Governor Greg Abbott attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the Aplin Center at Texas A&M University in College Station. The center is planned as an experiential learning hub and welcome center for students and visitors.
During his remarks, Governor Abbott emphasized the educational impact of the new facility. “The Aplin Center will expand the horizon for education at Texas A&M,” said Governor Abbott. “It will serve as a premier laboratory for innovation where generations of dreamers and doers can learn. I want to thank Beaver — who gave us Buc-cee’s, the largest convenience store in the world — for providing students with experiential learning facilities to foster the next generation of hospitality and retail innovators.”
Governor Abbott also spoke about Buc-ee’s influence on travel in America and how the new center aims to prepare students for careers in hospitality and retail. He stated that the Aplin Center would help students gain skills needed for future success in the service industry.
The event included several notable attendees: Representative Paul Dyson, Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar, Vice Chancellor Dr. Susan Ballabina, Board of Regents Chairman Bob Albritton, Buc-ee’s Holdings Inc. Founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, along with other university staff and supporters.
The three-story building will focus on hospitality, retail, food, and nutrition sciences while serving as a welcome center for prospective students and guests. Construction is expected to be completed by February 2028.
Additional photos from the event are expected to be released later.
