CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi today (Dec. 3) announced a gift from Whataburger, headquartered in Corpus Christi, that will support student scholarships, a concert performance, athletics and other programs benefiting the University and the South Texas community.

Whataburger’s $25,500 gift was made during a ceremonial check presentation held at the campus. Some of the funds are earmarked for Achieve Partnership, a scholarship program that builds relationships between the University and the business and professional community, and the President’s Council, an annual giving program that supports Presidential Scholarships.

Other areas receiving funding include Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s Islander athletics program and the Michael Martin Murphey “Cowboy Christmas” concert being held Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. The Christmas concert is part of the Furgason Bravo! Series for the Performing Arts.

“Whataburger has provided gifts to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi for many years, and we appreciate how they generously come forward to support programs that benefit the community and the University,” University President Flavius Killebrew said. “We thank Whataburger for this gift which moves us forward toward our goals of achieving excellence and engagement.”

Since 1990, Whataburger has provided around $175,000 to the University, funds which have supported various organizations, including the Athletics/Tarpon Foundation, the President’s Council, Achieve Partnership and annual community events such as the Island Jazz Festival and the State of the University luncheon.

“Whataburger is proud of its long-standing relationship with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi,” said Todd Coerver, vice president of brand development for Whataburger Restaurants. “We believe through our support of the University’s community, arts, education and athletic programs we can positively affect the quality of life in our hometown.”

Family-owned Whataburger has focused on its made-to-order-style hamburgers since 1950, when company founder Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger restaurant in Corpus Christi. Today, there are 700 locations in 10 states throughout the South and Southeast portion of the United States. Whataburger has a long history of philanthropy within the greater Corpus Christi community. the process of searching for Lovitt’s successor. No decision has been made as yet regarding when the search would begin.