The late 19th century brought into existence the modern student experience, consisting of extracurricular clubs and organizations, intercollegiate athletics, Greek life, student government, and a host of campus traditions, from homecoming to campus bonfires – like the 1999 Aggie Bonfire that left 12 Texas A&M students dead and 27 injured.
Student life, in turn, produced campus cultures that downplayed the value of academics and glorified athletic prowess, style, parties, pranks, and casual socializing.
It was campus life, not academics, that explains much of college’s appeal. Ironically, the student experience made American campuses the envy of the world by generating levels of alumni loyalty and gifts without equal elsewhere.
