In May of 1991, I graduated from Texas State University alongside my good friend and fraternity brother, Tommy Raffen. Tommy was one of those people that carried a room with his infectious personality and charisma, truly one of the funniest people I have ever known. I can still hear his laughter when I close my eyes. Unfortunately, Tommy was tragically killed in a car accident just days after our graduation. Knowing what Tommy meant to me, his parents attended my wedding in 1995. I will carry his loss with me always and I am asking you to help honor his memory.

In 2008, friends, family and alumni, in conjunction with the non-profit organization the Stelos Alliance, pledged to create and support a scholarship in the name of Thomas Dugan Raffen. Tommy was an exceptional student, leader and friend to many across campus. He served as President of Phi Delta Theta, and was a member of Student Foundation and Order of Omega. Tommy maintained this level of campus leadership while working to pay his way through school.

In the past, a scholarship award was presented annually to a Texas State University student that exhibited the leadership characteristics, optimistic enthusiasm, integrity, and pride in the University that exemplified Tommy’s college life. However, the Tommy Raffen Memorial Scholarship is coming back to the Texas Mu Chapter of Phi Delta Theta in Spring 2025 and we need your help to raise money to fund the award. I hope you will help to support this important cause and honor Tommy's memory with an annual commitment. In Coelo Quies Est!