Philanthropy in Motion: Donors Tackle Transportation Needs of Galveston Sea Aggies
The 12th Van helps students access essential services and community opportunities on the island
The free shuttle service launched in the fall of 2025, and, so far, hundreds of students have ridden it to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other destinations.
Cars can seem pointless on a college campus until a student needs to see a doctor, pick up groceries, or engage with the nearby community. The lack of easy access to a motor vehicle can feel paralyzing and isolating.
That’s why two Aggie families and an influential Texas foundation with a history of supporting Texas A&M University at Galveston have stepped up again. Dr. Sue ’94 and Patrick Mahoney ’71, Lynette and Darnell Knippa ’70, and the Mary Moody Northen Endowment combined to give $70,000 for the 12th Van.
This new Galveston campus asset addresses access to essential services and removes transportation barriers that can quietly limit student opportunity.
University leaders describe it as a practical investment with immediate impact — one that connects students to where they need to be while reinforcing the idea that when Aggies rally together, generosity doesn’t just move people — it moves possibilities forward.
Dr. Todd Sutherland, ’90, is the chief of staff, associate vice president and Texas A&M Maritime Academy assistant superintendent for cadets. He praised the donors for their thoughtfulness and generosity.
“Their gifts reflect ongoing support for the university and demonstrate a lasting commitment to the quality of student life on the Galveston campus,” he said.
The collective gifts for the 12th Van allowed for the purchase of a 12-passenger 2025 Ford Transit 350 XLT equipped with advanced safety and entertainment features.
The free shuttle service launched in the fall of 2025, and, so far, hundreds of students have ridden it to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other destinations.
In addition to addressing critical and affordable access to healthcare and sources of healthy and culturally appropriate groceries, the 12th Van helps students build more connections.
“This van provides students access to study and entertainment venues throughout Galveston during certain periods of the academic year,” said Ken Bailey, interim associate vice president for Student Affairs and director of Career & Ability Services.
He added that the van also serves students who remain on campus during holidays and breaks.
The Galveston campus has seven drivers certified with Student Assistant Services, including staff and students. It takes international students to welcome events in College Station as well as international food markets, banks, and social security offices near Galveston.
The vehicle, which got a branded maroon and white wrap this spring, serves students, staff, and faculty with transportation to conferences, field trips, and volunteer events, Bailey said. Plans for the fall 2026 semester include adding rides to Galveston’s Own Farmers Market on Sundays.
About the donors
The Mahoneys – Sue Mahoney received her master’s and doctorate from Texas A&M and teaches educational technology courses at the University of Houston-Downtown. Patrick Mahoney, a Houston attorney, earned his bachelor’s in accounting from Texas A&M, followed by a law degree from South Texas College of Law. Their son, Dan ’92, is also an Aggie.
The Knippas – Darnell Knippa is a petroleum engineering graduate and former member of the Corps of Cadets who with his wife, Lynette, appreciates opportunities to impact multiple students. The 12th Van isn’t their only transportation-focused project. They recently donated to the Department of Animal Science on the College Station campus to support van rentals for trips made by the livestock judging team.
The Mary Moody Northen Endowment – The charitable foundation, which offices in a cottage at 2628 Broadway Ave. on the grounds of the Moody Mansion in Galveston, awards grants to support environmental, social service, historical and educational projects. The Mary Moody Northen Student Center on the Texas A&M Galveston campus is named for the foundation’s founder.
