[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 12373-12374]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING TEXAS AGGIE WOMEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 2017

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Texas A&M 
University Women Former Students Network, known as ``Aggie Women.''
  In the summer of 2007, a group of Aggie women started talking 
regularly and sharing ideas about ways to give back to Texas A&M 
University and contribute to its reputation as a world-class 
university. The original idea to form the Women Former Students' 
Network as a constituent network of the Texas A&M Association of Former 
Students came to fruition on December 21, 2007. At that time an interim 
board of directors was formed and the group branded themselves as Aggie 
Women. Fueled by the excitement of its formation, Aggie Women grew 
rapidly in its first year.
  During its inaugural year of operations in 2008, in addition to 
recruiting nearly 200 charter members, Aggie Women established its 
first President's Endowed Scholarship through its ``45 Women 
Campaign'', which honored the 45 years of women's admittance to A&M. 
The year culminated in an inaugural meeting held November 14, 2008 on 
the campus of the University. Over 200 members and guests attended this 
historic day. Special guests included Former First Lady Barbara Bush, 
an honorary member of Aggie Women; members of the first graduating 
class of Aggie women; and many officials of Texas A&M University and 
The Association of Former Students. The first member-elected Board of 
Directors was seated in January 2009.
  The mission of Aggie Women is to enhance excellence at Texas A&M 
University by promoting the active engagement of women in the 
educational, charitable, and cultural life of the institution. The 
mission is fulfilled through increased engagement of Women Former 
Students in academic, research and service activities; through their 
expanded role as mentors of current women students, and future 
generations of women students; and through their increased 
philanthropic ties to the University and The Association of Former 
Students. The Network strives to value and promote inclusiveness and 
diversity in the representation of its membership and in all its 
activities.
  Aggie Women have raised over $200,000 for President's Endowed 
Scholarships, three of which have been awarded, providing women 
students with needed academic funding.
  Another Aggie Women initiative is the Eminent Scholar Award which is 
a joint project of Aggie Women and the President of Texas A&M 
University. It is designed to recognize outstanding research, 
scholarship, and service; and it honors the role these extraordinary 
women play in serving as models for all women students at the 
University. There have been three recipients of the Eminent Scholar 
Award and they received significant recognition on campus as well as a 
monetary stipend.
  Over 400 students have been reached through Aggie Women's mentoring 
program. The program, known as ``JumpStart,'' is a unique and engaging 
initiative in which Aggie Women partner with student organizations to 
provide tailored programs that are flexible in topics and length.
  The ``Aggie Women Legacy Awards'' program has honored thirty women to 
date who have achieved excellence as an Aggie student or Former 
Student, and whose accomplishments have had an impact on future 
generations of Aggie Women worldwide. Aggie Women who have received 
this award often go on to achieve Outstanding Alumni recognition from 
the Association of Former Students and the University.
  Over fifty Aggie Women have signed up for another sponsored program 
entitled ``Aggie Experts.'' This endeavor engages Aggie Women in roles 
throughout the University by providing leadership and speaking 
opportunities for dynamic women to give back the University through 
their vast experience.
  At an annual reception, Aggie Women honor those women achieving top 
student leadership positions, including the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets 
and Student Government. Throughout each academic year, they also 
provide monthly programs for students on a variety of topics--chosen by 
the students themselves.
  Mr. Speaker, Aggie Women are working tirelessly to continue the Aggie 
core values of Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect, and 
Selfless Service. As an all-volunteer organization, Aggie Women 
continues to rely on the contributions of time, talent, and treasure of 
its board, its members and supporters. Together, they are building a 
legacy of strong women role models for all students--female and male--
who come after them.

[[Page 12374]]

  My wife, Gina, and I, as well as all of the Aggie Network, are proud 
to honor Aggie Women today. We thank them for their hard work and 
commitment to making Texas A&M University a better place for current, 
former, and future Texas Aggie students.
  I have requested that a United States flag be flown over our nation's 
Capitol today to honor the Texas A&M University Women Former Students 
Network.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our 
country, for our military men and women who protect us from external 
threats, and for our first responders who protect us in our 
communities.

                          ____________________