Texas A&M History--Ross Volunteers or Corp of Cadets

Founded in 1887 as the Scott Volunteers, it was renamed in 1898 after Texas A&M's President, Lawrence Sullivan Ross. This elite group consists of junior and senior cadets chosen for their honor and character. Each fall, 72 juniors are selected through a confidential process. The RV uniform is distinctive, with officers wearing a silk red sash. They perform ceremonies like the 3-volley, 21-gun salute and participate in parades, including Mardi Gras in New Orleans. They also serve at gubernatorial events, weddings, and funerals. ------------------------------- About the Presenter: Michael Stephenson is a senior Electrical Engineering Honors Student at Texas A&M and is a member of the Corps of Cadets. He currently serves as the Historian for the Ross Volunteer Company and as the Executive Officer for Gator 2. Michael was born in Lichtenfels, Germany. Michael lived in six different countries with his family due to his father’s service in the U.S. Army. He graduated from Brussels American School in Brussels, Belgium in 2020. At Texas A&M, Michael is very active in the Corps of Cadets and other aspects of student life. He is bible study leader with Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) and volunteers at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was also employed by the Mathematics Department as a grader. Michael interned with HPE in 2021 and Raytheon in 2022 to further advance his education in Electrical Engineering. Michael intends to pursue a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering at Texas A&M after completing his Bachelor’s Degree in 2024. Michael earned Eagle Scout with Silver Palm and is a member of the Order of the Arrow. Michael enjoys golfing, traveling, reading, watching sports and being a member of the 12th Man supporting the Texas Aggies. He has a special interest in the history of the ancient world, the history of the United States , and the history of Texas A&M. ------------------------------- Texas Talks is made possible in part from a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.