 "Photo: Andrew Rogers")
Despite stares from passing pedestrians, maroon-wearing UT graduate students flashed the "gig 'em" sign as they gathered for a photo in front of the UT School of Law Wednesday.
To keep Aggie spirit and traditions alive while pursuing law degrees at UT, several Texas A&M graduates have joined the Aggie Law Students Association, a networking organization designed to help incoming A&M graduates adjust to unfamiliar, rival territory.
"A lot of us come to Texas Law because we don't have a law school at Texas A&M," said James Kuhr, president and founder of the association. "We're trying to serve as a link between the law school and A&M. We want to show Aggies that when they come here, they aren't just going to see burnt orange but also a splash of maroon with familiar, friendly faces."
The association was established during the fall semester and has about 30 first-year law students. The association's itineraries include community service, monthly happy hours with the Capital City A&M Club and sporting events.
Though some of the association's members have tried to assimilate, Vice President Greg Baden said he is still an Aggie at heart.
"You're here, and you're a part of this University and the Longhorn community, so you can't necessarily be anti-UT," he said. "But when it comes to football, ultimately you're an Aggie."
Will Hailey, the association's athletics and spirit coordinator, said attending UT allows A&M graduates to get the "best of both worlds" in sporting events and career opportunities.
"It's no secret that people seek out Texas Law School graduates," he said. "You're probably going to get a job by being on the other side. You shouldn't let the rivalry keep you away."
The association's traditions director Kenya Wells said friends and professors tease him for supporting maroon, but it is all in good fun.
"It brings a great deal of attention to you if you're an Aggie going to UT," he said. "We have this law professor who always picks on us Aggies. My friends [from College Station] give me a really hard time too. But they all say, 'It's better than going to Texas Tech.'"
Reymundo Ramos, the law school's assistant dean for student affairs, said he is not too fond of the organization. Then he laughed.
"I hate it," Ramos said. "No, I'm just joking. I love giving them a hard time. How can you not? I think the organization is a wonderful addition to the law school. We have quite a large number of graduates from A&M, and they contribute greatly to this school."
As Ramos dismissed the association's president from his office, he asked Kuhr about the status of the club's T-shirts.
"I'm still waiting for my shirt by the way. Are they maroon?" Ramos asked.
"No, they're gray with some maroon," Kurh replied.
School of Law administrative assistant Ann Holliday laughed in the background.
"Good," she said. "'Cause you know maroon and burnt orange just don't go together."
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