Development
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi receives approximately 40% of its annual budget from the State of Texas. The remainder of the budget comes from self-generated funds, state and federal grants, tuition and fees, and private donations. Private donations bridge the gap between acceptable and superior programs and that is why so many alumni, parents and friends are investing in the University. These private donations are a determining factor in the University being rated as the top public regional University in Texas.

The Development Department seeks to identify, inform, interest and involve alumni, parents, business and professionals and friends. It is hoped that through this process potential donors will recognize that their involvement and ultimately their financial support is a critical link in the life of the University and the students and communities it serves.

To accomplish its duties, our Department is comprised of Alumni Relations, Student Foundation, Annual Giving, Planned Giving, Major Gifts, Foundation and Corporate Relations and Advancement Services areas.

Alumni Relations
The Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Alumni Association exists to strengthen and promote the interests and welfare of A&M-Corpus Christi through lifelong commitment and support by its alumni and friends. Through a variety of actions, events, services and communication, the Association promotes positive interaction between University and Alumni. Alumni Relations helps the Association plan, promote and coordinate their activities, including the annual Homecoming celebration.

Student Foundation
The Student Foundation Association is dedicated to promoting the well-being of our University and starting traditions on the campus. The Foundation members are a select group of 30 volunteers who manage: The Walk of Recognition, Tuition Chance, and Hoops for Scholars. These programs are fundraisers for a leadership scholarship endowment which is the Foundation's primary goal. The scholarships awarded from this endowment go to students who demonstrate leadership on their high school campus or in their community. Student Foundation also helps build other traditions on campus and its members are the student representatives at the President's special events.

Annual Giving
The primary objective of our annual giving programs is to raise funds for scholarships. Our campaigns consist of: President's Council; Achieve Partnership; Annual Fund; Parents' Council; Tarpon Foundation; and Campus Campaign.

President's Council
The Development Office assists the University President through the longest-running organized annual giving program, the President's Council. This campaign funds the President's Scholars program and other activities which enhance the University.

Parents' Council
In addition to funding programs that reinforce the quality of education, parents may also choose to support the Parents' Council in other important areas, such as volunteering at New Student Orientation, serving as a committee member for Parents' Weekend, or assisting with other special events.

Islander Fund
Each year, University Island Callers, currently enrolled TAMU-CC students, communicate with alumni and friends encouraging them to participate in the Islander Fund. Funds raised help academics in the 5 colleges. Island Callers provide an update on what is happening on campus and update alumni and friend's records.

Campus Campaign
The Development Office administers the annual Campus Campaign. Participation in the campaign by faculty and staff is a demonstration of dedication and loyalty to the University by those of us who work here. The campaign raises scholarship funds which are awarded by the University Scholarship Committee.

Achieve Partnership
Achieve Partners share the University's commitment to keep A&M-Corpus Christi accessible to students who want to earn a degree from the top public regional university in Texas. The Development Office communicates with businesses and professionals in an effort to obtain gifts for academic scholarships. The program is designed to strengthen the affiliation between business and education.

Tarpon Foundation
The Tarpon Foundation serves as the main fundraising arm for Islander Athletics at A&M-Corpus Christi. The Foundation is a non-profit program that supports scholarships for talented male and female student-athletes, as well as the general operating budget that includes equipment, travel budgets, and academic counseling. The Athletic and Development departments work together for the success of the Tarpon Foundation.

Planned Giving
Through the Planned Giving Program, the Development Office provides information and seeks gifts in the form of: bequests from wills and trusts; outright gifts of stock and other appreciated property; and beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts. Information on other gifting opportunities, including charitable gift annuities, is also made available. Personal consultations with potential donors and their professional advisors are an integral part of this program which raises funds for many areas of need at the University.

Major Gifts
Major gifts typically result from a relationship that has formed between the donor and the University over time. The Development Department seeks to build relationships with alumni and friends who have the propensity to endow large gifts by communicating to them the mission of the University along with the message that their involvement and financial investment is a critical link in the life of the University, and the students and communities it serves.

Foundation and Corporate Relations
Gifts from foundations and corporations are vital in enabling the University to offer superior programs. The Development Department identifies potential donor foundations and corporations, seeks to inform them of the University's mission and needs, prepares funding proposals and presents them to this group of donors.

Contact Information
The Office of Development is located in the University Services Building, second floor west. From the front door, turn left and take the stairs; from the back door (campus side), take the stairs straight ahead, or the elevator to the left. The main phone number 825-2420. Fax number is 825-5930.

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