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.

Ian Curtis ‘27 and Adriano Espinosa ‘26 from Texas A&M’s student-run newspaper, The Battalion, recently took home the highest accolades from the 2026 Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) Awards, earning Journalist and Photojournalist of the Year.

During their tenure at “The Batt,” Curtis and Espinosa have brought many epic Aggie stories to life in both print and digital media. From the behind-the-scenes of Aggie athletics, including the Aggie Women’s Volleyball team’s path to the 2025 NCAA tournament victory, to solemn moments at Aggie Muster, the pair captured the heart of the students and traditions at Texas A&M. They covered well-loved community events like Troubadour Fest, and photographed visiting dignitaries and government officials along the way.

Through every byline and frame, Curtis and Espinosa exemplified the depth of reporting possible by student media. Nominated by their peers and adviser, Sara Gonzales, associate director of Student Media, these two Aggies represent student journalism at its highest quality, displaying servant leadership and an unwavering commitment to visual and written storytelling across every corner of Aggieland.

Adding to The Battalion’s long and decorated list of state and national media and press awards, these latest major TIPA award wins underscore the reason why Aggies like Curtis and Espinosa participate in student organizations. Where else can students interested in journalism, regardless of their major, get hands-on experience to continue the legacy of a 130-year-old newspaper?

As a student-run newspaper, Aggies are responsible for all aspects of The Battalion, from reporting and design to distribution and marketing. Known for its rigorous journalistic standards, The Battalion trains Aggies to steward the stories of Texas A&M with the resources and guidance that help them hone invaluable skills. Through an Aggie experience like no other, these students discover their own voices in the newsroom, and their time in college is forever shaped by the stories they get to tell and the connections they make along the way.

Ian Curtis: Journalist of the Year

Major: Journalism, Class of 2027
Hometown: College Station, TX

“Ian writes with passion, grit, and perseverance in telling the stories that matter. As editor-in-chief of The Battalion, he sought out niche stories within the Bryan/College Station community and traveled the lengths of the country to tell them. He never shied away from difficult stories, always taking a firm stance in the freedom of the press. Through his drive as an innovative storyteller, forward thinker, and steadfast writer, Ian’s voice has come alive and he has grown in both writing skills and leadership during his time at the Battalion.”

– Sara Gonzales, associate director of Student Media

Adriano Espinosa: Photojournalist of the Year

Major: Industrial Distribution, Class of 2026; MBA Candidate, Class of 2027
Hometown: Kingwood, TX

“Adriano Espinosa’s love for photography shows in everything he does, and he has a unique gift to be able to bring people into a moment. Stepping into the Photo Chief role mid-semester under pressure, he never looked back and was on a plane to Denver to cover the Aggies’ at the NCAA Basketball tournament by 8 a.m. on his very first day. From there, he built a photo desk culture from the ground up, hosting weekly meetings, bringing in professional photographers, and personally mentoring staffers on the sidelines at events. He ensured coverage was never missed near or far, all while juggling a demanding engineering curriculum. Adriano would be reviewing print photos at 8 a.m. the morning after production while simultaneously studying fluid power transmission and industrial automation.”

– Sara Gonzales, associate director of Student Media

Inside the Newsroom: Q&A

Curtis and Espinosa each took very different paths to The Battalion. Curtis knew before he ever set foot on campus that journalism was his calling, having already worked at local news outlets growing up in College Station, while Espinosa nervously honed his craft in Photography Club his freshman year before he even dared to apply. Yet despite where they started, both arrived at the same destination: an award-winning body of work, a sense of belonging, and a sense of awe and purpose found through their own expanded horizons.

Learn more about Curtis and Espinosa’s journeys with The Battalion, what drives them to be involved, and what winning TIPA Journalist and Photojournalist of the Year means to them.

Q: What was your first reaction when you found out you won the TIPA award?

Espinosa: To be frank, I was surprised. I woke up to a Slack message from our advisor, Sara, and thought something was up. When I came to read the notification, I was shocked to find I had won Photojournalist of the Year. Given that previous photo chiefs, who I’d argue are worlds more talented than me, hadn’t won the award, I’d thrown away any notion that I could win, especially given just how many excellent student photographers there are in Texas.

Curtis: At first, I was really surprised. I had seen the work of previous winners, and since the award is usually given to reporters with a news-heavy portfolio, I figured that pattern would hold. I felt proud knowing that my work and the work of The Battalion was respected on a state and national level.

Q: When did you join the Battalion? What inspired you to get involved?

Espinosa: As I got more into photography through the course of high school, I wanted to apply myself as a photographer in a meaningful way. Looking towards college, The Battalion was an avenue I’d heard a lot about, and upon touring campus and attending my New Student Conference, I began to see The Batt everywhere. Nervous that I wasn’t good enough, I spent a year waiting to apply, honing my skills in the Texas A&M Photography Club. Applying after my freshman year, I saw a ping on my portfolio website. After sending a nervous follow-up email, my prospective boss offered me an interview, saying that she was on a safari in South Africa when she saw my portfolio. Within two minutes of my interview beginning, I was offered a position, and I’ve been here since.

Curtis: I joined The Battalion when I arrived on campus at the start of my freshman year. Growing up in College Station, I was already familiar with the folks at The Battalion and had already worked for The Bryan-College Station Eagle and WTAW. I knew I could get involved with The Battalion quickly if I chose to go to Texas A&M and that played a role in my college decision.

Q: Was there a pivotal moment for you at The Batt where you knew you were in the right place at Texas A&M?

Espinosa: It took a while, but I knew what I was doing mattered when I covered a beep baseball team in Bryan. An iteration of baseball for visually impaired kids, I went and took photos of a team practice, learning how everything beeps at different frequencies to indicate locations to the players, who all wear black visors regardless of visual impairment. What really got me was how excited the kids were that I was there and how much it meant to them, even if some of them literally couldn’t see my work. Learning about their world firsthand, a hobby that they cherish deeply, and their passion for sharing those things with students really shook me. Sharing that joy through photos of beep baseball is what made me realize what I was doing mattered, and that I was in the right place.

Curtis: There wasn’t a single pivotal moment, but by the time I felt comfortable covering major events like the NCAA Tournament and felt comfortable at those press conferences, I knew I belonged alongside the professionals in the industry.

Q: How has being a part of The Batt shaped your own Aggie experience? What have you learned or gained that would not have happened otherwise?

Espinosa: I think being a part of The Battalion has given me a perspective on Aggieland, and the happenings here that most people don’t get to see. More than anything, being in The Batt has brought me closer to the stories everyone hears about, but few people live. Whether it be the walk-on scoring a touchdown or a family crying as their fallen relative is memorialized, being with The Batt puts me right in the middle of it, and as a result, much of what I cover feels more personal. Through those moments, combined with my time as Photo Chief, I’ve learned a lot about people. Mentoring over a dozen pre-existing photographers and hiring over a dozen more during my tenure, ranging from fresh high school grads with just a few college football game coverages under their belt to 40-year-old veterans coming back to finish their degrees, I’ve learned how to lead different people. People think differently based on their life experience and finding out how to empower them to produce good work and grow in those opportunities has not only been deeply fulfilling to me but also educational. I’ve learned that’s the apex of a career I want to pursue: empowering others to be their best selves in a productive system for society, and this revelation largely occurred because of The Battalion.

Curtis: The Battalion has pretty much been my entire Aggie experience. I’ve practically lived in the newsroom, for better or worse, and it’s been a huge honor to be able to tell stories from a very eventful time in Texas A&M’s history. It’s also been an incredible learning opportunity. In journalism, the work you do and the clips that you have are the most important things when it comes to hiring. With that in mind, it’s been fantastic to not only produce a portfolio but also learn the ins and outs of the industry firsthand. The practical part of my journalism education has come through The Batt.

Q: What has been the most unexpected connection or learning experience you’ve had at The Batt?

Espinosa: Weirdly, I’ve learned to like some country music through my work here by covering Chilifest and Troubadour Fest, which are events I initially covered reluctantly as someone who prefers other music genres and quieter weekends. Going through those experiences, taking some awesome photos, and also hearing days’ worth of country music, I found that I actually enjoy some of the music Texas is known for. Growing up here with immigrant parents, I never really understood country music, but being at Texas A&M and covering local music festivals for The Battalion has given me a greater appreciation for country music and its themes.

Curtis: I think the coolest thing for me has been the sheer scale of the events I’ve been able to cover and the people I’ve been able to meet. I’ve been able to network with dozens of people in the journalism industry, and that’s been incredibly valuable for my career. It’s always so much fun to be at an event out of state and have a former student come up to me and notice that I write for The Battalion and comment on their experience at The Batt.

When I look back now at the variety of things I’ve been able to do, I’m just extremely grateful that I was able to find a place where I can expand my horizons and build an elite portfolio that will set me up for the rest of my career.

Q: Is journalism a professional career aspiration for you? Please share more about how being a part of The Batt supports your personal and professional development.

Espinosa: Although I am decidedly pursuing engineering, with a career aspiration in operations for manufacturing or distribution, I can see a world where I moonlight as a photographer. Outside of journalism, my time at The Battalion has helped me grow in some interesting ways. Looking towards some of my coursework, I can say it has for sure helped my ability to ask guiding questions when trying to outline problems and identify solutions. It has already had a big impact on my capstone project, for example. As an inherently curious person, learning from writers and captioning on assignments has empowered me as a leader and engineer who has a passion for solving problems.

Curtis: I want to pursue a full-time career in journalism. In journalism, you learn far more from actually doing the work than you do sitting in a classroom. Most of what I’ve learned about journalism while at Texas A&M has come from my time at The Battalion. Having the opportunity to work for, and run, a news outlet has given me an incredible education in the journalism field, in addition to allowing me to grow closer to an amazing group of people I will forever call my friends.

Q: What is your favorite memory from your time at The Batt?

Espinosa: My favorite memory at The Batt was at the Aggie football game against Notre Dame last fall. I got the privilege of covering field-side photography, and I happened to be on the side of the field where Nate Boerkircher made the game-winning touchdown reception. I remember how scared I was when KC Concepcion ran to the opposite side of the field, and a dozen photographers followed him, leaving me with just a few other photographers watching Nate line up ahead of us. Having tried the same play in the same scheme with KC and Theo earlier in the drive, I was unsure if Marcel would try it again with a different player, but I trusted my gut. When he made that catch just a few feet away from me, and I got the photo, it was breathtaking. I was overwhelmed, both as a fan of Aggie football and as a photographer who managed to get the shot, the moment of the night, on a hunch and a lot of luck.

Curtis: One of my favorite memories at The Batt was getting to cover the entirety of Texas A&M’s volleyball 2025 postseason run, which culminated in the Aggies’ first national championship. I was the only media member to cover every match in person from the SEC Tournament in Savannah, Ga., to the NCAA Tournament at Reed Arena in Lincoln, Neb., and the Final Four in Kansas City. I paid part of my own way to those events out of pocket, and wrote a total of 14 stories, including some for The Bryan-College Station Eagle when I was in Kansas City because they could not send a reporter to the Final Four due to a scheduling conflict.

I really enjoyed getting to cover the entire run. And being one of the only local media members to put the spotlight on an under-covered program was something that showed the importance of student journalism.

Q: What encouragement do you have for fellow Aggies on pursuing their passions at Texas A&M?

Espinosa: I think Texas A&M is a big enough place to find your home, explore your passions, but also make some mistakes along the way. Through the first 18 months of college, I switched what major I wanted twice, only to land in another major that I learned fit me best. From freshman to sophomore year, I dropped an org, was rejected from returning to another, and picked up two new ones. Those changes hit fast, but only through those stumbles did I find my home at places like The Batt. A part of me wishes I had applied a year sooner and done everything right the first time, but when I finally joined the photo desk and found my footing, it meant more because I was ready, and I was hungry. The time has flown by since, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Living through the highs and lows without regret has allowed me to live my college experience, academics and passions alike, to the fullest.

Curtis: You have to get started as fast as you can, especially in an industry like journalism, where graduating with a degree just isn’t enough anymore. Get involved in a student organization like student media, go get internships, go freelance or go find a part-time job. If you want to make it, you have to work your tail off before you graduate.

Ian Curtis’ Winning Articles:

1. “Texas A&M Volleyball Shocks Nebraska to Advance to First-Ever NCAA Tournament Semifinals” Ian Curtis, December 15, 2025
2.  “Three Years After Russia’s Invasion, A&M’s Ukrainian Club Presses On” Ian Curts, February 20, 2025
3.  “Taylor-Made History: A&M Takes Down No. 1 Auburn” Ian Curtis, March 5, 2025
4. “It Takes a Village: The Making of Henry Coleman III” Ian Curtis, March 19, 2025
5.  “Inside Revived SEC Volleyball Tournament’s Bid to Be ‘Premier Volleyball Event Nationally‘” Ian Curtis, December 3, 2025

Adriano Espinosa’s Winning Photos:

RANDY MATSON ’67 ASSOCIATION OF FORMER STUDENTS AWARD

JOHN J. KOLDUS III FACULTY AND STAFF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

J. MALON SOUTHERLAND ’65 AWARD

AWARDS OF DISTINCTION

AWARD OF DISTINCTION – TEAM

DSA AFFILIATE AWARD

FISH CAMP NAMESAKES

Josh Brown, Student Activities

Dawn Tonkinson, Student Activities

Barclay Osborne, Career Center

Kyle McCraken, Residence Life

Abigail Ramos, Multicultural Services

AGGIE TRANSITION CAMPS NAMESAKES

Jennifer Boyle, T-Camp, MSC Programs

Susan Keough, Howdy Camp, Career Center

ADVISORS OF THE YEAR

New Advisor of the Year: Brandon M. Flores, Space Delta 0

Registered Category: Grace Adinku, African Graduate Students Association

Associated Category: Nathan Harness, Brotherhood of Christian Aggies

Partnered Category: Raye Leigh Stone, MSC Student Conference On National Affairs (SCONA)

Sponsored Category: Christa Paull,  International Student Association

DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Maggie Guzman, Residence Life

Dr. Kristie Orr, Disability Resources

PRESIDENT’S MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD

Caitlin Dartez, Career Center

The night before her interview at Texas A&M, Christa Paull stepped into the Memorial Student Center to explore campus and discovered a student group holding a cultural concert.

“Here I was, all the way from Michigan, to interview for a position to advise the International Student Association, and it felt like fate, running into students celebrating their cultures,” Paull said.

Less than a year after being hired as the program advisor for the International Student Association (ISA), Paull received the 2026 Sponsored Advisor of the Year award, recognizing her outstanding service and mentorship to the organization. She is one of two Division of Student Affairs staff to have been honored, alongside Raye Leigh Stone who received the Partnered Advisor of the Year award.

“I came into the role and met with the ISA student executive team, leading with ‘How can I support you?’” Paull said. “I’m very thankful for the award, and in return, I dedicate it to the students because their hard work is what deserves all the recognition.”

Paull and Stone are part of a larger group of advisors at Texas A&M who support the more than 1,300 recognized student organizations on campus. Each spring, the Student Organization Leadership and Development office in the Department of Student Activities holds the annual Advisor Summit for faculty and staff to complete required training and learn in-depth about university processes for student organizations. Presentations span topics from finance and budgeting to marketing and communications to fundraising and development.

The summit also increases engagement across the broader campus community by offering networking opportunities for advisors.

“What stood out to me were people I met, including the advisor for the Aggie Spirit bus drivers, who sat at my table,” Paull said. “Being able to swap information and discuss our experiences was so insightful, especially since some of the other advisors are volunteers, which means they do their work differently.”

The Advisor’s Perspective

The ISA is a sponsored organization under MSC Programs, receiving support and guidance from the International Programs office. It serves as an umbrella organization for cultural groups and puts on events like International Week, which is a campus-wide celebration to promote the cultures represented at Texas A&M. Paull works with the 15 student leaders on the executive team to organize monthly town hall meetings and programming for the 420 members in ISA.

In her day-to-day work, Paull is behind the scenes managing budgets and coordinating logistics that bring the student executive team’s vision to life. She is also collaborating with campus partners such as the Global Engagement Office to share resources for international Aggies.

While supporting students, Paull emphasizes how she is often the student herself — learning about Texas A&M and the world from a different perspective.

“I pick up something new every day from the students because they share about their food and languages from home,” she said. “I also learn from their humility as they get used to life in Aggieland and that also helps my work to support them.”

Through these bonds, Paull has built a community space for international students, which has also shaped her own Aggie experience.

“My favorite memory so far was last year’s International Dance Night when I participated in a class held by the Korean Dance Association,” she said. “There were a lot of other Aggies there, too, because a professor had offered extra credit for those who came. Everyone was laughing and dancing.”

Building on Momentum

With a year under her belt, Paull is ready to strategically plan for the next academic year. So much so that there is a countdown to the summer on the whiteboard next to her desk. Using the information she received at the Advisor Summit, her goal is to strengthen connections between cultural organizations on campus. This includes expanding communication for ISA resources such as the International Aggie Partnership Program that awards grants to student groups that promote cultural awareness or serve international communities.

In addition, Paull is partnering with the division’s Student Affairs Planning, Assessment & Research department to better understand how ISA can provide professional and personal growth opportunities for its members through events or networking sessions.

“International students are proud to be a part of Texas A&M, and what we’re aiming to do is to help them feel more connected to the traditions here like any other Aggie.”

Dylan Murray ’16 fondly dubs his first introduction of Texas A&M as the “world’s worst tour.” His older brother, also a former student, took him around while sharing campus facts that Murray would later discover were almost all wrong. Nonetheless, his brother’s excitement for Texas A&M shined through, convincing Murray that he wanted to become an Aggie, too.

Murray arrived at Texas A&M to pursue his bachelor’s degree in English with the dream of becoming a high school teacher — in his words — like Robin Williams in “Dead Poets Society.” However, these plans changed when he was serving as a counselor for Fish Camp and met his camp’s namesake, Erin Williamson.

An advisor in MSC Programs, Williamson introduced Murray to how staff support students in finding belonging and purpose in their student organizations. After that two-hour conversation, Murray walked away knowing he also wanted to work with college students to help develop their passions in ways outside the classroom.

A Decade-Long Student Affairs Journey

In 2017, Murray got his start in student affairs as an administrative coordinator in the Department of Student Activities to support the director’s office. The next year, he started his master’s degree in student affairs administration in higher education (SAAHE) at Texas A&M, which gave him additional knowledge on how to work with students. From there, he moved to a more student-facing role in 2019 to the Campus Engagement & Traditions office, advising leaders in the Student Government Association (SGA).

“I remember calling my best friend at the time and telling her that I was going to be meeting with students for 15 hours that week, and I could barely control the smile on my face because I was so excited,” he recalled.

During his first year working with the SGA, Murray was blown away by how student leaders were willing to stand up for their peers. To him, this was selfless service in action as student government representatives advocated for every student, even if they themselves weren’t directly impacted by an issue. He was impressed to see how student leaders were always energized to ensure all Aggies were heard.

He continued to grow in the office, where he eventually became assistant director and advised students who organize Texas A&M traditions, including Aggie Muster. He explained how eye-opening it was to see current and former students come together for the common purpose to remember their fellow Aggies.

“Working with the Aggie Muster Committee taught me a lot about what it truly means to be an Aggie. It also taught me more as a human being on how I can support my friends and how I can process grief within my own life,” he said.

After eight years of working directly with students, Murray felt ready to scale his impact by supporting student development from a more administrative role. In June 2025, he began as an associate director in MSC Programs to holistically manage the department’s operations across staff development, HR, marketing, risk management, assessment and former student engagement.

“What I love about being a part of MSC Programs is that I’m able to help support incredible staff who develop large-scale programs with their students,” Murray said. “Programs, including the SCONA Conference, MSC Lost and Found Sale and the Howdywood Film Festival are all events that reach and impact students from across campus.”

To support the department’s diverse programming, Murray often wears different hats. One day, he’s planning a staff training session and the next, he’s attending a social hour for former students in Austin. Through it all, what remains the same is his dedication and effort to pitch in and help his colleagues.

Mentorship Forged in Trust

In addition to the Aggie Core Values of Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect and Selfless Service, Murray emphasizes an additional value that has guided his career.

“If there’s one more value that I live by in addition to the Core Values, it’s trust,” he said. “One of the first things I said to every student I advised was that ‘Everyone, including myself, needs to work on earning your trust.’”

For Murray, trust is foundational to building meaningful partnerships with students that celebrate the wins and allows for honesty when times get tough. This golden standard applied to everyone he advised, regardless of their role within their respective organizations.

By developing mutual trust and being consistent in providing the programmatic context, Murray mentioned how he was able to leave space so that students could clearly communicate their needs. From there, he would do his best so that students could go out to achieve and grow in the ways they envisioned for themselves.

With one look around Murray’s office, it’s easy to notice the results of that trust-building. Letters, pictures and wedding invitations decorate his office from students who continue to keep in touch.

“Getting a chance to be with students through their highs and lows and being a part of their journey at Texas A&M, and in their life overall, is incredibly fulfilling and exactly what I wanted to do.”

Get to know Dylan Murray

You were in different student advising roles during your time in Student Activities. What was your motivation that informed your approach with students?

First and foremost, the most important thing was to connect with students and just learn from them. From day one, I told my students, “I’m obviously here to give you advice, but I’m also here to learn from you because I don’t have your unique experience and your viewpoint on what Texas A&M students need.” Based on that, every meeting was an opportunity to learn from students what they needed.

By being open, I was able to have moments where students could sit down with me for vulnerable conversations because they trusted me. And I would like to be clear that trust doesn’t always come with being that person’s friend. Of course, it comes with kind intent, but that doesn’t mean only having positive interactions. It’s navigating the hard conversations, too, which comes from a place of established trust.

You’re coming up on a year in MSC Programs. What is something new that you have discovered being a part of the department?

One thing I have come to absolutely love about MSC Programs is seeing the advisors work intentionally with students to put on programming that supports the Texas A&M campus as a whole. While I don’t directly work with student leaders anymore, the role has brought a new appreciation for MSC Programs advisors and the hard work they put in every day to make fantastic programs succeed for large audiences.

Do you have a standout MSC Programs memory?

Recently, I staffed the Stark Northeast trip. From the beginning, it was memorable because we were stuck in the Dallas airport from 7 a.m. on Saturday for almost 25 hours. We had to pivot like crazy, scribbling on a piece of paper overnight to make alternative plans. One support staff member was in Omaha, and I was in New Orleans — the students had no idea this was going on. In the end, we were all able to make it to the first reception the next day, and the trip went back on schedule.

In terms of the trip itself, we took 22 students to New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Boston so they could meet former students and explore cities they’d never experienced before. The best part of the trip was talking to the students while on the Metro or Amtrak and hearing their reflections about the trip. Their faces would light up and some of them were already looking for apartments in Boston when they had never considered that as an option before visiting. This goes back to the mission of J. Wayne Stark himself, who had wanted to expand students’ horizons by providing opportunities for travel outside of Texas.

Is there a passion you have outside of work that your coworkers may not know about?

I’m on a journey to check off and visit all the national parks! Right now, I’m at 11 out of 63. My friend group has bought in, and they’re really excited about this as well. This fall, I’ll be traveling to Washington state to knock off the parks there from my list.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (April 21, 2026) — The Texas A&M University Wind Symphony, under the direction of Dr. Timothy Rhea, has been selected as a TMEA Invited Ensemble and will perform at the 2027 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic/Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

This distinction represents a significant honor. Only 29 choral and instrumental ensembles — across elementary through university levels in Texas — are selected to perform at the convention, which draws more than 30,000 attendees and is the largest music educator gathering in the nation.

“We are most grateful for this invitation from TMEA to perform at the 2027 clinic/convention,” said Rhea. “It is a tribute to the dedication and high level of musical performance demonstrated by the students in the Wind Symphony.”

The TMEA Invited Ensemble performances highlight the strength of music education in Texas at every level. Performances will take place on Feb. 11–12, 2027, and specific concert schedules will be announced later this year.

Students who join a musical ensemble at Texas A&M balance music in a collegiate setting with academics and additional extracurricular activities.

“I’ve been a member of the Texas A&M Wind Symphony for the past four years while pursuing my bachelor’s degree, and there is something truly special about the environment,” said Emily Park ’26. “Every person shows up simply because they want to. Band has been an integral part of my life since middle school, and I’m incredibly grateful to have continued that journey while helping create opportunities like performing as an invited TMEA ensemble for future members.”

Through the additional flexibility offered by the Department of Music Activities, students in the Wind Symphony, as well as other ensembles, meet peers from different majors across campus to make music in shared passion outside the classroom.

“Band means a lot to me because it’s given me the chance to express myself musically and connect with so many talented people,” added Sami Melhem ’26. “This ensemble, in particular, has been a joy to rehearse with because everyone is open to others’ ideas, which made being selected as a TMEA ensemble even more meaningful.”