Faculty Fish Camp teaches traditions, spirit

For Heidi Campbell, the traditions and school spirit of Texas A&M were a mystery when she arrived on campus in March. Campbell, an assistant professor of communication, said she looked forward to clearing up the confusion at Faculty Fish Camp, which is intended to inform new faculty members about A&M traditions.

Texas Aggies Making Changes (TAMC) hosted Faculty Fish Camp Tuesday evening at the Association of Former Students building.

Campbell said she had never been to Texas before her job interview in March, and that she was unfamiliar with the intense rivalry among colleges here.

"I was doing research and teaching at University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where there were intramural sports, but no competitions between colleges," Campbell said.

After attending her first home football game here, the enigma only intensified, Campbell said.

"All of the cheering was a mystery to me, and I was really surprised when all of a sudden, the two guys on either side of me grabbed my shoulders and started swaying," she said. "I couldn't make out what they were singing."

Melissa Grunlan, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering, said the school spirit where she came from was also very different from A&M's.

"There are a lot more traditions here than at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, where I received my PhD from," Grunlan said. "Their school spirit paled in comparison."

Grunlan said she feels the traditions of A&M make a more enriching experience for students here.

"I think it creates a more positive atmosphere and leaves the students with good memories of the school when they leave," she said. "I like the school spirit and the pride students have here. I've noticed that they are polite and respectful to both professors and each other."

Grunlan said she had never attended a yell practice until the Faculty Fish Camp, where the yell leaders led a practice.

Faculty members also learned about A&M traditions in a presentation given by the Traditions Council, and they received information about Big Event. Door prizes were also distributed by TAMC.

All of these activities are extremely helpful in bridging the gap between students and faculty members, said Camille Herbert, a sophomore education major and TAMC member.

"This may seem kind of silly, but at the same time, the traditions are very important for building community within the staff, just like they are for students," Herbert said.