The Battalion- August 19, 2019

MONDAY, AUGUST 19 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2019 STUDENT MEDIA

Believing is ACHIEVEing Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Aggie ACHIEVE student Alexis Villarreal moved into her campus apartment on Aug 17. ACHIEVE students will not receive a Texas A&M degree but will graduate with a certificate upon program completion.

Program opens A&M to students with intellectual, developmental disabilities

By Brady Stone @bradystonex Although life for any college freshman comes with obstacles like finding a roommate and planning your schedule, for some students the biggest issue to overcome is sim-

ply finding a school with a program that supports their needs. For five Aggie freshmen, this issue was solved with the state’s first fouryear college program of its kind.

Aggie ACHIEVE — Academic Courses in Higher Inclusive Education and Vocational Experiences — offers students with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to attend college among their peers. It was inspired by a Vanderbilt University program that was launched in 2010 called Next Steps.

Vanderbilt graduate and Aggie ACHIEVE founder and faculty director Carly Gilson began the launch process with the Center on Disability and Development in 2017, and the initiative was approved in fall 2018.

“When I came here to Texas I realized that an initiative like Next Steps did not exist, so I worked with the Center of Disability and Development to start the proposal process for launching Aggie ACHIEVE,” Gilson said.

“Aggie ACHIEVE is a four-year postsecond-

ary opportunity for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to come to Texas A&M and partake in the Aggie experience alongside their peers.”

ACHIEVE students will live in the White Creek Apartments, participate in five hours of A&M coursework with other students and have the opportunity to integrate into the A&M community in many ways.

“Aggie ACHIEVE students will have the opportunity to join organizations that match ACHIEVE ON PG. 7

Publication Notice

This is the final paper produced by The Battalion’s summer 2019 staff. The first paper of the fall semester will be on stands Thursday, Aug. 29. In the meantime, follow thebatt.com and The Battalion’s social media feeds for news and updates.

Work for The Battalion

Interested in student journalism? Join an award-winning team of Aggies who have been serving the Texas A&M community for over 125 years. The Battalion is accepting applications for all entry-level positions, and editors are eager to answer your questions. Check out the “contact us” page on thebatt.com for a link to the application form. General inquiries can be directed to editor@ thebatt.com, and completed forms should be delivered to The Battalion’s newsroom in L400 of the MSC. Students are welcome to visit the newsroom beforehand to meet staff members or pick up an application.

Courtesy of Cushing Memorial Library Archives

John J. Koldus III was the first and longest serving vice president of Student Affairs, having served from 1973 to 1993.

‘Give life your best shot’ Former administrator Koldus leaves permanent legacy on A&M campus

By Camryn Lang @CamrynLang John J. Koldus III passed away on Aug. 12 at the age of 89. Koldus served as Texas A&M’s vice president for student affairs from 1973 to 1993 and is the namesake for the Student Services Building.

In a statement release by the university, current Vice President for Student Affairs Daniel J. Pugh shared his appreciation for Koldus’ work.

“In building our nation’s preeminent Division of Student Affairs, he maintained his commitment to the Aggie leadership philosophy of ‘student-led, student-run’ programs,” Pugh said. “Mrs. Pugh and I were blessed through our interactions with Dr. and Mrs. Koldus and we will cherish our mem-

ories of him.”

University President Michael K. Young said in the statement that Koldus’ time as VPSA will continue to help A&M and its students.

“John J. Koldus III led the Division of Student Affairs as its first vice president with a sense of devotion underpinned by this institution’s core values at a pivotal moment in its history,” Young said. “His vision for a university that served students of every background across the state of Texas, the nation and the world left an indelible mark on this campus and will continue to guide the university he loved dearly for decades to come.

Aggies of the past, present and future thank him.”

Koldus was born in Gary, Indiana in 1930 where he grew up to be a talented football player, earning him a scholarship to Arkansas State University.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree KOLDUS ON PG. 3

Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Dean of Engineering M. Katherine Banks gave a presentation on the Army Futures Command at a Board of Regents meeting.

Old Army meets new Army Regents approve funding for Futures Command research center at RELLIS

By Meagan Sheffield @mshef350 The U.S. Army is partnering with the Texas A&M University System to build a research and technology development hub at the RELLIS Academic Complex.

The A&M system board of regents approved $80 million in funding for a Research Integration Center and associated infrastructure for use by the Army Futures Command during their meeting on Aug. 8. The funding

is the second phase of a $130 million plan for the RELLIS campus. The $50 million for the first phase has already been approved for an outdoor testing area called an innovation proving ground through the A&M Engineering Extension Service that AFC will also use.

AFC is headquartered in Austin and employs 24,000 civilians in 25 states and 15 countries as of July. The organization is also partnered with University of Texas at Austin to develop robotics and assured-position, navigation and timing, as well as with Carnegie Mellon University to study artificial intelligence. However, the RELLIS complex will be the central hub for testing and evaluation ARMY ON PG. 6

NEWS

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The Battalion | 8.19.19

O T S R E Y A L P 9 1 0 2 N I R O F T U O LOOK

By Brian Bass @brianbass4

Aggie football is back next week, and these five are already making their presence known

KELLEN MOND QUARTERBACK

Following a full season of development under head coach Jimbo Fisher’s system in 2018, the junior signal caller had an entire offseason to work on the details of his game. Mond gained upper body strength and worked with famed quarterback trainer George Whitfield during the spring and summer. With nearly all of his targets returning and a more experienced offensive line to protect him, the foundation is set for Mond to have a strong season in 2019. Add in the pedigree of Fisher’s development of second-year quarterbacks in the past and Mond’s bar is set high as he enters 2019.

JASHAUN CORBIN TAILBACK

As a true freshman, Corbin primarily showcased his abilities on special teams, including a 100-yard kick return against Arkansas last season. The sophomore tailback was also the backup to now-Cincinnati Bengal Trayveon Williams last season, recording 346 yards rushing and a touchdown. Corbin’s approach is similar to Williams’, and he will be expected to block, receive and return under Fisher’s system. With an offensive line that has already blocked for a 1,760yard rusher last season, Corbin will be a key piece in a talented backfield for A&M.

ELIJAH BLADES

JUSTIN MADUBUIKE

QUARTNEY DAVIS

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

WIDE RECEIVER

As the top defensive back recruit in the 2019 junior college class rankings, Blades fills a position of need in the A&M secondary. The Pasadena, California, native has already made splashes in fall camp and is expected to start alongside veteran cornerback Debione Renfro. With the toughness, athletic ability, experience and blue chip talent that Blades possesses, defensive coordinator Mike Elko has pieced together a secondary that could be one of the most improved units in the country.

The sole returning starter on a top-tier rushing defensive front from a season ago, Madubuike brings both experience and leadership to a talented young group in 2019. The defensive tackle is known to never take a snap off, closing gaps up front and making plays in the backfield when possible. After recording 5.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss last season, the junior has been placed on several award watch lists, including those for the coveted Outland Trophy which is awarded to the nation’s best interior lineman.

After going from no receptions in 2017 to second most on the team in 2018, Davis has emerged as a top target for Mond. Last season, the wideout displayed his ability at the highest level, with 100-plus yard performances against South Carolina and LSU, and seven touchdowns throughout the season. Davis’ toughness and ability to create space against opposing secondaries will be pivotal this season with the Aggies’ tough schedule. With former tight end Jace Sternberger gone, Davis will have every opportunity to improve on his production this season.

CORNERBACK

Photos from Battalion archive and Texas A&M Athletics

GUEST COLUMN

Leading On and Off the Field Mike Evans, Class of 2015, shows what it means to be a role model Tyson Voelkel

H

@Tyson Voelkel

owdy Ags, In the same way it just feels jollier when the radio starts playing Christmas songs, there’s an intangible excitement that permeates the community in the days leading up to Aggie football season.

Maroon and white lawn decorations go up, Ags strike up familiar conversations about all-time favorite players and moments, and the streets that sat empty all summer fill up with students and visitors alike.

I believe football games — and sports in general — have this magnetic effect on us not only because they’re exciting and bring people together, but also because the trials, tribulations and triumphs we see play out on the field often reflect the smaller ones we encounter in day-to-day life. In this way, it’s only human for us to sometimes make role models of the young men who actually play the game. One of A&M’s former players, Mike Evans ’15, recently exemplified what it means to be a true role model on and off the field.

Depending on how much you followed Aggie football before you were a student, you may not personally remember when Evans played as a wide receiver here. In the first two seasons after A&M’s move to the SEC, he made a huge impression on the field that earned him first-team All-Amer-

ican honors. Since 2013, he’s made highlight reels catching passes for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he is considered one of the most elite receivers in the NFL. But that’s not why I’m writing about him today.

A few months ago, Evans hosted an event at Grand Station Entertainment in College Station, where he and his wife Ashli presented a $40,000 check from the Mike Evans Family Foundation to A&M. His gift established $2,000 scholarships for 10 students through the Scholarships & Financial Aid office and two $10,000 Foundation Excellence Award (FEA) scholarships through the A&M Foundation. Evans specifically directed that the FEA scholarships be awarded to students in need of financial assistance from his hometown of Galveston, Texas.

Evans credits his success to his mentors, his family and the communities that supported him as much as to his own hard work and determination. His thankfulness for those who built him up inspired him to change the lives of others. Let his generosity remind us of a crucial truth: Life is a team sport where every play matters. Even if you can’t throw a game-winning pass, it’s enough to stand present, loud and ready to help, should the opportunity arise.

Thanks and Gig ’em, Tyson Voelkel ’96 President, Texas A&M Foundation

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The Battalion | 8.19.19

Rerouting the Aggie Spirit

FILE

Aggie Spirit buses will now serve the airport and have more efficient routes for students who live off campus.

Transportation Services makes adjustments to campus bus routes

By Camryn Lang @CamrynLang With the start of the fall semester approaching, Transportation Services made several changes to existing bus routes, and created an additional route for students.

Bus routes that previously stopped on Old Main Dr. will move closer to the MSC with the completion of the construction on Lamar Street. The moved bus routes include Bush School, Old Army, Hullabaloo and Century Tree. Routes 1 and 47 will remain on Old

Main, and Route 1 will have a new stop at the Music Activities Center.

Transit Manager for Transportation Services Justin Tippy, Class of 2003, said the alterations were made to create more efficient routes for students.

“The Barracks stop that used to be on Route 40 is now going to be serviced by Route 34,” Tippy said. “That allowed us to shorten up [Route 40] instead of going all the way down South Holleman and create a little more efficiency on the route, shorten times between buses and also shorten times on Route 34.”

Yell Practice has taken over all Vet School stops including National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing (NCTM), Vet School and White Creek.

“So we took all the buses we used on [Yell Practice and Vet School] and combined them,” Tippy said. “By being able to use more buses the wait between buses went down to six minutes. So there should be plenty of capacity for all of the students from Vet School and White Creek.”

The new addition of Route 7 will allow for passengers to travel to the Easterwood Airport from the Doug Pitcock Hotel and Conference Center. The route includes stops at the McKenzie Terminal, Wind Tunnel and Turbo Lab. However, this new bus route will service more than just students.

“The route is available to faculty, staff, students and visitors. Luggage is permitted on the bus,” Transportation Services wrote in an

campus-wide email.

Tippy said students need to pay close attention to bus routes for the upcoming A&M football game against Texas State on Thursday, Aug. 29. Transportation Services has adjusted its approach from previous years but is already prepared to help guide students through the changes.

“On the bus routes page, we already have our routes and times on there for that game,” Tippy said. “All those schedules are up [on the website] so everybody can look at it.”

For more information on A&M’s bus routes, visit transport.tamu.edu.

Abigail Ochoa, Editor-in-Chief Brian Bass, Sports Editor Camryn Lang, Content Editor Khadeeja Umana, Content Editor

Meredith Seaver, Photo Chief Brady Stone, Page Designer Sydney Clark, Page Designer

THE BATTALION is published once every other week during the summer (except

University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center.

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. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@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 979-845-2687. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569.

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Courtesy of Cushing Memorial Library Archives

John J. Koldus III is the namesake for the Student Services building.

KOLDUS CONTINUED in education, Koldus served in the U.S. Army for several years. Later, he pursued his master’s and doctorate at his alma mater while coaching at high schools across Texas and Arkansas.

At Arkansas State, Koldus began teaching at the collegiate level and joined East Texas State University, now known as Texas A&M - Commerce, in 1963.

“During his 10 years at the Commerce campus, he held numerous positions, including Assistant and Associate Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Professor of Psychology, Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs,” A&M’s statement said.

After the retirement of A&M’s Dean of Students James P. Hannigan, Koldus was hired by the university to take on the new role of vice president of student services.

Koldus oversaw organizations such as the Corps of Cadets, the Memorial Student Center and Student Activities. According to the statement, the number of student organizations at A&M increased to over 700 under his leadership. Along with his administrative duties, Koldus instructed classes and belonged to several academic committees

centered around students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.

His work at A&M earned Koldus several awards for his work, including the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators’ Fred Turner Award for Outstanding Service to NASPA in 1986 and the Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators Distinguished Service Award in 1989.

At A&M, Koldus was awarded the Outstanding Administrator Award by the Student Senate, The Association of Former Students’ Distinguished Achievement Award for Student Relations and the Buck Weirus Spirit Award.

His legacy also continues through the A&M Foundation’s John J. Koldus Quality of Student Life endowment, which helps the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs address a variety of student needs.

Koldus’ time at A&M and his work with the various organizations under him was marked by his positive and supportive attitude toward the students, former Student Body President Brad Smith said in A&M’s statement.

According to the university’s statement, Koldus kept a saying on his desk that read: “Give life your best shot – but enjoy it!”

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The Battalion | 8.19.19

HOWDY WEEK EVENTS The week before class starts is full of events to help incoming students make friends and get comfortable in their new home. Though each day boasts an extensive lineup of activities, informationals and social events, a few have become staples of many Aggies’ first days on campus. Here’s a quick rundown of Howdy Week’s Featured Events.

MONDAY 4 - 6 p.m. — Backyard Bash Hosted by Aggie Transition Camps at the Student Rec Center, the celebration is set to feature basketball, volleyball, pool access and freeze pops.

10 p.m. - 12a.m. — Late Night Breakfast Also held during finals week, the Howdy Week edition of this breakfast-for-dinner extravaganza will feature dishes like build-your-own french toast and pancakes. Hosted at Sbisa Dining Hall, students must use a meal plan for entry.

TUESDAY 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. — University Libraries Open House Through the annual event at Evans Library, students can meet University Libraries staff and learn about the many services and resources at their disposal.

The open house will offer shirts, pizza rolls and a DJ.

6 - 8 p.m. — GatheRing and Yell Practice The Association of Former Students will welcome the Class of 2023 to the Clayton W. Williams Jr. Alumni Center for free food and drinks, pictures with the giant ring replica and a chance to try on a more regular-sized ring. The event will conclude with the first official Yell Practice on campus, 9 - 11 p.m. — Class of 2023 Photo Taking a page from the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band’s book, members of the incoming class will gather on Kyle Field to form a giant 23. Participants are asked to bring their student ID and maroon class shirt. The line to enter the stadium will form in Lot 48, and a clear bag policy will be in effect.

Check Ring Eligibility: Aug 16 - Sept 5 Order Dates: Aug 19 - Sept 6 Aggie Ring Day: November 8 If you meet the requirements after Summer 2019:

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — StuAct Block Party On Koldus and Kyle Field plazas, Aggies can learn how to get involved with one of Texas A&M’s 1,000-plus student organizations, all while enjoying games, free food and live entertainment.

Representatives from the Student Government Association, Class Councils and various fraternity and sorority chapters will be on hand to speak with students.

6:30 - 9:30 p.m. — Rec-A-Palooza Texas A&M Rec Sports will welcome students into the Rec Center to show them all it has to offer. Visitors can also pick up food and other freebies.

WEDNESDAY

FRIDAY

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Ice Cream Carnival Hosted by New Student and Family Programs on the Kyle Field Zone Plaza, the event will include games, prizes and, of course, ice cream.

2 - 6 p.m. — Howdy Hour An array of departments, student organizations and resources will set up tables throughout Koldus Plaza, Rudder Plaza, the MSC’s 12th Man Hall and Sul Ross Plaza. Representatives will be there to speak with students and offer giveaway items.

7 - 9 p.m. — Aggiefest The Department of Residence Life s taking over Simpson Drill Field for its back-to-school picnic, featuring free food, music and shirts.

ARMY CONTINUED

HOW TO GET YOUR AGGIE RING ON NOVEMBER 8, 2019:

THURSDAY

of new technologies to modernize the Army.

“We consider serving the military of our nation to be the highest of honors and responsibility,” A&M System Chancellor John Sharp said in a statement. “Also, having the Army Futures Command at RELLIS is a game-changer for that campus and the Brazos Valley area; RELLIS was envisioned as a research dynamo and the Army’s arrival will speed that up.”

During the board of regents meeting, Vice Chancellor of Engineering and National Laboratories M. Katherine Banks said the construction of a Ballistic, Aero-optics and Materials facility, a Mach-6 quiet tunnel and a laser-diagnostics laboratory will make A&M the hypersonics research capital of the country.

According to Banks, the A&M System will provide the environment

6 - 9:30 p.m. — MSC Aggie Cinema Movie Night Students are invited to Rudder Auditorium for a free screening of “Avengers: Endgame” kicking off the student-run film organization’s fall 2019 lineup.

8 - 11 p.m. — Party on the Plaza The Memorial Student Center’s annual celebration on Rudder Plaza gives students a chance to meet the MSC’s committees, and provides food, live performances and giveaways.

A full schedule is available online at howdyweek.tamu.edu

needed to speed up research and technology development across the “Valley of Death” — where technology begins to die or stall.

“Chancellor Sharp’s remarkable vision for the RELLIS campus aligns with [AFC Commanding] General [John] Murray’s plan by transforming our 2,000-acre campus into a living laboratory,” Banks said. “With the support of our A&M System Regents, we will develop a comprehensive complex unlike any other in the nation.”

Sharp invited Murray and his staff to the RELLIS complex for three days in November of 2018 to showcase A&M’s work and projects, including Disaster City, a 52-acre training facility for emergency response professionals.

“We basically demonstrated that [A&M] could be a one-stop-shop for Army Futures Command,” A&M System Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Communications Laylan Copelin said.

“And [AFC] liked what they saw.”

In addition to six to eight Army re-

searchers that will be based out of the new complex, TEES and the A&M College of Engineering plan to hire around 25 engineering researchers to work with the Army. Graduate students, members of the Corps of Cadets and private companies will also have the opportunity to conduct research at the new RELLIS complex.

“Army Futures Command will probably be a magnet that draws companies here,” Copelin said. “It’s an economic driver for the community.”

Copelin said RELLIS is already home to the A&M Transportation Institute headquarters and some Blinn College facilities. Additionally, two academic buildings are in development and the Board of Regents are discussing the possibility of adding a data center.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the complex will be on Oct.12, and the complex is scheduled to be completed

by June 2021.

1. Login or create an account at AggieNetwork.com

by September 5 to check your Ring eligibility.

LET’S BE FRIENDS

2. In the Aggie Ring tab, click on "Order Your Aggie Ring".

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Follow the steps to customize your Aggie Ring; your eligibility will be checked after this step.

3. If approved, schedule an appointment to order in person or submit your order online by 5 p.m. CT on Sept. 6.

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4. On your appointment day, visit the Aggie Ring Office to select your Ring size (with official Aggie Ring sizers) and pay for your Aggie Ring.

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FULL PAYMENT IS DUE AT TIME OF ORDER.

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Pricing is available online.

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Aggie Ring Loans are available to qualified, currently enrolled students at the Short Term Loan Office. Visit AggieNetwork.com/Ring for full details.

Visit tx.ag/RingRequirements for information on eligibility requirements for ordering an Aggie Ring.

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The Association of Former Students is HERE for Aggies during their days as students and former students, THERE for Aggies as they make their way around the world and EVERYWHERE that the Aggie Network needs us to be. @THEBATTONLINE

Aggie Ring Program at (979) 845-1050 | AggieNetwork.com

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The Battalion | 8.19.19

Courtesy of the College of Education and Human Development

Aggie ACHIEVE students (left to right in bottom right photo) Courtney Osburn, Alexis Villarreal, Abigail Tassin, Matthew Carrizal and Miguel Gonzalez attended Fish Camp before moving onto campus.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29 @ KYLE FIELD - 7:30 P.M.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 @ WATTS CROSS COUNTRY COURSE - 6:45 P.M. (WOMEN’S 4.1K) & 7:15 P.M. (MEN’S 6K)

CROSS COUNTRY AGGIE OPENER

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 @ HILDEBRAND EQUINE COMPLEX

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SWIMMING vs.

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students to feel included and we want them to have the same welcoming environment that other Aggie students have.”

Aggie ACHIEVE student Courtney Osburn said she has wanted to attend A&M since before she was born, just like her great-grandfather, grandfather, father, mother, uncles and many other members of her family.

“I told the woman who introduced us to this program that she was our angel because now my daughter can go to Texas A&M,” Courtney’s mother Beca Osburn said. “We are just so grateful for this program. It has been a dream come true.”

For more information about Aggie ACHIEVE, visit epsy.tamu.edu/aggieachieve.

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FALL SPORTS HOME OPENERS

dents’ long-term goals — an opportunity that Robinson thinks will help students pursue inclusive job opportunities.

“Getting some employment experience this way over the four years allows the fourth year to really just be geared towards their employment and working to bridge the campusto-home gap,” Robinson said. “I want them to be able to graduate from this program competitively employed, working alongside peers without disabilities, having the opportunity for promotion at jobs and really finding not just a job, but a career.”

Careers in film, personal training and theatre are just a few of the future aspirations of ACHIEVE students.

“Just treat them like you would any other Aggie,” Robinson said. “We really want these

ANSWERS

their interests,” program director Olivia Robinson said. “We really want our ACHIEVE students to make friendships and relationships that they can carry with them after they leave A&M.” For the first two years, ACHIEVE students will be introduced to college life through seminars on topics like independent living, money management, self-determination and career awareness.

“Program-specific courses that we are calling seminars are where they will meet and go over more in-depth content of things they need to work on outside of a Texas A&M course,” Robinson said. “We want to en-

sure our ACHIEVE students are becoming well-rounded in and out of the classroom.”

Weekly check-ins with Robinson will also ensure things are going smoothly for ACHIEVE students, and members of the new student organization Aggie ACHIEVEmates will help introduce them to college life. “[ACHIEVE students] will be accompanied by ACHIEVEmates who join and can support our students across the setting,” Robinson said. “Whether it’s going to class with them, being a study partner, taking a student to eat in the dining hall or and helping them with their organization skills, ACHIEVEmates are a major asset to this process.”

ACHIEVE students will also get to experience multiple on or off-campus employment internships that are geared towards the stu-

SPECIAL

ACHIEVE CONTINUED

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The Battalion | 8.19.19

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT The summer was busy for College Station and The Battalion, with campus changes, students giving back to the community and fall sports just around the corner. Here is a recap of the main stories covered by The Battalion this summer.

Washing away Aggie art

Reevaluating Core Values

The tunnels that connects West Campus to main campus are often covered in chalk drawings and advertising for student organizations. However, at the beginning of the summer, signs were put up along the tunnels to warn off the graffiti.

Associate Vice President in the Division of Marketing and Communications Kelly Brown said the signs were put up to help maintenance crews keep the tunnels clean since some people would use substances other than chalk. Aggies responded on social media and said the art was a part of A&M culture and showed the creative side of students.

On June 28, a Texas A&M student was caught on video using a Punnett Square with variations of the N-word to make a series of racist jokes. A&M President Michael K. Young released a statement saying the student’s actions were against the core values of the university and those who have these beliefs are not welcomed at A&M. Students also shared times when they faced racism on campus and how it can be stopped in the future.

‘A powerful moment’

Paying tuition is a piece of cheesecake

The U.S. Women’s National Team earned their fourth World Cup title on July 7 against the Netherlands. Since March 2016 the team has fought for equal pay, but with pushback from U.S. Soccer, the process continued to be put aside. Texas A&M soccer players expressed their support for the cause, saying it’s just a matter of time before the USWNT gets their equal pay. A&M senior goalkeeper Cosette Morche hopes to inspire young players when she joins Sweden’s Eskilstuna United team in August. Senior midfielder Cienna Arrieta said the USWNT was fighting for more than a World Cup win, proving they deserve higher pay.

Sophomore Diana Reyna reached out to her Twitter followers at the beginning of the summer asking if they wanted to buy her homemade cheesecakes to help pay her tuition at A&M. Since FAFSA didn’t offer her as much financial aid as previous years, Reyna had to make up the deficit. To her surprise, the tweet spread and soon led to her creating Pastelitos Co. with cheesecake deliveries to Houston, College Station and Dallas.

Serving the Aggie way

Former Yell Leader Connor Joseph is the co-founder of CollegeGuys Services — a service that allows college students to earn extra cash by doing miscellaneous tasks around the Bryan-College Station area. Joseph said it allows for students to work around their class schedule, while also giving back to the community. The company began in May of this year, and Joseph said they have plans to expand to Denton.

Maroon Life Fall Sports Preview

TICKETS ON SALE NOW DOORS OPEN 5:00PM! GENERAL ADMISSION : $27.50 VIP TICKETS: $250 VIP TICKETS INCLUDE ACCESS TO OUR VIP SECTION WITH PRIME STAGE VIEWS, SEATING, DINNER, AND PRIVATE BAR!

2020 AGGIELAND YOU CAN NOW PREORDER the 2020 Aggieland, the 118th edition of a Texas A&M tradition.

Distribution will be the Fall 2021.

You can still preorder the 2019 Aggieland, too.

Go Online to aggieland.tamu.edu or call 979-845-2613 to make your purchase. $75.00 + Tax (Includes Mail Fee)

Filled with stories about football, volleyball, soccer and cross country, the Maroon Life Fall Sports Preview is on stands now. Aside from previews of the upcoming seasons, Maroon Life includes features about starting quarterback Kellen Mond, Ross Bjork’s journey to Aggieland as the new athletic director, why volleyball sophomore London Austin-Roark hopes to lead this season and how Cienna Arrieta’s passion for soccer led her to A&M. To get caught up on all fall sports teams, pick up a Maroon Life in stands around campus.

Come by office L400 of the MSC and skip the mail fee charge.