The Zachry Department of Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University recently recognized the 2014 recipients of the department’s Distinguished Graduate Award. The award was established to recognize and honor former students who have excelled in the civil engineering profession, highlighting their significant contributions and achievements.
This year’s recipients were John Barton ’86, Gene Birdwell ’59, Jimmie Bratton ’63, and Paul Redmon ’76.
Barton currently serves as the deputy executive director for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Barton, who has worked for TxDOT since graduation, has been in various TxDOT offices across the state managing numerous projects.
Birdwell is founder and CEO of G.R. Birdwell Construction in Houston. Birdwell has over 52 years of experience in the construction field, including service in the military prior to opening his company.
Bratton is chairman emeritus of Applied Research Associates (ARA) of New Mexico. Bratton co-founded ARA after serving in the Air Force Weapons Laboratory.
Redmon co-founded Mustang Engineering where he served as president, CEO, and chairman for 20 years. Redmon began working in the oil and gas industry for an offshore engineering firm upon graduation.
The department also presented the Distinguished Graduate Legacy Award to the family of H.B. “Pat” Zachry, class of 1922. The award was created to honor remarkable individuals whose life-long contributions and service have had immeasurable influence on the civil engineering profession, society, and the department.
Zachry founded his own company in 1924 and grew it into a multi-million dollar worldwide construction operation. He left a legacy of professional excellence, dedication to Texas A&M and higher education, an ethic of “giving back”, and a lineage of leaders.
“There have been so many graduates from the civil engineering program that have achieved impressive professional success and demonstrated outstanding service," said Dr. Robin Autenrieth, head of the department. "Selecting a few individuals each year to honor as distinguished graduates is challenging, but the five recognized this year are stellar role models for our current students."
David Zachry '85, Robin Autenrieth, and Bartell Zachry '54 pictured above.