Forum
The Battalion
Page 4B • Thursday, April 29,2004
Building trust
New SBP pledges to keep promises
■r -
JACK
HILDEBRAND
A nother semester in
Aggieland is on final
approach, but the
Student Government
Association’s year of work is
preparing for takeoff. As I
chart our course for the com
ing year, I would like to first
thank the student body for the
confidence it placed in me in
this month’s elections.
In retrospect, this past year SGA has accom
plished much in the way of effectively meeting
the needs of the student body. Some specific
examples include the delaying of Hotard Hall's
closing, as well as deferring large tuition increas
es for the students. However, as with any organi
zation seeking achievement, SGA must push for
ward with continuous improvements.
Students can expect great things from SGA
this year, and I am proud to report that fulfill
ment of our campaign platform is already
underway. A promise made is a promise kept,
and I intend to deliver on each one I have made.
But I won’t be alone in keeping these promis
es. I have assembled a phenomenal team of
Aggies who are committed not only to me and
my vision, but also to you — students — and this
great University. We are not vice presidents,
executive directors or committee chairmen, but
student advocates w ho are here solely to work
for you. This team is motivated not by titles or
glory, but by a desire to preserve and defend the
University's tradition of excellence. Your inter
ests are our interests, and we will keep them
close to heart.
We as student advocates will walk with
you, talk with you and dine with you as we
listen to your opinions and heed your con
cerns. Our offices will be your residence halls,
classrooms and meeting places, and our office
hours will be any time, anywhere you want to
meet. Tell us where to be, and then tell us
what’s on your mind.
My team is excited about the year ahead,
and we are driven more than anything by our
desire to serve. I hope you w ill take the time to
u
I will respect, value and
communicate all student
opinions to the
administration, regardless of the
issue.
get to know us. There will be plenty of oppor
tunity for that, as we plan to bring student gov
ernment to you.
My pledge to you is a Student Government
Association that truly is of, by and for the stu
dents. I w ill respect, value and communicate all
student opinions to the administration, regardless
of the issue. I will not rest until 1 have accom
plished that which students seek, and that is a
promise you can count on.
A year from now, 1 will judge my success not
only by our tangible accomplishments, but also
by your level of trust in student government. We
w ill achieve our goals — of this I have no doubt.
But we also w ill strive to earn your respect and
confidence. If we fail in that cause, our year of
work will have been without significance.
Our vision is for a better Texas A&M. one
that has realized its storied past and chosen to
preserve that legacy for the future. The stu
dents of Texas A&M and the generations yet to
come deserve the best, “the spirit that can ne’er
be told."
That’s what we will give, through tireless,
passionate representation.
Jack Hildebrand is the student body president
for the 2004-2005 school year.
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Traditions make A&M
a special place forever
JULIO
JANA
A s time goes by. Aggies
are reminded of the
greatness and power of
the Aggie family — But have
we really learned the signifi
cance of being an Aggie?
To fully appreciate this
family, students must look
beyond the exams, class
projects and extracurricular
activities that consume their
collegiate lives.
As a student in the College of Agriculture
and Life Sciences I have learned that, regardless
of a department’s size, one can still receive spe
cial treatment. In studying agricultural econom
ics, I have been frequently challenged to give
my best in life.
As the president of the International Student
Association, I have been privileged to work
closely with University President Robert M.
Gates, vice presidents and student leaders.
During this time, I have developed a great
appreciation for the honorable work done
behind the scenes to assure that A&M is a
world-renowned university.
Despite the enriching academic environ
ment that surrounds us, one’s education is not
complete until he experiences the Aggie tradi
tions. A true Aggie knows that birds fiy out of
the trees after the first shots at Silver Taps. A
true Aggie knows the overw helming emotion
of first putting on the Aggie ring. A true
Aggie embraces unfamiliar faces during
Elephant Walk and Junior E-Walk. And only
true Aggies come together to silently honor
fallen Aggies from all over the world who are
unable to ever join us again for Muster.
As graduation day approaches, a storm of
mixed emotions washes throughout someone who
has experienced A&M to its fullest. May 15 is
rapidly approaching and, while I think I am final
ly ready to face the “real world,” I find myself
chained to my roots in Aggieland.
As a Brazilian, I cannot relate to the first
phrase of the cliche that says “ Texan by birth -
Aggie by the Grace of God,” but I can certainly
identify myself as being an Aggie. Being thou
sands of miles away from my homeland has made
me appreciate even more this sense of belonging
Being part of an institution that strives to be
more diverse and welcoming while maintaining
and enhancing our traditions, makes me the
proudest fightin’Texas Aggie. As I move on
with my life, I am unspeakably thankful to
A&M for building the strong Aggie family I
w ill need to be successful in life.
As an ambassador of A&M. I will always
wear my Aggie ring in appreciation for what this
University has given me. I shall also never forget
the friends, the lessons and the true significance
of being an Aggie.
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Julio Jana is the president
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MAIL CALL
Archery program
should not be cut
The archery program should not
be cut to club status. It appears
we are the opposite of Robin Hood
in that we steal from the jaoor and
give to the rich. The archery pro
gram has given A&M some hope
for athletics by having a quality
program, which includes one of
the best athletes ever to play in
her sport. This has given A&M a
good name all over the world, and
I think it is important that archery
be continued.
Byrne must think everything will
be OK because the team and
incoming freshmen will maintain
their scholarships. They came
here to compete, and if it moves
to a club sport do you really think
the program has much of a
future? I guess my bottom line is
that I understand this is a busi
ness. but this is not professional
sports, our athletes do not get
paid. Maybe Byrne should consid
er this, what if his salary was only
from private funding?
You'll be glad you
have a license.
Stop by the campus bookstore April 29 ,h between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
to try out a Tablet PC--the next evolution of the notebook.
You'll want to drive one home.
Microsoft*
Windows x p
Tablet PC Edition
www.tabletpc.com
www.journeyed.com
O 2004 Microsoft Corporation r ghts reserved. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are either registered trademarks or
trademarks ofMicrosoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countr es.
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