In February 2020, Ellie and Don Knauss started a chain reaction of generosity. Longtime supporters of Texas A&M University’s student veterans, the Knausses gave $500,000 in matching funds, inviting others to join them in supporting student veterans by creating new scholarships. Part of a larger $5 million gift to the Veteran Resource & Support Center (VRSC), the funds provided 1:1 matching for gifts of $25,000 or more.
Others rose to the challenge, with 18 donors quickly utilizing the full amount to endow 20 scholarships, doubling the impact of the original funds. “Don and Ellie are changing lives for those who have served our great country,” said VRSC Director Col. Jerry Smith ’82, USMC (Ret.).
The couple’s gift can also produce ripples well into the future by planting a desire to give back in the students who receive one of these scholarships. “All of this comes down to people,” Ellie said. “When you meet someone like Jerry and his team, who have such a passion to make a difference, you understand why people want to give. It’s a personal belief that your support will make a difference.”
The Knausses’ story is just one example of the power of matching funds. Although many matching programs come from employers, donors like the Knausses can also create these opportunities for others. By designating that a gift or a portion of a gift be used as matching funds, or by having a gift matched through an existing opportunity, anyone can double their impact at Texas A&M. Learn more about some of these available matching funds to see how you can partner with other donors to take your generosity twice as far.
Invest in Nurse Leaders and Nurse Scientists
Since 2008, the College of Nursing has grown in national prestige for producing skilled and compassionate nurses focused on innovation and excellence. Rapidly becoming one of the university’s high-performing units, the college’s academic programs, impactful research, and clinical and professional services play an important role in improving health care, population health and nursing throughout Texas and beyond.
As the college launches a new Doctorate of Nursing Practice program, and plans for the launch of its Ph.D. in Nursing program, Dr. Jane Bolin is inviting interested donors to double their impact with a gift to the Doctoral Education in Nursing scholarship. As a Regents professor and the College of Nursing’s associate dean for research, Bolin created the scholarship for doctoral students and pledges to provide $25,000 in 1:1 matching funds. She also encourages visionary donors to join her in creating matching gifts for the growth of the College of Nursing.
Inspired by her own time as a nurse, Bolin decided to use her Regents professor award stipend to fund the scholarship. “Nurses have an incredible ability to see people and challenges through the lens of caring and problem solving,” she said.
The new doctoral program will continue the college’s focus on research and educational excellence. “This is a very exciting time for the entire nursing profession but especially for young, visionary, problem-solving nurse scientists,” Bolin added. “All of us who care about Texas A&M’s College of Nursing should try to grow, sustain and nurture future nurse leaders.”
To learn more about how to utilize Bolin’s matching funds and support doctoral nursing students, contact Patty Rabel ’80 at (979) 436-0175 or by submitting a message using the button below.