Distinguished Alumni Honorees

Being the son of parents who migrated to the United States and exemplify the American dream through their sacrifice, hard work and perseverance sets the tone for Habachy’s life. His parents migrated to the United States leaving an established and comfortable life in Egypt pursuing a more promising future for their children.

Richard Folger is managing general partner of Colbridge Partners, Ltd., a private investment partnership. In April 2015, he retired as chief executive officer and president of Warren Equipment Company, a position he held since 1999.

Thomas D. Barrow attended The University of Texas at Austin, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega, earning his BS in petroleum engineering in 1945 and an MA in geology in 1948. In 1953, he received his PhD in geology from Stanford University.

Peyton Yates, Jr. was born and reared in Artesia, New Mexico. He graduated from Artesia High School in 1959 and attended The University of Texas at Austin, receiving a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering in 1965 and a master’s of science in petroleum engineering in 1966.

Tim Taylor was born in Jacksonville, Texas. While in the first grade, his father started work for a pipeline company and they followed pipelines across many states.

Although, Nnadubem Gabriel Muoneke “Gabe” was born in Michigan in 1978 to Igbo Nigerian parents, it did not take him long to land in Houston where he would be molded into the individual we see today.

Dr. Helge H. Haldorsen is CEO of Wichmann WH&M Advisory. Previosly, he was vice president of investor relations for Equinor, general director of Statoil Mexico, and vice president of strategy and portfolio for Statoil North America.

Dr. Fraser H. Allen had a distinguished career in the international petroleum industry. He received his BS in chemical engineering from University of Toronto in 1941.

Malcolm D. Abel was born September 10, 1924, oldest child of William Chester and Annie May Powell. He was born in Bosque County, Texas. He graduated Valedictorian from Plains High School at age 15 in 1940.

Scott D. Sheffield is CEO and chairman of Pioneer Natural Resources, one of nation’s largest independent oil and gas companies.