The Association of Former Students | 31,229 followers on LinkedIn. As Texas A&M’s alumni organization, we connect Aggies, celebrate tradition and strengthen the #AggieNetwork. | The Association of Former Students traces its origin to the Ex-Cadets Association formed in 1879 and later to the A&M Alumni Association and Alpha Phi Fraternity. In 1919, a coalition was formed and adopted the name "The Association of Former Students." Since 1879 much has changed in organization and details, but the fundamental objectives of The Association remain the same.