Howard Kruse received a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Manufacturing in 1952. He was a Distinguished Military Student and served as an Army officer during the Korean War.
In 1954, he joined Blue Bell Creameries as Assistant General Manager and later served as President until his retirement in 2004. He is the creator of the most noted flavor, Homemade Vanilla.
A philanthropist and nationally recognized dairy manufacturing expert, Kruse has created numerous scholarships and programs to support Texas A&M, and chaired the Campaign Leadership Committee of the A&M agriculture program’s “One Spirit One Vision” campaign.
Kruse has served in numerous civic and professional organizations, was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Dairy Products Institute Hall of Fame in 2000. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 2002, and credits the Corps of Cadets for his leadership and commitment to community service.
Kruse has served in numerous civic and professional organizations, was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Dairy Products Institute Hall of Fame in 2000. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 2002, and credits the Corps of Cadets for his leadership and commitment to community service.