What Makes Us Aggies

As he searched, he stumbled upon a tribute video the university produced about President George H.W. Bush following his passing. Listening to the former president speak poignantly about Aggieland, Baguma was moved by a simple yet powerful phrase: “Once an Aggie, always an Aggie.” Those words resonated deeply, and he knew he’d found a place where he belonged. For Baguma, it was never about finding a university that boasted the highest accolades or grandest achievements; it was about finding a place where people genuinely cared for each other, where differences were embraced and where respect was a guiding principle.

Now, as a public health major and leader in the Ross Volunteer Company, he carries with him the warmth of his mother’s guidance, the compassion of his teacher’s understanding and the sincerity of Peralta’s advice. “I knew Aggies would care, and that’s all I wanted,” he elaborated. “You meet a lot of people in life. They’re all different, but respect is making everyone feel significant regardless of their accomplishments or attributes. As a Ross Volunteer, I’m honored to give back the respect I’ve received here to the families and loved ones of Silver Taps honorees.”

Karlina Sample ’22 ’23 | Excellence

Karlina Sample’s journey to Aggieland was deeply intertwined with her passion for athletics. A former soccer player, sports had always been at the core of her experiences and aspirations. However, things changed in 2019 when she suffered a devastating ACL injury—an unexpected setback that shifted the trajectory of her life and opened a world beyond the soccer field.

Utilizing the incident to self-reflect, Sample ’22 ’23 realized her identity wasn’t limited to being an athlete. “The injury forced me to get my head out of athletics, which was all I knew about Texas A&M,” she explained. “Now I see that excellence was less about me succeeding on the field and more about helping others succeed off it.”

In January 2020, while attending the national Black Student Athlete Summit and listening to presentations from various schools, an idea sprouted. Sample recognized the need for an organization at Texas A&M that would provide Black student-athletes with a space to recognize their potential beyond sports and make a positive impact on campus. Motivated by her passion for empowering others, she decided to take matters into her own hands and founded “Black Leaders who Undertake Excellence,” or B.L.U.E.print.

Karlina Sample ’22 ’23 | Excellence

Karlina Sample’s journey to Aggieland was deeply intertwined with her passion for athletics. A former soccer player, sports had always been at the core of her experiences and aspirations. However, things changed in 2019 when she suffered a devastating ACL injury—an unexpected setback that shifted the trajectory of her life and opened a world beyond the soccer field.

Utilizing the incident to self-reflect, Sample ’22 ’23 realized her identity wasn’t limited to being an athlete. “The injury forced me to get my head out of athletics, which was all I knew about Texas A&M,” she explained. “Now I see that excellence was less about me succeeding on the field and more about helping others succeed off it.”

In January 2020, while attending the national Black Student Athlete Summit and listening to presentations from various schools, an idea sprouted. Sample recognized the need for an organization at Texas A&M that would provide Black student-athletes with a space to recognize their potential beyond sports and make a positive impact on campus. Motivated by her passion for empowering others, she decided to take matters into her own hands and founded “Black Leaders who Undertake Excellence,” or B.L.U.E.print.

Through the organization, Sample has created a community where athletes can learn to use their voices and natural leadership skills off the field and court. Some of its most successful events include a financial freedom night where a former student-athlete spoke on the importance of financial literacy, a Counseling and Sport Psychology Services “Shop Talk” for Black male student-athletes focused on mental health, and a cookout with music, games and food trucks that brought athletes and campus administrators together.

Sample also formerly represented student-athletes through the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, which promotes a positive forum of communication and serves as the voice of Texas A&M student-athletes as it relates to the NCAA. Outside of athletics, she is involved with the Texas A&M Foundation Maroon Coats, an opportunity she says inspires her to be excellent. “The people I’ve met through Maroon Coats have helped me see that no goal is too big for me to pursue,” she shared.

Now pursuing a master’s in entrepreneurial leadership in the McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship, Sample hopes to continue her path of excellence by leading, learning and loving others like she has during her time at Texas A&M. “B.L.U.E.print showed me that I can lead and effect change in various aspects of life, not just on the soccer field,” she said. “In creating this organization, I discovered the essence of true excellence: helping others succeed and making a difference in their lives.”

Wanting to play a part in helping more youngsters have these types of experiences, Champion began considering her career options. Eventually, she settled on the idea of working for a nonprofit that financially supports groups involved in arts education, child welfare, youth development, ministry and human rights.

But Champion knew she would need to learn more about nonprofits and philanthropy to successfully transition from K-12 teacher to development officer. That realization led her to Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service, which attracted her because of President George H.W. Bush’s commitment to public service and humility.

Yet, Champion wasn’t sure she could financially afford graduate school and—because she suffers from a chronic illness—was concerned whether she could juggle the rigors of graduate school with working full time. Fortunately, the Argyle, Texas, resident received a scholarship that is defraying her college costs, allowing her to pursue a Master of Public Service Administration with a focus on nonprofit management and a concentration in fundraising. “When I was notified about the scholarship, I realized the Lord had made it clear that I should take this opportunity,” she said. “The scholarship truly helped me in immense ways.”

Thanks to a new scholarship initiative in honor of President Bush’s 100th birthday, soon more students like Champion can experience the opportunities afforded by the Bush School and join Bush’s legacy of public servants devoted to making a difference.