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Home My WebLink About910 Winding Road Marker Application City of College Station Historic Plaque Application Plaque for Gibb Gilchrist Residence: 910 Winding Road, College Station (fege Station Jfistoric Marker,4ppficatzon Re \ iced December 2008 APPLICANT'S NAME: TdN *--57-01.1 ° 1~6:W ri4 7. ~G 5 % a Gc? 7 3~oc,E ADDRESS: //D WliltD//VCr 117 l~/etoli60~hood e--.D • 252'06,3 CI I'1', STATE, ZIP: 44 G L ~G6 5AJ, i €X~s -77 r54e - PHONE: 0979 69(., 71(- 7,6 E-MAIL: 16tj c'/Sfa/1 411f 1. Tins MARKER NOMINATION 1S FOR A: 14. B3 STRUCTURE MARKER Structure is a /folee5l Veneer ( oi~z i.: If a hone, was it foriiterly located on campus? _ (Yes/' c) Address of structure: 91,0 LU/i►rhiryGiPD. G~OLL~G~ STS %/one %~~ff 5 '7 I F-iZD lhvner's Name, Current Mailing Address, Phone Number & Email address: Va/V fem. 4LS%GN CALL ~cs~ -5/-V 7-/4"'J / ? 7 5 5- ,9 ( 979 9! - ? 41 ?6 10naI5- ,/-D`c r/eri z~cn, rLe~`_ 8. 0 SUI3JLCTNTARKER i}his iior-iiiatiorn is for: 6-lx 3B G/GC.,V i 157- (Event/Topics The title of this subject is: Is the proposed marker to be placed on public or private property? .-address cohere marker will be placed: Ca ve-ee-W e4d-ane 71-o ~6474 d1ooe at 1010 //U/N25/tifr /e7~ ~c~LL GE ~S L oitl !,~-ha IL Describe the significance of this nomination with as much detail as possib~ You may attach additional pages for your narrative, if needed. Be sure t_ documentation to this form. historic MarkerApptiuztion. i'i a11,I)i ColII,), ite'c, C;f:! Of I,!' 2- Gibb Gilchrist Brief Chronology 1887 (Dec. 31) Born Wills Point,'l exas 1905 Attended SouthvyCStern Univelsit~ III Gco!'LICL;- !I 1909 Graduated from University of Texas at Austin \\it11 a BS degree in civil engineerins 1910-1917 Employed by the Santa 1e Ra;lroad as l construction en(-)ineer 1919 1920 (March) Married \'c ,,ti \ cav~:r. 111 v ii td oa~: 1! 1924-1911 BCCilllle Stilie 1-1lollVv8v I~.n~~lil CI-.'A1lCr le-.; Year, in this position he resigned because 0 ;1aca differences with Governor Ferguson 1925-1927 Employed as a consulting engineer to priv,aL business 1927-1937 After the election of Governor Mood, Mr. Gilchrist returned to Austin as the State Highway Engineer. He remained in that Position U1101 September 30. 1937 1937 Appointed dean of the School of Engineering at The Agricultural and Mechani- cal College of Texas 1944 (May)-1948- Elected president ol':A&M College ofTemas 1948 (Sept 1)-1953 Became first chancellor of the femas A&M College System, serv ill'-' until his Retirement on Aug. 31, 1953. 1951 Installed as Grand Mast r of t cxas Masons 1972 (May 12) Died in Collc~(-,e Station and Buried Ill College Station Source: Presidents of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of "t-exas and Texas ,A&M University. Compiled by Tree Holt, 11. Describe the significance of this nomination with as much detail as possible: The residence at 910 Winding Road, College Station, Texas was built in 1953 b" GIN;'-, Gilchrist as his retirement residence. During his service to A&M, he lived at 130 Throckmorton, now called the old Chancellor's House, and in the old presidents residence. However, the house at 910 Winding Road is, as far as I know, the on11% one lil town that can be uniquely associated with the man who presided over the modernization and expansion of Texas A&M University. Gibb Gilchrist contributed to growth and change at the university during critical years, first as dean of engineering at A&M (1 y 7- 1943), then as president of A&M (1944-1947), and finally as the first chancellor of the A&M system (1948-1953). Changes in A&M have, by extension. meant changes in the City of College Station. Gilchrist's career and contributions have been reviewed in a number of publications (see References), but a brief summary follows. SIGNIFICANT WORK AT TEXAS A&Nl Years as Dean. In 1937, after making widely recognized contributions to tl:e slate of Texas during his thirteen year tenure as state highway engineer, Gilchrist became &M, 0i the School of Engineering at The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. In his autobiography, he reported that prior to his appointment, he met with the Board and \~us asked by one of its members, "Mr. Gilchrist, don't you think we have a great engineerin` school at A&M?" Gilchrist replied, "In all frankness, Mr. Lacy, I do not think you have Z great engineering school. I do not believe I would want to come here and undertake running a school that was already great with little chance of making it greater.- (Gilchrist. 1991: p. 68) In fact, the engineering program had received some criticism during an independent evaluation process, and during his deanship, Gilchrist addressed many of the problems that had been identified. Departments were revamped, and soon after assumin`,; this position, he expanded A&M's engineering offerings by establishing the Department; of Aeronautical Engineering and Industrial Engineering. He sought other improvements for the school of engineering as well, including funding for an adequate engineering library and programs to establish distinguished professorships and to expand faculty b" hiring outstanding professors. Always interested in the practice as well as the theoretical side of disciplines, he was a driving force in establishing a flight training program and support facilities that included Easterwood Airport. This was a project that began early in his deanship and gained greater importance when the US entered the war. Its completion required extensive negotiations at the national (Civil Aeronautics Authority) and local (especially the Cite of Bryan and Coulter Field) levels. Full details of this effort can be found in Over .l,gielanld. which can be found on the HOLD website. Durino this tinge and later, as president of the college, he also served on various national and state committees and commissions to assist in the war effort and the post-war transition. Documents in the HOLD archive also indicate that he participated in local government decisions that involved transportation and planning. During most of his N ea, s as dean of the School of Engineering at A&M. He and his family lived at 100 Z hrockmorton (1939-1944). Years as College President. In 1944, Gilchrist became president of A&M. The past World War II years were years of change for the nation and for A&M. A survey ol' institutions by representatives of peer institutions suggested that the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas required significant changes to compete with other academic institutions and to face the social and technological changes taking place III the nation. During his presidency (1944 - 1947), Gilchrist introduced and managed mane tai the organizational changes that set the stage for the Texas A&M University of today. There were policy issues to be addressed as well as issues such as problems of student discipline and the smooth absorption of a new kind of student body: civilians returnin` from the war. His overall strategy was to continue the focus on agriculture and engineering with dual emphases on applied and basic science. Changes included ti:e reorganization of both the administrative and academic structures throughout A&M aloe,`, with many personnel changes. He also folded the existing research and extension serviLC1. into the academic core of the college. New research centers were developed to concentrate on specific Texas problems. Gilchrist's vision also extended beyond ties boundaries of the university to include the development of agriculture and engineeri._ technical training centers throughout Texas that would serve local community needs liar education and job training. One of the most far reaching innovations was the creation of the Texas A&M Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization that enabled the college to compete for grants 11:at would otherwise be beyond its reach. The resulting increase in research funding had the long-term effect of connecting A&M to a larger research community and attracting top scholars and researchers to the campus. The subjects of the research grants also opened doors to research and teaching expansion into fields new to A&M, such as occanogr11ip11\. medicine and nuclear energy and engineering. Few of the changes in the academic and administrative areas were accomplisi,cd easily . Change is always difficult, and some are always more affected by change than others. Consequently, there was considerable resentment at the shake-up in comfortable routifl~s and patterns. A strong personality was required, not only to effect the changes but to accomplish them in a short period of time. Some of the thorniest problems of this period involved the student body. After low pre-war enrollments, the post-war student bode grew with the enrollment of large numbers of returning war veterans who were no\ti civilians. The traditions of the A&M Corps of Cadets no longer seemed to serve the needs of this new type of student. Changes in student administration and discipline processes as well as changes in the role of the Corps of Cadets on campus were aerie-, cd only after a great deal of protest, investigation, and negotiation. Ultimately, the legislature and large segments of the Texas population were supportive of Gilchrist. and important changes were implemented. From 1944 and into 1948, Gilchrist lived in the president's house that was built for Sul Ross. These and other events are well-documented in the Gilchrist Collection (1991) now housed in the Cushing Library archives on campus. Copies of.Just a few of the docun,c 1 from those archi~ cs hay e been added to tine Supplennentary Nlate ials section: ; d'thi:. application. Years as Chancellor. The Texas A&M College System was created in 1945 with GI NP Gilchrist as chancellor of the system. At that time, the college system comprised A&`.. Prairie View and Arlington State College. According to one historian (Dethloff: 197 the creation of the system headed by a chancellor allowed the new president to focus 0r; A&M issues while the chancellor focused on administering the system branches, the services and the agencies. In addition, "...many of the political chores and the political storms were lifted from the president's shoulders by the presence of the chancellor, GiNk Gilchrist." (Dethloff: 1975, p. 529) From 1948 until his retirement in 1953. Gilchrist ontC again lived in what is now called the "old Chancellor's House.' Two examples of the types of actions Chancellor Gilchrist took during this period cat;, b mentioned here. One was the creation of an advisory committee to the Texas Forest Service. This advisory committee was to communicate the interests of private owners E P" of the timber industry to the Texas Forest Service instead of working at cross purpos, with it. This was one of several changes that were made to strengthen the Forest Serv Le. upgrading its protection and management functions and inteorati u these functions actions taken by private interests. A second example was the development of the Cooperative Research Program, 1 ► v. Texas A&M College and the Texas Highway Department. This collaborative rescarch effort led to the 1950 creation of the Texas Transportation Institute Oil the A&\,1 Gilchrist served at its first president. Retirement Years. (1953-1972) Although Gilchrist's official retirement I;-o►ll tile. chancellorship is dated 1953, he did not fully retire until 1957. Between 1953 annd 1 ~)57. he continued to consult and perform services for A&M, including serving as conunl'zt ta: the A&M College of Engineering. He continued to be active in the affairs of the American Association of State Highway Engineers, and in 1965 he was named atl honorary member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. However, 1953 mark,:d sixteen years of service to Texas A&M in very demanding roles, and in 1953 Gibb Gilchrist and his wife designed and had built the house that now stands at 910 WindMLI Road. It was from this residence that he continued to participate in the affairs of the college, the community and his profession until his death in 1972. Personal Qualities In spite of his many achievements Gibb Gilchrist was, b\ all accounts, a nnodest 111d'31 avoided ostentation and self advertisement. He was named dean of engineering in 1937 even though he did not have a doctorate, and he rose in the system on the strength o 1' fn abilities and accomplishments. After receiving a BS in civil engineering from the University of Texas, life became far too busy for him to return to school for additionL l degrees. Even though he received a number of honorary degrees, he always insisted o i being called "Mr." rather than "Doctor." He could also be stubborn and hard when it ~4as necessary and was someone who could get things, expecting others to do the same. According to one of his fellow Masons, if he asks you ~v hetner you can d« a C, job, and you tell him you can, well, he expects you to get it done. He doesn't like to anyone say, 'It can"t be done,' His motto is, `let's get it done.'" Okoolket, 195 1 His unimpeachable character was one reason he was called on to do the rnlans j; asked to do at A&M. According to one historian, "Gilchrist was largely responsible 1`, modernizing Texas' highway system. He was credited with administering $300 Indh..:- Texas highway construction during his ten years as head of the Texas highway syste.-. He retired from that position with the reputation of being scrupulously honest, comp.- tough, and strong. It N%as a reputation he retained as presidei:t of Texas AR l~1. i 1~e 1976, P:483.) Gilchrist"s commitment to the public good is demonstrated by his insistence that t A&M focus a portion of its energies on the solution of real problems in the state, and is still a strong orientation of the university. Another incident in his career also illust._ his early commitment to applying resources to promote the general good. During the Depression, school programs and work projects for young people were implemented Texas under the leadership of Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson. One issue in dcvelor) the programs was how to avoid pointless work even though funding guidelines indicated, that jobs could not be taken from adults to help the young. Furthermore. funds had to be spent on wages. At that time. Texas highways were without shoulders or rest stops, and a t1at tire or breakdown put any car in a position to be hit along the road. Johnson hit on the notion 01_ developing roadside parks that would provide places for cars in trouble to get off the rozrl and tired drivers to rest. He approached Gilchrist, who was, at that time, state highw.t engineer. Gilchrist agreed to a plan in which the National Youth Administration X101,H" pay wages to young men to supply the labor to develop the parks. the Highwa\ Department provided supplies for the parks and training for the men, and the Texas driving population enjoyed safer highways. Gilchrist was also proud of being a thirty-third degree Honorary Scottish Rite Mason, 1 spite of heavy administrative duties at A&M, he continued his interest in Masonry and was elected Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas in December d.1 1951. In his autobiography, he indicates that he had gone thrOLIgh both the Scottish Mite and York Rite and was, in addition, a member of the Red Cross oft_ o1atarain_ znd i> So% ereign of the San Jacinto Enclave. 910 Winding Road College Station honored Gibb Gilchrist with a street in his manic. 1-lo%Never. in niiitl ways, the house that Gibb Gilchrist and his wife. Vesta, designed and built as tlhciz- retirement residence is a better embodiment of Gilchrist's most admirable traits. Development of the neighborhood, initially known as Southside, began in 1920s. it cvE~: wooded area south of the campus and was an attractive and convenient location for faculty housing. By 1953 most of the lots close to Jersey (George Bush Avenue) had h,,. hunt on, but the neighborhood vNas still an area within easy reach of the can 1)1,: ,u)d i Lx activity. Given Gilchrist's continued interest in the activIt ies and .vcll-hei,:~,~ must have seemed an ideal location for his house. fhe area is now known as College Park, and the house sits on sits on just O\ el- a (see plat) at the corner of Winding (originally called Taurus) and Dexter. It is a mt ranch-style house with pier and beam construction and a hipped roof. The house 1-11-- double-hung sash windows in the main part of the house with casement windows kitchen and family room. It is built in a rough L-shape with old fashioned asbcs<. and little exterior adornment. Inside, it is comfortable and well-thought out, xN It generous, light-filled rooms. The structure itself is solid and strong. built as onk highway engineer would build it. When purchased in 1974, it was a coffee brown house kr ith vello'o\ trim, including sot-III oak leaf wrought iron trim at the front and side porches. At some point during Mr. Gilchrist"s residence a porch off the kitchen was enclosed and made into a den or [anvil room. You can still see GG and 9-11-54 imprinted in the concrete of the outside stch, L:) that room. Although the paint color has changed and some of the iron trim has been removed, No structural changes have been made to the house since its purchase in 1974. It has proven to be the rare combination of tough and strong - welcoming and yvLirn;. it would be a uood monument to a remarkable man. Ill. Supporting; Documentation A. Alterations No alterations have been made in the slrUetm'c h~ lie enrreI?t OV1.1 Mr. Gilchrist's ownership. the hack porch (off the kitchen) vvas probabi\ enclosed a r,i now used as a familN room. B. Prominent Historical 1=i_~_ures No prominent historical 11-ures are knomi to he as r ci:~ ,a with the propert\ . C. Property Ownership The home at 910 Winding Road, College Station as I'Mii t ii; by Gibb Gilchrist as a family residence. Upon his death in 197" the propertti his son. Henry Gilchrist. In 1974. 1 (Jon Alston) bou1-111t it from HemA Gilch:- 1). Tenant Histor\_ The onk tcrsant, have been Gibb and Jon and Letitia Alston ( 1074-present). E. Narrativc I-11storv The development of the neighborhood Stu-rounding the re idc„cc 910 Winding Road was begun in 1920s. It was a wooded area south of the campli- and was an attractive and convenient location for faculty housing. A&M had grown to the extent that it was no longer feasible to house faculty on campttr,. Early in its history, the area was called Southside Addition but is now called College Park. In 1953, the neighborhood must have still been bucolic becau;c when it was sold to us in 1974, only a block of houses along South Dexter separated the Gilchrist house from some remaining pasture land just south of Holleman. F. Drawin0s 1. Rough sketch showing room arrangement of residence at 910 Vv'inding Road Plat showing location of property within the College Park neighborhood Brazos County Appraisal District document showing house footprint. photo,grapli k,±' house and transfer of ovv nership ~'a.~ ~ ~ s z ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ J J J 2 p~ 3 O I I - I 111 F ; TT 1 \1 41-~ ~ } f- ' 11' _ I i -rt- - 1 L- I T I If . 1 t I 1 a -5 o p 8 0 .~y I o <3 Oo ~ I a s LL I ~ W r Ir ~ U W O J O w a a z > J { m ° W O a w Q u- 'D ol f o o ° w Q d ` alp > . Q : N N m CL D O> L al c c c t m a) co a o ° N c E E 0 o a o 0 0 .5 y m > > L U a m c a ca m 0 o c m m c m ~ N n a~ m CO CL a. 3: u) O T rn Q o O in to o ii a° U } in G o ~v w Z ( ~J dry 1- f o ct a w I I I I I 11 I I I I I I I I I I I- L - N n W ~ Q O ct c,I O O W m Y I { U Z U > > c Cl. cn U C7 n E w x s I a u O E; 1 0 n Z a c Z o Z Z ° n v E G o z; n , ~ ~2- ~ - ~ 0 > cm I J I M I ? .n rOl f0l I iC LL ,n ~ (7 I'- F? l~l ~ r~i Q I-- Z rD LL (n to ii C 4T 4-2 E, o a U' A w J i 4 b m eo v~ O .c! o t, 0 a 14 4> 4-31 Lu 10 -M 10 0 D z m a o o a v W t~ © 0 0 0 F, ~ ~ O M O ` U z w _1 U Cl) 41 cx v2 Q E.y 4 Ey A Cf) Ey 77, v' W Q - z Cl co c+ x Q O >4 E-4 ~#z w w a w Q w z o~ o > G. U x E•, E- E- Q ix , a P: ,E, a v% z z O DC O O . a W O r~ a W E- W w R; Or Z = c^ 1 v~ ' O C, O ❑ 1_ r..I W ~ w C 7= ~ C A14 ~D c7 ~D 14 > W z :D C U1 W l:, r~ x > o o z - -~a i '4 p'Q w O E: Q Q a E A o> v a o o o"" w cj a Q Q u v E{- C~ A ~e 1 N ~ l' / i-j ~ z F S1 E~ i m . G. Photographs I . Gibb Gilchrist as a young engineer Gibb Gilchrist during his years at A&M 3. Official portrait of Gibb Gilchrist, painted to hang in the Colle c of T:mginec; in,, 4. Gibb Gilchrist shown with members of the A&M Board 5. Gibb Gilchrist (first row, third from the left) and Vesta Gilchrist (second from the right) at a campus event 6. Residence in the 1950s (forthcoming: Mr. Henry is looking for an early photograph A the residence.) 7. Residence as it was at the time of purchase in 1974 8. 1 en photographs documenting the residence as it currentIN r~i~is F $ NMI 41 'f }!~ter: *3 ''~r<°¢Uf Affjf, A_ a yc,.ng engineer, Gilchrist µ,or =C cc exp>nding railroad lines in West Texas and on the Golf Coast in 1916. t s a, January of 1928, when he was called back to Austin a to again become State Highway Engineer. During the Ferguson administration, the Highway Depart- y° ment had been scandal-ridden, and in the years fol- lowing, it was the favorite target of political snipers. ' Legislative investigations followed one after the other, particularly after Mrs. Ferguson was elected for another term as governor, in 1932. The State Highway Engineer, backed by a strong f Commission, welcomed each new investigation as though he had instigated it. All charges were met head-on. If a charge was false, he documented the proof; if true, he promptly admitted having made a mistake and outlined the steps being taken to correct it. In- vestigations do not thrive in such an atmosphere. Within a few years the Texas Highway Department P~ became known as the outstanding state organization t t of its kind in the nation. Gibb Gilchrist became d? something of a living IEgend. On the occasion of his :,h x own retirement, a few years ago, Dewitt Greer, Gil- {,r°~ _ christ's most recent successor, said : "Gilchrist is the man who set the pattern of honesty, integrity, and ' hard work that molded the Department. "Gilchrist was tough, but he was the best man to handle the transition from corrupt politics. He made the way easy for the rest of us." Under the forbiddingly tough Gilchrist exterior Y h. K l ti l r , • there was a surprising sensitivity to many things. Long before ecology was a catch-word, he sent a memo to all employes of the department, stating that In the future, we are going to fix the responsi- F > s ! 1 f~ 5~ 3 5~ bility on the men in charge of work for the preserva- tion of trees along the right-of-way There is no I; excuse for cutting trees which are located so that they can be saved." He accompanied this memo with a full quotation of Joyce Khmer's Trees. He even 4 ordered the roadway curved in several instances, to go around a fine old tree, rather than have it de- 1 w stroyed. This same tough engineer hired the first land - ~4 1 r scape architect to supervise beautification of Texas "`ls roadways, removed all commercial and political bill- µ '3 boards from the right-of-ways and started the plant- ing of native shrubs and the wholesale harvesting of Bluebonnet and Indian Blanket seeds for planting ' along the roadsides. In all of this beautification program, Gilchrist, with practical Scotch thrift, used imagination, hard work, materials at hand, and plain old army "scrounging" as a substitute for money. Highway engineers were instructed to gather the bodies of large and small animals killed on the highway and bury them as built-in fertilizer in spots where trees and shrubs were to be planted later. Expensive plants were "scrounged" from neighboring landown- ers (300,000 trees and 600,000 shrubs in three years, without a penny for purchase). Texas was the first state to build roadside parks, starting in the early 1930's. Although others credit Gibb Gilchrist with fathering this pleasant conven- ience, he disclaims the honor. "A county foreman on a road in Fayette County, near Smithville, started it all," lie says. "Without asking anyone, he accepted 6 AGGI E/NOV-DEC a r t r t )h S `3.'~' r's' ~t .r i ff~ iVV " M 1, 74 p xtP ~ 4 ti ~q 1' { z ? Pro- 71 1 71 xd Y t t} rA t ' j3 C~~~ fd 1~ n s r r~ 1 J t & f4 . - fit, 'o+F !w R - x Lrs ax t * 5t ~ A ~ z 3,,35 ~.tk k ar 1{ ~ ~ 'i'r M ;ur fi s s f ys,, t ,zr ~ z ~ ~s e s ~ a l rr t ~ aPt 4 Y'tY Y 2• ~ ~ s 5 1014M tip? {s~ f ti _ _V.:p 41 y ~ s tI t e -J re J ~ ~ {i ~ , ~it~y~v{k B k . ~iNa 1t' F 4 ) ~ -h~,+ i yt 31 k r~ Y:p7 't'.: } - rrt'3'Xc N, . 7 t rtr ~tF .}S Syr. ~ 5;' ~F 5 ~ry l, di" f e r ~ S _ k ~4t~r xt s J, ~1 ~ y~y'~ Qµ~ r f 5) k i xY1?4r k.` 7! ! 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Additional hilorinatioll GIBB GILCHRIST Born: December 23, 1887, Wills Point, Texas ?egree of Civil Engineering, University of Texas, 1909 Experience ngineering Department of Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway, 1910-1917 United States Army, 1917-1919, discharged as Captain of Engineers State Highway Department of Texas, 1919-1924 State Highway Engineer of Texas, 1924-1925 Consulting Engineering Practice in Dallas, Texas, 1925-1928 State Highway Engineer of Texas, 1928-1937 Dean of Engineering, A. & M. College of Texas, 1937-1944 President, A. & M. College of Texas, 1944-1948 Chancellor, Texas A. and M. College System, 1948-1953 Chancellor Emeritus of Texas A&M System and Consulting Civil Engi- neer, 1953 to date, including some part-time service with A&M Special Activities Member, Executive Committee, American Association of State High- way Officials, 1931-1937 President of same (AASHO) 1936 Member, Committee on Design Practices (AASHO) 1937-1941 Member, Texas Planning Board created by 44th Legislature on March 16, 1935 (H. B. 197), 1935-1937 Chairman, Board of County and Road District Indebtedness, 1932-1937 (Other members of the Board wexe the State Comptroller and the State Treasurer. This Board was responsible for adminis- trating and distributing funds derived from a one cent gasoline tax to assist counties and road districts in meeting interest and maturities on bonds the proceeds of which were spent on state highways). G Chairman, Engineering Committee of 75 of the President's Highway Safety Conference, 1946-1950. This appointment was made directly by President Harry Truman. Chairman, Executive Committee of the Highway Division of the Ameri- can Society of Civil Engineers, 1948-1949 Wartime Activities Member, U. S. Office of Education National Advisory Committee (ESMWT) on Engineering, Science & Management War Training, 1940 -1945. Dean A. A. Potter, Purdue, Chairman Member, Naval Advisory Council, creators of Naval V-12 training for young officers, 1942-1945 Received Certificate of Appreciation from Bureau of Personnel, U. S, Navy, signed by Admiral Denfield, Head of Bureau Chairman, Texas Post War Economic Planning Commission by appoint- ment of Governor Coke Stevenson, 1945 Special Honors Award of Honor, Texas Section, American Society of Civil Engineers, November 1953 Honorary Member of American Society of Civil Engineers in May 1965 Received formal award in Kansas City on October 20, 1965, the fourth Texan to receive this honor in 100 years. Award as Distinguished Graduate of The University of Texas in 1959 GRAND MASTER of Masons in Texas, 1952 KNIGHT COMMANDER of the COURT OF HONOUR of the 32 Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, 1952 INSPECTOR GENERAL Honorary of the 33 Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, 1957 ILLUSTRIOUS SOVEREIGN, San Jacinto Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, 1956 Ivanhoe Commandery No. 8, Knight Templar, Bryan, Texas Life Member Chinar Grotto, Houston, Texas Chairman, Executive Committee of the Highway Division of the American Society of Civil Engineers - 1948-1949 Special Honors Award of Honor, Texas Section, American Society of Civil Engineers, November 1953 (At this time, Mr. Thos. H. MacDonald, himself an honorary member of the Society, received this same award). Distinguished Graduate Award from The University of Texas, June 1959 Honorary Degrees: Austin College, Sherman, Texas, D.Sc. - 1939 Baylor University, Waco, Texas, L. LD - 1946 Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas, L. LD - 1946 Memberships American Society of Civil Engineers Registered Professional Engineer, Texas Newcomen Society Philosophical Society of Texas Tau Beta Pi Phi Eta Sigma Board of Trustees Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children, Dallas, Texas I~ahDrur/~! A /~1OG.r ~n G~.STok? ~n '4/ 'JG~ri~`1 x kl'G t-7 c Jac le/ 1 June 1965 3 Honorary Degrees Austin College, Sherman, Texas, D. Sc. - 1939 Baylor University, Waco, Texas, L. LD - 1946 Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas, L. LD - 1946 Memberships American Society of Civil Engineers Texas Section, Brazos County Branch, American Society of Civil Engineers Honorary Member, Houston Engineering and Scientific Society Registered Professional Engineer, Texas Newcomen Society Philosophical Society of Texas Tau Beta Pi Phi Eta Sigma Member, Board of Trustees Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children, Dallas, Texas, 1960 - 1969. July 1971 In 62nd year of activity in chosen profession. Limited, of courpe, but mostly in an advisory capacity to young civil engineers. Name listed in"VERY IMPORTANT PERSONS" file of Ex-Students Association of The University of Texas. Gibb Gilchrist Texas University Class of 1909 Fehruarv 1966 rlyte2~ yt~ ,arc//yt.J~llo a./l ,1(lfrr V[Y/71mPJ'Cl«l ~o~>zomtro~z triza~:✓~r~re-rn,~~z~v _la«°.a J~61rnlY 9?~~oar: Jordan J~~l. J"~o~r~ .999 4 HOY. ( - B GILC°I '7t!0'N IT -r: !)mar GJ.bb Just received your fire letter of 26th inst., and I appreciate your good s, ords a rout our meeting and can return the compllinent, in having met occasion. A Philosopher ,,mites an article in one of ouli mor;th- ly ma azines under the caption of " The "`ost Unforgetable Character I have ever Met", and I feel very much as if, I have met an Unforgetab is Cr cter in jour coo _ self. because of several reasons First: You are a 1.~on0l_erfully fire rien: z:)econa.- you are President of A.&.m. College:-Third- you are a civil Engineer by profession: fourth- you have the interest of A.&.M. College, your estate and Nation at -heart: and lastly you understand the boy, just as Governor Foss dic.. No boy, ~,^fill ever leave A.c?r.";t. College r;hile you are, there because of unthr, ?I-itc- lly >iclatinf_, #-tia- of its h=rd and fast regulations. Of course, I had selfish motive in aoing cvei-ything I could, as a member of the LeSis lature, to benefit A College: and further because the -tM College i one of the greatest and best bogs' schools in the world. Tay Golden class reunion is one of the "Red Letter days of my life and I sh_.11 al-,-:ays re:i-ember the association witn you and my uecr -1:°:ays your friend, and -_.N j-u NATIONAL BAL\r or FoAT 5.~M HOUSTON AT SAN ANTONIO S_%,-, A-,Tovro 8, Tr•.x.#,4 H- J_ BREES ~ Q _ Cf /Q p 1 rctid;T_. (ii b: st T Texas A. Sf. M. College ~'leoe Station, T e a s dear Gib:: - - ou t ere very kind to ,,.rite me as you dia. I ad-Mit "',_at I was some-bat astonished and disa:_pointed as I had been lead to believe that evei-fthing was okay. Ho,~ ever, such is politics in the great State of Texas. I have enjoyed my service on the Board. It 'a-,s been a pleasure to work with men who have minds of their o-.,,n, who fi.-ht for their principles and who, when the smoke clears away, have only added respect for the other fellow-. That has been my experience on the Board. I am sorry they have got you on the spot. It is distasteful I know but you inherited a job which requires visioi and guts. You have both. I knovJ the :.resent Board is behinc you and I am sure that new members will come to admire you as did the old ones. I want to assure you also that v,hatever differences of opinion you and I had, there c;as nothing personal about them. I knew you always wanted a frank opinion from me and I always admired the way you fought for your o,.,Yn ideas. If I can be of any service to you In the future, please feel free to call upon me. I still have a great deal of interest in the college. iAy Farm regards 4ood luck a. best sties. Cor '-12 urs, 1 s Any An., ,iJ' :.TL March 1, 1947 Mr. D. X. Box# President First National Bank GrapevLne,4 Texas Deter Mr. Bo z a From all over the state lettars hale poared in, soars. emong them, endor4ixW QAr stand on ha.slag„ It is, indeed heartaui ng to know thq6t the people p? Texas are back of us in this ~t Ss~orta.nt 4wtiO3z. We hav* had *o mavy letters it h%s 'been i=paasibI* to acknowledge them all promptly, but we do thank you, for yaur interest and encouragement and greatly appreciate your ta.kirg the trouble to write no. Cordially yours, Gibb Gilchrist President 7 f' Y OF GRAPEVINE OAF E D. E. BOX, Ac-.,,,,E Pk=s DE14T February 3, 1947 Mr. Gib Gilchrist, President A. & M. College College Statioh, Texas Dear Mr. Gilchrist: I wish to commend you for your coureagous stand against hazing in A. &.M. College. I have heard numerous discussions of this matter the past few days from our Grapevine people, and everyone that I have heard express themselves are 100 percent for you. There is no doubt but what there has been many a young man cheated out of an education by being run over under the guise of hazing, which resulted in their either leaving school, being cowed and disgusted, or they were unable to put in sufficient time on their studies to make the required grades. I hope that a move is started to clamp a tight lid on all hazing activities in every State Educational Institution. You are doing a good job and we are with you. With very best regards to you and your family, I am Sine ely your , D. E. X, President DEB/rh c, ~0~ _ 7I <lun D Cofe1- n _`attorney-at-Law ausfin, Tells 119-7 TI1 Bibb, Gilchris .1 A. ec.M. College College Station, Texas Deer friend: I have been reading the press with reference to the controversy which has been going on at A. L, M. College. I want to write you and congratulate you upon the stand and position you are taking in this matter. I believe the great mass of citizens of Texas who are informed feel that you have met the situation at the College in an able and statesmanlike manner. I think that young men in these matters, because of lack of maturity, too seldom realize the seriousness of the issues involved in the control of hazing conditions and conditions generally with reference to the relation- ship between membership of the student body. I think our state is fortunate indeed to have a man at the head of one of its great educational institutions who has been able regardless of all. considerations to take such a decided stand on this important matter. With best wishes to you personally, I am Sincerely yours, 4 I+! MI D. COFF . JDC/lnd , vo s; J. March 1, 1947 Mr. John D. Cofer, Attorney Austin, Texas Dear Mr. Cofert From all over the 1'ta9,te letters hP.-,e poured in, yours among them, endorsing our stand on hating. It in indeed heartening to know that the xeop14 of Texas ^.ra ba3c'c a:? is in this most important motion. We have had so many letters it has been impessibl-3 to acknowledge them all promptly, l+nt we do thank y71; for your interest and encouragement and greatly appreciate y•rz:~- the trouble to write us. Cordially yours, Gibb Gilchrist President COPIED from MINUTES of BOARD OF DIRECTORS iSgET IITG Lamar Hotel, Houston, Texas .Say 11, 1950 90-50 GOVEMINENT OF STUDENT LIFE A. AND 1.1. COLLEGE OF TEXAS On motion by Mr. Krueger, seconded by Mr. Potts, the following regu- lations for the government of student life at the A. and 11. College of Texas, effective September 1, 1950, were unanimously adopted by the Board: I. SUPERVISION OF STUDENT LIFE: A. The Dean of Aden shall be responsible for the supervision of stu- dent life. The line of authority on all matters of student life, besides the academic, shall be through the Dean of Lte n to the President. B. The Commandant of the Cadets, under the Dean of lLan, shall be directly responsible for the enforcement of College regulations in the Corps. There shall be appointed a cadet with the rank I of mejor or above as senior officer in each dormitory who shall be responsible for the enforcement of College regulations therein and shall be paid by the College. C. House masters, under the Dean of Lien, shall be responsible for the enforcement of College regulations in the civilian dormi- tories and shall be paid by the College. i II. DEFINITION OF RESP014SIBILITY: The President of the A. and M. College shall issue a directive to the Dean of Men setting forth in detail the responsibility of his office. This directive, a part of the College regulations, shall outline the policy concerning student life and shall be given widest circulation to members of the staff and to students. III. STUDENT HOUSING: A. Military Students. The following students shall be housed in military dormitories: (1) Corps Area: All sophomore students who elect to live with the Corps; all juniors and seniors who have R.O.T.C. contracts. (2) Basic Division Area: All freshmen students shall be housed in dormitories set aside for use of Basic Division students. B. Civilian Students. The following students shall be housed in civilian dormitories: graduate students, students not physically qualified for military training; transfer students above fresh- man classification who do not elect to take military training; veterans exempt from military training; and sophomores who elect to live in civilian dormitories. iiIVUTE ORDER 90-50 (continued N. ORGAD;IZITIOAi OF THE CORPS OF CADETS: The Corps shall be formed into appropriate military organizations. Senior cadets who are not cadet officers, and all transfer students taking military train- ing who so elect, shall be formed into separate organizations. V. UNIFORM REQUIRELM14TS: In conformity with the War Department's def- inition of a I.I.C. College, all R.O.T.C. students shall be habitually in uniform. The wearing of the uniform shall be re- structed to R.O.T.C. students. Any distinction as to uniform between classes shall be defined by College regulations. VI. i;IILITARY TRAINING REQUIRELIERTS; All students who are physically qualified, under twenty-one years of age, and with freshman classification on entrance, shall be required to take two years of military training. VII. The corps of Cadets shall function as a strictly military organiza- tion; rules to be defined and regulations to be worked out by the staff of the College and presented by the President of the College to the Board of Directors for approval. (Mr. White cast his vote in favor of the above by telegram. HENRY REESE. 111, MANAGING EDITOR M- - HENRY REESE. JR. , AND SONS. PUBLISHERS T4,e (111ttzatr1i liquirrr BaUg Anb lUrrhly Established June, 1853 GONZALES, TEXAS G hancellor G_rb Gil--.ii--•is., A. L H. College _ s W.i College Station, : _ Dear G bb : I am enclos nE hare. it i a carbon coy of a letter i have Ins', written to Governor Allan Shiers, rn ich is self-exp a_ia:', . The Governor's. announcement of a po& ..._....,s made before you receive this letter. The past six years, work with you has been most onj o" l I feel that trough your leadership our A. L. College System has made real progress during, y tenure of office. I mould not have even considered reappointment to the oard had it not been for _*Z r desire to continue to wor'_ w th you in ca]'i7in out your ro _ n for the advancement of the Systa . As I told you once before, I peel t eat your service to the state, both as State ill= :h":lay Engineer and the '.lead of our A. 4. College System, will forever be a living monument to your unselfish devotion to duty. I am proud that I had the opportunity to serve ,~rith you. I .,rant to than',. you and Vesta for your sweet Christmas car Please give her mfr regards and Clay tie sends her love. 7ishLng you every success in continuing to carry out _ un- gressive program for the College, _ an, Sincerely, 1 COLLEGE ARCHIVEt- TEXAS A: & M. COLLEGE I - GR.;.m- Nt+-TER I I DINNER HONORING ' tv~ G MOST WORSHIPFL L GRAND MASTER-GRAND LODGE OF TE.l'A5.A.F.aA.M. ME.N(ORIAL STUDENT CENTER FRIDAY EVENING MARCH SEVEN 0CLO(-K SPONSORED PY St L RUSS :_ODGE NO ; ,0 ~E12U, CHILLED TOMATO JUICE ROAST PRIME RIB OF BEEF AU JUS BAKED IDAHO POTATO BUTTERED FORDHOOK LIMA BEANS HEART OF LETTUCE SALAD WITH ROQUEFORT DRESSING ASSORTED ROLLS BUTTER APPLE PIE WITH WEDGE OF CHEESE 1 l COFFEE I nT09 z.m PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AMERICA ..--------......---------....Audience WILLIAM M. TURNER, Sul Ross Lodge INVOCATION------------------- R.'. VCS.'. UMPHRE), LEE Grand Chaplain DINNER WELCOME---------- H. SORRELS W. M., Sul Ross Lodge RECOGNITION OF DISTINGUISHED GUESTS R.*. VCS.'. G. R. M. MO TGOnIERS• Past Grand Master GIBB GILCHRIST... . THE ENGINEER----------------------------------------------- R:. VCS.'. ALBERT J. DELANGE Past Grand Master THE PUBLIC SERVANT R.'. W.•. LEE LOCKWOOD Past Grand Master THE MASON •---•.------R.'. VCS.'. HORACE K. JACKSON Past Grand Master THE MAN R.'. VC'.'. JOHN CR KE "t Past Grand Master ] & t . INTRODUCTION OF GRAND MASTER R.-. W.'. R. BRUCE B A N Past Grand Master RESPONSE--- -------•-----......M.'. W.'. GIBE GILCHRIST Grand Master BENEDICTION..--- ----------------R.'. UMPHREY LEE Grand Chaplain I EMW SUL ROSS LODGE NO. 1300 Chartered December 12, 1947 OFFICERS J. H. SORRELS ...........ll--,ir-rhrpful Afaster L. P. COBBLE . Irrvlior Deacon AL B. NELSON Seulor Warden J. B. KATY................... ...................Senior Steward G. E. MADELEY..................... ............Ilnrior Warden M. T. HIGGINSON funror Steward 1. G. ADAMS ................................................Treasurer D Atifarshall N. M. MCGINNIS ................Secretary J. D. $HERMAN C. J. KEESE. _ ................Senior Deacon T. R. JONES, JR ...................................................Tiler . PAST MASTERS GIBB GILCHRIST .19-17-48 H. L. BOYER.................................................. 1949-s0 JOE J. WOOLKET..................... .....................1948-49 S. R. WRIGHT.......------. .....-----......-•---1930-51 AFFILIATED PAST MASTERS H. L. BOYER C. K. LEI(;HTi-.)N C. E. MOORE W. B. LANGFORD BILLY MADDOX T. E. RATTAN GRAND LODGE OFFICERS, ELECTIVE GIBB GILCHRIST..................... Grand Master MASTER MASONS OF SUL ROSS LODGE Adams, Ira G. Cochrane. John H. Jr. Hobbs, Lauren D. Murphrce, Samuel E. Jr. Sikes, Andrew L. Adams. Richard M. Cole. Louis B. Hodge, Dexter L. Murray. Harold P. Slaughter, Ernest Jr. Allen. Oscar F. Coody, James D. Howard, Charles P. Smith, Frank M. Ames. Ezra E. Covey, Tom T. Jr. Huddleston, Virgil R. McGinnis. Nestor M. Smith. Lloyd D. Anderson, David A. Crain, Albert W. Hughes, Martin C. Mctnrurff. Don E. Smythe, Francis J. Anderson. Frank G. Crook, Erwin T. nyder. Henry A. Neff, Hen W. Russell C. Anderson- Norman `y Nelson, Al B. S,)rrels, Henry M. Doerter. Carl %Y': Ashburn, Ike Sorrels. Joseph Dowell, VGilliam Jones. Luther G. Nichols, James R. !)pray, , James T. Jr. Badgett, W. Howard Dulaney, Louis P. Jones. Truman R. Jr. Nichols, Robert L. Spriggs, Charles O. Baker, Arch C. Duncan, John T_ Ketse, Charles J. Jr. Oden, J. Ray Stallworth, Thomas W. Barlow, Howard W. Edwards. Charles W. Kelly. John H. Orr, Abner R. Staples, George M. Baty, James B. Jr. King, Brawley M. Owen, Glenn B. Steen. Ralph W. Becker. W. A. Elkins. Rrillin L. Stephenson, Henson K. Bennett. Richmond O. Landiss, Carl W. Paine, Leland S. levenson, Harry Elms, Grady Pinkerton. Robert bf. William E. Jr, Langford, William B. Street. v(illiam E Blackstone, Tommy F. Feagan.- George H. Leighton, Charles K. Potem Robert W. Sumner, Vance D. Blades. Robert R. Filyaw. Ernest C. Leland, T' omas W. Potter, George E. Sundberg, Grover H. Blake, William R. Fitch, W'm. D. Longley, Arvel J. Jr. Pridgen, Robert R. Blum, Robert J. Fleming. David W. Lowe, Robert W. Pringle, Robert B. Tacker, John M. Bolron. Frank C. Flory. Arthur C. Rattan, Thomas E. Tishler, Carl E. Boswell. Ran Fly. W. Lamar Maddox, Billy Reese. Joel R. Turk, Richard D. Boyer. Harry L. Freeman, Robert C- Madeley. G. Edward Turner, Leland S. Jr. Rhodes. Robert R. J Boze, Lloyd E. French. C. Clement Magee, Aden C. Richmond. Thomas R. ~urner, William M. Brison. Fred R. French, Edwin C. Maguire, Lewis S. Riddle. Donald 1. Brooks. Thomas D. Gaddis, AlcisM. Manning, Walter S. Risirn, Harvey V. Vestal, Donald h(. Brown, Lawrence L. Garrett, Leonard E. Marron. Thomas F. Jr. Rogers, Andrew J. Brown, Robert L. Mark, Martin B. ard, Thomas D. Gilchrist, Gibb Rogers, John S. ;'athen. Thurman R. Buchanan, Spencer J. Goodwin. Charles J. Menefe Mencfe•. Clinton A. Rogers. Ralph H. Webb. Geor Bulow, Ernest R. . Kendrick R. George R. Jr, Gower, David W. Rogers, Raymond L. Williams, Edward L. Burchard. G Winfield Grant, J. Forrest [tfePham. Allen H. Jr• Roper, Jack R. Williams. Warren G. Burgess. Hershell E. Gresham, Wilson Meter, Hubert 0. Roth, George A. Burt on, Arthur L. Guerrero, Erasmo T. Miller. James C. Rowlett, John M. Wilkins, W. Taylor D. Diller, Joseph Jr, Rovinsky, Ervrn Wilson, Joe Cain, Robert F. Haile. William A. Miller, Otis H. Russell, Colonel J. Jr. Winder. Lazarus E. Camp, Robert A. Hammonds. John i. Miller. Thomas L. Wo,lket, Joe J. Campbell, Charles B. Hanna, Louis V. Miller. Virgil M. Schepps. David Wortham, William F. Campbell, Gay Harrington. Edwin L. Milne. C. Gordon Schlameus, Kermit R. Jr, • Cannon, James W. Harrington. M. Thomas Mogford. Joseph S. Schlesselman. G. W. Wright. Samuel R. Carlton, Thomas A. Jr. Harwood, Ripley B. Moody, Edgar L. Segrest. Herman B. Wright, Welcome E. Christian. Robert L. Heaton, H. Lloyd Moore. Calvin E. Shawn, James L. Jr. Young, Don Clark. Jack P. Hil ginxm. Marvin T. Mullin. Earl A. Jr. • Shepardson, Charles N. Cobble. Lawrence P. Hill, John W. MulloW ney, Penn E. Sherman, Jack D. Zinn, Bennie A. Introduction titti.c~.~.c~. l ►9 S Z 1 First of all, I am no Prooker" in the second place, after listening to the eulogies and the oratory of our Past Grand Masters, I don't believe that even Brother-Crooker's notes will 'elo me mucr: and finally, olease remember that I am talking, not only about our Grand taster, but also about my boss. I've had dealing3 with the Boss not only wren e was sweet but also when he was bitter when -be was tough and when he was a softy when you felt like telling him to go to , and again w;,en you felt like a crusader, ?roudly carrying his f1Ge and starldi^g readv and anxio,:s to do battle for him. And after suc:- ex7erienc' they ask = to use Brot'-er Crooker's notes and describe Gibt Gilchrist, the Man! at least, -.e's siz-n-osed to retire to modified service very s^ortly, which doesn't leave '_im much time to eitrer demote r!e, or raise my salary, so ere goes and when I get thru I '-o--)e you have a ei ~ understanding of t'__is fierce-lo-king, forbidding, but dee-) do_T,rn i-side, th#S gentle-'^.earted. 3cotcr-Amer ican- Texan known as Girb Gilc-rist. 1 COLLEGE Aj, TEXAS A & M r i 2 Background His great grand-father left Scot_ and in. 1770 and settled in North Camilina. His father, !-earing that the .R.enublic of Texas needed some fighting men, came to t-e Lone Star State while still a y-ung fellow. Here he married Kate Douglas, another Scotch descendant/come to Texas by way of Tennessee. During the War Between the States, Gibb's fat'-er was wounded in the Battle of Mansfield, Louisiana. It 'nas been said t"-;at this bat-le Drevented a vankee invasion of Texas, and Gibb has been carrying the flag ever since he is a completely unreconstructed Rebel . . . =_e has 2 Dortraits in his office, : ne of General Robert E. Lee, and tYle other of Sam Houston. r 3 Present Family After the war, ,is family moved tc Wills Point w'-_e- e 'is father engaged in the commission business and general merchandizing. There were 8 children - six girls and two boys. His brot'-er, Gibb worshi-)-red, was the oldest child while Gib-. was the baby of the family. He probably had to fight for '-.is rig- ts, and -.is sisters are res-,orsible for his shyness. If you don't believe '-.e's shy, lust notice how he messes around wits. that tie of his. Ow hi< P.~ ukil FP_C,M I(, tjc,F f? ~r N ^K rJhK NJ,z p~ sisters cecided t' at ' e sr:ould get married and Gibb was rather sur-prised to sep how often a girl by the name of Vesta Weaver, the daug:'-_ter of a -Dh -sician from Cumby, ^exas, ha7nened to be his partner. Gibb liked Vesta very mucl and literally swept her of` '.er feet. Heronosed, was acce-,ted and finaliv married wit'-in a space -f a few months. Like evervtri _g t'-::A Gibb does, it was a short and brief courtship wit', a '_a---v ending. Vesta L:as loved 'aim, endured ?,im and mcthered '-im ever since 1020. They have one child, Henry, born in 1024, w" -o is now married and 7,racticing law in Pampa, 'T'exas. Henry has assured Gibb t'at th,- name of Gilc'-rist shall not die. Lv T Simple Folk doFsn't seek fame Gibb is really "simn e folk" and unpretentious. lie turns un his nose at publicity - won't •.ave any of-it - but his magnetism attract fame whether he likes it or not. - I want to let you in on a secret; '!is net peeve is to be called "Doctor". He claims that he's an engineer, because is Doctor F'egrees ere honorary, while his reputation as an engineer is really earned. When he was named President of A. & M. --is friends told him that people would insist on calling '--im Doctor - so there was no use in getting mad - he'd just '_-_ave to grin and bear it. Not Gibe, '-owever. ::e set that c'etermined chin of his and had :pis secretary nolitely corre< every offender. Today, all you '_-ear is "plain" Gib}, Mister, C'-_ancellol or T-.1" BCSS. 'bb claims that '-e coesn't wan fame. j4e7l, 'isten to this! Back in th early nineteen hundreds, = resi eny'-aft was making a tour of "exas. H41 train was sc-eduled to -,ass u 'nil-s Point, but no arrangements ha been made for a. stop. Regard ess of this, several thousand -)eo^le h ' gatlhered at the station ?-oni_ F Vat it would. jobs were s rce in those davs, so G'bb di 't have too muc'- to It) Aaco ny his tine. Cons quently, h,6/and a few budf4' es ere at the stati a3,L" ~ , ple of hours a~ead time... ^Wit", a clear signal ead~., the tr in annroac}:ed the s ation going ful -speed Sudd ly, the "semanho~rp stop-signal" drop ed from "a11 clear" :'to the "sto- sign and naturally the train ground a stop. Someone had cut t- rone vr-.- operated t'-.e signal...: Next day, '-_e rallas ifews came out with adlin( and an article d6scz bing how a youn - man n" med Cir'- Gilc'-rist ' ad forced the President of the United Sta s to stop against his v-- sh. Gilchrist becamer!farous~ (con't ) Gibb tells me it's all wrong. re,?-l'.y -'-a--~pned is t'--at he and frien/him, to 9@{ " ~ who w-u have the honor of cutting the , bu ^t-_e w-n-.er ,dart aye a ~?ocket-Tlife, >a Gibb loareceived creme t for this ---eroic action..... This shows y ilife Cibh '-ad already started to eet credit for 't do e. i Does Not Seek Fame Gibb will tell you frankly that '-.is main int-rest in anvt?~_ ng is "getting the job' dine", and he doesn't give a ~~^t for praise and fame. I see Warren 2'errit4- , the Grand Scribe -f t-e Grand Royal Arch Chapter in the audience, and something "--appened between Gibb and Warren's father whi h leads .e to c estion he a vP stat . -en .a r~ v " t~ by ~p" -_4 ra k in 1915, `Gibb was working with Frank Mf-rritt in the Highway Dep It. ak when a hurricane wiped out t'--e Gulf area, t'_-le Santa Fe Eailroad was forced tolay an entire new stretch of track, and Gibe was Riven the job. While laving the new track, Gibb believec tat a few curves should be elimin_:ted, whic'- he -?rocee.~dd to do. Tn the -process, '-:owever, he had to by-pass an c'd pick-up station called "ro27 Over" - wl-:ic-. didn bother Gibb any. After all, -v-.at loss was there in rpstroving "F.oll CN,er Also, they might build a new one and call it Gibb. Sure enough, w-_en Yr. Frank Merritt arrived on V7-e scene, he called the men together and said: "r'len, we must have a new station, and since Gibb was so insistent on k;t~==g Iholl Over", we'll build A the new st`a~tion h re and call the place "Gilc'-rist.~ J.X.- v What a a,- to gait' fame, because Gilchr=st -as ?,ecome a t``rivine community locatedGalveston and Beaumont. Stubborn and no use -'^r carelessness Gibb can be as stub:orn as.a mule that's the Scotch in him and he can look nret±y grim when doing -business. T--is ;s one reason v so many people misunderstand our Grand 1"•aste-. When he sets ''-is mind on something, he is a tough nut to cracl or to change. Of course, this makes '-,im an easy man to argue with if you talk loud enough. If you can out-talk ?-:im, out-guess him and out-think him., he will back you up to the linit. The only tr:~uble is he's two JuLTps ahead of you/and usua_? y right. Once I "ad to rewrite a report three times f^r im. The first time, I wrote it in the Joe Woolket style, as a teac'_-er of Modern Languages; the second time I analysed t'-,e report carefl l-v and i:rrote like an engineer; and t~e third time, I tried to tAnk and write like Gib'- and believe it or not, the third rer_ort was really the pest of the lot/ according to the Boss. ne has no use for carelessness, and if `:.e as'._s -%,ou ;rh.ether voi can do a certain job, and you tell him you can, well, he ex-ects you to get it done. :ie does 't like to hPar anyone say "it can't be done' his r:otto is "let's Pet it done." He takes gr-at. pride in pointing out thia" t ,'-,e men who work wit him, understand what they are Going, 3! they're doing" it, and that i' can be done. L • _ 8 Man of big dreams fi t'r_,e for enemies I vw .o i~4 t rr Lo G` J is a 'man of dreams-,. and he has t'-,e (::rive, the enthusia,, and the ability to make these drearns c^me true. Of course, in order to accomr2ish anythi^g worth while, you mus' have the loyalty and the whole-hearted cooueration of those with whom you are working. Ever thing we do is a -partnership affair. For t`is reason Gibb insists on loyalty, and on getting the most and the best out of everyone, inc,uding hi-:self. Iris eFnlains why some neorle dory'; like him, - he's a driver, BUT RFA'Y, he is a sucker for his friends, and they know.it. Life is so short for t'--e many t`-.i-F s whic'-_ we want to do that there is J it' le time for net±y jealousies and hatreds. i"b', is too busy to develop enemies, and -.e is too big to gold 'rudees. ==e eniovs a good fight, but once it ; s settled. r_e -prefers to forget i t, some of his most bitter enemies have beco-e c'_osest friends. III 9' Sociable Gibb is sociable b,,r na_ure. He loves'-to visit old acquaintances and reminisce. I haven't made a trip with :him when -:e Oidn't stop to call on a friend or visit wit'-. so-°eone who was sick. And there is nothi .g he enjoys more t1-an a good old-fashioned sing-song. He strums a mean guitar, and plays on tie man('olin, accordion piano an6 organ wit!- equal facility. Some day, I want to "Aar him play on the Grand Loa' ee organ, an PsTecial, y, to play his own com-osition called , 11TEX.!~S OVER ALL". I'll never forget one afternoon, several years ago, ,~'-.en a group of Mexican dignitaries visited on the cam. nus. I happened to be t:.eir guide and took them to Gibs office because they wanted to talk to the Boss Man.... In order to make them feel at home, Gibb suddenly said: "Joe, let's sing a Mexican song." Well, everyone joined in and our guests left with a good impression of Texas, of A. US: M. and its president. ~ religious Our portrait of Gib,-, would be incom^lete .wit=gout a' few words on his religious outlos.k and activities. Of course, `e should be a Presby- terian like his Scotch. ancestors, rat=.er than a Methodist, but a few black sheep always stray away from the fold. As a Methodist, however, he i$ a staunch su=D orter of the Churc'', and every time we have a sing-song, he sees to it that t"-'-.e - Methodist Hymns receive their fair share of time. t The name Gilchrist means "Servant of C'..rist," and Gibr has was lived up to his name. To describe his religious activites would al y take another talk, but the following i-_cident is a fine illustration of his religious outlo~-k. Gibt started the custom of onen_ng and closing every meting Glbb of the Board of Directors of the School with -gayer, anc w'r,enever it is always a s--ort but reverent Tra viler off e himself coes the nraying with Christian humility. i • 11 i Close I hope I have given you more ;;g e h_ ozi our .Gfian,,.df=ast rr ~A man is never a "prophet" is his -me town, '~utf Gibb will ':are a dace in ties. History of "_'exas as a ^ubl is servant w o gave tle tax -layers their monev's worth as a friend who left '-is 'mnrint on trose w o were privi: eged to know him as a Mason who breathed renewed _'ife. nto tl-_e tenets of our Order Gibb Gilchrist, a "servant of C-rist." 1 SIA,x AXTO I .,IIIA,(-) Ii IN7: & S I11'1'LY C (~MEMNY CAPITAL A- SURP~ [ IS SO VER S5.~~oo.O0o h PLCEP ' - ( -AFFEL. VIrE PRESIDENT s,yuc. MLLKE, VicE PRESIDENT >L ~iTT`.tAF F Pa=_DEi DISTRi BUTORSOE INUUSTRIAL NSTEA M WATER ANO PLUMBING SUPPLIES IRRIGATION MACHINERY AND POWER PLANTS ~:NDRY FORGING 6 MACHINE SHOPS di4,-E-. I_ A C P O DRAWER 6E Antonio 6ji-xit s • J• J-a.L L. ity Fear I.:r. Iartin: I am very happy to 'earl-, ,v -.a 71(-,- as "ect ion o -F' the American Society of Civil Engineers is going to honor Gibb Gilchrist eJilh a 1L.ncheor in San Antonio on October 15th. Gibb Gilchrist is one of 'exact outstandinE publwc servants. slhile I had I_noorn hire for many years as Chief Engineer for the State Highway Department, I was never closely associated with him, nor did I appreciate his capacity and fine qualities until became a member of the Board of Directors of Texas A. College. It was this association that gave me the opportunity to know and appreciate his broad experiences as an engineer, executive and administrator. ?iis forthright and unwavering belief in righteous principles placed him in position to render a great service to A. & 1,. College in an hour of need. He was a fine President and rose to greater heights as Chancellor of the entire system. I am sorry he is leaving active service with the A. & iI. College System; but again, this change may be the opportunity for even greater service to Texas in his chosen field of Transportation Research. Texas can use many more faithful servants like Gibb Gilchrist. Sincerely yours, _ BRADY GENTRY WASHINGTON ADDRESS 3D OIST., Texas 137 HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING Congre.5!5 of the Mniteb *tato Jbou.4e of 3Et epregentatibe!5 Ww~bington, ;D. 0. November 23, 1953 Board of Directors Texas A. and M. College System Office of the Chancellor College Station, Texas Gentlemen: Your kind invitation to Congressman Gentry to attend the unveiling of a portrait of Gibb Gilchrist at the Gibb Gilchrist Engineering Library Building on November 25th was received in his absence. Mr. Gentry remained in Washington after Congress adjourned on August 4th in an effort to give personal attention to all correspondence and to make detailed studies of all issues that will arise at the next session of Congress. He has, however, now returned to the District to give personal attention to matters there. We are forwarding your invitation to Mr. Gentry today in the hope that it will reach him be- fore November 26th. Sincerely, hec Secretary to Congressman Brady Gentry. 19 3 Ur. W, T. Doherty Sooond Nationtil 'I. I <_mk Dld-,-'. Houston, Texas Dear 'ter. Dohert Since I had the pyivilego of meetinC vlth the Da-:rd in September, I have read and reread the resolution which ycu ased many times. It is just about the nicest thing that -ecall raaeiving in marry years. Not only do I appreciat3 the official recognition, but I cherish the expression of friendliness which is a reality and has always been in con- nection with my relations with the members of our Board. May I express to you personally ray grateful thanks for the part you had in this action. In a very personal way, may 1 say that I am happy to see you on the Board of Directors. Your interest and can corn about the College and your great knowledge of its activities will stand you and than System in good stead at all times. Not only is your experience and your knowledgo valuable, but you have exhibited to me at all times, a desire to see A. & M. go forward with great strides which I feel is going, to happen. Our paths may not cross as oftat: in the future as they have in the past, but I shall always be glad when they do, and I grant you to feel free to call on me at any time I c ?ri be of service. With cordial regards and good wishes, I am Very truly youre, Gibb Clchrist C-G: nmm Texas Asr1culfural andI Meckanical College Sysfem Board of Directors W. T. D.~,iy October 15, 1953 Second National B~nL BJ,11;,. Houston 2, TeYns Dear Gibb: I appreciate your letter very much and I can assure you we all feel a loss in your retirement and anything we have done or propose to do is justly deserved by you. I know it is difficult for a man as active as you have been to slow down but as we get older it is essential that we adjust our work to our age. However I believe that it is a mistake to quit working altogether and I personally believe that you can give A. & M. many more fruitful years of service. Your experience and knowledge will continue to render valuable contributions to A. & M. and the people of Texas. With best personal regards, I am Sincerely, W. T. Doherty Mr. Gibb Gilchrist Texas A. & M. College College Station, Texas SENATE RESOLUTION 110. 263 WHEREAS, There have been those whose patriotic and unselfish service to the public is of such marked significance that it is a source of pride to the present generation and will be an inspira- tion to future generations; and WHEREAS, By reason of his voluntary retirement to modified service, one of the distinguished native sons of Texas is leaving a long and honorable period of constructive service in various fields of endeavor to his State and nation; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his classroom studies, and i after having successfully engaged in the private practice of his chosen profession of civil engineering, he entered public service as County Engineer of Tom Green County, where he was recognized as a highway builder worthy of note and was soon thereafter selected to be State Highway Engineer of the State of Texas, in both of which positions he demonstrated marked engineering ingenuity, as well as great administrative ability; and WHEREAS, He was appointed Dean of the School of Engineering at A. & M. College in 1937, serving until he was elected President of A. & M. College in 1944, later to become the first Chancellor of the Texas A. & M. College System, and under whose 4 administration the System made some of its greatest expansions and progress; and WHEREAS, As Chancellor of the Texas A. & M. College System, this distinguished Texan was the Chief Administrative Officer for this vast State-wide organization charged with overseeing and preserving an investment of some 759000,000.00 of the taxpayers' money, with its approximately 6,000 students and some 5,000 em- ployees, among them being teachers, research scientists, county agricultural and county home demonstration agents, thus making its services available and its influence felt in every hamlet and precinct in Texas; and INTHEREAS. The A. & M. College System owns and operates more than 40,000 acres of land in its campuses, experimental farms • , 3_-_r+^",n GTit*.~) its 22 experimental stations and r SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 263 WHEREAS, There have been those whose patriotic and unselfish service to the public is of such marked significance that it is a source of pride to the present generation and will be an inspira- tion to future generations; and WHEREAS, By reason of his voluntary retirement to modified service, one of the distinguished native sons of Texas is leaving a long and honorable period of constructive service in various fields of endeavor to his State and nation; and 1J_1E >A , Upon the completion of his classroom studies, and after having successfully engaged in the private practice of his chosen profession of civil engineering, he entered public service as County Engineer of Tom Green County, where he was recognized as a highway builder worthy of note and was soon thereafter selected to be State Highway Engineer of the State of Texas, in both of which positions he demonstrated marked engineering ingenuity, as well as great administrative ability; and WHEREAS, He was appointed Dean of the School of Engineering at A. & TAI. College in 1937, serving until he was elected President of A. & M. College in 1944, later to become the first Chancellor of the Texas A. & M. College System, and under whose administration the System made some of its greatest expansions and progress; and WHEREAS, As Chancellor of the Texas A. & M. College System, this distinguished Texan was the Chief Administrative Officer for this vast State-wide organizationA charged with overseeing and preserving an investment of some U75,000,000.00 of the taxpayers' money, with its approximately 6,000 students and some 5,000 em- ployees, among them being teachers, research scientists, county agricultural and county home demonstration agents, thus making its services available and its influence felt in every hamlet and precinct in Texas; and - - WHEREAS, The A. & M. College System owns and operates more than 40,000 acres of land in its campuses, experimental farms and district headquarters, with its 22 experimental stations and 14 cooperative field stations, 10 field laboratories, and 295 separate major agricultural research projects, all of which con- structively contribute to the development of the economy and welfare of our people; and WHEREAS, In recognition of his sterling character and high intelligence, he was chosen to be Grand Master of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas in which capacity and under whose leadership interest and membership in the work of this great fraternal order was strengthened and increased; and WHEREAS, It is the desire of the Senate of Texas to formally recognize the many notable and outstanding contributions of this noble son of Texas, known throughout the length and breadth of the Lone Star State for his ability, loyalty, integ- rity and patriotism as he, the Honorable Gibb Gilchrist, voluntarily severs his official administrative connections with S. R. No. 263 the State and her institutions which he has served so well, and retires to a richly deserved position of elder statesman in private life and modified service with the College; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, By the Senate of Texasp that it express its appreciation for a job well done and extend its gratitude to Honorable Gibb Gilchrist for his many contributions in his unselfish public service; and say to him that "Men°s homage and their love shall never cease to follow him.,, Hardeman Ai_kiri Moffett Keller Lane Bracewell Ashley Lock Bell Martin Rutherford Colson McDonald Sadler Corbin Parkhouse Secrest Fuller Shireman F ' F le Phillips Strauss Rogers of Childress Wagonseller Kazen Rogers of Travis Weinert Latimer Russell Willis' Ramsey, Lt. Governor war resident of the Senate - hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted b by the Senate on May 5, 1953. d i;J ~ Secr ar of the Senate i i n PAGES FROM THE PERSONAL ALBUM OF GIBE GILCHR IST Presented by Chancellor M, T. Harrington, Monday evening September 21, 1953 at the appreciation dinner given by Members of the Staffs of the Texas A do M College System in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Gilchrist We are here tonight to pay tribute to an old friend who has just completed another phase of a remarkably many-sided career and is about to enter upon a new endeavor which promises to be both as interesting and as worthwhile as those which have gone before. Gibb Gilchrist is a remarkable man in many respects, who has already enjoyed three highly successful careers, any one of which would have been considered quite satisfactory as the lifetime work of an ordinary man. He has won international honors in his chosen profession of engineer- ing, in both private and public practise, He has seen success in the educational field as dean, college president and chancellor and he is one of the best known figures of the state's public life, with an enviable reputation for a combination of ability, drive and integrity. These things we all know about Gibb Gilchrist. Most of us who have had the pleasure of working with him during the past sixteen years at A and M feel that we know the man well. Yet, a very wise old man once wrote that "Every man has a hundred faces the soft round face of a baby - the cherubic face of the youngster at his mother's knee - the lively and often mischievous face of youth - the earnest, seeking face of the student - the face of the young man whom his wife first met and loved - the face of the serious young father - of the struggling beginner in a career - the face of the chruchman - of the patriot - of the public man - of the man at play and of the man at rest "Until we see all of these faces 2 he added, "it is hard for us to feel we really know the man." Even though the man whom we are here to honor tonight is well known to us all, a leader whom we have followed with confidence for years, I believe we would know and understand him better if we could have a glimpse of some of the faces from his past. With your permission, Gibb, we would like to leaf through a few pages of your personal album, and see some of these scenes from your yesterdays, Vie might start with a Scotchman, named John Gilchrist, who landed on the shores of America in the year of 1770 fresh from the old country to seek his fortune in a wild new land. "A fine figure of a man" as they said in those days - was tall, raw-boned Scot, John Gilchrist, whose family name, litterally translated, meant "Servant of Our Lord." Seeking a new country in which to make his fortune, John Gilchrist settled in the frontier area of Robeson County, North Carolina. Here he raised his family and passed on the pioneering spirit which had brought him to America.. One of his sons, , Gilbert Scotland Gilchrist, migrated to Alabama, and still later moved on to the frontier state of Texas. These pioneering Scotchmen, serious-minded but venturesome, pushing into a new land amd making their way westward across the continent, contributed much to the make-up of the man we honor tonight. John Gilchrist was his great-grandfather, Gilbert S. Gilchrist his grandfather. From them he inherited a combination of courage and drive which have played an important part in his careers. It was in Alabama, where Gilbert Scotland Gilchrist first made his home after leaving his father's farm in North Carolina, that Angus Jackson Gilchrist was born. When the family moved to Texas, Angus was quite young. He grew up on the Texas frontier and in the 1860's married Kate Douglass, descendant of another Scotch family, at Garden Valley, Smith County. Angus and Kate Gilchrist made their home at Garden Valley, where Angus was a partner in the merchandising firm of Holt and Gilchrist, until what some refer to as the "Civil War". Angus went to the war as a member of General James Walker's Brigade and was wounded in the Battle of Mansfield, Louisiana, which was credited with preventing the Yankees from invading Texas. From Angus Gilchrist, his son, Gibb, inherited a deep and lasting Southern partisanship, He still bristles when an uninformed newcomer refers to "The War Between the States" by any other name. The principal decora- tion of his office for the past few years has been a large portrait of the last General R. E. Lee. Facing it, across the room, is a portrait of Jefferson Davis, Gibb Gilchrist is typically a descendant of the Scotch, proudly Southern in his heritage and sympathies and finally a down-to-earth died-in-the-wool Texan. The second largest picture on his office wall has long been that of General Sam Houston, His feeling for this early Texas hero has gone even deeper having once involved him in a rather amusing confusion concerning his own name. After the war, Angus Gilchrist returned to his merchandising business, settling first at Hallsville, and moving in the early 1870's to Wills Point, where the firm of Holt and Gilchrist was engaged in the commission business and general merchandising. It was at Wills Point that Angus and Kate Gilchrist raised their family of eight youngsters, six of them girls. The oldest, Henry, and the youngest, Gibb, were boys. An old family story says that when the first son was named IIenoy, the father of the Gilchrist family firul.y expected later to have another boy, whom he would name Angus, to carry on this old family naae. As girl after girl Craned the household, he lost hope of another son, and finally bewtowed the name of ingus on the sixth of his daughters. Then along came the eight child, a boy. There was considerable excitement in the Gilchrist household when the magic words: "It's a boy;" vere whispered down the hall. !.lot the least of this excitement was that of the young daughter who bore her father's name. "Ingus" she had been named and "Angus" she intended to stay. The other youngsters of the family chesed her around the house; trying to persuade her to give up the masculine name, so that it might be bestowed on the new boy. They offered her the most enticing choice of feminine names. "They even offered," she recalled later, "to let me be named Lucille" But the nom:se of Neus had been given to her and she intended to keep it; She finally hid in the barn, refusing to come out until the argument vas dropped, and a new name had been found for the youngest son. Beinc unable to pass his own name on to his nee- son, because he had already bestowed it on a daughter, 1:ngus Gilchrist decided to name the boy in honor of his brother, Gilbert Scotland Gilchrist, Jr. But, instead of using; the full name carried by his father and brother, Angus chocc for his neu son the nickname which had always been used for his brother, "c=ibb", a familiar shortening of Gilbert. Gibb Gilchrist he wLs named and as Gibb Gilchrist he was known in the years he attended school at ?-!ills Point and later when he enrolled at Southwestern University at Georgetoun. However, when young Gilchrist went to the University of Texas to enroll, in 1906, he ran into difficulties. The registrar at the University at that time was a very exacting ;nan as registrars sometimes can be and when young Gilchrist attempted to register under the name of Gibb, he informed him sharply that he wanted his full name, not a nickname. In spite of some protest from the owner of the nalae, the registrar pointed out that everyone knav "Cibb" vas, merely a nickname applied to non named Gilbert, just as "Dick" was used for those named Richard. Yount Gilchrist, reme:abering faintly that he had been told he was named for his uncle, and knowing; his uncle's true nage to be Gilbert, finally a€reed to this point. Then, when the registrar insister: that he must also have a aiddle name, 'he was completely unable to remember even what his uncle's middle initial had been. Out of a clear sky he picked the name of a favorite Texas hero, and was registered in the University as Gilbert Houston Gilchrist. It was thus that he received his degree from the University in 1909 and it was as Gilbert Houston Gilchrist thst he was carried on the rolls of the U. S. hrmy Engineers in 'lorld '!ar I. v After the war, he returned home to (fills Point for a few months of rest before going to work, and during this period told his mother of the trouble he had about his name when he entered the University. His mother assured him then that it was all a mistake. His father had intended to name his Gibb, and that he had done. Registrar or no registrar, he was plainly and simply Gibb Gilchrist. It has taken considerable patience and many letters over the years as well as some swearing formal and otherwise to convince insurance companies and others involved that Gilbert Houston Gilchrist and Gibb Cilchri_st are one and the same. Gibb Gilchrist was born two days before Christmas in the year of 1887 in the little East Texas town of Wills Point, where his father was an established merchant and his family was well known throughout the community. Three weeks later the jubilation of the Gilchrist household over the birth of another son, was wiped out by the tragedy of the death of the father, Angus Gilchrist, which left his older son, Henry, and his widow with the responsibilities of heading the family. This picture, taken a few years later, shows Mrs. Gilchrist, seated, with her family around her. At the rear,standing, is Henry, and the youngster at her knee is Gibb. Henry was a serious, hard-working young man, who shouldered his responsibilities and carried them well. Of him, Gibb has often said, "He was the kindest, the finest man I ever knew. He was both brother and father to me.', It was inevitable that when Gibb came to name his son, years later, he selected the name of Henry. And, incidentally, the si,ste r who refused to give up the family name of Angus, now Pis. Albert IicKain of Greenville, is the little girl shown at her mother's left. 14-111s Point, in the years arourd the turn of the century, when young Gibb Gilchrist was growing up, was a typical -mall East Texas farming town on the edge of the blackland belt, about halfway between the growing city of Dallas and the Sabine river. As a youngster, Gibb had the run of the country- side, enjoying fishing on the creeks and hunting in the post oak woods of a county which was known by the dashing name of "The Free State of Van Zandt". Constant companion in these boyhood explorings was a good-sized, bushy-haired dog, whose name, unfortunately we do not know, 11hat was it, Gibb? The boy and dog were such constant companions, even refusing to be separated at school unless the teacher was insistent, that often Gibb Gilchrist was simply referred to as "the boy with the dog." t;e are told that in his growing-up years this youngster wormed his way into his full share of misch.Lef, as most boys will. Only one instance, however, has come down to us from this era. Boyce House, professional teller of Tall Tales from Texas, spins the yarn of the time a President of the United States visited the village of Fills Point. It was many years ago and William Howard Taft was the President. His special train was speeding eastbound from Dallas, House relates, and was scheduled to pass through Wills Point. A big crowd had gathered at the Wills Point station, though they knew the train was not scheduled to stop, They still hoped that, somahow, they would get a glimpse of the President. i A railroad man standing down by the depot remarked in a casual tone, "There is one way the train would have to stop if the signal changed." Several young fellows overheard the remark probably he intended that they should and they edged away up the tracks, The train whistled in the distance and here it came, roaring and puffing full speed. But suddenly the semaphore, which had been pointing skyward, dropped to a horizontal position. That signal not even the President of the United States could ignore or at least his train couldn't... and the locomotive ground to a stop. The conductor jumped down and found that the rope which held the weight that controlled the semaphore had been cut. But, the train couldn't start again until authority had been wired for and received from the super- intendent's office in Dallas, i { Meanwhile the crowd yelled for Taft and the President came out on the rear platform, shook hanas and made a short talk. That is how Wills Point was visited by the President of the United :hates. A postscript to Boyce House' published account of this incident says, "They never did find out who cut the rope," Some months ago a front page; columnist for the Dallas News reprinted this yarn, and a few days later reported: "Up in VJills Port, the Chronicle has uncovered the names of those boys who cut the cord to the railroad block signal and stopped President Taft's r, special train many years ago. They were Karl Lybrand, Bob Jones and another boy whose name Lybrand doesn't remember A little quiet sleuthing on our part reveals that dr. Lybrand may have been withholding information to protect an old friend who had left Wills Point to attain national prominence, That oti~er boy, whose name Ns. Lybrand conveniently forgot to remember the boy who, as a matter of fact, furnished the jacknife with which the deed was done, was none other than our guest of honor for this evening Gibb Gilchrist. It was in 1905 that eighteen-year-old Gibb Gilchrist, a tall-raw- boned and rather thin youngster, knocked on the gates of one of the state's oldest colleges, Southwestern University at Georgetown. After a year there, the young man decided on a career of engineering and went to the nearby University of Texas, entering in the Fall of 1906. In 1909 he graduated, with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Incidentally, although he has received a number of honorary degrees since and has served as both a college president and Chancellor, this is one of the few times anyone has been able to get him into a cap and gown for an occasion in his own honor. When time came for his formal inauguration as President, he pled the exigencies of wartime and refused to go through the formalities. When he was elected Chancellor, there were no established precedents. Some members of the staff suggested that a formal inauguration was in order, but he snorted and cut short their plans with the declaration that you didn't inaugurate Chancellors "not this Chancellor anyhow," Upon graduation from the University, Gibb Gilchrist went to work at the bottom of the professional ladder, as a chairman on a surveying crew for the Santa Fe Railroad. A picture from those early days, unfortunately not suited to reproduction here, shows him as a tall, thin, angular young man, tough as rawhide and dressed in the work clothes and high laced boots of his calling. In those days he was known to his companions as "Slim" Gilchrist, and was reportedly able to take care of himself in any situation. Slim Gilchrist was a worker, with a reputation for being serious about his job. In a few years he attracted the attention of those above him in the company and by 1915, when the terrible Galveston storm swept over the Bolivar Peninsula, destroying, among many things, the Gulf and Interstate Railroad, a branch of the Santa Fe, it was "S1=m" Gilchrist who was put in charge of the work of reconstruction. He did the work well, and in the pro- cess was responsible for the establishment of a new switch on the southern beach of the peninsula which the railroad promptly named "Gilchrist Switch". The railroad is long since gone from this area, but the summer resort community which grew up around the Gilchrist Switch, is still very much in existence. When its postcffica was established, it was given the name of Gilchrist. Today this resort community boasts around 100 permanent residents and some 1500 summer residents, When World War I broke out, Slim Gilchrist, &lias, Gilbert Houston Gilchrist, alias Gibb joined the Army, saw service in France and returned home in 1919 as a captain of Engineers. Army life apparently was good for him: He was no longer "Slim" Gilchrist. This picture shows him as he looked when he returned from the war to spend a few months around Gills Point before " l launching a new cf,- er, According to a lady here tonight, who was then Vesta Weaver, daughter of a physiniarl at nearby Cwnby, "He was really handsome in that iniform that's when I met and fell for him right away." The falling was from both sides, apparently. In 1920 they were married. In the meantime, Captain Gilchrist had not been idle. He had Ewitched from, railroading to highway work and was serving as resident engineer for the Texas Highway Department at San Angelo, directing the building of highways across the wide open spaces of 44est Texas. It was in San Angelo that Gibb and Vesta established their f_rst home. By 1924, the hard--driving young highway engineer in Vest Texas had attracted the attention of the department, had been promoted to division engineer and was then called into Austin to head the entire organization as State Highway Engineer for Texas. He served in this capacity for a year, resigning at the beginning of Pars, Fsrguson's administration to enter private practise in Dallas with a song-time friend, Andy Rollins, and others. Two years later, he was recalled to Austin by the new Governor, Dan Moody, and took over again as State Highway Engineer for Texas to begin a nine--year period of service which is still recalled as one of the outstanding contributions of a public servant to the welfare of this state, It was during this period that the Texas Ili away Department saw its greatest period of growth and attained its position as a non-political organ- ization devoted to the efficient and economical service to the state. It was during this period that all Texas came to recognize Gibb Gilchrist as a man of outstanding ability, of untouchable integrity and of a single-mindedness which many of his friends have sometimes termed stubbornness. He made it a practise to gather all of the facts possible on any highway problem, to study them without any consideration of politics or personalities, and to make u_1 its mind as to what would be the best solution. Once his mind was made up, it was not easy to change. The result was that he stepped on quite a few toes, acquired his share of opponents and enemies, drew the wrath of some powerful politicians, and was even investigated more than once. Through it all he held to his course and came out untouched by the slightest blemish of a question on either his integrity or his ability. This is a record still po_.nted out as one of the most remarkable in Texas public life, In this period he won mazy honors in his profession throughout the nation as well as winning the respect and admiration of his fellow Texans. He was elected President of the American Association of Highway Officials in 1935 and held Other positions of prominence in professional societies and organizations. Incidentally, this tough-minded engineer has a side which has added much to the beauty of our state and to the pleasure of those of us who drive its highways. If you have ever enjoyed a pleasant outing at a roadside park in Texas, you are indebted to Gibb Gilchrist if you take pleasure in the sweep of color of the native wildflowers planted along the right-of-way each Spring, if you have roticad that the finest of the old trees along the road- side have been preserved and many native trees and shrubs have been planted--- then you, too, have benefitted from this side of his nature. Not long ago, he and a friend were driving along a highway in South Texas and the friers; admired two fine old 12;..ve oaks, growing beside a curve in the road. "Those trees were almost destroyed years ago," Mr. Gilchrist remarked„ "The engineer in charge of building this road was a fine workman, but he was a straight-line engineer to the core, When he drew the Plans for this road, the line ran through these old trees and he was preparing to destroy them, I happened to be dovm here and noticed that took the plans home with me and drew in this curve, so that no,+ wo have both a good road and the trees at the roadside to adorn it," Many of the lovely views, the arches of greenery over a bridge, the breath-taking vista from a hilltop along our Texas highways are the results of this kind of deliberate planning by a hard-boiled engineer named Gibb Gilchrist. In 1937 this man, who had quit the railroads after rising from chain- man to a position of responsibility and prominence, had enterad the highway field and risen to the position of top h.ghway engineer of the state, establish- ing a national reputation in his field as wall,again left the field in which he had attained success to begin an entirely new career. This time he came to the A, and Colle;e of Texas &s Dean of Engineering. From the day he came here, Dean Gilchrist made himself felt in the affairs of the college. The same force, tho same determined drive which had carried him to the top in his previous careers, was applied in the field of education, In May cf 1944, when the board of directors was seaki.ng a man to fill the Presidency of the college, he was the logical choice, There is not enough time to recount here even a part of the great work Gibb Gilchrist has dune for 1?, and I:9. It is not necessary, the marks of his handi-work are all around us and will stand for all time as a memor4_al to his accomplishments. For example, we might take a look at the campus of the college as it was in 1944, when Gibb Gilchrist became president--it's buildings and streets are shown in this map, At this time the college was comparatively small and seriously overcrowded. There was particularly a shortage of classroom and laboratory space for technical instruction. The entire college plant was valued by the Fiscal Office at about Ten and a quarter million dollars, In the nine years of Per. Gilchrist's administrations as President and Chancellor, the value of this physical plant has been more than doubled. The improvements on the main campus are shown :on this second map with the additions since 1944 indicated by hatched lines for the buildings and double lines for the streets. In this tremendous expansion of our facilities has been included such additions as the Memorial Student Center, an adequate water supply system, hew streets, and parking areas and some 500 apartments f or married students, which are regarded as the best facilities of this type in the state. Major additions fcr the school of arts and Sciences have included the Biological Science Building, Fhysical Education Building and additions to Francis Hall and the Physics Building. For the School of Engineering are included the Wind Tunnel, Engineering Building, and Engineers Library. The Veterinary Medicine School has acquired a new clinic and a major construc- tion program has bean devoted to the Agricultural divisions. Vith the construction of the new College Administration Building, the entire campus layout was reorganized to better serve the needs of the student body and System Headquarters Offices were located in the Administration Building on the Eastern edge of the campus. This amazing period of growth I i could be a remarkable record of accomplishments if it were all we had to show for our building program, but it is not by any means all, This last map shows the new developments west of the railroad which have taken place largely under Mr. Gilchrist's administrations with the establishment of agricultural centers, bringing together teaching, research, and extension in subject matter fields most effectively. This represents the major part of the nearly two million dollars worth of improvements which have been madein our agricultural facilities. Also shown on this map are the Wind Tunnel and Easterwood Field, which together furnishes facilities for our Pasonal Aircraft Research Center. While these improvements were underway, the other three colleges of the System had added to their facilities also. Together the four colleges of the System have added over Sixteen Million Dollars worth of improvements during .".ir, Gilchrist's administrations. While this expansion and building program is tremendous and the careful planning and efficient execution which made it possible would be a monument to any administrator, it represents only a single phase of the contribution of Gibb Gilchrist to this institution. He has been as aggressive in seeking the development of a first-class staff as he has been in the creation of suitable surroundings for their work, In addition, the building program here has been merely a part of the entire System expansion program,in which he has played an important part. Among the projects for A. and 11, which have been close to his heart and for which he has been almost wholly responsible, was the establishment on this campus of the official library of the registered professional engineers of Texas. This valuable library, which Mr. Gilchrist brought here almost single-handly over the bitter protests of some of the state's other colleges, serves not only as a reference center for the professional engineers of the state, but as a concentration of valuable reference and research material for our faculty and students, It was most appropriate that the building erected by-the college this year to house this library should have been named the Gibb Gilchrist Engineering Library Building. At the dedication ceremonies this year, engineering leaders from over the state came here to pay him tribute; A firm believer in the principal of dreaming no little dreams, Gibb Gilchrist was the one who saw the possibilities of acquiring the 17,000 acre Bluebonnet Ordnance Plant properties from the government after World War II. This magnificient property, under his leadership, has been turned into the world's largest agricultural research center, doing much for the advancement of Texas agriculture„ Realizing the importance of oil and the oil industry to Texas and its future, Mr. Gilchrist took the lead in the establishment of the Texas Petroleum Research Committee, which for the first time, brought together the forces of the Texas Railroad Commission, the University of Texas and the A. and M. System to conduct a long-range program of research aimed at increasing the primary and secondary* recovery from the Texas oil reserve. Bringing together the forces of three major state agencies to work toward common end, smoothly and effectively, was no small task. It was 'Largely due to his determination and support that this important undertaking has now been established on a sound basis. And certainly not the least of this man's accomplishments was the creation, in 1948 of the Texas a. and M. College System. It was primarily his idea to organize the work of the four colleges and five agencies under the supervision of the A, and H, Board, into a closely knit body, working together for the benefit of Texas, His was the responsibility for planning the organization and for heading it in its first formative years, The position of respect which the System now holds throughout, Texas is a testi- monial to the value of this dream. There is no need to dc:ell further on the many accomplishments of this able administrator. All about us are evidences of his vision and ability. But no man can be judged by the results of his labors alone. That kind of fellow is he outside the office? True to the implications of his name, he ha,s been a devoted church- man all his life. He became a member of the Methodist Church at Wills Point in his youth and has been an active layman, holding responsible positions in his church throughout the years. It was Gibb Gilchrist who introduced the custom of opening every meeting of the board of directors with prayer-- a custom which I am sure has exerted a good influence on the conduct of the affairs of the institution. Another love of his life has been his work in the Masonic Orders, which he entered at Galveston in 1916 and in which he today plays an important role. He was a charter member and first 5orshipful master of the Sul Ross Lodge No., 1300, organized at Co1.2_ege Station in 1947, was named Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Texas in 19•=8, Junior Warden in 1949, Senior Warden in 1950 and was elevated to the position of Grand Master of u!asons in Texas for l~ the year of 1952. Here we see him as he was presented his Grand Plasters' Ring. In his lighter momenus, he is an avid fan of rote baseball and football, as this candid shot at a recent game testifies. He has been quite a golfer, and though somewhat out of practise, is threatening to take up the ancient and aggravating sport again. For his own amusement he plays a number of instruments by ear, being particularly adept at the mandolin and on the accordian and organ. It has been his habit for years to shoulder the accordian and make the rounds with a group of friends at Christmas time, furnishing the accompaniment for caroling which more than makes up in earnestness and volume for any lack of musical finish. Incidentally, from this hobby comes another picture which he may deny as being authentic, but which certainly holds possibilities. For a number of years Ivor. Gilchrist has served as Chairman of the Advisory Group on Engineering of the President's Highway Safety Conference. There is nothing on the record to prove that this scene actually took place, but with an incurable piano player in the White House and an accordian player calling occasionally on business, it certainly could have happened. It might well have been Gibb Gilchrist's own composition "Texas Over All" which they were playing. In spite of the heavy duties of his official life, Gibb Gilchrist has always maintained an active role in civic and professional affairs. He holds memberships in the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society for Engineering Education, The Texas Societal for Professional Engineers, the Texas State Historical Society, the Philosophical Society of Texas, and the Newcomen Society, Tau Beta Pi, and is even an honorary member of the 4-H Clubs of Texas. In all of these he has played an active part and has held positions of responsibility. On September lst, Gibb Gilchrist relinquished the responsibilities of the Chancellorship to enter modified service, in acccrdance with our System rules, It would be quite logical to expect the average man to relax at this point, having completed successfully, not one, but several very satisfying careers„ But Gibb Gilchrist is by no means an average man. Today he is entering a new phase of his life's work, joining hands with an old friend who also has completed a highly successful career of public service, Chief Thomas MacDonald of the U. S. Bureau of Public Roads, to furnish leadership for a most promising new endeavor of the A. and M. System, the development of a major research program in highway transportation. What these canny Scots are already planning holds tremendous possibilities and promises to mean much to Texas of the future. That the A. and M. System will benefit greatly from rendering this service goes with- out saying. And now, on the eve of your new career, Gibb Gilchrist, we who have known you and worked with you for the past few years thank you for allowing us to thumb through the pages of your personal album, enjoying glimpses into your past„ Te are looking forward with interest to the scenes we know you l will add in the years ahead„ I. References DethIoff, Henn C. Pictorial I hstor% of Texas A&M 1-i,ni~crsit\ 1876-1976. 1~,;; i<tStudents Association. 1975. - DethIolf: Henry C. Centennial History of Cexas_ A_&_ 49 l~ni~ersit~ 1876-1976. Former Students Association, 1975. Dal lek, Robert. Lone Star Rising. Lyndon Johnson and 11 is f inaes. 1908-19601. -tic:: Oxford University Press. 1991. - Gilchrist. Gibb. Gibb Gilchrist An Autobiouraphy. Published by authors family, II)-' Gilchrist Collection, Cush in") Library, Texas A&M University. 1991. (F 391.4 G:5) -I 1991). The Online Handbook of' Fexas. I~ttp://~+w~y.tsha.utex a~ .du'handbc~~ahlonline'art~ 1, s v ie,v_(16 full i-i_hnifl. Accessed 12/10/2001 Read Texas Transportation Researcher. I fall of Honor Laductees. ht_t //tti.tamu.edu/res archer'ne~~~letter.asfa''~_ol 18&is,1 e-_i&aOtiLi Accessed 12/10/2001 Shuffler, R. Henderson. "Gibb Gilchrist. Aggies are Different.- Alcalde. No\ emher, 1971: pp?2-28. I would also like to thank Mr. Henry Gilchrist, Sandy Tucker. 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T. ~ - - _ .T i - - i• aq r- . i ~ 1 i G' X 0.r i I r O G `i' ~ 7^y 0: Gibb Gilchrist _ dr- Aggi*es Are I*f Brent - = i By R. HENDERSO\ SHt-FFLER = RTC 17. -fit - - _ _ - more than 600 students. The number and thereby free him from the state funds.'' The current president would has continued to climb as more stu- employment restriction. dents become familiar with this set- concur with the first segment of the vice. Cases range from consumer description and has recently demon- Who pays for Student Govern- strated the lengths to which he will problems such as over-charge on ment? automobile repairs, chartered airplane In i behalf effort his constituency. flights which failed to fly and ha- n an effort to get a hearing be- flights ' The students pay the cost of fore President Nixon's Cost of Living rassment by a loan agency. The office operating Student Government also handles disputes between student Council, Binder flew to Washington i through an allocation of fees paid for September. His mission was to seek s a tenants and landlords. The cost of the Blanket Tax. This year approxi- reversal of the decision by the Council maintaining the attorney's two-room mately $1.90 was given to Student which allowed tuition increases and suite in the Union and the operation Government from each $21.00 Blanket increases in campus room and board of the office, including salaries. comes Tax paid. The Blanket Tax fee is split rates while freezing wages. Although from an allocation of $1.00 per paid several ways to allow students free he gained support from many student Blanket Tax. This year some 32.000 admission to UT athletic events and groups, he was unsuccessful in taking were paid. Cultural Entertainment performances. his appeal personally to the Office of This fall student officers experimented Emergency Preparedness. Unex- Do Student Government officers with the possibility of an off-campus, pettedly late in September an order a receive pay? independently financed, operation by came from Washington which reversed setting up a corporation called Student the decision to up rents five per cent ' Yes. The president receives $300 Services, Inc. Through student dona- for students in UT-owned apartments. ■ monthly during the long semester, tions about $1,000 was raised. Dorm and tuition rates remained un- $175 for summer months. The vice- changed by the new ruling. Binder president receives $200 monthly during planned to submit a second appeal to the long semester and $100 in the LT, Does Student Government really OEP on dorm rates and possibly on summer months. Salary for the admin- K represent the student body? tuition charges. istrative assistant is $150 for months in the long semester, $75 in the Student Government represents summer. A student financial director ' G" How long has Texas had a stu- those who are concerned enough dent government or association? will receive $75 monthly during the to vote in elections and referendums, long semester. $50 during the su m mer in the same way that Congress rep- ' On May 24, 1902, the first con- months. Not all positions are filled. resents the citizens of the U.S. The stitution was adopted. It created officers are directly elected by the two agencies. the men's student coun- Why hasn't the new constitution students. and in the March, 1971 elec- cil and the women's students' assoc- been submitted to the Regents tion approximately 8,500 students iation. In 1902, the population of The for approval? turned out to vote. With about 38,000 University was 832 students. Accord- students The new student officers feel that thatse meter, this represented about dean t of students. "The Budentago govern- the spirit of their new constitution a 22 percent vote. ment was formed to help with implies that since the officers are practical problems, such as collecting responsible only to the student elec- T -What does Student Government laundry bills, keeping the halls quiet torate, they do not need regental ap- actually do? and attempting to encourage students proval. The basic conflict is the need to go to class." ~ niversity President of approval from the regents for ' The major service of Student Gov- William Prather, who led the way in spending Student Government funds. a ernment is provided by its attor- the formation of student government, restriction which the students do not ney. Among other programs under also hoped it would help with the want. consideration at the present time are promiscuous cheating that existed Background from last year may an expansion of the Tenant Council despite the honor system. help clarify the situation. Early last to arbitrate problems between stu- spring the Auditor of the State of dents and landlords when legal ser- Have many presidents of the UT Texas ruled that the moneys allocated vice is not necessarily required, a Students' Association (or Student to UT Student Government were legal- Draft Counseling Center (an active Government) sought a career in state ly state funds. This meant that student program last year which now lacks or national politics? officers were state employees, not just financing), an abortion loan fund, a employees of the student bodv. The day care center for the children of ' Only a few former student presi- designation applied to the Student student parents, the addition of a legal dents have continued a political Attorney in a particularly important insurance policy which would include career. U.S. Secretary of the Treasury way. Since state law forbids employees bail bond service and a gasoline co-op. John B. Connally and Allan Shivers of the state from acting against the Suggestions for programs come from both served as Texas Governors. J. J. interests of the state, the Student many sources: some are initiated in Pickle is a U.S. Congressman, and Attorney was prohibited from-rep- the Student Senate. Byron Skelton was Associate judge of resenting students in cases against According to the 1969-70 Student the U.S. Court of Claims. Lloyd Hand The University of Texas. At the present President, Joe Krier, student govern- served as the U.S. Chief of Protocol, time student officers are seeking ways, ment should be an "advocate for and Lowell Leberman was recently independent of university funds. to student views and opinion, providing elected to the Austin City Council. pay the attorney from private funds services as it is able through student m ALCALDE/NOVEMBER 1971 23 Because of the special nature of this story and the man it describes, it will appear simultaneously in the November issues of the ALCALDE and the TEXAS AGGIE. That would be just a nice, sentimental little story, if Gibb Gilchrist were an old Aggie alumnus - or almost anything except a Distinguished Engineering Graduate of The University of Texas - one of "T.U. Taylor's boys" - who is equally loyal to his alma mater and equally enthusiastic in singing The Eyes of Texas. A story which Gibb enjoys relating is an explanation of why his name appears on some official University records and in the Cactus as Gilbert Houston Gilchrist. "My father named me Gibb Gilchrist and that was that until AGGIES ARE DIFFERENT. In their determinedly individualistic I met the registrar at The University of Texas He said that way, they refuse to conform to the patterns of their Gibb could not possibly be my full name and that I must have surroundings. For over four decades, starting in 1903. they a middle name. I protested in vain, but it was necessary to be shocked all Texas once every six or seven years with a student enrolled with my class. At that time Sam Houston was in every strike. Authority was defied, presidents were forced to resign, boy's mind, so, being provoked by the registrar, I chose the and at least once tin 1913) the school was completely closed name of Gilbert Houston Gilchrist. Later I talked to others down. who had the same experience. What I had to do to be When student marches, demonstrations and strikes permanently registered with my proper name would be a appeared to be the national norm, the Aggies were story in itself." spectacularly quiet and well-behaved. Gibb explains that he attended Southwestern University at The last major student demonstration at Texas A. and M. Georgetown for a year in order to give him time to decide on reached its climax on the evening of January 28, 1947. At a career. "I entered The University in the fall of 1906 to study about 10:45 that night, the president of the college heard a civil engineering and determined to get my degree in three knock on the door of his mid-campus residence. He dressed years. I did this, but it was hard. With different. men at times hurriedly and came downstairs. Trouble had been brewing sharing the same room with me, I lived at West 221h and Pearl for months. Rocks had been thrown through the windows of Streets the entire time I was in school. I took meals at the the president's home; the dean of men and his wife had been nearby Capitol Club There was little time for social practically flooded out of their campus house by a fire hose activities, but I kept in shape by playing tennis on a regular poked through a window late one night. schedule the year round and baseball with various teams in When President Gibb Gilchrist opened the front door of school in the spring. his official residence, he gazed out on a seething mass of "An older brother, Henry, was putting me through school humanity, practically the entire student body. Striding across and I well recall that I attended just a little less than three the porch to the front steps, he was met by a 'delegation of years on $1200. 1 owe much to Dean T.U. Taylor. Without student spokesmen. his advice and counsel I could not have made it. He was an They told him their dissatisfaction with his administration institution in himself. His students loved him. I think I took was so great that all of the college's seniors wanted to resign eight or nine courses under him, and I made good grades as a their commissions as cadet officers. This meant that student rule. From my first contact with Dean Taylor until his death, I discipline. based primarily on the military system, would maintained a close contact and I went to him for advice on immediately fall apart. many occasions. I think he was the greatest Dean of Mr. Gilchrist replied that he profoundly regretted their Engineering who ever lived. decision, but would accept their resignations, effective "My senior year was an interesting and profitable one. I immediately. Somewhat stunned, the student officers was appointed as a student assistant and taught a class in stepped forward, to turn in their insignia of rank. The surveying for which I received $15.00 per month. This sounds President calmly held out his hand to receive them. small, but, in fact, it helped me out considerably. I was paying This ritual completed. members of the band, who had $3.00 a month for a room and $12.00 per month for meals." accompanied the marchers, struck up The Spirit of Graduating from The University of Texas in 1909 with a Aggieland. The thousands before the President's home began degree in civil engineering, the native of Wills Point, Tex., to sing. The tall, stern man facing them from the steps sang as immediately launched on a professional engineering career loud as any of the rest. When the song was finished, he which was to become one of the most distinguished in the turned back into his home, and the crowd melted away. nation. He worked seven years for the railroads, still Today, Gibb Gilchrist, chancellor-emeritus of the Texas A. expanding their lines on the Gulf Coast and in West Texas, and M. System since 1953, lives on the edge of the A. and .M. before joining the U.S. Army in 1917. Serving overseas with Campus. At almost any baseball or football game, you'll see the AEF, he was separated at the end of the war as a captain of him standing, tall and straight, singing The Spirit of Aggieland engineers, as lustily as the newest freshman. Returning to civilian life, he found that things had He has the right to sing that song with feeling. Since the changed during the War. Railroads no longer offered the day in 1937 when he closed out a spectacularly successful brightest future for civil engineers. Highways were now career as State Highway Engineer, to become the dean of beginning to be built across Texas. R. J. Windrow, for whom engineering at A. and M., he has devoted his full loyalties and he had worked on a railroad survey in West Texas, was now talents to that school. He was its dean of engineering for State Highway Engineer. He offered Gilchrist a job in the two- seven years, president for four and chancellor of the A. and year-old Texas Highway Department, as a division engineer M. System for six. In the eighteen years he has been in for a 36-county Southwest Texas area. Four and a half years retirement, he has kept a close eye on the school's progress, later, Gibb Gilchrist was named State Highway Engineer for given advice when asked, and stayed staunch in his devotion Texas. to its cause. In the summer of that first year, Mrs. Miriam A. "Ma" ALCALDE/NOVEMBER 1971 25 I Scotch thrift, imagination, hard work, and "scrounging" h Ferguson was elected Governor. Her husband, "Farmer Jim," saved." Heaccompanied this memo with a full quotation of and Gilchrist shared a hearty dislike for each other. The new Joyce Kifiner's Trees. He even ordered the roadway curved in State Highway Engineer promptly offered his resignation; it several instances, to go around a fine old tree, rather than was as promptly accepted. have it destroyed. He went to Dallas as a consulting engineer until January of This same tough engineer hired the first landscape 1928, when he was called back to Austin to again become architect to supervise beautification of Texas roadways, state highway engineer. During the Ferguson administration, removed all commercial and political billboards from the the Highway Department had been scandal-ridden, and in right-of-ways, and started the planting of native shrubs and the years following, it was the favorite target of political the wholesale harvesting of Bluebonnet and Indian Blanket snipers. Legislative investigations followed one after the seeds for planting along the roadsides. other, particularly after Mrs. Ferguson was elected for in all of this beautification program, Gilchrist, with another term as governor, in 1932, practical Scotch thrift, used imagination, hard work, the use The Highway Engineer, backed by a strong commission, of materials at hand, and plain old army "scrounging" as a welcomed each new investigation as though they had substitute for money. Highways engineers were instructed to instigated it. All charges were met head-on. gather the bodies of large and small animals killed on the If a charge was false, they documented the proof; if true, highway and bury them as built-in fertilizer in spots where they promptly admitted having made a mistake and outlined trees and shrubs were to be planted later. Expensive plants the steps being taker: to correct it Investigations do not were "scrounged" from neighboring landowners (300,000 thrive in such an atmosphere. Within a few years the Texas trees and 600,000 shrubs in 3 years, without a penny of Highway Department became known as the outstanding state purchase). organization of its kind in the nation. Gibb Gilchrist became Texas was the first state to build roadside parks. starting in something of a living legend. On the occasion of his own the early 1930's. Although others credit Gibb Gilchrist with retirement, a few years ago, Dewitt Greer, Gilchrist's most fathering this pleasant convenience, he disclaims the honor. recent successor, said: "Gilchrist is the man who set the "A county foreman on a road in Fayette County, near pattern of honesty, integrity, and hard work that molded the Smithville, started it all," he says. "Without asking anyone, he Department. accepted a pretty piece of land along the road. where there Under the forbiddingly tough Gilchrist exterior there was were some beautiful liveoak trees along a creek. He built a surprising sensitivity to many things. Long before ecology some tables and benches that would cause people to stop was a catch-word, he sent a memo to all employees of the and rest. I found out about it, and determined I either had to department, stating that "In the future, we are going to fix ..fire him or join him." the responsibility on the men in charge of work for the Before he moved from his career as State Highway preservation of trees along the right-of-way There is no Engineer, Gilchrist had attained most of the honors offered in excuse for cutting trees which are located so that they can be the field. He served six years as a member of the executive committee and one term as president of the American Association of State Highway Officials. After leaving the g Highway Department. he served four years as a member of that association's committee on design practices. r,7 When he stepped down from this highly successful career to enter an entirely new field as dean of engineering at A. and ys M., Gilchrist attacked his new work with the same drive and _ imagination which had served him so well before. He was an innovative dean, who spent much time with his students. and ruthlessly cut through academic red tape to achieve his ends. t ?F` Courses were changed, dropped and added, to arrive at a curriculum he believed would be more useful to the I graduate when he went to work. r l In 1944, when he was named preident of the college. it was a traumatic experience for some of the older, stodgier, and stuffier academicians. After all, the man held only a 4. bachelor's degree - in engineering, at that. (He had been xA x awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science by Austin College in 1939, but it violated his sense of propriety to be addressed as "Doctor" on the strength of an unearned degree.) 1ti JK ~ Y_a'1F - i , ~ ~ 3 ` ~l_ . ~ CFI 1 'i t'i C ~ ~ l t.• t: In 1976 before the boom days, Gibb Gilchrist worked in the engineering department of the Gulf. Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad. 26 Al CAI nF/NOVFMRFR 1971 Gilchrist beautify Texas highways in the '30's Heads rolled and rumors rumbled across the campus in handicapped with the positions of deans and directors. the bend of the Brazos for a time, then things settled down it was on the basis of this report that Gibb Gilchrist and a smooth-running organization began to develop. At planned and organized the Texas A. and M. College System, about this time, the students went on a rampage, and the fat first such educational organization in Texas. He, naturally, was in the fire. became its first chancellor, serving until the mandatory During the World War II years, the A. and M. campus had retirement age of 65. been even more thinly populated than most. An all-male During his years at A. and M., and since, he has attained military school, it had students with only the highest many honors. He was chairman of the Engineering eligibility for military service. When the war was over, it was Committee of 75 of the President's Highway Safety even more completely swamped by returning veterans than Conference, 1946-1950, appointed by President Harry other colleges. Sudden crowding of the campus, the Truman. restlessness of returning veterans trying to adjust to college During World War II, he was a member of the U.S. Office life, and other factors combined to make an explosive of Education National Advisory Committee on Engineering, situation. Science and Management War Training and of the Naval The demonstrations which resulted in the resignations of Advisory Council, creators of the Naval V-12 program. In 1945 all cadet commissions finally brought on a legislative he was named chairman of the Texas Post War Economic investigation. Gibb Gilchrist met this one head-on, too. When Planning Commission. the dust settled, the investigating committee complimented Holder of an Award of Honor from the Texas section of him on his course of action and condemned the the American Society of Civil Engineers, he was signally demonstrators and those who had encouraged them. More honored by members of his profession in 1965, when he was importantly, it pointed out that the presidency of Texas A. named an honorary member of the American Society of Civil and M., in anything like normal times, was a practically Engineers. impossible job. He was Grand Mater of Masons in Texas in 1952, and has The president of the "Main College," as the one at held many other positions of distinction in that order. College Station was called, was also president of "branch He was awarded the title of Distinguished Engineering colleges" at Prairie View, Stephenville, and Arlington, as well Graduate of The University of Texas in 1959. as of assorted statewide extension and experiment station Although Gibb Gilchrist holds honorary degrees from organizations and the Texas Forest Service. He couldn't have Austin College, Baylor University, and Southwestern time for all of these institutions and the resident heads were University, don't call him "Doctor." When an irreverent friend occasionally greets him with "Hi. Doc!", the big fellow starts getting red around the ears and very stubborn. Ki When a 1929 graduate of Texas A&M, who has spent most of his pleasant and productive years as a member of the staff of The University of Texas, sets out to p' a write about a Distinguished Engineering Graduate of The University who still lives and breathes the Spirit of Aggieland. anything can happen. Henderson T Shuffler is the Director of the Texana Program for UT's Humanities Resea((ch Center. Additionally he is the Director of the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio. "The tree stays." rS y I I :1 - r / 2; ALCALDE/NOVEMBER 1971 I ■ vests? Colored shirts were not quite days, Calvert earned his way by op- Umn' nice? Autographed sweatshirts and erasing an elevator in the Capitol. bell bottom trousers were the fad of doing dental work and serving as a the '20s? night watchman in the State Land A few Texas Exe, may remember Office. Notes bathing suits made of heavy wool that After University graduation, he came halfway to their knees. In the practiced law in Hillsboro, and entered spring the scanty one-piece suit and politics as ,a state legislator from Hill rubber bathing cap was the replace- and Navarro counties. He was elected ment for a trailing evening gown, speaker of the House in 1937. In 1942 jeweled bandeau and feather fan. Calvert was elected county attorney u Men's Wear Daily sent a reporter of Hill County. He served one term as W - to the campus who decided after his chairman of the State Democratic short visit, "The day of no ties, work Executive Committee. - pants and rough sweaters is gone • forever." The year? 1927. JOSEPH )AY DEISS. BA 33. MA 34. was r recently decorated by the President of - Alert Dallas MBA's Italy. His decoration. Ordine della Stella della Solidarieta Italiana. holds the rank or - The Dallas Chapter of the Association Cavaliere. Mr. Detss latest book, The of University of Texas MBA's have Roman Years of Margaret Fuller, was cho- elected the following new officers: sen by the Association of College and Re- _-`_r President, Carroll W. Merlick: Vice- search Libraries as one of the outstanding academic books of 1970. president (social), George Towns; Vice- president (membership), Brooks HUGH M. PATTERSOr\. LLB '37. has been Wimberley; Secretary-Treasurer, Tony installed as president or the Houston Eastmond. Chamber of Commerce `1r. Patterson is a iv Degree holders (Master of Business senior partner in the Houston la~% firm or Administration) living in the Dallas Baker & Botts. VIM area - are requested to contact Mr. W'imherley by phone at 691-0046 or STERLING S. SPEAKS. B e Austin. field instructor with the International write to him for information concern- . f ~ y~ _r ~ Consumer Credit Associauon. has been ing the chapters activities at Box made an honorary Fello~N in the Society l 38421, Dallas. 75238. ' t iY..c.:-. of Certified Consumer Credit Executives GUY BRY.I\N HARRISO\. JR-. 37. was Fashions of the Da honored recently at the meeting of the y MRS. ALMA JACOBS HOUSE PINER Baylor Historical Societe. Dr. Harrison's The kaleidoscopic variety of campus of Fort Worth who died in 1950 willed portrait was presented o Baylor L.niver- dress staggers the eye. University her estate to The University of Texas. sky's Texas Collection where he had been coeds once wore bustles, but bustles In her memory a scholarship fund was director for more than 40 ears before his have given way to colorful costumes established in September as the Piner retirement in 1969. which seem more appropriate for Hal- Scholarship Fund in Architecture. ALLEN L. POWELL. BS in PetE '38. Norfolk. loween. Although fashion magazines :Mrs. Piner received a bachelor's degree Va. has been n med to direct the opera- say this look is passe', Texas coeds in 1917, the second woman to graduate tions of the National Oceanic and -\tmo- don't believe it. from The University's School of Archi- spheric Administrations fleet of 46 ships. On the drag a pretty girl in a long tecture. The NOAA fleet is enraged in deep ocean calico dress walks by with a bearded and fisheries research and surveys: ocean. youth whose hair is as long as hers. coastal, and Great Lakes hvdrographic Behind them walks a middle-aged 1930'5 surveys; coastal wire drag operations: and "boy" in faded jeans topped by an tidal current surveys. REAR ADMIRAL Indian poncho. An oldster sporting a NELL I. MONDY, .v1A '30. professor of the POWELL. a 29-vear veteran of go%ernment jaunty goatee and a beret atop white Department of Human Nutrition and Food service is a native of Nacogdoches-. Tex. in the N-Y. State College of Human Ecology. He was reared in Lufkin. where he attend- locks skillfully weaves his bicycle has been selected for inclusion among ed Lufkin High School and Schreiner In- through the crowd on Guadalupe. "Personalities of the South." stitute. Kerrville. He joined the Coast and Two young ladies leisurely stroll Geodetic Survev in 1941 and served during along the mall in striking contrast. VIRGINIA NICHOLS CHANCEY. 31. Boston. World War 11 as a regimental survey officer. One wears a maxi coat of simulated vtass.. was named second reader of The Powell headed the National Ocean Survey s leather over the briefest mini dress; -mother Church of The First Church of Ship Construction Group in Rockville. Mcf.. Christ. Scientist. where he played a key role in the design M her friend wears a neat, dark dress with matching polished pumps. This and construction of 10 of the agents s 15 m year's conformity is non-conformity. Ending a 21-year career as Associate ships. :E Although the present generation of justice and Chief Justice of the Su- 1940'5 > students feel little need to dress for Preme Court of Texas, ROBERT W. PARK L. MYERS, BS in PhsEcl '40, Houston. O any standard except their own, alumni CALVERT, LLB '31, Austin, has an- vice-president of Sales for Hughes Tool W can often date their own graduation pounced his retirement. Chief Justice Company and a member of the company's p class by what they wore. Remember Calvert spent his childhood in the Board of Directors. has been elected to the < when: Everyone wore brown and white State Orphans Home at Corsicana, Board of Trustees of Schreiner Junior U saddle oxfords? Every coed had an entering the University of Texas at College and Preparatory School in Kerrville. 28 < angora sweater? All men's suits had 18 years of age. During his University con't. I HENRY GILCHRIST 4809 DREXEL DRIVE -.-DALLAS. TEXAS 75205 December 12, 1996 1 Mr. J. Malon Southerland Vice Pesident for Student Affairs Texas A&M University College Station, Texas 77843-1256 Dear Malon: What a delightful evening last Monday visiting with you and the other inhabitants of the "Old Chancellor's House." Without reflection on any of the guests, I believe the high point of the evening was Revelee pawing (is this the right word?) the book. I had only been in the house one time since the mid-1950s and the visit brought back many pleasant memories. After Dad retired, I prevailed on him .to write an autobiography for his gmdchildren. I am sending you a portion of this work describing his coming to A&M and the construction of the Throckmorton House. I hope you will find it interesting. Thank you again for making this possible. Yo s very truly, Encl. CO RP DAL- 57325.1 99999-00004 Handbook of Texas Unline: (J1LCHK1J 1, (AB13 rage 1 of J s T F1 E HANDBOOK OF TEXAS 001100 HOME format this article to print A BCC tJ T GILCHRIST, GIBB (1887-1972). Gibb Gilchrist, S RC; H engineer and university president, was born in Wills Point, BROWSE Texas, on December 23, 1887. He attended Southwestern University in Georgetown in 1905-06 and received a B.S. H l LP in civil engineering from the University of Texas in 1909. `ONTP Bu'l E From 1910 to 1917 the Santa Fe Railroad employed him as a construction engineer. In World War Iq° he served first as BOOKSTORE a lieutenant and then as captain of engineers. He became a 'r1 &C11tNG E`OOLS division engineer with the state highway department in San Antonio and San Angelo at the end of the war and was r11 r)' 1c named state highway engineer in 1924. He married Vesta RI «1rs Weaver in March 1920; they had one son. From 1925 until pit 1:r'~tt- 1927 Gilchrist was a consulting engineer to private business. In 1927 he was again appointed state highway engineer, and during the next ten years he administered a program of highway developmentqv that expended more than $3 million, including the implementation of the state's farm-to- market road system (see HIGHWAY DEVELOPMENT). Gilchrist was president of the American Association of State Highway Officials in 1936, when Secretary of State Cordell Hull appointed him to the permanent International Association of Roads Congress as a representative of the United States. In 1937 Gilchrist accepted a job as dean of the School of Engineering at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University). He established a Department of Aeronautical Engineering during his first year at A&M. His idea for a flight-training program, together with the development of suitable facilities, resulted in Easterwood Airport. As a member of the directing board, he served the United States Office of Education in engineering, science, and management war-training courses. Austin College awarded him an honorary doctor of science degree in 1939. He also held honorary degrees from Baylor University and Southwestern University. In 1945 he was named chairman of the Texas Post War Economic Planning Commission. http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/GG/fgi 14.htrrll 12/10/2001 Handbook of l exas Unlme: UILC:HKIJ 1, C IBB Page 2 of 3 On May 25, 1944, the Texas A&M Board of Directors named Gilchrist to the presidency, and he promptly set about the task of reorganizing the school by integrating its research and extension services into the academic branches. His objectives were twofold: to focus A&M's engineering and agricultural research and instruction on the development of Texas resources and to establish community technical-training centers throughout Texas. He formed new departments and reorganized the engineering department. One of his administration's most important accomplishments was the establishment, on November 14, 1944, of the Texas A&M Research Foundation, a nonprofit state organization that allowed grants to be made to the university for research that would otherwise have been beyond its legal authority to conduct. Gilchrist's foresight allowed for expansion in a multitude of new research areas including oceanography, nuclear power, and aerospace. During his presidency Texas A&M emerged as an engineering school of national reputation. In his effort toward modernization, Gilchrist ran up against opposition. Most forms of hazing had been banned by state law, and he reorganized student administration and discipline. A student protest resulted in a legislative investigation of the administration during the spring of 1947. Gilchrist's name was cleared, and the entire event was attributed to students who had disagreed with his policies on hazing and had set out to discredit him, aided by faculty disgruntled over his administrative reforms. The board of directors responded in May 1948 by establishing the Texas A&M College System (now the Texas A&M University Systemqv) and naming Gilchrist as its first chancellor, effective on September 1, 1948. He served until August 31, 1953. In 1951 he was installed as grand master of Texas Masons, and in 1959 the University of Texas College of Engineering named him a distinguished engineering graduate. The American Society of Civil Engineers named him an honorary member in 1965. Gilchrist spent his retirement in College Station. He died there on May 12, 1972, and was buried there. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Dallas Morning News, May 26, 1944. Henry C. Dethloff, A Centennial History of Texas A&M University, 1876-1976 (2 vols., College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 1975). Houston Post, May 26, 1944, April 1, 1947. Christina Irene van Doominck http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/GG/fgi 14.htm1 12/10/2001 I Handbook of Texas Online: 0IILCHRIS'1', GIBB Page 3 of 3 ton of page I home I about I search I browse I help - contribute - bookstore - teaching tools - feedback - credits - multimedia how to cite this article I report an error or correction I suggest an_article topiC The Handbook of Texas Online is a joint project of The General Libraries at the University of Texas, at Austin and the Texas State Historical Association. Copyright The Texas State Historical Association, 1997-2001 Last Updated: July 23, 2001 Comments to: comments.tsha@lib.utexas.edu http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/GG/fgi 14.html 12/10/2001 fTI:Read Texas Transportation Researcher:Vol. 38 No. 1 Page 1 of 2 TTY Read Texas Transportation Researcher Seorch Hall of Honor Inductees go" Gibb Gilchrist This article is from the In December 2001, the Texas A&M University Board of Texas Transportation Regents and state transportation officials formally added Researcher, Volume 38, Find a Produce the name of Gibb Gilchrist to the Texas Transportation Hall Number_1_ (2002). of Honor roll. Gilchrist was a leader in transportation F,nd a Person throughout his professional career, heading the Texas Previous Inductees: Highway Department (now the Texas Department of Frank Turner Transportation) during two separate periods between 1924 March 2000 Rewew Feawred and 1937. Research DeWitt Greer "Mr. Gibb Gilchrist was a true pioneer in being one of the May 2001 Read Texas first who grasped the potential of a strong, consistent Transparwtian program of transportation research for the state?s Herb Kelleher Researcher development. As state engineer of the Texas Highway June 2001 Department, he played a major role in laying the Explore foundations of what was to become a virtual infrastructure For more information aentem ande; revolution in the state," noted Dr. Jerry Gaston, deputy on the Texas chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, at the Transportation Hall of induction ceremony. Honor: Look I,iside TTi -~VllhenfheJex&M Colge Systernqvus Contact: Dennis C.yse Our Linos A&M Uniu rsiLy~.S see Gras siabJtsWAi"94,~,,A Christiansen was aooointe ,a3s,~r,~~llor,~1 a~ps~.,b~~..$.eld.il his.. re4PmPnt~,,Dnng his tenure, Gilchrist worked closely with Phone: 979-845-1713 DeWitt C. Greer (previously inducted into the Hall of Honor) to envision andf,~ t. to the„~C~~oer i einnrr E-mail: dennis between the A&M Coollle a and the~Texas Hiahwav, c@tamu.edu Department, which led to creation of the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) in 1950. Gilchrist acted as the first president of TTI. `~Rafnrc h;g annointment as chancellor, CJ,~st served as de~y,g~noine~,,,~,; erinaRand"' t gf Texas A&M~ University. He PStahliShPri the Department of Aeronautical Fngineering, and his leadership in the field of aeronautics launched Colleqe Station's Easter wood Airport. "Texans today enjoy a strong transportation system due in part to the contributions of Gibb Gilchrist," said Mike Behrens, executive director for the Texas Department of Transportation. It is fitting that TTI has chosen to induct Gibb Gilchrist into the Texas Transportation Hall of Honor." Alton McDonald Alton McDonald was formally introduced as the fifth member of the Texas Transportation Hall of Honor in a ceremony in February 2002. The induction was performed during the annual meeting of the McDonald Transit Associates, Inc. in Irving, Texas. The ceremony featured speakers from McDonald Transit Associates, the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), the Texas Department of t,tt„•vvtt; ram„ Prl„h-PCP..a,rhe..r/newcletter.asn?vol=38&issue=1&article=10 10/21/2005 iTI:Read Texas Transportation Researcher:Vol. 38 No. 1 Page 2 of 2 Transportation (TxDOT), and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (FWTA). Mr. McDonald began his career in public transportation in 1929 at the Jacksonville, Florida, Traction Company. After a brief stint as treasurer of National Air Lines, he returned to his specialty, surface transportation. Between 1945 and 1972, Mr. McDonald gained national recognition for directing successful public restoration of failing bus companies throughout the United States. In 1972, he founded McDonald Transit Associates in Fort Worth to assist the city with the purchase and public management of the failing private bus company. "Mr. McDonald founded McDonald Transit Associates, Inc. for the specific purpose of applying consumer-oriented private enterprise management techniques to the operation of public transportation," said Larry Heil, chairman of McDonald Transit. "Following this principle, the company grew into the oldest and largest independently owned transit management firm in the United States." Fort Worth's first public transportation system, CITRAN, was a success and paved the way for voter approval of FWTA. The FWTA, known as "the T," offers Tarrant County residents public transportation such as bus services, shuttles and trolleys. "Mr. McDonald is the reason for the growth of the "T," our state of the art transit system," said John Bartosiewicz, president/executive director of FWTA. "All our growth is directly attributable to the patterns he set in the early 70s." Before retiring in 1979, Mr. McDonald chaired many committees for the American Public Transit Association, and served two terms as its vice president and a member of its Board of Directors. "Texas was blessed with some extraordinary transit leaders in the 60s and 70s that were not only great Texas leaders, but were recognized nationally as pioneers in the field," said Margot Massey, director of the Public Transportation Division at TxDOT. "McDonald was certainly one of those that was significant not only to transit in Texas, but to transit in the United States." Texas w Transpanation Insti fate Copyright statement and_1egal notices Please send comments, suggestions, and queries to the TTI Webmaster, webmasters@ttimail tamu edu. Texas Transportation Institute • Texas A&M University System • 3135 TAMU • College Station, Texas 77843-3135 979-845-1713 • 979-845-9356 (FAX) The State .of_Texas-Texas Homeland Security-Statewide Search (TRAIU-Statutorily Required Reports ktt„-/vttt; tam„ Pil„/rPCParrher/newsletter.aSD?vol=38&issue=l&article=l0 10/21/2005 T1 1:Read "Texas Transportation Researcher: Vol. 36 No. 2:Texas Transportation Hall of Hon Page 1 of 2 Read Texas Transportation TTI RM% lesearC C ,u e.. D re Texas Transportation Hall of Honor This article is from the Call for Nominations Texas _Transportation Fnd a Produce Researcher, Ft,id a P~-rs6r` Texas is recognized as having one of the finest multi-modal Volume 36, Number _2 transportation systems in the world. The existence of this (2000). Revaew Feisur-ed system has been key in supporting the economic development Research of the state and in providing Texans a high quality of life. As we enter a new century, it is appropriate to honor the individuals Read texas whose vision and leadership brought about this system. The Transportation Texas Transportation Hall of Honor will recognize the small Researcher group of individuals who have made truly exceptional Explore contributions to developing and sustaining the outstanding Centers end multi-modal transportation system that exists in Texas. cleanrigh"Ses Fmk tnsideTs I The Hall of Honor is located in the Gibb Gilchrist Building on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Eligibility With the exceptions noted below, any individual, living or deceased, is eligible for induction into the Hall. The Hall covers the period of Texas statehood, 1845 to present. The individual's contribution can be in any mode or aspect of transportation. The Hall is intended to recognize that relatively small group of individuals whose exceptional leadership and vision helped to create and sustain the Texas transportation system. Not eligible for consideration for induction into the Hall are: 1. individuals currently holding an elected office; and 2. individuals currently holding an appointed position to a policy board or entity overseeing transportation-related activities (e.g., TxDOT commissioner, transit board member, etc.). How to Nominate an Individual Anyone is eligible to submit a written nomination, which should include the following information: Nominee identification (name, positions held and dates, etc.) . A description of why this individual deserves this recognition This description should include a brief (less than three pages) discussion of the nominee's lifelong contribution to the development and sustenance of the Texas transportation system. Additional supporting material (i.e., press clippings, biographical data sheets, reference letters) can be provided as appropriate (less than seven http://tti.tamu.edu/researcher/v36n2/hall_of_honor.stm 12/10/2001 1"1.1: Read 4 exas 't'ransportation Researcher: Vol. 36 No. 2:4'exas "Transportation Hall of H(... Page 2 of 2 pages total). Selections to the Hall of Honor are made by a five-person board that is comprised of senior leaders in the state who possess a broad understanding of the transportation system in Texas and its historical background. Deadline for Nominations Nominations may be submitted at any time, as individuals will be inducted on an annual basis. Nominations must be received by October 15 to be considered in the current calendar year. Submit Nominations to: Deputy Director Texas Transportation Institute The Texas A&M University System 3135 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-3135 Copy, ght s r t :i_ i i x941 n -ices This site was developed and is maintained by the Texas Transportation Institute's Information & Technology Exchange Center. Please send comments, suggestions, and queries to the TTI webmaster Va ;qn,a crs t r7 3 ma di Texas Transportation Institute Texas Transportation Institute • Texas A&M University System • 3135 TAMU - College Station, Texas 77843-3135 979.845.1713 • 979.845.9356 (FAX) i? e State a; Texas • St tiew ce Search _i RA"_; • Statuto,'Iy Required Reports http://tti.tamu.edu/researcher/v36n2/hall_of_honor.stm 12/10/2001