Geaux Tigers!

Houston energy titans put LSU mark on new Petroleum Club digs with Bayou Bengal Bar

Eat your hearts out, Longhorns and Aggies! The LSU tigers have made their mark at the Petroleum Club of Houston and dubbed the sleek watering hole in the new digs the Bayou Bengal Bar. Thanks to the efforts of 12 LSU grads, all leaders in the energy industry, the brass plaque forever stakes their claim atop the 35-story Total Plaza.

While it doesn't shout LSU, the moniker makes its point, a friendly reminder of the impact grads of the Louisiana university have on Houston's energy picture.

As a director on the Petroleum Club board, LSU alumni Ron Neal, co-founder and co-owner of Houston Energy, spearheaded the initiative of raising the necessary funds to win the naming rights. The fellows, each passionate about his alma mater, reached deep into their ample pockets, their contributions earmarked for the Petroleum Club capital campaign.

In addition, New Orleans transplant John Havens, president of Seismic Exchange Inc. (SEI), garnered naming rights in his father's honor for the club's chef's table. Following last week's ribbon cutting at the Bayou Bengal Bar, the powerful dozen dined at the "P.C. Havens SEI Chef's Table."

As the tigers like to say "Love purple, live gold!"

The additional gents contributing to the naming fund were Clarence Cazalot, retired chairman, president and CEO of Marathon Oil Corp.; Billy Harrison and Ron Neal, both co-founders and co-owners of Houston Energy; Marty Phillips, managing partner of Encap Investments; Matt McCarroll, president and CEO of Fieldwood Energy;

Brad Juneau, CEO of Juneau Energy and Juneau Exploration; Jeff Springmeyer, president of Geophysical Pursuit; Keith Jordan, president of Indigo Minerals; Phil Martin, CEO of New Century Exploration; Jud Grady, CFO of SEI and Jeff Lester, vice president of SEI.

Joining the festivities was Rhonda Rogers Armor, regional director of development for LSU.

Now here's the disappointing news for area Bengal tigers, according to the LSU Foundation, only 10.8 percent of LSU alumni give back to the university, compared to Alabama at 36 percent and Texas A&M at 22.4 percent.

Jeff Lester, from left, Matt McCarroll, John Havens, Jud Grady, Ron Neal with scissors), Billy Harrison (hidden behind Neal), Keith Jordan, Marty Phillips, Clarence Cazalot, and Phil Martin.

News, Shelby, Petroleum Club Bayou Bengal Bar, June 2015, Jeff Lester, Matt McCarroll, John Havens, Jud Grady, Ron Neal (with scissors), Billy Harrison (hidden behind Neal), Keith Jordan, Marty Phillips, Clarence Cazalot, Phil Martin

Photo by Rhonda Rogers Armor

Jeff Lester, from left, Matt McCarroll, John Havens, Jud Grady, Ron Neal with scissors), Billy Harrison (hidden behind Neal), Keith Jordan, Marty Phillips, Clarence Cazalot, and Phil Martin.

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spencer speaks

Houston Oilers legend tackles life lessons at Salvation Army gathering

Photo by Jenny Antill

Dr. Walter and Linda McReynolds; Spencer Tillman.

The classic environment of the River Oaks Country Club radiated with purpose as The Salvation Army of Greater Houston hosted its 30th Annual Luncheon on November 19. The afternoon was a moving tribute to the organization’s work, highlighted by stories of gratitude. More than just a fundraiser, the event marked the start of the iconic Red Kettle season across retailers all over the city and virtually as well.

Honorees Holly and Tom Forney were lauded for their dedication, including their leadership in overseeing the new area command on North Main. They shared a moving reflection on navigating life’s challenges with purpose and compassion, reflecting the values of The Salvation Army.

Keynote speaker Spencer Tillman, a former NFL player for the Houston Oilers and San Francisco 49ers, brought the crowd to its feet with an account of his connection to the nonprofit. Sharing how the Boys and Girls Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, gave him structure and a path forward during his formative years, Tillman credited the program with helping him stay in bounds during life’s challenges. His message, emphasizing grit, mentorship, and dreaming big, scored a touchdown with the audience.

In the past year, the organization provided more than 225,000 meals to those experiencing hunger, along with more than 43,000 nights of shelter for individuals and families in crisis. The initiatives offered after school programming to 2,242 children, helped 1,178 people find permanent housing, and guided 600 men through recovery programs to overcome substance abuse. All these numbers are worthy of a touchdown dance, agree?

The midday event, chaired by Bill Schneidau, celebrated these milestones while raising funds for programs that uplift the city’s most vulnerable. With underwriting support from Joe Cleary, who covered the entire affair, the luncheon raised more than $740,000.

Among the 320 guests were emcee Deborah Duncan of Great Day Houston, Cathy Cleary, Emily Clay, Carolynn and Rob Webb, Dr. Walter and Linda McReynolds, Hannah McNair, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, Maureen Higdon, Diana and Chris DeLaup, Judy Tate, Jenny Elkins, Rose Cullen, Joyce Standish, Lilly Andress, and Thurmon Andress.

Photo by Jenny Antill

Dr. Walter and Linda McReynolds; Spencer Tillman.

salvation army celebrities