Notice

The content of this website does not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Texas A&M University or its entities.

50th Anniversary – History – International Student Association
International Student Association
Texas A&M University MSC Programs
Texas A&M University
International Student Association

50th Anniversary – History

Newspaper clipping about Helge Ness. Transcription - HELGE NESS, B. S. born November 4th, 1862, is a native of Norway. Until fifteen years of age he attended the common schools of Norway. In March of 1881 he came to America, and settled in Illinois, attending the Normal School at Morris, Ill., for one year. In 1886 he came to Texas, and in 1887 entered the A. and M. College of Texas, graduating in 1889. In 1891 he was appointed Assistant Professor of Horticulture and Botany.

The first international student to graduate from Texas A&M University was Helge Ness in 1889. He was born in Norway, and then moved to America in 1881 to attend High School in Illinois. He hardly spoke the English language at first, but he still found his way. Helge then attended Texas A&M University in 1887. After 2 years he graduated as a botanist. Helge did not go far after graduation, as he was assigned as the Assistant Professor of Horticulture and Botany in 1891. By that time, Hegle did not only speak English, but also 6 other languages including Greek, Latin, French and more. He then spent his whole life in Aggieland, until he died on December 30, 1928.

Helge is not only known as the first international student to attend A&M, but also, he is well known as the first botanist in the United States and among the first in the world to produce hybrid oaks. They are referred to now as “Ness Oaks.” The Ness Oaks are essential since they provide vigor and faster growth. Two Ness Oaks were planted in front of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station building, and as an honor to his memory, the Ness statue was mounted in between the two oaks in 1961. More Ness tress can be found east of Kyle Field stadium.

As a botanist, Helge also contributed to future generations. He crossed the wild Louisiana dewberry and the raspberry and thus developed the “Ness Berry.” This contributed to the development of the Brazos blackberry in turn. As mentioned in The Battalion Newspaper of July 30, 1964, Texas was close to becoming the land of berries, if it was not for a group of A&M students who stepped on a berry patch that Ness had developed.

International Student Association

In 2019, the International Student Association (ISA) is proud to recognize 50 years of cultural awareness programs and service to International Aggies. We are also excited to announce that it has been 130 years since the first international student (Hegle Ness) graduated from Texas A&M University. Furthermore, this academic year has been declared as the Year of the International Student by ISA. Thus, ISA has lots of exciting events planned that will allow us to celebrate these incredible accomplishments and we want you to come celebrate with us! So stay tuned and make sure to follow us on our social media to hear about these upcoming events!