Distinguished Alumni Honorees

Robert L. Parker, Sr. graduated in 1944 with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He became very involved in the life of the Cockrell School of Engineering about 10 years after his graduation. In 1957, he was a founder of the Engineering Advisory Board (then called Engineering Foundation Advisory Council) under the leadership of Dean John McKetta, and has served on the board ever since, under Deans Earnest Gloyna, Herb Woodson, Ben Streetman and now Greg Fenves. Bob is also a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin (1979), and a Distinguished Engineering Graduate of the Cockrell School (1969).

Determined that both of his sons receive the finest educations available, W.A. “Monty” Moncrief, Sr. sent both Dick and Tex to Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana, where Tex graduated cum laude. W.A. “Tex” Moncrief, Jr. then went on to graduate from the University of Texas in 1942, with a B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering. He was one of the first graduates of the new department, and became a pioneer in the oil and gas industry.

Ernest Cockrell Jr.’s substantial support of his alma mater and his service on its councils was prompted by a strong sense of gratitude he felt for the education he received at The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in petroleum engineering in 1936. He was a member of one of the first petroleum engineering classes at UT, and would help launch the petroleum industry as we know it today.

Dan C. Williams, Jr. was a distinguished engineer, a successful insurance executive, a respected educator, active civic leader and a corporate builder.