Endowment established in memory of TWU student

Apr. 17, 2018 - DENTON - Jaqueline Rae Vandagriff's life was cut short 19 months ago, but her memory will live on through an endowment established by her friends and family at Texas Woman's University.

The 24-year old junior, who was a lifelong vegetarian and animal lover, was studying nutrition at TWU. The fund will commemorate her life by supporting an internship in the area of health and wellbeing, with a preference for students majoring in Nutrition and Food Sciences.

Her killer was convicted and sentenced this past week, and now that the trial is over, the focus for her family and the university community will be to honor Jackie's memory.

Several representatives from Texas Woman's have met with the family since her tragic death, including the chair of the Nutrition and Food Sciences program at TWU, Shane Broughton, Ph.D.

"I was at the trial for three of the six days and got to know the family very well in that period of time," said Broughton. "They appreciated the support they received from TWU."

Monica Mendez-Grant, Ed.D., vice president for student life, who will administer the endowment, also supported the family throughout the ordeal. "I pray the family can find some closure as we ensure that we celebrate the way Jackie lived her life-always with a desire to serve, assist and lead."

Donations to the Jaqueline Rae Vandagriff Endowed Internship in Health and Wellbeing may be made by contacting the Texas Woman's University, Office of Advancement at advancement@twu.edu or 940-898-3863.