‘A Century of Memories’ exhibit opens
The much-anticipated Javelina Heritage: A Century of Memories exhibition officially opened on Saturday, June 7. The Kingsville community was welcomed with much fanfare as residents gathered for an evening of celebration, honoring 100 years of Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s legacy.
Open to the public, the event invited the South Texas community to the John E. Conner Museum for a night of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and college memories, all carefully curated by Dr. Christine Reiser-Robbins, associate professor of anthropology. The exhibit is more than a collection of archival items from Texas A&M University-Kingsville—it serves as a living archive of memories and identity for those whose lives have been shaped by the institution.
Texas A&M University President Dr. Robert Vela and Dr. Dolores Guerrero, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, were present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and among the first to tour the museum’s newest installation.
“It’s just beautiful to see what this university means for so many different people. You can go to every corner of this university—I bet each of you has your own special story about what this university means to you. And this is why we think, and we hold this—it’s a personal thing for us and everything that we do,” President Vela told guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Upon entering the exhibit, visitors are greeted by a clock—the clock that once marked the changing of class periods at South Texas State Teachers College. This same clock would go on to inspire the clock tower now iconic to College Hall. Time becomes a recurring theme throughout the exhibit, a reminder of the decades that have passed within the walls of the university—an institution many call home.
“We began working on this exhibition a little over two years ago, and our goal was to bring forward the memories and the traditions, the history of Javelina Nation, but to do it in a really collaborative way that would involve students, staff, faculty, alumni, community supporters—and it is unbelievable to see it come together tonight,” Reiser-Robbins said.
The festivities were intentionally held on June 7, a significant date marking the first official day of class in 1925. As visitors stepped into the exhibit, they symbolically mirrored the experience of the first students who walked through the university’s doors 100 years ago.
The exhibit not only celebrates the university’s academic history but also honors the community that helped shape it. Whether student, professor, staff member or Kingsville resident, every visitor is reminded of their role in defining the spirit of Javelina Pride. Alumni, former faculty and longtime Kingsville residents attended the evening’s celebration, reflecting on personal memories now enshrined within the museum’s walls.
“I came to both the Lantana Ball and to the Military Ball, and the ballroom was not air conditioned. That goes way back,” said alumnus Mary Cusack. “The hall that is right next to Ballroom A was just a porch at that time… So, it just brings back great memories,” Cusack continued.
One particularly notable aspect of the exhibition is its tribute to “The South Texan,” the official student publication of the university. Like the university itself, “The South Texan” marks 100 years of operation. Historic moments of student journalism—from the Chicano movement to presidential commencement speeches—are all featured.
As visitors exit the exhibit, they encounter one of its most profound artifacts: the academic regalia of the university’s first president, Dr. Robert B. Cousins. A powerful representation of tradition, the robe serves as a reminder of the enduring academic legacy that began a century ago and continues today.
“What this exhibit means, as a leader of this university, is that it allows us to reflect on how important it is to continue the wonderful values, the traditions, what [we] stood for back in 1925,” President Vela said. “For me, it’s kind of coming full circle. I’m blessed that I’m here for the 100-year celebration, but I also take it as an obligation and as a foundation to continue to build for the next 100 years. So, this is pretty special.”
Javelina Heritage: A Century of Memories will run through the fall at the John E. Conner Museum and marks the first of many centennial celebrations scheduled throughout the year. The exhibition is open to the public and stands as a tribute to the community that helped build and define the legacy of Texas A&M University-Kingsville.