February is a month dedicated to showcasing the triumphs of the African-American community. And at Texas A&M, the Black Former Student Network has done some amazing work that deserves recognition.
This past November, the Black Former Student Network hosted its first ever Aggie Impact Gala. Tickets sold out quickly and capacity was reached with over 300 former students attending the event. The Gala honored nine former students who have made a tremendous impact in their community upon graduating from A&M.
Richmond Webb '90, one of the honorees and a member of the Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame, described being blown away by the event.
“The Gala gave me the opportunity to meet other Aggies who share the same love for Texas A&M and hear about the impact they’ve made on society,” Webb said.
After playing football for A&M, Webb went on to play in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals. Webb described the importance of giving back to his school so that others can experience what he has experienced. Without an athletic scholarship, Webb could not afford to attend Texas A&M so he hopes to ease that burden for future Aggies by raising money for the foundation and providing financial assistance.
Another former student-athlete honored was Von Miller '11, Athletic Hall of Famer and Denver Broncos star. Miller is well-known in the Denver area for his philanthropy and just recently opened "Von's Vision Center" inside Beutel Health Center on campus, providing easier access to students in need of eye exams and eyewear.
Last year, the Aggie Impact Gala raised $125,000. This year, the goal is set at $200,000. Although a significant amount of money was raised, Erica Davis Rouse--founder of the Aggie Impact Gala--noted there is so much more to be done.
“We’re thrilled, but we’re not satisfied,” Davis Rouse said. “We have to continue to operate with excellence and unity to raise more money for minorities.”
Davis Rouse was a member of the Aggie Dance Team from 1992 to 1994. Her vision for the Aggie Impact Gala is to honor the achievements of black former students and reconnect them with the University. She added that 2019’s Gala was just the start.
“We can do more, connect more people, engage with more companies looking to add depth to their employees, raise more money, and do more in the Bryan-College Station community,” Davis-Rouse said.
Charles “Chuck” Henderson '94, Co-Chair of the Aggie Impact Gala and a co-captain on the basketball team, described feelings of fulfillment after a successful first Gala.
“As a former student-athlete, you always want to leave a legacy at some point and I feel like the beginning of a legacy is being created,” Henderson said. “We’ve created a platform to do good for the rest of our lives and that’s something I’m really proud of.”
Henderson hopes student-athletes get involved in the Black Former Student Network and expand their circle beyond just athletes.
“Athlete or student, we’re all Aggies in the end,” Henderson said. “We all have the opportunity to work together and support each other.”