TAMU-CC Celebrates 75 Years of Student Success with Anniversary Kickoff Events
TAMU-CC Celebrates 75 Years of Student Success with Anniversary Kickoff Events
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi traces its beginnings to April 1, 1947. In the last 75 years, through several name and affiliation changes, the institution continued to grow and is now a thriving comprehensive university with renowned academic and research programs that serve the needs of the region and nation. In celebration of 75 years of student success, the Island University is hosting numerous events and exhibitions throughout 2022.
Learn more hereCORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi traces its beginnings to April 1, 1947. In the last 75 years, through several name and affiliation changes, the institution continued to grow and is now a thriving comprehensive university with renowned academic and research programs that serve the needs of the region and nation.
In celebration of 75 years of student success, the Island University is hosting numerous events, and exhibitions throughout 2022, which started with a countdown event on the eve of April 1.
Late into the night on March 31, hundreds of students gathered for a fun and festive event that culminated with a New Year’s Eve-style countdown, complete with a DJ, glowsticks, and a sparkling cider toast. Kenzie Long ’22, a communication studies major, took a break from her studies to enjoy the celebration.
“I’ve never seen a crowd this big at an event on campus this late at night,” Long said. “It really makes me appreciate this school, I’m just happy to be here at TAMU-CC.”
Also joining students at the countdown was University President and CEO Dr. Kelly M. Miller who spoke to the crowd about the history of the university and its traditions before making the big announcement of a new campus tradition – a concert. Later this month, on Saturday, April 30, the Island University will host a concert featuring The Plain White T’s, an American rock band with two Grammy nominations and multiple platinum songs including their number one hit “Hey There Delilah.”
Fine arts major Meghan Dirk ’24, attended the countdown event with a group of friends and was impressed by the history of the institution along with the concert announcement.
“I came here because my sister also came here and the campus is located so close to the beach,” Dirk said. “I love that the campus feels like home. Being here tonight is really cool to see how far the school has come from its beginning to now.”
The following day, festivities resumed with a ceremonial cake event in the University Center. On hand were Mary and Jeff Bell Library faculty and staff, who gathered items for a time capsule. Some of the items received included posters of university events, a newspaper clipping, and a commemorative 75th-anniversary t-shirt.
William Whitworth ’23, Student Government Association President and communication studies major, shared cake-cutting duties with President Miller.
“I’m so excited to be here and be a part of this celebration,” Whitworth said. “I can’t help but think about all the faculty, staff, and leaders who have left their mark on the Island University and made it what it is today. I am so thankful to be an Islander.”
In continued celebration of the 75th anniversary of TAMU-CC, all are invited to a book talk featuring “The Island University: A History of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi” by Dr. Andrew Johnson, on Tuesday, April 12, at 2 p.m. in the Bell Library. The book provides an excellent record of the university’s history and all proceeds from book sales will support the Dr. Andrew Johnson Endowed Pride and Traditions Award. To learn more about the event, click here.
