A Gift of Love and Legacy: Looking Back on 20 Years of the Gilbert Leadership Conference

In the wake of David’s passing, his friends approached his parents, Tom and Laura Gilbert, with the idea of creating a leadership conference for Aggie freshmen that would uphold David’s values of character, service and involvement. The Gilberts embraced the concept wholeheartedly, funding an initial endowment through the Texas A&M Foundation for what would become the Gilbert Leadership Conference (GLC). 

“After witnessing the hard work by the inaugural staff and the success of the first conference in 2006, we knew we wanted to make this an annual event,” Tom stated. “The Foundation played a pivotal role in helping us create the endowment that established not only financial support for the GLC but also a legacy for David as well.” 

Since then, student directors and staff members of the GLC have worked to coordinate and plan the annual four-day event in Dallas for Texas A&M’s brightest young leaders. Through an extensive application process, 40 freshmen are selected to attend the conference each year and take part in leadership education through peer mentorship, workshops and seminars. For the Gilberts, this experience of giving back is not just about contributing financially but also about creating personal connections.  
 

“We’ve found that making a memorial gift has helped relieve some of the pain and grief we’ve experienced because it positively influences other Aggies,” Laura added. “The GLC represents David’s passions, and I can’t think of a better way to honor him.” 

For many students, the GLC is a transformative experience. Current GLC student director Blake Heath ’27 credits the program with shaping his approach to leadership. “The conference helped me identify my weaknesses and provided opportunities to overcome them,” he explained. “David’s story inspired me to recognize the deep purpose in daily life, and the Gilberts’ continued participation in the GLC is a testament to their selflessness and generosity.”  

GLC alumni have gone on to make significant contributions in their communities and workplace, influenced by the conference’s core principles. “One of the most rewarding things I’ve learned is that many students continue to reference their GLC notes years later, reflecting on the valuable lessons they learned,” Laura shared.  

A Legacy That Endures 

Over the years, the Gilberts have continued contributing to their original endowment, ensuring that the GLC always has the resources needed to maintain steady growth and success in the future. As the program approaches its milestone 20-year anniversary in 2025, Tom and Laura are filled with gratitude as they reflect on the meaningful impact they’ve witnessed as a result of their gift, stating that the blessings they’ve received from establishing this conference have returned to them tenfold. 
 

“We never imagined David’s impact would still be felt 20 years after his passing,” Laura expressed. “This conference has been a blessing for us, just as it has been for the students who attend. It’s a heartwarming reminder of our son’s ability to leave a lasting mark on so many lives.” 

The GLC is more than a gift or a program for the Gilberts—it is a testament to their son’s life and a gift that keeps giving. As Aggies gather each year to learn, grow and lead, David’s legacy continues to inspire a new generation to, in his words, “Carpe diem”—seize the day. 

HONOR A LEGACY: By contributing to the David Ramey Gilbert '07 Leadership Endowment, you can help shape the next generation of Aggie leaders through the Gilbert Leadership Conference! Contact Reagan Chessher ’96 with the Division of Student Affairs to discuss a gift that can support the conference’s future.