President’s Message to the Federation of Texas A&M University’s Mothers’ Clubs

Howdy!

It is with an immensely grateful heart that I stand before you today to give back a little to
Texas A&M University who gave so much to me. I come from a small town where time moves
slowly and dreaming is a way of life. Growing up space exploration was fascinating to me and
still is to be honest. What if I get a degree in Aerospace Engineering? That sounded like the
right fit and I heard that Texas A&M had such a program so I applied. Lo’ and behold, I was
accepted which was good because I didn’t apply anywhere else. I still had a problem to solve – I
had no money. My parents could certainly not afford to send me to college, but they never
discouraged me. After graduating Roma High School, the summer of 1985, I received a life-
changing letter from Texas A&M awarding me the President’s Achievement Award Scholarship.
I can thank the Board of Regents for that who in 1984 approved an outreach program to help
under-represented communities. I like to think that I am an example of what “Investing in
Aggies” may look like.

When I got here, I was in complete awe with Aggieland. From “Howdy to Here,” so rich
in tradition, so friendly, with a deep love for our country, outstanding academics and research,
innovative, and the list goes on. I learned all the yells before the first Midnight Yell Practice. I
loved reading the quotes around buildings. I absorbed this place which I found so “Nurturing
and Inspiring.” In a nutshell, I drank the Kool-Aid before the first day of class. Then came
school; and it was tough. But with some perseverance and God’s grace, I graduated one fine
morning in December 1990. Now I carried the Aggie Spirit and thanks to it we went “Shining
Together” out to the world.

Over the next few years, God’s most delightful blessings poured into my life in the form of
my three beautiful daughters, my motive in life. Fast-forward and they landed at Texas A&M via
different routes, making me an Aggie Mom. When I found out about Aggie Moms, I thought this
is perfect. I wanted to announce it on the roof tops and tell the entire world that a mother’s heart
and the Aggie Spirit found each other and they are truly “Better Together.” I joined my local
club, Pasadena Area, and was pretty much “Standing Ready” to serve in whatever position
until I became president and had fun with it. Our club earned the President’s Award at the
Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo parade for the most original entry after we did yell practice
right smack in the middle of the parade. To welcome CARPOOL student representatives at one
of our meetings, I built a car out of cardboard for a backdrop and we sang the “Spirit of
Aggieland” carpool karaoke style. Talk about some “Good Bull!”

After serving on the Federation nominating and audit committees and with some nudging, I
applied to the Federation board. Let me tell you, the “Service and Sisterhood” is out of the
world, seriously. Life-long friendships are made during the many projects undertaken, small and
large, all while having some good-natured fun in the process. Through serving as 3rd VP of
Registration, 4th VP of Reports, Treasurer, and President-Elect these past four years, it is
evident that with the partnerships forged with different campus organizations and offices we are
“Stronger Together” and make positive impacts on the Aggie experience.

Yesterday I happily dedicated my year as Federation President to the Career Center.
Let’s rewind a bit. Even with a degree on hand, I did not have a job lined up. Neither did my Aggies upon their graduation. But God is good and faithful and eventually we each found our professional purpose and we are still going strong to this day. This is my personal reason why I believe it is important to focus on the Career Center. Throughout this coming year, we will highlight Career Center Services and partner with them to assist where ever we can. In addition, the campaign for “Uplifting” Aggie Careers has officially launched. All donations will help in the development of micro learning units or MLUs. I would like to share an example of that today. Video

I think it is a wonderful project and I am excited that Aggie Moms get to be a part of it. I
would like to challenge Member Clubs to participate at the $150 level in honor of Texas A&M’s
sesquicentennial year. As for individuals, any and all amounts are welcome. Collectively, these
donations will help create needed additional resources for a very dedicated Career Center.
During this time when the world seems overtaken by artificial intelligence; please
remember that before any AI there has always been MINI – Motherly Instinct, Natural
Intelligence. Let’s not forget we have this God-given gift that should not be underestimated.
Here we are!

Please join in “Uplifting” Aggies through the funding of the Career Center’s MLU Project.
If we stop to think about it, we are blessed that at Texas A&M, the Career Center doesn’t stop
working for Aggies when they graduate. The Career Center is here to assist beyond graduation.
We are grateful to have such a loyal team be on an Aggie’s side throughout their career. Let’s
all join in assisting our Career Center who is continually helping our Aggies.

I am looking forward to serving as Federation President as our nation celebrates its 250th
year since its founding and as Texas A&M reaches its 150th anniversary this year. And on the
horizon soon we will see our own Federation of Texas A&M University Mothers’ Clubs turn 100
years. It is truly going to be an “Uplifting” year with so much to celebrate! How wonderful that
we get experience such special and historic occasions. For that, I am very thankful. God bless
the USA, God bless Texas A&M University, and God bless Aggies everywhere. Aggie Moms
love you!

Thanks and Gig’Em!

Alma Tovias ’89
Federation President 2026-2027

Farewell Address to the Federation of Texas A&M University Mothers Clubs from Nancy Skokan, Federation President 2025-2026