Yuletide Cheer

In 2017, rising senior David Isenhour Jr. ’18 was considering ways to give back to Texas A&M University when a family tradition sprang to mind. “My parents always held a big neighborhood party where Santa came and distributed gifts,” he recalled. “It was a special time for me as a kid.” 

Thinking of the university’s more than 1,100 student veterans, he brainstormed a concept wherein students could fundraise to purchase Christmas wish-list items for student veterans’ children and employ Santa to deliver them at an annual event. “Selfless service is one of Texas A&M’s core values, and Aggieland has a proud reputation as a veteran-friendly campus,” he explained. And with that, the Maroon Santa program was born.  

In its fifth year in 2021, Maroon Santa impacted 40 children from 18 veteran families. And if David Jr. has his way, every student veteran on campus will eventually benefit. “We want our student veterans to feel how much they’re valued by the entire Aggie community and ensure that every student veteran’s child has a great Christmas.” 

Student veteran Joshua Teague ’24, whose four children enjoyed the holiday festivities at Maroon Santa last year, is beyond appreciative. “The community’s support means the world to us,” he said. “We had a support system in the military, and now we feel like we have family here at Texas A&M.”   

As director of the Don & Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource & Support Center, Col. Jerry Smith ’82 (USMC, Ret.) is grateful for the support offered to student veterans and the increased visibility it has afforded the center. “Budgets are tight for our student veteran families, so Maroon Santa is a big help. It also draws student veterans into our center and allows us to highlight other program offerings.” 

As the program continues, David Jr. hopes more Aggies will experience the joy of giving back. “Don’t underestimate the power of getting involved, in big ways or small, through monetary contributions or by volunteering your time,” he urged. “Find something on campus you’re passionate about, get involved and stay involved. You’ll reap dividends, as will the university.”