APPELT AGGIELAND VISITOR CENTER
CAMPUS WALKING TOUR 2007
Before the tour begins:
Remember that you should add your own personality to the tour and have fun
with it. Always strive to be representative, accurate, informative, and
entertaining. Be observant of anyone needing to use wheelchair accessibility,
and alter the route if needed.
Make a general announcement that the tour will begin in just a few minutes;
prior to exiting Rudder Tower, welcome the group to Texas A&M University
on behalf of the students, faculty, President and Board of Regents.
Introduce yourself by name, major, hometown and expected graduation
date. If you have a small group and time allows, ask each student to:
 Introduce themselves
 Say their hometown
 Say what they intend to study
Ask if there are any former students in the group and give a special
welcome to them!
Begin at the portrait of James Earl Rudder ‘32
Start your tour with the history of how Texas A&M University began:

On Monday, October 2, 1876, the Agricultural and Mechanical College of
Texas, the first state-supported institution of higher learning, officially
opened for classes. Forty students and six faculty members began
instruction, with Thomas Gathright as acting president. The school owes
its origin to the Morrill Act of 1862, which established the nation’s landgrant college system.

AMC was an all male military college. All students were required to be in
the Corps of Cadets and lived and studied by a strict military regiment.
Some daughters of the faculty attended AMC form day one, but only
stayed for a couple of years then transferred to other schools. The first
woman to receive her diploma was in 1903.

In 1963, the name of the institution was changed to Texas A&M University
to more accurately reflect its expanding role as a leader in teaching,
research and public service for the state, nation and world. The initials "A"
and "M" are a link to the university’s past; they no longer represent any
specific words as the school’s curriculum has grown to include many
areas of study in addition to agriculture and engineering.
Explain the significance of James Earl Rudder ’32 and the Rudder Complex
General James Earl Rudder '32
 During the D-Day assault in WW II, he led the men of the 2nd Ranger
Battalion up the hundred foot cliffs at Pointe du Hoc, France, against
heavy German resistance.
 A&M President from 1959-1970
 Corps of Cadets was made non-mandatory in Fall 1965
 Women began to be admitted in fall of 1964 (if asked, minorities were
officially admitted full-time in the summer of 1963 though some had been
attending for many years prior)
Rudder Complex
 Auditorium, Theater, Forum: throughout the years the university has
hosted plays, operas, performing arts and world famous speakers. Some
of the famous speakers have been Maya Angelou, Steven Hawking (a
world-famous physicists), Ted Kennedy, Arnold Schwarzenegger,
President George Bush ’41, and Rudolf Giuliani.
 Explain MSC OPAS (Opera and Performing Arts Society) the types of
entertainment they help bring to campus, including famous Broadway
plays.
 Tower consists of: 3rd-7th floors: conference rooms, 8th- 10th floors:
Offices of the President and Vice Presidents of the University and 11th
floor: Faculty Club which is available to only faculty and staff of the
university.
Exit side towers of Rudder Complex toward military walk and move to the
right next to Hart Hall.
Mention A&M facts:
 Texas A&M University offers degrees in 150 courses of study in 10
different colleges
 80% of faculty has earned doctorates, 2,500 faculty complete $550 million
in research projects annually
 Faculty Awards: 2 Nobel Prizes (Dr. Borlaug won the Peace Prize-also
recently awarded a National Medal of Science, Dr. Kirby won the Physics
Prize)
 300 professors hold endowed professorships or chairs
 We have the largest campus in the country at over 5,200 acres and a little
over a 150 buildings. Explain how students get around on campus: walk,
ride bikes, ride the different shuttle routes (both on and off campus).
World Wide Influence
 Research conducted on every continent
 We operate a study center in Santa Chiara, Italy, and Mexico City
 We have an engineering branch in Doha, Qatar which opened in 2003
Bizzell Hall
 Home of the Study Abroad Office – they offer 100 different group
programs with global opportunities like internships, language institutes,
and field studies in over 43 countries
o 25% of Aggie graduates had an international experience while at
A&M
o Students can earn academic credit while studying abroad and have
access to over $300,000 in scholarships
 The International Student Services offices are in this building providing a
large array of services to students from all over the world
 Home of Marketing and Communications
Walk past Hart Hall (mention that it is a one of the co-ed dorms;) Veer right on the
sidewalk and stop by the large tree on the sidewalk. This gives visitors a view of
the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building. Continue walking past Hart Hall to
Nagle Hall then turn right.
Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building
 $95 million building with plans to be completed in summer of 2008
 220,000-square foot building, the largest construction project in the
university's 130-year history, will be equipped with the most modern
classrooms and laboratories available
 Classes will range from Chemistry, Agriculture, to Engineering
 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (or LEED) certified
Building program
 The university is currently investing in a $500 million building program that
will be among the most extensive in the country. In addition to the new
$95 million interdisciplinary life sciences building, two new physics
buildings totaling $57 million, made possible by a major gift by George P.
and Cynthia Mitchell of Houston, are currently in under construction
 New indoor practice facilities for football and track; expansion to Reed
Arena
All Faiths Chapel
 Different denominations hold services throughout the year
 It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Sbisa Dining Hall
 The main dining hall for students
 Named after Bernard Sbisa, the Austrian born New Orleans chef who
joined the staff in 1879. In his 49 years of service to the students of A&M,

only one meal was served late, breakfast on Nov. 11, 1911 because the
earlier wooden mess hall burned down early that morning. He used Army
field kitchens and had breakfast ready by 10am
It features all you can eat buffet of contemporary American, Mexican,
Asian and Italian cuisine, a large salad bar and a make your own burger
station
Take the middle sidewalk to Sul Ross statue.
AP Beutel (pronounced Boy-tel) Health Center (do not refer to the Center as the
"Quack Shack")
 It has 10 full-time staff physicians and a pharmacy with discounted
medicine for students that offers most services (other than major surgery)
 Students have unlimited free visits as part of the student health fee
 Offers discounted prescriptions for students and a “Dial a Nurse” hotline
 It has a Volunteer Student EMS Program.
Stop in front of the Sul Ross statue.
Muster
 This ceremony is held on April 21 of each year. If any Aggie is within 100
miles of another, they are to get together on this day to remember their
time at A&M
 There are over 400 Aggie Musters held worldwide. The 50th class
reunion is always held on campus for Muster
 It is a reunion of spirits and a remembrance of those who have died in the
past year. A "Roll Call for the Absent" is called in which a friend, a family
member, or another Aggie answers "Here" to signify that although that
person is not here in body, he or she is here in spirit
 Muster is more than a ceremony; it is a way for Aggies to renew, each
year, our loyalty and unity, which constitutes the basic foundation of our
friendship for each other and love and devotion for our school
Silver Taps
 Any current, graduate or undergraduate student who has died in the
previous month is honored
 Silver Taps is held on the first Tuesday of every month when necessary
o At 10:00 p.m. all lights on camps are extinguished
o At 10:15 p.m. the Albritton Bell Tower rings
o At 10:30 p.m. the student body gathers in the Academic Plaza
o The Ross Volunteers march in a slow cadence from the north and
fire a 21-gun salute in honor of the deceased
o Six buglers are stationed on the rotunda of the Academic Building
and play a special rendition of Taps called "Silver Taps" three times
(north, south, & west)
 This is one of our ways of showing that once an Aggie, always an Aggie
Lawrence Sullivan Ross
 Students call him "Sully"
 He was a Texas Ranger, former Governor of Texas and former president
of A&M College
 Is known for leading A&M "from a state of failure to a growing and
prosperous institution"
 During his presidency, the Aggie Ring was designed, the Fightin’ Texas
Aggie Band was formed and intercollegiate football was brought to
campus
 It is said to be good luck to put pennies at Sully's feet
Move into the Academic Building through the front, main entrance (enter
via the ramp on the right hand side if needing accessibility ramp); point out
water fountain if needed.
Academic Building
 The dome of the building is copper, and it has never been polished. There
is a story that says cadets use to polish the dome, but they had to stop
because the glare would blind pilots flying into Easterwood Airport. This is
not true.
 Built in 1912 after the Old Main building (originally the center of campus)
burned down
 Built through the influence of E. B. Cushing who was president of the
board and guaranteed the bonds for construction
 Had to meet two requirements: be fire proof and stand for at least 50
years
 One of the first buildings to be built with reinforced concrete and steel
beam construction
 Replica of the Liberty Bell hangs in the center of the dome: each state has
a replica given to them as a memorial for WW II. Governor Shivers, the
governor of Texas at the time gave this one to Texas A&M in honor of the
sacrifices Aggies made during the war. He said, “No one has suffered
more than the Aggies, so we will give it to them.”
 The seal in the center of the building was a gift by the class of 1978, an
example of the importance Aggies place on giving back to our country,
state, and university
 The Academic Building currently houses the Honors Program Office,
Modern Languages, Office of Professional School Advising, Women’s
Studies, and Sociology
Move out of the Academic Building back through the main entrance and
head down the ramp on your right hand side move down the ramp and stop
at the end of the ramp in the shaded area next to the Century Tree.
Explain importance of giving at A&M
 Texas A&M gives back to our country by training and educating officers
that serve in the military and in the state through holding governmental
positions. Our alumni give millions back to the university through the
Association of Former Students. These funds help current students
through educational scholarships (A common misconception: the
Association does not pay for any portion of a student’s Aggie ring).
Current students give back in numerous ways such as ‘The Big Event,’ the
largest one day community service event in the country
Century Tree
 Oak tree that is believed to be about 100 years old
 Tradition holds that Aggies propose to their beloved under the arch of this
tree
Move East toward the side entrance of the Harrington Education Center
Complex (accessibility ramp located at the entrance in between Harrington
Tower and Harrington Lecture Hall); point out the Engineering section of
campus as you move toward Harrington.
Campus Safety
 A&M is perennially ranked as one of the nation’s safest campuses.
 The Corps of Cadets offers an escort service; they will send a uniformed
cadet with a walkie-talkie to the location of the student calling and walk
them to their next location. A&M is ranked the safest campus in the state
because of the corps escort service
 ID cards are required to get into Residence Halls
 Emergency Phone System (there is one located on the visitor right)
 Code Maroon is a campus emergency notification service that gives Texas
A&M the ability to communicate health and safety emergency information
quickly—by email and text message. By enrolling in Code Maroon,
university officials can quickly pass on safety-related information to
students, regardless of their location.
Move into the Harrington Building; point out water fountain availability.
Enter classroom 108 or 110 if available and have guests be seated (time
permitting/group size allows).
Harrington Education Center Complex
 Largest classroom in here seats 250; smallest seats 30
 Largest classroom on campus seats 450 in the Ray Auditorium in the
Wehner Building
 Explain a typical class format
 Professors give their contact information and have office hours
 Explain TA’s and SI’s

Many professors put their lector notes, outlines, or slides on line to print
before going to class. Some will also record audio and/or video, podcast
of their lectures for students who are enrolled via distance or who missed
class. Encourage visitors to check-out all of the university information
available on iTunesU, including prospective student information
Move out of the Harrington Building through the same entrance and turn
left, walking past Cushing Library. Turn left and head toward Pavilion.
Cushing Library
 Campus Archives, rare books, manuscripts, some artwork
 Restored in 1998
Sterling C. Evans Library
 6 stories, walkway connects 4th floor of main library to the annex
 Private and group study rooms available
 Help Desk is located in the back
 Student Writing Center is located here: services include proof reading
papers, resumes, applications, etc. and is included in student fees
Library Annex
 Resources include media services, audio/video resources that students
can check out and some book collections
 Study rooms
 Copy machines
Point out O&M Building and the front of campus. As you approach the
Pavilion, turn right and travel through the corridor of the Library Annex and
the Parking Garage.
Pavilion
 Livestock shows and rodeo’s took place in the building originally
 Financial Aid and Scholarships: Advisors are available 8-5 M-F by
appointment or walk-in
 Approximately 75% of our students receive financial aid; we provide about
$420 million dollars each year to students in scholarships, loans and other
forms of financial aid
 Student Fees Office: pay your tuition or any other fees here or online
 Students can obtain their ID cards at the Pavilion during their New Student
Conferences, along with replacement cards.
 Aggie Bucks: works like a debit card and can be used on-campus or offcampus
 Meal Plan office help desk.
 Pavilion Snack Bar

Before games were aired on the radio, Mike Flinn would recreate some of
the football games in this building. Flinn had the lines of the field drawn in
the dirt and wooden players to represent the football players. Mike would
listen by phone to the football game and have students move the pieces
according to what was happening in the game. He would charge cadets
$.50 to view the game (the charge would help pay for the phone call).
Student Computing Center
 Commonly called the SCC
 The Texas A&M University Open-Access Computer Labs (OALs) are
available for faculty and students of the University. Five Open-Access
Labs, six supported locations, and one dedicated Printing Center provide
access to email accounts as well as Web navigation, and a number of
course-specific programs. Lab access is 24 hours per day Monday –
Friday, Saturday 10am to 8 pm, Sunday 1 pm to 12 pm when classes are
in session during the fall and spring semester. There are also three
classrooms located in the SCC.
o 556 PC and 15 Apple iMac computers
o 1386 computers available for student and faculty use
o Must have user name
o Students are allotted $30, from their student fees (or 300 black and
white text documents) for prints.
Travel down the side walk to Heldenfels, then toward Lubbock Street; stop
on sidewalk in front of the Quad.
Residence Life
 A&M houses 9,800 students including the Corps: there are 7 male, 9
female, 14 co-ed residence halls
 The various styles available are: Modular, Commons, Balcony, Corridor,
Ramp
 Student ID card is necessary for entrance into your dorm
 Talk about your positive experience if you lived on campus
 Residence Hall tours are provided M-F by Residence Life (give group
specific times)
Corps of Cadets
 Includes the nation’s largest uniformed student body, other than at the
service academies, with approximately 1,800 men and women among its
ranks—all participating on a voluntary basis and does not require military
service
 Commissions more officers than any other institution, except for the
service academies, with ROTC programs leading to commissions in all
four branches of the military: Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps


The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, part of the Corps, is the nation’s largest
military-style marching band, with over 300 members this year (note: you
must be a member of the Corps to participate in the Aggie Band)
Point out the Guard Room: Cadets Stationed 24/7 during the fall and
spring semesters
Aggie Ring
 Mention Aggie Ring statue just inside of the arches
 To earn your Aggie Ring you must complete 95 hours of class, up to 45
hours can be transfer hours
 Graduate students can also earn an Aggie Ring
The Aggie Code of Honor
 An Aggie doesn’t lie, cheat or steal nor tolerate those who do.
 This is Code is taken very seriously; the statement is written on most tests
and on all class syllabi
 There is an Honor Council made up of students, faculty and staff to review
all cases that violate the Code of Honor
Walk on the left sidewalk of Joe Routt Blvd past the Corps Center heading
to the Koldus Building
Sam Houston Sanders Corps Center
 Houses the Corps History Museum and a gun collection
 Home of the Corps Recruiting office
 Admission Sessions are usually offered in this building
As you move toward the Koldus Building you can begin talking about the
services available there. Enter the Koldus Building and proceed to the seal
in the main entrance of the building. Stop in the lobby in front of the seal;
point out that a water fountain and vending machine are available.
John J. Koldus Building
 Career Center: they assist current and former students with resume and
interview workshops, mock interviews, job fairs and career counseling
o Graduates become part of the Aggie Network-made up of about
250,000 Texas A&M graduates that can be helpful when it comes
to finding a job
 Transportation Services
 Prospective Student Center and Admissions Counseling: available for
walk-in appointments Monday-Friday. There are also regional Prospective
Student Centers available in Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, San
Antonio, Corpus Christi, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley (encourage
prospective students to make contact with their regional PSC-phone
numbers are provided on our folders)
 Athletic Department offices


Attached to the University Center parking garage
o One of 5 on campus, students can park in a parking garage or in a
flat lot.
o Students sign up for a parking permit at the beginning of the fall
semester in order to park on campus, rates vary according to
parking option.
o Be sure to point out the pay station that the visitors will be using
when they leave later on.
Explain “The Other Education”
o Over 800 student organizations available, many students are
involved in several student organizations
o Student Activities, Student Government, Students with Disabilities,
and Student Involvement
o Fish Camp- Every year nine hundred counselors willingly give up
time and effort in order to welcome Texas A&M’s greatest and most
important tradition: The Freshmen Class. Through a 4-day
orientation program held in Palestine, TX, freshmen are given the
opportunity to learn Aggie Traditions, ease their way into college
life, develop leadership skills and create bonds that will last a
lifetime.
Exit through the main entrance of the Koldus building. Cross over Houston
Street first, and then Joe Routt Blvd. Continue to the breezeway entrance of
the MSC.
West campus
 George Bush Presidential Library Complex - Opened in November 1997
o The Museum houses 93,000 artifacts from Bush’s 29 years in
public service. The three building complex houses the Bush School
of Government and Public Service, The European Center, The
Presidential Conference Center, and includes living quarters for
former President Bush and the First Lady to use when they come
up to campus from Houston
o The Bush Library's collections include 38 million pages of official
and personal papers, 1 million photographs, 2,500 hours of
videotape, and 70,000 museum objects
o President Bush is a lecturer in the Bush School of Government &
Public Service.
 Student Recreation Center – 373,000 sq. feet
 Intramural Sports
 Reed Arena – seating for 13,000, it houses graduations, basketball
games, and other special events
 Mays Business School
 Agriculture and Life Sciences Buildings
 The Vet School
 The Medical School (and soon Nursing School)
Enter the MSC through the breezeway entrance. Walk through the main
hallway of the MSC pointing out the dining facilities bookstore and post
office.
Memorial Student Center
 The Memorial Student Center was dedicated on Aggie Muster, April 21,
1951, as a memorial to all the Aggies who lost their lives in World War II.
The names of 916 of those Aggies are inscribed on bronze tablets at the
main entrance.
 We show our respect for these fallen Aggies by removing hats in the
building and staying off the grass surrounding the MSC building.
 Flag Room – known as the ‘living room’ of the university for students when
they are away from home. The two globes signify the land grant (red) and
sea grant (blue). TAMU was the first university to have all three grant
designations (land, sea, & space). Only 8 other universities in the world
have all three designations.
 Point out the Centennial Carved Wood Panels
o These were unveiled October 4, 1976 to commemorate Texas
A&M's 100th anniversary. Dr. Rodney Hill, Professor in the College
of Architecture, and his wife Susan, were commissioned by the
University to carve the wood panels depicting various areas of the
campus and student life
 The MSC Bookstore:
o The Bookstore gives back $1.5 million dollars annually to student
programs and scholarships.
o Aggie paraphernalia can be bought in the bookstore
o Books for classes can purchased at the Booksktore downstairs in
the basement. They offer the largest selection of text books in
B/CS and are competitively priced with all off campus bookstores.
 Point out the banners hanging in the hallway and that many student
groups use this hallway to promote their activities
 Point out the location of Multicultural Services, the Forsyth and Stark
Galleries and the MSC Hotel.
Exit the west end of the MSC near the Post Office (Board of Regents
corridor if needing accessibility ramp); travel toward 12th Man statue (stop
under shade tree near statue).
12th Man tradition
 The 12th Man tradition represents all current and former students. Current
students stand throughout the entire football game.
 E King Gill became the embodiment of the 12th man on January 2, 1922
when A&M was playing Centre College in the Dixie Classic (similar to
today's Cotton Bowl)

o The Aggies, at the time the underdog, suffered so many injuries in
the first half that Coach Dana X. Bible called a reserve (E. King Gill)
to suit up in an injured player's uniform (he was currently practicing
with the basketball team so he was not suited up for the football
game)
o Gill never played, but was the last man standing on the sideline.
A&M beat Centre College by a score of 22 to 14.
o Gill's readiness to play symbolized the willingness of Aggie’s to
support their team to the point of actually entering the game. This
spirit has continued and today the Aggie student body, known as
the 12th Man, remains standing as a gesture of its loyalty and
readiness for duty.
We have one walk-on player, who is selected each week, to represent the
12th Man on the kick-off coverage team. They wear the number 12
jersey.
Walk towards the Reveille graves



Reveille is a pure breed American Collie who is the highest-ranking
member of the Corps of Cadets. She is taken care of by a sophomore in
Company E2 and attends every activity with him (including classes).
o If she gets in a Corps member's bed, it's hers for as long as she
wants it
It is very important to note that we do not know the real story of the
beginning of Reveille, there is no real proof for any of the stories. The
most widely accepted story is the original Reveille was a mutt found on the
side of the road by some cadets in 1931 between Navasota and College
Station. Some stories suggest she was run over by the cadets; other
stories say she was found suffering from malnutrition on the side of the
road. The second Reveille was also a mutt but during a football game, bit
another player. The referees were upset by this therefore Reveilles 3-7
have been pure breed American Collies
All former Reveille’s are buried here where they can always keep an eye
on the score of the football game (mention scoreboard outside the Zone)
Enter the Sports Museum at Kyle Field
Yell Leaders and Yell Practice (feel free to lead your tour in a yell practice if time
and size permits)
 3 Seniors and 2 Juniors are elected by the student body each year
 Because we don’t cheer at games, Aggies yell, the Yell leaders coordinate
those efforts. Through a series of hand signals, the yell leaders direct the
entire stadium in a variety of yells.
 Yell Practice is held at midnight the night before all home football games.
Enter Kyle Field through the back of the Sports Museum
Kyle Field
 Officially named in 1956 after Edwin Jackson Kyle, class of 1899, who was a
professor of Horticulture and the Dean of Agriculture. He was the chairman of
A&M’s Athletic Council for many years following the turn of the century.
 Edwin Kyle purchased the first wooden bleachers for the field in 1905 with his
own money, and later, in 1907 he purchased a covered stadium from the old
Bryan fairgrounds.
 The stadium started with one deck. It has been renovated five times to add
the second and third decks, the Zone, and the press box.
 With the addition of “The Zone’”, Kyle seats 82,600 spectators. Students
stand on the east decks and alumni sit on the west decks. The largest
attendance at a football game was over 87,555 in 2001 for the A&M vs. Texas
game
 Fifty-five flags fly over the field to honor the Texas Aggies who died in World
War I
 Students draw their football tickets in a hierarchical fashion here at the Zone
ticket windows
 Each year, Class Council chooses a home game as a “Maroon Out” game.
Maroon t-shirts are sold at cost so that everyone in the stands can wear the
school colors. Other Big 12 schools call at the beginning of the year and try
and convince Class Council to not select their game day as the “Maroon Out”
game because of our winning record at these games.
o In 2001, at the first game after the September 11th attacks, seven
students organized a “Red, White, and Blue Out”. The top deck wore
Red, the second deck wore white, and the first deck wore Blue.
Through these efforts, the students raised over $200,000 for the
September 11th fund.
Move back into the Sports Museum and go the other way back through
(toward the right). Talk about all of the varsity sports at Texas A&M and
how each have huge fan support. Move back out of the entrance of the
Sports Museum to end the tour.
Some good points to end your tour with:
 There’s more to being an Aggie than yell practice, Muster, the Big Event or
‘Howdy;’ there’s our tradition of academic and personal excellence, our
tradition of developing young men’s and women’s minds and character; of
preparing them for leadership, with honor and integrity that sets us apart and
makes us a special place to live, learn and grow
 When we speak about the Aggie Family, we really mean just that: It’s about
family, it’s about watching out for and taking care of one another. That’s the
way that it has always been here. Each class shows the way for the next,
encouraging them to be a part of all that this great school has to offer…each
building upon what has come before – a legacy of leadership, service and
impact
Thank everyone for coming! Explain that visitors are welcome to stay and
enjoy the Sport Museum, see you for questions and/or directions or follow
you back to Rudder Tower.