Schronk family establishes scholarship to support future Aggies
For Wendy ‘97 and Trent Foltz ‘95 and Chris & Tammy Schronk, establishing the Debbie and Wendell Schronk ’73 Endowed Scholarship was an opportunity to honor their father and step-mother while investing in future students in the Department of Animal Science.
“It was an opportunity for our family to give back to the Animal Science Department,” Chris said. “And to name it in their honor, to the school that has done so much for him and for our entire family.”
The scholarship honors both Debbie and Wendell Schronk ’73, whose careers in animal agriculture spanned decades of leadership and service within the livestock industry. After graduating from Texas A&M, Wendell worked as a county extension agent in Paris before serving in leadership roles with the American Brahman Breeders Association and Beefmaster Breeders United. Debbie served in executive leadership for the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
Through his work with breed associations, Wendell traveled across the world promoting the cattle industry and building relationships that lasted a lifetime.
“He was able to go anywhere from China to Guatemala to Australia to South Africa,” Wendy said. “And truly, because of that, he has friends across the world.”
Supporting future Aggies through education
The Schronk family said education always remained a priority for their father. Wendell paid his own way through college and later ensured his children graduated debt-free.
“He worked really hard for that,” Wendy said. “So I think it’s a nice, long-lasting legacy for him to continue helping kids get their education.”
The family’s connection to Texas A&M spans five generations, with multiple family members earning Aggie degrees. Wendy graduated from the Department of Animal Science in 1997, while the next generation of Aggies is already continuing the tradition.
“We are fifth-generation Aggies,” Wendy said. “When we say Texas A&M impacted our family, we really mean it.”
A legacy of mentorship and connection
Beyond his professional accomplishments, the Schronk family admires Wendell for his mentorship and ability to connect with people across the livestock industry. Chris said one of his proudest memories is seeing young cattle producers continue to credit his father for their success years later.
“He retained those relationships,” Schronk said. “Having people come up to him and tell him how much his mentorship meant to them probably sticks with me more than anything else.”
Through the Debbie and Wendell Schronk ’73 Endowed Scholarship, the family hopes to continue that legacy by supporting future generations of Aggies pursuing careers in animal agriculture. This scholarship was recently awarded for the first time to an undergraduate animal science student, allowing the family to see their gift in action.
“That was really special,” Wendy said. “To actually meet the student and see who this is helping made it feel real.”
How to give
The Texas A&M Foundation manages gifts to the Department of Animal Science. Contributions of any size are welcome.
For more information, contact Jansen Merrill ’18 at 979-431-4148 or [email protected].
