Gifts | Mays Impacts

Amidst this relentless heat, an act of compassion shines through, casting a shadow of relief to the construction crew building the Mays Business Education Complex and the Wayne Roberts ’85 Building.

Chris Valletta ’00, a proud former student of Texas A&M University and a valued member of the Mays Dean’s Advisory Board, along with his company MISSION, has made a meaningful contribution. Coordinated through the Texas A&M Foundation, they have donated MISSION cooling towels, hats, and gaiters to our entire construction crew – a simple yet impactful gesture that provides much-needed relief from the scorching heat.

MISSION was created to support individuals leading an active lifestyle, enabling them to thrive even in the heat. With thoughtful design and state of the art technology, MISSION makes high-performance cooling and heat-relief gear that’s scientifically proven to take the heat, so you don’t have to—keeping you cool and comfortable as you live, work, and play every day.

Our construction crew have worked through this blistering heat, dedicating their days to creating structures that will help shape our future. Recognizing the challenges they face, Chris and MISSION have provided a relief that goes beyond physical comfort. The donation of cooling towels doesn’t just provide a momentary break from the heat; it’s a symbol of care, a gesture that says, “Your well-being matters.”

This act of kindness aligns the core values of Texas A&M University. The Aggie Core Values of Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect, and Selfless Service stand as the guiding principles for every Aggie. Chris and MISSION have beautifully demonstrated the values of Respect and Selfless Service through their donation. Their commitment to supporting those who work in challenging conditions showcases how Aggie Core Values are not just words but a way of life. These values bleed through in Chris’s leadership at MISSION as a Co-Founder and Chief Strategy & Development Officer.

This donation serves as a reminder of the profound impact one act of generosity can have. It’s a ripple effect that starts with a simple donation of cooling towels but extends beyond. It inspires others to think of ways they can contribute, whether big or small, to the betterment of those serving us. It encourages us all to consider how we can ease the burdens of others in our community.

Chris Valletta ’00 and MISSION have demonstrated that making a difference doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s the simplest acts that leave the deepest impressions.

Thank you again for your generosity and for serving our teams well.

Click Here to see photos of the gear being handed out to our construction crew!

Mays Business School receives $5 million dollar gift creating Adam C. Sinn ’00 Dean’s Leadership Chair, the largest endowed chair at Mays Business School.

A $5 million gift from Adam Sinn ’00, a commodities trader and owner of Aspire Commodities, will create the Adam C. Sinn ’00 Dean’s Leadership Chair at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School. The funds will be used to support students, faculty and staff in furthering the school’s mission to become the preeminent public business school in the United States.

Created through the Texas A&M Foundation, this gift extends Sinn’s philanthropic support to Texas A&M to over $51 million, including $26 million to Mays Business School.

“Adam Sinn is an outstanding Aggie who exemplifies the Aggie Spirit and our core values,” said Texas A&M University President M. Katherine Banks. “His deep commitment to the university is evident in all that he has done for the Mays Business School, Aggie Athletics and our campus. We are grateful for his generosity and investment in Texas A&M.”

The Adam Sinn ’00 Dean’s Leadership Chair is the fourth of its type at Texas A&M. This $5 million endowment matches the university’s largest faculty chair and creates the largest endowed chair at Mays Business School.

“With Adam Sinn’s latest gift to our school, every future Dean of Mays Business School will have the honor of holding the Adam C. Sinn ’00 Dean’s Leadership Chair,” said Mays Business School Dean Dr. Nate Sharp. “Adam’s passion for helping students and his love for Texas A&M University are unmatched. Simply put, Adam leads by example. He is not one to sit on the sidelines. Instead, Adam is actively helping to move Mays toward our aspiration of becoming the preeminent public business school in the country. I cannot thank Adam enough for his generosity.”

Creating a Legacy

Sinn’s support of Mays Business School began in 2016 through a $1 million gift to the Texas A&M Foundation. Those funds created scholarships to support Mays students from Sinn’s hometown of Hoopestown, Illinois, or Dorado, Puerto Rico, where he currently lives.

In 2021, Sinn increased his philanthropic support through a $10 million gift designed to expand student support, enhance educational quality, and build high-impact programs for finance undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, these funds would be used to recruit top finance faculty. This generous gift resulted in the naming of the department as the Adam C. Sinn ’00 Department of Finance.

Sinn soon followed with a second gift of $10 million to the department. These funds provided additional scholarship support for students studying finance at Texas A&M and created the Adam C. Sinn ’00 Center for Investment Management. The Center will provide faculty with a venue for conducting groundbreaking research in all areas related to investment management and will provide students with real-world, hands-on experience investing, managing, and growing investment portfolios.

Boosting Others Toward Success

Adam Sinn’s commitment to supporting Mays Business School and Texas A&M is tied to his upbringing in Hoopestown, an agricultural community primarily made up of low-income workers. Influenced by his parents’ strong work ethic, Sinn was able to transcend his humble beginnings and go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in finance at Mays Business School.

Now a top trader in power and electricity, Sinn is committed to giving back to Mays. Through his financial support, Sinn is providing opportunities for the school’s students to fulfill their potential, and he is funding programs for faculty that will elevate Mays’ academic reputation.

“I was an average student while at Texas A&M, but like many other Aggies, I’ve been able to forge a successful career through hard work and determination,” Sinn said. “I want my gifts to be used to lay the foundation for students at Mays to acquire cutting-edge knowledge and skills so they can confidently bet on themselves throughout their lives.”

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Making a Difference in the Heat: Chris Valletta and MISSION Provide Relief

Adam Sinn ’00 Extends Philanthropic Legacy by Creating Dean’s Leadership Chair at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School