Texas A&M announces death of mascot Reveille IX

On Monday, Texas A&M announced Reveille IX, the school’s former live mascot, died after battling complications from pneumonia. Reveille IX passed on her duties to Reveille X in 2021.

Since Reveille III, every incarnation of the Texas A&M’s First Lady has been a full-blooded Rough Collie. While serving as the school’s live mascot, each Reveille is cared for by a sophomore in the Corps of Cadets’ Company E-2.

Reveille IX served from May 9, 2015, until her retirement on April 30, 2021. Following her wonderful tenure as the school’s  highest-ranking member in the Corps of Cadets, Reveille IX enjoyed retirement at the Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center on Texas A&M’s campus.

When any of the Reveille’s die, they are buried in an honorary cemetery on the north end of Kyle Field. They are buried to face the stadium, where a small scoreboard — referred to as the Reveille Scoreboard — was installed, so, even in death, the dogs could root on the Aggies.

“Texas A&M University is an institution founded on honor, pride, and tradition. The traditional Aggie spirit has taken many forms, one being that of Reveille, the university mascot,” a plaque reads outside the special cemetery. “In 1931 a stray dog was found by A&M cadets and named Reveille when she barked at the bugle during morning formation. The cadets took her into their hearts and the school adopted her as the official mascot.

“When she died, Reveille I was buried here so that she could see the scoreboard at Kyle Field. Reveille I, and the Reveilles that follow her, will always have a special place in an Aggie’s heart and symbolize the undying spirit of Texas A&M.”

All Rough Collies who serve as Reveille follow their caretaker around Texas A&M’s campus daily. Freshmen cadets are required to address her as “Miss Rev, ma’am,” and she wears five silver diamonds on her blanket to indicate her prestigious rank.

Besides service animals, Reveille is the only animal at Texas A&M allowed inside campus facilities. Reveille has her own student ID and golf cart, known as the Rev Force One. It is the mascot corporal’s responsibility to drive Reveille wherever she needs to be each day.

“Her passing is an immense loss for Texas A&M, the Corps of Cadets, Company E-2, Stevenson Center staff and Aggies everywhere,” Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman Jr. wrote of Reveille IX. “Details on Miss Reveille IX’s funeral will be shared once they are finalized.”