We are proud to introduce the fifth recipient of the Class of ’80 Core Value Award for Selfless Service, Kade McAdams ’24.

Please read Kade’s thanks to the class below:

To the Texas A&M University Class of ’80,

I first want to express my gratitude to you on behalf of all Aggies…thank you for caring so deeply about our Aggie family and all that we stand for. I am so honored and humbled to be awarded the Class of ’80 Core Value Award for Selfless Service. I am a first-generation Aggie but have known about A&M’s remarkable 12th Man and his story for as long as I can remember. My high school’s fight song has lyrics that refer to the 12th Man’s role, which led to my parents sharing the famed selfless act of E. King Gill in 1922. To be given an award with Gill’s name attached is an honor that my family and I will treasure forever.

When I am asked by family and friends what my favorite part about attending Texas A&M University is, I tell them it is the core values that all of the faculty, staff, and students exude. The pride that all Aggies have for the six core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and selfless service is truly what sets our university apart from so many others. My education here has been top-notch and prepared me for professional school, but it is the core values that have impacted me the most. I grew up with the same values, but to be surrounded by so many others that push you to be your best is an amazing experience. Serving others is a core value that brings me such joy, and I am so thankful that A&M encourages students and provides so many opportunities to perform acts of selfless service. During my time as a student at the university I have had the pleasure of serving others, near and far, as a proud Aggie. I thank the Lord each and every day for leading me to Texas A&M University, where the Aggie motto of “Service before Self” is visibly making a positive impact on the world.

The Class of ’80’s commitment to Texas A&M, selfless service, and the students within the Aggie family, truly embody the 12th Man spirit and spell out for others what it means to be an Aggie. Moving forward, I will continue to seek out opportunities to serve others and make the world a little better each day, and with each one will give a nod to my beloved A&M, the Class of 1980, and E. King Gill. In July, I will begin medical school at Texas Tech University and am more excited and energized as ever to begin, feeling so loved and celebrated by my Aggie family.

Thank you again for your support and incredible generosity.

Gig ’em!
Kade McAdams ’24

Read more about Kade and his accomplishments while at Texas A&M.