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LIVING TEXAS A&M’S OLDEST TRADITION

February 23, 2024 by rnelson

As Texas A&M’s oldest, largest and most visible student organization, the Corps of Cadets can trace its origins back to the university’s founding in 1876.

For generations, young men and women have found the perfect space to learn, lead and inspire within our organization. Though the Corps utilizes a military based cultural model to develop our students, there is no military obligation tied to one’s status as a cadet. In fact, over 60% of all cadets go on to work in the public and private sectors after graduation.

In addition to being one of the nation’s premier leadership development programs, the Corps of Cadets is also proud to offer world class academic resources and exclusive scholarships. With a grade point averages that regularly exceed the rest of the university’s, the Corps of Cadets is here to give students the tools they need to succeed, from the classroom, to the boardroom, to the battlefield and beyond.

Membership in the Corps is greater than just being in another club. Our cadets are members of a family and alumni base that spans nearly two centuries.

Members of the Corps aren’t just at the heart of Texas A&M’s oldest tradition, they live it every single day.

Once we have your contact information, you will receive personalized email communications from the Corps Recruiting team with more information on our organization.

You are also invited to join us for one or more of our Corps recruiting programs. Whether you choose to visit us virtually or in-person, these programs are a great opportunity to explore your possibilities in the Corps.

Have questions? Our Corps Recruiting team is available to assist with questions you may have by phone at (979) 845-9232 or by email at [email protected]

Texas A&M’s Hollingsworth Center Partners with National Medal of Honor Institute

February 20, 2024 by rnelson

The partnership between the two organizations is the first of its kind for the National Medal of Honor Institute.

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Feb. 20, 2024 — The Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets’ Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership has entered into a partnership with the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute. The natural alignment of the two organizations centers around a shared values system.

The Corps of Cadets has served as Texas A&M’s premier leadership development program for over 145 years. Leveraging a military structured cultural model allows for the holistic development of each individual in the Corps, regardless of their plans for the future. In fact, 60% of graduating cadets choose to pursue careers within the public, private or non-profit sectors.

Within the Corps experience, the Hollingsworth Center forEthical Leadership (HCEL) is a leadership and character “Center of Excellence” for students and staff. The Hollingsworth Center offers a comprehensive collection of programs that combine the formal study of leadership concepts with the intentional application and practice of leadership principles.

The National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute seeks to create a community built on character, leadership and impact by providing experiential leadership programs modeled after the valor and values of Medal of Honor recipients.

"In our mission to inspire and educate, partnering with the esteemed Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership is a significant milestone," said Chris Cassidy, President, and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation.

"These cadets will be among the future leaders of our nation. Introducing them to the incredible stories of our Medal of Honor recipients does more than add to their academic education. It helps establish a foundation of strong character for these students, allowing them to gain an understanding of what true leadership and service entails.”

Through this partnership, cadets will learn more about Medal of Honor recipients, and how their displayed characteristics of leadership can be applied in every aspect of life, from the battlefield to the board room. Cadets will now have the opportunity to earn a certificate in applied leadership studies endorsed by the Griffin Institute upon their completion of the Hollingsworth program.

“The Hollingsworth Center is deeply honored to partner with the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute. Our mission of developing leaders of character aligns perfectly with the institute’s mission of inspiring Americans to reach their true character and leadership potential. It’s a perfect match. Most of our non-commissioning graduates will never find themselves on a combat battlefield, but they can all selflessly serve others and live courageous lives of character in whatever career field they enter,” Dr. Dave Keller, Director of the Hollingsworth Center, said.

As the Corps of Cadets continues on its plan to grow to 3,000 members, partnerships such as that with the Griffin Institute help elevate the cadet experience. With the partnership in its beginning stages, Corps of Cadets officials are excited for the future possibilities that it will bring to the organization.

“With eight former students among its recipients, Texas A&M has a long and proud connection to the National Medal of Honor. This new partnership builds on that connection by allowing our students to learn about the legacies of Medal recipients and use their knowledge to lead at the next level. What our cadets will learn through this partnership will serve them well as they pursue careers in the private and public sectors. Many of the characteristics that Medal recipients possessed can be emulated in our day-to-day interactions, and this partnership will serve as a springboard for just that,” Brigadier General Patrick Michaelis ‘93, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets, said.

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Media contact: Amy Thompson, 979-862-1922, [email protected]

Cadets Intern On Capitol Hill

February 15, 2024 by rnelson

This spring, cadets Tabitha Ford ‘25, Elizabeth Lewis ‘25 and Volodymyr Ploskanych ‘25 are interning on Capitol Hill through Texas A&M’s Policy Internship Programs. Comprised of Agricultural Natural Resources Policy Internship Program (ANRP) and Public Policy Internship Program (PPIP), these programs are collectively open to all academic disciplines at the university. Both programs seek to place students into policy-related internships at the state, national, or international level, allowing students to apply what they are learning at Texas A&M in a professional setting where policies are being made.

As part of her time in the ANRP, which is open exclusively to students majoring within the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, Ford is interning for Congressman Keith Self. A biochemistry major, Ford hopes to one day enter the field of medical research, and sees this opportunity as one more step in her preparation toward that goal. She says that her experience in the program has been enhanced by the skills she has learned as a member of the Corps.

“The time commitment of the Corps of Cadets is a big one, and definitely helped me to develop my time management skills for the workplace. Additionally, a lot of networking is done in the Corps by simply having the confidence to go up to someone, shake their hand and introduce yourself, which has contributed greatly to my ability to network confidently,” Ford explained.

“Assertiveness, the ability to work in a team, and working under pressure are all things I learned in the Corps that have been invaluable to my successful experience in Washington D.C. so far,” she continued.

To Ford, even the smallest tasks from her time in the ANRP have proven to be valuable.

“Even if your only task is answering phones, become the best person at answering phones in the world. Eventually, people will notice and you’ll slowly be given more and more responsibilities and opportunities to expand your knowledge and skill set. You can learn from everything,” Ford said.

Also a member of this semester’s ANRP cohort, Elizabeth Lewis, an ag leadership and development major, is interning for her local district’s representative, Congressman Jake Ellzey. With her future goal of attending law school and practicing either ag policy or estate law in mind, Lewis says that her time in the program has validated what she’s learned as a cadet.

“My time in the Corps has given me the skills to work with people in challenging situations, which has proved to be incredibly helpful throughout my internship. The Corps has also given me a sense of discipline that has been amazing for establishing and maintaining my routine in D.C.,” Lewis said.

Through his participation in the PPIP, Ploskanych, a sociology major, hopes to learn more about the human side of the policy process and how it impacts the world around him. As an intern for Congressman Michael McCaul, who serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ploskanych has been given space to learn more about foreign policy in the U.S.

“The PPIP is understandably a major opportunity for A&M students and a very valuable experience. Above all else, I want this semester to make me a better man for my fish (freshmen) next year and my buddies,” Ploskanych said.

Originally from Ukraine, Ploskanych and his family emigrated to the United States in 2006, and moved to Texas ten years ago. He says that being born in Ukraine is part of what inspired him to apply for the PPIP.

“I became interested in the public policy sector because Ukraine has tragically become a significant point of foreign policy. I thought my language and cultural insights could be of some use in the field,” Ploskanych explained.

As he continues on his journey with the program, Ploskanych also cites what he has learned as a member of the Corps of Cadets as his foundation for success.

“The Corps genuinely does a good job of preparing you for professional situations such as this. I think that freshman year teaches you most of what you need to know for life. Put care into your appearance, work with your peers as a team, say ‘Sir’ and ‘Ma’am’, take constructive criticism and be motivated,” Ploskanych explained.

For others interested in joining the Corps of Cadets and pursuing opportunities like the PPIP or ANRP, Ploskanych has a few words of advice.

“Absolutely do it and do it absolutely. If you stick with your buddies and really make an effort to be involved, you will have an experience to cherish for the rest of your life,” Ploskanych said.

Home to cadets from across all majors, interests and goals for the future, the Corps of Cadets serves as Texas A&M’s premier leadership development program. Leveraging a traditional, military structured developmental model, members of the Corps take what they’ve learned from within the program and apply it to their personal and professional goals.

Story By: Robin Nelson ’22

Anika Waddill ’24

February 14, 2024 by rnelson

Hometown: Burleson, Texas

Major: Nursing

Outfit: Company A-2

Originally from Company A-2, Anika Waddill ’24 presently serves as the PR and Recruiting Officer for First Wing.

On the Quad, Anika works for Corps Recruiting and is a member of the Corps Tennis team and Corps Color Guard. Anika previously served as the First Brigade Color Sergeant. Off the Quad, Anika is an active member of Aggie Sweethearts.

“My time in the Corps has helped shape me into who I am today. I came into my freshman year quite timid and afraid to get out of my comfort zone. During these four years, I have been able to learn a lot about myself and leadership. I have had to adapt to many changes, specifically this year, coming into a new Major Unit. During this time I have learned to get out of my box, working in a new environment with new people. Overall, I think the Corps has helped me become stronger mentally and physically,” Anika said of her time in the Corps.

After graduation, Anika plans to move back to the Fort Worth area to work as a nurse. She also hopes to one day return to school for her master’s degree in nursing.

Cadet Wins National Collegiate Rugby Championship

February 12, 2024 by rnelson

While membership in the Corps of Cadets entails a regimented lifestyle with a defined daily schedule, there is still room for students to pursue their interests through activities off the Quad. Home to over 1,300 student organizations and activities, the larger Texas A&M campus is filled with opportunities for cadets to further pursue their passions and prepare for their future goals.

On the Quad, cadet Genevieve Pace ‘24 serves as the Second Group Commanding Officer and as a member of Parsons Mounted Cavalry. Her time outside of the arches is spent as a member of Texas A&M’s Women’s Rugby Club. Though she only began playing rugby three years ago, Pace quickly found herself a seasoned veteran on the team.

“During my fish (freshman) year, I was interested in off the Quad involvement and had always wanted to do a contact sport. So, I reached out to the university rugby team’s recruiting officer. Today, I am the player who has been on the team the longest,” Pace explained.

In the fall of her senior season, Pace decided to try out for the National Collegiate Rugby League’s Lonestar Conference All Star Team, which is comprised of the top players from Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Members of this elite team are given the opportunity to compete against other regional conferences for a shot at the league’s national championship title.

“Out of the 40 girls that tried out, I was selected among 13 others for the team. I was nervous to compete against the top 300 collegiate rugby players in the nation. I did not believe in my own abilities or skills, or that I should be competing at the same level as these girls. I overcame this by talking with my teammates who reassured me that they believe in me,” Pace said.

“I set a personal goal during every single match that I would give 100% of my effort and come off the field as exhausted as possible so that there would be no regrets. The Corps has taught me that perseverance. It taught me that excellence is not perfection, but instead giving 100% effort towards what you want to achieve. No shame can come of giving all you can, especially towards a cause with other people, whether that be my buddies in the Corps or my teammates on the field,” Pace continued.

Pace’s perseverance and dedication to her team culminated the weekend of January 20th, where the Lonestar Conference was finally put to the test. Having never played together prior to the championship series, the team had to come together quickly to find success.

“We played in three pool games versus the Ohio Valley, Upstate New York and South Atlantic conferences. We won all three, so we were able to advance straight to the semi-final round the next day. In the semi final match, we played the Midwest team and shut them out to win the match. In the final game, we played the Big 10 and were also able to shut them out to win the National Championship,” Pace said.

“I felt so ecstatic after winning the championship. It was a surreal feeling to go from being unsure of my belonging at the tournament to winning the entire thing. I was so unbelievably proud of how the team so quickly meshed together. All of us were playing for one another, not just for individual glory, and it showed.”

Though time consuming, Pace says that this experience, coupled with her involvements in the Corps of Cadets, have been worthwhile.

“It takes quite a lot of effort to balance the Corps, the rugby team and my academics. But I genuinely believe that if you love what you are doing, you make the time for it. There is no denying that it was difficult, but I have gained so much from both the Corps and rugby. Both have shaped me into the leader I am today. I say take a leap of faith and do something off the Quad because you never know how it may impact you and your future.”

The similarities between the Corps’ leadership development program and the game of rugby may not be immediately apparent. Pace says one specific core value is present everywhere she looks.

“The Corps experience has especially emphasized selfless service. As one of our core values, I see it exhibited everywhere. Whether it be taking an extra sandbag from my buddy on a run or helping others tack up their horse at a Parsons Mounted Cavalry ride class, you can always do something for someone else. I apply this mentality to rugby too. I need to carry my burden and then some in order to be part of a winning team,” Pace said.

Story By: Robin Nelson ’22

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