Rudy Dismuke was a first-generation Aggie and attended Texas A&M University to study chemical engineering as a proud member of the class of 1978. Throughout his time at Texas A&M, he was inspired by his parents and several professors who helped him on his journey to a successful career in chemical engineering. The impact of these mentors led him to establish nine scholarships in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering.
“I want to help inspire future chemical engineers, especially first-generation, low-income or ethnically diverse students,” Dismuke said. “My father was in the Army and never made a lot of money. However, my mom and dad fully understood the importance of an education and made the financial commitment to get all three sons a college education.”
It was the generosity of his parents and professors that inspired him and his wife, Susanne Dismuke, to establish the Chieko and W.T. Dismuke Scholarship in the chemical engineering department to assist students from lower-income families in receiving an education. Since the passing of his mother, Chieko Dismuke, Rudy has established five scholarships in her name, including this one that also honors his father, W.T. Dismuke.
“I recall as a four or five-year-old, my mom spent a lot of time teaching me math,” said Dismuke. “This skill enabled me to become an engineer.”
While his foundation of becoming an engineer was set up by his parents at an early age, Dismuke also credits many of his professors with helping him become the first college graduate in his family. Some of those professors were Dr. Charles Holland, Dr. Rayford Anthony, Dr. Ron Darby and Dr. Kenneth Hall. Rudy and Susanne have also established four scholarships honoring these professors.
“Over the years, I have recognized several key professors with endowed scholarships because they helped me attain the knowledge that allowed me to succeed in the oil business,” said Dismuke.
His father is a 93-year-old World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veteran and was honored to have a scholarship in his name.
“I showed him the scholarship agreement, and he was very proud to have his name and my mother's name on an endowed scholarship. Because the scholarship is endowed, I told him that this scholarship will financially help students forever,” Dismuke said. “He was pleased, and I cannot wait to send him the thank you notes from students.”
Dismuke’s impactful experience has led him to continue giving back to the Aggie engineering family and inspiring the future of chemical engineers.