$250,000 Planned Gift Designated to A&M-Commerce

East Texas State University alumni, Dr. Robert Beseda, has generously designated $250,000 of a life insurance policy to establish the Dr. Mervyn Stelter Scholarship Endowment. The fund will go to masters and doctoral level students studying psychology and counseling at Texas A&M University-Commerce at the time of his passing. Dr. Beseda and Dr. Mervyn Stelter returned to campus on Friday, October 17 for a reception and media event to highlight Dr. Beseda's planned gift.

“Dr. Beseda is a beautiful example of what it means to truly value higher education. His generous planned gift will provide much needed scholarships for graduate level students in the psychology and counseling programs at Texas A&M University-Commerce and serve as a catalyst for life changing experiences for years to come,” said Samantha Shaffer, associate director of development. “We are incredibly thankful for Dr. Beseda and his decision to support the future of our students by establishing the Dr. Mervyn Stelter Scholarship Endowment.”

There was a small meet and greet in the Business Administration Building, where Dr. Beseda signed his Society of 1889 paperwork and his scholarship endowment, followed by brief comments expressing why he has chosen to make this gift.

Dr. Beseda attributes his positive experience at East Texas State University and success, in-part, to the guidance and wisdom he received from Dr. Stelter as his mentor and friend. Dr. Stelter recruited Dr. Beseda to East Texas State University in 1964 where he became the assistant director of men's housing and earned his master's degree in counseling and guidance. Dr. Beseda would like to serve as an example for others to consider leaving a legacy at the university they love by making impactful gifts such as this.

For more information visit Psychology and Counseling scholarships.