College well represented in
July-Aug. Texas Aggie issue

Professional and academic honors earned by Texas A&M’s College of Architecture former students, faculty and staff are noted throughout the July-August 2011 issue of Texas Aggie, the former student magazine published by The Association of Former Students.

Harold Adams ’61 is on the cover, one of seven Aggies honored as 2011 distinguished alumni by The Association of Former Students.

Within months of graduating, Adams, who holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree, was in Washington D.C. working with president John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy on federal building projects.

He would later lead Baltimore’s RTKL Associates Inc. in its transition from a one-office design firm to a practice with projects in more than 60 countries.

In a feature article, Jim Thompson ’68 talked about his days on campus and how they helped him in his career.

Thompson, who holds a Bachelor of Architectural Construction, served in the U.S. Air Force as an instructor pilot until 1973, then entered the construction field.

He founded James R. Thompson Inc., a business that has expanded to offices in Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston.

The magazine also chronicles Thompson’s and Ron Skaggs’ inductions to the Corps of Cadets’ Hall of Honor.

Skaggs ‘65, chairman emeritus of HKS, Inc., earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1965 and a Master of Architecture degree in 1967.

An American Institute of Architects and American College of Healthcare Architects fellow, he has been actively engaged in the design of more than 650 architectural projects, primarily in the healthcare sector.

Jim Varni, professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, was noted in Texas Aggie as the recipient of a 2011 Distinguished Achievement Award, Texas A&M’s highest professional honor.

Varni was recognized for his research that has helped improve the lives of children with chronic diseases throughout the world.

He developed PedsQL, a quality of life measurement method used worldwide, that can be performed by children as young as five years old with severe chronic conditions such as cerebral palsy and brain tumors.

Ann Eastwood, administrative coordinator at the college’s Office of Academic Affairs, also received a 2011 Distinguished Achievement Award.

“Simply put, Ann is the best,” said Leslie Feigenbaum, assistant dean for academic affairs. “When Ann does things they are all done well, with a touch of personal attention. She does countless special things that no one asks her to do or expects. She just wants everyone to feel special.”

Texas Aggie magazine is free to all active members of The Association of Former Students.

Contact:   Phillip Rollfing, prollfing@archone.tamu.edu or 979.458.0442.