Former civil engineering student David Hart ’82 and his wife Julie Hart established a scholarship for first-generation college students who are pursuing a degree in architectural engineering. |
Image: Courtesy of Julie and David Hart
Julie and David Hart ’82 recently established the Julie and David Hart ’82 Endowed Scholarship. Distributions from this endowment will be used to provide one or more scholarships to first-generation students in good standing who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in architectural engineering in the Texas A&M University College of Engineering.
David grew up in College Station, Texas, while both of his parents worked for Texas A&M. His father, Royce Hart ’60, worked in the agriculture field and his mother, Jeanne Hart, worked extensively for the Texas A&M Foundation. “She would often share stories of successful former students coming into the development office to give generously to Texas A&M,” David said.
Texas A&M was David’s dream university from a young age. He was proud of the Aggie roots that had woven their way deep into his heart through family, friends and colleagues who sported maroon. As an aspiring engineer, it only made sense for him to earn his civil engineering degree right in his hometown.
David began his professional career as a structural engineer, hired by former student Lawrence White ’47. His mentorship was influential at an early time in his career. “Lawrence and his wife were big supporters of Texas A&M, and there is a President's Endowed Scholarship in their name,” David said.
Throughout his career, he continued to work alongside many more Aggies, including three of his current business partners. David also had the opportunity to interview and hire many Texas A&M graduates. “When recruiting college graduates over the years for our company, I was aware of the architectural engineering programs at other schools and often wished A&M had one,” he said.
In the fall of 2019, Texas A&M introduced a Bachelor of Science in architectural engineering. David was thrilled with the news, and established the endowed scholarship to be set aside specifically for students pursuing their degree in architectural engineering.
“I am hoping it will be an encouragement for more young people choosing engineering as a profession,” David said. “The university has given me a lot over the years and I have been blessed. It has always been my dream to give back in some way.”
The scholarship that David and Julie have generously created has also been established with selection preferences for first-generation students. “I have become aware of first-generation students’ unique challenges and wanted to do my part to support these young people,” David said.
David is a principle at Hart Gaugler + Associates, a structural and civil engineering consulting firm in Dallas. For over 20 years, they have partnered with clients across the United States and Puerto Rico. As a vital member of the leadership team, David embodies Texas A&M’s core values by ensuring that the company maintains a culture of accountability, creativity, integrity and trust.
David grew up in College Station, Texas, while both of his parents worked for Texas A&M. His father, Royce Hart ’60, worked in the agriculture field and his mother, Jeanne Hart, worked extensively for the Texas A&M Foundation. “She would often share stories of successful former students coming into the development office to give generously to Texas A&M,” David said.
Texas A&M was David’s dream university from a young age. He was proud of the Aggie roots that had woven their way deep into his heart through family, friends and colleagues who sported maroon. As an aspiring engineer, it only made sense for him to earn his civil engineering degree right in his hometown.
David began his professional career as a structural engineer, hired by former student Lawrence White ’47. His mentorship was influential at an early time in his career. “Lawrence and his wife were big supporters of Texas A&M, and there is a President's Endowed Scholarship in their name,” David said.
Throughout his career, he continued to work alongside many more Aggies, including three of his current business partners. David also had the opportunity to interview and hire many Texas A&M graduates. “When recruiting college graduates over the years for our company, I was aware of the architectural engineering programs at other schools and often wished A&M had one,” he said.
In the fall of 2019, Texas A&M introduced a Bachelor of Science in architectural engineering. David was thrilled with the news, and established the endowed scholarship to be set aside specifically for students pursuing their degree in architectural engineering.
“I am hoping it will be an encouragement for more young people choosing engineering as a profession,” David said. “The university has given me a lot over the years and I have been blessed. It has always been my dream to give back in some way.”
The scholarship that David and Julie have generously created has also been established with selection preferences for first-generation students. “I have become aware of first-generation students’ unique challenges and wanted to do my part to support these young people,” David said.
David is a principle at Hart Gaugler + Associates, a structural and civil engineering consulting firm in Dallas. For over 20 years, they have partnered with clients across the United States and Puerto Rico. As a vital member of the leadership team, David embodies Texas A&M’s core values by ensuring that the company maintains a culture of accountability, creativity, integrity and trust.
How to Give
Endowments supporting students in the Texas A&M University 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 True Brown, director of development.