Behind the Scenes

Surrounded by lights and cameras in a furnished living room set, Texas A&M Foundation President & CEO Tyson Voelkel ’96 recorded his episodes for the Giving Academy video series. The Giving Academy, as he explains to the lens, is designed to demystify philanthropy and its role at Texas A&M University. “You might be asking yourself, ‘Does Texas A&M even need private giving?’ and ‘Will my gift even matter?’” Voelkel says. “In this series, we’re going to try and answer those questions.”

Having debuted in spring 2023 with three courses, each containing three quick episodes, the series features Voelkel and other philanthropic leaders from around the Foundation exploring how private giving sustains Texas A&M, what the giving process looks like and the incredible generational impact of endowments.

The series currently comprises a digestible half-hour of content jampacked with actionable information, but future courses are already in the works. “The Foundation is committed to being among the most trusted voices in philanthropy,” Voelkel explained after filming. “This series is another way for us to give former students and partners every tool and resource they need to change lives in Aggieland and beyond.”
 

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