Globe-trotting Aggies give to the College of Engineering

From the Western to Eastern Hemisphere, Tiffany ’03 and Erik Woodward ’01 have experienced a rich tapestry of life around the globe. Yet it was their time spent tucked away in the Brazos Valley that profoundly equipped them to lead lives marked by valuable impact.

Today, their aspiration is for other Aggies to have similar opportunities to become catalysts for change around the world. Through the establishment of the Tiffany A. ’03 and Erik A. Woodward ’01 Endowed Scholarship in Chemical Engineering, the couple is hoping to empower future engineers to lead high-impact lives that extend Aggie excellence far beyond Texas. 

An adventure to Aggieland

Growing up around the oil and gas industry in Jakarta, Indonesia, engineering would inevitably be a part of Erik Woodward’s future. Initially beginning his journey in higher education at Wheaton College as a liberal arts major, he changed the trajectory of his career by transferring to Texas A&M University to study chemical engineering, becoming the first Aggie in his family. It was in College Station that he met his wife, Tiffany Fox, a fellow first-generation Aggie pursuing a degree in recreational, parks and tourism sciences. 

Similar to many Aggies who attended Texas A&M around the turn of the century, the Woodwards bore witness to an era of remarkable resilience in the university’s history. The couple recalled the bonfire collapse in 1999, which took the lives of 12 fellow Aggies. 

“Although it is a hard memory, everyone rallied together in the aftermath,” Tiffany Woodward said. “I especially remember when the investigation was presented at Reed Arena and how everyone sang Amazing Grace.” 

During this time of tragedy, the couple experienced first-hand the unity shared by the Aggie family. 

World tour 

The Woodwards both used their degrees immediately after graduating. For many years, Tiffany led an exciting career as an African safari specialist, planning custom trips for travelers. Similarly, Erik brought his chemical engineering background into a role at Chevron — a global powerhouse in energy. 

“The chemical engineering department’s foundation, specifically its energy focus, was critical to starting my first role and continuing to lead in technical management roles,” he said. 

His tenure at Chevron took him to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he led teams of engineers and gained invaluable international experience. After returning to the United States, he joined Streamline, a sustainable energy startup in San Antonio. 

“After the recent sale of the company, Tiffany and I were looking for opportunities to give back to the people and organizations that helped drive the success that we have experienced,” he said. “Since we met at Texas A&M and both directly used our degrees, it seemed like a great option for us to stay connected and help others as they navigate the program.”

To the ends of the Earth

Within the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, the Woodwards hope their scholarship will provide stability for students. 

“It can be challenging to balance a rigorous engineering program along with the financial commitments,” Erik Woodward said. “I hope that we can help offset some of the distractions that might prevent a student from performing their best.” 

Whether landing in College Station or in a city halfway across the world, the Woodwards hope their scholarship will bolster opportunities for Aggies looking for their next adventure.