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Why Texas A&M was so important to the Bushes

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - In a few days, Barbara Bush’s final resting place will be at Texas A&M University.

Her gravesite is in a beautiful green space between two institutions she loved – The George Bush Library and Museum and The Bush School of Government and Public Service.

Charles Hermann was brought to the university in 1995 to organize the new school.

“In his letter to Texas A&M accepting their offer for his library, the first thing [the President] mentions as his reason for choosing Texas A&M was the idea of putting in a Bush School,” said Hermann.

Once the school opened, the Bushes were there often.

The 41st president was known to fish in the pond behind the school. The couple also played horseshoes with students, and sat in on classes.

“There would always be lots of questions, but she got as many as he did,” said Hermann. “A woman speaking to other women about careers in public service was really important, and she understood that.”

Mrs. Bush was always good at getting a laugh, but what Hermann will remember most is the way she unfailingly made everyone feel significant.

“To be able to reach out and make people they encounter, even on occasion, feel like they had a special relationship is an enormous gift,” he said.

Barbara Bush’s funeral procession will end in College Station on Saturday.

Her family will be greeted by 700 members of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets lining Barbara Bush Drive leading to the library.

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