Former Texas A&M University civil engineering students, Melissa M. ’81 and Randall F. Ramey ’81 |
Image: Courtesy of Melissa and Randall Ramey
Melissa and Randall Ramey have generously established the Melissa M. ’81 and Randall F. Ramey ’81 Endowed Scholarship. Distributions from this endowment will provide a scholarship to a full-time student in good standing pursuing an undergraduate degree in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M University.
Melissa grew up spending time with her father in his shop, working on cars and other hobbies together. Her father worked in water quality control focusing on protecting the environment. Inspired by his career and his do-it-yourself mentality, Melissa decided to pursue a degree in civil engineering with a focus on environmental engineering. When discussing college options with her father, his preference was clear. “He advised me that a degree from A&M would open doors to many opportunities,” she said.
Randall planned on visiting several schools for engineering, but felt an instant connection with Texas A&M. “I stopped in College Station first and did not have to travel any further because this school was the perfect fit for me,” he said. It was here that he and Melissa met while pursuing their degrees in civil engineering.
When it came time to apply for jobs, Randall was encouraged by a professor to consider applying for integrated oil companies. Inspired by the story of Bill Haynes, an Aggie civil engineer who was at that time the CEO of Chevron, Randall broadened his career opportunities by applying to oil companies. He was offered a position with Chevron and enjoyed a career with the company that lasted over 38 years.
Texas A&M provided the Rameys with a robust network that allowed for their successful adjustment from college to their careers. “Texas A&M excels in developing students with the type of background needed to succeed as they transition to their professional careers,” they said.
The educational opportunities the Rameys experienced helped prepare them for their professional careers in ways that not every school does. “Through our careers, we have had the opportunity to interact with young professionals from several different universities,” they said. “We’ve seen how important it is to have a solid background supporting the transition into the workplace.”
The Rameys established the endowment with a desire to provide more students with the financial assistance needed to receive the well-rounded education that the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers. “We wanted to target an endowment to help future Aggie civil engineers be successful in their life pursuits and impacts on society,” they said. They also hope their contribution will help to expand diversity within the field of engineering.
Randall and Melissa have three children, Perry, Morgan and Madeline. Their daughters Morgan and Madeline both followed in their parents’ footsteps and attended Texas A&M. “Through our children, we continued to see the importance of pursuing a secondary education through universities that invest in the students,” they said.
Madeline graduated with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering in 2016. “We are thankful to Texas A&M for the support and contributions that enabled Madeline to pursue her civil engineering degree and successfully transition into the workplace,” they said.
Randall and Melissa are now retired and living in The Woodlands, Texas. They enjoy spending time with their four grandchildren, who they hope will become Aggies as well. “Attending and graduating from Texas A&M is one of the most important decisions we made, and we will reap the benefits for the rest of our lives,” they said.
Melissa grew up spending time with her father in his shop, working on cars and other hobbies together. Her father worked in water quality control focusing on protecting the environment. Inspired by his career and his do-it-yourself mentality, Melissa decided to pursue a degree in civil engineering with a focus on environmental engineering. When discussing college options with her father, his preference was clear. “He advised me that a degree from A&M would open doors to many opportunities,” she said.
Randall planned on visiting several schools for engineering, but felt an instant connection with Texas A&M. “I stopped in College Station first and did not have to travel any further because this school was the perfect fit for me,” he said. It was here that he and Melissa met while pursuing their degrees in civil engineering.
When it came time to apply for jobs, Randall was encouraged by a professor to consider applying for integrated oil companies. Inspired by the story of Bill Haynes, an Aggie civil engineer who was at that time the CEO of Chevron, Randall broadened his career opportunities by applying to oil companies. He was offered a position with Chevron and enjoyed a career with the company that lasted over 38 years.
Texas A&M provided the Rameys with a robust network that allowed for their successful adjustment from college to their careers. “Texas A&M excels in developing students with the type of background needed to succeed as they transition to their professional careers,” they said.
The educational opportunities the Rameys experienced helped prepare them for their professional careers in ways that not every school does. “Through our careers, we have had the opportunity to interact with young professionals from several different universities,” they said. “We’ve seen how important it is to have a solid background supporting the transition into the workplace.”
The Rameys established the endowment with a desire to provide more students with the financial assistance needed to receive the well-rounded education that the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers. “We wanted to target an endowment to help future Aggie civil engineers be successful in their life pursuits and impacts on society,” they said. They also hope their contribution will help to expand diversity within the field of engineering.
Randall and Melissa have three children, Perry, Morgan and Madeline. Their daughters Morgan and Madeline both followed in their parents’ footsteps and attended Texas A&M. “Through our children, we continued to see the importance of pursuing a secondary education through universities that invest in the students,” they said.
Madeline graduated with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering in 2016. “We are thankful to Texas A&M for the support and contributions that enabled Madeline to pursue her civil engineering degree and successfully transition into the workplace,” they said.
Randall and Melissa are now retired and living in The Woodlands, Texas. They enjoy spending time with their four grandchildren, who they hope will become Aggies as well. “Attending and graduating from Texas A&M is one of the most important decisions we made, and we will reap the benefits for the rest of our lives,” they said.
Giving with a Purpose
The College of Engineering is one of the leading engineering programs in the United States, ranking first in undergraduate enrollment and ninth in graduate enrollment. Endowments supporting the students in the college have an immeasurable impact on their education. If you are interested in supporting the College of Engineering and its departments or would like more information on how you can give, please contact True Brown, senior director of development.