TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY REGENT DONALD E. POWELL TO ADDRESS A&M-KINGSVILLE DECEMBER GRADUATES

(KINGSVILLE, December 13, 1996) -- Donald E. Powell, member of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, will address the graduating class of Texas A&M University-Kingsville on Friday, Dec. 13, in two separate commencement ceremonies held at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Steinke Physical Education Center at 910 W. Avenue B in Kingsville.

This marks the first time A&M-Kingsville has had more than one commencement ceremony. Large graduating classes combined with a slightly smaller seating capacity in Steinke Physical Education Center after its renovation resulted in the change.

"Commencement is an important event for the families of our graduates and we want to ensure a seat for everyone who wishes to attend," said Executive Director of External Affairs Ron Hamm. "We will hold two ceremonies whenever the number of candidates exceeds 350."

The 424 prospective candidates for diplomas include 287 candidates for bachelor's degrees, 135 candidates for master's degrees and three for doctorates (one awarded jointly with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi).

Powell obtained a bachelor of science degree in economics in 1963 from West Texas State University. He also graduated from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.

In 1971, he began his career at Boatmen's First National Bank of Amarillo as the bank's assistant vice president. He was promoted to the offices of vice president, senior vice president and executive vice president, president and chief banking officer. In 1987, he was promoted to chairman of the board and chief executive officer.

Powell also serves on several boards, including the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, Amarillo Area Foundation, Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation, West Texas State University Foundation, Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, Franklin Lindsay

Student Aid Fund, Texas Cattle Feeders Association and the Mary E. Bivins Foundation.

Following Powell's address during the 4 p.m. ceremony, A&M-Kingsville President Dr. Manuel L. Ibáñez will confer the degrees on graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education and the College of Engineering; and will recognize retiring faculty members Dr. Thomas Clinton, Dr. Gunter Mende and Dr. John Weber; and faculty emeriti Dr. Jerry Bogener, Dr. Randall J. Buchanan, Dr. Virgil Kowalik and Dr. Thomas Pierson.

Also recognized at this time will be recipients of the Distinguished Student Award and United States Army commissionee.

Jozannah Quintanilla, president of the Student Government Association, will present Distinguished Student Awards to Lorraine M. Castilla of San Antonio, College of Education; LaTosha Lynn Perez of Alice, College of Business Administration; Frances E. Bretz of Kingsville, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences; Nancy D. Leal of Kingsville, College of Engineering; and Keith Hackfeld of Orange Grove, College of Arts and Sciences.

Following the presentation of awards and conferring of degrees, Lt. Col. Renard Barone will commission ROTC cadet Marcos Ulises Alaniz, Distinguished Military Graduate, of Los Angeles, Calif.

Graduates from the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, the College of Business Administration and the College of Graduate Studies will receive their diplomas from Ibáñez during the 7 p.m. ceremony.

-TAMUK-
- Tanisha Gerwick