Texas A&M Delaying Elephant Walk Until April Due To The Pandemic

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The pandemic is delaying another Texas A&M tradition.

Elephant Walk, which honors graduating seniors, is moving from the last home football game to next April.

Organizers say it’s hoped the symbolic walk through campus by thousands of seniors who link arms will allow for a safer, in-person event. Next year’s Elephant Walk will also take place virtually.

News release from Texas A&M:

Class Councils, the Class of 2021 Council and the Department of Student Activities at Texas A&M University have announced that the Elephant Walk tradition will resume in spring 2021. The event is planned for Thursday, April 22 at 6:21 p.m., allowing students to participate in-person and virtually.

The tradition honors graduating seniors, giving them an opportunity to reflect on their experiences in Aggieland.

Elephant Walk has traditionally been hosted in November, prior to the last regularly scheduled home football game.

Ellie Tilton, head director of Elephant Walk, said after careful thought and extensive discussions, Elephant Walk was moved to April in hopes the delay will allow for a safer, in-person event.

“While the timing of the tradition might have changed, the meaning of the event will still be captured,” Tilton said. “We are working tirelessly to ensure that our class will be brought together one last time.”

During the symbolic nighttime walk through campus, thousands of seniors link arms and wander through campus, remembering their time as students and stopping to hear speakers at signature campus landmarks. Plans for the event are dependent upon the advice of public health officials at the time and may be adjusted to maintain the health and safety of participants.