Student Affairs programs are often centered on goals that include increasing leadership skills or building community. This is easy to see in action when students are engaged in workshops, making connections with new friends or gaining experiences that go on resumes.

The Texas A&M Division of Student Affairs goes beyond these cues to examine the underlying data to understand how students are impacted as a whole. At the core of this work is the division’s department of Student Affairs Planning, Assessment & Research (SAPAR).

As one of the few student affairs assessment offices in the country, SAPAR partners with student organizations and teams across the division to analyze student outcomes. Topics range from professional growth, leadership development, student belonging and wellbeing. From survey design and data collection to analysis and reporting, SAPAR tailors each project so that staff and students can understand a program’s highlights and its opportunities for growth.

Empowering Student Leadership

Every fall and spring semester, Aggies across majors and class years come together for the Level-up-2-Lead Summit. Hosted by the Department of Multicultural Services (DMS), students receive marketable skills and leadership development by participating in interactive workshops and small-group discussions. Through these learning opportunities, students reflect on their leadership styles and personal strengths that can be applied in a group project for class, a student org meeting or even later in their careers.

SAPAR developed a post-event survey to better understand how students perceived their leadership skills and to obtain feedback about the program.

The study found a striking result: Across the fall and spring summits, 98% and 100% of students agreed that the experience helped them identify areas for growth and feel more confident in their ability to lead and influence others.

“Based on student feedback, the department plans to continue offering interactive and application-focused learning experiences,” said Dekia Greene, student development specialist in DMS. “The findings also support continued investment in coaching, workshops and keynote speakers that provide students with practical leadership tools and strategies.”

Tapping into Aggie Core Values

Student Life’s Aggies Choose campaign is an initiative that promotes responsible and safe student alcohol consumption at Texas A&M. With college students facing pressures on what they “should do” to fit in, the campaign encourages students to define success for themselves. By reinforcing personal choice, mutual respect and the Aggie Core Values, the campaign helps students feel empowered to make their own informed decisions on alcohol consumption.

As part of the fall 2025 campaign, SAPAR conducted a pre- and post-survey to identify existing student perceptions of drinking, in addition to evaluating the effectiveness of the campaign’s messaging. The study revealed that many students closely connect alcohol-related decisions with the university’s culture and traditions.

Subsequent outreach activities to students emphasized the role of personal choice and how there are countless ways to be an Aggie without the pressures of drinking. Students learned about the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, and some committed to a “Party Smart Pledge,” stressing that whether students choose to drink or not, everyone can promote alcohol safety.

“As the campaign moves into the next phase, the team is excited to continue building on that foundation through stronger data collection, message testing and additional research with student populations such as first-year students, student-athletes, and fraternity and sorority students,” said Buck.

A Community for Grad Students

Grad Camp, coordinated by the Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG), fosters connections for graduate and professional students before classes begin.

“Whether it be transitioning from Texas A&M undergrad to a graduate program or adjusting to a new time zone, graduate and professional students are undergoing their own complex transition,” said Dr. Melanie McKoin Owens, assistant director in Student Life.

Welcoming this smaller group of Aggies, Grad Camp introduces Texas A&M resources and creates a space for students to connect.

Since 2009, GPSG has worked with SAPAR to assess the experience of counselors and campers who attend Grad Camp, refining the program to meet the evolving needs of students. Based on feedback from the 2025 Grad Camp, 97% of surveyed students agreed or strongly agreed they were more knowledgeable of Aggie traditions, connected to the Texas A&M graduate community and informed about campus resources. Building on the importance of connections, GPSG decided to add a student panel to share perspectives from a variety of academic disciplines.

This theme of community also shows up in other programs dedicated to graduate and professional school students. SAPAR worked with the Career Center to analyze the effectiveness and student learning of the Individual Development Plan (IDP) Career Exploration series, which is an eight-week summer program that helps master’s and doctoral students map out their career pathways.

From the survey, program participants shared they would have benefited from more engaging breakout sessions. In response, this year’s program incorporated additional breakout sessions and small-group discussions that encouraged collaboration and deeper engagement among students.

“We created and shared a lookbook with information on all of the 80 participants, which facilitated meaningful peer connections,” said Christine Garcia, career development specialist in the Career Center. “Two students in similar graduate programs began working together on assignments for the program and had great conversations as a result.”

By using assessment as a built-in channel for feedback, Texas A&M students and division staff continue to make improvements to programming, ensuring that resources remain effective and relevant to each new class of Aggies. Through a collective commitment to excellence, the Division of Student Affairs delivers the best student experience in the nation, inspiring Aggies to challenge themselves, grow and set out to be a force for good.

Congratulations, you completed your New Student Conference this summer and now the moment you’ve been waiting for is here. Welcome to your first semester in Aggieland!

The anticipation to begin this journey is so real, and so is the uncertainty. As you step into the first few weeks on campus, there are going to be many exciting moments ahead of you. There may also be some overwhelming ones, too. Both are completely normal, and both can exist at the same time.

That’s why there is no such thing as a perfect way to do college. There’s only what you make of it, and these first six weeks are a great time to start making it yours. Try new things, make the best choices you can and see what works out.
Here are six things worth knowing as you find your footing at Texas A&M.

1. Pause and remember: everyone around you is figuring it out, too.

Classes are underway, student organizations are recruiting, events are packed onto the calendar and football is here. It’s a full season, and it can feel like everyone else already knows where they belong.

Spoiler alert: they probably don’t!

Here is the perfect time to pause and remember that pretty much everyone feels the same way you do about wanting to meet people right now.

We promise that despite appearances, your fellow Aggies are also feeling nervous, looking to make friends and memories that make Texas A&M feel like home.

That’s the magic of the first few weeks of school. Say hi to anyone and everyone, because you never know where that first “howdy” will lead you.

2. Showing up when it feels hard is exactly the point.

You might be thinking that you’re already outside of your comfort zone right now. Which is fair, but when questions and doubts start to creep into your head about showing up to something, taking it a step further is key.

Maybe you wanted to go to an event earlier in the week and now you aren’t so sure. Not because you changed your mind, but because you’re wondering if you’ll connect with anyone there or you suddenly feel out of place.

Sometimes the first step is the hardest. Pushing past impostor syndrome and showing up when you feel shy or uncomfortable is a perfect way to prove to yourself you can do hard things!

Put yourself out there, one day you will be glad you did.

3. The healthy habits that sound cliché, but actually help.

Taking care of yourself during this transition is the foundation to your success and wellbeing. And it’s worth noting that you do not need to earn self-care or have a perfect wellness routine planned to get started.

Here are a few simple places to begin:

• Use a planner or Google Calendar to manage your time. Try things, but do not overcommit. You can only be in one place at a time.
• Protect your sleep. Almost everything feels harder when you are running on empty.
• Keep moving. Walk between classes, explore Rec Sports’ Find Your Fit program, sign up for an intramural sport, or try a group fitness class. Regular movement reduces stress, improves focus, and is an easy way to meet people.
• Put the phone down. Doomscrolling rarely helps.

4. Stay in Aggieland, especially at the start.

During your first few weeks it might be tempting to go home often, but we encourage you to resist the urge for the familiar and stick around.

The first few weeks on campus are intentionally designed to help you connect, and a lot of that happens in the in-between moments you only get by staying.

If you need to go home, there is no shame in doing that. But give yourself the chance to be surprised by what sticks around when you do.

5. Find what you love and go find the people who love it, too.

The Aggies you admire for how plugged in they are did not stumble into it. They found something that mattered to them and pursued it.

Starting off, try to narrow down what’s important to you, because there is likely a way to get involved with that here on campus.

Do you love to dance? Volunteer? Play video games? Getting involved in these activities is a great way to meet new people and build your resume while you’re at it.

With more than 1,000 student organizations on campus, plus research and student employment opportunities, there is a place for you here.

Here’s a life hack when it comes to finding these opportunities: Get Involved. The Get Involved platform makes it easy for you to search for student organizations and events happening on campus based on your interests. Check it out!

6. Read your emails. Use your support. Both matter more than you think.

There is a lot coming at you, but we promise that you will find genuinely useful information in your inbox.

Add this to your list of healthy habits: sit down one night a week and skim your emails that aren’t class-related.

The other important thing to remember is that there is support here at Texas A&M for when things feel overwhelming. Asking for help is not a sign something is wrong with you, in fact it’s ordinary, smart and what the people and resources around you are here for.

Leaning on your support right now can look like signing up for a session with academic peer mentors to start your semester strong, meeting with a career counselor for direction on what career fairs to attend, or talking with a staff member in Student Assistance Services or University Health Services if you’re feeling anxious.

The first few weeks in college are an amazing time, but they aren’t without challenges and emotions — that’s totally normal. Remember, the Division of Student Affairs is here for you every step of the way. So connect with our departments and staff members during your time at Texas A&M, because we’re in this together and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

As associate coordinator in Student Community Standards, Skylar Latham ‘23 is often the first point of contact in the student conduct process. Students typically walk into her office hesitant, nervous to be lectured or even criticized. However, Latham quickly sets the tone for the initial meeting.

“I tell students ‘I’m not here to judge you as a person but your actions,’” she explained. “That clarifies that I’m helping them find a path forward.”

Through upfront honesty, she clears any tension in the room. This makes it easier for students to open up, share their stories and take accountability for their next steps — even if they don’t receive sanctions for misconduct.

“Coming from a stance of humility and making the distinction early is beneficial in having a more raw dialogue about whatever students are here to speak about,” Latham added.

From Public Policy to Practice

From Machesney Park, Ill., Latham earned her bachelor’s degree in political science at Lewis University. Upon graduating, she made the 1,000-mile move to Texas A&M for her master’s in public administration. She arrived with the hopes of pursuing a career in educational policy to write laws that would aid youth in underserved communities.

Similar to many of her grad school peers, Latham was searching for a part-time job when she learned of a graduate assistantship in Student Community Standards.

“From the first day I entered the office, I realized that this was a really unique position of meshing all my areas of interest in educational policy into a career,” she said.

Instead of creating public policy, she had the opportunity to directly work with students, supporting them to achieve their personal and professional goals. That meaningful experience led her to stay in the department.

“Policy itself can be isolating, but when you see how policy impacts and helps others grow, that is the more rewarding element of the job,” Latham said.

Creating Space for Growth

Nearly five years later, Latham shared that the biggest lesson she has learned is how different students are across majors, ages and stages of life. This means that student conduct work isn’t one-size-fits-all.

“Having the ability to meet with a wide variety of students definitely dispels the myth that every incident is the same,” Latham said. “A violation might look initially the same at face value, but the student is the difference. They’re their own individual.”

Latham’s role is to be a listener, discerning which resources students may need in the conduct process. This is especially important, as many students are navigating their first major setbacks and often need that extra guidance. Leading with empathy, she creates a safe space in which students feel confident in taking charge of their own growth.

This student-led approach continues in Latham’s other responsibilities as she coordinates hazing education and ethics and decision-making workshops for students and student organizations.

“The last page of the ethics and decision-making workbook is where students can reflect on their incident, and they have real conversations with themselves about what they could have done differently,” said Latham.

Self-reflection is a turning point, as students uphold what it means to be Aggie: to overcome hard moments and build character and integrity that push them towards success.

“One of my favorite parts is that some students come back to say ‘hi’ after completing their student conduct process,” said Latham. “It tells me we’re doing something right.”

Get to know Skylar Latham

You’re from Illinois, and you moved to Texas A&M for grad school. What was it about Aggieland that drew you here?

I graduated from Lewis University and studied political science. I knew I didn’t want to go the law school route, and I was really interested in educational policy. Grad school was the next step for me, and I applied to The Bush School. The faculty members I interviewed with were really personable, and it felt like home instantly.

Texas A&M made leaving home for the first time easier because I felt like I wasn’t going somewhere where I would be stranded. I was also the first person in my family to ever earn a college degree, so that network of support was really important to me.

Do you have a favorite memory at Texas A&M?

When I was in grad school, I was a Grad Camp counselor, helping introduce new graduate and professional students to Texas A&M. It did a great job of helping me shape my own role in supporting students now. There is a whole population outside undergraduate and traditional-age students, so it’s great to recognize the larger university community who are engaging in traditions and enjoying the Aggie experience.

Do you have any advice for students who are nervous about coming to Student Community Standards for the first time?

Just a reminder that we’re people, too! We want you to know that ultimately our desire as staff in the office is to see you succeed.

Receiving that conduct letter might be scary, but a message I have for students is that making mistakes is part of the human experience. What’s most important is showing a willingness to grow because that’s why you’re at college to begin with: to better yourself, get a degree and work towards a career that you want. The conduct process can help you strengthen your path towards that goal as well.

What interests do you have outside of work?

I am a big reader and gamer. My fiancé is also a gamer, so we go to our separate little areas, put our headsets on and just play random games together to bond. When it’s not a million degrees outside in the summer, I also hike, and that’s how I destress on the weekends.

One thing that Executive Director Jeff Huskey wants others to know is that Rec Sports has always been about so much more than sweat.

Looking back at its humble beginnings in 1926 as the Intramural Department, Rec Sports has known one truth about Aggies: if you build it, they will come. That’s the philosophy behind the facilities and programs that students in Aggieland have come to know and love so well.

At a glance, five recreational facilities with nearly 700,000 square feet of indoor space serve approximately two million visitors per year. As one of the largest recreational sports departments in the nation, its imprint on life in Aggieland for the past 100 years is equally as impressive as its square footage. Behind the scenes, 38 full-time staff members support what will soon be nine program areas that do far more than keep Aggies active, but shape who they become.

While supporting students in their personal passions for movement, Rec Sports is hard at work building leaders of character, creating spaces where lasting relationships are built, connecting Aggies to a deep network of Rec Sports alumni and having fun while doing it. Celebrating 100 years of the Aggie experience in motion, we’re honoring the people, places and moments that made it all possible, and looking ahead to the next hundred years.

Rising to Meet the Need: 1920s – 1930s

The first recreational sports programs in the United States emerged as early as 1919 to meet the needs of growing student enrollment trends after World War I. Looking for ways to engage more students in physical fitness, fun and social involvement, universities, including Texas A&M, began adopting recreational sports into their official offerings.

For the Aggies, these programs were a perfect fit.

The first recreational initiative at Texas A&M was led by Walter L. Penberthy, lovingly referred to as “Penny” and later as the father of intramurals. Known for his unwavering dedication to the Aggies and his ability to remember the names of every student he met, Penberthy took no credit for the enthusiastic response to participation in intramural recreation.

By the 1930s, more than 1,300 Aggies were participating in intramural activities such as basketball, swimming, tennis, golf, volleyball, football and more. This would only be the beginning. For the next five decades, Penberthy led a department that would grow alongside every generation of Aggies it served.

A New Era: 1960s – 1970s

The Intramural Department was picking up steam nationally in intercollegiate recreational competition. At the same time, the growing enrollment of women at Texas A&M marked the beginning of a new era that would transform the university and Rec Sports alike.

By 1963, women were able to enroll at Texas A&M, but the Intramural Department participation was still heavily male-dominated in the early 1970s. Executive Director Dennis Corrington moved quickly to expand programming and better serve the changing Aggie population.

Coed sports were introduced, along with multiple levels of competitive leagues, offering women a real entry point into recreational programs. The response was immediate, and the growth that followed was unlike anything the department had experienced.

Looking back, the entire era can be summed up by a department willing to change its model to keep up with and reflect the students it served. Navigating that kind of growth required more than good programming, it required the right people leading it. Corrington’s approach to building his staff was intentional, and it became the foundation the department relied on for decades to come.

Building the Best Facilities and a Culture of Family: 1980s – 1990s

In 1983, Rec Sports joined a new home, the Division of Student Services, later known as the Division of Student Affairs. It was a natural fit for a department that had always understood its work with students as integral to life in Aggieland.

At the same time, the department was hitting its stride — expanding programs, investing in new facilities and growing its footprint across campus. But alongside every new court, pool and field, something less tangible was being built: a culture. The kind that made people stay longer than they planned, come back after they’d gone and bring others with them when they did.

Staff who arrived not knowing anyone found community. Students who came looking for something to do found belonging. And both groups kept returning, as former students, as mentors and as Aggies who couldn’t forget what the Rec had meant to them. That culture had a name, even if no one assigned it one officially. Everyone who passed through simply called it family.

Students First, Always: 1990s – 2020s

The opening of the Student Recreation Center (SRC) in 1995 changed everything about the scale at which Rec Sports could serve Aggies.

While still under the leadership of Executive Director Dennis Corrington, the push to build the SRC was a student-supported effort from the beginning. A record number of students turned out to vote in favor of its construction, demonstrating their commitment to expanding recreation opportunities on campus. By the time the SRC opened its doors on Aug. 26, 1995, Rec Sports had already proven that Aggies showed up when given the opportunity. During its first year, the facility welcomed nearly 6,000 visits a day, kicking off a new era of recreation and wellness at Texas A&M. (Source: The Battalion.)

When Rick Hall became director in 2018, the department continued its tradition of growing alongside the university while keeping student development at its core. As plans moved forward for the Polo Road Rec Center and Southside Recreation Center, Hall and his team visited student organizations across campus, presenting models, renderings and photos that illustrated the vision for the new facilities. The Polo Road Rec Center opened in January 2021, followed by the Southside Recreation Center in August 2022, expanding recreation and wellness opportunities for a growing campus.

Beyond expanding its facilities, Rec Sports also stepped into its expansion with a clear priority on student development. What began as on-the-job training for intramural officials evolved into intentional programming built around real-world skills: conflict resolution, leadership, communication, composure under pressure and more. The department eventually hired a staff member dedicated to student development. Years later, former students continued to share how the experiences and skills they gained through Rec Sports prepared them for their careers.

The Future of Rec Sports

The next hundred years will bring new spaces, new programs and new ways of reaching Aggies across a campus that keeps evolving. Yet what Executive Director Jeff Huskey hopes stays consistent is something that began in 1926 — the personal touch. The sense that even at one of the largest universities in the country, no Aggie feels like a number.

Rec Sports will remain a community on campus where students don’t just show up to work out, but where vastly different majors can discover common ground on an intramural court. Where a freshman far from home finds that they belong here. Where Aggies of all kinds can find their groove in the weight room or in a group fitness class.

A century later, the scale of Rec Sports is something Penberthy’s 1926 version of the department couldn’t have anticipated. But reflecting on the department’s legacy, it’s clear that the facilities and the people who fill them have always grown together.

Rec Sports has been a consistent force for good in Aggieland because through the years, the people who built this department understood that world-class facilities and genuine student investment aren’t competing priorities. Together, they’re part of the same mission to give every student at Texas A&M access to the spaces, programs and experiences they need to move, grow and belong. And if the next hundred years look anything like the last, that mission will be carried forward the same way it always has been, with Aggies at the center of it all.

Learn more about Recreational Sports’ centennial story at Texas A&M University.

Howdy, Ags! If you’ve got a spot at Fish Camp this summer, get excited. Before you even set foot on Texas A&M’s campus for the first day of class, you’ll have a community waiting to welcome you. And it all begins at camp.

Fish Camp is one of the most unique traditions in Aggieland. It’s a student-led, student-run orientation experience that has connected generations of Aggies to each other, to Texas A&M and to what it truly means to wear maroon and white.

Every year, Fish Camp counselors get ready to meet new Aggies and pass down the best advice they have to give. So we asked them: What do you wish you’d known before Fish Camp? What’s your best tip for incoming students? And what happens when you step outside your comfort zone? Here’s what they said.

Go In With No Expectations and Give It Everything You’ve Got

You’ve probably heard things about Fish Camp. Maybe from a sibling, a friend or someone on social media. Our counselors’ number one piece of advice? Let all of that go.

No matter what you’ve heard, arrive with an open mind and a full heart. The moment you step off the bus, be intentional. You only have a few days and every conversation, every late-night bonding moment and every shared experience counts. The Aggies who get the most out of Fish Camp are the ones who show up ready to be present.

Fish Camp is relationship-based. The more you give, the more you get back. Lean in and remember that every counselor is there to help you feel comfortable being yourself.

Pro-Tip: You don’t have to be the most extroverted Aggie to have a great experience at Fish Camp. There is something for every personality type at camp.You just have to show up as you.

You’re There to Meet People You Haven’t Met Yet

It might be tempting to stick close to your roommate or the friend you signed up with. Our counselors have one challenge for you: don’t.

Fish Camp is designed to expand your Aggie circle and that only happens if you’re willing to meet people outside your comfort zone. Some of the longest-lasting friendships Aggies make start at camp and more often than not, they happen between people who never would have crossed paths otherwise.

Talk to as many people as you can. Sit next to someone you don’t know. Introduce yourself first. You might be surprised by who becomes part of your Aggie family. The friends you meet at Fish Camp might be the ones who introduce you to a student organization or become your future roomies. The possibilities are endless!

Your Counselors Are Your Greatest Resource

Your Fish Camp counselors aren’t just there to run activities. They’ve lived what you’re about to experience: the excitement of move-in, the nerves of the first week of class, the moments when college felt overwhelming and the moments when it felt like exactly where they were meant to be.

Listen to what they share. Ask them questions. Their stories aren’t just entertaining, they can really help guide you in your first year. They’re here to share what they know and help you feel confident walking into Aggieland for the first time. The Aggie Network doesn’t just start when you graduate, it starts now and it starts at Fish Camp!

Remember that the connections you build with your counselors don’t have to end when camp does. That relationship can carry into the fall and beyond.

Pro-Tip: Stay connected to your counselors and discussion group leaders. Keep an eye out for opportunities to attend Fish Camp continuity events in the fall.

Learn the Traditions, They’re Worth It

Texas A&M’s traditions are unlike anything at any other university in the country. Fish Camp is where you start to understand why. Be curious. Be willing to learn. Trust that the things that might seem unfamiliar at first are the very things that will make you proud to be an Aggie for the rest of your life.

Your counselors will share what these traditions mean to them. Let that land. The students leading your camp have invested themselves in this experience because they believe in it!

A Final Word

Fish Camp is a rare experience: a few days set aside just for you, before the pace of college picks up. Before the assignments and the exams and the schedules. Before you know which Aggie traditions will become your favorites and which organizations will shape who you become.

It’s your first chance to exhale, look around and realize you belong here.

So go in with an open heart. Talk to everyone. Listen to your counselors. Buy into the traditions. Step outside your comfort zone, you’ll be happy that you did.

Hailing from Lubbock, Kate Bertelson ‘22 grew up in Texas Tech territory with Red Raider parents. However, the call to Texas A&M was never far, thanks to her aunt and uncle, former students who worked at the university.

“I grew up visiting College Station, going to Aggie football games and Midnight Yell, so when it came time to apply for colleges, I knew I wanted to be an Aggie,” Bertelson said.

Like many of her peers, Bertelson dove headfirst into Aggie traditions following her acceptance to Texas A&M. This started with Fish Camp, where after the three days, she got off the bus inspired with a calling to help students get connected to the university.

This led her to return as a counselor for Fish Camp, as well as serve as a peer mentor in Residence Life’s Leadership Living Learning Community. With the other mentors, she ran a leadership development class, applying the theories she learned as an agricultural leadership major to support freshman students with their transition to Texas A&M. Through these involvements, Bertelson’s passion for working with students deepened, which led to graduate school with the encouragement of her professors.

After earning a master’s degree in Recreation and Youth Development at Texas A&M, Bertelson landed in Music Activities through the power of the Aggie Network.

“One of my best friends, whom I mentored in the residence halls, was part of the Singing Cadets,” she said. “He called me saying, ‘Kate, this job opened up, and I think you’d be perfect for it.’”

Turns out, he was right, and Bertelson joined the department in 2023 as an administrative coordinator to support the Choral Activities program.

“I found the best community that I could have asked for, and it just goes to show how the Aggie Network connects you with people that they know you’re going to work with well,” she added.

Connections Made through Music

For the majority of students participating in a band, orchestra or choir at Texas A&M, making music is where they get a break from classes to express themselves creatively. As David Kipp, director of the Singing Cadets, says, Aggies should feel like they belong in Choral Activities, “feeding their soul” while singing with their friends.

This meaningful approach is the focus of Bertelson’s work, as she advises the student leaders in the Singing Cadets, Century Singers and Reveliers choirs, supporting them to plan events and navigate budgets. She also hosts dinner at the start and end of every semester for the student employees who support Choral Activities, even opening up her home last year.

“The students came over for burgers, stayed and worked on homework. It made me happy, knowing that I was providing a space they felt comfortable in,” she said.

Community-building reaches beyond Aggieland, as Bertelson travels with the choirs for their tours across Texas.

“Last year, the Singing Cadets performed in Levelland, which is 30 minutes away from Lubbock, and they sold out the entire theater,” she said. “My parents came, and everyone was encouraged to wear their college attire. We had all these Texas Tech fans in the audience supporting us.”

But Bertelson’s most memorable experiences are the adventures she had with the students from the choirs’ travels abroad.

“During the Singing Cadets’ tour in Malaysia, we went up these sprawling stairs in the heat to get to a temple,” she recalled. “By traveling, I get to connect with the students on a different level outside the office, which leads to a deeper appreciation and love for all the groups.”

Through these moments, it’s clear how music brings people together, including Bertelson herself. And on a campus of more than 80,000 students, Choral Activities offers a home for students, where Bertelson is helping to create a community, bonded through their love for music.

Get to know Kate Bertelson

As a student, you were a part of Fish Camp and the Leadership Living Learning Community. What did you enjoy most about those experiences, especially since they’re a part of student affairs?

Coming from Lubbock, I thought finding a community was going to be really difficult because I was so far from home and didn’t have many friends who came to Texas A&M. However, Fish Camp really gave me a sense of belonging that I didn’t find anywhere else, so I decided to apply to be a counselor.

After that first year in the Leadership Living Learning Community, my professor, Dr. Lori Moore, encouraged me and said, “I think you’d be a great peer mentor.” She took me under her wing, and I continued to find that passion for helping freshmen find their place on campus and be there as support for their first-year experience. During the pandemic, they ended up creating a senior peer mentor position, and I stayed.

After earning your bachelor’s degree, you came back for your master’s in Recreation and Youth Development. What led you to that decision?

While earning my undergrad degree in agricultural leadership, I did a lot of youth development and event planning classes, and my professors were fantastic. My committee chair, Dr. Chad Nelson, encouraged me to apply for grad school and pursue the youth development program since I’ve always been interested in camps and youth programs.

In the summers during grad school, I worked at The Boys and Girls Club in Lufkin, working for their swim program and teen program. After graduating, I wanted to stay in Aggieland, so I ended up at The Boys and Girls Club in Bryan until I came to Music Activities.

What does your current role look like supporting the choirs in Music Activities?

I’m an advisor for our student organizations: the Singing Cadets, Century Singers and the Reveliers. I work really closely with their leadership boards such as the president, vice president and treasurer to help them plan their events and oversee what they’re organizing for their group to assess risk management.

I also oversee all the student workers for the choir side of Music Activities by creating their schedules and ensuring they complete mandatory training. I also help with a lot of department events, specifically supporting Mr. David Kipp, who is my direct supervisor, to plan the Singing Cadets’ travel, as they go on tour to promote Texas A&M and what we do for the state of Texas.

The Singing Cadets are one of Texas A&M’s proud traditions. What is it like going on tour and being part of spreading Aggie traditions to new audiences?

It’s really cool! The Singing Cadets are very rich in tradition because they’ve been around the longest and are the oldest student organization on campus. A lot of the choir’s success can be attributed to Mr. Kipp and the music he picks. This year, he has done an outstanding job selecting music for America’s 250th anniversary, with a mix of patriotic songs and Broadway medleys.

My favorite part of concerts is seeing people either tear up or have that physical, “Wow, that was awesome!” reaction. It’s amazing because I get the fulfillment of working with the students, but then I get to see how they’re impacting people who don’t necessarily know Texas A&M.

What is a favorite memory of working in Choral Activities?

My first year, Mr. Kipp took all of the staff to an Aggie baseball game where we were playing Oregon. It was the game where the Aggies won to advance to the super regional in Omaha. We all got to sit together and hang out as a staff at the game, and I was like, “Oh, I work with my family, and this is more than just work.” I feel really lucky that it’s a normal thing that we can go to a baseball game together on a Tuesday or Thursday night.

In addition to all the fun travel moments, I put the Aggie ring on one of my students last April. That was an extremely special moment.

Do you have a favorite Texas A&M memory as a student?

I was in grad school when the Aggie football team played against Alabama in 2021. My friends and I camped out for that game, and it was so much fun, especially because we got to witness the Aggies winning. It was probably one of the coolest experiences I’ve had at Kyle Field, and I got to experience it with my best friends who I still talk to today. We have a rally towel that we all signed that sits in my office as a sweet reminder of the day.

You mentioned swimming as one of your passions outside of work. Are you still involved in the sport?

I coach in the evenings with the College Station Tsunamis, which is our city summer league team. We have swim meets every single weekend from April through July. It’s a little busy, but really fun because it fulfills my heart and my passion for working with youth. I get to work with kids ages 5-18, teaching them how to put their swim cap on and helping them become confident and comfortable in the water.

Kaleb Valentin ‘24 started at Texas A&M University like most incoming transfer students do — looking around at a big, bustling campus, wondering how he would find his place among others who seemingly already had theirs.

For Valentin, a civil engineering major who transferred from community college in San Antonio, adjusting to life in Aggieland within the rigors of Aggie engineering felt daunting.

However, a chance invite from a friend and fellow nervous transfer student to attend an extended orientation program together through Aggie Transition Camps (ATC) would change the trajectory of his journey at Texas A&M in ways he couldn’t imagine.

Not being able to attend Fish Camp the summer before beginning at Texas A&M led Valentin and his friend to Transfer Camp (T-Camp). Offered by the Department of Student Activities, T-Camp is an extended orientation program that goes beyond new student conferences to help transfer students get acclimated to life in Aggieland.

What Valentin found when he walked through the doors with his friend was a group of welcoming students there to support them. Each session offered a shared sense of purpose, providing a place where they could start learning about what it means to be an Aggie and building the foundation for a lifelong community.

“Aggie Transition Camps helps support the transition process for students coming into Texas A&M,” said Valentin. “It really gives you a nice starting point for finding community because coming in, it can be very daunting. The campus seems really large with a lot of people walking around, but it gives you that opportunity to find your Aggie family and to grow professionally and socially.”

Going through the program, Valentin noticed the passion of the students running it, and a light bulb went off. The selfless leadership that he and the others in attendance were experiencing from their own peers struck him. His gears began turning, and he was curious about how he could be the one to give back to others like that.

It was then and there that he decided to get involved, with the goal of becoming a counselor himself.

Counting the cost and paying it forward

Although Valentin felt inspired by the impact T-Camp and its counselors had on his start at Texas A&M, after learning about the cost to join its student organization ATC, it almost didn’t add up for him.

“I’d seen a presentation given by one of the directors on the cost associated with joining, and it felt intimidating,” shared Valentin. “I was thinking to myself that I really wanted to get involved, but I wasn’t sure that my passion could outweigh the financial responsibility.”

Other counselors encouraging him to join tipped the scales. Pointing Valentin to the Aggie Experience Fund, an endowed fund through the Texas A&M Foundation that helps students cover costs associated with involvement at Texas A&M, he applied in hopes of getting his dues paid for.

His application was approved, and Valentin was able to get the funds he needed to join ATC, becoming a counselor just as he had envisioned that day at T-Camp.

The initial spark he felt observing selfless service on display started a three-year journey of growth. Fueled by appreciation for his own experience, Valentin quickly distinguished himself as a leader in the group and was promoted to various roles in the organization.

Moving from counselor, to chair, to director, to campfire speaker, the investment from the Aggie Experience Fund paid many dividends in Valentin’s journey at Texas A&M. Becoming a leader gave Valentin a unique vantage point where he was not the only one reaping the benefits of his involvement, he was also able to mentor countless other students as they moved up behind him.

“If I could speak to any of the donors who make the Aggie Experience Fund possible, I would want to say thank you,” shared Valentin. “Because it’s not just covering a fee, it’s removing a barrier to entry. Being involved opened the door to quite a few possibilities for me in my time at Texas A&M, including making some of my closest friendships and being able to give back to others.”

The first howdy, lasting impact

Making up ~5% percent of the student population at Texas A&M University, it’s easy to see how incoming transfer students can feel unsure of where to start as they transition to life in Aggieland. What better way to beat those first-semester nerves than by being welcomed to Texas A&M by your fellow Aggies. That’s the philosophy behind ATC.

While ATC is housed within the Department of Student Activities, the program is run entirely by the students in its registered student organization. Hosting T-Camp in the fall and Howdy Camp in the spring, these students lead with intention as the first ‘howdy’ for transfer and nontraditional students. The experience inspires many students who go through the program to pay it forward and get involved. And with resources like the Aggie Experience Fund, students like Valentin don’t have to choose between following their passions and making ends meet.

“Some of my executive team members were dues-paying members early on, and that support was critical,” said Dalton Jones ’18, extended orientation program manager. “Without it, they would have left after a month because they simply couldn’t afford to stay.”

“The reality is that membership comes at a cost, and for many of our students, that’s both a financial and a time cost,” Jones added. “Some are working two or three jobs, and some will leave here today and go straight to work. Having the Aggie Experience Fund to support them alleviates that pressure in a real way, and gives them the chance to take their shot at something meaningful.”

Jones’ own involvement journey as a student, and now staff member, at Texas A&M also exemplifies the path that students can take when they are invested in through student organizations. Like Valentin, he was involved with ATC throughout his undergraduate career and now gets to support the students who were once in his shoes.

“You never know how far your support is going to go, but it will go far,” said Jones. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some truly incredible student leaders, helping them build their skills and grow. I’ve watched them go on to outstanding graduate programs and remarkable career opportunities. That’s what this is really about.”

All it takes is a spark.

Every year, the department of Disability Resources serves more than 6,000 students at Texas A&M and administers over 30,000 tests across its two testing centers. Twenty-five years ago, just 6 cubicles made up the entire testing center space on campus.

This is the version of Disability Resources that Maria Ortega ‘03 remembers when she first joined the office as its sole testing coordinator, assisting students with their exams. Over the next two decades, she would experience every era of the department’s growth, eventually becoming associate director.

A Home in Disability Resources

Originally from Piedras Negras, Mexico, Ortega and her family moved to Bryan-College Station when she was fourteen. Aggieland has been home ever since.

“I started high school as soon as we moved here, and my husband is my high school sweetheart,” she said. “I started at Texas A&M because I wanted to get my undergrad degree while having a full-time job to support it.”

As a non-traditional student, Ortega was looking for a way to balance school and work. That’s when she discovered a receptionist role in Student Life, which allowed her to attend classes as she pursued her bachelor’s in psychology. When a position opened up in the Disability Resources Testing Center, she made the transition to proctor and administer exams for students.

“When I first started, everything was paper-based,” she said. “For example, students would turn in exam schedules, and we would have to type in everything by hand, which would take much longer.”

By the time graduation rolled around, she had fallen in love with the mission of the department, which ultimately led to her decision to stay.

“Disability is a natural part of life, and that’s how the department has always approached its services,” she explained. “Texas A&M does its best to promote access for every student.”

At the same time, there was the added benefit of being able to be a part of an Aggie’s journey as they prepared to set out and do good for others.

“Aggies are a wonderful group of students to work with because of the Core Values, camaraderie and community they represent,” she said.

A Bridge Between Faculty and Students

According to Ortega, there’s never a dull moment in Disability Resources. A core part of her work is administrative, supervising staff members and representing the department on division assessment and risk management committees. However, she still remains directly connected to faculty and students as the designated access coordinator for veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences majors. This is where creativity comes into play, as she advises students on which accommodations they may need for each class.

“I have a caseload of about 300 students, and I act in the middle, meeting with students and faculty about any access challenges,” Ortega said. “For example, I had a vet school student with a hand injury during clinicals, and I met with our liaison in the student’s department to figure out what classes looked like and whether accommodations were necessary.”

This past year, Ortega has been based in the West Campus Testing Center. Housed in the West Campus Library, the division opened the center in fall 2025 with the goal to meet the exponential 68% growth in accommodated exam requests in the last four years. In addition to the increased capacity, Ortega has noticed a more “human” impact on the campus community.

“Not only is this more convenient for students who are based on West Campus, but it’s been really positive to see professors walk in from the Wehner or the Biochemistry and Biophysics Buildings to pick up exams and talk with us.”

As the department has grown — and its impact reaches even further — this type of collaboration to serve the students at Texas A&M is exactly what excites Ortega.

“I saw the testing center grow from a one-person office to realizing we needed a second person, then a third person and more,” she said. “People are what has always driven me, whether it’s staff, students or faculty.”

Get to know Maria Ortega

You’ve been a part of Disability Resources for 25 years. How has the department evolved since you joined?

When I first joined, the department was a program area embedded within Student Life. When we were elevated as our own department, it was a big deal because the number of students who had registered with Disability Resources had increased exponentially. This is partly due to the fact that there’s less stigma associated with having a disability, and just the expansion of the university overall.

I’ve also grown with the department. After I graduated with my bachelor’s, a position opened up as an access coordinator. I was later promoted to assistant director, where I was supervising the Central Campus Testing Center and the staff members there. In between, I also received my master’s degree in counseling from Prairie View A&M University.

Beyond operational responsibilities in the department, you still work with students and faculty. What does that process look like to help students navigate their accommodation requests?

It’s a collaboration between me, students and faculty. The faculty I have worked with are great because they are very willing to accommodate students, and they see us as the experts. At the same time, students come in, sharing their stories and needs. From those meetings with students, I can determine which accommodations are necessary. Occasionally, I meet with faculty members to figure out and coordinate more challenging accommodation requests.

You mentioned how Disability Resources staff are a huge part of what drives your work. Do you have a favorite memory with your colleagues?

I had a student gift me a little figurine of a flamingo back in the day when I was an access coordinator. Next thing I know, I walk into my office, and it’s full of inflatable flamingos and flamingo-themed items like stickers on my stapler. It was everywhere. It was a lighthearted moment that really shows how close-knit the staff is.

Do you have a standout personal Texas A&M memory?

My son currently attends Texas A&M as an architecture major, so it stood out when I attended his new student conference as a parent. Usually, I volunteer for the resource tables to share information with families, and it was special being on the other side and seeing the experience through his eyes.

What advice do you have for students who are hesitant about requesting accommodations they may need?

Like our name implies, think of us as a resource. If you need us for one class during a specific semester, then please reach out. And if you don’t need our services after that, then you don’t have to! We are extremely flexible.

Also, the accommodation process can seem daunting, but we can walk you through the process step-by-step. Most importantly, faculty really want students to be connected with our office because we can help them have access to the resources they need in class.

What do you like to do outside of work and how do you recharge?

I like to spend my time with my family and dogs. Since my entire extended family also lives here, they like to pop in and visit, so you never know who’s going to be at my house. It’s my absolute favorite thing, and I just love when people stop by. I also love sewing, and I’m very much a beginner in crocheting. It’s hard!

Going through difficult seasons and struggles in college is a completely normal experience.

It can also feel overwhelming to ask for help, especially at a university of more than 80,000 students. Students might not know where to start when they need a hand up, or feel the stigma of reaching out to begin with.

Those are very real feelings to overcome, but there is a team in Student Life at Texas A&M here to help Aggies navigate difficult situations.

Meet Student Assistance Services (SAS), Student Life’s onsite case managers and a part of the network of care and support available to students at Texas A&M.

What is SAS?

Think about SAS as problem solvers who help students who find themselves in any sort of crisis or distress. Whether you need help navigating a difficult situation or just aren’t sure where to start, SAS can serve as that first point of contact and a soft landing place when life gets complicated.

These case managers are dedicated to connecting Aggies with the guidance, resources and support they need for personal and academic challenges. One important caveat: SAS staff are not counselors. For a lot of students, that’s actually what makes walking through the door feel a lot less intimidating.

What kinds of things can SAS help with?

SAS supports students with a wide range of challenges, including academic struggles and financial stress, like housing issues and food insecurity. They can help with medical issues, relationship difficulties, major life transitions and in supporting Aggies in the wake of loss, including Silver Taps and student death notifications.

The point is, no challenge is too big or too small. If something is affecting your ability to show up as your best self, SAS wants to hear from you.

Challenges and issues can affect so many different people at so many different times in their lives. College-age students are often experiencing those things for the first time, and it is more common than you probably realize.

How do you know when it’s time to reach out?

You don’t have to be in crisis to contact SAS. In fact, the team encourages students to get ahead of problems. Some signs it might be time to reach out, whether for yourself or a friend, can include:

• Changes in sleep or eating habits
• Withdrawing from activities you used to enjoy
• Falling behind academically
• A general feeling that something is off, but you can’t quite name it

It’s okay to not be okay. But also know that there is a support system specifically in place to help guide you through whatever situation you’re feeling right now.

What if you’re worried about a friend?

It’s a lot of pressure to be the person a friend leans on, and it’s important to remember that you don’t have to have all the answers.
In these situations, it’s okay to say, “I support you, but let me get you to someone who can help.” That’s why support and resources in Student Life and in many other departments around campus exist.

If you’re concerned about a friend but aren’t sure how to bring it up, you can submit an anonymous report through Texas A&M’s Tell Somebody reporting system. It’s a simple, low-pressure way to flag a concern and it won’t get your friend in trouble.

What happens when you reach out?

Reaching out can feel like the scariest step, but the SAS team works hard to make it as easy as possible. When you contact Student Life, you’ll be connected with a case manager who will sit down with you, hear what’s going on and help figure out the best path forward.

You can share as much or as little as you want. Meeting with a case manager in Student Life is not a place where information is demanded from you.

From there, the team can connect you to the right resources across campus, and they’ll even walk you through exactly what to expect so nothing feels like a surprise.

As one case manager puts it, “Our job isn’t to judge, it’s always to support.”

Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed

One of the biggest takeaways from the SAS team? Be proactive. The resources at Texas A&M are here for every student.

“Take advantage of the resources here in Student Life,” encourages Assistant Director Kristen Brunson. “Don’t wait until you’re completely overwhelmed by circumstances to reach out.”

Identify your support network early. Know who you can call. And remember that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s one of the smartest things you can do.

Luke Altendorf has an analogy to describe a college student’s journey: Students arrive on campus wearing a backpack filled with the lessons they’ve grown up with. As they go through school, some lessons get tossed out and new ones are added. By graduation, each of their backpacks is uniquely made up of the tools they can reach for in their careers and relationships.

“We want to give students as much experience as they’re capable of handling because there’s no other time in a person’s life where you have the freedoms like you do in college to learn more, explore and try new things,” Altendorf explained.

For him, the opportunity to help students decide what to put into their backpacks is the most meaningful reward of being part of their Texas A&M experience. It has also fueled his 39 years of service in the Division of Student Affairs.

Creating the Aggie Experience for Students

Altendorf’s own Aggie journey began in the summer of 1987 when he moved to work for the Memorial Student Center — presently known as MSC Programs.

“While I was in grad school at Oklahoma State University, I applied to work for Texas A&M through the Association of College Unions International,” said Altendorf. “My wife Mary and I didn’t expect to be here this long, but it’s been 39 years and we’ve raised our four children and had a wonderful community experience.”

Joining as a student development specialist, Altendorf first advised the MSC OPAS student committee, supporting students to gain leadership skills by bringing the performing arts to the Texas A&M and wider Brazos Valley community.

That launched a career that spanned more than three decades in the MSC. This includes 10 years as the director of the L.T. Jordan Institute for International Awareness, helping Aggies travel beyond Texas to gain international experience and expand their global horizons.

“A travel moment that stands out is a trip to the Dominican Republic, where students were wholeheartedly welcomed by locals and stayed in their homes,” he recalled. “We worked with students who had little to no international experience, so it was eye-opening for them to go abroad and realize how people can all learn from each other’s cultures.”

Following that role, he broadened the scope of his work by serving as a senior associate director and as interim director for the department. In 2005, he was hired by Wynn Rosser, former Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and current commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, to officially lead the MSC.

He described how the MSC has formed a pipeline of connections, as former students return to support current Aggies. One notable example is Lee Walker ‘68, who was pushed by J. Wayne Stark ’39, the first director of the MSC, to go learn a new language and study in Russia.

“One of my mentors, Lee Walker, eventually became the first president of Dell Computer, and since he has a place in Italy, he would always speak to the students to share about his life when I took them there,” said Altendorf. “I’ve met some incredible, generous former students who have made an impact on people’s lives.”

As director of the MSC, he oversaw department staff and operations during milestones, including the major renovation and expansion of the Memorial Student Center building. Completed in 2012, it remains home to many of the department’s programming, events and student committees.

Leadership and Legacy

After his tenure in the MSC concluded in August 2023, Altendorf transitioned to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs as director of strategic collaborations. In this role, he has worked on cross-departmental initiatives with the division’s executive leadership team, including on committee operations. He also mentored staff and spearheaded the Leadership Academy, which provides division staff with a week-long program to cultivate their supervisory and management skills.

As Altendorf heads into retirement, he plans to travel — this time with Mary instead of students — across the country to visit national parks and abroad to Italy and England, where his sister lives. He also looks forward to spending more time with his children and welcoming his first grandchild in July.

On his legacy, Altendorf remains humble.

“At an Abbott Leadership Conference, there was a quote I learned that I liked by Isaac Newton who said ‘I can see further than others because of the shoulders I stand on,’” Altendorf said.

Altendorf credits the trailblazers and leaders in the division who came before him for his success, and he is excited to see those after him carry on to provide the best student experience in the country. And although this is his formal departure from Texas A&M and the Division of Student Affairs, this isn’t a goodbye. Through the backpacks carried by students and staff, Altendorf’s efforts, spirit and impact will live on in Aggieland and beyond.