STEPHENVILLE, Texas — A cherished Homecoming tradition at Tarleton State now bears the name of a man who dedicated himself to bringing Texans together. During a special ceremony Saturday, Oct. 17, the university renamed its annual Reunion Hall event in honor of the late Darrell W. Brown, recognizing his lasting contributions to campus life, alumni engagement and the Stephenville community.
The annual Homecoming gathering, now known as the Darrell W. Brown Alumni and Friends Reunion, celebrates Brown’s vision of creating a welcoming place for alumni to reconnect, share memories and strengthen the relationships that unite generations of Texans.
University President Dr. James Hurley announced the dedication during a ceremony attended by Brown’s family, friends, alumni and members of the university community.
“Darrell understood that the heart of Tarleton State has always been its people,” said Dr. Hurley. “He had an extraordinary gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel they belonged. By placing his name on this special Homecoming tradition, we are ensuring that his vision and legacy continue to inspire generations of Texans.”
Brown worked for the University Police Department in the 1980s and ’90s, then returned to the university in 2012 to 2019, making meaningful contributions to student life, fraternity and sorority life, student organizations and alumni engagement. His dedication to building relationships extended beyond campus through his involvement in the Stephenville community.
Among his contributions was the creation of Reunion Hall, a Homecoming event designed to give returning alumni an opportunity to reunite with classmates and friends following the annual parade.
What began as an effort to strengthen connections among alumni became a beloved part of the university’s Homecoming celebrations, reflecting Brown’s belief that the Tarleton State experience extends far beyond graduation.
“Darrell envisioned Reunion Hall as a place where alumni could return, reconnect with old friends, share stories and celebrate the experiences that forever connect us to Tarleton State,” Dr. Hurley said. “Darrell gave so much of himself to this university, and it is only fitting that his name becomes a permanent part of a tradition he helped establish. Each Homecoming, as alumni return and new memories are made, we will have another opportunity to celebrate the lasting impact he made on the Tarleton State family.”
At the family’s request, the ceremony concluded with the singing of the “Tarleton State Color Song,” a tradition Brown frequently used to close university events.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 28,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 127 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real-world learning and address regional, state and national needs.