Nathalie '23 &
Kevin McDonald '89
Saluting a legacy of selfless service, dedication and commitment
By Brian Davis '01
At the heart of Texas A&M's success is a dedicated community of supporters like Nathalie '23 and Kevin McDonald '89, whose decades of commitment through the 12th Man Foundation have made a profound impact on Aggie Athletics.
Their contributions extend beyond financial support. They have devoted their time and leadership to ensuring that Aggie student-athletes thrive both in competition and in the classroom.
Kevin, a third-generation Aggie, was born in California but moved to College Station as a child when his father joined the faculty at Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine.
“Texas A&M has always been a part of my life,” Kevin said, noting how the values instilled by his family shaped his connection to the university. “Some of my earliest memories are attending Aggie football games with my family.”
When he was in fifth grade, Kevin's family relocated to West Texas, where he lived on a cattle and sheep ranch. His involvement in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) led to him earning a scholarship from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which brought him back to College Station to pursue a degree at Texas A&M.
At that time, the scholarship required you to major in agriculture, and I chose agricultural economics,” he said. “I was a country boy, so it seemed like a good fit.”
While at Texas A&M, Kevin's life took a transformative turn during an animal science trip to Washington, D.C. It was there that he met Fred McClure, an influential Aggie who was serving as President Ronald Reagan's legislative affairs director. After an internship on Capitol Hill, Kevin was inspired to pursue a career in law.
“I don't know if I should give Fred the credit or the blame,” Kevin said with a laugh, “but I went home thinking I wanted to become a lawyer. I thought, 'I'm going to do what Fred does.'”
“The 12th Man Foundation plays a critical role in supporting our athletic programs, and we're honored to be a part of that. It's a privilege to support the university and the student-athletes who work so hard to represent the Aggie family.”
Kevin's connection to the 12th Man Foundation began during his first job as a trial attorney when he was recruited by Arno Krebs, a past president of the 12th Man Foundation's Executive Committee.
“Arno is like a second father to me,” Kevin said. “He's been a close mentor and friend ever since, influencing my professional career and my involvement with the 12th Man Foundation.”
As Kevin's career flourished — he has held leadership roles at multiple corporations — his dedication to Texas A&M grew stronger. Together with Nathalie, whom he met at church in Houston, they have remained steadfast in their support of the university and its athletics department.
The McDonalds are season ticket holders for football, men's and women's basketball and baseball and have made significant contributions to Texas A&M Athletics. Beyond financial support, they have devoted their time and talents to the 12th Man Foundation, helping shape the future of Aggie sports through their leadership and selfless service.
Their involvement with the 12th Man Foundation has been particularly impactful through their work on the Board of Trustees, where Kevin served as chair in 2023.
“Serving on the board has been a tremendous honor,” Kevin said. “It's an opportunity to give back to the university that has given me so much and to play a part in ensuring the success of our athletic programs.”
As a trustee and member of the legal committee, Kevin has been involved in initiatives aimed at enhancing the student-athlete experience and ensuring Texas A&M remains competitive nationally.
“Kevin has dedicated so many hours and so much of his time and talents ever since he has been on the board,” said Joe Wright '82, the 2024 chair of the Board of Trustees. “He has set a great example of selfless service.”
During the first Board of Trustees meeting in 2023, Kevin emphasized two initiatives where he believed the board could make a lasting impact: supporting student-athletes in navigating Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and improving facilities critical to Texas A&M Athletics.
“Kevin's leadership and legal expertise have been instrumental in helping Texas A&M and the 12th Man Foundation navigate the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics,” said Travis Dabney '96, 12th Man Foundation president and CEO.
Nathalie grew up 80 miles from Aggieland in Temple, Texas. After graduating from high school, she followed in her family's footsteps by attending Abilene Christian University. Though she did not initially attend Texas A&M, Nathalie has always embraced the Aggie spirit wholeheartedly.
In 2023, she made her mark on Aggieland by earning a master's degree in public administration.
“Earning a degree from A&M and getting my Aggie Ring meant a lot to me,” she said. “Now we get a lot of interesting looks when people see Kevin '89 and Nathalie '23 on our name tags at Aggie events. I can attest that I'm not really 34 years younger than my husband!”
Beyond their service with the 12th Man Foundation, the McDonalds have made a significant impact through their work with Arms of Hope, a nonprofit organization that supports disadvantaged children and families. Kevin served as president and CEO for several years, while Nathalie continues to work with the organization as chief development officer.
“Our work with Arms of Hope has been incredibly rewarding,” Kevin said. “It's given us the chance to help people in need while staying connected to our values of selfless service.”
The McDonalds' journey has not been without challenges. In August 2011, during Nathalie's pregnancy with their third child, Marlie Ruth, they received devastating news. An ultrasound revealed that their unborn daughter had a golf ball-sized mass in her brain.
Determined to find the best treatment, Kevin sent MRI results to pediatric cancer hospitals nationwide. Within days, Texas Children's Hospital invited the McDonalds to tour their facility.
“They told us that's where we needed to be,” Kevin recalled.
Marlie was born on Sept. 22, 2011, and just four days later, she underwent a seven-hour surgery to remove the tumor, followed by two years of intense chemotherapy. Despite the challenges, the McDonalds found solace in their faith and the support from the Aggie community.
In August 2017, the McDonalds received the news they had prayed for. Marlie was declared a cancer survivor. The following spring, she became the Mutton Bustin' Champion at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, following in her father's footsteps as a rodeo winner.
“She's a fighter who battled for her life against brain cancer,” Nathalie said. “It was a triumphant testimony of a remarkable child.”
The McDonalds are also proud parents of their oldest daughter, Maycie '25, and their son, Coleman '28. Maycie, a senior majoring in political science, and Coleman, a freshman majoring in financial planning, are upholding the family tradition as fourth-generation Aggies.
“Maycie loves being the first in our family to serve in the Corps of Cadets since her great-great-grandfather,” Nathalie said, referring to Kevin's great-grandfather, William Reed '14, who was a member of the Corps from 1910 to 1914. “She's proud to continue that legacy and earn the right to carry his saber.”
Through their generosity and tireless efforts, the McDonalds have made a lasting difference in the lives of many, from disadvantaged children to Aggie student-athletes.
“We are so grateful for the opportunities we've had to give back to Texas A&M,” Kevin says. “The 12th Man Foundation plays a critical role in supporting our athletic programs, and we're honored to be a part of that. It's a privilege to support the university and the student-athletes who work so hard to represent the Aggie family.”
Nathalie and Kevin's story is one of service, loyalty and a commitment to making a positive impact. As they continue to support Texas A&M Athletics, the McDonalds hope they inspire others to do the same.
“Nathalie and Kevin exemplify the spirit of the 12th Man,” Dabney said. “We are sincerely grateful for their leadership, service and commitment in support of Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Athletics.”