Business-Savvy Aggie Shares the Inspiration Behind His Family's Giving

Ron Barclay '68 discusses his father's charitable giving and explains why he and his wife, Sandy, are continuing this family tradition.

Meet Billboard-Charting Surfaces Musician Colin Padalecki ’20

Surfaces band co-founder Colin Padalecki ’20 shares how he launched his music career from the ground up in Aggieland.

Elevating Entrepreneurship

Aggie 100 celebrates its 20th anniversary and the 2024 class of the fastest-growing Aggie companies.

Powering Up the Student Experience

Reliant renews its 25-year partnership with Mays Business School with the newly created Reliant Student Experience Office.

Bonjour, Paris!

My study abroad experience sparked a lifelong passion for travel, lasting friendships and a broader world perspective.

Good Business Sense

After years as a celebrated dean of Mays Business School, Dr. Benton Cocanougher finds a beneficial way to further Aggieland's success.

Q&A With Aggie Expert Lauren Minch '99 '00

Discover how Lauren Minch ’99 ’00, CFA, CPA is using a bequest to pay her success forward to Mays Business School.

Rallying for Mays

Pro tennis champion Austin Krajicek ’11 and his wife, Misia ’18, are serving up a scholarship for future Mays Business School students.

For the Love of Leadership

PepsiCo refreshes first-generation Aggies with an engaging leadership development program on campus.

Accelerating Success

Motorcycle-riding Wall Street finance leader Raja Akram ’95 ’97 challenges the status quo.

Planting Passions

Reunited with Aggieland years after graduation, Kriss Kirchhoff ’78 explores his passions on campus and plants seeds of generosity for future Aggies.

The Ride of a Lifetime

Retail marketing expert Cheryl Holland Bridges recalls Texas A&M University adventures that drove her career and steered her back home to help Aggies.

What Makes Us Aggies

Six students share how they live out Texas A&M University’s core values.

Heart, Purpose and People

Southwest Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Ryan Green ’99 reflects on his 20-year journey from entry-level to executive.

Fast Forward

From artificial intelligence and space flight to education and aging, Texas A&M University researchers tackle 12 questions about our future.

For the Win

A new partnership between Mays Business School and Texas A&M University Athletics helps athletes keep scoring well beyond their playing days.

Weathering the Storm

Laura ’86 and Johnny Campanello ’86 created scholarships to honor their parents for supporting them through a hurricane and beyond.

Small Spark, Giant Fire

Entrepreneur Mike Francis ’06 is improving the lives of current and future generations with his bright ideas.

Chain Reaction

Mays Business School professor Dr. Xenophon Koufteros breaks down the complicated world of supply chains.

Philanthropy 101

Mays Business School's Strategic Philanthropy course has distributed more than $1 million in funds to support local nonprofits and charities.

All the Right Ingredients

They’ve been spicing up your favorite dishes for decades. But behind Bolner’s Fiesta Brand and its quest for superior seasoning lies a family history that informs the company and its Aggie leaders to this day.

Home Is Where the Aggies Are

How a chance encounter with an incoming student helped me find my home in Aggieland.

The Future Is Maroon

An innovative new program in Mays Business School preps students for careers in the tech industry.

The Game of Their Lives

A new partnership between Mays Business School and Texas A&M University Athletics trains athletes to keep scoring well beyond their playing days.

Committed to Excellence

Thanks to a lead $7.5 million gift from Wayne Roberts ’85 ’86, Mays Business School students will soon learn in a new state-of-the-art building.

Ask the Expert: Supply Chain Solutions

Texas A&M University supply chain expert Dr. Xenophon Koufteros shares how your company can promote health in its own supply chain process.

Did You Know

…a new building on West Campus will soon welcome Mays Business School students?

In the Hands of An Aggie

A healthy Ashby Yates ’44 was safely delivered 10 weeks prematurely thanks to the expertise of Dr. Bethany Kolb ’87. In appreciation, Ashby’s proud parents, Lexie ’17 and Trey Yates ’17, are honoring Kolb with a scholarship.

Office Hours

Step inside the curious world of faculty and staff who have made their offices uniquely their own.

What Does the Future of Work Look Like?

Faculty from across disciplines track the socioeconomic trends affecting the workplace today and tomorrow.

A Taste for Tech

Brett Graham ’87 ’92 has parlayed his love of science into a rewarding career in marketing and technology.

Did You Know

…students in Mays Business School manage major investment portfolios?

Going the Distance

Cigna CEO David Cordani ’88 uses servant leadership to help employees and wounded veterans run their best race yet.

What I Learned in Aggieland

A country star who drove a bus around campus. An Aggie Dance Team captain who became a soap opera staple. National reporters who got their start at The Battalion. Eight extraordinary former students share life-changing lessons from their time at Texas A&M.

Married to the Mission

Sally and John Cox ’81 find purpose in selflessly serving veterans, Aggies with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and any person in need.

Working for the Aggie 100

The first Aggie 100 Career Fair allowed hundreds of students to network with Aggie businesses in numerous industries.

Dynamic Duo

These childhood friends-turned-entrepreneurs are putting their Texas A&M University skill sets to use as founders of Einstein Moving Company.

Expanding Access to Education

Myrtle Jones creates a Foundation Excellence Award to encourage more Black students to pursue accounting degrees.

Howdy, Lacey Pattie ’22

Senior President’s Endowed Scholar Lacey Pattie ’22 is making sound waves on campus.

The Family Enterprise

With restaurants touting big portions and exceptional service, Harris Pappas ’66 and his brothers made their name famous across the country. As Pappas Restaurants aims to rebound from its hardest chapter yet, its co-founder remembers the dream that started it all.

Wall Street Woman

Sharron Ann Sibley empowered women to pursue financial freedom and honored her inspiring father by creating a scholarship in his name.

Balancing the Books

Accounting department head Dr. Nate Sharp wanted to expand opportunities for Black accounting students. A relationship with PwC is making it happen.

An Aggie Investment

Through a planned gift to multiple areas of Texas A&M University, Michael B. Cox ’77 is investing in the future of Aggieland.

Pass It Back In 2022

See how you can “pass it back” this year by volunteering your time and expertise on campus to make a difference in the lives of students.

Our Top 12 Photos of 2021

Relive some of last year’s Aggie achievements through photos.

Combining Luck and Hard Work

A $20 million gift from Adam C. Sinn ’00 will support students and programs in Mays Business School’s Department of Finance.

Creating New Leadership Dimensions

A planned gift from Barbara and Donald Zale ’55 will support the Corps of Cadets, the Center for Retailing Studies and the College of Liberal Arts.

Ties That Bind

The Garcia family’s generational giving to Texas A&M University strengthens their bond to Aggieland and one another.

Empowering Tomorrow's Business Students

Brian Miller ’80 pays it forward by endowing President’s Endowed Scholarships for Mays Business School students.

We Asked: What is Your New Year's Resolution?

Read what deans and leaders across campus are resolving to do in 2021 to increase opportunities for Aggieland's students, faculty and staff.

The Perfect Match

By utilizing gift-matching programs like Michelle '88 and Todd Steudtner ’87, you can generate extra financial support for Texas A&M.

Lab Work: Research at Texas A&M

Gifts to the campaign created 127 new endowed chairs, professorships and fellowships that support faculty, whose boundless creativity and curiosity are changing the world.

Trailblazers

Three-time Aggie graduate Eli Jones ’82 ’86 ’97 has led Mays Business School to new heights as dean during the Lead by Example campaign.

Celebrating aMAYSing Women

Women graduates of the Mays Business School are making their mark - leading in industry, earning recognition and supporting the next generation.

Advancing Academics

Learn how chairs, professorships and fellowships support researchers and faculty members who contribute to Texas A&M University’s excellence.

New Gifts: Recent Gifts to Texas A&M

Couple establishes full-ride scholarship endowment; Cushing Library receives rare map collection; Chick-fil-A owner gives back; husband honors late wife's legacy.

Investing in the Field

The North Dallas Bank & Trust Co. committed $1 million to support the Commercial Banking Program in Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School.

Campaign Update

During the Lead by Example campaign, countless individuals chose to honor their loved ones through honorary or memorial gifts. Here are six of their stories.

Did You Know

Texas A&M has more Fortune 100 corporate CEOs than any other university.

Defining Generosity

The initial investment of a planned gift made by Peggy and John Hill '44 in 1987 has nearly doubled and is now making a powerful impact on campus.

Back Page

What’s in your backpack? We asked scholarship recipients to share the mementos, good luck charms and other interesting items they carry with them from class to class.

New Gifts: Recent Gifts to Texas A&M

Couples establish gifts for the McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship, the Bush School of Government and Public Service, and the College of Architecture; Chilifest gives endowed scholarship.

Trailblazers

Bob Jordan ’85, executive vice president of corporate services at Southwest Airlines, and his wife, Kelly ’86, talk low fares, high standards and preserving what matters most in the midst of growth.

The Selling Point

Reynolds and Reynolds expands its relationship with Texas A&M by committing a $4 million gift to name the Sales Leadership Institute.

Givers from Within

Meet four Texas A&M faculty and staff members who established planned gifts as another way of giving back to the university.

Foundational Success

Bret Baccus ’89 creates a bequest to establish a Foundation Excellence Award scholarship and support the Mays CBA Fellows Program.

Campaign Update

Meet Dr. Junuthula Reddy and five other Texas A&M faculty and staff members who are shaping the university they call home by giving back.

New Gifts: Recent Gifts to the Foundation

Couples create memorial scholarships and a professor of practice in engineering; former student gives first endowed gift for the School of Innovation.

Teaching Generosity

Mays Business School’s Strategic Philanthropy course teaches students the principles of generosity and philanthropy.

New Gifts: Recent Gifts to Texas A&M

Endowment fuels training cruises; doctor honors late wife’s legacy; gift for Sales Leadership Institute; former student supports the Corps of Cadets.

Student Impact

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo provides thousands of students across the state with financial aid, creating an extensive, undeniable impact at Texas A&M University.

On the Ride of His Life

Fat Tire Bike Tours founder David Mebane ’98 on exploring the world and running his international business of fun.

Pay It Forward, Ags!

Shane Frazier ’98 makes an IRA beneficiary gift to support Mays Business School.

Building Leaders

John R. Carmichael III ’73 created a gift in his will to support the Mays Business School Master of Real Estate Program.

Mapping the Road to Success

Sam and Barney Gershen ’69 support students in the Corps of Cadets and Mays Business School on their journey through Texas A&M.

Business Boost

Aggie couple Shannon ’86 and Wayne Roberts ’85 create largest planned gift in Mays Business School history.

Year-End Tax Tips

Tax tips from Andy Beakey ’84, a member of the Texas A&M Department of Accounting Advisory Council and tax partner at Ernst & Young.

Cover Feature

A competitive finance program in Mays Business School helps students reach their Wall Street ambitions.

New Gifts: Recent Gifts to the Foundation

First scholarship for EnMed; gift supports Women’s Resource Center; students establish Barbara Bush memorial scholarship.

Trailblazers

Former Rackspace CEO and Chairman Graham Weston ’86 has his sights set on transforming downtown San Antonio into a prominent tech hub.

Sweet Treats for Social Causes

Tyler Merrick ’00 is changing the world, one pack of gum at a time.

Applying Leverage

Plano couple taps corporate matching funds to establish scholarships for engineering and business students.

We're aMAYSing

Mays Business School turns 50 years old this year. A celebration is scheduled for Sept. 7-8 that offers programming for current and former students.

On Campus

Construction science students study in England; researchers restore Alamo cannons; Aggie Replant coordinates annual tree planting day.

Ask Professor X

A conversation with Dr. Leonard Berry, a thought leader on health care service quality.

New Gifts: RECENT GIFTS TO THE FOUNDATION

Couple supports new dentistry facility; gifts fund Mays Innovation Research Center; Aggie Parents of the Year establish construction science scholarship.

Cover Feature

Recent multimillion-dollar gifts will establish Texas A&M University as one of the nation’s leading schools for aspiring entrepreneurs.

New Gifts: Recent Gifts to the Foundation

Accounting department naming underway; Pilgrim’s Corp. funds poultry feed mill renovation; Cathy and Bill Davis ’75 endow student conference; Nobel laureate David Lee supports quantum studies.

Mays Business School Receives Lead Gifts in Department of Accounting Naming

The Texas A&M Foundation has received two gifts totaling $4 million in a campaign to name the Department of Accounting in honor of James J. Benjamin.

Multimillion-Dollar Gifts Establish New Innovation Research Center at Mays Business School

Commitments from the Mays Family Foundation and the Charles Koch Foundation establish the Mays Innovation Research Center at Mays Business School.

Mays Business School’s Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship to be Named After Legendary Entrepreneur Arthur “Artie” McFerrin Jr. ’65

Arthur McFerrin Jr. will continue to inspire Aggies through the renaming of Mays Business School’s Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship.

New Gifts: Recent Gifts to the Foundation

Couple asks wedding guests to donate in lieu of gifts; gift helps veterans pursue entrepreneurial dreams; Santa surprises two siblings with endowed scholarships; couple funds study abroad scholarships.

Student Impact

The M.B. Zale Leadership Scholars Program in Mays Business School prepares students like Stephanie Martinez ’16 for successful careers in retailing.

Mays Business School Receives Largest Single Commitment in School's History from Mays Family Foundation

The Texas A&M Foundation has received a commitment of $25 million from the Mays Family Foundation.

Evans Medal: Coxes

From funding initiatives in Mays Business School to serving Breakaway Ministries, Kay ’02 and Jerry Cox ’72 dedicate time and resources to Texas A&M.

New Gifts: Recent Gifts to the Foundation

Reta Haynes establishes dean’s chair; Rochelles fund veterinary equipment; gift boosts Commercial Banking Program; Clay Bright ’78 creates scholarships for middle-income students.

New Gifts: Recent Gifts to the Foundation

Young couple creates planned gift for Muster; charitable gift annuity will support Corps scholarships; endowment for Engineering Success Program aids Regents' Scholars; father honors son's memory with President's Endowed Scholarship.

On Campus: News From Across Texas A&M

Construction begins on The Gardens at Texas A&M; new life for Riverside Campus; philanthropy course teaches students about nonprofits; architecture majors design mockups for Dallas Mavericks' practice facility.

College Impact

Two Aggie engineers finance an unprecedented collaboration between the colleges of business and engineering to ensure that Texas A&M graduates remain leaders in the energy sector.

New Gifts: Recent Gifts to the Foundation

Powells establish gift for geosciences field camp; Couple and son fund fellowship for Texas Panhandle business students; siblings endow scholarship to honor parents.

New Gifts: Recent Gifts to the Foundation

Naval officer commits a Corps scholarship; College of Medicine receives $1 million gift; Houston Aggie Mothers’ Club creates HelpLine endowment.

Student Impact

He’ll always remember Texas A&M the way it was “back when,” but Earle Shields Jr. ’41 also supports the university’s future through gifts for faculty and students.

Postscript

TexAgs is proud to provide an outlet that inspires community, networking and good old-fashioned fun.

Donald Zale ’55 and Gerald Ray ’54

The Texas A&M Foundation honored Donald Zale and Gerald Ray with a Bugle Call at the Texas A&M vs. Nevada football game on Sept. 19.