Michael R. Beggs '68

They shall grow not old,

as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and

in the morning,

We will remember them.

His Story

Michael Randall Beggs was born on May 14, 1946. Mike departed this life on August 13,2023, in his home, after a long fight with surgeries and illnesses from being wounded in Viet Nam.

Mike grew up in several towns across Texas as well as some short stints in Virginia, Mississippi and Louisiana as his family moved quite often for work. He went to his beloved Texas A&M University where he majored in Modern Languages, where he mastered 4 languages and was a member of the Class of 1968. In 1969, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps where he would learn, and then teach Vietnamese, before deploying to Vietnam as an Infantry Officer. While serving in Vietnam, he was wounded twice and was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for valor in addition to his Purple Heart, Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal First Class.

Mike enjoyed nothing more than his grandchildren and mentoring young Aggies. Upon their return to College Station in 1999 he and his wife, Daragh, adopted numerous “Aggie Sons and Daughters”. He was an active and proud member of the Ross Volunteer Association, Corps of Cadets Association, Yell Leader Association, Letterman Association, and of course Huslin’ 1.

Always mindful of the first real home he experienced at A&M, he strived to preserve that legacy for current and future students and worked towards that end as a founding member of The Rudder Association.

Selfless Service Award

To honor Michael and his legacy, The Rudder Association is proud to sponsor the Michael R. Beggs '68 Selfless Service Award. This award is presented each year to a Texas A&M Student that:

Has displayed a high degree of the core value of Selfless Service.
Has no academic, honor, or conduct violations.
Has performed service to improve the quality of life and promote the welfare of others (i.e., humanitarian/charitable causes) during the nominee’s enrollment at Texas A&M University. Service is to be considered based on the nominee’s efforts—not the overall effort of the organization associated with the service.