Circling around the bonfire with his fellow undergraduates, Wade Cleary ’94 felt much more than the fire's heat. He felt the awe-inspiring power and possibilities that can happen when the Aggie family works together.
The same power is evident to Wade as he witnesses the growth of the Architectural Engineering program in the Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering at Texas A&M University. As the managing principal of Cleary Zimmermann Engineers, LLC, Wade’s values of service, leadership, integrity, and determination are reflected throughout the company. To signify its dedication to training and preparing the next generation of architectural engineers, Cleary Zimmermann Engineers established the Cleary Zimmermann Engineers Endowed Service Scholarship.
Shaped by Aggieland
Wade first chose Texas A&M for its campus culture and the renowned engineering program. Looking back, he could have never predicted just how incredible an impact his choice would have on his career and the person he is today.
“The values of integrity and leadership, embodied in the Aggie Code of Honor, have profoundly shaped my character and served me well throughout my career,” Wade said. “While the education was excellent, the ingrained values were the most impactful aspect of my time at A&M.”
After graduating, Wade has remained connected to A&M by holding Aggie football season tickets for over ten years, returning to campus whenever possible, and becoming the father of two Aggies, Hunter Cleary ’20 and Caitlyn Cleary ’24. Early into his time as a student, Wade joined the student chapter for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), which helped him to narrow his focus and career path before the architectural engineering program existed.
“It’s inspiring to see these programs now exist and to witness the success stories of students who contribute to the industry,” Wade said. “By supporting this pipeline of talented individuals, we can encourage and promote the values and skills that are essential for our field.”
Fortunately, Wade did not have to take on loans during his time at school but understands the effect of financial stress on a student’s education. He hopes his support will help alleviate that burden.
“I chose to establish a gift at Texas A&M as an opportunity to lift up students and help them achieve their dreams,” Wade said.
Wade attributes his career success to his grit and determination. Wade said he was not always the smartest person in the room, but he has always had the grit and fire within him. He’s willing to put in the hard work to do a job to the best of his ability and with integrity.
“The secret to success lies in grit and determination,” Cleary said. “While I didn’t have the grades to get a scholarship, what helped me was my willingness to work hard, which is key to realizing any success.”
Integrity is the Aggie core value that most resonates with Wade today. Wade strives to make every decision with integrity by asking, ‘What’s the right thing to do here?’ Over time, his career has become more about the people, and his ultimate goal is to serve those people well.
“...whether it’s the people inside our doors, our clients, or the up-and-comers. It’s all about interacting with and serving people,” Cleary said.
Through generosity and service, Cleary Zimmermann Engineers will continue to leave a lasting effect on the next generation of Aggie Architectural Engineers and the future of the industry.