New Donors, Making a Big Impact: Andrew Pappas ’10

Photo by Obi Grant

Deeply rooted in the values of community and collaboration, Texas A&M University’s culture of camaraderie and generosity left an indelible mark on businessman and entrepreneur Andrew Pappas ’10. Inspired by the example of those who have come before him, Pappas has made it his mission to continue a legacy of support.

“The Aggie Spirit of leaving things better than you found them truly resonates with me,” Pappas noted. “I have a long list of Aggies who have supported me in so many ways when there was nothing in it for them. They simply wanted to help a fellow Aggie be successful. I want to continue that aspiration, follow in those footsteps, and help to inspire the next generation.”

A first-generation Aggie with an accounting degree from Mays Business School, Pappas was heavily involved in student-run and student-led organizations. The relationships forged through such endeavors were invaluable and have remained an active asset in his business career.

“I believe in wholeheartedly supporting things that I believe in and that have shaped me,” said Pappas. “I think that in giving, looking forward is best done by looking backward and seeing what shaped me as a businessman, as a person. I would say that Texas A&M Mays Business School is very high on that list.”

Now serving as the president at Partners Capital, one of the largest privately held and independently owned commercial real estate firms in the country, and as a shareholder and member of the board of managers at Partners Real Estate, Pappas was inspired by the warmth and solidarity of his peers and mentors at Texas A&M to continue a legacy of support, embodying the principles that had once bolstered him during his educational journey.

“Andrew was so impressed with the quality of the students coming out of the Master of Real Estate (MRE) program that he decided to give gifts to the MRE program as well as set up an endowed scholarship supporting MRE students in perpetuity,” said Nicole Amos ’00, assistant department head for the Adam C. Sinn ’00 Department of Finance and MRE director. “That is an incredible honor and a testament to the quality of our students, because we try very hard to provide exceptional hard and soft skills. I think Andrew and Partners Capital appreciate that our students possess that intangible, ‘Aggie quality’ about them: a commitment to service, loyalty, and putting others first.” Funds will be used for a variety of purposes, with a focus on providing students the opportunity to distinguish themselves. This includes additional training, educational trips, guest speakers, essential supplies, and overall support from the industry and board. These extras aim to set the students apart by offering a unique and enriching experience.

Pappas envisions a continuous cycle of support that not only uplifts individuals but also fortifies the wider Aggie Network. By nurturing relationships and fostering collaboration, he hopes to create a ripple effect, where today’s mentees become tomorrow’s mentors, perpetuating a culture of kindness and mutual aid that remains integral to the Aggie identity.

“It just makes sense to give back,” said Pappas. “This is just the beginning of a lifetime of giving back to the university and seeing the butterfly effect of how I can help support the next wave of leaders within Mays Business School. It’s exciting to be a part of something like that.”