"I went to Yale. There, a bulldog was the mascot, but somehow, 
the jowled bulldog's status got diminished over the years, while 
Reveille lives on, sparking the Aggies on to greatness. Go 
Reveille!"—George H. W. Bush, former President of the United 
States

    Reveille needs no introduction to Aggies; she is the First Lady 
of Texas A&M—surrounded by traditions, honored and privileged 
anywhere on campus. She is a goodwill ambassador as well as
a mascot, a symbol of Aggieland as well as the highest ranking 
officer in A&M's Corps of Cadets. Her lifestyle, accessibility, and 
popularity combine to make her, above all, among the most widely 
beloved dogs in the country.

    This richly illustrated book traces the history of Reveille, 
from the first mutt of uncertain origins to Reveille VII, an American 
collie of purebred lineage and scientific breeding. It tells the 
collective story of the lives of Reveille at Texas A&M: Reveille's life
in the dorm and her privileges in classrooms; the dog-napping by 
in-state rivals that made national news in the 1990s; and her effect
on the lives of those who have shared the campus with her, cared 
for her, and loved her.

    A visible part of university life throughout the year, for many 
students Reveille is the pet they left at home. Rusty and Vannessa 
Burson have gathered anecdotes, statistics, and pictures that tell
the little-known story of a well-known dog: her origins, tales and 
traditions, antics and adventures, and evolving role. It is the story of 
special dogs, caring people, and a legacy shaped through the decades.

    The text is accompanied by formal portraits of the successive Revs 
and candid snaps of her at work and at play. Further spice is added 
through interspersed facts and figures and quotes from the many 
people whose lives she has touched.

    Like Lassie, Old Yeller, and Rin Tin Tin, Reveille appeals to any dog 
lover—but she has a special place in the hearts of her fellow Aggies.

_________________________________________________________

RUSTY BURSON, formerly a newspaper reporter and feature writer, 
is now the associate editor of 12th Man Magazine and the senior 
development officer for the 12th Man Foundation at Texas A&M 
University. VANNESSA BURSON served as archival researcher for 
this book. She is a graduate of Texas A&M's class of 1991. The 
Bursons make their home in College Station, Texas.


Number 100: Centennial Series of the Association of Former Students, 
Texas A&M University