The Aggie Ring What it means The shield
The protection of the good reputation of the alma mater
The 13 stripes on the shield The original 13 states
The five stars
The phases of development of the student: mind, body, spiritual attainment, emotional poise and integrity of character
thebattalion ● friday,
september 17, 2010
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
Finally! ● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2010 student media
The eagle
Agility and power and the ability to reach great heights and ambitions
The olive wreath encircling the state seal The achievement of and desire for peace and the strength to fight
The ribbon
Marks the joining of the two traits to accomplish their ambition to serve
The cannon
Signifies that the men of Texas fought for their land and are determined to defend it
The saber
Stands for valor and confidence
The rifle and cannon
Symbols of preparedness and defense
The flags of the US and Texas
Recognize the dual allegiance to nation and state
inside sports | 6 & 7
Football gameday Inside linebacker Garrick Williams bounced between coaches, positions and roles, and blossomed into the leading tackler for the Big 12’s No. 4 defense.
Plus Previewing the FIU game
A&M upsets Texas Recapping the unranked Aggies’ win against No. 8 Texas; a preview of the No. 6 soccer team’s match with No. 3 Portland; Amber Gnatzig’s long and winding road.
Photos by Daniel Crump and Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION
One of Aggies’ most-awaited days arrives Luz Moreno-Lozano The Battalion
After days have been crossed out on calendars and the hours, minutes and seconds have been counted down, the first 2010 Aggie Ring Day is here. Students who have met the qualifications and requirements will receive their rings starting at 2:45 p.m today. “I’m so excited,” said Paul Michael Piega, senior physiology major. “All the hard work I’ve done — it’s finally paying off.” The Aggie Ring tradition is more than 100 years old. The ring represents the honor of being a Texas Aggie and serves as a testament to an Aggie’s hard work while in college. Each symbol on the ring rep-
We’re a top 12 college town Special to The Battalion The American Institute for Economic Research, publishes a companion guide that annually ranks colleges across the nation. College Station made the list of best college towns at number 12. “Texas A&M has a unique combination of worldclass academics and unrivaled traditions and spirit that prepare our graduates to enter the workforce,” said Jason Cook, vice president of marketing and communication. “On Monday, in fact, a study by The Wall Street Journal of corporate recruiters ranked Texas A&M second nationwide for having the best-prepared graduates who are the most able to succeed in the workplace. Our more than 800 student organizations create opportunities for students to put what they have learned in the classroom into practice while also supporting many worthwhile causes and activities.” Outside of the University, Cook said there is value in living in the Bryan-College Station area. “Texas A&M has a great ‘town-gown’ relationship with both the cities of College Station and Bryan,” Cook said. “This is a vibrant community— also known as The Research Valley — that embraces discovery and innovation, international experiences and a family environment. President Bowen Loftin always says that ‘we’re in this together’ when talking about the two
livery is 3,449. “Of these, approximately 3,200 will pick up their rings on Ring Day,” said Kathryn Greenwade, vice president for communications of the Association of Former Students. A Fightin’ Texas Aggie Yell Practice will kick off the ceremony. Following in groups of about 100, students will be handed rings by former students, staff, faculty and coaches. Upon placing the ring on the their fingers, students are asked to have their class year facing them and when they graduate turn it so the year faces outside symbolizing the steps they are taking forward. “I am so stoked to finally get my ring,” said Courtney Prasatik, senior psychology major. “I’ve been counting down to Ring Day since before I even ordered my ring. My family and friends are coming in to celebrate this milestone in my college career.”
University honors Constitution Day
Thomas Levitt
See Ranking on page 4
Pg. 1-09.17.10.indd 1
resents the values Aggies were taught freshman year and are expected to carry out for the rest of their lives: excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service. Qualifications to purchase an Aggie Ring were decided by the 1993 Official Senior Aggie Ring Committee. The Association of Former Students oversees the entire process of eligibility and delivery. Students complete 90 undergraduate cumulative hours, 45 of which have to be earned at Texas A&M. A Grade Point Average of 2.0 has to be maintained and students must not have a record of violations, probations, suspensions, dismissals or expulsions, to be eligible for a ring. The total number of Aggie Rings in the Sept. 17 de-
Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION
The familiar water tower welcomes all to the Texas A&M campus, which along with its immediate surroundings is affectionately referred to as “Aggieland.” The American Institute for Economic Research ranks College Station America’s No. 12 college town.
Sept. 17 is designated Constitution Day. A keynote event will be a discussion about prosecuting the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay and whether or not the prisoners fall under the Bill of Rights, specifically the Fourth through Ninth Amendments. The argument will be presented by Ronald J. Sievert, senior lecturer in the George Bush School of public service and government and Richard J. Stoll, professor of political science from Rice University. Pocket-sized copies of the U.S. Constitution will be given to students. “On Sept. 17, 1787, 39 brave men changed the course of history when they signed the U.S. Constitution,” A&M President Bowen Loftin said. “As Americans and as Aggies, we must never take for granted the many rights and freedoms that we enjoy today. I hope the campus community and area residents will participate in Constitution Week activities as we take time from our busy lives to remember and reflect on our legacy of liberty.” Thomas Levitt, special to The Battalion
Rights debate Professors from A&M and Rice University will speak on whether Guantanamo Bay’s inmates fall under the protection of the U.S. Bill of Rights. The debate will begin at 6:30 p.m. today, designated Constitution Day, in Rudder 601.
9/16/10 9:14 PM