls, Chagrin in Collies Overland by Field. Drill Simpson O.R. the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Biomedical & Medicine Veterinary of College The reign of a new First Lady of Aggieland began May 9 May began Aggieland of Lady First new a of reign The Reveille mascot following the Corps of Cadets’ Final Review on Review Final Cadets’ of Corps the following mascot associates. Reveille VIII, who served as mascot since 2008, since mascot as served who VIII, Reveille Formerly known as Twix, Reveille IX was donated was IX Reveille Twix, as known Formerly 76 3.0 and John Beth - GPR IX or high- EarnsHer Rank $ MSC 2 mil - ) their future endeavors.”future their dents to consequently impact society in Texas ther of enhance theintellectual culture skills. Our hope is that this gift will fur - they can apply critical thinking and soft which in project hands-on a students John Bethancourt. “They provide these said enjoy,” to campus the for events simply than more are host and velop cam symposium. pus a in challenges and progress cational The women discussed international edu - education. community-based through children and women Afghan of lives manitarian Razia Jan, who im proves the hu - Afghan-American and Bush Laura ter, the group hosted former First Lady per semester. During the spring semes- once body student the to open gram “The programs these students de students these programs- “The pro- major a host will group The & M University M A & & M M’s University and inspire stu- inspire Universityand

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Requests & Comments: Summer 2015 Please contact me about making a gift to Texas A&M. If you have a comment or question, call us at (800) 392-3310, I’d like to know more about making an estate gift email us at [email protected] or mail this postage-free (trusts, life insurance, bequests, gift annuities). form. We encourage you to update your own contact information online at txamfoundation.com/update. Thank you! I’d like to inform you of an existing estate gift. first name last texas a&m class year I’d like to know more about supporting the following programs: street address Agriculture & Life Sciences Corps of Cadets Architecture Student Affairs city state zip code Bush School of Government TAMU Galveston Dwight Look/Engineering TAMU School of Law home phone work phone mobile phone Education & Human Chemistry Road Show Development Commercial Banking email address Geosciences Program Health Science Center Corps Global Leadership Check here if: New home address Liberal Arts Initiative New business address Mays Business School Memorial Student Center Science Student Government I have a comment/question: Veterinary Medicine Association

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