Leadership

Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center Celebrates 30th Anniversary

August 24, 2022 by rnelson

On September 30th, 1992, the Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center opened its doors with a simple but strong mission statement: “Promote the past, preserve the present, and protect the future of the Corps of Cadets.” Thirty years later, the Corps Center continues to serve as a welcome hub for all Aggies and guests of Texas A&M.

“The Corps Center is the front door of the Corps. Every new cadet passes through this door at the start of their journey, old Ags bring their grandchildren here to show them what the Corps is, and it also gives our SEC rivals a space to come and learn more about the Corps while they visit campus for sporting events. It is a welcome center and showpiece of what the Corps has to offer,” Corps Center Director, Lieutenant Colonel (USAF, Ret.) Jeff Gardner ‘82, said of the Corps Center.

In recent years, the mission statement of the Corps Center has been modified only to encompass the promotion, preservation and protection of the entire history of Texas A&M, in addition to the Corps of Cadets. By widening the scope of the overall mission, the Corps Center has grown into a place that all visitors, regardless of whether they have any ties to the Corps, can visit and immerse themselves in the rich history of Texas A&M as a whole.

“Our goal is always to continue to evolve. We like to maintain relevancy and keep the interest of both previous, current and future generations of Aggies and cadets. There is a lot of history in this building that isn’t solely tied to the Corps. We house the oldest known original Aggie ring here. We have an extensive gun collection. We have some of the original Medals of Honor that former students have received. There’s plenty of really engaging pieces,” Gardner said.

In addition to functioning as a museum and welcome area, the Corps Center also offers several developmental opportunities for current cadets. From providing hands-on opportunities to cadets who are interested in the history of the Corps and Texas A&M, to housing all of the Corps’ recruiting initiatives, the Corps Center has plenty to offer to those seeking more out of their time as cadets.

“There are several educational opportunities available to current cadets at the Corps Center. Transfer cadets visit the Corps Center to learn more about the history of the Corps as they begin their journey. The Corps Center Guard is a special unit that allows cadets to get hands-on experience and help update the exhibits we have in the Corps Center. In addition, every recruiting event begins here. Cadets are able to give tours of the Quad to everyone from elementary school aged kids to Old Ags,” Gardner explained.

Aside from the educational opportunities that are available, two key programs for cadets in need of essential uniform pieces are also a major aspect of the Corps Center. Both specifically targeted to senior cadets, these programs allow students to check out items for use during their final year in the Corps, free of charge.

“One of the biggest things that is run out of here is our Sam Browne and saber loan programs. More donations to those programs are always needed and appreciated, as they ensure that our seniors in need are taken care of,” Gardner said.

As the Corps of Cadets begins the new March to 3,000 initiative, the need for upgraded facilities is critical. With the Corps Center recently unveiling an extensive renovation plan, the community now has the opportunity to give to a central part of the Texas A&M experience. Plans for the Corps Center include more interactive displays and many other features that will enable a more immersive experience for visitors.

“We need something that highlights Corps and the events that occur throughout the academic year. With these renovations, we hope to really catch the attention of visitors and potential cadets and show them what they could be a part of here,” Gardner said of the planned renovations.

As one of the only centers that is dedicated to the preservation and records of Texas A&M’s history and traditions, the Sam Houston Corps Center is a place for everyone – Aggies and non-Aggies alike – to appreciate the significance of Texas A&M’s contributions to our local communities, our state, and our nation.

If you are interested in supporting the Corps Center’s renovation efforts, contact the Texas A&M Foundation at givetocorps@txamfoundation.com. Every dollar counts, and goes directly towards supporting all past, present and future cadets and friends of Texas A&M.

Story By: Robin Nelson ’22

Harrison Daniels ’22 Accepted Into Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute

June 6, 2022 by rnelson

The Corps of Cadets is home to nearly two thousand students who are pursuing various educational and professional pathways. Engineering majors, Political Science majors, Business majors, and many others all frequently find their place on the Quad; but of them all, there is only one Performance Studies major that wears a Corps uniform in the classroom.

His name is Harrison Daniels, and he is a senior in Company E-2. Originally from Calgary, Canada, Harrison has had quite the successful Corps career. As a third generation Aggie, the decision to join the Corps of Cadets seems to be one that came naturally to Harrison.

“I joined the Corps because I wanted to get the complete experience here at A&M. I wanted to fully immerse myself into a different culture and really take it all in. Both my grandfather and my dad were Aggies before me, so it just made sense.”

Originally an Economics major, Harrison made the decision to switch to Performance Studies during his freshman year.

“I didn’t really know until my freshman year that this was my passion. I signed up for an acting class and I just absolutely fell in love with it. I’d acted in high school and just never really had taken it seriously, but I felt like something was missing without it. When I took that class my freshman year, it instantly clicked and became something that I really looked forward to. That was when I really began to pursue acting more,” Harrison said.

Harrison’s passion for theater will not end after his time at Texas A&M, as he was accepted into the Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute in New York City. Notable alumni from the Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute include Hayden Christensen, Chris Evans, and Angelina Jolie. With this acceptance, Harrison is excited to further develop his acting skills at the next level.

“I applied to acting school because I really wanted to focus more on that aspect. Even though Performance Studies here isn’t focused specifically on acting, it definitely created a very solid foundation for me. I accepted my offer of admission to the Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute’s Two Year Conservatory program because I believe that they have one of the best programs in the nation. I think that their alumni and their faculty really speak for themselves in terms of success.”

Though his time with Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets is drawing to a close, Harrison says there are many things that he has gained throughout his experience that will stay with him forever.

“My favorite part about being at Texas A&M and in the Corps of Cadets has been the unique experience. It has shown me two different parts of the world and allowed me to understand people from entirely different backgrounds than me. It has prepared me for my future in a really amazing, nonconventional way,” Harrison explained.

If you are not from Texas, but still considering a future with the Corps of Cadets, Harrison has some words of advice.

“For other international students coming to the Corps, just fully embrace it. It is definitely going to be a bit of a culture shock, but once you commit yourself to the change, you’re going to have a blast.”

The Corps of Cadets welcomes students with a variety of passions and interests from a multitude of backgrounds. Whether you’re from College Station, Texas, Calgary, Canada, or anywhere across the world, there is a place for everyone in the Corps.

Story by: Robin Nelson ’22

Madison Beall ’22

May 11, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Katy, Texas

Major: Biomedical Sciences

Outfit: Company E-2

The 2021-2022 Second Regiment Major Unit Commander, Madison Beall ’22 is originally from Company E-2.

In addition to her role as a Major Unit Commander, Madison also served as a Ross Volunteer, and was a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society. Previously, Madison served as E-2’s 1st Sergeant and as the Second Handler to Miss Reveille IX as a sophomore.

“The Corps has provided an opportunity for personal growth and development through leadership opportunities. Through the respectful environment, self-discipline and integrity were instilled, enabling success in the future,” Madison said of her time in the Corps.

After graduation, Madison will attend Texas A&M’s College of Medicine and has been admitted into the U.S. Army’s Health Professions Scholarship Program. After graduating from the College of Medicine, Madison plans to commision into the U.S. Army and serve in the Army’s Medical Corps.

Ross Brusenhan ’22

April 20, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Tomball, Texas

Major: M.S. in Biomedical Sciences

Outfit: C-Battery

The current Finance and Logistics Officer for C-Battery, Ross made the decision to join the Corps of Cadets during his Junior year of his undergraduate studies at Texas A&M. He is currently a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society.

“The Corps has allowed me to achieve a more enriched experience at Texas A&M as compared to just being a regular student. Because I joined as an undergraduate junior, it was cool to be so accepted into my buddy class and outfit as a ‘fish’. My Master’s program allowed me to continue on with the Corps for 4 years and complete my white belt years as a graduate student,” Ross said of his time in the Corps.

Outside of his involvement with the Corps of Cadets, Ross works as a Student Researcher with the Texas A&M Vet School and is a member of the Biomedical Sciences Association.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Ross will attend the Royal Veterinary College in London, England. Ross hopes to one day return to Texas and open his own veterinary practice or find a career in the veterinary research field.

View the video below to learn more about Ross and his journey with the Corps of Cadets.

Kathryne Speen ’22

April 5, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Major: Business Management (Pre-Law track)

Outfit: Squadron 21

A member of Squadron 21, Kathryne currently serves as the Finance Officer within the outfit, where she also previously served as a Platoon Sergeant. Off the Quad, Kathryne works as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s Catholic Center, and was a member of the Texas Aggies Fighting Alzheimer’s organization.

Kathryne was granted acceptance into the Air Force’s Judge Advocate General-Educational Delay program. This program is designed to produce Active Duty Judge Advocates from current ROTC cadets, and allows senior year cadets to apply for a commissioning delay in order to attend law school. Of hundreds of applicants nationwide, Kathryne was one of only three AFROTC cadets to be admitted into the program.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Kathryne plans to attend law school at the University of Mississippi, where she would like to study International or Space law.

View the video below to learn more about Kathryne’s journey with the Corps of Cadets.