Anniversary marks Alumnus President LBJ signing Higher Education Act on Texas State Campus

The $2.6 billion Higher Education Act enabled hundreds of thousands of young Americans to enroll in college, thanks to federal scholarships and loans. It also aimed to improve the level of education in elementary and secondary schools, support community service programs, and fund higher education institutions’ investment in their facilities, faculty, and student resources.

“Here the seeds were planted from which grew my firm conviction that for the individual, education is the path to achievement and fulfillment; and for the nation, it is the path to a society that is not only free but civilized; and for the world, it is the path to peace—for it is education that places reason over force.” --- President LBJ, signing the Higher Education Act at his alma mater in 1965

The signing was intended to happen in front of iconic Old Main on the San Marcos Campus, but rain caused the event to move inside to the Strahan Gym, which is now the Music Building. Click here to explore the University Archives for photos and an audio recording of LBJ’s remarks at the historic event. 

The university has commemorated the anniversary of the historic signing several times since 1985, through events and creative art exhibits. Read more about the Higher Education Act Anniversaries in the University Archives.

Former President Johnson stayed connected to his alma mater long after graduation. His first post-presidency visit to campus was a surprise in April of 1970, as he arrived unannounced to mingle with faculty and students. After lunch at Commons Dining Hall, he popped into a government class in the Evans Academic Center and went on to attend a Student Senate meeting later that day. Read about his many Post-Presidency Visits to campus in the University Archives.