In the thick woods of Palestine, Texas, sits the Lakeview encampment. For generations, Aggies have trekked to the grounds from late July to mid-August to take part in a tradition known as Fish Camp.
Each year, Aggies nominate individuals who embody Texas A&M University’s spirit — through leadership, service, and the Aggie core values — to be among the 50 people honored as Fish Camp namesakes. With several hundred nominations submitted annually, those selected stand out for their impact and for representing Texas A&M in a lasting way. One year after Fish Camp 2024, Aggie engineering namesakes Kamal Ariss ’83, Martha Parker ’95, John Rigas ’86 and Mitchell Fly ’19 reflect with gratitude on the honor and the chance to connect with students.
Small fish in a big sea
The road to serving as namesakes quietly began when these Aggies first walked onto Texas A&M’s campus as freshmen.
Ariss recalled arriving from abroad and discovering a university steeped in tradition.
“I didn't know anything about the traditions at Texas A&M, the core values, and what makes A&M tick,” Ariss said. “I learned a lot from my friends, and it made me feel like this is a place that I belong to.”
That sense of belonging guided him through a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology and a master’s degree in land development. Now president of Woodway Enterprises Project Management and a longtime university donor, Ariss and his wife have designated three scholarships through their will — a testament to their robust relationship with Aggieland.
Similarly, Parker described Texas A&M as a fresh start after leaving her small hometown.
“It was the place where I found myself,” she said.
Her path led her to safety engineering and ergonomics, where she now serves as managing director of the Texas A&M School of Public Health Center for Worker Health. Her research and applied work demonstrate how engineering can make workplaces safer and more efficient.
While Texas A&M is known for academic excellence, engineering students also gain an education outside the classroom — through the university’s traditions, leadership opportunities and the shared Aggie experience.
“If it were just [about] numbers, I'd be like every other ho-hum engineer out there cranking numbers, making money and going on vacations,” said Rigas, describing this other education. “But it's the other education that makes you apply things in your work, and you’re using your work for the better in your environment.”
Rigas, a petroleum engineering graduate, has more than 35 years of diverse experience in the energy industry. Today, as president and chief operating officer of K3 Oil and Gas, he continues to draw on both his technical training and the Aggie values that shape his leadership.
Fly, who graduated in petroleum engineering, shared a similar perspective. As the youngest of three Aggie brothers and now an MBA candidate at the University of Texas McCombs Business School, he has already launched several ventures — from a sustainable apparel company to a business that employs local firefighters. For him, the Aggie spirit connects directly to service.
“These traditions are more than just standing up the entire time at a football game,” he said. “To me, that was really powerful.”
Engineering is more than calculations and solving problems in labs — it’s applying knowledge to solve problems for people. The same can be said of the Aggie experience, like that of Fish Camp, which shapes character as much as it sharpens technical skill.
‘Is this phishing?’
Being chosen as Fish Camp namesakes was emotional for each engineer.
Parker remembers jumping up and down in the hallway at work when she received the email. She still keeps her nomination letter framed in her office.
“When I have a bad day, I read it,” she said. “Sometimes, I think, ‘I'm not really that person.’ And then I remember, ‘Yes, I am that person.’”
Rigas was in Florida helping with hurricane relief efforts when he saw the message. He sat down with tears in his eyes.
“It meant a lot just because it was such a big part of my four years at A&M,” Rigas said.
Fly initially thought his email was a scam. Once he realized it was real, he reflected on how Fish Camp had already shaped his life — from meeting his wife Abbie Fly ’19 as co-chairs, to including camp friends in his wedding.
“There are so many intricate aspects of Fish Camp that form to make this greater picture that we'll always be grateful for,” Fly said.
Letters from Lakeview
When Fish Camp arrived, each namesake jumped in fully.
Parker attended every event offered, including road trips and hot seat activities.
“They were so impressive with their commitment and the way they showed up and showed out for freshmen,” she said.
Rigas made a point to be fully engaged — even performing in a boy band skit twice.
“No matter how goofy I looked, I was going to participate,” he said. “That’s what it takes to get through life, right? If you’re comfortable, then you’re not living life.”
Ariss, moved by stories from first-generation Aggies, found himself reflecting on his own experience.
“Meeting these freshmen and seeing how passionate they are and why they came to A&M — these are the kids that belong to A&M,” Ariss said.
Rigas agreed, remembering his time with Camp Rigas.
“If everybody's like these guys, the future is bright,” he said.
Engineering the upstream
For these engineers, Fish Camp wasn’t about themselves. It was about giving back to the next generation.
“If by staying connected I help remove the slightest barrier of someone being hesitant to ask for help, I'm happy to do it,” Fly said. “For me, it's maintaining that Aggie spirit after the four years.”
These Fish Camp namesakes embody the call of all Aggie engineers — when service is a priority and problem-solving is second nature, there is the capacity to positively impact the world.