Bill Peel

The following idea was presented to the Texas A&M University, College of Architecture) for consideration. Texas A&M has a highly loyal and engaged alumni, as is evidenced by the high levels of financial support to the University and the individual colleges.  Former Students give generously of their time as well, returning to the University to lecture, critique student work, and serve on a range of advisory councils. The common denominator in this dedication is far more than philanthropy; it is a fervent commitment to enhancing the depth, breadth, and quality of the educational experience and the students’ return on their academic investment.  There is an even greater under-tapped resource in this dedicated alumni base – the fervent desire to share their experiences and expertise as they make the shift from success to significance at the apex of their careers.  This premise has prompted the idea of developing an innovative forum where F...

There is no greater honor than being asked to write a eulogy.  Following is one that I wrote for my dear friend, and client, Blake Tartt, III, to deliver at the funeral of his dear friend, John Henry Kirby.  Blake was masterful in telling the story of his friendship with John Henry and bringing a celebration of life to the tribute to John Henry's life. From its earliest days, Kinkaid emphasized academic achievement and  character  development.  And, boy was John Kirby ever a character.  He loved people and most notably his Kinkaid friends.  And, I loved John Kirby.   He was like classic vinyl - old school music – Journey, Boston, Bachman Turner Overdrive, the Eagles, and like Neil Young said, John had “a heart of gold.”   John affectionately referred to the girls by their first name but us guys were always known by our last name.  To John I was BT3 and he was John Henry.  He was my fi...

Becoming an Eagle Scout is a milestone to which many young men aspire, but few achieve.  It is certainly a memory that has lasted a lifetime for me. I fondly remember my days at Highland Heights Methodist Church and my experiences as a member of Pack, Troop and Explorer Post 93, all sponsored by the church.  Friendships made during those formative years are still alive today, and the life lessons learned through Scouting have been a profound influence on my personal and professional life. My first “real” job came as a result of being an Eagle Scout.  As a college student with few credentials to put on my resume, I fell back on my Scouting achievements (Eagle, God & Country, Order of the Arrow) to enhance my qualifications.  Applying for a highly competitive Graduate Assistantship at Texas A&M University, I needed a resume that would differentiate me from “the crowd”. Little did I know that the individual making the selection ...