The Traditions ofTexas A&M University

Traditions Council - Student Government Association

What is Traditions Council?• Founded in 1975 to “preserve and

promote the Traditions of Texas A&M through outreach and education”

• Our Involvement is Overseeing… – Silver Taps– Bonfire Remembrance – Speaking Engagements– Traditions Week – Ring Scholarship

• Overall, we are a group of redass Aggies who have a passion for the Traditions at Texas A&M and strive to spread that passion to every Aggie!

Why Traditions Matter“Were we to become a top ten university and lose that spirit, those traditions, our culture, we would be nothing more than

another giant education factory; a big brain with no heart. Hell, we might as well be in Austin.”

- President Gates

The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas

• Opened October 2nd, 1876• Texas’ first public institution of

higher learning• Renamed Texas A&M

University – August 23rd, 1963• 1963 – AMC President James

Earl Rudder allowed women to attend under his discretion

• 1965 – Corps of Cadets became voluntary

Aggie JargonHowdy - the official greeting of Texas A&M! Gig ‘em - started by Pinky Downs at midnight yell before playing the TCU Horned Frogs because when you hunt frogs you “gig ‘em”Redass - defines someone who embodies the Aggie Spirit Good Bull - anything good happening in favor of the Aggie Spirit like staying for the whole football gameBad Bull - anything that goes against the Aggie Spirit like skipping out on a tradition Horses laugh - we don’t “boo” because we’re too classy for that, so instead we “hiss” when we don’t like something. AGGIES DO NOT HISS OTHER AGGIESOl’ Army- a term we use for anything that is in the past, for a time or date that we can’t quite remember, or a time or date we just flat out don’t know

Wildcat

• Freshman- “AAAAA”• Sophomore- “A-A-A-A-A”• Junior- “A-A-A-Whoop”• Senior- “A-Whoop”

• No one knows when this traditions started, however we like to think it started like this...

The 12th Man• What is the 12th Man?

– January 2, 1922 E. King Gill suited up when the Aggie Football team needed him

– He never played but stood on the sidelines ready to jump in if need be

• What is the Importance? – We are more than a student

section– The 12th man shows the love

that Aggies have for Aggies; that we’re always ready and willing to step in if our Aggie Family needs us

Photo courtesy of Texas A&M University

“I wish I could say that I went in and ran for the winning touchdown, but I did not. I simply stood by in case my

team needed me”.–E. King Gill

Midnight Yell• Held Friday night before

every home football game at Kyle Field.– Away games: held near

the location of the game.• Practice Yells, the War Hymn,

the Spirit of Aggieland, and tell fables.

• At the end of Yell Practice, the lights are cut and you “mug down”.

Silver Taps • What is Silver Taps?– One of the final tributes for any

current student who passes away during the year.

– Since its start over 100 years ago, much of the ceremony has remained unchanged

• What is the Importance? – It is one of the most sacred and

significant traditions at A&M and is one of the main traditions that holds the Aggie Spirit together.

– No other university in the world honors their students in this way.

When & Where

Every first Tuesday of the month, join your fellow Aggies in

Academic Plaza at 10:30 PM.

Bonfire• What is Bonfire?

– First bonfire was on November 18, 1907 and consisted of a trash pile

– It grew to become a 109 foot tall stack of logs that would be burned before the Texas A&M vs. t.u. game.

• What is the Importance?– Signified the burning desire

to beat the hell out of t.u.– It was truly a unifying event,

as all students including Corps members and non-regs came together to build the bonfire.

Bonfire Remembrance• What is Bonfire Remembrance?

– On November 18, 1999 at 2:42am, the bonfire collapsed and took the lives of 12 Aggies.

– The Bonfire Remembrance Memorial was built to honor the 12 fallen Aggies.

• What is the Importance? – A special time to remember those we lost in the Bonfire collapse

tragedy and to show that we will never forget them or their love for this school and its traditions.

Photo courtesy of Texas A&M University

When & Where

On November 18th at 2:42 am, make your way to the Bonfire

Memorial to stand and honor the 12 who lost their lives.

Muster • What is Muster?

– Held annually on April 21st, Muster is a tradition that spans across generations, honoring the fallen and uniting all Aggies in their stead

– Roots trace back to April 21, 1899 – San Jacinto Field Day• What is the Importance?

– The tie that binds past, present, and future generations of Aggies– It is a time to focus on camaraderie, remember the past, look

towards the future, and understand the true meaning behind “a spirit that can ne’er be told.

When & Where

Join hundreds of Aggies at Reed Arena on April 21st, say “here”

and remember the Aggies who have gone before us.

Reveille• Reveille I was found in 1931 on the way back from Navasota• The honor of Mascot Corporal was given to a sophomore from Company E-2

in 1960 • Reveille is the highest-ranking member in the Corps of Cadets with five

diamonds• Reveille X was just introduced as the new Mascot and First Lady of Texas

A&M this past April!

Photo courtesy of Texas A&M University

Aggie Ring• What is the Aggie Ring?

– After you BTHO 90 hours, students can order their Aggie Ring

– Oldest ring dates back to the Class of 1889

• What is the Importance– It is more than just a

piece of gold– It’s a symbol to the world

and Aggies everywhere that you’re a special person from a very special place

Symbolism Behind the Aggie Ring

• Top of Ring– Shield- protection of the good reputation of the alma mater– 13 stripes- 13 original states and Aggie’s intense patriotism– 5 stars- five phases of Aggie development

Symbolism Behind the Aggie Ring

• Side 1– Large star- Seal of the

State of Texas– Wreath of olive leaves-

desire for peace– Live oak leaves- strength

to fight

Symbolism Behind the Aggie Ring

• Side 2- the citizens of Texas fought for their land and the determination to defend our homeland– Saber- stands for valor and

confidence– Cannon and Rifle- preparedness

and defense – United States and Texas Flags

are crossed- symbolize the dual allegiance to nation and state.

The Traditions at Texas A&M are more than annual events or items to check off your bucket

list, they’re a part of life at Texas A&M.

Questions?

Thanks and Gig ‘Em!

For more information on Texas A&M Traditions, visit www.tamu.edu/traditions.

Follow Traditions Council on social media for updates on Silver Taps, Bonfire Remembrance, the Ring Scholarship, and more!

Facebook: Traditions Council

Twitter: @TradCouncil

Instagram: @TradCouncil

Website: tx.ag/TraditionsCouncil