thebattalion asks
Q:
What do you think about sidewalk counseling outside of Planned Parenthood?
thebattalion ● thursday,
april 28, 2011
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2011 student media
culture
Dialogues on Islam clarify beliefs
I think that women have the right to choose and it’s good that those services are offered. I don’t think that women should be deterred or have others’ morals pushed on them.
MSC lectures promote respect over tolerance Krystal Nimigian The Battalion
Narissa Clanton, psychology major, senior
MSC Hospitality hosted lectures that debunked misconceptions about the Islamic faith and created interfaith discussions about religion. Students of all ages, cultures and religious backgrounds filed into Rudder Tower Tuesday evening to take part in the International Dinner Series. The theme for the lecture and open discussion was: “Islam: What Do You Know? ” and it was an endeavor to increase student knowledge on both the religion and culture of Islam. Students were welcomed to attend and receive a full-course meal provided by Shiraz Shish Kabob, and enjoyed informative lectures by a number of well-versed speakers on the topic. “We’ve hosted numerous culture events similar to this one in the past. We’ve had German, Italian, Latin, Japanese-themed dinners and recently a Middle East one as well, but we realized it was such a broad and often misunderstood culture that we decided to offer a focus on the misconceptions,” said Mary Romeo, MSC Hospitality chairwoman. Program director for the event, Michael Stockert, teamed up with Romeo and Shannon Parma, the executive in charge, as well as other colleagues and representatives of the
I’m pro-life, so what they’re doing is a good thing. I believe that they have the right to voice their opinion. It’s important to know all the facts to your argument. Sterling Bennet, international studies major, sophomore
I don’t support it because I wouldn’t want to be bothered if I were walking in to Planned Parenthood. Molly Baker, business major, sophomore
I think it’s a great thing. It is very needed because a lot of people going inside don’t know all the medical issues involved with Planned Parenthood. It’s a good opportunity to give them options if they feel trapped. Brittany Brown, psychology major, senior
See Islam on page 4
Paul Mezier — THE BATTALION
Sidewalk counselors recite the rosary April 2 outside Planned Parenthood in Bryan during the 40 Days for Life campaign.
Pavement prayers Aggies commit Saturdays to sidewalk counseling
Ty Petty
The Battalion As I drive down semi-dark, empty streets toward an inconspicuous building on 29th Street in Bryan, there are already a few people lined up, just off the sidewalk, careful not to obstruct the walkway. Their heads somberly bowed. They face a tall fence of metal bars and a screen that inhibits those outside from looking in and those inside from looking out. I seek out Katie Higdon, director of communication for Brazos Valley Coalition for Life and class of 2010. “There’s already one girl inside,” she says. It is 7:03 a.m. and the sidewalk counselors are already praying in front of Planned Par-
enthood. This is a medical abortion Saturday at this location. One organization stands out to Aggies: the Brazos Valley Coalition for Life. According to ABC News, this organization has entered the national awareness by making the Bryan location one of the most protested Planned Parenthood offices in the nation. Gloria Feldt, former president of Planned Parenthood, labeled Bryan-College Station a bastion of anti-choice sentiment. Regardless of one’s stance on the issue of abortion, this organization’s rise from a single Aggie concerned with an issue to a See Sidewalk on page 11
David Harris: No matter who drafts him, Von Miller will always be ours
E
very Aggie generation has its moments. Those memories — the plays, the games, the unrivaled atmosphere, the unbridled fervor — that stand the test of time. Those memories, they are ingrained and ever-present to be rehashed and exaggerated through the years. But the memories aren’t just wins and losses. They aren’t just touchdowns or tackles. Rather, they are lasting reminders, untarnished, of what once was. They belong to the 30,000 students who wear maroon, tailgate at Spence, pack Kyle Field reli-
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giously and comprise the Twelfth Man during those autumn Saturdays. And as those same students finish their four years and move over to the west side of Kyle, a new generation is ushered in and new moments are had. Likewise, many generation of Aggies has its player: The guy who provides those students not only with those moments, but also with a sense of pride and reverence. Guys like Jack Pardee, John David Crow, Ray Childress, John Roper, Aaron Wallace, Greg Hill and Dat Nguyen. Guys that live on eternally in Aggie lore. We had Von Miller. See Miller on page 5
Support for pregnant women ◗ Women’s Health Center ◗ Student Counseling Services ◗ Planned Parenthood ◗ Hope Pregnancy Center ◗ Good Samaritan/ Gabriel Project
undergrads
Students run painting company Aggie responds to flyer, becomes business manager Alexandria Randolph
The Battalion Freshman Seth Dingas, an agricultural leadership and development major, has been given a unique opportunity — the chance to be the manager of a $22,000 business. “I basically signed one of those flyers that they pass out in class, the ones that say, ‘Are you interested in an internship? ’ and they contacted me,” Dingas said. He manages the College Station branch of College Works Painting, a company that paints people’s homes and is run by student interns. He enjoys the internship because it gives him real-life, hands-on experience. “The grand opening was after spring break. Since then I’ve made revenue of over $22,000,” he said. The business is growing quickly, and Dingas said he’s looking to expand his payroll with more marketers and painters. Jacob Dees, a sophomore general studies major and a friend of Dingas, is the head of his marketing department for College Works Painting. “Working with him is great,” Dees said. “I work my own time, and I can work it into my own schedule. I had watched him go through the whole interview process, and when he told me he got it, he came to me and said, ‘I could hire you as the head of my marketing team,’” Dees said. For Dees, Dingas is right for the job of manager. “He’s not really lax to where you could slack off and he’d be OK with it. He’s constantly telling me, ‘We need to get out there.’ He’s continually driving me, but not wearing me down,” Dees said. See Painting on page 4
4/27/11 8:53 PM