Aggies Celebrate The Academic Building’s 100th Birthday

The Academic Building at Texas A&M University commemorated its 100th year with a celebration sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts.

Held inside the building’s rotunda around the mosaic tile university seal that was a gift from the class of 1978, the festivities included refreshments, a historic photo display, and performances by Century Sound, a smaller ensemble of the Century Singers.

Pamela Matthews, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said, “Standing at the metaphorical, if not the precise geographical center of Texas A&M University, the Academic Building stands as a stalwart reminder that our business is, at its core, well, academic.”

Built in 1914, the Academic Building replaced Old Main, which burned down in 1912. The first floor originally housed the university’s library, but the building is now home to the Departments of Sociology, Performance Studies and Hispanic Studies in the College of Liberal Arts.

The building’s most recognizable feature is its oxidized copper dome, inside of which suspends a replica of the Liberty Bell. In 1950, every state received a replica, and Texas Gov. Allan Shivers gave the state’s replica to the University. He said that during World War II, “No one suffered more than the Aggies, so we will give it to them.”

One of Texas A&M’s most cherished traditions, Silver Taps, is held in the Academic Plaza. Buglers play a special rendition of Taps from the dome of the Academic Building.

Andy Duffie, president of the senior class of 1978, said in his remarks, “When it comes to tradition and history, to me… there is no place on this campus, as deep and rich in history and tradition as the Academic Building, and the plaza just outside.”