MISSION
The mission of the Matthew Gaines Society is to honor the contributions of Senator Matthew Gaines to Texas A&M, and to demonstrate that any Aggie, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or background can make a lasting impact on our campus.
With funding secured for a statue to commemorate Matthew Gaines on campus, these student leaders will continue their work to encourage and empower all Aggies to make a difference at our institution. The mission of the society will include the preservation of Gaines’ legacy through three pillars:
- Leadership development programs
- Student scholarships
- Honoring individuals who make a difference at Texas A&M University
We invite you to follow us on social media to learn more about new programming and operations, and how you can be involved in the Matthew Gaines Society.
ART INSTALLATION SITE
Texas A&M University announced an open competition for professional artists or artist teams to commission a site specific public art installation commemorating contributions made by Matthew Gaines. The installation will reside on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station, Texas, in a high traffic area near the south side of the new Student Services Building.
Your gifts to this non-endowed account will be used to support the following endeavors:
- Construction and maintenance of the public art installation and associated grounds to honor Sen. Matthew Gaines and the 12th Texas Legislature.
- Student scholarships and awards.
- Educational campus programs and events.
At the appropriate time and if sufficient funds are available, an endowment may be created to support the Matthew Gaines Society and their mission.
(1840 - 1900)
- Courageous advocate for public education
- Texas State Senator
- Promoted creation of The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas through the Morril Act
- Community leader and Baptist minister
MEET THE STUDENT LEADERS
Erica Pauls
President
Matthew Gaines Initiative
ericapaulss@tamu.edu
Mason Alexander-Hawk
Fundraising Chair
Matthew Gaines Initiative
masonrhawk@tamu.edu
Elizabeth Barnes
Vice President
Matthew Gaines Initiative
Lizz217@tamu.edu
Aketch Osamba
Outreach Chair
Matthew Gaines Initiative
aketchosamba@tamu.edu
R'riel Smith
Marketing Chair
Matthew Gaines Initiative
Rriel.smith@tamu.edu
Peyton Liebler
Art Commemoration Chair
Matthew Gaines Initiative
peytonisthename@tamu.edu
Breiana DeGrate
Programming Chair
Matthew Gaines Initiative
Bdegrate@tamu.edu