James C. Jones ’05, a former student in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has established the James C. Jones '05 Study Abroad Scholarship in Engineering. This endowment, gifted through the Texas A&M Foundation, is the second scholarship created by Jones. It will provide one or more scholarships to full-time civil engineering students who participate in a study abroad program through the College of Engineering or another Texas A&M University entity.
A third-generation Aggie civil engineer, Jones followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Truman R. Jones ’43, and father, J.R. Bob Jones ’69.
After graduation, Jones took the opportunity to work abroad in Libya from 2009-10. The experience, he explained, was eye-opening. Applying his engineering knowledge to solve real-world problems overseas gave him the opportunity to experience a new culture, perspective and place.
Since working in Libya he has traveled to 40 countries across the globe – each one broadening his horizons and offering something new.
“I think my time overseas made me a better engineer upon my return to the United States,” he said.
Now he is giving back in order to open the door for students to experience working abroad and reach new heights.
“The civil engineering department has been important to my family, personally and professionally, for years,” he said. “I was inspired at an early age by my father’s example to give back to the university that gave me so much and provide for the next generation of Aggie civil engineers.”