Texas A&M Foundation honors student from Katy

Contributed Report
Posted 5/24/23

The Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees honored three students, one of whom is from Katy, as recipients of the foundation’s highest student award, the Trustees’ Outstanding Student Award. These students, who have excelled academically and as student leaders, were honored during a luncheon on May 19. Each recipient received a cash prize of $3,200.

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Texas A&M Foundation honors student from Katy

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The Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees honored three students, one of whom is from Katy, as recipients of the foundation’s highest student award, the Trustees’ Outstanding Student Award. These students, who have excelled academically and as student leaders, were honored during a luncheon on May 19. Each recipient received a cash prize of $3,200.

When it came time to select a college, Grace Vaughn of Katy was set on attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, but she was disqualified at the last minute. At that point, she turned to her mother’s alma mater, Texas A&M.

“I knew I wanted to be part of a big school culture with a rich history, tradition and so many opportunities,” Vaughn said.
Yet Vaughn’s parents, who have seven children, weren’t sure if they could afford Texas A&M. The Houston-area family decided to take it semester by semester, and Vaughn applied for and received scholarships and internships over the years to help pay for her education.

Attending Texas A&M gave Vaughn many opportunities to grow as a person. Her first challenge arose as an incoming freshman when a friend died by suicide right before Vaughn began the Corps of Cadets’ Freshman Orientation Week. Vaughn credits the combination of these events for teaching her how to be independent and resilient in the face of challenges.

She also took the advice of friends and mentors who invited her to participate in various campus organizations, such as the Muster Committee.

“What’s defined my Aggie experience is other Aggies helping me when I didn’t have much guidance from others,” Vaughn said. “I’ve learned so much from these experiences.”
Recommendations from peers led her to join the Texas A&M Foundation’s Maroon Coats, which she believes is the most impactful involvement she’s had on campus.

“I saw how much all the Maroon Coats absolutely love Texas A&M,” Vaughn said. “That was the first time I was surrounded by such high-caliber people who were investing in me in such a unique way.”

The Trustees’ Outstanding Student Award caps her college experience. Vaughn, who is earning a degree in psychology with a minor in Russian, plans to save most of the award as she prepares to embark on a management consulting career at Bain & Company.

She also leaves the university with a deep sense of gratitude.

“I’m grateful for my scholarships, my parents and Texas A&M’s support system all helping me to graduate and earn this degree without debt and without having to work a full-time job during college,” Vaughn said. “So many people helped me financially and personally—and they helped me develop a deep sense of wanting to do that for others.”
Since 2013, 21 Aggies have been recognized with this honor. Billy Lemmons, chair of the foundation’s board of trustees, emphasized the award’s prestige.

“It’s about more than good grades,” Lemmons said. “This award recognizes students’ character, selfless service and the example they set for their peers. We want these extraordinary Aggies who really embody this university’s values to know the impact they’ve already made on others.”

The award was established through an endowed gift from former Foundation trustee Melbern Glasscock ’59 and his wife, Susanne. The couple wanted to recognize students who have overcome significant personal or family financial challenges to attend Texas A&M. Additionally, these Aggies have demonstrated leadership in the classroom and in campus, state or national student organizations. Recipients also have previously received one or more scholarships funded through the Texas A&M Foundation.

“Talking to these students and hearing their stories reminds our team why we are so passionate about our mission of building a brighter future for Texas A&M University,” Tyson Voelkel, foundation president and CEO, said. “They represent what Texas A&M is all about: fostering true leaders of character from all walks of life. We’re proud to have helped support these students in their Aggie journeys and look forward to seeing them excel long after they’ve left campus.”

Also honored were Juliette Jimenez, of Edinburg, which is near McAllen in South Texas, and Emily Orr of Lucas, near Dallas.

For more information about the foundation, visit the website at txamfoundation.com.

Texas A&M Foundation, Texas A&M University