Two College of Geosciences’ graduate students were honored recently by receiving the Buck Weirus Spirit Award from Texas A&M University. Ashlie Sears and Ruth Mullins, both master’s students in Oceanography, were recognized for their involvement in student activities and student life at Texas A&M. Only five graduate students received this award.

The Association of Former Students presents the Buck Weirus Spirit Award annually to students for their involvement and contributions to creating positive experiences for the Aggie community, and for the impact they have on student life and enhancing the Aggie spirit. According to the Association’s website, “Unlike other awards, the Buck Weirus Spirit Award recognizes those students who make contributions to the University through participation in student organizations, Aggie traditions and University events.”

Sears has been very involved in student government at A&M, both as an undergraduate and graduate student. She served as a representative and vice president of University Affairs for the Graduate Student Council, assistant director and co-chair for Fish Camp, and director of operations and administration as well as election commissioner for the Student Body Election Commission. Sears has also been a representative on the University Rules and Regulations Committee, the Aggie Honor Council, the University Fiscal Appeals Panel, and the University Disciplinary Appeals Panel.

Mullins has also been continually involved in student life and activities as an A&M undergraduate and graduate student. She was recently re-elected to a third term as president of the Oceanography Graduate Council. Prior to serving as president, she was a student representative to the council and social chair. For the University, Mullins has served as a representative and most recently as executive vice president of the Graduate Student Council, and she was coordinator of judges for this year’s Student Research Week which the Council sponsors. She has served on the campus Transportation Construction Committee and is the graduate representative for the Transportation Services Advisory Committee.

Mullins has served on several departmental committees in Oceanography as well.

The Buck Weirus Spirit Award, named for Richard "Buck" Weirus '42, recognizes up to 55 students each year for their outstanding contributions to student life programs at Texas A&M University. Mr. Weirus served as Executive Director of The Association of Former Students from 1964 to 1980. Because of his unique leadership, vision, and support of student involvement, this award was established by The Association to recognize students' contributions to student life.