Behind proud Aggies are even prouder Aggie moms.
The Federation of Texas A&M University Mothers’ Clubs held its 20th annual convention over the weekend, where the 11 individual Aggie Moms’ Clubs came together in College Station to meet other Aggie moms and to receive updates on the group.
The federation welcomed approximately 50 guest speakers throughout the weekend, ranging from Student Body President Kyle Kelly to representatives of campus organizations such as CARPOOL.
Since 1928, the Federation of Aggie Mothers has worked to support the students of Texas A&M. A&M has the largest mothers organization in the United States, with 119 individual clubs and 6,400 members. Clubs range in size, with those in larger cities having up to 350 members and those in smaller towns having as few as five members.
Shannon Eberle, fifth vice president of boutique for the federation and vice president at large of the Northwest Harris County chapter, said she doesn’t think there is any other organization that has an impact on the university like Aggie Moms.
Eberle said aside from the generous acts the clubs provide throughout the year, such as care packages and goodie bags before finals week, the federation makes an impact through numerous scholarships and donations.
“I have a master’s in philanthropy and development, so from my background I have worked with several non-profits all over the country, and yet none of them compare to Aggie moms when it comes to fundraising,” Eberle said. “They never cease to amaze me the way they function and give back.”
Kelly said he was honored to speak as a member of the student body to tell stories and answer questions.
“The group on Saturday was largely moms of incoming freshmen, and so I loved to share with them about my love and passion and conviction about the greatness of Texas A&M University and this education, and that the college experience for their kids is going to be second to none,” Kelly said.
Kelly said the federation’s work matters to A&M students.
“It is tremendously significant,” Kelly said. “They are a large component of our Aggie Spirit. They do so much. I mentioned scholarships, and they just have a presence and awareness of things that are going on around campus. They provide funding for different things and also encouragement.”
After each club reported its totals for 2014, the federation was able to give a total of $124,958 in donations, $362,682 in scholarships and $43,750 in new or completed endowed scholarships — a total of $531,390 flowing back into Texas A&M to help fund students’ academic careers and student-led organizations.
Based on the most recent report from the federation, Marcy Ullmann, manager of scholarships at the Texas A&M Foundation, said A&M has received more than $9.9 million in gifts from the federation.
To raise these funds, the federation and their individual clubs work in creative ways. From selling boutique homemade Aggie apparel on campus to hosting Singing Cadets concerts, federation treasurer Sharon Johnson said the members do whatever it takes to come up with the funds to give back to A&M.
“We support each other through the good and the bad,” Johnson said. “I get excited every time I go on campus — you can’t help but have that Aggie Spirit.”
Kelly said the organization provides something that every student needs — a motherly presence.
“There are similar organizations, but there’s nothing like the Aggie Moms,” Kelly said. “They are an incredible force for good. I think it’s absolutely vital because with that amount of people we still want to have the warm, friendly, caring atmosphere that we do, and I think that’s happening in large part due to Aggie Moms.”