By Emily Rodriguez
When English senior Felipe Lopez moved from his hometown of El Paso to continue his education at Texas A&M University-San Antonio in fall 2011, he left with only an air mattress and a suitcase.
Lopez has grown alongside the university, with each having a lasting impact on the other.
Since enrolling at A&M-San Antonio, Lopez participated in several student organizations, including serving as a founding member of the Omega Delta Phi fraternity. He previously served as a Jaguar Ambassador and currently holds the title of Mr. A&M San Antonio.
“I’ve always pushed myself. That’s why I stayed involved, it’s a good personal challenge to myself,” Lopez said. “I’m finishing my degree. It’s taken me a little bit longer because I had to work. But I’ve never unmotivated myself to go to school.”
Lopez’s term as Mr. A&M-San Antonio ends this fall and the campus activities board has begun searching for interested candidates to fill his position as well as Ms. A&M-San Antonio.
Applicants may submit applications to the office of student activities beginning Monday through Sept. 19.
Mr. and Mrs. TAMU-SA Qualifications:
- Undergraduate students must have a 2.5 GPA
- Graduate students must have a 3.0 GPA (must be a student through December 2015)
- Candidates must write an essay covering various topics related to the student experience at A&M-San Antonio
Interviews for prospective candidates are held Sept. 22-23 and then conduct their campaign from Sept. 24- Oct. 10.
The election days span from Oct. 6 at 8 a.m. through Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. The winners will be crowned Oct.18 during Fall Fest.
The titles of Mr. and Mrs. A&M-San Antonio are more than just for show, its bearers are the embodiment of the student population.
As part of their service, Mr. and Mrs. A&M-San Antonio participate in events throughout the year. Lopez’s most memorable experience was riding on the university’s float during the 2014 Fiesta Flambeau parade.
“I’ve never had so many people looking at me. It was a brand new experience. To have so many eyes on you and to hear the crowd call your name is an adrenaline rush,” Lopez said. “Going down Broadway on this lit up float wearing lit up boots. Just having fun with it. I think it’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
Lopez believes Mr. and Mrs. A&M-San Antonio should be a representation of the student body. The campus is known for its non-traditional student population consisting of students with jobs or children.
“I have bills to pay and I rent a house. We are the representation of what our current student body looks like,” Lopez said. “We understand that at the university, me and Mrs. A&M-San Antonio (Kassandra Ramon) wanted to represent what a student looks like at the university. You can do it regardless of the obstacles.”
