Like many recent graduates heading off for a first job, David Henderson (geophysics ’73) was a bit nervous on his drive to New Orleans to work for Amoco after having earmed his degree from Virginia Tech. “My concern was whether they were going to expect me to know everything there was to know about geophysics,” said Henderson. “But when I got there, they were so happy with what I knew. They were hiring people with math degrees and physics degrees and strong science backgrounds, but my training was very specific—and very relevant.” Henderson took advantage of the head start his education provided him to embark on a notable career in energy exploration that has taken him to 43 countries and six continents. After serving as a vice president at several energy corporations, including EEX, where he also was chief operating officer, he co-founded a new company, WBH Energy Partners LLC. Henderson credits three Tech professors—John Costain, Gil Bollinger, and Ed Robinson—with preparing him to excel. Along with those mentors, he also found the love of his life in Blacksburg. Henderson met an English major named Ruth Drinkard (English ’73) during their freshman year, and they married shortly before their senior year. Residents of Spicewood, Texas, the Hendersons had supported Virginia Tech generously for many years when they agreed to serve as co-chairs of the Houston regional committee within The Campaign for Virginia Tech: Invent the Future. Ruth Henderson said joining the team of hundreds of campaign volunteers was an easy decision to make. “We are big fans of all the aspects of Virginia Tech and want the university to have the best and brightest students, faculty, and staff,” she said. “We also love a good excuse to return to Blacksburg.” “We have an obligation to honor those who have contributed to our success,” David Henderson said. “We have a debt to pay forward to help a new generation succeed. That is why we contribute with our presence, gifts, and service.”
1966 Ruth Drinkard accompanies her older sister, Sylvia, on a visit to Virginia Tech
1969
Ruth enrolls at Tech, as does David Henderson
1969 Ruth and David meet
1970 Ruth and David start dating
1972 Ruth and David marry
1973 The Hendersons graduate
1978 The Hendersons give their first gift to Tech
1993 The David and Ruth Henderson Scholarship is created to support students in geology, physics, biology, or chemistry
1994 The Hendersons are inducted into the Ut Prosim Society, a select group of the university’s most generous donors.
JIM STROUP
RUTH & DAVID HENDERSON
2005 David elected to the Virginia Tech Foundation board
2008
David and Ruth are inducted into the Legacy Society for those who make planned gifts to Tech
“We have a debt to pay forward to help a new generation succeed. That is why we contribute with our presence, gifts, and service.”
Virginia Tech Magazine | Winter 2011-12
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