“Few
things in my life gave me more satisfaction than receiving my degree
from Texas A&M. But giving back to my university certainly comes
close.” –Col. George J. Eppright
From its humble beginnings
to its current status as a nationally respected, thriving university
and athletic power, Texas A&M's rise is in direct correlation
with the generosity of its ever-increasing former students, fans and
friends. It has taken the true financial commitment and the proactive
ingenuity of devoted and distinguished Aggies to transform A&M
into what it is today and what it will become tomorrow.
It is a direct result of people like Colonel George J. Eppright and
those vital contributors who are a part of the 12th Man Foundation's
Eppright Distinguished Donors.
During his lifetime, Col. Eppright (Class of 1926) continually gave
back to the university he loved. In 1974, Eppright gave the Texas
A&M Foundation 1,222 acres of land. That gift, which provided
unrestricted-use funds and scholarships, was followed in 1988 by an
additional land gift used to endow two professorships and provide
scholarships for the Corps of Cadets. A loyal fan of Texas A&M
athletics, Eppright also made six separate endowment gifts to the
12th Man Foundation and rarely missed an A&M home football game.
Eppright's final tribute to his alma mater was the largest cash gift
in the history of the 12th Man Foundation. Eppright, who died at age
95 on April 18, 1998, left the majority of his estate – $4.4
million in cash – to benefit athletics through the 12th Man Foundation.
It is because of this rich history of lifetime giving – and the
progress that resulted from it – that the 12th Man Foundation's
recognition of lifetime giving bears Col. Eppright's name. Those individuals
or businesses that have contributed $100,000 or more to support Texas
A&M athletics through the 12th Man Foundation or other avenues
can become an Eppright Distinguished Donor.
Members of this prestigious group will be specifically honored and
recognized by name on beveled glass donor walls to be installed in
the Grand Lobby of the Zone at Kyle Field. There will also be special
recognition each year in the 12th Man Magazine. Each spring, Eppright
Distinguished Donors will be honored at a celebration event in The
Zone Club. Most importantly, the lifetime gifts of these donors will
serve as an inspiration for fellow Aggies to continue to give back
to Texas A&M. Generations of future Aggies will recognize and
appreciate the generosity of Eppright Distinguished Donors.
Click HERE for a directory of all current
Eppright Distinguished Donors.
For more information about the Eppright Distinguished Donor program,
contact:
12th Man Foundation
P.O. Drawer L-1
College Station, Texas 77844-9101
979/846-8892
majorgifts@12thManFoundation.com
FACTS ABOUT THE EPPRIGHT
DISTINGUISHED DONORS PROGRAM
The Eppright Distinguished Donors program is sponsored jointly by
the 12th Man Foundation and the Texas A&M Athletic Department
as the premier organization for the recognition of those who have
made a commitment to lifetime giving in support of Aggie athletics.
Membership is open to individuals and businesses who have contributed
at least $100,000 in support of A&M athletics through the 12th
Man Foundation or other avenues such as Kyle Field Suites or gifts
made directly to the Athletic Department.
Eppright Distinguished Donors will be recognized on the wall located
in the lobby of the Bernard C. Richardson Zone at Kyle Field, just
outside the 12th Man Foundation offices.
Members will be invited to an annual dinner event that honors all
Eppright Distinguished Donors.
Members who prefer anonymity may have their names omitted from honor
rolls.
