Shortly after the news of Barbara Bush’s passing reached Texas A&M University’s campus Tuesday night, Aggies in College Station and her admirers around the world took time to honor the former First Lady and offer their condolences to the Bush family.
Fans at Blue Bell Park for the Texas A&M versus Texas State baseball game rose to their feet to take part in a moment of silence during the 7th inning.
During the 7th inning of tonight's @AggieBaseball game, fans paused for a moment of silence to remember former First Lady Barbara Bush. pic.twitter.com/n0MqG8xnlz
— Texas A&M University (@TAMU) April 18, 2018
President George H.W. Bush and Mrs. Bush were regular fixtures at Blue Bell Park and university athletic events for more than 20 years, including a 2016 baseball game where President Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Aggies took on Yale.
Across campus, more than 100 Texas A&M students gathered at the Presidential Pond beside the Bush Library at 10 p.m. for a candlelight vigil honoring Mrs. Bush.
More than 100 students gathered at @BushSchool tonight for a candlelight vigil honoring the legacy of former First Lady Barbara Bush. pic.twitter.com/pdC1fvdXgS
— Texas A&M University (@TAMU) April 18, 2018
The group sang hymns, gave remarks and took part in a moment of silence. Mrs. Bush made regular appearances at Bush School events for more than 20 years, sitting in the front row alongside President Bush at lectures, film screenings and panel discussions.
She also headlined the Reading Discovery Learning Program at the Bush Library for the last 10 years, where she read to elementary and middle school students around the world via live stream.
Members of the Texas A&M campus community and admirers abroad offered their appreciation of and condolences for Mrs. Bush and the Bush family in the hours after her passing.
Texas A&M University and Texas A&M System leaders also offered their condolences Tuesday night.
- “Today, the Aggie nation is mourning a family member,” said John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “In a very real sense Barbara Bush was a mother figure to all Aggies because of her towering example of selfless service to family and nation. She endeared herself to us forever.”
- “We offer our prayers and condolences to the Bush family tonight. First Lady Barbara Bush was an exemplary public servant,” Texas A&M University President Michael K. Young said. “It remains an honor that Texas A&M University was chosen to house the President’s Library, as well as the Bush School of Government and Public Service, and the Bush Foundation. We will always strive to live up to her legacy of service.”
A full press release including additional comments from Bush Foundation and Bush Library leadership is available on Texas A&M Today. Logistics information for the motorcade and interment of Mrs. Bush is forthcoming.
Texas A&M Student Body President Bobby Brooks expressed his thanks to the Bush Family.
Condolences to the Bush family during these tough times, and I am thankful for all that they have done for Texas A&M University. I admire Barbara for being able to pass with such dignity. https://t.co/WGnxU198u6
— Amy Sharp '19 (@tamu_sbp) April 17, 2018
The Traditions Council thanked Mrs. Bush for her leaving a legacy of selfless service.
Traditions Council would like to send its condolences to the entire Bush family tonight. Mrs. Barbara Bush left a legacy of excellence and selfless service and we are proud to consider her one of our own. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/EaTfcShB7z
— Traditions Council (@TradCouncil) April 18, 2018
The Texas A&M Foundation showed their appreciation to Mrs. Bush, “a friend of Aggies everywhere.”
Tonight, we remember and reflect on the life and legacy of an incredible lady: Mrs. Barbara Bush. We are so lucky to have called a former First Lady a friend of Aggies everywhere. pic.twitter.com/poBw23pSPi
— Texas A&M Foundation (@TXAMFoundation) April 18, 2018
Individuals who interacted with the former First Lady at Texas A&M reflected upon her life.
Jon Meacham, a George H.W. Bush biographer who has visited the Bush Library on multiple occasions, penned an op-ed in the New York Times about the “First Lady Without Apologies.”
My @nytimes essay about the indomitable Mrs. Bush.
Barbara Bush, a First Lady Without Apologies https://t.co/nU11eyf1F4— Jon Meacham (@jmeacham) April 18, 2018
Condolences from current and former students continue to pour in on social media.
Honored to have met this sweet former First Lady during my time at @TAMU. She was a true inspiration and I admired the love she and President Bush shared. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bush family. pic.twitter.com/rQVUndZ0rn
— Julie Nelson (@JulieNelson_) April 18, 2018
We have lost a legend. Mrs. Bush was a true model of what a First Lady should be. It was always a joy to see her and President Bush around @tamu. https://t.co/b3xpQRGoIS
— Phillip Bethancourt (@pbethancourt) April 18, 2018
One of the coolest moments of my life was meeting Barbara Bush while she was walking her dogs at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at @TAMU, where I was a student at the time. She was kind, intelligent, and thoughtful. Today we lost a great one.
— Miguel Andres (@Mikey_Contreras) April 18, 2018
My Thoughts & Prayers are with the Bush Family! She was always so sweet, loving & kind every time I met her at A&M events. A true American Icon!! ❤️😪🇺🇸💙 pic.twitter.com/6EQJ3AHOIV
— Coach Hinze (@CoachHinze) April 18, 2018
Thoughts & prayers to the Bush family. The impact they’ve had on Texas, Texas A&M, and the United States is immeasurable. Such a sad loss😭 https://t.co/4ZUujoP9Gl
— Love, Chris (@chrisriggins6) April 17, 2018
I always felt a sense of amazement every time I saw Barbara Bush at Texas A&M at various events (mostly baseball games). She always seemed so pleasant and wonderful. I wish her family the best at this time.
— Britni (@brit_tweets) April 17, 2018
…we as Pi Phis had the opportunity to volunteer at the Barbara Bush Parent Center – which helps families in College Station. All Aggies are thankful for the Bush family’s commitment to Texas A&M – their philanthropic legacy lives on forever!
— Hayley Wielgus (@HayleyWielgus) April 18, 2018
