Buc-ee’s Creator Giving $50 Million For Hospitality Entrepreneurship Program At Texas A&M

Texas A&M University has announced that former student Arch “Beaver” Aplin III — one of the university’s most successful entrepreneurs — is contributing $50 million toward establishing an academic center that will serve as an immersive learning laboratory for students.

“When Beaver Aplin does something, it’s never halfway!” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp. “The love he has and shows for Texas A&M and Aggies is inspirational and appreciated. This is an awesome gift and will position Texas A&M to become the top hospitality program in the nation.”

APLIN中心将通过涉及葡萄栽培，发酵过程，咖啡和食品科学等创新学位计划的新大学计划，零售研究和食品开发方面的新大学计划提供变革性的学生体验。该设施还将容纳产品开发实验室和食品品尝中心，可以与相关行业合作使用。

The center will include outdoor and indoor student recreational space, as well as retail and food service areas managed by students and faculty through the educational programs.

The Aplin Center will host corporate training and recruiting programs, along with professional development opportunities. Workforce training based on industry needs will be a key component of the center.

小学学术伙伴将是农业与生命科学学院和梅斯商学院，尽管其他学术部门将参与专业项目。

德克萨斯A＆M主席M. Katherine Banks博士说，Aplin中心将允许在学科的学生中为学生提供更多的创业活动。

Banks说：“ Arch'Beaver'Aplin是一个真正的有远见的人，也是我认识的最具创造力的企业家之一。”“他与大学保持联系，与许多分享他对商业和产品开发热情的学生交谈。通过这份慷慨的礼物，他正在创建一个生活，学习实验室，将为我们的学生提供转型机会。APLIN中心将对后代的Aggies产生积极影响。”

Aplin said Banks’ vision of a world-class hospitality entrepreneurship program is “just what Texas A&M needs and I’m proud to have an opportunity to be involved.”

The 1980 graduate, who earned a construction science degree from A&M, opened his first Buc-ee’s in Lake Jackson, Texas two years after commencement. He built the iconic, multi-million-dollar business on several promises: pristine restrooms, scores of fuel pumps, a vast selection of food and consumer items, and well-paid employees.

Aplin说：“我们想在A＆M校园中创建一个学习的学习空间，以体现款待。”“人们聚在一起的地方。Aggie文化可以蓬勃发展的地方 - 一个快乐的地方。”

Aplin’s tenacious work ethic isn’t just reserved for his business: He serves as chairman of Texas Parks and Wildlife, is on the ERCOT Board Selection Committee, is a lifetime member of both the Coastal Conservation Association and the 100 Club of Brazoria County, and is on the Lieutenant Governor’s Transportation Advisory Board and the Board of Directors of The Association of Former Students.

该协会主席兼首席执行官波特·加纳三世（Porter S.

“Beaver is a tremendous asset to The Association’s board and to the worldwide Aggie Network,” Garner said. “Everything he does is top of its class, and I know the Aplin Center will be as well. This unprecedented gift is further testament to his deep love and affinity for Texas A&M and Texas Aggies.”

The former Brazosport Independent School District board president has received many accolades from his alma mater, including Outstanding Alumnus of the College of Architecture and the M.B. Zale Visionary Merchant Award from the Texas A&M Center for Retailing Studies. This fall, Aplin will be honored by the Mosbacher Institute at the Bush School of Government and Public Service with the McLane Leadership in Business Award for his “inspiring entrepreneurship and business leadership and commitment to serve the critical needs in the communities he serves.”

While the Buc-ee’s empire initially stood out from its competition based on clean bathrooms, quirky advertising and a strong brand, it grew into a powerhouse by consistently applying excellent customer service with the Buc-ee’s brand. His mantra: Exceed customers’ expectations.

他的商店为员工提供健康保险，并支付的最低工资数量是两倍以上，这是健康业务方法的证据，进一步将BUC-EE推向了便利店的平流层。

Aplin’s $50 million contribution to build the center highlighting his namesake is one of the largest gifts A&M has received from a single donor.

该中心将重点介绍共同开发的产品，将在德克萨斯州A＆M酒店和会议中心的马路对面建造，位于Wellborn Road的交叉路口和行人隧道和校园的主要脚和汽车交通走廊的行人隧道，位于凯尔·菲尔德的影子。

7月28日是Aplin 40周年开放第一个BUC-EE的周年纪念日。他的业务已扩展为其他五个州，并且在另外五个州正在发展。

Aplin定期返回母校与学生交谈。在2012年的梅斯商学院（Mays Business School）进行演讲时，阿普林（Aplin）读到佛罗里达鳄鱼队（Florida Gators）足球迷在访问大学车站后写的一封信。它传达了粉丝在住宿期间如何经历真正的友善和热情好客。

“It was pervasive and natural. It was culture,” Aplin told the class, adding that he returns to the letter for inspiration during pivotal moments at work. “I have to remember — I’ve gotta stay Beaver. I’ve gotta stay Buc-ee’s. I’ve gotta stay Aggie and I’ve gotta stay who I am.”