'Howdy Walkers' Lend Their Voices To An Aggie Tradition

Did you see the “Howdy Walkers” on campus this semester? These three Class of ’71 Ags have been friends since they were cadets.

“We were trying to raise a little awareness about the fact that people don’t say 'Howdy' quite as much as they used to,” said Steve Pringle ’71.

It's not just an old-fashioned Texas greeting: Over the years, many students have made their decision to attend A&M based on the simple moment when an Aggie took time to look them in the eyes and welcome them. The habit of breaking down barriers has served many A&M graduates well, and psychological studies even indicate that small connections like this increase both parties' well-being and sense of belonging to a community.

As for the walking, Pringle said, "It started out, we were just going to enjoy walking across the campus.” That was back in 2016, with all three friends now living in the area. “Human nature … I’d say the average person is not so outgoing that they’re going to speak to people they don’t know,” he said. “Part of the reward we get out of it is sometimes we brighten somebody’s day.”

“Our objective is to do it every two weeks,” said Van Taylor ’71. “I can’t say we’re perfect.” Otway Denny ’71 said they’ll often walk in the morning, but if they go in the afternoons, they see more students. Pringle said, “We hope to try to get a change in classes – you see a whole bunch more kids.

“I can’t tell you how many conversations we’ve had where we’ll meet someone and they’ll say, ‘Have you heard about those three Old Ags that walk on campus saying howdy?’ ‘Yeah, I heard about those guys. They’re crazy, aren’t they!’”

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