The Office for Student Success
Texas A&M’s Office for Student Success was created in 2019 to retain more students, increase four- and six-year graduation rates and decrease disparities among incoming students. To learn more about the office’s efforts and goals, visit studentsuccess.tamu.edu.
Texas A&M Foundation
The Texas A&M Foundation is a nonprofit organization that aspires to be among the most trusted philanthropies in higher education. It builds a brighter future for Texas A&M University, one relationship at a time. To learn more, visit txamfoundation.com.
Lead by Example Campaign
Launched in 2015, Texas A&M University’s third comprehensive fundraising campaign, Lead by Example, is a joint effort between Texas A&M and its affiliate fundraising organizations: the Texas A&M Foundation, The Association of Former Students, the 12th Man Foundation and the George and Barbara Bush Foundation. With a goal of reaching $4 billion by 2020, it is the largest higher education campaign in Texas history and one of the largest conducted nationally by a public university. For more information, visit leadbyexample.tamu.edu.
In addition to bolstering learning communities, the Rouths’ endowment will also provide funding to support the three existing full-time employees in the Office for Student Success, as well as the program’s facility—including a student lounge and designated study and mentor areas—and any other programs created for first-generation student success.
Stephanie and Todd’s past experiences opened their eyes to first-generation student needs and motivated them to make a difference. As active members of the Capital City A&M Club for the past 20 years, their involvement in the club’s scholarship application process broadened their perspectives to these needs. They have also personally assisted employees’ and friends’ children in navigating the college admissions process. “Being able to help guide their journey has been a wonderful journey for us, as well,” Todd said.
Stephanie touched on the importance of mentoring first-generation college students once they are on campus. “Two of three students I helped with the college application process were accepted but later dropped out because they couldn’t find their footing. They were seemingly swimming without a clear sense of direction in a sea of purpose-driven students,” she said. “It is important to provide a safe place for first-generation students to share concerns that may not be relevant to the rest of the college population in order to help minimize these anxieties and redirect actions if necessary.”
As successful Aggies—Stephanie earned her degree in environmental design in 1993, and Todd earned his finance degree in 1986—the Rouths agree that everyone, no matter their background, should have an opportunity to pursue higher education. “Education feeds the mind, makes you part of something bigger than yourself and creates a channel for each person to create change in the world. It is an equalizer,” Stephanie shared.
The Rouths not only hope to encourage student success with their gift, but they also wish to inspire their fellow Aggies and others to contribute to something they feel is much larger than Aggieland. “Texas A&M not only teaches academics, but also life skills,” Stephanie said. “First-generation students have drive and ambition. They can take what they learn back to their families, communities, and careers and share their education.”
The couple’s gift supports the Lead by Example campaign, a $4 billion fundraising effort for Texas A&M University that stands at $3.93 billion raised as of April 2020.
