WT Graduation honors Paul Engler, 1,573 students earn academic degrees

Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News
·4 min read

West Texas A&M University honored businessman and university donor Paul Engler with an honorary degree Saturday during the first of its three commencement ceremonies held at the First United Bank Center in Canyon, with a total of 1,573 students earning academic degrees.

Mr. Paul F. Engler receives an honorary Ph.D. in business administration and agriculture from both colleges that bear his name during the West Texas A&M University graduation ceremonies Saturday at the First United Bank Center in Canyon.
Mr. Paul F. Engler receives an honorary Ph.D. in business administration and agriculture from both colleges that bear his name during the West Texas A&M University graduation ceremonies Saturday at the First United Bank Center in Canyon.

Engler was presented with an honorary Ph.D. in business administration and agriculture from both colleges that bear his name: WT’s Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business and Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences.

Upon hearing about the honor, Engler said that this was the finest and most meaningful one that he was blessed to ever receive.

“I have traveled many miles during my 75-year active participation in the business world. Some of these miles were easy and came quickly while some of them were exceedingly difficult, and these difficult miles were without question the great teachers of my life,” Engler said. “As a result, I would like everyone to know that I appreciate the opportunities that God and the business world have provided me over the years. Thank you again for this amazing honor you have bestowed on me.”

WTAMU President Walter Wendler weighed in on the honorary degree bestowed to Engler.

“Paul Engler’s life and career have had wide-reaching impact across Texas and the world, including — in a truly significant way — here at WT,” Wendler said. “He embodies true Panhandle values of authenticity, hard work and a commitment to community, and he’s not afraid to take risks and step out as a leader. He has truly changed the trajectory of WT, and I am pleased that we are recognizing his impact with this well-deserved honorary degree.”

One of the many graduates that were first-generation degree holders was Marshal Johnson, who shared that honor with his sister on this day. Johnson had an arduous, injury-plagued journey that had him arrive at WT on a basketball scholarship and leave with ambitions of becoming a doctor. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology and is now seeking admission into medical school.

Johnson came to WT on an athletic scholarship after a stellar prep career at Clarendon High School, where he earned Golden Spread 2A player of the year as a senior. He also earned First Team Amarillo-Globe News Super Team Recognition after averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds in 2017 and leading his team to state championship runner-up.

Marshal Wayne Johnson recieves his Bachelor of Science from the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences during the West Texas A&M University graduation ceremonies Saturday at the First United Bank Center in Canyon.
Marshal Wayne Johnson recieves his Bachelor of Science from the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences during the West Texas A&M University graduation ceremonies Saturday at the First United Bank Center in Canyon.

Due to injuries, Johnson would only play 63 minutes of basketball in his college career, and he would finally give up the sport after a patella and quadriceps injury to concentrate on his studies.

“Being a first-generation college student, it is such an amazing feeling to be able to walk on stage, especially when my parents never had this opportunity, which was a great part of my driving force to get my degree," Johnson said. “It was challenging, especially when I was trying to play basketball. I cannot put into words how it feels to reach this point.”

Another first-generation college graduate, Ashely Dawn Oakes, completed this journey two decades after her graduation at Tascosa High School. Oakes is an only child and a mother of four children, and she lost both of her parents years earlier. She was the first member of her family to finish high school. Oakes reflected on earning her degree.

Ashley Dawn Jackson Oakes recieves her Bachelor of Business Administration from the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business during the West Texas A&M University graduation ceremonies Saturday at the First United Bank Center in Canyon.
Ashley Dawn Jackson Oakes recieves her Bachelor of Business Administration from the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business during the West Texas A&M University graduation ceremonies Saturday at the First United Bank Center in Canyon.

“I have spent my last few years chipping away at school to make this day happen," Oakes said. “My mom always told me to get my education first, then get a job, then start a family, and I obviously did it every way but the way that she told me,” Oakes said. “WT and the McNair Scholarship program have been absolutely amazing, and I am so grateful for the friends and family that I do have that have pushed me even when I wanted to quit.”

According to Chip Chandler, WT’s senior communications specialist, the oldest graduate of this class of 2022 was 65, and the youngest was 19. Graduates in this class hailed from 41 states and 18 different countries. The graduating class included 137 individuals who maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and had 45 military veteran graduates. Chandler stated that 50% of the undergraduates were the first in their families to earn a college degree.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: WT Graduation honors Paul Engler, 1,573 students earn academic degrees