The Paisano Volume 48 Issue 20

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Actors from the London Stage to perform “Othello” page 6

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UTSA Volleyball will play Texas State and Houston Baptist this weekend page 7

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

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Volume 49

Issue 20

September 24, 2013

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UTSA On Friday, Sept. 19 UTSA Main Campus facilities experienced a loss of air conditioning for a majority of the day due to a chilled water leak at the South and North energy plants.

San Antonio The Genetics Policy Institutes announced that San Antonio will host the World Stem Cell Summit in 2014, featuring more than 170 scientists from 40 different countries.

SHOOTING ON CAMPUS At-large drive by shooter damages unoccupied vehicle

Sarah Gibbens News Editor Rafael Gutuirrez/ The Paisano

news@paisano-online.com

The shooting at University Oaks occurred early Saturday morning. No residents were harmed and a motive for the crime remains unknown.

UTSA U.S. Republican Ted Cruz has vowed to block a Senate vote on a House approved spending bill that would fund Obamacare.

World Joe Biden travels to Mexico to visit with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto to discuss modernizing the border to increase economic ties.

Sarah Gibbens News Editor

news@paisano-online.com Early Saturday morning, guns were fired at UTSA’s oncampus residence, University Oaks, Phase One. Shots were reportedly fired at an unoccupied vehicle for reasons still unknown.

After opening fire, the suspect, or suspects, fled the scene.

Students were notified via text and email to remain indoors.

The unknown shooter remains at large. UTSAPD asked that students report any suspicious

activity to the police immediately.

Joe Izbrand, the associate vice president of communication and marketing at UTSA, commented on the incident: “This is an ongoing investigation.”

Even though University Oaks is considered to be on-campus, security, “…is the responsibility of the management company,” said Izbrand. “We are looking at video of cameras that UTSA has in the area.”

Gisselle Loredo, a resident of University Oaks, was present after the shooting occurred.

“The parking area was blocked off by six or so police vehicles.

There were little markers on

the floor and they were standing around a car. It’s pretty terrifying being reminded that, even if you live on campus, anything can happen. I’ve noticed UTSAPD patrolling the area a lot more often… but there’s only so much they can do,” said Loredo.

UTSAPD is still looking for the shooter and has yet to release notice of a lead or motive.

Increasing security for campus residents is a preventative measure UTSA has taken in response to the incident.

“The fact that nobody was caught really makes me nervous… especially since the person who was targeted was my neighbor,” said Loredo.

Debate on future of the Alamo LOCAL Randy Lopez Staff Writer

The UTSA Roadrunners will return to the Alamodome on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 3:00 p.m. to face the undefeated Houston Cougars.

news@paisano-online.com Concerned citizens gathered at the UTSA Downtown Campus Thursday, Sept. 19 for a town hall meeting to discuss the future of Alamo Plaza. The town hall meeting featured a panel of distinguished guests including the Mayor of San Antonio, Julian Castro; San President Ricardo Romo speaks at the town hall meeting, which was co-hosted by UTSA. Antonio Conservation Society President Sue Ann Pemberton; the important role it plays in the businesses located within Historian Gary Foreman and San Antonio today. The town Alamo Plaza take away from Alamo Plaza businessman Da- hall meeting was held in re- the historical significance of vis Phillips. sponse to the growing concern the Alamo. Citizens voiced UTSA President Ricardo from San Antonio citizens and their opinions, suggesting that Romo gave the introductory historians regarding the future the businesses, many of which speech with a brief background of Alamo plaza. Some citizens are chain stores and gift shops, on the history of the Alamo and at the town hall claim that simply leave Alamo plaza and Randy Lopez / The Paisano

Sports

A smarter freshman class?

UTSA

Texas While other states saw a drop in illegal immigration, numbers in Texas have been on the rise since 2007, with figures close to 11.7 million, according to the Pew Research Center.

To read the full story on UTSA’s win against UTEP, see F.I.D.O., Page 7

See Alamo, Page 2

The class of 2017 is UTSA’s most competitive incoming freshmen class yet. When the Texas Legislature founded UTSA in 1969, enrollment was limited to roughly 700 students. In the 40 years since the school’s opening, UTSA has come to be a home to more than 30,000 students.

A major appeal in attracting students had historically been the low requirements for admissions and easy access to education. Students rejected from larger and more expensive universities had been able to fall back on UTSA.

“This group is the best freshmen class we have ever admitted to UTSA. They have been filtered out already.

We think they can succeed.

John Frederick Provost

This, however, is quickly changing. In the goal to become a Tier One university, UTSA has begun the process of raising the standards for admission. UTSA President Ricardo Romo has often described the road to Tier One status as not a sprint, but a marathon.

According to UTSA’s strategic plan, the university will be increasing its standards of research, academic excellence and international reach.

Specifically, UTSA has implemented enrollment management plans to create a student body conducive to Tier One status.

UTSA hopes to have admissions standards that reflect the success of a research in-

stitution, even if that means decreasing the amount of students enrolled annually.

In the past few years UTSA has admitted 4,500 students on average per year. The incoming freshman class for 2013, however, includes only about 3,600 new freshmen.

UTSA is accepting top performing high school students.

In 2012, half of the incoming freshmen were in the top 25 percent of their graduating class. In 2013 however, over two-thirds of UTSA’s freshmen have come from the top 25 percent of their class, raising the bar for academic performance.

UTSA will soon be competitive with other top universities around Texas. Texas A&M admits 64 percent of its applicants, an acceptance rate close to UTSA’s.

Freshman Maritza Villamil credits her hard work in high school for her acceptance into UTSA. “I had all the credentials necessary to be granted automatic admission to UTSA. I took my SAT and ACT, sent them my scores, sent my transcript and showed them that I was qualified to be part of the UTSA Roadrunner family.”

While UTSA wasn’t Villamil’s first choice, she now feels lucky to be a student at UTSA. “I knew I would be someone here, not just a number.”

Not all high school graduates are so fortunate. For college-bound students, the stricter admission standards can bar access to UTSA. One recently graduated high senior was denied access to UTSA. When UTSA did not accept her dual credits from high school her GPA subsequently dropped andshe was unable to enroll. She chose instead to attend a community college.

According to USTA’s Provost John Frederick in a faculty senate meeting, “This group is the best freshman class we have ever admitted to UTSA. They have been filtered out already. We think they can succeed.”

NEWS

2 September 24, 2013

Yale professor discusses face of war UTSA Alex Camacho Staff Writer

news@paisano-online.com

Dr. Jay Winter, professor of history at Yale University, visited UTSA on Sept. 20 to discuss the effacement of war in the twentieth century. Winter has been a professor of history at Yale University since 2001 where his specialization lies in the study of World War I and its international effects.

The historical scholar came to UTSA to lead a lecture on how the depiction of war has

changed in contemporary media and art. Winter drew the comparison to an artistic depiction made by Paul Klee, represented in the 1920 copper etching plate Angelus Novus, of an angel staring down at the human race, his eyes staring, mouth open, wings spread.

He argued that this is one of the best representations of war created during the twentieth century. This is what war, which evolved during the early twentieth century, awakened in the human race, a series of horrendous events, which seemed never-ending at that point in history, Winter argued.

Winter explained his premise by first giving background on

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the events leading to the effacement of war. He explained that during World War I, globalized empires such as the Ottoman, German and Austro-Hungarian empires fought on a scale that had not been seen before.

Winter explained that the magnitude of cruelty that took place between 1914 and 1918 paved the way to greater evil and violations of the “rules of war” in the years to come.

Winter pointed out that World War I was the first time in history where war was industrialized through the aid of modern technology. While the Hague Declaration of 1899 forbade the use of poisonous weapons in warfare, their use in

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II: “The Diary of Anne Frank” and “At the Edge of Abyss” by David Koker. The first describes the days of Anne Frank prior to being sent to a concentration camp and the latter is a diary written during Koker’s days spent at a concentration camp.

The notable difference between the two is that the published copies of “The Diary of Anne Frank” have a picture of her face on the cover. While only a few copies of “At the Edge of Abyss” exist with a picture of Koker’s face because, as Winter alleges, the atrocities millions of people experienced in concentration camps was not human. Winter used this example to show that modern media and

art does not accurately associate the human face with war.

Winter summarized the lecture by saying that in 1914, war still had a human face. However, over time, the faces of those who have fought in war and those who have become its victims have slowly faded from sight.

He concluded by saying war is no longer represented through the human face in paintings, sculpture or media arts.

Winter believes that, as it exists today, war is, “something so terrifying that not even gods can rescue humans from themselves.”

currently operating at Alamo Plaza. Phillips, president and CEO of Phillips Entertainment, also said that his businesses pay “$57,000 a month in rent” and other businesses such as art galleries or sidewalk cafes would simply not be able to afford the rent to survive inside the plaza.

Phillips asked, “Are you ok with some form of government seizing private property because they don’t feel that it’s appropriate that some people feel that way… what happens when they come to your home or your business?”

Plans for reconstruction to the Alamo itself were discussed as well.

Leading the discussion on plans for renovation and reconstruction was San Antonio Conservation Society President Sue Ann Pemberton. Pember-

ton explained that the difficulty with renovation resides in the many different time periods the Alamo experienced and keeping true to the construction of the building during each time period. Pemberton stated the difficulty lies primarily in picking a time period and basing a renovation plan on that particular period.

Mayor Castro responded saying, “We will come up with a way to appoint a committee that is balanced and represents diverse perspectives… at the end of the day we want to get to action steps not to be paralyzed because everyone has their own perspective.”

In order to fund a renovation, the city of San Antonio appropriated over $1 million in a voter-approved bond towards Alamo plaza last year. Pember-

ton described the one million dollars as “not going to cut it, but it does give us direction and an opportunity to move forward”.

Emotions ran high during the forum as many citizens expressed how deeply they were concerned with the future of Alamo Plaza and wanted a plan of action from the mayor and city council. Mayor Castro summarized the meeting saying that “it was a very productive meeting in terms of getting the diverse range of opinions that exist about what should happen at the Alamo. The community vision that we come up with is going to be informed by many different opinions and, in that sense, it was very productive.”

Alamo: area development From Page 1

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World War I was inevitable, he explained.

To fight against the use of these chemical weapons the gas mask was developed and soldiers would no longer portray human faces, changing the image of war forever.

Completely removing the human face from warfare by covering it is to dehumanize the act of war, Winter argues, is what led to greater cruelty during the Second World War, a war where extreme genocide was committed. Almost seventy years later, its repercussions can still be seen.

Winter drew a distinction between two books that have become emblems of World War

find a lease elsewhere in San Antonio.

Phillips, a panel speaker representing the businesses on Alamo Plaza, said, “I respect your opinion that the businesses are carnival or inappropriate… I would also suggest, respectfully, that there are millions of people every year who don’t agree with that; they view those businesses as family entertainment options and a chance to make memories with their families… if the people didn’t want it, we (businesses) wouldn’t be there.”

Fu r th e r m o re , Ph i l l i p s pointed out that if the businesses were to be moved, they would not perform at the level that they are

NEWS

3 September 24, 2013

U.S. Citizens injured in Kenyan mall attack Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) _ Four American citizens were reported injured in the Saturday attack on a shopping mall in Kenya. The wife of a foreign service national working for the U.S. Agency for International Development was killed, U.S. officials said.

Kenyan officials said the assault on Nairobi’s top shopping mall killed at least 39 people and wounded more than 150 others. Somalia’s Islamic extremist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility.

No details about the injured Americans were released by the State Department, which cited privacy concerns. Consular officers were in contact with the injured and were providing appropriate assistance, a State De-

partment official said.

Secretary of State John Kerry called the attack “a heartbreaking reminder that there exists unspeakable evil in our world which can destroy life in a senseless instant.’’

“Attacks like this can’t change who we are, a people committed to peace and justice for all, but rather must reaffirm our determination to counter extremism and promote tolerance everywhere,’’ Kerr said in a statement. “As we prepare to bring the world’s leaders together at the United Nations next week, we are reminded again in tragedy of our common humanity.’’

Noting the death of the wife of the USAID worker, Kerry commended agency workers for their efforts around the world and said the U.S. pledged

“our commitment to do whatever we can to assist in bringing the perpetrators of this abhorrent violence to justice, and to continue our efforts to improve the lives of people across the globe.’’

In a statement from the White House, a spokeswoman for the National Security Council said the U.S. would help bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.

“We will continue to stand with the Kenyan people in their efforts to confront terrorism in all its forms, including the threat posed by al-Shabaab,’’ NSC spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said. “This cowardly act against innocent civilians will not shake our resolve.’’

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The Paisano

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August 26, 2008

September 24, 2013

{The Paisano} Editorial Editor-in-Chief: Matthew Duarte

Managing Editor: J. Corey Franco

News Editor: Sarah Gibbens

Arts Editor: Janae Rice

Sports Editor: Mario Nava

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Special Issues Editor: Erin Boren

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Senior Photographers: Vicente Cardenas Lindsay Smith

Opinion 5 OPINION

Texas failing to make students college-ready Texas is back in the national headlines, and not for the right reasons. The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) is in the process of reviewing science textbooks that will be in classrooms for the next ten years.

Although the final vote will not be held until November, accusations are already flying over how qualified members of the board are to make decisions on science textbooks.

Each textbook is rated by the SBOE, and a low rating makes it much less likely that a particular book will be taught in a school district, and some textbooks are simply rejected outright. Before a textbook is presented to the board it is first reviewed by panelists, who are themselves by members of the SBOE. As has been the case in the past, members of the SBOE and panel members alike have

attracted criticism for their fiery rhetoric in favor of textbooks that encourage creationist ideology. Seemingly oblivious to Supreme Court cases in the 1980s that ruled teaching “creationism” or “creation science” in public schools unconstitutional, SBOE members have unabashedly stated that “there should be inclusion of the ‘creation model’ based on the Biblical view of history” and that “‘creation science’ based on Biblical principles should be incorporated into every Biology book that is up for adoption.”

This is not the first time that creationism and evolution have gone head-to-head in the debate over textbooks, as Texas is notorious for how far from the mainstream its textbooks are.

Although these members of the SBOE are reaping the political benefits of their controversial statements, they are also signal-

ing that they don’t care about the success of Texas students.

Texas students are often unprepared for life after high school. According to American College Testing — most famous for its implementation of the ACT test — only 29 percent of high schoolers in Texas last year were ready to take a college-level biology course, and only one in five students were college-ready in all four of ACT’s core subject areas. While its science textbooks attract all the headlines, the truth is that students in Texas fall short in every major area.

It should be no surprise that Texas is one of just five states that has not formally adopted the Common Core, an agreement between 45 states that challenges their students to meet minimum requirements.

Unlike the STAAR test, which only measures basic under-

standing of subjects, the Common Core would require students to apply critical thinking skills to their curriculum. Lowering the bar for students, as Texas seems content to do, may improve graduation rates but it also means that students in other states will be challenged more often and, ultimately, be more successful after graduation.

UTSA has already acknowledged this problem. Beginning next fall, incoming freshmen will be taking a completely revamped Core Curriculum that sacrifices classes like a World Society and Issues course and an Economics requirement in favor of an Academic Inquiry and Scholarship course. This will help students transition to a university that, according to its Graduation Rate Improvement Plan, sees more than half of its students drop out by their

fourth year.

A university should not be responsible for ensuring that its students are ready for a life after high school. When UTSA enrolls more than 650 students in developmental math courses and almost 200 in developmental English courses in a semester, it should not reflect poorly on the university or its students but on the quality of education these students receive prior to college.

The state of Texas and its State Board of Education pride themselves on raising graduation rates by implementing fewer mandatory standardized tests and for challenging mainstream science in its textbooks, but ultimately Texas needs to address the long-term needs of its students and ensure that they are ready for college and their professional lives.

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Commentary Texans turning a blind, uninsured eye to relevant political discourse

On Sept.

4, Texas was the subject of a New York Times oped piece along side Florida after a census bureau report revealed that the two states have the highest uninsured populations in the country. Coincidently, these states have seen some of the strongest political pushback against the Affordable Care Act

(ACA), widely known as Obamacare.

According to a recent census bureau report, more than 25 percent of the population in Texas under age 65 (5.7 million people) was uninsured in 2011, the highest rate in the nation.

Bexar County is no exception to this trend, as the report shows that just over 23 percent of its residents were uninsured in 2011.

The implications of the ACA and the actions of Texas leaders has a great affect on the Texas populous. It merits close examination

for those even remotely concerned with the future of their health care and the associated expenses that come along with it.

One effect of this policy on college students includes a provision that allows students to stay on their parents’ health care plans until age 26, even if they are married or a dependent. Campus insurance plans will also be prohibited from placing lifetime limits on coverage, and if you are on a school plan and undergo a severe medical issue, you will be covered no matter how high your medical costs are.

According to the Washington Post, Texas dropped to 48th in the national standings for voter turnout in 2012. The election collected votes from only 50.1 percent of the eligible voting population.

These numbers mark a trend in the wrong direction as ACA has pushed fervent political discourse leading a divided congress to a stalemate as the prospect of a government shutdown looms while the Sept. 30 budgetary voting deadline steadily approaches. This prospective shutdown comes in light of many Republican Senators pushing

for the defunding of ACA. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has vowed to filibuster and use any other procedural move possible to defund Obamacare.

As Texas leaders determine the fate of ACA, it is paramount that Texas voters key in to the discourse and determine whether the elected representatives are truly representing their interests.

J. Corey Franco Managing Editor

ARTS&LIFE

5

September 24, 2013

{Local Events}

Kirk Florendo and Chris Breakell / The Paisano

Tuesday, September 24 8 p.m. Comedy: The Oxymorons

Hippies, comedy, filmmaking and the meaning of life: UTSA’s most unusual courses Anthony Mendoza Contributing Writer arts@paisano-online.com

With so many courses offered at UTSA, most students follow a degree plan that best suits their interest. However, the narrow structure of obtaining a degree sometimes restricts students from satisfying the requirement of academic exploration.

College is a new realm for students to experience the unusual. So, if you’re looking for unusual courses consider “Film Comedy,” “The Meaning Of Life,” “Digital Filmmaking” and “Hippie Literature.”

A professor in the English department, Dr. John Stone teaches “Literary Modes and Genres: Comedy” a course that examines the mechanics behind how humor works. “What makes funny, funny?,” Answering this question, is one of the course’s main goals, and understanding how humor works requires studying how previous comedy influences the progression of modern comedy, states Dr. Stone.

Approaching this challenge, Dr. Stone asked himself when developing this course “what made me laugh when I was a kid?” which resulted in a multitude of humor ranging from low comedy to verbal wit.

During the course the works of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, The Marx Brothers, Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, Richard Pryor and others are studied to assist students in answering the question of how comedy works. With the proper context, students will develop an understanding of a comic persona, self-deprecating humor and why someone’s pain is comedic.

COLUMN

Dr. Stone articulates that “trag- on the question. In particular, edy is when it happens to you; Albert Camus’s philosophical comedy is when it happens to question “the problem of suithe other guy,” and this concept cide” will be analyzed in depth is analyzed in stand-up to fur- to understand and grab hold of ther grasp humor’s mechanics. questions such as “why live?”

However, going over that Of course, each student will line means someone is always develop their own response the “butt” of the joke, and Dr. and give presentations, but Stone advises, “You can wallow this quest in finding an answer in the pain, or you can laugh at is a joint effort between stuthe absurdity of it. That’s your dents and professor. Ultimately choice because that’s really the each student will find their essence of what life is. You can own illumination or influence be sad and let it overwhelm you from certain philosophers but or you can laugh about it.”

But humor is not the only unusual course offered at UTSA. Consider Professor Chinn, who confronts an ancient question in his course “The Meaning Of Life.”

As Professor Chinn cautioned, “(The) question is really tricky and so that’s why Dr. John G. Stone we start off the course by Professor exploring the nature of the problem, (which is) what this question is really asking and “(will) need to think hard about why do we ask this question.” their own life and experiences, Moreover, Professor Chinn and see how it connects to explains, “(the students) must them,to find an answer” Profully understand what the fessor Chinn emphasizes. question is asking and why it If the meaning of life is found is important” because “some why not capture the moment think the question (the mean- on film in Digital Filmmaking? ing of life) is unanswerable or “Two cameras, two tripods, trivial,” but by understanding one light kit, one dolly and that why the question is asked stu- was it… we were in a closet,” dents can then be able to de- Dr. Membrez recollected while velop an answer. she explained the start of her “The goal is to have each course “Digital Filmmaking” student to try and figure out back in 2002. the best answer they can give,” Expecting a small turnout explains Prfessor Chinn. Stu- of 15 students for the course, dents will first cover the major Dr. Membrez recalled 40 plus religions of the world and see students overflowing out the how each religion approaches room sitting on the ground the meaning of life. waiting for her course to begin.

However, examining reli- “I think we touched a nerve,” gions does not guarantee an Dr. Membrez explains, a nerve answer will be developed, so that resulted in the current students will study various continuation of Digital Filmphilosophers’ interpretation making for the past 10 years.

“Tragedy is when it happens to you; comedy is when it happens to the other guy.”

Lindsay Smith / The Paisano

Sara Flores

Staff Writer arts@paisano-online.com I believe that having an individual identity is one of the key components to surviving life as a college student, as these are some of our most formative years.

During a late-night eye-

brow re-shaping session this week, I started to think of the beauty and style standards imposed on people today of all ages and genders. I wanted to make my eyebrows straighter, like those of Rooney Mara or Korean fashion models, yet a small voice in the back of my head told me the look might be too severe. This made me

realize how easy it is to forego our uniqueness for something a little more accessible to the masses.

While in school, we are given guidelines for everything that we do. This structure helps us stay on track, but also fixes us into a routine that can be hard to break out of. Even classes that promote individuality can

A 3000 level course, Digital Filmmaking is intended for students to create small projects that could be used as complements to a graduate school portfolio or employer application.

However, this course is not a YouTube production course — filmmaking is professional.

Equipped with six avid editing stations, professional cameras, sound booths, studios for shooting film and much more, digital filmmaking is above par.

Students will learn how to properly arrange cameras to shoot film, develop a storyboard, develop editing skills and learn effective use of music and sounds while abiding by copyright laws. Students will collaborate with each other during three required projects of a UTSA campus post card, an interview or campus report and a narrative or documentary created by the students.

The course is fun but requires dedication, and hours of work must be put into projects to produce quality work. “It’s a course to create a portfolio, to help students get jobs,” Dr. Membrez says, “(a) chance to really cut loose on your creativity, as long as you’re not vulgar, (and) are able to work in groups.”

And even though hours of dedication are a must, Dr. Membrez is supportive, always reminding her students “(to) have fun. You don’t want to be so uptight about it that you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, but it is hard work and that’s what people underestimate.”

Another unusual course is Hippie Literature, which Dr. Burchenal describes as the “counter culture of 1955 to 1975, which is the time of

the first real American youth counter culture, which is (referred) as being the long 60s.”

The course looks at the development of new age young ideals and how they came to be. Of course, when reminded of the 60s, an overwhelmingly response is to think of hippies.

Dr. Burchenal emphasizes that “part of what this course tries to do is to debunk and explore the kind of myth and way the 60s has been packaged and give students a clearer understanding of cultural trends that there were.”

Some of the content students will analyze are George Orwell’s 1984, 60s popular music and culture, sex and drugs, “Easy Rider,” the Civil Rights Movement and Kurt Vonnegut, to understand the youth counter culture of the mid20th century.

Dr. Burchenal explains, “There is an argument of this course (where) people make a claim that this is the transitional period between what they call “modernism” and post modernism” that somehow (our lives) are significantly different than they were prior to this period,” and this course determines “whether that’s a valid thing to say. Are we really different?”

Burchenal intends to have students “consider the facts of the matter and not just accept the story that history has given us,” by reanalyzing important historical markings such as the Civil Rights Movement. So why not look beyond a degree plan and consider the unusual?

cause pressure.

What if I’m not creative enough? What if I completely miss the mark? These stressors make it easy to forget that we need to take care of ourselves too.

It’s easy to put yourself last when you have a mile-long list of things to do; however, I feel that making time for things that make you feel completely and utterly yourself is vital. Whether you listen to Leonard Cohen or Top 40 (or both), make sure to treat yourself with the things you love without shame.

If you find that your tastes aren’t appreciated by those around you, remind yourself that your interests are yours to keep and that no one should question them.

When I cut off almost all of my hair, I was met with a few concerned parties. I could tell that some people wondered why I would chop off a healthy and undyed mane, and I simply could not explain it. I did what felt right to me at the time, and while I questioned myself for a

couple of months thereafter, it remains one of my favorite decisions I’ve made. The decision answered to no one, and perhaps that is why it felt so right.

I become absolutely excited when I see everyone’s individual styles represented on campus. Bright dresses, structured menswear, simple t-shirts and jeans. It all represents different types of people expressing themselves, even in the midst of a hectic day.

While we don’t always feel our best on the way to school and perhaps accessorizing is the last thing on our minds, individuality can be represented in much more private and personal ways.

Perhaps carrying around a small notebook with your daily thoughts makes you feel at peace, or a brand new set of pens keeps you excited for your classes. My point is not to outshine anyone or wear things that make you uncomfortable, but to hone in on your own sense of happiness and keep it close by.

The Oxymorons will be performing improv comedy at the River Center Comedy Club (849 E. Commerce). The Oxymorons have been performing improv in San Antonio for over 20 years. $15 admission, 2 item minimum. For more information, visit rivercitycomedyclub.com

Wednesday, September 25 7:30 p.m. Theater: “Othello” The department of English and The UTSA Friends of Shakespeare will host the Actors from the London Stage as they perform Shakespeare’s “Othello” at the Arts Building Recital Hall on UTSA’s main campus. Tickets may be purchased online on the English department’s website. Student admission is $10 and general admission is $18. Performances will be held September 25, 27 and 28. Visit colfa.utsa.edu/English/Shakespeare.

Thursday, September 26 7 p.m. UCPC Open Mic Night The Ski Lodge (1.01.00) on UTSA’s main campus will host an open mic night. Comedians, poets, dancers, singers and the talented are all welcome to the open mic night to showcase Roadrunner talent. Students will have a five minute time limit and food and drinks will also be available. For more information, contact Tabitha Byrne Smith at 458-6044.

Friday, September 27 6 p.m. Tapping Texan Culture

The Institute of Texan Cultures (801 César E. Chavez Blvd) will host an event for their “Made in Texas” exhibit with Texas beer and food. The event will be from 6-8 p.m. and there is a suggested donation of $15. For more information, visit texancultures.com.

Saturday, September 28 10 a.m. Convention: Monster Con 2013

Monster Con (4522 Fredricksburg Rd.), San Antonio’s first horror convention, will boast horror inspired artwork from local San Antonio artists, as well as a zombie fashion show and costume contest.

Special guest Victor Miller, writer of “Friday the 13th will attend.”

The event will run from Saturday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit monster-con.com

9 p.m. San Antonio Music Award Showcase

Thirty-five bands and DJs will be performing at 7 different venues for the San Antonio Music Award Showcase. Advance purchase of wristbands is $5, $8 at the door.

Wristbands grant access to all shows.For full list of participating venues and for more information, visit sanantoniomusicawards.com

Sometimes as students we may feel that our voices are being drowned out by the daily grind of tests and assignments, and these small reminders of our own identities can lift our spirits and remind us how important we are to our respective fields.

My personal identity is even more important to me now that I am almost finished with my time here at UTSA. At the end of a long day with little sleep to my name, I feel a sense of warmth that comes from the things I choose to surround myself with.

People have questioned my short hair before or the amount of makeup I wear, and while I used to let it bother me, I’ve reached a point where I don’t feel it at all. No matter if you are met with odd looks in the hallway or none at all, hold your head high and celebrate the fact that you are representing yourself.

Have a question for Sara? Send your question to arts@paisano-online.com

ARTS&LIFE

6 September 24, 2013

Courtesy of UTSA

UTSA welcomes Actors from the London Stage

Janae Rice Arts Editor

arts@paisano-online.com The UTSA Department of English and The UTSA Friends of Shakespeare will welcome the Actors from the London Stage as a part of their Ameri-

can university tour to perform Shakespeare’s “Othello.”

Performances will be on Sept. 25, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Arts Building Recital Hall on the UTSA Main Campus.

“Most students have read Shakespeare in high school or

college, and this gives them an important perspective on those plays,” says Dr. Mark Bayer, professor and English department chair. “Shakespeare wrote these plays to be performed, but today we read them and miss that crucial intention.”

Actors Jude Akuwudike,

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Richard Neale, Jan Shepherd, Jack Whitam and Alinka Wright will perform multiple roles in “Othello” and visit classes. The actors direct themselves and work with minimal costumes and scenery in their performances. They have visited classes in the past, giving a unique experience

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to students in the realms of acting, poetry and literature.

“They like to perform and like to get students performing,” says Bayer.

This year will be the theater company’s twenty-seventh visit to UTSA since 1988.

Tickets for “Othello” can be purchased online from the English department’s website.

Student tickets are $10 with an I.D. while general admission is $18. Any unsold tickets will be available at the door. All seats are reserved,- so buy group tickets together. Tickets may be purchased at colfa.utsa.edu/ english/shakespeare. For more information contact Mark Bayer at mark.bayer@utsa.edu.

Spiritual Experiences Guidebook Past Lives, Dreams, Soul Travel and More . . .

Free Guidebook, CD and Discussion Thursday, September 26, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

University Center 2.01.30 (Magnolia Room)

Find answers to help you understand your spiritual experiences!

Info: Omid Ghasemi (e-mail) - qys128@my.utsa.edu or call Justin: 832-244-6502 www.Eckankar-Texas.org

Sponsored by the Eckankar Student Organization - visit the bulletin board in MH2-5C for info on ongoing activities.

SPORTS

7 September 24, 2013

UTSA FOOTBALL

This Week in Sports

F.I.D.O. leading the way to victory

UTSA Cross Country (Men and Women) Friday, Sept. 27 6:15 p.m.

Old Settlers Park—Round Rock, TX Texas Invitational Football Saturday, Sept. 28 3 p.m.

The Alamodome—San Antonio, TX vs. Houston Cougars Golf (Men) Friday, Sept. 27 -28 @UNM Golf Course Champioship — Albuquerque, NM William H. Tucker Intercollegiate

Steve Moakley/ UTSA Athletics

Soccer

The Roadrunners have won six of their past nine road games since the 2012 season.

Friday, Sept. 27 7 p.m.

Park West Athletics Complex—San Antonio, TX vs. Florida Atlantic Owls Sunday, Sept. 29 1 p.m.

Park West Athletics Complex—San Antonio, TX vs. Rice Owls

Jakob Lopez

Contributing Writer

sports@paisano-online.com For a startup program in only its third year, any loss can take a toll on players and personnel.

Rather than get frustrated with the outcomes, the UTSA football team has found its one way through adversity.

Since day one of the program, UTSA Head Coach Larry Coker introduced his mantra, F.I.D.O, to the players. Forget It and Drive On has created an atmosphere and mentality that players and coaches have embraced this season despite their difficult start.

“Well, Forget It and Drive On originated from me back in my Miami (Hurricanes) days. You know sometimes football is a funny game; there is going to be

a lot of ups and downs. You just got to play this play,” a reflective Coach Coker said. “I know that’s coaches’ talk, but it’s true.

You’ve to play through, and that’s a sign of maturity. I think we’re getting more mature as a football team.”

That maturity could not have been more evident than this past Saturday as UTSA defeated the UTEP Miners 32-13 at the Sun Bowl in El Paso.

UTSA opened the game strong with a 75-yard scoring drive that resulted in a 29-yard touchdown run by junior running back Brandon Armstrong.

At the end of the first quarter they found themselves behind after UTEP Miner Autrey Golden returned a kickoff 100-yards for a score and UTEP kicker Jay Maddox converted a 28-yard field goal to take a 10-7 lead.

The Roadrunners drove on though, and showed signs of their maturity as a football team. They responded with an eight-play, 80-yard drive that was capped with a 28-yard touchdown run by junior wide receiver Kam Jones.

“We have to fight on. We can’t go into a game hoping to win.

We got to go in and make sure we’re playing hard. We have to play hard from start to finish,” said Armstrong. “Any athlete that’s a competitor is going to make a mistake, but we have to let those go and go to the next play.”

The UTSA defense held UTEP without a touchdown, allowing only a field goal for the rest of the game. The Roadrunners also held the UTEP Miners to just 218 total yards, the fewest yards UTSA has allowed

this season.

“We take a lot of pride in our defense, and the past two weeks have been a little rough on us,” responded UTSA sophomore linebacker Drew Douglas.

Douglas led the team with 12 tackles, a career best.

Saturday’s win gave UTSA its first-ever Conference USA win. UTSA is now 2-0 in league openers, having defeated New Mexico State 35-13 in last year’s Western Athletic Conference opener.

UTSA is now 6-3 in road games since the 2012 season.

“When we’re on the road we have to have a stronger mentality. We have to build off each other and stick together,” said Armstrong.

Coker has been impressed with the way his team travels.

They maintain a professional

attitude while traveling first class, and always stay positive and upbeat after the game, regardless of the outcome.

“We’ve had two tough road trips and the guys have a lot of energy coming back,” said Coker. “They always try to feed off of the crowds on the road.”

That upbeat attitude is a testament to Coker’s F.I.D.O. mantra. No matter the score after a defeat or a win, the players continue to focus on the next game.

“We respect everyone but are intimidated by no one,” Coker said, referring to the team’s potential going forward.

The Roadrunners’ season continues on Saturday, Sept.

28 as they face the undefeated Houston Cougars (3-0) at the Alamodome. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.

Tennis (Men) Friday, Sept. 28 - Sunday, Oct. 6 Micahael D. Case Tennis Center — Tulsa, Okla.

ITA All-American Championships Volleyball Tuesday, Sept. 24 7 p.m.

Ferrell Center—Waco, TX @Baylor Bears Friday, Sept. 27 7 p.m.

Devlin Fieldhouse—New Orleans, La. @Tulane Green Wave (C-USA) Sunday, Sept. 29 1 p.m.

Thomas Assembly Center—Ruston, La. @Louisian Tech Lady Techsters

SAN ANTONIO RAMPAGE

UTSA VOLLEYBALL

Roadrunners lose to Texas State, beat Houston Baptist sports@paisano-online.com The UTSA Roadrunners (85) fell to the Texas State Bobcats (10-5) three sets to two in front of 661 rowdy fans who packed the Convocation Center on Friday, Sept. 20 to witness the I-35 rivalry.

Trailing 2-1, UTSA needed to win the fourth set in order to stay alive. The Roadrunners won convincingly by the largest margin of the night (25-16), forcing a fifth and final set.

In the deciding set, UTSA jumped out to an early 3-0 lead before the Bobcats came back and outscored the Roadrunners 15-7 to take the final set (15-10) and the overall victory.

UTSA outside hitter McKenzie Adams, who was the first person in Conference USA (CUSA) history to win the offensive and defensive Player of the Week awards, had 29 kills to pace the Roadrunners. Adams is currently holding an attack percentage of .266.

Freshmen Dajana Boskivic added 13 kills and 15 digs for UTSA. “We didn’t make any adjustments between the sets,” UTSA Head Coach Laura Groff said. “I just went over the girls’ strengths. We have to play confidently; that’s what makes us strong.”

The Roadrunners seemed to be on a winning path as they won the first set (25-21). However, the Bobcats came back strong, taking sets two and three (25-22, 25-23) out from underneath UTSA. UTSA out-blocked Texas State 15-8 and had an 85-60

care of business on our side of the net and that’s all we ask of them.”

Houston Baptist did put up a tough fight in the second and third sets, losing by four and five points, respectively.

Credit also goes to freshman Jessica Waldrip, who posted a team-high 39 assists.

Rafael Gutierrez / The Paisano

Contributing Writer

advantage on digs, winning the statistical battle, but failed to get into the win column.

“There isn’t anything we can do about the loss tonight,” Groff said. “We need to find out why we mentally shut off and fix the mistakes.”

On Saturday, the UTSA Roadrunners volleyball team

The Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars played the third NHL exhibiton game in San Antonio’s history last Friday.

San Antonio holds center ice with Panthers versus Stars game Mario Nava Kaitlin McNeil/ Paisano Kaitlin McNeil/ TheThe Paisano

CHANEY SHADROCK JADE CUEVAS

UTSA begins a three-game roadtrip on Tuesday, including the start of Conference USA play.

swept the Houston Baptist Huskies 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-19) at the Convocation Center.

Adams again led the team with 16 kills and 11 digs. Sophomore and defensive specialist Annie Kunes added 26 digs and two assists.

The Roadrunners opened the matches with a 12-point win, setting the mood for the final two sets.

“It went as we expected,” UTSA Head Coach Laura Groff said. “We were a little nervous after the disappointing loss last night (to Texas State Bobcats), and I was really proud with how the girls came out with a lot of fire and disposition. We took

“I can’t do anything without my passers and blocking and defense,” Waldrip said. “As long as we get a good pass we should be able to run our offense.”

The victory against the Huskies fuels UTSA for their upcoming game against the Baylor Bears.

“It’s our last opportunity to play a non-conference team,” Groff explained, “a team that’s in a bigger conference than we are, the Big 12, so we’d like to earn a little more respect from the other conferences by beating them.”

The Roadrunners head to Waco Tuesday, Sept. 24, to face the Bears.

Sports Editor

sports@paisano-online.com The ice flew, body checks shook the glass and the red light behind the goal lit up as the Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars made their presence known in San Antonio on Friday, Sept. 20. A crowd of 7,762 was part of AT&T Center history when the Stars defeated the Panthers 4-1.

In what was billed as the “NHLinSA,” the Panthers and Stars participated in a week-long hockey promotion, culminating in the first-ever NHL game played in the AT&T Center.

The Panthers are currently the top affiliate club of the American Hockey League (AHL) San Antonio Rampage franchise who calls the AT&T Center home during the regular season.

The Stars collected the victory as left wing Antoine Roussel scored two goals in the first and second period and had one assist. Centers Colton Sceviour

and Chris Mueller each scored a goal in the third period to seal the win for the Stars.

Down 3-0, defensemen Tom Gilbert finally gave the Panthers fans something to cheer about when he scored in the third period on a snap-shot past Stars goalie Dan Ellis.

“We knew the crowd was going to be good. Just from playing here I knew that the fans were pretty supportive regardless of the result,” Panthers center Drew Shore said. “You got to thank them for coming out and showing their support.”

Despite the loss, Panthers coach Kevin Dineen was pleased with the turnout and participation of the Panthers, Stars and Rampage organizations.

“I thought it was fabulous.

This is such a great affiliation,” Dineen said. “I think the Florida Panthers feel very fortunate to be associated with the San Antonio (Spurs) basketball team here, as well as have our minor league team here. It’s a great partnership for us and obviously tonight was a good reflection of that.”

The fans looked to be divided as many sported Panthers, Stars and Rampage jerseys throughout the crowd.

“A great turnout and a good mix — some Dallas fans but certainly a lot of Panthers jerseys out there as well,” Dineen said.

Current Panthers players who have played for the Rampage franchise included Dov Grumet-Morris, Eric Selleck, Quinton Howden, Jed Ortmeyer, Jared Gomes, Colby Robak, Alex Petrovic and Shore.

Selleck and Stars left wing Luke Gazdic provided some fireworks in the first period as the two exchanged body and head shots in the only fight of the game.

This was the third NHL game to be played in San Antonio. In 1994 and 1995, the Stars played two exhibition games against the Los Angeles Kings in the Alamodome.

The Rampage will begin the 2013-14 season on Oct. 4, when they face the Chicago Wolves at the AT&T Center.

8 September 24, 2013

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