Aggie family supports faculty with endowment

After years of walking through the halls of the Zachry Engineering Education Complex as students, Gina and John Dickerson have returned to help ensure its residents have the necessary resources to nurture the future of engineering at Texas A&M University for years to come. 

The couple recently established the Gina M. ’86 and John R. Dickerson ’86 Endowed Faculty Excellence Fund in Engineering — one of the many ways they remain faithful patrons of the university. With a heart for both students and faculty, they have consistently demonstrated a dedication to excellence by providing opportunities for others to excel as well.  

First generation goes global

“We were both drawn to Texas A&M to study at one of the top engineering universities in the nation,” the couple said in a joint statement. 

However, time in the classroom was only part of their collegiate experience. Both were the first Aggies in their families, introduced to Texas A&M’s rich history as freshmen. 

As a chemical engineering student, Gina Dickerson was involved with the Memorial Student Center Hospitality Committee, hosting esteemed guests on campus. Following graduation, she entered the oil and gas industry. John Dickerson studied mechanical engineering, a gateway to his ultimate career path in the petrochemical engineering and construction sector. They both attribute their success to studying at a highly established engineering school.  

“For over 38 years, we have been able to apply our degrees in both the U.S. and international developments,” Gina said.

Engaged in excellence

With standout success stories evident through their achievements in their respective fields, both have committed themselves to investing in multiple generations of Aggie engineers. Routinely attending department meetings, the Dickersons remain informed in order to understand and support the direction of the College of Engineering. 

Their most recent endowment is the second gift the couple has established in the college. 

“Texas A&M has the ability to inspire future technological innovation through the work of its students and its graduates,” the couple said. “We feel the faculty are one of the keys to the excellence of an education at this university and that they can impact multitudes of students.”

Family foundations

Cherishing their family life, the Dickersons are proud parents of four children, three of whom are Aggies. 

“With three children having attended Texas A&M and one still in the College of Medicine, we love attending campus events and supporting their interests over the years at parent weekends, Greek events, football tailgates and ring days,” John said.

Most importantly, the Dickersons have instilled a foundation of generosity and excellence in their children. 

“The Aggie Core Value of selfless service continues to resonate with our family, and we try to pass on that we are part of a purpose that is bigger than ourselves.” 

It comes as no surprise that their children would also seek to reflect these values in their careers and communities — from their son leading a charity while working in the oil and gas industry to two of their children pursuing medical careers.

An echo for engineering

The Dickersons’ story is a picture of the impact that individuals can make in shaping the initiatives nearest to their hearts, simply by staying engaged and establishing support where it is needed most. Their care for engineering students and faculty is a powerful example for both their own family and the broader Aggie community that the values imparted by Texas A&M can echo across generations, advancing the future for others.