The Fascinating Story of Texas Campus Kid in the 1930s - Celebrating the Centennial of the Association of Former Students

Texas, home to a rich history and vibrant culture, has been a hub of education and innovation for centuries. In the early 1930s, the state witnessed a unique phenomenon known as the "Texas Campus Kid" – a term coined for the young individuals who thrived on campus life and played a pivotal role in shaping Texas universities. As we celebrate the centennial of the Association of Former Students, it is only fitting to dive into this captivating era and explore the adventures of the Texas Campus Kid.

The Rise of the Texas Campus Kid

In the 1930s, Texas was undergoing significant changes. The Great Depression had struck the nation, and amid economic turmoil, Texas universities began to emerge as beacons of hope and opportunity. The charm of campus life attracted youngsters from all walks of life, fostering a unique community of scholars, athletes, artists, and leaders.

These Texas Campus Kids exhibited an unwavering spirit of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. They formed close-knit networks, created their own traditions, and basked in the glory of communal achievements. This vibrant atmosphere not only enriched their lives but also laid the foundation for the formation of the Association of Former Students.

Over at College: A Texas A&M Campus Kid in the 1930s (Centennial Series of the Association of Former Students, Texas A&M University Book 124)

by T.D. van Basten (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20275 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages

FREE

The Birth of the Association of Former Students

As the Texas Campus Kid phenomenon gained momentum, a group of forward-thinking individuals recognized the need for a formal organization to preserve the camaraderie and lifelong connections formed during their university years. In 1939, the Association of Former Students was born at Texas A&M University, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Texas history.

The Association aimed to provide a platform for Texas Campus Kids to stay connected and contribute to the future development of their alma mater. It quickly gained popularity, and before long, it expanded its reach to include other universities across the state, including the University of Texas, Texas Tech University, and Baylor University.

The Impact and Legacy of the Texas Campus Kid

The Texas Campus Kid left an indelible mark on the state's educational landscape. These youngsters grew up to become influential professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers in diverse fields – from politics and business to arts and culture. Their shared experiences of campus life fostered a strong sense of pride and loyalty, which they carried with them throughout their lives.

The Association of Former Students played a crucial role in preserving this legacy. By organizing reunions, events, and mentorship programs, the Association ensured that the bonds forged on campus remained intact. It provided an avenue for Texas Campus Kids to give back to their alma maters, offering scholarships, grants, and support to current students, thus perpetuating a cycle of success and excellence.

Celebrating the Centennial - Honoring the Texas Campus Kid

2021 marks the centennial of the Association of Former Students – a milestone worth celebrating with great pomp and splendor. Texas universities and the wider community have come together to commemorate this extraordinary occasion.

The centennial celebrations aim to highlight the accomplishments of Texas Campus Kids while providing a platform for the younger generation to learn from their legacy. Through exhibitions, lectures, and interactive sessions, Texas campuses have become vibrant homes for intergenerational knowledge transfer, paving the way for the Texas Campus Kid of today.

The Texas Campus Kid of Today

The spirit of the Texas Campus Kid continues to thrive in the modern era. Today's students embody the same passion, resilience, and hunger for knowledge that defined their predecessors. They are committed to pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and making a positive impact on the world.

The Association of Former Students continues to play a vital role in shaping the Texas Campus Kid of today. By bridging the gap between alumni and current students, the Association fosters a sense of belonging, mentorship, and guidance.

In

The Texas Campus Kid in the 1930s left an enduring legacy that we commemorate today through the centennial celebrations of the Association of Former Students. Their contributions and experiences have shaped the educational landscape of Texas, fostering a culture of excellence and perpetual growth.

As we honor and learn from the Texas Campus Kid, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating the accomplishments and spirit of these remarkable individuals. Let us carry their torch forward and continue to uphold the values and traditions that make Texas universities a haven for passionate learners and future leaders.

Over at College: A Texas A&M Campus Kid in the 1930s (Centennial Series of the Association of Former Students, Texas A&M University Book 124)

by T.D. van Basten (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20275 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages

FREE

In 1926 James Knox Walker, staff civil engineer in charge of building at A&M, and his new bride moved onto the campus of what was then known as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. The greater community, of which this small on-campus neighborhood was a part, was known simply as “College.” There was no such place as College Station, and the city of Bryan stood six miles away.

James Knox Walker Jr., the couple’s oldest child, recollects the days when professors, staff members, and their children formed a small, closely knit society “over at College.” The campus served as the children’s playground and the scene of their adventures. It also served their educational needs at A&M Consolidated School, founded in 1920. This community flourished from its beginnings in the late 1890s until 1938, when the college informed residents that it would no longer provide on-campus housing.

Over at College is a charming stroll through the past that also captures fascinating glimpses of the social structures, institutions, mores, and daily lives on the A&M campus during the 1920s and 1930s.