🎉 🥂 Join us in congratulating our 2024 Aggie Rising Star Award Recipient! 🥂 🎉
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Dr. Renee A. Jones, a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, and a proud daughter of West African immigrants, is a 2x Texas A&M alumna. She earned a Master's in Educational Psychology (clinical emphasis) and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology (developmental science emphasis) all before turning 30. As a self-motivated, first-generation student, Dr. Jones’ academic work was recognized in various honor societies. Aside from demonstrating excellence in her work analyzing motivation, socialization issues, and the mental health of students at the individual and systemic level, Dr. Jones was an awardee of two fellowships– the American Psychological Association's Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology’s Fellowship, and Texas A&M’s-very own prestigious and internationally-recognized HEEP Graduate Fellowship. In the latter, only awarded to 1-2 students demonstrating outstanding personal and professional abilities, she worked alongside renowned theorist, Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings. Dr. Jones was also a proud member of the well-respected Neurobiological Lab for Development on campus.
By her third year, Dr. Jones had achieved numerous publications, presentations, and leadership roles. She also became a student favorite while serving as a graduate advisor to undergraduates on the 2023 University Advisor and Counselor Award-Winning Team. Dr. Jones broke new ground as West Campus’ first User Experience Researcher, gathering feedback from stakeholders on AgriLife webpages—a feat not done before. In doing this, she intentionally inspired other students to go for their dreams and pay it forward to other future aggies.
Dr. Jones continues to demonstrate selfless service through volunteer work, advocacy, and philanthropy. She supports local businesses, volunteers as a children’s counselor and with non-profits, and actively contributes to the field of Artificial Intelligence. Her dedication to the Aggie community exemplifies numerous core values in endless ways. Dr. Jones hopes to inspire others as she conquers new frontiers and leaves a lasting legacy wherever she goes.
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 🎉 🥂 Join us in congratulating our 2024 Kevin Carreathers Award for Impact and Service! 🥂 🎉
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Reverend Dr. Alvin Larke Jr. is a trailblazing educator and advocate for diversity and inclusion, having made history as the first full-time African-American professor at Texas A&M University. Before retiring, Dr. Larke held a distinguished 32-year tenure in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, leaving behind a profound legacy of mentorship, leadership, and compassion.Â
With a career in education spanning 48 years, including 12 years in South Carolina’s public school system and four years in Missouri, where he earned his doctorate in agricultural education, Dr. Larke has been committed to guiding students and empowering them to achieve their full potential. His work has impacted countless lives, particularly through his advocacy for peaceful dialogue and understanding across lines of diversity.
Dr. Larke’s approach to teaching is rooted in the belief that true success comes from seeing his students succeed. As he once said, “Mentoring young people – when they become successful, it’s like I become successful.” This dedication has driven him to work with students others may have overlooked, helping them overcome challenges and reach their academic and personal goals.
Throughout his career, Dr. Larke fostered environments for open, thoughtful discussions on controversial topics like gun control and bullying, encouraging students to broaden their perspectives. His classes in cultural pluralism challenged students to embrace love and acceptance of others, particularly those who are different from themselves. A staunch supporter of the LGBTQ community, Dr. Larke consistently emphasized the importance of not just tolerance, but genuine acceptance.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Larke serves as a pastor in Brenham, Texas, a role he will continue following his retirement from Texas A&M. His contributions to the university and the wider community have been celebrated by students and colleagues alike, who admire his commitment to creating inclusive spaces and promoting peace and understanding.Â
Dr. Larke’s influence reaches far beyond the boundaries of Texas A&M, with former students crediting him as a pivotal figure in their educational journeys and professional successes. As he reflects on his time at the university, Dr. Larke remains grateful for the opportunities he’s had and is committed to staying connected to the institution he helped shape.
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 Join us for our NEW Weekend Addition!
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After Hours Cigar & Whiskey Lounge
🗓️ Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9 | 10PM - 1AM
đź“Ť TAMU Hotel Suite 331
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Join us on Sunday, November 10th for the annual Aggie Impact Gospel Brunch, this year featuring Special Guest Artist Kurt Carr and Brunch Emcee Dr. Gena L. Jerkins!Â
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Aggie Impact Gospel BrunchÂ
🗓️ Sunday, November 10 | 10 AM
đź“Ť TAMU Hotel Ballroom
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Wanna support the gala but need some financial relief? Pay your ticket, tables, or donation in installments. Â Email logistics@tamubfsn.org to get your link now!
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HONOR the past, APPLAUD the present, FUND the future.
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We encourage you to get involved with the Black Former Student Network and the Association of Former Students in order to reach back and help young Black students maximize their talent and time while attending TAMU.Â
Whether you graduated 2 years ago or 2 decades ago, your time, skills, and/or generous donations are invaluable to the BFSN so that we can keep our Vision and Mission strong and vibrant for generations to come.
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Follow us today to stay up to date on the latest BFSN and Gala news!Â
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