Texas A&M University’s official sesquicentennial celebration is set to kick off in October; the university is planning many events to honor the legacy of the institution and 150 years of educating people from all over the world.
The overview
Austin Fannin, the director of strategic program development at the university, said at a presentation to the Brazos County Commissioners Court that the university is prioritizing different pillars of celebration for the anniversary, including:
- Living out Aggie Core Values: Excellence, Integrity and Leadership, alongside Loyalty, Respect and Selfless Service
- Honoring tradition
- Celebrating academic excellence
- Driving discovery
- Cultivating leaders, including celebrating past and present leaders
The official birthday of the university is Oct. 4; however, the institution will be holding the official kickoff on Oct. 2. Along with the opening ceremony highlighting Aggie history earlier in the day, the kickoff will have an earlier edition of Midnight Yell, along with a fireworks display and something officials said will be the first of its kind in Aggieland.
“We’re ending it with a drone show. It will be the first one of its kind open to the public on campus,” Fannin said.
Zooming in
During the week of the school’s anniversary, many events will commence in celebration. Celebratory occurrences such as:
- Birthday meals, treats, and celebrations at Aggie dining locations with special throwback menus currently being made and a Sbisa pig roast before the Arkansas game during that weekend. Ice cream sandwiches will also be $1.50 at the Moore Family Creamery on all gameday weekends.
- Birthday treats will be available at 12 different locations across main campus for all students, faculty and staff, along with a map of locations to be shared.
- Premiere of the first part of the KAMU Docuseries showcasing the university’s history and impact, along with various interactive activations around campus.
The university also plans to have special speakers throughout the year. The “Sesquicentennial Speaker Series” features many former students who have gone on to change the world and promote Aggie excellence. Confirmed speakers are Anthony Wood and Arch “Beaver” Aphlin III, with topics and unannounced speakers coming during the 2026-27 school year.
As a way to begin the end of the anniversary, the university will host the “Aggie Family Parade”. Fannin said the university expects to see many people participate, including students and Bryan-College Station residents.
“We’ll have some of the local community groups, as well as the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, departments, colleges, affiliates,” Fannin said. “We’re also looking forward to some Macy’s-style balloons.”
The route is expected to be on and off campus, cutting through Aggie Park and ending at College Station City Hall.
The last event will be the Aggie 150th Festival, which will take place in Aggie Park. The festival will include music, culture, food, rides, history and academic innovations. History exhibits will also be available throughout the year at the Memorial Student Center and other places on campus.
The takeaway
Fannin said that residents and students should look forward to the upcoming academic year and that the planning and festivities will be a “giant team effort” across the campus. The university’s 150th website features a detailed schedule of events and a condensed history of the institution, so residents can check the events as they get closer to celebrate.
