Howdy!
It was 50 years ago that the Class of 1961 graduated from Texas A&M and now we are invited back as the honored Class at the 2011 Campus Muster. Tradition is that the 50th Anniversary Reunion Class is the Class that represents all Aggie Alumni at the Campus Muster. It is our honor to maintain that role.
This will be our last Class Reunion as a “stand alone” Class. In 2016, at our 55th Anniversary Reunion, we will be inducted into the Sul Ross Group where we will be combined with all other Classes that have been graduated for 55 years or more. That being said, this is a special Reunion for our Class, so let's be sure to make the effort to be there... it will only happen once.
Our 50th Anniversary Reunion celebration will begin on Tuesday, April 19th and will continue on through Muster on April 21st and conclude on Friday, April 22nd. We realize that this stretches over four days, but remember that you have a lot to say to a lot of people! In the past, the consistent request has been to have time and a place to sit and recall events and reflect on our friendships and have a private place to do this. To this end, The Association has arranged with the Hilton for us to have the Oakwood Ballroom for our exclusive hospitality room. This is the room by the side exit where we usually load the buses for campus events. The room has a capacity of 320 people, a cash bar with special rates and will be open between scheduled events. Plenty of tables and chairs for us and our buddies will be provided.
This room also will provide an area for memorabilia. Tables will be set up for outfit and personal pictures. Bring items that you have saved from our days in Aggieland: Corps brass, guidons, stolen guidons, football signs (sheet), programs and anything that will remind us of those years.
Many have asked how they can help with the Reunion, well here is your chance: be sure to attend and recruit as many Classmates as you can to join us. Bring items of memory and encourage others to do the same.
We have planned a great program for our time in Aggieland: Dr. R. Bowen Loftin '71, President of Texas A&M University, will address us the first night and provide for us some details of the state of the University. We will see the newly renovated Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center (home of The Association of Former Students) and the remarkable renovated Military Walk, we will have breakfast with current cadets at Duncan Dining Hall and be a part of a special Flag Raising Ceremony in the Academic Plaza that will honor our Class. We will take a commemorative Class photo at the Administration building and enjoy a barbecue with entertainment on Simpson Drill Field. Our Class will lead an important business meeting featuring
Dick Hickerson and his committee's plan for our Class Gift as well as
George Loveland, who will share an updated and unabridged version of our Class history and circumstances. We will hear a very entertaining keynote speech, given by a real-life spy who currently teaches at the The Bush School of Government. Finally, we will share a visit with the current Corps Commander and last, but certainly not least, we will be the honored Class on the floor at Reed Arena at the annual Campus Muster.
Please don’t miss this opportunity to continue our memories from our times at Texas A&M, and don’t let your Aggie buddies miss it either.
Gig 'em,
Tom,
George &
Dick
Reunion Accommodations
A limited number of rooms remain in the block and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, for the Class of '61 50th Anniversary Reunion. Make your reservations by calling the College Station Hilton directly before March 28, 2011 at 979-693-7500. Be sure to reference the Group Code: MUST61 to receive the rate of $125 per night, plus tax. The hotel block is almost sold out so make your reservation now! If you prefer to stay at another hotel in the area, please call the Accommodations Hotline at
979-260-9999 to check on hotel availability in the area. You may also go to the
Bryan-College Station Accommodations website to book a room. Hotels in close proximity to the Hilton are Hyatt Place, Hawthorne Suites, Comfort Suites and Holiday Inn Express. Call today!
*College Station Hilton — Reunion Headquarters Hotel
801 University Drive East —
(979) 693-7500
$129/night, plus tax
Group Name: Class of '61 50th Reunion
Code: MUST61
Deadline: March 28, 2011
Check-in time: 4:00 p.m.
Check-out time: Noon
* The Hilton rooms sold out quickly last year so be sure make your accommodations soon!
