Representatives of Houston-based ConocoPhillips on May 1 donated $1 million to benefit Texas A&M University. The gift, presented at Texas A&M Foundation headquarters, will fund several academic programs at Texas A&M including the ConocoPhillips SPIRIT Scholars Program.

“At ConocoPhillips we recognize the importance of learning and leadership opportunities,” said David Barrington, general manager, non-conventional resources at ConocoPhillips. “By providing exceptional students with these opportunities, we are helping to develop the leaders of tomorrow.”

The SPIRIT Scholars Program has provided educational opportunities and professional development for qualified A&M students since 2003. The program, which operates at Texas A&M and seven other universities, provides:

• Academic scholarships to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.
• Additional financial support for enrichment programs and activities.
• Mentoring opportunities with ConocoPhillips professionals.
• Opportunities to interview for internships and full-time employment at ConocoPhillips.

Fifty-one Aggies in the Colleges of Geosciences and Engineering as well as the Mays Business School participate in the SPIRIT Scholars Program at Texas A&M. They must maintain a 3.25 grade-point average to receive the $5,000-a-year scholarship.

The ConocoPhillips gift also will fund other programs, student activities, scholarships, and fellowships in the College of Engineering, the College of Geosciences, the College of Business and other areas.

At ConocoPhillips, responsibly delivering energy to the world is just the beginning. As an international, integrated energy company, ConocoPhillips operates worldwide with assets and businesses in nearly 40 countries. Employees from the company are diverse in knowledge, experiences, cultures and values, all of which play a crucial role in the success of the company’s activities.

The Texas A&M Foundation is a private nonprofit organization that solicits and manages investments in academics and leadership programs to enhance Texas A&M’s capability to be among the best universities. The Foundation leads Operation Spirit and Mind^SM a multiyear $300 million scholarship initiative for Texas A&M.

To learn more about scholarships, fellowships, faculty chairs, and other academic- and student program-focused giving to benefit Texas A&M University, contact the Texas A&M Foundation at (800) 392-3310 or (979) 845-8161.