Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Battalion Admin Richard Kardys, former student and president of The Association of Former Students was appointed to the Board of Trustees. [Click to enlarge]

Richard Kardys may have degrees from both Texas A&M and the University of Texas, but his allegiance was clearly with the former as he was inducted into the A&M Foundation Board of Trustees in July.

Kardys graduated from A&M in 1967. He majored in government and minored in economics.  After graduating, he studied at the University of Texas Law School, where he graduated in 1970.  Two weeks after his graduation, he joined the Air Force and served as a JAG officer during the Vietnam War.  He left the Air Force after six years and began working at Frost Bank in 1976, where he continues to work.

While at A&M, Kardys was in the Corps of Cadets. He participated in Ross Volunteers and was Squadron Commander.

Kardys has been giving back to A&M since he left.  He is a past president of The Association of Former Students and was nominated for a position on the Board of Trustees by The Association.  

His experience both at Frost Bank and the Association of Former Students made him an ideal candidate. There were more character qualities, however, that played a crucial role in the selection process.

"Richard's experience as manager of the trust, brokerage, and insurance operations of Frost Bank will be extremely valuable to the Texas A&M Foundation and our former students," Ed Davis, president of the Texas A&M Foundation, said.  "His devotion and loyalty to Texas A&M is tied to a greater vision of advancing mankind."

"If there was any other opportunity [to encourage former students], it would be to help more Aggies just understand the importance of giving back, not just because it's an obligation, which many of us feel, of course, but more importantly, it's just the way Texas A&M can just help the world and humanity," Kardys said.

Kardys had the unique experience of being a student at rival schools A&M and the University of Texas, and being a leader at A&M. These times gave him the opportunity to compare different colleges.

"At so many other schools, including UT, the unification point would be about being in a particular fraternity or sorority or a particular student organization," Kardys said. "At A&M, people are Aggies first, and then they're part of other organizations. And that's true whether you're a member of a fraternity or the Corps-you're Aggies first."

Now that he is on the Board of Trustees, Kardys' role will be to get investments and returns for the University and raise more money to help A&M and its students. With this money, A&M can continue contributing the knowledge of its students and faculty to the world.

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