Transforming Lives: Atmos Energy

photo caption: (l–r): Sandra Doyle, Director, Public Affairs, Atmos Energy, John Paris, President, Mid Tex Division, Atmos Energy, Carlos Robles

Atmos Energy supports education at Texas A&M University-Commerce through an endowment established in the fall of 2007. Sandra Doyle, director of public affairs at Atmos Energy, helped initiate the funds as a current board member of the university's foundation.

“It's the number one priority at Atmos Energy to support education,” Doyle said. “We know how important it is to educate our youth, and there is a huge need for engineers. We are hoping to encourage and motivate more engineering students to develop an interest in the energy industry.”

The endowment balance is currently $15,000, and generates approximately $750 annually for a scholarship.

Carlos Robles, engineering senior, was awarded the Atmos Energy Scholarship in his junior year.

“It's always good to know that companies like Atmos Energy are looking out for students and finding ways to help them during school. I am very grateful to have received the scholarship,” Carlos said. “I've looked into the natural gas field, and I have become very interested in that area. I have kept in contact with the individuals I met so far at the company, and they have truly enlightened me.”

Carlos is looking forward to a shadow day internship scheduled in May at Atmos Energy where he will be able to learn more about the industry through hands-on experience. He hopes it leads to future opportunities.

For more information on how you can support students like Carlos through an endowed scholarship, contact Alicia Wittkopf, director of advancement services, at [email protected] or (903) 468-3020.