It was the early 1950s, and Rogers Craig was 14 years old and already aspired to become an Aggie. His father, Robert M. Craig ’28, was a proud Fighting Texas Aggie and instilled a deep love for Aggieland in Rogers and his brother. Growing up, Rogers attended bonfires and watched Aggie football every Thanksgiving, fueling his passion for Texas A&M University. To honor his enduring love for the Aggie Spirit, Rogers’ family established the Rogers Craig ’59 Memorial Endowed Scholarship.
Keeper of the Aggie Spirit
While at Texas A&M, Rogers majored in engineering and was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He frequently shared stories of his experiences with his family, keeping the Aggie Spirit alive in their hearts. Following his graduation in 1959, Rogers was commissioned into the United States Air Force, serving two tours in the Vietnam War. During his service, he received the Bronze Star for his meritorious service as part of a Red Horse Squadron in a combat zone. His journey eventually led him to Stuttgart, Germany, where he met the love of his life, Jean.
Rogers retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel and settled in Marlin, Texas, with his wife, where he had deep family roots. The couple became pillar members of their community, hosting annual four-day barbecues that became legendary among friends and family.
“They would hold a spectacular celebration of camaraderie, joie de vivre, fun, and remembrance,” said Keith Fulton, Rogers’ nephew.
To honor his uncle’s lasting impact and his love for A&M, Keith chose to honor his uncle by establishing a scholarship in his name to support the next generation of Aggie engineers.
“Rogers was a great supporter of his community. He would love to have helped young, deserving students,” Keith said.
The Rogers Craig ’59 Memorial Endowed Scholarship was founded with the intention of supporting Aggies from Marlin, Texas, pursuing a civil engineering degree. Rogers was passionate about mentoring students in Marlin, and through this scholarship, he will leave a legacy of providing Aggies support throughout their educational careers. Keith and his wife Gabriela admired their uncle throughout his life, witnessing the love he had for everyone and everything around him.
As an Aggie, friend, and mentor, Rogers was the epitome of the Aggie Spirit. His legacy will live on in those who knew him and in the students who will benefit from his generosity.