The G. Russell Kirkland Distinguished Visiting Executive Lecture has been created by friends of the late Mr. G. Russell Kirkland and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to honor his distinguished service to the development of the University, the city of Corpus Christi, and South Texas. Mr. Kirkland was the Vice President of Development at Texas A&I at Corpus Christi and Corpus Christi State University from 1975 to 1978. Prior to joining the University, Mr. Kirkland was associated with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith for 35 years, and was Vice President and manager of the Corpus Christi office. Mr. Kirkland was also Founder and Director of Parkdale State Bank. In addition, Mr. Kirkland served as President of the Little Theatre Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi Symphony, and was Director of First State Bank of Ingleside, KEDT-TV, and YMCA. Mr. Kirkland was a national director of the Navy League.