Stewarts further family legacy in sustainable engineering

The Stewart family’s Aggie legacy began with J.C. Stewart. He served in the United States Air Force for three years before arriving at Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in electrical engineering, where he graduated in 1953. While studying for his degree, J.C. was actively involved in the Corps of Cadets. 

During his career, he worked for Western Electric, AT&T and Lucent Technologies. He also founded Competitive Communications Systems Inc., which primarily focused on installing telecommunications. In retirement, J.C. served as a life member president of the Telephone Pioneers of America, donating his time to volunteering for the non-profit’s various aid programs that serve the underprivileged. 

J.C. and his wife, Joyce, had two sons who attended Texas A&M, Brian and Mark Stewart. Brian graduated with a civil engineering degree in 1981 and had a successful career working for the Army Corps of Engineers and the Union Pacific Railroad. He followed in his father’s footsteps by founding his own company specializing in security matters for the ports along the Gulf of Mexico. 

Mark graduated with a degree in environmental design in 1980. Two years later, he walked the stage again to receive his master’s degree in architectural design. Like J.C., he also served in the United States Army and is now retired.

After the passing of his father, J.C., and his brother, Brian, Mark and his wife, Marcia, were moved to endow two scholarships — the J.C. Stewart '53 Endowed Scholarship in Electrical Engineering and the Brian Duncan Stewart '81 Endowed Scholarship in Civil Engineering. To honor J.C. and Brian’s values, Mark and Marcia specified that these scholarships be awarded to students who are studying engineering and demonstrate interest in creating a sustainable future. The Stewart family legacy will live on at Texas A&M through the scholarship recipients and their dedication to creating a better tomorrow.