Excellence
Honoring a Legacy of
{ PART III}
his issue of THE CATALYST features Howard Kruse , the final member of the 2012 inaugural class of Fellows of Scott & White Clinic . The founder of one of the nation ’ s most beloved ice cream brands , Blue Bell Creameries , in Brenham , Texas , along with its iconic Homemade Vanilla flavor , Mr . Kruse also is a classic presence on the Scott & White Healthcare Board of Trustees . He has made significant contributions during his tenure as a board member , helping to expand high-quality healthcare to more patients . n
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Mr . Howard Kruse
“ No one ever got lost on a straight road .” These are the words of wisdom that were instilled in Howard Kruse by his father , E . F . Kruse , when Howard was a young boy . Since then , Mr . Howard Kruse has lived a life of exceptional character , integrity , and hard work , which began with the ice cream sandwiches he made by hand for his father at Blue Bell Creameries .
After graduating from Texas A & M and serving his country as a lieutenant in the Korean War , Mr . Kruse returned to his native Brenham . He went back to work at Blue Bell Creameries , eventually rising to the positions of president and chief executive officer in 1993 . An advocate for the Brenham community , Mr . Kruse actively participated in several organizations to promote leadership , education , and charity . Among the organizations he served were St . Paul ’ s Evangelical Lutheran Church , the American Legion , the United Way , and the local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America . He ultimately received the distinction of Washington County ’ s Man of the Year award in 1990 , and he was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 1993 .
Mr . Kruse joined the Scott & White Board of Visitors in 1994 . He was a vital force in Scott & White ’ s merger with Trinity Memorial Community Medical Center in Brenham , introducing Scott & White ’ s high-quality healthcare services to the welcoming arms of Washington County residents . The generosity of the extended Kruse family is further evidence of Mr . Kruse ’ s commitment to Scott & White Healthcare : Howard and his wife , Verlin , Evelyn Ann Kruse ,
and Mildred Kruse Bridges and her husband , Charles , have established the Kruse Family Centennial Chair in Ophthalmology at Scott & White with a $ 500,000 gift to advance medical research and treatment in eye care .
Mr . Kruse has served for 16 years on the Scott & White Board of Trustees , and for two years on the Board of Visitors . His committee service includes the Development / Endowment , Research and Education , and Strategy / Marketing committees , where he has shared his leadership skills and business acumen with these important functions within the organization .
“ I was distinctly honored to be accepted into the inaugural class of Fellows . My years of service on the board at Scott & White were enlightening and satisfying ,” says Mr . Kruse . sw . org | November 13 The Catalyst 37