W hen Martha Bellens-Martin ’85 created a scholarship for students within the Wm Michael Barnes ’64 Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Texas A&M University, she planned to support the next generation of Aggie engineers. She already had strong connections to the university via the Traveling Aggies and her contribution to the Zachry Engineering Education Complex renovation that allowed her naming rights in the building, but she was looking to make a deeper connection with students through a scholarship. To her delight, she soon found a friend in the process.
When Emaly Vrooman ’24 received her scholarship, both soon discovered that the benefits of endowed scholarships stretch well beyond financial support. The two quickly formed a close bond that provided Bellens-Martin, as a respected industrial engineer and businesswoman, an opportunity to pour into an Aggie whose shoes she once stood in, while Vrooman found a role model and someone she now considers family.
This spring, we sat down with the pair during a campus visit as they reflected on how their connection formed, what they’ve gained from one another and why their relationship is one they plan to keep for years to come.
What stood out from your first meeting? Martha: We first met at the department’s scholarship banquet, and I was impressed right away. I remember thinking Emaly was sharp, grounded and incredibly driven. She reminded me of myself when I was younger, and we quickly connected on a deeper level.
Emaly: Martha stood out to me in the best way. Her vibrant outfit matched her personality: confident, warm and full of life. You could tell right away she was someone who had earned respect in her field. When I mentioned I was part of a Bible study, her eyes lit up. We talked about our faith, and that conversation made me feel instantly comfortable. She wasn’t just a donor—she was someone who genuinely cared about who I was beyond my resume.
How have you stayed in touch since then?
Emaly: We talk pretty regularly! I’ve leaned on Martha during job interviews and other big decisions. It’s been so helpful to hear her perspective—especially as someone who’s succeeded in a competitive industry. She has been a constant source of encouragement as I recently began my three-year industrial engineering program with Lockheed Martin and am planning a move to California.
Martha: Even when life gets busy, we make the effort to stay in touch, and as Emaly continues to grow in her career, I look forward to keeping up with her wherever life takes her. We also both love to travel, so even though she is about to move across the country, I look forward to making a few trips out west.
Is there a memory that stands out from your time together?
Martha: After watching Emaly navigate her junior and senior studies, I got a front-row seat at her senior project presentation. Watching her light up as she talked about her project at one of the banquets was such a special moment. The passion and pride on her face reminded me exactly why I give—not just financially, but with my time. Seeing her thrive and knowing I played a small part in her journey made it all deeply rewarding.
Emaly: For me, it’s the quiet moments. One lunch we had, I was feeling overwhelmed about graduation. Martha listened, reassured me and reminded me that I had what it takes. I walked away feeling reenergized. Having someone believe in you, not just academically but personally, makes a huge difference. Martha’s kindness and wisdom motivate me beyond measure.
The passion and pride on her face reminded me exactly why I give—not just financially, but with my time. Seeing her thrive and knowing I played a small part in her journey made it all deeply rewarding. - Martha Bellens-Martin ’85
What would you say to someone considering making their own endowed scholarship?
Martha: Giving is rewarding on its own, but mentoring—truly investing in a student’s life—is on a different level. You get to witness the impact firsthand. To me, creating an endowed scholarship through the Texas A&M Foundation is the most meaningful kind of giving. Long after I’m gone, this fund will continue supporting students like Emaly. That’s the power of the Foundation’s work: They make it possible for your impact to outlast you. It’s comforting to know that every year, someone will get a little encouragement and opportunity, just like she did.
Emaly: It changes everything. Scholarships help students financially, yes, but relationships like this one change how you see yourself and your future. A scholarship tells a student, “Someone believes in you,” and that’s huge. I’m graduating free of financial burdens, but more than that, I’m graduating with a friend who’s helped shape the way I think about my career and life. That’s a gift you can’t put a price on.
