Wilson Couple Chosen “Aggie Parents Of The Year”
Keith and the late Susan Wied of Wilson are Texas A&M University’s “2010 Aggie Parents of the Year.” Keith Wied accepted the honor for himself and, posthumously, for his wife, who died of breast cancer last month. Their selection was announced during the All-University Awards program Sunday (April 18) at the closing of Parents’ Weekend activities on campus.
They were nominated for the honor by their four Aggie children Ryan, Class of 2010; Shaun and Michael, Class of 2006; and Lauren, Class of 2008.
When nominating their parents, the four Aggies expressed admiration for their parents’ commitment to Texas A&M even though neither of them attended the university. Their father, who serves as county commissioner of Lynn County, is a Texas Tech graduate.
“Each year, the Parents’ Weekend Committee honors one couple with the Texas A&M Parents of the Year Award,” notes Valerie Wiatrek, who headed the selection committee. Wiatrek says each year the committee receives nominations from Aggie children, friends and family to recognize the parents of a student or students presently studying at Texas A&M. Those parents selected for the honor are chosen for going above and beyond in their commitment to their families, communities and Texas A&M.
The four Wied children said they are “truly humbled” that the Parents’ Weekend Committee chose to give their parents one of Texas A&M’s most celebrated honors. They added that, over the last eight years, their parents have shown “tireless devotion and support to our great university and have enjoyed every minute of being Aggie parents.”
“Shortly after nominating our parents for this prestigious award, our mom lost her 12-year battle with breast cancer. This award would have meant so much to her, and we cannot think of a better way to honor her memory,” added Ryan Wied.
This year, we have selected a couple who has truly demonstrated dedication to their Aggie children and a commitment to a school that they have adopted as their own. Although neither is an Aggie, a six-hour drive was never enough to prevent them being present at Midnight Yells, football games and Aggie Muster,” Wiatrek adds.
Responsibility for selecting the Aggie “Parents of the Year” rests with a student committee that, after a lengthy process of soliciting and evaluating dozens of nomination forms, votes on the couple who best represents Aggie values and the “Aggie spirit.” At the time of the vote, the committee was unaware that Mrs. Wied had died.
The All-University Awards ceremony that included naming the new “Aggie Parents of the Year” brought to a close Parents’ Weekend. The program included the presentation of awards to outstanding students for their exemplary service in the Corps of Cadets and other student organizations.
Media contact: Tura King, Texas A&M News and Information Services.
