Getnet Hailegiorgis, Alemnesh Sileshi and Mieraf Getnet created the Elshadai Getnet ’26 Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Engineering to honor their son, Elshadai Getnet ’26, whose time at Texas A&M University was devastatingly cut short.
From an early age, Elshadai’s passion for engineering was evident to his parents. “Elshadai was captivated by trains, which later evolved into building legos,” Getnet said.
Excelling academically, Elshadai graduated cum laude from Cy-Fair High School in 2022. Determined to pursue his passion, he chose to study mechanical engineering, eager to explore new technologies and make a lasting impact on the world.
Elshadai was more than just a bright student, he embodied the Aggie spirit, offering kindness, encouragement and a sense of belonging to those around him. His heart for others extended beyond close friends, reaching those he barely knew.
During his freshman year, Elshadai noticed two classmates who seemed disconnected and struggled to engage in class. Instead of looking away, he took the initiative to approach them, striking up conversations and simply offering a listening ear.
“According to the students' heartfelt accounts, his effort helped lift them from the shadows of depression and gave them a sense of belonging,” Getnet recalled.
Though his time in Aggieland was brief, Elshadai’s indelible legacy of generosity and compassion will continue through the scholarship established in his name.
“Through this endowment, my son’s legacy will ripple through generations, helping shape a brighter future for both the engineering profession and humanity,” Getnet said.
The Elshadai Getnet Memorial Endowed Scholarship will support future Aggie engineers, encouraging them to follow in Elshadai’s footsteps and be a brother or sister to those around them. “It is this combination of intellectual brilliance and profound humanity that the scholarship seeks to honor,” Getnet said.
A testament to his impact, more than 500 people attended Elshadai’s memorial service, many of whom he lovingly called his “brothers and sisters.”
“Each shared stories of his kindness, highlighting the profound difference he made in their lives,” Getnet said.
Though Elshadai is no longer here, his legacy of compassion, kindness and hope will continue shaping lives for generations to come.