Mentorship and Selfless Service Shine in the O.R. Simpson Honor Society

Members serve as academic mentors, offering tutoring and support in subjects ranging from physics to technical writing. Their goal: help fellow cadets succeed in the classroom while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.

As Lakshya Vason ’26, current unit commanding officer, puts it: “The O.R. Simpson Honor Society embodies the ideal balance between academic excellence and service-driven leadership.” 

That ideal isn’t just spoken — it’s lived. Meet two cadets and scholars whose dedication reflects what this honor society, and the Corps of Cadets, is truly all about.
 

Jannat Ibnoumaktoum ’26

is a senior biomedical sciences major in Company A-2 from Houston. She holds the PFC Charles Donald Gibson, USA Corps 21 Scholarship and the Patsy and Charles L. Pence ’51 General Rudder Corps Scholarship.

My path to Texas A&M… 
Wasn’t exactly smooth. I loved campus, but coming from a tiny high school, I didn’t know anyone and felt overwhelmed. But after attending “Spend the Night with the Corps,” everything clicked. The cadets were so welcoming, which reminded me why I fell in love with Aggieland in the first place. 

I’m involved in… 
Pre-Dental Society, MSC SCONA and the Muslim Students' Association. I’ve also participated in Corps Color Guard and the Biomedical Sciences Association. Additionally, I work at the Rec Center and the Quad's Leadership Learning Centers to support my education. 

The O.R. Simpson Honor Society is about… 
More than academics. It’s about community, service and helping fellow cadets feel confident in the classroom. I joined after receiving help myself. Whether it’s one-on-one sessions or evening help desks, we’re here to support each other.
 

Patrick O’Leary ’27

is a junior animal science major on a pre-veterinary track in Company S-2 from Friendswood, Texas. He holds the Erwin T.V. Weinmann Sul Ross Scholarship. 

I chose Texas A&M… 
Because I grew up in Texas and always wanted to become a veterinarian. As a pre-vet animal science student, I looked for schools with strong agriculture and veterinary programs, and Texas A&M felt like the right fit. I later learned about the Corps, and with my leadership background, joining seemed like a great way to grow skills and build connections. 

On campus… 
I’m in Company S-2, a Navy/Marine ROTC outfit focused on drill and ceremony. Outside the Corps, I’m involved in the Saddle and Sirloin Club and with the Texas A&M Sailing Team. I also participate in Aggie Eagle Post completing service projects for Boy Scouts of America. 

My scholarship… 
Has made a big difference, since it helps make the Corps more accessible. I’ve also seen how scholarships impact peers paying out-of-state tuition, allowing them to fully engage without financial stress. 

My favorite Aggie tradition is... 
Silver Taps. Muster is powerful too, but Silver Taps hits harder for me, especially since I often know people who were close to those honored. Our outfit’s run in honor of Silver Taps, where we visit buildings where those students had class, makes it even more personal. It reminds me how deeply we take care of each other and how strong the Aggie family really is. 

My most fulfilling experience in the O.R. Simpson Honor Society was...  
Tutoring a freshman in chemistry during my sophomore year. When we first began, she was struggling — not only with the subject matter but also with adjusting to college life. Over the course of the semester, I watched her grow. She started to understand the material and gained confidence in her abilities. While I’ve always enjoyed tutoring, the most meaningful part was seeing someone I helped become an empowered, self-sufficient learner.