COLLEGE STATION – John Giesenschlag, Steve LaMantia, and Kenneth Hogan were recently inducted into the Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry in the Texas A&M University department of agricultural economics.

The registry was established in 1997 to recognize and honor graduates of the department of agricultural economics who have distinguished themselves in meritorious ways in their chosen fields. Inductees are nominated by their peers as representing the highest standards of integrity and character, according to the award committee.

The Honor Registry is named after Tyrus R. Timm, who led the department for 20 years during its rise to prominence in teaching, research, and extension. Timm was a 1934 graduate of the department in agricultural administration.

“We are extremely pleased to honor these former students who have not only excelled professionally, but have exhibited leadership and outstanding achievement in both business and local communities,” said Dr. Parr Rosson, department head. “They exemplify what this registry is all about and reflect the core values of Texas A&M: excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service.” 

Giesenschlag, of Snook, a 1977 graduate, received his honorary pin from fellow Tyrus R. Timm member John Miller, owner of Southwest Ag Consulting in Caldwell, at the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce 2017 Ag Breakfast.

John Giesenschlag was recently inducted into the Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry in the Texas A&M University department of agricultural economics. Also pictured is John Miller, owner of Southwest Ag Consulting in Caldwell, Mark Waller, program leader for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agricultural economcis, Dr. Larry Boleman, associate vice chancellor for Texas A&M AgriLife, Dr. Mark Hussey, vice chancellor of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M, and John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.

Giesenschlag, a fifth-generation farmer in the Brazos Valley, is committed to being a voice for agriculture by speaking to classes in area high schools and holding positions on several community-related boards. He also partners with Texas A&M AgriLife to advance research, including designating 100 acres of his land for research with seed development company ADVANTA, and to strengthen leadership in the agriculture sector by hosting members of Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership program.

LaMantia, of Laredo, a 1981 graduate, was recognized by Steve Cooper, a 1978 graduate, also a fellow Tyrus R. Timm member, during a board meeting of the Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University. LaMantia, along with his family, friends and business associates, established South Texas Academic Rising Scholars, also known as STARS, which has provided scholarships to more than 12,500 students from South and West Texas. In addition to serving on the board of the Association of Former Students, he is a member of the Texas A&M 12th Man Foundation. Currently, LaMantia is vice president and general manager of L&F Distributors, with eight distribution warehouses serving 35 counties throughout Texas and New Mexico. According to his nomination, LaMantia has been recognized throughout the Rio Grande Valley for service to the business sector and to the community, particularly with youth.

Steve LaMantia was recently inducted into the Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry in the Texas A&M University department of agricultural economics. Also pictured is Steve Cooper, 1978 graduate of agricultural economics, and Dr. Ed Rister, associate department head of agricultural economics. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo)

Hogan, of Houston, a 1998 graduate, was recently inducted during a Texas A&M campus ceremony.

Hogan is the head of Foreign Exchange for Cadence Bank, where he has arranged $4 billion in daily market liquidity. He is involved with several Texas A&M activities, including supporting the Corps of Cadets and providing “Professor-for-the-Day” discussions with agricultural economics classes. Hogan was previously recognized by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 2014 as recipient of the Outstanding Early Career Alumni Award.

“The Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry is more than 100 members strong,” said Dr. Ed Rister, associate department head of agricultural economics. “Students graduate with their degrees in agricultural economics or agribusiness and then move forward in their careers, leaving their marks in their chosen fields and in their communities. The Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry distinguishes our alumni who are recognized by their peers as having the highest standards and for reflecting Aggie values.”

For more information about the Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry and its honorees, visit the website at http://tyrustimmregistry.org/.