The Battalion: July 13, 2017

THURSDAY JULY 13, 2017 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2017 STUDENT MEDIA | @THEBATTONLINE

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AGGIE PRIDE

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CONNER MCQUEEN: FROM PLAYER TO COACH page 2

INSIGHTS INTO CHANGING MAJORS page 5

SUMMER MUSIC SERIES COMES TO AN END page 11

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From making plays to calling them Former A&M quarterback discusses his transition from player to coach

Alex Miller @AlexMill20

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onner McQueen couldn’t get enough football.

As his playing days at Texas A&M winded down, McQueen was being led to Houston to begin a job at Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler, an accounting firm.

“It’s one of the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms in Houston. I went through PPA and got my undergrad in accounting and master’s in financial management,” McQueen said.

“You get an internship built into that program and after the internship I got a fulltime job offer and accepted it because I really enjoyed it, loved the people there and thought it was what I wanted to do.”

However, McQueen still had a burning desire to stay in football, one he had since he was a kid. Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin paved his way in, offering his former quarterback a student assistant position.

“Coach Sumlin gave me the opportunity to student assistant coach during the spring and I kind of got that feeling that football wasn’t over for me yet… I got so excited and realized this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

Former A&M quarterback Conner McQueen stands in the Bright football complex, in front of similar helmets to the ones he once wore.

Kate Hanson - THE BATTALION

Chasing dreams McQueen’s childhood dream of coaching stemmed from his grandfather, Bob McQueen, who was the head coach

at Temple High School for 28 years.

During his tenure, Bob led the Wildcats to two state championships and is the 12th-winningest coach in Texas high school football history.

The decision to go into coaching was not easy for Conner, which led to daily conversations about the matter with his grandfather for two weeks before accepting the job at A&M. Since Conner has joined staff, he maintains week-to-week talks with Bob, listening and learning from what the hall of fame coach has to say.

“He has so much wisdom from coaching for so long,” Conner said of his grandfather. “You can never learn too much and in my opinion he’s one of the greatest high school football coaches of all-time. He’s got a lot of things I can learn from him.”

While Bob was a successful coach on the field, Conner mentioned that one of the biggest lessons he has learned from his grandfather is how to achieve success outside of game day.

“Most of the stuff isn’t X’s and O’s, which so many people think that’s what a coach is,” Conner said. “[There are] so many other things when it comes to how you run your program, how you treat your players, how you treat each player individually and how you can really see a kid grow and benefit from being in their life.”

From player to coach Upon joining staff, McQueen began spending 12 hours a day in the office as a student assistant in the spring while only taking one class.

“I didn’t have a lot of things to do,” McQueen said. “So I just spent my time up here learning the game, hanging out with the coaches.”

Moving into the fall, McQueen will move into a full time position and become an offensive analyst. “[I will] do things off the field, I can’t do as much coaching on the field because of the position that I’m in,” McQueen said. “It’s a lot more breaking down film, going through meetings, teaching stuff off the field before players get onto the field.”

Still, McQueen said that he was worried about how his transition from

player to coach would go with guys who knew him when he wore a jersey.

“One of the things I was worried about was not getting looked at or treated like a coach by some of the players,” McQueen said. “I wasn’t playing as much and kind of was a coach on the side, so when I switched over to a coaching role, took off my helmet, I got a lot of respect from the players.”

McQueen’s self-realizations of having others’ respect proved true to the returning players as well.

“It kind of feels like he’s been my coach for two years already just because he’s always on the sidelines coaching me up. He’s always asking what I’m seeing out there and he’s relaying it to the quarterbacks,” A&M wide receiver Christian Kirk said.

Kirk said that he does not see many differences in their relationship now.

“Having him as a coach, he’s just not in pads – that’s it,” Kirk said.

From the full-time coaching standpoint, McQueen’s recent removal from the game as a player could be beneficial for the Aggies because he can connect with the men on the field.

Sumlin said he is excited for the atmosphere McQueen brings with everything he does — especially when it comes to football.

“He brings a lot to the table as far as energy,” Sumlin told reporters at the Brazos County A&M Club’s Coaches’ Night in June. “He’s close enough to being a player that [he] can feel some things some guys don’t.”

Shaping into a successful coach The dream for McQueen remains the same – become a head coach.

“That’s one thing I enjoy and think I do well at,” McQueen said of his aspirations. “Communicating with people and using my leadership to benefit others and help motivate others.”

Former teammates of McQueen and current players believe that his future goal is attainable.

“One day he’s going to be a head coach at a big-time program,” Kirk said. “I can’t wait to see what his future holds.”

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Texas A&M head football coach addressed a group of media representatives at SEC Media Days this week in Hoover, Ala.

Courtesy of Brent Zwerneman

Alex Miller— THE BATTALION

Sumlin, players discuss upcoming football season at SEC Media Days Alex Miller @AlexMill20 Texas A&M took center stage at SEC Media Days at The Wynfrey Hotel Wednesday afternoon, discussing a multitude of questions concerning the Aggies in 2017.

“It’s a nice experience,” safety Armani Watts said of attending SEC Media Days. “Not too many people get to do this and get to represent their university, so I am pretty blessed to be here.”

A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin acknowledged athletic director Scott Woodward’s comments this past May that Sumlin must win this season, noting he drives himself more than anyone else.

“Nobody puts more pressure on me than I put on myself and nobody wants to win more than I want to,” Sumlin said.

“Nothing is going to change the way I approach life, and nothing is going to change the way I approach my job. I’ve known what’s at stake ever since I got into this.”

Sumlin’s signal-caller who will lead his team this season has still not been decided, but Sumlin said he is hoping to name a starting quarterback by the second week of fall camp. “[There is] not really a front-runner right now. I think I know that all three guys are really capable,” Sumlin said. “You guys have seen Jake Hubenak… I see him right now as a mature guy that understands that he wants it. [Nick Starkel] can throw it through the wall, [he] could have played for us last year after Trevor got hurt. And then Kellen Mond… Really a phenomenal athlete, one of the top guys in the country coming out of [high school.]”

The fall camp start date is expected to be announced Monday and will begin earlier this year due to the elimination of two-a-day practices.

“There’s been a lot of changes in the rules,” Sumlin said.

“Every coach is approaching it differently based on the differSumlin said he feels confident in his offensive line’s ability ence in your summer school schedule where it makes it difficult upfront, headed by Martin, despite losing starting tackles Jerto have a true football camp.” maine Eluemunor and Avery Gennesy.

Sumlin added that the Aggies now have 100 percent of their “We got more starts coming back in our offensive line even 2017 signees enrolled in school. by losing two tackles,” Sumlin said. “We had more starts com“All 29 are in summer school,” Sumlin ing back in the offensive line than we had said. “With the number of guys that went last year.” pro early and the other guys that left, we Sumlin also noted that starting cornerback were able to sign 29 this year which was big Nick Harvey may take a medical redshirt affor us.” ter suffering a knee injury during a scrim“Nobody puts One of those signees, wide receiver mage in the spring. Harvey had immediate more pressure Jhamon Ausbon has turned heads since ensurgery following the injury in the spring. rolling early in January and some believe the “We’ll see when we get to camp,” Sumon me than I put true freshman could be a key contributor on lin said of Harvey’s status. “I don’t foresee offense this fall. him being able to go, could be a redshirt on myself and A&M’s lone veteran receiver put it on situation, but we’ll make that decision in the nobody wants to his shoulders to see out Ausbon’s expected fall.” production.

Harvey’s injury leaves open spots up for win more than I “He’s very ready physically, mentally, grabs in the secondary. want to” he has a great work ethic,” wide receiver “We’re working hard right now in offseaChristian Kirk said. “It’ll be especially on me son,” Watts said of the secondary. “EveryKevin Sumlin, Texas A&M that he’s used to the physical contact, gobody’s competing for a job because everyhead football coach ing through the right recovery, preparation body’s job is open, so it’s a nice group we because that’s one of the biggest challenges have now with the younger guys that came as a freshman is having your body make it in ready.” through the whole season.”

Even with doubts, the 8-5 narrative has gotten old for both Kirk added he expects good things from their returning re- coaches and players and some believe they can win a champiceivers who had minimal playing time in previous years. onship.

The addition of new strength coach Mark Hocke drew ma“I’d say the sky is the limit for us,” Watts said. “We haven’t jor attention from both players and coaches. The switch is one played yet, everybody is a new team, and we know when we that the Aggies hope can help them finish strong in the second do, what we’re capable of. For us, we want to be able to win half of the season. the SEC Championship and go on to the national champion“We do more position specific stuff as we’re lifting and ship, be a top-tier program that we are. We want to be on top running,” offensive tackle Koda Martin said of the coaching of the SEC.” change. “They include things that are specific to the offensive Texas A&M kicks off its 2017 season against UCLA at the line. We’ll be doing stuff in a stance, stuff in pass steps, with Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on September 3. run steps. We have position coaches within the strength staff.”

NEWS

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The Battalion | 7.13.17

Pray.

Think.

Meditate.

OVER THE SUMMER FILE

The Corps of Cadets are a long-standing tradition at Texas A&M University and New Student Conferences are a good way they recruit incoming freshman.

By Adrienne DeMoss @AdrienneDeMoss Over the summer the Corps of Cadets stay busy by preparing for the upcoming year and spend most of their time recruiting new hopeful Cadets at New Student Conferences.

Cadets taking summer classes can volunteer to recruit for the Corps and their specific outfits. They will engage with incoming freshmen to explain what the Corps of Cadets is all about.

Sam Hawes, assistant commandant for recruiting colonel, said the cadets will attend the New Student Conferences in an attempt to identify and relate to the freshmen who are interested in joining the Corps.

“Once a student is accepted into Texas A&M they register and join at their New Student Conference. Hawes said “We have cadets here over the summer who volunteer to help us recruit for the Corps and for their outfits.”

Accounting senior Crispin Cory of Squadron 23 said that the tactic of speaking to new students is similar to what other on-campus organizations do.

“A lot of MSC organizations speak at Rudder and then we do our part [speaking about] overall traditions that stem from the Corps, and the Corps at large,” Cory said.

Wildlife and fisheries sciences senior Audrey Holstead of S-1 said while roles over the summer vary for a cadet, her role is focused on recruiting.

“For me personally, I’m just here to recruit for my outfit, to get high school kids that are joining the university to get interested specifically in Company S-1 which is the unit I’m from,” Holstead said.

Holstead said the recruiting process during New Student Conferences can look like an open house throughout the Quad, with stops including the Leadership Learning Center, a multi-floor study area near the cadet’s dorms, and other symbolic areas.

“We also have some special events, tours throughout a Leadership Learning Center in the Quad followed by a question and answer sessions,” Holstead said.

Political science senior Michael Vitacca of Squadron 1 said that finding the correct unit for incoming freshman is a top priority.

“We try to get the unit that best fits their personality so we can help them develop as leaders and just kind of get them ready for the beginning of the school year,” Vitacca said.

Vitacca also said that recruiting was not the only thing the Cadets are working on this summer. Learning how to represent their organization and university is another high priority for the cadets.

“The other part is that the Corps is still representing the university, that never really goes away.,” Vitacca said. “So be it at the Bush School, or in a parade or a conference, or helping high school advisors learn about the Corps, we are still representing the Corps and getting our name out there.”

Cristian Aguirre — THE BATTALION

The new prayer and meditation room was created in order to provide a space for religious practice of all faiths to all students.

By Tenoch Aztecatl @tenochaztec After students were seen praying under the stairs of Sterling C. Evans Library, Dean of University Libraries David Carlson, and his staff decided to make a special room for religious expression in the library a possibility.

Located on the fifth floor of the library is the building’s newest addition, an all faiths meditation and prayer room.

The room was officially opened to students in May offering a quiet and convenient area of meditation to all students on campus. With large windows and open space, the room was designed to signify peace, relaxation and comfort to all of its visitors.

Construction on the prayer and meditation room began approximately one year ago. Carlson said the overall goal was to create a private area for students to pray or meditate without interruption.

“What really kind of drove it is that I got reports that students were creating their own space in the library in not very attractive situations,” Carlson said. “So that was the main motivator, we saw a need out there.”

The room also offers a variety of religious texts such as the Jewish Tanakh, the Quran of Islam, the King James Bible and more. There are also prayer rugs, chairs along the walls and a pole, with the word “peace” written in multiple languages located in the room’s corner.

Assistant Dean of Evans Library Diversity Initiatives, Jan Pfannstiel, also played a large role in the construction of the prayer and meditation room and emphasizing that the room is open to all students regardless of their faith.

“We didn’t want it to represent any specific religion and it’s not meant for group study or bi-

ble studies or meditation groups,” Pfannstiel said.

“It’s just meant for people to have a nice quiet place, with a nice view.”

For students, the room serves as a location where they can practice their religious beleifs as they see fit. The room is open during all Evans Library hours, so patrons can come an go as they please. The room is all inclusive, a fact that chemical engineering junior Sibba Al-Kahtani said she enjoys.

“I was really happy because in my mind the prayer room wasn’t just for Muslims,” Al-Kahtani said. “It was also for Christians and Jews and Buddhists even agnostic people who may not have a god but now have a meditation room.”

Communication sophomore Carlee Hebert, also finds the room to be conveniently located since many students spend hours in Evans Library studying, reading and doing homework.

“A lot of people will spend tons of time in [Evans Library] studying and reading,” Hebert said.

“And especially during finals week it’ll be good to have a place to get away and then regroup and get back to work.”

Rules and regulations for conduct within the prayer and meditation room can be found printed on the room’s door and walls. If a student would like to request a sacred text or reading be added to the room’s bookshelf, an email address is also provided on that list.

Pfannstiel hopes that this new room provides students easy access to the spiritual or personal peace they are seeking during their academic endeavours.

“We have thousands of students in the library every day,” Pfannstiel said. “So this is an opportunity to give them a space that’s quiet and then continue with their other studies while they’re in the library.”

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The Battalion | 7.13.17

Major misconceptions: Truths about changing college degree plans from faculty, students

By Mariah Colón @Mariahcolon18

do outside of college,” Eckert said.

Finance graduate student Noah Pillans said he changed his major twice as an undergraduate student beginning in biochemistry transferring to political science and ended in ecohile percentages on how many students change nomics. their majors vary per school, one trend seems to “It was nice between political science and economics,” Pilbe consistent: an average of 75 percent of students lans said. “The transfer between the two was nice because will change their majors at least once during their the curriculum were so similar. Basically as long as I had the time in college according to Virginia Gordon’s data from the GPA they knew I was not going to have any problems changthird edition of her book “The Undecided College Student: ing classes or having a whole bunch of credits that wouldn’t An academic and career advising challenge.” transfer over.”

In addition to individual academic adviWhile Pillans said he had a relatively sors, Texas A&M houses three resource censmooth transition he also noted that for ters for students who are undecided about some students the transition is not so simtheir degree or have career questions in genple. Although, he said the trouble is well eral, including the career center, transitional worth it.

“It’s such a big academic programs and student counseling “I have heard from some other students process in their services. that transfer in between one major to a comSantana Simple, professional counselor in pletely different major in a different college life and it’s a student counseling services, said that on avthat it gets a little more hairy because some big decision so erage A&M student counseling services see classes don’t transfer for credit,” Pillans said. about 24 to 26 clients per week during a “But it was well worth me going through there is a lot semester with 50 percent of those appointthe slight jumping through hoops to get of fear of the ments being career focused. something I enjoyed a lot more.”

“Most students tend to relate it to a career.

Technology management senior Francisunknown” They ask ‘If I’m unsure about my major then co Careta had a similar experience to Pilwhat career can I have?’” Simple said. “Our lans in that his process of changing majors Santana Simple, professional counselor approach is to understand the whole person between various engineering disciplines was and then from there we usually refer them administratively simple, but said that the to other offices for the specifics of if they can process of discovering what he wanted to get into the major.” pursue was more difficult.

Simple said anxiety and pressure from choosing the correct “Nautical is what I started out in and then I went into major is a recurring factor in the students concerns she sees at mechanical, then electrical, then both computers and then I the student counseling center and advised students to come in switched into TCMG,” Careta said. “Because all of [the maas soon as they are having unsure thoughts about their major jors] were still engineering centered it wasn’t too bad. I wasn’t or career path. really losing too many hours… The real difficulty was that I “A lot of students are unsure of what they are looking for,” was switching around trying to figure out what I really wanted Simple said. “It’s such a big process in their life and it’s a big to do with my life.” decision so there is a lot of fear of the unknown.”

Careta said that a tip he would give students questioning Agriculture communication and journalism senior Katie their major is to ask around for advice from upperclassmen and Eckert changed her major twice at her previous university, find what you are passionate about in life.

Spartanburg Methodist College of Spartanburg, N.C., and “Talk to somebody more senior than you. It’s hard someonce at A&M where she said she found a more hands-on ma- times trying to relate to advisors or professors because times jor. have changed. A lot of the professors when I tried to talk to “At A&M I realized I didn’t like the department I was in,” them about this kind of stuff they were still under the stigma Eckert said. “I had heard a lot of people in the agriculture that you should not change [majors] at all, even if you hate it, communication department talk about how it was a lot more you just have to power through and finish out,” Careta said. hands-on and I transferred in.”

Careta said that as long as students find their passions their Eckert said that along with asking fellow classmates and stu- career success will follow. dents for opinions she also took a variety of classes that allowed “For me it seems super crazy that I never came to the conher to explore where she wanted her career path to go. clusion sooner,” Careta said. “I was always building computers “I’ve taken classes from a lot of the different colleges here in high school and I was always doing a lot of stuff related to on A&M’s campus and that is one thing looking back on my that… once I figured all of that stuff out I was like ‘Wow this college career that I am really happy I did because it opened is what I need to do for the rest of my life.’” doors to see so many different majors and different jobs I could

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Graphic by Hayley Douglas

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AGGIE

Current and former students marched together, celebrating the LGBT community

By Sarah East @saraheeast18

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Current and former Texas A&M students met after the Houston Pride festival to march as an Aggie family in the annual Houston Pride parade. This was A&M’s first participation as an institution in a Pride parade.

Sarah East — THE BATTALION

From cover, identified current and former students: Asia Gillespie, Victoria Medrano, Paloma Rodriguez, Christian Centeno, Elise Jemmott, Samuel Moffatt, Ryan Shores, Morgan Metcalf and Ryan Shulman.

n June 24, Texas A&M made history when it officially participated in its first recognized Pride festival and parade in Houston.

Houston Pride is an annual event that takes place in Downtown Houston. The event includes a festival featuring exhibitor booths and performances by musical artists, as well as a night parade. This year, A&M marched in the Pride parade with support from university administration and staff.

“People were very shocked to see A&M marching in the parade, which speaks to the work we have to do in spreading our message,” Chad Lieper, Class of 2017, said.

“When the parade announcer told the crowd that this was A&M’s first time marching, I remember feeling very proud that I was a part of that.”

Leiper said that he enjoyed sending the message that A&M is a welcoming place for all members of the Aggie family.

“One of my favorite things about A&M is feeling like you’re a part of something bigger than yourself,” Lieper said. “I understand that historically A&M has not had the best reputation for LGBT+ students, but I think the work we are doing, and will do, can change that.”

Chad Mandala, program coordinator for Texas A&M’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender, or GLBT, Resource Center also noted a historic stigma around A&M concerning its tolerance of LGBT people and other minority groups.

“I think there’s this story about Texas A&M that is rooted in the 80s, 90s and early 2000s about who is welcome at Texas A&M,” Mandala said. “Showing up at events like this helps to showcase that Texas A&M is a place that really believes in providing a world class education to every aggie and that there’s not a delineation in the opportunities that are available to students based on who and how they love.”

In 1977, a group of gay students attempted to form an organization for LGBT services and support at A&M. When the group was denied by university leadership, they sued A&M for violation of the First Amendment. Gay Student Services v. Texas A&M went all the way to the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where the court ruled in favor of Gay Student Services and ordered the university to officially recognize their organization.

“I don’t think a lot of people realize the necessity for a group to be able to organize on campus because so many people are able to live with their heterosexuality and it isn’t an issue,” Bobby Brooks, A&M’s first openly gay student body president, said. “That’s why we have to share out stories, and that’s why we have to be proud.”

The university also garnered attention in 2013 when the student senate passed a bill to allow students who had a religious conflict to opt out of giving money, through tuition and fees, to the GLBT Resource Center. The bill was

stopped when John Claybrook, 2012-2013 student body president vetoed the bill, citing it as “great harm” to the reputation of A&M. “It’s sad when a university downright denied the right for a group of students to exist the way that they are in such a way that is given to others,” Brooks said. “I think it was interesting the way that they went about that bill, the way it was being worded.”

However, A&M’s reputation for the LGBT community has been improving according to the Princeton Review.

In 2016, A&M was removed from the Princeton Review’s list of the “20 Most LGBT unfriendly” colleges for the first time since the GLBT Resource Center was created.

“I don’t like to give too much hype to being removed from the Princeton list because we still have problems, but it’s a step in the right direction,” Brooks said. “It’s one of those ‘don’t get too comfortable’ kind of things, and it’s a reminder that while it’s a small victory, we need to keep making small victories until we can be truly accepted on this campus with everybody else.”

The GLBT Resource Center worked with both current and former student groups in order to coordinate both festival and parade participation. They also coordinated with other universities who were participating in Pride Houston to host an intercollegiate pride mixer. Rice University, University of Houston and University of Texas’ alumni network, Texas Exes, attended the mixer.

“It was really fun to be able to put our rivalries aside and come together to celebrate Pride,” university studies senior Samuel Moffatt said. “Meeting former students and hearing about their time at A&M was really eye-opening, and it’s very encouraging to see how far we have come.”

Current and former students alike were invited to participate and volunteer in events throughout the weekend. Moffatt recalls meeting new people and sharing his Aggie story with festival attendees while he volunteered at the A&M booth.

“It was a time for us to come together and meet other people in our community while celebrating who we are unapologetically,” Moffatt said. “I made new friends and found a support system of fellow Aggies that I can look to for guidance throughout the rest of my time at A&M and even as a former student.”

President of the Aggie Pride LGBTQ & Ally Former Student Network and former Battalion staff member Brad Dressler, Class of 1996, acknowledged the diversity of the Aggies who participated in the weekend’s events.

“Participants included current students, former students, faculty and staff, LGBTQ+ Aggies, straight allies and more,” Dressler said. “These various members of our Aggie Family demon-

strated their unconditional support for their fellow Aggies and the LGBTQ+ community.”

Dressle credited the high turnout and community participation to the cooperation between the GLBT Resource Center and other Aggie groups who planned the weekend’s events.

“It was emotional and impactful to see diverse representation of our Aggie community united in camaraderie and respect,” Dressler said.

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The Battalion | 7.13.17

Four unique summer destinations for the Aggie on a college budget From art museums to wildlife refuges to waterfalls, here are some of the one of a kind day trips in Texas to travel to without breaking the bank

By Adrienne DeMoss @AdrienneDeMoss Summer often brings the desire to travel to far off places, but students taking summer classes or trying to manage a college budget might forgo a summer adventure all together.

However, Texas offers many diverse destinations that aren’t a plane ride away and won’t leave your bank account dry. Here are a few locations across the state where students can find summer fun at the right price.

Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge in Tyler, Texas Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge is a big cat animal preserve that includes anything from lions and tigers to smaller cats such as cougars and leopards.

Wildlife and fisheries science senior Micaela Hinojosa, who is interning at the wildlife refuge over the summer, said that besides being a fun place to visit, there are also an opportunity to learn something new.

“Visiting Tiger Creek during the summer allows you to take a fun trip with friends to see some cool cats, while also being able to see first hand what a refuge is all about,” Hinojosa said. “You will learn what all the cats went through to get to their forever home.”

Senior keeper Arielle Klein said visitors of the refuge are helping to support all of the animals.

“While you are enjoying a day out here at the refuge, you are actually supporting a good cause, because we are a nonprofit, and all admission costs are considered donations which allows us to take care of our cats,” Klein said.

Klein said that any and all funding is appreciated and goes directly to ensuring the health and care of the cats, which is a top priority.

“We have a large senior and geriatric cat population, so medical expenses can be overwhelming at times. So every little bit counts,” Klein said. “You can leave here knowing you helped us ensure another day of medication and high quality food for our furry family members.”

For more information visit www.tigercreek.org.

Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg, Texas From hiking and camping to rock climbing and stargazing, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area includes something for everyone looking for an outdoor adventure.

Enchanted Rock is a popular destination among families as well as college crowds.

About a three-hour drive from College Station, Enchanted Rock can be a daytrip or can become an overnight camping trip.

Public health sophomore Paige Clark said the area is beautiful and that she always experienced a worthwhile time while she was there.

“I like Enchanted Rock because it’s a fun place to go with friends and family and get a good workout. When you get to the top the view is amazing,” Clark said.

For more information on Enchanted Rock visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock.

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve in Austin, Texas Located just outside downtown Austin, visitors of Wild Basin have described it as a refreshing escape from the hub of the city. Wild Basin features landscape views, unique wildlife and hiking trails.

With 2.5 miles of scenic trails this 227 acre urban wilderness preserve is a great way for vistors to get in touch with nature.

The director of the Wilderness Basin Research Center, Barbara Dugelby, said that the history of Wild Basin has shaped the way it looks today. “[Wild Basin] was a watershed that was not heavily logged, or in some areas, not logged at all when citizens were logging the area for firewood.

So, it has many unique ecological features,” Dugelby said.

Wild Basin is a habitat for the federally endangered golden-cheeked warbler. Waterfalls can also be seen throughout the multiple trails along with landscapes that visitors can walk through and view. ss gla ou For more information on Wild Basin yD e l y Ha Wilderness Preserve visit their website at by c i h ap Gr parks.traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/wild-basin.

McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas Located about 5 miles from downtown San Antonio, the McNay Art Museum is reminiscent of Spanish colonial architecture. It is Texas’ first modern art museum, boasting galleries of medieval and Renaissance artwork.

Public relations and marketing manager Daphne Lehman said The McNay Art Museum hosts many different events and most are catered toward college students.

“We have a world-class collection, thought-provoking programs, and really fun events for all ages,” Lehman said. “Every month we throw a big event called Second Thursday at the McNay. Outside on the beautiful museum grounds you’ll find live music, food trucks and beer for sale for 21+ attendees, and inside the Museum you’ll enjoy free general admission and gallery tours.”

Lehman also said that over the summer general admission for anyone 19 and younger was free and only $5 for college students 20+ with a student ID. More information can be found at the McNay Art Museum website at www. mcnayart.org.

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Roy Lopez: A selfless servant of Texas A&M Senior regional advisor honored at 2017 Jefferson Awards for ongoing service to community

By Mariah Colón & Reem Hussein Senior regional advisor Roy Lopez flew to Washington, D.C. in June to represent Texas A&M, Bryan and College Station at the the Jefferson Awards for his efforts in local service.

The Jefferson Awards, granted at both a national and local level, aim to recognize those who exemplify community service, volunteerism and selfless service.

Myra Gonzalez, director of analytics for the Texas A&M department of statistics, has known Lopez since 1996.

She said in an email interview that Lopez was receiving the award for the service he accomplished throughout the Bryan College Station area.

Gonzalez described one program in particular that Lopez and his late father created called Fiestas Patrias Mexicanas in Bryan. Fiestas Patrias Mexicanas is a nonprofit organization that aims to celebrate Hispanic culture by hosting community events. One of these events is an annual parade in Downtown Bryan that focuses on Fiestas Patrias’ mission and awards scholarships to local students.

“Each year his Fiestas Patrias grew in popularity,” Gonzalez said. “As a free, community event it was

amazing… Roy combined his passion for higher education through scholarships with a King and Queen contest for Fiestas Patrias each year. He has provided thousands of dollars in scholarships for local students.”

Fiestas Patrias is not the only thing Lopez has contributed to the B-CS area.

Lopez said in addition to the most recent Jefferson Award he has also had the pleasure of receiving awards including the Star Award, the Hispanic Heritage Community Award and the John J. Koldus Faculty and Staff Achievement Award.

Roger Martinez, director in the department of vice president external relations at A&M, has known Lopez since 2007 and said that the love Lopez has for his students is evident in every action he takes.

“Roy Lopez has a heart of gold. He’s always willing to help other people and as he recruits he really loves the students and their families,” Martinez said. “He loves them, he cares, he’s out there and he does everything he can to help them come to Texas A&M.” Lopez said one of the goals he hopes to help achieve is increasing the outreach the university partakes in.

“There are already so many changes for the positive here,” Lopez said. “I

Associate of the Month

Associates who receive this award are recognized for going above and beyond their normal duties to promote teamwork, unity, a positive attitude, kindness and exceptional customer service.

Thank you, Brandon, for all your hard work and dedication to the Zone A Maintenance Crew!

Laura Haslam — THE BATTALION

Roy Lopez has spent the past 27 years serving students and the B-CS community in many ways. He earned the esteemed Jefferson Award in 2017 for his services.

would love out of my heart to see A&M work more with high school, middle school, and elementary kids and let them know that we are here for them.”

Martinez said he has seen Lopez perform many acts of selfless service over the years, from everyday service to giving away his own money.

“Roy has picked up people from the bus stop here in Bryan and made sure they got to their programs, given money to students who didn’t have money to pay for their lunch or dinner,” Martinez said. “He’s just super involved in the community whether it’s with Fiestas Patrias or any other organiza-

Additions, deletions and changes to the University Student Rules may occur over the course of the year.

The following student rules have been revised: Rule Student Conduct Code Student Conduct Proceedings

Brandon Leath, Maintenance

Notice of University Student Rule Revisions

Rule # 24 26

Congratulations to

Date Student Rule Website Updated May 4, 2017 May 4, 2017

Each student has the responsibility to be fully acquainted with and to comply with the Texas A&M University Student Rules. Student Rules can be found at http://student-rules.tamu.edu.

tion. He’s just a person that gives and is very willing to serve others.”

Lopez said that the best advice he could give students at A&M is to make difference in all that they do.

“It is not how I lived my life, it is how I impacted the world. I look at students as the future,” Lopez said. “I try to help students with their hurdles because I’ve been there and I have done that already.”

batt THE BATTALION | THEBATT.COM

JoshMark McCormack, Editor in Chief Doré, Editor in Chief The BATTALION BaTTalion is published THE published daily, daily, Mondaythrough through Fridayduring duringthethe Monday Thursday fall fall and and spring semesters and Tuesday spring semesters and Tuesday and and Thursday during the summer session Thursday during summer session (except University University holidays (except holidays and and exam exam periods) atatTexasTexas A&M University, College periods) A&M University, Station,Station, TX 77843.

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$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.

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$1100 Prelease, Brand Newer Luxury 2/2 on Northgate, walk to TAMU, granite counters, faux hardwood floors, FREE Wifi/Cable, Fullsize W/D, Call/Text Maroon & White Management, 979-422-5660. More info at www.rentmaroon.com

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Renovated 2bd/2ba apartment homes, Summer Specials available for a limited time! Washer/Dryer connections, dog park, paid water & internet & more! Contact Renaissance Park Apartments at 979-696-9771.

$295 Prelease, All Bills Paid, 1room for a student in shared furnished apartment, Call/Text Maroon & White Management, more info at www.rentmaroon.com 979-422-5660. $550 Prelease 1/1. Free WiFi/water/sewer. On Northgate, on shuttle. Call/Text Maroon & White Management 979-422-5660. More info at www.rentmaroon.com 4bd/2ba house in Northgate, a few blocks behind the Dixie Chicken, big backyard, deck, large trees, hardwood floors, new carpet in all bedrooms, $1900/mo, 972-822-9341.

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HELP WANTED Apartment management help needed, part-time, 10-12hrs a week, $9/hr, 979-255-5648.

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Yard/warehouse person needed, part-time/full-time, call 979-574-7474.

REAL ESTATE

10

The Battalion | 7.13.17

Grounded in History A background on Texas A&M’s buildings and statues

By Brad Morse @bradsmorse53 ACADEMIC BUILDING

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ROOMMATES Gateway Villas, unfurnished room, private bath $425/mo, furnished room, private bath $465/mo, 979-422-7377.

SERVICES Texas License to Carry, Louie Rogers 979-676-1948, FirstDefenderLTC.com

Cristian Aguirre — THE BATTALION

One of the most notable buildings on Texas A&M’s campus, the Academic Building, was built in 1914. Standing four stories tall in its beaux-arts classical design, it houses the department of sociology, international studies, hispanic studies, the faculty senate and the social psychology lab.

Inside its iconic green top, is Texas’ replica of the Liberty Bell. Every state received a replica in 1950, and Gov. Allan Shivers opted to gift it to A&M due to their students’ service in World War II. “No one suffered more than the Aggies, so we will give it to them,” Shivers is quoted as saying. On the ground floor is the original seal of the university. One of A&M’s most iconic traditions, Silver Taps, is performed in front of the building on the first Tuesday of every month if a current student has died during the previous month.

SHAPING THE FUTURE

Cristian Aguirre — THE BATTALION

Located between Bolton Hall and the Harrington Education Center, Shaping the Future is a bronze sculpture depicting children standing over an open book. Standing 12 feet tall, it shows a girl holding a feather to the sky, meant to symbolize students reaching new heights. Her hand is held by a teacher, symbolizing the importance of the role an educator plays in molding their students. The sculpture, crafted

by Bill McGlaun, was gifted to the university in 1999 to commemorate the College of Education’s 20th anniversary.

LIFE&ARTS

11

The Battalion | 7.13.17

Félix Pacheco, bass guitarist of Cilantro Boombox, plays in the second summer sunset music series concert.

Sarah East — THE BATTALION

Series ends strong

By Savannah Mehrtens @SJMehrtens The Downtown Bryan Association’s Summer Sunset Series offered five weeks of free evening entertainment with a wide variety of music performances, drawing crowds of all ages to the Palace Theater.

The series took place every Thursday night of June at the Palace Theater. It was started to help promote Downtown Bryan and provide free public entertainment, according to marketing coordinator for the Downtown Bryan Association Abigail Noel. Noel also said the local music series continued to be a popular success throughout its run, featuring Chubby Knuckle Choir, Cilantro Boombox and Roxy Roca.

“It’s really aimed at anybody and everybody who lives in the Bryan-College Station area,” Noel said. “We just want people to have something fun to come do, enjoy Downtown Bryan, visit the Palace, come eat and shop down here. It’s just a fun atmosphere, very family friendly and it’s totally free.”

The Summer Sunset Music Series will have a brief encore on August 4, hosting band Steady Legend who did not get to perform. The performance will take place at the Palace Theater during Downtown Bryan’s First Friday.

“For Steady Legend we had to reschedule due to weather since the tropical storm was coming in and we weren’t quite sure what it was going to do,” Noel said. “So we rescheduled Steady Legend to come back

and play for the August First Friday.”

Cilantro Boombox brought a fresh, independent take on latin-based music to downtown for the second concert of the series, imploring audience involvement through dance. Singer and guitarist Andres Villegas said that getting to meet new crowds is a worthwhile aspect of playing at events like these.

“It’s nice to be able to venture out of Austin,” Villegas said. “It’s really not about the size of the venue, but about venturing out and meeting people.”

History and political science junior Sarah Colley was in downtown Bryan with friends when they found out about the concert series by walking past the Palace Theater. Colley said that because of her positive experience, she may be coming out for the future concerts hosted by the Downtown Bryan Association.

“I kind of want to make it an every Thursday night thing, honestly,” Colley said. “It’s kind of expensive to pay for entertainment every week, and the fact that it’s free and that the temperature’s perfect, and it’s covered – I mean, it’s amazing.”

THE BATTALION Summer Publication Schedule June 13, July 13, August 8 and August 21

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