COLLEGE STATION, Texas, April 4, 2008 – Arthur R. “Artie” McFerrin, Jr., a 1965 graduate of Texas A&M and the man for whom the university’s chemical engineering department is named, has received the highest honor bestowed upon a former student of the institution.
McFerrin is one of four recipients of the 2008 Distinguished Alumnus Award, presented by Texas A&M University and The Association of Former Students. Joining him in receiving that notable distinction are Charles H. “Charlie” Weinbaum, Jr., Class of 1947, of Beaumont; James D. “Doug” Pitcock, Jr., Class of 1949, of Houston; and Neal W. Adams, Class of 1968, of Euless.
“Each and every one of the more than 300,000 former students of Texas A&M has a special place in our university’s history, and every year we recognize only a few with the prestigious Distinguished Alumnus Award,” said Texas A&M University President Dr. Elsa A. Murano. “This award recognizes some of the most dedicated former students, whose service to Texas A&M and lifetime personal and professional achievements truly exemplify the Aggie Spirit. I applaud this year’s recipients for their leadership and selfless service, and would like to also express my appreciation to their families for their continued support.”
This year’s recipients learned of their honor when surprised in their places of business and other locations by a group of university and Association representatives, including Murano; The Association of Former Students’ 2008 President General Hal M. Hornburg (USAF, Ret), Class of 1968; Association Executive Director Porter S. Garner III, Class of 1979; Association Assistant Executive Director Marty Holmes, Class of 1987; and a Ross Volunteer.
McFerrin received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Texas A&M and went on to earn a master’s degree in the same field in 1969. As student, he was a member of Company E-1 in the Corps of Cadets, the Student Conference on National Affairs, the Society of Military Engineers, as well as the Great Issues Committee.
McFerrin began his career in 1967 with Shell Chemical, before becoming an independent plant manager in 1972. In 1975 he founded KMCO, a chemical processing and manufacturing company, and in 1990 established KMTEX, a high-volume distillation company. He purchased South Coast Terminals in 1995 and is a partner in several other chemical processing plants.
“I’m so pleased that our nominating process found Aggies such as these four wonderful individuals to be named as the 2008 recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Award,” said Association President General Hal M. Hornburg (USAF, Ret), Class of 1968. “Each has contributed in his own unique way; yet they all posses the same common qualities: they are loyal Aggies, exemplary citizens and outstanding Americans. Their actions will inspire others to follow their example: service before self. Texas A&M and all Aggies can take great pride in the honor bestowed on these most deserving men.”
McFerrin has served Texas A&M as chairman of the Chemical Engineering Advisory Board and has served on the President’s Corps of Cadets Board of Visitors, the 12th Man Foundation Board of Trustees, Texas A&M Research Foundation, and the Chancellor’s Century Council.
In 2005, McFerrin established an endowment to support Texas A&M’s department of chemical engineering, which now bears his name. His many contributions to Texas A&M are visible throughout the campus and include the McFerrin Indoor Athletic Center and the Cox-McFerrin Basketball Center. McFerrin endowed the Becky Gates Children’s Center, the Marilyn Kent Byrne Student Success Center in the College of Education and Human Development, as well as the Byrne Chair currently held by Dr. Jim Kracht.
He has been part of the Distinguished Visiting Executive Series at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service and in 1998 was named an Outstanding Alumnus of the Department of Chemical Engineering.
Garner echoed the sentiments of Murano and Hornburg and offered his congratulations on behalf of the Aggie Network.
“Each of our 2008 Distinguished Alumni are exemplary role models and truly deserving of the highest honor bestowed upon a former student of Texas A&M University,” Garner said. “Charlie, Doug, Artie and Neal have certainly distinguished themselves in their respective professions and without fail have been lifelong advocates for Texas A&M and Texas Aggies. I am honored to know them.”
The Association of Former Students will further honor Texas A&M University’s 2008 Distinguished Alumni in formal events and ceremonies throughout the year. Recipients will be hosted for dinner by Murano and will be recognized during the May commencement ceremonies. In addition, The Association will honor all recipients of this award during its annual Distinguished Alumni Gala as well as at the Texas A&M vs. Kansas State football game in October.
McFerrin and his wife, Dorothy, have two children, Jeffrey, Class of 1992, and Jennifer.
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