The Class of 2027 Presents the Aggie Murph Challenge

If you've seen the movie "Lone Survivor," starring Mark Wahlberg, you might be familiar with the story of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy who was killed in action in Afghanistan during a mountainside fire fight with the Taliban in 2005. His namesake is now making its way across college campuses with a physical fitness challenge honoring his sacrifice, called ‘The Murph Challenge,’ and it’s coming to Texas A&M University this April.

Cole Sloan, the president of the Class of 2027, was at an internship at the America First Policy Institute last summer when he first heard about the Murph Challenge. His friend Jacob Bull was the event director who brought the challenge onto his campus at Liberty University and shared more with Sloan about his heart to serve veterans and how the Murph Challenge came to life at Liberty. Their conversation inspired Sloan, and after hearing about the impact the Murph Challenge had on Bull and his efforts to support veterans at Liberty, Sloan left his internship on a mission.

With his own passion to serve the veteran community at Texas A&M, Sloan felt the Murph Challenge would be a worthy cause to bring to College Station not only because it directly aligns with our core values but also it would provide a challenging new way for fellow Aggies to do something tangible to serve those who serve our country. From there, the idea was pitched to the Class of '27 Class Council cabinet members and the Aggie Murph Challenge was born.

What is the Murph Challenge?

The Murph Challenge is a physical fitness challenge, but also a mental and emotional one, designed to create solidarity between the challenge participants and our military personnel who push themselves to their physical, mental and emotional limits serving our country. It consists of a 1-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 air squats, and another 1-mile run — all while wearing a weighted vest. This challenge not only honors the sacrifices of our military and first responders but also raises awareness and funds for those who have selflessly served our country.

History of the Murph Challenge

Through his heroic efforts to relay the position of his four-man unit to the nearby Air Force base, Lt. Murphy’s act to call for help in the midst of a two-hour gunfire fight against local Taliban forces ultimately led to the rescue of Marcus Luttrell, the lone survivor - and now the story lives on through the silver screen and a memorial scholarship foundation. Lt. Murphy was fondly referred to by those who loved him as "Murph," and his legacy of service after his death was continued by his family, who started the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation in 2007. Murph was an avid reader and a huge proponent for the freedom that education brings. In his honor, the foundation has grown to award 43 scholarships annually. Now, the foundation's largest fundraiser of the year, the Murph Challenge, has been making its way across college campuses where local students have adopted its model to raise funds for local causes that benefit veterans in memory of Lt. Murphy's sacrifice.

An Interview with Cole Sloan, Mia Culotta and Garrett Beller: Class of 2027 Cabinet Members and the Spearheads of the Aggie Murph Challenge

Tell us a little about yourselves and what you're involved in at Texas A&M.

Sloan: "Howdy, my name is Cole Sloan. I'm a finance major from right here in College Station, proudly repping the class of 2027 by serving as class president. I'm also involved with The Aggie Men's Club, MSC Abbott Family Leadership Conference."

Culotta: "Howdy, I'm Mia Culotta, Class of 2027 cabinet member. I'm a business marketing major from Katy, Texas. I'm a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, Event Director for the Aggie Murph Challenge and on the Class Councils '27 Cabinet. I'm also a Muster Host and a student assistant in the Department of Residence Life."

Beller: "Howdy everyone, I'm Garrett Beller, I'm a sophomore industrial distribution engineer from Fulshear, Texas. On campus I am involved in the Brotherhood of Christian Aggies, the 1879 Society Ambassadors, Class Councils as the Class of 2027 Cabinet executive vice president, and the Aggie Murph Challenge as the assistant director."

What do you love about being an Aggie?

Sloan: "The legacy of Texas A&M is something that motivates me every day. The standard at Texas A&M is extremely high, and it is apparent all around us that the Aggie Community lives up to that standard."

Culotta: "I love that there is always something to look forward to. Whether it is a date party, big event, worship night in Aggie Park, philanthropy event, or pond hopping with friends, I am never bored. I love that there are always opportunities for students to have fun."

Beller: "My favorite part of attending Texas A&M is the culture of support, excellence, and unity. Whether it's in the classroom, student organizations, or traditions, there's a strong sense of camaraderie that makes every Aggie feel like part of something bigger. The way students uplift one another, strive for greatness, and uphold the values that define A&M creates an environment that is truly special."

How did you first get involved and how has it affected your time at Texas A&M so far?

Sloan: "I first got involved at Texas A&M in the Aggie Men's Club. Through the leaders I met in AMC, I heard about so many of the incredible opportunities there are to serve at Texas A&M"

Culotta: "The first organization I joined on campus was Kappa Alpha Theta. From the very beginning of college, I met the most amazing girls. We rode to chapter together, shared tables in the Commons, and now all live together in the Theta house. Starting off college with friends who are excited to have fun and encourage me to participate in the Aggie traditions was the best case scenario."

Beller: "I first got involved during my first week at Texas A&M by starting a Bible study in my dorm. It was incredible to see people come together and build a meaningful community. That experience set the tone for my time at A&M, showing me the power of genuine connections and the impact of investing in others."

Why did you decide to run for class councils?

Sloan: "I decided to run for sophomore class president after watching the incredible job my predecessor, Duncan Poling, did during my freshman year. During my freshman year I served as his vice president, and after conversations with him and some of my other close friends, I decided that running for class president was the way I wanted to serve my fellow students."

Culotta: "As the Class Councils vice president of programs for the class of 2027, I was appointed by our class president, Cole Sloan, through an interview process. I was encouraged by my friends to apply and help promote unity within our class. I love traditions and never pass up a chance to do my wildcat (A-A-A-A-A) so this role was perfect."

Beller: "I wanted to play a role in preserving and enhancing our loved Texas A&M traditions, ensuring that future Aggies can experience the same sense of pride and belonging that I have. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to connect with my peers, step into leadership, and actively contribute to the legacy of our university."

Tell us more about the Murph Challenge.

Sloan: "The Aggie Murph Challenge exists because we heard about the impact it had at Liberty University, and we felt it was a great opportunity for Aggies to push their limits and to serve our veterans. They have sacrificed so much for us — it's our turn to return the favor."

Beller: "We believe The Aggie Murph Challenge truly embodies the Aggie values of selfless service, leadership, and perseverance, giving students and participants the opportunity to push themselves physically while making a tangible impact on the lives of veterans and their families."

How has the planning process been for the Murph Challenge? What has been the most memorable part about bringing this type of challenge to Texas A&M?

Culotta: "I have taken on planning the Aggie Murph Challenge as a way to bring my class and all of College Station together under one unifying cause. I have had to learn that promoting something to 10,000-plus students isn't as easy as it seems, and ways to market it more broadly so others get behind the cause with us."

Beller: "Planning the Murph Challenge has been a brand new and incredibly rewarding experience. It's pushed me to grow in areas like fundraising, event organization, and communicating a clear vision for our mission. I've learned how to navigate the logistics of planning a large-scale event while staying focused on the heart behind it, honoring our veterans and supporting the Mighty Oaks Foundation. It's been a challenge at times, but it's also shown me the power of passion, teamwork, and perseverance in bringing a meaningful idea to life."

What are you hoping the Aggie Murph Challenge accomplishes in its first year?

Beller: "With the Aggie Murph Challenge, we hope to accomplish two key goals: honoring our military heroes and raising support for the Mighty Oaks Foundation. We also want Aggies to honor veterans through the Aggie Murph Challenge by pushing themselves in a way that reflects the dedication, resilience, and sacrifice of those who have served our country. Our goal is for Aggies to use this event as a moment to reflect, honor, and give back for years to come — whether it's through their effort in the challenge, raising awareness, or supporting the Mighty Oaks Foundation. A&M has a rich military history, and we want this event to serve as a reminder of the deep gratitude we owe to those who have served and sacrificed."

What advice do you have to those who are looking to get involved during their time at Texas A&M?

Culotta: "My advice to students looking to get involved is to go and try everything. The worst thing someone can tell you is 'no,' and there will be another organization right after that one that you can apply to. Put yourself out there and take advantage of what A&M can offer you. The Aggie Murph Challenge needs volunteers as well, so we encourage anyone who wants to volunteer to get involved with our group."

Beller: "My advice to students looking to get involved at Texas A&M is to step out of their comfort zone and seek opportunities to serve, lead, and connect with others. Whether it's joining a student organization, participating in traditions, or starting something new, the Aggie community is full of ways to make an impact. Find something you're passionate about, be intentional in building relationships, and embrace the spirit of selfless service that defines A&M. The more you invest in the people and experiences around you, the more rewarding your time here will be."