Schendel remains prominent figure
The Soil Science Lab at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) has been officially approved for a name change to honor alumnus C. F. “Dick” Schendel, who attended Texas A&I and received his Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education in 1951 and Master’s degree in 1955. When he passed away in 1997, Schendel left behind his dedication and accomplishments in the soil and agricultural field.
“Mr. Schendel majored in Agriculture as a student, and as an alumnus developed a great reputation that shines a great light back onto the college to this day,” CEO of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Foundation Brad Walker said.
Schendel was associated with the Soil and Water Conservation District in Karnes County, where he is from, and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, where Schendel later served as Chair. Cindy and Bryan Schendel Nankervis, Schendel’s daughter and son-in-law, wanted a way to honor his achievements in agriculture and soil at TAMUK.
The Nankervises created the C. F. “Dick” Schendel Soils Science Endowment with the help of Dr. Shad Nelson, dean of the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture. This endowment supports efforts, such as equipment and maintenance of the Soils Laboratory and expenses related to the TAMUK Soils Judging Team.
After the endowment was created, the university offered to name the lab after Schendel as a way to express their gratitude to the Nankrevises.
“The Texas A&M System Regents approved the naming at their May 20, 2021 meeting,” Senior Director of Gift Planning Jeff McLain said. “The naming is in place and the signage is in process.”
When Cindy Nankrevis received notice of the approval for naming the Soil Science Lab after her father, she was elated to hear the good news.
“I wanted to do something to honor my dad who graduated from [A&I] because his degrees were so important to him and his career, which made him successful,” Nankrevis said.
The Laboratory set to be named after Mr. Schendel is located at the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The lab will continue to be used for teaching and research.