On this month 100 years ago, administrators at the institution that would become Texas A&M University canceled graduation ceremonies – the only time ever in the history of the campus – and released all seniors for active military duty as the country went to war against Germany.
Most of the approximately 120 cadets at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas underwent military training at a camp in Leon Springs, Texas. A few members of the class were sent to Houston for naval training, and a small number went to Parris Island in South Carolina to be trained as Marines.
Ultimately, four members of the Class of 1917 died in the war effort, including three in France and one stateside during training.
A survey of students, faculty and staff will be conducted as part of the four-year initiative to enhance mental health and well-being programming and resources.
The student-organized service project mobilized more than 16,000 participants to complete jobs across Bryan-College Station ranging from yard work to home repairs.