In Times Of Crisis, Aggies Come Together

September 1, 2017

Howdy,

For the last week, the Texas Gulf Coast and parts of Louisiana have dealt with unprecedented devastation in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. More than 11 million people, including potentially 177,000 Aggies, found themselves in Harvey’s path, with many of them suffering significantly. People who have generously helped others in the past now find themselves in need of help.

For over 138 years, The Association of Former Students has drawn Aggies together in service and support of Texas A&M University and Texas Aggies. There is, indeed, much we can all do to help, and many of you have already taken meaningful action. You can see examples of this at tx.ag/HarveyHeroes. The steady helping hands of our Aggie Network will little by little help to rebuild homes, communities and lives. Several of our Association staff members will be traveling to South Texas, Houston and East Texas next week to lend our hands to the effort. If you live in an area unaffected by the storm, we encourage you to do the same. You can learn more about ongoing needs and post your offers of assistance at the online forum established by The Association of Former Students, the Texas A&M Foundation and TexAgs at tx.ag/HarveySupport. Be sure to visit www.BTHOHarvey.org to see how our Texas A&M students are helping, as well.

The Association of Former Students and Texas A&M also want to help our A&M Clubs that were in the path of the storm as they rebuild their communities. In a meeting I had earlier this week with Texas A&M University President Michael K. Young, he graciously agreed to set aside $200,000 from The Association’s Annual Fund previously allocated to the University to help A&M Clubs in the storm-torn areas. His concern and desire to help the Aggies affected is certainly to be commended. Once the criteria and allocation of these funds are finalized, A&M Club Presidents in the affected areas will receive more specific information on this assistance. Aggies, we should all take great pride in this support, as it is your faithful, annual Century Club gifts that provide us with the means to help in times like this, and in times past. The enduring generosity of Aggies is what sets us apart from other schools and further confirms the prominence and power of the Aggie Network. With your continued annual support, we will be here in future times of need, as well.

As Aggies we are privileged to rejoice in a profound Spirit that is not about style or symbolism, but indeed about substance and support. Times like these provide us the opportunity to demonstrate that excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service are, indeed, the values that guide us. Let’s take care of one another and help our fellow Aggies stand tall again.

In the Aggie Spirit,

Porter S. Garner III '79
President and CEO