Latest news with #CorpsofCadets
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Hokies Remember,' Virginia Tech continues to honor the lives lost 18 years ago
BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) – 18 years ago, our region suffered the worst mass shooting in Virginia at Virginia Tech's campus. So we pause to remember those 32 lives lost. Just after midnight on April 16th, a candle was lit at the memorial on Virginia Tech's campus. That candle's flame will burn for 24 hours to show that those lives we lost 18 years ago will never be forgotten. Virginia Tech's campus was somber as many gathered around the April 16th memorial to watch the Corps of Cadets standing in watch. The cadets will be there all day to ensure the flame stays lit. (Photo Credit: Zoe Mowery) But it's not just Blacksburg that continues to honor the memory of those we've lost, flags across the commonwealth are at half staff as well. And this past weekend, Tech held its annual 3.2 mile Run in Remembrance, which brought around 15,000 people to Blacksburg. Orange Theory Fitness remembering Virginia Tech shooting victims 'Hokies, remember, and remember those precious lives that were taken from us,' said Mark Owczarski, the spokesperson for the University, 'Regardless of where you are, here in Blacksburg, across the commonwealth, across the nation, nobody should ever have to experience that, sense of loss and Hokies will forever want to remember those lives, but also to remember that we must turn to each other in difficult times to help us through when life is at its most unthinkable.' President Tim Sands and his wife, Dr. Laura Sands laid two wreaths at the memorial at exactly 9:43 a.m., the same time the first shots were fired 18 years ago. A moment of silence followed. Then. President Sands and his wife walked the entirety of the memorial to look at all 32 names. 'Those 32 lives will never be forgotten, and so it has become that sense of tradition. It marks the fact that throughout the entire day Hokies will reflect and recall the impact that those lives could have had, and in the time they were with us, they did indeed have on our lives,' said Owczarski. At 11:27 p.m., the Corps Cadets will stand guard for 32 minutes before extinguishing the candle, bringing it back into Burrus Hall to continue the legacy that's left. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Texas A&M gearing up for Family Weekend
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (FOX 44) – Texas A&M University's annual Family Weekend is almost here! The event features more than 40 events celebrating the university's traditions, student organizations, athletics and the local community. The weekend will include a welcoming event at Aggie Park, Aggie Ring Day, the Aggie Moms' Boutique, the Physics and Engineering Festival, Corps of Cadets demonstrations, Aggie sporting events, music, entertainment and more! Texas A&M says that as student enrollment has grown, so has the Aggie Family. The Student Life department, housed in the Division of Student Affairs, coordinates Family Weekend. The department also hosts several events throughout the weekend, including Family Weekend Tailgate and Dueling Pianos. The Aggie Parent and Family Ambassadors, a student organization within the department, will host a Welcome Wagon on campus Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to greet Aggies and their families. They will hand out schedules, free swag and other goodies while welcoming the Aggie Family to Aggieland. According to the university, Ring Day will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5. This event is hosted by The Association of Former Students and celebrates Aggies receiving their Aggie Ring. The Aggie Moms' Boutique, a staple on the Family Weekend schedule, will be set up on the second floor of the Memorial Student Center (MSC) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Friday will conclude with a 10 p.m. Yell Practice at Kyle Field. Hosted by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs in collaboration with Student Life, led by the Yell Leaders, Family Weekend Yell Practice is an opportunity for families to experience one of Texas A&M's most recognizable traditions. This event is free and open to the public. Kyle Field's clear bag policy will be in effect. The university says more events will be featured around the Texas A&M campus and the Bryan-College Station community on Saturday, April 5. Shop the Square with #AggieGreeks will be in Century Square all day to celebrate 40 years of Greek Life at Texas A&M. The fun continues at the Downtown Bryan Street and Art Fair, which will bring together art, festive food and engaging activities starting at 10 a.m. The Physics and Engineering Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the George P. Mitchell '40 Physics Building on the Texas A&M campus. The free event features more than 200 hands-on demonstrations, lectures and presentations. For more information and a schedule of events, visit The university says visitors can join Student Life and MSC Townhall for the Family Weekend Tailgate in Aggie Park from noon to 2:30 p.m. Family Weekend Tailgate is a public, come-and-go event with yard games and live music; registration is free but not required. The Corps of Cadets will host events throughout Family Weekend, starting with Family Review and Unit Awards on Friday. Saturday events include the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band Awards, Fish Drill Team Demonstration and the Parsons Mounted Cavalry Family Weekend Review. For the full lineup of Family Weekend events, you can visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Black History Month: From a Small Town to Leading a University System
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (FOX 44) — William 'Bill' Mahomes, Jr. never envisioned his post-high school journey would lead him from a student at Texas A&M University to chairman of the Board of Regents. Born and raised in Lindale, Texas, Mahomes' path has been shaped by his time at the university – where he not only pursued academics but also served in the Corps of Cadets. 'I had the good fortune of not only being a student here, but also serving in the Corps of Cadets,' Mahomes said in a recent interview. 'What I learned here, especially in the Corps, helped shape my life.' Mahomes joined the Corps of Cadets as a freshman, one of the few African-American students at the time. His experience came during an era when many of his fellow cadets were raised in the segregated south, presenting some unique challenges for Mahomes. 'There were some adversities from time to time, but I think we become stronger because of adversity,' Mahomes reflected. Despite the challenges he faced as one of the few African-Americans in the Corps, Mahomes remained steadfast in his values. He focused on overcoming barriers that others might have thought were impossible. 'My journey has been one where I have tried to keep a good moral compass, but also tried to define a purpose—not just for myself but for others,' he said. 'We are more than what we have become. I consider A&M to be a great university and a great system.' In 1969, Mahomes made history as the first Black student to graduate from the Corps of Cadets. His legacy continued to grow as he became the second African-American to serve as chairman of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. He also built a successful career in law, a testament to his dedication and resilience. 'I never put too much emphasis on being the first of anything unless you're able to ensure there will be a second,' Mahomes said. Mahomes' path, marked by perseverance and service, has set a powerful example for future generations. Throughout his career, he has consistently worked to create opportunities for those who will follow in his footsteps. 'I think the lesson I've learned more than any other is about taking responsibility—personal responsibility—for your destiny,' Mahomes shared. 'That's something I learned long before I became part of the Board of Regents, and it ties back to A&M.' As a trailblazer in both his professional and personal life, Mahomes continues to inspire others with his legacy of service, leadership, and determination. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
