The 1990 Texas State yearbook starts with the phrase, “Situated on the banks of the quiet San Marcos River, SWT was a peaceful place. Then the 1990-91 school year rolled around. And we started…causing a commotion.”

With war and a recession on the horizon, 90’s kids at Texas State (Southwest Texas at the time) were rallying for peace. New buildings opened on campus while old traditions like the Chiliympiad and the Soap Box Derby drew alumni back to the University.

1991 was the year the new computer lab opened in the library.

1991 marked the opening of the LBJ Library outfitted with a new Macintosh computer lab. Innovation continued through the mid 90’s. In 1995, the famous Skydive San Marcos opened and allowed people to free-fall 10,000 feet for just $20.

That same year, SWT students started getting serious to address alcohol issues that were a leading cause of death at the time. At the time, getting a DWI cost $3,000 whereas today it’s only around $1,000. New laws and increased ID checks started to change the drinking culture at SWT.

By the late 90’s, SWT students started to focus on minority groups and representation. The 1998 yearbook was dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for these groups.

“We believe that the transcendent hope for the progression of interracial relations in our lifetime is the equalization of educational opportunities.”

While students rallied for general world peace in the early 90’s, students in the late 90’s fought for specific causes like racial oppression and international conflict. They worried about the war in Iraq, conflicts with Russia, recycling, and Bill Clinton’s scandals.

Texas State’s College Republicans circa 1999.

The 1990’s at Texas State was filled with technological innovations, new buildings, and increased awareness of political issues. Students started to cut back on drinking and smoking to focus on healthier lifestyles.

The phrase at the beginning of the 1990 yearbook held true. They came to cause a commotion!

Memory Lane : 90's Kids at TXST