MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 2016 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2016 STUDENT MEDIA | @THEBATTONLINE
VOLLEYBALL ON PAGE 2 | LOCALFEST ON PAGE 3 | GIG’EM WEEK PHOTO STORY ON PAGE 7
Elizabeth Liu biology
Paige Hollingsworth biology
Natalie Esparza animal science
Julianna Ladner animal science
Zach Janzow engineering
Ashley Wilks biomedical science
Sabrina Finley engineering
Matthew Kuehler animal science
20 FACES FROM THE CLASS OF 2020 Hayden Chall, business
Lesley Patino communication
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THE BATTALION | THEBATT.COM
Bella Chapa business
Brian Okosun — THE BATTALION
Daniel Castro mathematics
Students in the Class of 2020 gathered for their convocation Sunday. The event marked the official start of their time at A&M.
Tyler Reinhard engineering
Sarah Akhtar business
Luke Rodriguez business
Travis Martin engineering
Ian Roche economics
Hector De La Fuente engineering
Sarah Marsh genetics
WELCOME, CLASS OF 2020 CRIME
Byron Seaberg engineering
Compiled by Leah Kappayil — THE BATTALION
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Different means, same mission Sam King @Sam_King372
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Yuri Suchil — THE BATTALION
Two men were killed and one injured in a shooting at University Trails apartment complex early Sunday morning.
2 dead, 1 injured in local shooting Police still searching for person of interest, at time of press By Joshua Samuel @jsamuelthebatt A shooting at the University Trails apartments early Sunday morning left two men dead and one injured. A person of interest has been identified but not located, at
time of press, as he fled the scene. At 2 a.m. Sunday College Station Police Department officers responded to a call from the University Trails apartment complex, 1101 Luther Street, reporting gunshots and an assault in progress. According to the release, officers found Brysen Rhodes, 20, and Jack Lopez, 20, with gunshot wounds and another Hispanic male with gunshot wounds in his abdomen and leg. All three men were transported to hos-
pitals, where Rhodes and Lopez died from their injuries. The third victim was treated and released. Neither Rhodes nor Lopez are students at Texas A&M University. Police also found an uninjured white female who locked herself in the bathroom of the apartment and is believed to be the person who called the police. The release also stated that detectives believe Rhodes and at least one other white UNIVERSITY TRAILS ON PG. 4
Music, Aggie spirit meet at Lyle Lovett concert Former student’s performance kicked off MSC OPAS’ 44th season By Josh McCormack @_joshmccormack As the lights dimmed in Rudder Auditorium, Lyle Lovett’s Large Band kicked off a loud and quick-paced opening number that concluded with Lovett himself walking onto the stage to finish the song with his southern — yet jazzy — voice. As the song ended and Lovett mentioned his love for Texas A&M, a loud and proud “Whoop” resonated throughout the auditorium. MSC OPAS opened its 44th season with Lyle Lovett and His Large Band on Saturday. LOVETT ON PG. 3
Josh McCormack — THE BATTALION
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band played classic songs like “You’ve got a Friend in Me” and “If I had a Boat” at an MSC OPAS concert Saturday.
ake a look around campus: the scene you see today will likely be different this time next year, and the year after that and so on. The campus I walked onto a couple years ago is different than the one I’ll leave in May, just like the paper I applied to work for my freshman year during Gig ‘Em Week is different than the one that you’ll see on the stands this year. And that’s really exciting. Change is something we’re also excited to be a part of at The Battalion, and that’s taking a few different forms this year. This semester The Batt will run four times a week rather than five as we’ve dropped our Friday production. But just because we’ve lost a day doesn’t mean we’ve lost our responsibility to you — our readers. There will be new content every Friday at thebatt.com, though, and we always strive to provide you with the most up-to-date content, regardless of whether or not it’s in the form of a print paper. Additionally calling all Aggies interested in video production: The Battalion is introducing a video desk this year. Increasingly in media it’s imperative for journalists to be able to produce content in many varying ways —w presenting stories to its readership in new, creative packages. The video desk will add a new, visual level to the ways we tell the stories of Aggieland. There are other changes you’ll notice when you pick up The Batt, see us on Twitter or Snapchat (@TheBattOnline) or any of our social platforms. But there are still lots of things The Batt does well we’ll continue to do this year. Tell the stories of Aggies being honored at Silver Taps. Keep you posted on breaking campus and national news. Be critical of the campus we’re all a part of in order to challenge it to be continuously improving. As always, remember we’re a student-run paper. If you have any interest in writing, photography, video production, graphic design or getting involved on campus, come by our office in MSC L400 or write me an email at editor@thebatt.com. If you hear about something happening on campus you think Aggies should hear about, let us know. Tell us what you think of our content, or what you’d like to see more — or less — of. So while the way we achieve our mission continually changes, the mission itself never does. We’re here to serve you. And maybe learn a little along the way, too. Sam King is a communication senior and editor-in-chief for The Battalion.
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Outside hitter, junior Kiara McGee (4), kills the ball over North Texas middle blocker Jordyn Williams (16). McGee led the Aggies in kills in the win over the Mean Green.
Volleyball opens season on high note Aggies sweep Nevada, but fall to Ohio State in North Texas By Alex Miller @AlexMill20
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The IndependenT STudenT VoIce of TexaS a&M SInce 1893
Sam King, Mark Doré, Editor Editor in in Chief Chief Aimee Breaux, Managing Editor Jennifer Reiley,Managing Asst. Managing Katy Stapp, Editor Editor Lindsey ChevallGawlik, Pryce,News NewsEditor Editor Samantha King, Asst. Editor Angel Franco, SportsNews Editor Katy Stapp, Asst.SciTech News Editor Chris Martin, Editor John Rangel, SciSciTech Tech Editor Gracie Mock, Editor
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The BaTTalion is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Tuesday and Thursday during the summer session (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 979-8450569. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@thebatt.com. Subscriptions: A part of the University Advancement Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1.
The No. 16 Texas A&M volleyball team set out to defend its SEC crown this past weekend, going 2-1 at the North Texas Classic in Denton. The team sandwiched a close loss to No. 15 Ohio State between wins over Nevada and host North Texas. “It was a good opening tournament for us,” head volleyball coach Laurie Corbelli told 12thMan.com. “It was great to finally have another team on the other side where we can do even more evaluation of areas for immediate improvement.” In their opening match, the Aggies swept Nevada (1-2) 25-14, 25-23, 3028 as junior outside hitter Kiara McGee led the way with 14 kills, while reigning SEC Player of the Year and junior setter Stephanie Aiple added 33 assists.
On Saturday morning, the Aggies held a 2-1 set lead, but fell short in a grueling five-set match to No. 15 Ohio State (3-0) 25-21, 30-32, 25-21, 18-25, 13-15. McGee once again led A&M in kills with 17, but the team was unable to stop Ohio State’s All-American senior middle blocker, Taylor Sandbothe, who led the Buckeyes with 26 kills and a .605 hitting percentage. “I’m a little sick to my stomach for the two-point loss to Ohio State,” Corbelli said, to 12thman.com. “I think the team is, too. There are lessons in that and maybe they are speaking louder to us because we didn’t close it out. We’ll make something good come from it.” The Aggies were able to rebound in a turnaround match against North Texas (1-3), earning a 25-21, 23-25, 28-26, 25-19 four-set victory to close out their opening weekend. Sophomore middle blocker Kaitlyn Blake recorded her first career double-double with 13 blocks and 12 kills. Blake’s weekend performance earned her all-tournament honors along with Aiple, who recorded
132 assists over the three-game stretch, moving her into 10th all-time in career assists with 2,395. “It’s so tough to play two matches back-to-back,” Corbelli said. “We were lucky to come out here and get the second match with a win. The players faced adversity, and they really had their minds set on battling that adversity and not letting it get the best of us.” Up next for the Aggies is a trip to the Puerto Rico Classic Thursday through Saturday, where they will play three games, including two top-25 matchups against No. 3 Minnesota and No. 17 Florida State. “It will test us in a more intense way than we have faced yet,” Corbelli said. “We have to make sure we have our depth ready. The starters have to really keep their game at a high level because they can, and if not we plan on using more and more of the non-starters, fresh legs so to speak to help us get through those matches. It’s going to be really tough.”
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LOVETT CONTINUED Lovett, Class of 1979, performed with the regular members of his Large Band and with a choir from Houston. Playing classic songs like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” “If I Had a Boat” and “She’s Not a Lady,” a combination of jazz and country filled the auditorium. The Large Band even did a rendition of the title track from the popular television series “Game of Thrones.” “It’s like playing at home. It’s like being home,” Lovett said. “Anybody that ever goes to A&M always feels that connection to College Station and Texas A&M. Not only does it feel like home, but people treat you like you are home and there’s not a more reassuring feeling in the whole world.” A&M President Michael Young was at the event with a cast on his foot from a horseback riding accident and said he crawled out of bed to attend the concert.
“Lyle Lovett is a treasure,” Young said. “We love that he is in College Station and we love that he is an Aggie. We are absolutely thrilled to be here.” One of Lovett’s talents, besides his proficiency in playing a guitar and singing, is his ability to find humor in his own life. As the concert progressed Lovett took breaks in between songs to relate to the audience stories from his time at A&M, his early career as a performer and his time as a musician. Laughter could be heard throughout the auditorium in the moments Lovett spoke. Members of the audience found his performance to be both entertaining and enjoyable. Tyler Tanton, Class of 2012, said it was his first time seeing Lovett perform. “The full band made it a really great show. Lyle did a really great job along with all of the additionals,” Tanton said. “I have [been listening to Lyle Lovett] for a while now. It was a part of my childhood growing up ... I’m going to continue to enjoy his music.” Josh McCormack — THE BATTALION
Klein-native Lyle Lovett plays one of his many popular songs in front of a full house in Rudder Auditorium. He performed with a wide arrangement of artists.
LocalFest puts spotlight on B-CS bands Two former students bring together local music for lakeside event By Dani Manley @danimanley18
Dani Manley — THE BATTALION
Two former students, Jared Justice and Robert DeLozier, organized LocalFest, which took place at the Lakeside Icehouse Saturday night.
Austin may have the reputation of being the live music capital of Texas, but that doesn’t mean Bryan-College Station is devoid of homegrown talent. LocalFest, the brainchild of two former students, brought local bands together to perform at its inaugural concert Saturday. Jared Justice, Class of 2008 and member of The Docs, and Robert DeLozier, Class of 2012 and general manager of the Lakeside Icehouse, put the concert together to showcase the local talent of artists around the Bryan-College Station area. “Robert … and I were talking, and we played out here last summer and he was wanting to get us back out here and I was like, ‘Hey, there are some really good local bands so let’s put on like a mini, little local fest,’” Justice said. “When he had an open weekend we just put it together. It was just to kind of showcase some of the talent that’s around the area”. The concert featured The Daniel Gon-
zales Band, Forever Today, Electric Astronaut and the headliner, The Docs — Justice’s own band. The Docs have been performing together for more than five years. Justice said the band has two albums out on iTunes and a Pandora station, and are working on a third. “We have two albums out and we’re working on the next one, starting to release singles over the fall,” Justice said. The Docs have found success in playing in different venues in Bryan-College Station, the greater Texas area and abroad. “[We’ve] played at Hurricane Harry’s, we played the Grand Stafford Theater, we played Revolutions, we played at The Tap, we played at the Palace,” Justice said. “We played in Austin, we played South by Southwest last year, we played in Houston, Dallas, been on a few little short tours, just regional and some out of states.” Daniel Gonzales, the lead singer and guitarist of the Daniel Gonzales Band, said he was thrilled to be approached by Justice about performing at LocalFest. “We’re all very passionate about music and we love making music together and I love writing and it’s just a great stress
reliever,” Gonzales said. “It kind of started as a hobby and now it’s just turned into something that I love doing and have to do, like everyday.” Drew Meredith, bass player for the Electric Astronaut, said they have recorded with The Docs previously and they are releasing their first independent album Friday at First Friday in Downtown Bryan. Rhonda Mainard, who attended the concert with her husband, said they heard about the event through Facebook, where she is friends with The Docs. “We used to come many, many years ago but we just started coming again because of the music,” Mainard said. Justice said he encourages residents of the Bryan-College Station area to familiarize themselves with local music. “I’m pretty sure most all of us will be playing at First Friday next week, and really, check out the local scene because there’s a lot of really good talent in this area that a lot of people would be surprised about,” Justice said. “Especially with school starting out, a lot of new folks here, start to check out the local music scene.”
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The Battalion | 8.29.16
Alexis Will — THE BATTALION
The Corps welcomed about 800 students from the class of 2020 during Fish Review Saturday, including members of the newly activated Squadron 5 and Company G-1.
2 Corps outfits reactivated
Return of Squadron 5, Company G-1 hopes to accommodate growth By Brad Canon @BradCanon1
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Squadron 5 and Company G-1 were reactivated Friday by the Corps of Cadets, making them the 10th and 11th outfit to be reactivated since 2010. Squadron 5 and Company G-1, also known as the “Filthy Fifth” and the “Ramblin Rogues,” were reactivated at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. respectively. The ceremonies were accompanied by remarks from the commandant of the Corps of Cadets and retired Army Brigadier General Joe Ramirez and previous members of the outfits, according to a Texas A&M press release. Ramirez said the two main reasons the outfits were reactivated are to allow for growth within the Corps and to maintain the history and lineage of the outfits. “It is a two-fold thing, the Corps continues to grow and we are trying to keep the numbers level across the entire Corps,” Ramirez said. “But, also trying to bring back the history, tradition and lineage of some of these outfits that had been deactivated — some of which had been in the corps for forty years before they were deactivated.” Heather Glover, senior health major and Squadron 5’s commanding officer, said Squadron 5 has a foundation of former students who represent the squadron from its original members from 1955 to 1986. Glover said the squadron has since decided to focus the direction of the outfit on the idea of remembrance of Rusty Thompson, the former director of Student Activities and Muster Committee advisor who died in March. Thompson was a member of the “Filthy Fifth,” and has changed the attitude of the entire outfit, Glover said. “The turning point for the squadron was when we heard about the impact Thompson had on the outfit and how he always talked about squadron five,” Glover said. “Ever since he passed, we have gone in the direction of remembrance for the outfit and remembering those of us that have gone before us and given their lives.”
One of the most significant reasons for the reactivation of the units is to bring the camaraderie back to Texas A&M for new students as well as former members of the Corps who were once a part of the previously active outfits, Ramirez said. “We are excited to bring back so many former students, at the ceremony on Friday we probably had about 200 former students that came back to be a part of the ceremo-
“To see [former students] get emotional about their outfit being back on the Quad again is pretty special.”
Joe Ramirez, Corps Commandant
ny,” Ramirez said. “To see them get emotional about their outfit being back on the Quad again is pretty special.” Chandler Evey, construction science senior and member of the A-Company in the Corps said the reactivation of these two outfits means a lot to former students who were members of the outfits before they were deactivated. “The reactivation signifies the growth of not only Texas A&M but also the Corps of Cadets,” Evey said. “It means a ton to them whose outfits may have been decommissioned in the past and then see part of their background at Texas A&M alive again.”
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Monday marks the first day that students can pull tickets for the Aggies’ opening football game against UCLA Saturday. Students should bring their sports pass and student ID to the ticket box on the Bucky J. Richardson Zone at the north end zone of Kyle Field, where the line will form. Contrary to past years, students will not be allowed to get in line before 5 a.m. Large groups wanting 10 or more tickets must pull on Monday or Tuesday regardless of classification. — Staff Report
UNIVERSITY TRAILS CONTINUED male visited the apartment where the incident took place, apartment number 1311, to “either purchase narcotics or commit a robbery.” According to the release, during their meeting a fight began and shots were fired, killing Rhodes and Lopez and wounding the third, a Hispanic male. Detectives are also working to determine whether anyone else was involved in the incident. Orlando Gomez, an economics senior who lives at the apartment complex, said at around 2 a.m. he heard a man screaming, so he went downstairs to see what was happening. “I heard one shot then five to six shots, and then I called the police,” Gomez said. “They took out three bodies [to the ambulance]. On the first [body], they were doing CPR … The second one wasn’t moving. The third one was…moving his hands and panicking, but he was moving.” Blake Beare, a freshman at Blinn College who also lives at the apartment complex, said he heard six or seven gunshots ring out consecutively and saw police arrive from his apartment window. “I went out to my balcony and there were
Yuri Suchil— THE BATTALION
College Station Police Department is investigating the murder of two men at University Trails Sunday morning.
at least seven or eight cop cars in the complex, and the cops were running around ... One cop had an AR-15,” Beare said. “The cops were looking around like they hadn’t found the guy, because there is a dumpster next to my balcony and there was a cop shining his flashlight in it and looking around.” The investigation is still ongoing and police encourage anyone with information to call CSPD at 979-764-3600.
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Check Ring Eligibility: Aug 29 - Sept 8 Order Dates: Aug 29 - Sept 9 Aggie Ring Day: November 4, 2016 HOW TO GET YOUR AGGIE RING ON NOVEMBER 4, 2016: If you meet the requirements after Summer 2016: 1. Log in to AggieNetwork.com by September 8 to check your Ring eligibility. (You will need to create an account on this website.)
• Your records will be reviewed and your eligibility status will be displayed online instantly. 2. If eligible, schedule an appointment online to order your Aggie Ring at the Aggie Ring Office. • Select from available order dates between Aug 29 - Sept 9. • If you are unable to order in person, submit an order to the Aggie Ring Program prior to the deadline. Ana Sevilla — THE BATTALION
Wienkie LeUnes, a service dog, is a life enrichment specialist at Project Unity and helps promote familial guidance programs through Project Unity.
Program assists struggling families Service dog becomes furry face of local non-profit organization By Ana Sevilla @AnaVSevilla When Judy LeUnes was handed a one-eyed chihuahua to hold for a KBTX interview she was surprised by how well-behaved the small canine was. Now, six years later, Wienkie LeUnes has matured into a service dog for the community, donning the title of “Life Enrichment Specialist” at Project Unity. Project Unity is a collection of grant-funded programs which provide residents with familial guidance and access to health services. There are three programs offered, including Prevention of Child Abuse, Special Health Services and Safe Harbour. As director of development and communications at Project Unity, LeUnes handles board development, fundraising and communications. However, when Project Unity was struggling to get the word out about its
programs, president Jeannie McGuire suggested hiring Wienkie to make the programs more approachable. “I think [Wienkie] is a very good promoter of this organization because nobody is perfect and our clients aren’t perfect,” LeUnes said. Prevention of Child Abuse is a seven to 10 week program that reaches out to more than 400 families by creating a parent model that encourages communication and simulated solutions to potential parent-child conflict. “People in poverty a lot of times don’t have resources ... They had a bad experience maybe, so we get to model for them how to parent better — and this would be good for everybody,” LeUnes said. Safe Harbour is a $50, one-time intake fee that provides a safe space for court-ordered, monitored visits between noncustodial parents and their children. Safe Harbour occurs on Saturday once a month for two hours. Additionally, Special Health Services provides services for 200 clients with HIV/AIDS. “We make sure that [patients] get to their doctor’s appointments. If they
need eye care, oral care, or if anyone is homeless and has AIDS, then there are funds to get them into a home so they’re not out on the streets,” LeUnes said. “No one should die from HIV anymore.” Although these programs offer aid for community members, LeUnes said most people don’t like to think about the negatives that Project Unity deals with on a regular basis. With Wienkie as life enrichment specialist, the story of Project Unity and its programs is becoming more palpable for the masses through short online videos posted on the Project Unity Facebook page. “When I would post, I would get maybe 100 views with [help from] my friends. With Wienkie, there were over 2,000 views on his last video,” LeUnes said. July 20, the Aloft Hotel hosted a benefit event for Project Unity. Attendees were able to score a picture with Wienkie decked out in a small tuxedo. “Wienkie gets to represent Project Unity, [which helps with] keeping people together, [and] keeping families together and safe,” LeUnes said.
SCS introduces online counseling Alternative therapy project offers immediate, easy-to-access professional aid to students By Josh McCormack @_joshmccormack Students dealing with anxiety and depression now have immediate access to counseling services at their fingertips with a new online counseling platform offered by Student Counseling Services (SCS). The Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) program is a online platform that gives students the opportunity to work through an online course that can help them deal with the trials of being a college student. TAO began taking pilot clients over the summer and is now a full-fledged program. Students in need of counseling can register for an intake session to meet with a counselor through the SCS website. During that session, a counselor will decide which type of counseling is best for each student, said SCS counselor Danielle Pompilli. If the counselor determines the student can benefit from the TAO program, the student is then able to access it online. “TAO is an online platform that students can use that addresses concerns related to anxiety or depression,” Pompilli said. “It’s a way to teach different coping skills about anxiety or depression in a self-monitored way.” In many ways, TAO is similar to an online class. However, the lessons taught through TAO will help students to overcome problems that might hinder them from being their best self, said Pompilli. “You can go through different modules, videos, worksheets and activities. You really get a grasp on skills on how to cope with things,” Pompilli said. “What’s really great is once a week you get to check in with your counselor via a video conference tool through the TAO website, which is secure and HIPAA compliant.” SCS counselor Katie Mahan said the confidentiality requirements for in-person counseling are the same for TAO. “We provide for their confidentiality here by making sure that we are alone in the room and we do ask that students provide for their own confidentiality as well,” Mahan said.
Students who have used TAO say they have seen positive results in their own life, both in the everyday and scholastically. “The sessions were helpful and very easy to follow along with,” said one TAO client. “I liked that they provided information and then had me apply it to my life. I really liked having a counseling session over the webcam because I didn’t even have to leave my house.” Another TAO client said the TAO counselor recommended calming strategies to help during stressful situations. “I was ‘freaking out’ before a quiz and then made use of the breathing strategies,” the TAO client said. “I felt much more relaxed and had stopped panicking. It was such a nice feeling that my thoughts weren’t racing anymore.” Counselors who have used TAO say they have seen positive results with the students they’ve had the chance to work with. “One of the pros of TAO specifically is that it offers flexibility for students,” Mahan said. “It saves them time not having to come here, having easier access to the counselor, and the check in session is 10 to 15 minutes. The idea is that they are able to learn this material on their own and then they can talk to their counselor about ways they can apply it to their life more generally.” The counselors who have used TAO this summer are excited to continue to use it this fall. “In my opinion, I think TAO has a lot of potential,” said SCS counselor Gisela Lin. “TAO provides a lot of practical tools for those students who wish to learn practical skills in helping themselves deal with their symptoms of anxiety or depression. Students can get a feel for what fits them the best and continue implementing those skills in their daily lives to improve their overall wellness.” SCS is located at Student Houses at White Creek, and can be contacted at 979-845-4427 or scs@tamu.edu. The SCS Helpline number is 979-845-2700 and is available overnight weekdays and 24 hours a day on weekends.
• FULL PAYMENT IS DUE AT TIME OF ORDER. • Pricing is available online. • Ring Loans are available to qualified, currently enrolled students at the Short Term Loan Office. Visit AggieNetwork.com/Ring for full details. UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT REQUIREMENTS: 1. 90 cumulative completed undergraduate credit hours. 2. 45 undergraduate resident credit hours completed at TAMU. 3. 2.0 cumulative GPR at Texas A&M University. 4. Must not be on academic probation, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, or on honor violation probation from the university. GRADUATE STUDENT REQUIREMENTS: Master’s Thesis Option 1. Defended Thesis Due to ordering deadlines, you may order at the beginning of the semester you will graduate. Your Aggie Ring will be delivered on Aggie Ring Day if you have defended your thesis prior to the deadline set by the Office of Graduate Studies. If you do not defend your thesis prior to this date, your Aggie Ring will be held until the qualification is met. 2. Must not be on academic probation, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, or on honor violation probation from the university. Master’s Non-Thesis Option 1. 75% of coursework completed for degree program at TAMU. 2. Must not be on academic probation, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, or on honor violation probation from the university. Ph.D. Students 1. Accepted as a Ph.D. candidate at TAMU. 2. Must not be on academic probation, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, or on honor violation probation from the university.
AggieNetwork.com Visit AggieNetwork.com/Ring for complete details or call the Aggie Ring Program at (979) 845-1050.
CAREERS at the NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY
NSA IS COMING TO YOUR CAMPUS Remarkable career opportunities. Recruiters ready to chat. Mark your calendar now!
Texas A&M University Engineering and Other Majors Career Fair Thursday, September 1 SEC Career Fair Monday, September 5
The identities of the students utilizing TAO services have been left anonymous in accordance with the Privacy Rule under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, HIPAA.
PHOT0S FOR THE 2017 AGGIELAND SEPTEMBER 19th thru OCTOBER 13th Monday thru Thursday, 10am - 3pm Should any student be unable to make the specified times on campus they can contact Specialties directly to set up a complimentary in-studio appointment at 979-696-9898.
Specialties Photography will be set up to have your FREE portrait taken for Texas A&M University’s 2017 Aggieland yearbook. No appointment necessary! ALL CLASSES will be in the yearbook. Photos are taken at the SANDERS CORPS MUSEUM LIBRARY!
3. On your appointment day, visit the Aggie Ring Office to find your Ring size (with official Aggie Ring sizers) and pay for your Ring.
It’s your yearbook. Be in it.
Any graduating seniors who wish to set up a cap/gown photo will need to contact the studio at 979-696-9898. Cap/Gown sessions cost $21.95.
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LIFE&ARTS
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BATTASKS
What are your goals for this semester?
“To set up a study schedule and study really well my first year so I don’t flunk out.” Kayla Ponder, zoology freshman
“I’m trying to get an internship with Goldman Sachs, so I’m spending the first part of the semester going to career fairs and then work my way in and trying to get a contact inside the Goldman Sachs office either in Houston or Dallas. My other goal is to study and maintain my GPA throughout the semester so once I graduate, I have a good undergrad GPA to bring into grad school.” Sam Millslagle, economics senior
“My first priority is to become an astronaut, and so I’m in the aerospace engineering department working on a virtual reality simulation called Spacecraft, and we’re working with NASA, SpaceX and other companies to create an astronaut simulation platform where astronauts can jump to virtual reality and perform their missions in virtual reality like they do in real life.”
Grant Phifer — THE BATTALION
Owner Ludwig Kasper brought Irish and German culture to downtown Bryan with his bar and restaurant called Murphy’s Law.
Local bar merges German cuisine, Irish flavor By Bo Bilsing @BoBilsing People who visit the local restaurant and bar called Murphy’s Law won’t just be able to dine on authentic German cuisine, but they may also be treated to the life story of the restaurant’s owner, Ludwig Kasper and how he went from Germany, to Ireland, to opening a restaurant in Bryan-College Station. Kasper lived in Munich, Germany as a child and moved to Ireland as a teenage boy when he wanted to learn English, said Brauhaus manager and head chef Kevin Wright. While there, Wright said he grew to love Irish culture. After graduating from college in the United States, Kasper started an accounting firm. In 2004 Kasper began investing in the building that now houses Murphy’s Law in downtown Bryan. Due to economic downturn, the firm shut down in 2007 and Kasper moved to Germany where he took over a string of unsuccessful bars called Murphy’s Law, turning them into Irish pubs. In 2008, Kasper opened a Murphy’s Law location in Downtown Bryan.
Murphy’s Law combines two different cultures’ cuisines and beverages — an Irish pub and Bavarian Brauhaus, or authentic German restaurant. The bar and restaurant combination is seemingly separated at the front by two separate doors, however is connected inside. “[Kasper] had previous experience running German cuisines so it was sort of a perfect fit to put Brauhaus on the other side,” said Jai Girard, bar manager. “We all think he just wanted somewhere to eat while he was here.” Murphy’s Law contains unique aspects of each culture through varying means. “Brauhaus waitresses wear lederhosen that sometimes contain images of the German flag, as well as phrases written in sort of a ‘German Spanglish,’” Wright said. Many of the lederhosen have the phrase “Prost y’all” written on them, which roughly translates to “Cheers y’all.” “[The Murphy’s Law staff] wear your typical St.-Patrick’s-Day-green shirts as well as Irish rugby jerseys from time to time,” Girard said. Students who frequent the restaurant and bar enjoy it for its unique cuisine and atmosphere. “Murphy’s Law is the only place that does a
correct 90-second draw for Guinness and that is my favorite beer by far,” said communication senior Ben Blakely. “When I went to Brauhaus I found out that German dishes are a lot more stew oriented which I didn’t know. I always thought of German food as more bratwurst and sauerkraut, but there were a lot more slowcooked dishes and they were delicious.” The decor of the bar also lends towards its Irish roots, Wright said. “[The bar top] was assembled in Ireland by a famous Irish company called Team Woodcraft out of African mahogany wood, disassembled, and brought to Bryan to be placed in the bar,” Wright said. Wright also pointed out a distinct painting style that covers the walls of the bar. “Mr. Ludwig hired a man by the name of Harry Cleary, who has painted movie posters for some American classics, to paint the walls in the same style as older movie posters to really give the building some character,” Wright said. Wright said Kasper chose a small Texan city for his bar purely out of curiosity. “Honestly, Ludwig just wanted to see if it would work,” Girard said.
Neil McHenry, aerospace senior Compiled by Leah Kappayil — THE BATTALION
classifieds
Place
an ad Phone 979.845.0569 Suite L400, Memorial Student Center Texas A&M University
BED AND BREAKFAST Romantic Getaways & Engagements, secluded cabin suites. All Day, All Night. www.7flodge.com 979-690-0073.
CHILD CARE Child care needed for family, call 361-563-8214 for more information.
FOR RENT 2 blocks from campus, 4bd/3ba, updated kitchen, remodeled granite/marble countertops, $575-675 per room, 979-229-7440.
When
to call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day
FOR RENT
SPECIAL
see ads at thebatt.com
Private Party Want ads
$10 for 20 words running 5 days, if your merchandise is priced $1,000 or less (price must appear in ad). This rate applies only to non-commercial advertisers offering personal possessions for sale. Guaranteed results or you get an additional 5 days at no charge. If item doesn’t sell, advertiser must call before 1 p.m. on the day the ad is scheduled to end to qualify for the 5 additional insertions at no charge. No refunds will be made if your ad is cancelled early.
FOR RENT
HELP WANTED
3 blocks from campus, 3bd/2ba, updated kitchen, granite/marble countertops, $575-675 per room, 979-229-7440.
Dorm room at The Callaway House for the 2016/2017 school year, Price greatly reduced!! 770-403-6335.
Artist needed to make design for conceptual invention, contact 979-599-2152 for more information.
2bd/2ba Oak Creek condominiums, 2320 Jaguar Dr, Bryan. $700/mo, newly remodeled, W/D, pets ok, Free cable/internet, 4untis available, 979-595-2801 ext4.
Large selection of 3-2 duplexes. Pick yours now, starting at $995. Ready to go. Laminate and ceramic flooring, all appliances. Close to campus. See now. On Line Real Estate 979-268-8620.
Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com
3 months free rent at the brand new Retreat Apts!!! Take over a years lease!!! 8/19-7/31. On the shuttle route. Private bedroom and bathroom. Fully furnished. Rent $714/mo. Please text or call 281-734-4177.
HELP WANTED Busy Development company in Cayman Islands, seeking graduate familiar with BIM and construction processes. Contact Ian@davenport.ky or 354-926-7825.
REAL ESTATE Southwood Valley 3/2/2, granite, cul-de-sac, $168,000. Team Mcgrann TAMU'93 Civil Engineering 979-739-2035/777-6211, Town&Country Realty, Hablamos Espanol!
Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for interview. Computer Programmer needed, contact 979-599-2152 for more information. Frittella Italian Cafe, Casual but elegant environment; need motivated individuals with good work ethic, neat appearance and personable. We will train, apply in person. Individual needed for internet search to compare and create government mail-out document, $500 for time/effort, contact 979-599-2152 for more information. Local carpet cleaning company looking for part-time positions. Willing to work around class schedule, great pay for college students. Random drug testing. Must have clean driving record and pass background check. Call 979-693-6969 for more info. Part-time receptionist, $8.50, 1-8 Tuesday, Thursday, every other Saturday 9-1. Contact David Barrett 979-774-2603.
LOST & FOUND Pair of trifocal Fendi frame glasses in hot pink case lost on campus at the end of school year in June. If found please call 979-218-6082. Reward $100.
puzzle answers can be found on page 2
the
battalion IN PRINT ONLINE News Opinion Sports Lifestyles Photos Graphics Classifieds
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GIGEMWEEK
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Gig ‘Em Week 2016 IN ORDER: Leah Kappayil, Brian Okosun, Alexis Will, Brian Okosun and Yuri Suchil — THE BATTALION
1. Freshmen join in the War Hymn during the Aggie women’s soccer game against UCLA. 2. Yell Leaders show students how it’s done at the first official Yell Practice. 3. Newly inducted cadets in Company E-2 march across Simpson Drill Field during Fish Review. 4. Students line up in Koldus Plaza for free food, giveaways and games at the annual Block Party. 5. Transfer students gather at Spence Park during The Backyard Bash.
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