Texas A&M University-Central Texas lowered the university flag outside of Gen. Robert M. Shoemaker Founders Hall this week to observe the passing of the late Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Horace "Pete" Taylor. The flag will remain lowered until the conclusion of memorial, funeral, and burial services, said university president Richard M. Rhodes.
"Gen. Taylor meant so much to all of us at A&M-Central Texas," Rhodes expressed. "We join our community in commemorating his life, his enormous contributions to the United States military, the Central Texas educational community, and the great love he had for this country."
Well known for his decades-long efforts to establish A&M–Central Texas, Taylor worked side by side with the late Gen. Robert M. Shoemaker and hundreds of community leaders to successfully champion the legislative approval of a public undergraduate and graduate university, steadfast in the belief that Central Texans deserved access to higher education.
Taylor also served as the inaugural Foundation Board chair for two terms in the university's formative years, securing the institution's ability to offer scholarships and support the enrollment growth that soon followed in its first decade.
Beyond his pivotal role in establishing A&M–Central Texas, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Taylor remained deeply loved and admired for the mentorship he offered to countless A&M–Central Texas students and employees.
"It wasn't uncommon to find Gen. Taylor sitting at a table in the café in Founders Hall or in an employee's office, listening carefully to a student or talking to an employee who was pursuing their degree," said Rhodes.
"He was deeply involved in our community, and yet, he made time to be present for so many who were blessed to have known him as a mentor and a friend. Our deepest condolences go out to all of those who will miss him."