Holding yoga poses on mats, playing pickleball and scaling the climbing wall, thousands of Aggies gather for Rec-A-Palooza at the Student Recreation Center every year during Howdy Week. As an official welcome celebration, students explore everything that Recreational Sports (Rec Sports) has to offer. Little do they know the mastermind behind this beloved tradition is Kelly VonDrehle ‘06, who pitched the idea more than 10 years ago.

“Needing a consistent event for sponsors, I came up with Rec-A-Palooza, starting it out of the Penberthy Sports Complex when Howdy Week was called ‘Gig ‘Em Week’ at the time,” said VonDrehle. “We had about 500 attendees, and the next year, we became one of the featured events during Howdy Week with almost 5,000 participating.”

Rec-A-Palooza is just one example of the events and campaigns that VonDrehle has had a hand in during her time in the department. Joining as a student employee more than two decades ago and now serving as an assistant director of marketing & communications, VonDrehle leads a team of student employees and full-time staff dedicated to promoting the activity and well-being of the entire Aggie community.

Finding the Way to Rec Sports

Growing up in California, and then later in Wharton, Texas, becoming an Aggie was a rite of passage for VonDrehle and the rest of the family.

“I have an older brother, younger brother, a stepbrother and stepsister, and we are all one year apart; when my oldest brother came to Texas A&M, we all followed,” said VonDrehle. “Ironically, my mom went to UT, and we’ve convinced her to become an Aggie.”

First arriving to pursue accounting, VonDrehle quickly realized that it wasn’t for her after getting a taste of the profession while working part-time at the Small Animal Clinic on campus. Turning to her other passion for sports, she instead became a business marketing major with aspirations to work in sports marketing. That led her to Rec Sports, where she hoped to get direct experience in the field.

“I was working for the department head in the petroleum engineering department when I saw a position open up at Rec Sports in marketing and communications, and I ended up there until graduation,” she said.

Once she earned her degree, VonDrehle left Rec Sports to embark — quite literally — on a new journey aboard a research vessel for the university’s International Ocean Drilling Program (IODP).

“When I was on the ship, I worked 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week and wore a lot of hats,” she said. “I was the editor, event planner and graphic designer for all of the publications on board. Then, when I was off the ship, I focused more on the design side, finalizing all of the graphic pieces from the expeditions I had been on.”

After a nearly three-year adventure sailing the seas, docking in places like Japan and Australia, VonDrehle was brought back to Rec Sports when her former team reached out about an open position. With fond memories of her time as a student, she applied and has been a part of the department ever since.

Meeting Students in the Digital Age

With Texas A&M’s student population more than doubling to exceed 80,000 since she first moved to Aggieland, VonDrehle noted how Rec Sports has kept up to meet students where they are.

“When I started at Rec Sports, we were really mainly doing print, distributing thousands of flyers to all of the dorms to get the word out,” recalled VonDrehle. “Now, everything is digital, and we focus on social media, email marketing and digital advertising.”

As a part of this transition, VonDrehle has always been at the forefront of modernizing how the department communicates with students, even setting up Rec Sports’ first social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Over the years, these efforts have contributed to striking results with 52,280, or nearly 70%, of Texas A&M students using Rec Sports facilities during the 2025-26 academic year.

The university’s growth has also led to unique opportunities in crafting messaging that resonates across different groups of students.

“As the university has expanded, we’re able to get detailed data from our website analytics and through email blasts to better understand what students are interested in and use these insights to bring them back to our website and programs to engage with us,” VonDrehle said.

This feedback is particularly useful to reach Aggies who may be only interested in one or two of the department’s nine program areas: aquatics, fitness & wellness, intramural sports, leisure & instructional programming, outdoor adventures, safety & risk management, sport clubs, strength & conditioning and youth programs. Using targeted strategies through social media, video and more, the goal is to bring in students who have never visited a Rec Sports facility or participated in one of the department’s many offerings.

An Aggie Giving Back

Coming full-circle, a key part of VonDrehle’s role is to provide guidance to the graphic design, writing, web design and project management student employees on her team. As part of their professional development, VonDrehle supports these students in every way possible.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that students appreciate feedback and watching them grow in their positions and skills to become confident in the knowledge they gain is amazing,” VonDrehle said.

Outside of Rec Sports, VonDrehle leads the digital media team for the Alamo Bowl, which is an annual post-season college football game played in San Antonio. Every year, she invites a few of her student employees to volunteer and gain exposure in sports media.

For VonDrehle, these connections are invaluable, and she remarked the experience as a gift, as she still remains in touch with some of the students she worked with. In turn, recognizing her impact on the Texas A&M community, one of VonDrehle’s student employees bestowed her the ultimate Aggie honor of nominating her as a namesake for Fish Camp in 2019.

“It was just an honor for me because Fish Camp was a large part of my own student experience,” she said. “What was so funny was that one of the groups I led when I was a Fish Camp counselor was Session C Red. When I was selected as a namesake, it was for Session C Red. The whole thing was just perfect.”

Get to know Kelly VonDrehle

During your almost 20 years at Rec Sports, you’ve held multiple positions. Can you take me through those different roles?

After returning from my work with the IODP, I started full-time at Rec Sports as a communications coordinator, focusing on helping transition Rec Sports to the digital age, which included social media.

When I was a communications manager, I mainly worked on sponsorships, creating sponsorship packages to reach local, regional and national businesses. The sponsorship side was a challenge because there wasn’t a consistent event to bring together all the programs Rec Sports offers, so that’s what brought me to create Rec-A-Palooza.

Now, as assistant director, I’m managing my team that consists of two full-time staff, as well as 10-15 student employees at any given time. Currently, my main focus has been on the digital side of marketing and communications such as branding, website and graphic design.

What is a current marketing campaign the team is focused on right now?

One that we’ve launched this semester is the Find Your Fit campaign that immediately follows Rec-A-Palooza. The goal is to keep the students who came to the event and to encourage them to explore other Rec Sports offerings. We did a five-week span of promotion through social media, email and digital signage throughout our facilities to share about the different free events happening. The hope is that students find something that fits their niche, and that doesn’t necessarily mean exercise. For example, we just hosted a movie night on our outdoor terrace at the Student Rec Center.

Is there a standout campaign that you’ve worked on?

My favorite campaign was the Vote Rec campaign in 2018 that supported Rec Sports’ expansion to build the Polo Road Rec Center and Southside Recreation Center. This required 51% of students to vote “yes” to increase their student fees so that the project could be funded.

It was really neat because the whole department, including student employees, came together to promote the measure. Many of the 1,000 student employees became ambassadors, presenting to their student organizations on behalf of us. We focused on providing data that showed why additional facilities would be beneficial to them, including stats on how exercise improves student GPA. We also created tons of student testimonial videos that we distributed on social media. The measure passed, of course, and now we have our two newest facilities on campus.

With nine program areas in Rec Sports, that means something is happening almost every day. How does your team approach a balance of how information is shared with the Texas A&M community so they’re not overwhelmed?

In a semester, we can easily complete more than 100 projects. With our nine programs in addition to facility operations, development and sponsorship, we’ve figured out a priority system that ensures all areas are covered without burdening students, faculty and staff with information.

Planning is important to stay organized, and we try our best to schedule a semester ahead, so right now, we’re already working on campaigns for the spring semester. We meet with each program area once a semester to go over upcoming programming and build a marketing approach based on the top three priorities.

Travel is a large part of your life outside of work, are there any memorable places you’ve visited?

Working on the ship turned me into a traveler because we went all over. It opened my eyes to how much is out in the world and ignited a passion to learn, understand and experience the beauty of what’s out there. My husband and I try to take one big trip a year. This year, we went to Ireland with about 10 other friends, renting a car and driving across the country. It was so picturesque! Sydney, Australia, was my favorite place to visit, with something new, in terms of culture, everywhere you turn. And everybody loves a Texas accent over there!

Walking through the halls of the British Parliament, Shtina Love ‘27 had an a-ha moment that was one of her favorite memories of the whole trip. History came alive as she wandered through the stone corridors and admired the building’s intricate Gothic Revival architecture.

Standing in the famous debating chambers, Love realized she was witnessing the same spaces as some of the most remarkable public figures in history. That fact blew her away, and it was one of many instances during the Jordan International Leadership Seminar where she felt like she was in the right place at the right time.

During the seminar, Love and a small cohort of students from Texas A&M University visited places in both London and Edinburgh that not many people get to see. The behind-the-scenes tour of Parliament and Big Ben was just one stop among several hand-picked locations. Along the way, students heard compelling talks from leaders in different industry sectors, spanning business, public service and sports, while exploring cultural experiences and spaces.

The Jordan International Leadership Seminar, a program offered through the MSC L.T. and Jessie W. Jordan Institute for International Awareness, is designed to bring together students with a slant toward leadership, curiosity about international adventures and a desire for personal growth. On past trips, travelers typically consisted of undergraduate student leaders and ambassadors affiliated with MSC Programs’ registered student organizations.

Love, who is a retired military veteran with more than 20 years of service, fits neither of those categories. Nonetheless, it was a trip of a lifetime.

An Email and an Opportunity

When an email came across his inbox from MSC Programs promoting upcoming trips for students at Texas A&M, a lightbulb went off for Lt. Col. John Fleming, USMC (Ret.). As director of the Don & Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource & Support Center (VRSC), this was exactly the type of program rooted in Core Values that he was looking to connect veteran and military students with. So he picked up the phone.

On the other end of the line was Jennifer Boyle, director of MSC Programs, who shared more about some of the upcoming trips the department was hosting. It turned out to be a perfect opportunity for students to see the world outside of military service.

After receiving a generous donation to the VRSC director’s discretionary fund — which Fleming has the flexibility to use to designate funding for specific initiatives, programs or scholarships — he knew he wanted to find a unique experience to sponsor. Ideally, he was searching for an opportunity already happening within the university, where students could receive professional development, career exploration and a deeper connection to the Aggie Network. That’s where MSC Programs came in.

“Part of our mission at MSC Programs is to prepare students to be global leaders,” said Boyle. “What better way to do that than sending them out into the world to experience leadership in different settings?”

Investing in Aggie Experiences Together

For Boyle, to be able to partner with the VRSC and connect more students to trips through MSC Programs was another step towards the department meeting their goal to prepare as many Aggie leaders as possible. Also, the student veteran and military population is one they don’t get to serve often.

“I was excited to get John’s phone call and to encourage veteran and military students to apply and be a part of this,” said Boyle. “Not only do those students get to have this amazing experience, but the other students that they’re traveling with benefit, as these veteran and military students have lived experiences that many don’t have.”

One of the hallmarks of the student experience at Texas A&M is to participate in extracurricular activities, and for veteran and military students, one of the greatest barriers to that can be cost. Many students who seek the VRSC for support during their time at Texas A&M are non-traditional students, like Love, who may already be well into their careers, have families and are relying on the limited funds provided by their GI Bill.

Another challenge is often finding out about these experiences in the first place. Many times, the VRSC can serve as veteran and military students’ central source of information and a liaison to campus life and academics. Once Fleming and his team decided they wanted to sponsor students who were accepted to MSC Programs trips and the funding was cleared, they marketed it through their peer-led outreach program VALOR2.

After students discovered that financial sponsorship was available for these opportunities, the writing was on the wall. For Fleming, the value of these trips goes beyond covering the cost, it’s about what veteran and military students bring to the experience, and what they take away from it.

“A lot of our student veterans have been all over the world, stationed or deployed to different places, and that’s true for their family members too,” said Fleming. “It’s the same with one student who went on the Jordan International Leadership Seminar, whose father was in the military, so she grew up living on bases everywhere.”

“But taking trips like these hits differently because you’re not there for a mission this time, and you’re alongside other students who don’t have that same background,” Fleming added. “So you end up seeing things through a different lens.”

Fleming’s vision to invest in Aggie experiences where students could gain new perspectives quickly became a reality for four students who jumped at the opportunity to participate.

The Opposite of Death by PowerPoint

As Love reflected on her trip, she shared that she fully expected death by PowerPoint presentation. Instead, those expectations were exceeded by the exact opposite.

“I didn’t expect the various industry leaders we met to be so transparent and nourishing. I expected death by PowerPoint or extended lectures and received neither,” said Love. “One moment that stuck with me came from our first host, Mike McSweeney, CEO of the Fulham Football Club Foundation. I was impressed by how prepared and motivated he was to engage with us. He shared some of their leadership strategies and offered to mentor anyone on our trip who sought further insight from him or his team.”

With each visit and tour, Love noted she was gleaning something beyond what classrooms and textbooks could offer. Through each leader’s personal stories, the thread she picked up on was that anything worth pursuing has obstacles, but when you stay the course, that’s where success happens. Perseverance was something she learned hands-on during her military career, but now, it took on a new form as a full-time student chasing different dreams.

When asked how she would describe her experience with the Jordan International Leadership Seminar as a part of her time at Texas A&M, Love put it eloquently:

And that first “yes” opened another door. Love has been invited back to serve as a student trip leader, turning her own leap into an opportunity to help guide others.

For Fleming, Love’s experience is proof of what’s possible, and he hopes it’s only the beginning. He and the VRSC team are extending sponsorship to students again this academic year, with a goal to expand sponsorship opportunities and grow university partnerships similar to the one with MSC Programs well into the future.

“This is not possible without our donors and campus partners,” Fleming said. “The team is grateful to those who can help us make it happen for these students.”

Passports, Perspective and Purpose: Q&A

Four students, including Love, traveled with VRSC sponsorship: three to the Jordan International Leadership Seminar in London and Edinburgh, and one on the Stark Northeast Tour, which made stops in Washington D.C., New York and Boston. Here’s what they each took from their experience.

Joy Kc ’27

Major: MEng in Systems Engineering
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Military Affiliation: Texas Air National Guard; U.S. Air Force, Active duty with seven years of service
Trip: Stark Northeast Tour

What was a moment from the trip that surprised you or stuck with you most?

One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was meeting Texas A&M former students in different cities. I was surprised by how welcoming and generous they were with their time, advice and encouragement. Even though we were far from College Station, the Aggie Spirit felt present everywhere we went. It reminded me that the Aggie Network is not simply professional. It is a community built on service, mentorship and supporting one another.

How did traveling in the military compare to traveling as a university student?

Military travel is usually focused on a specific mission. Traveling as a university student felt different because there was more space for curiosity, reflection, cultural exploration and personal connection. At the same time, my military experience helped me feel comfortable with early schedules, group movement and unfamiliar places. What made this trip special was being able to use those same skills in an environment centered on learning, discovery and community.

What did the VRSC’s support make possible for you?

Because of the VRSC’s sponsorship, I was able to travel to four major cities, meet Texas A&M former students and build relationships with other students without worrying about the cost. What meant the most was knowing that the VRSC saw value in investing in my development beyond the classroom. Their support made me feel recognized, encouraged and included as both a veteran and a student at Texas A&M.

Bella Perez ‘26

Major: Biomedical Sciences
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Military Affiliation: Military dependent; Her father has served in the U.S. Army for 25 years.
Trip: Jordan International Leadership Seminar

In what ways did the experience change how you think about your field, the world or yourself?

This trip changed the way I think about leadership, my future career and myself. I learned that resilience is one of the most important qualities a leader can have, and that rejection should be viewed as an opportunity for growth rather than failure. I also gained a better understanding of imposter syndrome. Even successful leaders experience self-doubt, but confidence comes from perseverance and continuous learning. Most importantly, I learned that true leadership is not just inviting someone to the party, but asking them to dance, creating an environment where everyone feels included, valued and empowered. These lessons have inspired me to become a more resilient, compassionate and inclusive leader in my personal life and in my future career in medicine.

If you traveled during your military service, how did that compare to traveling as a university student?

Although I traveled as a military dependent, rather than during military service, I found many similarities. Growing up in a military family gave me the opportunity to experience different cultures, meet people from diverse backgrounds and adapt to new environments. This trip reminded me of those experiences while allowing me to engage with new perspectives through an academic lens. As a university student, I was able to reflect more deeply on what I was learning and connect it to my personal growth, leadership development and future career in medicine.

Desmond Ansley ‘26

Major: B.S. in Agricultural Leadership and Development, minor in international relations
Hometown: Clayton, GA
Military Affiliation: U.S. Army
Trip: Jordan International Leadership Seminar

What surprised you about the trip?

Some of the judges at the royal courts choose to wear wigs. I also didn’t expect the trip to be so informative across different sectors and types of careers.

How did this trip connect to your coursework, major or career goals?

I learned about the variety of leadership styles within foreign governments, as well as seeing the political side and how it differs. I observed some ways that the world operates differently than the United States and how that works for the people in the countries we visited.

Shtina Love ‘27

Major: Public Health
Hometown: Norfolk, VA
Military Affiliation: Retired U.S. Army veteran with more than 20 years of service
Trip: Jordan International Leadership Seminar

Can you speak to what the VRSC’s support made possible for you specifically?

The VRSC and its staff have been the glue in maintaining my connection to my goal of obtaining my degree. They provide mentorship from the perspective of starting over as a non-traditional student and as an adult learner. I’ve found solace in conversation with staff and feel no discomfort discussing doubts along my academic journey. They’ve always cheered me on and supported each endeavor I’ve presented them.

Would you have pursued this opportunity without the support you received?

I would have had to pass entirely at the original price. I’m so grateful that the VRSC and its generous donors believed in the impact this opportunity could provide. This program allowed us to apply our communication and professional skills then receive feedback from industry leaders on ways to improve.

What would you want other veterans and military students to know about the VRSC and this kind of opportunity?

Don’t miss the opportunity. You deserve it, and you’re worth it, so invest in yourself. Stop by the VRSC and engage with the personnel or the bulletin boards for information about many things. Avoid self sabotage by thinking you know everything. I highly recommend submitting the application for this experience and any other you’re eligible for.

From California to Illinois. Illinois to Massachusetts. Back to Illinois and California. Finally, to Aggieland. Jon Hill’s journey in student affairs spans thousands of miles, taking him across the country twice.

Hailing from Westminster, Calif., Hill grew up near sunny Huntington Beach when he moved north to attend California State University, Monterey Bay as a kinesiology and exercise science major. Serving as a resident advisor, Hill was introduced to student affairs as he frequently worked with the housing office and its leadership team to train other residence staff.

“After a conversation with my supervisor about possibly making this a career, I traveled to Providence, R.I. for the Stars College program run by the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International, where I learned more about the different pathways in the field,” said Hill. “There, I met one of my mentors who used to work at Western Illinois University, and I learned about the student affairs opportunities there.”

Inspired by his mentor, Hill made his first move out-of-state to Western Illinois University for his master’s degree in college student personnel. There, he joined a team as a graduate assistant to manage all the health education programs on campus that supported approximately 7,500 students.

“Since I had already covered the West Coast and Midwest, I wanted to do a summer internship on the East Coast,” said Hill. “That led me to the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, where I focused on budgeting and finances while in charge of operations for multiple buildings that were being used for summer camps.”

After earning his master’s degree, he briefly moved back home when he saw a position open up as a health educator in Student Life. He interviewed, received the offer and made his final stop at Texas A&M. For five years, Hill managed alcohol education and interpersonal violence prevention programs and workshops and presented to various faculty, staff and student groups to promote student safety on campus.

“What really meant a lot was when students would come up to me while I was walking on campus to tell me how they incorporated the skills they learned in their lives,” said Hill. “For example, I was talking with one of the director staffs at Fish Camp when he recognized me from a previous Green Dot presentation about interpersonal violence.”

From Student Facing to Data

About a year ago, Hill transitioned to the department of Student Affairs Planning, Assessment & Research (SAPAR) as a student learning coordinator. This was a welcome challenge for him to grow professionally.

“I’m a third-year doctoral student in the higher education administration program at Texas A&M, and being part of an office that does a lot of quantitative and qualitative work, as well as building up my skills for that, was really important as I prepare to write a dissertation focused on student learning in interpersonal violence prevention programs,” Hill shared.

Instead of presenting on the front end, Hill now supports students and staff to assess their own programs and events, focused on answering: Are we accomplishing what we set out to do?

When a project request comes in, he sits down with students or other division staff to develop assessments that provide insights into how programs are performing. From there, he creates reports that outline recommendations to improve student learning outcomes such as professional skills training and leadership development.

“Overall, I think the main premise of my role is still to educate others, as I have the opportunity to explain higher education topics in a wide variety of different ways through data,” Hill said.

He also emphasized how much he has been able to learn by working with the other staff members in SAPAR, and how assessment is made better through collaboration.

“The more you think you know, the more you don’t know,” Hill explained. “When we come together as a team to develop surveys, or as I like to call it ‘survey smithing,’ we’re able to answer questions differently to find the best approach.”

Get to know Jon Hill

You’ve now been a part of SAPAR for a little over a year. Could you describe what you currently do in your role?

In addition to building assessments with student organizations and teams across the division, I work closely with my supervisor, Susan Fox-Forester, to promote the division’s Student Affairs Transformational Experience (SATE) initiative. This ensures that student-facing experiences build in self-reflection, in addition to meaningful student learning.

While we are the experts in assessing outcomes, we aren’t the experts in the content of programs or experiences. As a result, this requires a lot of collaboration with those who are managing the experiences to find out what they entail, understand what they need from us and then help them meet the requirements to be designated as a SATE.

What are some of the key considerations that go into assessing student learning?

We think about student learning outcomes as a whole. This includes whether programs, resources or events actually include meaningful learning outcomes that provide students professional and personal growth opportunities. We also evaluate whether participants can retain information if that’s a goal of a presentation or workshop.

You are also pursuing your Ph.D. in higher education administration. What was behind that decision?

What I really wanted to do while pursuing my Ph.D. was to take time in the classroom. When I was in my master’s program, my goal was to gain skills that would enhance my career, so I was focused on the assistantship.

Looking back on that experience now as a doctoral student, I think the classroom is really important because you have the opportunity to hear from others and actually take a deeper dive into the course material. That’s the reason why I decided to go back and get my Ph.D.

How does your professional experience in Student Life and SAPAR impact your perspective in your doctoral program?

I’ve been able to have a greater perspective and think about things from a bigger landscape. It also grounds me in reality and in what’s possible when thinking about “How do we create policies and procedures?” or “How do we streamline processes?” I’ve been able to evaluate these questions from a department, division and university perspective. That helps me become more well-rounded as a student and professional.

Outside of work and your Ph.D., how do you like to spend your free time?

I’d have to say hanging out with friends and trying new things or experiences. This isn’t going to be a shock to most people I know, but I play Pokémon GO and have traveled across the country for it. I’m also very active in the gym, and I decided to participate in the Bryan-College Station Half Marathon in December, which I will be training for during the fall semester.

College is one of the most exciting chapters of a person’s life. It is also one of the hardest. For many students, the transition to university life brings new pressures alongside new opportunities. Across the country, colleges and universities are seeing more students struggle with their mental health than ever before. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among college-age adults in the United States, and the need for awareness, conversation and connection has never been greater.

The Aggie community is aware of these risks. As a collective, we, the Texas A&M staff, faculty, your fellow students and the Bryan-College Station community, are ready to face them with you.

The Weight of College Life

The pressure to perform well academically, build a foundation for your career, manage your finances and figure out who you are, all at the same time, is a lot. Add in distance from home, a new social environment and the inevitable moments when things do not go as planned, and it becomes clear why so many students find themselves struggling. Mental health challenges do not discriminate. They affect students of every background, major and year in school. Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless or disconnected does not mean something is wrong with you. This experience and these emotions are common, but you don’t have to deal with them by yourself! There are people who care about you and resources to help you manage.

Know What to Look For

Warning signs don’t always look the same. So, trust your instincts if you’re concerned about someone. However, common warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide can include:

• Talking about feeling hopeless, like a burden or having no reason to live;
• Withdrawing from friends, family or activities;
• Giving away belongings;
• Increased use of alcohol or other substances;
• Changes in behavior, mood, appearance and conversation topics;
• Or a sudden sense of calm after a period of distress.

If you notice these signs in a fellow Aggie, ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Research from the National Institute of Mental Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is clear: asking that question does not put the idea in someone’s head. It opens a door. It tells them they are seen, and that it is safe to tell the truth.

You Are Not Alone

If you are struggling right now, please remember reaching out is not a sign of weakness. The same community that stands at every football game, says “Here” at Muster and shows up in the moments that matter is ready to help with this, too. You do not have to be in crisis to ask for support, and you do not have to figure it out on your own.

Student Life and University Health Services are collaborating this September to make National Suicide Prevention Month a call to action for the entire Aggie community. National Suicide Prevention Week runs Sept. 6-12, and World Suicide Prevention Day is observed Sept. 10. Both are opportunities to learn the signs, start real conversations and be the reason a fellow Aggie asks for support.

Resources for Immediate and Ongoing Support

Texas A&M offers several layers of support, and knowing which resource is right for the moment matters.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Do not wait.

If you or someone you know needs help right now, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Crisis Text Line is also available around the clock: text HOME to 741741. Students can also call the TELUS Health Student Support at 866-743-7732.

For urgent emotional needs that are not immediately life-threatening, University Health Services provides same-day crisis intervention at the Student Counseling and Mental Health Care Center, available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, when the university is open.

University Health Services also offers mental health counseling services at the Higher Education Center in McAllen, the School of Dentistry and the School of Law.

For immediate support outside of a crisis, all Texas A&M students have free access to the TELUS Health Student Support app. TELUS offers confidential counseling by phone or chat, 24/7, in multiple languages. Students can also schedule ongoing telehealth appointments through the app and access an on-demand library of mental health content.

If you are concerned about a friend but are not sure what to do next, submitting a Tell Somebody report is a good place to start. Any member of the Aggie community, including students, faculty, staff, family members and members of the broader Aggieland community, can submit a report at tellsomebody.tamu.edu. Anonymous reports can also be submitted by texting 979-269-8268 or emailing tellsomebody@tamu.realresponse.com. You may not be the only person who has noticed something is wrong, and submitting a report helps connect the right support resources to someone who may need them.

One Conversation Can Change Everything

Suicide prevention is not only the work of counselors and crisis lines. It is the work of every Aggie who notices something that could be wrong and asks directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” This month and every month, Texas A&M is committed to making sure no Aggie stands alone.

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.