Asian Aggies Club News

Muster was graciously hosted by Albert ’85 and Monica ’89 Atkinson just south of Manila, Philippines in Alabang.  Albert served up traditional Texas barbeque including brisket, chicken and sausage.  In preparing the barbeque, Albert assisted the butcher in selecting the brisket, then smoked and slow cooked it to perfection.  Monica served sumptuous side dishes of baked beans, potato salad, green bean casserole, and corn on the cob.  We topped off the meal with cheese cake and an authentic Texas Sheet Cake. Everything was delicious!

In addition to the Albert ’85 and Monica ‘89 Atkinson, Aggies present included Bill Anderson ’99, Roderick C. Perez ’93, Dr. Albert (BJ) DelaCruz ’96, and Dirk Smith ’84.

A traditional Aggie Muster program was followed with Bill giving the invocation, Rod reciting the history of Muster, and Dirk reading the Roll Call.  Albert used his BQ skills to lead us in the “Aggie War Hymn”, “Spirit of Aggieland” and “Silver Taps.”

Everyone had a part in the success of Muster but special thanks to the Atkinsons for hosting and those who brought side dishes. Also, thanks to the spouses and children who assisted us to “live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas.”

Aggies first gathered together on June 26,1883 to live over again their college days, the victories and defeats won and lost upon the drill field and in the classroom. By April 21, 1903, this annual gathering evolved into a celebration of Texas' Independence on San Jacinto Day. These early meetings included field games and banquets for Aggies to reflect and celebrate their memories of Aggieland. “Let every alumni answer a roll call, ” wrote the former students. It was not until 1922, however, that April 21 became the official day of events for all Aggies, thus, the annual tradition of Muster was born.

Now, Muster is celebrated in more than four-hundred places world wide, with the largest ceremony on the Texas A&M campus in College Station. The ceremony brings together more Aggies, worldwide, on one occasion than any other event.

This year, Institute for Pacific Asia Director Randy Kluver attended the Muster celebration held by the Singapore Aggie Club. Hopefully this is only the first of many such Aggie traditions that Dr. Kluver will be able to experience as he becomes a part of IPA and of the Aggie community worldwide!