Aggies and non-Aggies alike gathered Thursday to celebrate the birthdays of former President George H.W. Bush and wife Barbara at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. In honor of George’s 86th year and Barbara’s 85th, visitors were served refreshments in the lobby.

Although the Bushes were not present for the library’s annual party, several families came from out-of-town to attend the event.

“I figured if we can’t celebrate with them, we can still eat cake and ice cream,” said Geri Pegg of Justin, Texas. “We can still have a party without them and tell them how good it was.”

Pegg said she and her husband, Charles, had read about the party in Texas Highways magazine and while neither are Aggies, both thought it would be enjoyable to attend because they love the former president.

Kara Kunschick, class of 1996, said she was also a big fan of Bush and was happy to bring her mother and 3-year-old daughter along with her.

“He came once when I was going to school here,” she said. “I hung around the MSC all day when he came, just so I could see him.”
see him.”

William King, public relations director for the presidential library, said Bush became involved with Texas A&M after being invited to give a commencement speech in May1989, when some friends suggested the University as a potential location for his library.

“A&M was very proactive about it,” King said. “The thing he really liked about the library plans was the connection with the Bush School.”

Bush, or “41” as his devotees have nicknamed him, has made multiple visits to the campus, attending football games and giving the opening address at Big Event in 2009. In addition to the presidential library and museum, his prominence at A&M is apparent in the campus bus route, major streets and the school of government and public service that bear his name.

“He’s done a lot for our country, not only as president, but all of his life, from what I’ve seen in this museum,” Kunschick said. “I think A&M is honored to have the museum dedicated to him on our campus.”

In explanation of the party’s date, which does not fall on either of the Bushes’ actual date of birth, library volunteer John Gilbert said that the 10th was between Barbara’s June 8 birthday and George’s June 12 birthday, so it seemed appropriate.

In 1999, the former president brought in his 75th birthday with a 12,500 foot parachute jump onto the lawn of the presidential library. Although CNN reported that Barbara said you could bet it would be her husband’s last skydiving stint, he jumped again for his 80th birthday, marking his second landing in College Station.

It appears this time around, however, Bush stayed grounded for his celebrations. No rumors of further skydiving plans were reported.

According to King, the Bushes spent their birthday week with family.