Galveston, Texas —At Galveston, Texas A&M University, a branch of tier-one Texas A&M University in College Station, announces the grand opening of the Seibel Student Services Center on April 30 (Monday). Tours of the building begin at 11 am, and a dedication ceremony starts at 11:30 am. The center is located between the Mary Moody Northern Student Center and the outdoor swimming pool.

Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp and Texas A&M University President Dr. Bowen Loftin will join retired Rear Admiral Robert Smith III, president of A&M Galveston, in recognizing the significance of the building for the growing student population. The facility allows for staffing and resources, which include student life, career services, counseling services and student organization offices.

The center was built with a $1.5 million gift from the Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation. The primary purpose of the foundation provides an interest-free loan program to Texas residents enrolled in Texas colleges or universities, while working toward a first undergraduate degree. A portion of the available funds are designated each year to support the construction of residence halls and student centers at Texas colleges and universities.

Janet Bertolino, Seibel Foundation administrator, says that TAMUG was chosen to receive support to build the student center, because of growth of the student population.

“Statistics from the early 1970s to date showed that enrollment at the campus exceeded the capacity of current student facilities,” said Bertolino. “These statistics proved an overwhelming need for additional space due to the tremendous growth of the campus. The Seibel Foundation felt this project was a perfect match for the vision that Abe and Annie Seibel had for Texas students in addition to continuing their charitable work in the city of Galveston.”

Both Annie and Abe were known for their charity, not only with financial assistance, but by using their time and expertise to work in Galveston for non-profit organizations.

Annie Seibel passed away in 1969 and Abe Seibel in 1970. Their good work continues through The Abe and Annie Foundation, as overseen by The Frost Bank.