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Aggies Meet Friends for Life in This Heartwarming Program

Aggies across campus are helping students with disabilities in the Aggie ACHIEVE program find support and community.

By Dorian Martin ’06

Photography by Josh Huskin

Friends for life.

Marco Cruz ’27 and Mattie Reiley ’27 are two Aggies who’ve come to know the meaning of that phrase and the importance of relationships and community through their participation in Texas A&M University’s Aggie ACHIEVE program.

Initially launched by the College of Education and Human Development in 2019 with a current enrollment of 32 Aggies, this four-year transition program provides an immersive college education for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students receive a Certificate in Interdisciplinary Studies and are well prepared for life after college through instruction in employment skills, independent living and social skills.

A key part of their success can be credited to another group of Aggies known as ACHIEVEMates. These 100-plus students, who come from a wide range of majors and are involved in numerous student organizations and athletic teams, form a support circle around each Aggie ACHIEVE student to provide assistance and friendship and treat them to the complete Texas A&M experience.

“This program is so important even for ACHIEVEMates who are not studying education because they’re going to become leaders who embrace a mindset that says, ‘We can help individuals with disabilities be a valuable part of our community,’” said Patrick Mahoney ’71, who has established an endowed scholarship for the program along with his wife, Dr. Sue Mahoney ’94 ’02.

ACHIEVEMates also benefit by learning to tap deeply into their humanity. “In today’s society, we make a lot of assumptions about a lot of people,” said the 2025-26 Aggie ACHIEVEMate President McCall Moore ’27. “The Aggie ACHIEVE program offers an opportunity for students to learn how to be in the moment and interact in a relationship instead of through the lens of judgment.”

Meet Marco and Mattie, a Dynamic Duo

Marco Cruz ’28 came to Texas A&M University after hearing about the Aggie ACHIEVE program.

Marco Cruz ’27
ACHIEVE Student 
Hometown: Red Oak, Texas

How you learned about Texas A&M: 

In middle school, I started competing in Special Olympics basketball, bowling, track and field, and swimming. After I went to a Special Olympics swim meet hosted by Texas A&M, I told my parents, “I want to go here.” My mom knew about Aggie ACHIEVE, and I fell in love just hearing about it. Sure enough, I ended up here as a freshman.

Your initial experience as an Aggie: 

It was definitely a lot to take in with so many events and traditions, but the people in Aggie ACHIEVE treated me like one of their own.

The importance of your ACHIEVEMate circle: 

I would lose a part of myself without the circle’s support because they help me understand the different roles that are required to be independent.

How they’ve supported you during challenging times: 

After I had a stroke in summer 2024, all the Aggie ACHIEVEMates and my circle were very supportive and checked on me constantly while I was in the hospital.

Also, my grandfather died when I was a freshman. Once I got back from the funeral, my roommates, ACHIEVEMates and my circle gave me hugs and told me they were sorry for my loss. They gave me some space while a few people checked on me to see if I needed anything. That support meant everything because losing a grandparent is very hard. After seeing how much they cared about me during that time, I knew right away that they wanted to support me as much as my own family.
 


Mattie Reiley ’27 
Marco’s ACHIEVEMate 
Hometown: Marion, Texas

Your first interactions with individuals with disabilities: 

My cousin Zach has Down syndrome, so I grew up with the saying “more alike than different.” My high school floral design class was also in a room next to a special education class, so I made friends with those students.

How you were introduced to Aggie ACHIEVE and ACHIEVEMates: 

When I attended Fish Camp, the previous ACHIEVEMate president was in my camp. I stayed in touch with her, interviewed for the program and was selected as a freshman. 

Mattie Reiley ’27 is part of Marco’s circle of ACHIEVEMates and a close friend.

Describe Marco’s ACHIEVEMate circle: 

A circle is a group of peers assigned to one ACHIEVE student. Each person in Marco’s circle has a designated role, like a life partner who works with him to exercise and meal plan, an academic partner to help with homework, and a social partner who engages him in social activities, like attending Aggie football games.

I’m his planning partner, so I help him plan his week, especially if he has a lot of commitments. For example, Marco had an internship at Coca-Cola, so I made sure he knew when he was supposed to be at work. I also calendar his other activities, like swimming. He’s gotten really good at remembering things, which leaves more time for just hanging out together.

What you’ve gained: 

Being an ACHIEVEMate has given me a great group of people to connect with that I wouldn’t have otherwise. Once you meet them, you think, “I don’t know how I could not be friends with them.” Even after I finish my degree, I plan to continue my friendship with Marco, and I will definitely be at his graduation!

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  • Amy Hurley

  • Chief Development Officer
  • College of Education and Human Development
  • Call: 979.847.9455

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