Former Journalism Students Association - Texas A&M

17/07/2024

Save the date, Ags!

Join us on Oct. 5 before the Texas A&M vs. Mizzou football game for the 2nd Annual Football Tailgate, hosted in conjunction with Texas A&M Student Media and Friends of the Battalion.

Looking forward to seeing everyone already!

16/07/2024

An excellent tribute to the late Bob Rogers via The Battalion.

In his various positions, Professor Emeritus Bob Rogers laid down the stepping stones that student journalists at Texas A&M walk today, carving a transformative path when he helped merge The Battalion with the Department of Journalism in 1975. Each step he took was a bold stride towards advancing jo...

11/07/2024

It’s with profound sadness that we share the passing of esteemed professor Bob Rogers — known as Rog to many former students, Mr. Rogers to most and Bob to his colleagues. He passed away on the Fourth of July at the age of 96.

He served in various roles within the Department of Journalism between 1968 and the mid-to-late 90s. His start was teaching journalism part-time while earning a master’s degree in political science from Texas A&M. Twice he was appointed Department Head, each time serving for seven years. He left for a few years early on to be department head at the University of Wyoming and, later, to undertake the top editor position at the Bryan-College Station Eagle. As most of us know, he always returned to Reed-McDonald. Likewise, his students were drawn back to College Station to visit because of their affection for him and admiration for his guidance.

He was a rare educator whose influence extended far beyond the classroom, shaping not only academic pursuits but also influencing careers and molding perspectives of what it means to be a trusted journalist.

Committed to elevating the quality of writing and thoroughness of reporting, Mr. Rogers was the professor whose praise we sought because it was genuine and earned. His legacy lives on through the thousands of students lucky enough to have their work critiqued by his pen or in one of his legendary 400 sessions.

Services are pending, and we will update y’all once we learn more.

Meanwhile, please take a few moments to share your memories and photos of him in the comments, and we will share with his family.

27/06/2024

He took over as FJSA president in April, now he's to be editor-in-chief for the Texas Tribune. Congratulations to Matthew Watkins '07!

Watkins, a nine-year veteran of the Tribune, takes over as Chan becomes executive editor of Columbia Journalism Review.

23/05/2024

Do you want to make a difference in the student media experience at Texas A&M for 2024-2025?

Make sure to visit the "Support Student Media at Texas A&M" section on thebatt.com website to learn more about how you can support their operation and positively impact student journalists through The Battalion, Maroon Life magazine, and The Aggieland Yearbook!

https://thebatt.com/support-student-media-at-texas-am/

Thank you!

13/05/2024

Texas A&M Student Media has announced its leadership team for 2024-25.

Texas A&M Student Media is proud to announce its new editors-in-chief of its three publications. Neuroscience freshman Amy Leigh Steward has been selected as the summer and 2024-25 academic year editor-in-chief of The Battalion. Once current editor-in-chief and journalism junior Zoe May steps down,....

26/04/2024

It's been a week since the ceremony inducting Cathie Anderson '86 and Al Reinert '70 into the Hall of Honor for the FJSA. And now ... the photos from the ceremony in the Stark Galleries and a panel discussion with Cathie and two of her former editors Sue Burzynski Bullard and Dennis Fulton. Photo credit for all of these go to Ishika Samant with . Great job and thank you, Ishika!
(P.S., as time allows we'll add captions to each of the images)

19/04/2024

Later today, we will add two plaques to our FJSA Hall of Honor in The Battalion newsroom. What a great day!

18/04/2024

FJSA is thrilled to be honoring two of our esteemed graduates on Friday with the Hall of Honor ceremony and celebrating their accomplishments.
The journalists currently at Texas A&M should be celebrated too, especially with their recent success at the Texas Press Intercollegiate Association Awards. Check it out at the link.

Last weekend, the Texas Intercollegiate Press Associated presented Texas A&M Student Media with 30 awards at the 2024 convention in San Marcos. Aggie journalists from The Battalion and The Aggieland Yearbook claimed awards in multiple categories including writing, photography, design and advertising...

17/04/2024

The FJSA board is excited to welcome you to our Hall of Honor reception. We are just two days away!

If you are planning on coming, please RSVP, to help us plan for the proper headcount. There is a suggested donation, but it is not required. Everyone is welcome.

In addition to the reception, FJSA is hosting a panel with Hall of Honor winner Cathie Anderson ’86, who will be joined by two of her former editors and mentors. Open to all, as well!

Details for the day’s events this Friday, April 19:

FJSA Panel featuring Cathie Anderson ‘86, Sue Burzynski Bullard and Dennis Fulton
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: MSC 2500

FJSA Hall of Honor program and reception
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: MSC Stark Galleries

Questions? Email [email protected]

The Former Journalism Students Association invites you to our Hall of Honor induction reception, honoring Cathie Anderson ’86 and the late Al Reinert ’70. Please join us on Friday, April 19, at 4 p.m. at the Stark Art Galleries at Texas A&M. The event is open to all. This year, we are ...

15/04/2024

Howdy, Ags! If you are already going to be on the A&M campus for this Friday’s Hall of Honor induction ceremony by the Former Journalism Students Association, please consider joining us for a 1:30 p.m. panel discussion with inductee Cathie Anderson ’86.
Cathie will be joined by her longtime editor at the Detroit News, Susan Burzynski Bullard, for an engaging time to look at Anderson’s career and their views and experiences on the changing media landscape.
FJSA board member Ken Sury, who worked as sports editor under Cathie during the fall semester of 1986, will serve as moderator for the panel, which will be in Room 2500 on the second floor of the Memorial Student Center.
If you haven’t RSVP’ed yet for the 4 p.m. ceremony in the Stark Galleries, it’s not too late! Hope to see you there!

The Former Journalism Students Association invites you to our Hall of Honor induction reception, honoring Cathie Anderson ’86 and the late Al Reinert ’70. Please join us on Friday, April 19, at 4 p.m. at the Stark Art Galleries at Texas A&M. The event is open to all. This year, we are ...

03/04/2024

Texas A&M graduate and former Battalion reporter/editor James Bernsen has a new book on Texas history published by Texas A&M University Press at the end of May, "The Lost War for Texas."
He said he could not have done everything he's done in his career, including this book, without all the great things he learned at A&M.

https://www.tamupress.com/book/9781648431739/the-lost-war-for-texas/?fbclid=IwAR37wDvG2cWaLVY32jYjOZYqSyJwihlR-0O-BlM7qmSZPKjj5S4kK5XB_-w_aem_AUvwNzTKk8gCTnXdbivY3WXGsyKa-0smlYhEa5877h7DpquifqBkekAyMr9QmWr7FhXd-TK-041PAMtd3ac8VEkw

27/03/2024

There’s still time to plan your visit to College Station for the FJSA Hall of Honor reception on April 19!

Don’t miss your chance to catch up with friends and old classmates, and to honor two distinguished Aggie journalists being inducted into the Hall of Honor: Cathie Anderson ’86 and the late Al Reinert ’70.

You will also hear the latest on journalism at Texas A&M from Communication & Journalism department head Hart Blanton and from Associate Director of Student Media Spencer O’Daniel.

When: Friday, April 19 at 4 p.m.
Where: MSC Stark Galleries
RSVP at this link: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/support-the-former-journalism-students-association?cart=f39bf6e8-0343-47cf-b45b-c03a23450cca%21%2175869355

The event is open to anyone. We are asking for suggested donations this year, but it is not required.

Questions? Send them to [email protected]

23/02/2024

The Battalion is now offering newsletters as a way to follow its coverage and support the student journalists at Texas A&M.
Please consider a subscription.

21/02/2024

Howdy! Details for the FJSA Hall of Honor reception are here! Please join us to honor Cathie Anderson ’86 and Al Reinert ’70 and hear the latest on journalism education at Texas A&M.

Date: Friday, April 19, 2024

Time: 4 p.m.

Where: Stark Galleries at Memorial Student Center

RSVP via this link: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/support-the-former-journalism-students-association

This year, we are also asking for a suggested donation of $20. The money will go toward the cost of putting on the event. If you choose to give, thank you! You can also register with no cost.

Please reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions.

The Former Journalism Students Association invites you to our Hall of Honor induction reception, honoring Cathie Anderson ’86 and the late Al Reinert ’70. Please join us on Friday, April 19, at 4 p.m. at the Stark Art Galleries at Texas A&M. The event is open to all. This year, we are ...

14/02/2024

We are saddened to learn that John Hotard, '65, has died. Hotard, who had a career with the Associated Press in Texas and then with American Airlines, was a founding member of the FJSA.
He was added to the distinguished alums that are part of the FJSA Hall of Honor in 2003.

Hotard was named to the FJSA Hall of Honor in 2003. Hotard’s surname is well recognized on campus; Hotard Hall, originally a dormitory, was named for his father, Joseph Clifton “Cliff” Hotard, who ran Texas A&M’s food service department for many years. It now serves as the Office for Stu...

12/02/2024

Announcing the 2024 FJSA Hall of Honor inductees!

Cathie Anderson ’86 of the Sacramento Bee and the late documentary filmmaker Al Reinert ’70 are the distinguished former students chosen for this honor.

SAVE THE DATE: Friday, April 19, at the Stark Galleries on the Texas A&M campus. Join us at our annual FJSA reception to celebrate these Aggies, catch up with friends and to support journalism education at Texas A&M.

Learn more about our honorees by following this link. More details on the April 19 event will be in an upcoming post.

The Former Journalism Students Association of Texas A&M is proud to announce its 2024 Hall of Honor inductees: Cathie Anderson '86 and the late Al Reinert '70 . The Hall of Honor recognizes Aggie journalists for outstanding careers in the media, as well as those whose journalism educatio

01/12/2023

Last call for Hall of Honor nominations! Submit yours by the end of today to [email protected].

The Former Journalism Students Association of Texas A&M is seeking nominations for its Hall of Honor.

Awarded almost yearly since 1996, this accolade recognizes Aggie journalists for outstanding careers in the media, as well as those whose journalism education at Texas A&M led them to great heights in other fields.

If you know an Aggie journalist or other journalism grad who is an example of excellence, please submit their name, class year and a brief explanation of why they should be considered for the FJSA Hall of Honor.

Nominations can be emailed to [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 1, 2023.

28/11/2023

Help support journalism at Texas A&M this Giving Tuesday!

Your DOLLAR will be DOUBLED on Day of Giving
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023
if we can reach a giving goal of $5,000!

It will MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE
Day of Giving 2023 will be used exclusively for salary support for Fall 24-Spring 24 with a giving MATCH up to $5,000

YOUR $50 donation means $100 to pay part-time reporters and photographers a small salary beginning IMMEDIATELY in January 2024.

New in Fall ‘23
Maroon Life Fashion 2023 magazine & Launch Party!

The sponsored Launch Party is the brainchild of Editor-in-Chief Zoe May and includes paid sponsorships, new advertising revenue and the first Fashion Issue in October 2023!

Yes, the Journalism Program is growing, too!

The department is currently interviewing to hire two journalism Professors of the Practice under the new Journalism Program budget for a start date of January 2024

Two new Journalism degrees were approved and the Department of Communication & Journalism is accepting new Bachelor of Arts Journalism and Bachelor of Science Journalism candidates.

Donate here:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/friendsofthebatt

27/11/2023

Reminder: the deadline for Hall of Honor nominations is this Friday! Submit your nominations to [email protected].

The Former Journalism Students Association of Texas A&M is seeking nominations for its Hall of Honor.

Awarded almost yearly since 1996, this accolade recognizes Aggie journalists for outstanding careers in the media, as well as those whose journalism education at Texas A&M led them to great heights in other fields.

If you know an Aggie journalist or other journalism grad who is an example of excellence, please submit their name, class year and a brief explanation of why they should be considered for the FJSA Hall of Honor.

Nominations can be emailed to [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 1, 2023.

23/10/2023

The Former Journalism Students Association of Texas A&M is seeking nominations for its Hall of Honor.

Awarded almost yearly since 1996, this accolade recognizes Aggie journalists for outstanding careers in the media, as well as those whose journalism education at Texas A&M led them to great heights in other fields.

If you know an Aggie journalist or other journalism grad who is an example of excellence, please submit their name, class year and a brief explanation of why they should be considered for the FJSA Hall of Honor.

Nominations can be emailed to [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 1, 2023.

20/09/2023

Kathleen McElroy looks ahead after the hiring debacle at A&M in this essay for The Texas Observer.

Renowned journalist Kathleen McElroy made headlines after Texas A&M University reneged on a high-profile job offer. She’s still processing that experience.

03/09/2023

Really good turnout for this!

03/09/2023

Great turnout at The Battalion’s tailgate before the Aggies’ season opener with New Mexico. There were Battalion-themed pens, water bottles and stickers. Copies of Maroon Life magazine were handed out. Battalion T-shirts were available for a $20 donation to Friends of the Battalion, which helped make the tailgate happen. FJSA was also represented and students said they appreciated all the support.

02/09/2023

Good crowd for Battalion tailgate before season opener!

02/09/2023

From Spencer O'Daniel, director of student media:
"Are you stopping by The Battalion tailgate tomorrow in Aggie Park for a free water from The Battalion team? Have you had a chance to check out the Maroon Life fall sports magazine? Here's a couple of photos to give you some perspective on our northeast location for the tailgate tomorrow at Kyle Field. We are tailgate spot G17, right across from the ticket office on the northeast side of the stadium.
"We can't wait to make new friends, connect with previous journalism staffers and celebrate an Aggies home football victory to start the season. Gig' em!"

25/08/2023

A previous post about The Batt tailgate for the season opener has been deleted in order to present this updated image (though apologies that it doesn't appear to be as sharp). Note the new start time is 2 p.m. Private launch remains 4 to 6 p.m.

23/08/2023

Howdy!
On Tuesday, some of our FJSA board members met with Texas A&M Interim President Mark Welsh to talk about the journalism program.
After a tumultuous few months with the future of the journalism program seemingly in the balance, we were heartened by our conversation with Welsh.
He expressed his support for the program and his desire for the search for a program director to move forward without delay.
There was agreement that there’s an important role for former students, especially as mentors for students.
It was a productive meeting, and I hope just the first of many as FJSA advocates for journalism education and student media at Texas A&M.
— Mariano Castillo '02
FJSA President

16/08/2023

Thanks to the FJSA community who contributed recently to help offset additional costs The Battalion faced in its expanded summer coverage. Thanks to you, FJSA donated $1,200 to The Battalion!

There's other ways to support our student journalists, too. See below, from Associate Director of Student Media Spencer O'Daniel.

Good afternoon! Spencer O'Daniel here from Texas A&M Student Media.
Friends of The Battalion and our student journalists would like to invite you to our first Battalion Staff, Alumni and Advertisers Tailgate on Saturday, Sept. 2, at the first home football game vs. New Mexico.
There will be food, drinks, fresh copies of our fall sports Maroon Life Magazine and plenty of fun and journalism fellowship to go around. And trivia for prizes! Stay tuned for more information from our team coming closer to Sept. 2!

10/08/2023

Inside Higher Ed offers this article on President Banks' leadership at A&M.

The dishonesty of Kathy Banks related to a failed hire ultimately ended her presidency at Texas A&M. But tensions over her leadership had simmered for nearly two years.