The Lions Reserve: A Premier Fundraising Event for Student Success

The Lions Reserve proved to be more than an evening of fine wine and delectable food—it was a premier fundraising event hosted by East Texas A&M University that raised more than $30,000 to support student scholarships and university programs. This year, the funds were directed toward visual and performing arts students and initiatives in the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts.

Held on August 28 at East Texas A&M, the inaugural event brought together over 200 ETAMU alumni, friends, employees and community partners to support higher education while enjoying fine wine, food, fellowship and entertainment.

Featured Texas Wineries

Guests enjoyed tastings from seven acclaimed wine partners across the state:

• 5 Fifty-Five Vineyard and Winery – Valley View, Texas
• Cedar Hollow Winery and Vineyards – Farmersville, Texas
• Kiepersol – Tyler, Texas
• Landon Winery – Greenville, Texas
• Live Happy Lane Winery and Vineyards – Greenville, Texas
• Vin De Paris – Paris, Texas
• William Chris Vineyards – Hye, Texas

The evening also featured a People’s Choice Award, with guests casting votes for their favorite wine offering. Kiepersol’s 2020 Syrah—praised for its smooth notes of velvety red plum, black pepper and vanilla—took top honors. Kiepersol was also recently named “Top Texas Winery” at the Houston Rodeo for the third time in 2025.

Tupps Brewery was also in attendance, serving up Bold Gold Texas Lager, a commemorative brew celebrating East Texas A&M.

Texas Tunes

Live music by East Texas A&M alumna Carissa Carter, with her local country band, Carissa Carter & Southern Light, created a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Individuals attending the Patrons Party, which took place at the Welcome Center, were treated to music from the ETAMU Jazz Ensemble.

“Thank you to all of our sponsors, patrons, partners and committee members who made The Lions Reserve a resounding success,” said Devin Girod, vice president of Philanthropy and Engagement. “The participation and partnership for the inaugural event showcases the strength of our community and commitment to supporting students' success. The positive feedback, tasteful setting, and joyful spirit of the event has garnered excitement for next year, as we showcase our new Agricultural Multi-Purpose Education & Training Center.“

Partners Who Made It Possible

Special thanks to event chairs Ted and Donna Lyon for their outstanding leadership and dedication. Other volunteers lead committees include the Host Committee, chaired by Teddy Reel ('84), the Patrons Committee, chaired by Mary Spencer (‘72), and the Sponsor Committee, co-chaired by Jessica Yowell ('03, '08) and Jenn Spring (‘02).

The success of The Lions Reserve was made possible through the generosity of our many sponsors—ranging from patrons who purchased wine-tasting packages to the following supporters:

To learn more about the Lions Reserve, contact the Division of Philanthropy and Engagement Executive Assistant to the Vice President Amy Bassham.