A historic year for engineering fundraising

The generosity of donors fueled a historic year for Texas A&M Engineering, transforming opportunities for students and faculty across the college. In the 2024–25 fiscal year, supporters contributed 215 major gifts — the highest number in the college’s history, surpassing the previous record of 192 — with a surge in philanthropy already shaping lives and opening doors.

Among the year’s most notable achievements was a sharp rise in gifts supporting College of Engineering faculty. In just one year, donors established 21 new faculty funds — compared to only eight combined over the previous two years.

Dr. Darren Hartl, associate professor in aerospace engineering, explains that support has a multiplier effect. From funding research projects to employing student workers in their labs, faculty support reverberates through the student experience.

“At the core of donor support, they want to help students,” said Austin Schilling, the college’s assistant vice president for development. “What we’ve been able to show is that faculty support is also student support. It fuels research, provides jobs in labs and helps retain world-class professors.”

Behind the record numbers are powerful stories of generosity and love. Coming from different backgrounds, degrees and even philanthropic passions, these donors all share one thing in common: enhancing the engineering experience at Texas A&M.

After the passing of their son, Robert and Shelia Morse created the Luke Morse Memorial Endowed Scholarship to honor his legacy. Luke ’27 was known for his love of Texas A&M, engineering and helping others. Now, his spirit continues to inspire future Aggie engineers through every scholarship recipient.

Caitlyn Talbert ’16 remembers facing a choice between Duke and Texas A&M. Encouraged by her parents, Neera ’87 and Tony Talbert, to follow her heart, she chose A&M for its engineering excellence and value. Today, Caitlyn credits her Aggie education with equipping her to thrive in the workplace — proof of how scholarships and support open doors for students to pursue their dreams.

Interested in the impact that faculty has on their students are donors Cynthia and Mark Albers ’79. Their love for Texas A&M and the engineers it creates is evident, and they are grateful that the college is empowering students to engage and learn through real-world problems — something that only incentivizes their gift and the lives they hope to impact. Much like fellow donors, who back aspiring engineers through financial support, the Albers are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for students. Beyond their faculty fellowship, the Albers have also invested in funding spaces in the Zachry Engineering Education Complex, leaving a permanent mark on Aggieland and the spaces where future engineers grow.

Each story — and its areas of interest — demonstrates how gifts are more than numbers; they are living legacies that shape lives and ensure Aggie values endure.

Behind this record-setting year is the college’s development team, a group of 14 professionals dedicated to connecting donor intent with meaningful impact. From development officers to scholarship and operations staff, they have a shared mission to create the best possible experience for every donor.

“Our biggest win was how we came together as a team,” Schilling said. “That environment has ultimately led to our philanthropic success. But at the end of the day, what motivates us is helping donors see the impact of their generosity.”

Whether traveling across state lines to meet longtime supporters or working behind the scenes to ensure gifts are processed with care, the team acts as a bridge — ensuring every donor’s vision turns into real opportunities for students and faculty.

Schilling is optimistic about what lies ahead. With conversations underway about department namings, program support and new facilities, he sees the next year as another opportunity to match donor passions with transformational projects.

“Every gift makes a difference,” he said. “It’s exciting to think about what will be possible next year as our donors continue to shape the future of Texas A&M Engineering.”