Howdy!
Applications for the 1879 Society Ambassadors are now open! We are excited to invite you to be part of this incredible opportunity to serve Texas A&M, The Association of Former Students, and the worldwide Aggie Network. Our mission at The Association of Former Students is to build a unified team of passionate, high-caliber students, empowering them with the skills and experiences to greatly impact the Aggies around them.
What are the 1879 Society Ambassadors?
The 1879 Society Ambassadors are the official student representatives of The Association of Former Students. The roots of The Association can be traced back to 1879 when we were founded with the mission to 'promote and maintain fellowship' for all Aggies. Today, nearly 150 years later, The Ambassadors continue to uphold and expand this noble mission and legacy, working to strengthen the Aggie Network among future, current, and former students.
As Ambassadors, we achieve our mission by:
ENGAGING and serving the current student body.
EDUCATING the student body about The Association of Former Students’ impact on Texas A&M and Texas Aggies.
ENCOURAGING students to become fully invested members of the worldwide Aggie Network and maintain life-long relationships with Texas A&M and The Association of Former Students.
ELEVATING the Aggie Network by serving and supporting future, current, and former students.
Learn more about our impact by visiting the 1879 Society Ambassadors.
Application & Selection Process Timeline:
November 19 – Applications open.
January 25 – Applications are due by 11:59 p.m.
February 4 – Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a professional reception-style interview at The Association of Former Students that we call our social round.
February 6 & 7 – Applicants selected to continue will participate in a formal interview with 1879 Society Ambassadors' leadership and Association staff.
February 10 – Final selection notifications will be sent out by February 10, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact the 1879 Society Ambassadors Vice President, Maddie Hood '27 at MHood27@aggienetwork.com.
Thanks, and gig 'em!
The 1879 Society Ambassadors
The Association of Former Students
Nomination requirements:
- Letter of Nomination (required)
- Current Biography, Curriculum Vitae, or Resume
The Buck Weirus Spirit Award honors 85 students each year who demonstrate high involvement, create positive experiences throughout the Aggie community, impact student life at Texas A&M and enhance the Aggie Spirit. Unlike other awards, the Buck Weirus Spirit Award recognizes those students who make contributions to the university through participation in student organizations, Aggie traditions and university events. See https://www.aggienetwork.com/buckweirus/ for complete information. Applications may be submitted online beginning Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Late Applications will not be accepted.
Each year, The Association of Former Students’ 12 Under 12 award, recognizes 12 former students who graduated no more than 12 years ago for their outstanding accomplishments in business, civic service and philanthropy, and for representing Texas A&M’s core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service.
Those that graduated in the last 12 years (2014-2025) qualify for consideration of this award. You can nominate yourself or, if you know a deserving young Aggie, consider submitting a nomination on their behalf.
Previous year honorees have included leaders in business and higher education, architects, petroleum engineers, non-profit executives, physicians and veterans and members of the U.S. armed forces.
2026 nominations close Saturday, Feb. 28, so be sure to submit a nomination soon.
To learn more about the recognition, visit tx.ag/12under12Nominations.
Criteria:
- Must have graduated within the past 12 years (2014-2025) from Texas A&M University (College Station, Galveston, Qatar, Law School or Health Science Center campuses). If applicant has multiple Class years due to multiple degrees, the first Class year will be used to qualify.
- Must complete the online nomination form. Please note your Aggie ID from your AggieNetwork.com profile: you will need it to complete your nomination. If you are submitting a nomination on someone else's behalf, and you don't know their Aggie ID please contact Ashley Giles '15 (AGiles15@AggieNetwork.com).
- Must submit a resume, or LinkedIn profile, and two letters of recommendation.
- Must agree to be included in print and digital media coverage of the awards.
Tips for Submitting a Nomination:
- Explain military lingo, jargon and acronyms. Not every member of the selection committee will have military experience.
- Write out industry acronyms and avoid industry-specific jargon.
- Be prepared to explain both professional and philanthropic accomplishments. Where appropriate, include links to supporting materials such as news articles.
- Be prepared to explain how the nominee's accomplishments relate to Texas A&M's core values.
Selections:
Honorees of the 12 Under 12 award will be determined by an appointed selection committee, which may be comprised of past honorees, members of The Association's Leadership Council and campus representatives. Selected honorees will be notified in summer 2026 and will be recognized at Fall Leadership Council.
Questions:
Contact Ashley Giles '15 at AGiles15@AggieNetwork.com or (979) 845-7514.