Weldon Smith (BBA '34)
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Few can thank the Great Depression for their college education, but if it weren't for the worst financial crisis in American history, Weldon Smith might have gone to Baylor. In the fall of 1930, cotton was down to five cents per pound. Smith's father, a northeast Texas blackland farmer, reluctantly gave up on Baylor, his alma mater, and sent Smith to the The University of Texas at Austin. 
The farmer's son from Nevada, Texas, quickly fell in love with UT, beginning a loyal friendship that has spanned nearly seven decades. Over the years, Smith has generously donated his time, his money, and his political and financial expertise to support The University of Texas. While his oil business friends call him "Smitty," and his grandkids call him "GrandWeldon," fellow Texas Exes have come to call him "Well-Done Smith," in honor of his many contributions. According to Smith, one of the most memorable experiences was the 20 years he spent serving on UT Coach Darrell Royal's football recruiting committee. During that time, Smith had the pleasure and the distinction of recruiting three All-American players for the Longhorns. Among the countless awards he has received from the University, being named an Honorary "T" Letterman is one of his most treasured. Smith says his interest in education began at an early age. He and his nine brothers and sisters loved returning to school in the fall because it signaled the end of the long, hot days of summer spent working on the farm. "We usually walked two miles to and from school," Smith explains. He can't recall if it was uphill both ways, but admits, smiling, "In bad weather, our father sometimes took us in the car or on horseback. Smith's expert ability to get things done hasn't always worked to his advantage. When he arrived at UT, he put his farm sense to work milking a cow for Mrs. Price, a woman who owned a boarding house, in exchange for his meals. Before the Christmas break, he arranged for a friend to take his place while he spent the holidays at home in Nevada. Smith's friend turned out to be so much faster and more efficient that Mrs. Price gave the job to him! 
After graduation, Smith worked briefly at an office for $20 per week. But it wasn't long before he was offered a managing position at Reed Roller Bit's branch office in Hobbs, New Mexico. Smith calls the stint in Hobbs his "adventure in the wild west." He returned briefly to Houston before being transferred to Casper, Wyoming, to open another branch office there. Before leaving for the Rocky Mountains, he married Madora Leach. During their nine-year stay in Casper, two daughters, Rowena and Shirley, were born. "We loved the mountains, the wide-open spaces, and the wonderful, friendly people. But we knew all along that we would eventually come back to Texas," says Smith. "I think all Texans share this feeling." Smith was lured back to Texas by a job offer from Hunt Tool Company, but after a few years, he decided that what he really wanted was his own business. On February 1, 1949, Big "6" Drilling Company was born, and 50 years later, Smith is still at the forefront, serving as chairman of the board. This allows him to oversee the total operation with maximum flexibility. "This arrangement has made my life most enjoyable, especially to be involved with The University of Texas and The Texas Exes (Ex-Students' Association)," says Smith. In addition to his service on the UT Chancellor's Council, the Business School Century Club, and the UT Athletics Council, Smith has traveled on 27 Flying Longhorn trips over the years. By Rachael Shaw Jones,
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