This week’s Bugle Call honors a Texas A&M professor who has selflessly served the university for many years and created opportunities for his students to pursue their passions, while also pursuing his own.
Dr. Alfred Wagner ‘69, “Al” for short, is a legend in the horticulture department here at Texas A&M. In 1969, Wagner received his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M in agricultural education and later returned to Aggieland two times to complete both his master’s and doctorate degrees in food science and technology. For almost forty years, Wagner has worked as a food technology specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
During his time in Aggieland, Wagner was on the Texas A&M rodeo team, representing his university while competing in a sport he loved. In 1997, Wagner got the opportunity to go back to his roots of steer wrestling and bareback riding and volunteered to be the Texas A&M rodeo team coach.
The team receives no money from the university, but after watching him pour his heart and soul into his students, Wagner’s longtime friend Bob Handley ’67 decided to create a $1 million endowment in Wagner’s name, managed by the Texas A&M Foundation. Wagner has been the driving force behind the team’s funds, finding new ways each year to keep the team competing. He’s grown scholarship funds to $2 million endowed annually, worked with countless people and organizations to build support and given his students the opportunity to continue doing what they love to do.
This past year, Wagner was awarded with the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Coach of the Year award, recognizing him for his efforts and dedication to the Texas A&M rodeo team. His passion for Texas A&M and his willingness to serve the university have allowed him to leave a legacy here in Aggieland. The Texas A&M Foundation joins the entire Aggie family in honoring Dr. Al Wagner ‘69…today’s Aggie Bugle Call!
