Ags of OAK (Open Acts of Kindness) was founded in 2002 by Clinton Haby '02. Following the 1999 Bonfire Collapse, he observed a change in the campus atmosphere. In the wake of such a tragedy, there was a campus-wide state of mourning. As Aggies cautiously interacted with their classmates, there were fewer "Howdy"s heard, and the typical outpouring of the Aggie Spirit wasn’t as visible. In 2001 Haby decided it was time to bring that spark back. In an effort to re-ignite the Spirit and re-unite the Aggie family, he sought to create an organization committed to keeping the Aggie Spirit, its traditions, and its core values alive. Through simple acts of kindness and service shown to one another, he believed the Aggie family could strengthen. The roots of the organization took place when Haby drew up plans for a group called "Men of OAK", envisioning a men's service and spirit organization. Upon spreading word, however, he found both men and women interested in an organization that invested in its university and its students. The organization's name became Ags of OAK, and has remained such ever since.
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." - Leo Buscaglia