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Corps of Cadets Launches Enhanced Onboarding Experience For Cadets

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Texas A&M's oldest student organization and premier leadership development program, the Corps of Cadets, has developed leaders for nearly 150 years. The first step of that leadership development begins before the Corps' newest members even step foot in their first class at A&M. Fall Orientation Week (FOW), which occurs before the start of classes, has served as freshman cadets’ welcome to the organization, preparing them for academic success and life in the Corps.

With input from current cadet leadership, the “essence of Fall Orientation Week” will be expanded to all members of the Corps, says Brigadier General (U.S. Army, Ret.) Patrick Michaelis, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets. 

“We’re preserving the best parts of FOW while adding key leadership training elements to make it more impactful for all cadets,” he remarked.

The Expansion of the Fall Orientation Week Experience

The expanded experience, called Corps Onboarding, will retain a similar staffing structure and training intent to the previous year’s orientation. The freshman experience continues to focus on familiarizing freshmen with life in the Corps of Cadets, traditions and Corps expectations. 

“The new Corps onboarding operation was initiated by cadet leadership to unify the Corps under a cohesive training standard. I strongly believe that the culture and identity associated with our outfits provides a sense of pride and are major motivations for joining the Corps. Onboarding allows freshmen to be embraced by their new Corps family and units to foster all-around camaraderie. I am committed to maintaining and strengthening this esprit de corps,” Deandre Macri, 2024-2025 Corps Commander, said. 

Cadet advisors, known as cadre, will train and acclimate new cadets into the Corps lifestyle and academic standards. Consistent with previous years, outfit cadre members will include sophomore, junior and senior cadets. Additional training for cadet leaders and cadet advisors will occur in preparation for freshman arrival, during the traditional freshman onboarding, and continue into the first two weeks of the semester.

Corporals Course

A featured element of the new onboarding experience is the Corporals Course. Designed for sophomore cadets and executed by a cadet task force, the Corporals Course will provide a refresher on Corps leadership standards and expectations while establishing a baseline understanding of values and traditions amongst cadets. 

“Instead of waiting until the weekend before class starts, sophomores will now return early to complete a Corporals Course focused on educating and certifying on the standards, values, and traditions of the Corps while also refreshing leadership lessons from the spring,” Michaelis said. 

Upon completion of the Corporals Course, sophomores will certify and integrate into their respective outfit cadre.  

“The Corporals Course is going to be a huge step for our sophomores as they enter this new phase of their leadership development journeys. Each one of them is a major part of the development of our freshman cadets, and the Corporals Course seeks to equip them for this responsibility,” Michaelis explained.

Back in The Saddle Training

Additionally, each returning cadet will undergo and certify in “Back in The Saddle” (BITS) training with their cadet leadership during the first weeks of the semester. BITS will recalibrate all cadets on the standards, values and traditions of the Corps of Cadets ahead of the new school year, and emphasize the importance in achieving a cohesive standard across the entire Corps.  

“This is an important evolution to the Corps experience. This new operation also provides each class year with an immersive leadership course that can be directly applied to our society,” Macri said. 

“My personal vision for the Corps of Cadets is that we remain a unified student organization and leadership development program that’s rooted in discipline, promotes a world-class education and fosters camaraderie through shared accountability to our standards and cadet values,” Macri continued. 

Grounded in Tradition, Advancing Toward the Future

Though ever-evolving, the Corps’ unique, military-based cultural model remains anchored to what the organization has always sought to do: develop well educated leaders of character for the challenges of tomorrow.

“At its core purpose, Fall Orientation Week is not changing. It is extending for increased impact. Forged through conversations and collaboration across all levels of current cadet leadership, this expanded experience seeks to prepare each cadet, new or continuing, for impactful leadership beyond their time here. The Corps is a four year leadership laboratory, and this experience will expand upon that development for all class levels within the Corps,” Michaelis continued. 

“We are excited to see this new plan in action in August. Whether a student in the Corps is a freshman, senior, or somewhere in between, there’s learning to be done and growth to be had. This expanded experience seeks to draw those lessons and that growth out of each cadet from day one,” Michaelis said.

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets to Conduct March-In for the Lone Star Showdown

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The Corps of Cadets will continue its gameday tradition of marches before home games for the game against the University of Texas at Austin

The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets is excited to announce a campus march will be conducted prior to the Lone Star Showdown against the University of Texas at Austin on Nov. 30, 2024. An iconic part of the Aggie gameday experience, the Corps of Cadets conducts march-ins prior to every home game in Kyle Field.

Though the Corps hasn’t conducted march-ins prior to home games during Thanksgiving week in the past several years, this year’s march-in will celebrate the return of the football rivalry with the University of Texas while showcasing the full Aggie Spirit for old and new fans alike.

“It is only fitting that the Corps of Cadets welcomes t.u. back to Aggieland with one of the best gameday traditions out there,” said Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Patrick Michaelis, commandant of cadets.

While march-in details are pending the announcement of game time, Aggies and football fans alike can expect a show of pageantry and school spirit from the Corps. The campus march will begin on the Quad, home of the Corps of Cadets, where the firing of the Spirit of ‘02 cannon by Parsons Mounted Cavalry will signal the start of the march. The Corps, led by the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, will lead the Corps off the Quad.

The Corps of Cadets, Texas A&M’s premier leadership development program, is as old as the university. Known as the Keepers of the Spirit and Guardians of Tradition, the Corps plays a key part in upholding several of the traditions for which Texas A&M is known.

“The Corps is special to a lot of Aggies. This rivalry is one of the most well-known in college sports. There isn’t a better way for the Corps to show its support and stand as the 12th Man than showing up in full force”, Michaelis said.

Details for Corps’ march-ins will be posted as game times are announced at corps.tamu.edu/events.

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Amy Thompson, [email protected], 979-862-1922

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Utilizes Holistic Approach to Develop Next Generation of Leaders

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The leadership development program provides students the opportunity to grow academically, physically, professionally and personally. Graduates from the Corps go on to serve at the local, state and national levels across all sectors.

Founded alongside Texas A&M in 1876, the Corps of Cadets stands as the university’s oldest, largest and most recognizable student organization. After Texas A&M’s military service requirement became optional in 1965, the Corps has evolved to consistently produce leaders of character for every professional sector.

Though many key elements of the Corps experience have remained the same, the organization has advanced throughout the years to fit the ever changing needs of local communities, states and the nation as a whole. The organization’s most recent advancements have emerged in an effort to ensure relevance in relation to present day leadership needs, resulting in a more intentional focus on the holistic development of each student. This enhanced wrap-around experience positions members of the organization to be successful leaders, prepared to make impacts in all facets of their lives.

“In every industry, there’s an ever evolving need for leaders who can effectively navigate present day challenges. In order for the Corps experience and the leaders it produces to remain equipped for those challenges, we have to evaluate the ways in which we are operating on a day to day basis. By pivoting some elements of the Corps experience today, we are ensuring that our nation has the leaders it needs for tomorrow,” Brigadier General (U.S. Army, Ret.) Patrick Michaelis, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets, said.

An area of the Corps experience that has significantly evolved is academics. For the past decade, one of the Corps’ major priorities has been academic excellence. A mandatory evening study time on weekdays, as well as dedicated Corps tutoring and academic advising services, have reinforced that focus, allowing the Corps to consistently post a GPA that matches or exceeds the average GPA for the university. This academic success is paired with the organization’s ability to prepare students to enter the professional world after graduation. Consistently, over 90% of all graduating cadets either have jobs lined up or have plans to continue their education by the time they cross the stage at graduation.

Building on the Corps’ success in academics, there is also now an intentional focus to expand the support cadets receive, to include the resiliency aspects of their lives. Efforts to reinforce the wrap-around focus of these elements within the Corps experience have already begun. Personal support resources, to include mental wellness support, time management instruction and physical exercise regimens that promote sustainable fitness work together to ensure that each cadet is functioning to the highest degree possible.

“With these advancements, we aren’t just creating leaders who are ready to perform at the professional level. We are looking at the whole individual, and finding ways to guide them to success in every aspect of their lives,” Michaelis continued.

Cadet Advisory Team

The Cadet Advisory Team, composed of Scholastic Performance Specialists who offer academic advising services, Corps Performance Coaches (a newly created position), Military and Operations Advisors (repurposed Cadet Training Officers), and the soon to be hired Leadership Development Advisors, will facilitate holistic development amongst cadets, promoting both organizational and individual cadet development.

Members of this team will work together to identify areas of strength and improvement for each individual student, providing recommendations for growth in multiple facets of their life and throughout their Corps career. Unique compared to other Senior Military Colleges and the service academies, the Cadet Advisory Team ensures cadets are aware of the full range of professional and personal development tools available to them.

Corps Performance Coaches

The Corps Performance Coach (CPC) role places additional emphasis on cadet resilience training across multiple facets.

“The primary focus of the Corps Performance Coaches will be to provide training that takes a ‘whole person’ development approach to each of our students. Through collaboration with the academic and military advisor roles, CPCs will educate cadets on different health initiatives and build their resiliency across a multitude of areas,” Meredith Simpson, Chief of Staff for the Office of the Commandant, said.

“This added instruction will support cadets as they navigate day to day challenges, and will help them find an effective balance between their academic pursuits and the Corps lifestyle and culture. We want our cadets to become resilient individuals who are able to grow and thrive in challenging environments, and the Corps Performance Coaches will provide avenues toward that,” she continued.

Military and Operations Advisors

The Military and Operations Advisors also play a significant part in each cadet’s development. These roles, which are an evolution of the Cadet Training Officer position, work in teams of two per each major unit and advise cadets as they navigate their day to day responsibilities. Military and Operations Advisors ensure that cadets at every phase in the Corps experience have the support they need to make optimal leadership decisions.

“In developing a future leader, it is important we provide a positive example on how to approach challenges. Military and Operations Advisors work in tandem to help cadets examine the best way to lead people, organizations and systems in an ethical manner from the perspective of an experienced professional,” First Sergeant (U.S. Army, Retired) Ken Griffing, Operations Advisor for the Corps’ First Wing, said.

“Our role as advisors is to encourage cadets to understand different theories of leadership and how to apply them appropriately given the situation, either through formal instruction or by coaching,” Griffing continued.

Leader Development Advisors

Leader Development Advisors (LDAs) will facilitate the integration of leadership theory instruction that cadets receive in the classroom and the practical guidance that they receive from their Advisors and CPCs. LDAs will create an immersive leadership development experience that touches every aspect of cadet daily life.

Through a partnership with Undergraduate Studies, these new members of the Office of the Commandant staff will have extensive experience as leaders in the military or private sector and have an educational background in leadership and organizational development.

“The addition of a Leader Development Advisor, in the form of a Professor of Practice, allows our students to benefit from the synergy of cadet initiatives improved through an intentional connection with current leadership theory. We want to enhance the leadership development of all cadets through the integration of theory and practice while drawing on the personal experiences of our LDAs,” Simpson said.

Using their position as both a professional mentor and an educational instructor, LDAs will advise cadets in overcoming and learning from the leadership challenges they’re faced with throughout their Corps careers.

A Living Leadership Laboratory

Though the Corps of Cadets stands today as Texas A&M’s premier leadership development program, it is important to recognize that this status was achieved through the continued enhancement and evolution of the organization’s leadership education over the years.

Combining both the applied leadership experiences and the leadership theory instruction that the Corps’ Hollingsworth Center provides, cadets learn and put their leadership knowledge to work on a daily basis. With the added layers of advising provided by the Cadet Advisory Team, cadets can comfortably test their leadership skills, learn from their mistakes and get a feel for their personal leadership style preferences.

Applied Leadership Experiences

Leadership development in the Corps takes place in the form of providing cadets real world opportunities to make decisions for themselves and on behalf of a group.

Within one’s home unit, cadets learn first as freshmen to be accountable for their own studies and time management skills while adhering to the Corps’ regimented lifestyle. Freshmen are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the university’s core values and how they can apply them to their personal lives. As one progresses through their class years, their responsibilities shift toward instructing the class years below them in those practices, while continuing to develop themselves.

Throughout their Corps journeys, cadets have the opportunity to apply for various leadership positions across the organization. These positions, no matter the level, provide students opportunities to lead groups and learn more about their personal leadership preferences and abilities as they go. Serving on a unit chain, such as Public Relations or Operations, also gives cadets the opportunity to pursue leadership endeavors in areas that may interest them, effectively giving them the opportunity to develop skills that are transferable to their future careers.

Extra involvements, such as membership in one of the Corps’ special units, give cadets the platform to develop skills like event planning and peer leadership. Parsons Mounted Cavalry (PMC), is a special unit open exclusively to junior and senior cadets. As the nation’s largest collegiate mounted cavalry unit, students within PMC plan and execute all unit operations, from care schedules for the unit’s 70 horses and mules, to trip planning and logistics for the various parades around the state and nation that the unit rides in each year.

The developmental opportunities offered through special units like PMC are just one example of the many ways cadets can get involved outside of their home units. From club level sports teams to professional development organizations, students in the Corps have the ability to identify and pursue their passions and interests while growing and developing as a leader.

Building upon these practical developmental experiences, the Hollingsworth Center helps cadets recognize the competencies they’ve developed by connecting them with industry leaders. Through workshops, speaker series and conferences, cadets gain a better understanding of how the competencies they’ve gained as a result of the Corps experience will serve them beyond graduation.

Leadership Theory

These practical experiences are complemented by leadership theory taught in the classroom and facilitated by the Hollingsworth Center. Throughout their four years in the Corps, cadets are required to partake in courses offered by the School of Military Sciences (SOMS). SOMS course offerings include Principles of Academic and Personal Development, Developing and Instructing Others, Executive Leadership and many other topics. These course offerings are structured so cadets benefit from a year round, robust focus in the development of multiple career readiness competencies, to include critical thinking, teamwork, professionalism and communication skills.

One tangible indicator of the leadership education cadets receive is the Hollingsworth Certificate in Applied Ethical Leadership. Cadets who pursue this certificate complete a capstone course in ethical leadership, document their practical experiences across the university, create an Individual Leadership Development Plan that spans multiple semesters and conduct a comprehensive exit interview with a personal mentor.

In a first of its kind for the Hollingsworth Center, a new partnership with the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute expands opportunities for cadets. The leadership certificate is endorsed by the Griffin Institute, and related coursework informs cadets on Medal of Honor recipients and how their displayed characteristics of leadership can be applied in every aspect of life, across each professional sector.

“With eight former students among its recipients, Texas A&M has a long and proud connection to the National Medal of Honor. This 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,” Michaelis said.

The Corps is also a stakeholder in the university’s leadership minor. The minor’s curriculum consists of foundational courses in leadership theory, practice-focused courses that allow cadets to dive into areas that support their professional goals, while completing capstone experience and a required reflection. The minor features course offerings through SOMS, Communications, Ag Leadership and other members of the campus community. View the leadership minor’s program requirements here.

Lessons learned within the classroom can be directly applied to one’s role in the Corps, from the freshman to the senior levels. As cadets progress both in the classroom and in the organization, they are actively studying and testing relevant leadership theories and practices, creating a living leadership laboratory. The result of this experience is a deeper understanding of practical leadership applications that will translate well to the public, private, non-profit and military sectors.

Though cadets are the most common consumers of the aforementioned course offerings, those not in the Corps can also benefit. Open to all students at Texas A&M, the expanded educational offerings from within the Corps are building leaders of character at every corner of Texas A&M’s campus.

Sustainable Physical Wellness

An important part of the Corps’ holistic development structure is the utilization of physical wellness routines that promote lifelong, sustainable fitness practices. When paired together, proper physical conditioning and nutritional intake practices better align cadets for healthier futures.

The Corps’ Athletic Training Room (ATR) supports injured cadets by monitoring their recovery process and educating students on how to heal properly. This coaching, provided by athletic trainers who exclusively serve the Corps, allows cadets to continue to meet the physical standards of the Corps and their ROTC programs, if applicable.

“With the appropriate amalgam of diet, rest and exercise, it’s astonishing the feats the human body can accomplish. Under the umbrella of care within the athletic training room and the licensed and certified athletic trainers that staff it, we can provide services from the immediate time of injury, aid in the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries, and provide information and guidance in injury prevention and exercise program design,” Sam Goodey, one of the Corps’ athletic trainers, said.

“The goal of the athletic training staff is to assist the members of the Corps of Cadets and be the first point of contact for any health-related needs, so that they can continue to be healthy athletes long after they graduate from Texas A&M,” Goodey continued.

Efforts are also underway to ensure that cadets are adequately fueled nutritionally. Similar to student athletes, the daily demands of a cadet call for more physical output than those of the typical college student. Working together with Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services, the Office of the Commandant is able to identify ways in which cadet nutritional needs can be met.

“The Corps of Cadets' partnership with Chartwells has played an integral role in our development of young leaders. The Chartwells team is dedicated to providing nutritious meals to our 2,000+ cadets, and they do so on a consistent and highly efficient basis. Chartwells always considers our cadets and their outside physical demands when developing their dining options. Their commitment to providing what our cadets need, when they need it, is greatly appreciated,” Michaelis said.

We Make Leaders

Though on a transformational journey toward growth and heightened impact, the Corps of Cadets’ mission remains the same: developing well educated leaders of character who are prepared for the challenges and trials of tomorrow.

Even in its present era of growth and transformation, members of the Corps of Cadets continue to be Texas A&M’s Guardians of Tradition and the Keepers of the Spirit. With a focus on providing an immersive and intentional experience which develops the whole student, the Corps is able to build leaders in every aspect, while continuing to serve Texas A&M.

“The developmental experience that’s offered by the Corps of Cadets is like no other. Proposed and enacted developments look to preserve that experience and its status as Texas A&M’s premier leadership development program,” Michaelis said.

“We are creating well rounded leaders who are passionate about what they’re doing, the people they’re serving with and the greater picture at hand. Our students are driven to serve the world around them, and we are here to give them the tools they need to do so,” Michaelis continued.

As the Corps of Cadets presses toward the future, present growth and transformation efforts are rooted in ensuring that the Corps experience remains grounded in what makes the organization special, while also promoting forward progress that secures relevancy for generations to come.

CCMU Remains One Of The Nation’s Elite Shooting Squads

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The Corps of Cadets Marksmanship Unit recently completed its 12th season, achieving high levels of success across multiple national events.

“All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible,” T.E. Lawrence. 

The above quote sits centered on a printed sheet, just below the Corps of Cadets Marksmanship Unit (CCMU) logo. Eight copies of the sheet have been made, one for each CCMU team member who is set to compete the next day at the SIG SAUER Relentless Warrior Championship in Epping, New Hampshire. One of the team’s coaches, Kevin Jimmerson ‘89, gives the team final words of motivation for the evening.

“Look at that quote on that sheet of paper you just received. That’s us. We dream with our eyes open. Tomorrow is a wide open table. Anyone can do this, but remember that it’s a marathon. I don’t ask that you win, because this isn’t about winning. It’s about looking around and taking care of your buddies. It is not about one of us, it's about all of us,” Jimmerson said. 

A token of the moment, members of the team begin moving around the room to sign each other’s sheets. Once each sheet has been signed, paracord and metal links are placed in front of them. 

A paracord necklace with a metal link laying on top of the quote sheet that was given to each cadet.
Each cadet who competed at SIG received a link and quote sheet as a symbol of their place on the team.

“There is not a ‘weakest link’ on this team. I want each of you to take a link, tie the paracord around it and wear it while we compete this weekend. If you’re ever up there and you need reassurance, grab onto that link and know that we are in this together,” Jimmerson explained. 

The following morning, the CCMU is fully geared up at the SIG SAUER Training facility. It is a cold, snowy morning, but the weather conditions seem to go largely unnoticed by everyone in attendance. The team’s participation in this event comes just weeks after their first place finish at the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP)’s National Championship in Talladega, Alabama, and they’re focused on closing out the season on a high note at the Relentless Warrior Championship. 

Cadets smile in front of a Sig Sauer poster in the snow.
Held annually in Epping, New Hampshire, the SIG SAUER Relentless Warrior Championship is one of the CCMU's most prominent involvements.

“Going to compete at the SASP and SIG National Championships is always nerve-wracking, knowing you have to outperform the best in the sport. My teammates have an inspiring drive to compete and a motivation to always improve. The CCMU is unique because we compete in so many shooting disciplines. Our competitors typically only shoot SASP or SIG; we shoot both and more, such as the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association’s SWAT Competition and the Mammoth Sniper Challenge. At times, it feels like the team is in a constant state of gearing up, tuning and preparation,” Chance De Vos ‘24, Commanding Officer of the unit, said

“I am incredibly proud of my teammates and all of the hard work they have put in the last two semesters. Long nights catching up on school work into early mornings of dry fire, and then weekends of full-day practices and matches. It's why I believe that the CCMU forges the best cadets on the Quad,” he continued. 

The Relentless Warrior Championship is lined with notable competitors for the CCMU. Teams from each of the United States Service Academies, senior military colleges and the Canadian Royal Military Academy are all present, with some members of these squads even having prior active duty military service under their belts. It's a stage filled with heavy hitters, but is also one on which Texas A&M has been consistently well represented.

“Texas A&M has a reputation to uphold, and it truly is an honor and a privilege to be able to represent the university and the Corps at all of the events we attend. The pressure to perform and live up to the CCMU's reputation is on and to be able to go out and compete truly is an incredible opportunity,” De Vos said. 

CCMU cadet smiles with his dad and sister at the SIG SAUER academy.
Family members of several CCMU cadets traveled from across the nation to watch and support them as they competed at SIG.

Though over 1,800 miles away from Texas A&M’s campus, half of the team’s members have family who have traveled to support them across two days of intense, 3-Gun format competition. Family members have arrived from California, Utah, Texas and Massachusetts to support their cadets in the team’s much anticipated final match of the season, and their presence makes all the difference. 

CCMU team gathered in cadet Charlie Roach '25's house for dinner after the competition.
Cadet Charlie Roach's family hosted the team for dinner at their home in Topsfield, MA.

“It was very nice having my family come watch the team and I shoot. I felt the same sense of joy and support from them that weekend that I did from them when they came to my peewee league soccer games. The feeling of, ‘my mom and dad are here to see me! Yay!’ Having my family's support means a lot to me, and I know my teammates also enjoyed having their families come to watch us as well. It makes me feel accomplished and thankful that my family supports me,” Charlie Roach ‘25, who is originally from Topsfield, MA, said.

Throughout the competition’s two days, cadets push through several complex course trials, each featuring the use of rifles, pistols and occasionally a prop gun provided by Sig Sauer. Some courses require cadets to maneuver around obstacles, to include exiting a parked car and traversing through a plastic tunnel. One trial even features a challenge where cadets are required to grab a weighted bag and toss it over a wooden fence before continuing on to the course’s pistol portion.

Before and after each course, members of the CCMU can be seen jotting notes down on their pocket sized notebooks. Prior to the start of each course trial, cadets’ notes detail the specific course rules. After a course’s conclusion, cadets retrace their steps, detailing their shot placement and other mental takeaways.

A cadet makes note of her shot placement after a completing a course.
Following the conclusion of each course, CCMU cadets retrace their steps and take notes on their shot placement.

“We take notes before and after the stage because your brain is for thinking, and paper is for remembering. Under the stress of a stage, it is often easy to forget important information. Writing it down helps build that pathway in your brain, allowing you to reference and remember important details when you’re under the stress of the match,” Rheily Garcia ‘24 said. 

In between courses, cadets mingle with each other and members of the other teams, forming relationships with each other that will last long beyond the competition. Also within these small windows of downtime, they take time to ground themselves by looking to their link and paracord, recalling that they are moving together as a unit. 

“One of my favorite parts of SIG especially is being able to build relationships and camaraderie with the senior military college and service academy teams. Building these relationships is beneficial to cadets' development now and will be important when our contracted cadets become officers in our military as part of a joint force,” De Vos said.

Teams from each of the Service Academies and the Senior Military Colleges are present at the Relentless Warrior competition.

At the conclusion of the competition, the CCMU cadets, alongside the other teams, attend a banquet where the final results are announced. Members of the team are dressed in either the Corps’ Alphas or Midnights uniforms, depending on their classification. Among the many unique uniforms worn at this final event, the three pairs of senior boots in attendance are among the most notable details. For the three senior members of the unit, this evening is the culmination of their years of hard work and dedication to the team. 

“During my sophomore year in the Corps I had the opportunity to teach the then freshman class on CCMU how to be good teammates, students and cadets in addition to weapon handling and marksmanship. Watching their growth and achievements as they have developed into capable shooters and leaders in their own right has been the best experience of my college career. I have learned that teamwork and hard work are everything and serving those around you is the most rewarding thing you can do,” Ayla Myrin ‘24 said. 

A cadet howdy hat rests on the team's three 2024 Relentless Warrior awards (High Lady, Team 2nd Place, and M17 Shootout Champion).
In the past eight SIG Championship competitions, the CCMU has never finished below second place.

As results are announced, the CCMU’s reputation as one of the nation’s most decorated collegiate shooting squads is further solidified. Finishing second overall as a team, the CCMU also received the Top Gun and High Point Lady Shooter awards, among several other individual marks. Of the eight CCMU shooters who competed, seven placed within the top twelve. These awards compliment the rest of the team's 2023-2024 season, which included a tenth consecutive national championship title at SASP, a top ten placement at the Mammoth Sniper Challenge and a top 50% finish at the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association’s SWAT Competition.  

Though an undeniably successful season for the team, the CCMU is no stranger to these levels of achievement. Founded in the fall of 2011, the CCMU’s legacy is lined with national titles, high point individual marks and other accolades. The team’s dominance at every level has led to a variety of support from industry leaders such as Global Ordinance, Staccato, Glock, Adams Arms and Kryptek, which aid the team in firearm and apparel needs. Though a significant help on the equipment front, a financial gap in team travel and ammunition costs poses a threat to the team’s ability to compete. 

“For just over a decade, the Corps of Cadets Marksmanship Unit has served as a dominant force in the competitive shooting realm. These cadets and their coaches pour countless hours into their preparation for these competitions. The results, the awards they bring home, are a direct result of their dedication to their sport,” Brigadier General (U.S. Army, Ret.) Patrick Michaelis ‘93, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets, said. 

If you are interested in helping the national champion Corps of Cadets Marksmanship Unit compete at every level, please contact Kelly Corcoran at the Texas A&M Foundation here.

 

Story By: Robin Nelson '22

The Kupfer Scholarship: A Lasting Impact

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Made possible through the generosity of Gerald Ray ’54 and Donald Zale ’55, the scholarship was established to honor the memory of Harold Kupfer ‘54 for his professionalism, enthusiasm for life and contributions to the Texas business community.


Harold Kupfer '54's senior yearbook photo.

A Lasting Impact

Born in Dallas, Harold Kupfer graduated from Highland Park High School in 1950 and entered Texas A&M that fall. In the years following, Kupfer’s two high school friends, Gerald Ray ’54 and Donald Zale ’55, would join him at A&M in the Corps of Cadets. A member of the Corps’ Field Artillery unit, Fish Kupfer was active in Texas A&M’s intramural boxing company and the Fish Drill Team. He was later assigned to Battery “A” and progressed to Cadet Major of the Second Battalion Staff by his senior year. He was an active member of the Business Society, Texas A&M’s Dallas Club and the Press Club, becoming Club Editor of the 1954 Aggieland in his senior year. 

Kupfer went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Called to active duty, he served in Germany with a mechanized division artillery. He returned to Dallas after his military service and began his investment career with Sanders & Company (a Dallas investment firm). Kupfer later moved to Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, Incorporated, where he became head trader and a partner of the firm. 

Kupfer’s final career change came when he joined Jefferies & Company Incorporated. Kupfer’s professionalism, enthusiasm for business and respect for his associates would go on to place him in the “Jefferies Hall of Fame''. The firm also later established the Harold Kupfer Award, which is presented to an outstanding salesperson who demonstrates professional excellence. An active member of the business community, Harold served in several industry organizations, including the Dallas Traders Association, the National Association of Securities Dealers and the National Traders Association.

Following his passing after his battle with cancer in 1985, Kupfer’s two lifelong friends and fellow former cadets, Ray and Zale, established a scholarship award in his name in 2016. A generous contribution to his legacy, the Kupfer Scholarship is awarded by Ray and Zale annually to sophomore cadets who demonstrate the same leadership qualities, competitive drive and love for the Corps of Cadets and Texas A&M that their late friend did. Award amounts are then given to the winner and runners-up across their junior and senior years. The winner of the award receives a financial award each year, an Aggie ring scholarship and the Kupfer Award Pin, which is worn on the winner’s uniform.

Image of the Kupfer pin on a cadet's uniform.

A Living Tribute

The list of prior award recipients is filled with Corps Commanders, Aggie Band Commanders and others who have made notable contributions to Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets. A common amongst them is the lasting impact that the Kupfer Scholarship has left on their pursuits of their academic, personal and professional goals: 

“The Kupfer Scholarship helped provide financial stability in my last two years of undergraduate study. It also helped me establish relationships with former Aggies. I became very close with my scholarship donors and continued to send them letters, even after my time in the Corps was over. I am forever grateful to Gerald Ray, Donald Zale and Sandy Kupfer for all they have done to help me personally and professionally,” Katie Brock Anderson, DVM ‘18, a Biomedical Sciences graduate, said. Katie’s Corps career included leadership roles as the Executive Officer of the Infantry Band and as the First Sergeant of the Darling Recruiting Company. After graduation, Katie earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M in 2022. Katie presently works as a small animal General Practitioner in Jacksonville, Florida. 

“The Kupfer Scholarship made it possible for me to focus on my academics without the fear of finding funding for my education. It relieved me of the burden of finding a way to pay for school as it helped cover a lot of my costs. Through the financial relief it provided, I was able to excel in my undergrad studies and get accepted to a 3+2 masters program, which better positioned me for my future careers. Those second and third order effects of the scholarship have helped me land the position that I am in today,” Noorddin Alsawfta ‘19, an International Studies graduate, said. During his time in the Corps, Noorddin was a member of Company B-2 and served as the Commanding Officer of Rudder’s Rangers. After graduation, Noorddin went on to serve in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Officer. He works today as a Senior Project Manager at Nextera Energy Resources in Juno Beach, Florida. 

“Besides being able to focus on developing leadership in the Corps and being involved around campus, the Kupfer scholarship expanded my connections among the Aggie network. I’d like to thank Mr. Donald Zale and Mr. Gerald Ray for their generous endowments to make scholarships like these possible. It truly helps carry a legacy of service forward and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support,” Luke Thomas ‘20, an Industrial Distribution graduate, said. Luke served as the Corps Commander for the 2019-2020 school year, and was previously the Corps Sergeant Major and a member of Company F-1. After graduation, Luke was commissioned into the U.S. Navy, where he continues to serve as an Assistant Weapons Officer on the USS Georgia Gold.  

“The Kupfer Scholarship gave me the freedom to pursue involvement at A&M to its fullest, without having to worry about finding a job. It allowed me to focus more on my relationships, my leadership commitments and my studies. While off campus, it gave me the flexibility to pursue internship opportunities that were not paid. Pursuing these opportunities significantly contributed to shaping my view of the world and the role I play in it,” Grayson Winchester ‘23, a Business Honors graduate, said. Throughout his time in the Corps, Grayson was a member of Company K-2 and served as the 2021-2022 Corps Sergeant Major and 2022-2023 Corps Commander. Grayson presently works for Clean Scapes, Texas’ largest landscaping company, as an Efficiency Project Manager. 

“The Kupfer Scholarship, like all other aid I’ve received as a student, has put me in a place of gratitude for where I am. I couldn’t have made it where I am today without the support of loved ones and the support of those who so generously give of their time and resources. Matthew 25:14-30 tells the ‘Parable of the Talents.’ I believe that Mr. Zale and Mr. Ray are the types of men who have used their talents and invested them wisely. They have been good stewards of the resources entrusted to them. I pray that as I continue to grow and learn I will conduct myself in a similar manner,” Graham Wolfe ‘24, Political Science major and the 2023-2024 First Regiment Commander, said. Prior to being named the Regiment Commander, Graham served as the First Sergeant for Company N-1. Graham also serves as a member of the Ross Volunteer Company. After graduation, Graham plans to commission into the U.S. Navy, where he will serve as a Surface Warfare Nuclear Officer. 

“Because I am not having to worry about working to help pay for my schooling, I have been able to envelop myself in every aspect of cadet and Aggie Band life, involving myself in many organizations and activities across the Quad. Additionally, I am able to serve in other capacities outside of the Corps as a member of the Student Engineers’ Council, Cyber Leader Development Program and being highly involved in Aggie Catholic activities at St. Mary’s. It is even due to the Kupfer Scholarship that I was able to afford my Aggie Ring, the easiest recognized symbol of Aggies across the world. Because of these and many other reasons, I am eternally grateful for the support and generosity offered through the Kupfer Scholarship, along with all of the scholarship programs through the Corps of Cadets,” Tristan Lanclos ‘25, a current Computer Engineering Honors major, said. After serving as the Combined Band Sergeant Major for the 2023-2024 school year, Tristan was recently named the 2024-2025 Combined Band Commander. Tristan is also a member of the Ross Volunteer Company and the O.R. Simpson Honor Society, and was formerly a member of the Fish Drill Team. After graduation, Tristan plans to work in the cybersecurity field. 

A Future for Excellence

2024 Kupfer Scholarship recipient, Jack Weatherly '26, with Mr. Ray, Mr. Zale and General Michaelis.
2024 Kupfer Scholarship recipient, Jack Weatherly ’26.

As the Kupfer Scholarship continues to be awarded to cadets, its impact will continue to produce ensuing stories of success and excellence. A living representation of selfless service, this award remains a pillar in its recipients’ growth as leaders, allowing them to take full advantage of the Corps experience without fear of financial burden.  

Though only recently named the 2024 Kupfer Scholarship recipient, Jack Weatherly ‘26 says the award has already impacted his Aggie story and journey at Texas A&M.

“This scholarship has shown me, once again, that Texas A&M is about the people. Just being able to talk with Mr. Zale and Mr. Ray was a great privilege. They’re inspiring as business professionals, leaders and men doing a great honor for their friend,” Jack Weatherly ‘26, the 2024 Kupfer Scholarship recipient, said.

“Receiving the Kupfer Award brings with a lot of expectations and a legacy to uphold. That is both a challenge and an honor. I hope to represent this legacy with integrity, pride, success and by being the embodiment of a great Aggie like Mr. Kupfer was,” Weatherly continued. 

Though no longer here physically, Harold Kupfer’s life, legacy and spirit live on through the award’s recipients and their dedication to excellence.

Story By: Robin Nelson ’22

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