I started blacksmithing in fall 2024 after meeting Berkeley Rhoads. I have always been a hands-on person with the desire to create. After having the opportunity to try out blacksmithing, I realized this is something I want to get good at and do for a long time. I have had the joy of getting to be around right when the club was getting started and getting to see it grow from a small club with little to no resources or relations, to having nearly everything for a small blacksmith shop, having members who enjoy this craft as much as I do, and getting to continuously working with and meet reputable blacksmiths and overall great people.
Edward Biglin | Vice President
‘26 University Studies: Society, Ethics, and Law with minors in Philosophy and Military Studies
I was born and raised in Gibbsboro, New Jersey. I am a junior in Company S-2 of the Corps of Cadets. Blacksmithing has helped me learn of better ways to control my movements and energy to make beautiful and useful works.
Berkeley Rhoads | Secretary & Founder
‘24 Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technologies major and Horticulture minor
I began blacksmithing in 2012, and have been passionate about it since. When I came to Texas A&M, I sought an organization that practiced blacksmithing. When I discovered there wasn’t one, I decided to start one with my friend and colleague Charles Schmidt: a fellow smith. I love to teach and see others learn, and it has been a joy like no other to see the fruit of my labor grow so large. My goal with this student organization is to provide students with the means and instruction to learn blacksmithing, which is incredibly rewarding and a useful skillset to have. Blacksmithing has an incredible history and community filled with extraordinary individuals; just like Texas A&M. It is my goal to keep this great art alive and thriving, and to share with you the deep joys that the world of blacksmithing has to offer through the simple magic of fire, steel, hammer, and anvil.
Liliana Johnson | Co-Treasurer
‘27 Engineering major
I joined ABC in my first semester at A&M and never looked back. This club has allowed me to learn new skills while being surrounded by supportive and fun people. When I’m not blacksmithing or at school, I enjoy riding horses and trying new restaurants.
Seth Koronek | Co-Treasurer
‘24 Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technologies major
One of the main reasons I joined ABC was to challenge myself to learn new skills. This hobby also aligns with a goal of mine, which is to be as self-reliant as possible. ABC means a great amount to me, it has opened many creative avenues of projects and gave me insight to such an interesting hobby. I became friends with Berkeley our freshman year and I got to watch him, along with Charles Schmidt, create this organization from the ground up. The amount of energy and effort they put into forming this organization was inspiring and motivated me to become a leader in order to assist them in leaving a legacy at this university.
Torie Peck | PR/Social Media Chair
‘27 Psychology major with minors in Sociology and Military Studies
I hardly knew what blacksmithing was until I started it last spring. One of my favorite things is to try new things and learn from my friends. So, when Berkeley asked if I wanted to give it a shot, I couldn’t say no. I have learned so much from ABC over the past months. I’ve never had as unique of an opportunity to be creative and work with my hands. Now, I hope to help ABC grow and continue over the years, and bring the joy of blacksmithing to more students.
Joey Medley | Recruitment Chair
‘26 Animal Science
I joined ABC because I like making unique things and learning new skills, both of which ABC offers. Learning such a unique art and skill has been an incredibly enriching and fun experience alongside great people. I want to continue in this way and help anyone interested or passionate about blacksmithing.
