this day in
thebattalion
S U history
April 22, 1864
● thursday,
“In God We Trust” was included on all newly minted U.S. coins by an Act of Congress.
april 22, 2010
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2010 student media
coming friday
Making a difference
Two professors donate their time and money to coach and mentor Bryan youth on and off the soccer field.
inside
b!
scene | 3
Earth Day Students and “green” programs are teaming up to promote sustainability of the environment in today’s festival. Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION
The Ross Volunteers stand Wednesday at a packed Reed Arena before the rifle volley at Muster.
Reflecting on Muster
sports | 5
A jump ahead
Former students, friends, families gather to remember fallen Aggies Robert Carpenter
Freshman Rachel Lenz is getting acclimated to A&M after graduating a semester early from Round Rock High School to start college.
The Battalion The 2010 Aggie Muster was an evening of whoops, laughter, stories, memories, tears and solemn silence. Before a beyond-capacity crowd in Reed Arena, University President R. Bowen Loftin invited attendees to reflect on the lives of fallen Aggies, and to appre-
ciate the spirit that permeates Aggieland. “We are here tonight to participate in the most cherished of our Aggie traditions: Aggie Muster,” Loftin said. “In this ceremony all of us will certainly experience sadness and grief, but we will also experience what no other family can experience: the comfort of knowing we share common values and common experiences. And we will share the most precious of the gifts
that Texas A&M has given us, the Aggie Spirit.” The class of 1960 gathered for the event as part of their 50th class reunion. In a tribute to those from the assembled class, Bailey Delp, Muster Committee member and junior communication major, said these Aggies were coming home.
voices | 9
Telling tradition Muster provides Aggies with an opportunity for reflection. Honoring fallen former students makes Texas A&M a special place, unlike any other university.
See Muster on page 8
Aggies celebrate Asian Heritage Month in April Gabrielle Royal
Special to The Battalion April may be coming to a close, but there are still opportunities to experience Asian Heritage Month events. The month’s celebrations are presented by the Asian Presidents Council, which serves as an umbrella organization connecting Asian associations on campus. “I can already see changes in diversity on campus. Now, many students a part of the Asian community at A&M have become more involved as a whole,” said Michelle Wong, president of the council and a senior supply chain and management major. “I think it is really cool to see people interested in what we are doing throughout the events held this month.”
Asian Heritage Month has presented several events each week throughout the month that give voice to students among the Asian community. “Organizations in alliance with Asian Presidents Council created several diverse events that helped students of all groups gain a greater sense of diversity and cultural awareness among all organizations at A&M,” said Wendy Cheng, junior animal science major and Rho Delta Chi sorority member. Events such as Asian Presidents Council’s yoga night, Muslim Students Association’s Islam awareness week and the Philippine Student Association’s Tinikling Workshop were but a few events that contributed to the celebration of Asian Heritage Month as a whole.
Asian Heritage Month activities ◗Friday: Delta Xi Nu’s unity dinner; 6 9 p.m. Briarcrest Country Club ◗April 30: Hong Kong Student Association’s Mr. Asia pageant; 7 p.m Wehner 113 ◗For more information on upcoming events in celebration of Asian Heritage Month, visit http:// apcouncil.tamu.edu. Yongwoon Cho, a sophomore spatial science major, said his participation in the Venezuelan Student Association and Asian Presidents Council’s See Heritage on page 4
‘My Children! My Africa!’ entertains
Mr. M is played by A&M student Alan Lam. Isabel is played by Valerie Mc Bride, sophomore English major. Thami is played by Breyon Roberson, freshman general studies major.
Rebecca Bennett
The Battalion For the typical student at Texas A&M, the social divisions and political upheaval that characterize South African apartheid of the 1980s may seem irrelevant. However, the Department of Performance Studies strives to transport audiences back to this exact setting with their production of Athol Furgard’s “My Children! My Africa!” The play is directed by David Donkor, an assistant professor of performance and Africana Studies and a native of Ghana. He said while his home country was not the same as South Africa, he was regularly exposed to such events through
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Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION
Wreckin’ Raas dancers kickoff Asian Heritage Month in front of Sbisa.
Courtesy photo
the news while growing up, which is part of his inspiration for selecting the piece. “The play has a historical particularity, but has universal themes that everyone can relate too,” Donkor said. “Everyone who has been in school has always had to question at some point in time why they are in school and what they want out of school. And that’s a universal thing. I don’t know of any student who has never thought about that.”
The plot of “My Children! My Africa!” centers around three characters — Thami, a star student at the black high school; Mr. M, his debate teacher and father figure; and Isabel, a privileged student from the all-white prep school — and their life-changing interactions in the midst of the country’s turmoil. “Thami is simply a young boy who is See Africa on page 10
Secure belongings, University police say Travis Lawson
The Battalion Students near the end of the semester, and while students and faculty look forward to the break, they should look out for criminals, officers said. Master Officer Kristi Hosea handles crime prevention for the University Police Department and said the criminals know when students will be carrying items that sell quickly, like textbooks. “That is when your backpacks get stolen,” Hosea said. “They will steal your backpacks to sell your books back whether you are done with them or not.”
Hosea said there are ways to make sure belongings are not stolen, such as not leaving valuables unattended at the library. “People get up and go to the bathroom and leave their stuff sitting there, and there is no one to watch it,” Hosea said. “The library is a big place for theft.” Car burglaries are also on the upswing, Hosea said. Many of those thefts are of GPS navigation systems. “The GPS is a big item right now that is getting stolen,” Hosea said. “All of your electronics are just sitting in the console, so they walk by and look in the windows and think they See Crime on page 4
4/22/10 12:29 AM
1
FULLPYED P I U Q E
Volleyball fundraiser
The Hispanic Presidents’ Council is having a philanthropic volleyball tournament today from 8 to 10 p.m. in G. Rollie White Coliseum.
Today chance of showers High: 80 Low: 67 courtesy of NOAA
2
Entomology expedition
The Entomology EntoBlitz is an annual insect collecting trip for students and community members interested in entomology. This year’s Ento-Blitz will be Friday through Sunday in Sinton, Texas. Visit http://entoblitz.tamu.edu for more information.
3
Asian heritage
Wong Fu Productions will have a presentation at 7 p.m. Saturday in Mitchell Physics Building 204 . The event is sponsored by the Asian Presidents’ Council. Tickets are available for $6 at the MSC Box OfďŹ ce or $8 at the door.
Friday 40% chance of showers high: 80 low: 60 Saturday 40% chance of showers high: 78 low: 57 Sunday sunny high: 80 low: 52
pagetwo
thebattalion 04.22.2010 For daily updates go to thebatt.com â—? Facebook â—? Twitter@thebattonline
Habitat loses money to identity theft
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A day of remembrance
In early February, members of Bryan-College Station Habitat for Humanity found out their organization was victim of identity theft. “Somebody was using our accounts to pay personal bills,â€? said Abby Johnson, director of communications for the chapter. Johnson estimated the amount of this offense, most of which was paid back by Wells Fargo, was between $3,000 and $5,000. “It was discovered that there was fraudulent activity in our checking account ,â€? Johnson said. “Forged checks were made out to an individual that he cashed.â€? Johnson said as soon as this was discovered the person was confronted and asked to leave. “Since that day we have been in the process of investigating,â€? Johnson said. “We turned it over to the Bryan Police Department and they are conducting a full investigation.â€? Johnson said the suspect was under contract for service and not directly involved in Habitat for Humanity. “It was not somebody on staff or anyone on the board, a Habitat volunteer or a person Habitat had built a home for, it was an outside contracted person,â€? Johnson said. She said although this betrayal was painful it will not stand in the way of Habitat for Humanity fulďŹ lling its mission. “It’s been a huge shock and disappointment that someone we work with, that somebody in our midst would do something like this,â€? she said. “But regardless of the ďŹ nal dollar amount, we will build the houses we had scheduled to build this year, and the 20 houses next year. We will not let this delay us, stop us or impede our process one bit.â€? Samantha Johnson, staff writer
Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION
A wreath stands Wednesday in Duncan Drill Field to commemorate the death of 2nd Lt. Zachary Cook. Cook, class of 2008, was killed in a helicopter crash Jan. 12, 2009 as part of an ROTC training exercise.
Bryan focuses on teen worker safety The Texas Mutual Insurance Company will have a press conference at 11 a.m. today at The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley to launch the “One Wrong Move� campaign. The campaign aims to educate teens, employers and parents about teen injuries in the workplace. Safety hazards will be explained, along with how teens can avoid them. The City of Bryan named April 22 “Teen Worker Safety Day.� Events for the campaign include Mayor D. Mark Conlee speaking, a preview of the campaign graphics, online safety quizzes with incentives for participation and free movie tickets. Laura Sanchez, staff writer
Gulf of Mexico oil rig explodes NEW ORLEANS — An explosion rocked an offshore oil drilling platform, sending a column of ďŹ re into the sky and touching off a frantic search at sea Wednesday for 11 missing workers. Most of the 126 workers on the rig Deepwater Horizon escaped safely after the explosion about 10 p.m. Tuesday, the Coast Guard said. Helicopters and boats searched the Gulf of
how to apply If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion apply online at thebatt.com, or come by MSC 032, 845-3313. The Battalion welcomes any Texas A&M student interested in writing for the arts, campus, metro or sports staffs
Mexico for any sign of the missing workers. “We’re hoping everyone’s in a life raft,â€? Coast Guard Senior Chief Petty OfďŹ cer Mike O’Berry said. The Coast Guard said there were 17 workers evacuated by air and sea Wednesday morning but not all required hospital stays. Three were in critical condition. Associated Press
corrections to try out. We particularly encourage freshmen and sophomores to apply, but students may try out regardless of semester standing or major. No previous journalism experience is necessary.
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Megan Keyho, Features Editor Jill Beathard, Managing Editor Matt Woolbright, Asst. Managing Editor David Harris, Sports Editor Evan Andrews, Graphics Chief Vicky Flores, City Editor Megan Ryan, Video/Photo Chief Ian McPhail, Opinion Editor THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily , Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at T exas A&M University . Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. News ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3313; Fax: 979-845-2647; E-mail: metro@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classiďŹ ed advertising, call 979-8450569. Advertising ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and ofďŹ ce hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979-845-2678. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each T exas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year . To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover , or American Express, call 979845-2613.
4/21/10 10:15 PM
5 before you go things you should know
1
Floral exhibit
The J. Wayne Stark Galleries of Texas A&M will host the annual student floral art exhibit, inspired by contemporary sculptors. The opening reception for the exhibition is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. tonight at the Benz Gallery of Floral Art in the Horticulture/Forest Science Building.
2
Farmers market
Pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Sbisa.
3
Country concert
Country band Crooks from Austin, Texas, will perform a free concert from noon to 1 p.m. Friday outside in front of the Student Recreation Center as part of the MSC Town Hall Lunchbox Concert Series.
4
Spring concert
The Texas A&M University Century Singers will perform a spring concert, “Choral Music A through Z,” from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday in the Rudder Theatre Complex. Tickets are available for $5 at the MSC Box Office.
5
Celebrate Earth Day
Celebrate Earth Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater. Face painting, tie-dying and live music are among the activities that will be offered. Admission is free.
A down-to-Earth
b! thebattalion 04.22.2010 page3
scene
celebration Rebecca Bennett
The Battalion Today marks the 40th observation of Earth Day, an annual celebration of the earth and organized effort to protect the world’s diverse natural resources. This year, the College of Education and Human Development is partnering with students from the Environmental Issues Committee and sponsoring an on-campus informational festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the base of Harrington Tower. Mary Strauss, the sustainability programs coordinator for the City of Bryan, said the goal of Earth Day is to help students become aware of ways they can get involved with environmental causes. “Become a part of the solution,” she said. “Be the change you wish to see in the world, as they say.” Organizations and businesses will be setting up informational booths and handing out free products, including reusable water bottles and shopping bags, to promote sustainable living. The Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market will sell fresh produce at the event. Fabiola Molina, co-chairwoman of the committee and a junior biomedical sciences major, said students not only have fun at the event, but walk away with greater awareness of the significance of Earth Day and a deeper appreciation for the environment. “The amount of change I have seen on this campus in the three years I have been here has been incredible, but I still believe there is room for improvement,” she said. Kelly Wellman, of A&M’s Sustainability Office, said there is overlap among different environmental groups, and the first step to improved sustainability is becoming aware of what resources are available. For instance, Strauss works to create biweekly online news
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show for http://BeGreenInBryan.com, which features various “go green” organizations in the community. Students may be surprised by the different environmental opportunities available to them through such student projects as the Aggie Community Garden and the committee’s curbside recycling program. “As we aim to reduce our impact, we are increasingly seeking more efficient ways of doing things. Sustainability enables our generation to take innovative ideas and put them to action,” Molina said. “I think students have shown, especially this year with the passage of the Aggie Green Fund, that we care about green initiatives, and more importantly, that we are ready to lead them.” Strauss said it’s not only big cities like Houston and Dallas that are making sustainability a priority — College Station and Bryan are doing their part as well. She said environmentalism should be important to students because it affects the future and future access to natural resources. “We need to think of how much energy we use to keep the campus up and running. For some buildings, that means 24 hours a day,” Wellman said. “I’m sure everyone has been on campus at some point really late at night.” She said A&M Utilities and Management has saved an estimated $90 million in energy costs between the years 2002 and 2009. The office is working to reduce this year’s energy spending by 20 percent. As part of this goal, they have annual residence hall energy challenges to see which hall can reduce the most energy use. Last year, the winning dorm received a donated water filter with which to refill their water bottles. “The campus is getting bigger, but we’ve been able to use less energy than, say, eight years ago,” Wellman said. “Always being
Osazuwa Okundaye
energy conscious is really important.” Improved environmental living is not limited to energy use, but also includes recycling efforts, alternative transportation, water consciousness, community gardening and organic food. “Getting involved with environmental causes has followed a type of logical progression for me. I’ve always felt that we should be conscious of our decisions and what type of impact they are leaving for the generations behind us,” Molina said.
FIVE CONSERVATION TIPS 1. Try to walk, bike or take a campus bus whenever you can. 2. Save water -- limit time in the shower and only run the dishwasher when it’s full. 3. Don’t use paper or plastic bags at the grocery store -- bring your own reusable ones. 4. Use a refillable water bottle instead of purchasing bottled water. 5. Avoid the drive-through. Idling your car wastes fuel and pollutes the air.
4/21/10 5:14 PM
news
page 4 thursday 4.22.2010
thebattalion
Texas man kills 1, wounds 4 before killing self
Meal Plan 101
WICHITA FALLS, Texas — A 22-year-old man with a violent history shot up a crowded book store cafe, wounding four women, then walked down the street and killed a bar worker before holing up in a home where he killed himself, authorities said Wednesday. Ross William Muehlberger’s rampage, which ended early Wednesday after he shot himself in the head, may have been motivated by racial hatred, Police Sgt. Joe Snyder said.
“A recurring theme from witness statements was that the suspect was yelling racial epithets,” Snyder said. Witness Harmony Langford told the Wichita Falls Times Record News that the gunman shouted “White power!” before fatally shooting 23-year-old bar doorman Tim Donley. Witnesses said Muehlberger walked into a book store cafe late Tuesday and started firing a shotgun, wounding four women. Associated Press
Questions about Fall 2010 Meal Plans? Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION
We’ve got answers.
Members of Wreckin’ Raas perform in front of Sbisa as a part of the Asian Heritage Month Opening Ceremony.
Heritage Continued from page 1
Today
UNIVERSITY DINING
11:00 am - 1:00 pm Sbisa Dining Center For additional times and locations
sushi and spring roll night brought students of all cultures together through food. “Events such as the ones presented in Asian Heritage Month fill in the gap between cultural awareness and social events, like tonight, participants are free to try new kinds of food,” he said.
Students from several campus groups joined in making sushi while meeting others perhaps outside of their own culture. The night even had a record number of student participants at a Asian Heritage Month event. “The Asian community is growing a lot at Texas A&M. It is always great to see people among other organizations become interested in participating in the progression of diversity on campus; after all, we are all Aggies,” Wong said.
Crime
charges of misdemeanor theft, three charges of felony theft, one charge of robbery and one charge of theft of a motor vehicle. Continued from page 1 Jordan King, a sophomore industrial engican just break the window and steal it, and they neering major, said toward the end of the spring semester of his freshman year his radar detector do.” Campus isn’t the only area affected. Some of was stolen out of his car in a parking lot off the places for car theft, Hosea said, are malls and George Bush Drive. “I kept that thing sitting on my dashboard shopping centers. Hosea said one of the biggest mistakes people and never gave it a second thought,” King said. make is packing their cars the night before they “I drive a classic car that doesn’t have the best locks, so I’m sure the criminals took me for an are going to leave. easy target.” According to crime statistics at http://upd. tamu.edu, in 2009 on campus, there were three
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4/21/10 11:28 PM
sports
thebatt.com
A recap of the A&M softball team’s game in Austin against Texas as well as Kyle Cunningham’s thoughts on Tim Tebow.
thebattalion 4.22.2010 page5
Adjusting on the run Freshman Rachel Lenz enrolled early at A&M and is getting acclimated to her surroundings on and off the field By Kyle Cunningham | The Battalion
T
hink back to your first day as a student at Texas A&M. Remember how large the campus was and recall the size of your first English class compared to your senior class in high school. The world became a much larger and more intimidating place. Now, imagine having to play in front of the whole campus as a collegiate athlete.
Sam Smith — THE BATTALION
Freshman defender Rachel Lenz graduated in December from Round Rock High School to enroll at A&M a semester early.
on her own at 6 a.m. said her club coach J.D. Cochran. “She has a natural work ethic that is hard to match,� Cochran said.“I think she will come in and make an immediate impact for the team, she will push others.� Lenz got started in soccer at about age 6 or 7. “My mom and dad supported me,� Lenz said. “They said ‘Yeah, go ahead and try it,’ signed me up and probably thought that this would be a one-year thing. And turns out I’m still playing today.� Originally a striker, Lenz moved to defender when the level of comFinally, think about missing sepetition took a step forward. nior prom, graduation with your “For the most part I’ve alfriends and going into this new ways been a defender,� Lenz said. world a semester early. “When you’re little, they put the It’s a hard life to live, which is fast kids up top and say ‘Go score,’ why not many athletes do it. Rabut when it actually got a little more chel Lenz, however, is living it at organized, I played defender.� Texas A&M. At the age of 12, Lenz teamed Lenz, who graduated from up with Cochran. She was captain Round Rock High School one of the ’91 Lonestars when the team semester early, has thrown herself won three state championships. into A&M academically and ath“She was in charge of commuletically. nicating to the team any changes “It’s been good here, I love it,� Lenz said. “I thought the transition to our schedule, leading on and off was going to be a little bit tough be- the field,� Cochran said. “She was cause I graduated early and came in one of a kind and has always been known as the ‘mother hen’ for the this semester, but everyone’s been really helpful. And soccer-wise, it’s teams she represents. Hopefully, she’ll be doing that for Team USA been phenomenal. someday.� “I studied a lot in high school, Lenz visited a few colleges, but but it’s more time management here. Every spare minute I feel like decided on A&M after making a visit. I’m getting something done.� “I love it at [A&M],� Lenz said. Studying is the focal point, but a lot of Lenz’s time is spent perfecting “This may sound weird, but you go her game on the pitch. To prepare on a visit and think, ‘This is where I’m supposed to be.’ No other visit herself for A&M, she would train
I had compared to it. The day after I came here for my main visit, I went to another school, and it didn’t even compare. I knew I was supposed to be here.â€? This, however, didn’t come without some conflict. Both of Lenz’s parents went to Texas in their college years. “It’s weird,â€? Lenz said. “I told my parents ‘I want to come to A&M for sure. And does that make me a bad person? ’ My dad finally put on maroon. My high school was maroon, and I don’t even remember him wearing maroon for my high school soccer games. “I’m sure my parents would have loved if I visited t.u ‌ I can’t believe I just called it that.â€? On the first day of practice, Lenz said she didn’t feel overwhelmed — at first. “I remember the first practice,â€? Lenz said. “I was thinking ‘I’m not really nervous ‌’ then hitting the field, I went ‘oh geez, what is going on?’ My first couple touches on the ball were all over the place, but as it went on I got more into the groove. After the first practice, it was good.â€? And even if the nerves hadn’t subsided for a while, it would have been no problem for the freshman. “I love the game,â€? Lenz said, smiling. “It’s a passion that you have. I love everything about it. It might sound weird, but being exhausted at the end of 90 minutes, thinking your legs are about to fall off, and the camaraderie ‌ I just love it.â€?
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4/21/10 5:09 PM
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GARAGE SALES Fundraiser Garage Sale Saturday April 24th 7am-2pm, St. Michaels Episcopal School, 2500 S. College Avenue, Bryan. No early sales please.
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ROOMMATES 1 female roommate needed for 3/2 spacious Antelope Ln duplex, all appliances, W/D, ethernet, fenced yard, campus shuttle 150 ft away, $310/mo. 979-402-3413 or pages.suddenlink.net/hrtproperties/ 1-F, studious, 2BR/2.5B furnished condo, pool, W/D, bus route, free Internet/cable, $500/mo. all bills paid, starting August, Call Christina 512-557-0256. 2 roommates needed, nice 4bd/4.5ba house with fenced yard, all appliances, W/D. Each roommate has private bedroom and bathroom. Catie 214-460-3608 or cstewman@yahoo.com Female roommate needed June 1 for 2bd/2ba townhome. River Oaks Townhomes, 1 mile from campus. W/D incl. $575/mo. plus utilities. 210-414-3575. Looking for roommate to rent 2bd/2ba w/fenced yard for pet. Amber 832-860-0347. Roommates needed, 4bd/2bath house, available June 1st, clean, good condition, on-shuttle. Free cable/Wi-Fi. $350-400/mo. 512-203-5888. Roommates needed. 4bd/4bth $325/mo., washer/dryer. University Place on Southwest Parkway. 281-844-2090. Seeking 3 m/f roommates, 2-story 5bd/4ba house. $550/mo, 2 miles from mall. Call Brock, 817-675-4452.
thursday 4.22.2010
Stewart, Goldberg feud continues NEW YORK — It’s getting rough between Jon Stewart and Fox News Channel commentator Bernard Goldberg. Stewart Goldberg told Stewart to “find some guts.” In response, Stewart brought a gospel choir to “The Daily Show” on Tuesday to curse him out. Last week, Stewart’s show did a segment criticizing Fox News commentators for their defense of Tea Party supporters. Stewart played tape of Fox personalities, including Goldberg, making generalizations about liberals. Goldberg pleaded guilty. But on Monday’s “The O’Reilly Factor,” he urged Stewart to show guts and be tough on liberal guests. He said Stewart thinks he’s edgy, but is Jay Leno with a smaller audience who gets to swear. Responded Stewart: “If you think I’m Leno with an f-bomb, you know less about comedy than you do about politics.”
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Letterman making ‘Live’ visit with Regis and Kelly NEW YORK — Late night will meet morning again when David Letterman drops in next week on “Live with Regis and Kelly.” “Live” officials say the CBS “Late Letterman Show” host will join Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa on April 30. That’ll be his first visit since Philbin returned to the air after heart surgery in April 2007. During that appearance, the two compared scars and swapped stories about their bypass operations. Other stars lined up for “Live” guest shots include Robert Downey Jr. on April 29, with Betty White, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Selleck and Russell Crowe appearing the following week.
Actor Kal Penn robbed in DC WASHINGTON— Kal Penn’s former publicist confirms that the actor who played Kumar in the movie “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” and had a recurring role on the Fox show “House” was robbed at gunpoint in Washington, D.C. He is in the city focusing on connecting the president with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities. A police crime summary says early Tuesday, an armed robber forced a victim to lie on the ground and give up his cell phone and other possessions. Associated Press
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4/21/10 3:28 PM
TAKE A PIECE OF A&M HISTORY WITH YOU Reserve your 2011 Aggieland The 109th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, campus organizations and seniors and graduate students. Distribution will be during Fall 2011. Cost is $64.90, including shipping and sales tax. Go to the optional services box in Howdy when you register for fall. For info, call 845-2613.
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Muster Continued from page 1
“The class of 1960 joins us here at A&M today to muster here together with both old and new Aggies. They come from all over the country to eat, laugh and remember their days here at Texas A&M,” Delp said. “To the class of 1960, we welcome you home.” The keynote speaker, class of 1992 Maj. Stephen G. Ruth, addressed the crowd in accordance with tradition, reliving memories from days gone by at A&M. But Ruth began the evening by addressing the families of the fallen. “I want to extend a special welcome to the honored families and friends of our fallen comrades,” Ruth said. “Please know that tonight you are surrounded by the Aggie Spirit, and the love and support of the extended Aggie Family.” Ruth used his address to speak of duty, responsibility and the common values that “make Aggies so special.” He said Muster is more than an event to experience, but a call to greater service, beyond self. “Some call our values ‘old fashioned’ in a culture that places a premium on satisfying self,” Ruth said. “The greatest blessings in life are shared with others. They are an offering of selflessness poured out on the altar of sacrifice. If you want true rewards, give your life in service to others. If you want true self-satisfaction, deny yourself and take up the cause of people in need around you. As Aggies we are called to serve, called to serve greater causes than self.” Ruth began the Roll Call for the Absent with the names of three former students. Staff Sgt. Christopher Staats, class of 2001, Lt. Col. Mark Stratton, class of 1991, and Lt. Gen. James Hollingsworth, class of 1940, were honored for their sacrifice in defense of their country. Shortly thereafter, the names of 170 Aggies were read, with family and friends responding, “Here,” in the place of loved ones. Among those holding candles was eight-yearold Jace Fountain, who answered “here” for his father Michael Lynn Fountain, class of 2010. “If I were to explain it, I would burst out like a water hose,” Fountain said while fighting back tears. “It was breathtaking.”
Photos by April Baltensperger and Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION
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Never forgotten
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thebattalion 04.22.2010
A
page9
round 5:30 p.m. Wednesday I rose from my desk and shuffled over to the sink. The best slacks and button-up I could find stared back at me from the mirror. I could only smile, wrestling my door open while adjusting my tie.
I stood in the hallway for a moment. What sort of Wednesday night called for such an inspired outfit? Why did everything — and I mean everything, even the air — feel different? Beau Holder Because Wednesday was Aggie Muster. And Aggies come from the My dad was quick to let me greatest university in the world. know that as wonderful as that MusMy senior year of high school, I ter had been, nothing would ever attended Muster with my parents, compare to the one in Reed Arena. both class of 1991, in Jacksonville, “Wait ‘til you get to go,” he Fla.. with the North Florida said. Chapter of the A&M AssociaWell, I went last night. I’ve tion of Former Students. We been to all kinds of Aggie sportlived in southern Georgia, leaving us little other option. ing events, I’ve worked for The Batt, I’ve been inside the Memorial The man who owned The Student Center — before renovaMillhouse restaurant on the tions began — and to Silver Taps north side of Jacksonville multiple times. I’ve spent various was neighbors with an Agtimes in my life in and around Colgie, and after the two got lege Station. I’ve seen my share of to talking, he was so taken Aggieland. with the story of Muster I don’t think I’ve ever been that he closed his restaurant more proud to be a Texas Aggie down for an entire Sunday than I was last night. to allow us to have it there. In a full-to-the-brink Reed I took my girlArena, I looked over a sea friend, who had of Aggie Spirit, swelling little to no While the other and overflowing out experience Aggie experiences to every corner of the with A&M at are great, Muster is building. Maj. Stethe time. We phen G. Ruth talked the tradition that ate and drank about his days in with fellow makes A&M an the Corps of Cadets, Aggies from all unique university. about raising his son over, stood for the to be a fine Aggie, and ceremonies and lit our about fellow Aggies who candles. I’ll never forget died while on active duty. I felt hearing my parents say it for equal amounts of excitement, pride the first time — “here.” and solemnity. When we left, my girlfriend The lights went out, the names leaned over to me and told me she were called, the candles were lit, could see why I loved A&M so and I no longer felt like one among much. She said it was truly one of the most special things she had many, but just … one. We were all one. We are always one as Aggies. ever seen.
Muster teaches no greater lesson. There the phrase, “From the outside looking in, you can’t understand it; from the inside looking out, you can’t explain it,” finds its roots. No other university offers the kind of camaraderie, spirit, loyalty and tradition that Texas A&M does. There was something majestic and melancholy about watching the Ross Volunteers move out onto the floor, silent and stoic, like ghosts simply passing through. The echoes of the 21-gun salute shook me to my core; it was as if the shots took the spirits of the fallen Aggies and carried them up and away. Suddenly the candles were out, and the Volunteers were off again, pacing to the other side of the floor. They disappeared row by row beneath the stands, the clicks of their shoes fading away slowly just as they did, disappearing into the night. But they’ll be back. And so will all those fallen Aggies, because they’ll never leave us. They’ll stay in our hearts. Someday, it’ll be the same for each and every one of us. It’s this knowledge that compels me to be so extraordinarily grateful to attend Texas A&M University. You won’t find this anywhere else on Earth. There’s something my dad told me about the Aggie family, something that Muster reminds us all of, that makes us all so proud to be connected to A&M. It’s a piece of knowledge that will keep us company the rest of our lives and into whatever lies beyond. No matter what … “You’re never forgotten.” Beau Holder is a freshman English major.
File Photo— THE BATTALION
Welcoming the Ol’ Ags
F
rom the outside looking in you can’t understand it. And from the inside looking out, you can’t explain it,” is a common saying in Aggieland.
Luckily for me, I’m speaking to Aggies reading this today. Muster is one of our school’s most time honored-traditions, and I have never been more proud to be an Aggie than on Wednesday. My day as a Muster Host started with helping lead a bus tour around campus for the class of 1960. It was one of the biggest confidence boosters of my life. Basically a bunch of old men walked out of the busses and told all of us girl Hosts how pretty we were; some even went as far as to take pictures with us. Most of the Ol’ Ags had been back to campus since graduation, but many had not been here since several of our campus construction projects have gone underway. I listened to them recount story after story as we drove through campus. “Bonfire was always held in this field.” “Simpson Drill Field is where we would drill every Thursday afternoon — remember when old man Loupot would hand out ice cubes to the cadets that had passed out?” “I can’t believe that building is still there — that’s where I would fall asleep in my math class.” The amazing part was even after 50 years I was able to relate to these Ol’ Ags. There definitely is a spirit here that can ne’er be told – it is the spirit of Aggieland. At the end of the tour we went to the Camaraderie Barbecue on Simpson Drill Field. My roommate Jessie and I befriended two couples who had been on our bus, Gary and Gail Utay and Frost and Sheila Gardner. They were as interested in our lives as we were in theirs. Frost told stories about how he used to go visit Sheila at the University of Texas, and how he always made a fish drive while he slept in the back. The Dance Arts Society, fish drill team and Kappa Pickers all performed on stage as we ate. Toward the end of the barbecue, several people from the reunion class commented on how much they appreci-
Pg. 9-04.22.10.indd 1
Jeramie Heflin
loved ones as I was surrounded in the block of lights and the resounding words of “here.” But the ceremony also left me with an overwhelming sense of what it means to be an Aggie. As Maj. Stephen Ruth said, “It’s not about yourself, it is about serving others.” Being a Muster Host was a wonderful experience I wish every single student at Texas A&M University could have the opportunity to do. It is amazing we go to a school where we take the time to honor our fellow Aggies who have passed. As I wrote to my family, there is no better place to feel, see and hear the spirit of Aggieland in all of its power than at a Muster ceremony. “Softly call the Muster, Let comrade answer, ‘Here!’”
ated the Hosts taking time to connect and share their lives with them. Having a face to relate to at this “new A&M” made the experience back in Aggieland that much more memorable. Then, 4 p.m. finally rolled around and the Muster Hosts crowded in a room at Reed Arena to wait to meet our families. I received a piece of paper that had the number 77 on it. I immediately began to picture what family Jeramie Heflin is a senior business 77 would be like. As I mentally tried to accounting major. prepare myself for what to expect, my number was called. Yet as I walked to pick up my family, I suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of peace. I found my security in the tradition of Muster — a tradition where one can become a part of something bigger than themselves. It was my duty as an Aggie to host this family and join them in honoring the life of their loved one. My family was a party of three, and their honoree was a member of the class of 1962. I enjoyed talking with them and getting to know the person in their life who had meant so much to them. The Muster ceremony left me Jeramie Heflin — THE BATTALION speechless. My Jessie Caruso, class of 2010 and Gary Utay, class of heart went out to those who had lost ‘60, display their Aggie rings.
EDITORIAL
Making the most of our Muster memories For the graduating seniors in the audience Wednesday at Muster in Reed Arena, we were lucky. We were able to experience A&M’s most sacred tradition with our best friends, our roommates and our co-workers. Weeks from walking the stage, here we were together with the friends we stood beside at football games, people we posed for pictures with when we got our Aggie Rings, friends who have pushed us and loved us, people we would proudly say “here” for. For most of us, the next time we will be in Reed Arena we will be graduating. Wednesday night was our reminder of our commitment to the Aggie family. “I’m never more proud than when I leave Muster,” a graduating senior said as she weaved in and out of the exiting crowd after the ceremony. We were reminded in those 105 minutes. As the names of former students from the class of 1960 were called in the Roll Call, the men who had returned for their class reunion voiced a loud “here” together. And there it was. The camaraderie. Muster is The commitment. In 50 years, we seniors a special will be in those seats. Once again, we memory, especially will be together. for Aggies “Softly call the Muster, Let comrade graduating in answer, ‘here,’” Dr. John Ashton’s “Roll May. Call for the Absent” closes with. The word “comrade” has roots in the word “chamber,” where comrades were those who lived together and thrived in the same environment together. We call that Aggieland. We call that home. Always.
EDITORIALBOARD The Battalion’s editorial opinion is determined by its Board of Opinion, with the editor in chief having final responsibility. Editor in Chief Amanda Casanova editor@thebatt.com
Opinion Editor Managing Editor Ian McPhail Jill Beathard battcopy@thebatt.com opinion@thebatt.com
EDITOR’SNOTE The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.
4/22/10 12:26 AM
page 10 thursday 4.22.2010
news thebattalion
Courtesy photo
Mr. M played by A&M student Alan Lam and Isabel played by Valerie McBride, sophomore English major are characters in the production of “My Children! My Africa!” around the world to be human. Their laughter, their pain, their joys and their sorrows.” Roberson said audiences should walk away Continued from page 1 with a greater understanding of others’ struggles for freedom, and be more appreciative of very passionate about freedom and making not having to experience suffering. He said the change happen for his people. He is very skilled production raises awareness of issues occurring in his speeches and his views on the current af- around the globe. fairs at that time, which become so powerful In order to provide authenticity to the plot, that he joins a boycott,” said Breyon Roberson, the production uses visual projections giving a freshman general studies major, of the charac- pictorial insight into South African life. The play ter he portrays on stage. uses South African music recorded by the stuHe said Thami’s character evolves because of dent a capella group If you go his shared experiences with the other characters. Apotheosis. “So often, the For example, Roberson said Isabel inspires Tha◗ Performances are at mi to stand up for himself and what he believes Apotheosis reper8 p.m. Thursday, Friday toire is composed of and Saturday in, consequently allowing him to learn more songs you hear on about his own character. the radio, which are ◗ Final performance “Every character in the play is a memofun and entertainis at 2 p.m. Sunday in rable one. And every character in the play is ing. However, these Rudder Forum. well-developed and gets the chance to present themselves, their aspirations, their frustrations to African pieces had ◗ Student tickets are $5 an entirely different the audience. For me, that allows for multiple at the MSC Box Office. points of connection with the characters,” Don- approach with rich harmonies and huge kor said. “Theater is largely about connection. musical movements that aren’t commonplace A small cast allows for intimacy and insight into in American popular music,” said Matt Nelson, the lives of these characters.” musical director of the group and a senior civil The director said a small cast allows for greater engineering major. “To perform these pieces reemphasis on shared aspects of humanity around ally well, all of the Apotheosis members had to the world, which he hopes A&M students will really feed off of each other’s energies and move be responsive to because of the increasing recep- together as one group — the result was quite tiveness to new global horizons. moving.” “People may come from a variety of perspecBrad Goodine, an Apotheosis member and a tives, but there is a general human desire in all political science graduate student, said the traof us to be respected, to be free, to be successful ditional music will add flavor and color to the and to bring value to ourselves and to our com- story. munity. This happens in different ways in differWith the efforts of its director, cast and musient places,” Donkor said. “One of the beautiful cal accompaniment, Donkor said the play aims things about theater and performance in general to “feed [the audience’s] hearts, their minds and their spirits.” is that it gives us insight into people’s strivings
Africa
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