The Association of Former Students of Texas A&M

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Our History

The Association of Former Students traces its history to the Ex-Cadets Association that formed in 1879, and later to the A&M Alumni Association and Alpha Phi Fraternity. In 1919, a coalition of multiple alumni groups formed under the name The Association of Former Students.

Since 1879, much has changed in organization and details, but the fundamental objectives of The Association remain the same: strengthening the Aggie Network, promoting Texas A&M, perpetuating the ties of affection formed in university days, and serving the student body.

In May 1921, The Association published the first issue of Texas Aggie magazine.

In the years since, The Association's communications have evolved to include newsletters, a website, and now multiple social media channels, but Texas Aggie magazine remains the flagship publication of the Aggie Network. In 1987, The Association erected its first free-standing building, the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center, which today remains a campus landmark.

Today the former students of Texas A&M remain proud of our past yet committed to the future. Our methods and programs have evolved tremendously over the years, but the noble cause of the Ex-Cadets Association is still carried out by the staff and dedicated volunteers of The Association of Former Students.

144

Years The Association has served Texas A&M

1889

First known Aggie Ring

1880

First use of "Roll Call for the Absent"

1893

Origin of the "Class Agent" concept

View A Timeline of our History

Our Tribute Wall and Memories Exhibit

1879 - 1999

1999 - 2019

What We Do

Raise Friends and Funds for Texas A&M

The Association's mission includes promoting the welfare of Texas A&M University and serving the student body. By combining small gifts from tens of thousands of generous donors, The Association made an impact on Texas A&M of more than $12.6 million in 2018. Funds, labor and materials provided by The Association support student activities, traditions, scholarships, faculty enrichment, former student services, and many other critical projects.

59,996

Annual Fund donors in 2022

8,700

Visitors hosted during football games

20,927

Miles traveled visiting A&M Clubs worldwide

2,948

Faculty & Staff award recipients since 1955

59,996

Annual Fund donors in 2022

8,700

Visitors hosted during football games

20,927

Miles traveled visiting A&M Clubs worldwide

2,948

Faculty & Staff award recipients since 1955

Strengthen the Bonds of the Aggie Network

Texas Aggies are known for our character, our determination, and our uncommon loyalty to our alma mater and to our fellow former students. The Association seeks to perpetuate and strengthen those bonds that connect Aggies with each other and the university.

300+

Aggie Muster ceremonies worldwide in 2022

280+

A&M Clubs worldwide as of Feb. 2023

'62 - '19

Classes present at 2018 Entrepreneurship Saturday

Traveling Aggies trips in 2022

300+

Aggie Muster ceremonies worldwide in 2022

280+

A&M Clubs worldwide as of Feb. 2023

'62 - '19

Classes present at 2018 Entrepreneurship Saturday

Traveling Aggies trips in 2022

Protect the Integrity of the Aggie Ring

The Aggie Ring, first manufactured in 1889, is the most visible symbol of the Aggie Network that connects Aggies around the world. The Association's Aggie Ring Program has the honor and responsibility of protecting the integrity of the Aggie Ring and overseeing eligibility, order and delivery. Almost 95 percent of the Texas A&M undergraduates who qualify for an Aggie Ring choose to order one, easily the highest rate of any university.

15,344

Aggie Rings distributed in 2022

6,509

Students received their Aggie Rings April 2022

Run for the Ring fundraiser distance

1890

Oldest Aggie Ring in our 5 collections

15,344

Aggie Rings distributed in 2022

6,509

Students received their Aggie Rings April 2022

Run for the Ring fundraiser distance

1890

Oldest Aggie Ring in our 5 collections

Promote the Aggie Spirit

Although Texas A&M has experienced tremendous growth and change over the decades, the renowned Aggie Spirit remains strong in the heart of students and former students. The Association seeks to perpetuate those ties of affection and esteem and to strengthen the worldwide Aggie Network by being the trusted information hub for those who celebrate the values that Aggies hold dear.

230,000+

Distribution/month of AggieNews in 2022

272,187

Social media followers in 2022

Buck Weirus Spirit Award winners

1,662,221

Unique visitors to AggieNetwork.com in 2022

230,000+

Distribution/month of AggieNews in 2022

272,187

Social media followers in 2022

Buck Weirus Spirit Award winners

1,662,221

Unique visitors to AggieNetwork.com in 2022

Learn more about
The Association's impact
on Texas A&M University.

The Alumni Center

For more than a century, The Association of Former Students led a nomadic existence, finding space wherever we could on campus. Seeking a permanent home, the A&M Alumni Association in 1910 led a fundraising campaign to erect a YMCA-Alumni Memorial Building, which was dedicated in 1915. But once construction was complete, The Association gave our space in the building to Texas A&M, which was desperately in need.

In 1974, after seven moves to temporary locations, The Association moved to our first dedicated space with the opening of the Forsyth Alumni Center in the MSC. With the enrollment explosion in the 1970s and 1980s, we quickly outgrew the Forsyth Center.

In 1987, The Association constructed the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center, and in 2008, a significant enhancement project was initiated to better utilize our facility in telling the powerful story of Texas A&M and Texas Aggies.

The Williams Alumni Center showcases Texas A&M's core values of Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect, and Selfless Service. The Haynes Ring Plaza, which features a 3-ton bronze replica of the Aggie Ring, has become one of the most photographed spots on campus. Inside, the legendary Aggie spirit comes to life through interactive exhibits, artifact displays, and touch screen monitors that tell the stories of Texas A&M's proud past and allows visitors to explore the lives of Aggies who have made an impact on The Association, Texas A&M, and the world.

310

Events hosted in 2019

144,000+

Approximate visitors to Williams Alumni Center in 2019

3 Tons

Approximate weight of Haynes Aggie Ring Replica

'46

Class year on crest of the Haynes Aggie Ring Replica

Hours and Directions

Building Rental Information

Interactive Exhibits