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Port of Galveston to mark 200th anniversary with events and scholarship endowment for Texas A&M Galveston
Summary
Port trustees outlined a year of events for the Port of Galveston’s 200th anniversary, funded largely by sponsors, and said proceeds will seed a scholarship endowment at Texas A&M University at Galveston focused on maritime workforce development.
Port trustees briefed council on plans for the Port of Galveston’s 200th anniversary commemoration. The port said the charter date is Oct. 17, 1825, and staff described a series of public events and donor-funded activities that will help launch an endowed scholarship program at Texas A&M University at Galveston.
"We have raised almost $900,000 for this," Port Director Roger Reese said, describing sponsorships and event revenue that trustees expect will cover celebration costs and seed an endowment. Port staff told trustees and council they aim to put roughly $300,000 into the scholarship endowment and to use event proceeds to support maritime workforce recruitment and training.
Plans include Maritime Day activities, ship tours and a gala; trustees said a drone show, VIP events and a larger public pier celebration are scheduled, and the port will publish a commemorative pictorial book documenting 200 years of port history.
Why this matters
Trustees and council members said the fundraising approach avoids using taxpayer dollars and focuses on workforce development for maritime careers. Council members welcomed the scholarship idea as a way to keep graduates and maritime jobs in Galveston.
What's next
Port staff said they will continue outreach to sponsors and partners, finalize event logistics and coordinate with Texas A&M University at Galveston to establish the scholarship and endowment terms.
