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Dr. James Conrad Archivist, Texas A&M University-Commerce

Even traditions are occasionally tampered with

Over the past 114 years, Texas A&M University-Commerce has operated under different academic calendars, has scheduled graduation exercises at different times and has experimented with differing ways to recruit students.
For example, under Professor Mayo and later, the school for a time operated under the quarter system of 10 weeks each, starting with the first quarter in early October and ending in December. Two quarters followed in the winter and spring. The late starting date for the fall semester offered the advantage of allowing students from farm families to help harvest the cotton crop in August and September without missing classes.
Later the institution went to semesters, but it worked somewhat differently than it does today. The fall semester began in mid-September and continued after Christmas vacation into January, with the spring semester beginning in early February. The first faculty meeting of the semester was held on a Saturday before the start of school, and classes began the following Friday.
Graduation ceremonies experienced similar changes over the years. In the early days when the school was a private college (East Texas Normal College), graduation activities stretched over three days with banquets, speeches, receptions and, finally, commencement exercises.
ETNC enjoyed a large enrollment, but few students took the extra time or expense to earn a bachelor’s degree. This was probably due at least in part to the fact that those who had at least some college education could easily obtain a teaching certificate.
In the mid-20th century, graduation became a one-day event, with commencement held on Sunday afternoon in the auditorium.
Continuity is evident in other aspects of University history. From University beginnings in the 1890s, students found ways to socialize outside the classroom in college-approved clubs. In Professor Mayo’s time, students joined literary societies. Later, it was social clubs, which evolved into the fraternities and sororities of the present.
Over the years, other clubs and honorary societies appeared on campus. Some formed around students from particular geographical areas, such as the county clubs, popular in the 1920s. For instance, students from Hopkins County created a Hopkins County Club to meet monthly for business, recreation and friendship—and to fight homesickness.
Finally, recruitment has been a constant focus from the very beginning. In the 1940s and ’50s, administrators hit upon a particularly imaginative technique for attracting new freshmen. They sent the East Texan band (composed of the campus’ best musicians playing big band music, then the rage among teenagers), and with the band went cheerleaders and football stars. These visited high school juniors and seniors in the area, putting on performances and talking with the young people. From all accounts this was a big success.

Upcoming Discovery Channel program to focus on excellence at A&M-Commerce

A&M-Commerce will be featured in an upcoming programentitled
“Champions of Indus- try” hosted by Pat Summerall and which will air on the Discovery Channel Network.
The paid program is tentatively scheduled to air Tuesday, Dec. 9.
A&M-Commerce, which will be one of four institutions profiled during the half-hour program, was chosen to be featured as an institution that has stayed true to it founding principles while responding to the needs of today’s students.
“It is a great honor to be recognized as a champion of education in such a national forum,” said Jack Gray, executive director for marketing and external communications. “Like no other, this University puts students first and changes lives that might not otherwise have been changed. That is the story that Pat Summerall’s producers said they wanted to tell.”
Champions of Industry will air on the Discovery Channel at 7 a.m. Eastern and Pacific times, 6 a.m. Central. Residents in Mountain Time will need to call their local cable provider for programming information.
After Dec. 9, our portion of the 30-minute show will also be available online at www.patsummerall.com by clicking on the Champions of Industry buttons along the navigation bar. Also, look for the link to the video from the A&M-Commerce Web site.

Book sale!
Professor Mayo’s College marked down to $12.95 for Homecoming

This hardback book, published in 1993 and documenting the first 100 years of A&M-Commerce, is now available at the reduced price of $14.95, including shipping and handling.
The book contains numerous historic photographs, making it not only a fascinating read but a fascinating look as well. Send check or money order to the Alumni Association, A&M-Commerce, P.O. Box 3011, Commerce, TX 75429.
But wait—there’s more! During Homecoming, you can avoid shipping and handling charges by purchasing an edition on campus. The books will be available for only $12.95 outside the Founders Lounge from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Tip: If Dr. James Conrad (photo above) is manning the table, get him to sign one—he’s one of the authors!