Texas A&M Corp of Cadets & Reveille

Aggie Corp of Cadets Origins…

When the university first began in 1876, admissions remained limited to white males who under the Morrill Act, were required to participate in the Corp. This is best reflected in the 1895 yearbook where members of Company D are pictured. This is believed to be the first year of a printed yearbook and provides a glimpse into what Corp uniforms looked like 130 years ago. Not until 1975 did participation in the Corp become voluntary for all students. While the university originated as an all-male, military institution it does not remain so today. The oldest and largest student organization, the Corp of Cadets provides a window into this broader university transfiguration.

 Sourced from student Ella Rydell

Reveille: Aggieland’s First Lady

While perhaps most known for her distinguished role as First Lady and designated mascot of Aggieland, Reveille also holds the highest rank in the Corp of Cadets. Although there remain several speculations as to how Reveille originated in Aggie culture, it seems widely accepted that her history dates back to the Corp in 1931. Her arrival to campus occurred rather coincidentally after members of the Corp hit a dog when en route to campus. While not known as Reveille at the time, she earned her name the next morning as the newly rescued dog began barking upon hearing “Reveille,” the song used to awaken the Corp. Presently, Reveille remains cared for by a sophomore member of the Cadets E-2 Company, known as a mascot corporal. Each spring the mascot corporal is chosen, and Reveille resides with that Corp member for the duration of the year.