John Ziek Pickens, III Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is dedicated to the life and memory of John Ziek Pickens, III, BBA ’67, MBA ’71. John was a lifetime Texas Exes member and avid Longhorns fan. John leaves behind a legacy of a hard work ethic coupled with laughter and fun that will make any situation bearable and memorable John had many accomplishments in his life. He served honorably as an officer in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. During his time served he helped to recover the Apollo 8 astronauts. After completing his military service, John worked 25 years for HB Zachry Construction Co., as the district manager for the Dallas-Fort Worth area where it is said that he made work fun.

Upon his retirement from HB Zachry Construction Co., he began his true love of teaching. He taught at Boles Junior High and was devoted to helping troubled youth. Fellow teachers, cafeteria workers, students and other employees relayed how much fun John made work and school and how he changed the lives of the trouble kids that he worked with.

John was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in 2003. He fought the disease bravely and courageously against for almost two years. Again the nurses, doctors and hospital staff comment on what a fun patient John was and how he will be missed.