Though Jack Benson graduated from Texas A&M University with his English degree in 1963, that does not mean his dedication to enriching the Aggie community has waned. In fact, it has only become stronger, as evidenced by his latest contribution to student academic success — the Carol and Jack Benson ’63 President’s Endowed Scholarship II.
“Texas A&M is one of the outstanding universities that’s rated highly in terms of giving students such a high return on investment for their degree,” Benson said. “Texas A&M’s consistent education rankings in a short period of time tells us that the university is on the right track in what it offers to students.”
The Bensons’ most recent gift will help to recruit and recognize high-achieving students, focusing on full-time undergraduate students pursuing English or history degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences. Created through the President’s Endowed Scholarship (PES) program, which was established through the Texas A&M Foundation in 1968, it will provide a student with a four-year award, plus an education abroad stipend.
“A lot of people don’t have the money to attend institutions of higher education, but I think this helps someone who is aspiring to better their life,” Benson said. “I believe in the College of Arts and Sciences. I think having a background in English or history or economics makes one more aware of the issues in the world. You have to focus in life, but you have to have that background to know what’s going on. I think degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences help students attain that level of awareness that you need to succeed.”
I think having a background in English or history or economics makes one more aware of the issues in the world. You have to focus in life, but you have to have that background to know what’s going on. I think degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences help students attain that level of awareness that you need to succeed.
The Bensons have established two prior scholarships in Arts and Sciences, including their inaugural Carol and Jack Benson ’63 President’s Endowed Scholarship in 2004 and the Benson Endowed Scholarship for Study Abroad, created in 2017 to help ArtSci students travel internationally and interact with people of different cultures and perspectives. One key benefit for donors to the PES program is having the opportunity to meet their scholars at an annual on-campus celebration — an aspect of their philanthropy that the Bensons relish.
“I’ve given the first endowed scholarship for some time, and I usually meet with the recipients once a year,” Benson said. “I like to find out what the student is studying, where they’re from and what activities they are in. It gives you a good feeling that you’re giving back; that you’re giving someone an opportunity to get a world-class degree and a bright future. Some of the students have gone on to law school or received a master’s degree from various places. They’re all good people who will go out into the world to be good citizens and good Texans.”
The first class of the Bensons’ second President’s Endowed Scholarship begins in 2024. Until then, Benson’s love for Texas A&M remains as strong as it was during his undergraduate days in the Corps of Cadets.
“I’ve got eight football season tickets,” Benson said. “I give to the 12th Man Foundation. I’ve got two President’s Endowed Scholarships. I’ve also given to a study abroad scholarship. I’ve given other gifts to the College over time. I’ve always believed that you should support your school.”
Learn more about Benson via a 2020 Series of Service feature.