Texas A&M originally stood for the "Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas" when it was founded in 1876. Today, while it is officially called Texas A&M University, the "A&M" remains as a symbolic link to the school's historical roots, and the letters no longer explicitly stand for anything specific. The university has evolved far beyond its original agricultural and mechanical focus to become a comprehensive institution of higher learning with core values including excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect, and selfless service.
