Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: Aggielife

Media Credit: Wade Barker [Click to enlarge]

Reed Arena illuminates with the gentle glow of flickering candles. The Ross Volunteers march in crisp, white uniforms that prevail over the darkness. From the silence comes a time-honored Texas A&M tradition, a soft response to the call of the names of departed Aggies from the previous year.

"Here."

More than 100 Aggies will be honored at the "Roll Call for the Absent" in Reed Arena on Monday and almost 1,000 others will be honored at hometown Muster ceremonies worldwide.

"I think in college, we go so fast-paced all the time," said Andrea Abrams, a junior communication major and awareness sub-chairwoman for Muster Committee. "It's a couple hours to sit back and reflect on how grateful we are to have a University that cares so much about us to individually call our names."

Thomas Conner, senior industrial distribution major and chairman of Muster Committee, said Muster is a momentous event for any Aggie.

"Muster is a day to celebrate those lives and get back together with other Aggies and remember why it's important to be an Aggie," he said.

Muster dates back to the 1800s when Aggies came together annually to reminisce. The annual gathering soon grew to coincide with Texas Independence on San Jacinto Day, April 21. Campus Muster, as it is known today, was formed by E. E. McQuillen, class of 1920, who served as the executive secretary of The Association of Former Students and the first campus Muster speaker.

"At a school that's rooted in tradition and high values, respect is one of the greatest values that A&M upholds," Abrams said. "I think Muster is what makes the Aggie family so strong. The fact that I'm going to answer 'here' for someone who went to my school

60 years ago says a lot."

Abrams said Muster is a way for the sometimes overwhelming campus to embrace every student.

"You're not just a number at this huge University. You're an Aggie. You're part of this family," she said. "It's one of the most powerful traditions. It affects every single person that walks across campus at Texas A&M."

Continued...

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