thebattalion ● monday,
september 27, 2010
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2010 student media
philanthropy
What do
“Students need to keep in mind that hiring the best professors for them and making sure they have small classes costs money...we look at that balance of cost to quality to help students achieve their goals while they’re in school and be able to get the life they want to live.” — James P. Wilson
you me? do for
“The regents are not paid a salary and in many instances there are out of pocket expenses that we personally cover. But having said that, it is a labor of love and a great honor.” — Richard Box
Courtesy photo
Baba Ifalade, lead singer and founder of the band D.R.U.M. , performs Sept. 25.
Students lend funds to others Sarah Smith Special to The Battalion Passion is a funny thing. Once discovered, it has a habit of rearranging all the little things in life mistaken for priorities and goals. It gives ordinary actions a deeper meaning. Once discovered, passion transforms ordinary individuals into extraordinary leaders. For some, passions are educating, listening and protecting. For Paul Mbutu, his passion is peace. Mbutu is a senior lecturer on leave from Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya. A Fullbright Scholarship recipient, Mbutu is attending Texas A&M University to pursue his doctorate in organizational communication. He is also the board chairman of the Peace BuildSee PHARP on page 2
community
Police to unite residents for NNO Thomas Levitt The Battalion
Stephen Olmon — THE BATTALION
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents and Chancellor Mike McKinney, far right, meet Friday. The regents’ vote is the deciding factor in issues facing the system.
W
hen the A&M Board of Directors met for the first time on June 1, 1875, the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas was only a project in the works. One year and four months later, what is now known as Texas A&M was born. In 1881, the Texas legislature decided that the board would consist of five members who would serve for six-year staggered terms and would be appointed by the governor. Over the next few decades, the board grew in number, and by 1975 the Board of Directors was named the Board of Regents, a nine-member organization presiding over the system. The board has nine voting members and one non-voting student, all governor-appointed. In 2005, the Texas Legislature passed a bill describing a student regent position, for a one-year term, available to an undergraduate or graduate student in the system. Cresencio Davila, whose term began May 31, is the most recent student regent.
Inside About the Regents page 4
Bryan-College Station police teamed with residents in the area to form connections and networks that aim to raise safety from and awareness of crime around Aggieland and in the surrounding community. The groups, along with Target, put together the kickoff event for National Night Out. Multiple events took place in the parking lot of the Target in Bryan to raise drug awareness and crime prevention. Children were allowed to tour the backseat of a police car and sit on a police motorcyle. To complete the event the Bryan Fire Department cooked and provided sausage. “People have forgotten how to meet their neighbors,” said J.P. Ingram of the Bryan Police Department. “National Night Out brings back the old friendSee Neighbors on page 2
What do you do for me? This is part two of a series dissecting colleges and divisions at the University. The series will feature different colleges and divisions that support A&M throughout the semester.
Michelle Myers — THE BATTALION
Residents explore the inside of a police car during National Night Out kickoff events.
Texas A&M formally names R. Bowen Loftin president at Convocation Tim Bardin Special to The Battalion During the 2010 Academic Convocation on Friday, Texas A&M University formally installed its 24th president. Before the Chancellor, Board of Regents, delegates and others in attendance, R. Bowen Loftin, class of 1971 accepted the responsibility and pledged to uphold the honor of the University. “Loftin has led through times of great adversity, such as Hurricane Ike’s impacts on Galveston, both the campus and the city,” said Nancy Sawtelle, class of 1982 and director of public relations for the office of the provost. “He utilizes his calming demeanor and steady leadership to direct individuals and groups to the most important issues.” Loftin was named president of Texas A&M on Feb. 12 and is one of five former students to serve in that capacity. He was chosen after serving eight months as interim president since June 15, 2009. Loftin previously served as the vice president and CEO of Texas A&M University at Galveston for four years and is a well-known and highly regarded scholar, professor and consultant for both industry and government.
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“[Loftin] is renowned in his discipline and has a reputation of leadership in numerous academic and governmental organizations, including NASA,” Sawtelle said. The Academic Convocation consisted of speeches delivered by University leaders, choral music performed by the Century Singers and the formal presentation of Loftin as president. Loftin was also ceremonially endowed with the Presidential Medallion and Symbols of Office. “Academic Convocation is a celebration of Texas A&M’s primary missions of teaching, research and engagement,” Sawtelle said. “It is a time to bring together all elements of our academic community and focus on our values and the importance of higher education.” After the presentations, Loftin delivered a state-of-the-university address. In his comments, he said the University was stronger than ever academically; a successful, world-recognized research university and an institution whose core values stayed strong and spirit still burned bright. Loftin also shared his vision for the future, stressing: “We cannot See Loftin on page 2
Paul Mezier — THE BATTALION
Board of Regents chairman Morris Foster presents formally installed Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin for investure Friday at the 2010-2011 Academic Convocation.
9/26/10 8:35 PM