I. MINUTES – April 17, 2013 GPC Minutes-April

II. NEW COURSE REQUESTS
a.

III. CHANGE COURSE REQUESTS
a.

IV. GRADUATE FACULTY NOMINATIONS
a. Baring, Michael, SCSC, Associate Member Baring, Michael SCSC Associate Membe
b. Campbell, Tyler, WFSC, Adjunct Member Campbell, Tyler WFSC Adjunct Member
c. Cavitt, Leslie, POSC, Adjunct Member Cavitt, Leslie POSC Adjunct Member
d. Deutx, Nicholaas, NFSC, Member Deutz, Nicholaas NFSC Member
e. Sacks, Benjamin, WFSC, Adjunct Member Sacks, Benjamin WFSC Adjunct Member

V. GRADUATE COUNCIL GRADUATE OPERATION COMMITTEE ITEMS:
a.

VI. MISCELLANEOUS:
a. Joy Bading- HR Issues on Grad. Student employment, specifically how to terminate a grad student.
b. Diversity Fellowships- define diversity

Texas A&M relies on their core values to carry out their daily mission of the university. For the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the scholarship program through the College of Agriculture Development Council (COADC) helps students carry out those values in their everyday life.

For one student, the COADC has not only aided him in being able to pay for college through scholarships funded by alumni donations, but also given him the opportunity to be connected with an Aggie icon and understand the importance of the leadership, service and alumni support.

For Daylon Koster, a sophomore Agricultural Leadership and Development major, there is one major difference between him and many of the other students is his role at Texas A&M, as he is a member of Company E-2 in the Corps of Cadets and had the privilege of being the keeper of the First Lady of Aggieland, Reveille.

Taking care of Reveille is first and foremost a job that portrays Koster’s leadership styles. With full responsibility of her schedule and day to day activities, Koster must show leadership with the other sophomores in his class as well as direct leadership with Reveille.

Reveille rests her head on Koster during the ride home from a game.

“With Reveille’s full day of responsibilities and not able to be left alone, it’s up to me to delegate to the other sophomores in my company to get her to events when I have other responsibilities such as class,” Koster said. “I also must have direct leadership with Reveille to show her the trust and bond between us, especially in stressful environments, to let her know when she is with me she is safe.”

For Koster, the scholarship he receives has helped him focus more on his duties of being a college student and taking care of Reveille and less on worrying about how to make money to pay for school. Koster says a scholarship of any size helps for students to receive the “other education” that Texas A&M offers, membership in student and university organizations .

“Scholarships, whether big or small, help out with anything at Texas A&M University,” Koster said. “One thing I really value is being able to have that other education and receiving scholarships from the College of Agriculture helps me defer those cost of books and tuition while allowing me to be in organizations and donate my time to service without needing to worry about getting a job.”

While service is a major part of any student organization and can be difficult for some students to achieve with their busy schedules, Koster has no problem as being with Reveille helps him keep service in his everyday life.

“One aspect of service with Reveille, and she makes it pretty easy, is she always brightens someone’s day,” Koster said. “She is a walking service model because people have tests and they are stressed about classes and she is kind of a sense of therapy for people. Having the privilege and honor of taking care of her also encourages me to help others besides being with Reveille.”

Koster knows the alumni who are part of the COADC are some of the best at Texas A&M and he can only hope to help out in some way in the future like he has been helped now.

“Alumni support through the scholarship program is motivation to one day be that alumni and give back to the students,” Koster said. “To see alumni that are still really involved and willing to give back so that students can be as successful as them one day shows that they are one of the best alumni groups at Texas A&M.”

Matt Berg, Texas A&M University graduate student, has been selected as one of the Ecological Society of America’s Grad Student Policy awardees.

The Ecological Society of America’s Grad Student Policy Award, also known as GSPA, is awarded each year to three graduate students and gives them the opportunity to have a hands-on science policy experience and to interact with congressional decision makers.

From a very early age, Berg has always been an observant person.

“I am always looking at the big picture and making connections, looking for patterns in things,” Berg said.

The question that always comes to his mind is, “Why?” Through his travels he has become interested in ecosystems science.

After receiving a degree at Texas A&M – Galveston, Berg knew that he wanted to further his education. When weighing his options for grad school, he heard a lot about the faculty at Texas A&M. A&M offered to invest in him as a student and gave him great opportunities such as exciting research projects.

Berg was involved in a program that wrote the first watershed protection plan approved by the EPA for the state of Texas. A lot of projects are now copying the plan or program and looking at how to save water. The program came up with innovative ways to get people involved and caring about the watershed.

Having a deep interest in how things work and what things mean have lead Berg to be sort of a “nerd word.” The true definition of Ecology has helped him learn a deeper meaning for the study. Ecology literally means “how,” according to Berg. Taking care of this place that we call home and understanding how our actions can affect it is what really drives him to further his studies.

“The earth gives us everything we need to build things and everything that we need to eat,” Berg said.

Berg believes that stressing the importance of ecology in schools and teaching more about the future challenges and issues is a necessity for our future.

“Really understanding how it affects us will make us better as a population,” Berg said.

Throughout his time at Texas A&M, he has had some spectacular experiences that have increased his interest and knowledge of ecology.

“Being at such a large university, there are people studying anything you can imagine. More and more people are playing outside the traditional boundaries and interacting with people outside of their college at the campus, cross pollinating and exchanging ideas,” Berg said.

Berg has furthered his studies by participating in several study abroad programs. He went to Brazil in January of 2012. He compared this place with our home and other places. He thought it was neat to see things going on in the world around us and what it means for our future.

Winning this award is Berg’s opportunity to inform decision makers. He believes that most decision makers make their choices from emotions or passions but do not always have the complete picture. He wants to help provide a well-informed voice in the future.

The decisions that we make now will affect us in the future. We need to continue to understand science and keep the decision maker informed. He wants to highlight the issues that are really important and open a door to maybe do more in the future.

When Berg meets with the legislators, he plans to break things down and really show how ecology is not just one concept and is not something that can just be taught in the classroom. He says everything that happens is connected to economic structure and everything that we do. We need to emphasize it’s inherit value and appreciate the value of continuing to fund science and promote it’s education.

As the day of receiving the award approaches, Berg has been preparing for his trip to Washington by keeping track of budget issues. He believes that it is important to stay informed about political current events. Berg says that he is not really nervous but he will start to be as the day approaches.

Congratulations to the 2013 Buck Weirus Spirit Award recipients!

The Buck Weirus Spirit Award recognizes “students for their outstanding contributions to the university through participation in student organizations, Aggie traditions and university events,” according to the Association of Former Students where the award’s namesake, Richard “Buck” Weirus, was executive director from 1964-80. Of the 50 awards given this year, eight of them were given to students of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Undergraduate Student Awards
Drew Alders, agricultural economics
Rolan Fields, agribusiness
Samantha Garcia, agriculture leadership and development
Lesli Garrett, agricultural economics and agriculture communications and journalism
Daylon Koster, agriculture leadership and development
Monica Zuniga, agriculture communications and journalism

Graduate Student Awards
Kevin Andrews, agriculture leadership, education and communications
Kalee Bumguardner, agriculture leadership, education and communications

Congratulations to the 2013 Association of Former Students Distinguished Graduate Student Award recipients!

This honor is given to 15 Texas A&M students each year for “exemplary efforts in research and teaching.” The students are nominated by their faculty advisors or their departments, and to be nominated is truly an honor and an accomplishment in itself, due to the strenuous eligibility requirements. This year, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences had more recipients than any other college in the university.

Doctoral Research Awards
Dr. Yongchul Shin, biological and agricultural engineering
David Toledo, ecosystem science and management

Teaching Awards
Alison Bockoven, entomology
Leslie Frenzel, animal science
Dianne Stroman, ecosystem science and management

Congraulations to the 2013 President’s Award for Academic Advising recipients!

Established in 2004, the this award recognizes outstanding individuals who exemplify the qualities and practices of exceptional academic advising and service to students. Five of these awards were given this year, and three of them were given to College of Agriculture and Life Sciences staff. Recipients received a $2,000 award and a plaque.

Awards
Dr. David “Poppy” Capehart, nutrition and food sciences
Trina Gregory, biochemistry and biophysics
Donna Witt, animal science

Congraulations to the 2013 Ed Guthrie Advisor Award!

In 1989, Regent Royce Wisenbaker was instrumental in establishing the Ed Guthrie Advisor Award. This award recognizes the efforts of faculty and staff members who exemplify former advisor Dr. Ed Guthrie’s spirit and concern for students’ welfare combined with skillful and insightful advisement. Each spring, the University Advisors and Counselors honor one or more individuals as the recipient(s) of the distinguished award. Recipients are publicly honored and receive both a monetary award and plaque at the awards ceremony. In addition, Texas A&M has determined that a need exists to recognize and give merit and incentives to faculty and staff for their roles as advisors and counselors.

Award
Ashlea Schroeder, biological and agricultural engineering

Congratulations to the 2013 Margaret Rudder Service Award recipients!

The Margaret Rudder Community Service Award seeks to recognize and award those who significantly impact their community and, as a result, are themselves impacted by that contribution. Five of the six students awarded this year are College of Agriculture and Life Sciences majors.

Awards
Andrea Fonseca, horticulture
Ana Sofia Corona Gaxiola, agronomy
Hayley Rogers, entomololgy
Cole Skinner, biological and agricultural engineering
Cory Whitaker, agricultural leadership

Congratulations to the 2013 Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities award recipients!

This award recognizes students for contributions in leadership, service, campus activities and academic achievement that set them apart from others as models to emulate for students at Texas A&M University and other institutions of higher education.

Graduate Student Award
Amir M. Samani Majd, biological and agricultural engineering

Undergraduate Student Awards
Justin Benavidez, agricultural economics
Riddhi Bodani, biochemistry and biophysics
Deanna Bosse, agriculture business
Lonisa Early, animal science
Caleb Gottlich, nutrition and food science
Whitney Hinze, agriculture business
Aron Hutchins, agriculture leadership
Jake Riley, agriculture business
Alfredo Tellez-Giron, food science and technology

Congratulations to the 2013 Gathright Scholar Award recipients!

The Thomas S. Gathright Scholar Award is presented by The Association of Former Students in conjunction with Texas A&M’s Student Government Association. The award was established in April 1973 and is given annually to the outstanding sophomore, junior, and senior of each academic college. Named in honor of the first president of the A&M College of Texas, this award recognizes outstanding scholastic achievement on a university-wide scale.

The Gathright Scholar Award is given yearly at the Parents’ Weekend All-University Awards Ceremony and carries a great deal of prestige. The selection criteria calls for nomination of outstanding students by the dean of their respective college.

Sophomore Award
Seth Huffhines, animal science

Junior Award
Mollie Lastovica, agricultural communications

Senior Award
Riddhi Bodani, biochemistry and biophysics

Richard “Rejy” Bacchus, a Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences senior and Marine Corps veteran, received Veteran of the Month for February for exemplifying leadership and excellence as a student and veteran.

“It’s a great honor,” Bacchus said. “There’s a ton of veterans at A&M and with it being a former all military school with military traditions, it really humbled me to receive such an award.”

In 2004, Bacchus signed a four-year contract with the Marine Corps and was a machine gunner in a line platoon in charge of a 240 Gulf, a light machine gun.

“It was still fresh from September 11^th, but it had been brewing inside of me that I wanted to serve our country,” Bacchus said.

Bacchus said that the Marines gave him all kinds of positive attributes such as discipline, honor, commitment, and integrity, many of which also represent Aggie Core Values. Bacchus left the Marines in August of 2009 after being held over one year of his contract for medical reasons.

After getting out, Bacchus immediately entered school attending a few colleges until he found his home with Texas A&M in June of 2012.

“Going to A&M was a lifelong dream of mine,” Bacchus said. “If I hadn’t of gone into the Marine Corps, I wouldn’t have gotten into A&M.”

Aside from being a full-time student, Bacchus is also doing an internship with Dr. Kim Free. He recently was in charge of finding and coordinating volunteers for a volleyball tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, that occurred in April.

Bacchus said it’s difficult to work in Texas trying to find volunteers in Kentucky, but that it has taught him valuable lessons about networking and working hard.

“It’s fun and a great opportunity that she gave to me,” Bacchus said.  “It’s challenging, but rewarding.”

Aside from classes and his internship, Bacchus also trains and competes with the USA National Sitting Volleyball Team, who invited him to compete in Costa Rica in April, from which he brought home a gold medal. Bacchus’ goal is to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil in sitting volleyball.

Bacchus has also competed in the Warrior Games in Colorado, bringing home gold and silver medals, and the Marine Corps Marathon and Rock & Roll Marathon with Team Semper Fi in hand-cycling.

After Bacchus graduates in December, he plans to continue school to earn his MBA so he can find a career in sales and marketing. Bacchus said he couldn’t have done any of this if it was for the Marine Corps and for Karen Cambronero, a military admissions liaison in the admissions office on campus.

“Overall, I’m thankful, but I’m very thankful for Karen,” Bacchus said.  “She’s been amazing to not only me, but all the other veterans that attempt to come through A&M.”

Before becoming interns, students go through a highly competitive process that includes an essay application and three interviews with congressional staff and faculty. As a result, the program is very prestigious and our Aggie interns are well known in Washington and Austin, and will soon be known internationally as we prepare to send our very first student to complete an internship in Rome, Italy with the Food and Agriculture Organization.

At the 2013 Ag Convocation, those participants were recognized for their hard work and commitment to public service. Although most could not attend as they were on location at their internships, two were able to make it and the others will be recognized at a later date.

ANRP Spring 2013 Interns

Spring 2013 Interns

William Carey is junior from Houston, TX and is pursuing a double major in agricultural economics and agribusiness with a certificate in international trade in agriculture and international business. While at Texas A&M, William has served as a staff member of MSC Aggie Leaders of Tomorrow. William is currently interning in the Office of Congressman John Carter.

Shiloh Perry of Dime Box, Texas is a junior agricultural leadership and development major. Apart from her course work at Texas A&M University, she is an active member of Collegiate FFA and Sigma Alpha. Shiloh is currently interning for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and hopes to gain a better understanding of agricultural policy.

ANRP Fall 2012 Interns

Fall 2012 internships

Thomas Baine is a recreation, parks & tourism major from Salado, Texas, and interned last fall with Congressman John Carter. During his time at Texas A&M, Thomas has been an active volunteer in the community by coaching youth basketball for the Kor School. After graduation, Thomas plans on pursuing a master’s degree in public administration.

Graciela Bradford of Dallas, Texas, interned with the National Association of State Department of Agriculture and will graduate this May with a degree in agricultural economics with an emphasis on food marketing systems. During her time at Texas A&M, Gracie has served as assistant director MSC FISH and director of MSC Marketing.

Brooke Brock from Austin, Texas, interned with the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs with the U.S. Department of Agriculture last fall and will be graduating this May with a degree in agricultural communications and journalism. While at Texas A&M, Brooke has worked and volunteered throughout the local community advocating for agriculture.

Julie Anna Clark, from Magnolia, Texas, interned with Congressman Kevin Brady and will be graduating this May with a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness and a minor in poultry science. During her time at Texas A&M, Julie Anna has served as president of the Agricultural Economics Society, and is an agriculture advocate through Farmers Fight.

Lindsay Garrett is a May 2012 graduate from Benbrook, Texas, with a degree in agricultural communications and journalism and received a certificate of meat science. She interned with the House Committee on Agriculture. During her time at Texas A&M, she served as president of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and was a member of ALEC Aggie REPS.

George Anthony Guajardo II interned with Congressman Charles Gonzalez. He is double majoring in forestry and ecological restoration from Fort Worth, Texas. While at A&M, he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and the Ross Volunteer Company, among other community involvements.

Katie Heinrich is from Slaton, Texas, interned with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture this past fall. She is pursuing a double major in animal science and agricultural communications & journalism. At Texas A&M, she serves as Public Relations Committee Chair of Student Council and is an Animal Science Aggie REP.

Dorothy Herrman is an August 2012 graduate from College Station, Texas, with a degree in food science. She interned with Congressman Bill Flores. Dorothy is currently a masters student in the Cereal Quality Lab.

Jennifer McCallum is a May 2012 graduate from Fort Worth, Texas, with a degree in animal science and is currently applying for vet school to continue her education in veterinary medicine and work with animals in agriculture. Jennifer interned with Representative Ralph Hall.

Thomas Uselton is from Austin, Texas, and will graduate in May 2013 with a degree in bioenvironmental science. During his time at Texas A&M University, he conducted biofuel research and competed with the collegiate fishing and archery teams. Thomas interned with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

Rachel Walther is a senior from Dallas, Texas, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural leadership and development with an emphasis in international studies as well as a minor in business administration. She attended the 2011 World Conference on Sustainable Value Chain Agriculture for Food Security and Economic Development in Windhoek, Namibia. Rachel interned with Congressman Jeb Hensarling.

Jenna Wheeler is from Magnolia, Texas and will be graduating in May with a degree in animal science. She interned with Congressman Francisco Canseco. While at A&M, Jenna has been an active member of Sigma Alpha and she participates in many after school and community projects.

Rachel Wong is a May 2012 graduate from Richardson, Texas, with a degree in agribusiness and a Certificate in International Trade and Agriculture. She interned with Congressman Pete Sessions. During her time at Texas A&M, she was involved with the Public Relations Officer of the Agricultural Economics Society, and was a member of Alpha Zeta Honorary Agricultural Fraternity.

ANRP Summer 2013 Interns

Summer 2013 Interns

Tera Carroll, of Hereford, TX, is an agricultural leadership and development major expected to graduate in December 2013. She will be interning with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Tera has worked with A&M’s Agriculture Communications Student Research, the Horse Center and the Conference on Student Government Association.

Mark Goering is originally from Iowa and spent many summers working as a farmhand on the Wright Family Farm. While working and studying in China he learned Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese. Mark is expected to earn his masters in agribusiness in May of 2014. He will be interning with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

Donald “Henre” Honnas is a senior forensic science major, from Bryan, Texas, expected to graduate in August 2013. Henre has received honors and held many leadership positions as a member of the corps of cadets. Henre will be interning with Congressman Jeb Hensarling.

Austin Joyce is a junior agribusiness major from Pearland, Texas with an agricultural background. He is involved with the National Beef Ambassador Program, Texas Beef Leaders Program and AP Cattle Livestock Operation. Austin will be interning with Congressman Bill Flores.

Callie McNulty, from Smithville, Texas, is an agricultural communications and journalism major expected to graduate in May 2014. Callie’s campus involvement includes the Muster Committee, Fish Aides and Greek Life. She will be interning with Congressman Kevin Brady.

Andrew Rubio of Spring, Texas, is a junior animal science major from Spring, TX. Aside from holding campus leadership positions, Andrew has worked at HEB since 2008 and finances 95% of his education through his employment, loans and grants. He will be interning with Congressman Ruben Hinojosa.

Jessica Sampson received her Bachelor of Science degree in animal science and management at the University of California Davis and is a first year graduate student pursing her Master’s degree in agricultural economics. She will be interning with the U.S. Department of Agriculture this summer.

MaKayla Spaman, originally from California, is an animal science major expected to graduate in May 2014. This summer, she will be interning with the House Committee on Agriculture. MaKayla’s involvement on campus includes being a member of the livestock judging team, saddle and sirloin club, and beef cattle association.

Congratulations on being selected to participate in the program and we look forward to great things from you in the months ahead and beyond.

Award of Merit for Scholarship, Outstanding Senior
1.    Jesse D. Pyle (Bioenvironmental Sciences)

Outstanding Graduating Seniors (By Major)
1.    Whitney P. Hinze (Agribusiness)
2.    Justin R. Benavidez (Agricultural Economics)
3.    Megan J. Haas (Agricultural Communications & Journalism)
4.    Megan L. Moore (Agricultural Leadership & Development)
5.    Lockie R. Breeding (Agricultural Science)
6.    Catherine L. Moore (Animal Science)
7.    Julie A. England (Biochemistry)
8.    Jesse D. Pyle (Bioenvironmental Sciences)
9.    Jenise R. Anderson (Biological & Agricultural Engineering)
10.    April A. Welch (Community Development)
11.    Jennifer Rhinesmith (Entomology)
12.    Alfredo Tellez-Giron, III (Food Science & Technology)
13.    Julie M. Butler (Forensic Investigative Science)
14.    Amanda L. Hancock (Forestry)
15.    Lauren M. Garcia (Horticulture)
16.    Bethany A. Tolson (Nutritional Sciences)
17.    Jake S. Pieniazek (Poultry Science)
18.    Kelsey R. Davis (Rangeland Ecology & Management)
19.    Madison L. Wigley (Renewable Natural Resources)
20.    Riley F. Emmons (Spatial Sciences)
21.    Sergio Moreno (University Studies)
22.    Haley N. Woelfel (Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences)

Outstanding Graduate Student – Master’s Degree
1.    Matthew Cleaver (Agribusiness)
2.    Benjamin E. Farnsworth (Agricultural Economics)
3.    Alexa M. Leventini (Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication)
4.    Zooho Kim (Biological & Agricultural Engineering)
5.    Stephanie Iselt (Poultry Science)

Outstanding Graduate Student – Ph.D.
1.    Yarui Li (Agricultural Economics)
2.    David DeSousa (Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication)
3.    Chase A. Runyan (Animal Science)
4.    Gregory A. Johnson (Biochemistry)
5.    Warren B. Sconiers (Entomology)
6.    Ashley B. Keith (Physiology of Reproduction)

Award of Merit for Teaching
1.    Jason G. Vogel, Ph.D. (Department of Ecosystem Science & Management)
2.    Alice Blue-McLendon, D.V.M. (Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology)

Award of Merit for Research
1.    Penny Riggs, Ph.D. (Department of Animal Science)

Award of Merit for Extension
1.    Craig Coufal, Ph.D. (Department of Poultry Science)

Award of Merit for Professional Staff
1.    Pam Vernon (Department of Agricultural Economics)

Congratulations to the 2013 Gail W. and David P. Marion ’65 Teaching Award Recipient!

Dr. Jason West is the recipient of the 2013 Gail W. and David P. Marion ’65 Teaching Award. Dr. West obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Range Science from Utah State University and a Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Georgia. He came to Texas A&M in July 2008 and provides expertise in plant physiological ecology and ecosystem ecology. His teaching experience includes RENR 215, Fundamentals of Ecology lab, ESSM 311, Biogeochemistry and Global Change and a graduate course in plant physiological ecology. A student in his Biogeochemistry course said, “Dr. West is someone that I really admire. Aside from his knowledge of Biogeochemistry, he displays a true interest in his students. The lectures are thorough and he explains the concepts in a simple manner which can be easily understood while encouraging questions along the way. I like the environment of the class and look forward to the lectures, as I feel that I am learning and growing as an individual every day.”

Congratulations to the 2013 Honor Professor Award Recipient!

Dr. Tryon Wickersham is the 2013 Honor Professor chosen by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council. Dr. Wickersham goes above and beyond both in and out of the classroom to assure student success in all aspects of their lives. Not only is he acclaimed for his work in animal nutrition, but also, he structures his courses in a way that makes the difficult information understandable to all students. He demands that students think, assimilate major concepts and structures his exams fairly to assess their understanding but also challenge them academically. One of his students said, “Not only did Dr. Wickersham challenge his students intellectually, he also invests in students’ lives to assure success in their respective majors. He meets the needs of each type of learner in the class in order to fully comprehend each concept.”

Congratulations to the 2013 Alpha Zeta Award Recipients…

Outstanding Freshman:

Kylee Mann is a Food Science and Technology major from Cypress, TX with a 4.0 GPA. In just a year’s tenure on campus, she has already become an active member of the campus community by being involved with the Freshman Leadership Development Retreat and the Food Science Club. In her short time at A&M, she has already demonstrated leadership by serving as the Assistant Merchandise Chair of the Kappa Delta sorority. She hopes to become a food scientist, researching and developing nutritional products to benefit sports performance on all competition levels after her 2016 graduation.

Outstanding Sophomore:

Berry Isensee is an Ecological Restoration major from Bellaire, TX who has an impressive 4.0 GPA. A very involved student on campus, he is Treasurer for the Texas A&M Soil and Water Conservation Society, member of the Texas A&M Society of American Foresters and a Younglife Leader. He works as a lab research assistant in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management and has volunteered at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for the past four years.

Outstanding Junior:

Chris Cai is a Food Science and Technology major from Nanjing, China. This young man is a member of the Corps of Cadets where he is a Cadet Master Sergeant and member of the General OR Simpson Corps Honor Society. He is the PR officer of the Food Science Club and Event Director for the Chinese Student and Scholars Association. He works as a Help Session leader for the Department of Mathematics and maintains a 3.8 GPA. This student has already been recognized for his outstanding accomplishments by the Corps of Cadets as a recipient of the Academic Gold Star.