Building Something That Lasts: Alumna Invests in Future Bobcats

Two students talking and walking on campus next to the TXST sign

Robin Harrison established two scholarship endowments through a pledge and an estate gift—contributing to something bigger than herself.

For Robin Harrison ‘93, a proud Southwest Texas State University alumna, giving back isn’t just about honoring the past, it’s about building a future rooted in opportunity, resilience, and excellence. Recently Robin established two scholarship endowments, one through the Texas State University Development Foundation and another through the McCoy College of Business Foundation. Robin was able to make these endowments possible through a pledge and naming the Foundations as beneficiaries of her estate plans. She has demonstrated her deep belief in the transformative power of education and her desire to help the next generation of Bobcats thrive.

Robin’s endowed scholarships reflect both her personal journey and her family’s legacy. Her endowment in the McCoy College of Business supports accounting majors who are non-traditional students with financial need, honoring her own experience as a student balancing education and life responsibilities. The other, created in memory of her mother, supports students of any major who have financial need.
 
With a BBA in Accounting, Robin credits her business education from TXST for equipping her with critical thinking skills, an ethical foundation, and the confidence to lead in a dynamic global economy. Supporting McCoy College is her way of ensuring that students, regardless of background, can access that same level of preparation and empowerment.

“I believe in building something that lasts,” she said. “These programs reflect that vision.”
When asked about her time at Texas State, she fondly recalled her experience as a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, a co-ed business fraternity. “We held each other accountable and celebrated every breakthrough, no matter how small. It wasn’t just about getting through the material; it was about growing together.”
 
To today’s students, she offers encouragement grounded in experience. She emphasizes the importance of consistency over intensity and the value of building habits around learning, understanding, and managing time effectively. She encourages students to ask for help early and often, reminding them that professors, teaching assistants, tutors, and peers are all valuable resources. Beyond academics, she stresses the importance of building meaningful relationships and gaining real-world experience through internships, jobs, volunteering, or research.
 

“Being part of the Bobcat community means belonging to something bigger than myself, a diverse, driven, and supportive network that values growth, collaboration, and resilience. As a Bobcat, I’m inspired to push boundaries and contribute to a culture where everyone is encouraged to thrive.”

She also shared a heartfelt message with the community: “I want to thank the professors who challenged me, specifically Dr. Meixner, Dr. Montondon, and Mr. Stott, the friends who supported me, and everyone who helped make my time at Texas State unforgettable. TXST shaped me in ways I never expected, and I left with not only a degree but a deeper sense of who I am and what I’m capable of. To current and future Bobcats, get involved, take risks, and lean into the experience, you’ll get out of it what you put in, and then some. Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat.”

Valerie Wood

Valerie Wood is the Director of Advancement and Alumni Communications at Texas State, where she leads strategic initiatives to strengthen alumni engagement and enhance fundraising efforts. Valerie crafts compelling narratives that connect readers to TXST's mission and inspire long-term support.