Construction science student carries
college's colors during commencement

Joseph R. Abel carried the College of Architecture's gonfalon during Texas A&M's fall commencement exercises at Reed Arena Dec. 18, 2009. He earned a bachelor's degree in construction science.

He was selected for the honor because he was the undergraduate student with the highest grade point ratio in the college at the beginning of the fall 2009 semester. Abel is from Skiatook, Okla., approximately 20 miles north of Tulsa.

The gonfalon is a flag that hangs from a crosspiece or frame that has been adopted in many universities around the world as a college or institutional insignia.

The inner triangle in the college's gonfalon represents the essential insight of the social, economic and political forces that shape our environment. The surrounding pyramid is an ancient symbol of the creative intellect. The interweaving bands of white below the pyramid form the necessary interaction of science and art.

During commencement ceremonies, 11 gonfalons representing the university's 10 colleges and graduate studies program are displayed on the Reed Arena stage.

Texas A&M's next graduation is scheduled May 14 and 15, 2010.

- Posted: Jan. 21, 2010-