What is a development officer?
Most people would define a development officer as someone who raises money for a nonprofit organization, but we are much more than that. A development officer can also be your point of contact with Texas A&M, helping you revisit your past experiences on campus, see where the university’s academic and student programs are heading in the future, and find how you can be a part of it. We work to connect you with your passions on campus, and we can help you connect with and mentor students. We also show you that your expertise in different areas is needed in the classroom as guest speakers and collaborators with faculty.
Among the more than 75 development officers at the Foundation, some work with a specific college or unit at Texas A&M and can help you learn more about the biggest needs for that area, while others, including all of us on the university development team, are considered “generalists” who can help you make an impact across campus.
- Jennifer Hester ’98, Senior Director of Development
What methods can I use to create a gift?
There are plenty of great ways to give back! Whether you want to support the college you graduated from, help students through scholarships or supporting services, or choose another area you care about, you can use a variety of methods and assets. You can set up an endowment now with gifts of cash, securities or real estate, or you can explore planned giving options that take effect after your lifetime, like a bequest in your will or a beneficiary designation gift.
Basically, there’s a giving option for just about everyone, and if you’re not sure where to start, a development officer can help guide you through the options so you can make an impact in the way that is most meaningful for you and best meets your circumstances.
- Karen Slater ’88, Senior Director of Development
Assistant Vice President for Development Steve Blomstedt ’83 and his wife, Shelly ’85, enjoy spending time with their growing family. They currently have six grandkids, with more on the way!
Jennifer Hester ’98, Senior Director of Development, lives on a 21-acre hobby farm with sheep, cattle, chickens, horses, a donkey, two dogs and a cat. She also sings in a band.
Karen Slater ’88, Senior Director of Development, was a Diamond Darling during her time at Texas A&M. (Photo by Leighton Jack ’14)
Scott Jarvis ’00, Director of Development, grew up chasing rodeos, which gave him a love of travel that has taken him to 50 states and several countries connecting with Aggies on behalf of Texas A&M.
Melissa Hawley ’95, Assistant Director of Development, has five daughters and four granddaughters, so clearly, girls rule in the family!
Director of Development Michael Osborn ’21 is a third-generation Aggie, and as a student, he led Silver Taps and the 20th anniversary of Bonfire Remembrance as the chair of Traditions Council.
Do I have to fund an endowment all at once?
Not at all! An endowment can be funded with one lump sum or over a longer period of time, up to five years. As an example, you could choose to establish a $25,000 endowment by making a gift of $5,000 every year for five years.
Remember that your employer may also offer matching funds that can contribute to funding the endowment. For instance, in the previous example, if your employer offers a 1:1 match, you could give $2,500 every year for five years, and your employer would contribute the rest to fully fund the endowment.
- Steve Blomstedt ’83, Assistant Vice President for Development
