Our Club History
The San Angelo A&M University Mothers’ Club was founded on April 4, 1927 following a meeting at the home of Mrs. George Allen. Charter members at that meeting included: Mrs. W.E. Albert, Mrs. George Allen, Mrs. A.A. Gunter, Mrs. J.C. Landon, Mrs. C.S. Leidecker, Mrs. L.L. Nimitz, Mrs. James Weddell, Mrs. Gertrude Witherspoon, and Mrs. A.K. Word.
With Mrs. Landon as President, a membership drive was begun. By the next meeting on May 2, 1927, there were 28 members enrolled. The first project was to raise money for the Ex-student’s Loan Fund at the college and by February 1937, a total of $3,111.00 was contributed. (The San Angelo A&M University Mothers’ Club was one of eight (8) clubs that came together in 1928 to form the Federation of Texas A&M University Mothers’ Clubs.)
Over the years, numerous projects and fundraising events were held, benefiting a number of organizations including the A&M Library Fund and the Organ Fund. A Student Loan Fund was set up in 1937 to provide interest-free loans to local students. In 1961, the Lt. Fred S. Rodway Memorial Fund was established through a bequest from the late Mrs. Mae Boston in memory of her son. Loans were provided to local students until 2001 when the loan fund was discontinued due to changes in tax laws. Funds were then shifted to the Scholarship Fund.
In 1951, the San Angelo Club assisted with forming the Odessa A&M Mothers’ Club and the Trans-Pecos A&M Mothers’ Club. In 1970, the Club pledged to contribute $1,000 over the next 5 years toward the construction of the Texas A&M University Agricultural Research and Extension Center at San Angelo.
A permanent Scholarship Fund was established in 1980 from the original Memorial Fund along with life membership dues and a portion of the annual dues from regular club memberships. Scholarships have been given each year since then from this Fund to area A&M students. In 1986, the club began holding an annual Garage Sale to benefit the Scholarship Fund as well as other projects as voted by the membership.
In honor of the Club’s 75th anniversary in 2001, the Club produced the Aggie Spirit cookbook. Renowned Aggie artist Benjamin Knox donated an original print that served as the art for the cover, Care Package to Aggie Land. Proceeds from sales of this cookbook have provided funds for several years.
In 2004, fundraising was begun to create an endowed scholarship fund for A&M students through the San Angelo Area Foundation. The first four-year scholarship from this endowment was awarded in the spring of 2006.
Also in 2006, a china luncheon entitled A Place at Our Table was held. The luncheon featured themed-decorated tables, a style show and silent auction. This fundraising event lasted many years and in 2015, the annual Tailgate fundraiser was added to fundraising efforts. The annual Tailgate has since become our cornerstone event. This fun event for the entire family is a great way for our local Aggie and Aggie fans to gather and enjoy an away football game as a united 12th Man.
The Club also continues to donate to various organizations at A&M each year. It also provides Sunshine Cards to students just before finales during the fall and spring semesters, and Senior gifts upon graduation.
Members of the San Angelo A&M Mothers’ Club have served in positions with the Federation of Texas A&M University Mothers’ Club as well as at Aggie Mom Fish Camp held each fall at Texas A&M University.
The impact our Aggie Moms continue to make is inspiring. Since Club inception, we have provided more than $5.3 MILLION for scholarships and student organizations. The San Angelo Aggie Moms are proud to be a part of this A&Mazing network of moms that support the students of Texas A&M University.
