Grogin establishes endowed excellence fund in mechanical engineering

Gerald “Gerry” Grogin ’47 has established the Gerald “Gerry” Grogin ’47 Endowed Excellence Fund in the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University. Distributions from this generous endowment will be used to support mechanical engineering students in the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning organization. 

Grogin was born in Bryan, Texas, in 1926. Having grown up in the town and being around Aggies his entire life, he was inspired to attend Texas A&M and follow in his father’s and uncle’s footsteps.

“I hope and pray that the students who attend this university will love the traditions, the fellowship and the admiration that I have for Texas A&M,” Grogin said. 

Grogin hopes that his gift has a positive impact on the department. “I hope that the students in the organization in which my endowment will support, believe in Texas A&M and will cherish this gift as well as the university as much as I have,” he said. 

Grogin said he has been contemplating giving back to Texas A&M for some time. “I have decided with everything going on in the world to go ahead and give back, while I am still working and not getting any younger,” he said. 

Grogin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and later went on to join Polar Air Corporation in 1971, where he spent most of his career. Polar Air is a heating and air conditioning company located in Houston, and his successful career in this field is what led him to support the students in the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning organization.