Texas A&M University received a $50 million donation from former student and Buc-ee’s owner, Arch “Beaver” Aplin III. With this gift the university will establish a new hospitality and entrepreneurship program as well as an academic center titled The Aplin Center. The Aplin Center will offer students educational opportunities in hospitality, retail studies, and food product development.
Aplin maintains his ties to the university with frequent visits to speak with students about his passion for product development and business and is highly recognized as one of A&M’s greatest success stories. The University’s President regards Aplin as one of the most outstanding visionaries and creative entrepreneurs to come from the school.
Chancellor John Sharp states, “When Beaver Aplin does something, it’s never halfway! The love he has and shows for Texas A&M and Aggies is inspirational and appreciated. This is an awesome gift and will position Texas A&M to become the top hospitality program in the nation.”
