Damn Dino you took the words right off of my keyboard
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 25, 2021, at 16:00, Michael Brown <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Cc: Facebook Group
In reference to some of the current discussion:
I've sort of punted the final decision-making on the scholarship to David
Pointon, Keith Glazener, and Steve Wright. This was based on their interest,
accessibility to Aggieland, and previous working relationship with the
Foundation. I hope that is acceptable to all. Trying to poll the entire
group was too slow and inefficient. In addition, we needed 1-3 people who
could sign the official papers with the Foundation.
Because of their willingness to take on this task, I will defer to their
final decisions.
However, I will continue to be opiniated, as I expect you all will be, as
well. Opinions follow.
***
Current iteration of the name is "Fighting Texas Aggie Band Class of '77
Memorial Scholarship ." My opinion is to strike "Memorial" from the name.
It implies that we only have one purpose with the fund. Yes, my original
idea was to use it as a vehicle to make memorials to each of us as we pass,
as well as those who have already taken The Last Corps Trip.
But I think it is so much more than that, and agree with those who think
"memorial" is too limiting. Heck, in 50 years, it's going to be pretty
obvious it's a memorial.
Not to mention, names need to be relative short, in my opinion.
***
The level of the fund matches, and will be called, a "Sul Ross Scholarship".
The current GPA requirement for that is 2.3gpa, cumulative. As one of the
guys who graduated "Lordy Just Barely", I appreciate the desire to reward the
guys who may be struggling a little.
In my opinion, using the Sul Ross guideline of 2.3 accomplishes that. If we
raise it, which we can, I would prefer not to go much higher, maybe a 2.5, if
we're trying to help the strivers.
If the fund grows, it can convert to a higher level of funding and stiffer
requirements, as outlined on this web page.
https://www.txamfoundation.com/Gift-Impact/Student-Impact/Scholarships/Corps-of-Cadets-Scholarships.aspx
***
We are already narrowing the focus to a cadet in the Aggie Band. We are also
allowing the recipient to keep the scholarship their entire time in the Band,
up to four years. While we can certainly add more requirements, we do need
to keep in mind that we need to allow flexibility, as well.
There are probably going to be only one or two guys in the Commandant's
office handing these things out, and there are many Sul Ross Scholarships. I
say we trust their judgement and give them options.
Yes, it would be frustrating to give it to a fish who bails after one year.
But it's a lot harder to get in the University and the Band these days. I
suspect their staying power might be a little better. I say, no requirements
as to year of award, and if the Commandant Office's judgement is a fish, PH,
SB, or Zip, we allow them to award it.
****
Your mileage may vary. If you have opinions, please express them quickly.
If we can get the papers signed, we should be able to have an account set up
and accepting checks, credit cards (don't recommend) or electronic transfers,
by the end of the month.
I'm proud to be associated with a Band of Brothers who are so
enthusiastically supporting this scholarship.
Dean
