Michelle and Eric Edwards recently established the Michelle L. ’93 and Eric W. Edwards ’92 Endowed Scholarship. Distributions from this endowment will provide one or more scholarships to students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University.
The Edwards have set aside this scholarship to be awarded to industrial distribution students who are veterans, reservists or active-duty service members. “I felt so much gratitude from the university as well as from many wonderful donors who recognized my military service with my scholarships. Being able to do the same for someone else is our way of saying, ‘Thank you.’” said Eric.
In the fall of 1990, only two months after meeting Michelle at a Texas A&M dorm social, Eric was one of many students activated and deployed to serve in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. After a year of combat service, he returned to school to finish his undergraduate education. Eric faced many difficulties upon his return, including the cost of tuition. Thankfully, he was supported by donors who awarded him scholarships in recognition of his military service. “I had to overcome many challenges, so having my school paid for was a big relief,” Eric said. “It allowed me to focus on my education and future.”
Eric obtained his Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston in 2010, but he still credits Texas A&M’s industrial distribution program for giving him the skills that he uses every day. “What I have always seen from those who are successful is a ‘can-do’ attitude that doesn’t crush others but pushes others to succeed together,” he said. “It is a winning team attitude. While the Marine Corps taught me discipline, it was my experiences at Texas A&M that taught me the way forward.”
In establishing the Michelle L. ’93 and Eric W. Edwards ’92 Endowed Scholarship, Michelle and Eric hope to instill future students with the same core values that have carried them both through their careers. “We want the recipients of this scholarship to know it is their obligation to be the best they can be, and someday they will answer the call to lend a helping hand for the next generation,” Eric said.
The Edwards have been married for over 27 years and live in Sugar Land, Texas. Their son, Harrison ’22, is an industrial distribution major. Their daughter, Sophie ‘26, is a senior in high school and will be attending Texas A&M this fall. They own Lone Star Recreation of Texas, where they create beautiful and safe play areas for communities throughout southeast Texas, with the support and dedication of their team, which includes seven Texas A&M graduates.
How to Give
Endowments supporting the students in the College of Engineering 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 Meredith Brown, assistant director of development.