LASTING IMPRESSION A&M-Texarkana dedicates a new walkway under a program that raises money for scholarships
Texas A&M-Texarkana unveiled the first phase of the new Eagle Landing Walkway on Tuesday in front of the University Center. The program, now in its second year, raises money for A&M Alumni Association scholarships through the purchase of engraved bricks to line the walkway.
Mark Missildine, A&M Alumni Relations coordinator, said the alumni association has been raising money for almost 30 years for student scholarships, and this is one more way they can help students achieve their educational goals.
“This will be be part of something that will become a tradition on our campus, and hopefully all graduating seniors will purchase a brick to become part of the Eagle Walkway,” he said.
Jonathan Nonmacher, an A&MTexarkana student ambassador who is studying business administration, was the first person to purchase a brick when they became available last year. He said it was a demonstration of his commitment to A&MTexarkana.
“It fully represents myself and so what better to accredit my own degree than to put my name on it?” he said. “I didn’t know I was going to be the first.” He then smiled, adding that just over a year ago A&M-Texarkana put his photo on Instagram as the first person to purchase a brick.
LaTonya McElroy, chairwoman of the Eagle Landing program, said she received an alumni scholarship while attending A&M-Texarkana, and it had a huge effect on her future.
“If it weren’t for some of the scholarships I received–it changed my life,” McElroy said of the help she received while she was raising three children alone and attending school at the same time. At the time, she said she was paying out of pocket for her education.
“One hundred dollars for a brick is probably nothing for a lot of people but it means so much to make that impression,” she said. “I just say never underestimate the impact one little decision can make. One life. One person. Never underestimate that the impact of that one brick. It does make a difference.”
To order an engraved brick, go to brickmarkersusa.com/donors/texasam.html.
For more information, call Missildine at 903-223-3153 or email mark.missildine@tamut.edu.