Contact: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, b-fannin@tamu.edu
SAN ANTONIO – Dr. Charles W. Graham has received the Distinguished Texan in Agriculture Award from Texas A&M AgriLife – the highest individual honor given to individuals demonstrating outstanding leadership and providing significant contributions to Texas agriculture.
Graham received the award at the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Convention in San Antonio April 6.
“Dr. Graham exemplifies what the Distinguished Texan in Agriculture Award is all about,” said Dr. Mark Hussey, interim president of Texas A&M University. Hussey was the vice chancellor and dean of agriculture when Graham was selected as the honoree.
Dr. Charles W. Graham has received the Distinguished Texan in Agriculture Award from Texas A&M AgriLife.
“He’s the only individual to serve as president of both the Texas Quarter Horse Association and the Texas Thoroughbred Breeders Association. He’s a legend among those in the equine industry, having established equine veterinarian facilities that are recognized among the nation’s most prominent. He also has successful cattle and feedlot operations in addition to other agricultural interests. We are proud to recognize Dr. Graham for his contributions to Texas agriculture and Texas A&M.”
“Dr. Graham is most deserving of this award,” said Dr. Bill Dugas, acting vice chancellor and dean. “He has served on several committees through the years and has assisted many of our students as they have learned more about the animal science profession through first-hand tours at his equine and beef facilities. We are deeply honored to recognize Dr. Graham for these contributions.”
Graham earned his bachelor of science degree in animal husbandry in 1953, his bachelor of science degree in animal science in 1954 and his doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1961, all from Texas A&M.
In the early 1960s, Graham and Dr. W. H. Cardwell built the Elgin Veterinary Hospital and grew the practice into one of the largest equine veterinary facilities in the nation. Graham is now owner of a number of other businesses, including the 1,300-acre Southwest Stallion Station in Elgin, which has bred some of the top stallions and broodmares in the quarter horse industry.
The numerous awards Graham has received include the 2010 Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Science Outstanding Alumni and his 2009 induction into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. He is the only individual to be selected Horseman of the Year by both the Texas Quarter Horse Association and the Texas Thoroughbred Breeders Association. He also has been named Outstanding Alumnus of Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Graham has served on the board of directors of the Elgin Independent School District and as a member of the Elgin Kiwanis Club and the Thorndale Masonic Lodge. He participates in numerous stock show events to support youth involved in 4-H, FFA and other agricultural organizations. In 2005, the Star of Texas Rodeo of Austin named their new offices for Graham.
(Left) Richard Thorpe, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association vice president, Dr. Mark Hussey, Texas A&M University interim president, Dr. Charles W. Graham, Texas A&M AgriLife Distinguished Texan in Agriculture Award recipient, John Sharp, Texas A&M University System chancellor, and Pete Bonds, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers president.
-30-
