STEPHENVILLE, Texas — For more than 100 years Tarleton State University’s Purple Poo have supported activities across campus. Now the organization, the oldest of its kind in Texas, has endowed its own scholarship.

Members and former members of the secret group have been fundraising independently for a couple of decades to endow their existing scholarship through the Tarleton State University Foundation. 

In a recent signing ceremony, the Purple Poo Legacy Scholarship Endowment was officially created.

“That’s the sole purpose of the Poo endowment — to give back to the actives and family members of Poo alumni and set up a scholarship fund for them,” said Stash Wells, Past President of the TTS-TTP Alumni Association and member of the organization’s board of directors. 

After the extended fundraising, Wells said it’s gratifying to finally hit the target. “It’s absolutely awesome to be a part of this group that has set up this endowment. It has been our goal all along to give back to the university and to the Poo family.”

Ten male and 10 female members take on the Poo mission of anonymously promoting spirit each semester. Formed when Tarleton was a junior college, the Ten Tarleton Peppers (TTP) and Ten Tarleton Sisters (TTS) are the oldest organizations on campus, dating to 1921 and 1923, respectively. They became collectively known as the Purple Poo after a glob of paint splattered on a spirit sign.

The TTS-TTP Alumni Association was formed in 1995. The endowment was started with $90,000; organizers hope to top $100,000 this year in celebration of the TTS centennial.

To be eligible for the scholarship, an applicant must be a current Poo or family member of Poo alumni and a full-time student (GPA 2.0 or better) in good standing. Recommendation letters from the Poo sponsor and Poo alumni also are required.

Donations may be made through the Tarleton Foundation at https://donate.tarleton.edu/.

For more information on all Tarleton scholarships, visit https://www.tarleton.edu/scholarships/.

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.