A Vision for Regional Cultural Enrichment Since 1889.

Professor W. L. Mayo had more than a vision when he opened the doors of East Texas Normal College to 17 students in 1889. With an action plan, his 111-year legacy produced 70,000 alumni.

Opening young minds to countless opportunities for enrichment and achievement drives Texas A&M University-Commerce. Today, 7,500 students study from 100 academic majors. Students enjoy a 17:1 student/teacher ratio. University entrance requirements are in the top-half of Texas’ 35 state-supported universities. Entering freshmen are accepted upon making 20 on the ACT or 920 on the SAT. Sixty-one percent of students come from the metroplex counties, and our market share of students is growing. Our market share of metroplex students attending Texas’ public universities ranks 7th among the 35 institutions.

Partnerships with both local and metroplex businesses, school districts and community colleges have provided access to coursework beyond the Mesquite, downtown Dallas and Commerce campuses. The rich diversity of the region is reflected in our students. They come from around the world, creating an ebb and flow of ideas that continues far beyond the classroom. The music faculty, as well as other faculty, enjoy a strong work ethic among these vibrant minds.

Now moving into its second century of service, Texas A&M University-Commerce is located at the eastern doorstep of two of Texas’ fastest growing counties. The University stands poised to deliver quality instruction and service both to the high-growth corridor of the metroplex as well as its historic East Texas service area. Our commitment to Professor Mayo’s action plan is as true in the year 2000 as it was in 1889. Values that once stood as a matter of pride now stand established as tradition. To this day, and into the future, our planning will always secure the comprehensive, well-rounded education that meets the needs of the next generation.

A message from Dr. James Deaton, Campaign Co-chair

Dr. James Deaton

R. Jay Phillips

When I visualize the potential for success as a result of a music education, I think of students like Shelley, Duane, Jim, Eric and countless others who have shared similar learning experiences in the Department of Music.

Texas A&M University-Commerce and music education are at a critical crossroads. Over the last decade, much research has been done concerning the significance of music training in a child’s cognitive development. The result of these studies, sometimes referred to as the “Mozart Effect,” indicates that music aptitude is linked to increased math function and foreign language retention. School districts throughout our state are re-examining objectives for arts education, and they look to Texas A&M University Commerce for leadership in developing curricula and supplying music teachers.

The potential impact for the University and the Department of Music is exciting to consider. With a faculty drawn from the best music schools in the country, the A&M-Commerce Department of Music is eminently qualified to train the best and the brightest students who choose music as a career.

As the Metroplex continues its expansion in an eastwardly direction, Texas A&M University-Commerce stands poised to meet the cultural and educational needs of all the citizens of this area. The Northeast Texas Symphony Orchestra, housed in the Department of Music and enjoying its eleventh season as a semi-professional organization, gives talented music students opportunities to “learn while doing.” That, plus the opportunities our students will have to perform in a proposed theatrical production at Cooper Lake State Park, gives us even more reasons to be excited about the role of the Department of Music in the next few years.

With a $17 million infusion into our arts economy, visualize the quality impact it will have on our region and on our grandchildren. A new Concert Hall could house the symphony and provide an environment that would attract top student talent. Imagine if top instructors could teach these top students. Imagine a vibrant continuing education program. Imagine if the facility and equipment reflected the professional world.

It’s an incredible vision—one that will be sealed with the wave of your baton. Won’t you listen to the music and create this vision? Join me. Let’s step up to the podium and make music for the new millennium, together.

We Have a $3,000,000 Promise Toward A $6,000,000 Dream for Our Students!

How many dreams can be realized depends upon you. Here’s what it will take to achieve our $3 million match. What do you visualize? Where could you fit in? Our donor will match creative giving arrangements as well as traditional gifts, so long as arrangements are finalized by April 13, 2001.

This is the first time in the history of Texas A&M University-Commerce that such a generous offer has been made. Your support is critical to the success of this effort. The table on the right illustrates how you can help achieve this once-in-a- lifetime opportunity.

Our $3 Million Match Equals: