The Battalion: April 24, 2009

‫كتيبة‬ thebattalion the battalion ● friday,

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april 24, 2009

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‫اثنين‬ ‫الصفحة‬ page two Jordan Bryan — THE BATTALION

thebattalion 4.24.2009

Today’s Front Page Photographs and front page design by sophomore general studies major Doug Klembara.

correction In Thursday’s Student Senate article, the headline should read “Sen. Alden Harris resigns from the 62nd Student Senate.”

The Battalion welcomes readers’ comments about published information that may require correction. We will pursue your concern to determine whether a correction needs to be published. Please e-mail at editor@thebatt.com.

Aggie Spirit abroad

Jill Beathard The Battalion Aggies lit candles and read the Roll Call for the Absent all over the world Tuesday night. In a time zone eight hours ahead of Central Standard Time, students at Texas A&M University at Qatar participated in Muster, many for the first time.

The ceremony focused more on the gathering and remembrance aspects of Muster rather than the Roll Call, according to the customs of the region.

But the spirit of Muster was alive in this comparatively small student body.

“The first Muster held at Texas A&M at Qatar was in 2004,” said Emily Yates, a student development specialist at A&M Qatar. “Muster was a relatively small affair the first few years, with former students living in Doha making up

most of the attendees. This year, our main focus was to promote Muster to our current students, particularly since Muster is one of the most important traditions to Texas A&M.” Yates said student interest has increased because the students were involved in coordinating this year’s event.

“Students have always been the drivers of Aggie traditions on the main campus, and that is something we continually strive for here,” Yates said.

Other Aggie traditions practiced at A&M Qatar include Aggie Rings; Run for the Ring; the Buck Weirus Spirit Award; Aggie Sports such as men’s and women’s basketball, men’s cricket and soccer; Student Engineers’ Council EDay and Maroon Out. Unique to Qatar are the traditions of a Chili Cook-Off in the fall and traditional Iftar, or fastbreaking, meals hosted by the Student

Body Government during Ramadan.

“We try to take the College Station model and apply it here when possible, and modify it if it is necessary,” Yates said. “We like to say that our department is like a miniature version of the Division of Student Affairs, offering the same programs and services.”

A&M Qatar is a branch of the main campus in College Station and is part of Qatar Foundation’s Education City campus, according to a summary statement from the A&M Qatar Office of Marketing and Communication. Undergraduate students can obtain degrees in chemical, electrical, mechanical and petroleum engineering, with the same curriculum and degree plan requirements as the College Station campus.

The approach to education is modeled after the American system, and courses See Aggie Spirit on page 8

Student Leadership Exchange facilitates learning, unites cultures Melissa Appel

Doug Klembara — THE BATTALION

The architectural model of the future residence hall, which will include solar paneled roofs, has been awarded the LEED platinum for its green efficiency.

Residence halls to set precedent, wins environmental award Katy Ralston The Battalion The completion of a 850,000 square foot residential living area at the Texas A&M-Qatar campus will mark two monumental occasions. It will be the world’s first residence hall to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum ranking and become the largest collection of Platinum buildings in one location.

Buildings obtaining the LEED Platinum level must demonstrate the highest quality in five areas of human and environmental health — sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

Twelve buildings will make up the living area, including residence halls, computer labs, prayer rooms, community centers and a cafeteria. Each one is vital to creating the sense of community important to the Qatari culture, said Residence Hall Director Christopher Silva.

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The halls will implement the latest innovations in energy saving technology, reducing energy use by half compared to its non-green counterparts.

Solar panels covering the roof and wind turbines will be able to generate 12 percent of the building’s energy needs alone.

Sunlight transport devices will be installed to light inside hallways during the day that are not in contact with the sun. This technology uses solar lenses to capture and transfer direct sunlight through fiber optic cables to places it would normally not reach.

The buildings will utilize low-flow water fixtures and gray water capturing systems. The gray water systems use bio-mass walls to filter water from sinks and showers and reuse it for gardening, water fountains and toilet flush water.

Other features will include a double security system that requires access cards and fingerprint identification See Residence on page 8

The Battalion The Student Leadership Exchange between Texas A&M College Station and Texas A&M University at Qatar does more than send students to a new time zone.

Friendships, traditions and Aggie Spirit were shared between the two groups as chosen student representatives from College Station traveled overseas during the spring break. The Student Leadership Exchange allowed College Station students from various engineering fields and leadership positions on campus to spend spring break in Qatar, learning about the University, networking and sharing ideas for the future of both campuses. “[The purpose of the program is to] increase awareness of the A&M Campus in Qatar, exchange ideas to promote further growth of each engineering society and student programs and continue networking and communication between the two campuses,” said Kelsey Fuller, a junior chemical engineering major and participant in the 2009 program.

Representatives were chosen from the professional society and honor society for each of the four engineering majors as well as Student Engineering Council and the honor society Tau Beta Pi. Accompanying the 10 engineering students were student leaders selected from organizations around campus, such as Student Government Association, Memorial Student Center Complex, Residence Hall Association and the Corps of Cadets. Fifteen students attended the trip during this year’s exchange program.

While in Qatar, student leaders were introduced to the Qatar campus and its students. College Station students toured the campus

com

Doug Klembara— THE BATTALION

Students from the leadership exchange pose alongside the Persian Gulf overlooking Saudi Arabia.

and its buildings, watched an Aggie basketball game and addressed freshmen students at the campus. Each leader then met with their respective group — engineering societies, student government or other organizations — to discuss ideas and potential for future progress.

Students spent time immersed in the culture of Qatar. They were treated to multiple opportunities to taste the cuisine. They toured the surrounding area, swam in the Persian Gulf and rode camels across the sand dunes.

“The trip has taught me to always be willing to immerse myself in other cultures,” said senior petroleum engineering major and exchange program participant Greg Caraway.

After a day of activities planned by the University coordinators, College Station students were free to hang out with Qatar students.

“After the activities were over, the [A&M Qatar] students seemed to always have something planned for us to do,” Caraway said. “The greatest experience I had while in Qatar was spending time with both the [A&M Qatar] and [Col-

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lege Station] students.”

Students from Qatar showed College Station students parts of the University and culture that could not be conveyed without this personal interaction.

“The students would come to most of our activities, and this was very exciting because we got to see their perspective on many things,” said participant Rodrigo Garza, a senior mechanical engineering major.

“It is not the same thing listening to a tour guide speak than understanding it from a person your age that experiences it first-hand every day.”

Living for one week in another culture is a lesson that will continue to impact the College Station participants.

“The most important thing that I learned from this trip is that diversity is a great thing to have,” Garza said. “I learned that students from A&M Qatar were amazing individuals with a great will to learn about other people. While on the trip, everyone treated us with such warmth that, in a matter of a week, we were able to form lasting relationships.”

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thebattalion

friday, april 24, 2009

An experience from afar

Photos by Doug Klembara — THE BATTALION

Math professor soaks up culture ■ David Manuel remembers his time in Qatar and the people who impacted him Matt Woolbright The Battalion One professor had the opportunity to influence his students at Texas A&M University at Qatar through education during his three-year tenure, but he did not expect they would influence him through perseverance and determination.

During summer 2004, David Manuel, a senior lecturer in the math department, spoke with Greg Kline, a fellow math lecturer, about his experiences at Qatar. Kline said he would not be returning to Qatar after the ensuing year. Manuel talked with his family, then jumped at the opportunity.

Being the only Math 151/152 professor, Manuel met most of the Qatar students, as it is a required course.

The incoming freshman class is usually about 100 students, and a math class consisted of 25-30 students, which allowed Manuel to know students and meet individual needs.

“One of the nice things there was I enjoyed being able to walk to class and say ‘Hi’ to everybody

by name,” Manuel said.

“People are friendly here, too, but you do not know everybody by name. You are Manuel lucky if you know two or three people walking [across campus].”

Manuel said that while he was most impressed with the students over there, they are not that different from the students here.

“They do not have Northgate to go drinking at on Thursday nights, but they have their own distractions and hardships,” Manuel said.

Manuel said two groups of students really stood out to him: students from war-torn and conflict driven countries and Qatari female students.

Manuel talked of two Lebanese students, Kareem and Danni, who especially stood out to him because of their extreme perseverance during hardships at home and with their families, all the while managing to maintain their studies.

thebatt.com To read more about Manuel and his Qatar students, see the full story online.

Sophomore general studies major Doug Klembara shares memories from his time in Qatar.

“So, yesterday was packed. We started off by coming to These excerpts the Texas A&M Campus. It was incredible. The color and were taken from architecture is absolutely amazing. Stone everywhere. We started walking down the main hall and immediately I saw his journal. For Mary. How awesome it was to see her. We had only met for the full story, visit a weekend to photograph for a project [in the fall at College thebatt.com or Station], but seeing her in her country was amazing. We check out Doug’s walked into the blue donut and before us laid a feast. A feast of Islamic and Qatari foods. From there, I started to phoblog at www. tograph, only to be hugged by Sarah, another girl I met on dougklembara. the photo assignment in College Station as well. After that, wordpress.com.

Mustafa and Amer came and said hello. It was so incredibly awesome seeing everyone in their home country…”

“We drove for what seemed about one hour and a half. The drivers were very fast and kind-of crazy. We finally made it out to the dunes. It was really cool because it was super flat and then, all of [a] sudden, there were sand hills everywhere. We drove up the hills and headed 120 km over the dunes. We did this for about an hour and then drove over a hill to the Oceanside. We had a beautiful view of the Arabian (Persian) Gulf. It was remarkable. We walked closer to shore and there were tents set up for us in a group facing the ocean. I climbed one of the dunes to get a better picture and then I headed down. I turned my pants into shorts, then jumped in with some of the other guys. The water was cold and really salty. Rather blue, as well. It was so beautiful; you could see Saudi Arabia right across from us, almost as if I was looking to Mexico from across the Rio Grande.

Well, we went in back to the tents where Arabian dinner was ready for us. Wail and Amer came with us and ate. They are on the same Student leadership Exchange but for College Station. So they are flying back to the States with us!”

Tiffany Tran — THE BATTALION

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thebattalion

Fees, funds for Qatar campus not so different from our own Christian Hughes Special to The Battalion In 2002, the Qatar foundation for Education, Science and Community development invited Texas A&M University to come and explore the possibility of bringing certain undergraduate engineering programs to Education City in Doha, Qatar.

The Qatar Foundation was founded by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, wife of the Emir of the State of Qatar.

“Essentially, all costs of A&M Qatar are covered by the Qatar Foundation [for Education],” said David Cassidy, assistant dean for finance and administration. “As a result, all revenues generated within the academic program, including tuition, belong to the foundation.”

The student fees are based on the fees set for Texas A&M at College Station. When a student graduates from the University, he or she is given a diploma from Texas A&M-College Station, not Texas A&M at Qatar.

While Texas A&M sees no direct financial profit from this branch, there is still an incentive for professors to work at A&M Qatar. Cassidy said professors are given significant financial and U.S. taxation incentives for working at A&M Qatar.

The tuition rate at A&M Qatar is the same amount as out-of-state tuition, except it is paid in Qatar’s currency, the riyal.

“The riyal is pegged at a fixed exchange rate of one dollar for 3.65 riyals,” said A&M Qatar Communications Manager Brady Creel, Class of 2003.

Financial aid is provided to students at A&M Qatar through the Qatar government agencies and industries. A&M gives a small amount of financial aid to study abroad students.

The global recession has not had a significant impact on A&M Qatar students yet since the majority comes from the Persian Gulf region, an area that has suffered little from the oil industry’s involvement.

“Native Qatari citizens have their education costs paid for from kindergarten through college,” said Doug Klembara, a sophomore general studies major who visited the A&M Qatar campus for the Student Leadership Exchange program. “This rule affects roughly 10 percent of the students there. It’s harder to gain citizenship there as opposed to the U.S. because your father has to have been born in Qatar.”

Doug Klembara

ION

— THE BATTAL

Qatar teachers borrow methods from the West Rebekah Skelton

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The Battalion Texas A&M University at Qatar is experiencing a revolutionary change to campus.

There are more women than men enrolled in the engineering college, and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned is the chairwoman of Qatar Foundation’s committee for Education, Science and Community Development.

“Her Highness has been actively engaged in education and social reform in Qatar for many years and has played a major role in spearheading various national and international development projects,” said Patti Urbina, director of Qatar student offices in College Station.

In a 2007 issue of Forbes magazine, Her Highness was named one of the 100 most powerful women in the world and The Times of London named her one of the 25 most influential business leaders in the Middle East.

“She is very revered in the whole region because as a woman, she has come to symbolize progressive thought,” said Texas A&M University President Elsa A. Murano. “She wants to do what she can to reform education in Qatar.”

As for A&M’s own womanin-charge, Murano will be traveling to Qatar for her second time in May after being approached

by Mark Weichold, dean and CEO of Qatar, to deliver the commencement address.

Murano is expecting the ceremony to be comparable to A&M’s with only minor differences, such as the graduation gowns.

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Prasad Enjeti will carry the mace, and the processional will be followed by both the Qatari and United States national anthems. The ceremony will end with students and faculty singing “The Spirit of Aggieland.”

Murano said the A&M system is lucky to be a part of the Qatar education system. She said by having a campus there, A&M gets to help change the landscape of the country.

Murano said Qatar’s style of education used to be very traditional, having students memorize facts and formulas. Now it is more westernized, with professors using critical thinking and more hands-on methods to teach.

“Qatar Foundation is using innovative strategies and programs focusing on capacity building and character development at Education City,” Urbina said.

“This unique form of education involves a select few institutions known for the quality of their programs, from early years to university education at undergraduate level and beyond.”

Urbina said learning and

“

...There’s a lot of influence from Texas A&M University on how Texas A&M Qatar does things.

They even have to take Texas history.”

— Elsa A. Murano, president of A&M

teaching is focused on creativity, curiosity, conveying knowledge and life skills, to create lifelong learners.

A&M at Qatar requires its students to follow the same curriculum as students on the main A&M campus.

“Because it is our campus and our administrators run it, there’s a lot of influence from Texas A&M University on how Texas A&M Qatar does things,” Murano said. “They even have to take Texas history.”

Qatar incorporated a “common ground” reading program for the Liberal Arts college in the fall with criteria for the literature including that it be a contemporary work, set in the United States, written by a native English speaker and have thought-provoking content.

Murano said A&M is influencing people in Qatar with its values.

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‫رياضة‬ sports

thebattalion the battalion 4.24.2009 ReaDah page5 page5

Photos by Doug Klembara — THE BATTALION

The Texas A&M at Qatar 12th Man “hump it” for a yell during a basketball game. The Qatar students get just as involved in Aggie athletics as the 12th Man in College Station does.

Undefeated Aggies cruise to 17-0 season Brad Cox The Battalion Trailing 16-6 after the first quarter was not enough to deter the Texas A&M basketball team in the league championship game.

The Aggies recovered in the final quarters to win 63-49, completing a perfect 17-0 season.

Celebrating their first league championship, the team was far from Oklahoma City and the Big 12 Championship tournament. This was the Texas A&M University at Qatar basketball team, celebrating its win against American School of Doha in the inaugural Qatar Basketball League Championship.

“I am extremely proud of the team,” interim Director of Student Affairs and basketball Head Coach Michael Collins told The Aggie Platform. “That’s what they have worked for.”

Collins, a former assistant basketball coach at Western Kentucky, helped get the league started, allowing seven teams, four from Education City and three from other local Doha schools, to join.

Team captain Omar Abdallah drives to the basket against the A&M at Qatar faculty. Abdallah is from Lebanon.

“It’s a chance for students in the region to compete,” he said. “It’s something special.”

Collins said he wanted to translate some of the Aggie traditions from the main campus in College Station to the Qatar campus. He said sports are a good part of the traditions, so starting the basketball league got the 12th Man in Qatar involved.

Before the league was formed, the team played sporadically in games against local teams.

“The league will continue as long as I am here,” Collins said. “It’s not about the school, it’s about the people. It’s a tradition now and everything is falling into place.”

After a historic season and new frontiers ahead of them, Collins said he is proud of his team and plans to keep the team winning.

“The key to our success is the consistent message that you play together, you win together, you lose together,” Collins said. “That’s why I intentionally didn’t put names on their jerseys. I told the team the only name that matters is the name on the front.”

Texas A&M at Qatar interim Director of Student Affairs and Head Coach Michael Collins gives his team the gameplan for a game against the A&M at Qatar faculty.

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979-574-0040, 281-639-8847. University Place at Southwest Parkway.

2-bedroom w/ studies or 3-bedroom. 1.5 baths, fenced, tile, W/D connections, carports, on shuttle, C.S. aggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984.

2/1 C.S. duplexes. Garage, on shuttle, very nice, tile, fireplace, W/D, fenced, lawn service, pets OK. Available August.

979-255-0424/ 979-255-1585.

2/2 fourplex. Available August.

Tiled living, kitchen. Water included. Fenced yard. Covered deck.

Pets. W/D connection. Close to campus. 979-204-1950.

2bd/1ba apartment, 800sq.ft. New appliances, carpeting and tile. W/D. Bus route. $550/mo. +$250 deposit.

210-391-4106.

3- 4 bedrooms, newer homes, close to campus. Homes limited. Call J.C. 254-721-6179. Realtor.

3/1 House in Wolf Pen Area, close to TAMU shuttle, W/D conn, GARAGE, fenced w/lawn care. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

3/1.5 House, vaulted ceiling, W/D conn, huge fenced yards, most have privacy yards, www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

3/2 duplex at 1425 Western Oaks.

Close to west campus. W/D. Yard care. Spacious. Available June.

Jennifer 713-854-2211. jennifer.treibs@gmail.com 3/2 duplex close to campus. Recently remodeled. W/D in unit.

832-527-9533 or dmthames@gmail.com 3/2 duplex. 5-minutes from campus, fenced yard, bus route, fairly new.

Call 214-505-6534, 469-233-4653.

3/2 House, all appliances, fenced yard, garage, close to Blinn & A&M, yard maintenance, available Aug. Call 979-204-2644 or email echrentalinfo@gmail.com 3/2 Near campus. W/D included.

Available in August.

Call 979-224-1434.

3/2 Study House, W/D conn, huge living area, tons of windows for light, detached storage/garage, fenced w/lawn care. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

3/2 w/study House available August, One of a Kind! 1800sqft, wood floors, 9ft ceilings, large rooms, www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

3/2 w/study, BIG HOUSE, 2500sqft., 2-sided fireplace, big privacy fenced yard w/lawn care provided.

979-775-2291, www.twincityproperties.com 3/3 Duplex for lease CS. For August, internet ready, all appliances including W/D, microwave.

Graham Road. No pets. $1,000/mo.

979-778-6076.

3/3 Duplex for rent on Paloma Ridge, W/D, lawncare provided, ceiling fans, close to campus, tile floor, backyard.12 month lease $1000/mo.

Pets allowed, 713-594-3787.

3/3 Duplex Oldenburg, CS. Available now or pre-lease for August.

W/D. Internet &lawn care provided.

Pets allowed. $1000/mo.

979-220-2129.

3b/1.5b, carport, on shuttle, pets ok, fenced, $750/month. aggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984.

4 Rent. Close to campus. Everyone gets their own bathroom. $325/mo.

Includes DSL/phone, W/D. 281-844-2090, Mike.

4/2 House available August, HUGE 4th room can be game room, fireplace w/flagstone hearth, huge fenced yard w/lawn care. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

4/2 House in Wolf Pen Area, close to TAMU shuttle, W/D conn, fenced w/lawn care. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

4/2 house, available August ‘09.

Backyard is Golf Course. Great neighborhood $1600/mo. +utilities.

Call 979-966-3913.

4/2 Studio, neat floor plan, 2 living areas, 2 refrigerators, fireplace, some have fenced yard w/lawn care. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft.

Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing for 2009, excellent specials. 694-0320, office@luxormanagement.com 422. Very desirable house in popular student area. $1450/month. Call Mrs. Ward for details.

979-774-1270.

4bdrm/2.5bth Spanish style duplex w/garage +off street parking. Security system, all appliances including W/D, $1450/mo. Available in August.

979-297-3720 or 979-292-6168.

4bdrm/2bth house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 4bed/4bath Waterwood Townhomes, 1001 Krenek Tap Road across from C/S’s Central Park.

Gated, security system, bus route, appliances+washer/dryer included.

Available summer or fall ‘09. Contact 281-793-0102 or Jimbo77@AggieNetwork.com 806 Concho. 2/1, W/D included, nice and clean, large backyard.

690-4181, 219-2683.

Apartment for rent, sublease for summer. College Main Apartments.

Call Trent 618-334-4584. trentpearson@yahoo.com Available April: Spacious 2/1 duplex. Vaulted ceiling. Tiled kitchen, living room. W/D connection.

Fenced. Pets. On bus route.

979-204-1950.

Beautiful duplex, 2/1, new floors, many extras, oriental carpets (optional), granite counters, quiet, convenient to everything. Call for special, 1-week free. Fenced backyard, AC, and many ceiling fans.

979-422-3427.

Callaway Villas. Need to sublease.

Fall-2009. 4/2.5, W/D. $615/mo.

936-348-1561.

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

www.AggieNetwork.com

FOR RENT

FOR RENT

HELP WANTED

Calloway Villas sublease 2bdrm/2.5ba townhouse. Close to pool/clubhouse.

Available May-Aug. Furnished, W/D, $675/mo. Indiv. lease. $300 bonus for two people. Call 214-709-7688, 214-709-7690.

Save $140 a Month! Free Cable, Internet, Water, Trash. Hugh, Remodeled 2bdrm/1.5ba. $625/mo, Bryan. 979-402-0913.

Household cleaning, ironing, organizing help needed. Min 6-8 hr/week $10/hr. Year-round commitment necessary, Fax info. to 979-690-8075.

Cottage Holik C.S. 2bd/1ba W/D $600/month . 979-777-2472 Country Living Near A&M: 3/2 double-wide, large deck. Stalls available. $950/mo. 979-846-5950.

CS 4bd/3ba house w/study. 1401 Lawyer $1650/mo. Close to campus. 979-219-6108.

Duplex near campus.

2bed/2bath. W/D. No backyard.

307 Spruce. $750/month.

Call 254-760-8242.

Early Bird Special- sign a prelease in April for August move in and get special of $1050. Luxurious Country Living just minutes from A&M. 3/2.5 duplexes. Full size W/D in unit. Fenced backyards. Pets welcome! 979-485-0300. topdogmanager@hotmail.com or topdogmanagement.info Fox Run condominiums room for lease, Female. Private bath, w/d, cable &internet provided. Fully furnished, gated, bus stops at front gate. $350/mo. utilities. 512-913-4094.

Fraternity Row 3bd/2.5ba, 3 parking spaces, on shuttle route, W/D and all appliances. $1200/month.

254-760-6934 Grad or Vet Student Houses, Hardwood floors, yards. $600-$800/month +bills.

Call 979-696-1444, visit www.stalworthonline.com Great 4bed/2bath house in popular area- 400 Pronghorn Loop. Comes w/ W/D, Ref, Ethernet in each room, large fenced bkyrd, pets OK w/ deposit, 2-car garage. Available in July or August. Call Joey at 979-218-4091.

Great duplex. 3bdrm/2ba, off Graham Appliances plus W/D, lawn care provided. Pets ok. $950/mo.

910 Crepe Myrtle. 979-575-7891.

House for rent.

3/2/2 available mid-August.

Pet friendly, fenced, W/D, lawn maintenance included. On bus line. $1299/mo. 3710-Chantal Circle. 979-776-8984.

House Rent Free. Farm chores, horse care.

Wellborn area.

979-690-6951.

Summer sublease available.

1-month free. Call 361-790-3477 for details.

Super 3/2 duplexes for May. All appliances and lawn care. $900-$975.

979-324-5835.

FOR SALE 2bdrm/2ba Fox Run. Very 254-717-2141. $122,000.

April House Saturday 3pm-6pm and Sunday April 12pm-3pm.

Nice.

Open 18th, 19th,

Montelongo’s Jewelry Store Credit worth $1,200. Fully transferable, never expires -$1,000.

Call 281-300-2003.

New dorm sofa. Denim pull out sleeper. $175.00. 361-960-9933.

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE! Furniture, housewares and more! 1804 Langford St. College Station. Friday 24th- Saturday 25th. Friday 2pm-8pm; Saturday 7am-3pm. 979-204-3076.

HELP WANTED A&M Recycling Services Student Workers wanted (TAMU/Blinn student). 24 hours/week. Must be able to work summers. Apply in person: 204 S. College Ave. 979-862-2069.

Aggieland Outfitters is seeking an organized, customer service-oriented individual to be a web assistant! Job requirements include: a basic knowledge of the Windows operating sustem, Photoshop, and the ability to communicate clearly and focus on the job at hand. The web assistant will be responsible for maintaining all web orders, helping to keep track of inventory, editing product images, and assisting the web manager with other tasks as necessary. Your services will be required for 20-25 hours per week, and will work Mon-Fri. Knowledge of Quick Books is a plus, but will train if necessary. If you are a motivated, goal-oriented individual, apply today by calling 979-775-5030 or e-mailing brett@kalcorp.com with your resume.

Male Roommate Summer Sublease. University Place. 1bed/1bath available. $325/mo +1/4 utilities.

210-415-1305.

AGS! Looking for summer work?

Earn $9000.00 this summer, build your resume, great experience, call Taylor, 214-707-9145.

Need summer sublease at The Trails, $350 all inclusive, W/D, 956-648-4061

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME SOFTBALL? Registration for C.S. softball leagues are forming now5/8/09, so get your coed, women’s or men’s team together. Individuals also welcome. Call 764-3486.

New/newer Richmond Ridge townhomes. Wolf Creek Condos.

1/1,1/1.5 lofts, 2/2,3/3. Larger open plans, granite, ceramics, W/D. $720-$1450 broker/owner 979-777-5477 www.jesinvestments.com

Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day.

No experience. 512-684-8296, photoguy@io.com

Newly remodeled 4/2 house. Walking distance to campus, tile &wood floors, great location, nice big deck &yard.

776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com

ATTENTION STUDENTS! Semester Work! $14 Base/ Appt. Flex sched, cust sales/ service. All ages 17+, conditions apply.

Call ASAP 691-4600. workforstudents.com

Newly Remodeled! 1/1 Apartment, faux wood floors, W/D conn, everything new. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

Book buyers needed. Run your own business providing service to students around campus.

Buy books at times and locations away from bookstores. Candidates need to have an outgoing personality, attention to detail, dependable transportation around town, and a flexible schedule. Temporary work period during finals. Must have a clear criminal history. Contact Paul Patti at 979-268-6002 or at ppatti@nebook.com to set up an interview.

Pre-leasing for May& August. 3/2 duplexes, Treehouse Trails, Cypress, Pecan Ridge. www.c4properties.net Cathy, 979-268-1074.

PRICE TO RENT. 3/2 duplex. Large fenced yard, pets ok. 713-542-3049 Rent Specials! 1br/ba & 2br/1ba.

OAC. www.bryan-cs-apartments.com 979-703-7051 Ridgewood Village efficiency with loft.

Uniquely designed floor plan. No pets. $385/mo., $250 deposit.

979-696-2998, 1211 -1213 Holik.

Ridgewood Village, large very quiet tree-shaded 1bdrm/1bth studio, no pets, $435/mo., $250 deposit, 1201-1209 Holik. 979-696-2998.

Summer sublease June-July.

1-room in 4/2 house. Off of Graham Rd. Call 214-232-2165.

Feed UR Face Friday

Large 2-topping + 5 HotWings + BreadStix or CinnStix

18

$

College Station

979-693-2825 2418 Texas Ave & SW Pkwy (by Kroger)

Briarcrest Country Club is now hiring the following positions: life guards, swim instructors, and summer counselors. Apply in person at 1929 Country Club Drive, e-mail: mgreen@briarcrestcc.org Fax: 979-776-5072.

Child Care- FT &PT shifts available between 10am &3pm needed ASAP. Some nights &Saturdays required. Apply in person at 3609 E29th St. Bryan.

Childcare workers needed. Full or part-time. Days, evenings, or weekends. Apply in person, Aggieland Learning Center, 206-Southwest Parkway East.

Christopher’s World Grille is now hiring waitstaff, service assistants, hosts and cooks. Please apply at 5001 Boonville Rd Bryan.

Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment.

COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational coaches for YOUTH VOLLEYBALL. Season begins May 11, 2009! Call 764-6386.

Full & Part-Time Summer Advertising Sales.

Seeking reliable, hard-working, enthusiastic students to sell advertising. Must be self-motivated, able to work without supervision. Sales Experience not necessary. Will Train. Automobile necessary. Internships may be Available!

Texas A&M University Campus Telephone Directory. Email resume to: GVPubs@aol.com Call 1-800-288-3044.

INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE! Advertising Sales Must Have Dependable Car. Will Train.

$400-$500 Weekly Commissions Texas A&M University Telephone Directory Email resume to:

GVPubs@aol.com 1-800-288-3044

Lenny’s Sub Shop Now hiring for F/T and P/T positions w/flexible schedules. Apply in person @3700 South Texas Ave. Suite 550, Bryan.

595-1100.

Like people? Have sales/customer service experience? We are looking for energetic Leasing Consultants who are outgoing! Send your information to kstahl@dtiproperties.net or fax to 979-694-2552.

Medical technician: Full time medication technician needed for growing allergy practice. We are looking for an intelligent, positive, friendly person to join our team. We teach skills that are an asset for anyone interested in a career in health care and can help a candidate get into medical school. We offer a pleasant office environment, competitive salary, health insurance, and other benefits. Please fax resume to 979-776-5624.

New apartment community seeking part-time porter/ maintainence tech. Apply in person at 418 College Main. Strong work ethic and postive attitude required.

979-268-4780 STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In College Station. 100% Free To Join. Click On Surveys.

SUMMER WORK! Paid college credit! Earn $4000/mo. Call Elevate sales manager @ 281-467-9578.

Tax/Staff Accountant for local CPA firm. This is a full-time position w/benefits.

Fax resume to 979-779-8422.

Durst, Milberger, Nesbitt & Ask, LLP. The Battalion Advertising Office is hiring an Advertising Sales Representative. Work to begin in August, be enrolled at A&M and have reliable transportation. Interested applicants should drop off resume at 032 Memorial Student Center, Advertising Office.

The Corner Bar &Grill now hiring. All positions available. Apply in person.

The Kids Klub afterschool program is seeking p/t employees for the Fall 2009 semester. People are needed M-F, 2:45pm-6:15pm.

ROP: $8.00-$8.75/hr.

Please call 979-764-3831 or www.cstx.gov/kidsklub Tutors wanted for all subjects currently taught at TAMU/ Blinn and Sam Houston State starting at $7/hour.

Apply on-line @ www.99Tutors.com, 979-255-3655.

Upscale apartment community seeking leasing consultant, no experience necessary, positive attitude with exceptional people skills required.

Fax resume to 888-822-8688

MUSIC Party Block Mobile DJ- Peter Block, professional 22yrs experience. Specializing in Weddings, TAMU functions, lights/smoke. Mobile to anywhere. Book early!! 693-6294. http://www.partyblockdj.com

PETS Pocket Puppies: Maltese, Shorkies, Maltipoos, Yorkies. $500 &up 979-324-2866, linda_d_54@yahoo.com Adopt Pets: Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens, Many purebreds. Brazos Animal Shelter, 979-775-5755, www.brazosanimalshelter.org AKC German Shepherd puppies, 9-weeks, 1-male, 1-female. $500.00 o.b.o. 979-777-4601. da62slow@yahoo.com Rivers Edge Dog Academy. Announcing our next class starting soon, spaces limited call for details.

979-595-959. cadle6@verizon.net

REAL ESTATE BUYING A CONDO- Condo buyers guide.

Call for your copy 1-800-359-0327 enter 1123.

For Sale, new 3 and 4 bedroom homes. Close to campus. Call J.C. 254-721-6179. Realtor.

Fox Run, 2/2. Gated community, great amenities, must see! $122K. 936-291-7552. Online at texasrealestatecompany.com

ROOMMATES 1-Female roommate needed.

3bd/2ba for $250/mo. 903-399-2856.

2 Roommates needed. Available beginning of April& August ‘09.

Beautiful spacious house in Southern Trace. 4/4 w/Backyard. Pets ok, W/D. $400/mo. +split bills. Amber, 832-860-0347 2-female roommates needed for 2009-2010 school year.

3bd/2ba townhouse. $425/mo. +utilities.

979-574-4582.

2-female roommates wanted!

4b/4b condo. Pool side view, fully furnished, $400/month plus 1/4-utilities, on bus route. Available summer ‘09-’10. 832-788-7967.

2-rooms available. $400/room on Langford Street. Wireless internet.

Call 936-662-7604. $315/mo. 1 room available, large 3,200 sq.ft. house, 1-mi./campus.

New carpet, tile, wood floors; pool table; shady, fenced backyard, off street parking; dogs okay.

Available August 1st.

281-435-3431.

Available now. Sublease 1-room in 4b/2b, on bus route, furnished, W/D, cable/Internet included. $395/month plus 1/4-utilites. Female. 713-447-7669.

Classifieds continued on page 8

STUDIES IN PROGRESS RECENT SPRAIN OR STRAIN? Volunteers from ages 18 to 70 are needed to participate in research study with an investigational medicated cream for new sprain or strain, without a fracture, injuries within 72 hours. Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study supervision by a board certified doctor • Study related tests and exams • Compensation for time and effort For more information please contact:

J&S Studies, Inc. 979-774-5933 1710 Crescent Pointe Parkway, College Station, TX 77845

Pg. 6-04-24-09.indd 1

4/23/09 1:17:02 PM

‫أصوات‬ voices

GUESTCOLUMNS

thebattalion 4.24.2009

Aswat

page7

Aggie voices around the world Mark Gold and Hussein Jichi

Although cultures differ, traditions stay the same.

H

owdy and Asalom Alaikum, This has truly been an incredible year! It has been one of the greatest honors and blessings of our lives to have been charged with serving and representing the students of Texas A&M University. There is no better picture of our unique spirit than the Aggie Family standing and supporting one another, even from halfway around the world.

Texas A&M College Station and Texas A&M Qatar have formed an incredible bond over the past few years, in spite of the obvious differences. Separated by thousands of miles, millions of gallons of water, numerous time zones and a few thousand students, there are a myriad of challenges that come with trying to build and strengthen the relationship between these two great Universities. In order to help address these challenges, a leadership exchange program was created to allow students from both places the chance to experience their sister University halfway across the globe. Over spring break, 16 students from each institution took part in this life-changing adventure.

Upon arriving in Qatar, the College Station students were greeted with a traditional “Howdy!” Over the next few days, we experienced the Qatar campus, various cultural museums and tours, dining options from all over the world, camel rides in the desert and the most gracious, friendly student body apart from College Station’s. Although everything around us was new and different, the care we were shown was definitely that of the Aggie Family. As we spent more time with the Qatar students, we learned that the traditions of the 12th Man, Run for the Ring, Gig ’Em, Silver Taps, Reveille, Muster and many others were practiced in the Middle East. In fact, as we observed the men’s basketball team compete against the faculty members in a friendly scrimmage, we actually performed an Aggie yell in Arabic.

Their love for A&M was inspiring, and although the culture was different, the Aggie Spirit was just as strong in Qatar.

On the return trip, the 16 Qatar students flew back with us. They stayed in Houston for a few days and immediately rushed to the Galleria for their first dose of American shopping. After two days, they came to College Station and were greeted with performances from Fade to Black, the Aggie Wranglers, Apotheosis, Hard-Chord Dynamix and many other talented student groups.

The next few days were spent touring campus, visiting the engineering buildings (because Qatar is only an engineering school), meeting various members of the Texas A&M community and, of course, more shopping. They took one trip to Austin to visit the capitol before returning to College Station for the last night of their stay. On that night, the group, along with the College Station students, visited Sul Ross, the Century Tree and a number of on-campus fountains before ending the night with s’mores grilled at Spence Park.

Although this is only a glimpse of the full experience we each had, there is no doubt that the bond between our beloved Universities will continue to grow. Texas A&M is making a global impact every day, and there is nothing more powerful than serving alongside a group of Aggies thousands of miles away. We each have faced a number of trials this year, but it is with eagerness and excitement that we continue to serve together so that one day, everyone may know what being an Aggie truly means.

Thanks, Sucran, and Gig ’Em. Mark Gold is a senior biomedical science major and student body president at Texas A&M. Hussein Jichi is a senior petroleum engineering major and student body government president at Texas A&M Qatar.

Pg. 7-04.24.09.indd 1

Photos by Doug Klembara — THE BATTALION

Student Body President Mark Gold and Abdullah Abdalla laugh together inside of the Texas A&M campus in Qatar, after Abdalla finished giving the campus tour during the Student Leadership Exchange Spring Break.

Texas A&M students Stephanie Burns and Audrey Koehler and Texas A&M Qatar student Mais Taha stare at a photograph they just took together after meeting at the student welcome feast.

Abdulrahman Al-Kuwari poses in the national Qatari thobe. Kuwari is a junior petroleum engineer at Qatar.

Education pioneers Mark Weichold

TAMUQ brings first rate education and more to Middle East.

T

exas A&M, founded in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, had as its mission to serve the people of Texas by providing education, research and service as the state’s land-grant University. That year, Texas AMC and its six faculty members enrolled 40 agriculture and engineering students, who became the first ever class of Texas Aggies.

That legacy lives on today. Although the University has grown significantly and seen many changes since its first year, Texas A&M maintains high standards for excellence in classrooms, research labs and the lives of the Texans it serves.

Texas A&M is now one of the largest research universities in the nation. It is one of the few institutions to have the triple designation of being a land-, sea- and space-grant university, and Aggieland is known far and wide as one of the friendliest, most spirited places anywhere.

Indeed, as a proud Aggie, Class of 1978, I can attest that Texas A&M is unique in many ways.

But there is something else that sets Texas A&M apart — another Aggie feat we can be proud of.

Texas A&M is one of a handful of elite American

universities invited to establish a campus in the tiny, energy-rich emirate of Qatar.

In 2003, Texas A&M partnered with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development to offer engineering programs in Education City, a 2,600-acre campus on the outskirts of the nation’s capital of Doha. In the fall of that year, the campus opened — with 29 students and a half dozen faculty — to begin offering undergraduate degree programs in chemical, electrical, mechanical and petroleum engineering.

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Texas A&M at Qatar, just like the main campus in Texas, has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence. This semester concludes our sixth year in Qatar, and we have more than 350 students from 32 nations. We have more than 200 faculty and staff and next month, we will present 18 Aggie rings and award the 100th Texas A&M diploma in Qatar. The Aggies in Doha meet the same admission standards as if they were applying to College Station and they take the same engineering curricula as their counterparts in the Dwight Look College of Engineering. The Doha Aggies even have to take Political Science 207! Texas A&M at Qatar has carved out a slice of Aggieland more than 8,000 miles from College Station. There is no doubt that Aggie spirit thrives here.

Our presence in Qatar is strengthened by our partnerships with other universities in Education City, which now houses branch campuses for Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Georgetown, Northwestern and Virginia Commonwealth universities in addition to Texas A&M. These schools and the programs they offer are defining a new standard for education in this region.

The University’s role in Qatar goes beyond education. Texas A&M at Qatar is also “develop-

ing leaders of character dedicated to serving the greater good.” The international relationships being forged here are as important as any classroom learning, and our faculty and staff are committed to sharing not only knowledge, but also understanding.

Our mission is also to conduct research that has a positive impact on Qatar and the region, and we strive to serve the Gulf through outreach to government, industry and the community. Our faculty has received more than $20 million in research funding and they have collaborations with leading institutions from around the world. In addition, TAMUQ is a vital part of the technical community in Qatar with partners that include ExxonMobil, Shell, British Petroleum, Qatar Petroleum, QatarGas, Qatar Telecommunications and others. Their activities complement those of Qatar Foundation and our Education City partners. Educators who come here strive not only to enhance education, but also to advance the pursuit of knowledge and to develop a community based on that commodity.

Texas A&M is carrying out the University’s three-part mission in Qatar — fervently and enthusiastically educating young people, conducting cutting-edge research and fostering outreach to people who benefit from these endeavors.

Through that work, Texas A&M at Qatar is contributing to the University’s mission in Texas: expanding knowledge while cultivating the kinds of international relationships and understanding that transcend culture, religion and creed. In short, Texas A&M at Qatar — its faculty, staff and students — are engineering a world of difference.

In my view, that pursuit is unique and worth writing home about. And so I do.

Mark H. Weichold is dean and CEO of Texas A&M Qatar.

Stone pyramids stand erected outside of the Texas A&M campus in Qatar. Since 2003 Texas A&M Qatar offers chemical, mechanical, electrical and petroleum bachelor of science engineering degrees.

A telling question

Elsa A. Murano

A student’s favorite course reveals much more.

S

everal students from Texas A&M University at Qatar visited our campus recently, and I asked one of them what his favorite courses were. This budding chemical engineer gave an answer I was not expecting: Political Science 206 and 207, American National Government, and State and Local Government. All students at Texas A&M at Qatar are required to take these courses, just as they are in College Station.

He then said something that has stuck with me: these were his favorite courses not only because he enjoyed learning about a culture so different from his

own, but that learning about our national and state constitutions made him feel a special kinship with his fellow Aggies half-way around the world in Texas.

It gave him something in common with students whose backgrounds were nothing like his own.

In my opinion, this exchange said a lot about the value of our Qatar campus and the importance of instilling a global perspective in each of our students. The idea is what social anthropologists call “glocalization” — helping people preserve their own traditions and heritage, but also expanding their way of thinking so they can understand people from other cultures and feel at ease at places far from home. This skill is especially critical for our students, who will compete for jobs not just with the best and brightest from Texas or even the entire U.S., but from around the world.

Many of these best and brightest are Aggies at Texas A&M at Qatar. During my visit last year to the campus in Doha, I was greatly impressed by the students I met. They are smart, hard-working and — like all Aggies — eager to make their mark in the world. After just six years, Texas A&M at Qatar has become known throughout the Middle

East as the university for aspiring engineers. Texas A&M at Qatar has given Texas A&M’s renowned engineering program a very visible and important presence in a part of the world where we were previously not well known.

The curriculum is identical to the engineering curriculum in College Station, and courses are taught in English in a high-tech, coeducational setting. Students earn a Texas A&M diploma and Aggie ring and take full advantage of the opportunities this provides. In fact, those graduating next month will hear me give their commencement address.

Former students participate in Qatar A&M Club activities and traditions such as Muster, as well.

Our Aggies in Qatar have helped us in Texas learn more about Middle Eastern culture and how to succeed there, just as they have learned more about Texas and American culture during their visits to College Station. Building these bridges that facilitate “glocalization” for people in two very different cultures has made the future brighter for all who wear the Aggie ring.

Elsa A. Murano is president of Texas A&M.

4/23/09 9:33:54 PM

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Big News: We’ve Expanded Coverage in College Station Verizon Wireless has now expanded coverage in Bryan/College Station and across the Texas A&M campus. We’ve improved our coverage along University Drive and Highway 30, and look for expanded coverage across campus, including residence halls and the Corps Dorms, the Zachary Engineering building, Evans Library, the MSC and more.

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to permit entrance into the residence halls.

Smart-room technology will allow the students to be directly involved in the conservation process. They have control over the temperature, lighting and even music, which will turn off and on whenever the students leave or reenter the room.

“Their energy use would be connected to their behavior,” Silva said. “We hope with all these things in place we would be showing the students how their behavior affects the environment.”

The designs have been completed and construction is set to begin soon. The administration said they hope to have the buildings ready to house students by fall 2011.

While Education City’s residence halls accommodated 320 students, the project will add

dougklembara.wordpress.com Doug Klembara shares his experiences at Qatar through photography.

living quarters for 1,200 more students — nearly half the student population.

Education City Student Housing and Residential Life received the Qatar Today Environmental Leadership Award in 2008.

“Qatar Foundation’s commitment to have all of the residence halls certified at this highest level indicates [their] desire to have immediate positive impact on the environment while providing experiential living that will produce long term education about ‘green’ living to students of Education City,” said A&MQatar Student Affairs Program Coordinator and Interim Associate Director Jeffrey Sulik.

Aggie Spirit

thebatt.com

Continued from page 2

are taught in English and coeducational classrooms.

“While our educational model is an American one, we are a blend of Western and Arabic customs. Students learn about each culture, and are very respectful of the other culture,” said Robert Hensley, A&M-Qatar director of admissions and registrar.

The Foundation invited A&M to Education City because of its reputable engineering programs. Education City is comprised of six universities: Weill Cornell Medical College, Texas A&M University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and Northwestern University. Each of the universities provides departments for some of their most renowned programs.

The A&M engineering building, one of the largest and most advanced facilities for engineering education in the world, was opened in 2007. It has three lecture halls, 10 classrooms, 30 teaching laboratories and 32 research laboratories. Students attending A&M-Qatar hail from 32 countries. Qataris comprise half of the student body and students from Egypt, India, Lebanon and Iraq represent approximately 19 percent of the student body. Almost all of these students speak two or three languages, one of which is English,

Watch the Qatar photo slideshow and video online.

said Brady Creel, A&M-Qatar communications manager.

“One would think that there would be tension between those students from Western cultures and Arabic cultures, but the reality is one of a high degree of tolerance and interaction,” Hensley said. “The climate on our campus is one of cultural understanding coupled with a desire to learn about another culture for which one is not familiar.”

During spring break, a group of students from College Station participated in the Student Leadership Exchange program, in which they traveled to Qatar to interact with fellow Aggies and experience their culture.

Most of these students were engineers, but some were students from other majors, including sophomore general studies major Doug Klembara.

“It’s a leadership exchange in the sense that we come back over here and share with people how amazing the Qatar Aggies are. Through my experiences, I found they were all incredibly friendly and amazing, and I’m trying portray that,” Klembara said. “That’s what the exchange is all about. It’s a mix of ideas where we can both come together and talk about different experiences and the way we live.”

“When one falls, another brings him home.”

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