Class of '70 50th Anniversary Reunion

April 20-23, 2020
College Station, TX

Howdy! The well-being of our former students is of utmost importance to The Association of Former Students. As additional precautions are taken to curb the spread of COVID-19, we have consulted with your Class Agents and are canceling the Class of '70 50th Anniversary Reunion. We will begin processing refunds the week of March 16 for all who have previously registered for this event.

HOWDY
Yes, it really has been 50 years! In September 1966, we began the most fantastic journey, leading to our 50th Anniversary Reunion. Here it is now, early 2020. Fifty years ago we were walking the A&M campus as seniors and student leaders helping to leave the legacy of the best Class to every grace the campus. In September 1966 we represented approximately 3,000 of the almost 9,000 total student body. And as far as we know, 2,655 of us have survived the 50 years since. As small a Class as we were (speaking in relative terms - Class of ’20 has 17,336), we had the opportunity to develop friendships and bonds that have kept us together all this time.

We now have an opportunity to renew those bonds, to refresh our friendships, and to relive those things that made us Class of ’70 Aggies! Our 50th Anniversary Reunion is being held April 20-23 in College Station, and all the details are spelled out in this mailer. We hope you have all heeded the early alerts to make your lodging arrangements and to block this time on your calendars, but there is certainly still time to do so. Also, our Facebook page (tx.ag/1970Facebook) has all the data and more; every Class of ’70 guy or gal should be on it. As you look through the schedule, you will find a number of events that you will no doubt want to attend. You will also find ample free time when you can just hang out with your old buds, tell stories that have gotten better with age, and unfortunately, hear about everyone else’s ailments. Of course, you will also have an opportunity to talk about Classmates who are no longer with us, those for whom Silver Taps has been played, and whose deaths have left holes in our hearts. We will Muster to remember them.

That said, there are a few Reunion highlights you will want to note. First, while we are special guests at the campus Muster on April 21; we will be holding a separate Class of ’70 Muster on the evening of April 20 during which time we will recognize those Classmates who have died since April 21, 2015. We will have golfing, tours and time to just “hang out.” We've planned for those who have been back to the campus quite often as well as those who haven't been so fortunate. We will wrap up the Reunion on Thursday morning with a panel of student leaders, sharing their thoughts on what student life is like these days. As much as things have changed in the past 50 years, and as much as we like to say that “old army is shot to hell,” you will find these students truly impressive. Their values and the leadership they exhibit will restore your faith in the Aggies that Texas A&M is turning out these days. We are sure by the time this Reunion is over you'll see why Texas A&M is the world class university. With the conclusion of the student panel session, we can say “Fifteen for Team, Farmers Fight, and call it a night,” and “Farewell and God Bless.” 

Widows and widowers are more than welcome to come, and we encourage you to please do so! So, make your plans now and register to attend this 50th Anniversary Reunion. 

Dave Allen, Kellam Colquitt, Ross Epstein and Vic Reid
Class of 1970 Class Agents

ACCOMMODATIONS
A block of rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis for the Class of '70 50th Anniversary Reunion. Make your reservations by calling the College Station Hilton directly before March 29 at (979) 693-7500. Be sure to reference the Group Code: MUST20 to receive the rate of $129 per night, plus tax. 

If you prefer to stay at another hotel in the area, please call the Accommodations Hotline at (979) 260-9898 to check on hotel availability in the area. You may also go to the Bryan-College Station Accommodations website to book a room. Call and make your reservation today as many of the hotels fill up fast! 

College Station Hilton — Reunion Headquarters hotel
801 University Drive East — (979) 693-7500 
$129/night, plus tax 
Group Name: Class of '70 Muster Reunion
Code: MUST20
Deadline: March 29, 2020
Check-in time: 4 p.m. 
Check-out time: Noon

WELCOME CLASS OF ’70
On behalf of the students of Texas A&M University, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you back to Aggieland! On April 20-23 your Class will meet for your 50th Anniversary Reunion. This year, I have the privilege of serving as your liaison to the Aggie Muster Committee and current student body. I am incredibly excited to be working with your Class and Class Agents to ensure that your reunion is a truly memorable experience.

The Muster Committee is comprised of 30 dedicated students, working to plan every aspect of the campus Muster ceremony. From compiling the Roll Call of the absent, to planning the Muster BBQ in honor of your Class, our committee works to preserve the traditions of Aggie Muster. 

Over the past 50 years you have spread the Aggie Spirit, and have represented the Aggie core values with honor and distinction. Now is your opportunity to return to Aggieland and remember where your Aggie story began. I look forward to celebrating your lives and your stories when you come back for the Reunion! I would like to personally extend to you an invitation to contact me, either by phone, email, or letter. I would love to get to know you, and perhaps even meet you when you return to Aggieland. One of my projects is the Class of 1970 display that you will see as a part of the Reflections Display in the Flag Room of the MSC. I hope to hear your stories, and perhaps see some pictures you may want to share as I work to best represent your Class through this display. 

One of my goals this year is to truly connect your Class to the current students, to ensure that the lessons you learned while you were at A&M are still being learned by current students. Muster is a great way to remember the past, and look to the future. My hope is that current students can look to the Class of 1970 as an example, and we can together strive to carry the Texas A&M of the past into the future.

My contact information is below; please do not hesitate to get in touch!

Jackson Nance ’22
Muster Committee
Reunion Class Liaison
Email: muster.reunion@gmail.com
Phone: (936) 777-5714

Mailing Address:
Aggie Muster Committee – Jackson Nance ’22
125 John J. Koldus Building
College Station, Texas 77843-1236

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

CHECK-IN AND REGISTRATION
After you have made your hotel reservation, register for the Reunion online. If you have any registration questions, please call the Class Programs office at The Association of Former Students at (800) 633-7514. 

Your nametags, registration gift, schedule of events and a list of pre-registered Classmates will be waiting for you at the Reunion check-in desk in the College Station Hilton starting at 3 p.m. on Monday. Walk-up registration will be accepted based on availability. To assure your admission, register before the April 6 deadline. All registrations received after the deadline will incur a $20 late fee. The last day to register is April 9. Late registrants are not guaranteed space at events.

CAMPUS MUSTER TICKETS
To attend the Campus Muster Ceremony, be sure to register for it on your registration form. Your Reunion nametag will be your admission into the area for the Campus Muster. If you will not be riding the bus to the campus Muster from the Hilton, we suggest you arrive at Reed Arena very early to find parking. We encourage you to ride the bus because guests on the bus will enter on the ground level and walk directly to seats in the reserved section of Reed Arena. If you do not ride the bus or have guests meeting you at the ceremony, call Class Programs (800) 633-7514 to request nametags be made for your guests (at no additional charge), which will allow you access to the reserved section.


CLASS PICTURE
On April 21, your Class will have their picture taken in front of the Systems Administration Building, now called the Jack K. Williams Administration Building, just as you did when you were students. Buses will take you from the Hilton to the Administration Building that will be taken at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. This picture is for Class of ’70 members only. Please remove caps and sunglasses for the picture. There will be picture order forms available at the Reunion registration desk, so you may order your Class picture on site, via the photographer’s website, or mail the form in at a later time. An alternate location will be used in the case of inclement weather. 


TRANSPORTATION
Bus transportation will be available to shuttle you to activities on Tuesday. Tuesday activities will include the flag raising ceremony, Class photo and Muster BBQ with the students. Formal tours will include bus transportation. Each bus is wheelchair accessible and will load on the west side of the Hilton. The cost of transportation is included in the event prices and registration fee.


CALL FOR CLASS PHOTOS
The 2020 Aggie Muster Committee has been diligently working on ways to honor your Class and your time here in Aggieland. If you would like to share any photographs that were taken during your years at Texas A&M (1966-1970) and possibly have them included in the Muster Program or the 50th Anniversary Reunion Display, please send them (along with a description of what is taking place in the photo and who is in it) to muster.reunion@gmail.com.

Aggie Muster Committee
ATTN: Jackson Nance ’22
P.O. Box 2894
College Station, TX 77841-2894


REFLECTIONS DISPLAY
To recognize and honor the lives of our Campus Muster Roll Call honorees, personal items will be displayed as a living memorial in the Muster Reflections Display. Family members of campus honorees submit photographs, letters, stories, Aggie Rings, or other personal items that reflect on their loved one’s life and what mattered most to them. It is our hope that the displays are a chance for the families to share with other Aggies who their loved one was, what they did, and how they touched the lives of those around them.

These items will be displayed in the Memorial Student Center Flag Room from April 13 to April 21. Family members may coordinate a time to bring items to the Reflections Display Chairs or send them by mailing to the following address:

Attn: Ali Richter ’21 and Caroline Pierce ’22
Reflections Display – Aggie Muster
304 Redmond Dr. Apt. 103
College Station, TX 77840

For more information, please contact muster.reflections@gmail.com.


CORPS SILENT FORMATION
On April 21, you will have the special opportunity to participate in the Corps of Cadets Muster Formation and Flag Raising Ceremony in Academic Plaza. It is well worth rising early to watch the entire Corps march into and out of Academic Plaza while they conduct a silent flag raising formation. Please make sure and sign up for this event with your registration. There will be bus transportation from the Hilton to Academic Plaza, so there is no need to worry about parking and walking across campus. Sign up to attend and don’t miss out on this special opportunity.


AGGIE RING
The Aggie Ring team will be available during the Class of ’70 50th Anniversary Reunion to assist you with your Aggie Ring. Get your Ring polished for an added shine or stop by if it needs to be resized, remade, or even add a diamond. They can also help you order a replacement Aggie Ring or Sweetheart Ring (a miniature replica of your Aggie Ring available to the wives of qualified former students, Class of ’72 and before).


CLASS AGENT ELECTIONS
Class Agents serve as a liaison between their Class and The Association. This is the perfect opportunity to get involved as a former student, stay connected to the university and help lead your Class supporting A&M. Elections are held in conjunction with your Reunions, so now is your chance!

Teams consist of two to five members of your Class and serve a five-year term. As a Class Agent you will serve on The Association of Former Students’ Leadership Council, which meets twice a year. The Association of Former Students provides orientation and resources to aid you in this role. Class Agents are responsible for keeping the Class informed through newsletters, websites and emails, planning Class events and providing annual fund information to former students.

Your current Class Agents, Dave, Kellam, Ross and Vic have agreed to serve another term if elected. 

Class Agent elections will be held after the Student panel session the Thursday of the Reunion. For more information go to tx.ag/ClassAgent, email Class@AggieNetwork.com or call (800) 633-7514 at least 7 days prior to your Reunion to get your name on the ballot!


CANCELLATION POLICY
The Association of Former Students has a fairly flexible cancellation policy. If you cannot attend your Reunion or an event for which you have registered, please call the Class Programs office (800) 633-7514 by Thursday, April 9. Your payment will be refunded with the exception of the registration fee. Registration changes after this deadline cannot be refunded as food orders will have been guaranteed.

CENTURY CLUB DONATION
Your participation in the annual fund has a significant impact on the education experience of our students and provides the resources needed to support programs and activities for students and former students. We appreciate that you choose to participate and support Aggies and Texas A&M. Make a difference by donating now.

Levels of annual giving include:
Active - $50-$99
Bronze - $100-$249
Silver - $250-$499
Gold - $500-$999 
Diamond - $1,000+
Endowed - $25,000+