COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Texas A&M University

What does it mean to be an Aggie?


About Texas A&M University

Texas' first public institution of higher learning, opened Oct. 4, 1876

Holds triple federal designation as a land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant university

Ranks as the nation's seventh-largest university in enrollment with 45,380 students

Ranks among the top 25 public universities by "U.S. News & World Report" in its 2006 "America's Best Colleges" issue and among the top five in its "best values" ratings

Conducts research valued at more than $500 million annually

Operates branch campuses in Galveston and in the Persian Gulf state of Qatar and centers in Mexico City and Castiglio Fiorentino, Italy

Houses the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which opened in 1997 and has attracted more than one million visitors

Ranks at the top in student retention and graduation rates

Has an endowment valued at approximately $4.4 billion, which ranks third among U.S. public universities and seventh overall

Has formal agreements for collaborative research and faculty/student exchanges with more than 130 institutions in 52 countries, with research programs on all continents

Ranks among the top U.S. universities in attracting international students, with over 3,500 from 130 countries currently enrolled

Texas A&M's College Station campus, one of the largest in America, spans 5,200 acres

Texas A&M has over 800 student organizations, including academic, service, religious, Greek and common interest organizations

With over 280,000 former students, Texas A&M has one of the largest and most active alumni groups in America

The Spirit of Aggieland

What does it mean to be a Texas Aggie? Since its beginning in 1876, Texas A&M University has developed a rich heritage of traditions that have helped to develop character, leadership, unity and public service in all its graduates.

By experiencing these honored traditions you can begin to understand what is truly meant by "the Spirit of Aggieland."

Aggie Spirit - an intangible that binds together Texas A&M students - and former students - in a unique camaraderie. Every Aggie is a self-appointed guardian of the Aggie spirit, and this respect for Aggie traditions and values is the university's greatest strength.

Howdy - Many incoming students at Texas A&M chose to attend the campus because they feel that the students are friendlier than those at other universities. Howdy is the official greeting of Texas A&M. Students are encouraged to greet everyone they pass on campus with a smile and a howdy.

The 12th Man - The tradition of the Twelfth Man was born in 1922 when an underdog Aggie team was playing the nation's top ranked team. As the hard fought game wore on, E. King Gill, a former football player who was only playing basketball, was called from the stands, suited up, and stood ready throughout the rest of the game. Although Gill did not play in the game, he had accepted the call to help his team and came to be thought of as the Twelfth Man because he stood ready in the event that he was needed. That spirit of readiness for service, desire to support, and enthusiasm helped kindle a flame of devotion among the entire student body, known today as the Twelfth Man. They stand during the entire game to show their support, waiting to be called upon if they are needed.

Muster - Aggies worldwide gather each April 21 to renew friendships and honor those who have died since the previous year's Muster, with the main Muster held on campus but hundreds of others held throughout the state and nation and abroad. Muster is a time to look to the past, present, and future…not only to grieve but to reflect and to celebrate the lives that connect us to one another. A gesture so simple in nature yet so lasting in spirit, Muster is the lasting impression every Aggie leaves with us; it reminds us of the greatness that lies within these walls, of the loyalty we possess, of the connection that binds us, and of the idea that every Aggie has a place of importance - whether they are present in flesh or spirit.

Silver Taps - By far, one of Texas A&M's most honored traditions is Silver Taps, a unique silent campus memorial service held on the first Tuesday during the regular academic year for a graduate or undergraduate student who passes away while enrolled at Texas A&M.

Yell Practice - A midnight rally held on the eve of football games at Kyle Field to underscore school spirit and rehearse "yells" for the upcoming game.

Aggie Ring - The ring worn by all Aggie graduates is the same except for the class year. This serves as a common link for former students. When an Aggie sees the ring on another Aggie's hand, a spontaneous reunion occurs. Traditionally, students wear their ring with the class year facing them to signify the fact that their time at Texas A&M is not yet complete. During Senior Weekend at the annual Ring Dance, the student's ring is turned around to face the world proudly, just as the Aggie graduate will be ready to face the world.

Revielle - Texas A&M's official mascot is Reveille, now a purebred American collie. The first Reveille, a mixed breed dog, was adopted by students in 1931 after they accidentally hit her with their car. As of 2007, the current mascot is Reveille VII. She is considered a five-star general, the highest ranking member in the Corps of Cadets, She accompanies her handlers everywhere, including classes. If she chooses to bark in class, class is cancelled.

Corps of Cadets - Texas A&M's Corps of Cadets is as old as the University itself. The land grant system of colleges that gave rise to Texas A&M mandated military training as well as academic education. The Corps has been training leaders for service to the state and nation ever since. Cadets in the Corps are at the heart of the Aggie Spirit. Because Texas A&M was a military college for most of its first 100 years, many of its most cherished traditions grew out of the Corps experience. Thus cadets consider themselves 'Keepers of the Spirit' and 'Guardians of Tradition.'

Fightin' Texas Aggie Band- The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band (also known as The Noble Men of Kyle or the Aggie Band) is the official marching band of Texas A&M. Composed of over 400 men and women from the school's Corps of Cadets, it is the largest military marching band in the world. The complex straight-line maneuvers, performed exclusively to traditional marches, are so complicated and precise that computer marching simulations say they cannot be performed.

Memorial Student Center - Every Aggie has a home away from home in the Memorial Student Center. The MSC is unique in that it is a living memorial honoring all Aggies that have lost their lives during the World Wars. It was dedicated on Muster Day (April 21) of 1951 to all Aggies that gave their lives in wars past or future. As a sign of respect for the fallen Aggies, visitors are asked to remove their hats before stepping inside the building and to not walk on the grass surrounding the facility.

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