Annual Fund Announced at A&M International Kick-Off

Additional financial support for student scholarships, faculty research and development and academic programs is the goal of Texas A&M International University's first annual fund announced at a kickoff reception Wednesday afternoon in the University's Great Room.

Known as "Worlds of Opportunity: The Annual Fund for Texas A&M International University," the effort hopes to engage the assistance of the University's more than 6,500 alumni, friends and the community at large.

University president Charles Jennett said that while the State of Texas has been most kind to the State's newest four-year University, additional support must be secured.

"Clearly the University cannot and should not rely on the State for funding support of all initiatives. The Annual Fund is designed to provide the additional margin of support needed to insure new initiatives and sustain the University's continued growth and success," Dr. Jennett explained.

Nothing that the University is set to embark on its Phase III construction, has an expanded degree inventory and impressive enrollment growth, Jennett said the Annual Fund is an opportunity to help assure dreams to come true.

"This Annual Fund is critical. It's about making dreams possible, about turning alternatives into realities and bringing the future closer faster. It's about bringing worlds of opportunity to Texas A&M International University and those it proudly serves," he said.

Jennett explained that the Annual Fund will support student scholarships, faculty research and development, academic programs and unrestricted funds.

Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Michelle A. Alexander explained that the Annual Fund provides various levels of giving opportunities.

"We have designated a series of gift clubs that range from one dollar to one-thousand dollars. These pledges can be fulfilled on monthly, quarterly or single payment basis. We can also accept credit card payments in support of the Annual Fund," she said.

Alexander added that gifts to the University may be doubled or tripled via matching gift programs utilized by many employers and coordinated through respective human resources offices.

For additional information on "Worlds of Opportunity: The Annual Fund for Texas A&M International University," please contact the Office for Advancement and External Affairs at 326-2175.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu