Living Outside The Lines: Being A Texas State University Alumni

On my daily treks to and from class, the exquisite architecture of that historical building usually evoked a smile. Several of my graduation photos were taken using Old Main as a backdrop.

By, Becky J Miller

In 1903, Texas State University, located in the heart of downtown San Marcos, ushered in its first student body totaling 303 students. Today the university is home to approximately 40,000 current Bobcats, and boasts over 174,000 alumni. Yours truly is proud to be included in the graduate tally.

“Old Main” the university’s first building remains a capstone structure on the hilly campus. On my daily treks to and from class, the exquisite architecture of that historical building usually evoked a smile. Several of my graduation photos were taken using Old Main as a backdrop.

Texas State holds the proud distinction of being the only university in Texas to have graduated a United States president, Lyndon B. Johnson. His statue stands proudly near Old Main. It too captured my attention, so much that in another of my graduation pictures he and I are “dancing.”

In the 1980’s the university had the unfortunate reputation of being a, “party school”. It was presumed that no serious student attended what was then known as Southwest Texas State.  In the ensuing decades much changed, and today Texas State has the sixth highest graduation rate of public universities in the state.

I miss living in the same community as my alma mater.  Barefoot Campus Outfitters downtown on The Square is my favorite place to shop for unique Texas State branded merchandise. Texas State gear is also prevalent at JC Penney, HEB, Target, Bed, Bath and Beyond as well as Academy.

It’s quite possible I own more than my fair share of Texas State items such as socks, multiple styles/colors of running shorts & tanks, hoodies, stuffed bear, short sleeved tees, long sleeved tees, custom painted Toms, wineglasses, coasters, bumper stickers, key rings, jackets, earrings, a blanket, and a Christmas ornament. And that’s just what I can think of right now. This information should surprise no one who knows me.

Heck, I love my school so much that I have it tattooed on my forearm. I wear my TXST college ring every day and proudly display my diploma in a beautiful Texas State frame on the wall in my work office. Plus, not only am I a dues paying member of the Alumni Association, I’m also an Alumni Brand Ambassador.

Know what else leaves me giddy? Meeting three other Texas State alumni at the college where I currently work. The dean who sat in on my job interview completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in the same program I did; Occupational Workforce & Leadership Studies. Being part of the Bobcat community gives me an incredible sense of pride.

Are you a Texas State graduate too? Maybe you’d like to stay connected with your university as well as other Bobcats? With just one click, you can join the Texas State Alumni Association and score a cool vintage t-shirt!

Eat ‘Em Up Cats!! #TXST #TXSTAlumni

Until Next Time,

Becky J Miller ~ Warrior Princess

Becky J Miller is a contributor and is exclusive to SM Corridor News. You can read more of Becky’s columns in Lifestyle.