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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA&M Corps Hall of Honor }CI�� Hol oT� Rps O a zt - - , O''' , `14, , '! The Office the Commandant and The Corps of of Cadets Texas A &M University cordiall invite In y ou d the Hall of duction to atten C to honor these distinguished individuals Mic hel Halbouty' Colonel Tom Parsons Charlie Mattei49 Colonel Jim Woodall'50 Joe Mattei'53 Ron Skaggs , 65 Dr. Ed Davis '67 Jim Thompson '68 John Adams ' 73 Saturday, Marc 26, 2011 10:00 a.m. Rudder Auditorium Texas A &M University College Station, Texas Parking will be abl in the University Center Garage Reception in t Rudder Exhibit Hall following the ceremony / .� , • / , , ..,,„..4 2011 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARID HONORING THE VERY BEST OF TEXAS A &M UNIVERSITY 11171111 . ' I `r ESTABLISHED IN 1962, • s — — / y ' ' this year's Distinguished the Distinguished Alumnus ` . 4, . s ` sr f f Alumni continue a long Award is the highest honor r tradition exemplifying why estowed upon a former student of Texas Texas A &M is a world -class institution. &M University. Since its inception, 204 individuals "Through my involvement over the years with i gnized for their significant contributions The Association of Former Students, I have become to their professions, Texas A &M University and their local more and more convinced that the true measure of a communities. university's greatness is found in the achievements of its The Association of Former Students is proud to alumni," he said. recognize the recipients of the 2011 Distinguished Porter S. Garner III '79, President and CEO of The Alumnus Award: Association, echoed the sentiments of Loftin and i • J. Wayne Stark '39, recognized posthumously. Bermudez and offered his congratulations on behalf of the • Clifton J. "Clif" Bolner '49 of San Antonio. Aggie Network. • Dan A. Hughes '51 of Beeville. "Our 2011 Distinguished Alumni represent a group • Gerald L. Ray '54 of Dallas. diverse in professional calling, yet each sharing the • Dr. Joe E. West '54 of College Station. common characteristics of excellence, integrity, • Harold L. Adams '61 of Baltimore, Md. leadership, loyalty, respect, and selfless service," Garner • John E. Bethancourt'74 of Alamo, Calif. said. "These men exemplify what makes Texas A &M The recipients learned of their honor when surprised University unique —a rich history and traditions and a in their places of business and other locations by a group culture that instills life -long values such as leadership of university and Association representatives, including and selfless service in our students," said A &M President Loftin, Bermudez, Garner, Association Vice President Dr. R Bowen Loftin '71. "Through their actions, these Marty Holmes '87, a Ross Volunteer, and Reveille and her Distinguished Alumni represent the very best of what it handler, Cody Guffey '13. means to truly live the Aggie Spirit:' The Association of Former Students will further honor Jorge Bermudez '73, The Association of Former Texas A &M University's 2011 Distinguished Alumni Students' 2011 Chair of the Board of Directors, said during the Fall Recognition Weekend in October. a Friday, Oct. 14, 6:30 p.m. Brazos County Expo Complex Tickets and tables are now available. For more information, call Monica Simon, director of events, .. -. at (979) 845 -7514, e -mail MSimon @AggieNetwork.com, or visit http: / /tx.ag /DAGala. f i 54 TEXAS AGGIE I JULY- AUGUST 2011 AGGIENETWORK.COM AGGIE I ARCHIVES ill '.0. ' h t• r ( t ' ' ..r i - , • 1: ;� ilk ICI .I .I 1 , r • I R A , , , r 1 . , .. .,,.,. ._... _ _,,,,.. . , ' a *7' ,.,. "IIV) 0 Evans Library under construction in 1967. The Gilchrist Engineering Library remained in place and was incorporated into Evans Library; it is visible in this image under the framework for Evans. w,M , g . Sterling C. Evans '21 speaks at the `t facility's naming ceremony in 1975. - w _ ° : • • The entrance to Cushing Memorial Library and Archives I 4 • . i' is pictured in 1938. Cushing is now the rare books, special collections, manuscripts and archival repository. . . r = -y "z ' _ In addition to Evans and Cushing, A &M's Libraries _ . ------- include West Campus Library, Medical Sciences Library, ` ` Political Science and Economics Library, Digital Library and the Qatar and Galveston libraries. The George Bush -,. r, Library, which is administered separately from the TAMU Libraries, opened in 1997.�� 1 ` f l t ,, Q The Federation of Texas A &M University Mother's Clubs helped refurnish the first floor, with couches and benches arranged in enclosed circles and "human - shaped "chairs I with outdoor views. The first floor also has more natural — r light plus rubber floors for noise reduction and comfort. A e i tp L ...,, :,,..-. \\ . - ip. i i .) t li , • ,% . 111 � ti I 3 AGGIENETWORK.COM JULY- AUGUST 2011 I TEXAS AGGIE 53 AGGIE NOTEBOOK The intersection of Wellborn Road and Old Main Campus Construction Update Drive, just west of Albritton Bell Tower, will be getting The Texas A &M University System Board of Regents approved a major makeover. construction of a grade separation at Old Main Drive and Wellborn Road, similar to the current underpass at Wellborn and University - - Drive. The plan is to rebuild and lower a portion of Old Main near the - -- .�.r� - Albritton Bell Tower to run beneath Wellborn Road and the railroad — tracks. Wellborn and Old Main will remain open during construction, � � but lanes will be closed at various times. Work is scheduled to begin in ` "' mid -July and be complete by January 2011 The regents also authorized _, major renovation of Dorm 8 (Harrell Hall) and construction of an adjacent four -story new living- learning center. Work is scheduled to start in June with completion around July 2012. The regents also • approved construction of the Athletic Department's $6 million Sports -: Performance Center adjacent to the Bright Building near Kyle Field, ' i4r " ` " . r! with the stipulation that 75 percent of the construction costs come T { �S ice. a , - from gifts. Tentative plans call for the facility to be completed by `' summer 2012. And work has begun toward the demolition of three 1 lag Northside residence halls -- Crocker, Moore and McInnis - -to make way for a 600 -bed, state -of -the -art residential facility. An overview of I • ,, .. -,.., - r ' xT :_ . campus construction is available at http: / /tx.ag /4f5yno. (See this issue's Parting Shot on page 116 for information about MSC construction.) Artist Duke Sundt Replica Of Vietnam Monument Displayed with the maquette. A miniature replica of a statue honoring Vietnam veterans was on display at the Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center in April. The maquette —an artistic term for a high - quality miniature replica — = t1 was designed and created by New Mexico artist Duke Sundt. The `.. t full -size statue is planned for prominent placement on the grounds _,'~ ...... of the state Capitol in Austin; the state has approved the concept r4 while fundraising for the $1.5 million full -size statue continues. �. .Th (� P Patrick Reilly of Austin, a Marine Corps veteran who served in - combat during the Vietnam conflict and who has conducted extensive research for this project, said organizers are displaying the maquette ,,, , - 0 ,i� ` - at sites around the state to help with fundraising efforts. For more information, visit www.buildthemonument.org. A &M Again Excels in Rankings U.S. News & World Report's 2012 survey of higher education institutions gave three Texas A &M engineering programs top 10 lif spots nationally in their respective areas: biological /agricultural k engineering ranked third, nuclear ranked fourth and industrial / " "" `� ? " ,p 'f manufacturing engineering ranked eighth. Texas A &M ranked -, e ' eighth for doctor of veterinary medicine programs and 24th A liiiik, , . ... _ in political science. Mays Business School moved to 32nd, and ` , +� Texas A &M ranked 14th among public institutions. Dwight . v Look College of Engineering ranked 13th this year. The College i ..„: ..,...., of Education and Human Development ranked 34th. Some r programs in which Texas A &M traditionally ranks high are not • included in the magazine's rankings every year. For example, - petroleum engineering is not included this year, but Texas i A &M ranked second nationally in that category during the two , previous ratings. ' • AGGIENETWORK.COM JULY-AUGUST 2011 I TEXAS AGGIE 51 Founded 135 years ago and eager to honor the past, Texas A &M is as rich in history as it is in spirit. In "Archives," we explore \�\ that history and pay tribute to our proud Aggie heritage. 1� . AGGIE ARCHIVES Reimagining Evans Library When students returned to campus for the start of the 2010 -11 school year, they were met with a renovated and "reimagined" first floor of the Sterling C. Evans Library. "We've redesigned our space to ensure that teaching, learning and research take place in a stimulating, comfortable environment that offers the latest in information technology along with the amenities of a Starbucks," explained Colleen Cook, dean of the University Libraries. Library leadership spent more than three years gathering input from library users and planning the remodel. "Students and their parents support the library through user fees, and we want to have the best resources available, even in difficult times," she said. The improvements at Evans prompted Texas Aggie to take a look at the history of A &M's libraries. Texas A &M University Libraries originates from humble origins in just two rooms in 1878. By 1949, the library had a collection of 163,000 volumes, a number that was deemed inadequate. By 1972, it was up to 716,000 volumes, the fifth largest collection among Texas colleges. Construction on what would become Evans Library began in the late 1960s, with several expansion projects since then. Today, Texas A &M University Libraries has grown to six buildings encompassing 732,500 square feet and about 4 million volumes. It is ranked 13th among academic libraries in U.S. public institutions. AI Seating in Poor Yorick's, a popular cafe inside Evans, expanded from 16 to 85 seats. Other r; 1 highlights of the renovation: new tables, benches, nw-- booths and chairs in a more relaxed ambiance; 12 large study rooms for collaborative work; more electric outlets for recharging laptops and phones; more computers; wireless access; and quiet and loud zones. 1 Exterior view of Evans, circa 1980. , ':'4 I " 52 TEXAS AGGIE I JULY-AUGUST 2011 AGGIENETWORK.COM AGGIE NOTEBOOK li --71:11411' ') ,, ,.._ ; . tlivici, - VW t Noli : 4 ' er ' P .7 ' . ' l "t � 0 � �` , ' 11 ( 1 0 416' I ` 4 a , h. 4 4 A tlir 11 , iv, -. .. - / 4-' 4 - I I k 1 2 i 1 3 4 IIP iiw IP il i . . it-it iii an l 44/1 .04i N L hi* ‘i f y i , 7 I 1 ' 1 ' li;1 illell al 11.° '1h11.- 111=0"1110111:410,1alerow-- 14 i 44_1. %. 1: a • ,„... A Record - Setting Year For A &M's Sports Teams The 2010 -11 school year was one of to the 4x400, which the Aggies won layup with 3.3 seconds left for the 63- the most successful in the history of handily to edge Florida State, 55 -54, 62 victory over Stanford, while Dani - Texas A &M sports, with the Aggies for the national title. elle Adams '11 dominated the second bringing home three team national Aggie head coach Pat Henry is the half against Notre Dame, scoring 22 of championships and finishing seventh only coach to achieve dual national her 30 points. in the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup. titles, at LSU in 1989 -90 and at A &M in Texas A &M's baseball team was In a dramatic, nationally televised 2009 -10. In claiming NCAA titles num- still in the hunt for a national title as conclusion to the 2011 NCAA Outdoor ber 32 and 33, Henry becomes the only Texas Aggie went to press. For the first Championships, the Texas A &M track coach to accomplish a triple- double of time since 1999, the team qualified for and field program made history, be- NCAA Championships. the College World Series. The Aggies coming the only school in Division I to The women's basketball team won punched their ticket to Omaha, Neb., , win dual national championship titles A &M's first national basketball cham- with an 11 -2 victory over Florida State three consecutive years. pionship with a thrilling run through during the deciding game of the NCAA Jessica Beard '11 ran an astonishing the NCAA Tournament in the spring. Tallahassee Super Regional. anchor leg in the women's last event, The Aggies gutted out tough victories The A &M equestrian team — per- the 4x400 relay, to propel the Aggies in the later rounds while playing as haps A &M's most successful athletic past Oregon for the national title, 49- underdogs to Baylor, Stanford and team — wrapped up another outstand- 45. The men's meet also came down Notre Dame. Tyra White '11 put in a ing season with an unprecedented 46 TEXAS AGGIE I JULY - AUGUST 2011 AGGIENETWORK COM 1912 Time Capsule Found At YMCA A time capsule containing important remnants of early 20th century Texas A &M 1 . University history was s , discovered March 28 when stonemasons from Watson Signs and Monuments were working to renovate the YMCA building on campus. Encased in y ... , a cornerstone on the southeast side of the building, the time - capsule's contents were found ,a' — inside a copper box. "The cornerstone was a gift of the Class of 1914. This Class also put together the capsule and placed it in the cornerstone sometime The copper box (top left) and its contents, found in a in 1912," said Mary Manning, cornerstone of the YMCA building . assistant university archivist. The capsule contained a 1911 -12 Annual Catalogue, a 1912 student handbook, an article on the groundbreaking of the YMCA building from The Battalion, pieces of a document that lists YMCA officers and YMCA bylaws, and a list of the Class of 1914. Cushing Memorial Library and Archives cleaned and preserved the fragile materials and put them on display in the Mayo - Thomas Room on the first floor of the Cushing Library Aggie Parents John '80 and Kathleen Garcia _ -- . Of The Year John A. Garcia '80 and Kathleen .' I. Garcia of San Antonio are Texas pr 1 A &M's 2011 Aggie Parents of the ' om Year. They were nominated by their three Aggie children: Cassandra '08, - Kimberly and Samantha '13. 9 �' � ,� "No matter how much time and ti 4 ' energy they give to Texas A &M, they j, ? . ` are always looking for ways to give ,is even more," the three Aggies siblings wrote. 11 011 , 41 ,• Their selection was announced i i , ... during the All- University Awards Ay ,- - �'" program in April at the closing of : ''+ - `"'�' * -, Parents' Weekend activities on * campus. The three daughters said their parents already support the Corps of Cadets, The Association of i \ \ Former Students, the Aggie Spirit ti Development Council and many other activities, yet they have their sights set on doing even more. `r AGGIENETWORK.COM JULY - AUGUST 2011 I TEXAS AGGIE 45 . 'mss 1 • 4 0 j( i _ _ Jim '68 and Donna Beth Thompson 't R Irg , i are pictured at the Clayton W. t 1" ' — Williams, Jr. Alumni Center (far left) ' t� t ` i and at the RV Ball in 1968 during ' -1 Z + Jim's senior year at A &M (left). a • , i ; -- ry4 TAX ;, "4 1F ( I needed to be doing something ♦N G productive, not being lazy. Then at 4 tor Tj A &M, that was reinforced. Even if 4 N. I had a little bit of fear in me, my '� 1 overall sense of duty was that I've 4 0 got to do it. If not me, then who? If I -, let someone else do it, it doesn't say 1 much about my own character." Thompson's dream was to fly ,& � � I � ,1 - for the U.S. Air Force, and he 5 ,� ,, needed a college degree to get an j - # ' ' Air Force contract. "I was more r , , {_ concerned about getting a degree, not what degree," he says. After i With • starting in petroleum engineering C onnect because of growing up in the oil patch, he switched to architectural • construction. "I was interested in Jim Thomp s on '68 building things, I liked to be outside, so construction was a good fit. It was one of the best decisions I have ever "Aggies don't talk about things, work and studying, there wasn't made." Aggies do things," says Jim a whole lot more to A &M than It would turn out to be a life - Thompson '68. It's an attitude the Corps. We were in constant shaping decision. After graduation cultivated during his time at Texas competition with other outfits to and service as an instructor pilot in A &M and one that he has attempted be the best outfit, to have the best the Air Force, he spent 10 years in to apply throughout his life. "A grades, to be the best drilled. There construction before founding James scripture I like says, `Here am I, send was hardly any free time for any R. Thompson Inc., a commercial me, "' Thompson says. "Aggies are running around or raising hell. We general contracting firm. The like that. My inclination was to raise were completely consumed with company, which now has offices in my hand and say, `I'll do it.' I wanted the whole experience of being in the Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston, my bosses to know that I was willing Corps. There are more opportunities has received dozens of awards for to do the more difficult job. I think available now to participate in a construction excellence. that is what makes Aggies unique. myriad of activities other than just While building his company, We're able, with our skills and schoolwork or the Corps, but back Thompson has also been deeply experience from A &M, to deal with then, the Corps was pretty much involved in his community. He the harsh realities of the business a full -time job. And I loved it. My served 15 years on the Kaufman world and life in general" father, all his brothers, on back school board and is a former trustee He recalls that the first day he through my grandfathers and so on, of the Texas Association of School arrived at A &M, the upperclassmen they all served in World War II and Boards and the Kaufman County were "so polite." But that didn't last World War I and all the way back Appraisal District. And he remains long. "Once we got in the dorm, to the Civil War. I had a tradition in committed to the university that they really got serious. We were my family of service in the military, helped shape his future, having constantly busy trying to figure which I was interested in from served on The Association of out what to do next. It was `head childhood. The military competition Former Students Board of Directors, down, butt up, and elbows moving:" in the Corps —I thrived on it. I was A &M's Construction Industry But he took to the discipline and always fairly disciplined and this Advisory Council, the President's camaraderie. "Except for class duty thing was drilled into me, that Board of Visitors, and the Corps 76 TEXASAGGIE I JULY AUGUST2011 AGGIENETWORK.COM iiii i ii P X14.- Dr. Ed Davis '61 Jim Thompson '68 John A. Adams, Jr. '73 Ed Davis '67 received a bachelor's de- Jim Thompson '68 received a bach- John A. Adams, Jr. '73 received a bach- gree in agricultural journalism, a mas- elor's degree in architectural construc- elor'sdegree,amaster'sdegreeandadoc- ter's degree in educational administra- tion from Texas A &M. Followinggradu- torate in in history, all from Texas A &M. tion and a doctorate in higher education ation, he joined the U.S. Air Force and He also completed the Southwestern administration, all from Texas A &M. served as an instructor pilot until 1973. Graduate School of Banking at South - He has served as president of the After 10 years in the construction ern Methodist University and holds Texas A &M Foundation since 1993 and field, he founded James R Thompson Certified Economic Developer creden- served as interim president of Texas Inc., a commercial general contracting tials. Adams was a captain in the U.S. Air A &M University from December 2006 firm with offices in Dallas, Fort Worth Force and served as president and CEO until January 2008. Before joining the and Houston. He served on the Kaufman of Enterprise Florida Inc., which is the Foundation, Davis served in positions ISD school board for 15 years and helped only public - private statewide economic including executive deputy chancellor found the Kaufman ISD Scholarship development organization in the nation. for The Texas A &M University System, Foundation. He is a former trustee of Adams served as adelegate to the Gen - vice president for fiscal affairs of Texas the Texas Association of School Boards eral Agreement on Tariffs and Trade ne- A&M University and vice president as wellas theKaufman CountyAppraisal gotiations in Geneva, an advisor to the for fiscal affairs and treasurer at North District. World Trade Organization, chairman Texas State University. He is a member of Texas A &M's Con- of the Industry Sector Advisory council He is a tenured professor of education- struction Industry Advisory Council, for trade policy review at the U.S. Depart- al administration at Texas A&M and has theA &M Legacy Society, the President's ment of Commerce and has provided also served on the faculty at North Texas. Board of Visitors, the Corps of Cadets Congressional testimonyon U.S.-Mexico He retired as a colonel in the Army Re- Association and the 12th Man Founda- border infrastructure issues. serve, having served four years on active tion's Advisory Board. He recently com- He was an adjunct professor of Inter - duty, including a tour in Vietnam with pleted five years of service on the Board national Banking and Finance at Texas the 173rd Airborne Brigade. of Directors of The Association of For- A &M International University in Laredo. Davis is a member of the Endowed mer Students. In 2000, he received the Adams is the author of several books on Century Club, the 12th Man Foundation Outstanding Alumnus Award from the Texas A &M and the Corps of Cadets: Advisory Board and the A &M Legacy College of Architecture. We Are the Aggies, Softly Call the Mus 1 Society. Thompson has funded a President's ter,Keepers ofthe Spirit and co-author of Asa cadet, Davis served as commander Endowed Scholarship, two Sul Ross En- Texas Aggies Go To War as well as many of the Corps. He has held offices in local dowed Scholarships, a Construction Sci- other books on international trade, eco- A&M Clubs, the 12th Man Foundation ence Endowed Scholarship, and a Corps nomic development and history. and the Corps Development Council. 21 Endowed Scholarship. As a cadet he was commander of As a cadet, Thompson was command- Squadron 1 and a Ross Volunteer. "Thinking back to the fall of1963, ing officer of Squadron 4, first platoon as a fish I was always shining some- leader of the Ross Volunteers, and a Dis "It's a singular honor to receive thing— shoes, boots, brass and Sully. I tinguished Military Graduate. this recognition. In my life, I've inter- f can tell you at that time, my mind could viewed nearly3,000Aggies worldwide hardly contemplate the arrival of this "I know you all came here with their stories written in the times moment. It took me years to realize I with dreams as did my classmates in and uniforms they wore and I would wasn't just shining those things; I was 1964. Most of those dreams for me came dare say there were a lot of us in the shining something quite different as a true and TexasA &M and the Corps of 1970s who didn't think this Corps would member of the Corps ofCadets. It was Cadets made that possible for me. I may survive. I'm very glad to see that our my character." look like Old Army to you, but I've got a fears were unfounded. The Corps of Oa- fish Thompson still inside of me and he dets at TexasA &M lives in all those who still has dreams. As my past Old Army have come before us and those who will mentors advised me as I do to you —get see our legacy continue." your education, learn how to follow and develop your leadership skills and estab- * lish your core values." AGGIENETWORK.COM JULY- AUGUST 2011 I TEXAS AGGIE 75 IMO Colonel James R. Woodall '50 Joe Mattei '53 Ronald L. Skaggs '65 James R. Woodall '50 received abach- Joe Mattei '53 received a bachelor's Ronald L. Skaggs '65 received bach- elor's degree in agricultural administra- degree in mechanical engineering from elor's and master's degrees in architec- tion from Texas A &M and a Master of Texas A &M. He began his career with ture from Texas A &M. Commissioned Business Administration from Ship- Humble Oil & Refining Co., and next as a first lieutenant, he first worked for pensburg University. He is also a gradu- spent two years on active duty as a com- CRS Design Associates in Houston, and ate ofthe Infantry School, Command and missioned officer in the field artillery. then fulfilled his military commitment General Staff College and the Army War While atExxon, he worked in produc- in healthcare facility design for the U.S. College. tion, coal, minerals and management Army Surgeon General at the Pentagon He served 28 years in the Army and with assignments in New York, Libya, in Washington, D.C. two and four years in the Naval and Australia and Texas. He retired from Skaggs returned to CRS and then Army Reserves, respectively. He has Exxon in 1992 and then served as presi- joined HKS Inc., an architecture, engi- served overseas in Germany, Korea and dent of EEM Enterprises, a financial neering and interior design firm based Vietnam. Col. Woodall's military awards and estate planning company, followed in Dallas, becoming the chairman/CEO, include the Silver Star, two Legions of by a position as vice president of Carter and then chairman. A past national presi- Merit, three Bronze Stars, three Merito- Financial Management. Mattei served dent of the American Institute of Archi- rious Service Medals, eight Air Medals, on the Board of Directors for both The tects, he has received numerous awards three Commendation Medals and two Association of Former Students and the and recognition for leadership in the Vietnamese Gallantry Crosses. 12th Man Foundation and was a member profession of architecture. His last military assignment was as ofboththeDevelopmentCouncilforthe He was named a Texas A &M Distin- professor of military science and com- Texas A &M College of Education and guished Alumnus in 1998 and was also mandant of the Corps of Cadets at Texas Human Development and the Engineer- named an Outstanding Alumnus of the A &M. He retired from the Army in 1982 ingAdvisory Council ofthe Dwight Look College of Architecture, where he is and worked in the insurance and finan- College of Engineering. an adjunct professor. He has served on cial services business until 2002. He was named a Texas A &M Distin- the advisory board of the Texas A &M He has served as a Class Agent and guished Alumnus in 2004 and is a past Foundation as well as on the Board of president of the Brazos County A &M president of the Houston A &M Club. Directors for The Association ofFormer Club, and he is responsible for securing Maffei and his wife, Eddie, were early Students. four ofthe seven Medals ofHonor award- participants in the Endowed Century He is a past chairman of the Develop- ed toAggies inWorld War II for displayin Club, and a room in the Clayton W Wil- ment Council of the College of Archi- the Sanders Corps Center.Hisbook Texas liams, Jr. Alumni Center is named for tecture, served on the Vision 2020 Task Aggie Medals ofHonor details the search the Mattei family. Force, was a vice chairman of the One Vi- for the medals and the storybehind each. Mattei and Eddie, along with his sion One Spirit Capital Campaign, and is As a cadet, he was a company com- brother, Charlie Mattei, and Charlie's apastchairman oftheTexas A &MPresi- mander, Ross Volunteer, co- editor of wife, Bettie, also funded a pillar at The dent's Board of Visitors. the 1950 Aggieland and a Distinguished Hagler Center, which houses the Texas Military Graduate. A &M Foundation. "When I look back on those inducted to the Corps Hall ofHonor in the past, I "I've always known I was going to be `Joe always knew he wanted to be an am especially humbled. As I reflect on the anAggie. My grandmother wanted me Aggie and would have been honored to Corps ofCadets and what it has meant to to go to Abilene Christian College and be among this distinguished group of me, I think about those who came before told me ifI went there, she would buy me Aggies, including his brother Charlie. us. Lest we forget, the Corps has been and a brand new car. Now this was 1946 and He got his character and discipline from will always be the glue that makes Texas it was very difficult to get a car at that the Corps ofCadets and was an ultimate A &M a leader among universities. The time. I told her thatl could see myself Aggie, always smiling and doing for oth- four years I spent in the Corps and my driving that new car out to Abilene, but ers. Joe loved TexasA &M, the Corps and experiences here were that education you I'd rather hitchhike down to A &M and be his fellow man and knew the Corps was can't get from a book. It prepared me for anAggie. God Bless the Corps ofCadets." the heart and the spirit of the campus." the military and my career." EDDIE MATTEI, WIFE OF JOE MATTEI 74 TEXASAGGIE I JULY- AUGUST2011 AGGIENETWORK.COM fed. . 4 sa Michel T. Halbouty '30 Charles A. Mattei '49 Colonel Thomas R. Parsons '49 Michel T. Halbouty '30 received a Charles A. Mattei '49 received a bach- Thomas R. Parsons '49 graduated from bachelor's degree in geology and a mas- elor's degree in mechanical engineering Texas A &M with a bachelor's degree in ter's degree in petroleum /geological en- from Texas A &M. He began his career education and a reserve commission in gineering from Texas A&M. withtheGulfOilCorp.in1949 andretired the U.S. Army as second lieutenant of He was also the first recipient of a Pro- in 1985 after 36 years of service, which field artillery. fessional Geological Engineering degree included vice president of the Southern During his 28 -year military career, he in 1956 from Texas A &M, and a Doctor Region. Mattei then joined CITGO Pe- served combat tours in both Vietnam of Engineering (Honoris Causa) in 1966 troleum Corp. as vice president and also and Korea and was also stationed in from the Montana College of Mineral chairman/CEO of both Cit -Con Oil Co. Germany and other locations, with Science and Technology. and Cato Oil Co., subsidiaries, until his Hawaii being his last tour of duty. Recognized in the oil industry as one second retirement in 1996. Parsons' military awards include the of the outstanding geologists and petro- He has served as president of both the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service leum engineers in the United States, he Beaumont and Tulsa A &M Clubs and Medal, Bronze Star Medal with One was internationally renowned for his sci- president of both the 12th Man Foun- Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation entific ability in petroleum exploration. dation and the Sul Ross Group. He also Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Halbouty was named a Tecas A &M served on the Vision 2020 Task Force, Army Occupational Medal (Germany), Distinguished Alumnus in 1968, served the Corps Development Council, the National Defense Service Medal with on The Texas A &M University System Corps of Cadets Association, the Texas One Oak Leaf Cluster and many other Board of Regents, and received the A &M President's Board of Visitors and ribbons. Outstanding Alumnus Award from the the President's Council of Advisors. In 1971 Col. Parsons assumed duties College of Engineering. In 2009, he was selected by the as commandant of the Corps of Cadets The Department of Geology and Geo- Houston A &M Club as Outstanding at Texas A &M, a position he held longer physics is housed in the 76,000 square- Houston Aggie. Mattei has supported than any active duty officer. Col. Parsons foot Michel T. Halbouty '30 Geosciences the Corps with several Sul Ross and was a driving force in the support and Building complex, named in his honor. Rudder scholarships, individually, with success of Parsons Mounted Cavalry. Halbouty endowed two chairs in the the Class of '49 and with the Sul Ross Not only did Parsons revive the cavalry College of Geosciences and many schol- Group. Along with his wife, Bettie, they unit, but he also assisted the university arships that have provided, to date, fund- permanently funded the installation of in bringing Naval ROTC to Texas A &M ing for more than 120 graduate students concrete plaques in front of Duncan Hall in 1972. In 1974 he oversaw the integra- in the fields of petroleum geology and awarded to the Corps outfits since the lion of females into the Corps of Cadets petroleum engineering. 1920s as Intramural Champions. He is a and served as akeyfigure in the women's member of the Endowed Century Club success in the program. and a room in the Clayton W. Williams, He retired in 1977. Col. Parsons' love "My father's love ofTexasA &M Jr. Alumni Center is named for the for Texas A &M and its Corps of Cadets and pride for what it stands, the no lying, Mattei family. followed him throughout his lifetime. no stealing no cheating doctrine all Matters civic activities include past Aggies embrace, was never distant in president of Rotary, Boy Scouts Cen- "Tom took me on our first date to f his mind. He was a man of vision, great tury Club, and 10 years on the Labor TexasA &M. Showed me around the courage, total self - confidence and Day MDA Telethon with Jerry Lewis. campus. Soon after that, I realized dedication to principle. He truly how much love he had for Texas A &M. was a giant of a man." "I came toA &M in the summer of Through him, I've learned to loveA &M TOM KELLY '53, 1945 and, as one can imagine, the cam- as well. I never met a more trusted, hon- SON of MICHEL T. HALBOUTY pus then and now are quite different. est, patriotic person, we miss him dearly. But one thing I've noticed over the years As our grandchildren say, `Grampa is in is that beinga member of the Corps Aggie heaven. "' today continues to instill the same quali- GRACE PARSONS, ties, the same values we experienced as WIFE OF COL. PARSONS Corps members some 60 years ago." AGGIENETWORK.COM JULY- AUGUST 2011 I TEXAS AGGIE 73 t - ) t• f t. _., — __ i_ r ii‘ `_+�'.3 ter. il. 4 t;"; ' 0. .,it, , ' ,413:1 R Y i - J..` • t = {_ =.-..-. , - # ' I ::' 4 \ 1 i 44,0 v 10 lw i i i.1 141 1 . , • 40 004 '' s . joi .;9 t / ,• ■ , - , . . .,. 1 From left: John A. Adams, Jr. '73; Jim Thompson '68; Dr. Ed Davis '67; Ronald L. Skaggs '65; Eddie Mattel, widow of Joe Mattel '53; Col. James R. Woodall '50; Charles A. Mattel '49; Grace Parsons, widow of Col. Thomas R. Parsons '49; and Tom Kelly '53 and Linda Halbouty, representing their late father, Michel T. Halbouty '30. ‘ ‘ As an Aggie and a former member of Company H -2 and Second Brigade staff, I know first -hand how important the values are that are instilled in us by this great university. As students, cadets learn the importance of honor, loyalty, service, patriotism and leadership serving in the Corps. I've learned if you take all those principles to heart, there isn't much more you need to know in order to succeed. There is a special connection among members of the Corps. The men we honor today are examples of this unrivaled Aggie Spirit and serve as the great role models for current and former students alike. DR. RICHARD A. Box '61, CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF REGENTS, THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM II exas A &M University recognized the Joseph B. "Joe" Mattei '53, Ronald L. The Corps of Cadets established the lifetime achievements of nine esteemed Skaggs'65, Dr. Eddie J "Ed" Davis '67, Hall of Honor in 1993 to pay tribute to gentlemen during the Corps Hall of James R. "Jim" Thompson '68 and those former cadets who have lived Honor induction ceremony held on John A. Adams, Jr. '73 are the newest lives that exemplify the Texas Aggie March 26 in Rudder Auditorium on the members of the Corps Hall of Honor, Spirit. Those chosen also possess Texas A &M campus. which, to date, has inducted 79 former the values upon which the Corps Michel T. Halbouty '30, Charles cadets. was founded: honor, loyalty, service, A. Mattei, Jr. '49, Col. Thomas Reed Halbouty, Parsons and Joe Mattei pride, patriotism, faith, leadership and Parsons '49, Col. JamesR.Woodall'S0, were posthumously honored. honesty. 72 TEXAS AGGIE I JULY- AUGUST 2011 AGGIENETWORK.COM Qolps 14400 OF ()nor A SPECIAL CONNECTION ik THE CO RP HALL OF HO NOR INDUC T S NINE MEMBERS i4; By Annette Walker '88 AGGIENETWORK.COM JULY - AUGUST 2011 I TEXAS AGGIE 71 XAS A &M'S HIGHEST PROFESSIONAL HONOR TEXAS A &M'S HIGHEST PROF D I base and arrange a visit," one former EXTENSION, OUTREACH, which has a passing rate of about 40 student said. "It is a testament to the CONTINUING EDUCATION AND percent. "If anyone deserves an award lasting impact and relationships Ed PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (or knighthood) for graduate student has with many of his former students. mentoring, it would absolutely be the He continually proves himself invalu- incomparable Dr. John Edwards," a able to the education, careers and former student wrote. "His efforts to lives of many students." prepare residents for the gross por- tion of the exam and for their careers afterward are no less than legendary, ADMINISTRATION not only here but also around the world. I am so grateful to have had / ,. *; the opportunity to learn from him" -�$ Ms. Lisa Whittlesey '89 Extension Program Specialist III Department ofHorticultural Sciences Under Whittlesey's leadership, the Junior Master Gardener program was created in 1999. By 2010, more than 260,000 youth, ages 9 to 18, were Dr. G. Kemble Bennett enrolled in the program. "Perhaps the Vice Chancellor, Dean of Engineering most important vision she has real Director, Texas Engineering ized is proving the value and educa- Experiment Station tional impact of the JMG curriculum Office of the Chancellor and activities on youth," a colleague Dr. Eluned Jones '87 Bennett, the chief administra- wrote. "She has helped guide and sup- Professor tor for engineering programs of the port research to measure the impact Agricultural Economics Texas A &M University System, has of JMG on children. Research facul- Jones advises all Master of Agri- , led the college through a period of ties at Texas A &M University, Purdue business students and teaches two tremendous growth, including the University, and Louisiana State of the program's core courses. Since : addition of 113 faculty positions and University have shown increased sci- fall 2002 she has advised 116 Master establishing the branch campus in ence achievement among children in of Agribusiness graduates. "She is a : Qatar. "It is difficult to fully describe schools using the JMG program:' strong and passionate advocate for 1 the breadth and depth of administra- her students," a colleague wrote. "She a five and management talents of this sets her sights on transforming their i dedicated leader," a colleague wrote. GRADUATE MENTORING lives, a true challenge to accomplish "I have served Texas A &M Univer- within the short time -frame of the sity for over 35 years, and I have iik. \ professional master's degree. Dr. seen presidents, provosts, deans and Jones begins by helping students administrators come and go. I have understand concepts, engaging them never known anyone to possess the y in new ideas, opening their minds to + administrative and judgmental skills new solutions or opportunities, and of Dr. Kemble Bennett." i then energizing and rewarding them ', to follow through" Dr. John Edwards Professor Veterinary Pathobiology Ninety-six percent of the A &M stu- dents Edwards has assisted in training have completed the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and Clini- cal Pathologists board examination, AGGIENETWORK.COM JULY- AUGUST2011 I TEXASAGGIE 69 . . . . . . . , ...,.. - ... ,....,,, ..... . . '.. ....., . , * .,,,,,,4 . • .. , .• * .' 1 1 • , , . 4 %4 , ,, *..** . . * a /... 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