Six students named Texas A&M Foundation Maroon Coats
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences students earn one of Aggieland’s most coveted honors
Six students from the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences have been selected as Texas A&M Foundation Maroon Coats, joining one of the most recognized and selective student ambassador organizations on campus.
Elizabeth Drake ’26, Geren Gathright ’28, Clare Hivnor ’27, Chloe Jones ’28, Jack Kemper ’28 and Claire Poage ’28 will represent the College in the Maroon Coats Class XVIII.
Chosen from nearly 400 applicants through a rigorous application and interview process, the students will serve as ambassadors for the Texas A&M Foundation. Ambassadors help engage with donors and provide personal examples of how philanthropy supports programs.
Founded in 2007, the Maroon Coats enhance the Texas A&M Foundation’s impact through ambassadorship and selfless service and help build a culture of philanthropy at Texas A&M University. Members write thank-you letters to donors, lead campus tours, attend special events and serve as a bridge between the student body and the Foundation’s supporters.
Each year, a select number of students are chosen to join a group of roughly 60 active members who represent colleges and programs across the campus. The Maroon Coats also recognize honorary members whose dedication to Texas A&M reflects the spirit of the organization, a distinction former President George H.W. Bush received.
The six newest Maroon Coats from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are:
Elizabeth Drake ’26
Drake, from Kingwood, is pursuing a degree in agricultural communications and journalism with a minor in dance choreography, while working toward a Master of Science in marketing at the Mays Business School. On campus, Drake has served as an ambassador on Team 12 and as student director of operations for the Lettermen’s Association. Her passion to spread Aggie spirit led her to become a Fish Camp chair and counselor and to serve in student government as both the vice president of retention and recruitment and vice president of service for the Aggie Recruitment Committee. She also served on the board of Pi Beta Phi as director of policy and prevention.
Drake currently hosts “On Air with Student Affairs,” and works as a student marketing coordinator at KAMU-TV/FM, where she also serves as a student correspondent for special programs. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in public relations and marketing.
Geren Gathright ’28
Gathright, a Fort Worth native, is a second-generation Aggie pursuing a degree in agricultural economics with a focus in finance and real estate. As a member of Squadron 17 in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, he has served as the academics and public relations director. Beyond the Corps, Gathright serves as a staff assistant for The Big Event and as a delegate for the MSC Abbott Family Leadership Conference. He also served as a camp counselor at Pine Cove Ranch, where he mentored sixth and seventh grade students. After graduation, Gathright plans to attend graduate school.
Clare Hivnor ’27
Hivnor, from San Antonio, is a first-generation Aggie pursuing a degree in animal science with a minor in premedicine. During her time at Texas A&M, she has been deeply involved with Freshmen Exemplifying Aggie Spirit Together as a freshman participant, staff member and director of finance, and has also been involved with Fish Camp. Her passion for preserving Aggie tradition is evident through her service on the Aggie Muster Committee, where she has served as a host, committee member and now on the executive team. She also serves as an undergraduate teaching assistant in the Department of Animal Science. After graduation, Hivnor plans to attend medical school.
Chloe Jones ’28
Jones, from Wall, is pursuing degrees in both agricultural leadership and development and agricultural economics with a minor in international agricultural development. Jones serves on the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council, participates in the Aron and Mary Lois Savell Leadership Mentor Program and works as a student athlete tutor for the Center for Student-Athlete Services. Her long-term career goal is to specialize in strategic planning and consulting for rural communities.
Jack Kemper ’28
From Frisco, Kemper is a third-generation Aggie pursuing a degree in agribusiness. On campus, Kemper is a member of the Corps of Cadets in Squadron 2 and has been elected as a Yell Leader for the 2026-2027 school year. After graduation, he plans to enter the real estate industry.
Claire Poage ’28
Poage is from Marble Falls and is a second-generation Aggie majoring in animal science with the goal of continuing her family’s six-generation legacy of Texas beef cattle ranching. Deeply committed to Aggie traditions, she serves as a photographer for the Corps of Cadets. Poage is actively involved in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council and mentors freshmen through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Freshman Experience. In the summers, she serves at T Bar M Camp Travis, where she shapes the lives of high school students.
