Explore the impact of philanthropy at TXST

Celebrate the holidays with us and gear up for Texas State University's 125th anniversary in 2024! Get ready for groundbreaking "firsts," incredible accomplishments, and unwavering support from our amazing alumni, friends, and donors.

TXST is making history as the first Texas location to host a Presidential Debate for the upcoming election on September 16, 2024, honoring our legacy as the only Texas university to graduate a U.S. president, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Plus, our Bobcats are heading to the SERVPRO First Responder bowl game in Dallas. Thanks to all who support our talented student-athletes.

These milestones follow the successful $250 million NEXT IS NOW capital campaign, the largest in university history. With $237.8 million in gifts since 2014, including $132.1 million for student scholarships and $49.5 million for academics. The Bobcat Nation's dedication is shining brightly.

I invite you to keep reading to see the powerful impact of philanthropy at TXST and some remarkable highlights from 2023.


A Very Special Agent

Spend a few moments with distinguished alumnus, Richard T. Garcia '75, and it's difficult not to be intrigued. Garcia enjoyed an action-packed career in law enforcement for over 30 years. Listen to Garcia being interviewed about his role in the investigation of the Robert Hanssen FBI Russian Spy Case in the CBS News podcast, "Agent of Betrayal: The Double Life of Robert Hanssen," episode 7, titled, Room 9930. And, see Garcia's interview on CBS FBI True - episode 9, Hunting Graysuit: America's Deadly Traitor, scene 10:16.

Today the TXST endowed scholarship Rich Garcia and his wife Nan established puts veterans and first-generation students on the right path. Thank you Rich and Nan!


New TXST Heroes Support Business Students

Dynamic entrepreneurs and proud alumnus Bruce '87 and Kelly Smith made a generous $1 million donation to support business education and athletics. The gift will boost student scholarships in the McCoy College of Business, creating more opportunities for aspiring business leaders while $250,000 of the donation will go to the Department of Athletics, showing the Smiths' commitment to success both in the boardroom and on the field. 

The Smiths are set to join the prestigious Texas State "Heroes," a group of donors that have gifted over $1 million to Texas State throughout their lifetime. Bruce and Kelly, thank you for helping drive what’s next in TXST business education and athletics!


Dedicated Public Servant Pays it Forward

Motivated by a desire to support students pursuing careers in select social science fields, alumnus, Court Thieleman ’76, included Texas State as a beneficiary in his will to establish fellowships in Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Administration. These fellowships hold great importance to him as they aim to provide financial assistance for students to continue their studies in these areas. Thieleman, a public servant for over 30 years, said, "I was fortunate. I had the financial means so I elected to use it to say, ‘Thank You’, and as a way to help others at the university." Thank you, Court, for supporting TXST students and establishing your legacy for generations to come!


Bobcat Pitcher Gives Back

Alumni of all decades give back to TXST! Big thanks to young alumnus, Fielding Pittman '11, former Texas State baseball pitcher, for his recent gift to the baseball facility. The Bobcat Ballpark Player Development Center will greatly enhance the experience for our future baseball student-athletes. Your dedication proves that the spirit of TXST NEXT in athletics never quits!


Grateful Students

"Thank you for the Gary V. Woods Scholarship. Your generous donation will allow me to complete my Ph.D. in Material Science, Engineering and Commercialization and MBA. I am from Austin, Texas.

I received my bachelors and master’s from Texas State in chemistry working with Dr. Chris Rhodes. I consider myself a “from scratch battery maker” and wrote my thesis titled “Metal Substitution within Nanostructured Nickel Hydroxides for Aqueous Rechargeable Nickel-Zinc Batteries”. During my Masters, we initiated a collaborative project with the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) where these cathodes would then be coupled with the revolutionary NRL 3D-zinc anode, to create a safe, cost effective, rechargeable battery with the potential to replace lithium-ion batteries.

My focus during my Ph.D. will be changing the battery recipe and evaluating its performance. My MBA will allow me to develop the tools needed to commercialize this product. Your scholarship will help me financially by enabling me to pursue my research and course work."


TXST bowl game graphic with text

Bobcats in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl - December 26
Registration Closing!

Join the Bobcats in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl on December 26 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Bobcat Nation can purchase Bowl Game tickets, explore Bowl Game events, buy merchandise, and more at JUMP IN.


THANK YOU FOR STEPPING UP!
OCTOBER 5-6, 2023

Campaign Goal: $1,100,000
Total Raised: $1,623,103

First Time Donors to TXST-344
Total Number of Donors-1,475

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Graduates with Dipolomas

CAMPAIGN PROGRESS

Campaign Goal: $250 Million

Total Gifts and Pledges to Date: $239.9 Million


Texas State University's identity is shaped by the success of our students. As we celebrate so many achievements during this holiday season, we also want to express our gratitude to you for joining us on this journey and appreciate your support, which is the foundation of our university. Your deep generosity enables us to carry out vital work, creating a healthier and happier community for Bobcat students. Thank you for your vision and investment. Happy holidays!

Sincerely,

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