OCTOBER 2016 NEWSLETTER

Transcription

1 OCTOBER 2016 NEWSLETTER The President s Column Howdy Moms, I have always viewed November as a time to reflect on what I am thankful for. Sometimes it is the little things and sometimes it is the big things. My son, Andrew, gave me the greatest gift 4.5 years ago when he made me an Aggie Mom. Little did I know that within a very short time that I would consider a small group of maroon wearing, Howdy saying, BTHO yelling moms as my Aggie Sisters. These ladies and I have laughed together, cried together, and worked tirelessly for the students. My job is very demanding and there are often nights when we have board meetings or general meetings, after working a hour day that I simply can t put one foot in front of the other and the last thing I want to do is drive fighting traffic to a meeting. But somehow, my inner maroon angel kicks me and I get to the door of the meeting place. Immediately on walking in I am energized beyond belief. Greeted by hugs from Elaine Miller at the general meetings, the hustle and bustle of setting up, getting food out, making sure all the new moms are greeted, meeting the speakers, and then sitting back and watching the magic unfold. Oh wait, my exhaustion and fatigue have passed. I am so energized and filled with happiness, to the point that the drive home afterwards is effortless, even the 25 miles home after a board meeting. Please join us for good food, good conversation, speakers/games/activities, and great friendships and shopping lots and lots of shopping. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you! Thank you Andrew for making your Mom an Aggie Mom! I cannot consider a future without my Maroon loving sisters. I am very thankful! Gig EM Sally Harrison Denton County Aggie Moms President

2 REVEILLE AGGIE RING CENTURY TREE PENNIES ON SULLY ELEPHANT WALK THE BIG EVENT

3 REVEILLE Reveille is known as the First Lady of Aggieland and is Texas A&M s official mascot. Reveille first made her appearance in January While on their way back to campus from nearby Navasota, a group of cadets hit a small black and white dog. They picked up the dog and brought her back to their dorm to care for her, but since pets weren t allowed on campus, the dog was carefully hidden. But the injured pup quickly blew her cover: the next morning, when Reveille was blown by a bugler to wake the cadets, the dog went wild barking, earning the name we know her by today. During the following football season, Reveille I was officially named the mascot of Texas A&M when she led the band onto the field. Reveille I died on Jan. 18, 1944, after 13 years as the mascot. She was given a formal military funeral at Kyle Field, including a 21-gun salute. All of the deceased Reveilles, including Reveille I, are buried outside the north end of Kyle Field, where they have a special scoreboard so that they can always watch the Aggies outscore their opponents. The most current Reveille is Reveille IX, who was introduced in May DID YOU KNOW Reveille is often seen on campus in class or attending events.

4 One of the greatest moments during an Aggie s time at Texas A&M is the day he or she receives an Aggie Ring. As the most visible sign of the Aggie Network, the Aggie Ring is a unique representation of achievement, as it can only be ordered when an Aggie completes specific academic requirements. The tradition of the Aggie Ring dates back to 1889, when the first Rings featured the letters AMC entwined on the crest. E.C. Jonas, Class of 1894, designed the Aggie Ring that includes many of the same symbols used in today s design. Slight modifications would be made to the Ring through 1933 when a committee was formed to bring greater standardization and control to the manufacturing of the Ring. As a result, the Aggie Ring has remained mostly unchanged since 1933, with one exception: in 1963, the Texas legislature changed the name of Texas A&M from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas to Texas A&M University, and the name on the Ring was changed accordingly. Traditionally, students wear the Ring with the class year facing them to signify that their time at A&M is not yet complete. During commencement ceremonies, The Association of Former Students leads a ceremony in which Aggies students turn their Rings around to face the world proudly, just as the Aggie graduate is now ready to face the world. Every element on the Aggie Ring is symbolic. The top of the Ring features a shield that symbolizes the protection of the good reputation of the alma mater. There are 13 stripes in the shield that symbolize the 13 original states and an Aggie s patriotism. The five stars found in the shield refer to the five phases of Aggie development: mind or intellect, body, spiritual attainment, emotional poise, and integrity of character. The eagle on the top of the Aggie Ring symbolizes agility and power and ability to reach great heights and ambitions. One side of the Aggie Ring holds a large star, which symbolizes the seal of the State of Texas, encircled with a wreath of olive and live oak leaves joined together by a ribbon near the bottom of the Ring. The wreath of olive leaves symbolizes achievement and desire for peace, while the live oak leaves symbolize the strength to fight. The leaves are joined at the bottom by an encircling ribbon to show the necessity of joining these traits to accomplish one s ambition to serve. The other side of the Aggie Ring contains an ancient cannon, saber, and rifle, symbolizing that the citizens of Texas fought for their land and are determined to defend it. The saber stands for valor and confidence, while the rifle and cannon stand for a preparedness and defense. The crossed flags of the United States and Texas recognize an Aggie's dual allegiance to both the nation and state.

5 THE CENTURY TREE The Century Tree, located near the Academic Building, is a place that holds a special place in the heart of many Aggies. Well over 100 years old, the tree was one of the first trees planted on Texas A&M's massive 5,200-acre campus. The beautiful live oak has been the site of countless Aggie marriage proposals, weddings, and tourist snapshots because of its immense size and its unique drooping branches, many of which rest on the ground. Tradition says that if a couple walks together underneath the Century Tree, they will eventually marry and if a marriage proposal takes place under the tree, the marriage will last forever. DID YOU KNOW The Denton County Aggie Moms Club will be auctioning off seedlings from the Century Tree. You won t want to miss out on this opportunity. More information to come. If a marriage proposal takes place under the tree, the marriage will last forever.

6 PENNIES ON SULLY Lawrence Sullivan Sul Ross, president of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas from , was known for his legendary efforts to keep the college open; he is often credited as the embodiment of Aggie Spirit and tradition. A statue of the former Texas governor affectionately called Sully now stands as one of the most iconic landmarks on campus, situated in the heart of campus in the Academic Plaza. Those passing by the statue will notice stacks of pennies piled on the statue s base, each placed there by current students. The tradition to put a penny on Sully is another homage to Ross. It is said that Ross would help students with their homework, and when students would ask how they could repay him, Ross would reply with, A penny for your thoughts. Students leave pennies (as well as assorted bills, gift cards, and other trinkets) at the base of Sully for good luck before taking their exams. The items are collected each semester and donated to a local charitable organization. DID YOU KNOW Dedicated in 1918, Sul Ross is the oldest sculpture on campus.

7 ELEPHANT WALK As one of the oldest standing traditions at A&M, Elephant Walk has a rich history that began with the class of After losing the first two games of their football season in 1922, the freshman class marched around Kyle Field together, led by a piccolo player and a brass horn to the tune of a mournful funeral march, trying to break the "curse" of the team. When the Class of 1926 became seniors three years later, they decided to take one final walk around the campus together, this time to remember their time spent in Aggieland and the friends and memories they had made. As they walked single file, each man with his hand on the shoulder of his friend before him, an observer noted that they "looked like elephants, about to die." The tradition of Elephant Walk was born. Held annually prior to the last regularly scheduled home football game as an event sponsored by Class Councils, Elephant Walk marks the end of the usefulness of the Aggie seniors to the student body. DID YOU KNOW The Elephant Walk line has been known to stretch a mile as 3,000 seniors sprawl across campus. During the symbolic nighttime walk through campus, thousands of seniors join hands and wander through campus, stopping to hear speakers at signature campus landmarks.

8 THE BIG EVENT Nothing illustrates the Aggie core value of selfless service quite like The Big Event the largest one-day student-run service project in the nation. Big Event began in 1982 when six Aggies volunteered to clean up a local cemetery. Since that time, Aggie students show their appreciation to the surrounding community by completing service projects such as yard work, window washing, painting, and more. In 2015, more than 22,000 Texas A&M students, faculty and staff came together to say thank you to the residents of Bryan-College Station for supporting and hosting them while they attend the university. Aggie volunteers completed about 2,500 community service jobs to create, as they say, one big day, one big thanks and one Big Event. Big Event has expanded to 110 other schools across the nation and, in 2014, it went international for the first time, with schools participating in Spain, Australia, Germany, Pakistan and Italy. DID YOU KNOW This unique tradition is the largest one-day student-run service project in the United States.

9 Cruise with Aggie Moms! Join us for our 3rd Annual Aggie Moms Fundraiser Cruise

10 Cruise with Aggie Moms! This cruise is for EVERYONE! Invite your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, fellow Aggies, and anyone who would enjoy a great cruise vacation! Depart from Galveston, Texas, June 17, 2017 on a 5-Night cruise aboard the Carnival Liberty visiting the ports of Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico. We're going to have a WHOOP!-of-a-great-time! Select Cabins Available: Interior (Deck 7 or 8): $ Balcony (Deck 7 or 8): $ Balcony (Deck 8 or 9): $ Secure your cabin before November 19 with a $100 per person deposit! * Above rates based on double occupancy and include all taxes and fees. Additional cabin categories are available on request. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit for more details or to register.

11 RING DUNK The most visible way for graduates of Texas A&M to recognize each other is by the Aggie Ring. The Aggie Ring is worn by current students and alumni, and is one of the most well-known symbols of the Aggie Network. For decades, though unsanctioned and discouraged by the University, an unofficial tradition among willing students involves "dunking" the newly acquired Aggie Ring. The Ring is dropped in a pitcher of beer and the student chugs the entire pitcher and catches the Ring in his or her teeth. The Dixie Chicken, among other bars, has been one of the more popular venues for dunking Aggie Rings, though it no longer endorses the activity. Some students choose to dunk their Rings in alternative substances, including ice cream or nonalcoholic beverages. If your Aggie is interested in a pitcher to dunk their ring, please consider purchasing the pitcher from our boutique. The proceeds received go directly into our scholarship funds.

12 NOVEMBER VENDOR FAIR WIN-WIN! We are excited to have vendors bring their items to our November meeting for your shopping pleasure. Please stop by and visit each booth. While browsing, consider purchasing items for Christmas, birthdays, anniversary, or a little some-thin some-thin for that special someone to say thanks for just being you! A portion of each vendor profits will be given to the Aggie Moms Scholarship fund. We shop and earn money for scholarships at the same time. A few of the vendors this year are:

13 BRAGS, BRAGS and more BRAGS Hannah Campbell 20 Daughter of Lisa and Rob Richards Congratulations to Hannah for making the Corp of Cadets Marksmanship Team as a Fish! Founded in 2012, and rapidly growing as the nation's premier collegiate shooting team, the Corps of Cadets Marksmanship Unit competes statewide and nationally in a variety of shooting sports.

14 BRAGS, BRAGS and more BRAGS Savanna Smith 20 Daughter of Shelly and Donovan Smith Congratulations to Savanna for making the Texas A&M Rock Climbing team. Constructed in 1995, TAMU s climbing wall has 3500 sq. ft. of climbing space and is 44 ½ ft. tall at its tallest point. Tristen Ward 19 Daughter of Cindy and Ron Ward Congratulations to Tristen for making the Texas A&M Corp Girls Soccer Team. Alex Halliburton 19 Son of Pam and Shane Coker Congratulations to Alex for becoming a Fightin Texas Aggie Band motivator! Reagan Russell 19 Daughter of Pam Russell Congratulations to Reagan who will graduate a semester early. Whoop!

15 BRAGS, BRAGS and more BRAGS Blake Bitter 17 Son of Sharon and David Bitter Congratulations to Blake for getting his Aggie Ring! Bryan Haag 16 Son of Sherri and Bill Haag Congratulations to Bryan who will receive a discount for graduating on time! Kenneth Horton 08 Son of Laurie Lancaster Congratulations to Kenneth for receiving a meritorious honor award from the United States Department of State in recognition of sustained outstanding performance for a project he worked on in Saudi Arabia.

16 Did you know? Benjamin Knox is renowned for his paintings, drawings, and photographs that capture the spirit of place. He is nationally recognized for his landscapes and spirited collegiate art. He began his art career while a student at Texas A&M University, and became known as the Texas Aggie Artist for his beautiful images that capture the spirit of Aggieland. The Benjamin Knox Gallery is located in the historic College Station train depot next to the Texas A&M campus. In addition to selling Benjamin's original art and fine art prints, the gallery also provides custom picture framing, event rentals, and wine. We will be auctioning the Benjamin Knox Aggie Mom limited edition print at our December general meeting.

17 AGGIE MOMS UPCOMING EVENTS November November 10 th : Monthly Meeting 6:30pm / 7:00pm Theme: Vendor Fair & Make Exam Goodie Packages for Students We invite vendors to come and set up tables with items to purchase. In return, they donate a portion of their profit to the Aggie Moms Scholarship fund. We shop and earn money for scholarships at the same time: WIN-WIN! Excitement is in the air as the end of the fall semester quickly approaches. The final hurdle for our Aggies in completing the semester is to pass their exams, which requires plenty of studying and buckling down. Come make an exam goodie bag to give to your Aggie to help them get through this stressful ordeal.

18 AGGIE MOMS UPCOMING EVENTS December December 1 st : Monthly Meeting 6:30pm / 7:00pm Theme: Ornament Exchange Get ready for a night to remember! Our Ornament exchange is simply a night of food, fellowship and fun! We will enjoy much laughter over spying and stealing whichever ornament catches our eye. The only business we will be conducting in December is funny business over ornaments. WARNING: This is the only night that the Aggie Code of Honor (Aggies do not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do) goes out the window.

19 UPCOMING DCAM MEETING

20 NEXT DCAM MEETING UPCOMING DCAM BOARD MEETING

21 NEXT DCAM MEETING

22 NEXT DCAM BOARD MEETING