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.