By Emma Heeney
Putting others ahead of yourself is the definition of selflessness. This school year, the luckiest group of students will have Mr. Sagstetter, a first-year fifth grade math teacher, who embodies that quality, and has always cared for every single person who entered his life, even if you were only in it for a millisecond.
Jacob Sagstetter came to TLU originally wanting to earn a degree in biology. But one day, everything clicked, and he realized he was meant to be a teacher. “I wanted to guide young minds and help them develop into good people,” he says.
Making the switch to education was a natural choice, considering Jacob’s level of involvement during his time at TLU, which demonstrated how much he cares for others. Jacob was a member and served as president of Sigma Phi Theta, a fraternity that focuses on serving Texas Lutheran and the surrounding community, and on being TOGETHER FOREVER. He was also a member of Big Dog Endowment—a student-run organization that manages funds and donates them to worthy causes—and of Water to Thrive, which raises money to build wells in rural African communities that are in desperate need.
Jacob also held one of the most difficult jobs on campus: being a Resident Assistant (RA) in a freshman hall—a position that entails giving up evenings and weekends to make sure residents are safe and doing okay in their personal lives. Being an RA is a huge undertaking, but Jacob did it with grace. His charges threw curveball after curveball at him, but he handled each situation with empathy and respect. It was no surprise when Jacob was named RA of the Year by the Campus Living Staff in 2025.
Jacob was also a TLU Orientation Leader this past summer. Although he had already graduated, another male was needed to assist. Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Malikah Pitts Harvey called Jacob, and he stepped up even though, as a graduate, he had no obligation to do so. Mati De La Garza, the orientation coordinator, says Jacob is a special kind of person. “He is always wanting to make sure everyone else is okay and happy and having the best time. He is also a great leader, and his class is lucky to have him.”
Jacob has made an impression on everyone in his life, and refuses to take credit for the good he does. He’s so well loved, in fact, that many people have beautiful things to say about him, including RA Heaven Garza, who worked in Trinity Hall alongside Jacob. “Jacob Sagstetter is one of those rare individuals who truly make a difference in the lives of everyone around him,” she says. “His loyalty, kindness, and deep understanding make him a constant source of support and encouragement.”
Heaven says that when she first started as an RA, Jacob was there with her every step of the way, offering guidance, sharing wisdom, and helping her grow into a confident and capable leader. “He gives so much of himself to others, always putting people first and lifting them up with his positivity and compassion. Jacob’s presence is a gift, and his unwavering dedication to helping others is nothing short of inspiring. There’s no doubt in my mind that he is going to be an incredible teacher and an amazing person who continues to impact lives wherever he goes.”
Jacob decided to stay in Seguin after graduation and is teaching fifth grade math. “I can’t wait to meet my kids and see how they grow and develop this year,” he says, eager for the school year to begin—and ready to positively affect many more lives.