East Texas A&M Celebrates New Students With Golf, Food and $16K in Scholarships

East Texas A&M University welcomed 163 accepted and admitted students to a celebratory afternoon at Top Golf Dallas on Aug. 6, offering food, games and scholarships to kick off their college journey.

The event, organized by Ryan Horne, program director for First-Generation Student Success, with support from Jayson Douglas, executive director for Student Access and Success, treated attendees to unlimited play at the driving range-style entertainment venue, along with complimentary meals.

In total, $16,000 in scholarships were awarded during the gathering, which was funded by the Division of Student Affairs, Enrollment Management and Athletics.

Students had the opportunity to meet representatives from the university's Greek organizations, counseling center, Baptist Student Ministry, and other campus groups, as well as faculty and staff from the Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Business; Education and Human Services; Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts; and Science and Engineering.

University President Mark Rudin and Lucky the Lion, the school's mascot, were also on hand to greet future Lions.

Two students playing golf | Marketing and Communications

“This was a great opportunity to connect with students before they arrive on campus,” Horne said. “We want them to feel part of the Lion family from the very beginning.”

Top Golf, which combines golf with dining and interactive games, provided a relaxed setting for students to mingle and learn about campus life.

East Texas A&M regularly hosts events like this to celebrate and support students, reinforcing its commitment to fostering connection, engagement and success from day one.

Lucky the Lion at Top Golf | Marketing and Communications