Javelina Alumni Association

10/09/2026

💙💛 There's nothing quite like coming home to Javelina Nation! 🐗

Just two more weeks until Homecoming Week! Time to reconnect with old friends, relive your favorite memories, and make a few new ones along the way.

Once a Javelina, Always a Javelina! 💙💛

10/08/2026

📢 Important Update: 90 Years of Engineering Excellence!

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the 90th Anniversary Gala has been postponed until Spring 2027. A new date will be announced soon!

However, the celebration continues! 🎉 Join us for Javelina Engineering Heritage: 90 Years of Engineering What's Next, happening as scheduled!

📅 Friday, October 30, 2026
⏰ 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
📍 John E. Conner Museum | Kingsville, TX
RSVP HERE: https://tinyurl.com/5hx59jj9

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to celebrating with you!💙💛

10/05/2026

Congratulations, Anne! 💙💛

We are excited to celebrate Anne Thurwalker as she officially steps into her new role as Vice President of University Advancement and Chief Foundation Officer at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Her dedication to Javelina Nation, our alumni, and the South Texas community has made a lasting impact, and we look forward to all that is ahead under her leadership. Please join us in congratulating Anne on this well-deserved next chapter! 🐗

Please join us in congratulating Anne Thurwalker as she officially steps into the role of Vice President of University Advancement and Chief Foundation Officer at Texas A&M University-Kingsville !

For more than 13 years, Anne has built meaningful relationships with alumni, donors and partners, securing philanthropic support for the university. After serving as Associate Vice President of Development and most recently as Acting Vice President, she brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to the university to her leadership role.

Her advancement career includes roles with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management.

A South Texas native from Hebbronville, Anne brings a deep understanding of the region and a personal commitment to its future. We look forward to her continued leadership in creating opportunities for our students and strengthening the university’s impact.

10/05/2026

Texas A&M University-Kingsville is pleased to announce the hiring of Ms. Victoria Vela as the Interim Head Rodeo Coach and Mr. Teo Vela as the Interim Assistant Rodeo Coach for the TAMUK Javelina Rodeo Team. 💙💛

Victoria Vela is a former collegiate rodeo competitor with extensive experience competing in and contributing to the college rodeo community. She graduated from Texas A&M University and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Texas A&M University College of Pharmacy in Kingsville.

Teo Vela is also a former collegiate rodeo athlete with deep roots in the sport. He competed as a member of the rodeo teams at both Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Sul Ross State University and is a proud Javelina alumnus! 🐗 In addition to his rodeo experience, Teo works for the USDA. He brings years of rodeo experience, horsemanship, professional knowledge, and mentorship to the program.

This father-daughter coaching team shares a passion for rodeo and academics. Together, they are committed to recruiting and developing student-athletes who strive for excellence in competition and in the classroom. Their focus is on building a program where hard work, discipline, education, and competitive opportunity go hand in hand and while honoring the proud tradition of rodeo at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

10/04/2026

Way to go Hoggies! 🐗

The Rain never bothered us anyway, JAVELINAS WIN!

10/03/2026

Join us as the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering celebrates 90 years of innovation, achievement and Javelina pride. Here’s to honoring the legacy of those who paved the way and looking ahead to what’s next!

💙💛 Celebrate the Tradition. Be Part of the Legacy.

Calling all Javelina Engineering alumni, friends, supporters and industry partners! Join the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering at Texas A&M University–Kingsville as we celebrate 90 years of engineering excellence with two special events:

✨ 90th Anniversary Gala
📅 Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 6–10 p.m.
📍 Mansion Royal, Corpus Christi

Enjoy an evening of celebration and connection as we honor our history, reconnect with friends, and recognize the partnerships that help shape our future.
Attire: South Texas Elegance

🏛️ Museum Exhibition Opening
“Javelina Engineering Heritage – 90 Years of Engineering What's Next”
📅 Friday, October 30, 2026 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
📍 Conner Museum, Kingsville

Explore the stories, milestones, and memories of the people who have shaped Javelina Engineering across generations.

Whether your connection began in our classrooms or through an industry partnership, you are part of our legacy. We would love to celebrate with you!

🎟️ Reserve your gala tickets: https://tinyurl.com/yc8w3r5z

🏛️RSVP to our Museum Exhibition: https://tinyurl.com/2rnncsw5

Tag a fellow Javelina Engineer and help us spread the word!

09/28/2026

Texas A&M University-Kingsville has been part of Ross and Stephanie West’s story for more than two decades. The two met while attending TAMUK and both graduated in 2002. Ross earned his degree in Agricultural Science and Wildlife, while Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science and later her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2004. 💙💛

While attending TAMUK, Ross began working as a hunting guide on the King Ranch in 1999, eventually building a career in ranch and wildlife management. Years spent working with hunters, anglers, ranch managers, and landowners gave him firsthand knowledge of the outdoor industry and the needs of those who enjoy the South Texas outdoors. In 2018, Ross and Stephanie recognized a need in the Kingsville community, where options for fishing and outdoor gear were limited. They began with a small selection of saltwater fishing tackle, rods, and reels inside a 900-square-foot office space. As customers asked for more, hunting gear was added, inventory expanded, and Westican Outdoors grew with the community it was created to serve.

Today, Westican Outdoors is continuing that growth with a new, larger location now open in Kingsville. The new store reflects how far Westican has come from its original space while allowing the West’s to better serve the community whose support helped make that growth possible.

Through all of that growth, Westican Outdoors has remained a family affair. Ross and Stephanie raised their three children around ranch life, where hunting, fishing, and time outdoors were simply part of growing up. A longtime friend affectionately nicknamed the children the “Westicans,” a name that eventually found its way onto the family business. Today, their family’s connection to TAMUK continues as their daughter attends the same university where her parents first met.

Ross and Stephanie will celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Westican Outdoors location October 2-3, adding another milestone to a story with deep roots in TAMUK, Kingsville, and the South Texas community.

09/25/2026

🐗💙 Javelina Alumni — Homecoming is calling! 💛🎶

Heading to the 2026 Homecoming Concert featuring Randy Rogers Band? Make sure you take advantage of the exclusive alumni ticket package!

Use passcode **JAVELINAFOREVER** to unlock your alumni perks, including an exclusive Homecoming shirt, a chance to connect with fellow Javelina Alumni, and access to the VIP bar.

🎟️ Don’t miss out — grab your alumni ticket and join us for a Homecoming night to remember!
https://tinyurl.com/s9jvxum9

Are you a Javelina Alum and planning to come to our 2026 Homecoming Concert featuring Randy Rogers Band?

Use the passcode “JAVELINAFOREVER” to unlock a special alumni homecoming concert ticket package.

Get an exclusive homecoming shirt, network with fellow Javelina Alumni, and get access to the VIP bar.

Must purchase by October 2 for guaranteed shirt size. HURRY! Tickets are selling fast!

Purchase tickets NOW: https://tamukjavelinas.hometownticketing.com/embed/event/249?es=vvbjsug73r2vlva1eu6uipa6p0&single=1

09/24/2026

💙💛 Want to make an impact on Javelina Nation?

Applications are now OPEN to join the Javelina Alumni Board of Directors! 🐗

We’re looking for passionate Javelina alums who want to stay connected, give back, and help strengthen the alumni experience for Javelinas everywhere.

This is your opportunity to bring your ideas, experience, and Javelina pride to the table while helping shape the future of our alumni community.

📋 Apply today and help us continue building a stronger Javelina family!

🔗 https://javelinaalumni.org/boardapplication/

09/22/2026

It’s Ring Week! 🐗💍

September 22–24, 10 AM–4 PM each day at the Javelina Bookstore. Order your Javelina Ring and become part of one of Texas A&M University–Kingsville’s proudest traditions. 💙

We’re bringing the tradition to you!

https://www.tamuk.edu/dean/ring.html