History
This cherished Texas A&M tradition has been previously designated Mother's Day, Mother and Dad's Day, Parent Appreciation, Open House, Parents' Weekend, and is presently called Family Weekend. Though the name and the events of the weekend have adapted throughout the years, the sentiment it represents remains the same.
Planned and coordinated by Student Life’s Family Programs team, with the assistance of the Aggie Parent and Family Ambassadors student organization, Family Weekend is dedicated to Aggie parents and families. This special time gives Aggie students a chance to express their gratitude to those who have impacted their lives.
The tradition began in 1919 shortly after the end of World War I. Membership in the Corps of Cadets was mandatory, and mothers often found themselves worrying about the welfare of their sons. President Woodrow Wilson had recently issued an official proclamation establishing a national Mother’s Day, and Family Weekend originated as a recognition of the holiday on campus. When the university moved graduation ceremonies to early May in 1971, the weekend of events for parents and families was moved to April as a result, where it has remained.
Honoring Parents of the Year has been a big part of Family Weekend festivities. In 1956, the first Mother of the Year Maria V. Reyes was selected and honored in conjunction with Mother’s Day weekend. The selection of a Mother of the Year continued annually until 1974 when the award was changed to Parents of the Year to allow additional deserving family members to be honored. This tradition continues today with Parents of the Year beginning their one-year tenure during Family Weekend.
Family Weekend Through the Years
- 1919
Tradition begins as recognition of Mother’s Day.
- 1925
Texas A&M plans first official Mother and Dad’s Day (also called Parent’s Day).
- 1927
The name of the event becomes Mother’s Day.
- 1951
The name changes to Open House and Parent’s Day.
- 1953
Open House and Parents’ Day events televised.
- 1956
First Mother of the Year recognized.
- 1960
The name of the event becomes Parent’s Day.
- 1974
First Parents of the Year recognized after award changed from Mother of the Year.
- 1979
Name becomes Parent’s Day Weekend.
- 1980
Name becomes Parents’ Weekend and is held during Muster weekend for at least the next three years.
- 1983
First alumni band appearance at Parents’ Weekend.
- 1988
First Bevo Burn barbeque comepetition.
- 1989
First Yell Practive during Parents’ Weekend.
- 1992
First Student/Parent Golf Tournament.
- 2017
Name becomes Family Weekend.
- 2019
Texas A&M celebrates 100th anniversary weekend dedicated to celebrating Aggie families.