Commerce -- Texas A&M University-Commerce welcomed dignitaries, friends and alumni to campus March 10, 2017 to celebrate the university’s 100th anniversary as a state institution. 

With banners proudly proclaiming “Our Century as Lions,” university president Dr. Ray Keck kicked off a morning of ceremonies and speeches by the Chancellor of the A&M System – John Sharp, State Representative – Dan Flynn and President Emeritus – Dr. Keith McFarland, among others.

Proclamations sent by the Governor of Texas and Speaker of the House were read in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

The central theme was the remarkable history the university has lived through in the past 100 years and the impact it will continue to have for northeast Texas and the rest of the country for the next 100 years.  The university has and will continue preparing young people to pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society.

As shared by Dr. McFarland, “The founders of this remarkable institution could not have imagined what this center of education would achieve in 100 years; likewise, we cannot predict the majors and courses of study that students will embark on 100 years from now.”

Later in the morning, the university held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Nursing and Health Sciences building. According to President Keck, the research and training that will happen in this building will significantly impact the current shortage of qualified nurses in Texas, and surrounding states, as well as house the university’s new Biomedical Institute for Regenerative Medicine Growth.