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Building Leaders, Living Traditions: The Memorial Student Center at Texas A&M University (Centennial Series of the Association of Former Students, Texas A&M University) ReviewThe casual observer would initially think that the Memorial Student Center is like any other 'Student Union' at a major university. Upon arrival though the visitor immediately becomes aware that is a very special place. Before entering, hats must be removed and refrain from walking on the surrounding grass must be observed. "First and foremost, all Aggies uphold the MSC as a memorial to those fellow students who sacrificed their lives for freedom." The MSC was initially dedicated as a "living, useful memorial" to honor those Aggies who died in World Wars I+II.
The story of the MSC is rich in history starting with the opening of the College in 1876 at a location that was a remote , "wind swept prairie. " The institution originally was an all-male Agricultural and Mechanical College. "No running water, no electricity, no streets, and no sanitary toilets." Despite the obvious obstacles, the cadets formed student organizations. Which were encouraged by the University President who promoted additional ones.
The concept of student unions spread to America from across the Atlantic. Becoming social-cultural centers embracing the interests of the total university community of students and faculty. A YMCA built in 1914 served as the center of campus social life. Increased enrolment over the years led to overcrowding and various plans for a union building were considered. The student center was opened in September 1950, and on April 21, 1951 the Memorial Student Center was officially dedicated.
"With the opening of the MSC, a new world opened to both cadets and members of the local community." More important than just a gathering place, the MSC director J.W. Stark, began laying the foundation for exposing Aggies to ideas outside of the norm. In an attempt to broaden world view in culture and in developing leadership. From 1950 to 1970 the MSC worked to awaken a military college and expose its students to a variety of amenities and programs that would impact the students for the rest of their lives.
In 1963 the Board of Directors approved a plan to allow women on a limited basis and racial integration. The onset of the 1970's brought enrollment up to15,000 students. The Corps dwindled in size relative to the civilian student population which included 10% women by 1972. More diverse programs were offered to get students involved as soon as they stepped on campus.
In 1970 Stark prescribed graduate school and travel as the keys to becoming a well-rounded individual. He organized an annual MSC program designed to give students the chance to visit many northeastern Ivy League graduate schools. Stark also matched former students with young Aggie students who could learn from them. This lead to summer jobs with CBS, politicians, prosperous businessmen, and even the performing arts. He wanted the MSC to be the university's beacon of culture and leadership. It was as if he sent explorers into a new world to bring back all the treasures that could be found to be shared and strengthen the university.
"By the e mid-1980's, approximately 1,600 students in the MSC produced more than 1,400 programs for more than 250,000 people each year. Heads of state, diplomats, politicians, distinguished lectures, renowned scientist, cultural performers, and entertainers primarily came to A&M by way of MSC."
The end 80's brought more renovation and their efforts to "think big" continued to gain them significant amounts of national and international recognition. Another watershed moment occurred when the Bolshoi Ballet Grigorovich Company made its premier in Aggieland. At 41,000 on campus at that time, students were coming from metropolitan areas as opposed to rural backgrounds. In 97, Vision 2020 was initiated to position Texas A&M as a consensus top-ten public university by the year 2020.
There is currently a four- to five-year renovation process that will respectfully honor fallen Aggies, serve the student population, and "create a bridge from the past to the future." It was 68 percent of the student population that approved in an increase in student service fees that will pay for a large portion of this renovation.
Amy Bacon brings you through a brisk walk in time presenting the history of the MSC. Important dates, people, and events are highlighted and you can witness the evolution of the University and surrounding community. If you have ever found yourself in a building and wondered, "if these walls could talk", this book does for the MSC.
Alumni from the University of Texas might find this book of particular interest. There is a historical picture of steerhide benches that were added to the MSC in '75, showcasing the rivalry between the Aggies and UT. Upon a visit, the president of the UT student union was amazed at the MSC budget and level of student management. "the fact that students were running it [MSC], doing it, administering it-it just floored her." Just think of where UT could be now if they would had the foresight of A&M!
Building Leaders, Living Traditions: The Memorial Student Center at Texas A&M University (Centennial Series of the Association of Former Students, Texas A&M University) OverviewFor more than fifty years, the Memorial Student Center—the MSC—has served as the "living room" of the Texas A&M University campus. Beyond its lounges, dining, and recreational facilities, though, the MSC has played a vital role in the transformation of Texas A&M from an all-male, all-military, rural college to a university internationally recognized for excellence in a variety of fields. The MSC, conceived as a memorial to Aggies who lost their lives in the two world wars, opened its doors in September 1950. More than just a monument to fallen comrades, however, the MSC and the programs initiated by J. Wayne Stark, its first director, helped the university expand its focus to embrace an even more inclusive future. Author Amy Bacon surveys the development of two functions that quickly became vital to the mission of the Memorial Student Center: its role as a leadership laboratory for students—especially those not in the Corps of Cadets—and its centerpiece location as a place of extracurricular cultural and intellectual enrichment. The various student-led committees of the MSC provided important avenues for students to address social, political, and other interests, while the world-class speakers and arts events sponsored by the MSC afforded access to many students who would not otherwise have enjoyed such opportunities. Bacon demonstrates how the MSC and the traditions that have developed around it blend with the national student union movement in a unique way that enhances the institutional heritage and aspirations of Texas A&M University. This attractively illustrated book draws heavily on recorded oral histories, archives, and extensive interviews with key administrative leaders and students, both former and current. Building Leaders, Living Traditions narrates the story of an institution that has transformed and enriched the lives of thousands of Aggie students and is poised to continue its vital mission for decades to come.
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