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2009 Outstanding Alumni Honored
Sept. 25, 2009
Contact: Bill Gibbs, billgibbs@tamu.edu, 979-777-0171
COLLEGE STATION—Three former students have been named 2009 Outstanding Alumni by Texas A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
The honors will be presented at the 2009 Scholarship Reception, Oct. 15 in the Zone Club on the campus of Texas A&M in College Station.
Edwin L. Bieri graduated from Texas A&M in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. He has spent his career working in production agriculture and land stewardship at Bieri Farms in Angleton. He has been president of the Angleton Chamber of Commerce and a member and president of the Angleton Independent School District school board. He is a supporter of Texas A&M and mentor to many agriculture students. A charter member of the Aggie Club, he is a Platinum 12th Man of the 12th Man Foundation and is a College of Agriculture Development Council member. All four of his grandchildren are Aggies.
Jorge A. Bermudez graduated from Texas A&M in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. He also earned a master’s degree from the university in Agriculture Economics in 1975. Bermudez is the president and CEO of the Byebrook Group, a research and advisory firm in the financial services industry. He is a former CEO of Citigroup Latin America, CEO and president of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America, and CEO and president of Citibank Texas. He is a member of Texas A&M’s International Board, the College of Agriculture Development Council, the Mays Business School Development Council, and the Board of the Association of Former Students. He is also a recipient of the Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry Award in Agricultural Economics.
Melanie A. Turner, Ph.D., earned three degrees from the university—a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1979, a master’s degree in plant protection in 1980 and a doctorate in horticulture in 1984. She is an assistant vice president, financial advisor, and certified financial manager for Merrill Lynch in Plano. She also manages her family’s Pecan Valley Ranch, near Mexia. She was the national chair for planned giving for Texas A&M’s One Spirit, One Vision campaign from 2002 to 2007. She is a member of the College of Agriculture Development Council. She is co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit Purple Balloon Foundation, which helps fund camp experiences for children with special needs.
“We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of these distinguished former students,” said Dr. Mark Hussey, vice chancellor and dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. They have demonstrated excellence in their careers and a life-long commitment to Texas A&M University."
About the college:
With an enrollment of almost 6,700 students in 14 academic departments, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees and has a faculty of nearly 400 members, including two Nobel laureates. Research programs include food sustainability and safety, human and animal health, genetics, renewable natural resources and bioenergy. Mark Hussey is Vice Chancellor and Dean.
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