Drs. Carolyn ’69 and Tom Adair ’57 Commemorate a Lifetime of Service to Texas A&M with a Planned Gift
“Working with Texas A&M students was the joy of my life,” Dr. Carolyn Adair ‘69 stated while reflecting on her 25 years as the Director of the Department of Student Activities. “I was inspired daily by their vision and commitment.”
Leadership and selfless service were at the heart of Carolyn’s work as she served as the Director of Student Activities, primarily under Texas A&M’s first Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. John J. Koldus. As director, Carolyn left a lasting legacy by building Student Activities into what it is today – a hub for leadership and involvement. Under her leadership, recognized student organizations grew from about 250 to over 800, and her support aided the growth of Aggie experiences and traditions such as Fish Camp and The Big Event. Invited by Dr. Koldus to lead the newly-formed Department of Student Activities in 1974, Dr. Adair was also the first female to serve as a departmental head within the Division of Student Affairs.
To commemorate their lasting dedication to Texas A&M, Carolyn and her husband, Dr. Tom Adair ’57, have recently established a significant planned gift for the Department of Student Activities, the Texas A&M Coaching Academy, and the Department of Physics, ensuring that 100% of their estate would benefit Texas A&M University.
“We don’t have children of our own, so giving all of our assets to benefit our adopted Aggie family made sense,” Carolyn said. “As the university grows, we hope these gifts enhance programs and provide students an opportunity to receive a world-renowned education.”
The Dr. Carolyn M. Adair ’69 Directorship in Student Activities will be used to support the Department of Student Activities, including Student Government, in areas such as staff leadership and development programs, pilot programs, and new initiatives.
Carolyn now leads a post-retirement career importing olive oil to the United States. Amici Olive Oil, which translated means “friends,” is aptly named as Carolyn and Tom Adair have generously given their life’s work to shaping the pathways to success for countless Aggie students. Carolyn now spends a good portion of her time living in Italy where she exclusively manages Amici Italian Imports.
“Working with Texas A&M students was the joy of my life. I was inspired daily by their vision and commitment.”
Drs. Carolyn’69 and Tom Adair ’57
Carolyn poses with students in her role as director.
Portions of this post were originally published in articles by the Texas A&M Foundation and the Texas A&M College of Science.
Texas A&M Foundation
The Texas A&M Foundation is a nonprofit organization that solicits and manages investments in academics and leadership programs to enhance Texas A&M’s capability to be among the best universities.
For additional information about how to benefit the Department of Student Activities, contact Torii Kapavik ’11 with the Foundation at (800) 392-3310, (979) 862-1247 or tkapavik@txamfoundation.com.