thebattalion l thursday,
september 19, 2013
l serving
texas a&m since 1893
l first paper free – additional copies $1 l © 2013 student media
SYMBOL OF THE SPIRIT Former students fulfill Aggie’s dream John Rangel The Battalion
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ggieland will shine a little brighter Friday when 3,509 students receive their Aggie Ring. It is a symbol cherished by students and alumni long after they leave the University, but for some it becomes cause for worry when it is lost, misplaced or too expensive to buy. It is during these times, however, that the Aggie Ring’s symbolism becomes a reality. The sides may wear and the shine may dull, but the spirit the Aggie Ring stands for is exemplified in the actions
that some take to make sure every Aggie can wear it proudly. Kyle McClannan, Class of 2009, wanted to be an Aggie since he first wanted to go to college. He only applied to one university, was accepted and four years later walked the stage with a degree in political science. One thing was missing, however. “I had to pay for all of my college through loans and could not afford the Aggie Ring,” McClannan said. “But See McClannan on page 5
Ring provides financial obstacle for some Mackenzie Mullis The Battalion
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he Aggie Ring is something that Aggies — and non-Aggies — recognize and respect as a unique symbol of the excellence in character and academics that comes with an education at Texas A&M. Many students will purchase their ring before they graduate,
signifying the end of their college career. For some though, the price makes buying the ring a daunting process. “I was on the fence about getting my Aggie Ring,” said Kyle Baldock, senior community health See Ring expense on page 5
Dee Huggins — THE BATTALION
Pass it back, grads Grad students to open wildcat competition Lindsey Gawlik The Battalion
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rom learning the freshman wildcat at Fish Camp to taking part in Pull-Out Day and getting to “Whoop” for the first time, the four wildcat cheers are a large
part of the undergraduate A&M experience. Texas A&M may soon, however, have a fifth wildcat added to that list. Ryan Beemer, head of the marketing committee for the Texas A&M Graduate Student Council and civil engineering graduate student, came up with the idea for a graduate student wildcat and started the process of making this idea a reality. Beemer said there are three things that
truly show you are an Aggie: wearing the Aggie Ring, cheering on the Aggie football team and doing your Aggie wildcat. Whereas graduate students get to take part in the traditions of the Aggie Ring and go to football games, they have had to make do with using the senior wildcat as their own.
William Guerra — THE BATTALION
See Grad wildcat on page 3
fightin’ texas aggie band
thebattalion asks
Q:
Band hosts cancer survivor to raise awareness
Page 2: What are your thoughts on a graduate student wildcat?
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John Rangel The Battalion
student government | 3 Branches clash on fiscal policy
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he Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band will play host to an honorary guest Saturday during the game against Southern Methodist University — a 6-year-old cancer survivor by the name of Charlie Dina. Nick Baker, public relations officer of the band unit B-Company and senior sports management major, said the idea to host Charlie came from friends who wanted to do more. “Me and my buddies decided we wanted to do something different this year in terms of giving back,” Baker said. “We’ve always been taught at A&M, especially in the Corps, that something very important to us is selfless service.” See Charlie Dina on page 3
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SBP Reid Joseph urged senators to reconsider an allocation bill at Wednesday’s meeting, prompting a debate on fiscal resonsibility.
lifestyles | 4 WWI play storms stage COURTESY
Charlie Dina, a 6-year-old cancer survivor, will be the honorary guest for the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band during Saturday’s game against SMU.
“Journey’s End,” a play documenting the lives of soldiers in WWI, depicts trench warfare and the effects of shellshock.
9/18/13 11:16 PM