Craig Brown ‘75, former student of the Zachry Department of Civil Engineering, has been awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Texas A&M University Association of Former Students. Brown is the cofounder, chairman and CEO of Bray International, Inc.
In his time at Texas A&M, Brown was an outstanding student. He graduated summa cum laude and was awarded the Texas A&M College of Engineering Outstanding Senior Engineer Award in 1975, and completed his MBA from the Mays Business School in 1977 in accounting. He attributes his current success to the support surrounding him throughout his life and career.
“This award means many people invested in and mentored me,” said Brown. “Awards always reflect the success of many, not one. I had parents that were great role models, and have a wonderful and supportive wife and family, and many friends, professors, coaches, etc. who supported me.”
In addition to academics, Brown was a member of the Corps of Cadets, Ross Volunteers, vice president of the Student Engineer’s Council and lettered in track. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi, Chi Epsilon and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies. As a cadet in the Corps, he received the United States Army ROTC Superior Cadet Award.
He is passionate about the strong need for civil engineers now and in the future.
“Civil engineers are a basic fabric of society whether in buildings, environment, water, fluid controls, soil mechanics and so on.” said Brown. “Dream big, be innovative and invest in those around you. The greatest impact you will ever achieve is the selfless service you give to others.”
Brown was named 2006 Outstanding Alumnus of the college of engineering, 2012 Outstanding Alumnus of Mays Business School and was inducted into the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor in 2017. Brown serves on the College of Engineering Advisory Council and Honors Board, and on the President’s Board of Visitors. Through the Craig and Galen Brown Foundation, more than 250 National Merit Scholars have attended Texas A&M on scholarship, including many leaders in the Corps representing more than 175 engineers and 35 doctors/veterinarians. The Foundation gives scholarships annually to all College of Engineering Outstanding Senior Engineer recipients.
Since the inception of the award in 1962, only 271 of Texas A&M’s 469,000 former students have been recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Awarded jointly by the university and The Association, this honor recognizes those Aggies who have achieved excellence in their chosen professions and made meaningful contributions to Texas A&M University and their local communities.
The Association of Former Students will further honor all recipients of this award during its annual Distinguished Alumni Gala on Sept. 29. In addition, the 2017 recipients will be recognized during the Sept. 30 Texas A&M football game against South Carolina. Click here to view all of the 2017 recipients.