A Harvard-trained medical doctor who launched a movement to help street children all over the world got his start at Texas A&M with a little help from a class of ’43 Ag.

By Alice Bassett, Texas A&M Foundation


Mary Elizabeth and Hal N. Carr '43
When Mary Elizabeth and Hal N. Carr ’43 established their endowed scholarship in 1978, the couple knew that even beyond their lifetimes they would help outstanding Aggies achieve their dreams. But they may not have anticipated that generosity would one day assist needy children across the globe.

Dr. Chi Huang ’93 benefited from the Carrs’ generosity as a biology student at Texas A&M. He gained leadership skills through his involvement with Memorial Student Center programs and a top-notch science education that prepared him for Harvard Medical School. Before his medical residency, Huang ventured to La Paz, Bolivia to provide free health care and other outreach to children living on the streets.

His one-year endeavor turned into a lifelong passion to help all street children find a healthy living and learning environment so they could also succeed as adults. Huang has spent 15 years advocating for impoverished children in developing countries, with a primary focus in Bolivia. In 1997 he founded the Bolivian Street Children Project, which is now a nonprofit organization known as Kaya Children International. In 2006 Huang’s book about his experiences in Bolivia, When Invisible Children Sing, received a coveted starred review by Publishers Weekly.

Ironically, Hal Carr also had a connection to Bolivia, having worked on a project with Bolivia’s national airline, Lloyd Aereo Boliviano, in 1963 during his long career with Republic Airlines Inc. According to the Carrs’ son, Steve ’72, his father loved Bolivia. "It’s amazing how stories like this come full circle," said Steve Carr. "Something you believe in so strongly can bear fruit in ways you never expected."


Dr. Chi Huang '93 plays with Bolivian street
children aided by Kaya Children International.
Huang speaks of that fruit firsthand. "Scholarships provide the opportunity for students to develop their talents and aspirations without financial burdens. This was particularly important for me, as my college years were incredibly influential in my personal, moral and character development. Without my scholarship, I would not have been able to become a physician who focuses on issues of social justice in international settings."

Huang is an assistant professor in pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine, and the Texas A&M University College of Science inducted him into its Academy of Distinguished Former Students in March 2009.

Although Hal N. Carr ’43 died Feb. 29, 2008, and Mary Elizabeth died just 16 days later, their legacy will live forever through the Aggies like Huang who benefit from their President’s Endowed Scholarship.

To learn how you can support Texas A&M students with the gift of a scholarship, contact Jody Ford ’99 at (800) 392-3310 or fund-a-scholarship@tamu.edu .