TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-KINGSVILLE foundation surpasses $100M campaign goal
by Elaine Barnes
Coordinator, Alumni and Donor Communications
Jan. 10, 2020 (Kingsville, TX) – The Texas A&M University-Kingsville Foundation has raised more than $100 Million in private support through its comprehensive capital campaign, With You. Without Limits. The Campaign for Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Continuing until Aug. 31, 2021, With You. Without Limits has exceeded its goal 20 months ahead of schedule as dedicated supporters of Texas A&M University-Kingsville continue to propel the university’s opportunities of excellence for students, faculty and staff.
“This is an incredible milestone in the history of our university,” stated Dr. Mark A. Hussey, President of Texas A&M University-Kingsville. “That this campaign has exceeded its goal 20 months ahead of schedule is a testament to the vision and spirit of philanthropy of our supporters, alumni and friends. The successes of the With You. Without Limits. Campaign ensures that Texas A&M University-Kingsville will continue to strive for excellence in research, academics and more. I would like to express my gratitude to all who have made reaching this goal possible and am looking forward to building on the campaign’s momentum.”
Reaching this monumental goal would not have been possible without the steadfast effort of the Campaign Cabinet, a carefully-crafted volunteer group consisting of 13 dedicated members who have ensured the accomplishment of the campaign since its inception. With You. Without Limits. began counting during the university’s 2014 fiscal year and was publicly launched in April 2018.
“The Campaign Cabinet is a very committed group of community leaders who have worked diligently to meet this campaign goal and ensure the future success of Texas A&M-Kingsville,” remarked Gene Dawson Jr., Campaign Chair. “While we are thrilled that we have passed the goal ahead of schedule, our campaign is not finished. We want to keep going to provide this university with the best possible resources for its students, faculty and staff. We are grateful for the alumni and friends of Texas A&M-Kingsville that have joined the effort and look forward to accomplishing even more in this campaign moving forward.”
With the generosity of the holiday season now accounted for, the campaign tallies $100,915,988 in gifts and commitments, with 4,970 alumni, faculty, students and friends of the university donating and participating in the effort.
Dedicated donor and alumnus, Dr. Tom Russell, has generously given to Texas A&M-Kingsville for several decades. At the end of December 2019, Dr. Russell contributed $80,000 toward the Ralph C. Russell Accounting Scholarship Endowment, which was the last cash gift made to the Foundation for the calendar year. That substantial gift is responsible for exceeding the $100 Million benchmark and joins a plethora of support he has given toward Texas A&M-Kingsville in honor of his father, Ralph Russell, who was a longtime beloved professor of accounting at our university.
“Donating gives a more ready source of funds to the university and its people, associations and groups so that when they want to do something, they don’t have to wait to accomplish what it is they need to do,” stated Dr. Russell. “I taught for 15 years and saw the difficulty with administration being unable to provide funding quickly toward ideas. I’m glad that alumni and local businesses are being educated on just what their donations can do for the university.”
Dr. Russell also believes that by giving, he can impact the accounting program in its ability to produce the high caliber education that he fondly remembers during his father’s tenure with the department, with students earning remarkable success in their careers post-graduation.
Join Dr. Russell in making a difference in the lives of current students and help solidify the future success of Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Visit us at www.javelinagiving.org/withoutlimits to learn how you can take part in this important mission.