Every now and again, an Aggie comes along who not only participates in Texas A&M’s culture, but who also shapes it. Such was the case with Judson Loupot ’32, aka “Ol’ Army Lou,” the focus of this issue’s Time Capsule.

Lou’s story is an endearing tale that speaks to the goodness of the human spirit and our willingness to help our fellow man. He was the well-known founder of Loupot’s Bookstores, which began in 1928 with a resale business out of his campus dorm room. The company eventually transformed into a warehouse at Northgate, and later, to three locations across College Station. For more than half a century, Lou sold used textbooks, civilian and Corps of Cadets clothing, accessories, shoes and more—often loaning money and merchandise to Aggies on their word.

Lou’s charitable nature was widely known, and his trademark generosity made him a trusted confidant and father figure to many. A 1965 advertisement in The Battalion proclaims: “Inside Loupot’s Trading Post, the Aggies will find one of the best friends they can make while at A&M: J.E. Loupot ’32. He is not hard to spot, being a little more than thin, a little lacking in hair, and with an effervescent grin.” In a 1945 Battalion, another advertisement reads: “If you are in trouble of any kind, remember that the Trading Post is something more than a good place to buy your school supplies.”

Lou frequently lent $5 bills to cadets for Corps trips, bailed embarrassed students out of jail, supported school functions and gave out small loans for textbooks or clothing. His desire to lend a helping hand stemmed from a deep-seated love and devotion for the university, and he aided Aggies in many more ways than we could recount.

In 1990, Lou’s 80th birthday party was held at The Association of Former Students’ headquarters. Hundreds gathered to celebrate their local legend, and even President George H.W. Bush sent a birthday card wishing Lou “the warmth of good friends and the glow of happy memories.” At the celebration, his son, Judson Loupot Jr. ’72, said, “The truest measure of a person’s life is how many people call you friend.” For Lou, that number equated to Aggies everywhere.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue’s tribute to one of our university’s most beloved Aggies.