Welcome To
The Finis Welch Foundation

The Finis Welch Foundation was featured in The Eagle Newspaper on Tuesday, August 22. In excerpts from the story, Executive Director and President Lara Anderson descries the benefactor and the work of the Foundation. “Our founder believed very strongly in education, about the importance and so he wanted to do something to be able to give back and to offer these scholarships to selected students.” Welch was a longtime labor economist and professor of economics who worked at Texas A&M from 1991 until 2003. On August 24, 2020, Welch died at the age of 82. Following his death, Anderson said he donated the vast majority of his estate to the Foundation, including a 10,000-acre ranch outside of Centerville. Anderson said they plan to keep expanding the program and that they have plans to start working with the University of Texas.

The Texas A&M Welch Scholar Orientation kickoff event was a huge success. The Foundation welcomed 16 new students to the freshman class and together with current scholars, they participated in a fun bonding day at the Texas A&M Challenge Works Course.

Welch Scholars now have an opportunity to participate in a job shadow program to enhance career skills. The purpose of the job shadow program is to give scholars real world exposure to different careers in an on-the-job working environment. A big thank you to the following local businesses that open their facilities and make their experts available to our students.

– Baylor Scott & White Health
– G-Con Manufacturing
– First Financial Trust
– Mark Symm
– Element Retirement & Investment Consultants
– Fundamental Wealth Advisors
– StataCorp
– University Dental Associates
– Rivers Family Dentistry

Scholars were treated to a formal etiquette dinner in September at the University Club in Rudder Tower. Professional etiquette coach, Randi Mays-Knapp, worked with students on how to be a confident conversationalist while showing up well at a business meal.

Aggie ring day is an important part of the Aggie tradition and the most anticipated milestone in an Aggie student’s career. Finis Welch Foundation Scholarship Program Director Lacey Junek recently participated in a Ring Day Ceremony and had the honor of placing the ring on current Welch Scholar Jasmine Fadhil.

Roland Block, Associate Director with the Career Center at Texas A&M, presented at the October Welch Scholar lunch and learn. The meeting focused on all things Career Fair and resume writing. Scholars walked away with many valuable tips that will be instrumental as they move through their college career and prepare for the next chapter of life.

Welcome To
The Finis Welch Foundation