Texas A&M Alumni Launch $20,000 Annual Scholarship Match
Two mechanical engineering alumni have pledged to match up to $20,000 annually for four years to a new non-endowed scholarship.
Two Texas A&M University alumni have launched a matching gift program for a new mechanical engineering scholarship designed for immediate impact. Tom Bundy ’78 and Craig Clark ’79 have pledged to match donations up to $20,000 each year for four years, doubling the support for students this fall.
The Mechanical Engineering Industry Advisory Council (IAC) established the non-endowed MEEN IAC Scholarship Award in spring 2024. It targets mechanical engineering students who demonstrate both academic merit and significant financial need. The council sought a method to put donor support to work without delay.
Matching Program Doubles Donor Impact
The matching program is the core of the initiative. Bundy and Clark's commitment means every dollar donated is matched one-to-one, up to the annual $20,000 cap. This fall, the fund is estimated to provide scholarships for about 20 students. The program aims to inspire broader participation.
“This matching gift campaign is a powerful example of Aggies investing in Aggies,” said Kristen Banks, IAC chair. She expressed hope that the commitment would inspire fellow alumni to contribute, stating that collective investment has limitless potential for students and the department.
Alumni Leaders Behind the Gift
The two alumni leading the match bring extensive industry experience. Tom Bundy, who joined the IAC in 2011, built his career at ConocoPhillips, serving in leadership roles like Permian Basin development manager. Now retired, he remains active in supporting the department.
Craig Clark's career included executive roles at Apache Corporation and Forest Oil Corporation, where he served as president and CEO. His professional achievements led to his induction into the department’s Academy of Distinguished Graduates in 2023.
Department's Culture of Support
The new scholarship builds upon an existing culture of donor-supported education within the mechanical engineering department. The department's Scholarships and Financial Aid office notes that its many awards are “generously donated by our former students and companies.”
Each year, the department distributes over $1 million in scholarship and fellowship funding to undergraduate and graduate students. This demonstrates the significant role private support already plays in funding advanced engineering degrees.
How to Contribute
Participation is encouraged from a wide audience. Former students, industry partners, and friends of the department are all urged to contribute. The IAC emphasizes that gifts of every size can make a meaningful difference when combined with the matching funds.
The initiative creates a renewable fund with a matching incentive to address immediate student needs flexibly. However, the department notes that opportunities remain for donors to establish their own endowed scholarships alongside existing ones. The direct assistance helps students focus on completing their degrees and preparing for industry careers.
