Senator
50th Anniversary Homecoming
In November 1951, Senator Johnson delivered the college’s 50th Anniversary Homecoming Address on the steps of Old Main. Johnson spoke of his immense pride for both the city of San Marcos and his Alma Mater.
Click the adjacent photograph to read the full transcript of Johnson's homecoming address.
“The years I spent here reshaped the whole course of my life... I came here with little more than a casual interest college education. I came poor and I left behind little, but I took with me great wealth. Wealth of wisdom, inspiration, and confidence...”
Speech on the Quadrangle
Johnson visited again on October 8, 1953, where he spoke on the Quadrangle about his college memories. He upheld the quality of education found in central Texas. “I didn’t go to Harvard or Yale, but I believe Professor Green knows more government than any professor at Harvard or Yale,” said Johnson. As part of his visit, Johnson and attendees enjoyed coffee and doughnuts while the San Marcos High School band performed a short concert. Johnson even had a chance to reminisce with Cayetano S. Mendez, the janitor he worked with while a student.
“When the going gets rough I draw upon those experiences I had here on the Hill.”
56th Commencement
Johnson’s final visit to campus as a senator took place on May 24, 1959, when he was the featured speaker for SWTSTC's 56th annual commencement in the Men’s Gymnasium. The college awarded Johnson an honorary decree, and the senator received citations from Alpha Chi and Pi Sigma Chi (formerly the Harris Blair Literary Society), of which he was a member during his school days. Significantly, this event took place during a critical moment in Johnson’s political career, for there was much speculation over whether or not he would run for the 1960 Democratic nomination.