Slyck and Wayne Pecena have established the Slyck '91 and Wayne '75 Pecena Endowed Engineering Technology Scholarship to support full-time students in good standing pursuing an undergraduate degree in engineering technology from Texas A&M University. They have also established the Slyck '91 and Wayne '75 Pecena Endowed Engineering Technology Capstone Fund to support the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution ESET Capstone Project.
When deciding where to give back, the Pecenas decided that giving to Texas A&M was the right fit for them. “Texas A&M has been so good to both of us,” Wayne said. “When planning our estate, we were unsure about what would happen when we’re both gone and so we began our relationship with the Texas A&M Foundation.”
Wayne and Slyck both graduated from Texas A&M and ultimately wanted to give back to their alma mater. “I got my master’s degree in industrial technology and wanted to support that program and its students,” Wayne said. “The Foundation reached out about a scholarship and I wanted to be able to fill those needs and help students with financial difficulties who might have a lower grade point average.”
By creating both a scholarship and capstone fund, the Pecenas are able to support multiple parts of the college of engineering. “I have a good friend who is a major proponent of the capstone program and his enthusiasm got me interested in supporting the program myself,” Wayne said. “This program is something so unique to Texas A&M and worthy of some financial support.”
Also included in their planned gift is the Slyck '91 and Wayne '75 Pecena SCALC (Stevenson Center) Endowment for the benefit of the Stevenson Center and College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M.
Wayne graduated from Texas A&M in 1976 with his bachelor's degree in management and again in 1982 with his master’s in industrial technology. Likewise, Slyck graduated from Texas A&M in 1991 with her bachelor’s degree in management. Wayne is the associate director, information technology, educational broadcast services at KAMU TV/FM at Texas A&M, and currently serves as president of the Society of Broadcast Engineers.
How to Give
The College of Engineering is one of the leading engineering programs in the United States, ranking first in undergraduate enrollment and ninth in graduate enrollment. Endowments supporting the students in the college have an immeasurable impact on their education. If you are interested in supporting the College of Engineering and its departments or would like more information on how you can give, please contact Hannah Simonds, assistant director of development.