Reception honors Kruse Family
Jan 20, 2011 | Baseball
Jan. 20, 2011
COLLEGE STATION, Texas--The 12th Man Foundation, Aggie Athletics and Texas A&M University held a reception at the Zone Club at Kyle Field on Thursday to thank and honor the Kruse Family and Blue Bell Inc. for their outstanding contributions throughout the years and especially for the most recent lead gift to the 12th Man Foundation's Championship Vision capital campaign for the renovation and expansion of Olsen Field.
Texas A&M former students and Blue Bell Creameries executives Ed, and Howard Kruse of Brenham, along with Blue Bell Creameries have pledged a $7 million lead gift. C.E. "Pat" Olsen Field was opened in 1978 and with this expansion and renovation, the baseball facility will be known as C.E. "Pat" Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park.
"When we thought of a perfect partner to complete this fantastic facility, the name of one family came to mind," Miles Marks, President of the 12th Man Foundation, said. "The support of the Kruses and Blue Bell for Aggie baseball go together likes Peaches and Homemade Vanilla."
Marks welcomed 12th Man Board of Trustees and staff, Department of Athletics officials along with many family and friends. President Dr. Bowen Loftin made his way from a function with former President George H.W. Bush in time to extend his thanks. Director of Athletics Bill Byrne and head baseball coach Rob Childress also extended thanks to the Kruse family and even offered a few marketing ideas regarding future flavors, possibly known as "Olsen Magic".
Ed, Howard and Paul Kruse were presented Maroon sports coats.
Ed graduated from Texas A&M in 1949 while his brother, Howard, graduated in 1952. Ed's son, Paul, graduated in 1977 and has been the CEO of the privately-held family company since 2004.
Some of the comments from the Kruse family included "being honored to be considered for a gift back to a school that has given so much" and "nothing goes better with baseball than Blue Bell ice cream" and some of the final comments from the family left no doubt about the direction they would like to see the Aggie baseball program take --"on to Omaha" (site of the College World Series).
