As you walk our main campus you'll find it's covered with markers that tell our story as it has unfolded throughout more than a century. Here's a slice of our history.
Rachel's Garden
The Rachel Rollings Memorial Garden is dedicated in memory of Rachel Erin Rollings, an A&M-Commerce student who lost her life in an automobile accident in 2006. The garden is also dedicated to Britney Lipsey who was also killed in the accident. The memorial consists of a bronze lioness sculpture surrounded by her five lion cubs, representative of Rachel’s love for children and her desire to become a teacher. Rachel’s Garden is located at the top of the Outdoor Amphitheater between Halladay Student Services and the Field House.
Mayo Gravesite/Book Of Knowledge
This monument marks the gravesite of our first president, William L. Mayo. According to campus legend, President Mayo, while looking out the windows in his office, pointed to a black locust thicket near Old Main and remarked that he would like the spot to be his final resting place. He was laid to rest in the requested spot upon his passing, and the W.L. Mayo Memorial Association formed to raise money for a marker on the site. In 1926, the granite stone currently marking his gravesite [including the Book of Knowledge] was added. The Mayo Gravesite is located on the northeast corner of campus where Mayo Street meets Lee Street. The Mayo Memorial Service is held annually at the site during homecoming to honor President Mayo’s legacy.
Victory Bell
Victory Old E.T.! The Victory Bell is a well-known monument on campus. It is believed Professor William Leonidas Mayo -- our founder -- purchased the bell in 1886 for use in calling public school students to class at our former location in Pecan Gap, Texas. Professor Mayo brought this simple cast iron farm bell to Commerce in 1895 and used it to rouse students for morning classes and to summon students to dinner time in the evenings. Future Speaker Sam Rayburn paid his way through school with his job: ringing the bell in the mornings. For decades, this bell was used to celebrate Lion athletics triumphs. It was also a frequent focus of our athletic opponent’s attention and was “stolen” on more than one occasion by our rival schools. No worries, these were only friendly games. The bell still rests at home on our main campus.
Statue of William Leonidas Mayo
William Leonidas Mayo is the founder and builder of East Texas Normal College, which evolved into what we now call Texas A&M University-Commerce. Professor Mayo still watches over his beloved institution and will be honored through this monument for many more centuries to come.
Lyday Heritage Gardens
As you pass the university president's home making your way to the center of campus, take a stroll through the Lyday Heritage Gardens. The gardens feature a lion head fountain, a beautiful assortment of seasonal flora and ample shade provided by mature native trees. The gardens were graciously funded and named by Gary and Sandra Fernandes in honor of Sandra Lyday Fernandes’ parents and have often been the backdrop for scenic engagements and weddings. Love is in the air at the Lyday Heritage Gardens!
Brick Garden
Leave your legacy set in stone right here on campus. As a way to commemorate 125 years as an institution and to lend a helping hand to the generations to come, The Alumni Association of Texas A&M University-Commerce, Inc. is proud to introduce the Brick Garden Project! Each brick can be customized by you and can reflect your memories associated with East Texas State Teachers College, East Texas State College, East Texas State University and Texas A&M University-Commerce. While leaving a physical mark on campus, a portion of the brick sales will go toward assisting future Lions through the Alumni Legacy Scholarship.
Ford W. Hall Lion Statue at Gee Library
Built in honor of Ford W. Hall, this statue sits at the corner of Gee Library, right in the heart of campus. When graduation rolls around, keep this monument in mind; it's become a favorite backdrop for senior photos!
Kappa Delta Lion
Kappa Delta Sorority (Gamma Upsilon Chapter) donated this lion statue to the university in celebration of their 50th anniversary as a member of the Texas A&M University-Commerce family. You can catch this fellow on your way into the RSC.
Sam Rayburn Statue
Presiding over the RSC is Sam Rayburn (1882-1961) who graduated from East Texas Normal College (BS). As you might remember from your schooling in history, Rayburn went on to become the 43rd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
Sculpted by: Gordon Thomas, '59 BS, '73 MS
Twin Oaks Blueberry Farm
Twin Oaks Farm for Experiential Learning is a community favorite. Twin Oaks is a living laboratory with a focus on farm-based learning for food production. The farm is open to faculty and students for formal and non-formal learning in the growing of small fruits, pecans and vegetables. We have opportunities for class and individual student projects and activities that enhance student skill and understanding associated with food production. There are also volunteer opportunities at Twin Oaks. Keep in touch during the summer season for community open picking hours. The taste is so sweet it can't be beat!
The Arch
Artist Barry Willbern ( BS 1964, MS 1975 ) created this sculpture in 1973-1974 from wood, steel, mesh and cement as partial fulfillment of requirements for a master's of science degree. The Arch, 14 feet high and weighing two tons, has become a much-beloved campus landmark since its erection in 1974. Check it out as you make your way to Ferguson from the library.
Lion Statue at Amphitheater
The sitting lion statue, now located at the amphitheater, is said to have been erected following the completion of the McDowell Administration Building in 1970.
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