Scholarship Fundraiser Memorializes Gen. Pete Taylor
By Jonathan Petty,
Director, Enrollment Marketing and Communications —
Texas A&M University–Central Texas held the Warrior Legends Gala and scholarship fundraiser on Saturday, March 14, memorializing the late Lieutenant General Horace “Pete” Taylor.
“It’s a rare occasion where you get to remember such an influential man by raising money for such a worthy cause,” said Charley Ayres, Director of University Relations at A&M–Central Texas. “And tonight, we were lucky enough to do both.”
Along with raising approximately $95,000 for the Warrior Legends Scholarship, A&M–Central Texas dedicated the General Pete Taylor Tower in Founders Hall. The glass tower welcomes visitors to campus, housing a glass sculpture of a torch hanging at the top that can be lit various colors in recognition of special occasions.
Warrior Legends Scholarship
The Warrior Legends Scholarship is awarded to students who exemplify the characteristics of a Warrior. Students receive up to $10,000, payable in increments up to $2,500 per term. In order to qualify, students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program with 45 transferable hours. A minimum 3.25 transfer grade point average (GPA) is required and students must maintain a 3.25 GPA to keep the scholarship.
Applicants for the scholarship exemplify characteristics of student leadership and service. They must also highlight personal experiences or challenges that reflect resilience, determination, and overcoming hardships. The University Foundation Board awards.
Gen. Taylor embodied the Warrior spirit throughout his lifetime. He served in the U.S. military for 33 years, including commanding III Corps at Fort Hood. Upon retiring in 1993, he focused on expanding educational opportunities in Central Texas. He also played a key role in establishing A&M–Central Texas.
An Eventful Evening
Held on the university campus, the Gala began with a pre-dinner reception in Heritage Hall before moving to the Bill Yowell Conference Center in Warrior Hall. During the dinner, Major General (USAF, Ret.) Tim Green, director of the Texas A&M University Bush Combat Development Complex, challenged attendees to “Carry the Torch,” continuing the legacy of service left by Gen. Taylor.
The event concluded near the entrance of Founders Hall for the unveiling of the tower name. Ayres alluded to Taylor passing the torch to future generations who will continue to carry the belief that education is powerful.
“Gen. Taylor was instrumental in establishing this university and ensuring that generations of students would have access to life-changing opportunities,” Ayres said. “His leadership, integrity, and unwavering belief in the power of education helped transform a vision into the thriving institution we know today.”
Scholarship Applications
Students interested in applying for the Warrior Legends Scholarship must supply two professional letters of recommendation attesting to leadership qualities and/or a commitment to service, along with an essay addressing the importance of contributing to family, community, country, and Texas A&M University–Central Texas. For more information on the scholarship, contact Kristle Castillo at [email protected].
