COLLEGE STATION, Oct. 28,2022– This past weekend there was the 3rd annual Aggie Impact Gala. The Aggie Impact Gala (AIG) is a prestigious event that strives to help current African American students at Texas A&M University financially while honoring former Black students who have made an impact in their communities and professions. It is a great opportunity for the Aggie Network to continue growing stronger and for students to learn more about post graduation success from alumni who have already transitioned into that part of their lives.
“I am very inspired and encouraged by the levels of commitment and promise around former students working collaboratively in the best interest of future generations of Aggies,” Dr. Tonya Driver Jackson, Gala steering committee member and Director of the Texas A&M Department of Multicultural Services, said. “The collective effort makes what could appear insurmountable and implausible manifest as compelling and achievable.”
In addition to the Gala itself, this past weekend was a series of events going on to reunite former Aggies and introduce them to current and prospective students. To kick off the Gala, there was Old School vs. New School Mixer, which was hosted by DJ Rbanga and DJ Nedd. On Saturday morning, there was the Breakfast of Champions which featured guest speaker Sean M. Porter. Sean M. Porter talked about his journey as a student athlete at Texas A&M, getting into the NFL, and being successful with his other business endeavors. Later that evening there was the actual impact gala in the Hall of Champions. This year’s honorees were Kenneth Robinson (class of 1993), Shachella James (class of 1991), Judge Nora Polk (class of 1994), Sherman Wright (class of 1992), and Mike Evans (class of 2015). This event was followed by the After Party. To end the Gala weekend, there was the Aggie Impact Gospel Brunch on Sunday. The event featured Brain Courtney Wilson, had a TAMU Voices of Praise reunion, and had a guest appearance by Kirk Franklin.
For these events, current students at A&M were able to attend. They had an opportunity to come meet former students and ask them any questions they have about being a minority student at Texas A&M as well as the professional realm. It also gave all Aggies a chance to be united on campus and have a good time. This year’s gala had a great turn out of over 500 people at the gala alone. And the former students are eager to support the Black student population.
“We should all be grateful for being part of this moment in time,” said Dr. Tonya Driver Jackson, “where investments in us are allowing us to pay it forward in the future.”
The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TAMU chapter.