The Battalion: July 01, 2009 by The Battalion

thebattalion ● wednesday,

july 1, 2009

● Serving

Texas A&M since 1893

A&M marketing department head Conant dies Meagan O’Toole-Pitts The Battalion Jeffrey Conant, department head, professor of marketing and presidential and Eppright professor for teaching excellence at Mays Business School, died Tuesday morning at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas, after being admitted with pneumonia. He had been undergoing chemotherapy after he was diagnosed with leukemia. “It was absolutely unexpected. It was a great shock,” said Leonard Berry, distinguished marketing professor. “We received a an e-mail from Jeff one week ago telling us he was diagnosed with a particular type of leukemia, and that it was

a highly treatable disease and he expected to be back in the office in December.” Conant began his 23-year career at Texas A&M University in 1986 as an associate marketing professor before earning his doctorate degree in marketing from Arizona State University the same year. He received his bachelor’s CONANT degree in political science from New York University in 1977 and his master’s degree in marketing and finance from the University of Arizona in 1979. “Ever since he joined in 1986, his colleagues and I were in awe and admiration of the time and

effort he devoted to prepare for each class session, the mastery of the subject he demonstrated when he was teaching,” said Rajan Varadarajan, distinguished marketing professor and preceding department head. “He will go into A&M history as one of the teaching legends. He was such an outstanding teacher, at the undergraduate and graduate level. He had this burning passion to excel in teaching.” He became a marketing professor in 2000 and the head of the marketing department in 2006. “In the last three years as the department head, the faculty, staff and students have come to know him as a very caring, considerate and compassionate department head. The thing that stood out

was the great lengths he went to publicize and recognize the accomplishments of the faculty and doctoral students,” Varadarajan said. “Anytime a faculty member or staff member or a student received an award for outstanding teaching, or outstanding service, or outstanding research, the world was made aware of it; he made sure this news was very widely publicized.” Leading up to his appointment as department head, he was named Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence in 2004, and he was named Eppright University Professor in Undergraduate Teaching Excellence in 2005. See Conant on page 2

Drought affects farms and ranches ■ Texas is in the middle of a severe drought with crops at or below half yield Julie Rambin

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Petroleum engineering graduate student Husameddin AlMadani says one of his most important priorities as the new president of the Graduate Student Council is to increase communication between Graduate Student Council representatives and their graduate student constituents.

The Battalion Texas is experiencing a drought. “From 2006 to this point now, there are some places in the state that have not received any significant rainfall,” said Larry Redmon, Texas Agrilife Extension Service forage specialist and soil and crop sciences professor. The drought has done considerable damage to Texas farms and ranches, said Al Nelson, Texas Agrilife Research agricultural research superintendent. “The pastures and hay meadows are really suffering The pastures and hay tremendous losses,” Nelson meadows are really said. “A lot of cattle owners are liquidating their herds besuffering tremendous cause they don’t have enough losses. A lot of cattle hay or grazing.” owners are liquidating Even the agricultural research divisions at Texas A&M their herds because they University have been affected don’t have enough hay or by the drought, said agronomy professor Tom Cothren. grazing. “We pump water out of the Brazos River into a reservoir — Al Nelson and we depend on the water Texas Agrilife Research in the reservoir to irrigate the agricultural research plants. It’s hard for us to keep superintendent up, even if we’re trying to work around the clock with the employees,” Cothren said. “There’s just too many people asking for availability to the water source and there’s not enough.” Many Texas crops have been a total loss, Redmon said. “If you don’t get the moisture to make the crop then you’re not able to harvest,” he said. “In some cases you don’t harvest anything, and in some cases the harvest is so minimal that it’s not worth going through the harvest activity.” The most heavily affected crops include cotton and corn, Cothren said. “Our South Texas people lost crops early in the year. They had cotton acreage they couldn’t irrigate, and corn acreage they See Drought on page 2

Rising above the crowd By Patrique Ludan | The Battalion

Student leader proﬁle series Once a week during the summer, The Battalion will be proﬁling a student leader to gain insight into their lives and what it takes to do their job.

As Graduate Student Council president, a proud parent and petroleum engineering student, Saudi Arabia native Husameddin AlMadani knows the meaning of hard work, and its rewards. When AlMadani came to the U.S., he quickly exhibited the characteristics of a leader — dedication, and having a significant organizational capacity, said Mark Algren, associate director of the Applied English Center at the University of Kansas. See Leading on page 5

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Meet Husameddin Find out what he loves most about being an Aggie. Tennis talent Learn about his many sports interests. Hear from him Read Husameddin’s guest column to students. student leaders | 5

Natasha Sankovich — THE BATTALION

Junior biomedical science major Jessica Vasquez listens to her iPod Tuesday while waiting for the bus in the rain in front of the Coke Building.

6/30/09 10:12 PM

GOT PAIN FROM A BUMP, BRUISE, SPRAIN or STRAIN?

Today

Thursday

Friday

Hot

High: 99

High: 101

Low: 78

Low: 78 20% chance of rain

• Adults, 18 to 75 • • Acute pain due to injury of the arm or leg • • Up to $250 paid to qualified participants •

pagetwo

thebattalion 7.1.2009

www.DiscoveResearch.com how to apply

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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 Texas 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 offices 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 classified advertising, call 979-8450569. Advertising offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and office 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 Texas 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.

Check us out on thebatt.com, Facebook Natasha Sankovich — THE BATTALION

Gunmen shoot 7 Detroit teens DETROIT — Gunmen in a green minivan opened ﬁre on a group of teenagers waiting at a bus stop near a Detroit school Tuesday, wounding seven, including three who were in critical condition. Five of the teens had just left Cody Ninth Grade Academy, where they were taking summer classes, when they were shot at the nearby bus stop.

Think you know every nook and cranny of Texas A&M? Test your campus know-how by e-mailing The Battalion and telling us where you think this photo was taken. The first people to get the answers correct will have their names published in The Battalion. Send your response with your name, class and major to photo@thebatt.com.

Wednesday’s answer: Academic Building

Correct responses: Rachel McCreary, senior biology major Troy Preston, senior history major Nick Heil, senior geography major

Associated Press

couldn’t irrigate,” he said. “The problem being that if you’re depending on irrigation water now, you’re in trouble.” Even in the Brazos Valley, crop yields are down to approximately half of normal yield, Nelson said. “We did get some rain earlier in the spring and early crops are OK, but still about half,” he said. The rain in College Station on Tuesday might have brought temperatures down, but the drought is not over, said Texas Agrilife Extension Research spokesman Blair Fanning.

“Certainly the rain is welcome and it has cooled things down, but it’s temporary,” Fanning said. “It doesn’t do much for crops that have been out there baking in 100-degree heat.” “It’s a pretty substantial drought,” he said. “On a scale of one to 10 it’s probably a nine.” This drought is likely part of a recurring cycle, Redmon said. “The climatologists tell us that we’re a little past midway in a 20- to 25-year dry cycle. That cycle started in 1995 or 1996,” Redmon said. “These cycles are usually about 25 years, so they aren’t unheard of or unusual, but they sure do make it tough on our producers.”

Conant

Biography

Drought Continued from page 1

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“He’ll be remembered by his students as one of the greatest teachers they had. Jeff was a student’s professor; he loved working for the students. No one cared more about the students than Jeff Conant,” Berry said. “It’s just a great loss for the students at A&M, for the faculty, his colleagues and friends.” Conant focused his research on marketing strategy and the scholarship of teaching and learning. He received the Journal of Marketing Education’s Outstanding Article of the Year Award in 1989, 1999 and 2003 and earned the Best Article Award from the Marketing Education Review in 2003. “He has always been an excellent professor; he won more teaching awards than perhaps anyone at A&M. He fully deserved all of those awards,” said William Pride, marketing professor. “I’ve known him as a friend a very long time. He has the highest integrity possible. He was highly respected by his colleagues here at A&M as well as other institutions. He was a very good leader for our department, not just very good, I would say he was an excellent leader.” Having been published in numerous scholarly publications including Strategic Management Journal, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Journal of Marketing Education, Industrial Marketing Management, and Journal of Retailing, and authored two book chapters, Conant received multiple awards in his tenure. “As a department head he played a major role in the Mays Business

For more information on Jeffrey Conant’s impact on the Mays Business School at Texas A&M, view his biography at http:// wehner.tamu.edu/mktg/faculty/ conant/ School in getting class sizes down to very manageable levels. Generally speaking students in smaller classes will have a better opportunity to participate and interact during class — he took action to help make that happen,” Pride said. “He was a very genuine, nice individual that was very willing to help students and faculty members.” As a leader, a teacher and a dear friend, Conant will be missed. “I’ve known Jeff ever since he arrived here as an assistant professor. On a personal level he’s very much a family oriented person. He was always very positive, upbeat type of individual — very enjoyable to work with. Clearly we will miss him a great deal as a friend and as a department head,” Pride said. “[His death is] beyond a surprise, I would say shocking because we believed that he had a medical problem that, although serious, was in fact a problem that could be managed and treated. All of us here in the department were just terribly shocked and so saddened.” E-mails have already started to pour in from students expressing their condolences and gratitude for Conant’s commitment to them, Varadarajan said. “He was a role model, really worthy of emulation from all of us,” he said. Funeral arrangements are pending with Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan.

Plane crashes, 1 teen survives MORONI, Comoros — A Yemeni jetliner carrying 153 people crashed into the Indian Ocean on Tuesday as it attempted to land amid severe turbulence and howling winds. Officials said a teenage girl was plucked from the sea, the only known survivor. The crash in waters off this island nation comes two years after aviation officials reported equipment faults with the plane, an aging Airbus 310 flying the last leg of a Yemenia Airlines flight from Paris and Marseilles to Comoros, with a stop in Yemen to change planes. Most of the passengers were from Comoros, a former French colony. Sixty-six on board were French nationals. Khaled el-Kaei, the head of Yemenia’s public relations office, said a 14-yearold girl survived the crash, and Yemen’s embassy in Washington issued a statement saying a young girl was taken to a hospital. It also said five bodies were recovered. There were earlier statements from officials that a 5-year-old boy survived. Associated Press

6/30/09 10:15 PM

Aggie golfer Hurley wins Nebraska title Junior John Hurley, a member of Texas A&M’s national champion men’s golf team, won the Nebraska match play title on Sunday. He defeated Andy Sajevic seven and six at Willow Lakes Golf Course in Bellevue, Neb. It is his second Nebraska match play title. “It felt good to get out and get an early lead,” Hurley said. “ I was hitting some good wedges. Andy hit some good Hurley shots, but I stuck it in there closer and made some putts. He was close to making a lot of putts, which would have made it a lot tighter match.” Hurley was up by eight through 27 holes, hitting a 20-foot putt on the 12th hole for an eagle.

A&M finishes 13th in Director’s Cup Texas A&M finished 13th in the 2008-2009 Learfield Sports Director’s Cup with 976 points. It is the third straight year for A&M to finish in the top 18. The Aggies best finish was 12th in 2007-2008 with 1031 points. “I am pleased with the overall performance of our athletics department and I am very excited about the three national championships from men’s golf, women’s outdoor track and field and men’s outdoor track and field,” Athletic Director Bill Byrne said. “As a department, we are not satisfied. We have several areas we need to improve

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upon and I believe we have the ability to consistently finish in the Top 10 in the nation.” Before 2006-2007, A&M finished in the top 20 only once, placing 16th in 2003-2004. Stanford won the Cup with 1455 points. North Carolina, Florida, USC, and Michigan rounded out the top five. Texas, which finished 6th, was the highest placing Big 12 school with A&M in 2nd with its 13th place finish.

Softball recruit named player of the year A&M softball signee Mel Dumezich was named Gatorade Indiana Player of the Year this week. Dumezich. a right handed pitcher, owns Indiana records for strikeouts (1,651), wins (107), shutouts (73), no-hitters (32), ERA (0.22), games started (116), and runs scored (194). In addition she led Whiting High School to two undefeated seasons, two states titles, and was a four year all-state selection.

A&M graduate qualifies for championships Former Aggie Simone Facey, a 2008 NCAA Champion, qualified for the World Championships for track in Kingston, Jamaica. She qualified with a third place finish in the 200 final of the Jamaica Championships with a time of 22.96 seconds. In addition, A&M volunteer assistants Muna Lee and Wallace Spearmon qualified for the U.S. team in the 200s. Lee finished second with a 22.13 while Spearmon finished sixth with 20.30. Brett Sebastian

sports thebattalion 7.1.2009 page3

Pros of summer David Harris The Battalion In the span of three days, Major League Baseball teams selected about 1,500 players from the ranks of college and high school baseball. Six of the 1,500 were from the Texas Aggie baseball team that finished the season ranked No. 25. Redshirt junior pitcher Alex Wilson was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the second round with the 77th overall pick in the draft, which was June 9-11. “He goes right after hitters and while he’s a little maximum-effort with his delivery, he maintains it deep into starts,” said Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com. The right-hander was the highest Aggie selection since Cliff Pennington was taken by the A’s in the first round of the 2005 draft. In Major League Baseball, draftees with eligibility are allowed to decide to stay in college if they can’t get a contract worked out with a team. Wilson, however, signed a contract June 12, ending his eligibility to return, and joined the Lowell Spinners in rookie ball Sunday. On day two of the draft, two Aggies were selected. With the 200th pick overall, the Chicago Cubs selected sophomore pitcher Brooks Raley. “Raley is one of those safebet lefties,” said Mayo on MLB. com. “You can be pretty sure they’ll pitch in the big leagues.” Raley, still with two years of eligibility, has yet to decide whether or not he is returning to A&M. Raley doubles as an

Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION

Former Aggie pitcher Alex Wilson pitches earlier this year. Wilson was selected in the second round (77th) by the Boston Red Sox and signed with them on June 12. outfielder as well as a LHP. Senior outfielder Kyle Colligan was also chosen on day two of the draft. The Chicago White Sox selected Colligan with the 373rd overall selection. With no eligibility, Colligan signed a deal and reported to the White Sox rookie league team in Great Falls, Ill. Three more Aggies were chosen in the later rounds on day three of the draft. Senior

first baseman Luke Anders was chosen in the 32nd round by the San Francisco Giants. Junior pitcher Scott Migl was chosen in the 34th round by the Houston Astros. Junior second baseman Brodie Greene was taken by the Phillies in the 37th round. Most of the players were scattered around the country for summer; competing in summer ball or considering

options to stay at A&M or go pro and thus were unavailable for comment. With the six selections, Texas A&M has produced 83 drafted players. That is the most by any Big 12 school since the conference’s inception in 1997. Over its history the Aggie baseball program has fielded more than 115 players to compete in MLB’s minor leagues and more than 30 MLB players.

6/30/09 9:46 PM

student leader

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classiﬁeds A&M comes first wednesday 7.1.2009

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$10 for 20 words running 5 days, if your merchandise is priced $1,000 or less (price must appear in ad). This rate applies only to non-commercial advertisers offering personal possessions for sale. Guaranteed results or you get an additional 5 days at no charge. If item doesn’t sell, advertiser must call before 1 p.m. on the day the ad is scheduled to end to qualify for the 5 additional insertions at no charge. No refunds will be made if your ad is cancelled early.

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FOR RENT

HELP WANTED

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4bdrm/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 4br/2ba 1115 Merry Oaks, available August 1st, for more info 214-704-3503. 5-bedroom house for lease. For more information 979-966-3913 or www.tricaprealty.com Apartment for lease, pool-side at the Zone, on bus route, available now through 7/2010, $560/mo. 713-823-6820. Available 8/09. Bryan historic district, large 5-2 on large 1.3 acre lot, secluded, includes 2 bay metal garage with workshop, ideal for students with projects, pet friendly, handicap accessible, W/D connections, energy efficient. 806 E.29th $1700/mo. 979-255-5461. www.picketfenceproperties.net Available August 1st, 3bd/2ba, fenced backyard w/3 acres also fenced, ideal for horses or calves, on Highway 21E., $1200/mo. 979-774-0802. Big 3/2 duplex with all appliances, lawncare, tile and carpet, fenced yard. $900 979-324-5835. Bike to campus, available August 1st. 2/1 C.S. duplex, fenced backyard, w/d connections, pets allowed. E-walk shuttle route. $575. 979-218-2995. Bryan huge 4-2 clean and quiet, historic area, large trees, w/d connections, fenced yard, students welcome. 701 Banks. $1300. 979-255-5461. www.picketfenceproperties.net Callaway Villas. Need to sublease, 1-month free, 4/2.5, $575/mo. 936-348-1561. Cozy 2bdrm/2bth condo 3-blocks from campus, yard, w/d connections, over 1000sqft., no HUD, updated, $585/mo., 506-C College Main 254-289-0585. Duplex near campus. 2bed/2bath. W/D. No backyard. 307 Spruce. $650/month. Call 254-760-8242. Great 4bd/2ba house in popular area400 Pronghorn Loop. Comes w/ W/D, refregirator, large fenced bkyrd, pets o.k. w/ deposit, 2-car garage. Available in July or August, $1475/mo. Call Joey at 979-218-4091. http://sites.google.com/site/aaarentalcs/ Duplex for rent, 2/1. No deposit. $675/ month rent. Immaculate 3bd/2bth house. Updated. Fireplace, fenced. No pets. No HUD. $895/month. Off 2818 in Bryan. Available July. 254-289-0585. Large 2bdrm/2bth, 3204-Cougar Trail, Bryan. Water, sewer, &trash paid. Everything’s new inside. $675/mo. 822-1616. Limited time only $999.00! 3bd/2.5ba in College Station, Built in 2000, serene country setting, minutes from campus, fully loaded, Full size W/D and kitchen appl., Free lawn care, fenced backyards. Pets (including large dogs) welcome. Must see! Call for tour. 979-485-0300 or 979-255-3280. Web: www.topdogmanagement.info Newly remodeled 4/2 house. Walking distance to campus, tile &wood floors, great location, nice big deck &yard. 776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com Nice 2/2 Duplex- On TAMU bus route! All appliances, NO PETS. $800/mo. Call 832-215-1801 or 832-338-5397.

puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com

Room for lease under Helen Kline, Callaway House, available 6.23.09, call 979-260-7700 or 817-991-6803 Upstairs 2/1.5 off Holleman. W/D included, new flooring throughout, non-smoking. $675/mo. 979-220-0468.

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MUSIC

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REAL ESTATE 1999 16x76, 3bd/2ba in Rolling Ridge Trailer Park. 1178sq.ft., corner lot with front and back fenced yards, decks, new wood flooring and carpet, island in kitchen, all appliances, W/D hookups, close to TAMU, $28,000. 972-679-6891.

ROOMMATES 2-Roomates needed for 09-10 year, 3/2 house on bus route with backyard, $400/mo +1/3 utilities, Lindsey 512-557-5592. 2-roommates needed. 3/2 house, close to busroute. $350/mo. +1/3bills. 817-475-0093. Male roommates wanted in 4bd house. $300/mo. +1/4 bills. 979-777-4379. Roommate needed. 2bd/2ba on shuttle route, $500/mo., includes all bills. 936-591-1053. Roommates needed. Two male roommates needed for 3/2 duplex off of University Drive in College Station. On TAMU and Blinn bus route. Great Location. Small deck and fenced yard. Small pets allowed w/deposit. Partially furnished, W/D included. Lease $350 per month and 1/3 of utilities. Call 361-230-9119 or 210-845-6474. Available 8-15-09. Sub-leasing one bedroom in 2bd/2.5ba Cottage at the Woodlands of College Station. $700/mo. For information call 817-271-2939 or e-mail thebangor@yahoo.com Two roommates needed for 4/3.5 house on bus route, call 214-418-2425.

STUDIES IN PROGRESS ATHLETE’S FOOT STUDY Volunteers ages 12 and older are needed to participate in a clinical research study with an investigational topical medication for the treatment of Athlete’s foot. Study participation will be a maximum of 8 weeks. Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study related medication • Medical examinations relating to their athlete’s foot • Compensation of $50 per visit for maximum of $250 For more information please contact:

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and foremost

owdy! It is my great privilege to serve Texas A&M University as the 2009-2010 president of the Graduate Student Council. The council serves as the voice of the graduate students to the University administration on matters that affect A&M graduate and professional students. In spring 2009, the population of graduate and professional students exceeded 9,000, about 20 percent of the A&M student community. The University, as a leading research institute, heavily counts on this significant group of its students to contribute to achieving Vision 2020’s goal of building a culture of research excellence. Our role in the council is to represent the needs and communicate the voice of graduate students to the University administration in order to enrich our experiences, both academic and social, during our course of study. We can only achieve this when we have effective communication channels between the council and the students we represent. That is why the 20092010 executive committee is working on building more effective communication channels with administrators, graduate students and other student leaders. Following in the footsteps of the 2008-2009 executive committee, we will continue identifying opportunities to seamlessly immerse the graduate students in the rich culture and traditions of this University and highlight their achievements campuswide. This summer we will introduce the Graduate Camp experience, similar to Fish Camp, but designed for graduate students. We will also reintroduce a Graduate Mentorship Program to assist new arrivals in the transition to Aggieland. At the council, we recognize that graduate and professional students are distinguished by their academic excellence, talents and cultural diversity. Therefore, we plan to tap into the graduate population

Husameddin AlMadani

Graduate students should take full part in sharing the Aggie Spirit. of international and U.S. students, to collect creative ideas and feedback and execute effective programs that address the students’ different needs. The success of the council in meeting its objectives depends on the active participation of students in programs and initiatives we coordinate. When I arrived at A&M in the spring, a friend of mine left me with an invaluable word of advice. She said: “Students miss great opportunities when

Remember, we are Aggies first, and graduate students second. — Husameddin AlMadani president, Graduate Student Council

they only limit their University experiences to academic development. One of our Core Aggie Values is selfless service, and by serving, we become leaders.” She then left me with a powerful quote by Abraham Lincoln, who said: “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” I recommend that you explore the graduate council’s Web site for information about how to be involved in leadership opportunities, programs and social activities that are specifically tailored for the needs of graduate students. Remember, we are Aggies first, and graduate students second.

Husameddin AlMadani is a graduate petroleum engineering student

With graduate, all sports are fair game Morgan Pindel Special to The Battalion In a country on the other side of the world, the term “sport” has a slightly different meaning. For Graduate Student Council President Husameddin AlMadani, this meaning is table tennis. Growing up in Saudi Arabia, indoor sports were preferred over outdoor activities because the temperatures are so high. “Except for soccer,” AlMadani said. “Everyone plays soccer.” AlMadani started playing table tennis at the age of 6 when his parents brought a tennis table to their home. “My siblings and I used to spend most of our free time playing table tennis,” AlMadani said. All of his playing and practice paid off when he won the championship at his intermediate school for table tennis and went on to win third place in a district competition. In Saudi Arabia people do not play football or baseball. Even though basketball is becoming more popular, the main sports people play are volleyball and soccer. “Apparently, the passion for soccer is overshadowing many other good sports,” AlMadani said. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of Kansas in computer science engineering.

It was there that he took a tennis class and fell in love with the sport. At one point when he was first learning the game he wanted to become a professional tennis player. “I realized my time had passed,” AlMadani said. “Now I just play for fun.” It was also at Kansas that he learned to scuba dive. This has become a passion for him. When AlMadani came to Texas A&M University to obtain his masters in petroleum engineering, he became invested in the University’s sports. He is a fan of the men’s and women’s basketball teams and the football team. He has started to get into baseball because his son plays baseball in the College Station league. AlMadani, like any other Aggie invested in this University’s sports, was excited about the national championship titles in track and golf. “I am very proud of the way the track team is building their program,” AlMadani said. He uses the championships and great school athletics in conversation with other students and friends as a form of recruitment. “Championships like these bring great publicity to the school,” AlMadani said. “It really helps the University and I like to talk about it.”

6/30/09 9:36 PM

President of the Graduate Student Council Husameddin AlMadani graduate petroleum engineering student

former chairman of the Young Professionals and Students Outreach Committee in Saudi Arabia

former chairman of the SPE Young Professionals Technical Symposium in Saudi Arabia

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What do you love most about being an Aggie? The unmatched sense of service and unity. I have been to many schools and never have I experienced a student body that held those values dear to their heart like Aggies.

If you had three hours of free time, what would you do with it? I would go fishing with my son for two hours and 55 minutes, then check my Blackberry for e-mails for five minutes.

wednesday, 7.1.2009

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to be a doctor. However, when I think about it now, I realize that I wanted to be a doctor because doctors have direct impact on people’s lives. I guess this drives my desire to volunteer and work on community projects.

What are your goals for after graduation? My short-term plan, after graduation, is to join Saudi Aramco as a petroleum engineer and work in reservoir management for the next few years. I will also put my efforts into growing my small business along the way.

What is your favorite memory made at Aggieland so far? One of my favorite memories is Feb. 23, when I took my family to watch the Aggie women’s basketball team win against Oklahoma 57-56. Muster in April was also an exceptional one that I will always remember.

Leading with heart and mind Continued from page 1

“He is one of those people who is a natural-born leader,”said Algren, who taught AlMadani English when he came to the U.S. The Graduate Student Council is committed in achieving its goals, AlMadani said. “The GSC serves as the student government for Texas A&M University’s graduate and professional students,” he said. “We are a council of graduate students representing all Texas A&M graduate students with a purpose to improve graduate students’ academic, living and social experiences.” AlMadani was born in Saudi Arabia and came to America in 1999. He received his undergraduate degree in computer science in 2003 at Kansas. He worked for Saudi Aramco, a leading oil company based in Saudi Arabia. “From 2004 to 2008, I worked as a petroleum engineering systems analyst, working on and leading various projects for the development and implementation of reservoir simulation and well testing applications,” AlMadani said. His future showed promise from the beginning, Algren said. He was one of 25 students selected for an exclusive program at Saudi Aramco.

He was sent to Kansas to learn English and pursue an undergraduate degree at a U.S. institution. AlMadani said one of his greatest accomplishments while working for Saudi Aramco was receiving the 2008 Society of Petroleum Engineering International Young Member Outstanding Services Award. It made him stand out because it is given to a small number of recipients worldwide every year, said Stephen Holditch, head of the petroleum engineering department at A&M. AlMadani also served as chairman of the Young Professionals and Students Outreach Committee in the SPE Saudi Arabia Section in 2007, and was the chairman of the 2008 SPE Young Professionals Technical Symposium, Saudi Arabia Section. “He just seems to rise above the crowd wherever he is,” Holditch said. AlMadani is pursuing a master’s degree in petroleum engineering and conducting research on unconventional gas reservoirs at A&M. “He just started working with me earlier this year,” Holditch said. “He’s just now getting ramped up on the work he is doing.” When Saudi Aramco approved AlMadani to pursue an advanced degree, he said he knew coming

Jeremy Northum— THE BATTALION

Saudi Arabia native and father of two Husameddin AlMadani is pursuing a master’s degree in petroleum engineering and conducting research on uncoventional gas reservoirs at A&M. to A&M was the obvious decision because of A&M’s reputation as an outstanding research institute with top-notch faculty and research projects within the oil and gas industry. Although success was common for AlMadani, he encountered difficulty in one of his endeavors: starting a small business. “I used to work from 7 in the morning to midnight every day, for about four months,” AlMadani said. “The result was unbelievable with the inauguration of the business.”

AlMadani said having a wife and two children is his greatest accomplishment in life. After graduation, AlMadani is still unsure what he wants to do in the long term. “My short-term plan, after graduation, is to join Saudi Aramco as a petroleum engineer and work in reservoir management for the next few years,” AlMadani said. “I will also put some efforts in growing my small business along the way. My philosophy is to always try to do the job at hand

well, growing personally and professionally along the way. “My aspiration is to be in a position where I can work with great people, create more productive and healthy work environments and participate in and create opportunities for young people to tap into their potential, and ultimately become good citizens in our society.”

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