In the choice of where to further his education, Texas A&M University seemed like the perfect match for Dr. W. Bryan ’86. However, his high school sweetheart, Stephanie L. Bell ’87 intended to attend another university down the road.
Bryan was drawn to Texas A&M with its proximity to home and the renowned College of Engineering. While visiting Bryan, Stephanie was captivated by the spirit and rich traditions of Texas A&M and she immediately knew that Aggieland was home.
Over 40 years later, their shared love for each other and Texas A&M eventually cultivated the creation of the Dr. W. Bryan ’86 and Stephanie L. Bell ’87 Endowed Scholarship.
The Perfect Match
Immersed in the Aggie Spirit, Bryan and Stephanie both participated in student organizations. Bryan was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, where Stephanie was selected to join as a Golden Heart, providing support for the members of the fraternity. Stephanie welcomed incoming Aggies as a Fish Camp counselor, sharing the traditions that once captivated her and continue to do so. While enrolled, they created lifelong memories and friendships.
“Work hard and enjoy this time of your life! There are so many great experiences that are unique to your college years,” Stephanie said.
The Bells legacy of finding love at Texas A&M did not stop after them. One of their four children, Melanie Bell ’17, met her fiancé, Dr. Cole Reynolds ’18, while at Texas A&M together.
A Commitment to Education
Bryan has over 35 years of experience with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. He is currently a Senior Tech Fellow with the Skunk Works division, where he designs the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world.
What keeps Bryan going is the constant development of new technologies, saying “What intrigues me most is the enormous breadth and depth of limitless possibilities of technology that must be addressed and continuously refreshed with young, eager minds.”
Bryan holds several positions that allow him to share his personal and professional experiences and shape the young minds that will become the future of engineering. He serves on the Texas A&M Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Advisory and Development Council and the University of Texas at El Paso Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Industry Advisory Council. He also chairs the University of Texas at Arlington Electrical Engineering Industry Advisory Council. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor at the College of Engineering at Texas Christian University.
Stephanie is a retired teacher, where she spent many years leading and inspiring the next generation, similar to her role acclimating incoming freshmen at A&M.
Wanting to give back to the University that they both love, the Bells created the Dr. W. Bryan ’86 and Stephanie L. Bell ’87 Endowed Scholarship. Bryan is grateful to support the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, which laid the foundation of his storied career.
“I felt that I should give back to the institution that helped me launch my Engineering career and hoped to help others do the same,” Bryan said.
Knowing that getting a proper education can positively affect one’s life, the Bells want to help these young aspiring engineers afford the necessary education and training to make a positive impact.
“I hope this gift encourages and supports students who are working hard to better themselves,” Stephanie said.