University celebrates passing 10,000

A&M-Commerce celebrated reaching its record enrollment of 10,000 students with a party Monday afternoon in the gym at the Morris Recreation Center. The event, which featured a t-shirt giveaway, hot dogs, chips, potatoes, dessert, and a pep band, was well attended by students and faculty.

A&M-Commerce President Dan Jones, Commerce Mayor Quay Throgmorton, A&M-Commerce Faculty Senate President Dr. LaVelle Hendricks and Student Government Association President Taylor Fore all spoke at the event.

"You are part of university history," Jones said. "This is the biggest A&M-Commerce has ever been, and it is better than it has ever been – better students, better faculty and better staff."

Jones also praised A&M-Commerce facilities, particularly the new Music Building and the Commerce community itself, calling it the best community in Northeast Texas.

Throgmorton presented A&M-Commerce with a proclamation celebrating the enrollment mark.

"A higher enrollment is always better for the city," Throgmorton, who is currently enrolled in a history class at A&M-Commerce, said. "It provides more folks to support our shops and local businesses."

Hendricks recognized Dr. Mary Hendrix and the Department of Student Access and Success for their pivotal role in the record. Awards were presented to various departments and colleges for their part in the enrollment increase.

"I thought it was a festive atmosphere and a great way to show appreciation for the campus and students," Hendricks said. "The record enrollment mark is a positive step for the university."

Hundreds of A&M-Commerce students filled their plates with hot dogs and potatoes after the event was moved to the gym because of rain.

"I liked the event, it really showed school spirit," sophomore art major Rashid Lane said. "In the future, I'd definitely tell my friends to come."

The A&M-Commerce administration hopes to see an annual increase of 1,000 students in the next few years.