|
When discussing his free time and overall quality of life, Harry Green makes it perfectly clear he is thoroughly enjoying his retirement. But by the twinkle in his eye and the tone of his voice, it’s also quite obvious he is pleased and extremely proud to once again be toting 12th Man Foundation business cards. Green, the executive director of the 12th Man Foundation from 1979-92, was recently honored before the 12th Man Foundation executive committee and staff with the new title of the organization’s "Executive Director Emeritus." The man who has spoken on behalf of the 12th Man Foundation so many times through the years was so honored that he was almost speechless. "I was surprised and honored by this recognition given to me," said Green. "It means so much to me that it’s hard to find the words to express my sincere appreciation. I am so proud of what the 12th Man Foundation represents and what it has become."
Green left the Association of Former Students and started with the 12th Man Foundation – then known as The Aggie Club – in 1975 and became the executive director in ’79. When he first arrived on the job, the organization had approximately 1,200 donors. By the time he left in 1992, The Aggie Club had become the 12th Man Foundation, and the number of donors had grown to roughly 6,500. Many of the new donors had been personally solicited by Green. "I stayed on the road for about 75 percent of the time, going to A&M clubs in one town to the next," Green said. "I would leave on a Monday and come back Thursday night. I had no idea how it would grow, but I knew we needed more members. "We just had to be out moving and meeting people, shaking hands and telling them about how important it was to donate. It was a lot of travel, but it paid off." Indeed, it did. The Aggie Club raised $464,104 in 1975 when Green was hired. By 1992, the 12th Man Foundation raised more than $3.5 million. And when Green arrived, the organization had four endowed scholarships. By 1986, more than $2 million was raised through the endowed scholarship program. Green’s leadership and forward-thinking certainly helped to establish the 12th Man Foundation as one of the nation’s premier fundraising organizations for college athletics. Miles Marks, the current executive director of the 12th Man Foundation, said the new title for Green was well-deserved. "Harry was the first executive director I knew as a member, and he set the foundation for the successes we are enjoying today," Marks said. "He has left a great legacy not only at the 12th Man Foundation, but also at the Association of Former Students and in this community. "What a fitting honor, after so many years of service to Texas A&M, to be named executive director emeritus." The emeritus title is one widely used throughout the university community. It is an honorary title bestowed by the appropriate governing body upon a person who has rendered valuable service to an organization for a long period of time. Green certainly fits that description. But he also credited the staff of the 12th Man Foundation during its formative years for making the organization so successful. And he credits the current staff for continuing to build upon what he helped to start. The 12th Man Foundation now has approximately 23,000 donors and, including capital campaign receipts, raised more than $17 million last year. "It makes me extremely proud to see what the 12th Man Foundation has done in recent years," Green said. "I devoted much of my life to this organization, and I am so pleased with how the staff today has done such a great job of carrying on the excellence and building upon what was done in the past. "Just to walk into these offices (inside The Zone at Kyle Field) makes me so proud. Back when we were in that little office just outside of where The Zone is today, we were doing everything on 3 by 5 index cards. It helped considerably when we got the staff one computer – at least after we all figured out how to turn the computer on." Green, Class of ’52, says he now spends the majority of his time volunteering for a variety of organizations, playing golf and just enjoying life with his wife, Nelda. But if you see him out and about, don’t be surprised to hear him still talking about the importance of giving back to the 12th Man Foundation… and don’t be surprised if you receive one of his new business cards, as well. |
All contents of this site ©2001
12th Man Foundation unless otherwise noted.