The Texas A&M Foundation’s video team seeks to produce inspiring, unique videos that illustrate the impact of philanthropy on Texas A&M University’s campus. Discover some of our latest videos below or subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more powerful stories.

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To Change One Life

Walk by Victor Castillo’s office and you’re likely to find a gaggle of Texas A&M University freshmen hanging out there.

Castillo ’13 is an academic advisor for the College of Science’s Regents’ Scholars and Science Leadership Scholars programs. But to first-generation Aggies from low-income families, he’s also a mentor with whom they can identify, a guide to academic success and a lifeline for the daily challenges that threaten to thwart their college aspirations. We recently gave him the surprise of his lifetime to show just what a difference he’s made.

Empower students through a scholarship.

Music Brings Us Together in Spirit

The John D. White ’70 – Robert L. Walker ’58 Music Activities Center looks almost as good as the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band sounds.

Built to accommodate the more than 1,300 student musicians who participate in Texas A&M’s bands, choirs and orchestras, the center was funded with more than $20 million in donor support. As a physical testament to the value of music, the Music Activities Center stands as a powerful symbol of both the university’s musical heritage and its promising future.

Preserve Aggie student activities and traditions.
 

Taking a Stand

Dr. Mark Benden ’90 ’92 ’06 has been in the comfort business for a long time. He was even on the ground floor of the ergonomic chair movement.

But about a decade ago, Benden, now head of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, had a moment of enlightenment: By making a sedentary lifestyle more comfortable, he was contributing to behaviors that lead to obesity and its plethora of negative health effects. Benden realized he didn’t need to encourage people to sit: He needed to encourage them to stand.

Advance Texas A&M faculty and research.
 

The Trailblazer

Luis Gonzalez Ramirez ’19 knew he wanted to be an engineer, but he didn’t know how. After becoming the first in his family to graduate high school, he discovered an opportunity that would take him to his dream school: the Texas A&M Engineering Academies.

As the first engineering transition program of its kind in the U.S., the academies are helping more students like Luis realize their full potential.

Foster excellence in college programs.


 

Their Happy Place

When asked what inspired Kay and Charles “Charlie” Pence ’51 to give back to Texas A&M University, they answered without a hint of hesitation: “Because it’s the best university around.”

After their lifetimes, a gift of Hill Country property from the couple will support Texas A&M areas that reflect Kay’s love for animals and Charlie’s appreciation for the Corps.

Learn more about planned giving.