Bonfire Memorial Scholarship Helps Aggie Cadet From Nevada

Bryce Ramirez ’13 came all the way from his hometown of Reno, Nev., to attend Texas A&M University ... because he wanted to be a member of its Corps of Cadets.

And how has that worked out?

"It is one of the best experiences of my life," Ramirez says. "I have already gained so much and I’m not even halfway through my freshman year. From my first football game to my first Silver Taps, A&M has an energy that can’t be described. I know it sounds corny, but there really is ‘a spirit that can ne’er be told.’ "

Ramirez got a big boost toward his Aggie dream by receiving a Bonfire Memorial Endowed Scholarship. He’s enrolled in the general studies program right now, but plans to declare a major in business or construction science. He also plans to pursue a commission in the Marine Corps.

The scholarship covers enough school expenses for Ramirez to take part in campus activities instead of working long hours at a part-time job. He’s interested in the Scuba Club, Cragies (rock-climbing club), intramural sports and Memorial Student Center organizations. Later this school year, he plans to participate in the Student Conference on National Affairs (SCONA) and The Gen. Tom Darling Recruiting Company for the Corps.

Ramirez’s scholarship is one of 13 Bonfire Memorial Endowed Scholarships through which donors pay tribute to Aggies who were killed and injured in the 1999 Bonfire collapse. Ten years after the Bonfire tragedy, additional contributions can be added to these scholarships, which were established through Texas A&M Foundation. Learn more about how to contribute to the Bonfire scholarships.

The Texas A&M Foundation is a private nonprofit organization that solicits and manages investments in Texas A&M academics and student leadership programs. Read more about the Foundation.

For information about creating your own named endowed scholarship in honor of Bonfire or other Texas A&M academic scholarships, contact Jody Ford ’99 at the Texas A&M Foundation at (800) 392-3310, (979) 845-8161.

Read this month’s Texas Monthly article about the Bonfire tragedy.

Review the Bonfire Remembrance Activities at Texas A&M.