College of Education &Human Development

Living and Giving is published annually for the benefit of friends and donors of the College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University by the development and communications offices in the college. To request additional copies of this publication, please e-mail Diane Oswald at doswald@tamu.edu.

We Transform Lives 1

CharTing a Course for suCCess 3

a TooL for TomorroW 5

Their Life’s Work 7

Pay iT forWard 8

a sPeCiaL gifT 9

Working TogeTher 10

give your Way 11

Thanks for giving 12

Dr. Douglas J. Palmer, DeanSteve Blomstedt, Director of DevelopmentDiane L. Oswald, Promotion and Development CoordinatorJenna Kujawski, Communications ManagerWriter: Diane L. OswaldContributing Editors: Jenna Kujawski, Tanya Nading and Amanda ReedDesigner: Esther EwertPhoto Credits: Esther Ewert - page 10 Samantha Fergesen - page 9 Jenna Kujawski - pages 2, 4, 11 Allen Pearson - page 13 The Association of Former Students - page 6

Living and giving

Please contact Steve Blomstedt, director of development for the College of Education and Human Development, to discuss how you can help transform lives through education.

Steve BlomstedtDirector of DevelopmentCollege of Education and Human Development802 Harrington Tower4222 TAMUCollege Station, Texas 77843-4222Tel. 979.847.8655 Fax 979.845.6129s-blomstedt@tamu.eduwww.giving.tamu.edu

s Dean of the College of Education and Human Development, I have a

unique vantage point to see and reflect on the efforts of individuals who are working to advance education in the state of Texas and the nation.

From undergraduate students who embrace leadership and service opportunities to our faculty and staff who daily evidence commitment and passion for this work, I am inspired by all they accomplish. However, there is another group of individuals whose time, talents and generosity are the cornerstone of every success we have here on campus. These are friends and donors who contribute resources to a variety of student, faculty and college initiatives. Living and Giving is dedicated to recognizing these individuals who make scholarships, programs and faculty chairs and professorships possible through their generous gifts.

As we look to the future, the impact of private giving will play an even larger role in our continued success. Budget cuts, economic uncertainty and inflation shine a bright light on the needs that cannot be met through state funding. Among the highest need areas are student scholarships and facilities.

Soon, the Texas A&M Foundation will launch a scholarship campaign. Part of the focus will be creating more need-based scholarships. Given the anticipated debt load of new graduates, the relatively low pay of teachers and the rising costs of tuition, books and other living expenses, the need for scholarships never has been more

cr it ica l . These new scholarships will enable us to enroll and retain the best students, regardless of their family’s income.

Our college is facing a significant shortage of faculty and graduate student office and research space. As a temporary solution to this growing problem, faculty and graduate student offices and laboratories have been dispersed to more than half-a-dozen different buildings on campus. And, with increased class sizes and advances in technology, we are working to update classrooms to meet current demands. It is our hope that with private support, we will be able to consolidate our four departments into strategically located, state-of-the-art and comfortable office space, laboratories and classrooms.

In 2009, the College of Education and Human Development will celebrate 40 years of transforming lives through education. During that time, this college has had a major impact on the lives of families throughout Texas and the nation. Thank you for all that you do to ensure our continued success.

Best Wishes,

Douglas J. PalmerProfessor and Dean

We Transform Lives

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s the child of working-class parents in Beaumont, Texas, Dorothy McFerrin

learned firsthand that teachers transform lives through education. Dorothy hadn’t set her sights on a college education until her teachers directed her down a path that ultimately led to her earning a master’s degree in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice.

My teachers saw things in me that I didn’t see in myself,” Dorothy says. “They encouraged and supported me so that I could achieve a level of education that allowed me to chart my own course.”

As a parent, Dorothy saw an opportunity to use her education to meet a critical need for students and teachers.

With there being seven-years difference between my son and daughter’s ages, I noticed a drastic difference in the attitudes and actions of students over time,” she says. “It became apparent that we needed to address the behavioral changes of students and get crime awareness and prevention programming into our schools.”

Dorothy approached the principal about implementing a crime awareness and prevention program at her child’s middle school. The

principal wasn’t convinced that it was necessary, or that his school even had a “gang problem,” but he allowed Dorothy to post a banner in the hall inviting students to attend a meeting that focused on positive alternatives to crime.

On the sign we included the names of different gangs, and this little boy came up to me and said that we had left his gang’s name off the poster. He asked me if he could add it so I said ‘sure.’” This encounter with the young gang member was all the proof the principal needed to support Dorothy’s program.

Without my teachers encouraging me to set my sights on a college education, I wouldn’t have been engaged in this meaningful work,” she adds.

I think that everyone should stop and remember the teachers who made a difference in their lives. That is why supporting the students and faculty of the College of Education and Human Development is so important to me.”

Dorothy and Artie McFerrin established the Marilyn Kent Byrne Student Success Center and the Marilyn Kent Byrne Chair for Student Success within the College of Education and Human Development.

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t family reunions, the joke is that “everyone in Gina Flores’ family is

a teacher, a preacher or both.” Behind every punch line, there is usually an element of truth.

Gina’s father, Sam, is a retired teacher and administrator; her late mother, Johnette, was a school librarian; her sister, Leigh, is a high school principal and her brother, John, is the executive director for the Region 16 Education Service Center in Texas. With a pedigree like that, it is no wonder Gina and her husband Bill decided to establish a scholarship program for students in the College of Education and Human Development.

The Gina and William H. Flores Scholarship in the College of Education and Human Development was established to support students studying to become teachers, with a preference given to first-generation or transfer college students.

We have two sons in college. We tell the boys that a college degree is an important tool in their toolbox,” Gina says. “An education is everything – even if you don’t go into the field in which you earned your degree.”

By supporting students in the teacher preparation program, Gina and Bill hope that Aggie values such as integrity, loyalty, leadership, selfless

service and respect will spread to young people in classrooms throughout Texas and beyond.

We wanted to help other students have the same educational opportunities that our boys were given,” Gina says. “And, we wanted to support the work that the college is doing.”

Education has always been a priority for Gina and Bill. He earned his bachelor’s in accounting from Texas A&M University and his master’s in business from Houston Baptist University. Gina earned a bachelor’s in education from Sam Houston State University. After graduating, she taught English in public high schools and later taught elementary and middle school students in private Christian schools. Gina currently serves on the college’s Advisory Council.

There is a growing need for scholarships in support of future teachers,” says Douglas Palmer, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “The impact of Gina and Bill’s gift will be greatly multiplied when their scholarship students begin teaching in their own classrooms.”

Gina and Bill Flores established the Gina and William H. Flores scholarship in the College of Education and Human Development to support first-generation or transfer students preparing to become teachers.

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ylvia and Raul Fernandez have lived a life of service to education. Her career as

a public school teacher and administrator and his 18 years as a public school district trustee are evidence of a commitment that has strengthened their family, community and the College of Education and Human Development. Through a recent planned gift, Sylvia and Raul have ensured that their passion for education will continue to strengthen this college for generations to come.

Sylvia and Raul’s gift will fund scholarships for first-generation and transfer students. “Education has always been important to us,” Sylvia says, and teaching has been my passion. Both of us have been very involved in public education over the years.”

Sylvia and Raul know the value of scholarships firsthand. “Raul attended Texas A&M University with the support of a $200 scholarship from the A&M Mother’s Club,” Sylvia says. “It means a lot to us to be able to provide scholarships for Aggie students.”

Raul graduated from Texas A&M University in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Raul went to work for H. B. Zachry and began to get involved with the San Antonio A&M Club.

As his career grew, so did his support for education. He has served on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and was the vice chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. In recognition of his service to public schools, he was honored by the Northside School District in San Antonio with the naming of the Raul B. Fernandez Elementary School.

Raul received a Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2007 from The Association of Former Students. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a former student of Texas A&M University.

Sylvia graduated from Martin Senior High School in Laredo and later returned to her alma mater to teach. She earned three degrees in education, including her doctorate from Texas A&M in 1988. Sylvia’s service to the college includes being a charter member of the college’s Advisory Council and writing the 20-year history of the college for her dissertation.

We have seen this college grow and prosper over the years. It is a very special place with amazing leadership,” Sylvia says. “I feel indebted to the college for everything it has given me.”

Sylvia and Raul’s planned gift will fund scholarships for first-generation and transfer students.

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cience teacher Allan Covault may not be aware that two decades after having

Brock Nelson as a student in his classroom, he is still making an impact on his life. But, that’s the legacy of great teachers – they make a difference not just in a single class but across a lifetime. Mr. Covault’s inspiration is a large part of the reason why Brock and his wife, Nancy, established the Nancy and Brock Nelson ’90 Scholarship in the College of Education and Human Development for students working to become math or science teachers.

Mr. Covault made chemistry and physics fun; he showed me their importance and the many ways you can contribute to society through studying them,” Brock says. “In his class,science was exciting and that cemented my decision to go into engineering.”

As an engineering student from Nebraska at Texas A&M University, Brock received a Lechner Scholarship that allowed him to attend Texas A&M. “If I hadn’t received the scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to become an Aggie,” Brock says. “Through our scholarship, we are just paying it forward to future Aggies.”

Support for education is a topic that is near to Brock’s heart because his mother, aunt and numerous cousins and friends are teachers. When you look at the people who made the biggest impact on your life, there are almost always teachers on the list who inspired or challenged you,” Brock says. “If we can help make college more affordable, we can hopefully help give students an opportunity to become educators and inspire the next generation of students to achieve their goals and dreams.”

Brock’s success as an engineer has brought him full circle from scholarship recipient to scholarship donor. “Without teachers, there would be no such thing as science and engineering,” Brock says. “Nancy and I are so glad that we could play a role in supporting future teachers.”

Nancy is a homemaker and she and Brock live in Kansas with their two children, Brynnalese, age six and Jace, age nine.

Nancy and Brock established the Nancy and Brock Nelson ’90 Scholarship to support students studying to become math or science teachers.

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he friendship that Samantha Fergesen and Andrea “Andi”

McKenna shared was an open-ended journey of self-awareness and a commitment to grow as individuals and friends. The two special education majors planned careers in the service of others, before a fatal traffic accident claimed Andi’s life. Upon graduation, Samantha decided to give some of her graduation gift money to support a memorial scholarship established by Andi’s parents, Andrea “Sissy” and John McKenna.

Andi and I met during my junior year in the special education teaching block, and we became fast friends,” Samantha says. Later, the two worked together at Camp Summit, helping children with disabilities. “Andi was amazing with special needs kids. Anytime I needed advice or support, I would go to her.”

As a scholarship student herself, Samantha knows firsthand what a difference scholarships can make to ease the financial burden of students. As Andi’s friend, it was important for her to remember Andi in a tangible way. I received more graduation gift money than I ever thought I would,” Samantha says. “And, my graduation came just a few weeks before the first anniversary of Andi’s death.”

Andi’s gift for working with special needs children will continue through the generosity of friends like Samantha and the pursuits of students receiving the Andrea E. “Andi” McKenna ’08 Memorial Scholarship.

Andi’s legacy is an enduring commitment to serve children with special needs,” Samantha says. “Giving to Andi’s scholarship was my way to remember her after our time together.”

To contribute to the Andrea E. “Andi” McKenna ’08 Memorial Scholarship in Special Education, send your check made out to the Texas A&M Foundation with a note in the memo field “Andrea McKenna ’08 Memorial Scholarship” to: College of Education and Human Development, Attn: Diane Oswald, Texas A&M University, 4222 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4222.

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Samantha Fergesen in the classroom with Ladarren.

teve Blomstedt has a knack for bringing people together and making good things

happen. As the director of development for the College of Education and Human Development, Steve credits the relationships that he has made along the way for fueling his success.

My work in development is about understanding what is important to individuals and helping to match their priorities with the needs of the college,” Steve says. “Listening and facilitating the interests of others are the two most important aspects of what I do.”

For over two decades, Steve’s career has been dedicated to advancing the well-being of others.

As a volunteer and later as an area director for Young Life, a high-school-based Christian outreach organization, and more recently through his work in development at the Texas A&M Foundation, he has contributed to the success of students, faculty and staff.

“Working with people gives me a lot of joy,” Steve says. “And, it’s important to me to be able to facilitate the impact that others can make in the lives of our students and faculty.”

As the father of three girls, Steve has a personal interest in

supporting education.

Education is the cornerstone of success for our children, our communities and society,” he says. It is my hope that through private giving we will be able to meet the need for student scholarships and support faculty teaching, research and service.”

There are many different ways to support the College of Education and Human Development. To consider what way might be best for you, please give Steve a call at 979-847-8655 or send him an e-mail at s-blomstedt@tamu.edu.

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give your Way

e are dedicated to ensuring that your priorities and preferences are addressed when you make a gift to the College of Education and Human Development through the Texas A&M

Foundation. Whether you want to make an impact on students, faculty or the college, your gift can be given in many forms:

Giving to the College of Education and Human Development through the Texas A&M Foundation is a rewarding experience and it empowers you to transform lives through education.

Please contact Steve Blomstedt, director of development for the College of Education and Human Development, to discuss what gift and funding method might work best for you.

Steve BlomstedtDirector of DevelopmentCollege of Education and Human Development802 Harrington Tower4222 TAMUCollege Station, Texas 77843-4222Tel. 979.847.8655 Fax 979.845.6129s-blomstedt@tamu.eduwww.giving.tamu.edu

Current Gifts – Paid by check, credit card or electronic fund transfer; with securities; or with real estate.After Lifetime Gifts – Bequests, IRAs, life insurance, real estate and living trusts.Dual Benefit Gifts – Provide you and your loved ones with earnings, such as a charitable gift annuity, charitable trust, real estate and retained life estates.Honorary and Memorial Gifts – Allow you to recognize others through your giving.

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Thank you for supporting the College of Education and Human Development! Education students pictured from left to right include Elizabeth Nelson, John Edmund, Byron Barber and Alyssa Grady.

$1,000,000+Dorothy and Artie McFerrin

$100,000-$999,999Gina and William H. FloresJon Hagler FoundationJoan C. Read

$50,000-$99,999Karen and Terry O. Smith

$25,000-$49,999Dell USA LLCAndrea “Sissy” and John R. McKennaNancy and Brock NelsonJanice and John ThomasMolly Thornberry Whisenant

$1,000-$24,999Alcohol and Safety Consultants, Inc.Lynda BrownKay and Jerry CoxMaurice DennisDepartment of Teaching, Learning and CultureJames M. DrewFederation American Association of Physicians of NY/NJTom Haggai and Associates FoundationDon HintonHouston A&M ClubPatsy and Pat KirkseyErin and Jim KrachtBarbara and Arno KrebsMary Jo and Billy Lay

Carolyn and Tommie LohmanLouisiana District Council of the AssembliesJohn W. McCullough, Jr.Merck Partnership for GivingJohn MilkovichKeith NewmanFlorence Oeding EstateDarlene and Doug PalmerBertha and Harold PetersonPrior Charitable TrustSue and Rick Rickman, IIISage Publications, IncorporatedTexas A&M Club of North LouisianaTexas Instruments FoundationBetty and Tommy ThompsonCheryl and John TrottSherri and Ben Welch

The College of Education and Human Development would like to thank the many donors recognized in these pages. Through your generous support, the college is able to help meet the needs of our students, faculty and programs. Your gifts enable the college to continue our tradition of excellence in education through teaching, research and service.

The individuals, corporations and foundations listed below contributed or pledged at least $1,000 to the college through the Texas A&M Foundation during their fiscal year, which is July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008. All gifts to the college are greatly appreciated.

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President’s Endowed ScholarshipsMora Waddell Boone and James L. Boone, Sr. ’21 Grace A. and Carol W. Phillips ’54Polly Wiseman Franklin ’86 Memorial

Foundation Excellence AwardsGeorge W. Brackenridge FoundationJoyce Ann and Col. Thomas M. Jackson

Sue and Patrick Mahoney Karen and Steven MorrisSusan and Bill OurenSue and Rick Rickman, III Ellen and Rod ThorntonGary W. “Buddy” Williams Diane and Bob Winter

Endowed Opportunity AwardsMary Evelyn Dunn Hayes Endowed Scholarship in Education

Mildred F. and Carl Henninger ’49 Endowed Opportunity Award Scholarship

Sul Ross ScholarshipsJames L. Boone, Jr.Mora Waddell Boone

The individuals, corporations and foundations listed below have established one or more scholarships benefitting students within the college through the Texas A&M Foundation. We are deeply grateful for the generosity and support of these friends of the college.

$1,000,000 ≥Houston Endowment, Inc.Sydney and J.L. HuffinesDorothy and Artie McFerrinEd Rachal FoundationJoan and Thomas Read

$500,000-$999,999Claude H. Everett, Jr. Estate*Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation Sue and Patrick Mahoney*Gary J. Martin*

$100,000 - $499,999John W. Anderson FoundationRobert G. Cherry Estate* Kay and Jerry Cox W.L. Gerner Estate*Susan Gulig*Mary Evelyn Dunn Hayes Estate*Herman F. Heep and Minnie Belle Heep FoundationCarolyn and Tommie LohmanEddie and Joe MatteiSue and Rick Rickman, III*Betty and David Smith/Wilda Smith Scott Trust

Karen and Terry O. Smith*Omar Smith Estate/Omar Smith Enterprises, Inc.*Claudia and Rod Stepp*Bob Winter

$99,999 >Barbara J. and Walter E. Anderson Mary Barnhill EstateJames L. BooneMora Waddell BooneGeraldine Longbotham BowersJanie and Ralph Bowler*George W. Brackenridge FoundationBeth and Sherman BradleyLinda M. BrownMichelle Thornberry BunchCapital City A&M Club Todd Christopher Class of ’66Michele and Tom Davis*Dow Aggies Sally and Ralph C. DuchinSylvia and Raul Fernandez*Janie H. and Gordon R. FlackDonna and Donald Foster*W. L. Gerner*

Mary Ann and Gordon F. GibsonDon HintonThomas HoganAlma Dell and Robert M. JohnsonKyle KepplePatsy and Warren KirkseyErin and Jim Kracht*Mary Jo and Billy LayHarry LucasAndrea “Sissy” and John R. McKennaBrock A. Nelson*Susan and William OurenCarol and M. Michael ParkGrace and Carroll PhillipsMarlene and Robert Powell *William B. Roman, Jr.Suzy and Arnold RombergLangston TerryJanice and John ThomasNancy and Fred ThornberryMolly Thornberry WhisenantPatricia and Charles WisemanJaneen Holland Wood*Zachry Construction/The Zachry FoundationMichael Zerbel

Endowed and Planned GiftsThe individuals, corporations and foundations listed below have established planned gifts and/or endowments befitting the college through the Texas A&M Foundation. An asterisk denotes a planned gift as a portion of the total amount. We are deeply grateful for the generosity and support of these friends of the college.

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Spencer Squire’s family established the Spencer Patton Squire Memorial Scholarship in celebration of his life. His family attended the College of Education and Human Development’s 2007 Donor Appreciation Luncheon.

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