Texas A&M and The Association of Former Students announces the 2025 class of distinguished alumni.
Four of the 12 inductees are from Bryan…lawyers Scott Taylor and Bill Youngkin and businessowners Stephen Vincent and James Wilson Jr.
This year’s class also includes retired NFL quarterback and head coach Gary Kubiak and the founder of Buc-ee’s convenience stores Arch Aplin III.
The group will be honored the first weekend in October during events in College Station.
News release from the Texas A&M Association of Former Students:
Twelve Aggies have been selected as the 2025 recipients of the highest honor bestowed upon a former student of Texas A&M University, the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Texas A&M University and The Association of Former Students are proud to welcome as Distinguished Alumni:
• J. Mike Walker ’66 – Houston, Texas
• M. Leroy “Shafe” Shafer ’67 – Houston, Texas
• M. Scott Taylor ’69 – Bryan, Texas
• Bill J. Youngkin ’69 – Bryan, Texas
• Stephen H. Vincent ’73 – Bryan, Texas
• John E. Ball, Col. USAF (Ret.) ’78 – Helotes, Texas
• Arch “Beaver” Aplin III ’80 – Lake Jackson, Texas
• Cydney C. Donnell ’81 – Fredericksburg, Texas
• James Patrick Wilson, Jr. ’81 – Bryan, Texas
• Linda (Peckham) LaMantia ’82 – Laredo, Texas
• Gary W. Kubiak ’83 – Plantersville, Texas
• John B. Zachry ’84 – San Antonio, Texas
Since the inception of the award in 1962, only 354 of Texas A&M’s more than 604,000 former students have been recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Awarded jointly by Texas A&M and The Association of Former Students, this honor recognizes those Aggies who have achieved excellence in their chosen professions and made meaningful contributions to Texas A&M University and their local communities.
Texas A&M University’s president, Gen. (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III said, “When students leave Texas A&M, they hit the ground running in their quest to make this world a better place, while serving as ambassadors for this great university. They also exemplify the Aggie Spirit and our Core Values in all that they do and make us proud each and every day. But some go above and beyond, serving as life-long, shining examples of everything that Texas A&M represents. I’m delighted to congratulate this year’s group of Distinguished Alumni on their well-deserved recognition. They are the true embodiment of what it means to be an Aggie.”
Jeff Steen ’80, The Association’s 2025 Chair of the Board of Directors, said, “The 2025 Distinguished Alumni join an esteemed group of former students whose enduring impact on their communities and professions make the Aggie Network proud. These 12 outstanding former students embody the core values of Texas A&M, and I am honored to congratulate each on this well-deserved recognition.”
Association President and CEO Porter Garner ’79 echoed their sentiments and offered his congratulations on behalf of The Association: “It brings me great pride to recognize remarkable Aggies through the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a former student of Texas A&M. The 2025 Distinguished Alumni join a noble cohort of Aggies — only 354 of Texas A&M’s more than 600,000 former students — who represent the very best of our worldwide Aggie Network.”
The Association of Former Students will further honor all recipients of this award during its annual Distinguished Alumni Gala on Oct. 3. In addition, the recipients will be recognized during the Oct. 4 Texas A&M football game against Mississippi State.
The submission deadline for those who will be honored in 2026 is Aug. 30, 2025. Visit tx.ag/DAnominations. Once submitted, a nomination remains eligible for five years.
The Association of Former Students, established in 1879, is the official alumni organization of Texas A&M University. The Association connects hundreds of thousands of members of the worldwide Aggie Network with each other and the university, and provided $16.1 million in impact to university scholarships, awards, traditions and student activities and recognition for students, faculty, staff and former students in 2024. For more information, visit www.AggieNetwork.com.
The 2025 Distinguished Alumni of Texas A&M University
J. Mike Walker ’66
Walker earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M and co-founded Dril-Quip, a global leader in offshore drilling. A generous benefactor to his alma mater, he named the mechanical engineering department with a transformative gift and supported countless students through mentorship, teaching and philanthropy.
M. Leroy “Shafe” Shafer ’67
After earning a degree in agricultural journalism from Texas A&M University, Shafer became a decorated U.S. Army helicopter pilot. He then led the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s growth into the largest event of its kind, raising a monumental amount in youth scholarships and setting industry standards in entertainment, education and community leadership.
M. Scott Taylor ’69
After earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Texas A&M University, Taylor served as a captain in the U.S. Army and built a distinguished legal career. A lifelong supporter of his alma mater, he received the 12th Man of the Year Award from the 12th Man Foundation Board, where he also previously served as chair.
Bill J. Youngkin ’69
After earning a bachelor’s in agricultural education from Texas A&M University, Youngkin served in the U.S. Army. The former head yell leader and Corps of Cadets member built a distinguished legal career and has continued decades of dedicated leadership and service to Texas A&M.
Stephen H. Vincent ’73
Vincent earned a bachelor’s in engineering technology from Texas A&M University. He was a principal at Priester Supply, which served electric utilities. After retiring, Vincent founded Power From the SON, providing electrical solutions in developing countries. He serves on the boards of the Higher Education Servicing Corp. and the local Salvation Army.
John E. Ball, Col. USAF (Ret.) ’78
After earning a bachelor’s in psychology from Texas A&M University, Ball served 26 years in the U.S. Air Force, flying over 5,200 hours. He has walked over 6,300 unassisted miles across America, Europe and Australia to raise funds for The Walking Aggie Endowed Aggie Ring Scholarship.
Arch “Beaver” Aplin III ’80
After earning his degree in construction science from Texas A&M University, he founded the first Buc-ee’s in 1982 and grew it into a nationally renowned chain of destination travel centers. He is recognized for his entrepreneurial vision and service. Aplin made a gift to establish the Aplin Center at Texas A&M.
Cydney C. Donnell ’81
After earning a bachelor’s in finance from Texas A&M University, Donnell developed a career in commercial real estate and directed Texas A&M’s Master of Real Estate Program. Now retired, she remains committed to higher education and public service. She was honored as a 2017 Outstanding Alumnus of Mays Business School.
James Patrick Wilson, Jr. ’81
A certified public accountant and private equity investor, Wilson co-founded RSTW Partners and helped manage over $800 million in assets. He served as vice chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents and actively supports numerous Aggie initiatives.
Linda Peckham LaMantia ’82
After earning a bachelor’s in business from Texas A&M University, LaMantia became an artist and community leader. She has chaired the Texas Cultural Trust Board and helped to award $40 million in STARS Scholarships. She serves on the board of the A&M PAC and on the DDC of the Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts College.
Gary W. Kubiak ’83
After earning a bachelor’s in physical education from Texas A&M University, Kubiak played nine seasons as an NFL quarterback before a 29-year coaching career. He has participated in seven Super Bowls, resulting in four world championships — one as head coach of the 2015 Denver Broncos, the first Aggie to earn the distinction.
John B. Zachry ’84
After earning a bachelor’s in civil engineering from Texas A&M University, Zachry has served as chairman and CEO of Zachry Group, leading the global engineering enterprise. A dedicated civic and university leader, he generously funded the Zachry Engineering Education Complex and supports many community and industry organizations.