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Thomas W. Powell Makes $1 Million Dollar Endowment Gift to
Texas A&M University at Galveston

GALVESTON, TEXAS – Thomas W. Powell has established the Thomas W. Powell ‘62 Chair in Engineering and Technology. This $1 million endowment will fund teaching, research, service, and professional development activities in marine engineering technology.

“I have always enjoyed the sea. As a youngster we spent a lot of time catching sand crabs and looking for seashells in the surf. Today I love living on Tiki island and spending my free time fishing. I truly believe this campus is the window to the sea for College Station,” said Powell.

Powell, in addition to being a 1962 Texas A&M University graduate, is a long-time friend of the university. He served on the TAMUG Board of Visitors from 1991 to 2001, including time as the Chairman.

“When I was on the Board of Visitors, I met really talented students who were exploring their options for working offshore. Whether they were studying how to build a better bulkhead, transportation, oil exploration, or food processing they were engrossed in learning. I got know a a group of students who built a submarine for a competition, and I came to be passionate about Texas A&M University at Galveston.”

 “The generosity of individuals, like Mr. Powell, makes it possible for us to attract and retain the very best faculty members who conduct research critical to our region and provide education important to our students and community,” said Dr. R. Bowen Loftin, vice president and chief executive officer of TAMUG.

About Thomas W. Powell ‘62

After earning his degree in mathematics from Texas A&M University Powell worked at the Westinghouse Electric Corporation for two years. He then returned to the family business - Powell Electrical Manufacturing Company.

While there he founded two corporations, Diversified Power Systems and Raintight Corporation, which were merged into Powell Industries, Inc. in 1984. Since that time he has served as the chairman, president and chief executive officer for Powell Industries, Inc. Powell Electrical Manufacturing Company is a publicly traded corporation.

Powell is an active community and civic leader, serving on a number of boards and committees.

Powell and his wife, Therese, reside on Tiki Island.

About the Marine Engineering Technology Program

The Marine Engineering Technology Program provides an interdisciplinary education in marine propulsion and maritime-related engineering. The curriculum is a blend of marine power systems and applied mechanical engineering for the marine industry. The program focuses on topics such as power cycles, principles and methods used to convert available energy into useful power, selection and operation of major components of power-related machinery, and support systems for the power cycle.

Basic courses are supplemented with studies in naval architecture, marine applications of electrical engineering and thermodynamics. The educational program is enhanced through the use of computer simulation of propulsion plants and direct operation of machinery on board the University’s training ship, the USTS TEXAS CLIPPER.