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● thursday, june 21, 2012 ● serving texas a&m since 1893 ● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2012 student media

thebattalionSystem students

without piece of Aggie gold

Symbolizing Aggie tradition

The golden rule

Q:As an

incoming freshman, what does the Aggie

Ring mean to you?

thebattalionasks

It links us to the past as well as to

the future. Anyone with an Aggie Ring you know you are

family.

Chase Duncan, business major

It’s your goal. It’s what you work for. It’s your reward for all your hard work.

Zack Ford, business major

It’s the reason why you go to

A&M. It means everything. It’s the representation of your success and

your future.Jessica Hernandez,

English major

F

or more than a cen-

tury, the Aggie Ring

has been a uniting

tradition for the worldwide

Aggie Network. Accord-

ing to The Association of

Former Students, each Ag-

gie Ring rewards academic

achievement, and embodies

the owner’s loyalty to

Texas A&M.

Robby Smith The Battalion

Aggie Rings lost and found

P

er tradition, getting your Aggie

Ring is a big deal in this neck

of the woods. Not only does it

symbolize intellect, body, spiritual at-

tainment, emotional poise and integrity

of character but it is also a symbol of

accomplishment.

Allison Linder The Battalion

Mubarak’s health worsens

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was reported dead Tuesday in Torah Prison after state officials and MENA news agency confirmed his heart stopped beat-ing. According to The Associated Press, 84-year-old Mubarak was revived by defibrillation before incurring a stroke and was then moved to a military hospital in Cairo. When taken in Mubarak was reported “clinically dead” but a security official confirms he is now on life support.

Mubarak ruled Egypt for more than 30 years before resigning after mass protests in February last year. The news of his poor health spread quickly throughout Tahrir Square, the birthplace of the uprising, where tens of thousands of people protested the military council gov-erning Egypt, according to The As-sociated Press.

Fahad Haque, senior petro-leum engineering major, is tak-ing a year off to study Arabic in Cairo. He said he hasn’t seen much

Amber Jaura The Battalion

What’s nextAhmed Shafik, Mubarak’s former prime minister, and Mohamed Morsi, ap-pointed by the Muslim Brotherhood, are candi-dates for the presidential election.

See Mubarak on page 7

world

See HSC on page 5

See Lost Rings on page 4

ASSOCIATED PRESSAn Egyptian woman wears a tag with a picture of former president Mubarak.

Hunter Schmidt — THE BATTALION

The transition from high school to college can be anxiety-riddled, stressful and time-consuming as stu-dents embark on the responsibilities of becoming a young adult. Finding student housing tops the list of “to-do’s” for students preparing to enter their freshman year, as well as for their parents.

There are 30 residence halls with

Allison Linder The Battalion

Hunt for student housing

campus

accommodations currently available at Texas A&M University to house approximately 8,000 (non-Corps) students. Though the student pop-ulation continues to increase, the

trend of off-campus housing might affect the number of students living on campus.

Multiple apartments are for sale and lease on Munson Avenue at the Cripple Creek Condominiums.

Twice in the days leading up to Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari’s arrest fed-eral agents secretly searched the Saudi man’s West Texas apartment, where they say they found bomb-making chemicals as well as beakers, flasks, wiring, a hazmat suit and clocks.

They also discovered Aldawsa-ri’s journal, handwritten in Ara-bic, in which he wrote that he had been planning a terror attack in the

U.S. for years and that it was “time for jihad,” or holy war, court docu-ments show.

Jury selection in the 22-year-old’s trial was set to begin Thursday in Amarillo. If convicted, Aldawsari faces up to life in prison.

The results of the two searches at Aldawsari’s apartment in Lubbock in February 2011 led authorities to suspect he had nearly everything he

needed to build a bomb, having pur-chased chemicals and other materials online in previous months. He had also researched targets — including dams, nuclear plants or the Dallas home of former President George W. Bush — and how to place bomb material inside dolls and baby car-riages, court records show.

Associated Press

Trial begins for man accused in Bush plot

See Housing on page 6

A&M traditions | 4Old vs. new

The Aggie Ring, older than Silver Taps, Muster, Reveille and the 12th Man, is a tradition that has spanned generations. Yet each sees it differently.

The fi ve stars signify the fi ve phases of development of the Aggie student: mind or intellect, body, spiritual attainment, emotional poise and integrity of character.

The eagle connotes agility, power and the ability to reach great heights.

The 13 stripes symbolize the 13 original states and A&M’s intense patriotism.

Students wear their Aggie Ring with their class year facing inward to signify their time at A&M is not complete. During Ring Dance or graduation, students turn their Ring around.

The star represents the seal of Texas.

The ancient cannon, saber and rifl e symbolize Texans’ fi ght for their land and determination to defend their homeland.

Roger Zhang — THE BATTALION

nation

Pg. 1-06.21.12.indd 1Pg. 1-06.21.12.indd 1 6/20/12 10:39 PM6/20/12 10:39 PM

countries like Italy and Spain have come dangerously close to insolvency. On June 14, Spanish debt reached levels not seen since the founding of the Eurozone. During this stage of the crisis, Europe must realize the time for a universal European currency may be coming to an abrupt and sloppy end. Billions and billions of dollars in capital will leave Europe for safer shores, and the entire continent will be pushed into a deeper depression than experienced in 2008. This instability may, in turn, force weaker countries to leave Euro in hopes of salvaging what remains of their tattered economies. But why should you care…

As a result of the European econom-ic disaster and increasing globalization, the entire developed world may be affected to the detriment of all citizens, corporations and governments. As the European economies continue to deteriorate, what are some of the effects that you should care about?

Global energy prices will continue to collapse as speculators, as well as con-sumers, attempt to save their capital for a rainy day. This will result in lower gasoline prices.

The direct result dismantling the Eurozone will be the collapse of the currencies of weaker nations including Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain, mak-

ing it much cheaper to travel to those locales. So start packing for Rome, Athens, Dublin and Barcelona!

Lastly, with so much money leav-ing Europe, investment in the United States might be accelerated by cor-porations and investors if the crisis is deemed largely not contagious. Jobs might finally return as companies hire newly-minted degree holders!

Cheaper gas, European travel and more jobs might sound like we should be cheering for the destruction of the Eurozone; all good things come at a price. If the European crisis is not contained, the entire world will go into a deep recession, so it is time for both European and U.S. leaders with help from others to form a plan for an orderly dissolution of the Euro. This task may seem extremely daunting, but it remains necessary for the continued prosperity of the global economy.

Although Europe and its economic issues often seem miles after from your day-to-day, your life is deeply depen-dent on its future.

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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: The Battalion news 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: [email protected]; 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 979-845-2687. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: [email protected]: 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. Call 979-845-2696 for mail subscriptions.

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

Naila Dhanani, Editor in Chief

TAKE A PIECE OF A&M HISTORY WITH YOU· Reserve your 2013 Aggieland

The 111th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, campus organizations and seniors and graduate students. Distribution will be during Fall 2013. Go to the optional services box in Howdy when you register for fall. For info, call 845-2696.

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Texas native performs

Courtney Laine — THE BATTALION

Josh Abbott and Aaron Watson perform a live in-store radio show for KORA 98.3 Wednesday at Inspirations in the Post Oak Mall. Abbott is a native Texan, born in Lubbock and attended Texas Tech University.

Jackson Lane: Why you should care

Euro’s financial crisis

F or those who haven’t

spent most of their

free time under a rock

or at Northgate, you

know that the dark cloud

currently hovering over the

global economy remains

Europe’s credit crisis.

But instead of banks lending to un-qualified borrowers for overpriced real estate, as in the 2008 U.S. credit crisis, countries that make up the Eurozone have become massively overleveraged as a result of running large fiscal deficits over the past decade. In every eco-nomic crisis, there comes a moment of no return, where people finally realize that the status quo cannot remain. For Europe, this date might be quickly ap-proaching.

Europe’s crisis, to date, has com-prised a series of ‘false’ turning points, just head fakes before another leg down. Greece recently held national elections June 17 yet the Greek’s future membership as a part of the Euro currency experiment has effectively dis-solved. Without the ability to devalue their currency, which remaining as a part of Euro prohibits, the Greeks have no hope of establishing a competitive economy or paying back their debt. International financial powers including the European Central Bank and Inter-national Monetary Fund have been un-successful in restoring Greece’s severely wounded economy. If Greece leaves the euro later this year, the government will default (go bankrupt) on more than 300 billion euros of debt owed to the IMF, ECB and many other financial institutions worldwide.

As a result of Greece’s instability,

Jackson Lane is a senior finance major.

GUESTCOLUMN

correctionOn Tuesday’s page one story, “Agency adopts new eligibility guidelines,” children who are eligible for Medicaid, who have insurance through the Children’s Health Insurance Program, who are Native American or Alaska Native, or who are underinsured are all eligible to get vaccines through Texas Vaccines for Children providers.

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 [email protected].

ASSOCIATED PRESS

A visitor points his finger toward the Stock Exchange’s main display June 11 in Madrid.


a path for citizenship for educated youth. A year-and-a-half ago, it passed the House, but Republicans blocked it in the Senate.

His policy benefits hundreds of thousands of immigrants. Our na-tion — often heralded as the land of immigrants — was founded on the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The Depart-ment of Homeland Security said cer-tain young people who are brought to the U.S. at a young age do not present a risk to national security or public safety.

Although a positive move, more needs to be done. Congress must still pass the Dream Act and allow im-migrants the opportunity to become citizens of the U.S. legally.

After all, the inscription of the Statue of Liberty — historically, im-migrants’ first welcome to the U.S. — reads, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddle masses, yearn-ing to breath free … I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” Let’s live up to Lady Liberty’s welcome.

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From Blake Guard, biomedical sciences graduate student

Renovations to the Me-morial Student Center have been simply extraordinary. However, a certain area fell short of my expectations is the return of the 12th Man dining area. I was severely disappointed when I paraded into the dining area to find trendy mediocre food options like “Ciao”, “Pile On”, and “Smokin’.” I have no clue what any of these food op-tions are when I look at the signs. They are composed of a compost of carrots meant to look like letters, mushed in with the alphabet to make a healthy looking “green” sign. Nothing says healthy like some good ol’ fashioned barbecue.

I miss the combination of witty titles for food options such as “Elephant Wok”, “Ol’ Armydillo’s”, and “Olla Roja” – (student bonfire will miss this “red pot” reference, although to my knowledge I think this still exists in the Pi R Square dining area). I seem to remember delicious quesadillas, burritos, and gy-ros that all came with a side of tradition, which of course, Aggies love. A former shell of itself, the 12th Man dining area now looks like cuisine favorable to Sbisa Dining Hall (insert disappointed emoticon).

On a happier note, at least the piano in the flag room was not lost during renova-tion. There is still hope.

MAILCALL

Naila Dhanani: Right thing to do. Period.

Immigration woes

A s U.S. President Barack Obama inaugurated his

new immigration policy, this nation took a step

in the right direction. He announced plans to

grant temporary legal status to hundreds of thousands

undocumented immigrants.

In his announcement, Obama said, “These are young people who study in our schools, they play in our neighborhoods, they’re friends with our kids, they pledge allegiance to our flag. They are Americans in their heart, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper.”

Oftentimes undocumented im-migrants have no idea they don’t le-gally reside in this country. Brought here by parents or relatives, by no fault of their own, immigrants are forced to live in fear of deportation from the only country they have ever known.

Obama went beyond partisan politics to offer relief to hard-work-ing Americans. Because regardless of legal status, undocumented immi-grants are Americans.

Some say his policy is unconsti-tutional. On the contrary. Obama granted deferred action to end deportations. It’s not amnesty as it doesn’t provide a path to citizen-ship. This nation is facing tough economic times. This policy allows us to allocate limited government resources in a more efficient manner. He did what needed to be done as Congress has failed to address im-migration reform.

The Dream Act is a decade-old immigration bill that would provide

Trevor Stevens: Obama’s policy unconstitutional

antagonistic government.”This is a complex issue that

needs a long-term solution — not a temporary fix that will actually make more complicated the government’s attempts to establish such a solution.

GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney hasn’t yet responded to Obama’s immigration announcement, but he is scheduled to speak Thursday to more than 1,000 leaders of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials in Florida, where Marco Rubio, Republican Senator and Romney’s potential running mate questions the message Obama is sending to the people who are coming into the country legally.

“We get hundreds of people a year in our office who are asking for help because their relatives have been waiting in line, doing it the right way. What do we tell them? ‘Come illegally, it’s cheaper and quicker’?” he said.

There must be urgency in the Houses (Representative, Senate and White) to find a thoughtful solution to immigration reform, if for no one else, for the people eager to have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The issue of immigration is a complicated one that deserves a thoughtful solution. President Barack Obama’s move to change immigration policy last Friday was not that.

The president of the U.S. takes an oath to uphold the Constitution. So, why isn’t he honoring that oath?

The Constitution reads, “All leg-islative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States …” In other words, the presi-dent does not have the authority to make a new law.

The young people who were not born in the U.S. do need accom-modation. But why did Obama unconstitutionally bypass Congress to try to accomplish just what he wants? Well, it is because Congress isn’t exactly simpatico.

Our two-sided government seems to differ on fundamental principles about how government should op-erate. One side seems to think that more governmental control — and therefore less freedom to its citizens — is the way to get things done.

It is actually to illegal immigrants’ disadvantage that the government would affect change in a disorderly fashion, contrary to the Constitution upon which it is built. These young “illegal” immigrants will just be trading freedom-less labels: “illegal immigrant” for “legal under a big,

Naila Dhanani is a senior biomedi-cal sciences major and editor in chief for The Bat-talion.

thebattalion

voicespage 3

thursday 6.21.2012

J ust like I want to find employment after college,

I want my fellow Aggies to pursue their dream

job, let alone not live in fear of being deported.

Trevor Stevens is a senior English major and assign-ments editor for The Battalion.


thebattalion

traditionspage 4

thursday 6.21.2012

Q:As an

incoming freshman, what does the Aggie

Ring mean to you?

thebattalionasks

The feeling that I’ve accomplished

something.

Megan Plate, business major

It’s a tradition. It’s a connection when

you see others.Nick Rakestraw,

biomedical sciences

Perseverance all those four years leading up to that big

accomplishment.

Ashley Ramirez, communications

major

It symbolizes all the work and

dedication that Aggies put into their academic career and as well what they do outside the

campus.”Antony Mathew,

biology major

It means you are done with your

degree. It’s kind of a rite of passage

Alexander Mendoza, biomedical science

The accomplishes of the future, my plans and goals being meet and

realized.Fallon Gamble,

biomedical sciences major

Aggie Ring dreams

Roger Zhang — THE BATTALION

A symbolic tradition — older than Silver Taps, Muster, Reveille and the 12th Man — the Aggie Ring, has been a coveted possession for more than a century.

“Different aspects of the ring have different symbolism,” said Kathryn Greenwade, vice president for com-munication and human resouces for The Association of Former Students. The Aggie Ring is our family crest. It identifies us as Aggies and it identifies one as being exposed to and adhering to a certain set of values and standards.”

Attention is drawn to Aggies who choose to wear the ring on their left-hand as opposed to their right-hand, which is the most popular place for the ring. University System Chancel-lor John Sharp and Texas Gov. Rick Perry have been spotted following this left-hand tradition.

“We see Aggies of all ages wear the ring on either hand,” Greenwade said. “In the early days of the ring, the myth was that you wore your Aggie Ring on your left-hand because it was closest to your heart.”

Greenwade said, a lot of male for-mer students wear the ring on their left-hand on the same finger as their wed-ding ring. Some will say it’s because Texas A&M was their first love.

“You see varying preferences,” Gre-enwade said. “I’ve seen some women wear it on their pinkie. There is not a standard on where one should wear their Aggie Ring. It is a matter of pref-erence.”

There is one ring tradition all Aggies should follow, however.

“The one thing I would say on wear-ing your ring, is that as a student, when you first get your ring, you want your class year to face you,” Greenwade said. “Then at commencement, we induct the students into the Association of Former Students. At that time, we ask

Robby SmithThe Battalion

Aggieland legacy lives onAggie Ring tradition spans many generations

COURTESY PHOTOS

Sean Cook, Class of 2010 and the commander of E-2 in 2009-10 received his ring in 2009. Robert Lee Smith was on hand to present Cook with his ring. They were separated in their time in the Corps by almost 60 years.

Robert Lee Smith and Morgan Salonek celebrate after Salonek earned his ring. Smith “dunked” his ring in a cup at 7:51 pm (19:51 military time) and Salonek dunked his ring in a pitcher at 8:08 pm (20:08 military time), each to represent his class year.

the students to remove their ring and turn it so that the class year faces out. That symbolizes you are ready to step forward into the world.”

Robert Lee Smith, Class of 1951, graduated in 1952 with a degree in me-chanical engineering. After double ma-joring in mechanical engineering and industrial engineering, Smith received his ring junior year.

Smith said he remembers paying for the ring himself with a little help from the Association.

“We didn’t give our rings to our girlfriends back then,” Smith said. “We worked so hard to get them, we didn’t want to give it up.”

The other ring tradition he remem-bers is Ring Dance.

“I went to Ring Dance. I invited a girl from Galveston up for the week-end, and she stayed in a boarding house off campus,” Smith said. The mother of that boarding house was very strict. That was a big deal — to invite your girlfriend up for a weekend to an Aggie dance. Quite a deal.”

Smith said they had pictures taken inside of this huge ring 10 feet tall. He said you would stand in that ring with your girlfriend and they would take

your picture. “I lost it one time, swimming in the

Gulf down in Galveston,” Smith said. “That was a big loss — my greatest pos-session. I wound up years later getting another one.”

After graduating, Smith went into the Army to fight in the Korean War. He was on duty in Alaska for two years as a company commander. He said their outfit was the Army Security Agency.

“It was hard to get through the rest of school without it,” Smith said. “We would see that ring all over the world when we got out. People would recog-nize the ring all over the world and do favors for us if they could.”

Now, Aggies view the ring as a re-ward for knowledge and experiences gained during their time in Aggieland.

“I got my ring last semester which was the spring of my senior year,” said Klinton Moore, Class of 2012. “I think the ring is a reward for all of the hard work you put in.”

Though the price of the ring has risen significantly as the price of gold increased, Moore said getting the ring is worth it.

A more recent tradition of the Ag-gie Ring has been for each student to

do a “ring dunk” when they receive their Ring.

“I just felt like I was officially a part of the A&M family,” said Darcy Ar-gueta, senior psychology major. “My mom and brothers came in town later for my ring dunk. I dunked at 9:13 p.m.”

Argueta said she dunked at 9:13 p.m. because it is representative of her high school class year, 2009, and her college class year, 2013.

“I dunked with four other friends, and it was a race to finish the pitcher,” Argueta said.

Students pick different beverages to dunk in, but Argueta said she dunked her ring in the most common — beer. The object is to drink your picture of desired liquid as fast as possible to get to the ring in the bottom.

“I think it’s a god tradition,” Argueta said. “I think it’s exciting because ev-eryone comes to cheer you on.”

Even if they don’t drink, students can dunk their ring in something else like apple juice, Moore said.

“The tradition fits well with A&M and us being the Fightin’ Texas Ag-gies,” Moore said. “We’re just kind of rowdy.”

1889-1894 - Oldest known Aggie Ring design.

1935-1962 - The Texas and U.S. flags were added behind the crossed cannon, rifle and saber.

1963-present - The Ring lettering changed to Texas A&M University.

I

ncoming freshman allied health major, Taylor Smith, tries on Aggie Rings during the NSC social Wednesday

evening at the Clayton W. Williams Jr. Alumni Center. Smith plans to attend the Health Science Center. Students of the Health Science Center do not receive the same Aggie Ring. When asked if the dif-ference matters, Smith said, “I wish the HSC was technically a part of A&M, but I don’t necessarily mind a different ring. It’s mainly that I wish they consider it a school of A&M rather than being apart.”

That’s why, when an Aggie Ring goes missing, it’s not just a ring a student loses, but a small piece of history one has worked hard to create.

“My dad was doing some yard work and while he was trimming some bushes realized that his ring had slipped off his fingers. He searched the yard for a few hours hoping to find it but came to the conclusion that he had lost it,” said Max Bernau, senior mechani-cal engineering major.

Bernau is a second generation Aggie who followed in his dad’s footsteps, Stuart Bernau, Class of 1974.

When asked if his dad’s ring was recovered, Bernau said in a light-hearted tone that it was.

“Well that’s actually a funny story,” Bernau said. “Our neighbor David was mowing our lawn while we were vacationing in Kansas. While he was mow-ing, he said he heard a clink that was followed by a loud crash. The lawn mower blade had actually hit the ring and propelled it through our front window.”

Although his dad was upset David broke their win-dow, he was relieved he recovered his ring.

Cindy Roberts Rhodes, Class of 1977, shares a similar story of how she lost then recovered her Ag-gie Ring.

“In November 2011, my husband Bill and I were at the Oakland Airport, leaving our short vacation in the Russian River Valley to head home. I took off my jewelry to go through security and threaded my Ag-

Lost RingsContinued from page 1

gie Ring on to a bracelet and closed the clasp,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes and her husband experienced a few travel delays, which caused them to rush through se-curity checkpoints.

“It is hard to describe what happened in just a second, but, as I was walking and trying to get my jewelry back on, I unclasped my bracelet and my ring slipped off — and bounced! One bounce, two bounce, and on the third bounce it hit right as the elevator door opened and down it disappeared. I was shocked, numb, and in disbelief,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes’ husband contacted Deputy Sherriff John Souza of the Alameda County Sherriff’s Office. He took down her information and a description of the ring. After the airport maintenance crew checked the elevator, no ring was found.

“I did not want to buy another ring — I want-ed my Aggie Ring back! I registered it as lost with

the Aggie Network and tried to be patient and accept that it might not be found or returned. However, my husband was

to have a layover at Oakland Airport the following February, and [said] he would check back with Deputy Sherriff Souza,” Rhodes said.

Deputy Sherriff Souza recovered her ring and returned it to her husband.

Not every student is fortunate enough to have recovered their lost Aggie Ring, as was the case for Fidel Martinez, Class of 2004.

“A little over two years ago, I was play-ing soccer at an indoor center down near a

not-so-good part of Houston,” said Martinez. “This was the only time I ever brought my ring with me. I usually leave it at home.”

Martinez was wearing it right before the game started but decided to take it off, place it in his work-out bag and slide it under his soccer team’s bench.

“After I finish a game, I have a habit of checking to see if I have my keys, wallet and phone inside,” Mar-tinez said. “I did that and realized I had everything in there but the ring.”

He searched for hours and even went as far as look-ing in pawn shops, on eBay and Craig’s List but his ring was never seen again.

“I felt like someone just ripped out my heart. It’s literally the only jewelry I wear, but I wear it with pride and it stands out. I almost use it in a sense to de-fine myself and here I was without it,” Martinez said.

Autumn Rizzo — THE BATTALION

It symbolizes all the Aggie traditions.

Emmanuel Varghese, mathematics major


thebattalion

news page 5

thursday 6.21.2012

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1 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 Combo® checking package. Opening deposit may be waived if student opens the account at a Bryan-College Station banking location and enrolls in online statements. The enhanced Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card is a Visa debit card issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.Information contained in this document is subject to change.© 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.

Show your Aggie Pride with the Official Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card

Texas A&M University General Services Complex (GSC)Student Business Services, 2nd floor750 Agronomy RoadCollege Station, TX 77841979-268-3238

University Drive321 University DriveCollege Station, TX 77840979-691-8366

Southwest Parkway200 Southwest Parkway EastCollege Station, TX 77840979-695-3266

Exclusively for Aggies—the Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card:

Custom-designed debit card just for Texas A&M studentsMake purchases at millions of merchants that accept Visa® debit cards worldwideFree access to your cash at 15 Wells Fargo ATMs in Bryan—College Station and more than 12,000 Wells Fargo ATMs across the country

Get your card when you open a Wells Fargo College Checking® account1:

Waived monthly service fee when linked to your Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit cardDirect Deposit of financial aid refunds and/or paychecksBanking on the go with Wells Fargo Mobile® BankingAround the clock account access with Wells Fargo Online® Banking

For more information about the Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card:

call 1-866-360-3007

email [email protected]

Get your Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card at these banking locations:

Rock Prairie1801 Rock Prairie RoadCollege Station, TX 77840979-776-3266

Harvey Mitchell Parkway501 N. Harvey Mitchell ParkwayBryan, TX 77807979-821-3120

Briarcrest3000 Briarcrest DriveBryan, TX 77802979-776-3277

First created in 1889, the ring has changed over time with the evolution of the University. Not every student of a school with the words “Texas A&M” in its name is eligible for the ring.

Only Texas A&M University students are eligible for a ring. This includes the University’s two branch campuses in Galveston and Qatar, but not the other institutes in the Texas A&M University System. This exclusion applies to the nine universities in the System as well as the Health Science Center in College Station, a few miles from the main campus of Texas A&M University.

“A student who meets the qualifications for admission and is accepted to Texas A&M University, College Station — or the campuses of Galveston and Qatar — are officially part of Texas A&M University,” said Kathryn Green-wade, Class of 1988, vice president, commu-nications and human resources for The As-sociation. “System schools, although they are a part of the same System, are not a part of Texas A&M University itself, as are Galveston and Qatar”

Greenwade said what might make it easier to understand, is prior to the 1990s, all other System schools had a different name.

“They were not ‘Texas A&M at…,’ they were ‘East Texas State University’ which is now Texas A&M Commerce. They were ‘Texas A&I University,’ which is now Texas A&M Kingsville,” Greenwade said.

Greenwade said with the name change, some perceived those universities were now a part of Texas A&M University, but they were not. They were part of the Texas A&M Uni-versity System.

Students of the Health Science Center are still grappling with their exclusion from Aggie Ring eligibility, despite their connectedness to Texas A&M University.

“I feel like a lot of college rings don’t mean a lot, but the Aggie Ring does,” said Katy Wil-son, senior nursing student at the Health Sci-ence Center. “It is something people recognize [in interviews], nationwide and worldwide.”

Wilson said with the Health Science Center ring, she’s not going to get that. Many students there get the Aggie Ring because they went to Texas A&M for a year or two.

“In some cases — and it depends on the number of hours they had at A&M — students who start at Texas A&M and then transfer into a health science center degree program are eli-gible for an Aggie Ring,” Greenwade said.

With those requirements, it does get a little more technical. If they have had at least 45 hours at Texas A&M University, before going in to the nursing program at the Health Science Center, then they might be eligible.

Alison Kreider, a recent graduate of the

Health Science Center with a bachelor of sci-ence in nursing, was disappointed she wasn’t eligiible to get the Aggie Ring.

Kreider said the Aggie Ring issue has been a big uproar. “We wrote a letter and a petition to send to the president. We are paying student fees to the Texas A&M University campus — for parking, library, Rec Center, everything — but we don’t get University ties at all.”

Other System schools have ring programs. “The Health Science Center keeps trying to

figure out why no one wants to buy their ring, but it’s because it’s not the signature ring of Texas A&M,” Wilson said. “We don’t get that opportunity even though we are tied so close to the University.”

Kreider purchased a Health Science Center ring. “I end up wearing my HSC ring every day and I ended up liking it, but if I had the option I would certainly get my Aggie Ring,” Kreider said. “I have thought about going back for another semester just to get it. But, it would be another $5,000 with tuition and the cost of another ring.”

Kreider said the Health Science Center ring is plain whereas the Aggie Ring is detailed. But she said she wanted a college ring to prove on an everyday basis that she has a degree.

Students attending branch campuses look forward to the opportunity to get the ring.

Incoming freshman Lauren Michalka chose Galveston in part to get the Aggie Ring upon graduation.

Michalka said she will do nursing, but won’t go to the Health Science Center because she wants her ring. If she can get in to the fast track nursing program from Galveston, she would go to Galveston, then College Station and then the Health Science Center. This was, she can get her degree and Aggie Ring.

“My family is all Aggies and all have their Aggie Ring. I’m kind of like the odd-man out I guess,” Michalka said. “We took a family pic-ture, and I was the only one doing the gig ‘em without a ring. It is kind of like the missing piece in my life I want to get now.”

Michalka said it is great for students at branch campuses are able to receive the Aggie Ring.

“I think it’s good because it gives the kids who want to do a marine kind of degree but want to be an Aggie too the ability to do both,” Michalka said. “I want to be a nurse and get my Aggie Ring and degree, but I can’t. It’s kind of singling out people.”

Though Galveston is removed from College Station, Michalka said they still have the tradi-tions of Aggieland and are deserving of a ring.

“The only thing different is they have Mari-time Ball instead of Ring Dance,” Michalka said. “But they have all of the same traditions. That’s why I like it -—I love A&M, but I didn’t get in. It’s nice to go somewhere where I could still have the tradition and not miss out on a year of being an Aggie.”

HSCContinued from page 1


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STUDIES IN PROGRESS

J&S Studies, Inc.979-774-5933

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

FACIAL ACNE STUDYMale volunteers ages 18-35, with facial acne are needed to participate in a 6 week long clinical research study with an investigational topical medication. All eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study Related Acne Evaluations by a Dermatologist • Study Medication • Compensation up to $1,550.00 for time and effortEligible Volunteers will be required to make daily offi ce visits for application of study drug and study assessments.

For more information please contact:

ATHLETES FOOT STUDYVolunteers 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 effortParticipants will be required to make 3 offi ce visits over the 6 week period.


URINARY TRACT INFECTION STUDYFemale 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 effortEligible volunteers will be required to make 2 offi ce visits. There is no cost to you for participating in this research study.


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.

PLACE AN ADPhone 845-0569 Suite L400,Memorial Student CenterTexas A&M University

WHEN TO CALL8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through FridayInsertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day

SPEC

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classifiedssee ads at thebatt.com

FOR RENT

$1200 Pre-lease, 4 bedroomhouses, W/D, pets ok, near TAMU.Call Maroon & WhiteManagement, 979-422-5660.

$1350/mo, 2 story house, 4/2/2,newly remodeled, comes withW/D. 979-777-2849.

$295 prelease All bills paid,1-room in shared furnishedapartment, short-term leases ok.Call Maroon & WhiteManagement, 979-422-5660.

2 and 3/bedroom CS duplexes.Very nice, on shuttle, tile,fireplace, w/d, fenced, lawnservice, pets o.k. AvailableAugust. Details and photosavailableonline. http://[email protected], 979-255-1585.

2 bdrm/2bath duplex. Brand new.1000 sqft. All appliances included,W/D. Nice, quiet country setting.Water is included. Extra land forhorses is a possibility. Energy effi-cient heat pump. Electric bill is su-per affordable! Super nice!! Veryclose to main campus/Health Sci-ence Center, beat the traffic!! Callfor more information979-777-2253.

2-3/bedroom apartments. Somewith W/D, some on College Main,remodeled with dishwashers,Great deal! $175-$600/mo.979-219-3217.

2/1 Duplex, 950sq.ft., nearcampus/ Shuttle, large livingroom, fenced backyard, W/D con-nections,ceiling fans. $650/mo.229 Brentwood, CS. 512-206-6658,[email protected]

2/2 duplex. On bus route, largefenced yard. 310 Brentwood.$750/mo. 979-255-8299.

FOR RENT

2bd. Stove, refrigerator, dish-washer, CAH, small yard.$800/month. No pets. 602 Peyton.281-440-6030.

2bd/1ba apartment, 800sq. ft.New appliances, carpeting andtile. W/D. bus-route. $575/mo.210-391-4106.

Spacious duplex, 2bd/1ba.,beautiful! Internet, w/d,remodeled, fenced front andbackyard. Many extras.Convenient to everything! Oneweek free. College Station.979-422-3427, 832-242-4917 . Callfor specials.

2bd/2.5ba unique floorplansw/balcony views of Kyle Field.Brand new luxury apartment con-dos. Fullsize stainless steel appli-ances, W/D, designer ammenitiesgranite/wood/tile, bus stop. Only36units on Holleman at Wolf Pen.www.broadstoneranchat-wolfpen.com, www.aggie-landleasing.com, 979-776-6079.

2bd/2ba 4-plex. Spacious floor-plan, W/D connections, close tocampus. $550/mo.www.aggielandleasing.com979-776-6079.

2bd/2ba unique floorplansw/balcony views of Kyle Field.Brand new luxury apartmentcondos. Fullsize stainless steelappliances, W/D, designer am-menities granite/wood/tile, busstop. Only 36units on Hollemanat Wolf Pen.www.broadstoneranchat-wolfpen.com,www.aggielandleasing.com,979-776-6079.

3/2 CS Duplex. Fenced, shuttle,very large. Treehouse Trail, Cy-press. www.c4properties.net979-268-1074.

FOR RENT

3/3,3/2 Houses, Townhouses&Apartments, 1250-1400sqft.Very spacious, ethernet, largekitchen, walk-in pantry &closets,extra storage, W/D, great ameni-ties, on bus route, now pre-leas-ing, excellent specials.979-694-0320.www.luxormanagement.com

3bd/1.5ba House under one milefrom campus. $850/month, $400deposit. 1106 Georgia979-255-8637.

3bd/1.5ba with all appliances.Fenced backyard and near cam-pus. 979-774-9181.

4/2 + study, 1112 Berkeley, avail-able August, COMPLETELY RE-MODELED, W/D, new paint, allappliances, large backyard, nopets, $1295/mo, 979-731-8257wwww.brazosvalleyrentals.com

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4/4 House in Buena Vida, avail-able 8/15. W/D, new appliances,granite, [email protected].

4/4 Waterwood by Central Park,$425pp, gated community,cable/Internet, appliancesincluding W/D, available 8/10/12. Call: 832-277-8840 or254-732-4678.

4bd/2ba house. Close to campus,wood floors, tile floors, ceilingfans, granite countertops, W/D,fenced yards. 979-776-6079.www.aggielandleasing.com

FOR RENT

4bd/4ba private bathroom. $325per room. Wood/tile floors, largeliving room, new refrigerator,w/d, central a/c, walk-in closets,on shuttle. Student community,large pool, basketball court, sandbeach volleyball. 979-574-0040,281-639-8847.

903 San Benito, 3/2/2, W/D, onshuttle route, $1000/mo,979-268-5206.

911 Gardenia, CS. AvailableAugust 1st, new 2 story brickhome, 4bd/2.5ba, perfect studenthousing close to A&M Campuswith 2-car garage, patio for grill-ing and a small fenced yard,$1500/mo., First Month's Rent isYour Deposit! Call or text817-915-0258 or [email protected]. Hurry,time is running out!

Apartment: 2/1at Southwest Park-way and Anderson. $500/mo. Call682-365-0282.

August Leasing. 4bd/2ba house.Close to campus, wood floors, tilefloors, ceiling fans, W/D, fencedyards. 979-776-6079.www.aggielandleasing.com

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Available August 15th, 2bd/2baapartment, W/D, approximately900sqft, $600/mo, call210-387-5030.

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Country home on four fencedacres on OSR. Approximately 30minutes from Bryan. Totallyremodeled brick home. 3bd/1ba.,central ac/heat. 2-car garagew/carport. Call 979-255-5555.

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Cozy 2bd/1ba condo. OffWellborn, in Bryan. Fireplace, FP,no HUD, $495/month total.254-589-0585. 254-289-8200.

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Newer 1/1, 2/2, 3/3 townhomes,close to campus, cable/internet,$810-$1530. Broker/owner979-777-5477.

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“On-campus housing oc-cupancy has remained very high over the past four plus years, but there is a trend to-ward students wanting their own bedroom versus having to share their bedroom space with another student,” said Jeff Wilson assistant director of the Department of Resi-dence Life.

Wilson said on-campus housing has not been af-fected by off-campus hous-ing growths yet as occu-pancy numbers remain high. Wilson said with the Corps of Cadets, there are about 9,800 students living on campus. Of these, approxi-mately 7,600 are Residence Life (non-Corps) and ap-proximately 2,200 are in the Corps of Cadets.

In regard to the cost of liv-ing, A&M wants to maintain affordability.

“Our cost ranges from $2,787 per semester to $1,489 per semester for a double occupancy dorm,” Wilson said. “Texas A&M is still one of the cheapest schools to live on campus when compared to UT-Austin and Texas Tech.”

With 10 percent of stu-

dents living on-campus, as the student population slow-ly increases, the question arises of whether or not cur-rent dorm renovations could lead to fewer students living on campus.

“Texas A&M took down three [residence] halls in 2011 (totaling a loss of 600 beds), but we were able to shift about 550 of those spac-es to our brand new Univer-sity Apartments,” Wilson said. “We double-occupied these 168 apartments; so a one bedroom, one bath-room apartment was now being filled by two upper-classmen students.”

The Corps has plans to continue its renovation proj-ect on the Quad — the Corps dorm area on the south side of campus. Dorm 8, Harrell Hall, will be reopening this summer after its major reno-vation, and Dorm 6, Lacy Hall, will be taken offline so the University can start its renovation.

Residence Life is build-ing a new hall, currently unnamed, on the north side of campus that will house approximately 648 students and will be available in Au-gust 2013.

“Residence Life is an auxiliary enterprise at Texas A&M,” said Wilson. “This

HousingContinued from page 1

means that we do not get any state funding, so all of our revenue is generated by students who pay rent. The money that we receive is used to help pay for upgrades in our facilities, build new facili-ties and all of our renovation programs.”

While on-campus hous-ing remains stable, the trend of off-campus housing has continued to build and grow over the four years.

“Investors from all over the world have found that Bryan-College Station is a profitable market for rental industry business,” said Ste-fanie Baker, assistant director in the offices of the Dean of Student Life. “We’ve seen a spike in high-end custom housing, properties like the Lofts at Wolfpen Creek, that will be increased as the Stack and other similar properties in the Northgate area go up over the next three years.”

Students seek out all types of housing based on needs

and amenities. The growth of this trend has complicated housing in the community overall.

“I chose to live off cam-pus because I have had many dorm life experiences through camps. I like meet-ing new people, so for me, I don’t have any trouble getting out of my comfort zone,” said Kaitlyn Schindler, sophomore sports manage-ment major.

Schindler chose to forgo the on-campus dorm experi-ence and take up residence in Waterwood Townhomes on the south side of College Station.

“My off-campus experi-ence was awesome. It made my life a lot easier. I love to cook so I was able to prepare food in my own kitchen,” Schindler said. “Also, if my study groups wanted a more relaxed study atmosphere, we could all study around my kitchen table.”

Hunter Schmidt — THE BATTALION

Demolished Northside residence halls, Crocker, Moore and McInnis, makes way for a new residence hall scheduled to open in fall 2013.

Pg. 6-06-21-12.indd 1Pg. 6-06-21-12.indd 1 6/20/12 8:32 PM6/20/12 8:32 PM

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thursday 6.21.2012

the battalion• Easy • Aff ordable • Eff ective

Call 845-0569

Classifi ed Advertising

reaction from people as Mubarak has been po-litically inactive for a year and a half.

“I think they care more about other things right now” Haque said. “Like the election re-sult that’s going to be announced and the new powers that the military gave themselves.”

Ahmed Shafik, Mubarak’s former prime minister, and Mohamed Morsi, appointed by the Muslim Brotherhood, are candidates for the presidential election. Official results are ex-pected to be finalized this week.

Maggy Ibrahim, senior international studies major, said people are more concerned with the future of Egypt than the former president’s current state.

“Mubarak’s medical situation is insignificant to the current political status of the country,” Ibrahim said. “With the suspension of the par-liament, the Supreme Court of Armed Forces is deciding everything and want to somewhat create a system within a system giving them-selves special power to ensure the survival of the military rule and elite over the country since it became a republic in 1953.”

Ibrahim said she awaits the results of the po-litical stand-off but believes people in Tahrir will continue to protest. Many Egyptians fear Shafiq, a member of Mubarak’s old regime is likely to preserve the military-backed state kept for the past three dedades and Morsi, with the Muslim Brotherhood will work to turn Egypt into an Islamic state.

“The youth of the revolution will disagree with Shafik and some of the more liberals and Christians will disagree with Morsi,” Ibrahim said. “Personally, I think regardless of who wins, it all depends on the Supreme Council for Armed Forces and who will write the new constitution since parliament was dissolved.”

MubarakContinued from page 1

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Heba Farag, sophomore international studies major at Blinn, said she hopes Egypt progresses toward democracy after 30 years of oppression.

“From the day I was born, Hosni Mubarak was the president of Egypt and for over 12 years even before I was born. During his time in power, Egypt experienced the worst declines in progress and this sparked the revolution,” Farag said. “I’ll be going back to Egypt in 12 days the day after the new president will go into office. My family and I in Egypt hope that whoever becomes president keeps the best interest of all people in mind — even the minorities and can bring the country towards democracy.”

The Brotherhood has called for mass demonstrations in Cairo and elsewhere Tuesday to protest the interim charter issued by the military.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Thousands of the Muslim Brotherhood’s demonstrators gather to support presidential candidate Mohammed Morsi on Tuesday in Tahrir Square, the focal point of Egyptian uprising, in Cairo, Egypt


thebattalion

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thursday 6.21.2012

TAKE A PIECE OF A&M HISTORY WITH YOU· Reserve your 2013 Aggieland

The 111th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, campus organizations and seniors and graduate students. Distribution will be during Fall 2013. Cost is $75, plus tax. Go to the optional services box in Howdy when you register for fall.

· Order your 2012 Aggieland (if you haven’t)

The 2012 Aggieland yearbook will be a record of the 2011-2012 Texas A&M school year. Books will be mailed out during Fall 2012.

By credit card go online to http://aggieland.tamu.edu or call 979-845-2696. Or drop by the Student Media office, Suite L400 in the Memorial Student Center. Hours: 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday.

Roger Zhang: Surface tablet has promise, what ifs remain

Microsoft Re’Surface’

C

omputex, WWDC, hybrid tablets, ultra books, MacBook

Pros with retina display — these past weeks were filled

with surprises from the tech world, but none other than

Microsoft had the most shocking announcement.

Days before Monday’s big reveal, there were speculations of a Microsoft Tablet. Rumors circulated Barnes and Noble would play a part in the announcement. But it quickly denied any involvement. So what could Microsoft possibly reveal? A tablet without Barnes and Noble? Xbox 720? The return of Bill Gates?

Behold, the Microsoft Surface, a tablet developed in-house from the ground up. The name Surface sounds familiar for those who remember the giant coffee table-sized touchscreen, but the Surface Tablet has no similarities — it’s 10.6 inches.

The Surface will come in two fla-vors. The Windows RT version packs a NVIDIA Tegra processor, 10.6 full HD screen, 32/64 GB of flash storage, and runs Windows 8 RT. The Windows Pro version jams an Intel Core i5 processor, 10.6 full HD screen, 64/128 GB of flash storage, and runs the full Windows 8 operating system. Both have microSDXC card readers, USB ports, HDMI out, and two MIMO antennas with Wifi and 4G access.

Microsoft designed the case with style in mind. Made completely of magnesium alloy, the Surface RT version weighs 1.3 pounds while the Surface Pro version weighs 2 pounds. For reference, the new iPad 2 is 1.44 pounds. The case also features a built-in pop-out kickstand that’s less than a millimeter thick. A subtle grove runs around the outside edge for cooling purposes; this also gives the tablet a stylish finishing touch.

The most promising feature is not the tablet itself, but rather a particular accessory that pairs with the Surface called the Touch Cover and the Type Cover. Instead of toting

around a separate keyboard dock in order to type, the Touch Cover and Type Cover combine a cover with a keyboard. The Touch Cover comes with a touch pad that supports multi-touch gestures. Combined with the kickstand, everything is there for a

full productive work tablet all in one package.

Microsoft has definitely improved its tablets;

especially since the horrifying Windows XP-based tablets back in 2002 that failed

to catch on with consumers. So far

the Surface looks good, but Microsoft still has a

lot of work to do. There are no specifications on how much

RAM, how long the battery life and suspi-ciously, there were no working Touch or Type Covers at the demonstration.

And there’s also the big question: Will Windows 8 deliver the full personal com-puter experience?

For now many uncertainties revolve around the Microsoft Surface and Windows 8 in general. With numerous tablets flood-ing the market, hold your breath for a closer examination. I’m certainly holding my breath — and I’m turning blueberry blue.

Roger Zhang is a sopho-more management of infor-mation systems and photo chief of The Battalion.


thebattalion06212012

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