From growing up in Dallas, Texas, to leading innovations in plastics on an international scale, Edwin “Ed” Gambrell ’65 lived a life defined by values that never wavered: family, faith, integrity and a deep-rooted love for Texas A&M University.
A devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, and a dedicated professional, Ed left a legacy that reaches far beyond the walls of any office or home. It lives on in his family, in his breakthroughs, and now through an endowed professorship that will help shape the future of chemical engineering education at Texas A&M.
The road to Aggieland
Ed’s story began in a family deeply connected to Texas A&M. His father, Roderick “Rod” Gambrell ’42, served as a commissioned officer in the Corps of Cadets before earning his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, setting a strong example for Ed to follow.
After graduating from preparatory school and fulfilling his long-held dream of becoming an Aggie, Ed made his way to College Station. Like his father, he joined the Corps of Cadets, balancing the demands of his marketing studies with an embrace of the traditions and values that had also shaped his father’s life.
“Ed always credited Texas A&M as being absolutely critical to his success,” his family recalled. “Beyond business, he said the university instilled in him a strong sense of duty and honor — principles that guided him as a husband, father, and grandfather.”
These were more than values to Ed. They were the cornerstones by which he began and ended each day.
The future is plastic
Soon after graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in marketing, Ed began what would become a nearly 40-year career with Dow Chemical Company. Over the years, he moved across the country, eventually becoming business group president. In that role, he helped lead the acquisition of Union Carbide and served as a member of Dow’s Corporate Operating Board.
Ed was known as a trailblazer in the commercialization of plastics and related chemicals. From developing plastic packaging for milk bottles and lunchmeats to transforming automotive design with thermoplastics, he left a permanent mark on the industry.
“Ed was a pioneer,” his family said. “He helped expand the use of plastics in everyday life — and built relationships across industries while doing it.”
Still, one of the most telling anecdotes highlighting Ed’s values came from a gift he received early in his career — a framed photo with a caption that read: “I believe in God, family, Texas A&M, Ronald Reagan and plastic milk bottles.”
“That about summed it up,” his family said, “and it never really changed.”
Aggie through and through
Ed’s relationship with Texas A&M wasn’t just rooted in his own experience— it stretched across four generations. His son, Eric, graduated in 1988, and his granddaughter, Sarah Rose, is part of the class of 2026.
“Ed was part of a four-generation Aggie family,” his family said. “That legacy kept him close to Aggieland his entire life.”
Even during his career, Ed remained deeply connected to the university. He hired and mentored many Aggies during his time with Dow, helping strengthen the relationship between the company and the university for years to come.
“Ed believed Aggies brought something extra to both business and community,” the family said. “That effort built a strong and enduring bond between Dow and Texas A&M — one that benefited both institutions and, ultimately, the world.”
In 2020, Ed was named a distinguished alumnus in chemical engineering — a recognition that was not only a surprise but also meant the world to him.
“He and Eric used to joke that neither of them could’ve survived the rigor of A&M’s engineering program — but they were confident Sarah Rose could,” the Gambrell family said. “Ed knew the chemical engineering department was changing the world, and being recognized by it meant a great deal to him.”
To honor Ed’s extraordinary life and career, the Gambrell family established the Edwin Foster Gambrell ’65 Endowed Professorship in Chemical Engineering. It is a tribute to his belief in education, research and the power of innovation.
“Texas A&M shaped Ed — as a businessman, yes, but also as a husband, father and grandfather,” his family said. “That influence never left him. It guided him.”
The family hopes this professorship will support meaningful research and give students the opportunity to make a difference in the world, just as Ed did.
“Ed would want this professorship to fuel the highest levels of research,” they said. “He believed Texas A&M’s chemical engineering department was a smart investment — not just for the university, but for the good of the public.”
As his loved ones put it, “Edwin was a man of integrity and civility — what you saw was what you got.” This is the story of his life, his legacy, and the lasting impact he leaves behind.