Sam Torn ’23 ’24

Hailing from a family steeped in the traditions and service of Texas A&M, senior Sam Torn ’23 ’24 is making his way with remarkable humility and a vision for leadership.

A third-generation Aggie, Sam Torn ’23 ’24 naturally embodies Aggie Core Values. Grandson of R. Sam Torn ’70, whose tireless work in service of the university spans decades, the younger Torn is falling perfectly in step with a family tradition of selfless leadership in service of Texas A&M University.

A Mays Business School Professional Program in Accounting (PPA) student, Torn’s resume boasts bountiful involvement and leadership. He’s been selected for the Collegiate Council of the 12th Man Foundation, served as a director for Mays Business Fellows, worked for the 12th Man Foundation, and held a host of prestigious internships. Yet Torn is anything but boastful—easygoing and down-to-earth, he is quick to laud Mays faculty and leadership for what he describes as a “personalized learning experience in which faculty and staff really pour into students.”

When asked to elaborate on distinguishing characteristics he believes set the Mays experience apart, Torn shared that in both undergraduate and master’s classes, “Mays faculty made a big school feel small.” Continuing, “All the accounting professors were so intentional, really investing in and caring for the individual students.” Torn noted that Accounting 327 by Sarah Stuber confirmed his desire to pursue the PPA and was equally complimentary to Mays staff, crediting the Director of Business Honors Claire Rabbe ’16 ’18, with helping to shape his college experience.

A natural leader, Torn appreciated the leadership development he experienced as part of Mays Business Fellows and Business Honors. “They really offer a unique blend of equipping students with both hard and soft skills needed to advance their careers.” With high praise for Gen. John Van Alstyne ’66, executive professor and Mays Business Fellows director, Torn outlined some soft skills he sees Mays cultivating so well. “They are really effective at nurturing professionalism, leadership, interpersonal communications, and presentation skills that aren’t always polished among recent graduates.”

Mays Business Fellows’ leadership was equally effusive in praise for Torn. Gen. Van Alstyne lauded, “Sam is among the very best students at Mays, and his energy and joy were essential to the development of his cohort.” Van Alstyne—whose storied military career predates eight years as a Texas A&M Corps Commandant, before landing at Mays—knows a thing or two about leadership. “The sky’s the limit for Sam’s future by nature of his ability to connect with and quietly influence others,” he shared. “But what truly makes his leadership style remarkable is his laser-like focus on finding ways to serve others.”

This service-mindedness and love for his fellow Aggies organically mark Torn. As the son, grandson, and nephew of former yell-leaders, it is an understatement to say he bleeds maroon. Torn always knew he wanted to be an Aggie but was eager to make his own path in the best way. His tireless work ethic and relentless commitment—not just to his studies but to the betterment of others—belie a depth of Aggie-pedigree that could just as easily have yielded entitlement. But for the Torns, the Aggie Core Value of selfless service is something of a family mantra, and Sam is the first Torn of his generation to put those values into action at Texas A&M. Van Alstyne concurred, “It’s just in his DNA to focus on what’s in the interest of others.” Marveling on the Torn family’s tradition of service and leadership, he noted that “Sam has a great capacity to continue that legacy.”

After graduation, Torn will join the energy consulting firm Opportune.