The Battalion: June 04, 2009,

thebattalionasks

Q:

What does D-Day mean to you?

On June 6, 1944, 156,000 Allied troops landed on five beaches on the northern coast of German-occupied France. When the troops landed, they faced machine guns, concrete fortifications and a high seawall.

Many were killed in the amphibious landing before they had reached the shore. The Allies suffered over 10,000 casualties in the invasion, but captured strategic coastline and gained a foothold in France. D-Day was, according to historian Charles Cawthon, “the decisive turning point in America’s long, hesitant march to the peak of power.”

thebattalion ● thursday,

june 4, 2009

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2009 student media

First Friday features art, music ■ Downtown Bryan event’s carriage rides to end for summer

Compiled by Julie Rambin from britannica. com/dday and army.mil/dday

Jennifer Johnson freshman chemical engineering

Alex Worsham Special to The Battalion First Friday has done a lot to improve the area of downtown Bryan, said the Downtown Bryan Environmental Development Association executive director.

“It’s got something for all ages and tastes,” said Downtown Bryan Environmental Development Association executive director Cindy Peaslee.

“It’s brought in thousands of people. It’s great in terms of economic development and bringing new faces in town.”

First Friday in downtown Bryan is a monthly tradition going on its fourth year. It begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m., the First Friday of every month.

“How we came together.”

Robert West senior psychology

See Friday on page 4

“A great assembly of great people from all across the world to fight an evil dictator.”

Travis Heilman senior construction science

Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION

Network assists in job hunt

Student Body President Eric Beckham leads a busy summer life, preparing for the fall.

“It was a real big military defeat.

Deception went into it — sending out all those fake tanks.”

■ Career Center helps grads battle tight market

Lead it like

Beckham

Michael Finkelshteyn junior ocean engineering

By Vicky Flores | The Battalion

S

“Invasion of the Allies, France and England and the U.S. to take back Europe from the Nazis. Getting together for a common goal to fight evil.”

Student leader profile series Jason Engle

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.

junior industrial engineering

tudent Body President Eric Beckham is always on the go. Although it’s summertime, he’s swimming in preparations for the fall.

Beckham will be in two places this summer: he is taking two classes at A&M and has a job in Houston.

Meet the president Find out what Eric loves most about being an Aggie.

Young at heart As a child, Eric’s dream was to go pro in sports.

Hear from him Read Eric’s guest column to students. student leaders | 5

See Beckham on page 5

Macie Rushing Special to The Battalion The University Career Center offers tools to battle the tight job market in today’s economy.

The Aggie network is helping Aggies find jobs despite the troubling economy, said director of campus programs at the University Career Center Samantha Wilson.

“Aggies are fortunate to be a part of one of the largest networking groups in the country through the Association of Former Students,” Wilson said.

Current students, recent graduates and former students can access the Aggie network through the online directory of the Association, local A&M Clubs, Reveille Clubs and www.aggienetwork.com.

However, recent aerospace engineering graduate Amanda Collins said the Aggie network could be a bit more helpful in finding jobs for graduates.

“I think the problem is that most people don’t know how See Network on page 4

“The day that America put its foot down as the greatest world power.

This is where America set itself apart … we turned it around on everyone else and said that we’re not just gonna be the chumps.”

Jenny Hebert senior education

“My grandfathers were both involved in World War II so it’s important to a lot of people and definitely for our country today. It started the win over Hitler’s reign, which was huge.”

Julie Rambin and Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Pg. 1-06.04.09.indd 1

National parks plan 3 free summer weekends

W

ASHINGTON — The National Park Service is looking to stimulate vacations at national parks.

“During these tough economic times, our national parks provide opportunities for affordable vacations for families,” Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said at a news conference at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. “I encourage everyone to visit one of our nation’s crown jewels this summer and especially to take advantage of the three free-admission weekends.”

The waiver applies only to entrance fees and does not affect charges for camping, reservations, tours or concessions, Salazar said.

Entrance fees at 147 national parks and monuments — including the Grand Canyon and Yosemite — will be waived on three weekends this summer. The weekends are June 20-21, July 18-19 and Aug. 15-16.

The free weekends will mean a loss of an estimated halfmillion dollars a day from entrance fees that range from $3 to $25.

BY THE NUMBERS 147 parks and monuments charge entrance fees 244 parks are already free 275 million visits to national parks last year $10.6 billion for local economies

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

213,000 jobs are supported by national parks

Online | Park Service free weekend offer: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

6/3/09 10:49 PM

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Worship

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This business is liquidating a very nice collection of top quality saddles & tack. Due to the nature of this event there will be a 10% buyers premium. Everybody is welcome.

For complete details got to: www.montanasaddleco.com

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thebattalion 6.4.2009

Jolie dethrones Winfrey

how to apply If you are interested in writing or contributing content to The Battalion apply online at thebatt. com, or come by The Grove, 845-3313.

In Forbes’ annual tally of the world’s most powerful celebrities, blockbuster magnet Angelina Jolie comes out on top, thanks in part to her famous boyfriend, Brad Pitt, and the media attention they consistently garner.

1. actress Angelina Jolie $27 million

The Battalion welcomes any Texas A&M student interested in writing for the arts, campus, metro or sports staffs to try out. We particularly encourage freshmen and sophomores to apply, but students may try out regardless of semester standing or major. No previous journalism experience is necessary.

2. media mogul Oprah Winfrey $275 million 3. pop icon Madonna $110 million 4. singer Beyonce Knowles owles $87 million 5. golfer Tiger Woods s $110 million.

Special mention: 49. Barack Obama, first president to ever make the list $2.5 million

Forbes.com ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Government accidentally posts ‘confidential’ nuclear site list WASHINGTON — The government’s inadvertent and red-faced Internet posting of a 266-page list of U.S. nuclear sites provided a onestep guide for anyone wanting details about such sensitive information.

Obama administration officials said Wednesday the document contained no classified material about nuclear weapons. They contended the locations and other details already were available from public sources.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu said “a snafu” led to the online posting. “A little embarrassing,” he acknowledged.

The document, stamped “highly confidential safeguards sensitive,” made it onto the Government Printing Office’s Web site — and why that happened was not immediately clear. A newsletter that focuses on government secrecy quickly picked up on it. The printing office removed the document when informed “about the potential sensitive nature” of the list, the agency said.

By then it was too late.

The information, compiled for international nuclear inspectors, is a compilation of hundreds of civilian nuclear sites, along with maps and details of the facilities. The material includes sites for uranium storage, nuclear fuel fabrication plants and nuclear research facilities.

“It’s an easy locator for civilian sites,” Thomas D’Agostino, head of the National Nuclear Security Administration, told Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., when questions about the disclosure came up at a Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing.

“We don’t want to make this easier for people to get this kind of information. Unfortunately something like this makes it easier,” D’Agostino said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, DCalif., said the release exposed lax safeguards. She asked congressional investigators to review the incident.

Chu said he was stepping up security at one of the sites, a storage facility for highly enriched uranium at the Y-12 Oak Ridge complex in Tennessee. “That’s of great concern,” he told a House Appropriations subcommittee when asked about the disclosure.

Steven Aftergood, director of the Federation of American Scientists’ government secrecy project, which distributed the document, said he was perplexed about all the attention surrounding the disclosure.

“Some people are painting this as a road map for terrorists, which it is not,” Aftergood said. “It is simply a listing of the numerous nuclear research sites and the programs that are under way. So it poses no security threat whatsoever.”

Associated Press

List leaks locations The Y-12 Oak Ridge complex in Tennessee houses highly-enriched uranium, a main fuel for nuclear arms. Other facilities listed by the document are the Hanford nuclear site in Washington state and various civilian nuclear fuel processing sites, including one that produces nuclear fuel for the Navy.

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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 979-845-0569. 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 $100 per school year.

6/3/09 10:46 PM

scene

Add/ drop week ends June 4 Today is the last day to add or drop classes for Summer Session I and 10-week Semester

thebattalion

6.4.2009 page3

SURVIVOR: SOUTH TEXAS SUMMER Faculty gives summer safety advice for A&M students

Gail Hernandez — THE BATTALION

Megan Ryan The Battalion he start of summer school, summer jobs and summer activities came just about as quickly as the heat this year. The short break between class sessions has evaporated and the time to get back into routine is here. With so much heat and schedules, students may want to take extra precautions to avoid the dangers of summer.

Christina Escamilla, an academic advisor in the health and kinesiology department, recommends taking classes over the summer to stay out of the heat.

“Students need to limit the time they are in the sun and stay out of the sun during peak hours,” she said.

“If they are outdoors, it is important to stay hydrated. Wear cool clothing, sunscreen and a hat that protects your face and neck.”

Lauren Dorsett is a health educator with the Health Education department of Student Health Services, and she has specific advice about water to make sure students stay safe and healthy during the hottest months of the year.

“The most well known rule is the ‘8x8,’” she said. “Eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. This should be increased if you are outside in the heat for prolonged periods of time, and if you are active. The easiest indicator to gauge hydration levels is

T

urine color. If your urine is near colorless or pale lemonade yellow, your fluid intake is probably adequate. If it is any darker, that can be a sign of dehydration.”

Try also to avoid certain fluids other than water as much as possible to stay better hydrated.

“Skip alcohol and caffeine,” she said. “They can have a diuretic effect and contribute to more fluid loss.

Every ounce of fluid is precious in the Texas heat, so you want to hold onto it.”

Dorsett also has some detailed information about sunscreen to help students who typically aimlessly apply without knowing the facts.

“The general rule of thumb for daily use is to apply 1ounce, a palmful, of SPF 30 or higher sunscreen from head to toe,” she said. “Don’t forget your ears, nose, lips and neck.”

Dorsett said that types and time are important things to note, especially during the summer.

“You want to apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to any sun exposure so that it has time to absorb into the skin,” she said. “Look for products with an effective broad-spectrum sun-blocking ingredient, such as Parsol 1789. Products labeled ‘waterproof’ may provide protection for at least 80 minutes even when swimming or sweating. ‘Water resistant’ products may provide protection for only 40 minutes. You may think wearing a t-shirt when swimming

provides protection, but a wet t-shirt actually only has an SPF 4.”

Students who wish to remain active during the summer have a variety of safe options at the Student Recreation Center. The Rec offers a cool indoor facility with plenty of options for exercise including an indoor track, various machines, a weight room, rock wall and a wide range of classes. Deaun Woosley, fitness director at the Student Recreation Center, has plenty of advice to stay cool and fit.

“When exercising vigorously, such as running outdoors, it is best to do it in the early morning or in the evening after the sun goes down,” she said. “Drink plenty of water, not energy drinks due to all the caffeine, which dehydrates you.”

Woosley even has some fashion tips to avoid overheating.

“Light colored t-shirts are better than dark colors and the new dry fit fabrics really feel better than all cotton t-shirts,” she said.

It is easy to get dehydrated in the summer and the symptoms are uncomfortable and dangerous, according to Woosley.

“Chills and dizziness are sure signs you are dehydrated and you need to stop and get out of the sun,” she said.

“Drink water immediately.”

Rhonda Rahn, health education coordinator, has similar tips.

“I would suggest drinking lots of water,” she said. “If you are doing

any exercise less than 60 minutes, it is very important to drink water. If your exercise routine is longer than 60 minutes, drink Gatorade or Powerade to help with hydration.”

Rahn said the heat is probably the biggest safety issue during the summer and it will be increasingly dangerous in late July and August.

“SouthTexas gets really hot and lots of people underestimate the heat and don’t prepare enough for it,” she said.

The Rec center offers group exercise classes during the summer to encourage students to stay in shape.

“There are group exercise classes for everyone including indoor cycling, water exercise, step, weights, yoga, pilates and kickboxing,” Woosley said. “The group exercise classes offer such a wide range of fitness opportunities. Meeting the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) standards and guidelines for exercise, the fitness classes at the Rec are led by nationally certified instructors that lead fun, goal-oriented fitness classes that are effective and safe.”

Students can save money by attending free classes. All group exercise classes are free June 1-7 and all Specialty Instructional classes are “try before you buy” June 8-14.

The common advice for staying healthy, safe and active during the summer is to avoid the heat and drink lots of water. So turn up the AC and start hydrating.

Signs of heat exhaustion - Chills - Headache - Nausea - Dizziness - Muscle cramps and spasms Heat exhaustion is not lifethreatening. If you’re feeling any of these symptoms, get out of the heat, and cool down. Put your feet up, drink cool fluids, and apply cool compresses to back of neck or chest to help bring the body temperature down.

Signs of heat stroke - Feeling confused or appearing delirious - Fast pulse - Dry, red skin - Rising body temperature Heat stroke is life-threatening.

Seek emergency care, get the person to a cool place, apply cool compresses to the neck and chest, and have them slowly drinking cold fluids until medical help arrives.

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1-3/bedroom apartments. Some with w/d, some near campus. $175-$600/mo. 979-696-2038.

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2bd/2ba 4-plex. Spacious floorplan, W/D connections, close to campus. $520/mo. www.aggielandleasing.com, 979-776-6079.

3/1.5 house with fenced yard, close to campus, 3402 Cavitt, 979-219-6108 3/2 Townhouses &Apartments, 1250sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, washer/dryer, walk-in pantry &closets, extra storage, great amenities, on bus route, excellent specials. 979-694-0320, office@luxormanagement.com 3/3 Duplex for lease CS. For August, internet ready, all appliances including W/D, microwave.

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3bdrm/3bth duplexes. Great floorplans, fenced yards, W/D, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems.

776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 4/2/2 House, close to campus, newly remodeled, available July of August. $1650/mo aggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984 4/3 house with study, fenced yard, $1500/mo, close to campus, 1401 Lawyer, 979-219-6108 4bdrm/2bth house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com All bills paid, 4-bdrm condo on Southwest Parkway. Has 2 rooms for rent, $400/each with private baths, shared common area, 210-771-4535.

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 $1900/mo. 979-255-5461. www.picketfenceproperties.net Bryan huge 4-2 clean and quiet, historic area, large trees, w/d connections, fenced yard, students welcome.

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House for rent, 2/1 on small cattle ranch, 10-15 minutes from campus, partially furnished, W/D, fridge and stove. $500/mo. 979-690-6192.

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

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Twist the horse leads riders on an interactive and historical tour of Downtown Bryan as part of First Friday.

1931 Ford Model-A sedan. 2-door 4-person. Offer starting at $10,000.

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HELP WANTED A local businessman seeks aggressive self-starting male students for late afternoons and Saturdays. Flexible hours, no selling, top pay. Call 979-696-0203, 8-10am only.

A student worker is needed to assist in a variety of research activities in USDA Cotton Genomics Laboratory on campus. Training and/or experience in molecular genetics, biochemistry, and/or bioinformatics is preferred. Applicants should email resume, transcript, and references to john.yu@ars.usda.gov and call 260-9237 for information.

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

No experience. 512-684-8296, photoguy@io.com Baptist church needs nursery workers for Sunday mornings and evenings and Wednesday evenings. Please call Mary at 776-5000 or e-mail mary@christsway.org Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment.

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J.D. Swiger — THE BATTALION

“Bryan/College Station as a whole tends to be pretty noncultural so these events give a sense of artsy culture.”

— Alexi Person Hidden Oasis Ranch owner and carriage driver

Healthcare technology firm MEMdata now hiring. Local, just minutes from campus.

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Friday Continued from page 1

First Friday activities include live music, artist demonstrations and happy hours. Some shops that usually close earlier stay open for First Fridays.

Also, carriage rides organized through Hidden Oasis Ranch depart from the courtyard of the LaSalle Hotel located at 120 S. Main Street in Downtown Bryan.

The carriage rides include a historical fixed-route tour of downtown Bryan.

“First Friday started in July 2005 and the carriage rides started within the first six months,” Watkins said.

Locations visited in the tour include the LaSalle Hotel, the Carnegie Library, the former Hotel Charles, the Astin Building, the Varisco Building (the old J.C. Penny’s), the former Woolworth Building and the former First State Bank building.

“It’s a very interactive tour that we give,” said Hidden Oasis Ranch owner and carriage driver Alexi Person. “When we do the rides we point out all the historic buildings and give facts. For example, the first night depository is in the bank.”

Twist, the horse that pulls the carriage, is very friendly, said Person.

Network Continued from page 1

to use the Aggie network because there is no building you go to and say ‘I would like to use the Aggie network,’” Collins said.

“The network is all about the Aggies you know.”

Offering a way for all former Aggies to meet would be helpful, Collins said.

“I think if there were possibly more functions to help Old Ags meet New Ags, then the network would be a lot stronger,” Collins said.

Upon receiving security clearance, Collins will move to Washington D.C. to start a job with the U.S. government.

Although the University Career Center did not assist her in finding the position in Washington, the University Career Center and Aggie network was valuable in her job hunt, Collins said.

“I also learned about many companies I hadn’t heard of … so they really do give you more opportunities than you might have thought you had,” Collins said.

Aggies should not be worried because of the economy, said executive director of the University Career Center Leigh Turner.

“Many companies have shared with me that, in response to the current economy, they intend to increase their hiring efforts at strategic schools, such as Texas A&M,” Turner said.

Employers place a high value on a Texas

“He is the largest horse in Brazos County. He is a Percheron draft horse and he weighs 2,000 pounds,” Person said. “He’s like a big giant puppy dog. He loves everybody.”

However, after Friday, Twist will take an extended leave of absence. “[Twist] is a Percheron. He gets too warm in the summer,” said First Friday founder and Frame Gallery owner Greta Watkins.

The Percheron horse is similar to the Clydesdale; taking a summer break is normal, Watkins said.

“Twist takes off every summer, and he will resume in the fall,” Watkins said.

Hidden Oasis Ranch also provides carriage services for special events, such as weddings. Twist will continue to participate in these activities during the summer. “[Special events are] usually just an hour long so it’s not too hard,” Person said.

First Friday is an event that is essential to Brazos County, Person said.

“Bryan/College Station as a whole tends to be pretty noncultural so these events give a sense of artsy culture,” Person said.

Now is the best time to come to First Friday, Person said.

“There’s a lot more live music and artwork on display. It’s like First Friday on steroids,” Person said.

A&M education, Wilson said. “[Employers] regularly compliment us on the quality, integrity and work ethic of Aggies,” Wilson said.

Maintaining a pipeline for talent also remains a priority for many employers.

“Many companies and organizations learned from the last economic downturn in 2000 to 2002 that ceasing to hire new talent makes it difficult to stay on top of emerging trends and technologies,” Wilson said.

The national unemployment rate reached 8.9 percent in April 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Texas state unemployment rate was 6.7 percent, climbing 2.1 percent from April 2008.

Although Texas is faring well economically compared to other states, the Career Center did see a decline in interviews for the spring semester, Turner said.

“The current downturn in the economy began relatively late in the fall semester as most recruiting companies and students reported ‘business as usual’ until late November,” Turner said.

Fall interviews remained consistent with fall 2007, at a total of 10,945 interviews, according to Turner.

For the spring semester, interviews decreased by 20 percent, for a total of 6,026 interviews, Turner said, but the Career Center continued to experience demand by new companies that had not previously recruited through its office.

Several employers told the Career Cen-

ter that the business outlook for their companies is improving. However, based on national economic data, Turner said it is likely the economy will not significantly improve until 2010, or until the nation experiences at least two solid quarters of economic growth.

The Career Center has seen fewer jobs being offered in investment banking, business consulting and for computer software and hardware companies, Turner said.

However, there are still job possibilities within each of these industries.

Engineering consulting firms and some computer hardware and software companies have continued to recruit out of the Career Center as well, Turner said.

Despite the economic downturn, several industries are faring relatively well including utilities and many other energy firms, environmentally-related organizations, staffing agencies, insurance companies, accounting firms, the federal government and firms that contract for the federal government, Turner said.

Current students and recent graduates should make use of all resources available, including the Aggie Network, Wilson said.

“Aggies should follow up regularly with all of their networking contacts as well as any specific recruiting contacts they have made,” Wilson said. “It is important to maintain a presence among those who can help you in this process.”

Call 845-0569

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

Suspect dies in DPS car TUCSON, Ariz. — A woman who had been placed in the back of a police cruiser was fatally burned Wednesday when another car slammed into the parked cruiser, igniting both vehicles and another cruiser in front, authorities said.

It was the latest death in the past decade attributed to a fuel tank rupture in a Ford Motor Co.-made Crown Victoria during a rear-end collision.

Lt. James Warriner, an Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesman, said investigators are looking into why the gas tank exploded this time since both Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors at the scene were equipped with fire suppression systems that deployed.

An officer stopped the 45-year-old motorist at about 1:15 a.m., arrested her and put her in the back of a cruiser along Interstate 10 northwest of Tucson, Warriner said.

Another westbound car traveling at least 65 mph then drifted into the emergency lane and plowed into the back of that vehicle, Warriner said.

He said the cruiser ignited instantly, and the officers were

Pg. 4-06-04-09.indd 1

unable to rescue the woman inside because of the intensity and heat of the fire.

The impact pushed the first cruiser’s trunk into its back seat, and rammed the car into the patrol cruiser in front, severely damaging its rear end as well.

The second cruiser continued the chain reaction, striking the woman’s parked vehicle.

The officers were able to remove the driver of the moving car, which vaulted over a guard rail and sustained fire and crash damage, Warriner said.

He said the 28-year-old driver was taken to a hospital with undetermined injuries.

There have been no charges, with the investigation continuing, Warriner said.

Over the past decade, Crown Victorias have been the subject of significant controversy over numerous rear-end collisions that ruptured fuel tanks and caused horrific fires, killing or disfiguring a number of police officers and others. Since 2005, Ford has installed a powderemitting device designed to suppress fire in its Crown Victorias.

Associated Press

6/3/09 10:51 PM

studentleaders

page 5

thebattalion

What do you love most about being an Aggie? I love that being an Aggie can mean so many different things. I love that just that word evokes so many feelings, associations and such an overwhelming sense of pride. Everything that is represented on our Aggie rings, everything that this institution has come to represent, can all be expressed with the name Aggie.

1

thursday, 6.4.2009

If you had three hours of free time, what would you do with it? I would spend free time with friends and family catching up, and getting away for a little while and relaxing. I would love to spend it together at the lake, or on the water somewhere would be nice.

2

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to grow up and be a Major League Baseball player. I always thought that my long summers and years of baseball would pay off and that I would play for my hometown Astros.

3

What are your goals for after graduation? After graduation I hope to get a job. I am not exactly sure where I would like to work yet, but I know that I will be with an oil and gas company doing some form of exploration and production. I would like to work for a U.S., independent company that both drills and operates their wells.

4

What is your favorite memory made at Aggieland so far? I have had so many great memories in my time in Aggieland, there really are too many to recount.

The most recent would easily be the night of run-off election results.

There is no feeling that can compare to, or no words that can adequately describe standing at Sul Ross with so many friends and peers and hearing your name being called, and knowing that your dream just became a reality.

5

Compiled by Jill Beathard

GUESTCOLUMN

Young at heart

SBP looks ahead to the fall

H

owdy Ags, I hope that this letter finds everyone well, enjoying summer vacation and settling back into College Station to begin the summer session.

I wanted to again briefly thank everyone for allowing me the opportunity to represent and serve you this school year. It has already been a tremendous experience, and your student government is well underway accomplishing not only the goals that were outlined during the student elections, but also tackling the day-to-day challenges that the business of the University presents. Since the end of the semester, the various components of SGA have been actively engaged in everything from staffing committees, to representing students at Board of Regents hearings, to speaking to former students across the state.

This year will undoubtedly prove to be one of a kind for Texas A&M and its students. There are many issues on the horizon that will test the spirit, community and fortitude of our student body. The MSC renovation project, the 10th anniversary of the Bonfire tragedy, and the task of unifying a student body during all of this will make for a challenging and defining year. Right now, and all year long, our students are tasked with the relocation of student space from the MSC. We will all be responsible for preserving the memory of the MSC, along with its tradition, for future generations of Aggies during the reconstruction phase.

Students this year will have the opportunity to commemorate Bonfire and the tragedy that we all remember, and honor those students who lost their lives 10 years ago. Lastly, with our evergrowing student population, Aggies will be tasked with bridging the gap between the many different facets that make up our unique student body. Ensuring that every student who attends our University has the same Aggie experience as their peers is of the utmost importance.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer, and best of luck in your courses over the summer sessions. As always, please let me know if there is something I can do for you!

Gig ’Em! Eric Beckham is a senior petroleum engineering major.

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Eric Beckham celebrates after winning the student body president election April 10.

Beckham dreams of turning pro Brett Sebastian The Battalion n April, senior Eric Beckham was voted the next student body president of Texas A&M. Since Beckham is known as the student face of A&M and because of his work with the administration of the seventh-largest university in the nation, it is easy to forget he has a life unto himself.

It turns out that underneath the business exterior is a sports fan just as a big as any other Aggie.

“I am a big fan of college sports,” Beckham said.

“College football, college baseball and basketball, especially A&M. Also pro baseball but not so much NFL and NBA.” The biggest sport in Beckham’s life is baseball, which he played all his life. A four-year player in high school, he played both catcher and right field.

He considered trying to take baseball to the next

I

Beckham Continued from page 1

“I spend two days [a week] in Houston working for an oil company,” Beckham said. “It is my third year to work there. I go Mondays after class, spend the night at my house in Houston where I grew up, and go to work on Tuesdays.”

The aspiring petroleum engineer enjoys working on drilling projects and his job.

After he receives his bachelor’s degree he plans to jump straight into a job at an oil company.

“I’m not sure who I will work for or where I will end up exactly,” Beckham said. “But I would like to work for a U.S. independent company doing exploration and production.”

Beckham also finds time to get involved as a member of the Aggie Men’s Club, a service club that participates in a minimum of two volunteer projects a semester. He helps out at the Still Creek Boys Ranch in Bryan, a home for boys who have been victims of abuse or abandonment.

“When we hear the statement, ‘There is a spirit that can ne’er be told,’ I think of Eric,” said Ben Welch, adviser for the Aggie Men’s Club. “His love for A&M runs deep with his commitment to Aggie Spirit and the traditions that we hold dear, but he is also a man of deep conviction to change those things that will best serve our University.”

Pg. 5-06.04.09.indd 1

Though humble, Beckham is someone that others revere, Welch said. “[He is] a man that I would love either of my two sons to emulate.”

As a freshman Beckham received the Buck Weirus Spirit Award, an award given out to 55 students a year for their demonstration of Aggie Spirit and involvement on campus.

However, Beckham said his biggest accomplishment is becoming a student at A&M. When he isn’t working hard to keep up his grades or getting ahead in his career, Beckham said he loves taking it easy and playing golf.

Although Beckham has a lot on his plate this season, he remains positive and enjoys the slower paced atmosphere of the campus in the summer.

Even though Beckham is working hard in the summer he said he knows that the fall will bring an even more hectic schedule.

“Last year, being Mark’s vice president, I had a pretty good exposure of what is to come and what to expect,” Beckham said. “I think I have good time management, so I think it’s going to be different, but it will be manageable.”

Beckham has traditions of his own such as spending time with his family at their lake house.

However, boating and fishing are not Beckham’s only summer pastimes. He said that he loves water sports, but wakeboarding is his favorite.

Beckham epitomizes selfless service, said Beckham’s roommate and senior psychology

level but decided to give academics and being a student a try.

“I would say it turned out to be a pretty good decision,” Beckham said.

Just because he didn’t pursue baseball as a career doesn’t mean it didn’t affect him.

“Baseball helped me to learn not to take everything so seriously,” Beckham said. “A lot of people think my personality is about work and sometimes it feels that way. Baseball acts as a means of escape.”

In addition to baseball, Beckham tries to play golf whenever possible. While his responsibilities keep him from golfing as much as he would like, the game falls into his sporting dream job.

“I would be a pro golfer,” Beckham said. “I would be the owner and general manager of the Houston Astros Monday through Friday and then a pro golfer on the weekend.”

Beckham also had a lot to say about golf in

When we hear the statement, ‘There is a spirit that can ne’er be told,’ I think of Eric. His love for A&M runs deep with his commitment to Aggie Spirit and the traditions that we hold dear, but he is also a man of deep conviction to change those things that will best serve our University.

— Ben Welch, adviser for the Aggie Men’s Club

major Tyler Roberts.

“Beckham was raising money for all these different organizations and putting on drives while never talking about the thing he was doing and the time he was putting in; he was too humble to do that,” Roberts said.

In preparing for his role, Beckham said it is important to take advantage of the spare time in the summer, but also it is important to formulate goals and plans.

Beckham has big plans as student body president. “[My goals are improving] college affordability and attainability, improving the quality of life at A&M, enriching the undergraduate experience, commitment to academic excellence and unity through communication,” Beckham said. “My

response to A&M’s first national championship in over 20 years.

“I love it and I think it’s great for the program and the school,” Beckham said. “It breaks the ice and now other programs can move forward and know it can be done. It gives us all some light after years of waiting.”

Though Beckham’s role in decision making at the University is usually administrative, the fan in him understands and appreciates the rich culture of sports at Texas A&M. “I think the athletic department’s motto, Building Champions, fits the mindset of A&M as a whole,” Beckham said. “All of our students are champions and I’m glad that we have such successful sports teams, which acts as a recruiting tool to bring even more students to our world-class University.”

main goal is to help the student body have their faith and their trust re-established in their student leaders.”

Beckham will be a great student body president in the upcoming year, said student body vice president Jacob Robinson.

“He is a hard worker, dedicated, and I have never met someone that loves A&M quite as much,” Robinson said. “He truly embodies the Aggie Spirit, that combined with passion, desire and drive makes him the best person for the job.”

Beckham, amazingly, manages to pay his tuition by working while also going to summer school, Robinson said.

As vice president, Robinson will take on Beckham’s duties when he is unavailable.

The most important thing for students to know about next year’s student government is that it will have an open-door policy, Robinson said.

“First and foremost Eric is a student here at A&M, so our door is always open,” Robinson said. “We are not here to lock ourselves in Koldus and follow our own personal agenda. We are here to listen to the students.”

Beckham said being student body president is not all politics but is about helping students and making the A&M experience a memorable one.

Every Aggie should be able to make the most of their years at the University, Beckham said.

“You’re at one of the best schools in the nation and you don’t want to miss a day,” he said.

6/3/09 9:36 PM

news

page 6 thursday 6.4.2009

thebattalion

Jon Gosselin: plus eight are doing great NEW YORK — Jon Gosselin says there’s no truth to reports that his eight children have been hurt by the family’s reality TV series. Both Gosselin and his wife, Kate, have drawn tabloid fire as the couple, their 8-year-old twins and 5-year-old sextuplets

continue to appear on the TLC network’s “Jon & Kate Plus 8.” Last week, Pennsylvania’s Labor Department said it was launching a probe to see if the hit show is complying with child labor laws. Gosselin rejects the idea that his children are being exploited by the TV production.

“We have healthy, happy, well-adjusted, educated kids.”

Jon and Kate have reportedly cheated on each other. They deny those allegations, while acknowledging their marriage is struggling in the media glare.

Associated Press

Where on campus?

J.D. Swiger — THE BATTALION

Think you know every nook and cranny of Texas A&M? Test your campus knowhow 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. Send your response with your name, class and major to photo@thebatt.com.

Tuesday’s answer: Menos statue, located in the Halbouty/EngineeringPhysics building courtyard

Correct responses: Stephen Henley, Class of 2001 computer science Derek L. Titus, senior manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology Jason Ross, senior university studies Clint Milner, senior ag leadership and development Matt Wey, senior accounting and mechanical engineering Ashley Noack, junior marketing Haoqing Li, junior electrical engineering Alisha Burnett, senior agricultural economics Erasmos Mares, senior economics Carlos Sanchez, senior mechanical engineering

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