"Lyndon Johnson returned to his alma mater on November 8, 1965, to sign the Higher Education Act, one of the most important pieces of legislation to be enacted during his presidency and a cornerstone of his Great Society." -- Connections: Lyndon B. Johnson in San Marcos, p.32.
For the story of the signing, along with photographs and remarks made by President Johnson upon signing the Higher Education Act, see Connections: Lyndon B. Johnson in San Marcos, pages 32-41. Johnson's remarks are also available on the 2008-2009 Common Experience Website, "Civic Responsibility and the Legacy of LBJ," and on the American Presidency Project Website.
The President and First Lady arrive by helicopter
Walking with the crowd
On the way to the gym
Signing moved indoors because of rain (1)
Signing moved indoors because of rain (2)
Signing moved indoors because of rain (3)
The crowd gathered in the gym
News cameras
LBJ at the podium
View from the desk
With Jesse C. Kellam
With J.J. "Jake" Pickle
Photograph from the 1971(?) exhibit
HEA 20th Anniversary Sculpture 1985
HEA 20th Anniversary Sculpture - Plaque 1985
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As Texas State prepared for the 100th anniversary of LBJ's birthday in 2008, an oral history project was launched to help document Johnson's impact on the local community and beyond. Of the forty-five or so interviews collected by Barbara Thibodeaux, nine are noted to contain references to the Higher Education Act. Transcripts of those interviews are included here.
"The Lyndon B. Johnson Distinguished Lecture Series ... was inauguraged in 1982 by President Emeritus Robert Hardesty. But the series itself was Johnson's idea." Connections: Lyndon B. Johnson in San Marcos, p.42
Two of the lectures specifically addressed the Higher Education Act. The (unedited) transcripts for these lectures are provided here.
Staff in the library's Government Information unit can assist researchers with finding more information about the Higher Education Act. Please visit their Web page for contact information or to enter a question via the chat screen.