Record philanthropic support propels College of Engineering forward

The Texas A&M University College of Engineering achieved its best fundraising year during the 2025–26 fiscal year, securing more than $79 million in current gifts and future commitments. 

Driven by the generosity of former students, corporate partners, foundations and friends of the college, the record-setting year surpassed the previous fundraising record of 2015-16 by more than $15 million. 

These investments will expand scholarships and fellowships, advance faculty excellence and research, and create opportunities for future Aggie engineers to make an impact in Texas and beyond.

The year also marked a record 284 major gift commitments of $25,000 or more, nearly 70 more than the previous record set in fiscal year 2024-25. These commitments established 71 new endowments that will perpetually support engineering students for generations.

Investments advancing engineering’s future 

Reflecting on a record-breaking year of fundraising, Dr. Robert H. Bishop ’79, vice chancellor and dean of the College of Engineering, expressed his gratitude for the generous donors whose support has been pivotal.

“The extraordinary philanthropic success of 2025-26 reflects the confidence our former students, corporate partners, donors and friends place in the College of Engineering and in the impact of our work,” Bishop said. “Reaching this milestone demonstrates the strength of that support and a shared belief in our mission to educate future engineering leaders, advance discovery and develop solutions that improve lives. We are deeply grateful to our supporters and to our partners at the Texas A&M Foundation for their continued commitment to Texas A&M Engineering.”

These achievements come as the university and College of Engineering approach their 150th anniversary, reinforcing the college’s mission to prepare the next generation of engineering leaders.

Impact stories throughout the year

• Samsung’s continued support expanded opportunities for students through Samsung Semiconductor Scholarships and Fellowships, Engineering Academy Scholarships and AggieFab Work-Study. The partnership also extended beyond Bryan-College Station to the Engineering Academy at Austin Community College’s Highland Campus. 
• Aggie engineering pioneer Thomas “Tom” Reddin ‘59 invested in the next generation by establishing a graduate scholarship in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. One of Texas A&M’s first computer science graduates, Reddin hopes to inspire future Aggie engineers through his gift. 
• Students empowered future students as members of the December 2025 Graham Petroleum Ventures Program graduating class established an endowed scholarship supporting future petroleum engineering majors, continuing the Aggie tradition of giving back. 
• Faculty members invested in future researchers, as Regents Professor Dr. N.K. Anand and Dr. Veena Anand established an endowed graduate fellowship in mechanical engineering, reducing financial barriers for graduate students. 
• Global experiences prepared students to lead beyond borders, as Raymond ’87 and Rhonda Pittard expanded support for the Halliburton Engineering Global Program, First-Generation Mentor Program and Meloy Program, helping students develop leadership skills and global perspectives.

Fiscal year 2025-26 giving by the numbers

July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

• $79 million in current gifts and future commitments — the best fundraising year in College of Engineering history
• 284 major gift commitments of $25,000 or more
• 71 new endowments established
• 28 planned and estate gift commitments
• 1,608 donor visits conducted by the engineering development team
• 84% of philanthropic support came from former students; 9% from corporations and foundations; 7% from other donors and friends
• $39 million in planned gifts
• $25 million in multi-year pledges
• $15 million in outright gifts

Over the past two fiscal years, the college averaged $65.9 million in charitable giving and 250 major gifts annually — nearly double the averages from the previous five fiscal years.

This record-setting year was strengthened by more than 1,600 personal and virtual donor visits conducted by the engineering development team, deepening relationships with former students and partners who share the college’s vision.

As the college looks ahead, Bishop said the milestone represents more than a record year.

“Surpassing the previous year’s results by more than 50% demonstrates that we are not only meeting ambitious goals but building a firm foundation for sustained philanthropic growth that will fuel innovation, student success and engineering excellence for generations to come,” he said.