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We Asked Donors Why They Give to Texas A&M. Their Answers Inspired Us.

Read what a few had to share about their passion for building a brighter future for Aggieland.

By Jordan Herr ’23

November 18, 2025

The fall, the Texas A&M Foundation invited donors visiting the Jon L. Hagler Center to share their “why” — the reasons behind their passion for giving back and building a brighter future for Texas A&M University.  Short notes on brightly colored cards came together on a small wall in Legacy Hall to share heartfelt motivations that would inspire anyone reading them. From refencing students, selfless service or a simple love for Aggieland, their words painted a beautiful picture of the many ways generosity is inspired.

Some of the touching themes across the wall were:

  • Memorializing lost Aggies through scholarships to keep the names of parents, children and other loved ones alive.

  • Honoring the sacrifices others made for one’s own education by paying it forward and passing it back.

  • Cherishing Texas A&M and the things that make it singular: the Aggie Spirit, the core values and the everlasting traditions.

  • Building a brighter future by investing in the next generation of students.

 

Similar to many donors who shared why they give back, the Foundation’s driving mission behind its work — or in other words, its “why” — is to build a brighter future for Texas A&M, one relationship at a time. By partnering with donors to honor the people, memories and university they hold dear, we’re achieving this goal and seeing Aggieland continuously shine. To all the donors who have answered their “why” and supported Texas A&M to enable that bright future, thank you!

 

Donors shared why they give at several scholarship events and tailgates this fall.


Enjoy reading a few responses:

  • Texas A&M gave me a great education, both in formal schooling and in leadership skills. It is only fitting that I give back to help future Aggies have the same opportunities.”
    -Don Birkelbach ’70
  • My first cousin twice removed, Class of 1898, paid for my dad to attend Texas A&M. My dad paid for me to attend. I have no children, so I’m creating an endowment to pay for future generations.”
    -Anonymous Aggie
  • We give to honor our son Taylor Gillespie ’11 and to support the traditions that he loved so much.”
    -Tanya and T.J. Gillespie
  • We want to empower students to engage in academics and all that Texas A&M offers!”
    -Anonymous Aggie
  • Giving back is the right thing to do.”
    -Dave Lenz
  • My President’s Endowed Scholarship allowed me to come to Texas A&M. My husband and I wanted to give others the same gift. Our scholarship was named in honor of my parents.”
    -Tammy Richards ’82
  • I want to honor the hard work my parents did to provide me a wonderful education and help others have the same opportunity.”
    -Jay Craddock ’95
  • Raise ’em right! Never lie, cheat or steal! WHOOP!”
    -Anonymous Aggie
  • I want to honor the generous legacy of those Aggies who set the table for us.”
    -Mary Elizabeth
  • We want to help others experience the Aggie Spirit. We met here and love it here.”
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