Texas A&M Traditions

Providing not only quality education for students from different walks of life but also a rich cultural diversity to be appreciated by all, Texas A&M University has certain traditions that anyone would surely appreciate once you visit the premises of the school. The Aggies, which is a colloquial term to call those who stay in the University, have a rich culture that they would like to share to the other parts of the nation. These traditions celebrate the meaning of the true Aggie Spirit.

Some of the Aggies traditions include the Silver Taps, the Muster, and the Bonfire Memorial. The Silver Taps, which began in 1898, remains one of the oldest traditions of the University, and one of the most prestigious tributes done in its history. It commemorates the members, both faculty and students, of the university who have passed away. The Silver Taps is held in front of the Academic Building. The Aggie Muster, on the other hand, is a remembrance service observed worldwide. It somehow resembles the Silver Taps, but this time around, it is celebrated in a larger context. The Bonfire Memorial is also commemorated on the same thought. It also became a symbol of the cooperation and camaraderie of the students in the Texas A&M University. It also signifies their desire to win against the University of Texas football team.

Another Aggie tradition is the celebration of the Twelfth Man. This event was started on January 2, 1922, and is meant for the undying support of the Aggies fans when it comes to various athletic events that the University participates in. The University is geared towards developing students to have competence and cooperation in the field of sports, and the Twelfth Man is one event that puts this goal above the rest.

The Big Event is a relatively newer event, but nevertheless, they uplift the spirits of the Aggies when it comes to camaraderie. The Big Event is an extensive student run event meant to express the thanks of the Aggies to its surrounding communities. This celebration started around 1982 by the University’s then Vice President of the Student Government Association, Joe Nussbum. The Big Event showcases the idea of unity and service to the communities and other associations which support the Texas A&M University to carry on with their educational endeavors.

The Maroon Out is another Aggie tradition meant to strengthen the unity of every student to support their university. This event was started on 1998 by Kyle Valentine, who was the Junior president of the Class of 2000. He noticed that the University of Nebraska wears their school colors in the game in order to show their support, and as well intimidate the members of the opposing team. The Texas A&M University is supposed to battle the said university which was one of the top football teams in that year. Valentine adapted the idea and hence, the Maroon Out started. Up to this day, Aggies wear maroon to a chosen game to show the Aggie spirit.