Founded in 1953, the Foundation matches donors and their interests with the priorities of Texas A&M. Located on campus, it is a privately governed organization that operates independently but for the sole benefit of the university, providing funds for all aspects of the educational experience.

During the last 20 years, net assets at the Texas A&M Foundation grew from $25 million to nearly $500 million. Less than a decade into this century, it has doubled net assets again to $1 billion.

Surovik has been a member of the board since 2004 and his one-year term as chairman began July 1. He replaces outgoing chairman Jerry Cox, class of 1972, whose term ended June 30.

The recent appointment is one of many leadership roles for Surovik, who lives in Abilene. He earned a law degree from the University of Texas in Austin and served the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant for two years.

He is president of the 100-year-old law firm of McMahon Surovik Suttle, P.C., director of the First Financial Bank of Abilene and the Abilene Industrial Foundation, and past chairman of the Community Foundation of Abilene.

"Bob Surovik’s extensive legal experience adds an important dimension and depth to our board of trustees," said John Stropp, a 1966 Texas A&M graduate and the Foundation’s interim president. "He’s a loyal Aggie and good friend to the Foundation, and we are confident that the assets we raise and manage to support Texas A&M will continue to grow under his steady leadership."

Surovik is no stranger to philanthropy. He has supported Texas A&M through donations and service for 30 years, earning heritage membership in the A&M Legacy Society.

Surovik’s gifts to the Texas A&M Foundation have benefited the Corps of Cadets, the Singing Cadets and the Class of ’58 Gift Fund, which supports student affairs. He was active in the recent One Spirit One Vision Campaign, which raised more than $1.5 billion in private donations to benefit Texas A&M.

He has provided for an unrestricted bequest to the Texas A&M Foundation. He has also made the Foundation the beneficiary of an individual retirement account, which will create the Elaine and Bob J. Surovik ’58 Excellence Endowment, providing unrestricted funds to The Association of Former Students.

In 2001 Surovik was president of The Association of Former Students. His contributions to The Association’s annual fund have made him a member of the Endowed Diamond Century Club, and he is an active member and past president of the Abilene A&M Club.

"You simply can’t duplicate the educational experience found at Texas A&M University," Surovik said. "I consider the time, counsel and resources I give to the Texas A&M Foundation an obligation for all the things the university gave to me that shaped who I am today. I’ve witnessed the impact the Foundation is making on the spirit and minds of students and faculty at Texas A&M, and I am honored to lead this organization."

Surovik has a daughter, Karen, and two sons, Wade and Lance both of whom attended Texas A&M. His wife, Elaine, passed away in 2003