campus
MSC bus stops relocate The bus stops near the Memorial Student Center on West Lamar have been temporarily relocated to Old Main due to the Wellborn Road Grade Separation Project. The portion of the project that is currently affecting the bus routes will be completed by Feb. 10. Signs have been placed at the relocated bus stops for students’ convenience, and a map with the temporary bus routes can be found at on the Transportation Services website, transport.tamu.edu. Michal Ann Morrison, staff writer
nation&world
Perry returns to public eye ROUND ROCK, Texas — Rick Perry acknowledged Monday that he’s not used to losing but also vowed “I’m not slipping off into the sunset” while promising to battle federal energy and environmental policies he says would cost Texas jobs. Making his first speech in his home state since abandoning his foundering presidential run nearly three weeks ago in South Carolina, the governor invoked his alma matter, Texas A&M, saying “all Aggies have a really interesting way of admitting defeat. You know, we’ve never been outscored, we just ran out of time. “The fact is I’m really not used to running out of time,” Perry said, “but I wouldn’t trade this experience
inside
b!
religion | 6 Clean water for Africa
Some people do not have the luxury of clean drinking water. The Wells Project allows Aggies to raise awareness for the international issue.
sports | 2-3 A&M-UT rivalry ends In a heartbreaking loss, the Texas A&M mens’ basketball team loses to UT by two points, 70-68. See inside for photos and the story.
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thebattalion ● tuesday,
february 7, 2012
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2012 student media
silver taps
Six students remembered March 9, 1942 - Nov. 21 Lorraine Farquhar ‘Patrick’ Armstrong III Patrick proved that education knows no age limits. Patrick, sophomore history major
Lifelong learner, mentor
If you go ◗ 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in Academic Plaza ◗ The campus will be darkened at 10:20 p.m. ◗ At 10:30 p.m. an honor guard from the Ross Volunteer Co. will march across campus from the Corps of Cadets area to the plaza, where its members will fire three rifle volleys to honor the memory of these students. Buglers from the Aggie Band will play a special arrangement of “Taps.” ◗ Please remember to write letters to the families of the fallen. You may do this at the memorial box located in Academic Plaza, as well as at the tables in the Quad, Koldus Plaza and Wehner. ◗ Free parking in the University Center Garage will be available between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. ◗ Students living on campus are asked to turn off lights between 10:15 and 11 p.m. out of respect for the ceremony. Also, please remember that photography and cell phone use is prohibited. ◗ In case of severe weather, Silver Taps will be in an alternate location.
Jan. 25, 1993 - Dec. 29 George Robert Collins Jr. George truly lived life to the fullest. George, freshman general studies major
Gifted salesman, genuine
Michael Dror Barrett House
The Battalion Although he didn’t fit the traditional college student mold, Lorraine Farquhar “Patrick” Armstrong III, 69, became a friend and comfort for many Aggies as he pursued a bachelor’s degree in history. A lifelong intellectual, Patrick proved that age could not deter a man from his passions. Enrolling at Texas A&M University at the age of 68 after a career in oil fields and the military, Patrick’s one-and-a-half years at Texas A&M showed that life’s obstacles are no match for human will. “He used to be an amazing skier,” Patrick’s ex-wife Susan Armstrong said. “He developed late-onset asthma and couldn’t ski later on, which was a major regret of his, but he was beautiful to watch on the slopes.” Patrick’s love for sports extended beyond skiing. He was also an avid aficionado of golf, and enjoyed being present at historic sports moments. “A favorite memory of his came from working at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics,” said Patrick’s daughter, See Armstrong on page 5
May 1, 1992 - Dec. 13 George ‘Robert’ Long III Robert lived Aggie values daily. Robert, freshman animal science major
Jay Kapadia — THE BATTALION
Silver Taps takes place every first Tuesday in Academic Plaza.
Sept. 30, 1989 - Dec. 22 Joseph Andrew Villavisencio
Oct. 27, 1987 - Jan. 18 Michael Wayne Vogel
Joseph, a true Aggie, was an exemplary student athlete.
Michael was a man of honor who served his country.
Joseph, senior radiological health engineering major
Michael, international affairs graduate student
The Battalion Freshman general studies major George Robert Collins Jr. was a gifted and enthusiastic Aggie, who, even in his short time at Texas A&M University, became a model Aggie. Collins died in his sleep on Dec. 29, 2011, though the exact cause of death is unknown. Collins celebrated life through faith and kindness, and “never met a stranger,” friends and family said. “He was kind to everybody, and helped people,” said his mother, Emily Collins. “He always had a smile on his face. He was such a special boy.” George had many talents, making him memorable to many people. According to his mother, George was quite the entrepreneur. George’s interests included buying and selling cars, and he even had his own business, iCracked. He would fix and sell iPhones to anyone at A&M. As a freshman, he was trying to get into the Mays Business School. George’s cousin, senior ocean engiSee Collins on page 4
March 5, 1990 - Dec. 5, Austin Vickers Warner Austin was a truly unique individual, known for his wit and kindness. Austin, senior communication major
Impacts Leader, Marine, Quirky, others’ servant, world kind, lives athlete traveler vibrant Kevin Smith
Michal Ann Morrison
Luz Moreno-Luzano
Trevor Stevens
The Battalion George “Robert” Long III, freshman animal science major, died Dec. 13, 2011. Friends and family remember Robert as selfless and passionate — a true embodiment of the Aggie Spirit. Robert gave time to the homeless, to children in his community and to anyone with whom he came in contact. “He was always good with kids and would stop and take time to hang out and be a friend to them,” Robert’s mother, Sharon Long, said of her son. “We received several cards from younger kids saying how much Robert meant to them. Robert was an extremely caring person — kind and nice to everyone.” Lisa Harris, a family friend of the Longs, said Robert was as close to perfect as you could get. He was Godfearing, loyal and caring. “Robert and all of his friends used to hang out at our house frequently,” Harris said. “I’ll never forget the night before they started their senior year — he came over with a Diet Coke and a
The Battalion “He was a true Aggie. I don’t know if the school was made for him, or if he was made for Texas A&M,” Victor Villavisencio said of his son, Joseph. “He taught me what an Aggie is supposed to be.” Joseph Andrew Villavisencio, 22, was a senior radiological health engineering major and an offensive lineman for the Texas A&M University football team. Joseph died on Dec. 22, 2011, after being involved in a car accident. He was driving home to join family after a holiday football practice preparing for the Aggies’ bowl game later that month. The A&M offensive line served as honorary pallbearers for Joseph at a funeral service on Dec. 26. Joseph’s family remembers him as a leader of his peers, a man passionate about serving others and a talented athlete who was also dedicated to academics. “He was really passionate about biology and how the human body works. He wanted to improve the body and
The Battalion Characterized by the tattoos on his arm and his laid-back personality, Michael Vogel, graduate student in the Bush School, will be remembered for his service to his county. Michael was born on Oct. 27, 1987, to Donna and Gary Vogel. He died on Jan. 18, after suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder. Michael is survived by his older brother, Aaron. “There are no answers,” said Michael’s mother, Donna Vogel. “It must have been something so deep to have bothered him that much.” Michael resided in Westerly, R.I., and graduated from Westerly High School. Growing up, Michael was a sports fan and adventure-seeker. He loved to hike, run, surf, skateboard, snowboard, play the guitar and do yoga. He also enjoyed traveling, and documented everywhere he went in a journal. He was even a certified scuba diver. “Mike was a very active person and
The Battalion Austin Warner — the best friend, the son — will be remembered by family and friends as a valued young man who was as quirky as he was kind. Jessica Williams, Austin’s best friend since first grade, said Austin may have been shy around people he didn’t know, but his vibrant character surfaced with familiarity. “You never knew what to expect from him,” Williams said. “He was very silly. He joked around a lot, and he was very smart.” Austin graduated from Hudson High School in Lufkin, Texas, where he grew up and spent most of his life. He graduated No. 7 in his class. “He was a genius,” Williams said. “He was the smartest person I ever knew.” Austin was the first person in his family to attend college for four years. His mother, Susan Carter, said even though it took him awhile to declare a major, Austin was close to finishing college.
See Long on page 5
See Villavisencio on page 4
See Vogel on page 4
See Warner on page 6
2/7/12 1:02 AM