Liberal arts alum encourages students to pay it forward
Couple contributes to Texas A&M’s annual fund through the Association of Former Students to pay it forward to future Liberal Arts students.
Nancy E. Browning ‘90 and her husband, Mark Browning ‘88, have long recognized the importance of giving back. Both received scholarships during their time at Texas A&M University and knew that someday they wanted to pay it forward.
Over the years, the couple has contributed to Texas A&M’s annual fund through the Association of Former Students, as well as their church and favorite charities. When Mark got a job with the Texas A&M Foundation in 2010, the couple’s eyes were opened to the many ways they could give back to their alma mater in way that benefited both their family and the university.
In light of this, Nancy decided to endow the Nancy E. Browning ’90 Endowed Scholarship in the College of Liberal Arts. Nancy was able to incorporate her own preferences into her gift to reflect her passions. For example, since both of her parents served in the military, Nancy chose to honor her parents’ memory by giving precedence to veteran applicants. This gift will serve to reinforce Texas A&M’s recent recognition by USA Today for being the best institution in the country for providing services to veterans transitioning into civil service careers.
Nancy studied sociology while at Texas A&M, and her broad liberal arts education helped her develop a set of skills that she said transcends all career paths.
“As a sociology major, I learned to look beyond the surface to understand why people behave in certain ways, how to communicate effectively, how to identify problems/issues and locate ‘tools’ to help resolve these problems” Nancy said.
These interpersonal, conflict-resolution, and relational skills broadened her horizons and allowed her to pursue work as a social worker for the state of Texas, a communications freelancer, and a communications specialist for churches in her area.
Nancy’s endowment is a planned gift that will be funded by her will and ensures she will have a lasting impact on Liberal Arts Aggies. By creating a gift of this type, donors can provide for loved ones, receive tax benefits, generate potential income, and support the College of Liberal Arts at the same time.
With her legacy firmly in place, Nancy hopes that future recipients of her scholarship will follow in her footsteps in terms of showing their appreciation.
“I hope they will pay it forward to future Aggies after they graduate and acquire the means to support A&M students and other non-profits that they are passionate about,” she said.
This endowment is credited to Liberal Arts as part of the Lead by Example campaign at Texas A&M. Learn more about how to support the College of Liberal Arts at the college’s website.
For questions and information about endowments, please contact Senior Director of Development Larry J. Walker II at lwalker@txamfoundation.com or (979) 458-1304.