From Gratitude to Legacy

At Texas State, every gift tells a story. From a student’s first experience of gratitude and giving back to the enduring legacy of planned giving, philanthropy shapes lives, builds opportunities, and sustains our Bobcat community for generations.

The donor journey is not a single step. It is a pathway of commitment, each stage strengthening the future of our university and the students we serve. Just as our campus evolves with bold vision and forward-looking growth, so too does the generosity of our supporters. Together, these parallel paths reflect how progress is built, hand in hand, with donors walking alongside the university as it reaches new heights.

These stories celebrate Bobcats and friends whose giving reflects the many ways to make a difference. Whether it’s a first donation to the Annual Fund, a community partnership, a major investment in student success, or a legacy gift that ensures lasting impact, each contribution plays a vital role in writing the story of Texas State.

This continuum of generosity not only transforms today’s opportunities into tomorrow’s achievements, it also mirrors the journey of Texas State itself: always growing, always reaching forward, always building the future together. 

For junior Jordan Lopez-Pinchback, giving back has always been second nature. What began in high school as a way to support his hometown community quickly became a personal value that now shapes his Bobcat experience.

“Texas State has given me so much, and I only hope to return that by giving back,” he says.

After transferring to Texas State, he found that volunteering not only helped him feel at home but also connected him more deeply with his fellow students and the university itself. From lending a hand at Ring Celebration to supporting campus events, his contributions of time and energy have reminded him of the joy in service. “I got to see the joy on the students’ and families’ faces,” he recalls of his first Ring Celebration. “From start to finish, the whole event boosted my spirit and reminded me why I love staying involved, creating those impacts, and enjoying the moment with fellow Bobcats.”

For him, giving back is about more than service hours, it’s about creating a ripple effect of care and connection. “One good deed can change someone’s perspective on life, and change them—for good,” he says.

Looking ahead, he hopes to continue giving back as an alumnus, whether through volunteering or professional mentorship. 

When Dyhanara Rios enrolled at Texas State as a first-generation student, higher education felt like a leap of faith. Her family had little, and she grew up with food and housing insecurity. But through scholarships, supportive faculty and staff, and leadership opportunities on campus, she discovered her purpose in communications and environmental stewardship, and a community that believed in her.

“My support is not just about money,” she says. “It’s the way I show my belief in something beautiful we’ve built together as a Bobcat community.”

As a student, she gave her first gift out of gratitude. Today, as a graduate working in higher education communications, she continues to give year after year as a President’s Associate, mentor, and voice for Texas State at alumni events. She values that her annual giving is unrestricted, meaning her support goes directly where it is needed most.

Her story is a testament to the power of participation. “No gift is too small,” she reminds fellow alumni. “When we all come together as a Bobcat community, every contribution counts.”

For her, annual giving is more than tradition, it’s a cycle of opportunity. “Texas State means resilience, community, and opportunity. It’s where I found my voice, my purpose, and the belief that I could make a difference in the world.” 

For nearly 90 years, the New Braunfels Gemischter Chor Harmonie has carried forward the proud tradition of German singing societies in Central Texas. Founded in 1937, the mixed choir has weathered decades of cultural change, thriving on its mission to celebrate fellowship, preserve the German language, and share the joy of music with the community.

Today, the choir continues to welcome singers of all backgrounds, from those fluent in German to others learning the language through song. With weekly rehearsals at Cross Lutheran Church and performances across the region, Harmonie remains a vibrant link to heritage and community.

That same spirit of preservation and celebration now extends to Texas State University.  The choir recently established the New Braunfels Chor Harmonie Scholarship in German Music Studies, a $25,000 endowment supporting undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Music, ensuring that the traditions Harmonie holds dear will live on in future generations of Bobcat musicians.

By turning their passion for heritage into a philanthropic legacy, the members of Gemischter Chor Harmonie show how community generosity can nurture both culture and education for years to come. 

For Jason and Sharon Elder, supporting Texas State is about more than giving back, it’s about investing in a vision that grows far beyond today.

Through their family’s donor advised fund, they recently established the Bobcat Farm Research Fund, committing $100,000 to advance regenerative agriculture through applied research, education, and community engagement. The fund provides resources for equipment, research personnel, and outreach programs that directly strengthen the impact of Bobcat Farm, a project dedicated to sustainable farming practices and student learning.

Their gift reflects both family values and Bobcat pride. As CEO of Watermark Graphics, Jason has built a business known for innovation and resilience, while Sharon has dedicated her career to health and wellness as a leader in group fitness instruction. Together, they bring a deep commitment to community and to creating opportunities that last.

For their family, the connection to Texas State is personal. Recent graduate Hunter Elder, who earned his degree in psychology and anthropology, serves as the MOU contact for the Bobcat Farm Research Fund, reinforcing the family’s direct tie to the project and its potential to shape future generations.

With their investment, the Elder family is helping Texas State strengthen its role as a leader in sustainability and applied research. Their generosity ensures that Bobcat Farm continues to be a living laboratory where students, faculty, and the community come together to cultivate knowledge, practice stewardship, and grow a healthier future. 

The donor journey culminates in legacy. For countless Bobcats and friends, planned giving is the way they choose to write their final chapter of generosity. These gifts extend far beyond a lifetime, providing enduring support that carries the university forward. In this way, our donors’ stories remain woven into the fabric of Texas State, shaping the lives of students for years to come. It is through these legacies that our Bobcat community continues to grow stronger, united by a shared commitment to build a brighter tomorrow.