Made possible through the generosity of Gerald Ray ’54 and Donald Zale ’55, the scholarship was established to honor the memory of Harold Kupfer ‘54 for his professionalism, enthusiasm for life and contributions to the Texas business community.
A Lasting Impact
Born in Dallas, Harold Kupfer graduated from Highland Park High School in 1950 and entered Texas A&M that fall. In the years following, Kupfer’s two high school friends, Gerald Ray ’54 and Donald Zale ’55, would join him at A&M in the Corps of Cadets. A member of the Corps’ Field Artillery unit, Fish Kupfer was active in Texas A&M’s intramural boxing company and the Fish Drill Team. He was later assigned to Battery “A” and progressed to Cadet Major of the Second Battalion Staff by his senior year. He was an active member of the Business Society, Texas A&M’s Dallas Club and the Press Club, becoming Club Editor of the 1954 Aggieland in his senior year.
Kupfer went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Called to active duty, he served in Germany with a mechanized division artillery. He returned to Dallas after his military service and began his investment career with Sanders & Company (a Dallas investment firm). Kupfer later moved to Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, Incorporated, where he became head trader and a partner of the firm.
Kupfer’s final career change came when he joined Jefferies & Company Incorporated. Kupfer’s professionalism, enthusiasm for business and respect for his associates would go on to place him in the “Jefferies Hall of Fame''. The firm also later established the Harold Kupfer Award, which is presented to an outstanding salesperson who demonstrates professional excellence. An active member of the business community, Harold served in several industry organizations, including the Dallas Traders Association, the National Association of Securities Dealers and the National Traders Association.
Following his passing after his battle with cancer in 1985, Kupfer’s two lifelong friends and fellow former cadets, Ray and Zale, established a scholarship award in his name in 2016. A generous contribution to his legacy, the Kupfer Scholarship is awarded by Ray and Zale annually to sophomore cadets who demonstrate the same leadership qualities, competitive drive and love for the Corps of Cadets and Texas A&M that their late friend did. Award amounts are then given to the winner and runners-up across their junior and senior years. The winner of the award receives a financial award each year, an Aggie ring scholarship and the Kupfer Award Pin, which is worn on the winner’s uniform.
A Living Tribute
The list of prior award recipients is filled with Corps Commanders, Aggie Band Commanders and others who have made notable contributions to Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets. A common amongst them is the lasting impact that the Kupfer Scholarship has left on their pursuits of their academic, personal and professional goals:
“The Kupfer Scholarship helped provide financial stability in my last two years of undergraduate study. It also helped me establish relationships with former Aggies. I became very close with my scholarship donors and continued to send them letters, even after my time in the Corps was over. I am forever grateful to Gerald Ray, Donald Zale and Sandy Kupfer for all they have done to help me personally and professionally,” Katie Brock Anderson, DVM ‘18, a Biomedical Sciences graduate, said. Katie’s Corps career included leadership roles as the Executive Officer of the Infantry Band and as the First Sergeant of the Darling Recruiting Company. After graduation, Katie earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M in 2022. Katie presently works as a small animal General Practitioner in Jacksonville, Florida.
“The Kupfer Scholarship made it possible for me to focus on my academics without the fear of finding funding for my education. It relieved me of the burden of finding a way to pay for school as it helped cover a lot of my costs. Through the financial relief it provided, I was able to excel in my undergrad studies and get accepted to a 3+2 masters program, which better positioned me for my future careers. Those second and third order effects of the scholarship have helped me land the position that I am in today,” Noorddin Alsawfta ‘19, an International Studies graduate, said. During his time in the Corps, Noorddin was a member of Company B-2 and served as the Commanding Officer of Rudder’s Rangers. After graduation, Noorddin went on to serve in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Officer. He works today as a Senior Project Manager at Nextera Energy Resources in Juno Beach, Florida.
“Besides being able to focus on developing leadership in the Corps and being involved around campus, the Kupfer scholarship expanded my connections among the Aggie network. I’d like to thank Mr. Donald Zale and Mr. Gerald Ray for their generous endowments to make scholarships like these possible. It truly helps carry a legacy of service forward and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support,” Luke Thomas ‘20, an Industrial Distribution graduate, said. Luke served as the Corps Commander for the 2019-2020 school year, and was previously the Corps Sergeant Major and a member of Company F-1. After graduation, Luke was commissioned into the U.S. Navy, where he continues to serve as an Assistant Weapons Officer on the USS Georgia Gold.
“The Kupfer Scholarship gave me the freedom to pursue involvement at A&M to its fullest, without having to worry about finding a job. It allowed me to focus more on my relationships, my leadership commitments and my studies. While off campus, it gave me the flexibility to pursue internship opportunities that were not paid. Pursuing these opportunities significantly contributed to shaping my view of the world and the role I play in it,” Grayson Winchester ‘23, a Business Honors graduate, said. Throughout his time in the Corps, Grayson was a member of Company K-2 and served as the 2021-2022 Corps Sergeant Major and 2022-2023 Corps Commander. Grayson presently works for Clean Scapes, Texas’ largest landscaping company, as an Efficiency Project Manager.
“The Kupfer Scholarship, like all other aid I’ve received as a student, has put me in a place of gratitude for where I am. I couldn’t have made it where I am today without the support of loved ones and the support of those who so generously give of their time and resources. Matthew 25:14-30 tells the ‘Parable of the Talents.’ I believe that Mr. Zale and Mr. Ray are the types of men who have used their talents and invested them wisely. They have been good stewards of the resources entrusted to them. I pray that as I continue to grow and learn I will conduct myself in a similar manner,” Graham Wolfe ‘24, Political Science major and the 2023-2024 First Regiment Commander, said. Prior to being named the Regiment Commander, Graham served as the First Sergeant for Company N-1. Graham also serves as a member of the Ross Volunteer Company. After graduation, Graham plans to commission into the U.S. Navy, where he will serve as a Surface Warfare Nuclear Officer.
“Because I am not having to worry about working to help pay for my schooling, I have been able to envelop myself in every aspect of cadet and Aggie Band life, involving myself in many organizations and activities across the Quad. Additionally, I am able to serve in other capacities outside of the Corps as a member of the Student Engineers’ Council, Cyber Leader Development Program and being highly involved in Aggie Catholic activities at St. Mary’s. It is even due to the Kupfer Scholarship that I was able to afford my Aggie Ring, the easiest recognized symbol of Aggies across the world. Because of these and many other reasons, I am eternally grateful for the support and generosity offered through the Kupfer Scholarship, along with all of the scholarship programs through the Corps of Cadets,” Tristan Lanclos ‘25, a current Computer Engineering Honors major, said. After serving as the Combined Band Sergeant Major for the 2023-2024 school year, Tristan was recently named the 2024-2025 Combined Band Commander. Tristan is also a member of the Ross Volunteer Company and the O.R. Simpson Honor Society, and was formerly a member of the Fish Drill Team. After graduation, Tristan plans to work in the cybersecurity field.
A Future for Excellence
As the Kupfer Scholarship continues to be awarded to cadets, its impact will continue to produce ensuing stories of success and excellence. A living representation of selfless service, this award remains a pillar in its recipients’ growth as leaders, allowing them to take full advantage of the Corps experience without fear of financial burden.
Though only recently named the 2024 Kupfer Scholarship recipient, Jack Weatherly ‘26 says the award has already impacted his Aggie story and journey at Texas A&M.
“This scholarship has shown me, once again, that Texas A&M is about the people. Just being able to talk with Mr. Zale and Mr. Ray was a great privilege. They’re inspiring as business professionals, leaders and men doing a great honor for their friend,” Jack Weatherly ‘26, the 2024 Kupfer Scholarship recipient, said.
“Receiving the Kupfer Award brings with a lot of expectations and a legacy to uphold. That is both a challenge and an honor. I hope to represent this legacy with integrity, pride, success and by being the embodiment of a great Aggie like Mr. Kupfer was,” Weatherly continued.
Though no longer here physically, Harold Kupfer’s life, legacy and spirit live on through the award’s recipients and their dedication to excellence.
Story By: Robin Nelson ’22
