Congressman Ralph Hall Finalizes Donation of Papers to A&M-Commerce

COMMERCE — Congressman Ralph Hall has finalized the donation of his personal papers and memorabilia to Texas A&M University-Commerce. It came yesterday in a signing ceremony with President Dan R. Jones at the A&M-Commerce at Rockwall facility. “I hope the papers in this collection are valuable to you, and I hope they’re a good resource to the students at A&M-Commerce. They are a reflection of my life in public service, and it’s an honor to be a part of the future of this university,” said Congressman Hall.

The Gee Library at A&M-Commerce currently houses 62 of nearly 100 processed boxes of Congressman Hall’s papers. A&M-Commerce will continue working with his staff to coordinate the transfer of additional boxes and electronic data from D.C., as well as regional and campaign offices, according to Andrea Weddle, Head of A&M-Commerce’s Special Collections and Archives.

“It is hard for me to put into words just how excited I feel, and everyone at A&M-Commerce feels, to be the recipients of this generous gift. This is truly going to be a world-class treasure trove of historical data. This is material that scholars, researchers, and students are going to be plumbing for generations to come,” said A&M-Commerce President, Dan R. Jones. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this priceless treasure. And thank you for all that you do, and continue to do, for this district and these United States.”

Hall’s papers represent over six decades of public service and political history. He is a long-time friend of A&M-Commerce with a family history of alumni from the institution including his mother, sister, and wife. Hall holds the 4th Congressional District seat previously held by the longest-running Speaker of the House and A&M-Commerce alumnus, Sam Rayburn.

In the picture, left to right, President Dan R. Jones, Congressman Ralph Hall and Randy VanDeven, Vice President of Institutional Advancement.