The Top 12 Aggie Stories of 2020

2020 has been a year for the record books. Despite challenges faced nationwide and here in Aggieland, this year was also filled with incredible stories about the Aggie Spirit, donors who are making a difference, former student achievements and campus programs that are leading the way...with a little bit of Aggie history thrown in, too! In case you missed them, here are the 12 most popular stories of the year, as chosen by you.

 

Almost Home

By Morgan Knobloch ’20

Located between College Station and Waco, the Aggie Barn has served as the gateway to Aggieland for those driving south on Highway 6 since its 1980 maroon and white makeover.
 

Aggies Head Four Fortune 100 Companies

By Chrystal Houston

Did you know that Texas A&M has more Fortune 100 corporate CEOs than any other university? We asked these four Aggies about their leadership philosophies, staying relevant in changing industries and how the companies they lead build a better world.
 

5 Things to Know About Texas A&M’s Academic Building

By Clare Fusselman ’21

From a replica of the Liberty Bell to a unique Texas A&M seal, there’s a lot of history behind this century-old campus landmark. Do you know all of it?
 

The Grape State of Texas

By Jeannie Ralston

Aggies are at the forefront of the Texas wine boom. Discover how the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are pouring resources, research and love into winemaking, determined to put Texas wines on the map. Plus, check out some Aggie-owned or operated wineries in the United States.
 

The Outdoor MSC

By Dunae Reader ’15

Discover plans for Aggie Park, a new premier green space located in the heart of Texas A&M University’s campus near Kyle Field and the John J. Koldus Building.
 

Melding Art with Science

By Michele Schevikhoven ’21

From designing beakers to complex models of heart chambers, Bill Merka’s glassblowing skills have been instrumental to the entire Texas A&M System. Learn about his work over the last three decades as the university’s go-to glassblower.
 

Remembering Campus Life at The Annex

By Alyssa Johnson ’20

Five Aggies from the Class of 1953 recall their freshman year at “The Annex,” known today as the RELLIS Campus, which served as a military base and extension of Texas A&M University’s campus in the 1950s.
 

More Than A Great Chicken Sandwich

By Chrystal Houston

As owner and operator of College Station’s three Chick-fil-A locations, Jerald Huggins ’97 reveals what it’s like to work at one of the nation’s friendliest companies.
 

Hollywood Takeover

By Bailey Payne ’19

Aggie visualization graduates have worked on every winning film in the Academy Awards’ Best Animated Feature category since 2005. Discover how Aggieland’s Viz Lab prepares graduates to work behind the scenes on some of America’s most beloved blockbusters.
 

Reflections from The Greatest Generation

By Alyssa Johnson ’20

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in September 2020, eight Aggie veterans reflected on their military service and how it shaped them.
 

Soaring Spirit

By Lydia Hill ’21

Cherilyn Haley and her unique, Aggie War Hymn-whistling cockatiel, Sonny, continue to carry on the Aggie Spirit that her late husband, Bill Haley ’51, embraced throughout his life.
 

A Salute to Student Veterans

By Torie Noellsch

Ellie and Don Knauss committed a $5 million gift to support Texas A&M University's Veteran Resource & Support Center (VRSC). Their generosity will create a world-class home for the VRSC in the Memorial Student Center, endow on-campus veteran programs and provide matching funds for student veteran scholarships.