Texas A&M University MSC Programs
Texas A&M University|Division of Student Affairs
Texas A&M University MSC Programs
Embracing the Building's History

The Call For A Student Union

Texas A&M University’s Memorial Student Center (MSC) is a prominent symbol of the institution’s strong history and tradition.

History and Development of Memorial Student Center (MSC) Programs

The MSC stands as a tribute to Aggies who gave their lives for our country and involves many students in various leadership roles and committee positions. MSC Programs serves as a focal point for many campus-wide programs at Texas A&M.

1935-1936
Association of Former Students donated War Bonds in the amount of $234,000 which helped fund the construction.
1946
Proposal and naming of the MSC.
1947
John Wayne Stark ‘39 was appointed the first Director by President Gibb Gilchrist.
1948
Work began on building the Memorial Student Center.
1950-1951
The building opens and is formally dedicated on Muster, April 21, 1951.
1950
Memorial Student Center Council began and was made up of eight students, five faculty members and two former students. Directly under the council was the Directorate, made up of committees and club chairmen.
1951-1972
During this time, several committees were formed. These committees include MSC Town Hall, MSC Fall Leadership Conference, MSC Student Conference On National Affairs, Opera and Performing Arts Society (OPAS) and MSC CAMAC. The Stark NE Trip was also created during this time.
1980
J. Wayne Stark assumes new role as special assistant to the President. Jim Reynolds named new MSC director.
1986
Jordan Institute for International Awareness was formed by the Leland T. Jordan endowment to promote the knowledge and spirit of internationalism in Texas A&M students. The MSC Jordan Collection of items given for display was from the Jordans’ travels around the world, including several pieces from Queen Elizabeth.
1992
Tom Fitzhugh, son of Thomas “Champe” Fitzhugh Jr., ’38 and classmate of J. Wayne Stark, founded the Champe Fitzhugh International Honors Leadership Seminar (Italy) for incoming freshman national merit students.
1999
Aggie Bonfire, advised out of the MSC, collapses, killing 12 students and injuring 27.
2005
Jim Reynolds assumes new role with the Vice President of Student Affairs to become a MSC development officer.
2006
Luke Altendorf named new MSC director.
2008
Woodson Black Awareness Committee hosts the first Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast.
2009-2012
Major renovations to the Memorial Student Center building to increase space for meeting rooms, food areas, and department suites.
2019
Champe Fitzhugh International Honors Leadership Seminar’s name changed to Conway-Fitzhugh International Honors Leadership Seminar after Patrick Conway and Champe Fitzhugh.
2023
Luke Altendorf assumes new role for the Division of Student Affairs. Memorial Student Center department was rebranded to be MSC Programs and department committees became Recognized Student Organizations.
2024
Jennifer Boyle ‘97 named MSC Programs director.
2025
MSC Open House reimagined as Club Crawl: The Official Involvement Festival of Texas A&M.
2026
MSC Programs celebrates its 75th Anniversary.