Empowering veterans from service to STEM

When Dr. Kasandra Pirkey ’01 decided to create a scholarship for veterans studying engineering at Texas A&M University, she wasn’t simply giving back — she was honoring a family legacy. Following a transformative personal journey within higher education, Pirkey wanted to establish a gift in honor of her uncle, Mark Ayers, who was a passionate high school educator. 

Though their classroom experiences could not have been more different, both Pirkey and Ayers believed wholeheartedly that learning expands horizons. The Mark W. Ayers Endowment intertwines their two worlds while investing in veterans who seek to shape their next chapter through education.

The sky is the limit

Pirkey pursued her Ph.D. in neurovirology at Texas A&M while on active duty with the U.S. Air Force and emphasized the influence of education in moments of high-stakes leadership and transition. She considers her time as a student in Aggieland incredibly formative throughout her military career. Through positions in intelligence and serving as a commander, Aggie core values helped her lead with precision and grit.  

“My time at Texas A&M helped me achieve great discipline, leadership and focus,” Pirkey said. “I retired as a U.S. Air Force Colonel and my husband retired as a Marine Corp Colonel.”

Even after retiring from duty, Pirkey was determined to serve others, particularly veterans pursuing higher education. She hopes that her gift will help other like-minded service members achieve success in the sciences. 

An Aggie at heart

Notably, Pirkey’s gift honors her uncle, who passed away in the summer of 2025. She considers Ayers to be one of the most influential people in her life, shaping her into the leader she is today. Both a mentor and a father figure to Pirkey, he was known to be a steadfast presence in many lives. 

Fascinated by the arts, Ayers graduated from the Texas Tech School of Theater and Dance before working with pyrotechnics and lighting at SeaWorld for many years. He then transitioned into the role of educator at North East School of the Arts, an open-enrollment, public magnet high school in San Antonio. 

While his second career in education began unexpectedly, those who knew him were not surprised by how gracefully he took to working with students due to his natural gift for mentorship. Under his guidance, technical theater students were supported and encouraged to pursue their dreams with confidence, just as Pirkey experienced as his niece. 

“Mark was a wonderful uncle, father, husband and friend,” Pirkey said. “He exemplified the Aggie spirit.” 

Opportunity beyond the classroom

Pirkey feels strongly that by supporting a cause near to her heart, she carries on Ayers’ legacy of passion for education. 

“I know this scholarship would mean the world to him,” she said. 

Both Pirkey’s generosity and Ayers’ impact stand as a reminder that selfless service can transcend the classroom experience, creating opportunities for students to excel for a lifetime.