News Summary
A lawsuit filed by Texas A&M University donors against the 12th Man Foundation is moving to trial after a judge denied a motion to dismiss the case. The dispute revolves around endowment agreements that promise various benefits to donors in exchange for their financial contributions, which have allegedly been diminished. The lawsuit highlights concerns regarding the prioritization of new donors over long-standing supporters. As depositions are set to be taken, the case could have significant implications for future donor agreements at the university.
BRYAN, Texas – A lawsuit filed by a group of Texas A&M University donors against the 12th Man Foundation is set to advance to trial after a state district judge denied a motion to dismiss the case. The presiding judge, George Jerrell Wise, ruled that the case could proceed, potentially bringing a long-standing dispute between the donors and the fundraising arm of Texas A&M’s athletic department to the forefront.
The lawsuit centers on endowment agreements dating back to the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s which promised certain benefits to donors in exchange for their contributions, which ranged from $20,000 to $50,000. These benefits included lifetime or 30-year seating and parking rights at Kyle Field, the university’s football stadium. However, many of these promised rights appear to have been diminished following a major stadium renovation and the university’s shift to the Southeastern Conference in 2012, which donors claim has resulted in reduced access and rights valued at approximately $4.6 million.
The donors involved, representing 16 families, initiated the lawsuit in 2017, and among them, three have since passed away. They argue that since the foundation started implementing a new fundraising system in 2007, longstanding donors have seen their rights and benefits eroded, particularly following a major reseating plan announced in connection with a $450 million renovation of Kyle Field in 2015. This plan effectively rendered the existing seating arrangements for many long-time supporters obsolete.
The lawsuit claims that the 12th Man Foundation has breached contracts and violated what is referred to as “The Rule of Aggie Culture,” a set of traditions and principles that govern alumni and supporter behavior at Texas A&M. The plaintiffs’ attorney criticized the foundation for allegedly prioritizing new mega-donors over long-time supporters who have contributed significant amounts, often during financially challenging times for the athletic department.
The case has seen its share of legal back-and-forth, moving from Newton County through various lower court rulings and appeals before it’s now being addressed in Brazos County, the locality of Texas A&M University. Plaintiffs’ attorneys are preparing to take depositions from key decision-makers within the foundation, aiming to substantiate claims of negligence in honoring contractual commitments made to donors.
The donors contend that they should be recognized for their extensive contributions, which collectively exceed $400,000, underscoring their commitment during difficult times for the athletic department. Each donor was promised access to the “best available” seating and parking, with options for upgrades at no additional cost, which they feel were not honored during the stadium reconfiguration.
As the lawsuit progresses, it includes representations from 36 individuals from 23 cities, primarily in Texas, with significant participation from former presidents of local A&M clubs. The 12th Man Foundation has assembled a team of attorneys to defend against the lawsuit, which maintains that they have acted according to the policies and changes made over the years.
As this legal battle unfolds, the outcome could have significant implications for both the 12th Man Foundation and other donors who have similarly entered into endowment agreements, potentially reshaping practices for engagement and commitment recognition for Texas A&M supporters. The coming trial will aim to clarify these issues and determine if any damages or changes to practice should be mandated.
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: Texas Aggie Donor Lawsuit
- Wikipedia: Texas A&M University
- Sports Illustrated: Lawsuit Against Texas A&M
- Google Search: 12th Man Foundation
- KXXV: New Veterinary Hospital at Texas A&M
- Google Scholar: Texas A&M University funding
- KBTX: Aggie Charity Initiative
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas A&M Culture
- KBTX: Brazos Valley Gives
- Google News: Texas A&M University news
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
