Watching the students of our members graduate is the greatest reward of being a part of the Parents Association. To honor those members who have worked to further the goals of the Association, we would like to share their experiences. We encourage members to submit their experience to help explain the unique role the Association performs at Texas State University.
Brooks Family - members from 1994-1998
Dicker Family - members from 1998-2007
Allen Family - members from 1999-2004
Wymore Family -members from 2001-2005
Harris Family - members from 1991-present
Kaspar Family - members from 2001-2006
Hopson Family -members from 2002-2007
Barbara and I became members of the Texas State Parents Association and were very active for four years. Our participation gave us a much better insight into and appreciation of Texas State University and the great things the Association does for the students and the institution. Our son, Andrew, enjoyed our participation and appreciated his parents taking an interest in his education and his institution of higher learning during his time there. The Association contributed to a richer educational experience for him and a personally rewarding four years for Barbara and me. We enjoyed watching the Association grow and prosper while it expanded its ability to award scholarships to deserving students and to fund worthwhile and deserving activities on campus.
Another benefit of our membership was getting to know and work with the wonderful Texas State staff and parent volunteers. The volunteers came from all parts of Texas and a variety of walks of life. We worked well together, sometimes hard, and always had fun doing it. We treasure the memories of our time at Texas State and would not trade that experience for any other. Some of the friendships we made there are lasting and are still an important part of our lives.
| Parents will benefit in many and unexpected ways by becoming a member of the Texas State Parents Association. Becoming an active member is an opportunity that you should not let slip by. Our son completed his degree in Nutrition and Foods and went on to receive a culinary degree at LeCordon Bleu in Sydney, Australia. Today, he owns his own successful personal chef company in Austin called Spirited Food. He attributes his success at LeCordon Bleu and as an entrepreneur to the foundation that Texas State provided him. Wayne and Barbara Brooks |
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Chuck and I are both alumni of Texas State and have always had a special place in our hearts for this wonderful University. As our daughters were growing up, all they heard from the two of us was how much we enjoyed our years at Texas State. That explains in large part why attending Texas State has always been their dream, too.
Katy, our oldest, started classes in the Fall of 1998. I’m not sure who was more excited, her or Chuck and me. I attended freshman orientation during that hot summer in June. As I wandered around from session to session, the warm smiles and enthusiasm coming from the Parents Association table were contagious and inviting. I ventured over and began a conversation with Marian and other parent volunteers about joining. It was then that I discovered the great link between home and college.
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Even though we only live 21 miles from the campus, Katy chose to live in a dorm. Moving her out from under Mom and Dad’s “control” and into her college life was a great experience, but did present some challenges. We still had one in high school that needed our continued support and involvement. The Parents Association provided us with the best option for getting involved with the University without sacrificing any of our commitments to our younger daughter.
We have been involved with our daughters throughout their school years, so why should we stop here? Our decision to get involved was so rewarding for us. It was our connection to our daughter, and staying involved was as important to us as to Katy. She knew we cared about her education and valued it enough to still work football games, go to meetings, work New Student Orientation and speak to parents about the advantages of joining the Parents Association.
The Parents Association is a tremendous group of parents who care about the fine education their children are getting. It is rewarding to see the awarding of scholarships, the funding of many organizations across the campus, and the help that is given to parents and students who are in need of advice or need to know who to turn to when questions or concerns arise. All of this is done through your dues. It is one organization that has benefited our family and has given us a link between home and school. We have been involved since August of 1998.
Katy graduated on December 21, 2002, and Lindsay is a sophomore. Yes, we are still active in the Association and have served as Association Presidents. We plan to stay involved and show Lindsay, as we did Katy, that we value and care enough about her education to volunteer our time to Texas State. The Parents Association is your link to the University and to your child’s success at Texas State.
Chuck and Ginger Dicker
Buda, Texas
Your children have made a good choice in making Texas State their new home-away-from-home! Transition from high school student to college student is a big step and can be lonely, scary at times, overwhelming and frustrating. And as your children grow into young adults, they are going to need your support even more but in a different way.

Jim and Joyce Lynch
Dear Parents,
We have two reasons for being involved in the Parents Association--our son David, who will graduate next May with a degree in computer science and math, and our daughter Sarah, who is in her third year as an English major. We were very active in their elementary and secondary schools, and we decided to continue that involvement when they moved on to Texas State.
The Parents Association provides us with the opportunity to network with other parents as we all work to help our students succeed in their college careers. The PA staff provides assistance with our questions and concerns. We, in turn, can contribute to Texas State and all of its students through the Association's fundraising activities that provide financial support to a variety of groups across campus.
For some parents, sending children off to college can be nerve-wracking; for others it is a joyful experience. For many, it is a combination of both. The Parents Association can give parents a little University "family" to make the process more comfortable. We hope you will join our little "family" to benefit yourselves, your students, and the University as a whole.
Sincerely,
Jim and Joyce Lynch, Austin
Presidents, Texas State Parents Association