Jump to content

Texas A&M University

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Oldag07 (talk | contribs) at 16:38, 4 June 2007 (Beginning years). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Texas A&M University
File:Texas AandM University seal.png
TypeFlagship state university[1]
Established1871[2]
EndowmentUS $5.6 billion (Systemwide)[3]
PresidentDr. Eddie J. Davis (interim)
ProvostDr. David B. Prior
Academic staff
2,500[4]
Students45,380[5]
Undergraduates36,580[5]
Postgraduates4,839[5]
3,452[5]
Location, ,
CampusUrban, 5,200 acres (20 km2)[6]
ColorsMaroon and White    
NicknameAggies
AffiliationsAAU, Big 12
MascotReveille VII
Websitewww.tamu.edu
Logo is a trademark of Texas A&M University; All enrollment figures are as of 12 September 2006[5]

Texas A&M University, often called A&M or TAMU, is a coeducational public research university located in College Station, Texas. It is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. Opened in 1876 as an agricultural and mechanical college, Texas A&M was the first public institution of higher education in Texas. In 1963, the Texas Legislature renamed the school, Texas A&M University, to reflect the institution's expanded roles and academic offerings. The letters "A&M" no longer have any explicit meaning but are retained as a link to the university's past. The nickname "Aggie" refers to students, alumni, and sports teams of Texas A&M.

Texas A&M's designation as a land, sea, and space-grant institution reflects a broad range of research with ongoing projects funded by agencies such as NASA, the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Office of Naval Research. Working in partnership with state agencies such as the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas A&M has a direct presence in each of the 254 counties in Texas. The university offers degrees in more than 150 courses of study through ten colleges and houses 18 research institutes. Texas A&M has awarded more than 320,000 degrees, including 70,000 graduate and professional degrees.

As a senior military college, Texas A&M is one of three public universities with a full-time, volunteer Corps of Cadets. It provides more commissioned officers to the United States Armed Forces than any other school outside of the service academies.

History

Texas A&M in 1883

Beginning years

The Texas Legislature established Texas A&M in 1871 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, commonly known as Texas A.M.C. The new land-grant university, the state's first public institution of higher education, was funded through the sale of public lands the U.S. Congress donated through the Morrill Act in 1862. Under the terms of the Morrill Act, land grants of public lands were auctioned to establish an endowment for colleges where the "leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and mechanical arts... to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions in life."[8]

A state committee established Texas A&M in Brazos County, which donated 2,416 acres (10 km2) near Bryan, Texas.[8] Classes began on October 4, 1876 with 40 students and 6 faculty members.[9] With mandatory Corps of Cadets participation and military training, enrollment climbed to 258 students before declining to 108 students in 1883, the year the University of Texas opened in Austin, Texas.[10] Though Texas A&M was originally envisioned as a component of the University of Texas System, the University of Texas had a separate Board of Regents, leaving Texas A.M.C. to continue to be governed by its Board of Directors.[8]

In the late 1880s, many Texas residents saw no need for two colleges in Texas and asked to close Texas A.M.C. In 1891, Texas A&M was saved from potential closure by its new president Lawrence Sullivan Ross, former governor of Texas and well-respected Confederate Brigadier General. Ross made many improvements to the school and enrollment doubled to 467 cadets as parents sent their sons to Texas A&M "to learn to be like Ross".[11]

File:Militarywalk.jpg
Texas A&M campus in 1920

World Wars era

Texas A&M graduates put their training to the test during World War I. By 1918, 49% of all graduates of the college were in military service, more than any other college or university.[8] In early September 1918, the entire senior class entered military service, with plans to send the younger students at staggered dates throughout the next year. Many of the seniors were fighting in France when the war ended two months later.[12] Over 1,200 former students served as commissioned officers. After the war, Texas A&M grew rapidly and became nationally recognized for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and military science.[8]

Aggies again served in high numbers during World War II, with the college producing 20,229 combat troops. Of those, 14,123 Aggies served as officers, more than the combined total of the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy.[13] Twenty-nine of its graduates reached the rank of general.[8]

Shortly after the war, in 1948, the state Legislature officially recognized Texas A&M as a separate university system from the University of Texas System. The school's Board of Directors continued to oversee the system.[14]

Statue of Maj. Gen. James Earl Rudder on main campus

University era

On March 26, 1960, Major General James Earl Rudder, class of 1932, became the 16th president of the college.[15] During his tenure, the school desegregated, began to admit women, and Corps of Cadets membership became voluntary. By his death in 1970, Rudder had overseen the growth of the school from 7,500 to 14,000 students from all 50 states and 75 nations.[16]

The 58th Legislature of Texas approved of Rudder's changes, and officially renamed the school from "The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas" to "Texas A&M University"[16], and specified that, the "A" and the "M" were purely symbolic, reflecting the school's past, and no longer stood for "Agricultural and Mechanical."[8]. In the following 35 years, Texas A&M more than tripled its enrollment from 14,000 students to over 45,000.[6]

Texas A&M became one of the first four universities given the designation sea-grant for its achievements in oceanography and marine resources development in 1971. In 1989, the university earned the title space-grant by NASA, to recognize its commitment to space research and participation in the Texas Space Grant Consortium.[17]

George Bush Presidential Library

In 1997, the school was further honored with the establishment of the George Bush Presidential Library on the western edge of the campus. Operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, it is one of eleven American presidential libraries. Former President George Bush remains actively involved with the university, frequently visiting the campus and participating in special events.[18][19]

Texas A&M received national media attention on November 18, 1999, when Aggie Bonfire, a ninety-year-old student tradition, collapsed during construction. Fifty-eight current and former students were working on the stack, which stood 40 feet (10 m) high and consisted of 5000 logs, when it fell; twelve of them died and twenty-seven others were injured. The accident was later attributed to improper design and poor construction practices, leading to "excessive internal stresses" on the logs and "inadequate containment strength," where the wiring used to tie the logs together was not strong enough. The wiring snapped after logs from upper tiers were "wedged" into lower tiers.[20] Family members of the victims filed six lawsuits against Texas A&M officials, the student Bonfire student leaders, and the university. In 2005, 36 of the 64 original defendants, including the student leaders, settled their portion of the case.[21] A federal appeals court dismissed the remaining lawsuits against the university in 2007.[22] Texas A&M dedicated the Bonfire Memorial on November 18, 2004 to honor the victims of the accident.[23]

With strong support from Rice University and the University of Texas at Austin, the Association of American Universities selected Texas A&M for membership in May 2001, based on the depth of Texas A&M's research and academic programs.[24] In 2006, University President Robert Gates resigned from his position to become the U.S. Secretary of Defense.[25]

Academics

Statue of Lawrence Sullivan "Sully" Ross located in front of the Academic Building

Profile

Texas A&M, the eighth largest American university, has an enrollment of 45,380 students pursuing degrees in 10 academic colleges. The student body represents all 254 Texas counties, all 50 U.S. states, and 132 foreign countries. Texas residents account for 86.56% of the student population while 26% are either of international origin or members of ethnic minority groups. The student body consists of 47.3% women and 52.7% men.[5]

The university consistently ranks among the top ten public universities each year in enrollment of National Merit scholars.[26] According to the College Board, the fall 2006 entering freshman class consisted of 46% students in the top 10% of their high school graduating class, 77% in the top quarter, and 90% in the top half.[27] The middle 50% of the freshmen had an average SAT score between 1580 and 1900 (out of 2400) and an ACT score between 23 and 28.[28]

The Dwight Look College of Engineering has the largest enrollment of 20.5%.

The Biochemistry/Biophysics Building has helped Texas A&M earn a top 100 international rank in biomedicine

The College of Liberal Arts and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences follow, enrolling 15% and 14% of the student body, respectively. The College of Education and Human Development enrolls 12%, and Mays Business School enrolls about 11%. Colleges with less than 10% enrollment include the College of Architecture, the College of Science, the George Bush School of Government and Public Service, the College of Geosciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Approximately 8% of the student body has not declared a major.[5]

Rankings

The 2007 U.S. News and World Report ranks Texas A&M 60th among all American universities and 21st among public universities.[29] The Washington Monthly ranks Texas A&M 5th nationally with criteria based on research, community service, and social mobility.[30] Newsweek International ranks Texas A&M as the 77th university globally based on "openness and diversity" as well as "distinction in research."[31] Shanghai Jiao Tong University ranks Texas A&M 50th nationally and 88th internationally based on quality of education, quality of faculty, and research output.[32] The Times Higher Education Supplement ranks Texas A&M 60th among the world's top 100 technology universities, 24th among America's top biomedicine universities, and 50th among North America's top 50 universities.[33] Kiplinger's Personal Finance ranks Texas A&M as the 26th best value public university based on in-state tuition, and the 12th best value public university based on out-of-state tuition.[34] In addition, Hispanic Magazine ranks Texas A&M as 25th nationally for Latinos,[35] while New Mobility magazine ranks Texas A&M as one of the top ten "disability-friendly" colleges.[36] The John Templeton Foundation listed Texas A&M as one of the thirty-five American college programs that "communicate[s] the values of honesty, trust, respect, responsibility, integrity, and fairness in the classroom."[37]

The Century Tree symbolizes how the university has grown and flourished since 1876

Endowment

The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) receives revenue from two primary endowments which complement revenues received from both research and tuition. TAMUS holds a minority stake in the Permanent University Fund (PUF), a Texas public endowment fund contributing to eighteen institutions and six agencies in the University of Texas and Texas A&M University systems. As of 2006, the PUF ending net asset value stood at $10.3 billion, with $400.7 million, in FY 2007 transferred to the Available University Fund for distribution to both university systems.[38] The Texas A&M System receives a third of the accumulated interest from the PUF, while the University of Texas System receives the other two-thirds, due to a 1931 Texas Legislature decision.[39] Texas A&M also benefits from a private endowment, the Texas A&M Foundation, which totals more than $1.17 billion in assets. Combined, the total endowment for the TAMUS stands at 5.6 billion, as of 2006.[3]

Entrance to Research Park

Research

Texas A&M works with both state and university agencies on various local and international research projects to forge new innovations in science and technology. Two primary institutional bodies carry out this research, most notably, Research Valley, an alliance of both educational and business organizations with the goal to foster collaborative research endeavors with commercial prospects. When combined, Research Valley consists of 11,400 acres (50 km2) with 2,500,000 square feet (232,000 m2) of dedicated research space. A second institution involves Texas A&M's dedicated Research Park, established in 1982, consisting of 350 acres (1 km2), 10 buildings, dozens of corporations, and 500,000 square feet (46,000 m2) of space.[40] Research funding for Texas A&M during the 2004 year totaled more than $520.9 million, ranking Texas A&M among the top 20 American research institutes, with funding increasing more than $100 million from 1994 to 2004. Texas A&M ranks 13th among all U.S. research universities in exchange agreements with institutions abroad.[41]

Texas A&M is a leading university in animal cloning. Spearheaded by the College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M was the first university in the world to clone a domestic animal, a cat named 'cc', on December 22, 2001, due in part to funding from John Sperling.[42] Texas A&M was also the first academic institution to clone each of six different species: cattle, a Boer goat, pigs, a cat, a deer and a horse.[43]

In 2004, Texas A&M and its research agencies received nearly $400 million in new awards, an increase of more than $125 million over a 10-year period. The Texas A&M System faculty and research submitted 121 new inventions and established 78 new royalty-bearing licensing agreements during the year, receiving $8 million in income from the innovations. The Texas A&M Technology Licensing Office filed for 88 patents for protection of intellectual property in 2004.[44]

Also in 2004, Texas A&M joined a consortium of universities to build the Giant Magellan Telescope in Chile. Consisting of seven mirrors each with a diameter of 8.4 meters (9.2 yd), the optical telescope will have the equivalent of a 24.5 meters (26.8 yd) primary mirror. With construction slated to be complete in 2016, it will be the largest optical telescope ever constructed and ten times more powerful than the Hubble Space Telescope.[45]

In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, Texas A&M's nuclear research reactor became the first to convert uranium reactor fuel from a highly enriched form to a low-enriched safer form. Completed on October 13, 2006, the process of depleting the uranium from 70% enrichment to 20% enrichment finalized an 18-month, joint project. This accomplishment fulfilled a portion of U.S. President George W. Bush’s Global Nuclear Threat Reduction Initiative to produce safe low-enriched uranium for commercial use.[46]

Cyclotron Institute

Undergraduates have many research opportunities, including AggieSat, an organization funded and sponsored by the Aerospace Department to build modularized satellites in conjunction with NASA and the Air Force Research Lab. Approximately 80 undergraduate students representing 17 majors are involved, with oversight and assistance from graduates students in both engineering and business run AggieSat. Current projects include competing against several universities in Nanosat-5, an Air Force competition for constructing autonomous satellites, and a joint project with NASA and the University of Texas to develop two Cube Satellites for autonomous rendezvous and docking.[47]

The Texas A&M University Libraries support the teaching, research, and outreach missions of Texas A&M with nationally and internationally recognized research collections in such fields as: Engineering & Technology, Entomology, Military History, Nautical Archaeology, Naval Science, Oceanography & Hydrology, Range Livestock, Science, and Transportation.[48] Other notable research entities include the Texas Institute for Genomic Medicine, the Texas Transportation Institute, the Cyclotron Institute, the Institute of Biosciences and Technology, and the Institute for Plant Genomics and Biotechnology.[49]

Two professors, a graduate, and an undergraduate student at the TAMUQ branch campus

Worldwide

Texas A&M has participated in more than 500 research projects in over 80 countries and leads the Southwestern United States in annual research expenditures. Texas A&M conducts research on every continent and has formal research and exchange agreements with 100 institutions in 40 countries.[50] Texas A&M ranks 13th among all U.S. research universities in exchange agreements with institutions abroad and student participation in study abroad programs,[41] and has established a strong research collaboration with the National Natural Science Foundation of China as well as with many leading universities in China.[50]

Texas A&M also has two international facilities, a multipurpose center in Mexico City, Mexico and the Santa Chiara Study Abroad Center in Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy.[51] In 2003, over 1,200 students, primarily undergraduates, studied abroad at these facilities and through other programs.[52] Additionally, the university includes two branch campuses: Texas A&M at Qatar located in Education City in Doha, Qatar devoted to engineering disciplines[53] and Texas A&M University at Galveston in Galveston, Texas, devoted to marine research and host to the Texas Maritime Academy.[54]

Texas A&M's Center for International Business Studies is one of 28 supported by the U.S. Department of Education.[55] The university is also one of only two American universities in partnership with CONACyT, Mexico's equivalent of the National Science Foundation, to support research in areas including biotechnology, telecommunications, energy, and urban development.[56] In addition, the university is the home of "Las Americas Digital Research Network," an online architecture network for 26 universities in 12 nations, primarily in Central and South America.[57]

Campus

A view of the main campus, looking north from Kyle Field. At the center is the Academic Building with its copper dome

Texas A&M's College Station campus, one of the largest in America, spans 5,200 acres (21 km2) plus 350 acres (1 km2) for Research Park. [2][6] The university is part of the Bryan-College Station metropolitan area located within Brazos County in the Brazos Valley/East Texas region of the state, an area often referred to as "Aggieland".[58] The combined population of College Station and Bryan totals 137,215, as of 2000.[59] Money Magazine, in 2006, named College Station the most educated city in Texas, and the 11th most educated American city, due largely to the size of the university.[60] Aggieland is centrally located within 200 miles (320 km) of three of the 10 largest cities in the United States and 75% of the Texas and Louisiana populations (approximately 13.1 million people). The area's major roadway is State Highway 6, and several smaller state highways and Farm to Market Roads connect the area to larger highways such as Interstate 45.[59]

A set of railroad tracks, primarily operated by Union Pacific Railroad, divides the campus.[61] Main Campus, east of the train tracks, includes many of the academic buildings, the Memorial Student Center, Kyle Field, and the student dormitories.[62] West Campus, west of the railroad tracks, includes most of the sports facilities, the business school, agricultural programs, the veterinary college, the George Bush Presidential Library and the medical school. Research Park, the area of West Campus along Kimbrough Boulevard, includes many research facilities.[63]

Student life

File:Sbisa and the WaterTower.jpg
Sbisa Dining Hall and south water tower sporting the greeting, "Welcome to Aggieland"

Residential life

During the 2006 fall semester, 20.5% of the student body lived on campus in one of two distinct housing sections located on opposite ends of campus.[5] Both Northside and Southside contain student dormitories, and Southside is also home to the Corps of Cadets. While some dormitories are single-sex, others are co-educational. Usually students of different genders live on alternate floors, although in Corps dormitories and several Northside dormitories genders are segregated by room.[64] Dorm styles vary; while many dorms offer only indoor access to individual rooms, access to the rooms of "balcony halls," comes from a balcony that runs on the outside of the building. Room sizes vary by building, and dorms with larger rooms including en-suite bathrooms, while dorms with smaller rooms have a common bathroom on each floor. Several dorms include a "substance-free" floor, where residents pledge to avoid bringing alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes into the dorm.[65] Students, except for those in the Corps, are not required to purchase a meal plan. Those who choose to eat on campus may frequent any dining facility, and for convenience each residence section has its own dining hall.[66]

Northside consists of 17 student dorms, including the two university honors dorms.[67] The dorms are located near Northgate, a College Station entertainment district featuring the popular bar, Dixie Chicken. Sbisa Dining Hall and The Underground provide dining services for Northside residents. Some dorms have unofficially claimed tables within the Sbisa Dining Hall and many dorms congregate for dinner at a specific time each weekday.[68]

Corps Arches in front of the Quadrangle

Southside contains dorms for members of the Corps and other students. Non-corps dorms in this area center around the Commons, a hub for student activities and dining services.[69] Southside has two Learning Living Communities, which allow freshmen to live in a cluster with other students who share common interests such as organizations or majors.[70]

Facilities for the Corps of Cadets are located in the Quadrangle, or "The Quad," an area comprised of coeducational dormitories, Duncan Dining Hall, and the Corps training fields.[71] The Corps Arches, a series of 12 arches that "[symbolize] the undying spirit of the 12th Man of Texas A&M.", mark the entrance to the Quadrangle.[72] All cadets, except those who are married or who have had previous military service, are required to live in the Quad and are assigned roommates from the same unit and graduating class. Reveille, the Aggie mascot, lives with her handlers in the Quadrangle.[73]

Corps of Cadets

The Corps of Cadets (or the Corps) is the United States' largest uniformed student body, outside the service academies. Members of the Corps have served in every armed conflict fought by the United States since 1876, and over 225 have served as Generals or Flag Officers. Many members participate in ROTC programs and earn commissions in the United States Armed Forces upon graduation.[74]

Aggie senior cadet with a sabre

Until 1965, Corps membership was mandatory at this Senior Military College. The Corps welcomed female members in the fall of 1974[75] and as of fall 2006, the co-ed Corps boasts an enrollment of 2,318 cadets, representing all military branches.[5]

Composed of two Air Force Wings, two Army Brigades, and two Navy and Marine Regiments, as well as The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band whose members may be affiliated with any military branch,[76] cadets are called "Keepers of the Spirit" for their involvement in many campus organizations.[77] Parson's Mounted Cavalry, a special unit within the Corps, is the only mounted ROTC unit in the United States.[78] The Ross Volunteer Company, the oldest student-run organization in the state, is the official honor guard for the Governor of Texas.[79] The Fish Drill Team, a precision, close-order rifle drill team comprised entirely of Corps freshmen, represents the Corps and A&M in local and national competitions. They have won the national championship almost every year since their creation in 1946, and have appeared in several Hollywood productions with prominent roles in the movies A Few Good Men and Courage Under Fire.[80]

The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band's Bugle Rank leads the band at halftime at a football game.

The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, the world's largest precision military marching band, provides music for University and Corps functions and presents intricate halftime performances at football games.[79] Some band drills are so complicated that they require band members to step between each other's feet to complete the maneuvers.[81] These drills must be drawn by hand since their computer program returns an error because it requires two people to be in the same spot at the same time.[82]

Activities

A&M has more than 800 student organizations, including academic, service, religious, Greek, and common interest organizations. A&M's orientation programs encourage students to become involved in campus activities and organizations.[83] An April 2005 campus survey found that 74% of the students were currently involved with at least one organization and that 88% participated in a campus organization in the past.[84]

One of the oldest student organizations is the Singing Cadets, founded in 1893. Known as the "Voice of Aggieland," the Singing Cadets are an all-male choral group with 70 members. Despite their name, Corps membership is not required to join the Singing Cadets. The group travels nationally and has completed several international tours; most recently, South America in 2007.[85][86]

Student Rec Center

Students exercise at the Student Rec Center, a three-story facility encompassing 373,000 square feet (34,650 m2), which includes multiple floors of exercise equipment and athletic courts, as well as an indoor running track, rock-climbing tower, and one of the top competitive pools and diving wells in America. The Rec Center also organizes intramural sports throughout the year.[87][88]

Some national service organizations originated at A&M. Aggie students founded the largest one-day student-run service project in America known as The Big Event. The annual service project allows students to give back to their community by assisting local residents.[89] The organization CARPOOL, a student run, safe ride program has provided over 100,000 free rides, as of January 2007, to Aggies unable to transport themselves home. Its organizers also assist other universities in establishing similar programs.[90] In addition, the Corporation for National and Community Service listed A&M in the 500 academic institution, President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, for the 2005-06 academic year.[91]

One of A&M's largest organizations, the Student Government Association (SGA) consists of 1,200 student members in 3 branches, 14 committees, and 4 commissions. SGA has changed little since 1972, except its relative position within the official framework of the university.[92]

Media

The Princeton Review ranked The Battalion, founded in 1893, as the 17th best college newspaper in America in 2007.[93] Aggieland, the yearbook formerly known as The Olio and The Longhorn, is one of America's largest college yearbooks in number of pages and copies sold.[94] The university houses a television station and two radio stations: KAMU-TV, a PBS member station since 1970, KAMU-FM an NPR affiliate since 1977,[95] and the student-run KANM, "the college station of College Station,".[96] W5AC broadcasted the first live, play-by-play broadcast of a college football game, at Kyle Field, in November 1921. The game, played in Dallas between Aggies and University of Texas, ended in a scoreless tie.[97]

Traditions

Aggies have developed many traditions, some as old as the school. Changes such as admission of females, non-compulsory participation in the Corps, and growth in the university's population have led to the evolution of many traditions. Though most public events are university-sponsored and sanctioned, others are strictly student-run, non-University sanctioned events.[98]

Student traditions

Aggie Ring for the class of 2004

Aggie Ring

The Aggie Ring promotes school spirit and camaraderie. All class rings are the same design except that of the class year.[99] Students cannot order a ring until completing 95 hours of coursework, including at least 45 hours at A&M, or until graduation. Graduate students may receive a ring after 75% of their graduate coursework is completed or after their dissertation or thesis has been accepted.[100] Though unsanctioned by the University, many students "dunk" their newly-acquired Aggie Rings into a pitcher of beer and quickly chug the entire pitcher to "earn" the ring. Some students choose to dunk their rings in alternative substances, including ice cream or nonalcoholic beverages. [101]

Howdy

Texas A&M's official greeting is "howdy." Aggies consider it polite to greet as many people as comfortably possible with a smile and a "howdy". "Howdy" is the preferred method for a speaker to get a large group's attention, as the members of the group are expected to return the "howdy" back to the speaker.[102]

The 2005 Student Bonfire

Texas Aggie Bonfire

Beginning in 1909, Aggie students built a bonfire each year on the grounds of the school. Though it began as a trash pile, Aggie Bonfire evolved into a massive six-tiered structure, the world record being held at 109 feet (30 m). It burned before the annual football game versus the University of Texas. After the collapse of 1999, the university suspended Bonfire indefinitely, but some current and former students continue the tradition by building an off-campus bonfire.[103][104]

Muster

On June 26, 1883, Aggies gathered to remember their victories and defeats on the drill field and the classroom. The Ex-Cadets Association also established the "Roll Call for the Absent" on this day. In 1889, A&M made April 21 an official holiday and set the day aside as annual cadet track and field day. On April 21, 1903, the tradition evolved into a celebration of Texas Independence on the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto. In its early days, gatherings would include field games and banquets so Aggies could reflect on their days in Aggieland. Muster officially begun in 1922 when April 21 became a day not for field day events but for camaraderie and remembrance of fellow Aggies. The March 1923 Texas Aggie urged, "If there is an A&M man in one-hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas."[105]

Silver Taps

Silver Taps began in 1898 to honor Lawrence Sullivan Ross, the president of the school. It evolved into a monthly tradition to honor current Aggie students who pass away that month. Flags fly half-staff the day of Silver Taps and notices are posted throughout campus. At 10:15 P.M. the lights around campus are extinguished and hymns chime from Albritton Tower while students and faculty collect in the Academic Plaza. Following a 21-gun salute by the Ross Volunteer Firing Squad, six buglers play an A&M version of the song "Taps", Silver Taps, three times from the dome of the school's Academic Building: once to the north, the south and to the west. The song is not played to the east symboling that the sun will never rise on that Aggie again.[106]

Traditions in athletics

File:12thManStatue.JPG
12th Man Statue on Texas A&M University campus

The 12th Man

In Dallas on January 2, 1922, at the Dixie Classic (the forerunner of the Cotton Bowl) A&M played defending national champion Centre College in the first post-season game in the southwest. A&M had so many injuries in the first half of the game that Coach D. X. Bible feared he wouldn’t have enough men to finish the game. He called into the Aggie section of the stands for E. King Gill, a reserve who had left football after the regular season to play basketball. Gill volunteered and donned the uniform of injured player Heine Weir. Although he did not actually play, his readiness symbolized the willingness of all Aggies to support their team to the point of actually entering the game. A&M won 22-14, but E. King Gill was the only man left standing on the sidelines for the Aggies. The 12th Man has evolved into an Aggie tradition. The student body, known as the "12th Man", stands throughout the entire game, "ready to help the team".[107]

Yells

12th Man uses a variety of school yells, rather then cheers, to support the team on the field. Each year the student body elects five students to serve as the Yell Leaders.[108] At midnight before each home football game at Kyle Field or at a predesignated location at away games, the fans gather together to practice the yells for the next day's game. Led by the Yell Leaders, and the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, the Twelfth Man files into the stadium to practice yells, sing the War Hymn, and joke about their opponents. One tradition at the games is when the Aggies score, Aggies kiss their dates. Close to the end of midnight yell, the lights turn off and Aggies practice this tradition.[109]

Athletics

Aggie Athletics logo

A charter member of the Southwest Conference until its dissolution in 1996, A&M now competes in the Big 12 Conference (South Division).[110] The school's 20 sports teams are known as the Aggies, and the school's colors are maroon and white.[111] As of 2006, Aggies have earned 92 Southwest and Big 12 conference regular-season and tournament titles and 12 national championships.[112] The women's soccer team, formed in 1993, earned 12 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 1995-2006, advancing at least as far as the round of 16 in seven of the last eight appearances.[113] The women's volleyball team has had similar success, notching 12 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 1993-2004, advancing past the first round each time.[114] For the 2006-2007 school year, seven Aggie sports teams won Big 12 Championships: women's soccer (regular season), women's basketball (regular season), women's indoor track and field, women's outdoor track and field, women's golf, and women's swimming and diving.[115] Due to the quality of its sports programs, the university was ranked number 46 in a 2002 Sports Illustrated analysis of "America's Best Sports College[s]."[116]

A&M's archrival is the University of Texas. In 2004, sporting events between the Aggies and Longhorns became known as the Lone Star Showdown. The most-watched event in the rivalry is the annual football game held the day after Thanksgiving.[117][118] The Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Baylor Bears also consider A&M a rival.[119][120]

Football

2006 Lone Star Showdown football game at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

Founded in 1894, the football team has won 18 Southwest Conference championships, a Big 12 championship, two Big 12 South Division championships, and one national championship.[121] The team has appeared in a total of 29 bowl games, winning 13,[122] and has produced 41 first Team All-Americans, five Academic All-Americans, and one Heisman Trophy winner.[123] Twenty-eight Aggies currently play in the NFL.[124]

In each game a non-scholarship player is chosen to represent the student body. This player wears the No. 12 jersey and participates in kick-off returns.[125] Since 1904, home football games have been played at Kyle Field, a stadium with a current capacity of 82,600.[126] Sporting News, in 2007, ranked Kyle Field as the fourth best college football stadium.[127] The current coach, Dennis Franchione, has a 25-22 A&M record and finished 9-4 in 2006.[128]

Basketball

Basketball game at Reed Arena

Founded in 1912, the men's basketball team won 11 Southwest Conference championships and two Southwest Conference Tournament championships. The team has appeared in the National Invitation Tournament six times and in the NCAA Tournament eight times. Three of those eight NCAA tournament appearances include Sweet Sixteen appearances, the highest the Aggies have advanced.[129] The women's basketball team has had 3 NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching as high as the Sweet Sixteen. They have also competed in the NWIT/WNIT twice, winning that tournament in 1994-1995.[130]

On April 9, 2007, Mark Turgeon accepted the men's basketball head coach position vacated by Billy Gillispie.[131] The women's team has been coached by Gary Blair since 2003.[132] Both the men's and women's team reached NCAA postseason appearances in 2006, a first for A&M since Big 12 play began in 1996.[133][134] Both teams achieved their highest final rankings in school history in 2006-2007, with the men ranked No. 9 in the AP and ESPN/Coaches' Poll, and the women ranked No. 16 in the AP Poll.[135][136][137]

Home games are played at the 12,500-seat Reed Arena.[138] Before Reed Arena opened in 1998, games were played at G. Rollie White Coliseum, which now hosts the volleyball team.[139]

Notable people

The Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center is the home of The Association of Former Students. Aggies refer to themselves as "former students" because not all Aggies graduated due to military needs during the World Wars.[140]

With over 320,000 former students, including 70,000 with graduate and professional degrees,[141] A&M has one of the largest and most active alumni groups in America. The school has seen many of its students and faculty attain local, national, and international prominence.[142] Jorge Quiroga and Martin Torrijos have served as heads of state for Bolivia and Panama, respectively, and Rick Perry is the current Governor of Texas. Congressmen Joe Barton, Chet Edwards, Jeb Hensarling, and Louie Gohmert, and Austin, Texas, mayor Will Wynn are all graduates.[143]

On the gridiron, Aggies made their mark with Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak, title-winning coach Gene Stallings, Houston Oilers defensive tackle, Ray Childress, Heisman Trophy winner John David Crow, Heisman runner-up, legislator, and actor John Kimbrough, punt returner Dante Hall, wide receiver Bethel Johnson, Detroit Lions defensive end and punter, Yale Lary, Dallas Cowboys assistant coach and former player Dat Nguyen, punter Shane Lechler, and defensive end Ty Warren.[144][145] The ESPN television movie, The Junction Boys, dramatized Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant's grueling football practice sessions in Junction, Texas.[146] Other famous Aggie athletes include Randy Barnes, indoor/outdoor shotput world record holder, baseball standout Chuck Knoblauch, and Stacy Sykora, Libero for the USA national volleyball team.[145]

Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett, who often strummed their guitars on the porch of their Northgate home, have become popular country singers.[147] William A. Pailes and Michael E. Fossum became NASA astronauts.[148] In other pop culture, Rip Torn is a veteran of the silver screen[145] and Neal Boortz is a nationally syndicated talk show host with the sixth largest listening audience in the United States.[149][150] In recent American history, a doctoral graduate of Texas A&M, Wen Ho Lee, was the subject of a 1999 Chinese espionage investigation; he was arrested, but charges were dropped in 2000.[151]

Former students of the university served as business leaders, particularly in the fields of energy, construction, communications, and chemistry. Current leaders include Jack Whiteside, President of Barnes & Click, Inc.,[152] Lowry Mays, chairman and CEO of Clear Channel Communications,[145] George P. Mitchell, chairman and CEO, Mitchell Energy and Development Corp.,[143] H.B. Zachry, President of the H.B. Zachry Company, John Zachry, CEO of Zachry Corp., David Zachry, President of Zachry Corp.,[153] and Eduardo Castro-Wright, CEO of Wal-Mart Stores USA.[154]

William George Harrell, an Aggie Medal of Honor recipient

Due to their large contribution to the military, Aggies have become leaders in their respective branches of service and were even featured in the 1943 propaganda film We've Never Been Licked.[155] George H. Gay, Jr., was the sole survivor of Torpedo Squadron 8 in the Battle of Midway. After attacking the Japanese fleet, his entire squadron was shot down, but he survived to witness the sinking of 3 Japanese aircraft carriers. Upon his rescue, he personally verified their destruction to Admiral Nimitz.[156] Lieutenant General Jay T. Robbins became a fighter ace in World War II with 22 aerial victories.[157] General Bernard Adolph Schriever is known as "the architect of the Air Force’s ballistic missile and military space program" and is the namesake of Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado.[158][159] General Michael Moseley is the current Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.[160]

In addition, seven former students earned the Medal of Honor in World War II.[161] This total matches Virginia Tech for the most total honorees of any school outside the service academies at West Point and Annapolis.[162] The recipients are:

References

  1. ^ Cunningham, William (June 1, 2000). "Logical to make UH our next flagship university". University of Houston. Retrieved 2006-09-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ a b "History and Development". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-01-03.
  3. ^ a b "2006 NACUBO Endowment Study" (PDF). National Association of College and University Business Officers. Retrieved 2007-01-03.
  4. ^ "Texas A&M University Facts". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-01-03.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Texas A&M University Fall 2006 Enrollment" (PDF). Texas A&M University. pp. 7–8. Retrieved 2007-02-25. Cite error: The named reference "TAMU_Office_of_Institutional_Studies_and_Planning" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  6. ^ a b c "Texas A&M University Facts". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-04-16.
  7. ^ "Texas A&M University - Academic Facts". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-03-12.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g "Texas A&M University". The Handbook of Texas. Retrieved 2007-03-22.
  9. ^ "The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas". Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets. Retrieved 2007-05-22.
  10. ^ Adams Jr., John A. (2001). Keepers of the Spirit. Texas A&M University Press. pp. 16, table 1-1. ISBN 1-58544-127-9.
  11. ^ Ferrell, Christopher (2001). "Ross Elevated College from "Reform School"". The Bryan-College Station Eagle. Retrieved 2007-03-22.
  12. ^ Liffick, Brandie (October 30, 2001), "Tradition spanning generations", The Battalion, retrieved 2007-03-22 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ Adams Jr., John A. (2001). Keepers of the Spirit. Texas A&M University Press. pp. 160, 163. ISBN 1-58544-127-9.
  14. ^ "A&M System History". Texas A&M University System. Retrieved 2007-03-22.
  15. ^ Dethloff, Henry C. (1975). A Pictorial History of Texas A&M University, 1876-1976. College Station, Texas: Texas A&M University Press. p. 184.
  16. ^ a b Ferrell, Christopher (2001), "Rudder's influence is evident on campus", The Bryan-College Station Eagle, retrieved 2007-03-22 {{citation}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  17. ^ "Texas A&M University". Britannica Concise. Vol. 1. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2007-05-22.
  18. ^ "Bush Library". George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Retrieved 2007-04-21.
  19. ^ "George Bush Presidential Library and Museum Opens", The Record, NARA, January 1998
  20. ^ Cite error: The named reference homeland was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  21. ^ Kapitan, Craig (September 3, 2006), "Bonfire case under scrutiny by court", The Bryan-College Station Eagle, retrieved 2007-03-13 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ Van Der Werf first=Martin (April 25, 2007), "Appeals Court Upholds Dismissal of Lawsuits Over Texas A&M Bonfire Accident", The Chronicle of Higher Education, retrieved 2007-05-24 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Missing pipe in: |last= (help)
  23. ^ "Bonfire Memorial". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-05-24.
  24. ^ "Texas A&M Selected For Membership In Association Of American Universities" (Press release). Texas A&M University. May 7, 2001. Retrieved 2007-05-03. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  25. ^ Mengers, Katlynn (January 19, 2007), "Search for new president begins", The Battalion, retrieved 2007-05-03 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  26. ^ "National Freshmen Merit Scholars" (PDF). University of Florida. Retrieved 2007-03-12.
  27. ^ "Student Body". College Board. Retrieved 2007-03-12.
  28. ^ "SAT & ACT Policies". College Board. Retrieved 2007-03-12.
  29. ^ "America's Best Colleges 2007". U.S. News & World Report. 2006-09-15. Retrieved 2007-01-03. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  30. ^ "The Washington Monthly's Annual College Guide". The Washington Monthly. 2006-09-06. Retrieved 2007-01-03. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  31. ^ "The Top 100 Global Universities". MSNBC. 2006-08-13. Retrieved 2007-02-19. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  32. ^ "Academic Ranking of World Universities 2006". Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Retrieved 2007-01-05.
  33. ^ "North America's top 50 universities". THES. 2006-10-06. Retrieved 2007-02-19. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  34. ^ "Kiplinger's 100 Best Values in Public Colleges". Kiplinger. 2007-02-01. Retrieved 2007-02-04. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  35. ^ "The Top 25 Colleges for Latinos". Hispanic Magazine. 2006-03-01. Retrieved 2007-02-04. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  36. ^ Wilburn, Misty (2005-08-05). "Texas A&M Rated Among "Best Disability-Friendly Colleges"". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-02-07. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  37. ^ "The Templeton Guide: Academic Honesty Programs". John Templeton Foundation. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  38. ^ "Permanent University Fund". The University of Texas Investment Management Company. Retrieved 2007-05-15.
  39. ^ "Permanent University Fund". The University of Texas. Retrieved 2007-05-16.
  40. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". Research Park. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  41. ^ a b "Texas A&M University Facts". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  42. ^ "Texas A&M Clones First Cat" (Press release). Texas A&M University. 2002-02-14. Retrieved 2007-01-01. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  43. ^ Lozano, Juan A. (June 27, 2005), "Texas A&M Cloning project raises questions still", Bryan-College Station Eagle, retrieved 2007-04-30 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  44. ^ "Profile on Research and Graduate Studies" (PDF) (Press release). Texas A&M University. 2005. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  45. ^ Giant Magellan Telescope "Giant Magellan Telescope". Giant Magellan Telescope. Retrieved 2007-01-01. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  46. ^ "A&M reactor gets safer uranium", The Battalion, 2006-10-18, retrieved 2007-01-01 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  47. ^ "Student Satellite Program". AggieSat Lab. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  48. ^ "Texas A&M University Libraries". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  49. ^ "Texas A&M University Centers and Institutes". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  50. ^ a b Ewing, Richard (2006-08-17). "Brief Guide to Research". Texas A&M University Research. Retrieved 2007-01-01. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)
  51. ^ "International Programs Office". International Programs Office. Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-05-22.
  52. ^ "Welcome from the Associate Vice President for International Programs". International Programs Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  53. ^ "Texas A&M University at Qatar". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  54. ^ "Texas A&M University at Galveston". The Handbook of Texas. Retrieved 2007-05-22. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  55. ^ "CENTERS FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS EDUCATION". U.S. Department of Education. 2005-02-16. Retrieved 2007-01-01. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  56. ^ "Collaborative Research Grant Program". Texas A&M University-CONACYT. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  57. ^ "Introduction". "Las Americas" Digital Research Network. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  58. ^ "Appelt Aggieland Visitor Center". Texas A&M University. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-18.
  59. ^ a b "Bryan-College Station: Quick Facts". Bryan-College Station (Texas) Chamber of Commerce. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-18.
  60. ^ "Most educated", Money Magazine, retrieved 2007-02-03
  61. ^ Jackson, Luke (October 1, 2004), "Union Pacific, Texas A&M, CS officials agree to slow trains", The Battalion, retrieved 2007-04-18 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  62. ^ "Free On-Campus Bus Service Offered at Texas A&M University" (Press release). Texas A&M University. September 6, 1996. Retrieved 2007-04-18. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  63. ^ "The Campus in 2020: Connect East and West Campus". Texas A&M University. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-18.
  64. ^ Womack, Stuart (August 23, 2006), "Dorms Go Through Changes", The Battalion, retrieved 2007-04-30 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  65. ^ "A New Place to Hang Your Hat", The Battalion, September 2, 2002, retrieved 2007-04-30 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  66. ^ "Dining Services: FAQ". Texas A&M University Dining Services. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  67. ^ "Northside Halls". Texas A&M University. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  68. ^ Hixson, Josh (February 1, 2006), "Dorm Wars", The Battalion, retrieved 2007-04-30 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  69. ^ "Residence Halls by Style - Commons". Texas A&M University. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  70. ^ "Leadership Living Learning Communities". Texas A&M University Department of Residence Life. Retrieved 2007-05-22. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  71. ^ "Cadet Resident Handbook". Texas A&M University. May 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  72. ^ "Visiting Campus: Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets". Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  73. ^ "Cadet Resident Handbook". Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  74. ^ Hopgood, Maj. Gen. M.T. "Ted" (2001), "Corps is dedicated to training tomorrow's leaders", The Bryan-College Station Eagle, retrieved 2007-03-22
  75. ^ Nauman, Brett (September 10, 2004), "Women Joined Corps 30 Years Ago", The Bryan-College Station Eagle, retrieved 2007-03-22 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  76. ^ "The Standard" (PDF). Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. Retrieved 2007-03-15.
  77. ^ "Keepers of the Spirit". Texas A&M Former Students Association. pp. cover. Retrieved 2007-03-23.
  78. ^ "Campus Life: The Corps Experience". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-05-18.
  79. ^ a b "About the Corps". Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets. Retrieved 2007-05-18.
  80. ^ Nading, Tanya (2001-11-02), "Corps Fish Drill Team Reinstated", The Battalion, retrieved 2007-04-13 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  81. ^ "The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band". Aggie Band Association. Retrieved 2007-05-18.
  82. ^ "The Aggie Band: Doing the Impossible" (WMV). Former Student's Association. Retrieved 2007-05-18.
  83. ^ "Texas A&M Association of Former Students E-Newsletter; Special Edition, December 4, 2003". Texas A&M Association of Former Students. 2003-12-04. Retrieved 2007-01-02. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  84. ^ "Student Organization Involvement Survey" (PDF). Texas A&M University Student Life Studies. April 2005. Retrieved 2007-03-10.
  85. ^ "Dicatur Musice". Texas A&M University Singing Cadets. 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  86. ^ "Auditions". Texas A&M University Singing Cadets. 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  87. ^ "2007 Texas A&M Aggie Swim Camp". Texas A&M University Athletics. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  88. ^ "The Texas A&M Student Recreation Center" (PDF). Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  89. ^ "The Big Event". The Big Event. Retrieved 2007-05-15.
  90. ^ "CARPOOL". CARPOOL. Retrieved 2007-01-02.
  91. ^ "The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, 2005-06" (PDF). Corporation for National and Community Service. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  92. ^ "Student Government Association". Texas A&M University. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  93. ^ "The Princeton Review: 2007 Best Colleges Rankings". Princeton Review. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2006-08-31. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  94. ^ "About Aggieland - The Yearbook". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-04-05.
  95. ^ Feltman, Brittney and Murphy, Chace (2007-03-30). "KAMU-FM Celebrates Anniversary with HD Preview". KBTX. Retrieved 2007-04-05. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  96. ^ "About KANM". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-04-05.
  97. ^ Schultz, Charles R. "First Play-by-Play Radio Broadcast of a College Football Game". WTAW. Retrieved 2007-05-08.
  98. ^ "Aggie Traditions". Texas A&M University Traditions Council. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  99. ^ "The base or "Crown" of the Ring". The Association of Former Students. Retrieved 2007-05-18.
  100. ^ "Aggie Ring Requirements". The Association of Former Students. Retrieved 2007-05-24.
  101. ^ Wirt, Ashley (September 9, 2006). "Aggies find new ways of 'ring dunking'". The Battalion. Retrieved 2007-05-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  102. ^ "Howdy". Aggie Traditions. Retrieved 2006-12-31.
  103. ^ "Bonfire". Aggie Traditions. Retrieved 2007-05-18.
  104. ^ "Aggie Student Bonfire". Aggie Student Bonfire. Retrieved 2007-05-18.
  105. ^ "Aggie Muster". Emerald Coast A&M Club. Retrieved 2006-12-17.
  106. ^ "Silver Taps". Department of Student Life. 2007. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  107. ^ "Twelfth Man". Aggie Traditions. Retrieved 2006-12-31.
  108. ^ "Texas Aggie Yell Leaders". Texas A&M University. 2005. Retrieved 2007-05-18.
  109. ^ "Midnight Yell Practice". Aggie Traditions Council. Retrieved 2007-05-18.
  110. ^ "TEXAS HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS:A Look Back at the Southwest Conference", Dallas Morning News, 2007, retrieved 2007-05-07
  111. ^ "Texas A&M Aggies". Big 12 Conference. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  112. ^ "Texas A&M University Facts: Athletics". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  113. ^ "Official 2006 NCAA Men's and Women's Soccer Records Book" (PDF). NCAA. 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  114. ^ "Official 2006 NCAA Women's Volleyball Records Book" (PDF). NCAA. 2006. p. 152. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  115. ^ "2006-2007 Big 12 Postseason Championships Schedule". Big 12 Conference. 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  116. ^ "America's Best Sports Colleges". Sports Illustrated. 2002-10-07. Retrieved 2007-01-08. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  117. ^ "Lone Star Showdown: 112th UT vs A&M game Friday". News 8 Austin. November 23, 2005. Retrieved 2007-04-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  118. ^ "Aggies Top No. 5 Longhorns Before Record Crowd, 20-16". Texas A&M University Athletic Department. November 26, 1999. Retrieved 2007-05-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  119. ^ Dirocco, Michael (November 23, 2006), "A Nameless Game", Jacksonville Times-Union, retrieved 2007-05-17 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  120. ^ Griffin, Tim (September 27, 2006). "Texas' instate rivalry grabs weekend spotlight". ESPN. Retrieved 2007-05-17. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  121. ^ "Aggie Football's Championships". Texas A&M Athletics. Retrieved 2007-04-04.
  122. ^ "Texas A&M's Bowl History". Texas A&M Athletics. Retrieved 2007-04-04.
  123. ^ "2005 Texas A&M Football History and Records" (PDF). Texas A&M University Athletic Department. 2006. pp. 60, 70, 72. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  124. ^ "Aggies In The NFL". Texas A&M University Athletic Department. 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  125. ^ Heater, Jay (December 27, 2006), "LaMantia A&M's Main 12th Man", Oakland Tribune, retrieved 2007-04-30 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  126. ^ "Kyle Field". Official Website of Texas A&M Athletics. Retrieved 2006-09-27.
  127. ^ "Sporting News College Football Stadiums Top 10". MSNBC. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  128. ^ "2006 Texas A&M Football Quick Facts". Texas A&M Athletic Department. 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  129. ^ "Texas A&M Basketball's Championship History". Texas A&M Athletics. Retrieved 2007-04-04.
  130. ^ "Women's Basketball Through the Years". Texas A&M University Athletic Department. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  131. ^ "Turgeon leaves Wichita State for Texas A&M". FOXSports.com. Retrieved 2007-04-09.
  132. ^ Patrick, Dick (March 6, 2007). "On women's basketball: Texas A&M completes turnaround". USAToday. Retrieved 2007-04-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  133. ^ "Texas A&M Men's Basketball Postseason History". Texas A&M Athletic Department. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  134. ^ "Texas A&M Women's Basketball Postseason History". Texas A&M Athletic Department. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  135. ^ "Men's College Basketball Polls". NCAA. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  136. ^ "Women's Basketball Rankings". NCAA. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  137. ^ Hutchison, Kay Bailey (March 2, 2007). "March Madness Comes to Texas". Capitol Comment. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. Retrieved 2007-04-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  138. ^ "Reed Arena". Texas A&M Athletic Department. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  139. ^ "G. Rollie White Coliseum". Texas A&M Athletic Department. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  140. ^ "Aggie Terminology". Texas A&M Athletics. 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-20.
  141. ^ "Texas A&M University - Academic Facts". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-03-12.
  142. ^ "World Impact". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  143. ^ a b "Former Student Achievements". Texas A&M University. 2003. Retrieved 2007-04-30.
  144. ^ "Gene Stallings". Texas A&M University System. 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-16.
  145. ^ a b c d "Return to Glory The Cotton Bowl: Texas A&M vs. Tennessee; Cotton Bowl Insider". Aggiesports.com. 1 January 2005. Retrieved 2007-05-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  146. ^ "The Junction Boys to Premiere Dec. 14" (Press release). ESPN. 2002. Retrieved 2007-05-03.
  147. ^ "Biography for Robert Earl Keen". IMDB. 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-16.
  148. ^ Geller, Marc B. (July 14, 2006). "Fossum "chillaxin" in space -- Gov. Rick Perry makes a call to Aggie in orbit". The Monitor. Retrieved 2007-04-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  149. ^ "Boortz Bio". Cox Radio Interactive & Cox Radio, Inc. 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-18.
  150. ^ "The Top Talk Radio Audiences". Focus Communications, Inc. 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-18.
  151. ^ "Biography (1939-)". A&E Television Networks. 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-18.
  152. ^ "Jack M. Whiteside, P.E." Barnes and Click Inc. 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-18.
  153. ^ Kriewald, Lesley (September 30, 2005). "Zachry Name Bestowed on Texas A&M's Civil Engineering Department". Texas A&M Foundation. Retrieved 2007-05-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  154. ^ "Rising Star: Eduardo Castro-Wright, Wal-Mart: Meet Corporate America's next generation of leaders". FORTUNE. January 24, 2006. Retrieved 2007-05-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  155. ^ ""We've Never Been Licked" To Be Shown Tonight". Texas A&M University. April 13, 2004. Retrieved 2007-04-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  156. ^ "Lieutenant George H. Gay, Jr., USNR, (1917-1994)". DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER. 18 May 1999. Retrieved 2007-05-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  157. ^ "LIEUTENANT GENERAL JAY T. ROBBINS". USAF. 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-16.
  158. ^ Boyne, Walter J. (October 2000). "The Man Who Built the Missiles" (PDF). AIR FORCE Magazine. Air Force Association: 80. Retrieved 2007-05-16.
  159. ^ "Schriever Air Force Base". USAF. 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-16.
  160. ^ "General T. Michael Moseley". USAF. 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-16.
  161. ^ "Campusologies and Required Knowledge". Company P10. 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-16.
  162. ^ "Aggie Traditions". Texas A&M University. Retrieved 2006-11-20.

Template:Mapit-US-hoodscale