CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION STARTS WITH A REFLECTION OF THE HISTORY OF HOUSTON A & M UNIVERSITY MOTHERS’ CLUB

The Houston A&M University Mothers’ Club, a member of the Federation of Texas A&M University Mothers’ Clubs, was organized in February 1927 with an initial membership of six. Club membership has grown steadily over the years to over 300 members, adding up to thousands of members over the past 100 years. 

The Houston A&M Mothers’ Club has a history of service to Texas A&M and to its students since its formation. The early years’ activities consisted mainly of providing fried chicken dinners once a month for the students at A&M. A student loan fund was established by the mid-1930s, and also during that decade, a special committee was appointed to secure contributions for the “Organ Fund” for Guion Hall (a special project of the Federation to have a pipe organ installed and dedicated as a memorial to the mothers of all students). Guion Hall was later demolished during the early seventies and the Rudder Tower now occupies that site.

In 1942, the Singing Cadets made their concert debut in Houston. During the ensuing years, the Singing Cadets Concert, alternating with the Aggie Band, became the annual scholarship benefit for the Club. Also during the 1940s, monies were raised for the Lounge Fund for the new Memorial Student Center.

Since 1976, the Club has published three Aggie Moms’ Cookbooks. Through the sale of these books, the Houston club was the first Mothers’ Club to present Texas A&M with a $25,000 President’s Endowed Scholarship. Additionally, the Houston A&M University Mothers’ Club Endowed Fund was established, three Sul Ross Scholarships were funded, and two Ring Cases were purchased for the Corps Center. A fourth Sul Ross Scholarship was funded, thanks to a matching funds gift from the Faulkner Foundation. In commemoration of the 100th Anniversary, the Houston A&M University Mothers' Club is publishing a Centennial Cookbook to raise scholarship funds in the Fall of 2026.

Another popular and successful fundraising event, benefiting Aggie scholarships, various student organizations and the libraries at Texas A&M campuses, is the annual Auction.  Through the auction and other projects, we have contributed a substantial amount toward the Federation of Texas A&M Mothers’ Club’s $500,000 Library Endowment which became fully funded in 2021.  From proceeds of the auction, Houston Aggie Moms' was the first Aggie Mothers' Club to establish endowed scholarships honoring the President George HW Bush Spirit of Service Endowed Fellowship and the Barbara Bush Scholarship or Student Teaching.  The Spirit of Bonfire'99 and Global Study endowed scholarships also benefit deserving Aggie students.  Most recent is the completion of Houston Aggie Mothers' Club's $100,000. Centennial Endowment to be awarded to the first TAMU Presidential Scholar recipient this year. 

Over the decades, our annual Auction and Boutique has supported student scholarships plus organizations of the university, such as the library systems, 12th Can, Carpool, Yell Leaders, Helpline (now Peer Connect), T-Camp, Build, the Big Event, Follow, Aggie Women's Chorus (now Reveliers), University and Employee Disaster Relief funds, Veterans' Resource Center, Aggie Shields, SAVE, and many others.  Recently Houston Aggie Mothers' Club began participating in "give back" programs with Aggie vendors and supporters.  Our boutique sells items online and at events throughout the year, like Texas A&M Family Weekend.   During that same weekend, the George P.F. Jouine Award (established in 1958) is presented to the Corps Unit with the highest scholastic improvement record from mid-term to mid-term.

Fundraising for scholarships and parents having ability to send finals care packages supports Aggie students.  Monthly meetings with a variety of speakers, social get-togethers, and events like Holiday Luncheon allow the mothers to connect and develop friendships while uniting them as Aggie Moms.

The Houston A&M University Mothers’ Club embodies a century of dedication, proudly recognized on the Development Foundation’s Honor Roll as a Harrington Associate. This honor is bestowed upon those individuals, corporations, or foundations whose cumulative gifts have been in the $1 million to $5 million range.