Benefactor 2020 | Partners in Strategic Philanthropy
PARTNERS IN STRATEGIC PHILANTHROPY
This mark signifies first-generation college students. tx.ag/firstgeneration
MAYS MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS TEAM CREATES BENEFACTOR
Blake Parrish (Director), Leon Contreras, Brie Pampell, Shelby Schiller, Daniel Singletary, and Kiri Stanford | CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/EDITORS
Eli Jones, Ph.D., Missy Lund, Dorian Martin, Blake Parrish, Bill Peel, and Kiri Stanford | CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS/VISUALS
Leon Contreras (Cover photo and more), Brie Pampell (Illustrations), Shelby Schiller (Layout); Advent, Butch Ireland, Michael Kellett, and Andrew Vernon
Howdy!
At the time of publishing this edition of Benefactor, the world is still navigating the unprecedented events of 2020. We are working diligently to reopen Mays Business School and return to in-person and hybrid classes this Fall, and we are simultaneously budgeting for the next two fiscal years in the midst of uncertainty with regard to the economy.
In an effort to utilize finances well, this magazine will likely find you digitally before it does on paper. This effort is to ensure timely communications while reducing expenses. Regardless of the format, we are still so pleased to update you on the many positive outcomes stemming from your investments in our faculty and students, as we continue implementing our strategic plan.
Money magazine recently ranked Mays Business School in the Top 10 nationally of all public business schools (#8). Part of the ranking is based on Former Students opening doors to current students. You are making a positive impact, and, candidly, we could not accomplish many of the things we are doing without you. As we continue to say, your investments are the margin of excellence. We are sincerely grateful for your impact on our school – however large or small it seems.
At Mays Business School, students not only learn how to be lifelong learners with the vision to advance the world’s prosperity, they also learn how to be good stewards of their resources, too. Mays faculty produce and publish impactful research that is providing thought leadership, and our faculty and staff deliver best-in-class teaching and learning, which is instrumental in developing the next generation of business leaders. This would not be possible without the gracious help of generous Benefactors. By investing in our vision and mission at Mays, you are making a difference while being role models to the next generation.
We would love for you to share your thoughts, comments, and feedback on this issue of Benefactor with #MaysBenefactor in your social media channel of choice. Please enjoy reading about the individuals represented in this publication who represent the values, beliefs, and impact of so many of you.
Thanks, and Gig ’em!
Eli Jones, Ph.D. ’ 82 Dean and Professor of Marketing
Kyle Gammenthaler ’11 learned many lessons about the importance of generosity throughout his time at Texas A&M. Now a lecturer at Mays Business School, Gammenthaler is a leader in encouraging Aggies to think and act more deeply about philanthropy, stewardship, and selfless service.
Gammenthaler’s appreciation for service deepened when he volunteered for the Special Olympics’ Fall Classic during his sophomore year at Texas A&M. What started as an obligation brought great joy to his life and created an unexpected career path. “I was looking at my life and hoping that there would be a connection between my work and the impact I would be able to make to the world,” he said.
After graduation, Gammenthaler joined the United Way of the Brazos Valley as a fundraiser and volunteer coordinator. That job gave him a deep respect for non-profit organizations. “I had this preconceived notion that the non-profit world was touchy-feely and all about the heart,” he said. “I didn’t realize that these organizations operated just like a business, addressing key issues and solving pressing problems. They’re not immune to the challenges other businesses have.”
KYLE Gammenthaler ’11 Mays Lecturer, Strategic
Philanthropy Course
Gammenthaler returned to Texas A&M in 2012 as a senior academic advisor at Mays and soon began developing the innovative Certificate in Non-Profit and Social Innovation. He also created partnerships with community non-profits and now serves as a board member for several, including his former employer, United Way of the Brazos Valley.
The father of three also brings a first-hand understanding of what it’s like to be on the receiving end of generosity. His oldest son is five and has a rare neuromuscular disease that has taught their family about receiving as well as giving. Numerous examples of generosity have come from what he and his wife describe as their "different normal." These experiences make Gammenthaler a passionate leader in helping Mays identify deeper ways to have a societal impact. “I feel the responsibility to be keenly aware of the issues and opportunities in our community. That includes identifying and nurturing community partnerships and translating that engagement to our students,” he said. “We want to reach more organizations long-term, and that can happen as long as we have money to distribute through the Strategic Philanthropy course. We also want to find ways that aren’t necessarily in the traditional classroom environment to educate Mays students about generosity and how to live the Aggie Core Value of selfless service.” ◊
K-9 Mays has been diligently protecting the A&M campus and community since being donated to the University Police Department by Gammenthaler's Strategic Philanthropy course and K9s4COPS in 2019.
Strategic
Balancing the Head and the Heart of Giving
Perennially our world faces tremendous challenges such as poverty, homelessness, hunger, and the need for quality healthcare. And, most recently, we have been devastated by the impact of the worldwide pandemic. A multitude of nonprofits want to step into the void and assist with these issues, but their services require the resources to make it happen. With all of these pressing needs, how do donors make the decisions on where to invest their time, talent, and treasure?
Mays Business School lecturer, Kyle Gammenthaler ’11, understands this challenge. “There are a lot of places to give, so there’s the potential for paralysis by analysis,” he said. “Donors need to find a balance between their head and the heart. The heart is so important because it is the barometer of an individual’s passion. I tell my students to make decisions that are reasonable, rational, and logical. But at the same time, find things that you are passionate about.”
Gammenthaler’s Strategic Philanthropy course helps students do just that by placing them in the donor’s driver’s seat. On the first day of class, students receive $10 with the simple task of “doing good.” Student responses vary widely, including making care packages for teen moms, buying a meal for a homeless person and listening to their life story, and challenging friends to give the same amount to create a fund to purchase sports equipment for a local youth league.
This initial investment decision sets the stage for their deep dive into strategic philanthropy and how non-profits receive and disperse resources. In the class, students critically evaluate applications from numerous Brazos Valley non-profits and award grants from a pool of money that ranges between $50,000 and $100,000 each semester. Two years later, students meet with the grant recipients to learn how the gifts were used and the impact they made on the community.
The Strategic Philanthropy course has made a substantial impact on area non-profits, awarding a total of $600,000 since 2016. These funds are provided by The Philanthropy Lab (a part of the Once Upon a Time Foundation), the George and Barbara Bush Foundation, the VanLoh Family, and Cheryl Mellenthin.
The real beneficiaries, however, are the students. “We’re developing and encouraging the next generation of givers,” Gammenthaler said. “There’s nothing bigger than being able to give your voice, ability, time, and money to a cause in which you truly believe in.” ◊
Experience a check presentation: tx.ag/StrategicPhilanthropy2018
Adair’s education was benefitted by the strategic philanthropy and generosity of others resulting in eight scholarships. Now, Adair is taking what she learned in Gammenthaler’s Strategic Philanthropy course to benefit the students of Friendswood ISD.
Strategic Philanthropy: Student Highlights
Adair ’17
See the exponential impact at Friendswood ISD: tx.ag/FISDEdFd
Webb ’21
Working with youth at Pine Cove Summer Camp left an unforgettable impression on Matthew Webb ’21. Now the Mays Management student hopes to work for a non-profit that addresses youth issues after he graduates.
Ashley Adair ’17 credits the Strategic Philanthropy course for informing her personal understanding of giving and solidifying her career path in non-profits. The class now serves as a template for her role as Friendswood ISD (FISD) Education Foundation’s executive director.
The FISD Education Foundation awards more than $230,000 in grants to FISD teachers who are designing innovative and engaging learning opportunities. Adair’s Strategic Philanthropy experience served as a model to restructure the foundation’s Mustang Association campaign. Now FISD students serve as decision-makers in allocating the campaign’s funds at their school. This restructuring led to the campaign’s recognition as the 2020 Texas Education Foundation Network’s Outstanding Achievement Award winner.
Gammenthaler’s class opened Adair’s eyes to funding challenges facing non-profits. “My greatest discovery was that philanthropic decisions often aren’t a matter of choosing between right and wrong,” she said. “They are a matter of choosing between right and right. For me, Strategic Philanthropy was so much more than just a class; it was a defining moment that continues to transform my life. ◊
To inform those professional goals, the Flower Mound native is pursuing the Non-Profit and Social Innovation Certificate and recently took the Strategic Philanthropy course. “We learned to think critically about how non-profits are addressing an issue and whether they’re just treating the symptoms or focusing on the root cause,” he said, adding that these factors helped inform the class’s decisions on which grant applications to fund.
The class also opened Webb’s eyes to his own philanthropic responsibility. “You’re going to get a paycheck when you graduate. You’re going to be excited to spend it or save it, but how much of it are you going to give away?” he said. “The Strategic Philanthropy class gave me a framework to determine how and when to give back to my community.” ◊
Ashley
Matthew
TRISHA & L.C. "CHAZ"
Neely ’62
Charles “Chaz” Neely ’62 understands the importance of applying leverage. During his successful career, the former CEO of San Antonio Steel Company (SASCO) focused on creating maximum value that helped his company grow into the largest wholesale distributor of cattle, ranch, range, game, and wildlife fencing in the United States.
Chaz and his wife, Trisha, have taken the same approach in creating maximum value with their philanthropy over the years. They make giving a priority, and they look for ways to leverage their gifts to help others. In addition to their financial generosity, they are generous about sharing their time, knowledge, and experiences – including Chaz serving on Mays Business School’s Dean’s Advisory Board.
The couple strives to make these decisions using both their head and their heart to support non-profit organizations that align with their values. “Sometimes when groups seek a donation, we find ourselves saying, ‘We don’t have a heart for that,’” Chaz said. “We also may not know enough about them – their values, their intent, or how they will use the money. We give to organizations that we know well and that share our core beliefs and values.”
The couple also builds relationships with the organizations’ leaders. “We get to know these people on a personal level and give because they are doing the right thing and are using the resources they receive wisely.”
The San Antonio couple appreciates when organizations utilize their gift to increase their programs' quality and enhance their visibility. For example, the Neely’s endowed two Mays Business School chairs in support of the Marketing Department and the Hagler Institute for Advanced Study. “Chairs bring some outstanding faculty members to Texas A&M who otherwise wouldn’t know about the university,” Neely said. “Oftentimes, these top professors decide to remain because they’ve learned that Bryan/College Station has a great quality of life and that Texas A&M is an amazing institution.”
The Neely’s generosity enables Mays to attract the best and brightest students and faculty, maximizing teaching, research, and student experiences at Mays Business School. ◊
FOCUSED ON DELIVERING LIFELONG LEARNING TO THE DIVERSE MAYS COMMUNITY
BUSINESS EDUCATION COMPLEX
2016 Vision Articulated
2018 Benchmarking Tours Celebrated 50 Years
2019 Refresh Wehner
2020 Planning & Program of Requirements (POR)
2021 Design
2022 Construction
2024 Target Occupancy
The vision for the new Business Education Complex is to be an environment that promotes connectivity, creativity, and collaboration, which will better reflect conducting business today. Learning has changed.
Connect with Mays Development Team: 979.862.7247
LIFETIME PARTNERS
$45,000,000 +
Mays Family Foundation
$20,000,000 +
Shannon L. ’86 & Wayne Roberts, Jr. ’85
$10,000,000 +
Kay A. ’02 & Jerry S. Cox ’72
Artie and Dorothy McFerrin Foundation
$7,000,000 +
Gina R. & Anthony F. Bahr ’91
M. Ann & Charles P. Manning ’82
The Reynolds and Reynolds Company
$5,000,000 +
A. Eugene Brockman Charitable Trust
Melissa K. & John L. Kauth ’77
$3,000,000 +
EY
Sandra & P.G. Buck Eckels ’52
Mays Business School Center for Executive Development
Reliant Energy Foundation
Elizabeth & James R. Whatley ’47
$2,000,000 +
Kathleen N. & R. Scott Amann ’78
The H. G. Ash Foundation
Denise & David C. Baggett ’82
Demi N. & John R., Carmichael, III ’73
ConocoPhillips
Cydney Collier Donnell ’81
ExxonMobil
Charles Koch Foundation
Theresa S. ’87 & David C. Martin ’86
The Roy F. and Joann Cole Mitte Foundation
Patricia J. & L. Chaz Neely ’62
Sharee L. & David R. Norcom ’73
Leticia L. ’88 & John B. Spicer ’83
Elizabeth & Graham Weston ’86
Brenda Garrison ’86 & Jim White
$1,000,000 +
Judy & Robert H. Allen ’50
Beaumont Foundation of America
Craig & Galen Brown Foundation
Computer Associates International, Inc.
Dorothy A. & Carroll W. Conn, Jr.
Lisa Huddleston ’85 & Peter H. Currie ’85
Sallie O. & Don H. Davis, Jr. ’61
Deloitte
Gina L. & The Honorable William H. Flores ’76
Ford Motor Company Fund
Julia G. & Thomas B. Harris, IV ’80
Carrie & Howard W. Horne ’47
KPMG Foundation
Marian J. ’82 & Willie T. Langston, II ’81
Paula & Ronald S. Letbetter ’70
North Dallas Bank & Trust Company
Susan M. ’74 & William R. Ouren ’74
Phillips 66 Company
PwC
Ed Rachal Foundation
Kathleen L. & J. Rogers Rainey, Jr. ’44
Kenneth E. Randolph ’78
Helaine & Gerald L. Ray ’54
Frank J. and Jean Raymond Foundation, Inc.
The Risk Management Association
Robyn L. ’89 & Alan B. Roberts ’78
Patricia S. ’77 & Grant E. Sims ’77
Adam C. Sinn ’00
James M. Stark ’84
Texas A&M Research Foundation
Toni & Ralph E. Wallingford ’53
Barbara & Donald Zale ’55
M. B. and Edna Zale Foundation
$500,000 +
AT&T
Bank of America
Sandra L. & Ronnie W. Barclay ’68
Ruby & Foreman R. Bennett ’27
Derrith & Robert D. Bondurant ’80
Maren G. ’01 & Gary J. Brauchle ’95
Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Carri B. ’84 & Brandon C. Coleman, Jr. ’78
Ashley R. ’88 & David L. Coolidge ’87
Becky ’76 & Monty L. Davis ’77
Cathy C. & William W. Davis ’75
Mark H. Ely ’83
Harriet D. & Joe B. Foster ’56
Sylvia & G.W. Glezen, Jr. ’56
Melinda ’87 and Guy Grace
Halliburton Foundation, Incorporated
The Herman F. Heep and Minnie Belle Heep Foundation
Kelly P. ’86 & Robert E. Jordan ’85
Lynne L. ’85 & Allen L. Mabry ’82
Cynthia A. ’90 & Christian A. McClain ’90
Wanda G. & Louis Paletta, II ’78
JCPenney
Randall's Food Markets, Inc.
The Summerfield G. Roberts Foundation
Wanda Elizabeth Carney & John A. Rodgers, Jr. ’68
Urshala P. Schorn ’80 & Richard Andersen
Sewell Automotive Companies
Nancy & Mike Shaw ’68
Shell Oil Corporation
Ruby & Earle A. Shields, Jr. ’41
Donna G. & John H. Speer ’72
Robin H. ’76 & Robert D. Starnes ’72
Carrie E. ’98 & Jack D. Suh ’97
Carol L. & G. David Van Houten ’71
Hallie A. Vanderhider
Avery L. & Martin J. Walker ’74
Jane & Boyd K. Watson, III ’65
Cynthia G. ’84 & Anthony R. Weber ’84
Earline & A.P. Wiley, Jr. ’46
Shannon H. ’90 & Chris B. Work ’90
$250,000 +
Aggie Real Estate Network
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Fdtn.
Andersen LLP Foundation
Andrea Moo-Young & Jorge A. Bermudez ’73
Blue Bell Creameries, L.P.
BP
Diana & Todd O. Brock ’85
Valerie & James R. Byrd ’57
Jyl G. & Randy Cain ’82
Susan J. ’82 & Fred F. Caldwell ’82
Barent W. Cater ’77
Martha L. ’85 & John W. Clanton ’84 II Corinthians 9:7 Foundation
Jerry J. Crider ’65
The Cullen Trust for Higher Education
Kay M. & G. Steven Dawson ’80
Dealer Computer Services, Incorporated
Dell USA
Dillard's
Duke Energy Foundation
Electronic Data Systems Corporation
Energy Future Holdings Corp.
Janice A. & John Thomas Eubanks ’62
Gallery Furniture
General Electric Company
Sam K. & Barnett L. Gershen ’69
Tracy C. & Randall B. Hale ’85
Patricia C. & Ray R. Hannigan ’61
H.E.B. Grocery Company
Hollinden Professional Services
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Debbie & Michael R. Houx ’73
Barbara & Paul W. Kruse ’77
Angie B. ’84 & William R. Lemmons, Jr. ’83
Sherry & David Lesar
Macy's Foundation
Marathon Oil Company
Nancy L. ’73 & Jack W. Matz, Jr. ’71
Maria B. & Michael K. McEvoy ’79
Rhonda L. & Jeffrey A. Miller ’88
Sandra K. & Bryan N. Mitchell ’70
The Mitsui USA Foundation
Lois A. & John A. Mobley ’51
David L. Moore ’72
Cheryl A. & Frank M. Mueller, Jr. ’65
Donald H. Niederer ’53
Neiman Marcus Group
Newfield Exploration Company
Rebecca U. ’74 & William S. Nichols, III ’74
Rhonda & Todd A. Overbergen ’88
Karen N. Pape ’80
Florence Carter & M. Bookman Peters ’59
Rhonda K. Reger ’79 & Jeffrey S. Piland
Roycebuilders.com
Michael D. Rupe ’93
Cynthia Ann Hinze & Robert M. Scott ’78
Deborah D. Shelton
Deborah S. ’75 & Eric D. Siegmund ’75
Debbie E. ’91 & Robert Blake Steudtner ’91
Syracuse University
Jamey & Richard C. Tanner ’53
Texas Bankers Foundation
Textron, Incorporated
Rebecca & Neal T. Thompson ’66
Shelley & Joseph V. Tortorice, Jr. ’79
USAA Foundation
Walmart
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
The West Endowment
Allison Whitaker ’96 & Don R. Whitaker ’96
Sandra D. ’86 & Michael R. Wilkinson ’86
Linda & J.D. Woodward, III ’70
MURRAY Barrick, Ph.D.
Exponential Investment
Murray Barrick, Ph.D., an internationally recognized management scholar, joined Mays faculty in 2006 after he was awarded the Paul M. and Rosalie Robertson Chair in Business. Reflecting on over fifteen years at Mays, Barrick noted, “In the absence of these chairs, it would be pretty difficult to be competitive in recruiting world-class faculty to the university.”
Mays Business School’s investment in Barrick has paid off exponentially. In 2010, Barrick was named a University Distinguished Professor, recognizing his seminal contribution to, and global authority in, the field of management and his record of teaching and mentoring students. This university award emphasizes the significance of Barrick’s scholarship, particularly with respect to national and international on-going studies of relationships
between personality and work performance. Barrick actively mentors students at all levels of education— undergraduate, masters, and doctoral as part of his academic endeavors.
The current holder of the James R. Whatley Chair also plays an important leadership role in organizational excellence at Mays. At the end of Barrick’s term as department head in 2011, the Department of Management was rated as Texas A&M’s top-ranked department in terms of academic performance. The scholar then assumed the role of executive director of the Center for Human Resource Management (CHRM) from 2011-16. In that role, he helped the center expand, setting the stage for CHRM to become one of the top programs of its kind in the nation.
Throughout his storied career, Barrick has found that donors–whether corporate or individual–are looking for the best fit between what they want to achieve with their gift and what the university can provide. Creating an endowed chair offers a unique investment in Mays’ commitment to advancing the world’s prosperity. Grateful for this support, Barrick stated, “These chairs provide the funds to enable Mays faculty to do research that will influence and change the ways managers lead for decades to come.”
FACULTY CHAIR & PROFESSORSHIP APPOINTMENTS
Gifts fund the backbone of the school the faculty members who teach and conduct high-impact research. The following faculty appointments or reappointments were made effective Fall 2020.
ACCOUNTING
Anwer Ahmed
Ashley ’88 and David Coolidge ’87 Chair in Business
James J. Benjamin
Arthur Andersen Professorship in Accounting
Deloitte Leadership Professorship in Accounting
Daniel Cohen
Arthur Andersen Chair in Accounting
Jeremiah R. Green Ernst & Young Professorship in Accounting
Dennis R. Lassila
Deborah D. Shelton Professorship in Taxation
Mary Lea McAnally PwC Accounting Excellence Professorship
Annie S. McGowan
Gina and William H. Flores ’76 Endowed Professorship in Business
Sean T. McGuire
Ernst & Young Professorship in Accounting
John Robinson
Patricia ’77 and Grant E. Sims ’77 Eminent Scholar Chair in Business
Nathan Sharp
Nelson D. Durst Chair in Accounting Education
Michael K. Shaub
Deloitte Professional Program Director’s Professorship
Jerry R. Strawser KPMG Chair in Accounting
Senyo Yawo Tse
Thomas W. Leland/Oscar A. Weinke Chair in Accounting
Dechun Wang
Philip Ljungdahl/PwC Chair in Accounting
Connie D. Weaver
KPMG Professorship in Accounting
Christopher J. Wolfe
Deborah D. Shelton Accounting Systems Professorship
FINANCE
Christa H.S. Bouwman
Patricia & Bookman Peters Professor of Finance
Yong Chen
David R. Norcom ’73 Endowed Professorship
Cydney Collier Donnell
Julio S. LaGuarta Professorship in Real Estate
Dwight Gary
Texas Banker Foundation Executive Professorship in Commercial Banking
Detlef Hallermann
Rhonda and Todd Overbergen ’88 Executive Professorship
Philippe Hercot Ray/Zale Professorship
Shane A. Johnson
Thomas W. Leland Memorial Chair in Finance
Hagen Kim
J. Rogers Rainey and Annie Bob Rainey class of 1905 Professorship of Banking and Finance
James W. Kolari
Chase Professorship in Finance
Adam C. Kolasinski
James W. Ashton Republic Bank Professorship in Finance
Xiaoding Liu
Republic Bank Fellowship
Arvind Mahajan
Lamar Savings Professorship in Finance
J. Russell Peterson
Howard Horne ’47 Endowed Clinical Professorship in Commercial Real Estate
Sorin Sorescu
Foreman R. & Ruby Bennett Chair in Business Administration
INFORMATION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
James Abbey
Bob ’85 and Kelly Jordan ’86 Professorship in Business
Neil Geismar
Center for Executive
Development Professorship in Business Administration
Gregory R. Heim
Janet and Mark H. Ely ’83 Professorship
Michael Ketzenberg Center for Executive Development Professorship in Business Administration
Xenophon Koufteros
Jenna & Calvin R. Guest Professorship in Business Administration
Richard D. Metters
Paul M. and Rosalie Robertson Chair in Business Administration
Bala Shetty
Cullen Trust for Higher Education Chair in Business Administration
Chelliah Sriskandarajah
Hugh Roy Cullen Chair in Business Administration
79.4%
OF TENURE-TRACK FACULTY HOLD CHAIRS OR APPOINTMENTS
MANAGEMENT
Murray R. Barrick
Mr. & Mrs. James R. Whatley ’47 Chair in Business
Steve Boivie
Carroll & Dorothy Conn Chair in New Ventures Leadership
Wendy R. Boswell
Jerry and Kay Cox Endowed Chair in Business
Albert A. Cannella, Jr.
Blue Bell Creameries Chair in Business
Cynthia E. Devers
Lawrence E. Fouraker Professorship in Business Administration
Ricky W. Griffin
Jeanne & John R. Blocker Chair in Business Administration
R. Duane Ireland
Benton Cocanougher Chair in Business
Rogelio Oliva
Robyn L. ’89 and Alan B. Roberts ’78 Chair in Business
Srikanth Paruchuri
B. Marie Oth Professorship in Business Administration
Mike Withers
Gina and Anthony Bahr ’91 Professorship in Business
MARKETING
Leonard L. Berry
M.B. Zale Chair in Retailing and Marketing Leadership
David A. Griffith
Hallie Vanderhider Chair in Business
Eli Jones
Development Council Dean's Chair in Business
Peggy Pitman Mays Eminent Scholar Chair in Business
Venkatesh Shankar
Brandon C. Coleman, Jr. ’78
Endowed Chair in Marketing
Alina Sorescu
Paula and Steve Letbetter ’70 Chair in Business
Hari Sridhar
Joe B. Foster ’56 Chair in Business Leadership
P. Rajan Varadarajan
Ford Chair in Marketing and E-Commerce
Manjit Yadav
JCPenney Chair in Marketing and Retailing Studies
LAURA C. Fulton ’85
Outstanding Alumna 2020
Laura C. Fulton ’85 strives to help individuals reach their full potential. “What I’m passionate about, especially at work, is making a difference in people’s lives—getting them to believe that they have more potential, more possibility than they thought that they did,” she said.
The recently named vice-president of finance for the American Bureau of Shipping has enjoyed similar support from respected colleagues who helped her challenge her own expectations and reframe her aspirations throughout her career. Fulton, who started as an auditor at Deloitte & Touche, reached a career milestone when she assisted HiCrush Partners LP in becoming a publicly-traded company as the organization’s CFO. In 2019, “Oil & Gas Investor” magazine recognized Fulton as one of the “25 Most Influential Women in Energy.”
The third-generation Aggie brings this mindset to her continued involvement with Mays Business School. She serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board and the Accounting Department Advisory Council. A regular guest speaker, Fulton also assists with mentoring and supporting students and offers counsel on the accounting department’s curriculum and strategies. She’s provided financial support over a number of years, including establishing the Laura C. Fulton ’85 Department of Accounting Excellence Endowment in 2017 as part of Mays’ campaign to name the James Benjamin Department of Accounting.
A member of Texas A&M Department of Accounting’s Hall of Honor, Fulton believes Mays is on the leading edge in preparing transformational leaders who will advance the world’s prosperity. “I realize that I’m a role model for women in business. I’ve done so many things in my career that I didn’t realize were possible. It was all because somebody believed in me,” she said. “If I can be that special person in someone else’s life, then I definitely want to spend my time and effort doing that.” ◊
Mays honors graduates who have led lives of distinction and who embody the Aggie Core Values with the Outstanding Alumni Award. Recipients come from all industries, have been active in their communities, and continue to serve their alma mater.
RANDALL B. Hale ’85
Outstanding Alumnus 2020
Randall B. Hale ’85 always wanted to own his own business. Growing up, he picked and sold dewberries door-to-door, had a newspaper route, mowed lawns, and worked a number of odd jobs.
Now, as founder and managing director of Rock Hill Capital Group, Hale supports the entrepreneurial economy by helping business owners realize their goals and reaching their full business potential. The private equity firm invests in small- to lower-middle market companies in a variety of industries.
Hale grew up in Bryan, minutes away from Texas A&M. His family’s friends included Dr. Jim Benjamin – namesake and head of the James Benjamin Department of Accounting at Mays Business School –who saw Hale progress from teenager to accounting student to seasoned professional. Initially impressed with Hale’s intensity and competitiveness, Benjamin watched as Hale, then a young professional, easily interacted with top leaders at his first employer, Arthur Andersen. “Most people his age wouldn’t be able to handle those types of interactions,” Benjamin said.
Now a well-respected member of Houston’s business community, Hale remains an integral part of Mays Business School. He regularly speaks with and actively recruits accounting students, including his son Alex who graduated from the PPA Program in 2018. Hale’s daughter, Hannah, is currently completing her second year in the veterinary medicine program after receiving her undergraduate degree from A&M. Hale also recently
established a substantial endowment in support of the Department of Accounting in memory of his father, Ronnie Hale, Sr. The latter served as the first director of the Brazos Valley Boys and Girls Club before going into banking.
Like his father, Hale is committed to serving others, including his long-time association with Boys & Girls Country of Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston Venture Capital Association, the Association for Corporate Growth, River Oaks Country Club, and as a current board member of the 12th Man Foundation.
Those in the Bryan/College Station area who have known Hale since childhood are proud of what he’s achieved. “I have been very impressed with his success in business and his service to society, particularly Texas A&M University,” Benjamin said. “He has clearly lived a life of distinction which reflects the core values of Texas A&M University.” ◊
BLAKE A. Pounds ’89
Outstanding Alumnus 2020
Blake A. Pounds ’89 describes his life’s philosophy as being “a river, not a reservoir.” He finds great satisfaction and fulfillment in helping others.
The San Antonio native’s 30-year career with Accenture has helped him do just that. As a senior managing director, he leads a major international oil and gas client account globally on behalf of the leading professional services company. “I love a good challenge. I’m especially motivated by growing our business by making what’s impossible possible,” he said.
Additionally, Pounds serves as office managing director for the company’s 2,000-employee Houston office, regularly recognized as one of the Houston Chronicle’s Top Workplaces. In that role, he encourages employees’ active involvement in the local community and has served on a number of non-profit boards, including the United Way of Greater Houston.
The second-generation Aggie stays closely connected to Mays Business School. An A&M Legacy Society member and Fish Camp namesake, Pounds serves as the executive sponsor for Accenture’s involvement in Mays and oversees the company’s recruiting and annual fundraising efforts. He also encourages Accenture’s support of Mays Business Honors Program, Mays Business Fellows Program, and the Consulting Guild within Mays Horizon Program.
Pounds and his wife, Dawn, are personally invested in Mays. In one of their proudest moments, the couple endowed a scholarship honoring Pounds’ father, Herbert E. Pounds, Jr. ’65. Pounds also serves as a regular speaker in finance classes and at Mays Business Honors roundtables.
Pounds’ commitment to education has deep roots. He credits his mother and grandfather, both K-12 educators, for his love of education. “They always told me that everything in life could be taken away from you except your education.” Pounds is also proud that Mays teaches ethics, core values, and Texas A&M’s ‘other education,’ which are just as important as outstanding academics. “That’s why Mays graduates thrive at Accenture.” ◊
"Growing up, I didn’t have time to chase passions because I needed to help pay bills... scholarships give students like me the ability to knock down those barriers and an opportunity to put education first."
— Nicholas Menchaca ’20
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS | 2019
Douglas J. Abbott
Jeannie Looper ’99 & Conover H. Able, III ’98
Amina & Raja J. Akram ’95
Stacy K. ’91 & Daren E. Austin ’92
Dee Ann ’95 & Carl Y. Baggett ’96
Denise & David C. Baggett ’81
Gina & Anthony F. Bahr ’91
Felicia A. & Herbert D. Baker ’81
Cynthia A. & Alfred J. Balda ’82
L. Christy ’95 & Brian C. Baumann ’95
Denise & Andy Beakey ’84
Andrea Moo-Young & Jorge A. Bermudez ’73
Rosalie R. & Clifton J. Bolner ’49
Kathy & William J. Booth ’80
Maren G. ’01 & Gary J. Brauchle ’95
Angela K. ’89 & David L. Brown ’89
Heather & James B. Brown ’97
Jyl G. & Randy Cain ’82
Susan ’82 & Fred F. Caldwell ’82
Michele R. ’92 & Clinton S. Carlin ’91
Christina L. ’09 & Travis R. Carnes ’09
Presha M. & Garry Lynn Carr ’97
Holly & Philip A. Choyce ’89
Theresa & Christopher C. Cooper ’89
Kay ’02 & Jerry Cox ’72
Lisa Huddleston-Currie ’85 & Peter H. Currie ’85
Jami L. & David B. Daniel ’89
Becky ’76 & Monty L. Davis ’77
Sheila & Michael R. Descheneaux ’89
Cynthia R. ’92 & Damon E. Diamantaras ’92
Cydney Collier Donnell ’81
Denise B. ’90 & William T. Ellis ’87
Mark H. Ely ’83
Theresa B. ’86 & Joe D. Fancher ’86
Heather L. Moore-Faske ’98 & Kevin D. Faske ’91
Genevieve & Vincent J. Feritta, Jr. ’92
Catherine A. Flax-Kosecki ’85 & Roman Kosecki
Lynn S. Ford
Carrie P. ’97 & Jeffrey N. Francis ’96
Laura C. ’85 & David K. Fulton
Carol A. ’85 & Patrick E. Gaas ’85
Nancy & Paul Frost Gardner ’66
Hans T. George ’91
Margaret M. & Mark C. Gibson ’11
Catherine E. ’96 & Patrick A. Giffhorn ’98
See the impact:
William B Guess, III ’88
Laurie H. ’88 & Alfredo L. Gutierrez ’88
Tracy C. & Randall B. Hale ’85
Evelyn A ’84 & Stephen P. Harding ’84
Debra Fleming-Harper ’86 & John E. Harper ’82
Shane R. & Robert A. Hawkins ’87
Catherine W. ’85 & William C. Helmbrecht III
Sandra M. Hernandez ’84
Sandy & Randy Hill ’83
Carrie B. & Timothy J. Hill ’89
Mary Ann & R. Duane Ireland
Victoria & Edward Janousek
Fern W. & Eli Jones, III ’82
Amy J. Hillman-Keim ’96 & Gerald D. Keim
Thomas M. Kelly ’79
Charlene M. & Terry S. Key
Barbara & Paul W. Kruse ’77
Maritza A. ’91 & Shawn W. Lafferty ’90
Continues on page 18
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS | 2019 ( cont. )
Cynthia Hill-Landen & Michael P. Landen
Brenda L. ’ 89 & A. Lance Langford
Marian L. ’82 & Willie T. Langston, II ’81
Glynna D. ’80 & Robert D. Leiper
Pamela M. & Larry L. Little ’73
Marsha Mayfield-Lockett & David K. Lockett ’76
Lynne L. ’85 & Allen L. Mabry ’82
M. Ann & Charles P. Manning ’82
Jennifer A. Marcontell
Laurie W. & David S. Matthews
Randi C. Mays-Knapp ’79 & Averyt S. Knapp, Jr. ’76
Jamie Duke McClain ’97 & Michael H. McClain ’93
Shara B. ’90 & Craig A. McClure
Emily P. ’91 & David M. McCutcheon ’92
Kimberly S. ’88 & Phillip M. McDivitt ’87
Susan R. ’83 & Jeff McFarland
Mary & Robert R. Messer, II ’79
Rhonda & Jeffrey A. Miller ’88
Ann Murillo
Janet & J. Ray Murillo ’55
Elaine & Brian C. Murrell ’95
Patricia J. & L. C. " Chaz " Neely, Jr. ’62
John Newman, Jr.
Sharee L. & David R. Norcom ’73
Kay & James P. O'Jibway ’71
Julianne K. & Robert Scott Osborn ’83
Nancy & John C. Otto, Jr. ’70
Wanda G. & Louis Paletta, II ’78
Karen N. Pape ’80
Merita S. ’86 & Stephen G. Parker ’88
Debra & Robert S. Penshorn ’89
Stephanie R. ’91 & John W. Phillips ’90
Lori K. & Brian K. Pinto ’93
Helaine & Gerald L. Ray ’54
Stephanie C. Reger ’92 & Mark Sullilvan
Velda ’98 & Jeff Reina ’93
Stacey S. & Curtis R. Rhine ’84
Shannon L. ’86 & Wayne Roberts, Jr. ’85
Misty A. ’92 & James O. Roeder
Emiliano Roman Urcuyo ’02
Michael D. Rupe ’93
Megan A. ’98 & Jason M. Ryan
Tricia & Kenneth E. Sayler, Jr. ’83
Cynthia Ann Hinze & Robert M. Scott ’78
Erin & Walter Scott Sherman ’76
Debbie ’75 & Eric Siegmund ’75
Kristi & Brent D. Smith ’97
James M. Stark ’84
Karen & Scott D. Steffler ’74
Michelle R. ’88 & Richard T. Steudtner ’87
Debbie E. ’90 & Robert Blake Stuedtner ’91
Carrie E. ’98 & Jack D. E. Suh ’95
Lauri ’85 & Forrest “Gib” Surles ’84
Cynthia B. ’84 & Allan W. Taylor ’83
Christine D. & Mark D. Taylor ’83
Natalie & John R. Thomas
Beth Clevenger Thompson ’86
Susan Lynn & Bradley H. Tidwell ’83
Avery L. & Martin J. Walker ’74
Marjorie L. & Robert L. Walters ’72
Whitney Turner-West ’02 & James W. West ’01
Elizabeth & Graham Weston ’86
Allison Whitaker ’96 & Don R. Whitaker ’96
Wesley L. White ’84
Sue & David W. Williams ’79
Ali & Nelson Wood ’02
Susan D. ’89 & Anthony J. Wood ’90
Ali M. & Nelson K. Wood ’02
William D. Wood ’81
Shannon H. ’90 & Chris B. Work ’90
Lorraine & Edward D. Wulfe ’55
M. B. & Edna Zale Foundation
Over 575 individuals donated less than $5,000 each.
COMMON Core Values
Sewell Automotive Recognized as 2020 Partner of the Year
Sewell Automotive, a group of 16 Texas dealerships, takes great pride in creating “Customers for Life.” The company carefully cultivates a culture marked by excellence, integrity, loyalty, leadership, respect, and selfless service–beliefs that are common with the Aggie Core Values.
That shared foundation has led Sewell to increasingly deepen the company’s involvement in Mays Business School over a 30-year period. “We’re fortunate to have built such a great partnership with Sewell Automotive,” said Eli Jones, Ph.D. ’82, Dean of Mays Business School. “They have been an integral part of our work over three decades through graciously sharing their resources. They also know the value that our students offer as employees, so they actively recruit from Mays. That’s why it is such a great honor to announce Sewell’s selection as Mays 2020 Partner of the Year.”
Marketing Council at Mays. “We began to understand more about the retail business and the value of Texas Aggies as individual people and associates,” Sewell said.
Now Sewell representatives are regular guest speakers in Mays classes, serve on advisory boards, and mentor numerous Aggies working on company internships. In 2015, Sewell also generously funded the Sewell Scholars Program that offers financial support and opportunities to outstanding Mays students interested in pursuing a sales career.
Throughout the 30-year partnership, Sewell Automotive has hired a total of 850 Aggies and currently employs 250 Texas A&M graduates. Approximately one in five of Sewell’s sales, finance, and service management associates and nearly one-third of the company’s store managers are Aggies.
“Aggies are real-world, and they don’t mind working,” the long-time owner said. “You want to keep coming back to Texas A&M because of the quality of the students, who are wonderful, hardworking, and honorable. They give you so much hope for the future. If the Aggies are in charge, the world is going to be a
CENTER FOR Retailing Studies
Retail Impact
Now more than ever, retailers must demonstrate great value in a challenging economic environment. Mays Center for Retailing Studies (CRS) is at the epicenter of this dynamic market.
Founded in 1983, CRS is expanding its reach under director Scott Benedict, who brings 35 years of experience working with top national retailers. “I inherited something very unique and special,” he said.
During his first six months, Benedict led a strategic planning process that identified three priorities: educating future retail industry leaders, developing stronger networks, and conducting research. CRS is now inviting corporate partners to assist with the activation of these priorities.
The educational priority involves enhancing CRS’s curriculum to include courses on cutting-edge topics, such as retail strategy and digital merchandising. The center will also explore different teaching modalities, including creating a “living” retail lab where Mays students can gain real-world, first-hand retailing experience.
Benedict believes that because of CRS’s annual Retailing Summit, the center is perfectly positioned to expand its outreach to industry leaders, the center’s second priority. “When you have such a dynamic
industry, building and maintaining relationships is critical,” Benedict said. “We want to be the hub that brings the retailing industry together.”
The third priority, encouraging research on retail, addresses the need to do studies that are meaningful in both academic and retail communities. “We want to leverage tremendously valuable faculty expertise to engage in research that is impactful not only from a scholarly standpoint but also with a real return on investment to the retail community,” Benedict said.
Benedict believes the role of retail has never been more critical. “A number of stories about retail companies emerged during the pandemic that highlighted the vital role that retail plays in getting food, prescription drugs, and other necessities to consumers in a very challenging environment,” Benedict said. “The retail market plays a key role in both business and society as a whole. It touches everyone’s life. We want to be at the forefront of the decisions that shape our retail economy worldwide through research, teaching, and lifelong learning.” ◊
CORPORATE AND FOUNDATIONS | 2019
ADP, LLC
Aggie Real Estate Network
Altria Group, Incorporated
American National Bank of Texas
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
AHS Management Company, Inc.
Arnold Ventures
Asset Risk Management, LLC
AT&T
Axis Group, LLC
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Barnes and Noble College Booksellers, LLC
BDO USA, LLP
Bechtel Corporation
Bell Textron, Inc.
BP
Bray International Inc.
Brazos Valley Econimic Development Corp.
Broadway Bank
Broadway National Bank
A. Eugene Brockman Charitable Trust
Craig & Galen Brown Foundation
William and Catherine Bryce Memorial Trust
Buxton Company
C.C. Creations Inc.
Calpine Corporation
Camden Property Trust
Castleton Commodities
Trading GP LLC
Caterpillar Foundation
CBRE
Mark A. Chapman Foundation
Charles Koch Foundation
Charles Schwab and Company, Inc.
Cheniere Energy Shared Services, Inc.
Chevron Phillips Chemical
Chevron
CIMA Energy, LP
The Cockrell Foundation
Community Bank & Trust
Community National Bank
ConocoPhillips
II Corinthians 9:7 Foundation
The Jerry and Kay Cox Foundation
Dallas Jewish Community Foundation
Dealer Computer Services, Incorporated
Dell
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Deloitte Foundation
Dillard's Incorporated
EDF Trading North America, LLC
ENGIE Energy Marketing NA, Inc.
ENGIE Resources, Inc.
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
EY
EY Foundation
Expeditors
ExxonMobil Corporation
ExxonMobil Foundation
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Florida Power & Light Company
Fluor Foundation
Gartner, Inc.
General Motors LLC
GoDish.com, LLC
Goosehead Insurance
Grant Thornton Foundation
Grant Thornton, LLP
Greystar Development, LLC
The Guill Family Foundation
H. Fund
Halliburton Energy Services
Halliburton Foundation
H-E-B
David B. Hendricks, II Foundation
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
High Tech Flooring and Design
HighRadius Corporation
Hotel Valencia Corporation
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Independent Bank
Internal Audit Foundation
Iscential, Inc.
J. Campbell Murrell Fund
Jaynes, Reitmeier, Boyd & Therrell, P.C.
JCPSSC, Inc.
Keyence Corporation of America
Kiewit Corporation
Kinder Morgan, Incorporated
Continues on page 22
"...the money you so graciously give back to our school allows us financial freedom from hardship both now and in the future. Your generosity gives us the freedom to find passion and pursue excellence."
— Hannah Grubbs
’20
CORPORATE AND FOUNDATIONS | 2019
Koch Industries, Inc.
Koch Supply & Trading, LP
KPMG Foundation
Lennox International, Inc.
Lockheed Martin
Lowery Property Advisors, LLC
Lyondell Chemical Co.
Macy's / Bloomingdale's
Mays Family Foundation
Artie and Dorothy McFerrin Foundation
McLane Company Incorporated
Mercuria Energy Trading Inc.
Alan & Jacqueline Mitchell Foundation
The Mitsui USA Foundation
Motiva Enterprises, LLC
NRF Foundation
NC3, LLC
New York Life
Nike
Noble Energy, Incorporated
North Dallas Bank & Trust Company
Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas PC
Pegasus Logistics Group
PepsiCo
Phillips 66
Pioneer Corporate
Pioneer Natural Resources USA
Popp Hutcheson, PLLC
Protiviti, Inc.
PwC
Frank J. and Jean Raymond Foundation, Inc.
Renaissance Charitable Foundation, Inc.
The Reynolds and Reynolds Company
The Risk Management Association
Ryder
SAP
Schneider Electric Buildings Americas, Inc.
Sewell Automotive
Shell Oil Company
The Signorelli Company
Southwest Airlines
Strategic Resource Management, Inc.
Texas Instruments Foundation
Texas Pioneer Foundation
Texas Retailers Education Foundation
( cont. )
Textron, Incorporated
The Research Valley Partnership Incorporated
TIB The Independent Bankersbank, N.A.
Total Gas and Power North America, Inc.
Tres Aguilas Management, LLC
Twin Eagle Resource Management, LLC
USAA Foundation Charitable Trust
USG Energy Gas Producer Holdings, LLC
Valero
VeraBank
Veritex Community Bank
Walgreens
Wells Fargo Foundation
YourCause, LLC
Nearly 150 corporations donated less than $5,000 each.
FACULTY & STAFF GIVING BACK
Lead by Example: give.am/SupportMays
NATALIE Allen ’86 JAMES Benjamin
CYDNEY RICHARD T. Dye ’85
DUANE Ireland
MARTHA Loudder
ELI Jones ’82
MARY LEA McAnally
TARA Blasor ’06
RACHEL Flam
JACQUELINE Knoop
PAUL Busch
Harding ’90
KOROK Ray SUE Redman ’80
MICHAEL Shaub DECHUN Wang
SEAN McGuire ’00
ADRIENNE Rhodes
Weaver
SHANNON Deer ’03
Diaz ’05
Larkin ’13
RAMONA Paetzold
SARAH Rice
Yust ’06
THERESA Phinney ’81
Potter
JOHN Robinson NATE Sharp
CONNIE
ASGHAR Zardkoohi
CHRISTOPHER
MICHELLE
CHRISTINE
DENNIS Lassila
RICHARD Lester ’03
RYAN
MICHAEL
MICHAEL Head BRADFORD Hepfer
NEW GIFTS | 2019
Jeannie ’ 99 & Conover H. Able III ’98
Accenture, LLP
Aggieland Credit Union
American National Bank of Texas
Asset Risk Management, LLC
Dee Ann ’95 & Carl Y. Baggett ’96
Rosalie R. & Clifton J. Bolner ’49
BP Corporation
Maren G. ’01 & Gary J. Brauchle ’95
Bray International
Broadway Bank
A. Eugene Brockman Charitable Trust
Craig & Galen Brown Foundation
Heather & James B. Brown ’97
William and Catherine Bryce Memorial Trust
Susan ’82 & Fred F. Caldwell ’82
Michele R. ’92 & Clinton S. Carlin ’91
Cheniere Energy Shared Services, Inc.
Kay ’02 & Jerry Cox ’72
Lisa Huddleston ’85 & Peter H. Currie ’85
Jami L. & David B. Daniel ’89 Deloitte Foundation
Cynthia R. ’92 & Damon E. Diamantaras ’92
Cydney Collier Donnell ’81
Lynn S. Ford
Catherine E. ’96 & Patrick A. Giffhorn ’98
Carmen M. ’93 & Jeffrey T. Goodwin ’92
The Guill Family Foundation
Shane R. & Robert A. Hawkins ’87
Carrie B. & Timothy Joseph Hill ’89
Amy J. Hillman-Keim ’96 & Gerald D. Keim
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Independent Bank
Victoria & Edward Janousek
Randi C. Mays-Knapp ’79 & Averyt S. Knapp, Jr. ’76
Marian L. ’82 & Willie T. Langston, II ’81
Glynna D. ’80 & Robert D. Leiper
Pamela M. & Larry L. Little ’73
Lynne L. ’85 & Allen L. Mabry ’82
Jennifer A. Marcontell
Jamie Duke ’97 & Michael H. McClain ’93
Emily P. ’91 & David M. McCutcheon ’92
Kimberly S. ’88 & Phillip M. McDivitt ’87
Susan R. ’83 & Jeff McFarland
Janet & J. Ray Murillo ’55
Patricia J. & L.C. "Chaz" Neely ’62
Sharee L. & David R. Norcom ’73
North Dallas Bank & Trust Company
Kay & James P. O'Jibway ’71
Julianne K. & Robert Scott Osborn ’83
Nancy & John C. Otto Jr. ’70
Helaine & Gerald L. Ray ’54
Frank J. and Jean Raymond Foundation, Inc.
The Risk Management Association
Michael D. Rupe ’93
Kenneth A. Scagg ’92
Cynthia Ann Hinze & Robert M. Scott ’78
Deborah S. ’75 & Eric D. Siegmund ’75
James M. Stark ’84
Karen & Scott D. Steffler ’74
Strategic Resource Management
Carrie E. ’98 & Jack D. Suh ’97
Lauri ’85 & Forrest “Gib” Surles ’84
TIB The Independent Bankersbank
Susan Lynn & Bradley H. Tidwell ’83
Total Gas and Power North America, Inc.
VeraBank
Marjorie L. & Robert L. Walters ’72
Allison Whitaker ’96 & Don R. Whitaker ’96
Sandra & Wesley L. White ’84
Susan D. ’89 & Anthony J. Wood ’90
Shannon H. ’90 & Chris B. Work ’90
M. B. & Edna Zale Foundation
Make your mark : give.am/SupportMays
PLANNED GIFTS
Planned gifts are after-lifetime or dual-benefit gifts that provide future support to Mays Business School.
