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Jesse Everett — THE BATTALION
Sophomore quarterback Kellen Mond threw for 430 yards and three touchdowns in the Aggies’ close game against No. 2 Clemson University on Sept. 8.
Sophomore Kellen Mond owns role as Texas A&M’s go-to quarterback By Abigail Ochoa @AbigailOchoa88 From stepping in as quarterback during the 2017 season while still a true freshman, to being named this season’s starting quarterback, Kellen Mond has grown as a leader and a power player on the offense. With his newfound confidence and presence on and off the field, Mond is proving that he’s an essential asset for the Texas A&M football program. Mond had the opportunity to step up for his team early in his college career. Redshirt sophomore Nick Starkel was injured in the first game of the 2017 season, opening the position to Mond and then-senior quarterback
Jake Hubenak. With eight starts under center, Mond made the most of the opportunity, throwing 1,375 yards, rushing for 340 yards and becoming the first true freshman to pass more than 300 yards in a single game during A&M’s matchup against Louisiana-Laffayette. With both Starkel and Mond in good shape for this season, head coach Jimbo Fisher had the hard task of naming a starter before the season opener. One day before their matchup against Northwestern State, Fisher named Mond as the starting quarterback, crediting the decision to Mond’s performance in spring and summer camps. “He played very well in the pocket and made great decisions,” Fisher said. “He led our team and played with great poise and composure and knowledge of our offense. He created plays and our team followed him very
well… He had a little better camp overall and he’s our starter.” Mond has wasted no time proving he earned his spot as quarterback. With only two games under his belt this season, Mond has racked up 614 passing yards, five touchdowns and secured a 61.5 percent completion rate with zero interceptions. However, don’t plan on seeing him bragging about his successes, or even turning to social media to re-live highlights from his plays. Mond said he stays away from media outlets and doesn’t focus on watching highlight shows. But he does watch film very closely, especially after the game against No. 2 Clemson, where he made three touchdowns and threw for 430 yards. “Even though a lot of people were saying that my performance was really good, I felt like I could’ve done a lot better,” Mond said.
“I pride myself on being perfect and I felt like I could’ve made some plays for us that would’ve helped us and put us in a better position.” His focus and strong work ethic have coaches impressed with his ability to take control of the offense. Fisher, along with Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, said his determination and presence on the field make him a unique quarterback. “Everything about him, whether he’s studying in the office, watching film until late at night, whether he’s doing all the other things he has to do — his competitive, physical nature and that look [he gets] in his eye,” Fisher said. “When he’s in that huddle, [the offense] like[s] him. He works at it. He’s got a demeanor, he’s got a presence about him.” Swinney said he was impressed by Mond’s MOND ON PG. 2
Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION
Sophomore reciever Kendrick Rogers hauled seven receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns against the No. 2 ranked Clemson Tigers.
Small-town star shines in Aggieland Kendrick Rogers makes his presence known in Kyle Field By Grant Spika @GrantSpika A tiny Texas town by the name of Frankston sits 98 miles southeast of Dallas, with a population of just 1,229. ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard is from Frankston, as is Texas A&M receiver Kendrick Rogers. Rogers isn’t nearly as famous as Beard, but soon he could be. The 6’5” sophomore receiver made his name known around the country last Saturday in the Aggies’ 28-26 loss to No. 2 Clemson. The game was aired nationally on ESPN in the 6 p.m. primetime slot, where Rogers put on a show for the 4.4 million people who tuned in. “It was a great game, but I have to move on and focus on next week,” Rogers said. “I’ve known I could do it. I just had to show other people I
could do it.” Rogers was the 73rd-rated prospect in the state of Texas and the 78th wide receiver in the country in the class of 2016. As a recruit who wasn’t highly sought after, Rogers knew he had to prove himself. The receiver committed to former A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin in the summer before his junior year, in which he caught 57 passes for 1,045 yards and made 10 touchdowns in just 10 games. Rogers wears number 13, which gives many Aggie fans flashbacks to Mike Evans, a wide receiver who dominated for A&M just a few years ago. Evans is now in the NFL where he starts for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The comparisons between Rogers and Evans are warranted, as both were three-star-rated prospects coming out of high school, both redshirted their true freshman years and both are tall receivers who can catch almost anything thrown their way. “His catch radius is obviously
phenomenal,” A&M quarterback Kellen Mond said. “That’s something he’s been doing since I got here, so a lot of people start seeing it now, but it’s something that I saw in spring ball when I first got here. His performance [against Clemson] really wasn’t much of a surprise to any of us.” When watching A&M play, it’s easy to spot the big receiver with blonde dreads coming out the back of his helmet, and anyone who watched the game on Saturday saw Rogers dominate all game long. He caught seven passes from Mond, totaling 120 yards and two touchdowns. All three numbers were career highs for Rogers after the receiver posted just 11 catches for 99 yards in 2017. “Now he’s gone out and had a couple good games in a row,” head coach Jimbo Fisher said. “He’s a guy that has great ability that can help us in a lot of different ways and his ROGERS ON PG. 4
Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION
Texas A&M looks to recover from their 28-26 loss against Clemson as they take on Univeristy of Louisana-Monroe.
‘Every game is a huge game’ Fisher emphasizes need for consistent effort as Aggies look to bounce back after last week’s loss to Clemson By Angel Franco @angelmadison_ As Saturday approaches, Texas A&M is working to get back into a winning mindset after a 28-26 fall to No. 2 Clemson in the final minutes of last week’s game. Head football coach Jimbo Fisher said that with the loss behind the Aggies, the team is looking to put their best foot forward and make improvements against this weekend’s opponent — The University of Louisiana at Monroe. “Our job this week is to get better, correct those mistakes and expect to play a great football game,” Fisher said. “They’ve won two very tightly contested games and they’re going to come in here ready to play.” Against Clemson, A&M rushed for 74 yards and junior running back Trayveon Williams was contained in the back field, rushing for 31 yards on 17 attempts. Fisher said he’s looking to create a game plan that PREVIEW ON PG. 2
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Junior tight end Jace Sternberger has proven himself a vital part of the Texas A&M offense this season as he leads the team with two receiving touchdowns.
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involves Williams more in the run game rather than just the passing or screen game. “We have to get the ball to [Williams] in different ways,” Fisher said. “He’s becoming a weapon out of the backfield in the passing game. Getting that ball to [Williams] is critical in what we do in our screens and our other players.” Despite the ULM game being sandwiched in between A&M’s matchups with the No. 2 and No. 1 teams in the country, Fisher said he isn’t overlooking the Warhawks. “There’s a game,” Fisher said. “There’s a scoreboard being played and a practice being played. If you want to play well, that’s the message that has to get across. It doesn’t matter who you
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THE BATTALION is published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the 2018 fall semester and 2019 spring semester (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of StudentAffairs. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising call 979-845-2687. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@thebatt.com. Subscriptions: A part of the University Advancement Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1.
play. Every game is a huge game because it is the next game. … How you prepare should never matter on who the opponent it is.” Sophomore quarterback Kellen Mond threw a career-high 430 yards against Clemson. But for Mond, personal accolades aren’t as crucial as the team’s overall improvement. “I feel like we took a huge step forward and each and every one of us got better and we proved that we can play with the best in the country,” Mond said. “We want to win and that’s the main goal, but we took a step forward.” ULM head coach Matt Viator said as he watched the game film from last season’s LSU and Belk Bowl games and compared it to A&M’s most recent film, he could see the difference in the program since Fisher’s arrival. “I give coach Fisher and his staff a lot
of credit for [the program’s progress],” Viator said. “To be able to transform a team in basically in eight months, they have totally transformed their team into a physical football team when you look at it.” Viator said he’s looking forward to visiting Aggieland and playing on the national stage, but most of all he enjoys A&M’s rich traditions. “Texas A&M is a huge challenge,” Viator said. “I’ve been fortunate to go to a lot of places to play and I can’t think of one that I’ve enjoyed more than Texas A&M. I like the tradition, the pageantry, the whole deal. It’s just a fantastic place to play football. We’re looking forward to it.” Texas A&M will host ULM Saturday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 P.M. at Kyle Field. The game will be televised on SEC Network.
Notice of University Student Rule Revisions 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 # 24 26 27 47
Rule Student Conduct Code Student Conduct Proceedings Sanctions Investigation and Resolution of Complaints Against Texas A&M Students for Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking and Related Retaliation (SSDDSR)
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Sophomore quarterback Kellen Mond won the starting position over the summer.
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MOND CONTINUED tapes prior to playing A&M last week and he could tell the quarterback was going to be a hard competitor for the Clemson defense. “When I watched him on tape, I said ‘This kid’s got a lot of moxie, he’s going to be a tough out,’” Swinney said. “He’s a heck of a player. I know Jimbo is excited to be able to have him to build his team around.”
Mond said he credits his success on the field to his ability to keep his composure and set an example for his fellow teammates. “[I] always felt confident in my players,” Mond said. “I feel like a lot of people feed off of me and just the way I carry myself. Whenever they see me not panicking or anything — just kind of cool, calm and collected — they feed off my energy. It’s basically knowing that I’ve got their back and they’ve also got my back.”
STARTING MONDAY! GET YOUR PHOTO TAKEN FOR THE 2019 AGGIELAND! AR Photography will be set up to have your FREE portrait taken for Texas A&M University’s 2019 Aggieland yearbook. ALL CLASSES: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday The Sanders Corp Museum Library Any graduating seniors who wish to set up a cap/gown photo will need to contact the Specialties Photography studio at 979-696-9898. Cap/Gown sessions cost $21.95. It’s your yearbook. Be in it.
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The Battalion | 9.14.18
AROUND THE SEC A LOOK AT THE CONFERENCE FOR WEEK 3
The second week of the 2018 season brought the SEC some intense and historic games that surprised and motivated fan bases across the conference. In the east, Georgia reaffirmed their status as top dog after their crushing win over South Carolina, and Kentucky snapped their 31-season losing streak to Florida at the Swamp. Meanwhile, Texas A&M established themselves as a force to be reckoned with after their near-upset against Clemson. Here are some key matchups going into week three:
By Dylan Poitevint @Poitite
No. 7 Auburn (2-0) vs. No. 12 LSU (2-0)
No. 1 Alabama (2-0) at Ole Miss (2-0)
Sept. 15, Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL 2:30 p.m. on CBS
Sept. 15, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS 6:00 p.m. on ESPN
The LSU Tigers head to the plains to take on the Tigers of Auburn in what is sure to be a marquee game this season. Saturday’s showdown will be the first matchup in the SEC west and could have late season implications as both teams are serious contenders for the divisional crown. Auburn enters this game with a chip on its shoulder after losing to LSU in 2017 and hopes to grab another statement win on their journey to the playoffs. Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham is coming off a solid performance against Alabama State, where he threw for over 100 yards in one quarter before exiting the game. The Auburn offense will have to execute well in order to face the vaunted LSU defense, who posted a shutout on Southeastern Louisiana in week two. The LSU defense has only allowed 17 points so far this season, but it will be up to transfer quarterback Joe Burrow to lead his team as LSU still searches for a strong offensive presence. Look for Auburn’s experience, talented play-makers and home field advantage to give them the edge over LSU.
In this second SEC west game of the day, the Alabama Crimson Tide head to Oxford for their faceoff with the Ole Miss Rebels. Alabama comes into Vaught-Hemingway ranked number one in the nation, an achievement for the record books as this is their 106th week at number one, the most weeks spent at the top by a single team. The Tide hope to stifle the talented Rebel offense with their punishing defense, who has only allowed 659 total yards and 21 points all season. Mississippi quarterback Jordan Ta’amu comes off a big performance after the win against Southern Illinois, going 23-33 for 448 yards and five touchdowns. Running back Scottie Phillips also rushed for 107 yards on 15 carries last week. It will be Alabama’s burden to contain this electric offense, but the Rebel defense will have to improve their play after giving up 41 points to Southern Illinois. The Tide are averaging 54 points a game under sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, making them a force to be reckoned with. Ultimately, Alabama will overwhelm Ole Miss on both sides of the ball as they pick up their first conference win. Prediction: Alabama 51, Ole Miss 21
Prediction: Auburn 24, LSU 17
No. 8 Notre Dame (2-0) vs. Vanderbilt (2-0)
Missouri (2-0) at Purdue (0-2)
Sept. 15, Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN 1:30 p.m. on NBC
Sept. 15, Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN 6:30 p.m. on BTN, BTN+
Vanderbilt hits the road to face Notre Dame in an important early season game for both teams. The Fighting Irish hope to put week two’s scare behind them. They defeated Ball State by an all-too-close eight-point margin. Meanwhile, the Commodores will try to pull off an upset that could truly boost the program’s expectations for 2018. Vanderbilt quarterback Kyle Shurmur is on the heels of a strong showing after he threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns. His play will be crucial to the Commodores’ success this weekend and the offense will try to match Notre Dame’s defense, but may struggle since the Irish are only allowing 16.5 points a game so far. Notre Dame quarterback Brandon Wimbush was only 17 for 31 last week, throwing three interceptions and no touchdowns. While his running backs performed well, Wimbush has to improve his play this week in order to avoid the upset. Expect Notre Dame to bounce back strong this Saturday, as they slow the Vanderbilt offense to a crawl and remain undefeated. Prediction: Notre Dame 35, Vanderbilt 13
As one of the silent contenders for the east, Missouri hopes to keep their loss column blank after Saturday when they take on Purdue. The Tigers have looked impressive so far, as they average 45.5 points a game and are only allowing 13.5 points defensively. Senior quarterback Drew Lock is looking particularly promising, especially after an almost 400yard, four-touchdown game against Wyoming in week two. Meanwhile, Purdue has struggled this season, losing two nail-biters to Northwestern and Eastern Michigan. The Boilermaker offense has been struggling, especially at the quarterback position, where Elijah Sindelar and David Blough have split reps in both games. They have a combined two touchdowns for the year and will have to improve drastically if they hope to compete in this one. When all is said and done, the Tigers offense will pick apart Purdue and the Missouri defense will contain the Boilermakers for minimal production. Prediction: Missouri 38, Purdue 19
WEEK 3: STAFF PICKS
Texas A&M vs. University of Lousiana-Monroe Saturday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network
Abigail Ochoa
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I might still be recovering from last week’s game, but A&M is ready to get another win under its belt.
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I mean...come on...
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Managing Editor @luke_henkhaus
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Hear me out. If we lose to ULM, Saban won’t think we’re a threat. That’s when we sneak up and BTHO Bama. Classic hustle maneuver.
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ULM might have one L in their name, but I’m sure the Aggies can give them a second.
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Kellen for HeisMOND.
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The Battalion | 9.14.18
5 things to look out for during A&M-ULM By Brian Bass @brianbass4
1 Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION
The ascension of Kendrick Rogers It’s no secret that the wideout had the game of his life against Clemson, with seven receptions and 120 yards that placed him in the endzone twice. Rogers’ athleticism allowed him to grab some unreal passes last week, including a play where he jumped two Clemson defenders in the endzone for his first score of the game. Rogers will be one of the top targets in A&M’s coming games, and he’s clearly a player that can make big-time contributions every week.
2
Dominance on the offensive line
5
A clear chip on the shoulder
Junior Yell Leader Reid WIlliams leads the Kyle Field crowd in a yell.
3
The Kellen Mond effect A&M has found their quarterback for the foreseeable future. Mond has surpassed expectations, improving in the air and being productive on his legs when he needs to be. He is also one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country. Mond ranks 12th nationally in total QBR, and 4th in the SEC. With a lineup of capable receivers around him and Mond looking more comfortable in the pocket, fans could be seeing another 350-plus yard performance this weekend.
ROGERS CONTINUED physicality in his blocking is also great. He’s also very different too in that he’s a big guy who can catch those underneath routes and run. Some of those big guys aren’t made to run and make people miss, but he can do that.” Rogers’ first career touchdown catch was made with 4:22 left in the third quarter against No. 2 Clemson. Mond threw a high pass into the end zone that was tipped by a Clemson
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Nick Starkel looking for a fresh start It was clear that Starkel did not exactly have the performance he wanted against Clemson. However, against a much diluted opponent like Louisiana-Monroe, he will more than likely get a few quality drives in. Some fans do not want to see him step on the field again, but it’s vital for the Aggies’ backup quarterback to get his mojo at the very least. A&M needs him at his best for whenever he’s needed.
defender and caught by Rogers at the top of his jump. This play was a spark for the Aggie offense as it cut the Tiger lead from 15 to eight. Mond and the Aggies went on to carve up the Clemson secondary in the rest of the second half, and Rogers remained pivotal to the passing game. With 11:52 left in the fourth quarter, Mond rolled to his left and threw an off-balance pass to Rogers, which he caught mid-air. A Clemson cornerback took his legs out and Rogers came down with one leg bent
There was a clear improvement on the line of scrimmage this week. As predicted last week, the physicality of the O-Line has been the difference in how this offense operates. Even though running back Trayveon Williams didn’t have an amazing performance, the pass blocking gave quarterback Kellen Mond more than enough time to make a play, and it won’t stop this week. The run game will definitely be back in full force and Mond will will have days in the pocket. With ULM and then a road trip to Tuscaloosa coming up, the mindset remains the same in the trenches.
Jimbo Fisher said he does not believe in moral victories, and it was clear the team was visibly infuriated at the end of last week’s game. This team is hungry and will come into this next game with a head full of steam. There have been significant strides toward becoming a more intense and physical team over the past few months, but he hasn’t seen even half of what this team can become. A&M’s level of play is only going to increase on both sides of the ball, bringing a new level of competitiveness going into conference play in a couple of weeks.
at an awkward angle. It looked like the play could have led to a season-ending injury, but Rogers got right back up and kept running, despite the play being called dead. “I didn’t even feel it,” Rogers said. “I didn’t even know I was down. I just landed on him, so I got up and kept running.” Rogers’ day wasn’t over yet, as he’d go on to make one of the most important plays of the game. With 46 seconds left, Mond threw a dart to the end zone that easily could’ve been picked off by the Clemson defensive back. In-
stead, it was tipped into the hands of Rogers, who made the catch after juggling the ball, cutting the Clemson lead to two points and giving the Aggies a chance to send the game into overtime. Rogers’ breakout day against Clemson is only the beginning of a path that could make him one of the most famous people to come out of Frankston, Texas. Rogers will be a vital component for the A&M passing game during the remainder of the season and possibly the rest of his time in Aggieland.
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The Battalion | 9.14.18
Stylistic risks in “Searching” pay off in a big way Aneesh Chaganty uses a groundbreaking medium to make the story all the more fascinating Keagan Miller
“S
@KeaganMlr
earching” is an experiment in modern filmmaking and realism. The entire movie takes place through the perspective of computer screens. Imagine your laptop screen became the size of a theater screen – every movement of the mouse, every keystroke, every text message and FaceTime call projected on the wall and used to tell a story. That’s what you get when you see “Searching.” If that sounds ambitious, it certainly is. I went into the film skeptical that they would be able to pull off such a daunting feat. But by the end of the movie, I was more than convinced. First-time director Aneesh Chaganty told a brilliant story through a wholly unique and exciting new medium. Telling the entire narrative through computer screens allowed for the use of some ingenious symbols and several positively heart-wrenching moments that couldn’t have been captured through more traditional methods. The opening sequence, which I found reminiscent of “Up’s”
legendary tragic beginning, utilizes saved home videos to provide background for the story to come. Through the eyes of a handheld camera, we watch the protagonist David, played by John Cho, and his family as his daughter Margot grows up. We see a series of first day of school photos and watch as Margot’s mom, David’s wife, struggles with her health. By the time the actual story starts, the film has already subjected its audience to some of the most emotional moments in David’s life and it does so in a way that allows you to really feel the significance of these events. It’s hard to explain exactly why, but looking through the family’s computer screens is one of the most bizarrely personal and emotional perspectives I’ve ever seen used in a film. The movie’s methods are by far the most fascinating thing about it, but “Searching” does also tell an interesting tale of mystery. When Margot goes missing, the film follows David in his frantic efforts to investigate her disappearance. Most of the dramatic scenes take place through FaceTime video calls, and the camera alternates between zooming in on David and the person he’s talking to. The mystery
unfolds dramatically, and although it might not be the most intricate story ever constructed, the raw emotion and the medium through which the story is told absolutely make it a fascinating and suspenseful experience. I have to give credit to John Cho, who acted magnificently through what must have been very difficult shots to film. Most of his time on screen, Cho is sitting down, staring into a webcam. We hear his voice and see his face, but the shots tended to restrict his ability to use body language. Despite this, he did an excellent job of portraying the despair and guilt of a parent who has lost his child. Cho was absolutely astounding, and the emotion he brought to his performance really added something special to an already very special film. I wish I could say more, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise for those who haven’t seen it yet. All I can say is that “Searching” is a masterfully edited, expertly acted, beautifully written story that everyone should see, as much for its groundbreaking ingenuity as for its thrillingly emotional mystery. Creative Commons
Keagan Miller is a psychology junior and life and arts reporter for The Battalion.
In “Searching” John Cho stars as a father searching for his missing daughter.
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Bipartisanship, higher education and border protection were among the topics discussed at Congressman Beto O’Rourke’s town hall in College Station.
An array of paintings, photographs and illustrations collected by the Texas A&M Press is on display in the MSC’s J. Wayne Stark Galleries through Oct. 7.
GUEST COLUMN
Gracie Arenas Strittmatter ’04 ’08 featured during Louisiana-Monroe game Former student paves the way for visualization students to succeed in the gaming industry Tyson Voelkel
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@TysonVoelkel
owdy Ags! I hope we’ll be seeing you at the game Saturday evening as we BTHO Louisiana-Monroe! Just before halftime, a video will play about a former student who is one of the artistic driving forces behind many popular video games: Gracie Arenas Strittmatter ’04 ’08 (pictured to the right). I’m excited to share her story with you as another Aggie who is leading by example. As a kid, Gracie loved to play Super Mario World with her brother, but at the time, it never occurred to her that video games could lead to her future career. When Gracie enrolled at Texas A&M, she struck a compromise between her passions for art and technology by majoring in computer science and taking art classes on the side. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2004 and then earned a master’s degree from the College of Architecture’s burgeoning visualization department. While in graduate school, Gracie accepted a summer internship with Electronic Arts (EA), where she worked on the Tiger Woods PGA Tour game. After she completed her 12-week internship, the company offered her a full-time job. Since then, she’s worked as a technical artist on several other popular video games, such as NBA Live, Madden NFL and Star Wars: The Old Republic. These days, she works at BioWare, a division of EA that specializes in creating roleplaying and story-based sci-fi games. Since her time at Texas A&M, the
visualization program has grown in prestige. It landed the No. 7 spot among public schools and colleges in the 2018 game design rankings by Animation Career Review and ranks first in Texas among public universities. Former graduates have gone on to work for prominent game studios, such as Activision Blizzard, 343 Industries, Naughty Dog and Niantic. The department’s growing prominence inspired Gracie and her husband Willem ’02 to create an endowed scholarship for aspiring gamers. This was the first endowed scholarship given by a former visualization student, making it very special. Their gift is also a wonderful example of young former students giving back to make a difference in the lives of current Aggies. Gracie and Willem hope their gift will inspire creativity in young people and reassure visualization students that they too can be successful in the industry. As an accomplished technical art director with more than a decade of video game development experience, Gracie is leading by example by helping future game developers level up their own careers. To watch more of Gracie’s story, visit leadbyexample.tamu.edu/Gracie. I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know the folks in our Lead by Example ad series this fall: Gracie, Matthew Curtis ’19 and Dr. Leslie Ruyle. Please continue to look out for their videos at halftime during each home football game. Thanks and Gig ’em! Tyson Voelkel ’96 President, Texas A&M Foundation
By climbing 110 flights of stairs in downtown Bryan, locals honored the many first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.
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