Shelby S.
Cooper ’13
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El Campo, TX
Shelby Cooper ’13 gets goose bumps every time the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band plays the opening notes of The Spirit of Aggieland. The same thing happens with the short staccato opening tones of the Aggie War Hymn and the long solemn trumpet call of Silver Taps.
“Texas A&M has been in my life since I was a child,” Cooper said. A lifetime as an Aggie has taught her this—“This university is unlike any other in the world,” Cooper said.
That knowledge has motivated her to action in order to defend its uniqueness and pave the way for future Aggies to get a top-tier education and their own incomparable Aggie experience.
“I want the future of this university to be even better,” she said. “Everyone should have a chance to receive a fantastic education.”
When she thinks about her own Aggie education, she can see how Texas A&M and its core values became part of her personality and influenced her decision-making. “It taught me, yes, I am a leader, but I can make sacrifices as well,” she said. “Being an Aggie makes you part of the Aggie family and you would be surprised how humbling and wonderful that is.”
Texas A&M is made better because of The Association of Former Students, she said, and she’s proud to be part of the group of former students who help stand in the gap for the future generation.
“As former students, we protect and uphold traditions that make us so special,” she said. “It’s unbelievable to be part of that.”
Her Endowed Century Club donation was a graduation gift from her parents, Stephen ’78 and Kimberley Cooper. When she chose Texas A&M as her university as a high schooler, she had no backup plan. She filled out one college application and sent it to Aggieland. “It was an easy decision. I wanted to be with my family. I wanted to be part of what we created,” she said. Now, as a member of the Aggie family, she’s honored to be part of the future Texas A&M is creating.
Michael
Hardy ’13
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College Station, TX
Michael, a native of the Commonwealth of Virginia earned a BS in Political Science from Georgia Southern University in 2004 and his Masters of Public Service and Administration from the Bush School at Texas A&M in 2013.
Michael joined The Association of Former Students staff in 2012 originally as a student assistant, and upon graduating in 2013, joined The Association in a full time capacity. Originally, he oversaw The Association’s Internal Audit function, before accepting roles in both Advocacy and Fundraising.
In 2018, Michael was named the Assistant Vice President for Government Relations at Texas A&M University where he represents Texas A&M University interests to the federal and state government, higher education associations that engage with government officials and agencies, university support organizations, and higher education advocacy groups. Michael also works with The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) Government Relations offices in Washington D.C. and Austin to maintain relationships with elected officials and their staffs, and strengthen ties and develop relationships between the campus community and research sponsors.
Prior to moving to Texas, Michael worked in the Virginia legislature for six years, including the final three as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Lieutenant Governor, in which he was responsible for advancing the Lieutenant Governor’s legislative agenda through the Virginia General Assembly. In 2004, he worked in Florida on the successful re-election campaign of President George W. Bush.
Michael currently lives in College Station with his daughter Grayson ’35 and their dog Lexi. You will often see Michael and Grayson attending Texas A&M women’s basketball games, baseball games, and softball games! They are also on a journey to visit all 50 states together, (plus Washington, D.C.). As of 2021, have been to 20!
Alexis A.
Cooper ’12
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College Station, TX
Ever since Alexis Cooper ’12 was born, her parents have reinforced the discipline of responsibility. When she wanted a horse, it was her job to muck the stalls. When she wanted to participate in livestock shows, the duty of caring for the animals fell completely on her shoulders. When she wanted to get involved in student organizations and sports as a high schooler, she was the one who had to be the reliable teammate.
“My whole life, my parents have taught us that hard work pays off,” she said.
That lesson was applied to her education, as well. Some of her earliest memories are of being in Kyle Field, knee-high to her dad and swaying with the 12th Man as they sawed off Varsity’s horns. She said she felt the Spirit in her bones.
She attempted to consider other schools, but when it came time to send in her college application, she only needed one stamp. “I only wanted to go to A&M,” she said.
And so she did.
“One of the biggest things I love about A&M is our core values,” she said. As a college student, when she worked as the manager for the Texas A&M softball team for two years, or helped establish Collegiate 4-H, or coached a high school volleyball team, the core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service helped guide her decision making.
The core values continue to provide her firm footing, and her Aggie Ring serves as the daily reminder. Each time she puts on her Ring, through its symbolism, she said she’s putting on the core values.
Responsibility shapes you, she said. When she learned that her parents, Stephen ’78 and Kimberley Cooper, had given an Endowed Century Club gift in her name, all her emotions funneled into one overlying theme—gratitude.
“I want to allow others to be able to experience the things I have, and to alleviate the burden of finances to get a great education,” she said. “There’s no other experience like Texas A&M. The ultimate goal of mine is to continue to give.
“I want more students to have this legacy,” she said.
Travis
White ’12
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College Station, TX
Established in honor of his parents Pattie and Alan White.
J.C.
Payne ’10
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Houston, TX
J.C. graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s of science degree in Agricultural Economics and a Business Minor. J.C. began working for JNB Machine Shop in Houston while he was attending college and moved up to currently being Vice President since 2008. J.C. has continued his involvement through being involved with the Ag-Economics Society, and the Finance, Insurance and Real Estate Club. J.C. displays Texas A&M University’s core values through his degree of excellence but also the selflessness to give back to the University that has provided him with many opportunities.
Brian
Hagale ’09
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Houston, TX
Brian earned his Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Leadership and Development from Texas A&M University and is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Perry Homes. Brian has always wanted to prioritize giving back to A&M, and through his Endowed Century Club fund he will be able to support the people and University that have given him so much.
Texas A&M is far more than just an education, it instills within every student a moral code to live by.