Joe Bob Hinton traveled the world with his job at Mobil, but he did not forgot his Alma Mater—Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Head of Mobil Oil Corporation International, Hinton flew from London where he was based back to this country to chair the A&M-Commerce Foundation Board meetings, A&M-Commerce President Emeritus Jerry D. Morris noted.

Hinton’s total of 11 years as chairman of the A&M-Commerce Foundation Board and his other contributions to the University were recognized at a dinner recently held in his honor.

ALUMNUS HONORED — Joe B. Hinton, former chairman of the A&M-Commerce Foundation Board, recently was paid tribute by the University. Hinton and his wife, Betty, (at left) were honored at a dinner held in late April.

Hinton’s generosity extends to student scholarships and the new Office of International Studies which will be dedicated this fall. The Joe B. Hinton Fellows in Business Scholarship assists 11 A&M-Commerce students in the College of Business and Technology. Hinton also provides scholarships to A&M-Commerce football players.

Named a Distinguished Alumnus of A&M-Commerce in 1988, Hinton earned his bachelor’s degree from the University in 1957 and a master’s in ’58.

Now retired and living in Crawford near Waco, Hinton and his wife, Betty, were guests of honor at a dinner held April 27 on campus.

In thanks for his contributions and service to the University, A&M-Commerce President Keith McFarland unveiled a framed photograph of Hinton to be placed in the Heritage House. Hinton was presented a cowboy hat, lion statue, and belt buckle with the University seal engraved on it.

Mayor John Sands presented a proclamation declaring April 27, 2000 as Joe Bob Hinton Day in Commerce.

Alumni Director Kayla Price gave Hinton a bronze coin as a symbol of his generosity and that of former A&M-Commerce President James Gee. Gee served as president when Hinton was a student at the University in the 1950s.

Serving as master of ceremonies for the evening, current Foundation Board chairman Chris Adams of Liberty Hill told the guests gathered in the Sam Rayburn Memorial Student Center that Hinton "did not forget his roots and came back to support his University."

After several others made short speeches, Hinton gave a response. "Betty and I are humbled and honored by this. This has been a grand evening to say the least." Admiring the belt buckle, the honoree said, "I can assure you that I will wear it to the ranch and other places."

In his remarks, McFarland said that Hinton "exemplifies the American dream at its best," rising from his work in the oil fields for Mobil as a college student in the summers to becoming a major executive in the company.

President Emeritus Morris thanked Hinton for his friendship and praised him for his financial donations and service to A&M-Commerce. "Joe Hinton’s generosity to A&M-Commerce is "legendary. He is one of the real giants of this University."

Also speaking at the dinner was Dr. Kenneth L. Clinton, A&M-Commerce sociology professor and interim department head who directs International Studies and serves on the Foundation Board.

Clinton related a conversation he had with Hinton about international studies at the University. Clinton, who directed the program for several years from his office in the department of sociology and criminal justice, remembered telling this A&M-Commerce alumnus who had traveled extensively that he would like to have an office for international studies. Also needed, Clinton said, was more money for student scholarships to help them study in various countries and funds to bring speakers to campus.

Hinton asked for a written proposal on international studies which Clinton related that he provided. The result of this is the new International Studies Office located on the second floor of the Ferguson Social Sciences Building.

In the British Studies Program offered by A&M-Commerce, Clinton accompanies students to London each summer. He told the dinner audience that one of the places visited is the cemetery at Cambridge where American war dead from World War II are buried. Students remember this experience for the rest of their lives, Clinton said.

Alumni Board officer Janet Peek of Commerce read a letter from foundation board member Mary Hendrix who was away on University business and unable to attend the dinner. In the letter, Hendrix wrote that a student worker in her office had won a Joe B. Hinton Fellow in Business Scholarship and asked Hendrix what kind of person Hinton is. Director of Instructional Technology at A&M-Commerce, Hendrix related that she discussed Hinton’s career and service to the University.

The student said he "‘wanted to be like you—not just be successful in his career, but give back to others,’" Peek read from Hendrix’s letter.

Chip Harper, a Paris businessman and Foundation Board member, said that as a student Harper said he found out about Hinton’s career and this A&M-Commerce graduate’s success was an inspiration to him. "Wherever Joe Hinton goes, he extends a hand. It’s an honor to stand in his shadow."

President and chief executive officer of Harrison, Walker & Harper, Harper presented Hinton with a construction hard hat.

Foundation Board member Bill Adams of Montgomery praised Hinton for his leadership as chairman of this University group.