$80,000 Surprise for recent 80th birthday

The Stephen C. Helbing Sr. '48 scholarship has been established at Texas A&M University's department of agricultural economics. The gift, funded through the Texas A&M Foundation, will provide one or more scholarships to fulltime students pursuing a degree from the agricultural economics department in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Stephen C. Helbing Jr., Scott C. Helbing, Ross C. Helbing and Robert L. Helbing gave the endowment.

"I believe (Texas A&M's department of) agricultural economics has played, and can continue to play, a vital role in Texas," said Stephen C. Helbing Sr. "I hope this scholarship will help attract the brightest students at A&M to consider this major and the many opportunities a degree in agricultural economics will afford them after graduation."

He said he hopes "deserving students will receive the support and opportunity to start a successful career of their choice."

"I also hope the contribution will help them understand the obligation they will have one day to lead, support and inspire the next generation," Helbing said.

"We are always emboldened by the generosity of our partners such as the Helbing family when they reach out and touch our students and help to perpetuate our pursuit of excellence and leadership training," said Dr. Fred Boadu, assistant department head for undergraduate affairs in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M. Helbing was a 1948 graduate of Texas A&M and received a bachelor of science degree in agricultural economics. He was a New Mexico state representative from 1965-1970 and a republican leader in the New Mexico House from 1967-1970. Helbing also served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1946.

A successful father, entrepreneur, landman, rancher, community leader, Presbyterian elder, friend and Aggie, Helbing has many professional career highlights. Those include serving as president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association (1967); President of the New Mexico Landmen's Association (1968); Salvation Army Board of Directors Roswell, NM, membership in the Roswell New Mexico Rotary Club and Midland Exchange Club Board of Directors Hospice of Midland.

Helbing and his wife, Ellen, have been married for 55 years. He is the father of four sons and has seven grandchildren.