Texas A&M Foundation

Our 20 Favorite Photos from 2020

Here are some of the best moments of last year, summarized in photos.

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.

Ilya and the Canal

After leading the monumental Panama Canal expansion, Ilya Espino de Marotta '85 inadvertently became an inspiration for women engineers worldwide.

Lifelong Learner

A lifelong Aggie, Dr. Elizabeth Crouch ’91 holds her dream job in Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Cyber Warriors

The Corps of Cadets' Cyber Operations Special Unit fosters future generations of cyber professionals by cadets in cyber warfare and defense.

The Top 12 Aggies Stories of 2020

Despite challenges faced nationwide and here in Aggieland, this year was also filled with incredible stories about the Aggie Spirit!

Building the Future

Four construction science graduates, led by Joseph “Jay” Vaughn III ’19 and Stefan Gresham Jr. ’18, relive their journey to building Opifex.

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.

Celebrating Aggies by the Sea

Along with 105 other Aggies by the Sea, Mario Rodriguez ’21 is being honored with a Texas A&M University at Galveston endowed scholarship.

Building a Legacy

The namesakes of these five campus buildings left a unique legacy on Texas A&M University.

Helping Our Heroes

On Veterans Day 2020, consider how you can make a difference for our nation’s heroes by giving to one of these seven opportunities.

Rooted in Service

Five program directors within the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service speak on their initiatives’ unique impacts on Texans across the state.

Building the Rio Grande Valley's Future

Marty ’88 and Rubén Hinojosa create the first endowment in perpetuity for Texas A&M University’s Higher Education Center at McAllen, Texas.

Galveston, From the Ground Up

In the show “Restoring Galveston,” former Texas A&M-Galveston students Ashley ’09 and Michael Cordray ’06 fix the city, one run-down house at a time.

Beating the Odds

Evan Lu '22 is working toward his dream of becoming an orthodontist thanks to help from an Endowed Opportunity Award.

Birthing Medical Innovation

Texas A&M University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering plans to create a makerspace to help students develop innovative medical devices.

Annexed by Texas A&M

Five Aggies from the Class of 1953 recall their freshman “fish” year at “The Annex,” known today as RELLIS.

Energy to Spare

Learn how you can use mineral rights and royalties to make a difference for current and future Aggies through a donation to the Texas A&M Foundation.

Never Give Up

Mike and Cassie McClung establish the Avery Elise McClung Endowed Memorial Aggie ACHIEVE Scholarship in honor of their 12-year-old daughter.

Disaster Relief Fund Has Benefited Hundreds of Aggies Affected by COVID-19

The Texas A&M University Disaster Relief Fund has assisted 568 students with financial hardships surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Honoring a First Lady

A graduate fellowship was created in honor of former First Lady Barbara Bush for students at the Bush School of Government and Public Service.

Architect to the Stars

Hollywood architect David Applebaum ’80 makes his living drawing up homes for clients from the silver screen.

From Interns to the Ivy League

Through Texas A&M University’s Public Policy Internship Program, two Aggie graduates discovered a path that led them to Ivy League law schools.

Under the Radar

From high above campus, the Aggie Doppler Radar provides unparalleled opportunities for meteorology students to survey the skies.

Out of Foster Care, Into College

Texas A&M University looks to empower foster care students with the launch of the Supervised Independent Living Program.

Long-Lost Portrait

Discover the story behind this 1943 painting of Texas A&M’s original mascot that hangs in the Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center.

Aggie Health Care Workers Reflect on COVID-19 Service

These 10 Aggies share their experiences of working in health care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Married to the Job

Duncan and Kristen Maitland discuss the ins and outs of their biomedical engineering work at Texas A&M University.

Honoring Texas' Czech Roots

Created by the Czech Educational Foundation, the William J. Hlavinka '50 endowment hopes to bring Czech scholars to Texas A&M University.

From Cattle Yards to Courtrooms

Cari Rincker ’02 uses her hardworking agricultural background to excel in her law career.

In Good Company

The Lonestar Company (Company L-1) class of '73 has created a $100,000 scholarship for future cadets.

Gifts for Dad

In celebration of Father’s Day this weekend, these Aggies honor their dads through giving to future Aggie generations.

Sugar and Mike Barnes establish endowment for industrial and systems engineering, department named in their honor

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Sugar and Mike Barnes have created naming gift.

$2.6 Million Gift Supports First-Generation Students at Texas A&M University

The gift will bolster the university's efforts to support first-generation students as they navigate collegiate life.

$5 Million Gift Supports Student Veteran Resources at Texas A&M University

The gift will create a permanent home for the VRSC, endow on-campus veteran programs and provide matching funds for veteran scholarships.

Michael Pia Joins Texas A&M Foundation as Chief Investment Officer

Pia will lead the Foundation’s investment team and help drive critical decisions for the success of Texas A&M's long-term investment pool.

Give a Gift, Match a Gift

Members of the ExxonMobil A&M Club have utilized ExxonMobil’s matching program to commit nine endowments supporting Aggies.

What Texas A&M Meant to Me

As another round of Texas A&M University graduates leave Aggieland, these five Maroon Coats reflect on their Aggie journey.

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.

Surviving & Thriving

Aggie camaraderie led graduate student Stratton Muhmel ’14 ’18 to a novel gene therapy treatment that waged war against his deadly brain tumor.

Protecting Aggies: COVID-19 and Your Hacking Risk

Brandon Neff ’99 and Dr. Joe Tidwell ’99, owners of SCAN13, explain how you can protect yourself from two common hacking threats during COVID-19.

Soaring Spirit

Cherilyn Haley and her War Hymn-whistling cockatiel, Sonny, continue to carry on the Aggie Spirit of her late husband, Bill Haley ’51.

Driven for Success

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s innovative Teens in the Driver Seat® program educates high school students about safe driving.

Putting Patient Care into Practice

Texas A&M’s Clinical Learning Resource Center educates Aggies entering the health care field through a series of realistic simulations.

Major Gift Establishes Norman Borlaug Endowed Research Scholars Program

A $1 million gift from Cactus Feeders establishes the Norman Borlaug Endowed Research Scholars Program at Texas A&M University.

A Historical Look at the "Keepers of the Spirit"

From Pinky Wilson's WWI helmet to a long-lost Aggie ring, check out five unique items housed in the Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center.

More Than A Great Chicken Sandwich

Jerald Huggins ’97 finds success as a Chick-fil-A franchise owner in College Station.

The Art of Inspiration

Do you know the history behind some of Texas A&M's campus sculptures? Take our 12-question quiz to find out.

We Know Where they are Coming From

Former students create endowment to support the next generation of black Texas Aggies.

The Logic and Lore of Leap Day

Happy Leap Year! Dr. Kevin Krisciunas, associate professor in Physics and Astronomy, explains how this extra day helps keep our calendars in sync.

For the Faculty

Esteemed faculty member Dr. James M. Griffin gives $500,000 toward two endowed professorships at the Bush School of Government and Public Service.

Tips to Achieve Your New Year's Fitness Goals

Dr. Steve Martin ’98 ’08 discusses the cardiovascular benefits of exercise and how to practically implement fitness goals in the New Year.

5 Things to Know About Texas A&M's Academic Building

Endowed with tradition and beautiful architecture, the Academic Building holds a lot of Texas A&M history within its walls.

Victories for Veterans

Texas A&M's School of Law’s Family & Veterans Advocacy Clinic serves low-income individuals and veteran by assisting with an array of legal issues.

Howdy, Rhett Butler '21!

William “Rhett” Butler ’21 returned to school to become an oncologist as a way to honor his late brother’s battle with cancer.

Unlocking Community Potential for Strategic Growth

Texas Target Communities, a partnership program in the College of Architecture, assists small communities in developing plans for their future.

Saddles to Scholarships

Determination and grit define participants in the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, a giant scholarship fundraiser for college-bound Texas youth.

Planting the Aggie Spirit

An online survey helped the Texas A&M Foundation direct Sandra Schneider's planned gift to support her passions.

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.

Taking Command

The Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership in the Corps of Cadets is developing a template to create leaders of character.

Ringing True

The Maroon Delegates are leading a fundraising effort for the construction of an Aggie ring statue at Texas A&M University at Galveston.

An Ambitious Future

The new Dean’s Scholars Award initiative in the College of Engineering is helping attract the nation’s top prospective freshmen.

Howdy, Mason Alexander-Hawk '20

Get to know Mason Alexander-Hawk ’20, a graduate student and fellowship recipient at the Bush School of Government and Public Service.

Standing for Service

A new gift established by the Class of 1980 will fund an annual award to honor graduating seniors who exemplify selfless service.

A Scientist's Mind with a Servant's Heart

Meet Jacob Wright ’23: an Aggie and Brockman Scholar from Eagle Pass, Texas, who has a heart to change the world and the mind to make it happen.

Breaking Ground

Dr. Frederick Chester ’83 explains the science behind earthquakes and how his research helps us better understand the Earth’s movements.

Salute to Ol' Sarge

From creating the famous Ol’ Sarge character to collaborating with Stan Lee at Marvel Comics, Pete Tumlinson '42 left behind an artistic impact.

Honoring a Hero

A new fund at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences honors the life of Dimitri del Castillo, a U.S. Army Ranger who died in combat.

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.

It's a Giant World Out There

…and Amy ’91 and Robert Bacon ’91 want students to experience it. How their planned gift will help students go global.

Three Gifts That Pay You

Learn about dual-benefit gifts, which can help you support Texas A&M University while increasing your earnings!

Marching Behind the Band

Glen Hunt Jr. ’61 was an Aggie of his own generation, but his impact will be heard for generations to come.

Texas A&M “Campos”

Test out your Texas A&M history knowledge with a few questions derived from Aggie campusology booklets, which cadets have received since 1942.

12 Moments That Have Defined the College of Education and Human Development

The College of Education and Human Development is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Here’s a look at 12 moments that have shaped the college.

Lives on the Line

HelpLine is an after-hours mental health service offered by Texas A&M Counseling & Psychological Services.

Supporting Physicianeers

Lou ’85 and Mark Houser ’83 offer their support to EnMed, an innovative new program that unites engineering and medicine.

Lighting the Future

Linda and Steve Vincent ’73 are taking their passion for international outreach to the Bush School of Government and Public Service.

The Wide Receiver Passes It Back

NFL star and former Aggie standout Mike Evans ’15 establishes scholarships at Texas A&M University to support students from his hometown.

Closing Chapters and Turning Pages

Drs. Charles “Chuck” Hermann and Lorraine Eden establish a fellowship to support future generations of public servants at the Bush School.

Creating an Engineering Pipeline

Texas A&M University’s Spark! PK-12 Engineering Education Outreach Program engages students, teachers and families with STEM concepts.

The Gift That Grows

The Schob Preserve, a gift of land willed from the late Dr. David Schob, gives students hands-on opportunities for design and research projects.

A Scientific Summer to Remember

How the GeoX summer camp program inspires high school students and became the College of Geoscience’s most reliable recruiting tool.

Advancing Texas' Health

Texas A&M AgriLife creates a state-wide roadshow to showcase how we can better align agriculture with human needs to lower health care costs.

The Spirit of Aggieland Abroad

Since 2011, the Corps of Cadets’ International Excursions Program has afforded students the chance to study abroad.

Born to Build

Patti and Tom Owens ’73 are helping Texas A&M University architecture students build their dreams, one scholarship at a time.

The Name of the Game

Law student Lora Naismith ’18 ’21 talks about her legal goals while sharing her last name’s legacy.

Hit the Books: 10 Exciting Aggie Titles from Texas A&M University Press

Check out these summer reads that deserve a spot on any Aggie's shelf!

Engineering an Alternative Path

By partnering with community colleges, Texas A&M and Chevron are ensuring that tomorrow’s engineers more closely resemble today’s Texans.

A Taste of Texas

Texas A&M University’s viticulture and enology programs support industry producers in growing high-quality wines within the state’s natural terroir.

Maroon in the Deep

Aggies in the Nautical Archaeology Program follow their passion by excavating, solving shipwreck mysteries and helping to conserve sunken treasures.

4 Ways the Texas A&M College of Medicine is Answering the U.S. Military’s Physician Roll Call

From a new Department of Military Medicine to expanded partnerships with the Corps of Cadets, check out the progress.

Bringing Industry into the Classroom

Through a $1 million gift, Marilyn and Don Lummus ’58 are helping the College of Engineering attract professors with real-world experience.

Inspiring Innovation

Marlene Lepkoski ’90 establishes the first endowed gift for the Texas A&M School of Innovation.

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.

Fully Rendered

Disney Animation artist and visualization graduate Michelle Robinson ’91 lives where art and technology meet.

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.

Paving the Way

Sarah Hlavinka ’86 establishes scholarships in the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences through a planned gift.

Nature’s Healing Powers

Susan Rodiek ’98, associate professor of architecture, researches how simple acts like gardening can positively impact the elderly.

Business Boost

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

Divine Designs

Established through an estate gift, the Benz School of Floral Design educates students on the sophisticated art of floral arranging.

Promising Outlook

Through two planned gifts, Elliot B. “Ben” Vaughn ’74 honors classmate and friend Patty Holyfield ’74

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.

Breaking the Mold

Merari Boffill '18 shares her love of learning to impact students the way teachers impacted her.

Put Stock in Texas A&M

Donating appreciated securities can offer a wealth of benefits.

Maroon Coats Participate in Women Sales Fellowship

Two Texas A&M Foundation Maroon Coats complete a unique internship with Will Reed Jobs to help women enter the technology sector.

Generosity: A Family Tradition

John Schenken ’98 creates an Endowed Opportunity Award in honor of his 99-year-old grandmother

Coastal Dreams and Coral Reefs

Scholarships through the Texas A&M Foundation enabled Aaron Rose ’19 to embark on a transformative journey as a student researcher in the Caribbean.

The Domino Effect

After receiving a PES while he was at Texas A&M, Travis Owens ’06 and his wife Shan Wang are giving a scholarship of their own for Aggie engineers.

Sweet Treats for Social Causes

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

Making Room for Music

Gifts from Elizabeth and Paul ‘Haskell’ Motheral ’52 highlight the beginning and end of the fundraising campaign for the new Music Activities Center.

Brockman Foundation Creates Full-Ride Scholarship Program for Texas A&M Students Majoring in STEM Fields

A unique five-year degree program is now available to Texas A&M University incoming freshmen who major in a STEM field.

Applying Leverage

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

Girls Blossom in Aggie STEM Camp

Sandy Wilkinson ’86 honors her late father with a program that encourages girls to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

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.

Forming the Leaders of Tomorrow

How Texas A&M’s Maroon & White Leadership Program creates leaders with intention.

From Student to Faculty Member

Reflecting on the Texas A&M College of Nursing’s 10th anniversary.

Giving Real Estate

Vice President for Real Estate Services, Tim Walton ’90 explains why leaving a legacy for Texas A&M via real estate offers great benefits.

Number 43

NFL officiating legend Red Cashion ’53 entertained fans for years with his famous first down call.

The Power of Green Engineering

Student and scholar Bryton Praslicka ’19 is working to incorporate smart bus stops across Texas A&M’s campus.

Aggie Engineering Family Establishes First EnMed Scholarship

Rick and Kathy Spletter ’79 establish the first EnMed endowed scholarship to support transformative health care.

Hole-In-One

Former Texas A&M University athletes complete funding for a Foundation Excellence Award at the eighth annual Aggie Legends Golf Classic.

Family Creates Nursing Scholarship

Gay Family Scholarship supports future Aggie nurses.

Like Father, Like Son

Fletcher family establishes teaching and philanthropic legacy in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University.

Dream Chaser

Oscar Gonzalez ’18 finds his home in Aggieland as a Science Leadership Scholar.

A New Kind of Warfare

The Bush School of Government and Public Service grooms students for cybersecurity careers.

Testing the Waters

Aggies in the College of Geosciences tackle the global water crisis in Costa Rica for their innovative service learning project.

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