thebattalion
Texas routs A&M, 69-49 In an attempt to rebound from a 21-point beating two weeks ago in Austin, A&M was outplayed from the tip-off. The Longhorns jumped out to a 18-6 lead early, en route to a 45-20 first half. A&M’s Khris Middleton was held scoreless on 0 for 9 shooting.
● tuesday,
february 1, 2011
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2011 student media
silver taps
Time-honored tradition awes if you go ◗ 10:30 tonight in Academic Plaza ◗ The campus will be darkened at 10:20 p.m. ◗ At 10:30 p.m. an honor guard from the Ross Volunteer Co. will march across campus from the Corps of Cadets area to the plaza, where members will fire three rifle volleys to honor the memory of these students. Buglers from the Aggie Band will play a special arrangement of “Taps.” The tolling of the Albritton Tower bells will signal the end of the ceremony.
Haley Lawson The Battalion Silence. Thousands of students crowd Academic Plaza and honor the loss of fellow Aggies. They listen to the slow steady marching of the Ross Volunteer Firing Squad. Gunshots sound, Tradition then the playing of Taps puts the features crowd in awe. Each day this This tradition is week, a Battalion 113 years old and reporter will delve has touched stuinto the history of dents and famione of the A&M lies. Silver Taps traditions students is one of the most honored tradirecognize. tions at Texas A&M University. On the first Tuesday of every month, students and families gather in Academic Plaza to honor the Aggies who have died the previous month. “I like how reverent the whole experience is. It’s just a really great way to show respect for fallen Aggies,” said Drew Clark, a sophomore spatial sciSee Silver Taps on page 2
Sept. 7, 1971 - Nov. 18, 2010 Joe Don Cole
Student finds passion at school Haley Lawson The Battalion Joe Don Cole was a senior English major at Texas A&M University and had a love for writing. Cole was born Sept. 7, 1971. When he graduated high
He was very quick-witted and carefree. Judson Cole, Joe’s brother
school he went to Sam Houston State University for a year, then enlisted in the Air Force in order to help pay for college. After the Air Force, he attended A&M as See Cole on page 7
May 22, 1992 - Dec. 12, 2010 Steven Scott England
He never gives up his hope Connie Thompson The Battalion Sheila England said her son Steven England always had a bounce in his step and brought a smile to everyone’s face. Steven loved sports, but not as much
Always smiling, set to improve the world. Scott England, Steven’s father
as he loved God. His relationship with God is what gave him strength and courage battling cancer until he lost the fight on Dec. 12, 2010, at the age of 18. A mass of Christian burial See England on page 8
March 1, 1989 - Jan. 9, 2011 Taylor Adrian Gillespie
Corps leader leaves lasting legacy Stephanie Massey The Battalion Taylor Gillespie, commanding officer of Trident Company P2 was known for his exuberantly funny personality, shaped by his witty charisma and for
He was a person [who] could light up a room. Lauren Thompson, senior agricultural communication and journalism major
having a deep magnanimous faith. Gillespie, a senior communication major, was killed in a car accident on Jan. 9, 2011, as he traveled back with his faSee Gillespie on page 8
Aug. 27, 1989 - Dec. 15, 2010 Cory Douglas Monzingo
Inspiring student loses cancer battle Alexandria Randolph The Battalion During his sophomore year, senior Cory Douglas Monzingo was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer, DSRT, desmoplastic small round cell tumor. On Dec.
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He had a unique sense of humor that was great to be around.
Photo illustration by Jake Ross — THE BATTALION
A triumphant past University programs aim to celebrate, preserve culture Gabrielle Royal The Battalion
B
lack History Month has been celebrated in the U.S. since 1976. Through the contributions of students, faculty and community members, Black History Month at Texas A&M pays tribute to the achievements of African descendants throughout American history.
Activities ◗ Black Student Alliance Council presents “Advance Your Swagger, a Conversation with Fonzworth Bentley” at 7p.m. today in the Rudder Theatre Complex. ◗ “Reflections of The Color Purple” a lecture will begin at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in Rudder 410. ◗ Africana Studies will present Still Black: A Portrait of Black Transmen 6 p.m. Feb. 10; location TBA.
◗ MSC Woodson Black Awareness Committee will present the Black History Game Show at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 in Studio 12.
“Black History Month is a time of reflection. It gives us an opportunity to look at the past, the present and the future,” said Danielle Jones, a junior accounting major and director of development for the MSC Carter G. Woodson Black Awareness Committee. “This opportunity will allow different cultures to have a better understanding of one another, a time for those not familiar with black history to learn.” Students said building awareness about black history will impact A&M by giving students an opportunity to broaden cultural lenses. “I think it will make a large difference intellectually. Allowing students, like myself, to attend these events gives them the opportunity to expand their knowledge on history that they may not be familiar with,” Jones said. Known to many as the “Father of Black History,” Carter G. Woodson is recognized as founder. In 1926, initiators established the commemoration as “Negro History Week,” and it expanded into Black History Month. Black History Month is a time to highlight black historical achievements. It is a time of
observation for African-Americans regarding the fiber of their culture. “I believe that people should focus on their culture every day. The self-destructive behavior that we see in the current descendants of West Africans and indigenous American populations is in part due to the destruction of their cultures,” said Stephen Sargent, lecturer in the Department of Political Science. Annually celebrated and observed across the U.S., the month of February has become a time for people celebrate, acknowledge and reflect on the heritage of African descendants. “Those that feel Black History Month is unnecessary fail to realize that it was created to counter the cultural plagiarism of Western institutions that have taken credit for African accomplishments and systematically excluded the true history of Africa and Africans,” Sargent said. Students said there is a sense of pride in celebrating Black History Month. “Black History month is a remembrance of our heritage,” said David Johnson, a sopho-
Travis Tilat, friend
15 2010, Cory Monzingo lost his two-year battle to cancer. He was 21. “He never gave up,” said Jeff Monzingo, Cory’s father. “He See Monzingo on page 7
To fully appreciate our diverse culture, we must celebrate all of the different cultures that make it up. By celebrating Black History Month, we can learn more about AfricanAmericans and their strong culture. Cameron Valeuta, freshman political science major
See February on page 8
thebattalionasks
Q:
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is important to me, because it reminds me of where I’ve come from. It also reminds me that America is the country where people have the freedom to voice their opinions to change policies. The leaders of the civil rights movement paved the way for blacks to have the same rights as whites. I’m proud to be black because of my heritage and my people’s struggle to get to where I am today. Gabrielle Cox, sophomore zoology major
Black History Month is something everyone should be aware of. It’s a part of our history and it shows how much we’ve progressed. Black History Month is everything from slavery to the status quo of today. Looking back to when African-Americans had no rights, we’ve come a long way; they have not only gained freedom, but a rightful place in today’s society. Betty Tan, freshman biomedical science major
The United States is a nation filled with rich culture from many different ethnicities, and Black History Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the individuality that distinguishes African-Americans. Rito Herrera, sophomore political science major
Amber Jaura, staff writer
1/31/11 10:11 PM