Heston McBride '43 Endowed Memorial Scholarship in Animal Science established at Texas A&M
Contact(s): Lee Ann Knox, 979-847-9314, l-knox@tamu.edu
This gift will provide one or more scholarships to full-time students in good standing in the department of animal science in Texas A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
“There is just no way we could successfully compete with other universities to recruit top students without scholarships,” said Dr. Gary Acuff, head of the animal science department. “The benefit of this kind of support to the success of our academic program is beyond measure.”
“Jane McBride Martindale, Heston's daughter, is one of my dearest friends, and I wanted to honor this excellent man who left such a wonderful legacy in his family and in his work,” Crouch said. “Heston was a strong supporter of Texas A&M and encouraged many young people to attend Texas A&M to further their education. This scholarship will enable some fortunate person to do that.”
McBride was from the Texas towns of Blanket and Llano. At age 12, after exhibiting his first 4-H steer, he developed an interest in animal science that led him to a college education and a lifelong career in livestock breeding.
While a young member of FFA, McBride earned a Texas Star Farmer degree and was a member of the champion Chapter Conducting Team. He spent 10 years in 4-H and FFA, winning the Brown County steer show seven times. After high school graduation, McBride attended Tarleton State University, where he was a member of the livestock judging team. In 1940, he won first place at the Fort Worth Livestock Show and was the high-point male in beef cattle judging.
McBride graduated with a bachelor's degree in animal science and a master's degree in animal nutrition in 1943 after only three years at Texas A&M.
He was a member of several national registries, including the American Hereford Association and the American Maine-Anjou Association. He bred and showed numerous champion show animals at major livestock shows across the United States, including more than 15 grand champion steers between 1957 and 1970.
“Heston McBride inspired his children along with scores of other youngsters to pursue a competitive, hard-working and often rewarding career in the cattle/agriculture industry,” Gerald “Geep” McBride, Heston McBride’s son, said. “He mentored many, gave generously of his time and was respected throughout his long life.”
McBride passed away in Brown County on Oct. 20, 2005. Family members – Heston McBride Jr., Dan McBride, Gerald McBride and Martindale – said they hope the recipients of the scholarships will be inspired by McBride's example and obtain an education at Texas A&M.
For more information about this endowment, contact Lee Ann Knox, Texas A&M Foundation, 979-847-9314, l-knox@tamu.edu.
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