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A little about Sam Rayburn ::..
Welcome to the Sam Rayburn Memorial Student
Center named after the Honorable Sam Rayburn. In 1900 at the
age of 18, Sam Rayburn came to East Texas Normal College (now
Texas A&M University–Commerce) with only a small bundle
of clothes under his arm, $25 in his pocket, and his father's
farewell words "Sam, be a man." The motto of the school,
commonly known as "Mayo's College," was "Ceaseless
Industry, Fearless Investigation, and Unfettered Thought."
Rayburn took it to heart from the beginning. To pay for his
education, Rayburn took several part-time jobs. He was hired
as the college's bell ringer for $5 a month, worked for a local
farmer milking twice a day for $3 a month and swept the Commerce
school building for $3 a month. He was successful in completing
his studies with his main interest in history, and was awarded
a bachelor's degree.
First elected to the US House of Representatives
in 1912, he served in the House 48 years and eight months until
his death in 1961. He was speaker of the House the last 17 years,
exceeding the record of Henry Clay early in the 19th century.
He was elected to Congress 25 times.
"Mr. Sam" believed that friendship
and compassion for your fellow man was the main attribute that
surpassed all others. Conducive to this belief is the setting
provided at the Sam Rayburn Memorial Student Center. The Center
was opened in 1964 with a major addition in 1970. The first
and second floors have just received updates, and we are about
to start the remodeling process of the third floor.
We invite you to learn more about the
facility and the programs, services, conveniences, and people
encompassed within. Not only does the Center offer rest and
relaxation, but it serves as a healthy environment to enhance
both personal and academic growth along with educational experience.
The Sam Rayburn Memorial Student Center is not just a building;
it is alive with people and activities. Come visit and see why
Texas A&M University–Commerce is such a great place
to be.
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