10 Years of maroon coats and 20 new inductees
The 10th class of Maroon Coats was honored at a coating ceremony at the Foundation’s headquarters, the Jon L. Hagler Center, on Sunday, April 9. Texas A&M Foundation President Tyson Voelkel '96 discussed the impact of the Maroon Coats over the years. Below is an excerpt from his speech.
“I like to describe the Maroon Coats as a living link between our donors and current students,” he said. “We keep talking about our Maroon Coats’ great talents and leadership skills, but I must also mention that this impressive group is comprised of amazing individuals, each of whom has his or her special Aggie story. They all wear the coat. They all had to make it through a rigorous and competitive selection process. They are all involved as leaders of campus programs and activities. And of course they all love Texas A&M University.
But what you don’t see until you sit down with each student is that each person has a special story. They come from different states. Some were blessed with great opportunities as kids; others had to work much harder just to make their way into Texas A&M. Some dream of leaving their mark on Wall Street. Others may never move far from Aggieland, but will no doubt leave their mark in special ways. I know a Maroon Coat who can serenade you to sleep with his guitar, and another who is taking care of his young cousin while trying to finish school. Did you know one of our Maroon Coats is a veteran, one is a native of Costa Rica, and another is working on a Ph.D. in agricultural economics?
The 10th class of Maroon Coats embody the Aggie values of leadership and selfless service cemented by the nine classes before them.
With this new class, there are 163 students and former students who are Maroon Coats. Don’t think for a minute that any of them are the same. Because to be a Maroon Coat, you have to stand out.”
honorary Maroon coats
Barbara and Bill Huffman '53 are members of the Legacy and Heritage Society who have supported numerous students from across campus—from those in the Corp of Cadets and Fish Camp to others in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Huffmans are not only selfless donors, but are also great friends to the Maroon Coats. The Huffmans never have a second thought about imparting wisdom on Aggies everywhere or inspiring them to become the leaders of tommorow. Bill and Barbara represent exactly what a Maroon Coat should be, even after graduation, and on Sunday, April 9, they recieved honorary induction into the Maroon Coats.
