User talk:Holtrk85/H.H. Dinwiddie

Hardaway Hunt Dinwiddie

Hardaway Hunt Dinwiddie, born on October 25, 1844, in Lynchburg, Virginia, was a distinguished educator and a key figure in Texas higher education. A Virginia Military Institute (VMI) alumnus, he graduated as Valedictorian in 1868 and participated in the Battle of New Market. Dinwiddie was also deeply involved in fraternity life as the second initiate of Alpha Tau Omega, with the fraternity's crest adorning his headstone.In 1868,

Dinwiddie moved to Texas, contributing significantly to the educational landscape. He served as a professor at the Texas Military Institute and later joined Texas A&M College in 1879, holding positions including Chairman of the Faculty and President. He was instrumental in the development of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and played a crucial role in establishing College Station, enhancing the university's growth and accessibility.

Early Life and Education

Hardaway Hunt Dinwiddie was born on October 25, 1844, in Lynchburg, Virginia. He attended the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), where he participated in the Battle of New Market and graduated as Valedictorian in 1868.

Fraternity Life

At VMI, Dinwiddie was the second initiate of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, selected by the three founders, Otis Alan Glazebrook, Alfred Marshall, and Erskin Mayo Ross. His commitment to the fraternity's ideals is commemorated by the ATO crest on his headstone. It should be noted that John Garland James, who was the 2nd president of Texas A&M, was the 1st initiate of ATO and a long-time friend and coworker.

Texas Military Institute (TMI)

After moving to Texas in 1868, Hardaway Hunt Dinwiddie began his career at the Texas Military Institute (TMI) as a professor of physics and chemistry. He worked closely with John Garland James, who would later become the 2nd president of Texas A&M College. Dinwiddie's tenure at TMI was marked by his significant contributions to education.

Texas A&M College

In 1879, Dinwiddie transitioned to Texas A&M College, following John Garland James's appointment as the college's 2nd president. This shift occurred when the entire staff of TMI, including Dinwiddie, was hired by Texas A&M. Dinwiddie's impact at Texas A&M was substantial; in 1883, he became the Chairman of the Faculty and the 4th president of the college. His leadership and vision were instrumental in the establishment and growth of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets.

Contributions and Legacy

Dinwiddie was instrumental in establishing the train depot at the university named College Station, thus cementing the name of the locality. He advocated for the autonomy of Texas A&M during its tensions with the University of Texas.

Death and Commemoration

Dinwiddie passed away on December 11, 1887, in Austin, Texas, and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery (Section 1, Lot 67). A resolution by Louis L. McInnis stated, "The college is his monument. He needs no other." The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets wore mourning attire for 30 days in his honor, and a marble plaque in the Assembly Building at Texas A&M commemorates his contributions. Holtrk85 (talk) 12:19, 8 January 2024 (UTC)