Scholarships

An “Employee” is defined in the Fund as every active, retired, or deceased individual who has worked an average of at least 1,000 hours per year in the West Gulf region of the United States during the last three years of active employment for an Employer. An “Employer” is defined in the Fund as a regular or affiliate member of the West Gulf Maritime Association that employs I.L.A. labor pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement, the Port of Houston Authority, or the South Atlantic & Gulf Coast District, International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO or any of its local union affiliates that provide labor to a regular or affiliate member of the West Gulf Maritime Association that employs I.L.A. labor pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.

After graduating from high school in Houston he was an honor student at Texas A&M University and the University of Texas. After serving in the United States Air Force for four years, Buddy came to the Houston Waterfront in 1961 and joined ILA Local 1273. In 1963, he was elected to his first office in Local 1273 and became president in 1968. In 1974, he was elected secretary-treasurer of the District.

Buddy was elected to his first full term as District President in 1978 and over the next twelve years proved to be one of the most effective labor leaders in the history of the ILA.

Buddy was well respected by all who came to know him and in turn he respected every person – be they management or one of the newest members of the ILA. He was known for his forthrightness, his integrity and his commitment to the goals of those he represented. He was also known for his sense of humor and had the wonderful gift of being able to inject that humor into the most serious discussions when it was needed most.

Buddy was a “student” for all of his life in the sense that he never stopped learning. He was well aware of the value of a formal education and it is only fitting that his memory be honored by this scholarship fund.