Yell Leaders, The MSC, and The Century Tree? Oh my! If you are new to Aggieland, you will quickly learn that Texas A&M is full of traditions, terminology, and acronyms that may seem strange to the outside world. To Aggies, that just makes us that more excited to live out our unique identity as one of the nation’s most tradition-rich universities.
We hope this guide full of Aggie jargon will serve as a resource so you are able to “speak Aggie” when your student calls home for the first time.
Big “T” Traditions
Reveille:
Reveille is known as the First Lady of Aggieland and is Texas A&M’s official mascot.
Yell Leaders:
Aggies don't cheer — they yell. Instead of cheerleaders, yell leaders walk the sidelines. Yell leaders are a team of upperclassmen — three seniors and two juniors — elected each year by the student body.
Fish Camp:
Each year, Texas A&M incoming freshmen are welcomed to the university at Fish Camp, a four day orientation program. At Fish Camp, freshmen are given opportunities to learn Aggie traditions, make friends and learn more about life at Texas A&M. The camp is led entirely by Texas A&M students.
T-Camp:
Transfer Camp, known as T-Camp, welcomes transfer students to Texas A&M before the fall semester every year. T-Camp, is a three-day extended orientation program that introduces transfer students to the many opportunities that exist at Texas A&M and the long-standing traditions that embody the true meaning of being an Aggie.
12th Man:
On Jan. 2, 1922 Texas A&M became the “Home of the 12th Man.” To learn about the origin story of the 12th Man, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8iRP7DD1cI
Midnight Yell:
The night before every home game, Aggies hold Midnight Yell at Kyle Field. It is regularly attended by more than 25,000 people. Midnight Yell is also held for every away game, usually at a location in or near the city where Texas A&M will play their opponent. Midnight Yell begins when the yell leaders lead the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and current and former students into the stadium. Once there, the yell leaders lead the crowd in yells dating back to the earliest days of Texas A&M. The crowd will sing The Aggie War Hymn and listen to fables from the yell leaders, telling how the Aggies are going to beat their opponent on the field the next day.
The Aggie War Hymn:
The Aggie War Hymn, the official war hymn of Texas A&M (Texas A&M does not have a fight song), dates back to World War I.
Click here to give it a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h7T_zbPGBw
The Spirit of Aggieland:
The Spirit of Aggieland is the alma mater of Texas A&M, originally written as a poem in 1925 by Marvin Mimms, Class of 1926. The music was authored by Col. Richard Dunn, director of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. The song was composed to be more somber in contrast to The Aggie War Hymn so it could be played at ceremonies like Muster. The Spirit of Aggieland was performed for the first time at a 1925 Midnight Yell.
Wildcat
A Wildcat is a combined noise and hand motion that expresses class pride and is made after an Aggie yell, after hearing a class year, during introductions with the howdy greeting or when something exciting happens.
Corps Traditions
The Corps:
The Corps of Cadets is a student-led, military-style organization at Texas A&M. It is the oldest student organization on campus and was established with the university in 1876. While participation in the Corps of Cadets was at one time mandatory for all who attended Texas A&M, participation in the Corps became voluntary in 1965. However, the Corps of Cadets plays an important role in the university and continues to play an important part in Texas A&M’s traditions and history. The members of the Corps of Cadets form the largest uniformed body of students outside of the United States service academies. While Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets consistently commissions more officers into the country’s military than any other school in the nation except the five service academies, membership in the Corps carries no military obligation. Cadets in the Corps live a disciplined lifestyle while gaining practical experience in leadership and organizational management.
The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band: The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band is the official marching band of Texas A&M. Also known as the “Noble Men of Kyle,” the Aggie Band is the largest military marching band in the United States. All members of the Aggie Band are members of the Corps of Cadets.
Traditions of Remembrance
Silver Taps:
Silver Taps is one of the final tributes held for any current graduate or undergraduate student who has passed during the year. This tradition is held the first Tuesday of the month following a student’s death. Starting in the morning, the flags on campus are flown at half-mast. The names, class and major of the fallen Aggies are on cards placed at the base of the flagpole in the Academic Plaza and on the Silver Taps Memorial. Students can leave cards for the families of the fallen Aggies throughout the day, then at 10:15pm campus goes dark, hymns are played on the Albritton Bell Tower, and students gather in Academic Plaza. At 10:30p.m., the Ross Volunteer Company marches into the Academic Plaza at a slow cadence. Once they arrive, they fire a three-volley salute in honor of the fallen Aggies. After the last round is fired, buglers atop the Academic Building begin to play a special rendition of “Taps” called “Silver Taps,” which is unique to A&M. The buglers play “Taps” three times: once to the north, once to the south, and once to the west, but never to the east, because it said the sun will never rise on that fallen Aggie again.
Bonfire Memorial:
Bonfire burned each year through 1998, with the exception of 1963. That year, Bonfire was built but torn down in a tribute to President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963. The second time in A&M's history that Bonfire did not burn was due to its collapse on Nov. 18, 1999 at 2:42 a.m, almost exactly 92 years after the first Bonfire. The collapse claimed the lives of 12 Aggies and injured 27 others. Five years later, the Bonfire Memorial was dedicated on the exact location of the fallen 1999 Bonfire.The Bonfire Memorial embodies many layers of meaning associated with the Aggie Spirit — a deep sense of belonging, a strong spirit of teamwork, and leadership and an enduring sense of tradition that unites thousands. The Bonfire Memorial celebrates the tradition, history, and spirit of Texas A&M and the dedication of those involved in the tragic collapse of the 1999 Bonfire.
Muster:
At each Muster ceremony around the world, a speaker addresses the crowd before the “Roll Call for the Absent.” Names of those from that area who have died in the past year will be read, and as each name is called, a family member or friend will answer “Here” to show that Aggie is present in spirit. Then, a candle will be lit. Following the ceremony on campus in Reed Arena — the largest Muster in the world — a rifle volley is fired and then a special arrangement of “Taps” is played. Muster is held annually on April 21st.
Memorial Student Center (MSC):
The Memorial Student Center is Texas A&M’s student union. However, this facility is unique because it is also a memorial. After the world wars, former students wanted to build a memorial to honor all of the Aggies that had lost their lives during battle—and at the same time, the students wanted to build a student center. The Memorial Student Center — or the MSC, as it is known on campus — was built and dedicated on Muster Day (April 21) 1951 to all of the Aggies that have lost their lives in wars past, present, or future.
In 2012, the MSC was renovated and expanded to accommodate the university’s nearly 50,000 students, as well as the faculty, staff, alumni and campus visitors who use it for a variety of activities — and to provide for anticipated future needs, officials note. The facility now includes about 400,000 square feet of usable floor space, including 71,000 square feet of new space.
Traditions & Symbols
Aggie Ring:
As the most visible sign of the Aggie Network, the Aggie Ring is a unique representation of achievement, as it can only be ordered when an Aggie completes specific academic requirements. Traditionally, students wear the Ring with the class year facing them to signify that their time at A&M is not yet complete. During commencement ceremonies, The Association of Former Students leads a ceremony in which Aggies students turn their Rings around to face the world proudly, just as the Aggie graduate is now ready to face the world.
The Century Tree:
The Century Tree, located near the Academic Building, is well over 100 years old, and was one of the first trees planted on Texas A&M's massive 5,200-acre campus. Tradition says that if a couple walks together underneath the Century Tree, they will eventually marry — and if a marriage proposal takes place under the tree, the marriage will last forever.
Pennies on Sully:
Lawrence Sullivan “Sul” Ross, president of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas from 1891-1898, was known for his legendary efforts to keep the college open; he is often credited as the embodiment of Aggie Spirit and tradition. A statue of the former Texas governor — affectionately called “Sully” — now stands as one of the most iconic landmarks on campus. Students leave pennies (as well as assorted bills, gift cards, and other trinkets) at the base of Sully for good luck before taking their exams. The items are collected each semester and donated to a local charitable organization.
Terminology
Former Student:
"Former student" is the preferred term for an individual who is no longer a Texas A&M student. This term dates back to the university's early days, when many students would attend school long enough to gain the necessary training and education but would not always graduate. Regardless of the length of time spent on campus, the devotion of these Aggies to Texas A&M remained strong. "Alumnus" is an acceptable term for graduates; however, "ex-Aggie" is not. Aggies strongly believe that, "once an Aggie, always an Aggie!"
Gig ‘Em:
Aggies will often flash a thumbs up and say “Gig ’em!” This is a phrase that dates back to 1920. The term was popularized by P.L. “Pinkie” Downs, a member of the Texas A&M Board of Regents and Class of 1906, when Downs asked the crowd at a yell practice before the 1930 TCU football game, “What are we going to do to those Horned Frogs?” Improvising, he borrowed the name of a sharp-pronged frog hunting tool called a gig, answering his own question by saying “Gig ’em, Aggies!” For emphasis, Downs made a fist with his thumb extended straight up. Today, the phrase and thumbs-up gesture are a universal sign of approval for Aggies and identify an Aggie or an Aggie fan. Usually done with the right hand, the Gig ‘em sign also showcases the Aggie Ring, which is traditionally worn on that hand. But even more than that, Gig ‘em signals optimism, determination, loyalty, and the Aggie Spirit.
Howdy:
“Howdy” is the official greeting of Texas A&M. Students greeting one another — and especially campus visitors — with a “howdy” has earned the university a reputation as the friendliest campus in the world. The origins of this tradition are unknown, but it is one that Aggies proudly continue.
Whoop:
Aggie upperclassmen and graduates will often say “Whoop!” as an expression of approval or excitement. It is most often used at the end of an Aggie yell. Underclassmen are not supposed to say the word until they have reached either junior or senior status.
Good Bull:
“Good Bull” is a phrase used to describe anything that embraces or promotes the Aggie Spirit or the traditions of Texas A&M. It is also used to signify approval of virtually anything.
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