A Gift Repaid
Inspired by the financial support she received in nursing school, Agnes Hrncir established a scholarship for students in the College of Science enrolled in aggieTEACH, a program that certifies undergraduates to teach math and science courses at the middle and high school levels. Her gift pays tribute to her late husband, Richard, who taught math for remedial students in Rosenberg, Texas.
“Because my parents couldn’t afford it, my uncle paid for my schooling to become a nurse,” Hrncir said. “When I tried to pay him back after graduation, he refused and told me others would need that help in the future. Now, I can finally repay his gift to me.”
Working as a campus nurse for Texas A&M University from 1947 to 1950, Hrncir grew to love the traditions and spirit of Aggieland. After marrying Richard, her admiration for the university influenced her entire family, as their daughters, Louise Hrncir ’77 and Catherine Reiley ’78, and granddaughter, Jennifer Reiley ’16, later attended Texas A&M.
“With this gift, I want students to know they are not alone in their financial struggles,” Hrncir said. “Just as my uncle helped me through nursing school, there are others who care and want to support them in the pursuit of their goals.”