WT marks 115 years with cake, history, and future vision

Celebrating 115 Years of Tradition and Progress

West Texas A&M University recently celebrated its 115th anniversary, marking the occasion with a vibrant event that highlighted the institution’s rich history, community ties, and future aspirations. The celebration took place on September 17 at the Jack B. Kelley Student Center in Canyon, where students gathered to enjoy a unique experience filled with tradition, camaraderie, and a forward-looking vision for the university.

The day began at 11:30 a.m. with a special 4-foot-by-4-foot birthday cake, baked by The Cake Company of Canyon. The cake, adorned with golden frosting and maroon-and-white layers, became the centerpiece of the festivities. Students signed a giant birthday card, captured memories with photos, and enjoyed the lively atmosphere created by Bucky the Buffalo mascot dancing to music echoing through the atrium. The scent of freshly baked cake mingled with the cheerful chatter of students, creating a festive mood that reflected the significance of the milestone.

Among the attendees was Alexis Camera, a first-semester graduate student in agricultural education who earned her undergraduate degree in animal science from WT in May. Camera expressed her pride in being part of the university's long-standing legacy. “It’s really cool to be part of such a rich history here in Texas and in Canyon,” she said. “The student organizations make it easy to meet people and feel connected to the community.”

University President Walter Wendler, who has led the institution for the past decade, emphasized the importance of the anniversary as a reflection of both the school’s enduring legacy and its ongoing commitment to the region. “This is a university that really believes in the community and serves the community,” he stated. “People across the Panhandle feel like WT is their university, even if they never attended, and that’s rare.”

Wendler also pointed out how the university’s longevity provides a sense of stability in an ever-changing world. “When students see an organization that has endured for more than a century, it instills confidence,” he said. “Our university has survived the Dust Bowl, world wars, economic downturns, and cultural changes. That durability tells our students that WT will be here for them and for future generations.”

In addition to its historical significance, the university continues to focus on affordability and regional service. When Wendler first arrived a decade ago, the average debt for bachelor’s graduates was about $28,000. Today, that figure has dropped to just over $20,000, before accounting for inflation. “We have worked hard to make sure students can graduate with less debt and more opportunity,” he added.

Wendler also highlighted the university’s deep connection to the Texas Panhandle. “Seventy-five percent of teachers and administrators in the top 26 counties of Texas have at least one degree or certificate from WT,” he said. “If we say we educate the Texas Panhandle, we mean it. Our research, our graduate programs, and our outreach are focused on solving the challenges of rural education, beef production, and health care.”

With a fall enrollment of 9,257 students, the university continues to expand its academic offerings and strengthen its regional impact. Wendler noted that this growth reflects a shared commitment between the university and its surrounding communities. “People here don’t just support WT,” he said. “They own it. They see it as their university, and that’s a powerful responsibility for us to honor.”

Marketing coordinator Evelyn Montoya, an alumna who helped plan the event, said the celebration honored the university’s tradition and legacy while encouraging students to imagine the decades ahead. “September 20, 1910, was the day students first arrived on campus,” she said. “This celebration reminds us where we’ve been and where we’re headed — continuing to serve our students and the Texas Panhandle.”

A Legacy of Transformation

The celebration also served as a reminder of how much the institution has evolved since its founding. West Texas A&M University began in 1910 as West Texas State Normal College, one of seven state-supported teachers’ colleges in Texas dedicated to training educators. Over the years, it expanded its academic mission and underwent several key name changes:

• West Texas State Teachers College (1923): Recognized the school’s ability to grant four-year degrees.
• West Texas State College (1949): Signaled a curriculum expanding beyond teacher education.
• West Texas State University (1963): Elevated to full university status by the Texas Legislature.
• West Texas A&M University (1993): Adopted after joining The Texas A&M University System on September 1, 1990, with the new name becoming official in 1993.

Today, WT offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs while maintaining its original commitment to educating Panhandle students.

As students enjoyed slices of cake, snapped selfies, and signed the oversized birthday card, Wendler reflected on the road ahead. “We’ve never stopped serving the region, and we won’t stop now,” he said. “If we stay on this path, I believe WT will be recognized across the state, the nation, and even the world as a university that not only educates but also solves problems for rural communities. That’s what the next 115 years must be about.”