The Traditions of Texas 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 Jargon Howdy - 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 game Bad 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 AGGIES Ol’ 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? Photo courtesy of Texas A&M University – 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 “I wish I could say that I went in and – The 12th man shows the love ran for the winning touchdown, but I that Aggies have for Aggies; did not. I simply stood by in case my team needed me”. that we’re always ready and –E. King Gill willing to step in if our Aggie Family needs us 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”. • What is Silver Taps? 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? • What is the Importance? – First bonfire was on – Signified the burning desire November 18, 1907 and to beat the hell out of t.u. consisted of a trash pile – It was truly a unifying event, – It grew to become a 109 foot as all students including tall stack of logs that would be Corps members and non- burned before the Texas A&M regs came together to build vs. t.u. game. 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? • What is the Importance – After you BTHO 90 hours, – It is more than just a students can order their piece of gold Aggie Ring – It’s a symbol to the world – Oldest ring dates back to the and Aggies everywhere Class of 1889 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.