thebattalion
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page 8 thursday 6.5.2014
thebattalion
Ph.D. student carrying on Borlaug legacy Colin Saunders The Battalion
PROVIDED
Silvano Assanga hopes his genetically modified wheat plants will improve farming in Africa.
As a child growing up in Kenya, Ph.D. student Silvano Assanga witnessed hunger first hand. “It can lead to human crisis for those who have been there and do not know what is happening underground,” said Assanga, who studies plant breeding. “It’s really touching and pushed me to pursue further studies to make a difference in the lives of those people, because for them, food means everything.” Assanga has received multiple awards, including his recent representation of Texas A&M at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs’ annual Global Food Security Symposium in May in Washington D.C. for his research on wheat breeding and genetics.
Assanga’s research focuses on wheat breeding and genetics — specifically with drought tolerance and rust — a significant problem that farmers all over the world are facing, especially in parts of Africa, Assanga said. “It also happens that water is a big issue globally,” Assanga said. “We’re searching for different varieties that can use less water but produce more in the farmer’s field.” Shuyu Liu, assistant professor at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension center in Amarillo, Texas, who is currently working Assanga on his research, said they are working with two different wheat plant genes. “One is rust resistant,” Liu said. “Another one is adapted to drought, such as in the U.S, the high plains.” Every year the drought conditions
continue to worsen, limiting wheat production in African countires — especially Kenya, Assanga’s home country, Liu said. Assanga said he and Liu are gathering data from the field before it can be put into publication, but they have made progress. There are regions of the wheat genome that are responsible for drought and rust, and they are currently marking chromosomes in which they believe are exercising drought and rust tolerance, Assanga said. Amir Ibrahim, professor and small grains breeder and geneticist, said that Assanga’s research will carry forward some of Dr. Norman Borlaug’s attempts to aid Africa. See Superplants on page 7
l
thursday, june 5, 2014 l serving texas a&m since 1893 l first paper free – additional copies $1 l © 2014 student media
THE FAULT IN OUR STARS
SUMMER’S MOST ANTICIPATED FILM “KEEPS THE NOVEL’S INDIE CHARM...”
MOVIE REVIEW page 4
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GREEK LIFE
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COLUMN: OUT OF CHANCES BAT_06-05-14_A1-A8.indd 1
WORDS OF WISDOM
Q:
What is your advice for incoming freshmen? page 3
RESEARCHING SUPERPLANTS
page 8
6/4/14 11:11 PM
th
gan Weissler president les who are interested ictions. ernities have varying Team type programs,” allows it at the request be allowed to bid these y-laws.” begins August 24th.
of
TexaS a&M
SInce
1893
Allison Rubenak, Editor in Chief The BaTTalion is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Tuesday and Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center. news News: The Battalion department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http:// www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-8452687. For classified advertising, call 979845-0569. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@ thebatt.com. Subscriptions: A part of the University Advancement Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1.
Mon-Fri 9 to 6
Saturday 9 to 4
“Serving the Brazos Valley Products since 1988” “A World of Healthy
for Your Family!” OFFERING AN ALTERNATIVE TO OFFERING AN THE “SAMENESS” ALTERNATIVE OF SHOPPING AT BIG-BOX TO THE SUPERMARKETS
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thursday 6.5.2014
thebattalion
Aimee Breaux The Battalion
Following a clarification from the Provost Office on the classification of an A&M student, Collegiate Panhellenic Council will allow Blinn TEAM students into the recruitment process for the first time this fall. Nancy Sawtelle, director of public relations for the Office of the Provost, said since the beginning of the Blinn TEAM program, the University has stated that students enrolled through the program are “regular A&M students” and have only a few exceptions to the benefits other students get. Restrictions from activities are not put in place by the University, but rather by groups external to the University, Sawtelle said. “It was previously understood that the national entity governing sororities placed a limitation on these students,” Sawtelle said. “However, that limita-
tion applied only if the student was not a regular student. The Office of the Provost clarified that these students are indeed considered regular students by the University.” Sawtelle said the Panhellenic Council was the only group the Provost office made this clarification to and that it acted on this clarification. Kennedy Packwood, vice president of public relations for the Panhellenic Council, said the Council was aware that other councils were allowing Blinn TEAM students to participate in their recruitment processes. Leadership excluded Blinn TEAM students in an effort to abide by National Panhellenic Council rules, which typically call for a more regulated recruiting process than other organizations on campus, Packwood said. As with any new policy, Packwood said she expects some dissent, but that most Panellenic members are excited to see what the new pool of recruits will
bring to Aggie Greek Life. Packwood said that when the University informed the Panhellenic Council that their rule prohibiting Blinn TEAM women from going through recruitment was not in agreement with the University’s policy, organizers extended the recruitment parameters without dissent. “Blinn TEAM women will be asked to indicate their status as Blinn TEAM when they are registering for recruitment, but other than that, their recruitment process will be the same as that of everyone else,” Packwood said. Despite the inclusion of Blinn TEAM students on the Council’s level, Packwood said that specific requirements from sororities might still hinder some Blinn TEAM students from receiving a bid during the recruitment process. “The policy we have is that if a [potential new member] is invited to at least one event on Preference Evening (our See Greek life on page 3
The 113th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks and campus organizations, and feature student portraits. Distribution will be during Fall 2015. Go to the optional services box in Howdy when you register for fall.
¨ Pre-order your 2014 Aggieland (if you haven’t)
The 2014 Aggieland yearbook will be a record of the 2013-2014 Texas A&M school year. Books will be mailed out during Fall 2014.
new BAT_06-05-14_A7-A2.indd 1
thursday 6.5.2014
Blinn TEAM goes Greek
¨ Reserve your 2015 Aggieland Yearbook
• Easy • Affordable • Effective Call for more information 845-0569
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¨ Purchase the award-winning 2013 Aggieland The 2013 Aggieland is a 584-page photojournalistic record of the 2012–2013 A&M school year. By credit card go online to http://aggieland.tamu.edu or call 979-8452696. Or drop by the Student Media office in the Memorial Student Center, Room L400. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.
Place
an ad Phone 979.845.0569 Suite L400, Memorial Student Center Texas A&M University
When
to call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day
BED AND BREAKFAST Romantic Getaways & Engagements, secluded cabin suites. All Day, All Night. www.7flodge.com 979-690-0073.
FOR RENT PROVIDED
Silvano Assanga, Ph.D. student, conducts research on wheat plants at Texas A&M’s research center in Amarillo, Texas.
Superplants Continued from page 8
“His work will also impact areas in Africa where the majority of wheat is grown,” Ibrahim said. “Hopefully, this will continue the legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug who wanted to extend the Green Revolution to Africa.” Assanga said he grew up on a farm with his mother before attending the University of Nairobi. There, he and his mother struggled to make ends meet with failed crops that were not sellable or edible. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he went back home to help his mother financially, but she pushed him to continue his education. “From that point [on], I tailored my courses to plant breeding and genetics,” Assanga said. “That’s what I did for my masters, and then I joined Texas A&M for my Ph.D.” A&M seemed to be the right fit for him after seeing its reputation with Dr. Norman Borlaug and the Borlaug Institute, Assanga said.
“Most of the students there come from Texas A&M and their performance is outstanding, Assanga said. “So, I felt it would be a good school for me.” Assanga said the objective of his research is to make a difference in humanity, and that is why he has tailored his research to benefit farmers worldwide. “If I can find a way to help farmers then I’ll be very happy,” Assanga said. Assanga has tailored his research in hopes it could benefit farmers worldwide. After he graduates in 2016, Assanga said he would like to service his skills and passion for developing countires. “Farmers are struggling there with their fields, and if I can go there and contribute to their livelihood through plant breeding and improving their farm incomes and improving their ability to put food on the table for their family, that would be good for me,” Assanga said.
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2-rooms for rent for 2014 Summer, 2014-2015 school year, $400/mo +bills, 1017 Bougainvillea, C.S., for more information 806-789-3593. 2bdrm/2bth cozy condo 3-blocks from campus, yard, w/d connections, over 1000sqft., no HUD, updated, $645/mo total, 506-C College Main. 254-289-0585, 254-289-8200.
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next day,” Packwood to a woman who is on requirements for each
The IndependenT STudenT VoIce
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page 2
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$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.
FOR RENT Close to campus, College Main and Eastgate areas. 2bd/1ba., some w/dishwasher, 1-fenced, some bills paid. $325-$450/mo. 979-219-3217. Large, well kept 3/2/2 on bus-route, alarm system, W/D connections, $1200/mo. 1431 Magnolia Drive. 214-914-4305. Northgate, apartments 1/1, 2/2,and 3/2, house, walk to campus, aggievillas.net Call 979-255-5648.
thebatt.com
HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for interview. Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant now hiring wait staff and hostesses. Experience preferred but not necessary. Apply in person M-F, 2-4pm. No calls, please. 1007 Earl Rudder Fwy., South.
REAL ESTATE B/CS. Sell/Buy/Invest! Michael McGrann TAMU ‘93 Civil Engineering 979-739-2035, mike@aggierealtor.com Nadia McGrann 979-777-6211, Town & Country Realty.
ANSWERS
to todays puzzles
Work around your class schedule! No Saturday or Sundays, off during the holidays. The Battalion Advertising Office is hiring an Advertising Sales Representative. Must be enrolled at A&M and have reliable transportation. Interested applicants should come by our office located in the MSC, Suite 400, from 8am-4pm., ask to speak with Joseph.
If You Have Something To Sell, Remember Classifieds Can Do It! Call 845-0569
the battalion
6/4/14 11:19 PM
gan Weissler president les who are interested ictions. ernities have varying Team type programs,” allows it at the request be allowed to bid these y-laws.” begins August 24th.
of
TexaS a&M
SInce
1893
Allison Rubenak, Editor in Chief The BaTTalion is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Tuesday and Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center. news News: The Battalion department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http:// www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-8452687. For classified advertising, call 979845-0569. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@ thebatt.com. Subscriptions: A part of the University Advancement Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1.
Mon-Fri 9 to 6
Saturday 9 to 4
“Serving the Brazos Valley Products since 1988” “A World of Healthy
for Your Family!” OFFERING AN ALTERNATIVE TO OFFERING AN THE “SAMENESS” ALTERNATIVE OF SHOPPING AT BIG-BOX TO THE SUPERMARKETS
Organic Bulk Grains, “SAMENESS” Flours, Herbs & Spices, Nuts, Seeds,
OFDriedSHOPPING Fruits, Large Selection ofAT Gluten-Free Products, Organic Breads BIG-BOX & Cereals, Organic Produce, Local Buffalo Meat, Vitamins, Minerals, SUPERMARKETS
Herbal Supplements & Homeopathic 4303 S. Beauty TEXASAids, AT ROSEMARY Remedies, and Much More BRYAN • 979-846-4459 Locally MON–FRI 9 TO Owned 6 • SAT 9 TO 4
Celebrating 25atYears of Celebrating 21 Brazos 4303 S. Texas Rosemary, Bryanthe • 979-846-4459 22 Years of Serving the Brazos Valley!
thursday 6.5.2014
thebattalion
Aimee Breaux The Battalion
Following a clarification from the Provost Office on the classification of an A&M student, Collegiate Panhellenic Council will allow Blinn TEAM students into the recruitment process for the first time this fall. Nancy Sawtelle, director of public relations for the Office of the Provost, said since the beginning of the Blinn TEAM program, the University has stated that students enrolled through the program are “regular A&M students” and have only a few exceptions to the benefits other students get. Restrictions from activities are not put in place by the University, but rather by groups external to the University, Sawtelle said. “It was previously understood that the national entity governing sororities placed a limitation on these students,” Sawtelle said. “However, that limita-
tion applied only if the student was not a regular student. The Office of the Provost clarified that these students are indeed considered regular students by the University.” Sawtelle said the Panhellenic Council was the only group the Provost office made this clarification to and that it acted on this clarification. Kennedy Packwood, vice president of public relations for the Panhellenic Council, said the Council was aware that other councils were allowing Blinn TEAM students to participate in their recruitment processes. Leadership excluded Blinn TEAM students in an effort to abide by National Panhellenic Council rules, which typically call for a more regulated recruiting process than other organizations on campus, Packwood said. As with any new policy, Packwood said she expects some dissent, but that most Panellenic members are excited to see what the new pool of recruits will
bring to Aggie Greek Life. Packwood said that when the University informed the Panhellenic Council that their rule prohibiting Blinn TEAM women from going through recruitment was not in agreement with the University’s policy, organizers extended the recruitment parameters without dissent. “Blinn TEAM women will be asked to indicate their status as Blinn TEAM when they are registering for recruitment, but other than that, their recruitment process will be the same as that of everyone else,” Packwood said. Despite the inclusion of Blinn TEAM students on the Council’s level, Packwood said that specific requirements from sororities might still hinder some Blinn TEAM students from receiving a bid during the recruitment process. “The policy we have is that if a [potential new member] is invited to at least one event on Preference Evening (our See Greek life on page 3
The 113th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks and campus organizations, and feature student portraits. Distribution will be during Fall 2015. Go to the optional services box in Howdy when you register for fall.
¨ Pre-order your 2014 Aggieland (if you haven’t)
The 2014 Aggieland yearbook will be a record of the 2013-2014 Texas A&M school year. Books will be mailed out during Fall 2014.
new BAT_06-05-14_A7-A2.indd 1
thursday 6.5.2014
Blinn TEAM goes Greek
¨ Reserve your 2015 Aggieland Yearbook
• Easy • Affordable • Effective Call for more information 845-0569
thebattalion
page 7
¨ Purchase the award-winning 2013 Aggieland The 2013 Aggieland is a 584-page photojournalistic record of the 2012–2013 A&M school year. By credit card go online to http://aggieland.tamu.edu or call 979-8452696. Or drop by the Student Media office in the Memorial Student Center, Room L400. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.
Place
an ad Phone 979.845.0569 Suite L400, Memorial Student Center Texas A&M University
When
to call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day
BED AND BREAKFAST Romantic Getaways & Engagements, secluded cabin suites. All Day, All Night. www.7flodge.com 979-690-0073.
FOR RENT PROVIDED
Silvano Assanga, Ph.D. student, conducts research on wheat plants at Texas A&M’s research center in Amarillo, Texas.
Superplants Continued from page 8
“His work will also impact areas in Africa where the majority of wheat is grown,” Ibrahim said. “Hopefully, this will continue the legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug who wanted to extend the Green Revolution to Africa.” Assanga said he grew up on a farm with his mother before attending the University of Nairobi. There, he and his mother struggled to make ends meet with failed crops that were not sellable or edible. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he went back home to help his mother financially, but she pushed him to continue his education. “From that point [on], I tailored my courses to plant breeding and genetics,” Assanga said. “That’s what I did for my masters, and then I joined Texas A&M for my Ph.D.” A&M seemed to be the right fit for him after seeing its reputation with Dr. Norman Borlaug and the Borlaug Institute, Assanga said.
“Most of the students there come from Texas A&M and their performance is outstanding, Assanga said. “So, I felt it would be a good school for me.” Assanga said the objective of his research is to make a difference in humanity, and that is why he has tailored his research to benefit farmers worldwide. “If I can find a way to help farmers then I’ll be very happy,” Assanga said. Assanga has tailored his research in hopes it could benefit farmers worldwide. After he graduates in 2016, Assanga said he would like to service his skills and passion for developing countires. “Farmers are struggling there with their fields, and if I can go there and contribute to their livelihood through plant breeding and improving their farm incomes and improving their ability to put food on the table for their family, that would be good for me,” Assanga said.
classifieds see ads at thebatt.com
greek life
Hold onto A Piece of AggielAnd
The Battalion Classified Advertising
news
2-rooms for rent for 2014 Summer, 2014-2015 school year, $400/mo +bills, 1017 Bougainvillea, C.S., for more information 806-789-3593. 2bdrm/2bth cozy condo 3-blocks from campus, yard, w/d connections, over 1000sqft., no HUD, updated, $645/mo total, 506-C College Main. 254-289-0585, 254-289-8200.
SPECIAL
next day,” Packwood to a woman who is on requirements for each
The IndependenT STudenT VoIce
news
page 2
thebattalion
Private Party Want ads
$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.
FOR RENT Close to campus, College Main and Eastgate areas. 2bd/1ba., some w/dishwasher, 1-fenced, some bills paid. $325-$450/mo. 979-219-3217. Large, well kept 3/2/2 on bus-route, alarm system, W/D connections, $1200/mo. 1431 Magnolia Drive. 214-914-4305. Northgate, apartments 1/1, 2/2,and 3/2, house, walk to campus, aggievillas.net Call 979-255-5648.
thebatt.com
HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for interview. Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant now hiring wait staff and hostesses. Experience preferred but not necessary. Apply in person M-F, 2-4pm. No calls, please. 1007 Earl Rudder Fwy., South.
REAL ESTATE B/CS. Sell/Buy/Invest! Michael McGrann TAMU ‘93 Civil Engineering 979-739-2035, mike@aggierealtor.com Nadia McGrann 979-777-6211, Town & Country Realty.
ANSWERS
to todays puzzles
Work around your class schedule! No Saturday or Sundays, off during the holidays. The Battalion Advertising Office is hiring an Advertising Sales Representative. Must be enrolled at A&M and have reliable transportation. Interested applicants should come by our office located in the MSC, Suite 400, from 8am-4pm., ask to speak with Joseph.
If You Have Something To Sell, Remember Classifieds Can Do It! Call 845-0569
the battalion
6/4/14 11:19 PM
\
news
page 6
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BAT_06-05-14_A3-A6.indd 1
thursday 6.5.2014
thebattalion
news
page 3 thursday 6.5.2014
thebattalion
OUT OF CHANCES
thebattasks
Tyler Stafford: Aggie football says goodbye to two valued players
What is your advice for the incoming freshmen?
I
It has not been a great few months for now-former Texas A&M football players Isaiah Golden and Darian Claiborne. After yet another run-in with the law, the pair was dismissed from the team on Tuesday. “These two individuals have failed to meet the high expectations and standards that we have for our football players and as representatives of this university,� said head coach Kevin Sumlin. “These two players have exhibited a pattern of behavior that we will not tolerate at Texas A&M.� Claiborne, as you may recall, sat out of the team’s bowl game on New Year’s Eve last season after he was charged with possession of fewer than two ounces of a dangerous drug. The suspension was the right thing to do. Sure, his presence was missed – as the Aggies’ leading tackler had to watch from home as his team was absolutely scorched by the Duke Blue Devils – but you just can’t expect to play after getting into that kind of trouble. Then came February. Both Claiborne and Golden were arrested in a parking lot – Claiborne on charges of a noise violation and Golden on marijuana possession. Both players were suspended for the entirety of A&M’s spring practices. Both players were starters on the 2013 Aggies defense, and were being looked to provide much-needed help, but Sumlin did the right thing again and did not allow them to participate with the team after exhibiting that kind of behavior off the field. Then came May 23. As if none of the previous lessons meant anything to them, the two were arrested again – this time on charges of armed robbery of three men who had agreed to purchase marijuana
from them. That is embarrassing. I don’t want to take anything away from the hardships or troubles that these two fellow students were experiencing, but as a representative of Texas A&M University, that is absolutely ridiculous. It’s not like they weren’t given chances before. Claiborne, selected to the All-SEC Freshman Team last season, could have easily been kicked off the team after his first offense, much less his second. It is a good day for A&M, however bad it may be for these two men. Kevin Sumlin showed Tuesday that no matter how important it is, no matter much money it brings the school; you cannot get away with this kind of behavior. Will Claiborne and Golden’s presence be missed on the field next season? Yes. But to me, and it appears Kevin Sumlin, the more important question was, were these two men good representatives of the University. It seems very clear that the answer to that is no. Good for Sumlin and the football team for putting the reputation of the school before a few stops on third-and-short.
Tyler Stafford is a senior education major and sports writer for The Battalion.
“Don’t take more than 16 hours.� Derek Barlow, junior
“Get involved early on and try to do as many things as possible.�
“It’s okay to drop a class the first week.� Matt D’Ambrosio, junior
Alexa Russ, senior
Show your Aggie Pride with the Official Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card Exclusively for Aggies — the Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card: • Custom-designed debit card just for Texas A&M students • Make everyday purchases and pay bills worldwide at participating retailers and service providers — including online or by phone • Free access to your cash at 15 Wells Fargo ATMs in Bryan-College Station and more than 12,500 Wells Fargo ATMs nationwide Get your card when you open a Wells Fargo College CheckingŽ account1: • Monthly service fee waived when linked to your Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card • Direct deposit of financial aid refunds and/or paychecks • Sending money to virtually anyone from your smartphone with Wells Fargo SurePay℠service • Simple, secure access to your account with Wells Fargo OnlineŽ Banking Get your Official Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card at these Wells Fargo banking locations:
“Do something that you would never have done in high school.� Matthew Carlin, senior
“Get involved. I was an out-of-state student, so the open house was a good way to get an instant base.�
“Have fun, but not too much fun.� Dianne Fontanilla, sophomore
Bailey Rainey, junior Photo feature by Meredith Collier— THE BATTALION
University Drive 321 University Drive College Station, TX 77840 979-691-8366
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Southwest Pkwy 200 Southwest Parkway East College Station, TX 77840 979-695-3266
Greek life Continued from page 2
final night of recruitment), she will receive a bid the next day,� Packwood said. “We, Panhellenic, cannot make this guarantee to a woman who is on Blinn TEAM because we don’t know the specific requirements for each sorority.� Echoing the stance of the Panhellenic Council, Logan Weissler, president of the Interfraternity Council said Blinn TEAM males who are interested in joining a fraternity are also subject to certain restrictions.
Texas A&M University General Services Complex (GSC) Student Business Services, 2nd Floor, Suite 2801 750 Agronomy Road College Station, TX 77841 979-268-3238
“Different national offices of our member fraternities have varying policies on accepting members enrolled in Blinn Team type programs,� Weissler said. “While the University as a whole now allows it at the request of the Provost, individual chapters may or may not be allowed to bid these specific recruits based on their respective nationals by-laws.� Formal recruitment for the Panhellenic Council begins Aug. 24.
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For more information about the Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card: call 1-866-360-3007 email TEXASAM@wellsfargo.com
Eligibility subject to approval. Students must provide proof of enrollment at Texas A&M University College Station or Galveston when the account is opened. $50 minimum opening deposit required to open a new account. The Wells Fargo College Checking account is part of the College ComboŽ checking package. Opening deposit may be waived if student opens the account at a BryanCollege Station banking location and enrolls in online statements. The enhanced Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card is a VisaŽ debit card issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Materials expire on September 30, 2014. Š 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.
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BAT_06-05-14_A3-A6.indd 1
thursday 6.5.2014
thebattalion
news
page 3 thursday 6.5.2014
thebattalion
OUT OF CHANCES
thebattasks
Tyler Stafford: Aggie football says goodbye to two valued players
What is your advice for the incoming freshmen?
I
It has not been a great few months for now-former Texas A&M football players Isaiah Golden and Darian Claiborne. After yet another run-in with the law, the pair was dismissed from the team on Tuesday. “These two individuals have failed to meet the high expectations and standards that we have for our football players and as representatives of this university,� said head coach Kevin Sumlin. “These two players have exhibited a pattern of behavior that we will not tolerate at Texas A&M.� Claiborne, as you may recall, sat out of the team’s bowl game on New Year’s Eve last season after he was charged with possession of fewer than two ounces of a dangerous drug. The suspension was the right thing to do. Sure, his presence was missed – as the Aggies’ leading tackler had to watch from home as his team was absolutely scorched by the Duke Blue Devils – but you just can’t expect to play after getting into that kind of trouble. Then came February. Both Claiborne and Golden were arrested in a parking lot – Claiborne on charges of a noise violation and Golden on marijuana possession. Both players were suspended for the entirety of A&M’s spring practices. Both players were starters on the 2013 Aggies defense, and were being looked to provide much-needed help, but Sumlin did the right thing again and did not allow them to participate with the team after exhibiting that kind of behavior off the field. Then came May 23. As if none of the previous lessons meant anything to them, the two were arrested again – this time on charges of armed robbery of three men who had agreed to purchase marijuana
from them. That is embarrassing. I don’t want to take anything away from the hardships or troubles that these two fellow students were experiencing, but as a representative of Texas A&M University, that is absolutely ridiculous. It’s not like they weren’t given chances before. Claiborne, selected to the All-SEC Freshman Team last season, could have easily been kicked off the team after his first offense, much less his second. It is a good day for A&M, however bad it may be for these two men. Kevin Sumlin showed Tuesday that no matter how important it is, no matter much money it brings the school; you cannot get away with this kind of behavior. Will Claiborne and Golden’s presence be missed on the field next season? Yes. But to me, and it appears Kevin Sumlin, the more important question was, were these two men good representatives of the University. It seems very clear that the answer to that is no. Good for Sumlin and the football team for putting the reputation of the school before a few stops on third-and-short.
Tyler Stafford is a senior education major and sports writer for The Battalion.
“Don’t take more than 16 hours.� Derek Barlow, junior
“Get involved early on and try to do as many things as possible.�
“It’s okay to drop a class the first week.� Matt D’Ambrosio, junior
Alexa Russ, senior
Show your Aggie Pride with the Official Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card Exclusively for Aggies — the Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card: • Custom-designed debit card just for Texas A&M students • Make everyday purchases and pay bills worldwide at participating retailers and service providers — including online or by phone • Free access to your cash at 15 Wells Fargo ATMs in Bryan-College Station and more than 12,500 Wells Fargo ATMs nationwide Get your card when you open a Wells Fargo College CheckingŽ account1: • Monthly service fee waived when linked to your Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card • Direct deposit of financial aid refunds and/or paychecks • Sending money to virtually anyone from your smartphone with Wells Fargo SurePay℠service • Simple, secure access to your account with Wells Fargo OnlineŽ Banking Get your Official Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card at these Wells Fargo banking locations:
“Do something that you would never have done in high school.� Matthew Carlin, senior
“Get involved. I was an out-of-state student, so the open house was a good way to get an instant base.�
“Have fun, but not too much fun.� Dianne Fontanilla, sophomore
Bailey Rainey, junior Photo feature by Meredith Collier— THE BATTALION
University Drive 321 University Drive College Station, TX 77840 979-691-8366
Harvey Mitchell Pkwy 501 N. Harvey Mitchell Pkwy Bryan, TX 77807 979-821-3120 Briarcrest 3000 Briarcrest Drive Bryan, TX 77802 979-776-3277
Southwest Pkwy 200 Southwest Parkway East College Station, TX 77840 979-695-3266
Greek life Continued from page 2
final night of recruitment), she will receive a bid the next day,� Packwood said. “We, Panhellenic, cannot make this guarantee to a woman who is on Blinn TEAM because we don’t know the specific requirements for each sorority.� Echoing the stance of the Panhellenic Council, Logan Weissler, president of the Interfraternity Council said Blinn TEAM males who are interested in joining a fraternity are also subject to certain restrictions.
Texas A&M University General Services Complex (GSC) Student Business Services, 2nd Floor, Suite 2801 750 Agronomy Road College Station, TX 77841 979-268-3238
“Different national offices of our member fraternities have varying policies on accepting members enrolled in Blinn Team type programs,� Weissler said. “While the University as a whole now allows it at the request of the Provost, individual chapters may or may not be allowed to bid these specific recruits based on their respective nationals by-laws.� Formal recruitment for the Panhellenic Council begins Aug. 24.
Rock Prairie 1801 Rock Prairie Road College Station, TX 77840 979-776-3266
1
For more information about the Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card: call 1-866-360-3007 email TEXASAM@wellsfargo.com
Eligibility subject to approval. Students must provide proof of enrollment at Texas A&M University College Station or Galveston when the account is opened. $50 minimum opening deposit required to open a new account. The Wells Fargo College Checking account is part of the College ComboŽ checking package. Opening deposit may be waived if student opens the account at a BryanCollege Station banking location and enrolls in online statements. The enhanced Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card is a VisaŽ debit card issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Materials expire on September 30, 2014. Š 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.
6/4/14 11:16 PM
news
page 4 thursday 6.5.2014
thebattalion
T
he New York Times best seller, “The Fault in Our Stars,” written by John Green, is set to release Thursday night in a big screen adaptation directed by Josh Boone. Following the film’s announcement in 2012, it has accumulated followers by way of Twitter’s #TFIOS and adding great anticipation for its release. If you read the book, you’d understand why. If you haven’t, you’ll just have to wait. This is a movie about star-crossed lovers, but it is also a movie about the human condition — the need to understand and the need to be understood. The film opens with a brief foreshadowing and narration of protagonist Hazel Grace Lancaster, played by Shailene Woodley, a 17-year-old girl who has been living with
cancer since her diagnosis at 13. Throughout the film, Woodley dons plastic nubs in her nose and is attached to an oxygen tank that that trails behind her in a rolling backpack, to help her breathe properly. The entire film keeps the novel’s indie charm and is full of cancer puns and witty humor. Hazel is sent to a support group, after being deemed depressed by her mother. Facilitated by the over-compensating group leader Patrick, the group is held around a massive religious rug. Cancer patients can reflect and support one another while “literally standing in the heart of Jesus.” In interviews, Green has mentioned how thrilled he is that the movie follows so close to the book. For the first half of the film, the script does just that, however it almost detracts from the fluidness of the film ironically. It’s hard for the plot line to gain momentum and
the language doesn’t seem as natural when actually spoken aloud. At the support group, Hazel meets and later falls in love with Augustus Waters, played by Ansel Elgort, a confident 18-yearold with his own battles — an amputated leg to prevent spreading of his cancer. He, unlike Hazel however has been NEC (no evidence of cancer) for quite some time. Elgort has this boyish and smart aleck charm. He carries an unlit cigarette between his teeth, his metaphor to not give power to the thing that could kill him. And he is unassumingly sexy with the way he absorbs the film’s scenes. Despite his bravado, Elgort does a fantastic job of conveying his vulnerability. The film includes multiple angles looking at societal views of cancer — one being the way cancer can overtake a person’s life, not
just their physical body. Augustus wants to know Hazel’s story, and not just her cancer story, her personal story. This isn’t necessarily a movie about two kids with cancer, but about establishing that life can be rich in the middle of physical turmoil. Laura Dern, who plays a smaller but notable role, is consumed by her daughter’s medical life and finds it difficult to walk outside her role as mother and caretaker to Hazel. She can’t vocalize her daughter’s immanent death, for fear of not being positive. The acting lays heavily on the two main character’s compatibility and their ability to play characters that transition from an amicable to romantic relationship. Already blowing up Twitter and Tumbler, some of the films best lines — the word “Okay,” and “I fell in love the way you fall asleep, slowly, then all at
The Fault In Our Stars
PROVIDED
once,” are sure to gain even more of cultural phenomena status. Woodley was not the most obvious choice for a cast member, but she has come a long way from “The Secret Life of An American Teenager.” Her acting is raw and her character isn’t unnecessarily dramatic. Some of her best scenes are subtle, like when she is waiting to receive a text message from Augustus after they meet. Capturing the anticipation of a new crush, she carries her phone constantly, even while brushing her teeth, watching TV and sitting at the dinner table, like most teenagers do. There is a reason why John Green has recently been dubbed a “teen whisperer.” He gets teens and portrays them in their most authentic state. He gets teen angst and the longing to be someone, without all of the clichés.
Woodley is dynamic. The entire movie Hazel is overcome by the need to not hurt others with her illness. The second half of the film, Hazel and Augustus travel to Amsterdam to meet the grief-stricken alcoholic author who wrote Hazel’s favorite book. Hazel envisions that the author can shed light on life about life, however her encounter only leads to her to an anger and disappointment, which is likely to resonate with cancer patients. Green and Boone collaborated to make a film that essentially wrote itself. The characters will remind people that the world does not stop when illness strikes, and that sometimes in order to share a love with someone, “pain demands to be felt.”
John Green’s novel brought to life
Fresh faces, fresh moves
throwback thursday
much has changed in the last 44 years
1970 2014 BAT_06-05-14_A5-A4.indd 1
The Battalion
Elgort and Woodley play the star-crossed lovers.
thesummertimebattalion
Opting for a tanktop instead of a ruffled dress, senior biology major Katherine Carr studies in the MSC flagroom. Her nearly invisible earbuds contrast with the 1970 headphones.
Allison Rubenak
Kelley Starnes — THE BATTALION
(Left) Freshman Bayle Francis and NSC leader Josh Hewett two-step at the “Energizer” dance party in Rudder Plaza Tuesday evening. (Middle) NSC leaders Jane Marie Agnew and Chase Shelton participate in the Cupid Shuffle line dance. (Right) Orientation leaders and incoming freshmen get down to “The Wobble” as the sun sets on day one of the conference.
Meredith Collier — THE BATTALION
6/4/14 10:57 PM