Texas A&M University issued the following announcement on Feb. 23.
The Texas A&M Maritime Academy Corps of Cadets, Maroon Delegates and Col. Michael Fossum '80 and Mrs. Melanie Fossum '81 pose with Reveille IX and her handlers of the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets at the 6th Annual Texas A&M University at Galveston Parade Viewing Party Saturday, February 22, 2020.
By Andréa Bolt, Content Manager, Division of Marketing & Communications
GALVESTON, TX, FEBRUARY 22, 2020—Traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple, green and gold, but for six years now, Texas A&M University at Galveston has added maroon to the mix. The Tremont House-sponsored Texas A&M University at Galveston Mardi Gras Parade & Viewing Party is both a ball and benefit that supports the university's George P. Mitchell Society (GPMS) and has provided crucial financial aid for four four-year student scholarships.
The 37 tables and ballroom were decked out to suit the event’s “Roaring Into the 20s” theme. Ticket prices started at $275, the highest reserved table price reaching $7,500. The sold-out event garnered over $100,000 from the over 350 attendees that will go directly toward the financial support of Texas A&M-Galveston students, maritime research, excellent faculty and student recruitment, campus beautification, and more.
The event is always scheduled to guarantee prime viewing of Mardi Gras Galveston’s marquee parade event, The Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade. The krewe passes directly in front of The Tremont House and ballroom, giving guests the opportunity to either enjoy the scene from the balcony or the street level. This year’s parade was even more special, as the Texas A&M Maritime Academy cadets were chosen to lead the procession.
Guests enjoyed dinner, dancing, and interacting with historical Texas A&M Maritime Academy artifacts, as well as the First Lady of Aggieland, Miss Reveille. One-of-a-kind signature Texas A&M-Galveston beads delighted guests.
The evening was made possible by longtime friends and supporters of Texas A&M-Galveston, especially including Mardi Gras Committee members Marilyn McFatridge, Phyllis Milstein, Marie Robb and Kelly Teichman and is underwritten by The Tremont House.
“We truly feel we are carrying on the legacy of George P. Mitchell,” the group said. “His passions were Galveston, Mardi Gras and Texas A&M, so we know this event and the reasons we do it would make him proud and also help remind these students who helped pave the way for them.”
The GPMS is comprised of individuals and organizations committed to the wellbeing of the world’s oceans by supporting marine and maritime research, education, training, and more at Texas A&M-Galveston.
For over 30 years, Mitchell, a native son of Galveston and 1940 graduate of Texas A&M University and the Corps of Cadets, hosted Galveston’s premier Mardi Gras Ball and Parade Viewing Party at The Tremont House. This event coincided with the grand opening of The Tremont House on February 16, 1985. In 2015, this traditional Mardi Gras event ushered in a new era in memory of Mitchell when Texas A&M-Galveston hosted the first official university-affiliated Mardi Gras parade viewing party.
Original source can be found here.
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