The Association of Former Students

Infobox Organization
name = The Association of Former Students


image_border =
size =
caption =
motto =
formation = 1879
type = Alumni association
headquarters = College Station, Texas, USA
location =
membership = 280,000
leader_title = Executive Director
leader_name = Porter S. Garner III
key_people =
num_staff =
budget =
website = [http://www.aggienetwork.com aggienetwork.com]

The Association of Former Students is the official alumni association of Texas A&M University. The association attracts over 280,000 members and has over 225 clubs worldwide. Known to Aggies as simply The Association, the group is dedicated to promoting the interests and welfare of Texas A&M University, perpetuating ties of affection and esteem that students formed during their college days, and serving the current student body.

The Association facilitates numerous programs aimed at connecting the worldwide Texas A&M community, such as Class Reunions, A&M Clubs, the Aggie Ring program, "Texas Aggie" magazine and an official Web site.

Goals

In 2004, The Association of Former Students established four precepts that the staff strives to meet:

*To be the active nucleus for an ever-growing, diverse Aggie Network.
*To nurture and sustain the Aggie Spirit by maximizing engagement of the Aggie Network with both The Association and University.
*To represent, serve and provide value to all students and former students throughout their lifetime.
*To act as a key partner with the University by supporting enlightened leadership and by embracing and facilitating positive change. [cite web | title=Strategic Plan | page=1 | publisher=Association of Former Students | url=http://www.aggienetwork.com/docs/StrategicPlanSummary.pdf | format=PDF | date=2005 | accessdate=2008-06-20]

History

The Association was established on June 26, 1879, when 11 former cadets hosted a reception in Houston initiating the first formal organization of A&M former students. In 1888, the Ex-Cadets Association was reorganized to form the Alumni Association. In the mid-1890s, E.P. Cushing founded Alpha Phi to "work for the upbuilding of the college." Cushing chose to contact all 3000 former students of the college, rather than just the 300 students who had received degrees.citation|last=Benner|first=Judith Ann|title=Sul Ross, Soldier, Statesman, Educator
publisher=Texas A&M University Press|date=1983|location=College Station, Texas|page=226] A coalition was formed between the A&M Alumni Association and Alpha Phi Fraternity in 1919 to form “The Association of Former Students.” cite web | title=The Association of Former Students | publisher=The Association of Former Students | url=http://www.aggienetwork.com/TheAssociation/ | accessdate=2008-06-23] The current organization known as The Association for Former Students was founded in 1925.

Programs and services

Annual giving

Through an annual fund generated by former students and friends of Texas A&M, the Association contributes more than $3.5 million in direct support every year to the university. Those funds are, in turn, applied toward financial aid, student activities, academic enhancement, faculty enrichment and many other key initiatives. The annual fund helps fund programs like Fish Camp, T-Camp and New Student Orientation and traditions such as Aggie Muster that are shared by Aggies everywhere through 225 A&M Clubs worldwide. [cite web | title=How Your Gift is Used | publisher=The Association of Former Students | url=http://www.aggienetwork.com/giveback/invested.aspx | accessdate=2008-06-19] [cite web | title=Your Impact on Texas A&M | pages=2 | format=PDF | publisher=The Association of Former Students | date=2006 | url=http://www.aggienetwork.com/docs/AnnualReport/2006AnnualReport.pdf | accessdate=2008-06-19] The Century Club program, founded in part by Royce Wisenbaker, is a major source of annual contributations to the Association. [cite web |url=http://theeagle.com/aandmnews/anniversary/2brilliantminds.htm |title=Brilliant minds |publisher=The Bryan-College Station Eagle |accessdate=2008-08-16]

The Association is not the only private entity on campus that receives donations for the school. The Texas A&M Foundation collects money specifically for educational purposes. The major scholarships awarded by the school comes from the Texas A&M Foundation. The 12th Man Foundation raises money for the university's athletics program. The Association of Former Students funds, however, are of unrestricted use to the university.cite web | title=The Texas A&M Foundation FAQ | publisher=The Texas A&M Foundation | url=http://giving.tamu.edu/help/default.aspx | accessdate=2008-06-23]

*Aggie Parent Network: The Aggie Parent Network allows Aggie parents to support their student’s experiences while they are attending Texas A&M.

*Howdy Bibs: A crisp white bib featuring the words “Future Former Student” printed in maroon is provided to Century Club members when The Association is notified of a birth in the donors’ family. [cite web | title=Aggie Baby Central | publisher=The Association of Former Students | url=https://www.aggienetwork.com/abc/default.aspx | accessdate=2008-06-19] [cite web | title=Class News | publisher=CasasEnterprises | url=http://www.casasenterprises.com/texasaggies/1999/news.html | date=2003-01-05 | accessdate=2008-06-19]

Awards programs

The highest award given each year by the Assocition is the Distinguished Alumnus Award. This recognition was first offered in 1962, and, as of 2004, had honored 160 former students. The criteria for receiving the award includes "excellence in professional lives and service to A&M and their communities." Recipients are notified of their selection in person, during a surprise visit at their place of employment by a representative of the Association. citation|last=Ferrell|first=Christopher|title=A&M honors four as 2004's top alumni|newspaper=The Bryan-College Station Eagle|url=http://theeagle.com/aandmnews/031504alumni.htm|date=2004-03-15|accessdate=2008-06-23]

Since 1955, the Association has awarded annual Distinguished Achievement Awards to faculty and staff of the Texas A&M University System. Intendend to honor employees who "inspire other students and staff and 'demonstrate a dedication, deep appreciation, love, and respect for Texas A&M University,'" the awards recognize excellence in teaching, research, individual student relationships, administration, continuing education, graduate mentoring, and staff. Employees are nominated by the Residence Hall Association, the Student Government Association, and the various deans and vice presidents of Texas A&M. A 65-member committee then selects the recipients based on the nomination letters, the employees' reusmes, and letters of support from their coworkers and students.citation|last=Phelps|first=Janet|title=24 A&M System employees honored|newspaper=The Bryan-College Station Eagle|url=http://theeagle.com/stories/050207/am_20070502026.php|date=2007-05-02|accessdate=2008-06-23]

Beginning in 1973, the Association has recognized current students for academic achievement with the Gathright Award. Named for Texas A&M's first president, Thomas S. Gathright, the award recognizes sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have the highest grade point average in their college.Cite news|title=Meridian student honored at Texas A&M|newspaper=Bosque County News|url=http://www.bosquecountynews.com/Archives/2007%20-%2004-25/PG%201B.pdf|page=1B|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-08-10|date=2007-04-25] Students are nominated for the award by the dean of their respective college. Recipients are recognized at the annual Parents' Weekend All-University Awards Ceremony.cite web|title=Gathright Scholar Award|publisher=Association of Former Students|url=http://www.aggienetwork.com/events/gathright.aspx|accessdate=2007-08-10]

The Association also gives the Buck Weirus Spirit Award to students who "display vision, character and superior dedication to Texas A&M."citation|last=Rogers|first=Jodi|title=True tradition|newspaper=The Battalion|date=August 11, 2003|url=http://media.www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2003/08/11/FrontPage/True-Tradition-513504.shtml|accessdate=2007-08-10] The award is given annually to up to 55 students. They must be highly involved in the Aggie community, and must "impact student life at Texas A&M and enhance the Aggie Spirit."cite web|title=Buck Weirus Spirit AWard Application|publisher=Association of Former Students|url=http://www.aggienetwork.com/buckweirus/|accessdate=2007-08-10] This can be accomplished through participation in student organizations, Aggie traditions, and university events. The award is named for Richard "Buck" Weirus, a 1942 Texas A&M graduate who served as Executive Director of the Association from 1964 until 1980.

Muster

The first Aggie Muster was held June 26, 1883, seven years after the school opened. Rather than a memorial service, the event was intended as more of a reunion to allow former students to gather and remember their college days, the victories and defeats on the drill field and in the classrooms. During the day, the alumni also established on the “Roll Call for the Absent” to honor their classmates who could not attend. In 1889, the gathering was moved to April 21 and became an official school holiday, set aside for the annual cadet track and field competition. On April 21, 1903, the tradition evolved into a celebration of Texas's victory at the battle of San Jacinto. Gatherings would include field games and banquets so Aggies could reflect on their days in Aggieland.

The field day events were cancelled in 1922, although former students were still expected to congegrate annually for comradery and to remember their 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. The event received worldwide attention during World War II, when 25 Aggies "mustered" together during the battle for the island of Corregidor.cite web |url = http://clubs.aggienetwork.com/emeraldcoastamc/muster.htm |title = Aggie Muster |accessdate = 2006-12-17 |publisher = Emerald Coast A&M Club]

Today, Muster is still held each year on April 21, and is intended to remember students and former students who died during the preceding year. Although the largest event, the on-campus Muster at Reed Arena, attracts over 14,000 people, more than 400 smaller Musters are held worldwide, including several in Iraq. The "Roll Call" of the dead is still read, and a family or friend of the deceased answers "here."cite web | last=Hallett | first=Vicky | title=The Aggie Way of Life
publisher=U.S. News & World Report | date=2005 | url=http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/articles/brief/05texas_brief.php| accessdate=2007-06-25 | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20050826033718/http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/articles/brief/05texas_brief.php | archivedate=2005-08-26] A candle is also lit in honor of each person, to symbolize that although they are not present in body, their spirit will forever shine.citation |last=Eisterhold|first=Michelle|publisher=Houston Community Newspapers|title=Klein youth killed while walking near A&M campus|date=2006-10-18 |url=http://www.hcnonline.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=17343968|accessdate=2008-06-23]

Aggie Ring

The Aggie Ring is one of Texas A&M's most well-known and easily recognized symbols. Students earn the Aggie Ring based on credit hours completed at Texas A&M and may select the Class year to appear on their Ring. Each student has the option of several finishes for their Ring and/or placing a diamond in the shield. Students receive their Rings during one of The Association’s twice-yearly Ring Days, which feature festive events including music, photography and activities for students and their families to celebrate this momentous occasion.

The Aggie Ring is worn by students, former students, and graduates of the University, and each aspect of the ring is used to promote school spirit. It was designed by E. C. Jonas in 1894 and the design has remained relatively unchanged since; other than the class year, the only change came when the school's name was changed from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas in 1963.citation|last=Kane|first=Maureen|title=Tradition sets A&M aside as the oldest institution of higher learning in Texas|newspaper=The Battalion|date=October 30, 2001 |url=http://media.www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2001/10/03/Ams125th/Tradition.Sets.Am.Aside.As.The.Oldest.Institution.Of.Higher.Learning.In.Texas-515916.shtml|accessdate=2007-06-30]

The parents of Aggie students who die prior to accumulating the required academic hours receive a Ring Remembrance from the Association. This is an actual Aggie Ring Crest mounted to a golden medallion commemorating the Aggie student.cite web|title=Andrea Grace Gent: July 3, 1985 - January 30, 2005|publisher=AndreaGent.org|url=http://www.andreagent.org/v2/index.cfm?go=2C&did=6|accessdate=2007-08-10] The ceremony to award the Ring Remembrance is held annually at the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center prior to campus Muster on April 21.

The Association maintains three Aggie ring collections. The first collection contains rings awarded to graduates of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, as Texas A&M was previously know. Begun by J.B. "Josh Sterns," this collection contains rings from 1899 until 1964, when the name of the school was officially changed. The second collection, the Memorial Ring Collection, contains rings representing graduating classes beginning with the class of 1965. The rings in the Memorial Ring Collection are donated by the families of deceased students. The final collection contains historically significant rings, including that of James Earl Rudder, Texas A&M president from 1959 until 1970. citation|last=Burelson|first=Andrew|title=Family donates new Aggie ring to Collection|newspaper=The Battalion
url=http://media.www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2004/07/21/News/Family.Donates.New.Aggie.Ring.To.Collection-694644.shtml|date=July 21, 2004|accessdate=2007-08-10]

Programs for current students

The Association of Former Students is committed to assisting the current generation of students as well as alumni. In 2001, the Association contributed over $3 million to Texas A&M. Half of the money was given to Texas A&M's Division of Academic Affairs to support scholarship, faculty and staff award programs, orientation and development programs for faculty, and to support the libraries. The other half was provided directly to various school programs, including the campus-wide supplemental instruction tutoring program.citation|last=Douglas|first=Ron|title=Former students good to Texas A&M|newspaper=The Bryan-College Station Eagle
url=http://theeagle.com/opinions/guestcommentators/051102rondouglastamugrad.htm|date=2002-05-11|accessdate=2008-06-23]

Entering freshmen first exposed to the Association and its programs the week before school begins their freshmen year. During the university-wide "Gig 'em Week," the Association hosts "Hot Diggity Dog," a free cookout on the grounds of the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center solely for the entering freshmen.cite web|title=A&M's Gig 'em Week Welcomes Ags|publisher=KBTX News 3|url=http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/3605326.html|date=August 16, 2006|accessdate=2007-08-10] Students are encouraged to try on an Aggie Ring with their Class year, further building the anticipation of one day wearing their own Ring.

Students make the official transition into former students at the Association's "The Next Tradition" party. Held at the end of each semester, The Next Tradition provides free food and entertainment to the graduating seniors. Association members are on hand to explain the services they offer to former students.citation|title=Party planned for graduating Aggies|newspaper=The Bryan-College Station Eagle|date=2007-08-09|url=http://theeagle.com/stories/080907/am_20070809083.php|accessdate=2008-06-23] In addition, graduates are able to learn more about their role as former students and are given an opportunity to make their first donation to The Association. The event is called The Next Tradition because it marks the official end of their time as a student and the beginning of their next phase of life as a former student of Texas A&M University.

Many recognized student organizations utilize the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center and its grounds free of charge to host special events and interviews.

Development

*Oral Histories: In an effort to capture the history of Texas A&M, The Association has videotaped numerous former students sharing their experiences with each other as well as with students. Additional recordings of oral histories are being planned and the videos will be incorporated into the enhancements to the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center. [cite web | title=Building the Future | publisher=Association of Former Students | url=http://www.aggienetwork.com/Building/ | accessdate=2008-06-20]

*Endowed Century Club: In March 1984, The Association of Former Students’ Board of Directors formally established the Endowed Diamond Century Club program, now known as the Endowed Century Club. [cite web | title=Endowed Century Club | publisher=Association of Former Students | url=http://www.aggienetwork.com/giveback/Endowed.aspx | accessdate=2008-06-20]

Programs for alumni

*Away Game Activities: The Association partners with the 12th Man Foundation to coordinate receptions for Aggies attending the various away football games.

*Class Newsletters: The Class newsletter, both in print and online, promotes The Association’s services and programs and keeps former students up to date with their Classmates. Archived newsletters are also found on the association website.

*Class Programs: Class Programs is a division of The Association’s Former Student Programs department and works directly with Class Agents to help maintain and re-establish relationships that Aggies formed with Classmates while on campus. The Class Programs team manages and supports the Class Agents and all Class-sponsored activities including Reunions and Class Newsletters. The staff also organizes and promotes the 50th Class Reunion held each April 21st during Campus Muster as well as the annual Sul Ross Group Reunion for all Classes who have graduated 55 or more years ago.

*Class Reunions: Most Classes come together at a formal Reunion every five years while some Classes hold Mini Reunions across the state in the interim. The five-year Reunions typically consist of a formal business meeting in which Class Agents are elected, Class Gifts are discussed and official Class business is carried out.

*Club Programs: With Aggies living and working all over the world, there are more than 220 A&M Clubs which sponsor events and activities that bring former students and their families together in fulfillment of The Association’s mission to “perpetuate the ties of affection and esteem form in university or college days.” A&M Clubs and Muster groups host more than 330 Musters around the world annually and in 2006, more than forty-five Musters were held in countries other than the United States. The Association assists A&M Clubs in publicizing their events by providing mailing lists upon request. In addition, mass e-mail services are available to support local Club activities.

*Constituent Networks: A Constituent Network is an affiliate network of The Association representing a group of individuals, other than Classes and A&M Clubs that are officially recognized by The Association

*Former Student Career Services: Located in Suite 209 of the John Koldus Building, Texas A&M’s Career Center, which is supported in part by The Association of Former Students, offers complimentary services to former students such as career consultations, online career assessment, tips and advice on developing job search strategies, reviewing resumes and cover letters, interview coaching, compensation negotiation and networking suggestions.

The Association offers a program known as Traveling Aggies to allow current and former students and their family and friends to travel to various destinations with other Aggies. Trips are coordinated through companies that specialize in alumni travel and are geared towards both first-time and experienced travelers. Generally, between six and eighty Aggies participate in each trip. Destinations, duration, and cost vary by trip.cite web|title=Traveling Aggies|pubisher=Association of Former Students|url=http://www.aggienetwork.com/travel/about.aspx|accessdate=2007-08-10] Traveling Aggies occasionally offers trips to see Aggie sports teams play in other states. In 2006, they followed the men's tennis team to La Jolla, California for the Pacific Coast Doubles Championship. [cite press release|title=Join the Aggie Tennis Team in La Jolla in March|publisher=Texas A&M University Athletic Department|date=November 16, 2005|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?PRID=10525]

Marketing and Communication

The Marketing & Communications team serves as the creative services division for The Association and has considerable influence throughout all Association departments. Specific areas of focus include advertising, promotion, market research, Texas Aggie magazine, development and maintenance of the website, graphic design, public and media relations and event planning. The graphic design team is frequently called upon for assistance to campus organizations, especially from student organizations and campus departments, requiring design expertise.

The Marketing and Communications team has been recognized with several awards over the last seven years for outstanding work in web development, publications, graphic design, market research and creative events.

*E-Newsletter: The Association’s monthly electronic newsletter is sent to over 120,000 individuals who have provided their email address to The Association. This newsletter is an effort to keep the constituents informed and up-to-date on the events and activities taking place at Texas A&M University and throughout the Aggie Network.

*The Association maintains a database of Aggie former students, accessible online to members. This online directory is published in book format every three years. For much of its history, the Association received information on students after they graduated. This changed in the early 2000s, and now the Association tracks all students at the university, regardless of whether they graduated. Even students who died before graduation are included in the directory to allow classmates to remember.citation|last=Hensley|first=Laura|title=Listless spirit no more|newspaper=The Bryan-College Station Eagle|date=2005-08-20|accessdate=2008-06-23|url=http://theeagle.com/stories/082005/am_20050820042.php]

Aggienetwork.com

*Support Our Troops: This portion of AggieNetwork.com is designed to provide a connection between former students, current students and friends of Texas A&M and the Aggies who serve in the military around the world. Individuals are invited to post a message to the troops by filling out a simple form. In addition to placing the message on AggieNetwork.com, The Association will send the message to the Aggies serving in the military.

*Web Communities: This feature on AggieNetwork.com was designed to help Aggies from various backgrounds and interests keep in touch with one another while offering a powerful networking tool. The web communities, which are available chartered to A&M Clubs, Classes and Constituent Networks, include an online directory, friends list, mentoring functionality, job posts, job requests, user photos and user alerts.

Texas Aggie magazine

The "Texas Aggie" magazine is the official magazine of the Association of Former Students. All active members of the association receive the magazine for free, and, as of 2007, it has a circulation of 60,000. The magazine is published six times per year. Although advertising in Texas Aggie does not cover the cost of production, printing and postage, it does significantly offset the cost. "Texas Aggie" provides an in-depth look at Texas A&M and the lives of those affiliated with it through feature stories, various departments and full-color photography. The magazine is provided as a benefit to all active members of The Association of Former Students. A prominent feature of the magazine is Aggie 100, a list of the fastest growing businesses managed or owned by former students of Texas A&M University. Aggie 100 is published as part of Texas Aggie at the end of each year. The list was launched in 2005 by the university's Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship in cooperation with The Association of Former Students. Nominated companies are ranked by percentage of growth in revenue. [http://aggie100.com Aggie 100] "Aggie 100"]

References

ee also

* List of Notable Alumni at Texas A&M University

External links

* [http://www.aggienetwork.com/ The Association of Former Students]