Former Student Leaves A Legacy Built On Selfless Service
Bubba Smith '25 created an endowed scholarship and started an organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity during his time at the Galveston Campus.
Smith graduated in May 2025.
For Bubba Smith ‘25, the Oceans and One Health Concentration at Texas A&M University at Galveston was a transformative experience that shaped his identity. For some students, college is just a stepping stone, but for Smith, it broadened his perspective and set him on a path to creating a legacy.
Smith started his journey at the Galveston Campus unsure of what degree to pursue. “I wasn’t sure where I wanted to be in life,” Smith said. “I knew I wanted to do something health related, I just didn’t know exactly what.”
This changed when he discovered the Oceans and One Health Concentration. The unique program has a flexible approach for those interested in health fields in coastal communities.
“It was a relatively new program when I started in 2021,” Smith said. “The program blends marine science, public health and environmental policy, which let me explore a wide range of career options.”
By graduation, Smith was involved in numerous student organizations on campus. He explained that his first year at Texas A&M Galveston looked quite different from his last.
“My freshman year I didn’t do anything. My roommate and I would stay in our dorm and play video games all day,” Smith said. “We didn’t go out much except to go get takeout.”
Seeing others involved on campus prompted Smith to make a change. “I would see these people all around campus and think it’d be so cool to be them and be super involved. Why don’t I do that?”
Motivated by his realization, Smith stepped into leadership roles. He played a key role in establishing the Food Recovery Network Chapter at Texas A&M Galveston, a student-led initiative that collects surplus food from the campus dining hall, serviced by Chartwells, and redistributes it to fight local food insecurity in the Galveston area. To date, the organization has provided over 900 pounds of food for the Galveston community.
“I grew up food insecure,” said Smith. “It was kind of a no-brainer to me and even the cafeteria staff were surprised something like this hadn’t already been in place.”
Smith also established his legacy in the form of philanthropy. Through the Texas A&M Foundation at Texas A&M University at Galveston, Smith established the Bubba Smith ’25 and Bobby Smith ’59 Pre-Health Endowed Scholarship, named for Smith and his grandfather, Bobby, who shared his love of education with Smith. In doing this, Smith became the first Galveston Campus student to establish an endowed scholarship while still enrolled. The scholarship supports students pursuing health-related careers, especially those who demonstrate leadership and initiative, values Smith believes are essential in the health field.
“A doctor, or any health professional, is such an important part of the community,” he said. “I hope it inspires others to see that hard work pays off and that there are people who believe in you. This scholarship is for that exact reason,” Smith stated. “I want to tell someone: you belong here, and you’re going to succeed. You’re doing great work already. This is recognition of that. You matter, and your work matters.”
Smith is now applying to medical schools, planning to apply his experience as an undergraduate to designing environmentally friendly medical supplies. For prospective students wondering whether the Oceans and One Health Concentration is right for them, Smith offers an enthusiastic endorsement. “There’s so many things at play affecting human health, not just sickness. You have to look at water quality, contaminants and chemistry. You learn how it all connects. This program can greatly benefit you.”
“It’s an amazing program that will allow you to go in so many directions,” he says. “Do it!”
Wondering how you can make an impact at Texas A&M Galveston through the Texas A&M Foundation? The Foundation has several initiatives that benefit the Galveston Campus. To learn more, please visit the Texas A&M Foundation website.
If you’re interested in establishing a legacy through the Texas A&M Foundation, please contact the Galveston Campus team.
Smith graduated in May 2025.
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