Four friends have established the South Texas Four Endowed Scholarship to support Texas A&M University-San Antonio, offering students opportunities to pursue their academic aspirations. The initiative involves a combined pledge of $25,000 over five years by a group of Texas A&M University alumni. This fund targets students from South Texas high schools pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).
Chuck Gregory, a senior principal and vice president at Terracon Consultants Inc. residing in Fair Oaks Ranch, spearheaded the endowment. He rallied his fellow Aggie alumni—Kent O’Brien, Coy Armstrong, and John Metting—to join him in the effort. All four grew up in South Texas, graduated from College Station and have distinguished careers in the civil engineering industry.
“We’re all part of the Aggie family, and growing up in South Texas, this cause is close to our hearts,” said Gregory. He served for nine years on the Texas A&M San Antonio Foundation Board, which helps provides financial resources to ensure the University's success.
Gregory and Kent O’Brien were roommates at College Station in the 1980s. O’Brien, now a councilmember for the City of Lakeway near Austin, recently retired after an engineering career spanning over 40 years. He sees the endowment as a meaningful way to empower students in STEM fields.
“This fund provides an opportunity for students to leverage their skills and abilities,” O’Brien said. “I knew many capable kids in my hometown who could thrive in college and beyond but lacked the financial means. I’m grateful to give back.”
Gregory and Armstrong, who grew up in the same South Texas neighborhood, have remained friends, even though there’s about a 10-year age difference. Armstrong lives in Spring Branch near Austin and is the central Texas site development practice leader with engineering consulting firm WGA.
“I love that A&M has a campus in San Antonio,” said Armstrong. “We’ve all supported the state’s engineering community and professional organizations over the years, so I was excited to help out with A&M-San Antonio’s STEM initiatives alongside friends I’ve known for so long.”
Gregory and Metting first connected during a project in Pleasanton, where Metting serves as the city engineer. “Chuck is a down-to-earth guy and one of the best engineers I know,” said Metting. “After we discussed the scholarship endowment idea, I realized its impact. I’m thrilled to contribute to such a great cause.”
Gwen Notestine, the University’s vice president for advancement, highlighted Gregory's significant role in supporting A&M-San Antonio.
“Chuck’s personal philanthropic support is deeply valued, but his advocacy and desire to bring new friends to the A&M-San Antonio table was an exponentially powerful gift, too,” she said. “What is inspiring about John, Coy and Kent responding to the idea and personally investing in our students is that they had no direct affiliation with the University priority to Chuck’s invitation. It has been a joy welcoming them to the Jaguar Family.”