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Board of Regents approves naming of soil science lab in honor of alumnus

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Schendel Soil Science Lab

Schendel Soil Science Lab

KINGSVILLE (August 11, 2021) — The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents recently approved the naming of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Soils Science Laboratory in honor of the late Clarence F. “Dick” Schendel ’51, ’55. Located within the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Texas A&M-Kingsville, the laboratory is utilized for both teaching and research purposes.

 

Dick Schendel was born Sept. 24, 1924, in Karnes County, and worked his parents’ farm near Runge alongside his nine siblings. This experience, combined with the sudden death of his father in 1939, shaped Schendel’s outlook on agriculture and land stewardship.

 

Upon returning home from his military service during World War II, Schendel was awarded a football scholarship at then-Texas College of Arts and Industries. Paired with his G.I. Bill, this enabled Schendel to ultimately earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education in 1951 and a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Education in 1955.

 

Schendel expressed gratitude for his education in Kingsville and believes it provided him the opportunity for a successful farming and ranching career. After earning his degrees, Schendel returned to Runge to lead a long-time ranching career. He also began his service with the Soil and Water Conservation District in Karnes County. This service led to his membership on the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board where he ultimately earned the title of chair.

 

Bryan and Cindy Schendel Nankervis, Schendel’s daughter and son-in-law, generously provided an endowment to accompany the laboratory naming. This endowment will aid in the diverse needs of the college, to include the maintenance and care of the laboratory, providing student scholarships, and supporting the Texas A&M-Kingsville Soil Judging Team. 

 

“Dick Schendel is already revered in our college, as we have an endowed professorship and scholarship in his name,” stated Dr. Shad Nelson, Dean of the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “He is a wonderful example of a Javelina graduate whose life was committed to public service and devotion to the citizens of Texas. The gracious support provided by the Schendel Family has elevated a renewed enthusiasm for the soils program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.”

 

“We are proud of Cindy and Bryan’s devotion to Mr. Schendel and their desire to honor him once again. They are generous in their philanthropy and we are thankful that Texas A&M University-Kingsville will see Mr. Schendel’s name associated with this important instructional space,” concluded Brad Walker, CEO of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Foundation.

 

If you are interested in establishing an endowment or wish to learn more about how you can impact the lives of current and future Javelinas, please visit our website at www.javelinagiving.org for more information.

 

-TAMUK-

Category: Ag/Env & Wildlife Sci , General Univ

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