Benefactor 2023 | Partners on the path to Preeminence

MAYS BUSINESS SCHOOL | 2023

PA R TNER S ON THE PATH TO PR EEMINENCE

› WAYNE ROBERTS '85

PATH TO PREEMINENCE LETTER FROM THE DEAN This is an exciting time at Mays Business School. During my first nine months as dean, each day has given me new reasons to feel optimistic about the bright future ahead for our school.

In this edition of Benefactor magazine, you will read the stories of philanthropic partners like Wayne Roberts ’85, Adam Sinn ’00 and Vince Foster, who are playing an indispensable role in advancing Mays Business School toward our aspiration of becoming the No.1 public business school in the country. Their generous contributions are providing unparalleled educational experiences, supporting leading-edge research and cultivating the next generation of business leaders at Mays.

I invite you to explore this magazine, celebrating the philanthropic spirit you find on each page. The stories inside are a testament to the Core Values that define what it means to be an Aggie: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity and Selfless Service. I hope the stories will inspire you to redouble your personal efforts in assisting us in our pursuit of national preeminence.

Thank you for being an essential part of this exciting chapter in the history of Mays Business School. Together, we will create a brighter future for our students: a future defined by innovation, leadership and unwavering commitment to our shared values.

With gratitude and anticipation,

Dr. Nate Sharp, Ph.D. Dean of Mays Business School Adam C. Sinn ’00 Dean’s Leadership Chair Presidential Impact Fellow

IN THIS ISSUE Preeminent Facilities | 04 Preeminent Faculty Support | 14 Preeminent Programs | 24 Preeminent Student Support | 34 Preeminent Former Students | 45

BENEFACTOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michelle Blakley, Director of Marketing & Communications MAYS MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS TEAM Alex Giles, Hiroko Sumikura, Madison Chagnon, Ronald Hernandez, Brooke Perry STUDENT ASSISTANTS Grace Lewis, Grace Kauderer, Lauryn Woods, Venitto Chettiar CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/EDITORS Corey Muñoz, Dorian Martin, Dr. Nate Sharp CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS/VISUALS Alex Garza, Abbey Santoro/Texas A&M University Division of Marketing and Communications, Barry Berenson/Texas A&M University Division of Marketing and Communications, Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M University Division of Marketing and Communications, Madison Chagnon SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK Please share your feedback with us in your channel of choice using #MaysBusiness or email us at marcomm@mays.tamu.edu

mays.tamu.edu © Mays Business School 2023

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Wayne Roberts '85 Photo by Barry Berenson

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COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

Thanks to a lead $7.5 million gift from Wayne Roberts ’85, Mays Business School students will soon learn in a new state-of-the-art building.

By Dorian Martin ’06 for the Texas A&M Foundation

W

ayne Roberts ’85 is passionate about Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School. In addition to appreciating the school’s role in his successful career, the recently retired Abrigo president and CEO is excited about Mays’ commitment to become the nation’s preeminent public business school.

Dedicated to supporting the school’s promising future, Roberts is the lead donor and namesake for a state-of-the-art building that is the centerpiece of the new Mays Business Education Complex (BEC) on West Campus. His $7.5 million lead gift is supporting construction of the Wayne Roberts ’85 Building, which will open in 2025. “Wayne’s support was the key that turned our vision into a reality,” said Mays Business School Dean Nate Sharp. “His generous giving has benefited so many aspects of our university, and he is a role model for all of us who have ever been affiliated with Mays Business School.”

The Wayne Roberts ’85 Building’s construction, which expands Mays’ footprint beyond the Wehner Building and Cox Hall, marks a key milestone in the school’s quest for preeminent status.

“His generous giving has benefited so many aspects of our university, and he is a role model for all of us who have ever been affiliated with Mays Business School.”

- Dean Nate Sharp

Mays is already ranked among the Top 10 Best Colleges for Business Majors by Money, and U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Mays No. 18 among undergraduate public business schools in the country.

“This building will have an incredible impact on how we recruit, engage and educate students,” said Sharp.

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“From the collaboration rooms to the huddle spaces to the learning studios, this state-of-theart facility will be one of the most preeminent buildings at any business school in the country.

It will create a vibrant learning environment for our students to develop into the business leaders of the future.”

A COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT Serving as the business school’s “front porch,” the Wayne Roberts ’85 building will become an epicenter of activity on Texas A&M’s West Campus. “It’s going to be beautiful from an aesthetic and architectural standpoint,” Roberts said. “As we continue to grow, it will be the first thing people see as they enter campus from the north entrance across from the veterinary school.”

A longtime member of the Dean’s Advisory Council in Mays, Roberts also pointed out that the building’s open and flexible design will meet the educational needs of future Aggie

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generations. “The way people are learning is changing, and we need to augment fixed and traditional classroom models with more adaptable, open and modern options,” he said.

“This building will create more opportunities for social interaction and collaboration.”

To that end, the new building will include a variety of flexible spaces, including a grand atrium, café, and collaboration and huddle spaces. High-energy, flexible learning studios will have the latest technologies, which will allow faculty to create engaging instructional experiences through teaming and hybrid learning environments. The building will also house one of Mays’ premier assets, the Center for Executive Development, furthering Mays’ commitment to lifelong learning.

These aspects will create a welcoming space primed for connection, learning and innovation.

“What helps make Mays students unique and successful is their ability to work with others and solve problems,” Roberts said. “This building’s environment will encourage working on case studies and team projects, making presentations, and interacting with former students, speakers and professors. These opportunities will help students be better prepared for today’s work world.”

“In my 36 years of service to Texas A&M University, I have rarely encountered an individual who embodies our Aggie Core Values with the depth and authenticity that Wayne Roberts does,” remarked Dr. Ben Welch, associate dean for executive education. “Wayne’s profound leadership is a testament to the unwavering commitment he has to propelling

Mays into preeminence. His philanthropic contribution will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, shaping and inspiring generations of future leaders.”

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS Looking back, Roberts — a first-generation college graduate who put himself through undergraduate and graduate school — never expected to have the level of professional success that he’s enjoyed. “My parents were not highly educated, but they taught us the value of hard work and stressed getting an education.

They wanted a better life for us,” he explained.

“Attending Texas A&M was one of the best decisions of my life and it helped set the course for the rest of my career.”

Contemplating the current and future generations of Aggies who will eventually use the new building, Roberts appreciates how much both Mays and Texas A&M have developed over the years.“Texas A&M is a preeminent university now. I wonder sometimes if I could get into Mays these days,” he laughingly noted. “But what I know hasn’t changed over the years is our Core Values and what we learned outside of the classroom. We make lifelong friends and become a part of the Aggie Network.”

He also remembers the example set by previous generations. “As I walked around campus 38-plus years ago, names like Zachry, Albritton, Blocker, Rudder and others inspired me.

Texas A&M opened up the art of what was possible. Most of these role models came from similar backgrounds. It gave me confidence and hope for the future. And they made me want to

be a better Aggie and give back to future Aggies,” he said.

That time opened his eyes to his potential and taught several life lessons. “It doesn’t matter where you came from, Texas A&M is a meritocracy, so it only matters that you share our values and that you get the most out of your Godgiven abilities,” said Roberts, who also earned an MBA from Texas A&M in 1986. “All I’ve ever tried to do is live with integrity, serve others and not be outworked,” he added.

PUTTING LESSONS INTO PRACTICE Those lessons quickly translated into professional triumphs. After starting his career at Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting), Roberts worked at Trammell Crow Company, returned to Accenture, and then joined Dell.

Earning a reputation as someone who coached and built people, teams and companies, Roberts joined Rackspace Hosting in 2007.

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“Any income or wealth that I can create is going to get donated.

I have set aside what I need to live, and I’m motivated to give back strategically, particularly to Texas A&M because it has played such an important role in my life.”

- Wayne Roberts '85

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He quickly climbed to the executive team of Rackspace and served in several roles including global head of human resources and senior vice president for fanatical support, where he oversaw customer support and operations.

Another opportunity for advancement came in 2014 when Roberts joined Accruent as chief operating officer. During his tenure, the company more than doubled its revenue as well as its number of employees and customers.

Roberts then moved into the president and CEO role for Banker’s Toolbox in 2016. After acquiring and integrating five other companies, Banker’s Toolbox was rebranded as Abrigo and quickly became a market leader in helping community financial institutions with compliance, portfolio risk, lending and credit, and data solutions. Under his leadership, the company increased its revenue more than 10 times and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) by more than 20 times. Customer counts grew five times and the number of employees by eight times. Abrigo was also recognized among the best places to work in financial technology and in the Austin and Raleigh, North Carolina, areas during every year of his tenure as president and CEO.

A NEW TYPE OF COMMITMENT Recently retired from Abrigo, Roberts remains actively engaged in helping education and health care related causes he’s passionate about. “I joke that I still work — but I’m working mostly for Texas A&M now,” he said, adding that both his late wife and his daughter are former students. “Any income or wealth that I can help create or funds I can help raise are going to get donated. I have set aside what I need to live, and I’m motivated to give back strategically, particularly to Texas A&M because it has played such an important role in my life.”

Roberts is a prolific donor at Texas A&M. In addition to supporting Mays, Roberts — who recently completed a term as a trustee on the 12th Man Foundation’s Board — provided a lead gift for Aggie Park in memory of his late wife, Shannon Lia Roberts ’86. He was also a lead donor on the recent Centennial Campaign for the Athletic Department, using his naming rights to honor R.C. Slocum on the Bright-Slocum Football Complex.

He has also supported the historic redevelopment of Kyle Field, prior improvements to the Bright Football Complex, and Texas A&M’s basketball, baseball and golf programs. As he has done in other instances, Roberts used his naming rights for basketball to honor someone else with the recent naming of Gary Blair Court.

“Wayne Roberts has been a truly great friend to Texas A&M,” said Texas A&M University System

Chancellor John Sharp ’72. “His support of Mays, Aggie Park and Texas A&M Athletics has been invaluable and will leave a permanent impact throughout campus.”

Ultimately, Roberts wants to use his philanthropy to help Texas A&M and Mays continue to foster a culture of excellence. “I want Texas A&M to be great in everything we do. I have this passion for greatness — I’m obsessed with it in everything,” he said. “If Texas A&M is going to compete in sports and the uniform says ‘Texas A&M,’ I want those individuals to have everything they need to win and to get the most out of themselves as players and coaches.

I feel the same way academically. For Mays to be the nation’s preeminent public business school, they need the appropriate people, talent, facilities and support services — and I want to help make sure they have what they need.”

WATCH THE FLYTHROUGH ANIMATION

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Grayson '12 & Taylor Moffatt '12 Photo by Abbey Santoro

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A LEGACY OF GIVING THE POWER OF MULTIGENERATIONAL GENEROSITY AT TEXAS A&M

Grayson ’12 and Taylor Moffatt ’12 redefine what it means to extend a legacy of giving for the next generation.

By Corey Muñoz ’06

G

rayson ’12 and Taylor Moffatt ’12 aren’t new to the legacy of generosity that underwrites major development at Texas A&M University year after year. As a third-generation Aggie, Taylor had a front-row seat watching his grandfather, Ray B. Nesbitt ’55, continuously give to Texas A&M. Nesbitt’s commitment to the university took shape in more than $2 million over the course of his lifetime in scholarships, faculty endowments and an endowed chair to the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering.

In 2021, the Moffatts stood proudly as Nesbitt was posthumously awarded the honor of Distinguished Alumnus for the Texas A&M School of Engineering. Both reflected on that moment as kindling the desire to give back to Texas A&M in a more substantial way. “As we considered the legacy my grandparents left behind,” shared Taylor, “we felt a tugging to give back in recognition of all the good that has come from the gifts of previous

generations.” Just two years later, they became donors to the university in their own right with a $250,000 gift to help fund the new Wayne Roberts ’85 Building — part of the Business Education Complex (BEC) at Mays Business School.

Among the youngest donors to the new Roberts Building, the Moffatts, fittingly both Class of 2012, are echoing the call of the 12th Man with a readiness to step out in support of their fellow Aggie. The Moffatt’s support is financial and academic in nature, but the Spirit of Aggieland holds.

The most impressive facet of the couple is not how young they are to be giving such a significant gift to the university, but rather the spirit of selfless service and generosity they so readily embody. Theirs is an others-first outlook often considered uncommon among younger generations and – despite their considerable collective success – both cast an air of humility and kindness.

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The Moffatts are quick to deflect the credit for their desire to support Texas A&M to what was modeled before them. They maintained a steady focus on the priority of making sure others of their generation recognize the importance of giving back. Both spoke to the fact that it’s easy to take for granted the giving of previous generations and the compounding impact that generosity has on the education of future Aggies. “When you invest in a university like Texas A&M, it’s not a one-time impact,” shared Taylor, “it’s impactful for years to come. Gifts like my grandparents’ act as an annuity benefiting the university.” Grayson elaborated on their desire to set the pace for their contemporaries. “We hope that by setting a precedent of giving back from an early age, we can encourage others to do the same.”

Taylor may have been bleeding maroon from birth, but Grayson ran against the grain in a family of Baylor Bears to go all in for Texas A&M. “As an incoming student and onward, I was always so impressed with the resources of the university and Mays Business School,” noted Grayson. “But more importantly for me, Mays made a big school feel small.” Each of the Moffatts shared anecdotes of high-impact courses, professors, job fairs and advisors who helped to shape their ultimate career trajectories.

In many ways, the Moffatt’s time in Aggieland looked a lot like the typical overachieving coed experience. Taylor was involved with freshmen leadership organizations in addition to Fish Camp and Greek life, while Grayson was a Kappa Alpha Theta and a Muster Host. Both thrived in the Mays academic landscape and

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think very fondly of the time they enjoyed on West Campus.

But Taylor shares more than a spirit of generosity with his grandfather. His tireless work ethic and entrepreneurial instincts have led to early career acceleration that belies his age. Nesbitt – who left his family’s dairy farm to secure his engineering degree in just three years at Texas A&M – spent the length of his career at Exxon, eventually retiring as president of the oil and gas corporation. Taylor, equally eager to earn his professional development chops, launched his first foray into real estate while just a sophomore at Texas A&M. As a student, Moffatt and his buddies recognized a market opportunity for more refined housing nearer to campus. They set about buying up properties in College Station’s southern historic district, building new homes and renting them out to other students. “You could say I got the entrepreneurial and real estate bug in college,” he shared. Now a managing director at Trammell Crow Residential, he’s built his career in the commercial side of the residential real estate industry.

Grayson, meanwhile, began working with Travelers Insurance after a chance encounter at a Mays job fair. “I originally took the job to grow my business experience with ultimate plans to continue on to law school,” she remembers. Now a major case specialist with an 11-year career at Travelers Insurance, Grayson works with environmental lawsuits and associated claims.

“My job has given me the opportunity to learn from and collaborate extensively with attorneys,” she said.

“I ended up loving this aspect of my work so much that I decided not to pursue law school after all.”

Mays played a key role in helping Grayson find her fulfilling career.

As they planned their gift with the Texas A&M Foundation, Grayson and Taylor met with Mays Business School Dean Nate Sharp. Both were impressed with the goals and vision Sharp laid out for Mays. “Dr. Sharp’s goals for the business school really aligned with the ethics and values we believe in and have come to expect from Texas A&M and, more specifically, Mays Business School,” shared Taylor.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to support his vision for the future of a place that has meant so much to us.” In the expansion of west campus through the Wayne Roberts ’85 Building, they found the perfect project.

The Moffatts have always loved Texas A&M’s Aggie traditions and Core Values. “The foundations and pillars behind the school, and the willingness of Aggies to stand up for what they believe in, that resonates with our personal values of family and faith,” shared Grayson. “It really grounds you with all the noise going on in the world.” When asked what his grandfather would think of their involvement with Texas A&M, Taylor, demurred a humble response. “It would take decades to carve out a legacy that deserves to be mentioned in the same sentence as his,” he stated.

“We love Texas A&M and admire his generosity. We just want to try and do our part for future generations of the school – whether our kids ultimately get to experience it or not.”

“My time at Mays was key to putting me on that path and equipping me to succeed when I got here.”

- Grayson Moffatt '12

With some confidence, we think we can answer this question by saying he’d be proud. Really, really proud.

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PASSING ALONG THE “CAN DO” SPIRIT Main Street Capital Chairman Vince Foster creates an endowed chair to ensure Aggies recruit and retain top accounting faculty.

By Dorian Martin ’06

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fter moving to Houston in the 1980s, Vince Foster fell in love with the Bayou City’s exciting possibilities. The Michigan native realized that the city’s growing population was a hotbed of entrepreneurial “can-do” spirit combined with an interesting cultural mix.

He decided to put down roots — and his professional career soon took off. As he became more involved in the Houston business community, Foster noticed that many leaders he looked up to were Texas A&M University former students. Soon, he began recruiting upcoming talent and eventually began speaking to Mays Business School

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classes. Over the years, these experiences have given him the opportunity to see Texas A&M’s stellar education and one-of-a-kind Aggie culture firsthand.

Now, Main Street Capital Corporation’s board chairman has created the Vincent D. Foster Endowed Chair in Mays’ James Benjamin Department of Accounting. With his characteristic intentionality, Foster decided to make this type of gift through the Texas A&M Foundation to support the entire Mays accounting student body. “The way to make a big impact is to make sure we attract and retain the faculty because the students are there because of the faculty,” Foster explained.

Vince Foster Photo by Laura McKenzie

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“They are going to select the university ultimately as much on the faculty as anything else.”

The Foster Chair currently is supporting Dr. Matt Ege '02, a leading scholar on auditing and financial reporting. “Chairs in essence provide an ongoing stable source of funds,” the professor said. “Having this commitment of funds through these gifts enables Mays to attract the best faculty, the best PhD students and help us provide the best education for undergraduate and graduate students.”

"Having this commitment of funds through these gifts enables Mays to attract the best faculty, the best PhD students and help us provide the best education for undergraduate and graduate students.”

- Dr. Matt Ege '02

Ege is currently using the chair’s funds in a number of ways. For example, he has hired a teaching assistant who will provide additional feedback to students who are taking a writing-intensive audit course and has purchased case studies for use in the auditing course he teaches. The funds are also being used to purchase research data and to support Ege’s and doctoral students’ attendance at conferences so they can present their research and network.

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GETTING ACQUAINTED Foster didn’t initially think of Texas A&M when he heard the word “Aggies.” Instead, his frame of reference was tied to Michigan State University, his alma mater, which as a land grant university used the nickname of “Aggies” until 1925.

However, Foster quickly found himself revising his definition after graduation when he joined Arthur Andersen’s booming Houston office, where a significant percentage of the 1,000-person workforce were Texas A&M graduates. Foster soon was assigned to work with some of the company’s current and former partners, including Aggies E.L. “Pete” Wehner ’41, R.H. “Steve” Stephens ’62 and David Howard ’69, all of whom had a significant influence on the young accountant.

Arthur Andersen soon invited Foster to assist with recruiting at Texas A&M. “I very quickly got comfortable being on campus as a non-Aggie, which is admittedly unusual,” he laughingly noted.

“We had a really effective recruiting program there and I got to know some of the professors, particularly those that taught tax courses because I was in the tax department because I had a CPA and a law degree.”

AN AGGIE PIPELINE Foster remained at Arthur Andersen’s Houston office for 17 years before leaving in 1998 to form Main Street Capital (NYSE: MAIN), a firm focused on helping smaller businesses become publicly traded.

“We were involved in the consolidation of industries that weren’t yet represented by a public company, so it was pretty specialized,” he said. “We were pretty small when we started, but we’re up to about 100 people now.”

To support the company’s continued growth, Foster and company leaders established a formal recruitment and internship program about a decade ago — and Mays Business School was at the top of the list because of its pool of talented students. For example, Main Street hires 8-10 students for summer internships between their junior and senior years. Those that stand out receive a job offer at the end of their internship — and often those individuals are Aggies. “We’re looking for students who like what we do, are hard workers and get along with people,” Foster said. “In my opinion, the Aggies are typically our best recruiting prospects.”

Mays students’ commitment to embodying the Core Values has proven to be a good fit with Main Street, where Aggies comprise approximately 15% of the company’s workforce. “When Aggies are undergraduates, it’s part of the culture of the school to be a nice person, which means being respectful and friendly, even with people you don’t necessarily want to befriend,” he said. “That’s important because at Main Street, we have investments in 200 different small- and medium-sized businesses. They’re all over the United States and run by every conceivable type of men and women. You need to be able to get along with all of the different age groups and all of the different demographics and geographies.”

work hard, be responsive and get along with your co-workers, and set a good example for the younger people,” Foster said. “That seems to be consistent with the attributes that Texas A&M tries to instill in their students — and I find this very unique among other universities, where I’ve spent a lot of time over the past 40 years.”

AGGIE INSPIRATION Foster’s decision to create the chair in Mays was inspired by another Aggie, Art French ’62, who was lead director when Main Street Capital went public in 2007 and remained active with the company into his eighties. “Texas A&M is a big part of Art’s life,” Foster explained. “Being around him and his network, it seemed natural to get involved in a way I was uniquely postured to do that others were not.”

Foster’s willingness to become more deeply involved and invested through the chair is part of the equation that is helping Mays’ drive to become the nation’s preeminent public business school in the United States. “Mays really has a big opportunity to make a material contribution to the progression of accounting through the large number of amazing students who make a big impact as professionals, along with the school’s commitment of resources to support faculty and PhD students who think deeply about accounting issues,” Ege said. “When you combine that all together with the Aggie Core Values, we’ll be able to make a big contribution to making sure the future a good one.”

Main Street also places employees in supervision roles when they are in their twenties. “You need to

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Adam C. Sinn '00

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ADAM C. SINN ’00 EXTENDS PHILANTHROPIC LEGACY

Mays Business School receives a $5 million gift creating the Adam C. Sinn ’00 Dean’s Leadership Chair, its largest endowed chair.

By Dorian Martin ’06

A

$5 million gift from Adam Sinn ’00, a commodities trader and owner of Aspire Commodities, will create the Adam C. Sinn ’00 Dean’s Leadership Chair at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School. The funds will be used to support students, faculty and staff in furthering the school’s mission to become the preeminent public business school in the United States.

Created through the Texas A&M Foundation, this gift extends Sinn’s philanthropic support to Texas A&M to over $51 million, including $26 million to Mays Business School.

The Adam Sinn ’00 Dean’s Leadership Chair is the fourth of its type at Texas A&M. This $5 million endowment matches the university’s largest faculty chair and creates the largest endowed chair at Mays Business School.

“With Adam Sinn’s latest gift to our school, every future dean of Mays Business School will have the honor of holding the Adam C. Sinn ’00 Dean’s Leadership Chair,” said Mays Business School Dean Dr. Nate Sharp. “Adam’s passion for helping students and his love for Texas A&M University are unmatched. Simply put, Adam leads by example. He is not one to sit on the sidelines.

Instead, Adam is actively helping to move Mays toward our aspiration of becoming the preeminent public business school in the country.

I cannot thank Adam enough for his generosity.”

CREATING A LEGACY Sinn’s support of Mays Business School began in 2016 through a $1 million gift to the Texas A&M Foundation.

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Those funds created scholarships to support Mays students from Sinn’s hometown of Hoopestown, Illinois, or Dorado, Puerto Rico, where he currently lives.

In 2021, Sinn increased his philanthropic support through a $10 million gift designed to expand student support, enhance educational quality and build high-impact programs for finance undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, these funds would be used to recruit top finance faculty.

This generous gift resulted in the naming of the department as the Adam C. Sinn ’00 Department of Finance.

Sinn soon followed with a second gift of $10 million to the department. These funds provided additional scholarship support for students studying finance at Texas A&M and created the Adam C. Sinn ’00 Center for Investment Management. The center will provide faculty with a venue for conducting groundbreaking research in all areas related to investment management and will provide students with real-world, hands-on experience investing, managing and growing investment portfolios.

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BOOSTING OTHERS TOWARD SUCCESS Adam Sinn’s commitment to supporting Mays Business School and Texas A&M is tied to his upbringing in Hoopestown, an agricultural community primarily made up of low-income workers. Influenced by his parents’ strong work ethic, Sinn was able to transcend his humble beginnings and go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in finance at Mays Business School.

Now a top trader in power and electricity, Sinn is committed to giving back to Mays.

Through his financial support, Sinn is providing opportunities for the school’s students to fulfill their potential, and he is funding programs for faculty that will elevate Mays’ academic reputation.

“I was an average student while at Texas A&M, but like many other Aggies, I’ve been able to forge a successful career through hard work and determination,” Sinn said. “I want my gifts to be used to lay the foundation for students at Mays to acquire cutting-edge knowledge and skills so they can confidently bet on themselves throughout their lives.”

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TOP 2 5 0 BENEFAC TOR S The generosity of these benefactors and many others allows Mays Business School to pursue preeminence in all that we do.

Mays Family Foundation

Cheryl Holland Bridges ‘68

Wayne Roberts ‘85

Bridgestone/Firestone, Incorporated

Adam C. Sinn ‘00

Peggy L. & Charles L. Brittan ‘65

Kay A. ‘02 & Jerry S. Cox ‘72

Diana & Todd O. Brock ‘85

Kenedia M. “Connie” Chalmers

Craig & Galen Brown Foundation

Artie and Dorothy McFerrin Foundation

Angela K. & David L. Brown ‘89

M. Ann & Charles P. Manning ‘82

Mary Bryant Burch ‘80 & Henry W. Burch, III

The Reynolds and Reynolds Company

Christie L. ‘81 & Clinton W. Bybee ‘85

Gina R. & Anthony F. Bahr ‘91

Valerie M. & James R. Byrd ‘57

A. Eugene Brockman Charitable Trust

Jyl G. & Randy Cain ‘82 Susan J. ‘82 & Fred F. Caldwell ‘82

II Corinthians 9:7 Foundation

Demi N. & John R., III Carmichael ‘73

Accenture

Barent W. Cater ‘77

Aggie Real Estate Network

Caterpillar

Mary L. & Robert L. Albritton ‘71

Chevron U.S.A. Inc.

Judy & Robert H. Allen ‘50

Martha L. ‘85 & John W. Clanton ‘84

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Fdtn.

The Cockrell Foundation

The H. G. Ash Foundation

Carri B. ‘84 & Brandon C. Coleman, Jr. ‘78

AT&T

Computer Associates International, Inc.

Amy M. ‘91 & Robert Bacon ‘91

Dorothy A. & Carroll W. Conn, Jr.

Denise & David C. Baggett ‘81

ConocoPhillips

Lauren D. Murphy ‘85 & Michael J. Baker ‘85

Ashley R. ‘88 & David L. Coolidge ‘87

Bank of America

Mr. Michael B. Cox ‘77

Randall & Dee Barclay Unitrust

Barbara & Ralph F. Cox ‘53

Sandra L. & Ronnie W. Barclay ‘68

Jerry J. Crider ‘65

Barnes & Noble Bookstores, Inc.

The Cullen Trust for Higher Education

Beaumont Foundation of America

Lisa Huddleston ‘85 & Peter H. Currie ‘85

Emma & Christopher Beavers ‘10

Sallie O. & Don H. Davis, Jr. ‘61

Ruby & LTC Foreman R. Bennett ‘27

Mary R. ‘76 & Monty L. Davis ‘77

Andrea Moo-Young & Jorge A. Bermudez ‘73

Cathy C. & William W. Davis ‘75

The Honorable Nancy Berry & Dr. Leonard Berry

Kay M. & G. Steven Dawson ‘80

Blue Bell Creameries, L.P.

Dealer Computer Services, Incorporated

Derrith & Robert D. Bondurant ‘80

Dell USA

BP

Deloitte

Maren G. ‘01 & Gary J. Brauchle ‘95

Dillard’s

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Lorraine & Theodore H. Dinerstein ‘53

Stephanie A. ‘96 & G. Scott Harris ‘95

Macy’s Foundation

Cydney C. Donnell ‘81

Mrs. Judy and Mr. Richard L. Harris ‘54

Marathon Oil Company

Duke Energy Foundation

Julia G. & Thomas B. Harris, IV ‘80

Sandra & P.G. Buck Eckels ‘52

H.E.B. Grocery Company

Electronic Data Systems Corporation

The Herman F. Heep and Minnie Belle Heep Foundation

Mark H. Ely ‘83 Energy Future Holdings Corp.

Ernst & Young Janice A. & John Thomas Eubanks ‘62 ExxonMobil Karen & Rodney L. Faldyn ‘88 Gina L. & The Honorable William H. Flores ‘76

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Hollinden Professional Services Carrie & Howard W. Horne ‘47 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Debbie & Michael R. Houx ‘73 LTC (RET) Ralph C. Howes Christeen Lowe Huckabee

Pat & Col. Gene Marshall ‘60 Theresa S. ‘87 & David C. Martin ‘86 Laura ‘97 & Bill ‘94 Mason Nancy L. ‘73 & Jack W. Matz, Jr. ‘71 Cynthia A. ‘90 & Christian A. McClain ‘90 Maria B. & Michael K. McEvoy ‘79 Susan McFarland ‘83 Craig R. McMahen ‘89 Richard D. Metters Mrs. Vicki and Mr. Brian Miller ‘80 Rhonda L. & Jeffrey A. Miller ‘88

Lynn & Creed Ford, III ‘75

Independent Bank

Ford Motor Company Fund

Information Advantage Associates

Charles E. Foster

International Business Machines Corp.

Harriet D. & Joe B. Foster ‘56

JCPenney

Vincent D. Foster

Kelly P. ‘86 & Robert E. Jordan ‘85

The Roy F. and Joann Cole Mitte Foundation

Shane M. Frazier ‘98

JPMorgan Chase Foundation

Lois A. & John A. Mobley ‘51

Frost Bank Charitable Foundation

Melissa K. & John L. Kauth ‘77

Grayson ‘12 & Taylor Moffatt ‘12

Laura ‘85 & David Fulton

Kim ‘79 & T. Mark Kelly ‘79

David L. Moore ‘72

Gallery Furniture

Laura ‘89 & Dwain Kennedy ‘90

Cheryl A. & Frank M. Muller, Jr. ‘65

Brenda Garrison ‘86 & Jim White

Kendall & Cale L. Kobza ‘97

Stacy M. ‘92 & David Nahas

General Electric Company

Charles Koch Foundation

Patricia J. & L. C. ‘’Chaz’’ Neely, Jr. ‘62

Barnett L. ‘69 & Sam K. Gershen

KPMG Foundation

Neiman Marcus Group

Marvin J. Girouard ‘61 & Felice J. Girouard

Barbara & Paul W. Kruse ‘77

Newfield Exploration Company

La Brasada Foundation

Rebecca U. ‘74 & William S. Nichols, III ‘74

Sylvia & G.W. Glezen, Jr. ‘56 Melinda ‘87 & Guy Grace

Marian J. ‘82 & Willie T. Langston, II ‘81

The Guill Family Foundation

Angie B. ‘84 & William R. Lemmons, Jr. ‘83

Tracy C. & Randall B. Hale ‘85 Halliburton Foundation, Incorporated Patricia C. & Ray R. Hannigan ‘61 Donna C. & Richard A. Hanus ‘76 Evelyn ‘84 & Steve Harding ‘84

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Sue Ellen ‘81 & Phil Miner ‘80 Sandra K. & Bryan N. Mitchell ‘70 The Mitsui USA Foundation

Mrs. Sherrill & Mr. Donald H. Niederer ‘53 Sharee L. & David R. Norcom ‘73

Robert D. ‘77 & Janet K. Loeffler

North Dallas Bank & Trust Company

Paula & Ronald S. Letbetter ‘70

Occidental Petroleum Corporation

Pamela M. & Larry L. Little ‘73

Susan M. ‘74 & William R. Ouren ‘74

Lynne L. ‘85 & Allen L. Mabry ‘82

Rhonda & Todd A. Overbergen ‘88

Wanda G. & Louis Paletta, II ‘78

Shell Oil Corporation

Jennifer & Wil VanLoh

Karen N. Pape ‘80

Ms. Deborah D. Shelton

VeraBank

Mrs. Kathleen & Mr. Darrell R. Pennington ‘88

Ruby & Earle A. Shields, Jr. ‘41

Walgreen Company

Debbie ‘75 & Eric Siegmund ‘75

Avery L. & Martin J. Walker ‘74

Pam & Bill Sims ‘89

Toni & Ralph E. Wallingford ‘53

Patricia S. ‘77 & Grant E. Sims ‘77

Walmart

Helen K. & Daniel L. Sparks ‘89

Jane & Boyd K. Watson, III ‘65

Phillips 66 Company

Spectra Energy Foundation

Rhonda K. Reger ‘79 & Jeffrey S. Piland

Donna G. & John H. Speer ‘71

Cynthia G. ‘84 & Anthony R. Weber ‘84

Lori K. & Brian K. Pinto ‘93

Leticia L. ‘88 & John B. Spicer ‘83

Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Incorporated

James M. Stark ‘84

Debra & Robert S. Penshorn ‘89 Pepsico, Inc. Florence Carter & M. Bookman Peters ‘59

PricewaterhouseCoopers Ed Rachal Foundation

Robin H. ‘76 & Robert D. Starnes ‘72 Karen & Scott D. Steffler ‘74

Kathleen L. & J. Rogers Rainey, Jr. ‘44

Debbie E. ‘90 & Robert Blake Steudtner ‘91

Randall’s Food Markets, Inc.

Michelle ‘88 & Todd Steudtner ‘87

Kenneth E. Randolph ‘78

Carrie E. ‘98 & Jack D. Suh ‘97

Helaine & Gerald L. Ray ‘54

Allison Swafford ‘96 & Don R. Whitaker ‘96

Frank J. and Jean Raymond Foundation, Inc.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The West Endowment Graham Weston ‘86 Elizabeth & James R. Whatley ‘47 Dee & Robert White ‘81 Earline & A.P. Wiley, Jr. ‘46 Sandra D. ‘86 & Michael R. Wilkinson ‘86 Susan D. ‘89 & Anthony J. Wood ‘90 Linda & J.D. Woodward, III ‘70

Syracuse University

Shannon H. ‘90 & Chris B. Work ‘90

Reliant Energy Foundation

Jamey & Richard C. Tanner ‘53

Lorraine & Edward D. Wulfe ‘55

Robert A. Rinn ‘75

Christine & Mark D. Taylor ‘83

Zale Delaware, Inc.

The Risk Management Association

Texas A&M Research Foundation

M. B. and Edna Zale Foundation

Robyn L. ‘89 & Alan B. Roberts ‘78

Texas Bankers Foundation

The Summerfield G. Roberts Foundation

Texas Instruments

Wanda Elizabeth Carney & John A. Rodgers, Jr. ‘68

Textron, Incorporated Rebecca & Neal T. Thompson ‘66

Marc Rowan

Grant Thornton

“Michael D. Rupe ‘93”

Tidewater Corporate Services

Leigh Sansone ‘97

Shelley & Joseph V. Tortorice, Jr. ‘79

Ursula P. Schorn ‘80 & Richard Andersen

Total Gas and Power North America, Inc.

Cynthia Ann Hinze & Robert M. Scott ‘78

USAA Foundation

Sewell Automotive Companies

Hallie A. Vanderhider

Nancy & Mike Shaw ‘68

Carol L. & G. David Van Houten ‘71

Valero

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PREEMINENT PROGRAMS

Britt Harris '80 Photo by Laura McKenzie

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WALKING WITH TITANS THE LEGACY OF BRITT HARRIS ’80

Britt Harris ’80 is building the next generation of business leaders one ‘Titans of Investing’ class at a time.

By Corey Muñoz ’06

T

homas Britton "Britt" Harris IV ’80 is a titan in the truest sense of the word.

A giant of the investment community, Harris’ bio reads like a resume for U.S Secretary of the Treasury. He has led as chief executive officer or chief investment officer for eight different funds, including but not limited to Bridgewater Associates, Verizon Investment Management, Teacher Retirement Systems of Texas, University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company (UTIMCO, the largest public endowment fund in the nation), and most recently, the Texas Permanent School Fund. Harris has been honored with three lifetime achievement awards, served as advisor to the Federal Reserve, on the U.S. President’s Council for Financial Markets and as an advisor to the New York Stock Exchange.

Harris would say his most meaningful investments haven’t been fiscal in nature, but rather familial. A father of four with his wife of four decades, Julia, he also has six grandchildren and 900+ former students.

Harris, a fourth-generation Aggie, is the founder and executive professor of the high-impact program, Titans of Investing at Mays Business School. The goal of the

seminar-style course is to shape highachieving, well-rounded leaders equipped for meaningful success in both life and business.

Harris’ style of engagement is at once disarming and deliberate. He sets high standards but welcomes a teachable spirit.

On paper, he could be mistaken for a man of inherent contradictions: one of the great financial minds of a generation, defining the measure of success through a holistic lens that puts financial achievement behind a list of more critical accomplishments. But he’s no charlatan; everything Harris does is intentional. He lives out his life’s principles and spends innumerable hours instilling these values in those he’s identified as tomorrow’s leaders. Harris is determined to equip the next generation for a life well lived and puts his money, time and relationships into bringing that goal to fruition.

“He doesn’t just want you to take the class and finish the assignments,” noted recent Titans of Investing graduate, Brittny Efendy ’21 ’23. “He wants you to grow, to have a key experience in every moment that he's able to influence.”

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PREEMINENT PROGRAMS

THE COURSE Approaching the midpoint in his illustrious career in the early 2000s, Harris found himself considering philosophical and spiritual abstracts, “What is the purpose of more than enough?

Where is the financial finish line? What do you do with the surplus?” After significant prayer and consideration, he and Julia decided he should begin a course at Texas A&M University.

Harris approached Mays leadership stoking the idea for a course – what can we teach that they aren’t already teaching? For Harris, the answer was simple: “wisdom and relationships.” Always book in hand, Harris had just completed Ron Chernow’s biography of John D. Rockefeller, Titans, and he landed on a name for the course: Titans of Investing.

Those envisioning a traditional academic setting with hours spent extrapolating key insights from historical investment data would be underestimating the program. The discourse

Titans’ curriculum might best be described as practical wisdom for a holistically successful life.

Harris takes students through “the characteristics of really successful people” as he defines success versus significance, the latter being the ultimate goal. He shares The Five Fs – Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness and Finance – in that order.

Harris is quick to reference the works of others, including concepts from Gary Keller of Keller Williams. Keller’s concept of balance as an illusion explains that we are all juggling different balls; some balls are rubber and others are glass. Harris laments the number of young people mistakenly identifying which balls are glass. He also walks students through James Baker’s Five P’s – prior preparation prevents poor performance – as well as more straightforward truisms like learning to manage your money instead of letting your money manage you.

The nontraditional curriculum underscores an

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runs deep in unpacking the complexities of global financial markets, but interviews with more than a dozen program alumni affirm that Titans of Investing is much more than a course.

At once a way of life with demanding curriculum and a society with lifetime membership benefits, Titans operates more like an adoptive family than an academic circle. It offers a unique path to personal and professional growth through a carefully curated series of conversations and lessons in the best of leadership, industry and strength of character.

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irregular course structure. Comprised of 20-25 students selected through a highly competitive process each semester, Titans meet twice weekly for the duration of the course. On alternating weeks Harris is present for one of the meetings, often accompanied by a visiting speaker.

After each class, Harris organizes a mandatory group dinner to fuel group cohesion and fellowship.

On the bye weeks, students are expected to self-organize for discussions known as Juntos. Designed from Benjamin Franklin’s accountability group of the same name, Juntos are intended to foster deep and meaningful conversations in service of mutual improvement and enlightenment.

These unmoderated discussions cover a host of dense topics for which participants are expected to prepare, including ‘the relationship between wealth and happiness’, ‘China and Taiwan’, ‘what makes a good or bad parent’ and ‘how do you feel about philanthropy’. “I’ve held onto the Juntos philosophy,” shared Ross Willmann ’08, director of finance for the Texas A&M Foundation. “Ten years later, I still meet with a group of men who see the value in coming together, sharing life and pushing each other for mutual improvement.”

Beyond the obvious benefits of understanding selfgovernance and the merits of the discussion topics themselves, Harris identifies Juntos as helping Titans bridge the civil discourse gap in an increasingly polarized socio-political landscape. “One of the purposes of Juntos is to build a place where we can have civil conversations about things we don’t agree on,” shared Harris. “Titans learn to turn defensiveness into curiosity. We coach them not only to speak the truth in love, but to demonstrate a desire to understand how someone else arrived at a different conclusion.”

Each week, a group of Titans are tasked with presenting a Titan brief: a 10-page, highly academic executive summary covering a work of business, investing, leadership, psychology, political science or history. “One of the markers of highly successful people is that they are voracious readers with insatiable curiosity,” noted Harris.

The Titan briefs provide ready access to dozens of books

that would take years to consume cover to cover. Each features a book culled from Harris’ list of Titans Classics: a library of his personal favorites, catalogued alongside top recommendations from his network of world-class investors and financiers. “Britt basically surveyed the most important investors around the globe and asked, ‘what are the 2-3 most important books you’ve read?’” shared Matthew Wey ’10 ’12 ’18, chief investment officer for the Sovereign Wealth Fund of the Chickasaw Nation.

Books and briefs are often sponsored by industry experts or course speakers who will discuss the book with the students assigned to its briefing. Following the class, participants and sponsors alike have access to more than a decade’s worth of Titan briefs.

During the evening class sessions, speakers engage in candid exchanges with students and pull back the curtain on a view of holistic success – not just the good, bad and ugly of their respective careers, but also personal failure and triumph. Titans’ speakers, brief sponsors and reunion dinner keynotes are captains of industry and the public sector – a series of MVPs drawn from Harris’ personal rolodex. Titans might interact with financial heavy weights like Cliff Asness, Howard Marks, George Roberts, Bob Prince, Lloyd Blankfein or Jamie Dimon. They would just as likely encounter experts on the environment and renewable energy, elite quantum physicists, psychology experts like Flip Flippen or politicians such as former Secretary of State James Baker III. One year, Titans each received a signed letter from Dr. Ken French, alongside Nobel Laureates Eugene Fama and Myron Scholes, encouraging them to “be both truly rational, and truly compassionate.”

Despite the formidable collective expertise and experience of the speaker and sponsor rosters, Titan students spoke consistently to an undercurrent of humility in leadership flowing through each of Harris’ contacts.

“Here are these incredibly impactful and high-achieving individuals who actually want to talk to a roomful of students,” said current Titan, Dylan Young ’24. On campus with Harris, speakers seem at ease, offering up a side of themselves not often seen by the watching public.

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PREEMINENT PROGRAMS

“To see some really impressive world leaders let their hair down in these intimate settings is remarkable,” shared Kelli Walter ’11, asset management partner at Partners Real Estate in Houston. Walter, whose husband, Corey ’10 ’11, is a similarly accomplished former Titan, continued, “Britt is such a genuine person, he’s obviously technically exceptional, but also elicits a unique response among his peers.”

“Only by the grace of God is this class so successful.

It has been more than I could have ever imagined and I’m pretty optimistic.”

- Britt Harris

Speaker topics cover a wide range of subjects, including technology and the double-edged sword of AI; quantum computing and physics; climate change and renewables; and the proper approach to relationships. For hot-button topics, Harris will bring in speakers on both sides of an issue. “There is no uniform narrative for the speakers, who can have vastly differing opinions,” shared Young.

Harris even does a week on ‘the relationship talk’ in which participants are expected to bring their significant others along to the post-class dinner.

Titans wouldn’t be what it is today without the tireless effort of Britt’s right hand, Sharon Toalson, who coordinates with meticulous attention the logistics of the program. Similarly essential to the evolution of the course have been the now retired Lanny R. Martindale, former associate director of Aggies on Wall Street and a senior finance lecturer at Texas A&M, and Dr. Sorin M. Sorescu, director of the Adam C. Sinn ’00 Center for Investment

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Management, Foreman R. and Ruby Bennett Chair in Business Administration, and professor of finance at Texas A&M.

THE NETWORK The program is as rich in relationships as it is in content, a merit both current and former students credit to Harris’ deliberate emphasis on friendship.

Under different circumstances, the relationships forged within Titans and the framework for the class might feel overly contrived. But the eagerness with which aspiring Titans pursue acceptance into the highly competitive network yields an enthusiasm for the intimate relationships and irregular structure required of those who participate. “It’s for people who want to work really hard and try to do something significant,” shared Brittny Efendy, who will join McKinsey & Company later this year. “It gives you a small, tight-knit community in an otherwise enormous student body.”

The social components of the class are more than encouraged, as Harris facilitates activities designed to nurture relationships.

O ly mpi c gol d m e d a l i st , e nt re pre n e u r and former Titan Breeja Larson ’14 ’16, shared that Harris writes each student a note at the course onset, outlining the expectations for fraternal engagement among the Titan class. “He is working to create this network of high-quality people and he essentially says, ‘you will be best friends; your job is to be vulnerable and sincere in supporting one another.’” Harris backs up his desire to cultivate meaningful friendships with a serious sense of fun and not just at Titans weekly dinners or weekend reunions. Legend has it that one semester he invited the whole class out to the pool for a 25-yard race in a 50-meter pool.

Harris suited up and raced alongside a Titans class that included Larson, before jumping off the 5-meter platform with the group. Larson insisted

The network fostered within Titans isn’t about the “who’s who” of collegiate elites, but rather forging memorable, lasting connections and alliances with likeminded achievers of diverse talent. James Ross ’20 ’23, a recent Titan graduate and Army veteran, credited Titans with helping him to socially reacclimate after being deployed. “Veterans can have an inclination to wall themselves off in a post-military experience,” shared Ross. “Titans forced me out of my shell; even if I wanted to cocoon, the Titans wouldn’t have allowed it.” Notably, both Larson and Ross list Titans among the highest caliber camaraderie groups they’ve been a part of. For an Olympic athlete and a veteran, that’s high marks. Amazon Software Engineer Shikhar Baheti ’22 moved to the U.S. from India at age 14 and considers his Titans classmates kin. “I don’t have family in this country, so Texas A&M and the group of people I surround myself with in Titans are who I lean on for support and a sense of belonging,” shared Baheti.

“They are my family.” Every current and former Titan spoke with fondness for their cohort and most Titans – even a decade out from their time at Mays – still count Titan classmates among their closest friends. “Coming out of this class, I’m going to have to expand my list of groomsmen,” quipped Ross.

Former Titans participate readily in the recruitment and evaluation process for prospective new members. Kelli Walter described Harris’s goal for the Titans: “have the best and sharpest people that are kind, generous and interesting, with a plan to give back.” Harris laid out four primary requirements for Titans candidates: • Someone we trust must believe the candidate is going to make something of themselves, early.

erhui1979/iStock

that “Britt almost won,” but she also stood in awe of the purpose of the exercise and his commitment to it. “This was another fun, if unexpected, push outside of our comfort zones to help us learn to trust the team around us.

And he was all in.”

• They must be a person of high character who will use their success to generously serve the needs and betterment of others.

• They must be a fully engaged, interesting person – we are looking for uniquely-minded and diverse thinkers.

• They must like to eat.

THE LEGACY Each Titan offered unique insight into what makes the course so special, but common themes emerged. The relationships make the course. All were moved by the unexpected humility of both Britt and his outsized network. They appreciated the diversity of thought among the course’s high-achieving participants, as well as finishing the course confident they’d grown as person, friend, partner and professional. Titans describe the program as coaching the soft skills you can’t enumerate in a syllabus or gradebook. “There are probably a number of courses that could grow my understanding of financial markets,” shared James Ross. “But because of Titans, I’m a more engaged listener, a better friend and a more encouraging Christian. There’s not another business course, anywhere in the world, that you could walk away from making that claim.”

The most common thread was how deeply Harris cares for the whole person: for the individual and their specific development in the office, at home, with their families and beyond.

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PREEMINENT PROGRAMS

His is an unprecedented level of faculty involvement, more often observed in graduate level studies. Unprompted, each Titan shared at least one recollection of a time Harris showed up for them personally, in a meaningful way, for one of life’s important or more difficult moments. Breeja Larson added “Britt does a phenomenal job at helping all the students realize their actual worth, and then helping them learn how to elevate it.”

Among Harris’ primary goals for Titans are wisdom and discernment: two attributes his students would use to describe Harris. “Plenty of people are good at knowing how to do things, but few effectively discern whether you ought to,” shared Matthew Wey. “Britt is extremely qualified in the how but uniquely capable in the ought or should.” Harris calls on his Titans to live intentionally­ – fully engaged and generously in the service of others.

As always, Harris leads by example “He’s an extremely engaged and generous individual,” notes Wey. “He lives an intensely intentional life.”

Harris is open about his Christian faith, which shapes his views on leadership, relationships and generosity. He refers to Biblical scripture often but does so as part of a cohesive and intentional delivery of key principles that resonated with Titans across diverse faith backgrounds. Multiple Titans we spoke with referred to one of his personal mantras, “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Harris cares deeply for his students. “The intangibles of Britt Harris cannot be quantified or qualified,” shared Kelli Walter. “He is world-class in terms of team management and how to build a culture of shared respect that is historically uncommon in the world of finance.” For the Titans, at the top of the list of what makes the course special is Harris himself, and all the care, insight, wisdom and willingness to invest in their personal development that falls under his reach.

Harris speaks of his Titans like a proud father, “some of the most amazing people have come through the program and are now out serving in the world”.

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It’s telling that Harris used the word “serving” because that’s exactly what he means. Harris instills the importance of servant leadership heavily in his proteges – and this is a key intersection for Titans principles and Aggie Core Values – selfless service and loyalty. “The purpose of walking the right path is to help others, because that’s what Aggies do.”

Recently, Mays Business School began building the framework for an endowment supporting the Titans of Investing program in partnership with the Texas A&M Foundation. Mays Business School Dean Nate Sharp aims to create a Titans endowed professorship and excellence fund, both in Harris’s name, to ensure the program is a permanent fixture at Mays. True Brown ’04, senior director of development for the Texas A&M Foundation is equally excited about this effort. “This type of endowment would be pretty unique for both Mays and Texas A&M,” shared Brown. “This class has been so impactful for many students and has become integral to the fabric of Mays. Keeping a high impact program like Titans running seamlessly will be essential as Mays pursues its goal of becoming the nation’s preeminent public business school.” In addition to propelling students into top financial institutions, globally, the Titans course has helped launch a venture capital class, as well as a VR portfolio.

Among a cohort of exceptionally high-achieving individuals with schedules to match, every Titan contacted readily found time to speak about the program’s impact on their lives. Their energy and eagerness to engage can only be attributed to the legacy of Britt Harris. Breeja Larson was unsurprised, noting that Titans look to Britt’s example. “Britt lives out his values,” she shared. “He doesn’t just ‘walk the talk’ – he whispers – and then he runs.”

On brand, Harris concludes with a thoughtful observation. “Only by the grace of God is this class so successful. It has been more than I could have ever imagined and I’m pretty optimistic.”

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COR POR ATE & FOUNDATION GIF T S Partners of Mays advance us toward preeminence through their generosity, including those who have chosen to invest $5,000 or more in Mays Business School between January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.

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Abbot Family Charitable Fund Academy, LTD

Cronovich Education and Benevolence Trust* Crowe LLP

Accounting Education Foundation Ace Fence Company ADP, LLC Altria American National Bank of Texas Amgen USA Association of Commercial Real Estate Prof AT&T Autonomous Oil LLC Avison Young Houston Bank of America Barnes and Noble Bechtel Group Inc. Bell Textron Inc BP Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation Cadence Bank* Calpine Corporation Calvetti Ferguson LLC Camden Property Trust CareerPhysician Advisors, LLC Castleton Commodities Merchant Trading LP Caterpillar Incorporated CBRE Foundation, Inc. C. C. Creations Central Bank* Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Cintas Corporation ClearPave Community Bank & Trust ConocoPhillips Corient

Dallas A&M Club* Dell USA Deloitte DISYS Divino Homes Edge Realty Partners Education Advanced, Inc. Engie Energy Engie Resources Enterprise Holdings Foundation Ernst & Young Evoqua Water Technologies, LLC ExxonMobil The First State Bank & Trust Co. Gartner General Motors GoDish.com, LLC Golden Pass LNG Terminal LLC Goosehead Insurance Grant Thornton Greystar Development, LLC Gulf Capital Bank Halliburton Haynes and Boone Foundation H.E.B. Grocery Company David B. Hendricks, II Foundation Hines Interests Limited Partnership Honeywell International, Inc. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Howard Energy Partners Humana, Incorporated Insperity

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Institute of Internal Auditors - Houston Chapter* Internal Audit Foundation

Proman USA, LLC Protiviti

International Audit Foundation International Materials, Inc. JP Morgan Chase Keurig Dr. Pepper Keyence Corporation of America Kiewit Kinder Morgan, Incorporated Koch Minerals & Trading Kohl's KPMG The Kroger Company The Lacey Family Charitable Fund Leon Multifamily LLC* The L'Huillier Family Charity Fund Lowery Property Advisors, LLC Marathon Petroleum Corporation McLane Company Incorporated Mercuria Energy Trading Inc. Michaels Stores Inc. Mobius Risk Group, LLC Moody Bank* Motiva Enterprises, LLC MPUSA, LLC Opportune Otis Elevator Company Pannel Kerr Forster of Texas Pegasus Logistics Group PepsiCo Phillips 66 Company* Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Incorporated Popp Hutcheson, PLLC PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

RAM Foundation* Raytheon Company Riot Platforms, Inc. Schneider Electrical Buildings Americas Sewell Automotive Companies Shell Oil Company Society of Industrial and Office Realtors Society of Real Estate Professionals Southwest Airlines Spartan 5S Solutions LLC Springer Family Trust Fund SRS Distribution, Inc. Strategic Resource Management Sunnova Energy Synergy Solutions TC Energy Texas Bankers Foundation Texas Blockchain Council TIB, N.A. Total Gas and Power North America, Inc. TransCanada USA Services, Inc. United Services Automobile Association The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Unum UTIMCO Valero* Victory Management Services Walmart Wells Fargo Bank William and Catherine Bryce Memorial Trust Zale Delaware, Inc.

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PREEMINENT STUDENT SUPPORT

Jim '91 & Kelly Calvetti '93 Photo by Abbey Santoro

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DETERMINED TO SUCCEED

Jim Calvetti ’91 creates a scholarship to support first-generation college students’ quest to earn accounting degrees.

By Dorian Martin ’06

J

im Calvetti ’91 was determined to become a successful accountant. Realizing that to do so would require completing his bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University, the thencollege sophomore packed all of his worldly belongings into his 1979 Ford Thunderbird and — with $700 in his wallet — journeyed from his home state of Wyoming to Bryan/ College Station in 1988.

That decision proved to be pivotal. The first-generation college student developed a strong academic foundation and network at Texas A&M that proved useful in building a stellar career.

Now looking back gratefully at his journey, one of the founding partners of Calvetti Ferguson is committed to supporting other aspiring first-generation students who want to study accounting at Mays Business School.

To that end, Calvetti and his wife, Kelly ’93, created a scholarship fund through the Texas A&M Foundation. “It’s near and dear to my heart. I wish I had more scholarship opportunities when I was in school,” he said. “I worked full-time to put myself through school and I truly appreciated the scholarships that I received. I didn’t want to

take on debt to go to school—and I want to help other students follow in my footsteps in this regard.”

BEGINNING TO ADD UP Calvetti’s interest in pursuing a business career began in high school. In addition to taking an accounting class that piqued his interest, the teenager also was active in the school’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter, including serving as president.

When it came time for college, Calvetti made the logical decision to enroll in the University of Wyoming, located 50 miles from his hometown of Cheyenne, Wyoming. “When choosing a major, I was deciding between broadcast radio or accounting,” he said. “My parents guided me toward accounting as incomes in broadcast radio were pretty low.

I chose accounting and never looked back.”

However, by the time he was a sophomore, he realized he needed to transfer to another university. “My decision to change schools was because at that time the Big 8 accounting firms didn’t interview at the University of Wyoming,” he recounted.

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PREEMINENT STUDENT SUPPORT

After learning about Texas A&M’s highly ranked accounting program, Calvetti traveled to College Station to visit the campus in the spring of 1988. “The business school was in the Blocker Building at the time. I remember walking down the hallway and they had these big wooden plaques of each of the Big 8 with their logos,” he said, noting that the signage felt like a good omen.

The university’s overall culture also felt like a good match. “Wyoming is an agriculture state and I had grown up around a ranch,” Calvetti explained. “Also, my dad served 38 years in the Army, so the military side of the university really resonated with me.”

“

Anything worth doing is worth doing well.

If you’re not striving to be the best in your field, then you’re aiming too low - Jim Calvetti '91

”

Believing that Aggieland was key to his future, Calvetti decided to roll the dice and make the move. He worked for a year to qualify for the cheaper state tuition rate and also pinched pennies while living with his childhood friend, Doug, who also moved to Texas to pursue higher education. “We couldn’t afford air conditioning when we moved into our first apartment in Bryan,” Calvetti said. “Our apartment had a vaulted ceiling on it. We opened the apartment’s top windows and the sliding glass door and put a fan in the door. That’s how we lived that first summer because we didn’t have enough money to pay for utilities.”

BALANCING THE BOOKS Looking back, Calvetti doesn’t regret his decisions at all. “The accounting coursework was very challenging, and the professors were very competent, open and engaging,” he said, adding that he formed strong bonds with several of them, including Dr. James Benjamin and Dr. Ben Welch.

To afford school, Calvetti was a full-time receptionist for Texas A&M’s Student Counseling Center, which at the time was 36

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located in the YMCA Building. He often worked the evening shift, unlocking the building’s doors for students who had after-hours counseling sessions. As a result, he often was on duty when Dr. John Koldus, Texas A&M’s legendary vice president for Student Affairs, was leaving his office, which was located in the same building.

The pair developed a close bond — and Koldus made sure that he was on stage to congratulate Calvetti when he received his diploma.

Despite his busy schedule and tight budget, Calvetti made time to take part in campus activities, including serving as a T-Camp counselor and orientation leader, and joining the Accounting Honor Society. He also was a regular at Aggie football and baseball games. “My nextdoor neighbor dated a girl who worked in the ticket office, so it was a nice perk because my friend pulled tickets for football games,” he remembered. “We always sat in the front row of the second deck on the 45-yard line.”

The accounting major also enjoyed country western dancing. He has fond memories of dancing while a then unknown Garth Brooks performed at Bryan’s Graham Central Station.

That evening cutting the floorboards proved to be a pivotal point in his life. A few months later, he was dancing with an incoming transfer student during T-Camp’s country night in 1990.

“She said, ‘We’ve danced together before,’” he recounted, adding that they eventually pieced together that they had met during Brooks’ event.

Calvetti and Kelly, who was a kinesiology major, realized that they were increasingly in step and were married in 2003.

BECOMING AN ASSET After graduation, Calvetti joined Pricewaterhouse’s (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) Houston office, where he advanced professionally during his six-year-plus tenure with the company. He then became

Photo by Laura McKenzie

divisional chief financial officer for Petroleum Geoservices (PGS) Data Management, an international oilfield data management company. Calvetti was part of a team that grew the business, which eventually was sold to Haliburton.

After briefly working for the industry giant, Calvetti returned to Petroleum Geoservices (PGS Data Management’s parent company) as senior vice president for business development for three years. In that role, he worked on international mergers and acquisitions, which required him to travel 60% of each year. However, his priorities changed when he was in Dubai working on a $250 million oil and gas deal and learned he had missed hearing his youngest son’s first words. “That made me realize that my calling is to be a dad,” Calvetti said. “I decided I needed to be home and raise my family.”

Soon after making that decision, Calvetti reconnected with Jason Ferguson ’94, who Calvetti had hired at PGS Data Management. Ferguson was also ready for a fresh start, so the pair joined forces in 2003 to found Calvetti Ferguson, a Texas-based regional CPA firm.

INCREASING EQUITY Throughout the years, Texas A&M has remained a central part of the Calvetti’s lives. Two of their three sons earned their degrees from the university — Kyle ’20 in construction sciences and Dylan ’22 in engineering. And while their youngest son, Cody, didn’t attend the university, he has a deep love for all things Aggie.

Calvetti is especially excited about Mays Business School’s commitment to becoming the preeminent public business school in the nation. The Woodlands, Texas resident, who is involved with the James Benjamin Department of Accounting as an advisory board member and a regular guest lecturer, hopes that the scholarship he and his wife created will help the department attract and retain talented accounting students. “Anything worth doing is worth doing well. If you’re not striving to be the best in your field, then you’re aiming too low,” he said. “There’s no reason with the resources that we have at Texas A&M — through being a state university and by being backed by a very powerful former student group — there’s no reason why we can’t achieve preeminence.”

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PREEMINENT STUDENT SUPPORT

Misia '18 & Austin Krajicek '11 Photo by Madison Chagnon

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CHAMPIONING A LEGACY PLAYING FOR MORE AND PAYING IT FORWARD WITH MISIA '18 AND AUSTIN '11 KRAJICEK

Former students and tennis royalty serve up a lesson in selfless service with an endowed scholarship to Mays Business School.

By Corey Muñoz ’06

I

n June 2022, Misia ’18 and Austin Krajicek ’11 left Paris disappointed but hopeful. After a narrow defeat with victory snatched away in the Men’s Doubles Final of the French Open, the couple set about doing what they do best: refocusing their energy and redoubling their efforts. One year later, Austin and his doubles partner, Ivan Dodig, returned to Paris’ Roland-Garros Stadium to finish what they’d started. This time, they walked away victorious with a World No. 1 doubles ranking.

In those moments where a dream and reality intersect, many focus inwardly, reveling in personal achievement and the sweetness of a victory well earned through grit and determination. Uniquely, the Krajiceks – both Texas A&M University former students – took this moment to recognize unlikely allies in their path to glory, including supporters of the education that has underwritten their historic rise to success. Reflecting on achievement in a sport often thought of as individualistic, they maintain a team-oriented mindset.

A power couple forged in authentic partnership, Misia ’18 and Austin Krajicek ’11 – a marketing executive and global tennis champion – are also among the youngest donors to gift an endowed scholarship to

Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School. Austin was a tennis star and psychology major during his time at Texas A&M, and Misia joined the Aggie family as a graduate student. She received her Master of Science (MS) in Marketing, a degree she could not have pursued without scholarship assistance from Mays Business School to reduce the cost of out-of-state tuition.

Their mutual humility is immediately endearing. Austin would explain that without Misia’s dynamic career over the last five years, he could never have dedicated the time and energy to the training that has fueled his success at the highest level. But asked to elaborate, Misia credits the strength of her career to her MS Marketing degree at Mays Business School and the scholarship and mentors that helped her along the way.

The highest-ranking American in doubles tennis and current World No. 1, Austin began his tennis career early in life. His family prioritized his development in the sport from age 5 onward. By 14, he’d relocated to Florida, attending two elite tennis academies in IMG and Saddlebrook. Despite heavy recruitment from Florida-based universities, Austin was persuaded to visit Texas A&M by tennis coaches Steve Denton and Bob McKinley.

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PREEMINENT STUDENT SUPPORT

“

Like any great athlete who reaches the pinnacle of a sport, he has great drive and self belief; he was a joy to coach and we couldn’t be more proud of his success - Coach Steven Denton

”

It didn’t take much time on campus to know that Aggieland was home. “From the minute I stepped foot on campus I felt like I was part of a family,” shares Krajicek, who, as a four-time All-American, helped lead the Aggies to NCAA championships his final year on the team. “The best decisions of my career were to begin college before turning pro and choosing to attend Texas A&M”.

A student McDaniel knew he could count on in both quality of work and collaboration, Misia was often assigned to student consulting projects where making a great impression was critical. As with all her endeavors while at Mays, whether working with Southwest Airlines or other highvisibility partners in student consulting exercises, Misia “didn’t just participate,” according to McDaniel, “she excelled.”

Asked to describe the Texas A&M hall-of-famer, his Aggieland coaches agree, “Austin Krajicek was our first big recruit,” shares Head Coach Steven Denton. “He’s the definition of hard work and perseverance.” Denton recalls being struck by Krajicek’s resilience and relentless optimism.

“Austin has the uncanny ability to view adversity and prosperity through the same lens, treating them identically as opportunity.”

Dr. McDaniel was key to the Krajiceks’ return to Texas. When they moved back College Station for Austin to finish his degree and Misia to pursue her masters, they were working to make ends meet.

The scholarship Misia received was essential to her participation in continuing education. “The assistance with this financial burden was such a blessing,” shared the Krajiceks. “It allowed us to pursue our education without being burdened by an enormous loan or the need to work overtime to keep food on the table.”

Five years ago, Austin found himself disenchanted with singles tennis and hovering on the brink of walking away from the courts for good.

It was then when he switched from singles to doubles, a move that would ultimately reshape his professional career. After winning the Men’s Doubles Final at the French Open earlier this year, Austin (also a U.S. Olympian) played in the finals of the U.S. Open this September with his mixed double partner and World No. 4 ranked women’s tennis champ, Jessica Pegula.

Misia Krajicek, having bolstered Austin’s success at every level, has a dynamic career in her own right as director of data analytics and customer success at Red Onion. The leadership and exceptionalism that make her a tremendous asset to the team at Red Onion echo her longstanding, tireless work ethic. Dr. Stephen McDaniel, senior professor and regents professor emeritus at Mays Business School, helped to recruit Krajicek and was effusive in his praise. “Misia was a pure delight, the model student you want to have in a graduate program,” he shared.

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For the funding she needed, Misia worked closely with Dr. McDaniel to secure the Julie and John Balkema Masters in Marketing Scholarship.

For his part, McDaniel was eager to help such a high-performing student with an equally outstanding attitude. “She was always positive, never complaining and brought a go-with-theflow energy and a penchant for encouraging others, even in challenges.” The Krajiceks were equally appreciative of Mays Business School and McDaniel’s support of their endeavors. Misia credits McDaniel with helping her to see her graduate education as a real option, not a lofty aspiration. She added, “It was really the difference in being able to focus on school and just be a student.”

Just being a student wasn’t something Misia experienced in her undergraduate experience as a student athlete at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. So, she fully embraced the chance to focus extensively on her studies at

verti brick photo

Photo by Madison Chagnon

Texas A&M, crediting Mays Business School faculty and staff with making a challenging experience enjoyable. “One thing that really set the Mays experience apart was the quality of the professors and advisors. You could tell they all really cared about you.” Krajicek was quick to point out the distinction between faculty concern for academic success and students holistically thriving. “They didn’t just care that we were learning the text to the letter,” she elaborated.

“They were really invested, ensuring we had the knowledge, support and direction to apply what we’d learned and succeed beyond the classroom.” Accordingly, Misia’s postgraduation career success bankrolled the couples’ financial needs until Austin’s doubles game really took off, a fact that furthered their desire to come alongside others looking to education to further their careers.

The Krajicek’s generosity of spirit aligns readily with the Texas A&M Core Values and Mays Business School’s curation of leaders. “We relish the opportunity to help pay it forward,” shared Austin. “Tennis is a sport of never-ending goals and varied opportunities to chase. We’ve worked really hard to be in this position to give back.” And giving back

is exactly what they’ve done with the Misia ’18 and Austin Krajicek ’11 MS Marketing Endowed Scholarship.

The Krajiceks worked with the Texas A&M Foundation and Mays Business School to design their gift, intended to ease the burden of educational costs for a MS Marketing student from out of state – with an ultimate goal of making Texas A&M and the Mays experience more accessible to a broader audience. Misia agreed, “If we could help make an aspirational degree a reality for a student from out of state, we’d have really hit the mark,” she said.

Both Austin and Misia feel tremendously blessed by the opportunities they’ve been afforded at Texas A&M and want to share those blessings with future Aggies. “Beginning to build our legacy at Texas A&M has reinforced the value of playing for something bigger than yourself,” notes Austin.

“It’s the chance to leave something better than it was when you arrived.” Misia echoed the sentiment, expressing her desire to lead by example. “You are never too young to give back to those coming in behind you, to make a contribution that could help change a life.”

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PL A NNED GIF T S Heritage Members have created a legacy of support for future generations of Aggies by including the Texas A&M Foundation and Mays Business School in their estate plans prior to June 30, 2023.

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Judy & Robert H. Allen ’50

David C. Fleig ’78

Bret C. Baccus ’89

Gina L. & The Honorable William H. Flores ’76

Amy M. ’91 & Robert D. Bacon ’91

Shane M. Frazier ’98

Sandra L. & Ronnie W. Barclay ’68

Sylvia & G.W. Glezen, Jr. ’56

Emma & Christopher Beavers ’10

Susan M. Gulig ’81

The Honorable Nancy Berry & Dr. Leonard Berry

Tracy Dugai Hackenbruch ’95 & David Hackenbruch

Kimberly N. & Brian S. Bishop ’91

Melissa ’91 and Kenn Hall ’90

Heather Blue & Robert O’Shea

Patricia C. & Ray R. Hannigan ’61

Rosalie R. & Clifton J. Bolner ’49

Marilyn & Larry A. Harman ’62

Derrith & Robert D. Bondurant ’80

Julia G. & Thomas B. Harris, IV ’80

Cheryl Holland Bridges ’68

Stephanie A. ’96 & G. Scott Harris ’95

Nancy E. ’90 & Mark S. Browning ’88

Catherine M. & Robert Scott Harris ’61

Mary Bryant Burch ’80 & Henry W. Burch, III

Carrie & Howard W. Horne ’47

Richard J. Cahill, III ’84

LTC (Ret) Ralph C. Howes ’60

Charlene T. & Harry D. Cain ’50

Cheryl Burke Jarvis ’85 & John C. Jarvis ’86

Demi N. & John R., III Carmichael ’73

Melissa K. & John L. Kauth ’77

Kenedia M. “Connie” Chalmers

Fay Keene

Sue C. & Bill P. Cicherski ’54

Cynthia K. & Douglas Kennedy ’69

Dianne & A. Benton Cocanougher

Denise & Kriss Kirchhoff ’78

Ronald J. Cormier ’82 ’01, Bruce A. Sebree & Children

Cathie & Dennis Klockentager

Kay ’02 & Jerry Cox ’72

Paul J. Leming, Jr., Col. USAF (Ret) ’52

Michael B. Cox ’77

Linda S. & Richard H Lester ’03

Sally S. & John W. Cox ’81

Durwood Lewis, Lt.Col. (Ret) ’60

James Cranny Residuary Trust

Cindy & Thomas R. Locke ’74

Rachel L. Dohmann ’07

Lynne L. ’85 & Allen L. Mabry ’82

Cydney Collier Donnell ’81

M. Ann & Charles P. Manning ’82

Carrie & Dan Easley ’84

Anna G. ’85 & Glenn E. Maples ’82

Sandra & P.G. Buck Eckels ’52

Cindy ’82 & Russell Marshall ’81

Andrew T. Ellwood ’04

Theresa S. ’87 & David C. Martin ’86

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Patricia & J. Laurence Martin ’58

Gerald E. Ryan ’59

Laura ’97 & Bill ’94 Mason

Ursula P. Schorn ’80 & Richard Andersen

C. Mark Matthews ’80

Debbie ’75 & Eric Siegmund ’75

Nancy L. ’73 & Jack W. Matz, Jr. ’71

Leticia L. ’88 & John B. Spicer ’83

Debora & John M. McNair ’76

James M. Stark ’84

Richard D. Metters

Karen & Scott D. Steffler ’74

Vicki & Brian K. Miller ’80

Michelle ’88 & Todd Steudtner ’87

Lois A. & John A. Mobley ’51

Debbie E. ’90 & Robert Blake Steudtner ’91

David L. Moore ’72

Lauri Novosad-Surles ’85 & Forrest G. Surles ’84

Cheryl A. & Frank M. Muller, Jr. ’65

Christine D. & Mark D. Taylor ’83

Patricia J. & Michael A. Murillo ’62

Rebecca & Neal T. Thompson ’66

Patricia J. & L. C. ’’Chaz’’ Neely, Jr. ’62

Lynn & Robert W. Vacek ’71

Susan J. & Jon R. New ’78

Avery L. & Martin J. Walker ’74

Sharee L. & David R. Norcom ’73

Toni & Ralph E. Wallingford ’53

Keith L. Nowak ’92

Merri O. & Fred G. Walsh ’74

Susan M. ’74 & William R. Ouren ’74

Jane & Boyd K. Watson, III ’65

Karen N. Pape ’80

Absalom T. Webber, Jr. ’49

Peggy T. & Robert I. Pender ’56

Elizabeth & James R. Whatley ’47

Karen and Robert A. Perryman ’78

Brenda Garrison ’86 & Jim White

Florence Carter & M. Bookman Peters ’59

Hattie & Edwin P. Whitson ’45

Rhonda K. Reger ’79 & Jeffrey S. Piland

Sandra D. ’86 & Michael R. Wilkinson ’86

Kris ’95 & Thomas Pool ’96

Ms. Jane C. Woodard ’56

Kenneth E. Randolph ’78

Lorraine & Edward D. Wulfe ’55

Perry D. Reed ’76

Barbara and Donald Zale ’55

Velda ’98 & Jeff Reina ’93 Robert A. Rinn ’75 Wayne Roberts ’85 Wanda Elizabeth Carney & John A. Rodgers, Jr. ’68

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OUTCOMES

CONNECT WITH THE MAYS DEVELOPMENT TEAM BY PHONE OR EMAIL

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MAYS OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD T

hree distinguished Texas A&M University graduates — Shara Briggs McClure ’90, Gary J. Brauchle ’95 and Raja Jawad Akram ’97 — were awarded Mays Business School’s top honor, the 2023 Outstanding Alumni Award.

The three were recognized during a celebratory dinner at Texas A&M’s Thomas G. Hildebrand, DVM ’56 Equine Complex on April 27, 2023.

This award spotlights former students who exemplify transformational leadership in their profession and community, as well as their service to Mays Business School.

WATCH OUR EVENT RECAP

READ FULL STORY HERE

Photo by Alex Garza

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PREEMINENT FORMER STUDENTS

I love staying engaged with Mays and Texas A&M.” SHARA BRIGGS MCCLURE ‘90

LEARN MORE ABOUT SHARA

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OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT

SHARA BRIGGS MCCLURE ’90 A POWERFUL HEALTHCARE ADVOCATE

W

orking at the nexus of business and healthcare, Shara Briggs McClure ’90 has focused her career on supporting accessibility and affordability. “There is no bigger business than healthcare and no greater economic challenge to our country,” she explained.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in business analysis from Mays Business School, McClure rose in the healthcare ranks while developing expertise in managed care, contract negotiations, and state and federal health policy. The Dallasarea resident also honed her leadership skills through the Dallas Regional Chamber’s Leadership Class of 2017, Houston’s American Leadership Forum and the Leading Women Executives Program, developed by the Corporate Leadership Center of Chicago.

McClure served nearly six years as division senior vice president for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) while also earning a master’s degree in public health from George

Washington University in 2021. In March 2023, McClure stepped away from BCBSTX to serve as president of McClure Health Solutions.

The Aggie, who was named among the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston in 2013, remains passionate about expanding business opportunities and inspiring future generations. Currently board chair for the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce, she also served as a board member for CareerSpring and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dallas.

McClure — whose children are both Texas A&M graduates — readily gives her time, talent and treasure to her alma mater. As a member of Mays’ advisory board, McClure championed the school’s Health Care Grand Challenge and was at the forefront of BCBSTX’s $10 million investment in the Texas A&M Health Science Center’s initiative to address rural health issues. “I love staying engaged with Mays and Texas A&M,” said McClure, who also is a member of the Chancellor’s Century Council and the Association of Former Students’ Board of Directors. “Who wouldn’t want to hang out with Aggies all the time?”

Photo by Alex Garza

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PREEMINENT FORMER STUDENTS

I couldn’t think of a better place for me than Mays and Texas A&M, and how they prepared me for my career.”

GARY J. BRAUCHLE ‘95 '96

LEARN MORE ABOUT GARY

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OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT

GARY J. BRAUCHLE ’95 ENERGIZING ACCOUNTING

G

ary J. Brauchle ’95 ’96 credits Texas A&M University and Mays Business School with creating a strong academic foundation. “I couldn’t think of a better place for me than Mays and Texas A&M, and how they prepared me for my career,” said the Austin, Texas resident, who graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1995, followed by a master’s degree in accounting in 1996.

His career started with a bang when he was selected for the prestigious Financial Accounting Standards Board’s internship program. That internship positioned him to join PricewaterhouseCoopers’ energy audit practice in Houston.

He then progressed into several leadership roles during his nine years at McDermott International, a public global engineering and construction company, and at age 39, became CFO at Tallgrass Energy, a Kansas-based public midstream energy infrastructure partnership.

In 2020, Brauchle and his family returned to Texas. He soon joined PERENfra, a private water infrastructure company,

where he currently serves as president and member of the company’s Board of Directors.

The Aggie continues to maintain strong ties with Mays.

Brauchle was a frequent guest speaker in accounting classes after graduation and he is one of the longest serving members of the James Benjamin Department of Accounting’s Advisory Council. The business leader and his wife, Maren ’01, also established the Brauchle Family Scholarship in 2012, followed by a Professional Program in Accounting full scholarship in 2019. This committed support to Mays and its students led to Brauchle’s selection as the initial recipient of the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award by the James Benjamin Department of Accounting and induction into the Department’s Hall of Honor in 2020.

He plans to continue to find ways to remain involved.

“The college and the university have a keen ability to develop students into high-character individuals and very successful professionals,” he said. “Any chance that I have to support or continue that excellence and contribute to those transformational changes for people, I’m happy to do it.”

Photo by Alex Garza

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PREEMINENT FORMER STUDENTS

My motivation to stay involved with Texas A&M is to make sure that Mays Business School becomes the destination of choice for Wall Street, just like it is for employers in the southwest.”

RAJA RAWAD AKRAM ’97

LEARN MORE ABOUT RAJA

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OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT

RAJA RAWAD AKRAM ’97 AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION

R

aja Jawad Akram ’97 learned about the importance of perseverance during college. “At Texas A&M, I wasn’t the smartest guy in the room ever,” said the Pakistan native, who earned his bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance and a master’s degree in accounting. “What I learned was that I couldn’t outsmart everyone, but I could out-learn everyone.”

That tenacity serves him well. After graduation, Akram joined KPMG where he worked with clients in the financial services industry and in the national office. In 2006, he joined Citigroup, where he served as chief financial officer of Treasury and Trade Solutions, chief financial officer for Brazil, and global controller and chief accounting officer.

Now working as deputy chief financial officer and chief accounting officer at Morgan Stanley, Akram is responsible for the oversight of all regional chief financial officers, Morgan Stanley Bank Finance, Regulatory and SEC Reporting, as well as Infrastructure Planning and Analysis. He sits on the

firm’s management committee and Morgan Stanley Europe’s board, and co-chairs Morgan Stanley’s Emissions Oversight Committee and the Environmental Social and Governance Disclosure Committee.

Yet he maintains a strong connection to Texas A&M. Akram is a visiting Mays professor, serves on the James Benjamin Department of Accounting Advisory Council and recently joined the Dean’s Advisory Council. The 2019 James Benjamin Department of Accounting’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient also established the Raja Akram ’97 Department of Accounting Excellence Akram Endowment in 2018 and the Begum Akhtar Akram Endowed Scholarship for Pakistani Students at Mays Business School.

He proudly shares his Aggie roots with Wall Street colleagues.

“People may not know where I’m from, but everyone I come across knows that I went to Texas A&M,” he said. “My motivation to stay involved with Texas A&M is to make sure that Mays Business School becomes the destination of choice for Wall Street, just like it is for employers in the southwest.”

Photo by Alex Garza

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INDI V IDUA L GIF T S Former students and partners of Mays advance us toward preeminence through their generosity, including those who have chosen to invest $5,000 or more in Mays Business School between January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.

Jeannie Looper '99 & Conover H. Able, III '98

Kaki Schmidt Giauque '97*

Dorothy & Robert J. Anderson '70

Margaret & Mark Gibson '11*

Daniel Arbiter '16

Jennifer Grantham '03

Amy M. '91 & Robert D. Bacon '91*

Mary '98 & Ryan Green '99*

Cynthia A. & Alfred J. Balda '82

Alleene J. Groves

Warren E. Barhorst '88

Leslie & Bill Guess, III '88

L. Christine '95 & Brian C. Baumann '95

The Guill Family Foundation

Keasha & Brent Behrman '91*

Evelyn '84 & Steve Harding '84*

Laura Lee & Kevin Bernhard '00

Debbie '86 & John Harper '82

The Honorable Nancy F. Berry & Dr. Leonard Berry*

Julia G. & Thomas B. Harris, IV '80

John Boardman

Patsy & Howard Hatfield '69

David '81 & Vickie '82 Bolen*

Anita O'Neal Helpert*

Cheryl Holland Bridges '68*

Mindy & Jeff Hildebrand '81

Craig C. Brown '75

Doug Holland '97

Angela K. '89 & David L. Brown '89

Lisa '97 & Greg Johnson '94*

Brian Bruce

Paige Johnson '21

Christie L. '81 and Clinton W. Bybee '85

Bethany L. Kolb '87 & Bob Johnson '85

Wesley E. Byrne '01

David H. Kelling '76*

Jyl G. & Randy Cain '82

Ruth & Henry Kelling '39*

Susan J. '82 & Fred F. Caldwell '82

Deborah Kelly '80*

Kelly '93 and Jim Calvetti '91*

Denise & Kriss Kirchhoff '78

Presha M. & Garry Lynn Carr '97

Kendall & Cale Kobza '97*

Bickie & Bill Coffey

Misia '18 and Austin Krajicek '11*

Ronald J. Cormier '82 '01, Bruce A. Sebree & Children*

Bernhard Krieg '98

Kay A. '02 & Jerry S. Cox '72

Lindsay '15 & Michael Kruger*

Mike Descheneaux '89

Barbara & Paul W. Kruse '77

Carrie & Dan Easley '84*

Maritza A. '91 and Shawn W. Lafferty '90*

John E. Ekdahl '95

Marian J. '82 & Willie T. Langston, II '81

Charlotte & Jack Elrod '60*

Paula & Steve Letbetter '70

Vincent D. Foster*

Kyle '01 & Meredith Liner '01

Carrie '97 & Jeff Francis '96

Pam '75 and Larry Little '73*

Laura '85 & David Fulton

Marsha & David K. Lockett '76

Nancy & Bill Gardiner '76

Brandi '05 & Evan Loomis '03*

Nancy & Paul Gardner '66

Gina A. '95 & Carl A. Luna '91

Kirk Garza '05

Kahla '02 & Matthew Malinsky '93

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BENEFAC TOR 2023

Molly Wehner Marks '82 & Miles Marks '79*

Cynthia Ann Hinze & Robert M. Scott '78

Mary Patricia & Col. Robert E. "Gene" Marshall '60

Daniel K. "Danny" Signorelli '92

Laura '97 & Bill '94 Mason*

Adam C. Sinn '00*

Nancy L. '73 & Jack W. Matz, Jr. '71

Sean Sipko '98

Jamie Duke McClain '97 & Michael H. McClain '93

Caren W. '88 & John W. Steffes '87

Dr. Rich Metters

Karen & Scott D. Steffler '74

Sue Ellen '81 & Phil Miner '80

Scott Steinford*

Taryn '07 & Kyle Mitchan '06*

Amanda M. '99 & Ryan E. Stewart '98

Grayson '12 & Taylor Moffatt '12*

Mr. William G. Strain, Jr. '94

Lawrence P. "Buddy Morris '88

Carrie E. '98 & Jack D. Suh '97

Stacy M. '92 & David Nahas

Jill '98 & Bradley Svoboda

Patricia J. & L.C. "Chaz" Neely '62

Christine & Mark D. Taylor '83

Jace K. Nelson '21*

Cathy & Clifton L. Thomas, Jr. '72

Ray Nixon, Jr.

Rebecca & Neal T. Thompson '66

Dennis O'Neal '73

Van Til Family*

Rhonda & Todd A. Overbergen '88

Secily '95 & Scott Torn '95

Wanda G. & Louis Paletta, II '78

Lynda '96 & Randy Trenary '96

Karen N. Pape '80

Liliana & Chris Valletta '00*

Lindsey '97 and David '90 Paradis*

Jennifer & Wil VanLoh

Yolanda '88 and Michael Patino '86*

Ms. Isabela Vizcaino '14

Debra & Robert S. Penshorn '89

Amy '91 & Dean Walker '89

Larry Pierson '59, Ed Pierson '82 and Ginny Pierson '86*

Toni E. & Ralph E. Wallingford '53*

Natalie Pine

Marche L. Warfield '94

Lori K. & Brian K. Pinto '93

Terri '83 & Larry Warnock '83

Devina Rankin '98 & Dianna Cervantes*

Cynthia G. '84 & Anthony R. Weber '84

Shelly & Tyler Reeves '93

Graham Weston '86

Rhonda K. Reger '79 & Jeffrey S. Piland

Allen & Mary Wheat '78

Jennifer '98 & Brad Ringleb '97

Sandra D. '86 & Michael R. Wilkinson '86*

Mindy '99 & Spencer Rippstein '99*

Sue & David W. Williams '79

Wayne Roberts '85

Alexis '17 & John A. Yates, III '17*

Iva '00 & Randy Rose '00

Sara W. & Kip B. Zacharias '88

Megan A. Ryan '98

Donald Zale '55*

Tricia & Kenneth E. Sayler, Jr. '83 Leigh Sansone '97* Andy Sawyer '80* *New endowments or capital investments BENEFAC TOR 2023

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Texas A&M University Mays Business School advances the world's prosperity with advanced degree Texas A&M University Mays Business School advances the world’s prosperity with programs for working professionals at CityCentre in Houston: four advanced degree programs for working professionals at CityCentre in Houston:

Professional MBA Executive MBA Master of Science in Analytics Master of Human Resource Management for Professionals

Take the next step towards advancing your career.

Call us today at 281-915-0800 Take the next step towards advancing your career.

Call us today at 281-915-0800.

Texas A&M Mays Business School | CityCentre | 842 W Sam Houston PKWY N, Suite 200 | Houston, TX 77024 Texas A&M Mays Business School  CityCentremays.tamu.edu  842 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Suite 200  Houston, TX 77024 54

BENEFAC TOR 2023

mays.tamu.edu/citycentre

M AYS DE V ELOPMENT TE A M Part of the Texas A&M Foundation and embedded in Mays Business School, our team of passionate professionals is dedicated to helping you leave a legacy at Texas A&M University.

// True Brown ’04

// Jennifer Hester ’98

// Damara Lotten

// Cassie Mahoney ’15

// Cindy Munson ’99

// Julie Sturdivant

// Mark Toler ’19

// Shelley Nemec '89

CONTACT THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM BENEFAC TOR 2023

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Mays Business School 4113 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-4113

2023-2024