Constituent networks have been a part of The University Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University since 2003, breaking away from its traditional organizational structure of representing its former students with only class agents or class presidents. In a move to empower former students to come together and have a voice, The Association amended its bylaws to provide an avenue for constituent networks to be chartered, says Kathryn Greenwade, vice president for communication and human resources at The Association of Former Students.
Constituent networks provide former student representation, help raise awareness of issues, and provide an avenue for Aggies to give back to Texas A&M, says Greenwade.
“I would just say that constituent networks are an important part of our organization because they allow us to hear from more Aggie voices, to hear from different Aggie voices, and to hear different perspectives,” says Greenwade. “Each of them have been able to bring things to our attention that we had not been aware of just because we were operating in our traditional model.”
Aggie Educator Network www.aggienetwork.com/educators The Aggie Educator Network serves as a platform for Aggie Educators to have a voice in advocating excellence in education and to share professional development. Members can serve in attracting and recruiting new and current students into the field of education, provide guidance through mentorship, partake in summer conferences, and promote the value of education.
Aggie Pride LGBTQ Network www.aggienetwork.com/aggiepride The Aggie Pride LGBTQ Network commits to outreach and building connections among LGBTQ+ former students, current students, faculty, staff, and allies. This new network provides support to its members with mentorship and professional development. They raise money every year for emergency funds meant to support students facing financial hardship and give grants to Texas A&M affiliated organizations for LGBTQ-specific programs. Aggie Pride hopes to demonstrate the value and contributions that LGBTQ+ Aggies bring to the university and the broader community.
Aggie Women www.aggiewomen.org An independent, nonprofit organization, and recognized constituent network within The Association, Aggie Women reaches more than 2,000 members. This network connects former students with current students, faculty, and each other in efforts to promote the active engagement of women in the educational, charitable, and cultural life of Texas A&M. Every year, the network supports two current students through the Presidential Endowed Scholarship and presents the Women’s Legacy Awards to individual members in recognition of their achievements.
Black Former Students Network www.tamubfsn.org In 2001, the Black Former Student Network was formed, seeking to achieve a diverse and supportive academic environment at Texas A&M. The network enables and defends all African American students’ rights to maximize their time, talents, and investments while in Aggieland. Part of their mission is increasing the student body percentage of African Americans enrolling in and graduating from Texas A&M. In 2019, BFSN launched their mentoring program to engage African American students, offering support, advice, mentorship, and more.
Bush School Former Students Network www.aggienetwork.com/bushschoolfsn The Bush School Former Students Network is the first college-affiliated constituent network, chartered in 2008. This network seeks to increase the amount of highly competent, ethical, and dedicated public servants throughout the world, educated at the Bush School. The Bush School Former Students Network promotes visibility of the Bush School and helps keep its curriculum and educational programs relevant to the current needs of public policy practitioners. The network enables members to continue their professional development while also providing current students with more educational opportunities.
Federation of Texas A&M Mother’s Clubs www.aggiemoms.org Organized in 1928, the Federation of Texas A&M Mother’s Clubs includes 108 individual Member Clubs located across the nation. The mission of the networks is to contribute to the comfort and wellbeing of current students. The network also works with Texas A&M in maintaining a high standard of moral conduct and intellectual achievement of its students. Every year, Texas A&M Mothers’ Clubs financially supports more than 1,000 student organizations while also awarding individual scholarships. Members can enjoy involvement with workshops, socials, camps, projects, scholarships, and more.
Greek Former Student Network www.aggienetwork.com/greeks The Greek Former Student Network connects Greek former students with a board of directors boasting more than 40 years of hands-on Greek involvement both on campus and nationally. The network provides intergenerational programs that advance the educational and charitable interests of the Greek letter organizations.
Hispanic Aggie Network www.tamhn.aggienetwork.com The Hispanic Aggie Network’s mission is to serve as an advocate and support group for Hispanic concerns and issues both on campus and in local communities. The network works to increase the number of Hispanic students attending Texas A&M and further improve the experiences, education, and quality of life of these students on campus. The Hispanic Aggie Network has a mentorship program, hosts an annual summit, creates opportunities with regional and annual events, and has a voice when reviewing college-level diversity initiatives.
Sea Aggie Former Student Network www.aggienetwork.com/seaaggies The Sea Aggie Former Student Network serves as a channel of industry perception, providing assistance to maritime and marine students. The network’s commitment is to nurture, support, and unite a dynamic mix of professionals. The Sea Aggie Former Student Network promotes the student involvement in networking, professional development and opportunities, and industry professional events. With the help of the network, students can find their place in the maritime and marine industry.
Student Government Association Former Student Network www.aggienetwork.com/sga One of the goals of the Student Government Association Former Student Network is establishing programs that further the educational and charitable interests of the network and university. Chartered in 2018, the network seeks to provide a formal career network and leadership structure for former members of SGA. The network also offers development and growth of the university’s active SGA. Anyone who was a member of any SGA affiliated or chartered group active during the time of their enrollment at Texas A&M University can become a member.
Texas A&M Real Estate Network www.aggienetwork.com/realestate The Texas A&M Real Estate Network focuses on strengthening the professional development of its members, developing leaders in accounting, law, brokerage, property management, architecture, and more. The network strives to support and develop commercial real estate professionals by providing networking opportunities with their peers, providing scholarships to current students, and supporting the real estate programs at Texas A&M. Its mentoring program for students creates opportunities for students to obtain internships and permanent positions.
Texas Aggie Bar Association www.aggielaw.org Chartered as a nonprofit corporation in 1974, the Texas Aggie Bar Association builds camaraderie among Aggie lawyers and law students, as well as the larger Aggie network. The Aggie Bar Association offers events for members to engage in, including howdy hours, webinars, tailgates, and an annual conference that brings its membership home to Aggieland for one weekend. Members are provided with education, networking opportunities, and recognition through distinguished awards and scholarships.
For more information on constituent networks, visit www.aggienetwork.com/cn.
