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Scholarship Recipients

2008

Jose Gonzalez
Bregg Reedy

2007

Emily Goetz
Charles Erwin

2006

Lynley Lovelace
Dustin Dwiggins

2005

Erin Hooper

2004

2003

Holly Carter

* You can read letters of appreciation or other correspondence we've received by clicking on the scholarship recipients' names above.

2005 Scholarship Recipient Erin Hooper

By Dale Ferrier '97

One of the most memorable experiences I had in 2005 was being involved with the scholarship committee and getting to meet some of the outstanding candidates for the scholarships that we award twice a year through the Denton County Club. Although all the candidates were outstanding, there was in the minds of the committee, one clear winner. This individual stood head and shoulders above all the other candidates. And this person was Erin Hooper.

Erin impressed all of us as an incredibly able person who had done some outstanding academic work but who also had the interests of those around her at heart as well. In fact the last thing she said to the committee as we were closing the interview was that she wanted us to understand that if we were talking to another candidate that needed the scholarship funds more than she did then she wanted us to award it to that person. And she said it with all the sincerity of complete honesty. To say that the committee was blown away by her attitude would be an understatement. I corresponded with Erin recently, and this was what she had to say:

Tell us about yourself in a sentence or two.
Howdy! My name is Erin Hooper, and I'm a political science major from Denton, Texas, but more importantly, I'm the proudest member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2009. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

What was the one or two things that attracted you to TAMU?
The two things that attracted me to A&M, hands down, were the spirit and tradition that are present wherever you go on campus. I'd never felt the camaraderie that is present at A&M on any other college campus I visited.

Why did you choose it over some of the other schools that you could have chosen?
At the beginning of my senior year in high school, I was unsure what I wanted to do when "I grew up," but after taking a government class, I realized I was really interested in politics. I decided I wanted to major in political science, and of all the schools I applied to, A&M had by far the best political science program.

When did you know that TAMU was the right choice?
After I was accepted to A&M, I was invited to attend the Champe Fitzhugh, Jr., International Leadership Seminar in Italy. A group of over 30 honors students, including 6 students from the Texas A&M-Qatar campus, went to Italy for nearly 3 weeks this summer where we learned about Italian culture and history as well as A&M's traditions and opportunities. After experiencing this amazing trip and meeting other students who are now some of my best friends, I knew that A&M was definitely the place for me.

Where do you plan to take your career after college and/or How will TAMU help you in your professional career?
After college I plan on attending law school or graduate school. My dream job would be to be a United States Supreme Court justice; however, more realistically, I'm planning on moving to Washington, D.C., to lobby for education.

Is there something interesting that has happened to you on campus or related to campus life that you might wish to share and/or how would you characterize the campus experience?
If I had to sum up the campus experience in one word, it would be "howdy." A&M is such a friendly and welcoming place. As a freshman, I've never felt left out or uncomfortable. Everyone is so willing to help you find your "niche" at college. It's amazing to be part of such a tradition. Recently, A&M has taken in hundreds of Hurricane Katrina refugees and has provided them with places to stay and much-needed supplies. A&M is also arranging to allow students from New Orleans area universities to attend A&M for a semester until their own schools reopen. It is acts such as these that truly embody the Aggie spirit.

Did your parents or other relatives go to Texas A&M?
Yes, both my parents attended A&M as well as my aunt and uncle. My younger brother, who is a freshman in high school, is planning on going to A&M, too. He'll be class of 2013.

Do you have any hobbies that you wish to talk about?
I love to play volleyball, really any sport actually. I've enjoyed going to the Rec here at A&M. I also like to read, and I'm really interested in current events, especially anything relating to politics or government. I've applied to join the Wiley Lecture Series, which is a campus organization that brings influential world leaders to campus to speak to students and faculty.

Would you recommend TAMU to someone else?
Of course I would recommend Texas A&M to someone else! Texas A&M is an amazing place with a spirit like no other. I love the Aggie friendliness and camaraderie. Just in the two weeks I've been here, I've met so many amazing people. My classes are great, and I have some outstanding professors. I know A&M will provide me with not only an amazing academic experience, but also "real life" experience. I would definitely recommend A&M to anyone.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with the readers?
I am so glad that I am now a member of the Aggie family. Being on campus, I now realize that I couldn't have picked a better place to attend college. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend Texas A&M. I know I'll have a college experience that I will never forget!