About the Sesquicentennial

The 150th Celebration will reinforce how Aggies have always stood together as a force for good. By showcasing the university’s 150-year legacy, we aim to inspire the next generation to achieve even greater impact.

Historic image of a cadet playing a large mounted horn in front of the academic building with Reveille beside him
After before

Texas A&M Campus: Then and Now

Take a look back at the humble beginnings of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas and see the iconic main campus landmarks that generations of Aggies know and love.

See How Campus Has Changed

Goals of the Sesquicentennial

  1. Strengthen Relationships
    We will strengthen relationships within and beyond the Aggie Family. By bringing together students, former students, faculty, staff, affiliates, donors and friends, we aim to deepen connections and foster new collaborations that enhance the university’s impact.
  2. Reinforce Our Story
    We will tell our story, sharing the rich history and values that have shaped Aggie life. By highlighting the achievements, traditions and contributions of the Texas A&M community, we will inspire future generations to carry forward the Aggie legacy.
  3. Educate and Enlighten
    We will offer educational opportunities and experiences that illuminate Texas A&M’s role in advancing knowledge, research and service. Through events, programs and discussions, participants will gain fresh perspectives on how we continue to lead in discovery and innovation.
  4. Fortify Our Future
    We will lay the groundwork for the next 150 years of success. By reflecting on our past and embracing the possibilities ahead, we are preparing Texas A&M to continue its mission of excellence in education, research and service for generations to come.
Headshot of Preside Thomas Gathright

Let us humbly hope, fellow-citizens, that the impression, for good, made by the scenes of to-day, may never know annihilation.”

President Thomas Gathright From the inauguration address of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, Oct. 4, 1876

Texas A&M By the Numbers: Then and Now

From humble beginnings to a national powerhouse with global reach — these numbers illustrate just how much we’ve achieved in 150 years. We celebrate this legacy and look toward the future as the next chapter in Texas A&M’s history begins.

1. Student enrollment
35
81,354
4. Student organizations
1
1,300
2. Full-time faculty
6
4,398
5. Degrees offered
3
411+
3. Total campus acreage
2,416
5,200
6. Corps of Cadets members
6
2,400
Historic image of students in military uniform standing in formation outside

1. Student enrollment

1876: Six students attended on the first day, Oct. 4, 1876. By Dec. 25, 1876, there were 35 students enrolled. By Feb. 14, 1877, there were 48 students enrolled. By June 26, 1877, at the end of the first academic year, there were 106 students.

Today (end of fall 2025): As of fall 2025, there are 62,543 undergraduate students and 18,811 graduate and professional students, with a total enrollment of 81,354 students across all campuses. At the College Station campus specifically, there are 74,407 students enrolled.

Historic image of headshots of each 6 faculty members

2. Full-time faculty

1876: The first day of classes, Oct. 4, began with six faculty members. These faculty members were:

  • Thomas S. Gathright, President and Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy and Belles Lettres
  • Alexander Hogg, Professor of Pure Mathematics
  • R. P. W. Morris, Professor of Applied Mathematics, Mechanics and Military Tactics
  • John T. Hand, Professor of Ancient Languages and Literature
  • C. P. B. Martin, Professor of Practical Agriculture, Chemistry and Natural Sciences
  • William A. Banks, Professor of Modern Languages and English Literature

Additionally, there was a surgeon on campus, D. Port Smythe, and a steward, Gen. Hamilton P. Bee.

Today (end of fall 2025): As of fall 2025, there are 4,398 faculty members.

Historic image of Gathright building with words reading 'Gathright. First building built 1876. Razed 1932'

3. Total campus acreage

1876: The college began with 2,416 acres that the county of Brazos had donated.

Today (end of fall 2025): The College Station campus has 5,200 acres.

Historic image of the Stephen F. Austin Literary Society members in military uniform

4. Student organizations

1876: The first student organization, the Stephen F. Austin Literary Society, was organized throughout the 1876-1877 school year.

Today (end of fall 2025): Texas A&M has over 1,300 recognized student organizations.

Historic image of a diploma with the words reading 'State Agriculture and Mechanical College of Texas'

5. Degrees offered

1876: Degrees offered:

  • Degree of A.S. was conferred upon those who graduated in Pure Mathematics, English Languages and Literature, and Natural Sciences, Chemistry and Practical Agriculture.
  • Degree of C.E. was conferred upon those who graduated in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, the English Language, one Modern Language, General Chemistry and Geology.
  • Degree of A.B. was conferred upon those who graduated in Pure Mathematics, Ancient Languages, Mental and Moral Philosophy and Belles Lettres, Astronomy, Mechanics, Chemistry, Geology, English and one Modern Language.

Today (end of fall 2025): There are 140+ undergraduate degree programs, 175 master’s degree programs, 90+ doctoral degree programs and six professional degree programs.

Historic image of several corps of cadets students in military uniform standing with rifles in front of a large building

6. Corps of Cadets members

1876: When the college began, all students were members of the Corps of Cadets. On the first day of class, Oct. 4, 1876, there were six cadets.

Today (end of fall 2025): The 2025-2026 academic school year started with more than 2,400 cadets.

a historic photo of amc building

University History

Explore the most significant milestones that have taken Texas A&M from an original class of 35 students to a global network of more than 650,000 living current and former students.

view the timeline

Celebration FAQ

Contact Us

If you have questions or ideas you’d like to share with the committee, reach out to us at tamu150@tamu.edu.