History, Values, Leadership and The Aggie Experience Inform New Names
College Station, Texas, September 2018 … Texas A&M University and its fabled Aggies claim a long and proud history, singular traditions and a deep commitment to country, state and alma mater. These traditions inform every aspect of university life and are an integral part of the unique Aggie Experience offered at the new Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center(www.TexasAMHotelCC.com). Now open, the striking new 250-guest room hotel reflects the values and loyalties of the university from interior design and dining concepts to the technologically sophisticated conference rooms, each named for an Aggie tradition.
“We gave a good deal of thought to the names of the meeting rooms,” says General Manager Greg Stafford. “As the university’s official guesthouse, we felt it was important to emphasize the values that former students hold so dear, and to inspire visitors with those values in a meaningful and authentic way. Since the conference center is open to all markets, regardless of affiliation, we have a great opportunity to introduce the Aggie experience to a new and wider range of guests.”
The meeting and event rooms take their names from some traditions over 100 years old. Founded as a men’s agricultural college in 1876, Texas A&M is today one of the world’s leading research universities with a global presence, dedicated to leadership and learning. The meeting rooms span a ballroom, conference rooms, breakout rooms and virtual offices.
The Century Ballroom, with 8,300 sq. ft., can be divided into four parts and is named for the University’s historic and beloved Century Tree. More than a century old, the massive oak sets the scene for countless Aggie marriage proposals. Tradition says if a marriage proposal takes place under the tree, the marriage will last forever.
Hullaballoo. A word that is synonymous with the Aggie War Hymn and instilling the enthusiastic Aggie spirit. It's the kickoff word for the famous song sung at football games, weddings, or any gathering that you may find one or more Aggies: "Hullabaloo Caneck, Caneck", which mimics the sound of the train rolling on the tracks into College Station.
Reveille. Reveille (the Collie) is known as the First Lady of Aggieland and is Texas A&M’s official mascot. The first Reveille was rescued by a group of cadets in 1931 and since then nine Reveilles have served as Mascot and highest-ranking officer of the Corps of Cadets. Reveille III was the first full-blood Rough Collie, and every Reveille since then has belonged to that breed. The most current Reveille is Reveille IX, who was introduced in May 2015
The Symbols of the Texas Aggie Ring. Eleven conference rooms take their names from the various symbols of the iconic Texas Aggie Ring, so prized by former students as an emblem of their college days and commitment to Texas A&M’s values. The shield on the top of the ring symbolizes protection of the good reputation of the alma mater. The 13 stripes in the shield refer to the 13 original states and symbolize the intense patriotism of graduates and undergraduates of Texas A&M. The five stars in the shield refer to phases of development of the student: mind or intellect, body, spiritual attainment, emotional poise, and integrity of character. The eagle is symbolic of agility and power, and ability to reach great heights.
One side of the ring symbolizes the seal of the State of Texas authorized by the constitution of 1845. The five-pointed star is encircled with a wreath of olive or laurel leaves symbolizing achievement and a desire for peace and oak leaves symbolizing the strength to fight. They are joined at the bottom by a circled ribbon to show the necessity of joining these two traits to accomplish one’s ambition to serve. The other side with its ancient cannon, saber and rifle symbolizes that Texans fought for their land and are determined to defend their homeland. The saber stands for valor and confidence. The rifle and cannon are symbols of preparedness and defense. The crossed flags of the United States and Texas recognize the dual allegiance to nation and state.
Conference, breakout rooms and virtual offices are named as follows Oak, Laurel, Shield, Star, Saber, Flag, Cannon, State, Nation, Freedom and Eagle.
As one of six United States Senior Military Colleges, Texas A&M boasts a proud military tradition as old as the University itself. The Corps of Cadets is one of the largest uniformed student bodies outside the service academies. Many students participate in ROTC programs and earn commissions in the U.S. Armed Forces upon graduation. Members of the Corps have served in every armed conflict fought by the United States since 1876. Conference rooms honoring the Aggies exceptional military legacy are:
Corps, for the ROTC Program and those who fought for their country.
Ross and Honor. Ross Volunteers are members of the Military Honor Company named for Lawrence Sullivan Ross and serve as the Honor Guard for the Texas Governor.
Under the management of BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, the new Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center is part of the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels brand. The property is designed to meet the exacting standards of IACC, formerly known as the International Association of Conference Centres.
The new hotel and conference center is situated in a striking glass tower encompassing a total of 252,500 square feet, with 35,000 square feet of meeting and event space that includes a spacious 8,300-square foot ballroom accommodating up to 1,000 guests, and twenty-two flexible meeting rooms. A 1,400-car garage is connected to the hotel by a covered bridgeway. Spacious and contemporary, 250 guest rooms include two penthouses and 11 suites. Texas A&M’s colors of maroon and white, with soft accents of gray, reinforce the college theme, and historic photos throughout the property reflect university triumphs and traditions. Hospitality suites overlook the hotel’s pool terrace with its swimming pool, fitness center, and food and beverage outlets.
The state-of-the-art conference center is open to all markets, regardless of affiliation or event theme. The property offers visitors and area residents alike the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in an authentic Aggieland experience. Meeting attendees from around the globe can take advantage of the renowned research university’s exceptional academic, technical, cultural and athletic resources.
The Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center is located in College Station in the heart of Central Texas, 90 miles northwest of Houston and three-hour drive from Austin, San Antonio and Dallas. Located just eight minutes from campus, Easterwood Airport provides multiple flights from Houston and Dallas and connections to most US cities. The campus is reached via State Highway 6 and several smaller state highways connect the area to larger highways such as Interstate 45.
