Texas A&M Endowment Campaign Receives Major Gifts from Former Swimmers

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, February 12. THE Texas A&M Swimming and Diving team's "Endowing the Program" campaign received a large shot in the arm with a pair of generous gifts from two of its former lettermen. Texas A&M's long-term goal is to fully endow both the men's and women's program and be self-sustaining.

The Aggies received a $100,000 gift from Hank and Anne Paup of Abilene, Texas. Hank Paup swam for the legendary Art Adamson at Texas A&M and lettered in 1968 and 1969. Adamson served as A&M's swimming and water polo coach from 1934-69, and is a member of the Texas Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame.

"I wanted to donate this gift for two reasons," Paup explained "First, I wanted to honor my head swim coach, Art Adamson, who gave 30-plus years to Texas A&M. Second, I wanted to support the perpetuation of the A&M men's swim program. Having been a part of the Aggie swim team in the late 60's meant a lot to me. I hope my gift will encourage other Aggie swimmers and divers to support the men's swimming and diving endowment."

Texas A&M Swimming and Diving also received a generous planned gift from Kaighin and Marian Watts of San Antonio, Texas. Kaighin Watts also swam for Adamson and lettered in 1961-63. Watts frequently returns to Texas A&M and has participated in the annual Texas A&M Alumni Reunion's swim competitions.
Texas A&M head men's swimming coach Jay Holmes pointed to the gifts from Paup and Watts as the type of commitment that it will take from the Aggie Swimming and Diving Family to endow the programs.

"They are examples of former athletes who have taken it upon themselves to help our endowment in the way that is best suited to them," says Holmes, who is an A&M letterman and also a contributor to the campaign. "There are many others who are also doing what they can do at this time. Funding this endowment is the most important thing we can do toward ensuring the longevity of our program. There are more out there that have told me they also want to help grow this fund. It will take TEAMWORK from us all to make this endowment successful.

"Many thanks to everyone who contributes to this effort, including Kaighin and Marian Watts and Hank and Anne Paup for helping us take a big jump through their generous gifts."

A complete listing of the contributors to the Aggies' endowment campaign can be found at either the men's or women's swimming and diving webpages on AggieAthletics.com under the "Endowing the Program" tab.

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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