Welcome to Aggieland: Explore some of Texas A&M University’s most enduring events, sayings, and stories

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It’s no secret that Texas A&M University is deeply rooted in time-honored traditions. Customs are an integral part of the university’s culture, from the famous Aggie-Longhorn rivalry to the relationships eternalized under the Century Tree. Whether you’re a freshman trying to master the ins and outs of your new home, a former student looking for a trip down memory lane, or a Brazos Valley resident wanting to learn more about Texas’ largest public university on your doorstep, read on.

Howdy: Aggie-isms abound on campus

Whenever you step on campus or read an email from an Aggie, you’ll likely receive this friendly welcome. Beyond being the school’s official greeting, the word is also a common attention-grabber: Shout it in a group of current or former students, and the chatter of conversation will fade as people echo the phrase and focus on you expectantly. Another common term you’ll hear around the university is “Whoop!” Used to express excitement, this exclamation is reserved for juniors or seniors. And if someone gives you a thumbs-up and “Gig ’em,” it’s a sign of approval and enthusiasm. The term dates back to P.L. “Pinkie” Downs, who referred to a small-game hunting tool called a “gig” when rallying students during a 1930 football game against the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs, according to Texas A&M’s traditions website. Add this lingo to your vocabulary, and you’ll be speaking like an Aggie in no time!

Go Fish: New students learn the Texas A&M culture by attending welcome retreats

From the moment of admission, new students are welcomed with open arms into the Aggie family. Known as an Aggie’s first tradition, Fish Camp brings freshman students to an optional four-day retreat at

Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine, Texas. Students take part in DG, or discussion groups, which are led by other students who are invested in creating an environment for students to transition smoothly to college life at A&M. Students learn about Aggie traditions as well as take part in informational sessions sharing about resources available to them on campus. Additionally, transfer students are given similar opportunities to attend a transition camp with T-Camp before the fall semester and Howdy Camp prior to the spring semester.

Pass it Back, Ags: Midnight Yell rouses the crowd with the Aggie spirit before the big game

As the clock strikes midnight, thousands of Aggie fans fill Kyle Field, led by the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and Yell Leaders carrying torches, to

take part in a practice for the football game later in the day. Unlike other schools, Texas A&M does not have cheerleaders on the field but rather Yell Leaders who lead attendees on the eve of the game to practice the yells, or chants, which will be echoed by tens of thousands of fans during the game. Midnight Yell dates back to 1913, beginning with a small group of cadets led by Peanut Owens who decided to have the freshman gather to practice the “yells” in front of the YMCA Building. This has now evolved into a much larger event with 25,000 people gathering in the stadium when Yell Leaders get the fans riled up with stirring stories about how the Aggies are going to “beat the hell outta” the opposing team.

Revved Up: The university’s mascot holds a special place in Aggies’ hearts

No one is more famous on campus than the university’s official mascot, Miss Rev. Dubbed the First Lady of Aggieland, this rough collie is the

highest-ranking member of the Corps of Cadets. In addition to her duties attending events and football games, she accompanies her handler around campus. If she barks during a lecture, it’s a command: “Class dismissed!” She enjoys taking photos with students and has her own Twitter page and Instagram account. Since cadets sneaked the first Reveille onto campus in 1931, 10 dogs have held the title, with Reveille X’s reign beginning this May. When a former mascot passes away, she is buried outside Kyle Field by a scoreboard — so she can continue to cheer on her Aggies.

Put a Ring on It: Students join the Aggie Network with Aggie rings

Student’s right ring finger bears the weight of Aggie gold after completing 90 hours of coursework. The Aggie ring, which dates back to 1889, is an important symbol of the Aggie Network that connects current students to former Aggies for a lifetime. The Aggie ring must be earned

as it is not just given to students for attending the university, which is why the students take such pride when they get to order it at the end of their junior year. Each semester, a ring day brings thousands of students and guests together to celebrate. Traditionally, students select a person, normally a family member, who has helped them get to this point in their life to place the gold on their finger. When an Aggie receives their ring, they face the class year towards themselves as their time at A&M is not yet over. At their graduation ceremonies, Aggies turn their class year facing away to signify that they are ready to take on the world.

Passing Muster: Solemn traditions honor those who are gone

While many visitors only see Texas A&M’s rowdy, football-loving side, the university has deep roots of solemnity. The Bonfire Memorial commemorates the 12 students who died in the 1999 Bonfire collapse,

and current students who pass away are honored with a Silver Taps event, during which loved ones and classmates gather in Academic Plaza for a somber tribute. And every year on April 21, Aggies gather in locations around the world for the revered tradition of Muster to remember current and former students from their area who lost their lives in the past 12 months. In College Station’s gathering place at Reed Arena, the crowd sits in darkness as a voice begins to read a roll call for the absent. As each name is spoken, friends and family members answer “Here,” as a candle is lit and a tiny flame springs to life on the arena floor. By the end of the ceremony, the entire area is illuminated by rows of flickering lights, a visual representation of those who have passed on and their enduring connection to Aggieland.