thebattalion ● wednesday,
april 22, 2009
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texas a&m since 1893
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Protect ‘Here’ Photos and story by Doug Klembara | The Battalion
Campus organizations join together to promote sustainability this Earth Day Osazuwa Okundaye — THE BATTALION
Megan Keyho The Battalion Issues such as global warming, energy efficiency, overpopulation and environmental issues will be at the forefront today as part of the 39th Earth Day. “Earth Day is a very good initiative because it brings environmental issues to the public and, in many cases, the events related to Earth Day offer lots of information about small things that everybody can do to improve our living environment,” said Astrid Volder, assistant professor in Horticultural Landscape Ecology. Texas A&M’s Environmental Sustainability Committee, will be holding events on campus
for Earth Day Wednesday. “We see Earth Day as one additional opportunity that we not only celebrate but inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment, but also educate people on the issues while contributing to our campus’s own environmental impact,” said Amanda Grosgebauer, ESC Chairwoman and senior English major. More than 40 campus organizations will be participating in the Earth Day events. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be tables from different organizations focusing on issues such as sustainability and energy conservation in Rudder
Voices from the Texas A&M University choral groups filled Reed Arena as students, families and faculty were softly called to Muster Monday. Metal taps of the Ross Volunteers sounded across the floor as they presented the colors to the audience. The A&M family stood together and sang to their country and state. After a prayer and a few welcoming speakers, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates walked to the podium. The audience stood and erupted into applause to welcome former A&M President Gates back to Aggieland. Gates began to speak of the power of the spirit of Aggieland and how it rests in all of our hearts. He said the spirit gathers Aggies all over the world to renew their loyalties and bring respect to fellow Aggies that have died and to the University that has given so much. After calling the Aggie family to stay strong in its values, faith and traditions, Gates, with tears in his eyes and pride for A&M, called for the Muster. From there the first representative lit her candle from the main candle in front of the stage. While the names of the fallen Aggies were called, the light was passed around to the other family members and friends. The Ross Volunteers then walked to the front and gave the 21-gun salute. Tears and whispers filled the arena. Aggies embraced each other, crying and consoling families. After silence, Col. Harvey Haas dismissed this family until next year where we will be softly called again to A&M’s most sacred tradition.
See Earth Day on page 8
Page 4,5 Senior engineering technology major Patrick Clayton chronicles his hike up Citlaltépetl during spring break in Mexico.
thebatt.com Watch coverage of Muster.
Patrick Clayton — THE BATTALION
March urges women to Take Back The Night Michael Allen The Battalion The Texas A&M Women’s Resource Center, the Sexual Assault Resource Center of Brazos Valley and Twin City Mission Domestic Violence Services will have a Take Back the Night march at 7 p.m. Thursday on Simpson Drill Field. “I think it’s important here for people to realize it’s a national program,” said Merna Jacobsen, director of Women’s Resource Center for A&M. Its purpose is to denounce the violence that occurs to women. There has not been a Take Back The Night march at A&M since 2005 but with more than 34 sexual assault cases in the College Station area in 2007, the Women’s Resource Center decided it was time for another one.
The march will have a table of information, testimonials from sexual assault victims, a candlelight vigil and two musical performances. It is expected to last approximately two hours. “The march will begin on Simpson Drill Field and we will march and chant to Sbisa where we will have a keynote address by Alesha Istavan, the executive director of The Brazos Valley Sexual Assault Resource Center,” Jacobsen said. Sexual assault is one of the most under-reported crimes, with one in five college students experiencing some sort of sexual assault. These assaults involve alcohol and/or drugs approximately 85 percent of the time. With these statistics, Jacobsen said, “We must work together and make our campus safe for everyone.” Jacobsen said anyone can and should come
out and support the cause. “This is a great opportunity for students, faculty and staff to make a statement.” Take Back The Night isn’t just about sexual assault, it is also about other violent “silent” crimes that go unreported, such as domestic assault and other circumstances due to the fear of social discomfort. Take Back The Night also encourages students, or anyone who has suffered from such discrepancies, to call the toll-free hotline to talk to attorneys, or a therapist. Take Back The Night originated in the 1800s in London. The program was directed toward women who were scared to walk alone at night. The purpose of the program was to spread awareness and show that the night could be safe for everyone. Over time, its focus has grown to include men and children who suffer from violence.
Natasha Sankovich — THE BATTALION