One of the joys I’ve had as part of the Texas A&M Foundation team for the past 20 years is the opportunity to get to know many of our former students and friends of Texas A&M University who want to make a difference. Some want to make a difference for Aggie students, some for Aggie faculty and some for the university as a whole, but they all want to make a difference in Aggieland in a way that lasts. For many of our generous donors, creating an endowment is the perfect way to achieve that lasting impact.
As I’ve met with our donors, answered questions and walked them through the process of creating an endowment, it’s always rewarding to see how these gifts are made not out of obligation, but out of a heart of gratitude and conviction. I hear it in their voices and see it in their eyes. They want to give to a student program because a similar program was an influential part of their educational experience at Texas A&M. They want to help support faculty and their transformative research because they’re convinced Texas A&M is developing real solutions for some of society’s biggest challenges. They want to establish a scholarship because somebody did the same for them.
I especially enjoy hearing from donors who’ve formed meaningful relationships through the scholarships they created. Because endowed scholarships are invested to last in perpetuity, a new student is awarded after the previous recipient graduates. Donors get to hear from and—in many cases—meet their recipients, and regular communication with their student allows them to have a front-row seat as their recipient grows and progresses in their time at Texas A&M. Some stay in touch after graduation, and I even know donors who have attended the weddings of their former scholars!
Sharing these stories—stories of donors making a difference and the impact endowments can have—is what Maroon magazine is all about. As you explore this issue introducing you to the powerful concept of endowments, please know that we at the Texas A&M Foundation are always happy to answer questions and guide your journey as you consider how your giving could accomplish something meaningful to you and make a difference that lasts.
All the best and Gig ’em,
Steve Blomstedt ’83
Assistant Vice President for Development,
Texas A&M Foundation University Development team
