Aggieland Through the Decades

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1940s

1940 Sugar Bowl Champions, '40

With an undefeated record and a ranking of No. 1 in the AP Poll, Texas A&M entered the 1940 Sugar Bowl against Tulane University with good odds. The Aggies took lead in the first quarter with a 1-yard touchdown from running back John Kimbrough ’41, who finished the game with 159 yards rushing on 25 carries. In the third quarter, Tulane’s Kellogg returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown, tying the game 7—7. Tulane’s Monnett Butler scored a 2-yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt was blocked, giving Tulane a 13—7 lead. Kimbrough’s second rushing touchdown of the game rallied the Aggies to an exhilarating 14—13 win.

'40

"We've Never Been Licked", '43

Originally released by Universal Pictures in 1943 and filmed on location in College Station, “We’ve Never Been Licked” has been an Aggie classic for generations. Produced by Walter Wanger, the film stars Richard Quine as Brad Craig, a young Army brat looking to make a name for himself when he joins the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. Disgraced, kicked out of school and inadvertently tangled in a web of espionage, Craig is prepared to risk it all to serve his country. Co-stars include: Robert Mitchum, Noah Beery Jr., Anne Gwynne and Martha O’Driscoll.

'43

Remembering Miss Rev , '44

Reveille I died on Jan. 18, 1944, after 13 loyal years as the mascot. She was given a formal military funeral at Kyle Field, including a 21-gun salute. All of the deceased Reveilles, including Reveille I, are buried outside the north end of Kyle Field, where they have a special scoreboard so that they can always watch the Aggies outscore their opponents.

'44

Veterans Become Aggies , '44

Signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the G.I. Bill led to increased enrollment at Texas A&M as veterans returned home from WWII. Prior to the war, college had only been an option for 10-15% of young Americans, with university campuses occupied by the most privileged classes. By 1947, veterans comprised half of the nation's college enrollment; three years later, nearly 500,000 Americans graduated from college, compared to 160,000 in 1939.

'44

1950s

Building a Brighter Future , '53

On Sept. 12, 1953, a group of 21 Texas A&M former students and Texas A&M University System Regents gathered to officially create an organization they had long discussed. They knew the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas would eventually need large charitable gifts to continue offering a quality academic experience. Utilizing the Texas Trust Law, the Texas A&M College Development Foundation was formed with an initial $100 in assets. Wofford Cain ’13, Sterling Evans ’21, Herman Heep ’20, W.P. Machemehl ’33 and A.F. Mitchell ’22 were named its first trustees. In 1999, Jon Hagler ’58 gifted $5 million for the Foundation’s new headquarters on campus and the organization was renamed the Texas A&M Foundation. Today, the nonprofit works diligently in its mission to “build a brighter future for Texas A&M University, one relationship at a time.”

'53

An Aggie’s First Tradition, '54

In 1954, YMCA Director Gordon Gay took a group of freshmen Aggies camping in Mexia, Texas, to learn about Texas A&M traditions and interact with their new classmates. This small, campfire-side event later sparked a much larger, more organized weekend event at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine, Texas, that has grown to more than 6,000 incoming freshmen attending Fish Camp to learn exactly what the Aggie Spirit is all about. Fish Camp continues to be a treasured “first tradition” for Aggies where countless students make lifelong friends and some even meet their significant other!

'54

Making 12th Man History, '57

In 1957, John David Crow ’58 became Texas A&M’s first Heisman recipient despite missing parts of three games due to an injury. A Springhill, Louisiana, native, Crow was recruited by Texas A&M’s head coach, Paul “Bear” Bryant, as a true freshman in 1954 and remains the only player to win a Heisman while playing for the legendary coach. Bryant told Heisman voters that “they should do away with the thing” if they didn’t vote for Crow. After an 11-season career in the NFL, Crow began his own coaching journey, coaching under Bryant for the University of Alabama and later coaching on the NFL level with the Cleveland Browns and the San Diego Chargers. He was inducted into the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 1976 and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1982.

'57

Transforming Texas A&M, '59

In 1959, Maj. Gen. James Earl Rudder ’32 was named the President of Texas A&M University. Rudder is credited for transforming the small land-grant college into the respected university it is today. Under his leadership, participation in the Corps of Cadets was made optional, enrollment doubled, the campus became integrated and women were formally admitted. The university’s research efforts expanded, and academic and faculty standards were improved. In 1965, Rudder also assumed the Texas A&M University System presidency and held both positions until his death in 1970.

'59

1960s

Howdy, Ladies!,'63

Beginning in 1963, wives and daughters of Texas A&M faculty, staff and students were allowed to officially pursue undergraduate degrees. Six years later, all women could enroll regardless of their kinship. The admission of women as official students also opened employment doors as the university began to recruit women for faculty and staff positions. In 1963, there were a total of 8,122 students enrolled with women making up a small percentage of enrollment. In the spring 2022 semester, total enrollment numbers grew to nearly 69,000 students with women accounting for nearly 50% of the total enrollment.

'63

Texas A&M Integrates, '64

Signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on July 2, 1964, the Civil Rights Act was a turning point in history for Texas A&M and colleges across the nation as it provided for the integration of schools and other public facilities. While Black students only accounted for 3% of Texas A&M’s total enrollment in the spring 2022 semester, this population has played a vital role in shaping Aggieland’s history, and the university has prioritized plans to grow this number to better reflect the nation’s diversity. Scholarships like the Foundation Excellence Award, established in 1999, help recruit and retain outstanding undergraduates from historically disadvantaged groups often underserved in the Aggie student body.

'64

The Corps Takes New Shape, '65

Established as a military school in 1876, the Corps of Cadets has been an integral part of Texas A&M since its beginnings. In WWII, alone, 20,229 Aggies served, with 14,123 commissioned as officers and 6,106 serving as enlisted personnel. In 1965, the university and Corps took new shape as Corps membership was made optional. Even with Corps requirements dropped, the organization still boasted 2,143 members in fall of 2021, making it the largest uniformed student body in the nation, aside from military academies.

'65

World's tallest bonfire at Texas A&M in 1969

Aggieland Burns Bright , '69

The cherished Fightin’ Texas Aggie Bonfire was established in 1907 with a scrap heap that symbolized every Aggie’s “burning desire” to beat the University of Texas in football. Through the years, this tradition grew to a more organized event attracting between 30,000 and 70,000 people each year to watch it burn. In 1969, Aggies took the bonfire to a new level—literally—at 107 feet, 10 inches, when they ignited the world’s tallest bonfire.

'69

1970s

Boots Fit for an Aggie , '74

In 1974, legendary Aggie bootmaker Joseph Holick passed away at 103. A Czech immigrant, Holick embarked for a better life in America in 1891. Originally destined for Orange, Texas, he accidentally fell asleep on his journey and awoke to find his train car disconnected at the Bryan depot. He began working as a part-time shoemaker and was offered a job as a bootmaker and bugler for the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas’ Corps of Cadets. Upon moving his boot shop to its original Northgate location in 1929, Holick began producing the iconic senior boots introduced into uniforms during World War I.

'74

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets members in senior boots

A Salute to Women , '74

Nearly 100 years after its founding, the Corps of Cadets allowed women to join in 1974. Initially led by a male commanding officer, W-1 was created and consisted of 25 female cadets. Women-only outfits such as W-1, and later Squadron 14, would continue until 1990 when they were disbanded and the units G-1 and Squadron 9 were integrated. In 2015, the Corps named its first female commander, Alyssa (Michalke) Stipek ’16.

'74

Dixie Chicken restaurant in College Station, TX

An Aggieland Staple , '74

In 1974, the iconic Dixie Chicken opened on Northgate. For more than 40 years, Aggieland’s oldest bar has been helping Aggies celebrate big wins and special moments and serving up delicious burgers to former students who return to show their families their old stomping grounds. The Chicken’s current website features entertaining stories from Aggies that date back to its grand opening.

'74

Fred McClure, student body president of Texas A&M University, 1976

Fred McClure ’76 Makes History , '76

With Texas A&M facing many changes during the mid-1970s, Fred McClure saw the need for a leader who could represent the student body with a steady hand. Gaining leadership experience in FFA—even serving as its national secretary, he used his agricultural leadership background to make connections across campus. In 1976, he made Aggieland history as Texas A&M’s first Black student body president. He continued his leadership journey after graduation serving as an advisor to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. McClure was named the 115th Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M in 1991.

'76

1980s

Twelth Man statue at Texas A&M University

The 12th Man Stands in Aggieland , '80

Aggies love E. King Gill and what he stood for: unity, loyalty and the willingness to serve when called upon. Knowing it was important for future Aggies to remember this deeply rooted lesson in Texas A&M’s history, the graduating class of 1980 funded the Twelfth Man statue, a 6 foot, 4 inch-tall bronze sculpture of Gill, sculpted by George E. “Pat” Foley. The statue stood at the north entrance to Kyle Field until 2014 when it was relocated to the west side of Rudder Fountain as part of the Kyle Field renovation.

'80

Students washing police car during Big Event at Texas A&M

Serving in a Big Way , '82

Joe Nussbaum ’84 accidentally founded Texas A&M’s Big Event in 1942 when a student mistakenly joined Nussbaum’s student services committee thinking it would be a volunteer opportunity. Rather than brushing off the student’s misinterpretation, Nussbaum decided it was time for Texas A&M students to give back to the Bryan-College Station community. Since the initial Big Event, students have completed more than 1 million service hours. In 2019, The Big Event’s leadership coordinated 18,592 student volunteers to serve 2,319 Bryan-College Station residents.

'82

The Bells of Aggieland , '84

Dedicated on Oct. 6, 1984, the Albritton Bell Tower is a familiar sight and sound to Aggies and visitors who frequent campus. Named for its donors, Martha and Ford Albritton Jr. ’43, the tower contains Westminster chimes and 49 carillon bells. The bells, which collectively weigh 17 tons, were made in a 200-year-old French foundry. The bells and chimes are programmed to sound every hour and also play the “Spirit of Aggieland” for special events and hymns during Silver Taps.

'84

To Aggieland and Beyond , '89

Texas A&M added out-of-this-world possibilities for Aggies when it became a space-grant university in 1989 as part of NASA’s National Space Grant and Fellowship Program, a national network of colleges and universities dedicated to expanding opportunities for Americans to participate in NASA projects. This designation only strengthened Texas A&M’s reputation as one of the country’s leading research universities. Texas A&M is one of only 17 institutions in the U.S. to hold the triple designation as a land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant university.

'89

1990s

Aggies WHOOP for Ronnie , '91

Getting his first taste of Aggie traditions and a glimpse of the Yell Leaders at Fish Camp, Ronnie McDonald ’93 was hooked. Aspiring to someday run for student body president, he thought running for Yell Leader would help his cause, but when he was elected as Texas A&M’s first Black Yell Leader in 1991, his plans changed because he’d found his place in Aggieland. While McDonald sometimes received mixed emotions from crowds, he shared in a recent Texas A&M Today article that his fellow Aggies and family made him feel at home while serving his university. “You can have a lot of things that try to come against you, but that unity and spirit of Aggieland that brings us together amazed me. I’ve always appreciated that love.” McDonald continued to make history after graduating from Texas A&M by becoming Bastrop County’s youngest and first Black judge at the age of 27.

'91

Creating Public Servants , '97

President George H.W. Bush had multiple universities bid for the opportunity to house his presidential library, but Aggieland won, and the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the Bush School of Government and Public Service officially came to life in 1997. In his letter choosing Texas A&M, he mentioned the Bush School as the first reason for accepting their offer. He remained proud of the school’s legacy his entire life, once stating: “Next to my family, the Bush School students and their interest in serving their country are the most important things in my life. I feel very good about leaving our world in their hands.”

'97

He Showed Up in Boots , '98

While Aggieland certainly isn’t a “low place,” Garth Brooks paid his Aggie friends a visit in 1998 as the final stop on his world tour. Fans lined up around the block at the Reed box office and bought out tickets for all three shows in hours. A review of the show in The Eagle described the energy in the arena when the crowd recognized “Friends in Low Places”: “The simple four-note beginning sparked the loudest local roar since the Aggie football team beat Nebraska” earlier that year, reported correspondent Rob Clark ’95.

'98

Silence in Aggieland , '99

Years prior to 1999, Aggie Bonfire meant joyful yells and whoops. But Aggies were silenced on November 18 as they learned of the horrific events that unfolded due to the Bonfire Collapse in the wee hours of the morning, which claimed the lives of 12 Aggies and injured 27 others. An official memorial service held less than 17 hours after the collapse united 16,000 mourners—packed in Reed Arena—to pay tribute to the victims and rescue workers. At the end of the service, Texas A&M’s President Ray Bowen presented roses to the victims’ families, and the crowd spontaneously stood in silence, linking arms before quietly singing “Amazing Grace.”

'99

2000s

Red, White and Blue Out game at Texas A&M

The 12th Man Stands for America , '01

Within 10 days following the Sept. 11 attacks, Aggie fans coordinated a large, grassroots “Red, White and Blue Out” demonstration at Kyle Field to honor the nation’s victims. It all began with an idea that Eric Bethea ’01 pitched to the Aggie community on TexAg’s website at 12:29 a.m. on September 12. Bethea agreed with another user’s comment about showing pride at the upcoming home game against Oklahoma State University by wearing patriotic colors, and he added a plan of action: The third deck would wear red, the second would wear white and the third would wear blue. Other Aggies jumped into the mix, organizing a t-shirt sale for the game, which raised approximately $180,000 for the New York Fire and Police relief funds.

'01

CIA Hero Leads Aggies , '02

Dr. Robert M. Gates was accustomed to covert missions until his journey led him to Aggieland in 2002, where he had a new mission: to lead Aggies as Texas A&M University’s president. Beginning in 1966, Gates served as an intelligence professional in the CIA for 27 years, serving as its director from 1991 to 1993. He presided over Texas A&M until 2006, when he was named the U.S. Secretary of Defense under President George W. Bush. He served until 2011 and made U.S. history as the first Secretary of Defense to serve under two presidents of different parties.

'02

Bonfire Memorial at Texas A&M University

Bonfire Memorial , '04

In efforts to further remember and pay tribute to the Aggies who lost their lives in the 1999 Bonfire Collapse, the Bonfire Memorial was dedicated in 2004 in the exact location of the fallen Bonfire. Created by a team of architects led by Robert Shemwell ’82, the memorial’s design is comprised of three main elements: Tradition Plaza, History Walk and Spirit Ring. Full of meaningful symbolism for Aggies, Shemwell said the design and construction was more than just the creation of an object—it was the creation of a shared experience. “This is one of the very unique things about the memorial—it requires active participation,” he said during a program the night before the dedication. “You inhabit it. It doesn’t become complete without you there.”

'04

Haynes Aggie Ring replica at Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center

A Texas-Sized Aggie Ring , '09

In 2009 the iconic 12-foot bronze Aggie Ring replica was unveiled during the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center rededication. Since that day, the Haynes Aggie Ring—named for the late Harold “Bill” Haynes ’46—has served as a prime photography spot on campus for newly ringed Aggies, former students and Aggieland visitors, alike. Haynes’ name is inscribed in the ring, and the seal at the top of the ring bears his class year and a time capsule to be opened in 2046.

'09

2010s

Rising in the Ranks , '11

Texas A&M University ranks in the nation’s top 20 public universities by the U.S. News & World Report 2012 edition. The following year, the university surpassed its milestone marker of having more than 50,000 students enrolled.

'11

Johnny Manziel at Heisman Trophy ceremony

Another Aggie Victory , '12

Johnny Manziel ’15, a redshirt freshman quarterback, wins the 2012 Heisman Trophy, making history as the first freshman to win this award. Aggies gathered in support of the football star on campus with a watch party the night of the award’s ceremony.

'12

More Room for the 12th Man , '15

As Aggieland has grown, so has the need for more space for Aggies to cheer on the 12th Man. What began in 1905 as a 400 x 400 foot all-purpose athletic area to accommodate 500 spectators, grew in 1980 to a three-deck stadium with the capacity to seat 70,016 yelling Aggies. After its last major $485 million renovation project, Kyle Field opened in time for the Aggies’ 2015 season opener against Ball State. Improvements boast a seating capacity of 102,733, making Kyle Field one of the five largest stadiums in collegiate football.

'15

41’s Train Ride Home , '18

Former President George H.W. Bush passed away on Nov. 30, 2018. On December 5, President Bush’s remains were transported by a special railway funeral car to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, marking the first time the remains of any U.S. president have been transported via funeral train since Dwight Eisenhower in 1969. President Bush was laid to rest alongside his wife, Barbara, and daughter, Robin, next to the Barbara Bush Rose Garden on his presidential library grounds.

'18

Texas A&M campus aerial shot of buildings

What's happening in Aggieland today...

As you traveled back in time to your graduation decade, did memories of participating in Aggieland's rich traditions with your new lifelong friends fill your head? Or maybe you recalled a research project or professor who helped catapult you into your first successful career, or perhaps that scholarship that made it possible for you to attend college.

Yes, Texas A&M has changed with the times. But today’s Aggies are still very much in search of the college experience you enjoyed, and they have more ways than ever to develop their leadership potential, study under the greatest minds in their desired professions, and make lasting connections and memories they’ll never forget. Want to continue your Aggieland journey by paying your treasured experience forward? Learn more below.

Help an Aggie!

A planned gift is a unique way you can improve a future Aggie's college experience with assets you no longer need.

Since you graduated in , the following planned giving options may be mutually beneficial for you and Texas A&M.

Enter your graduation year, and discover how the following planned giving options may be right for you.

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Charitable Gift Annuity

IRA Charitable Rollover

Making a gift directly from your IRA to the Foundation helps you avoid additional income taxes by counting toward your yearly required minimum distribution.

“Give It Twice” Trust

If you’re thinking about providing for your heirs and also imagining the legacy you’ll leave behind, consider a “give it twice” trust. Formally called a testamentary charitable remainder unitrust, this method allows you to designate children or other beneficiaries in your will to receive annual payments for a set period after your lifetime. The remainder of the trust then expands your legacy by supporting a Texas A&M area of your choice.

Charitable Remainder Unitrust

If you’re looking to make the most of your finances by creating a steady payment stream and reducing taxes, a charitable remainder unitrust may be the giving method for you. Created with a gift of cash, securities or real estate, this trust provides tax benefits and annually pays you a fixed percentage of its value to provide revenue throughout your retirement. After your life, the remainder supports Texas A&M however you wish.

Real Estate

Giving an inherited or investment property to the Foundation is an impactful way to benefit Texas A&M. Different methods exist, each with its own tax advantages.

Charitable Gift Annuity

In return for a gift of cash or appreciated assets, you receive tax benefits and annual fixed payments for life. After this time, the remainder supports your Aggie passions. The greater your age when you start receiving payments, the larger each distribution will be, so creating a deferred gift annuity that begins payouts in the future is a smart way to plan for your later retirement years.

Bequest

Including a gift to the Texas A&M Foundation in your will is one of the easiest ways to impact Aggieland. You can maintain full use of your assets during your lifetime and make a difference without draining your bank account.

Appreciated Securities

As family finances take center stage, you begin saving for expenses like college or care for aging parents, all while preparing for your own retirement. By giving appreciated stocks, bonds or mutual funds, you can invest in Aggieland’s future, avoid capital gains taxes and save other resources for important expenses. Securities can fund many types of planned gifts that present their own benefits.

Bequest

Beneficiary Designation Gift

Right now, your top priorities may be establishing your career, starting a family or buying your first house. If you want to give back but don’t have the resources today, naming the Foundation as the beneficiary of your retirement account or life insurance policy allows you to pledge future support to Texas A&M while still utilizing your accounts. With this flexible option, you can update your policy later if your situation changes.

Real Estate

Giving an inherited or investment property to the Foundation is an impactful way to benefit Texas A&M. Different methods exist, each with its own tax advantages.

Bequest

Beneficiary Designation Gift

Ready to get started? Select the giving option(s) you'd like to learn more about, and our passionate planned giving team will contact you as soon as possible.

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Charitable Gift Annuity

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Additional giving methods

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“Our annuity will provide regular payments to us throughout our days, and the remainder will support equine genetics research.“

— Mrs. Joyce and Dr. Frank Norvell '54

Learn how Mrs. Joyce and Dr. Norvell used a charitable gift annuity to receive annual payments AND plan a gift for one of Dr. Norvell's passions: equine genetics.

Read their story!

“Our charitable unitrust is like a deferred gift. It’s a great way to give back to Texas A&M and still use our money while we’re depending on it.“

— Kathy '81 and Robby Denton '80

Learn how Kathy and Robby used a charitable remainder unitrust to receive annual payments AND plan a gift for multiple campus passions.

Read their story!

“Giving is our way of staying connected to Aggieland from a distance and allowing more students a chance to know that Texas A&M is where they are meant to be.“

— Annie '98 and Chris Scheumack '96

Learn how Annie and Chris planned a gift in their will to support future generations of cadets.

Read their story!

“I planned to support first-generation students because I know what they are going through—especially those who are working their way through college by waitressing, working at the car wash or doing whatever they can to pay for their education.”

— Daniel Singletary '19

Learn how Daniel used his life insurance policy to plan a gift for future Aggies.

Read his story!