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.
Now, a century later, the Board of Regents at the Texas A&M University System unanimously passed a resolution honoring the Class of 1917.
Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp said the members of the Class of 1917 will be remembered as some of the most courageous and most dedicated students to ever be part of the A&M family.
“The members of the Class of 1917 were heroes,” Chancellor Sharp said. “Their selfless service stands as a model for all of us.”
Speaking for the Board of Regents, Chairman Cliff Thomas said the Class of 1917 deserves to be honored and remembered.
“The Board of Regents always will remember the sacrifices of the Class of 1917,” Chairman Thomas said. “Those young cadets exemplify the core values that we hold in such esteem as Aggies.”
Download a PDF of the full resolution.
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This story was originally posted on the Texas A&M University System website.
