The Battalion - May 6, 2019

MONDAY, MAY 6 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2019 STUDENT MEDIA

S P R I N G

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G R A D U A T I O N

E D I T I O N

19 MOMENTS FOR THE CLASS OF

2019 on pg. 7

Photos by Cassie Stricker and Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

PROVIDED

Latinx Graduation Ceremony founders pose in front of the War Hymn monument.

Graduación para todos Students host bilingual ceremony for Spanish-speaking community

Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

University President Michael K. Young addresses students at a graduation ceremony in 2018.

A&M to award 500,000th degree Record-high 10,767 diplomas to be distributed at May commencements

By Hannah Falcon @hannahfalcon_ As thousands of Aggies decorate their graduation caps, practice walking in uncomfortable shoes and prepare to turn their Aggie Rings to face the world, Texas A&M prepares to honor its 500,000th graduate at the upcoming Spring commencement ceremonies.

May 9 through 11, Reed Arena will host

eight ceremonies for the 12 colleges at A&M’s main campus in College Station. In addition to earning their degrees, 130 Corps of Cadets members will be commissioning into the armed forces on Friday at 2 p.m. All College Station ceremonies will be livestreamed on KAMU, and overflow seating will be available in the AgriLife Center.

Graduating students are asked to report to the North Entrance of Reed Arena 45 minutes before their ceremony. After singing the National Anthem and a student keynote speech, degrees will be presented to all of those GRADUATION ON PG. 2

By Jordan Burnham @RJordanBurnham Wednesday evening marks the inaugural Texas A&M Latinx Graduation, which will allow graduates to participate in a bilingual ceremony.

The ceremony, which will be held May 8 at 6 p.m. in the Preston Geren Auditorium, will offer the friends and family of 54 graduates the opportunity to participate in the Aggie community through the awarding of stoles and a poem to each graduate.

Andrea Flores, Class of 2019 president, initially gathered a group of 15 students to organize the event. Founding members of the ceremony come from various Latinx organizations, including MSC CAMAC, MSC SCOLA, LCAA, MSA and CMSA. All students were invited to participate in the ceremony, not just members of the Latinx community. Alejandra Moreno Arreola, founding member and kinesiology senior, said the purpose of the cere-

mony is primarily to offer family members of graduates the opportunity to understand graduates’ experiences at A&M. “This graduation is going to be in both English and Spanish so that they are able to understand what it means for us to actually cross the stage here at Texas A&M and the sacrifices that we put in,” Arreola said.

“It’s for anybody whose families may not be fluent English speakers, specifically.”

Economics senior and founding member Metzli Sanchez said the graduation was met with opposition from inside and outside of the Latinx community. However, a large portion of this backlash stemmed from confusion regarding the purpose of the ceremony, university studies senior and founding member Vanessa Fernandez said.

“You have people who feel like their traditions are being attacked,” Sanchez said. “We’re not trying to take down any traditions; we’re trying to add to them.

We want this to be an Aggie thing too — not all Aggies speak the same language — and we wanted a space where we can also celebrate.”

LATINX ON PG. 2

GRADUATION

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The Battalion | 5.6.19

Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

Students celebrate their graduation at the end of a ceremony in spring 2018.

GRADUATION CONTINUED

Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Student Services Chair Ashali Chimata and Senior Class President Andrea Flores presented a Student Senate resolution for a Latinx commencement ceremony on Feb. 20.

LATINX CONTINUED Along with the challenge of opposition from some of the student body, urban and regional planning senior and founding member Carlo Chunga Pizzaro said funding the ceremony was another hurdle. The group intends to continue the Latinx Graduation ceremony in future years and hopes university administration will get involved in upcoming ceremonies.

“We actually did invite different admin to the ceremony so they can see what it’s

like and they can see the importance of it,” Chunga said. “I hope that I see more administration help and support for this.”

Sanchez said her father was unable to understand her New Student Conference, so she is looking forward to seeing him understand such a special moment at A&M. “I used to be ashamed for being Latinx, so this is personal for me,” Sanchez said. “And I want him to see me really take my culture and really take pride in it, and I feel like that would give him the most joy, so it’s definitely for my dad.”

without holds, said Chad Wootton, associate vice president for external affairs for the Office of The Provost.

“In the days prior to commencement ceremonies, final grades are posted, and Registrar confirms if there are any holds (financial, academic, conduct) related that would require a student to not receive their diploma,” Wootton said in an email. “Registrar pulls the diploma for any such student. A special coding system allows students to receive a presentation tube as they cross the stage and instructions included on how to remove any holds they may have.”

While a few of the professional schools have outside speakers, A&M has student keynote speakers at all their undergraduate ceremonies, Wootton said. Students apply to be a speaker by submitting a short bio and sample speech, then final speakers are selected by the Student Body Present, Student Government Association and a panel of faculty and administrative staff.

“The uniqueness of this process is in its volunteerism and then rigor to select finalists,” Wootton said. “Additionally, [it is] unique in that we do not pay speakers for commencement, as we have found our stu-

dents to be excellent representatives.”

The university will host 15 ceremonies throughout the month of May at its flagship campus and branch campuses to honor a record-breaking 10,700 total graduates. In addition to surpassing 500,000 graduates, The Association of Former Students is surpassing 500,000 former students, which includes students who did not graduate.

“We have elected to acknowledge the accomplishment at all 15 ceremonies,” Wootton said. “As this milestone is a cumulative success of all who have worked towards and achieved a degree from Texas A&M, we will celebrate all graduates rather than singling out one individual student.”

University President Michael K. Young announced the milestone in an email sent out Thursday to A&M students and faculty.

“These milestones are reflective of our commitment to bring higher education to all who seek it,” Young said. “And as we moved into the ranks of the world’s top research institutions, we have held close the values and traditions that have served us well since opening our doors to students in 1876.”

More information on commencement ceremonies can be found at graduation.tamu. edu.

FINAL REVIEW

Photos by Meredith Seaver and Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

Left: The Corps of Cadets conducted its Final Review on Saturday, bringing the 2018-2019 year to a close and signifying the change in leadership for the new school year. Top center: During the 2019-2020 school year, freshman Colton Ray will serve as the mascot corporal and junior Alyssa Pierson will serve as commanding officer of E-2. Bottom center: Final Review is the last event of the outgoing seniors’ Corps experience. Top right: Junior Luke Thomas will serve as the 2019-2020 Corps commander. Bottom right: The outgoing seniors of Squadron 17 celebrate and cheer as the rising outfit marches past.

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PROVIDED

Life & Arts editor Kathryn Whitlock will graduate on Friday at 9 a.m.

An unforgettable, meandering road Anything worth having requires dedication and A&M has taught me that Kathryn Whitlock

M

@KathrynWhitloc8

ay 10, 2019 is a date that evokes many emotions: apprehension, gratitude, relief and bliss. After four unforeseen, cathartic years, I will walk across the stage on that date and remember what it means to trust in timing, overcome adversity and succeed with the help, love and guidance of others.

Overall, my time at A&M was nothing out of the ordinary. However, in retrospect, the person I am today is the complete opposite of who I was at the start of college.

For my freshman and sophomore year, I had little to no idea who I was or who I wanted to be. Seventeen hours every semester got the best of me, and seeing purpose and excitement in my studies was scarce; the desire to attain a 4.0 overshadowed everything else. I went

through every day ad nauseum, with little motivation to change that. This soon changed.

During my junior year in the fall of 2017, I walked into my philosophy of logic class and sat next to a stranger, current Assistant News Editor Sanna Bhai. Unbeknownst to me, that choice would lead me down a transformative and worthwhile path.

About a month into our class together, we became friends, which eventually had her constantly asking me to become a staff writer at The Battalion for the science and technology desk. As a science major, I had little experience with writing, but I begrudgingly gave in and joined the staff. Because of this, my college experience took a 180 for the better.

I started my journey at The Batt by writing for the SciTech desk for a semester. After every word was typed and each story was published, I could feel my thoughts for my future start to align.

My future didn’t have to be dreading

CONGRATULATIONS! The Association of Former Students congratulates the 2019 Gathright Phi Kappa Phi Outstanding Junior recipients for their outstanding academic performance at Texas A&M University.

2019 AWARD RECIPIENTS

College of agriCulture & life SCienCeS

College of Veterinary MediCine & BioMediCal SCienCeS

Marina Joy Conner ’20

Demonta Devone Coleman ’20

College of arChiteCture Savannah Elise Sinowitz ’20

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Hannah Claire Lehman ’20

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Samantha Claire Longridge’20 College of liBeral artS

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biochemistry or wondering if I would ever find happiness in a pharmacy lab.

My future was reflected in the love of stories I told.

While working at The Battalion, I have been a SciTech writer, a Life & Arts writer, and for the past year I have been one of the Life & Arts editors.

With each transition, I multiplied my deep love for storytelling and met brilliant, hilarious friends who have left a life-long impact (shoutout to hamster fan club). I now understand that I can dive head first into any new opportunity, no matter my prior experience and to just go for it. I now know that I will always get to where I want to be even if its a different way than I originally thought.

What I needed in order to figure out my path was in the basement of the MSC all along. Before, being at A&M was nonsensical and aimless, but I realized that The Battalion was the missing puzzle piece that made everything clear.

Starting in August, I will be attending graduate school at the University

of Texas at Dallas to pursue a Master’s in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication, but I am positive that I could not be saying this without my two years at The Battalion. Two years at this newspaper may have gone by in a flash, but they were pivotal. Without A&M, I would not have The Battalion, and without The Battalion, I would not have this diploma.

It is odd to think that this time next week, I will no longer be in Aggieland; it’s odd that I won’t be leaving the newsroom at 2 a.m. anymore; it’s odd that hearing the word “howdy” will become uncommon.

I am continuously grateful for the moments I have spent at this university. These past four years have prepared me for whatever may come, and I will always remember where my life truly started.

Kathryn Whitlock is a entomology senior and Life & Arts editor for The Battalion.

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A journey worth the work Family and friends make college possible and memorable Megan Rodriguez

I

@MeganLRodriguez

t’s almost unimaginable that this is my last story for The Battalion when I can still remember my first ones so well.

I wrote a preview article for the annual 3-Day Startup entrepreneurship event.

I was nervous for every interview. I asked more questions than necessary and took much too long to write the story.

My second article was a coverage of the event. It ended late so the editors tore it to pieces as I was writing so it could get put in the paper in time for publication.

I remember calling my mom as I left the library when it was finally finished and telling her how overwhelming it was to write on a tight deadline and have an entire staff edit as I worked. I had no idea how much more intense things would soon become for me at The Battalion.

Between those first articles and this last column, I’ve written more than 100 stories, including coverage of student protests, an incoming student body president and the burial of former first lady Barbara Bush, to name a few. I’ve pulled all-nighters working in the newsroom.

I’ve gone to bed worrying about the paper and woken up thinking about story ideas and project details that need to be finalized. The Battalion became a defining part of my college experience.

Somewhere between the late nights editing and the frantic scrambles to meet deadlines, I fell in love with journalism and chose to pursue it as a career.

But none of this would have been possible without my parents, their unwavering support and countless sacrifices they made for me. I never could have afforded to continue working at The Battalion if my dad hadn’t moved up in his job and if my mom hadn’t switched from a position she loved to one she could barely stand to help me pay for my tuition.

I never could have made some crucial life decisions without my mom’s willingness to help me talk through things as I cried over the challenges I faced. I never would have had the confidence I have in my writing if it weren’t for my dad —

who I am convinced is The Battalion’s most loyal reader — texting me every day about the stories he liked best.

It’s their encouragement, high expectations and loyalty that prepared me for everything I faced during my time at A&M and have put me in an excellent position for a future career. Thank you, mom and dad. I love you both so much and I never could have made it here if it weren’t for you.

My brother, Michael, knows first-hand how our parents’ love can encourage someone. I was so happy when Michael followed in my footsteps and come to A&M. He collected nearly every paper I worked on over the past two years, even hanging some in his dorm. It’s this type of support that I’m unbelievably grateful to have.

They’re not my only relatives who’s encouragement contributed to me getting my diploma. When I walk the stage on Thursday, I will remember my family members who helped me move in and out of my dorm over the years, everyone who changed plans for major holidays so I could celebrate with them while I was in town and relatives who encouraged me to come to A&M in the first place.

Without the endless love my family has shown, I know being a successful student would have been impossible. Coming from a large family, it’s impossible to name everyone individually, but thank you all for investing in me since before I was at A&M and now as I walk across the stage.

And when I was away from this network of support I’d been born into, I made new friends who got me through each day in College Station. Hannah Winkle knocked on my dorm room door on move in day and soon became my best friend. She’s the first person I text when I need encouragement or just want to vent — the friend who is always ready to drop what she’s doing to go grab food. Hannah, we’ve seen each other through the first day of college and the last. I can’t wait to see where our friendship goes next.

And of course there have been countless friends in The Battalion newsroom who have probably spent more time with me than anyone else, since we practically live in this little office in the MSC

Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Editor-In-Chief Megan Rodriguez will graduate on Thursday at 2 p.m.

basement: The ones who have seen me at my worst, on nights when breaking news coverage has us scrambling to meet deadline; the ones who I know I could trust with anything because they’re the most hardworking and talented people I’ve ever met; the ones who make me laugh when the week has been awful and we still have so much more work to do.

Our adviser, Douglas Pils, has been with us through it all, encouraging us to keep going and editing every edition we produce. He’s the first person I met at The Battalion. He handed me my application. He encouraged me to apply for editor-in-chief. He helped me get scholarships and internships. I never would have made the decision to pursue journalism if it weren’t for him, all the incredible professors and all the other editors who taught me what I know.

But of course the friendship I’ve found in Managing Editor Luke Henkhaus has stood out among the rest. He was the first person I hired when I became a desk editor and I knew in that first semester he would be editor-in-chief one day.

Between the first story assignment I gave him and now as I prepare to hand over my position to him, Luke has been the kindest and funniest person I have ever known. He’s one of the few people I can talk to for hours and never be bored. If it weren’t for him, I never could have made it this far at The Battalion.

But when the relentlessly fast-paced newsroom was too much, there was always my church group ready to support me. I can’t count how many times they’ve prayed for me or guided me in my decisions with sound advice. Their encouragement to rely on God was ever present and much appreciated.

It’s all of these people and incredible experiences that made my time in Aggieland so unforgettable, and make saying goodbye so challenging. But there’s really only one way to do it — in true Aggie fashion.

Thanks and gig ‘em.

Megan Rodriguez is a communication senior and editor-in-chief for The Battalion.

Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

Sports editor Angel Franco will graduate on Thursday at 2 p.m.

The greatest game I’ve played Sports editor Angel Franco looks back at her time as a student and anticipates the future Angel Franco

I

@angelmadison_

never realized this, but life, at least for me, has been like a game of football.

For those of you who know me, you definitely don’t find it surprising — but hear me out.

Much like football, life can hand you a series of hard hits and close calls. It can also give you some of the craziest moments that leave you speechless. You can make several strides forward, but one bad thing can send you back further than where you began. At the same time, one stroke of genius can put you within inches of your goal.

That is what college has been for me.

Four beautiful “quarters” of my life masterfully pieced together. I have been tackled by some of the hardest classes, but I have managed to get back up. I’ve had my fair share of flags thrown my way that have reminded me that I am, in fact, not the greatest of all time. I have had a lot of first down celebrations and touchdown dances.

There is one thing left in the Angel vs A&M season that I have left to do, and that is win my super bowl. Come Thursday at 2 p.m., I will begin what I have officially decided to call my two-minute drill. The last few moments I will have as an undergraduate. In the last two minutes of a football game, every second is crucial, and I hope to make the last few seconds I have as a current student

count.

Before I walk the stage and hoist my own version of the Super Bowl trophy, I will soak in the sounds and sights of Aggieland, whether it be by taking a stroll across campus or sitting with my family and friends before we head to Reed Arena.

But before I commit a false start and get ahead of myself, I have to call a timeout to thank some of the most important people that have gotten me through these last four years.

Most importantly, my coaches — aka my parents.

Mom, you have been my offensive coordinator for the last 21 years of my life. You have given me the tools to outsmart (pun intended) the defense while also reassuring me about my ability to drive down the field and make big plays.

Thank you for the long calls filled with advice that got me through the hardest parts of college.

Dad, you have been my defensive coordinator — the Buddy Ryan to Mom’s Mike Ditka (but you guys don’t hate each other). If I had a dollar for every time you told me to stop crying and keep my head up, I would have more than enough money to pay off my student loans. You have taught me to have tough skin and to always keep pushing for great things no matter how hard I might find it.

I love you both so much I cannot believe I get to call you two my parents.

My position coach, Douglas Pils has been one of the toughest yet supportive

members in my circle. Without his guidance, I firmly believe that I wouldn’t be where I am today. I struggle to think that when I need advice, I won’t be able to walk into his office and just talk it out. I cannot thank him enough for being my “Batt Dad” and helping me grow not only as a journalist but as a person.

One of the biggest things about sports is the unity between people who played alongside each other.

My teammates, aka my friends, have been some of the most important people in my life. And although I’ve had friends who have come and gone from my life, their impact remains until this day.

When I look back at my time in Aggieland, I will think about the adventures and uncontrollable laughter I shared with so many amazing people who I feel so lucky to have crossed paths with.

To my amazing roommates, thank you for being my extended family this past year. You three gave me the sense of home I lacked my first three years in college.

And to my longest and dearest friend in college, thank you for being there through it all — the good and the bad and everything in between. You mean so much to me.

Looking back at the last four years, I can honestly say that I was spoiled by the experience I had as the sports editor and as a student. I walked through campus getting to live two lives: the reporter who had access to almost every athletic event and the student who yelled from the stands when I was off duty.

I witnessed and covered some of the biggest events in person from Jimbo Fisher being hired to the UCLA meltdown at the Rose Bowl. I sat in the stands at Reed when A&M won a share of the SEC title and in Section 203 for some of the most intense baseball games ever.

For four years of my life, I have spent the majority of my time in the basement of the MSC in my beloved L400.

I have had 271 bylines for this paper. I have cried, laughed and stressed within these walls. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Yes, the hours were long and the pay was not great, but the stories I worked on and the editors I worked with made it all so worth it. There is nothing like spending countless hours working on something so important with people who are as passionate as you.

There is one more thing I want to leave here, and it’s a bit of advice: First, find something that you are passionate about and give it your all — whether it’s helping others or being the best version of yourself. Next, find people who will help you, challenge you and are just as passionate as you. It’s SO important to have people who will be there for you.

Finally, soak it all in. This era in your life is so important, and if you don’t take the time to stop and take it in, it will fly by and you won’t even notice it.

While my time as a student might be over, I am excited to take on this new season of life. With each step of the way, I will make sure to spread the spirit that can ne’er be told.

Gracias y gig ‘em!

Angel Franco is a telecommunication media studies senior and sports editor for The Battalion.

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The Battalion | 5.6.19

AUGUST 2019 GRADUATES:

ORDER NOW THROUGH MAY 13 AND RECEIVE YOUR AGGIE RING IN TIME FOR GRADUATION.* *Degree must post on official TAMU records to receive your Aggie Ring in August.

HOW TO GET YOUR AGGIE RING ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2019: Samantha Mahler — THE BATTALION

News editor Jordan Burnham will graduate on Thursday at 7 p.m.

More than a diploma

If you meet the requirements after Spring 2019: 1. Log in to AggieNetwork.com beginning May 17 to check your Ring eligibility. (You will need to create an

A college education goes beyond 120 hours of undergraduate classes Jordan Burnham

I

@RJordanBurnham

n three days I will receive a piece of paper. This piece of paper — better known as a college diploma — will substantiate my belonging within the community of the educated, or so they say.

Years of hard work, countless cups of coffee, an occasional epiphany and stacks of newspapers stand behind the piece of paper they call a bachelor’s degree in international studies and Spanish.

This diploma may grant me some level of status in the outside world, but personally it represents much more than the simple completion of 120 hours of undergraduate coursework.

I have never been a fan of traditions. This may seem somewhat ironic considering the myriad of traditions which permeate Texas A&M, but I prefer not to repeat actions for the sake of repetition.

This belief has led me to adore this university not for its maroon-infused traditions, but for the courses, the opportunities and the faculty that provided me with the conditions to understand that

my education will not end with a piece of paper. A&M gave me the space to begin in my acquisition of knowledge, but the lessons learned will not stop when I walk across the stage on Thursday.

I can recall many days in which I walked out from Academic Building after learning something that fundamentally altered my understanding of the world only to walk underneath the burgeoning trees spotted along Military Walk.

It is these moments of rumination, not some summa cum laude distinction, that prove to me that I succeeded throughout my time at A&M. The piece of paper I will receive also stands for the sacrifices and support from my selfless family.

When I walk the stage as the first person from my family to have graduated from college, it is Molly Burnham, Stephen Burnham and Vickey Perez whom I will thank, not myself. My parents — who are, frankly, more redass than I ever was — believed in my abilities when I could not see them in myself. It is them who instilled in me the desire to go beyond what is acceptable and pursue excellence in all areas of life. I can only look forward to the close of this chapter

Check Ring Eligibility: May 17 - June 13 Order Dates: May 20 - June 13 Aggie Ring Day: September 27

because of the many pages they wrote.

I would be remiss if I did not mention The Battalion. I vividly remember walking into the basement of MSC L400 expecting to augment my writing skills, but I never anticipated the transformation of my aspirations that followed. From spending countless nights in the newsroom — often past 2 a.m.— to interviewing individuals from all walks of life, the student-run newspaper became my home — my family — amid a larger family of 68,000. Playing a small role in sharing others’ stories became my story, and it is these stories which push me forward.

All in all, it will be challenging to say goodbye to the people and places who radically transformed my life. This university gave me so much, and I know I will leave a piece of myself among its halls. So on Thursday, I know I will walk off that stage, a piece of paper in hand, and march triumphantly forward.

Jordan Burnham is an international studies and Spanish senior and news editor for The Battalion.

account on this website.)

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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.

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SWANSONG

6

The Battalion | 5.6.19

PROVIDED

Top left: Accounting senior Amanda Waclawczyk and photo chief Cassie Stricker pose for a photo after their kindergarten graduation in 2003. Bottom left: Cassie and her brother, wildlife and fisheries sciences freshman Cody Stricker, visited the Aggie Barn in January 2019 while both of their class years were displayed. Cassie will graduate on Friday at 9 a.m.

Unexpected blessings — 16 years in the making Photo chief Cassie Stricker says A&M is full of opportunities if you’re willing to take them Cassie Stricker

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@cassie_stricker

hen people ask me how I — a first-generation college student and a first-generation Aggie — ended up at Texas A&M University, I can’t help but smile.

My Aggie story starts in 2003, when I met a girl named Amanda in my kindergarten P.E. class. She loved to wear maroon T-shirts and talk about how her dad went to Texas A&M University.

It took me about a month to remember her name, but she was the first friend I made, and as it would turn out, one of the best.

At the age of five I didn’t know anything about A&M or college in general, but when Amanda told me she was going to be an Aggie some day and asked if I wanted to be her college roommate, I didn’t question it.

Now, 16 years later, I’m getting ready to graduate from the best university in the world, and next year Amanda — now my college roommate of four years — will do the same.

My time at A&M has been full of the most unexpected opportunities and blessings.

When I started school here, I never imagined that I would photograph all five living former presidents together in Reed Arena, or that when one of them passed away just over a year later I would be missing my last week of fall classes before finals to fly to Washington, D.C. and cover his state funeral.

I never imagined that when Angel, The Battalion’s sports editor — and one of my best friends — turned to me as we stood in the south end zone of Kyle Field and said “well, Cassie, this is the last play of our college careers,” that the Aggies would go on to defeat LSU 74-72 in a whopping seven overtimes.

I never imagined that my little brother would follow me to A&M or that we would unintentionally sign up for the same sociohorticulture class during my last semester of college.

I never imagined that I’d get to write columns talking about my love for Silver Taps and Muster, and I definitely never imagined that a quote from one of those columns would be etched in stone on a marker in the Spirit Plaza for people to read for years to come.

A&M and The Battalion have without a doubt given me so many opportunities.

But more importantly, they’ve given me a family. I don’t know where I’d be today without the friendship I found in my

John 15 family during my freshman year or in The Battalion newsroom throughout the last three.

I certainly have a lot to be thankful for; from incredible coverages to finding my best friends in the basement of the MSC, to sharing my love for this university with my little brother.

It would be impossible to thank every person who has impacted my life in these last four years, but in true sentimental swan song fashion, I’m going to try.

To my mom: thank you for always encouraging me to push myself. Thank you for making sure I knew that college was an option for me and for working so hard to help me succeed. Your sacrifices and love do not go unnoticed, even though I fear that sometimes you may feel they do. I aspire to be even half as strong of a woman as you are.

To my brothers: I love you both so much. Cody, thank you for letting me spend a year being over-excited every time I saw you on campus. Sharing my last year of college with you has been such an unexpected blessing, and I couldn’t be happier that you’re part of my Aggie family, too. Also, please accept my Facebook friend request...

Curtis, you’re welcome for convincing mom to let you skip school for my Ring Day and my graduation.

I’m so happy that you get to be here with me for two of the biggest moments in my college experience.

To Amanda and the Waclawczyks: thank you for introducing me to A&M and for teaching me what it meant to be part of the Aggie family long before I started college.

To the rest of my family and all of the friends I have made along the way: thank you for your endless love and support.

Mr. Pils, thank you for being a constant sounding board and for never hesitating to provide me — or any of us Batt staffers — with guidance.

I didn’t know what I was signing up for when I submitted my application to Texas A&M, and I don’t know what to expect after I walk across that stage on May 10. But I do know, that no matter where I go or what I do, I am a better person because of my time at A&M. Saying goodbye to this place and these people is without a doubt one of the most difficult things I’ve done. But still, I can’t help but be thankful for the unexpected blessing of having so much to say goodbye to.

Cassie Stricker is an agricultural communications and journalism senior and photo chief for The Battalion.

GUEST COLUMN Honoring Leadership in Service Sharing the stories of this year’s Evans Medal recipients Tyson Voelkel

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@TysonVoelkel

owdy Ags, Since 1998, the Texas A&M Foundation’s Board of Trustees has awarded the Sterling C. Evans Medal to outstanding philanthropists for their unique contributions to Texas A&M University and the Aggie community. In this column, I would like to honor and briefly share the stories of this year’s recipients.

Craig Brown ’75 and Sue Harris Smith have played an instrumental role in attracting some of the nation’s top students to Texas A&M. Today, the couple’s flagship program is the Craig and Galen Brown Foundation, which awards competitive scholarships to well-rounded students recognized as National Merit Finalists and Semifinalists. During the past 28 years, they have supported approximately 400 Aggies through this program. Brown Scholarships supplement any other academic awards students receive to provide fully-funded tuition. In large part due to the Brown Scholarships, Texas A&M now ranks No. 1 in Texas for National Merit Scholar enrollment, No. 3 among public U.S. universities and No. 7 nationally. Additionally, its engineering program is second only to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for the number of National Merit Semifinalists and National Merit Scholars enrolled. Undeniably, the Brown Scholars program is one of the most inspiring personal commitments to higher education in the United States today.

Judy Ley Allen and her late husband Robert “Bob” Allen ’50 have provided extraordinary leadership and service to Texas A&M for more than 40 years. Bob even served the university in its highest capacity as a Regent.

They have supported Mays Business School in many ways, but they were also instrumental in helping complete

the campus of the Bush School of Government and Public Service; in recognition, the campus’ main building bears their name. The couple has always admired Texas A&M’s sense of camaraderie, and their interest in supporting the Bush School stemmed from their confidence in its ability to produce ethical leaders dedicated to public service. Today, their gifts have helped the school become a leading public and international affairs graduate institution.

Donna Walker and her late husband J. Mike Walker ’66 are longtime supporters of Texas A&M, but it was their $40 million gift in 2018 to name the departments of mechanical engineering at both Texas A&M and The University of Texas at Austin that will have the greatest impact. Their gift will help researchers at both institutions develop new technologies as well as offer additional learning and leadership opportunities for students. In recognition, both universities have renamed their departments of mechanical engineering to honor Mike and his successful career in the industry. This gift says a tremendous amount about leadership and unity and will have a transformative impact on engineering education and research in the Lone Star State.

We honor these distinguished givers not just for the difference they have made in countless lives at Texas A&M already, but also for the standard they have set for the future. No single award can fully account for the kind of leadership these couples have exhibited, but we at the Foundation are proud to present each of them with the Evans Medal as a symbol of our everlasting gratitude.

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

GRADUATION

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The Battalion | 5.6.19

19 MOMENTS

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The Battalion looks back at some of the most iconic events from the Class of 2019’s time in Aggieland

12 points in 30 seconds

Aggies United against hate Garrett makes history

Off to the series

Deep from the Heart

Texas A&M basketball holds a place in college basketball history after mounting one of the biggest comebacks in the NCAA Tournament. Down by 12 points to Northern Iowa in 2016, the Aggies turned it around and secured their trip to the Sweet 16.

When white supremacist Richard Spencer spoke on campus in December 2016, he was met with opposition, including protests and other events countering his speech. University President Michael K. Young and then-Student Body President Hannah Wimberly organized Aggies United in Kyle Field to promote solidarity among students.

During the 2017 NFL Draft, the dinosaur-loving defensive end became the Aggies’ first ever No. 1 overall pick. Before Garrett, Von Miller, former A&M football player and Super Bowl 50 MVP, was the highest drafted player in school history at No. 2 overall.

With regional wins over Davidson and Tennessee, Texas A&M baseball and softball punched their respective tickets to the World Series. Florida was the other SEC school to send both teams to the series that year. Both Aggie teams were the first to be eliminated after going 0-2 in the World Series.

Former Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama came to A&M for the Deep From the Heart: One America Appeal Concert, raising $33 million in relief funds for the victims of hurricanes Harvey, Maria and Irma in October 2017.

Alabama, Lady Gaga and Sam Moore were among the performers at this once-in-alifetime concert.

Aggie football’s new era

How sweet it is

Breaking barriers

Major milestones

7 overtime miracle

At 2:43 p.m. on Nov. 27, 2017, the A&M athletic department notified Kevin Sumlin that he was relieved of his duties as head football coach. A week later, Jimbo Fisher was hired as the Aggies 29th head coach in program history. Fisher signed a $75 million 10-year fully guaranteed contract.

In the spring of 2018, Texas A&M was one of two schools to have both its teams reach the Sweet 16. The men’s season ended after a 99-72 loss to Michigan.

The women saw their season end with a 90-84 loss to Notre Dame.

In 2015, the Corps of Cadets announced the first female Corps commander, Alyssa Michalke, who opened the door for Cecille Sorio, the second female Corps Commander, in 2016. In March 2017, Aggies elected the first openly gay student body president, Bobby Brooks, who served for the 2017-2018 school year. April 2018, Mia Miller was selected as the first female Mascot Corporal.

In October 2018, The Battalion and the Singing Cadets celebrated their 125th anniversaries. These groups have shared students’ voices in their own ways since 1893. Current and former Battalion staff celebrated the anniversary with a gala in March. The Singing Cadets welcomed nearly 400 former members on stage during their anniversary concert in April.

After four hours and 53 minutes, Texas A&M got its first win over LSU since joining the SEC in 2012, beating the Tigers 74-72. The game, which was the last of its kind before the NCAA established new overtime rules, was the highest scoring game in College Football History.

Presidential send-offs

Campus construction

Our expanding universe

First in forensics

VP comes to campus

A&M hosted the burials of former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara Bush. The former first lady was laid to rest in April 2018, followed by the 41st president later that year in December.

Both were buried next to their daughter Pauline Robinson Bush on the grounds of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. George H.W. and Barbara were honored at the 2019 Muster ceremony.

After renovations, Kyle Field is the largest football stadium in Texas. Replacing Cain Hall is the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center. The Quad saw several dorm renovations and new facilities. The Southside Commons were improved with new amenities. The White Creek Community Center was added on the west side of campus. The Zachary Engineering Education Complex was completely rebuilt.

With a total uncertainty of only 1.9 percent, A&M researchers got closer to pinning down a better estimate of the expansion rate of the universe. Their measurement diverged significantly from values predicted from current theoretical models. These findings make a stronger case for the possible existence of an unseen part of the universe that contributes to cosmic expansion.

Based on a combination of cost, reputation, alumni salary, graduation rate and job placement rate, A&M’s forensic and investigative sciences program placed first nationally among accredited majors in the Bachelor’s Degree Center rankings. The relatively young program was established in 2007 and became fully accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission in 2012.

Vice President Mike Pence visited Texas A&M as part of a larger event on U.S. vice presidents hosted by the Bush School of Government and Public Service — the ConocoPhillips White House Lecture Series. Pence, along with former Vice Presidents Dan Quayle and Dick Cheney, shared distinct experiences and approaches from their years serving under different presidents.

Compiled by Hannah Falcon, Angel Franco and Henry Mureithi

A home fit for champions

Aggies remember

Woodward heads to LSU

‘Game of Thrones’ at A&M

The new $38.8 million E.B. Cushing Stadium opened during the 2019 spring semester. This 90,500-square foot facility marked a new era for the Texas A&M track and field.

In April, A&M hosted its largest March of Remembrance to date. Around 350 people marched for Holocaust victims and their families, a tradition that began in 2016.

Two weeks after hiring head men’s basketball coach Buzz Williams, Athletic Director Scott Woodward left to his alma mater LSU to hold the same position he served in at Texas A&M.

Author George R.R. Martin began using A&M as his official repository in 1993.

Today, A&M’s archives are home to a collection of “Game of Thrones” memorabilia, including the dagger Arya Stark used in the current season of the HBO show.

Photos from Cassie Stricker, Meredith Seaver, Savannah Mehrtens, Alex Miller, Brandon Holmes, Creative Commons and Battalion Archives

“CONGRATULATIONS AND GIG ‘EM.” Chancellor John Sharp ‘72 THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

GRADUATION

8

The Battalion | 5.6.19

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Texas A&M offers lifetime of support to former students

By Savannah Mehrtens @SJMehrtens When Aggies graduate, there are many opportunities offered by the university and the Texas A&M community that remain with them for life.

Through systems like the Aggie Network, the Career Center and the Money Education Center, former students can seek advice and connect to all Aggies when in need of assistance, whether they’re settling into a new area, building successful career tools or redesigning their budget. Although these systems are based on campus, students can still access resources from other cities, states or countries.

Kathryn Greenwade, vice president for communications and human resources for The Association of Former Students, said there are resources for former students such as the Find an Aggie directory and A&M Clubs that connect Aggies in a given area.

“There are resources that can help former students professionally and socially,” Greenwade said. “And just to help them as they get settled in the next chapter of their life.”

The All-Aggie Grad Party is a way to learn about A&M Clubs and begin networking, Greenwade said. The event will be held on May 9 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and May 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Clayton W. Williams, Jr.

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Samantha Wilson, executive director of the A&M Career Center, said they provide resources and tools to prospective, current and former students while they pursue endeavors.

“We provide comprehensive services and resources that assist students in achieving their goals after they leave Texas A&M University,” Wilson said.

The Career Center’s services can be accessed by former students by visiting aggienetwork.com and going to the careers page that has a list of everything they can offer, including networking opportunities and career advice.

“We do provide assistance locally, and our former student career services team has also traveled to a variety of locations to provide assistance to our former students,” Wilson said. “They have held meetings in Colorado and in Florida, and have also gone to companies facing layoffs to assist former students with creating resumes, developing professional networks, and using all the resources available to them.”

The Career Center is ready to help at any stage of life for the success of Aggies, whatever that might be. Wilson said the center can also connect former students who would like to offer their skills as a resource for current students seeking advice.

“It’s a lifelong journey,” Wilson said. “Texas A&M supports lifelong learning and we’re a part of that. The job market changes, how you find jobs changes. What you did 20 years ago to find a job is not necessarily the exact path you take today.”

CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES! For more information on graduation ceremonies, visit graduation.tamu.edu

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“We invite all graduates to come by because that’s a great place where you can learn about A&M Clubs in your area; you can see Find an Aggie in action,” Greenwade said. “And it’s just a good way to meet people and begin networking.”

David Roach, money education advisor and Class of 2015, said the Money Education Center provides free resources to help Aggies by limiting the costs of attending college and helping them navigate financial barriers throughout their lives. “[We are] helping them prepare for a lifetime of financial decisions,” Roach said. “Because there’s definitely a lot of them.”

The Money Education Center can advise former students either in person or over the phone by appointment.

Roach said most former students who use their services are not in College Station, so he said to check time zones when scheduling an appointment.

“Our motto is ‘Once an Aggie, always an Aggie’ so we do visit with all former students,” Roach said. “They’re more than welcome at any point in time to take advantage of our services.”

Roach recommended recent graduates reestablish their financial goals and find a budgeting method.

“The big thing in all of this is that you’ll start to make some bigger financial decisions, so don’t be afraid to go slow with those and one at a time,” Roach said. “I think that most people find that to be very successful in the long run is to go slow with that and

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