re: Question for Aggies re: a weird tradition

quote:

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When I hear "alumnus" I assume that person has a degree and is in good standing with their university.

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originally I think that's how alumnus was used which may be one reason we use former student more often (though as was pointed out we use both and the OP is incorrect).

The Association was founded in 1919 and it wouldn't be shocking that a lot of the WWI classes never graduated and became career military. So my best guess is we made that distinction exactly like you do in your head. We wanted to sound inclusive of those former students in particular.