TheBattalion03302012 by The Battalion

thebatt.com

spring 2012

housing guide

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See inside

3/28/12 12:22:17 PM

thebattalion ! friday,

march 30, 2012

! serving

texas a&m since 1893

campus

A&M set for Parents’ Weekend Ring Day, Midnight Yell festivities headline events for families Barrett House

The Battalion It’s that time of year — time for Aggie parents to invade College Station, bearing grins, looking for hugs and celebrating the academic year their students have endured. With five weeks of school remaining, Parents’ Weekend begins a season of transition, from freshman to sophomore, sophomore to junior, junior to se-

nior and senior to former student. The campus will come to life during the weekend with a multitude of events, giving parents the opportunity to experience the University their students attend. “I think the overreaching goal for Parents’ Weekend every year is to give parents and family members of Aggie students a glimpse into college life [and] to show them the spirit of Aggieland while they’re here,” said Audrey Roeder, director of the Parents’ Weekend Committee and junior communication major. Official events for curious family members include Midnight Yell Friday night, Taste of

Aggieland on Saturday and the All-University Awards Ceremony on Sunday. Midnight Yell will feature the new face of Aggie football, and Taste of Aggieland is a new addition to the weekend lineup. “We’re solely doing [Midnight Yell] for the parents’ benefit. We’ll have Coach Sumlin and the new student body president, John Claybrook, speaking and addressing the crowd,” Roeder said. “[During] Taste of Aggieland, there will be 10 local restaurants out in front of Kyle Field offering free samples and selling their entrees.” See Parents’ Weekend on page 2

inside Sweet memories Many of the thousands of students who receive their Aggie Rings on Friday will participate in the unofficial tradition Ring Dunk this weekend. See page 6 to learn a few creative twists students use to personalize ze their celebration. n.

Mirror images Rightie Katerina Ruzickova and leftie Patricia Garcia have the Aggies aiming for the green

James Thompson— THE BATTALION

Sophomore Katerina Ruzickova is leading the women’s golf team with a 73.33 average score, while freshman Patricia Garcia won her first collegiate tournament this month.

Michael Rodriguez The Battalion

ophomore Katerina Ruzickova and freshman Patricia Garcia walk onto the Traditions Golf Course for afternoon practice equipped with bright smiles, youthful energy and more talent than seems fair for a couple underclassmen. But the pair still has some adapting to do — learning to play golf at the Division I level, balancing college life and golf, and adjusting to a new environment. Their coach, though, has nothing but confidence. “I definitely think that they are the future for our team heading forward,” said head coach Trelle McCombs. “Before you build depth, you have to build the foundation and they are definitely part of that foundation. They are just freshmen and sophomores, but they’re already playing like seniors.”

Ruzickova, a sophomore psychology major, is an international student from the Czech Republic. Her golfing story began in footsteps of her brother who played for the Czech Republic National team. “[My brother] was my role model when it came to golf,” Ruzickova said. “He was on the national team and I wanted to be on the national team. Then he came to the U.S. and I followed him wherever he went.” It’s not that Ruzickova feels pressure to live up to the standard. It’s more like a challenge. “He’s done it, obviously, so I can do

it,” she joked. On the course, she hasn’t left any room for doubt that she inherited the family’s golf gene. As a freshman, Ruzickova garnered a spot in the Golfweek Freshman All-American team and was an honorable mention on the collegiate All-American squad. She finished with eight top-25 and six top-10 finishes, adding a tournament championship at the Pacific Coast Intercollegiate Tournament. Ruzickova tells McCombs that her performance has been “B-game” quality so far this year, a testament to her potential. She paced the Aggies to a victory in a March 13-14 tournament in Hawaii, finishing fourth individually, but said she needs to make adjustments to be successful both on and off the golf course. “I just need to keep finding a better balance when it comes to golf and school. I’m getting a

better feel for things,” Ruzickova said. “I need to keep working on my technique, that way the repetition is there the same way in pressure situations as it would be in normal situations.” Finding similar success early in her collegiate career, Garcia is coming off a second-place finish at the Battle of Rancho Bernardo Inn Tournament during spring break, her best collegiate finish to-date. The freshman general studies major is also an international student from Puerto Rico. She played soccer in her home country, due to its popularity in the region, but picked up golf following her father’s example. “My dad started playing golf on the weekends, so my brother started playing too. I was like, ‘I want to go play golf with you guys,’” Garcia said. “Then we would play golf year See Golf on page 10

research

business

Algae shows promise in biofuel tests

Longtime textbook shop closes doors

Kelly Tucker The Battalion

Anyone with a fish tank has probably put plenty of energy into cleaning algae out of water. Within the next decade, though, the energy in algae may be a viable source for fuel, thanks to researchers at Texas A&M University who are developing an algae biofuel. Algae naturally converts sunlight into an energy source during photosynthesis and can be used as a type of biofuel in two different ways. The most common way involves taking lipids, or fats, out of the algae to use as biodiesel. An alternative method creates a hydrocarbon fuel similar to gasoline or diesel. Unlike biodiesels, hydrocarbon fuel does not have oxygen and is more energy dense, which makes it a more versatile fuel source and usable in aircraft. “The overall efficiency, rapid growth rate and yield are the major advantages of using algae,” said

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Robby Smith

Roger Zhang — THE BATTALION

A&M researchers are learning to harvest energy produced by Algae for use in biofuels. Joshua Yuan, assistant professor in the department of plant pathology and microbiology. The research group aims to create methods that would generate higher yields from algae; these yields could make it possible for algae biofuel to

be produced on a larger scale, then sold as an alternative to gasoline. For this to happen, the process will have to become more cost-efficient. “For the algae to be useful as a See Algae on page 9

The Battalion As of Saturday, an Aggieland staple since 1930 will no longer have its doors open to sell Tshirts and textbooks. This is not an ill befalling Loupot’s Bookstore or “Old Army Lou,” but part of a corporate bankruptcy reorganization plan. On June 27, NBC Acquisition Corp. filed for Chapter 11 protection as it plans to restructure the national chain of college textbook stores. Nebraska Book Co., referred to as Neebo, is a subsidiary of NBC Acquisition. A hearing for its second amended plan of reorganization is set for April 13. “This is an important step in our process,” Barry Major, NBC Acquisition president, said in a statement. “Our off-

campus stores have faced tremendous competition over the past year. Our financial performance as a whole missed our target due to the performance of our off-campus stores.” By Saturday, the three Loupot’s stores, all off campus, will be closed. One of the Tradition’s Bookstore locations, which also uses Neebo as textbook supplier, closed earlier this year. The other two Tradition’s locations will remain open through the remainder of the semester, but the future remains unclear for both locations. Neebo indicated previously that 39 locations will close nationwide. Major also said revenue declines have been severe in off-campus stores, which have See Loupot’s on page 12

3/30/12 12:05 AM

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thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893

Sunday t-storms high: 83 low: 69

Robert Carpenter Editor in Chief

THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. News offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3313; Fax: 979-845-2647; E-mail: metro@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 979-845-2696. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Advertising offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979-845-2678. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979-845-2613.

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Graham Baxtar, sophomore history major, and Chance Morton, sophomore business major, pictured in blue T-shirts, started “Meet a Stranger” to bring strangers together and leave as friends. “Meet a Stranger” takes place 12-3 p.m. Fridays.

corrections The Battalion welcomes readers’ comments about published information that may require correction. We will pursue your concern to determine whether a correction needs to be published. Please contact us at editor@ thebatt.com.

howtoapply If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion, apply at thebatt.com, or call 845-3313. The Battalion welcomes any Texas A&M student interested in writing for the arts, campus, metro or sports staffs to try out. We particularly encourage freshmen and sophomores to apply, but students may try out regardless of semester standing or major. 2011-2012 WHO’S WHO AMONG STUDENTS IN AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES ~TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY~

campus Evans Library robbery suspect arrested University Police Department announced Taylor Christopher Rodriguez, College Station resident, was arrested at approximately 8 p.m. Thursday after being connected to the robbery in Sterling C. Evans Library that occurred on March 15. A University Police detective received information from an individual identifying Rodriguez as a person of interest, according to the University Police Department. He was located at an apartment in College Station. Rodriguez and his roommate were transported to the University Police Department for questioning. Based on information gathered, detectives were able

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A truck traveling westbound on U.S. 190 and Texas State Highway 6 lost control on the wet roadway and was hit by an 18-wheeler as it spun into traffic at 12:40 p.m. Thursday. The accident was in Robertson County, seven miles east of Hearne, Texas. Both north and southbound lanes of US 190 and SH 6 remained closed until 7 p.m. James Darwin Jones, 75, from Bryan, Texas, Kenneth Michael Pecina, 28, from Franklin, Texas, and 5-year-old boy Trey Michael Pecina were killed in the accident. The

Parents’ Weekend This year, Parents’ Weekend also coincides with Ring Day. According to Kelli Hutka, director of campus programs for the Association of Former Students, 3,812 Aggies will receive their rings Friday. “It is on Parents’ Weekend to allow for parents the opportunity to come in town and celebrate this wonderful occasion that our student organizations put on,” Hutka said. “It is a celebration of this academic milestone in their student’s life. They are able to witness the spirit of our institution.” Academic departments will welcome families with food, meet-and-greets and open houses. The Singing Cadets and the MSC Town Hall provide additional weekend flavor with a concert and talent show, respectively. Jenn Chu, chair for MSC Town Hall, said the Variety Show allows students to showcase their talents with the possibility of prize money. “Part of how they choose a winner is audi-

Answer confidently by knowing the value of your Texas A&M degree. Instead of an app... we’ve got a QEP* for that! * Quality Enhancement Plan

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Our QEP is a 10-year commitment to enhancing student learning at Texas A&M. Intentional Learning Students commit to intentional learning Rich Learning Environment Academic Affairs & Student Affairs foster a rich learning environment High-impact Learning Experiences Faculty provide high-impact learning experiences

Amber Jaura, staff writer

Friday ! Aggie Moms’ Boutique: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Duncan Dining Hall ! Aggie Ring Day, All Day, Association of Former Students ! Midnight Yell, Midnight, Kyle Field

Saturday ! Taste of Aggieland, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Kyle Field Fan Zone ! Aggie Moms’ Boutique, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Duncan Dining Hall

Sunday ! All University Awards Ceremony, 9:30 a.m., Rudder Auditorium

To learn more about Aggies Commit to Learning for a Lifetime... visit the website @ http://provost.tamu.edu/initiatives/ quality-enhancement-plan

Integrative, Lifelong Learning Students develop habits and skills for integrative, lifelong learning Assessment of Learning Faculty and staff assess student learning Aggies Commit to Learning for a Lifetime demonstrates our shared commitment to continuous improvement documented by TAMU’s accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges.

Pg. 2-03.30.12.indd 1

Department of Public Safety in Franklin reported that emergency personnel arrived at the scene, and the bodies were taken to Memorial Funeral Home in Hearne. Two people were injured. Mary Nikole Hamilton, 24, from Fort Stockton, Texas, had shoulder, leg and internal injuries, and Armando Sanchez-Pulido, 44, from Bryan, Texas, with minor cuts and bruises. Both were taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bryan.

ence applause, so people are encouraged to go and support their favorite acts,” Chu said. The Corps of Cadets will conduct a March In on Sunday, to be accompanied by a passing review and distribution of outfit awards for academics, recruiting and physical training. Prior to March In, outfits will have individual awards ceremonies, which includes mothers pinning roses to their cadet. “The red rose symbolizes the bond that you share with your family and the fact that they are your support system during your time here at A&M,” said Pat Reeves, Corps commander and senior biomedical sciences major. “Those cadets that wear a white rose, it’s a solemn reminder that they have lost one of their parents or one of their loved ones since they’ve come to college.” Reeves said Parents’ Weekend is dedicated to parents who want to be involved with their students. “It validates the things they have done throughout their time. It really is a celebration of how far we’ve come in such a short time,” Reeves said. “Its amazing because we get to share that with our parents and we all get to bask in the glory of it all.”

QEP = Aggies Commit to Learning for a Lifetime! Your Future is Calling...

Trevor Stevens, staff writer

Collision on State Highway 6 leaves three dead

Continued from page 1 The following Aggies have been selected as the recipients of the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for 2011-2012:

to obtain an arrest warrant for Rodriguez; he was transported to the Brazos County Jail. On March 15 the student who was attacked was studying when struck several times before the suspect stole the student’s cell phone. The victim gave chase and upon confronting the suspect was struck and knocked to the floor. The suspect then fled the area in an unknown direction. Rodriguez is charged with robbery, a seconddegree felony, punishable by 2-20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.

Funding and support for Aggies Commit to Learning for a Lifetime is provided by each college, the university administration and The Association of Former Students.

3/29/12 11:37 PM

sports

page 3 friday 3.30.2012

thebattalion

Tannehill impresses at NFL pro day Senior quarterback makes statement as 2012 NFL Draft approaches Austin Meek

The Battalion Senior quarterback Ryan Tannehill continued his rapid ascent up NFL draft charts on Thursday morning, completing 65 of his attempted 68 passes and clocking an unofficial 4.61 40-yard dash for his pro day. “Ryan did a phenomenal job,” said Jeff Fuller, senior wide receiver, who served as one of Tannehill’s four pass catchers for the workout. “He’s precise. I’ve been working out with him leading up to today, and his timing was good.” After a 7-6 season that failed to meet preseason expectations and sustaining a broken metatarsal while participating in a passing drill in January, Tannehill’s pro day performance presented the first opportunity for NFL scouts and media to see the Spring, Texas, native in action since leading the Aggies to a 33-22 victory over Northwestern in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. “I felt good,” Tannehill said. “The foot felt great moving around in the pocket, escaping. The ball was coming out good, guys were making plays for me, so it was a good day.” Tannehill began the exhibition with a 40-yard dash and, after running in the high 4.5s/low 4.6s, opted not to sprint a second time. For comparison’s sake, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, considered by many pundits to be the draft’s top signal caller, ran a 4.67 during the NFL combine back in February. The most accurate quarterback in school history then moved to the 30yard line, where he threw a number of curls, slants and posts that showcased the precision and zip that’s made him the most desirable Aggie in this year’s class. He then tossed 15 passes at the goal line and moved around the pocket following the directions of former NFL quarter-

By the numbers !"Tannehill completed 65 of 68 passes and clocked a 4.61 40-yard dash Thursday. !"The senior quarterback started in all 13 games of the 2011 season, completeing

327 of 531 pass attempts for a total of 3,744 yards.

!"He finished 2011 with 29 touchdown passes and a 61.6 completion percentage. !"Tannehill is projected by most pundits as the No. 3 quarterback prospect behind

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck and Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin. back Chris Weinke, who presided over the throwing portion of the pro day. Pat Dye, agent with Sports Trust Advisors and Tannehill’s chosen representative, said his client possesses all the requisite tools to be a franchise quarterback — for his impressive measurable, of course, but also because of the intangibles that separate the good and the great. “I think you start with the character and the core values: focus, intelligence, commitment,” Dye said. “He wants to be great and works his butt off. And when you get back onto the field, the athleticism is just off the charts. The guy’s 6’4”, 220, and ran in the 4.5s today. And you saw the way he threw the football.” Dye said that NFL teams were more than willing to wait for Tannehill’s injury to heal because of his immense potential — remember, Tannehill spent the majority of his time in maroon catching passes, not throwing them, and teams view him as an athletic and cerebral player who still has room to grow at the quarterback position. “I kidded him and said, ‘You’re the only guy I know who could break his foot and shoot up the charts,’ because, literally, he was projected in the mid-tolate twenties when this whole postseason started,” Dye said. “I think people have gone back in and looked at the tape and looked at the throws he made and recognized that he’s only started 19 games. “The draft is so much about poten-

tial, and you see teams drafting guys a lot of times maybe ahead of where they should be based on potential,” Dye said. “And then you throw in the dynamic of being a quarterback and how hard franchise quarterbacks are to find … there’s a magnet up there at the top. It wouldn’t shock me if the guys come off 1, 2, 3.” Dye was referring to Luck, Baylor’s Robert Griffin III, and Tannehill, which would place him with the Minnesota Vikings at No. 3. Personnel from 21 NFL teams including Cleveland Browns’ ofFile photo — THE BATTALION fensive coordinator, Brad Childress, Se- Senior quarterback Ryan Tannehill impressed scouts at attle Seahawks head coach, Pete Carroll, Thursday’s pro day in preparation for April’s NFL Draft. and Miami Dolphins’ general manager, Jeff Ireland, made the trip to College Station. Mike Sherman, Tannehill’s head coach while at Texas A&M, accepted the campus news Dolphin’s offensive coordinator position after being fired following the 2011 seaBand appeal denied son. Most sources slate Tannehill in the According to a Wednesday statement by the Texas top-10, although a team with a quarterA&M athletic department, the University’s appeal back need like the Browns could logito the SEC to keep the Aggie Band in its current cally pick the Texan gunslinger at No. location within Kyle Field has been rejected. The 4 overall. appeal’s rejection was administered on the terms “You can’t control where you’re goof an SEC rule stating that home-field bands and ing to get taken or who’s going to take you or what teams are going to be here,” students cannot stand behind the opposing team’s Tannehill said. “You just try to go out bench up 25 rows between the 30-yard lines. The and do your best and prepare for this day, band will move to sections 139 and 140, adjacent to and when this day comes, just let it rip. its previous location. As compensation, the student I think I did that, and now it’ll be an ticket allotment has been expanded from 30,156 to exciting next month up until the draft.” 30,284, the largest total allotment in the SEC to date.

PRESENTED BY DOWNTOWN ARTS & CULTURE ASSOCIATION TEXAS A&M MSC FORSYTH CENTER GALLERIES ARTS COUNCIL OF THE BRAZOS VALLEY

SAT, MARCH 31st 10 am to 6 pm

CONGRATULATIONS! Join the celebration as 3,812 shiny new Aggie Rings are delivered today at the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center

March 30th Ring Delivery 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Ring Tickets distributed online at AggieNetwork.com. Limited tickets available at Alumni Center. Approximate Schedule for Groups to Enter the Ring Delivery Area

www.downtownstreetandartfair.com 200th Block of 26th St. Downtown Bryan

Group #1 Group #2 Group #3 Group #4 Groups #1-4 Group #5 Group #6 Group #7 Groups #1-7

2:00 pm 2:15 pm 2:30 pm 2:45 pm 3:00 pm 3:15 pm 3:30 pm 3:45 pm 4:00 pm

Group #8 Group #9 Group #10 Groups #1-10 Group #11 Group #12 Group #13 Groups #1-13 Group #14

4:15 pm 4:30 pm 4:45 pm 5:00 pm 5:15 pm 5:30 pm 5:45 pm 6:00 pm 6:15 pm

Group #15 Group #16 Groups #1-16 Group #17 Group #18 Group #19 Groups #1-19

6:30 pm 6:45 pm 7:00 pm 7:15 pm 7:30 pm 7:45 pm 8:00 pm

If your group’s time has already passed, please wait until the top of the hour when your group will be called once again. Entry into the Ring Delivery Area will only be allowed if it is either your group’s approximated time slot or when your grouping is called at the top of the hour (see schedule for clarification). Parking is available with a valid parking permit in PA 100. Those without valid permits may park at the University Center Garage, as available, and the West Campus Garage (WCG). Parking at WCG is $5 – CASH ONLY. Spaces will be available in WCG beginning at noon on Ring Day.

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AggieNetwork.com

3/29/12 11:12 PM

MSC special

page 4 friday 3.30.2012

thebattalion

Photos Courtesy of Cushing Library

Through

Flag Room serves as iconic campus home

the ages

Memorial Student Center chronicles A&M growth, change Robby Smith

The Battalion “In humble reverence, this building is dedicated to…” reads the original dedication plaque of Texas A&M’s Memorial Student Center. More than a building, the MSC is a memorial, living room, dining room, meeting space, dining center and bookstore. It remembers fallen Aggies and serves the current needs of Aggieland. “Our MSC has two kinds of components to it,” MSC Director Luke Altendorf said. “First of all, it is a memorial for Aggies who gave their lives in World Wars I and II, which brings reverence and respect. Secondly, it is a student union full of a celebratory aspect.” The dual aspects of memorial and student union are intertwined into the history of the MSC. According to Jane Bailey, development relations coordinator for MSC Student Programs, the need for a student union dates to the 1930s. Amy Bacon, author of the A&M history work, “Building Leaders, Living Traditions,” wrote that until the opening of the MSC in 1951, the YMCA building (built in 1914) and the Aggieland Inn (formerly across Houston

Members of the Ross Volunteers stand outside the Memorial Student Center in this undated photo from the Cushing archives. Students could stand on the grass outside the building until it was dedicated as a memorial in 1953, and could after that time if approved by the Memorial Student Center Council.

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St. from Sbisa) met the needs of students on campus. Bacon wrote that although some college needs were met by existing structures, University President William B. Bizzell proposed the MSC as a way to memorialize the sacrifices of the 53 Aggies who died in WWI. Following the efforts of students, editorials in The Battalion, donations from the classes of 1936 and 1937 and an effort by the Bell County A&M Mother’s Club, the Association of Former Students assumed the role of raising funds for a “Student Activities Center” in 1942 with the establishment of the A&M Development Fund, Bacon wrote. With funds established by the mid1940s, A&M’s University architect joined J. Wayne Stark, first Director of the MSC, traveling around the country to bring the best features of the best student unions in the nation to A&M. Altendorf touted Stark’s work in the development of the MSC as visionary. He said many student unions at the time were memorials due to an influx See History on page 5

Chase Carter

Ross volunteers stand at attention during a visit by President Dwight Eisenhower, left, shortly after the Memorial Student Center was opened.

EDITOR’SNOTE If some of the material on pages 4 and 5 of today’s paper seems familiar, that’s OK. Due to an error in the printing of Thursday’s edition of The Battalion, we’ve published the full “Through the Ages” stories to the left and right of this note as well as “MSC Builds on Past Renovations,” which was published online Thursday and appears today on page 5. If you enjoy the stories and photos this time around, let us know and we might just consider putting them in Monday’s paper, as well. This is the first of a four-part series rediscovering the Memorial Student Center and its historical and cultural impact on the Texas A&M campus. Coming in the weeks before the April 21 opening: !"Traditions !"Student Life !"New Amenities If you would like to share a favorite memory or thought about the MSC to be considered for future publication, please send a message to editor@thebatt.com.

The Battalion The Memorial Student Center long stood as the center for student activity on campus, touted as the “home of the University.” The Flag Room, originally known as the promenade, was considered the heart of that home. Students met, lounged, studied and slept among the columns and globes, cowhide benches and lanterns, within a welcoming structure. That welcoming feeling was the main focus when construction of the original MSC began in the 1940s. With the promenade, the builders wanted to provide the students and faculty a functional space within the MSC separate from meeting rooms and other formalities. The room’s tall ceiling created an open atmosphere, while the regal furniture made the room appropriate for receiving special guests to the University. The room quickly became a favorite place within the MSC. In 1971, construction began to expand the MSC to meet the demands of an ever-growing student body. While the original building became a venerated place on campus, its meager size was no longer sufficient for the needs of the University. Still, many groups on campus utilized the building, so as construction was completed on a particular section of the MSC, it was immediately reopened. Texas native William Pahlmann and his New York firm were hired with the task of furnishing this new lounge space along with the rest of the center. His plan, as quoted in a 1973 issue of the Dallas Morning News was “to engender respect and pride in these young people in their university and to expose them to excellence in surroundings... [by] striving for practical elegance, an atmosphere of mellowness and serenity and sound taste.” To achieve this plan, Pahlmann installed the distinctive lanterns and chandeliers, cowhide furniture, antique desks and display cases and the two globes centered among the flags that gave the room its name. Distinctively adorning the far wall, more than 50 mounted animal heads provided decoration for a time. The species ranged from horned sheep and antelope to buffalo and even a black rhino. Pahlmann explained that he thought the mounts “rather proper for that sort of place and this sort of institution.” Students disagreed. Upon the room’s unveiling, many likened it to cheap furniture bought to impress the rich, or a gaudy hotel lobby. A poll in The Battalion found that 8 percent of students liked the choice of décor, while even fewer agreed with the choice of animal mounts along the back wall. According to The Texas Observer’s March 1975 issue, the mounts had to be removed shortly after the MSC reopened due to an overwhelmingly negative response from both students and faculty. A feature that did strike a resonant chord with the student body was the large flag receptacles centered in the room. Outsized daises resided in each of the large globes, along See Flag Room on page 5

3/29/12 11:39 PM

MSC special

page 5 friday 3.30.2012

thebattalion

MSC history builds on past renovations Luz Moreno-Lozano

The Battalion During their time at A&M, the Classes of 2013, 2014 and 2015 have known the Memorial Student Center as little more than a construction zone in front of Kyle Field. But this isn’t the first time the student body has lost the MSC to renovations. The structure has grown with the size of the student body, and facility updates brought growing pains through the decades. As a kind of predecessor to the MSC, the YMCA building served as the center of campus social life after its 1914 construction. But when campus enrollment began to surge following the admittance of women into the university, the YMCA building couldn’t adequately address the need for a comfortable, centralized place where students could gather. The MSC, predating female students on campus, opened on Muster in 1951. With time, the building grew into the home of student organizations, student recreation activities and campus dining. Wayne Stark was the first MSC director. He envisioned a structure that provided a cultural education for students to supplement academic coursework, and incorporated the arts into the MSC mission and layout. “Wayne Stark wanted to expose students to performing arts and prepare them for life outside college,” said Amy Bacon, Class of 1991. “The MSC played a major role in getting A&M where it is today.” The MSC has followed much of Stark’s vision through the years, using renovations to add or update facilities in support of the purpose of a student union on a college campus. “Stark developed the ‘other education’ where it taught students with leadership training and how to be good citizens,” Woodcock said. “We absolutely execute the whole idea behind it. It’s not just a building, but a place to gather, get to know each other and develop relationships.” After 20 years of service to the campus, the MSC was first closed for renovations in 1971. The $28 million project included an expansion and complemented the design for its new neighbor, Rudder Tower — a 12-story conference and theatre arts complex adjacent to the MSC. The

building was reopened and rededicated three years later, in 1974. The renovation doubled dining and cafeteria facilities, allowed more lounge area for patrons and added a faculty lounge, exchange store and a new post office location. The University also added meeting rooms and housing facilities. The basement was expanded to incorporate more bowling lanes — a feature lost in the most recent renovation — and other games. Notably, part of an area known as the MSC Promenade was transformed into what students recognize as the Flag Room, named for the multitude of Texas, U.S. and Corps of Cadets flags decorating the main lounge. “This particular renovation really responded to the growth in the student body since it opened in 1951,” said David Woodcock, professor in the College of Architecture. “It was a new kind of building then that really captured the architecture of the 1950s and was an interesting ride to be part of.” During the next decade and a half, the MSC endured additional improvements, such as carpeting, lighting and ceiling repairs. When booming enrollment again hit campus in the 1980s, it was clear that the student body had outgrown the MSC. In October 1984, Ed Davis, vice president for fiscal affairs, gathered the University Center Advisory Committee to begin planning another major renovation. With a price tag approaching $22 million, the design called for the expansion of the Rudder theatre complex, adding 500 seats to the venue and a high-tech meeting room. On the east side, construction enlarged the bookstore, choral music facilities, the bowling and games area and added a food court. A prominent art gallery also debuted with the project, and an enclosed bridge connected MSC to Rudder Tower. The project coincided with the construction of the John J. Koldus Student Services Building. Renovations through the years have not been without controversy. When it became apparent that renovations in the 1980s threatened a number of old oak trees, students and faculty protested. Students claimed

Photos Courtesy of Cushing LIbrary

The MSC opened on Muster in 1951. With time, the building grew into the home of student organizations, student recreation activities and campus dining.

they were unaware of the renovations and that their opinion was unaccounted for by the administration during the planning phase. Articles and columns appeared in The Battalion frequently, expressing students’ points of view. Despite the controversy, the MSC was renovated and reopened again in 1991. “The tree outside Rudder [Tower] was called Rudder Tree and was over 100 years old,” Bacon said. “They attempted to replace and save as many as they could but the Rudder tree ended up dying.” When Ray Bowen became the 21st president of the University in 1994, he began strategic plans to realize the goals of Vision 2020, improving the University’s reputation to a consensus Top-10 public school by

the year 2020. The vision continues today with the administration of University President R. Bowen Loftin. “A vibrant, expanded Memorial Student Center impacts several of the Vision 2020 imperatives,” Loftin said. “As we strive to become recognized as one of the nation’s top-10 public universities, it is certainly appropriate for Texas A&M to have one of the best student centers in the country.” In 2009, 18 years after the last renovation, the student body had once more outgrown the MSC facilities. Slightly less than 7,000 students, or approximately 15 percent of the student body, participated in a 2007 campus referendum regarding a University proposal to close parts of the MSC for renovations and finance the

History Continued from page 1

of students after WWII because of the GI Bill. MSC President Elizabeth Andrasi said two other suggested names for the MSC were “Gold Star Hall” or “The Memorial.” During World War II, families with sons or husbands at war would hang blue stars in their windows, one for each service member. If the family member was killed, the family replaced the blue star with a gold star. Vicki Deuel, former MSC employee, worked at the MSC hotel for two years in the 1960s while her husband studied at A&M. “We sold candy bars and things at the snack counter and worked shifts from 3 to 7 or 7 to 11,” Deuel said. “We also operated a telephone switch board. We had to plug in calls for people in rooms and for the students using the phone booths. They were mainly used by guys in the Corps calling their girlfriends or parents.” Of her time working at the MSC, Deuel remembered seeing the cadets coming and going in their uniforms, because almost all were in the Corps at the time. Deuel added she doesn’t remember many girls being around except children of the faculty. “It was a place you could go to relax, and back in those days, nobody put their feet on the furniture,” said Lloyd Deuel, Vicki’s husband. “It was also the coffee shop. We would go have coffee and all study around the tables there in the MSC coffee shop.”

A student relaxes in the basement of the MSC by enjoying an arcade game in this early 1990s-era photo. The basement also housed a bowling alley, where bowling classes met, and a dining area.

Flag Room Continued from page 1

with a collection of flags ranging from the Texas and American flag to banners representing the different ROTC and Corps outfits. In fact, the feature was such a dominant sight that the room was no longer referred to as the promenade; instead adopting the colloquially-used “Flag Room.” The popular opinion of the Flag Room has improved since the 1970s, and until the current restoration closed its doors, it was a favorite location among students to meet and enjoy any number of activities. It was not uncommon to find three people using the same couch for their own designs, one study-

Pg. 5-03.30.12.indd 1

ing, one sleeping and another chatting with friends. These activities, like so much else at A&M, quickly became tradition. Before cell phones with alarm clocks were common, students would write and display notes before napping requesting that passers-by wake the student at a given time. The Flag Room was also utilized for student-organized events and programs, even serving as a support hub after the fall of Bonfire in 1999. Students and faculty converged on the room to bring food, offer and receive counseling and spread news of updates following the tragedy. “We gave out maroon and white ribbons there so that we could all show solidarity,” said Deryle Richmond, associate director at the MSC student

program offices. Those unfamiliar with the University found that the Flag Room offered a deeper understanding of what it means to be an Aggie. “I knew very little about Texas A&M and nothing about its traditions when I came to work here in 1984,” said Anne Black, associate director of the MSC OPAS office. “I heard music coming from the MSC Flag Room, and I asked someone standing nearby who it was. They told me about the Singing Cadets and their Friday afternoon rehearsals. I remember thinking how wonderful it would be to work here. I am now in my 28th year with Texas A&M and am so looking forward to hearing the Singing Cadets rehearse again.”

project. Sixty-eight percent of voters approved the increase in annual student fees that paid for a large portion of the MSC renovations. “I appreciate the sacrifice that our students have made to make this tremendous renovation and expansion of one of Aggieland’s truly special places become a reality,” Loftin said. Then-University President Elsa Murano approved the renovation and face-lift that began in August 2009 and nears completion today. With the MSC’s return, the University recovers what many see as the campus’ defining structure after the renovation — at least for now. “There is no way to replace the MSC. It truly is the heart stone of campus,” Bacon said. “It will always symbolize A&M’s culture for generations of Aggies.”

He remembered the reverence shown to the Flag Room and Hall of Honor, where the Medal of Honor of a personal friend, Eli Whiteley, was housed. “It was a place of deep respect,” Lloyd said. “We honored it. We cherished it.” With its understated elegance, Bacon wrote, the MSC was the most contemporary building on campus. And from 1950 to 1970, the MSC livened a drab, structured military college and exposed its students to a variety of amenities and programs that would impact their lives. When Stark retired in 1980, Jim Reynolds took over as the MSC’s second director. In the 1980s, he continued on the same path that Stark had started, bringing high-level speakers, enhancing existing programs and developing new ones. He guided the MSC as A&M reached a population of more than 40,000 students by 1990. Through decades of change and improvement, the reverence and memorial aspects have remained. The memorial recognition of former students who perished in armed conflict was extended beyond World War I and II to include Aggies who fought and died in all conflicts. According to Bailey, the most important aspect of the MSC will continue be the people who inhabit it. “Some services will be gone but others will take their place,” Bailey said. “The life of the building is the students, so it will continue as it always has. The passage of time changes some things, but the spirit of the students is unchanging.”

For a period in the 1950s, more than 50 mounted animal heads decorated the MSC Flag Room. The species ranged from horned sheep and antelope to buffalo and even black rhino. At the time, only 8 percent of students liked the decor.

3/29/12 10:23 PM

INC

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lifestyles

page 6 friday 3.30.2012

thebattalion

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The Battalion Some students prefer a pitcher of Shiner Bock while others like the lighter, but always smooth, Keystone Light for their Aggie Ring Dunk. But since drowning that golden symbol of history and accomplishment in a pitcher of ale became an unofficial tradition, students have explored alternative beverages to chug â&#x20AC;&#x201D; some more edible than drinkable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I enjoy pho,â&#x20AC;? junior entomology major Van Tran said. Tran and some of his friends plan to dunk their rings in pho, a kind of noodle soup originating from Vietnam. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can find new ways to do the same old thing. The actual dunk doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter,â&#x20AC;? Tran said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really there because of the friends.â&#x20AC;? The tradition of ring dunking is less conventional than many that the A&M student body enjoys. In fact, it was an accident. In the late 1970s, a student who had recently received his ring accidentally dropped it into a 32-ounce pitcher

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of beer at the Dixie Chicken. He had no choice but to empty the pitcher before adorning the gold. By the 1980s, the practice evolved into students timing each other to see how quickly a pitcher of beer could be chugged. This added an element of challenge, forcing students to drink large quantities of beer in less than a minute, or, for the most experienced dunkers in less than 30 seconds. Students who choose to not dunk their ring in alcohol often do so because of a desire to avoid potential health risks, or at least post-chug vomiting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to dunk my ring in something I can drink fast without having to be concerned about [after] effects,â&#x20AC;? said Sharon Mika, junior English major. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It would ruin my night to drink a pitcher of beer or something alcoholic, and then have to throw up.â&#x20AC;? A dislike for the taste of beer is another reason students choose alternative beverages. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I chose not to dunk in beer because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not a huge fan,â&#x20AC;? said Kelsey Witt, senior genetics major. Some students opt for non-alcoholic

options like juice, tea or various soft drinks. Most still chug their non-alcoholic drinks, usually from a standard 32-ounce pitcher, but usually donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to fret the after effects or feeling sick. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I dunked in sweet tea, and some of my other friends have dunked in cranberry juice, root beer, wine coolers and Dr. Pepper,â&#x20AC;? Witt said. Alternative ring dunks are also a way for students to express their lifestyle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think taking care of yourself and being true to yourself is more important than doing something just because other people are doing it,â&#x20AC;? Mika said. Whether in beer, sweet tea, a favorite ice cream or even a pitcher of soup, a ring dunk remains a ring dunk. For an unofficial tradition, dunking has come a long way from the accidental occurrence at the Dixie Chicken more than 30 years ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ring dunks are pretty common â&#x20AC;&#x201D; most of my friends had them,â&#x20AC;? Witt said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a nice way to get together with friends and celebrate an awesome achievement as an Aggie.â&#x20AC;?

Ring wraps make tradition sparkle Paige Kuznar The Battalion

The Aggie Ring is beloved for its rich history, symbolism and the educational accomplishment it communicates. But one student took her ring a step beyond the traditional, adding a distinctive flare. After receiving her ring in April 2011, Emily Huskinson, senior agricultural leadership and development major, chose to â&#x20AC;&#x153;blingâ&#x20AC;? her ring. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I envisioned diamonds wrapped perfectly around the curvature of my Aggie Ring,â&#x20AC;? Huskinson said. Huskinson wanted to add something extra to her ring and approached LylesDeGrazier, a diamond supplier in Dallas, to make a set of diamond bands to fit around her Aggie Ring. While requesting the bands, Huskinson attempted to hide her idea from the president of Lyles-DeGrazier, Scott Polk. Polk is an Aggie, Class of 1984, and Huskinson thought if he found out what she was doing, she wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the only one to have these wraps. In the end, Polk caught on to Huskinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designs, and convinced her of its potential for Aggieland. Ring Wrapsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; soon became Huskinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company name. Ring wraps are an identical pair of custom-made, 10-Karat gold diamond rings designed to encase the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural gold Aggie Ring. The wraps retail for $1,950 per set. Huskinson projects sales of 500 ring wraps mostly sold to students by the end of 2012, and hopes to see an increase in business as the ring wraps are circulated. After graduating this December, Huskinson plans to expand the company to other schools and to launch a

Roger Zhangâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; THE BATTALION

Senior agriculture leadership major Emily Huskinson created College Ring Wraps. Each ring wrap is made with 10K yellow gold and .30-carat diamonds. wedding band collection later this year. Huskinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s said Ring Wraps will soon be designed to fit around any desired ring, in addition to the Aggie tradition. Huskinson said students and women are excited when they try on the wraps. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their faces always light up and a typical reaction is, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I have to have this now,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Huskinson said. Becca Green, sophomore telecommunications major, said the wraps enhance the Aggie Ring in a tasteful way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aggie Ring is very pretty and delicate, but Ring

Wraps make it so classy and matchless,â&#x20AC;? Green said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You would definitely stand out in a crowd.â&#x20AC;? Other students felt that the Aggie Ring should not be altered because of its tradition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like that the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rings look the same since it is a symbol of the Aggie Network,â&#x20AC;? said Ashton Pope, senior business major. Ring Wraps will have a trunk show on Saturday at Southern Jewlz on Harvey Road and will continue on Saturdays in April.

3/29/12 11:14 PM

news

page 7 friday 3.30.2012

thebattalion

campus Twenty-two faculty members receive grants from A&M’s Division Of Research Faculty members representing five Texas A&M University colleges received 22 grants totaling $240,289 through an initiative sponsored by the University’s Division of Research. Proposals were submitted during the fall semester to the Program to Enhance Scholarly and Creative Activities (PESCA), which provides funding awards for significant research projects, scholarly publications, and artistic presentations. TAMUtimes

nation Justices meet Friday to vote on New video raises doubts about health care case Fla. gunman’s story MIAMI — Newly released police video of a handcuffed George Zimmerman may be important for what it doesn’t show: No obvious cuts, scrapes, blood or bandages. No clearly broken nose. No plainly visible evidence of a lifeand-death struggle with Trayvon Martin. As the furor over race and self-defense raged on in Florida and around the U.S. on Thursday, Martin’s family and supporters seized on the footage to dispute Zimmerman’s claim that he shot and killed the unarmed black teenager he was attacked.

WASHINGTON — While the rest of us have to wait until June, the justices of the Supreme Court will know the likely outcome of the historic health care case by the time they go home this weekend. After months of anticipation, thousands of pages of briefs and more than six hours of arguments, the justices will vote on the fate of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul in under an hour Friday morning. They will meet in a wood-paneled conference room on the court’s main floor. No one else will be present. Associated Press

Let the love of learning rule humanity.

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Pg. 7-03.30.12.indd 1

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!"##$%$&"'&$.+!(,*"-&(-.& 0+1(-&.$4$#"51$-, Pollyanna Halling, Outstanding Junior Sierra Andreason Gina Bertoli Sarah Byrne Allyson Coe Brenna Darilek Jennifer Easterling Jenna Faulkner Soleil Ferrarini Lilliebeth Halling Zachary Hickman Logan Howard Melanie Huebel Jessica Hughey Ryan Laeld Victoria Langford Gwenda McFadden Molly Mertz Dayna Messec William Myrick Danielle Nissman Molly Nolan Martin Orellana, Jr. Stephanie Patton Kristen Pitts Erica Puckett Emily Rejcek Jennifer Rockwell Michael Roland Shannon Rubio Marie Sealy John Seawright Savannah See Makenzie Stroup Jennifer Stuckenschneider Samantha Taylor KeriAnn Toepfer Brittany Tuscher Joshua Watson Trevor Watson Meredith Williamson Kathlyn Wilson Jennifer Wollersheim Lindsey Yeates

.6*%0,&#""7&!"##$%$&"'& $-%*-$$)*-% Henry Harrity, Outstanding Junior Benjamin Aferbach Robert Allen Aviz Averoes Michael Bartling Trey Bowen Kenneth Briggs III John Cessna Taylor Chambers Rebecca Christensen Wesley Cummings Kimberly Dechaud Kai Dong Matthew Drake Monica Duran Matthew Ferguson Brynnan Fink Chase Hames Bridget Hill Michael Holtzclaw Ying-Po Liao

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that are shared throughout generations.

FOR RENT

2,3,4 and 5/bdrm. CS duplexes. Very nice, garage, on shuttle, tile, fireplace, w/d, fenced, lawn service, pets o.k. Available August. Details and photos available online. http://arduplexes.com info@arduplexes.com 979-255-0424, 979-255-1585.

1bd+Office/1ba. Student Community, <1-mile from campus. www.HollemanByThePark.com

Parents’ Weekend,

$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.

3/2 home in CS, nice area close to campus shuttle, privacy fenced backyard with patio, responsible females only, no pets, no smoking, $1200/mo with year lease, $1200 deposit, available June1st, call 979-571-9277.

1/1, 1/1.5 loft, 2/2, 3/3. Spacious, open, granite, ceramic, ceilings of 9’, 14’, 17’. Full size W/D, patios/balconies, walk-in closets, cable/internet. www.jesinvestments.com Owner/Broker. 979-777-5477

The Association is proud to support traditions, like

PRIVATE PARTY WANT ADS

2 roommates needed for 4bd/4ba apartment off of Southwest Parkway in the University Place complex. Fully furnished, $475/mo. including all utilities, lease runs from 8/1/12 to 7/31/13, contact Kendall at 512-293-3485.

2bd/2ba unique floorplans w/balcony views of Kyle Field. Brand new luxury apartment condos. Fullsize stainless steel appliances, W/D, designer ammenities granite/wood/tile, bus stop. Only 36units on Holleman at Wolf Pen. www.broadstoneranchatwolfpen.com, www.aggielandleasing.com, 979-776-6079.

1bd/1ba. Student community, <1-mile from campus. www.HollemanByThePark.com

SPECIAL

see ads at thebatt.com

3/2 duplex, 1920 Holleman Dr. West. Available August. Great location, new wood floors, tile, new carpet, newly updated, fenced backyard, W/D, shuttle, bike to campus. Pets ok. $1095/mo. 979-731-8257. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 3/2 Duplexes, prelease August, very nice, 5mins to campus, W/D, lawn care, security system, $900-950/mo. 979-691-0304, 979-571-6020.

3/2/2 and 4/2/2 remodeled brick homes in CS. Large fenced yard, on shuttle route, $1000-1300/mo. 979-450-3011 waypointproperties@yahoo.com 3/3 newer duplex includes all appliances, tile floors, backyard, pets allowed. $1200/mo. Available August. Call Tia 979-739-1160. 3/3.5 luxury condo in Gateway Villas, granite throughout, W/D, close to campus/restaurants/bus route, available June 1st, $1350/mo., 817-437-9606. 3bd/2ba House, <1-mile south of campus, close to everything, garage, pet friendly, www.AggielandLeasing.com 3bd/2ba House, <1-mile south of campus, close to everything, garage, pet friendly, www.LoneStarHousing.com 3bd/2bth house at 123 Richards Street, CS near TAMU, HEB, and Target. Available June 1st, 2-car garage , fenced backyard, small pets considered, great kitchen, outstanding condition, $1200/mo. Bernie 979-777-3699. 3bd/3ba. Duplexes. Close to campus, Great backyards. Fairly New! 979-693-4900. 3bdr w/study or 4bdr/2ba House. 2-Blocks to campus. Refrigerator, W/D, $1100/mo. 105 Fleetwood. 832-541-6450. 4+bedroom Duplex for rent. 113 Kleine in College Station. $1600/mo. 4-yrs old w/large back-yard. 4bd/4ba +office, and storage room. Tile floors in living-room, bathrooms and kitchen. W/D and refrigerator included. Pet friendly. Call 979-696-6839/text 979-229-2171. 4-5bd/2ba house. Walk to campus! 504 Kyle Street. Available August 1st. $1650/mo. W/D, lawncare, pest control provided. 979-492-1983. 4/2 and 5/2 houses, CS, available August, updated, all appliances, great backyards, large living rooms, W/D, close to campus, no pets. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 979-731-8257. 4/2/2 College Station, close to campus. Updated, fenced, w/d, granite. Prelease for August. $1799/mo. 1312 Timm. 979-776-8984. aggielandrentals.com 4/2/2 house, 1302 Mary Oaks. Available August. Close to campus, A&M bus route, recently updated, carpet/tile flooring, spacious closets and ample storage. Large fenced backyard. Pets OK. $1595/mo. 979-255-9432 4/2/2 off Dominik. Large updated house, tile, carpet, with W/D, pets allowed. $1800/mo. Tia 979-739-1160. Available May.

FOR RENT

4/3 house, 4024 Southern Trace CS, built 2006, $1450/mo, available August, 979-450-0053.

Brand new luxury condos, granite countertops, tile flooring, great location. 979-693-4900.

4/3 house, 929 Crystal Dove, CS. Available in August for 2012/13 school year. $1,450/month, utilities not included. W/D, fenced backyard, 2 car garage, tile floors. Call John 979-661-0848.

C.S. 4bdrm Houses, updated, fenced pets, ok. Starting at $1295/mo. AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984.

4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Houses, Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials. 694-0320. www.luxormanagement.com 4/4 University Place condo, tile and wood plank flooring throughout, W/D, pool, on shuttle, $395/room, cable paid, available August, 361-816-1224. 4/4 University Place condo, W/D, private bath, pool, on shuttle. $300/mo. Call 979-690-8213 or 979-422-9849. 4bd/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, granite countertops, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com 4bd/2ba Large house, <1-mile from campus, close to everything, W/D, pet friendly. www.LoneStarHousing.com 4bd/4ba houses. Brand New, great size, great location, AAF 979-693-4900. 4bd/4ba University Place Condo for rent for $1600/mo. Electricity, water and internet included. No pets. New flooring in August 2011. Living and dining room furniture provided. http://www.collegestationrent.com/tx/collegestation/227678-university-placecondo. If interested, call Fred 281-460-0439. 4bd/4ba Waterwood Townhome available August, $1760/mo, granite counter tops, new appliance package, a&m bus route. theccooks@gmail.com 903-539-9957

College Station: 1/1, 800sqft, $575. 2/2, 1000sqft, $675. Shuttle, all appliances, W/D, lawn/pest/maintenance included. 906 Spring Loop (off University). KAZ Realty. 979-324-9666. College Station: 2/2, 1000sqft, newly remodeled (All new stainless steel appliances), shuttle, all appliances, W/D, lawn/pest/maintenance included, 906 Spring Loop (off University). $800. KAZ Realty. 979-324-9666. College Station: 3/2, 1240sqft. Newly remodeled! All Stainless Steel Appliances! Close to shuttle, W/D, lawn/pest/maintenance included. 905 Balcones (off Welch), $1000. KAZ Realty 979-324-9666.

Luxury townhome. Gateway Villas. 4bd/4bth, 1800/mo. Pre-lease summer/ fall 2012. 979-229-6935. New, Newer 1/1, 1/1.5 Loft, 2/2,3/3. Granite, Shuttle, wwwjesinvestments.com Owner/Broker. 979-777-5477. Northgate. New apartments 3/3, 2/2, 3/2, and 1/1. House for rent. www.aggievillas.net 979-255-5648. Now Leasing and pre-leasing for August! 4bdrm/2bth houses. Spacious floorplans. Great Location. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, w/d, fenced yards, refridgerator, icemaker,lawncare. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com

College Station: 3/3 1450sqft. All appliances, W/D, lawn/pest/maintenance included. 3735 Oldenburg (off Grahm), $1025. KAZ Realty. 979-324-9666.

Pre-lease 4 and 5 bedroom houses, available August, great floor plans, close to campus, updated, W/D, all appliances, no pets. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 979-731-8257.

Cottage. Holik C.S. 2bd/1ba, 1000sqft., W/D, Balcony, wooded. Private drive. Clean. Quiet. No pets. $600/mo. 979-777-2472.

Pre-leasing for 2012-2013. Students only. 2bd/2ba apartment. W/D, 900+ sq-ft. $600/mo. Call 210-387-5030.

Duplex, rent 2bd/1ba. Beautiful, quiet! Remodeled, all new, many extras, drapes, in College Station. Convenient to everything! Fenced backyard. One week free. 979-422-3427. Call for specials.

Pre-leasing for August 2,3,4,&5 bedroom houses and town-homes. Updated, fenced, pets ok, on shuttle route. AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984.

Free ethernet and cable, paid water, Campus shuttle. Preleasing, Great Prices. AggieApartment.com, 979-693-1906.

Prelease available now! Large 2bd/2ba duplex. Walk-in closets, W/D connections, large fenced backyard, on shuttle. University Oaks. $775/mo. 979-693-1448.

Gateway Villas. Affordable luxury. 4bd/4ba available August. $1600/mo. 512-413-8748.

Prelease for May or August ! Large 2bd/2ba duplex. Walk-in closets, W/D connections, large fenced backyard, on shuttle. University Oaks. $775/mo. 979-693-1448.

Gleissner Hall, Northgate area. Walk to campus. Water, sewer, garbage paid. 1/1 $555/mo., 2/1 $665/mo. 979-846-8981.

AggieLandRentals.com For all your rental needs. Open 7 days/week. 979-776-8984. Apartment 2bd rental. Open House Saturday/Sunday 9-5. Parent’s Weekend Special: $525-$595/mo. W/D included. Bryan: 5900 Leonard Rd #1, 11, 12, 15. 2004-B&C and 2005-B&D Monito Way. 979-777-3370.

Historic duplex, Bryan. 6-miles from campus, 1200sqft. 1bd/1ba. W/D, mature student. $575/mo. 979-776-0221.

BRYAN: NEWLY REMODELED 2/1. ALL NEW APPLIANCES, W/D CONN, ON-SITE POOL. WATER/SEWER, HIGH SPEED INTERNET, CABLE AND GARBAGE ALL PAID! PET FRIENDLY. 979.764.RENT www.twincityproperties.com

C.S. 3/1.5/2carport, Updated, Fenced, biking distance to campus, on shuttle, pets ok. $750/mo AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984. Room for sublease in 2bd/2bath for $375. Internet/cable, W+D included. May-August, 979-492-9005. Spacious 3/2 duplex available in May and August. W/D. $895/mo. 979-693-0551. Classifieds continued on page 9

Attention sorority sisters. 4br/3ba House available August 1st. $375/bdrm. 210-289-1609. August Leasing. 4bd/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com Balcones Apartments, 3/2, available now, fully remodeled, internet and water included, $895/mo, 979-703-8282. BRAND NEW 4BDRM/4BTH HOUSE, CS, walk or bike, on shuttle, fenced yard. GREAT LOCATION! DON’T MISS! $2300/mo. 979-229-4222. Brand new building now! Sierra condos walk to NG/campus. Granite, SS, W/D incl. Pet friendly. 1,2,3 bed+ guest baths. Bus route bills incl. dwellsierra.com 979-314-7145

puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com

BRYAN: UPDATED 2/1.5 DUPLEX. NEW LIGHT AND PLUMBING FIXTURES, BUILT-IN MICRO. FIREPLACE, W/D CONN, WALK-IN CLOSET. FENCED YARD W/LAWN CARE PROVIDED. PETS OK! 979.764.RENT. www.twincityproperties.com

BRYAN: 2/1 NEAR HISTORIC DISTRICT. UPSTAIRS W/BALCONY. NEW LAMINATE FLOORS. HUGE WALK-IN CLOSET. LOTS OF STORAGE. QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD. PET FRIENDLY. 979.764.RENT www.twincityproperties.com

BRYAN: UPDATED 2/1.5 UNIT. NEW FLOORING, CUSTOM CABINETS AND APPLIANCES. FREE INTERNET, CABLE, WATER, SEWER AND GARBAGE. POOL ON SITE. PET FRIENDLY! 979.764.RENT. www.twincityproperties.com

BRYAN: 2/2 COMPLETELY UPDATED DUPLEX. WOOD FLOORS, NEW APPLIANCES AND CABINETS. W/D CONN, FENCED PATIO. INTERNET AND CABLE PAID! PET FRIENDLY! 979.764.RENT. www.twincityproperties.com

STUDIES IN PROGRESS FACIAL ACNE STUDY

Volunteers ages 12-40 years old, with moderate facial acne are needed to participate in a 12-week clinical research study with an investigational topical medication. All eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Acne Evaluations by a Dermatologist • Study Medication • Compensation up to $200.00 for time and effort Volunteers will need to make 4 office visits over the 12 week period. For more information please contact:

ATHLETES FOOT STUDY

Volunteers ages 18 and older are needed to participate in a 6-week clinical research study with an investigational topical medication for the treatment of athletes foot. Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study related medication • Medical Examinations related to study • Compensation up to $150.00 for time and effort Participants will be required to make 3 office visits over the 6 week period. For more information please contact:

URINARY TRACT INFECTION STUDY

Female volunteers who think they might be experiencing a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) are needed to participate in a 2 day clinical research study of an investigational study medication for the pain that is associated with a UTI. Symptoms of a UTI include: Pain, Burning and Frequency when urinating. Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • UTI Assessments by a Study Doctor • Antibiotics for their UTI • Study Medication • Compensation up to $100.00 for time and effort Eligible volunteers will be required to make 2 office visits. There is no cost to you for participating in this research study. For more information please contact:

J&S Studies, Inc.

979-774-5933 1710 Crescent Pointe Parkway, College Station, TX 77845 www.js-studies.com

Pg. 8-03-30-12.indd 1

3/29/12 2:47:53 PM

HELP WANTED

Storage- Rent for 4 months. Pay for 3 get 1 free. All sizes, close to campus. 979-693-0551.

Now hiring for Church nursery. 2 workers needed during Sunday morning and evening worship and on Wednesday evenings. Also hiring for Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Out that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays! 979-776-0533 or lisa@hillcrestfamily.org

Summer Sublease. 4bd/2ba House. Large fenced yard. On bus route. $400/mo. Utilities paid! Pets ok. 214-498-4975.

Part-time job helping handicapped. Male student preferred. $360/mo. 5-10hrs/wk. 979-846-3376.

Townhomes 2/1.5+Half, on shuttle, W/D connections, fenced patio, $775-895/mo, ask about student discounts, 979-703-8282.

Part-Time position with flexible schedule, general building maintenance, checking light fixtures, changing locks, inspecting needed repairs, respond to tenant request via online system, some knowledge of HVAC maintenance, basic computer knowledge, please submit resume to kcarver@caldwellcos.com

Classifieds continued from page 8

FOR RENT

GARAGE SALES VET SCHOOL GARAGE SALE 8AM to 3PM, Lot 36: Corner of Agronomy & University, Furniture, houseware, books, and more, EVERYTHING MUST GO.

HELP WANTED

Part-time summer help, apply in person, Conlee-Garrett Moving and Storage, 600 South Bryan Ave., Bryan.

A&M United Methodist Weekday School is now hiring. Full-time and part-time co-teacher positions available. Mon-Fri, 7:30-5:30. For more info, call 979-846-1762 or check us out on the web at www.am-umc.org/weekdayschool

Software tester, 20-35hrs/wk, $10/hr, flexible schedule. Real world, hands-on experience testing enterprise software. Flexible work hours.Â Learn more and apply at www.k2share.com/careers

Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com

STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In College Station. 100% Free To Join. Click On Surveys.

Bryan-College Station real estate service company is looking for a professional Business Development Representative. Responsibilities include all sales activities in an assigned territory and following agreed upon marketing plan. Must work closely with office manager, VP of Business Development and within the sales and support teams for the achievement of customer satisfaction. Goals are revenue generation, and long-term account goals in line with company policies, etiquette, expectations, vision and values. Salary commensurate with experience. Job Specifications: Minimum of 2-4 years of sales experience, apartment or housing leasing background, home warranty sales, or other real estate industry sales. Need strong computer skills including, social media, Microsoft Office Suite including Internet Explorer, Outlook, Word, Power Point, Excel; strong understanding of customer and market dynamics, excellent communication skills, listening skills; ability to work in a multi-task fast paced environment; willingness to attend/ participate in various industry networking activities; proven ability to keep accurate sales call records on call sheets and achieve sales quotas. Fax resume and salary requirements to 979-731-1381 or e-mail to maynst@aol.com Cadre is accepting resumes for summer internship opprotunities exclusively for students hoping to enhance their skills and experience through training and on the job development. Cadre is looking for a fresh, forward-thinking individuals to assist the engineering staff with the development of SOPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, training material, and entry level process, mechanical or electrical design under the direction of experienced engineers. The ideal candidate will be dedicated and self-motivated with excellent written communication skills. To qualify, the candidate must be pursuing a bachelors degree in engineering. Additional information about our company, products and job openings can be found on our website at www.cadreproppants.com. To apply, please send your resume to resumes@cadreproppants.com and reference this ad. Cedar Lane is now accepting applications for waitresses/ shot-girls. E-mail for information cedarlanepa@gmail.com City of College Station, LIFEGUARDS & WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTORS NEEDED, $8.50/hr, Apply online @ csjobs.cstx.gov or call 979-764-3540 EOE Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. Full or Part-time paid intern needed. Computing/Accounting experience is a plus. 979-778-7531, Jaimie. Housekeeper to help with light cleaning and laundry. 1 day per week. 979-255-1340 Little Guys Movers now hiring FT/PT employees. Must be at least 21 w/valid D.L. Apply in person at 3209 Earl Rudder Freeway. 979-693-6683. looking for TAMU-student to write code for smartphone applications. Please email beason882006@tamu.edu Med Tech for full-time, medical allergy office. Excellent benefits. Great experience for student applying to medical or nursing school. Degree in Biomedical Science and one year commitment required. Please fax resume to 979-485-0575, apply in person at 3306 Longmire Drive CS, TX, or email resume to susanc@aggieallergist.com NINFAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MEXICAN RESTAURANT COLLEGE STATION. Now accepting applications for Wait/Servers and Hostess Staff. Will train. Flexible schedules available. Good communicators and strong customer service skills preferred. Apply in person Mon-Fri 11am-4pm at 1007 Earl Rudder Freeway South, College Station.

Pg. 9-03-30-12.indd 1

Summer sales help wanted! Top training, no experience necessary, accommodate school schedules, 40K/4mo., average summer rep. resumeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and info at: 2012summersales@gmail.com Support Services Tech, avg 20hrs/wk, $9.62/hr. Flexible schedules, ideal for students. Phone & email support w/customer service excellence. Learn more and apply at www.k2share.com/jobs TECHNICAL EDITOR, StataCorp produces a variety of written materials in support of Stata customers, including an extensive set of printed manuals (over 9,000 pages) and other books related to Stata and statistics; the Stata Journal, a quarterly publication of reviewed articles; advertising materials; online help; and NetCourses, courses offered over the Internet. Job responsibilities: Review and correcting for style, clarity, grammar, and punctuation, any writing intended for use in the products listed above. Required skills: A bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in English, Technical Writing/Communications, or related field, with 2 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; editing experience in technical publications. A demonstrated ability to read and edit text that includes mathematical formulas. Must be willing to relocate to College Station/Bryan area. Preferred qualifications: The desire and ability to learn the basics of the Stata softwar. Knowledge of TeX or LaTeX (the document preparation system used). The ability to follow and develop StataCorp style guidelines. The ability to work with research professionals to ensure published content is relevant, accurate, and well written. Exposure to statistics: StataCorp offers competitive pay with full benefits in a fun, family-friendly work environment. Email resume to: hrd@stata.com or fax to: 888-264-4906. StataCorp is an Affirmative Action employer: M/F/Vet/Disab. Tutors wanted for all subjects currently taught at TAMU/ Blinn and Sam Houston State starting at $8.25/hour. Apply on-line @ www.99Tutors.com, 979-268-8867.

MUSIC Peter Block Mobile DJ, professional 22+yrs. experience. Specializing in weddings, TAMU functions. Mobile to anywhere. 979-596-2522. http://www.partyblockdj.com

REAL ESTATE $169,000, custom 4/2/2, 2008 sqft, brick home on community lake. At Westpark Tollway, south of Katy. New Sept 2009. OWNER/broker 832-222-9240 2007 Mobile home in south College Station for sale, $40,000. 3 bed 2 bath, 1216 square feet, clean, fenced yard, deck, sprinkler system, spacious, great condition, laundry room, major appliances included. Please call Christy 979-595-4482 B/CS. Sell/Buy/Invest! Michael McGrann TAMU â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;93 Civil Engineering 979-739-2035, mike@aggierealtor.com Nadia McGrann 979-693-1851, Town & Country Realty.

ROOMMATES Roommates needed. 4bd/4bth $350/mo, washer/dryer, phone & internet, University Place on Southwest Parkway. 281-844-2090.

SERVICES iPhone repair w/one year warranty, allphonetoys.com 979-694-2800. Student discounts available.

TUTORS Need a Tutor? Friendly, helpful one-on-one private tutors for all subjects at TAMU/Blinn and Sam Houston State. Check us out at www.99tutors.com, 979-268-8867.

news

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friday 3.30.2012

battalion

Algae

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biofuel, there are some technical barriers. For example, extracting lipids is very difficult because it is very costly,â&#x20AC;? said Shangxian Xie, plant pathology graduate student. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Right now we are developing technology to harvest the algae more cheaply by cultivating it into a pellet so you only need a filter to harvest it.â&#x20AC;? Xie said this new method allows for a three-to-four-fold increase in yield. Innovations like this make production less expensive and more applicable to the energy market. Another method the research group is examining involves photorespiration, an alternative to photosynthesis, where sugar is combined with oxygen. Photorespiration is not as efficient as photosynthesis and typically causes a quarter of the carbon to be lost. Yuanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research explores ways to use this lost carbon as an energy source. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pathway takes the excess carbon normally lost and shunts it towards hydrocarbon synthesis. So now you have a system that just needs light, water, carbon dioxide and some minimal nutrients to produce hydrocarbons,â&#x20AC;? said Ryan Syrenne, molecular and environmental plant sciences graduate student. Other methods currently studied by the researchers to improve algaeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use as a biofuel source involve using genes from various algae species to create a type of algae that excels in the critical areas of efficiency, growth and yield. The possibilities of renewable energy sources like algae are also being explored by the government. In February, President Barack Obama announced his support for algae research and offered up to $14 million in grant money to assist researchers. Yuan said his research proves biofuels have the potential to become a part of the solution to the problem of depending on a nonrenewable fuel source. Currently, production of algae biofuel costs more than $20 per gallon, but that cost is slowly coming down as techniques like those explored by Yuanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lab make it less expensive to produce large quantities. Yuan said by the time algae biofuel becomes marketable, at around $5 per gallon in the next decade or two, it will be a much cheaper and viable option compared to gasoline that will possibly sport a doubledigit price tag by then. In the meantime, Yuan and his team plan to strive for even better developments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My next dream is artificial photosynthesis,â&#x20AC;? Yuan said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are only limited by our resources.â&#x20AC;?

nation&world Chinese firm surpasses Exxon in oil production NEW YORK â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A big shift is happening in Big Oil: An American giant now ranks behind a Chinese upstart. Exxon Mobil is no longer the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest publicly traded producer of oil. For the first time, that distinction belongs to a 13-year-old Chinese company called PetroChina. The Beijing company was created by the Chinese government to secure more oil for that nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s booming economy. PetroChina announced Thursday that it pumped 2.4 million barrels a day last year, surpassing Exxon by 100,000. The company has grown rapidly over the last decade by squeezing more from Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aging oil fields and outspending Western companies to acquire more petroleum reserves in places like Canada, Iraq and Qatar. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motivated by a need to lock up as much oil as possible.

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Memories fade... Yearbooks last a Lifetime. Pre-order your 2012 Aggieland yearbook by April 9, 2012, for $81.19, including shipping and sales tax. The 110th edition of Texas A&M Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official yearbook will chronicle the 2011-2012 school year â&#x20AC;&#x201D; traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, residence halls, campus organizations, and seniors and graduate students. By credit card go online to http://aggieland. tamu.edu or call 979-845-2613. Or drop by the Student Media office, Bldg. #8901 in The Grove (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall). Hours: 8:30 A.M. to $4:30 P.M. Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Friday.

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tennis | Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tennis face Oklahoma State and Kansas State, respectively, at 6 p.m. in College Station.

equestrian | The A&M equestrian team travels to Manhattan, Kan. to compete for a Big 12 title.

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James Solano The Battalion

With a six-game winning streak under its belt, the No. 6 A&M baseball team will resume Big 12 Conference play this weekend, with a three-game home series against Missouri at Blue Bell Park on Parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Weekend. The Aggies are fresh off a 7-2 home victory against Houston Baptist Tuesday night, improving to 20-5 for the season. Tuesday nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory kicked off a nine-game homestand at Blue Bell Park. In the Aggiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; last outing, senior first baseman Jacob House went 3-for-4 at the plate. The Mansfield native also tied his career-high with four RBIs. House said he looks forward to playing the Tigers and the challenge theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll present. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really excited to play Missouri â&#x20AC;&#x201D; had a tough one with them last year with the rain and battling with them, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re gonna be ready to go,â&#x20AC;? House said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They bring a lot of intensity that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to match and overcome.â&#x20AC;? Junior shortstop Mikey Reynolds also went 3-for-4 Tuesday night, delivering nine hits in his last three games. Freshman pitcher Gandy Stubblefield got his first career start for the maroon and white. The Lufkin, Texas, native went 4.1 innings, striking out one batter and giving up only one run on four hits. Fellow freshman Corey Ray relieved Stubblefield and was credited for the win. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think I did good,â&#x20AC;? Stubblefield said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel tired, but the ball kept diving, and I think my velocity went down. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not 100 percent on that yet, but I think I did alright. I can definitely do better.â&#x20AC;? The Aggies (20-5, 2-1 Big 12) will play Missouri (15-9, 2-1 Big 12) for the last time as Big 12 Conference foes before the two schools join the Southeastern Conference on July 1, 2012. The last time the Aggies and Tigers met on the diamond was in Oklahoma City for the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship, where then senior Andrew Collazo hit a dramatic walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning, for a 10-9

Golf Continued from page 1

-round because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always summer weather in Puerto Rico.â&#x20AC;? Starting with junior tournaments, Garciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game developed to the point that she, alongside with her brother, qualified for the Puerto Rican national team. Her performance caught the eye of the president of the Puerto Rican Golf Association, who suggested that Garcia make the move to the U.S. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure at first because I was going to be far from my family. I was going

Josh McKenna â&#x20AC;&#x201D; THE BATTALION

Junior shortstop Mikey Reynolds went 3-for-4 at the plate and scored three runs in the Aggiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 7-3 win over Houston Baptist. A&M victory and a Big 12 Tournament Championship. When the Aggies traveled to Colombia, Mo., in the 2011 regular season, however, the Tigers won the threegame series 2-1. This season Missouri is coming off an 8-2 loss to Central Arkansas Wednesday as they travel to College Station to resume conference play. A&M head coach Rob Childress said he is wary of the Tigersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; recent success and expects a competitive weekend fight. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel good. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at home and playing a hot team in Missouri,â&#x20AC;? Chil-

dress said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve won 12 of their last 15, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a chip on their shoulder. They play hard, and you know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be a good series.â&#x20AC;? Coming off a near perfect game through eight innings in his last start at Pepperdine, junior Michael Wacha will likely get the start on the mound Friday night against the Tigers. The Aggies will look to extend their six-game winning streak Friday with a 6:35 p.m. scheduled first pitch. Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contest is slated for a 2:05 p.m. first pitch, and Sunday is set for 1:05 p.m.

to be on my own in the United States, which was big for me,â&#x20AC;? Garcia said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After asking a lot of people, I realized, why not?â&#x20AC;? Garcia has come into her own since joining the Aggies, improving her finish at each successive tournament this year, culminating with her second-place finish. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Patty is one of those kids that we have seen, in the last three tournaments, matured on the golf course so quickly,â&#x20AC;? McCombs said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She has been taking in everything we have been saying to her and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paying off for her.â&#x20AC;? McCombs said Ruzickova and Garcia are without boundaries, as far as their golf careers go.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the sky is the limit really, as big as we can dream,â&#x20AC;? McCombs said. Both Ruzickova and Garcia understand what it means to be the foundation of the program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel that [we] must be good role models and have good team spirit and chemistry,â&#x20AC;? Ruzickova said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be someone that anyone on the team can come up to you for advice and help in practice drills is my goal here.â&#x20AC;? Of course, there is one other goal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We like to win,â&#x20AC;? Ruzickova said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We definitely have the talent to be number one in the nation and ultimately win a national championship.â&#x20AC;?

Pre-order your 2012 Aggieland yearbook by April 9, 2012, for $81.19, including shipping and sales tax. The 110th edition of Texas A&M Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official yearbook will chronicle the 2011-2012 school year â&#x20AC;&#x201D; traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, residence halls, campus organizations, and seniors and graduate students. By credit card go online to http://aggieland. tamu.edu or call 979-845-2613. Or drop by the Student Media office, Bldg. #8901 in The Grove (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall). Hours: 8:30 A.M. to $4:30 P.M. Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Friday.

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AUSTIN — Texas A&M defended its 4x800 title at the 85th Texas Relays in record fashion, breaking a 27-year-old meet record in the process with a winning time of 7:15.99 on Thursday evening at Myers Stadium. They eclipsed the mark of 7:16.21 set by Jackson State in 1985. The Aggies achieved the accomplishment with a set of four runners who were all Texas preps. The athletes were James Bonn (1:49.5) of Lockhart, Joey

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Roberts (1:47.2) of San Antonio Marshall, Oscar Ramirez (1:50.0) of CC Winn in Eagle Pass and Michael Preble (1:49.3) of Jersey Village in Houston. Each following leg for the Aggies added 10 more meters to the lead over the field of 16 teams. Baylor placed second in 7:22.99 while Kent State finished third in 7:26.36. Aggie Athletics

Loupot’s Continued from page 1

lost more than $3 million cumulatively this year. For many Aggies, the closing of Loupot’s hits close to home. Established on Northgate circa 1930 by Judson Loupot, the store sold textbooks, Corps of Cadet uniforms, miscellaneous items — even lunches at one point — for almost 80 years. Loupot, who studied agricultural economics at A&M, opened the store when he had to leave the Class of 1932 at A&M to support his family. Loupot enlisted the freshmen in the Corps outfit to help build the original store, and ran it himself until his sudden death in 1995. Until 2010, the store was family owned and operated. Ann Loupot Daughety, daughter of Judson Loupot, sold the store to Nebraska Book Co. in 2010. Prior to this, she ran the store with her partner, Loupot’s longtime bookman Shri Parachure, for 13 years after buying out her brother in 1997. “I felt this loss two years ago when we sold,” Daughety said. “That is when we closed in my mind. That’s when we quit operating the way we did, and that’s when I mourned. We were mom and pop — all about Aggie tradition and customer service. We took that to heart, and it meant a great deal to us. We were not prepared to compete online.” Daughety said that after the fall rush in 2010, she realized it was time to sell and called Neebo soon thereafter. Local textbook storeowners are grappling with this dramatic shift in the College Station textbook market due to Neebo downsizing. “We are evaluating all our options. We want to continue to give students the best choices, prices and service we

Courtney Laine — THE BATTALION

Loupot’s Bookstore’s three College Station locations will officially close on Saturday. can,” said vice president and co-owner of Textbook Solutions Kevin Tracy, Class of 2000. “But we don’t want to go the way of Nebraska and overextend.” Textbook Solutions, located near the Eastgate entrance to campus, is currently looking at new ways to be more efficient and prepare to meet an increased student demand in August. “As of now, I don’t see us opening another bookstore in town,” Tracy said. “But the unfortunate problem is in August, students are going to experience longer wait times because there will be fewer places for them to buy their books. The question is, how can we alleviate that?” President and co-owner of Textbook Solutions Brian Williams, Class of 2001, said his philosophy is to have only one location at a given university to avoid higher costs. Williams said the idea is to set up the single location with the main focus on books and a

staff large enough to help students to get through quickly. “The main message is, we are still here,” Williams said. “Some students think they need to turn to e-books and iPads. That is not the case. Apple can’t get content from the Pearson’s, Cengages, and McGraw Hill’s of the world.” Williams said higher operational efficiency, improving systems and processes and getting students to go to the website first will help his store serve more costumers. “Getting the customer to do the most work to save them the most time is the idea,” Brian said. “IKEA and Which-Wich do the same sort of thing. You are doing the thinking … before you get to the cashier.” John Raney, local State Representative and owner of Texas Aggieland Bookstore, said his store does not have an established plan of action in response to the Neebo store closings.

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