The Paisano Volume 50 Issue 15

Student Sterling Green releases his first EP “The Awakening” page 5

UTSA Roadrunners fall to the Texas State Bobcats page 9

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

{SINCE 1981}

San Antonio Deputy Police Chief Anthony Treviño replaced former Police Chief William McManus on Friday. Trevino’s term will begin Jan. 1. McManus has accepted a position at CPS Energy to head utilities securities operations.

Lorenzo Garcia News Editor

news@paisano-online.com UTSA faculty may no longer be required to meet during final exam week. In fact, final exam week may soon be a thing of the past.

At the Faculty Senate November meeting, Dr. Tom Cannon, representing the Academy of Distinguished Teaching Scholars, discussed eliminating the standard final exam week.

Currently, UTSA’s fall and spring semesters are sixteen weeks long, including a weeklong final exam period. Under the suggested system, professors could choose to either hold class as normal or administer a See FINALS, page 2

The good, the bad, the capitalists UTSA and Spurs tion, financed a large por- work together Mia Cabello tion of the competition’s to improve the and Anthony Mendoza award.

News Assistants The event is the culmi- community news@paisano-online.com

Robert Pistocchi / The Paisano

With a reported 55.69 percent of the vote, State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst replaced Comptrollerelect Glen Hegar in a special Senate election.

U.S.

World The United Kingdoms could face fines up to 300 million Euros per year from the European Commission for continued neglect of excessive nitrogen dioxide air pollution.

2013 winner Leto Solutions demonstrates its cool prosthetic leg.

@ t h e PA I SA N O @p ais ano m e dia

UTSA computer science, business and engineering students competed for the nation’s largest undergraduate business planning award at the $100K Student Venture Competition.

The semi-annual event was hosted by the UTSA Center for Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship (CITE) at the UTSA College of Business on Dec. 6.

“Entrepreneurship is the life blood of capitalism that grows the whole country,” said Texas businessman George Karutz, Sr. at the competition. Karutz along with the Texas Research and Technology Founda-

nation of the seven teams’ semester-work.

Students presented their company’s comprehensive business plan, as well as a product prototype which the teams developed throughout the semester, to the judges.

“I was with a lot of these (students) and they’re real doers and accomplishers and people that have been very successful,” said Karutz. “It’s the best representation of successful, dedicated businessmen to this program.”

After a brief business pitch, each of the teams filtered questions from a panel of judges, who were

See HOMELESS, page 2

See MENTORS, page 2

Courtesy of the Student Veteran Association

UTSA best for veteran success

Nearly 3,000 homeless live in San Antonio, according to 2013 assessment.

Mia Cabello and Anthony Mendoza News Assistants

Lonnie Harris and Mia Cabello Staff Writer & News Assistant

news@paisano-online.com

The University of Texas at San Antonio’s recent commendations from the Military Advanced Education and Military Times continue the university’s trend of exemplary military outreach services.

The Military Advanced Education (MAE) recognized UTSA as a top uni-

See VETERAN, page 2

news@paisano-online.com

“Blessings,” described a homeless man, who prefers to remain nameless, carrying two trash bags down Caesar E Chavez Boulevard — the generous members of the UTSA community are blessings.

Close by campus, a homeless woman, Joanne Shores,

ARTS - Hillel hosts Hanukkah Student organization promotes the value of an inclusive environment. page 5

news@paisano-online.com

exits a VIA bus. She asks for fifty cents. “I ask for what I need,” she said, “and the people around are kind.”

Nearly 3,000 homeless persons including those sheltered and un-sheltered live in San Antonio, reported “The 2013 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress.”

“Our goal is to provide a place of hope and new beginnings so that people can lift themselves out of

See STARTUPS, page 2

UTSA Student Veteran Association is an active presence on campus.

versity in its 2015 MAE Guide to Colleges and Universities. MAE assesses universities based on their military culture, financial aid, flexibility, on-campus support and online services.

“We believe the guide serves as an invaluable tool for both education services officers and transition officers when advising service members about their educational opportunities,” said

Robert Avila Staff Writer

The Spurs-affiliated, nonprofit organization Silver & Black Give Back has selected four UTSA students to participate in their Team Up Challenge Scholars program. The program, which began in September, features 16 students from four San Antonio universities.

University students, called “scholars,” are selected based on their superior leadership abilities. UTSA students mentor younger students to improve the San Antonio community.

The Team Up Challenge, offered to local K-12 schools, is a service learning program that helps students apply learned classroom material in ways that benefit the community. Local students sign up through either a class or club and, if accepted, join 20 other semi-finalist groups. Teams receive a $2,500 seed-fund to create a project that benefits the community or to further develop an existing project.

The projects address five categories of service: arts & culture, education, environment, health & wellness or uniformed services. At the program’s end in April, groups are selected as Team Up Scholar Champions; each are awarded $20,000 to continue their projects.

The four UTSA students selected as Scholars — Fedra Chapa, Joey Cortez, Jose Medellin and Zacharee Ramirez — mentor to K-12 students as they develop

Homeless find kindness at UTSA

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Exam week could soon be a memory

Texas

Uruguay President, José Mujica has accepted six Guantanamo Bay detainees as a humanitarian gesture. The six detainees, suspected of being militants associated with Al-Qaeda, were released Friday by the US government and sent to Uruguay for resettlement.

2014

Michelle Siddiqui / The Paisano

National Institutes of Health awarded UTSA professors Yufei Huang and Jianqiu (Michelle) Zhang a $1.08 million grant. Huang and Zhang will use the funds to create a bioinformatics tool to study mRNA methylation and breast cancer.

December 9 – December 18

Lonnie Harris / The Paisano

UTSA

Vol. 50, Iss. 14

WEB - Stretch your Buck

SPORTS - UTSA Holiday Classic

Need help planning for next semester? Check out the latest tips for “Stretch your Buck” this Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Online @ paisano-online.com

UTSA women’s basketball will face S. Dakota and S. Illinois Sun. Dec., 28/29 @ 12:00pm

Please recycle this newspaper!

NEWS

2 DECEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 18, 2014

Finals: The Faculty Senate debates the

Veteran: university makes top grades for military accommodations

From Page 1

traditional, three-hour final exam during the final week of the semester.

“The idea behind this (independent proposal) is flexibility; flexibility for the faculty to be able to provide what they believe is the best way to assess and evaluate student learning,” explained Cannon, a marketing professor department.

An additional goal of the proposal is to allow professors to break up a small series of four to five examinations into a greater number of specific assessments, which Cannon believes will increase student engagement.

Engineering professor Randall Monteufel was initially skeptical of Cannon’s plan but grew to support it after considering his rationale. “I’ve always had final exams. I’ve taken them as a student, and I’ve given them as an instructor. I very, very rarely do not have a final exam,” stated Monteufel.

He explained that the personal experience that drew him to support Cannon’s suggestion were the hours he spent meticulously grading final exams, only for students to never pick them up and miss important feedback. Monteufel stated that if he were to give his students multiple smaller exams, he believes they would no longer miss the feedback lost from failing to pick up final exams.

“If the changes were made, I would still have a final exam, but it would be less intense. I would also administer eight smaller examinations, rather than

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the three I give now,” said Monteufel.

Unlike Monteufel, philosophy professor Alistar Welchman received Cannon’s idea with a skepticism that has not waned. Moreover, a notable faction of the Senate shares Welchman’s argument that the proposal could actually reduce the flexibility of the faculty.

During the meeting, Welchman questioned Cannon about the logistics of managing a mixture of normal and extended classes, to which he could not give specific answers.

“If you have a finals week, a sixteenth week during which some students have their regularly scheduled classes and some have finals, I would like to know with some confidence that the inevitable scheduling issues (from overlapping classes) could be resolved,” said Welchman.

He worries that inadequate scheduling of classes could result in ‘three-hour professors’ being left without a classroom in which to perform a final exam ,should Cannon’s idea be implemented without proper planning.

However, should the proponents of the changes to the final exam week demonstrate that the university can reliably schedule lengthy final exams while also accommodating the classes of professors who choose not to hold fulllength finals, Welchman stated he would readily support the changes.

their year-long community improvement projects. The program mentors will motivate students to stay in school, improve their selfesteem and set career goals.

Finance major Zacharee Ramirez partnered with Lowell Middle School’s Safe Optimal Learning Environment (S.O.L.E.) Mates, a project that pairs students with special needs children to address the challenges they face.

“I had worked with Special Olympics in high school but nothing really at this level of mentorship,” described Ramirez. “The kids open up to me, ,and we

HAN

move forward.”

The United States Department of Education identifies keys for a veteran’s college success. Keys include creating a campus culture; offering career, academic and financial advice; and creating a designated space for veterans to gather.

UTSA does not currently have an area on campus for student-veterans. “A designated space at UTSA falls under the eight keys to success,” said Paul Benevides, the UTSA Downtown Campus Representative.

This semester, however, the SVA proposed converting the University Center Tejas Lounge into a location for student-veterans.

“We’re not trying to kick (students) out and take over the space,” explained Wynne. “Our job is to be the representative voice of

all veterans, whether or not they are members.”

During the final meeting of the fall semester, the Student Government Association (SGA) — responding to the SVA’s proposal for a student space — submitted a resolution that, if passed, would call designated of a room for student veterans .

“Furthering vets’ success is that (common) room,” emphasizes Wynne. “It’s incredibly critical because it would be a healing point.

They could share stories knowing the people in there are veterans (too), and it’s safe to talk to them there — that’s just key.”

SGA will continue voting on the resolution until the association reconvenes in January to consider the resolution.

Homeless: Haven for Hope provides homeless with holiday kindness From Page 1

homeless,” stated Haven for Hope Director of External Relations Laura Calderon.

Since its opening in 2010, Haven for Hope has housed nearly 2,000 men, women and children and assisted more than 1,000 in gaining employment.

Haven for Hope is a volunteer-run organization.

“Our goal is to help a person out of homelessness,” said Calderon, as well as, “ to address the root causes of homeless, whether it is an addiction, mental illness or some other reason.”

In addition to collaborating with UTSA students,

From Page 1

are on a first name basis.”

Junior Jose Medellin partnered with the International School of the Americas Social Entrepreneurship project. “Seeing them motivated to help the community is really cool,” said Jose. “It motivates me.”

Medellin’s project has students building a community garden and selling T-shirts and buttons to raise awareness for a greener community.

To read more, visit us online at www.paisano-online.com

2 A RT 9 M O R F E R U T D-MADE CUL

UTSA student and Iraq war veteran Tyler Wynne serves as the president of the UTSA Student Veteran Association, a community of veterans that fosters an environment conducive to veteran’s college success.

“SVA is what brought me closer to campus,” said Wynne. “It helps (veterans) make the transition to civilian life.”

Wynne agrees that UTSA is invested in veteran success. UTSA has the VetsSuccess program with two VA counselors, an on-campus military liaison and the SVA. “The staff here definitely cares,” said Wynne.

The UTSA SVA, said Wynne, “gives veterans the tools to civilianize: focus, transitions and even clothing. The tools to get away from the military mentality — in a healthy sense — and

Haven for Hope partners with over 90 organizations to offer comprehensive services to those in need.

The San Antonio Rescue Mission, another volunteerrun organization, collaborates with churches and local food establishments to conduct food drives, providing meals a few times a year to those in need.

Graduate students run the UTSA College of Public Policy’s Department of Social Work in an effort to empower “mind, body and spirit” of the less fortunate who are staying in one of the Haven for Hope’s centers.

What can UTSA students

Local volunteer organizations collect clothes and others items for the homeless.

do to help? “Advocate for better mental health services, convince your house of worship to work with homeless persons and do-

nate warm winter clothing to organizations that serve the homeless,” Calderon suggested.

Startups: students compete to fund their business ventures

Scholars: students compete to fund their business ventures From Page 1

MAE editor Kelly Fodel.

The annual MAE Guide helps prospective students identify institutions consistent with their military, educational and career preferences.

Recognized by Military Times last month, UTSA will be included in their Best for Vets: Colleges 2015 rankings. Selecting top universities, Best for Vets considers variables such as veteran-students’ graduation, retention, persistence and course completion rates.

“Recognizing only the schools that do the most, we believe we’re helping to raise the bar in veteran student services,” said Amanda Miller, the editor of Best for Vets.

Currently, nearly 3,000 students — 10 percent — at UTSA are military veterans.

Mia Cabello/ The Paisano

necessity of a compulsory final exam week

chosen for their experience in business and academia.

The top three teams receive a total of $100,000 worth of prizes (cash and in-kind business services) essential for covering the proposed companies’ startup costs. Each participating team is eligible to use a portion of an available $2,000 budget, offered by the National Science Foundation and other donors, should they decide to continue their business ventures through to fruition.

Although not all teams plan to continue developing their businesses, the program will continue to offer guidance as well as increased funds for development.

I STS rom L iv e M u s ic SfT A R S

A L LC L A N D E S T IN OH A R D P R O O F cQUEEN E L IZ A B E T HmMa n y m o r e and

“We had to sacrifice a lot of time. But we always had in mind that hard work always pays off and that perseverance and consistence always wins,” said Edgar Ibarra, a student-developer of Saynata by iSleepTech after his team’s first-place victory.

Saynata addresses problems associated with obstructive sleep apnea. When a person sleeps on his or her back, upper airway muscles relax, causing the tongue to move back and create a narrow airway.

Sleep apnea occurs when the airway is completely closed and breathing stops.

Saynata keeps those airways open, reducing repeated nighttime awakenings and negative health consequences such as choking

while sleeping and morning headaches. iSleepTech plans to release the product over the course of the next three years.

Thetis Smart Engineering placed second with their prosthetic foot designed for high impact activity.

Third place went to FireFly, a facial and breathing recognition baby monitor that transmits vital signs via a phone app indicating whether or not an infant is lying face up.

Proof that start-up companies can successfully stem from UTSA senior semester projects, previous $100K competition winners Leto Solutions (2013) and Deadeye (2010) tabled at the event.

“If it weren’t for the com-

petition, there would be no business,” said Gary Walters, a UTSA alumnus who developed Leto Solutions, a company that addresses prosthetic heating.

“We would have just graduated and got jobs before the competition. None of us on the engineering side thought of going into business; we were going to graduate and be engineers.”

Support from the UTSA College of Engineering, the UTSA Office of the Vice President for Research, Rackspace, the San Antonio Technology Center and other local businesses promote ventures in interdisciplinary student-business development like the $100k start-up competition.

NEWS

3 DECEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 18, 2014

{The Paisano} Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Gibbens

Managing Editor: Jakob Lopez

News Editor:

Lorenzo Garcia

Arts Editor:

Beth Marshall

Web Editor:

Michael Turnini Special Issues Editor: Jade Cuevas

Business Manager: Lizzette Rocha

Photo Editor:

Marcus Connolly

OPINION

The Paisano

4

December 9 - December 18, 2014

No middle class for collegiate football Editorial The University of AlabamaBirmingham (UAB) was the first NCAA top-tier team in the past 20 years to terminate its football program. The final announcement came on Sunday, Dec. 7 after the UAB Blazers failed to receive a bowl bid following their 6-6 season in the East Division of Conference USA (C-USA).

UAB decided to terminate its football program after an independent financial study revealed that fielding a competitive football team would only become more costly.

According to several athletic directors across the country, the reality of the situation has become clear — college football has become a

commercially driven sport suited to and dominated by big budget football schools.

What does this mean for a program such as UTSA’s?

With several of the programs in the “Big Five Conferences” — the SEC, ACC, Big 12, Big Ten and Pacific 12 — starting to implement their own policies regarding player reform (e.g. player image rights, player compensation), programs in smaller conferences such as CUSA have little room to alter their financial landscape.

Schools in the “Big Five Conferences” use money from bowl games, major sponsorships and prime time television to compen-

sate for changing NCAA player reform, allowing them to continue attracting top-tier talent.

The University of Texas at Austin notably proposed a $6,000,000 compensation package for its student athletes — equating to $10,000 per student athlete per year — in addition to scholarship money. The proposition comes as no surprise, as big-time football schools compete while mitigating the effects of player reform.

Football is a lucrative and competitive sport — compensation packages and scholarships will undoubtedly continue to increase.

Schools such as UTSA cannot afford to compensate athletes at such

a high cost.

According to a San Antonio Express News article, student athletic fees at UTSA are already at the maximum of $240 a semester and $480 a year. Student fee revenue paid into UTSA athletics over the past five years is $54,898,951.

These figures show that student athletic fees make up more than half of the athletics revenue, which is $92,983,589.

With students being charged the maximum annual athletic fee, UTSA has little financial room to lure top-tier talent with compensation packages and higher scholarships.

Does this mean UTSA will go

the way of UAB? Inshort,theanswerisno.UTSA football will continue to sustain financial stability as long as alumni keep donating and students keep enrolling.

What it does mean, though, is that UTSA football will find it hard to achieve competitive big-time football success. While UTSA football promotes school spirit and campus community, it will probably never attain the appeal of the likes of UT, Alabama, A&M or Ohio State.

als worldwide?

Dr. Craig Spencer from New York has recently been released and has survived the Ebola virus. The reason for his survival was the amount of healthcare workers who managed his body fluids, replenished his blood loss and allowed his immune system to kill off the virus. Healthcare systems in the U.S. put all that effort into saving one life. How do we account for the thousands who are dying in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia? In Dallas, Texas, Thomas Eric Duncan, a Liberian who traveled to Dallas, began developing symptoms for Ebola on Sept. 19 and tested positive for Ebola six days later. Two nurses, Nina Pham and Amber Joy Vinson, were caring for Mr.

Duncan during what federal health officials have called the highest risk period, when he was vomiting and experiencing diarrhea. Both nurses tested positive for Ebola and survived after Mr. Duncan passed away.

At least 19 cases have been treated in Europe and the United States. Many were health and aid workers who contracted Ebola in West Africa and were transported back to their home countries for treatment.

Americans can stop this deadly virus from spreading by becoming aware of where the disease originates from, quarantine those who have symptoms of Ebola in West Africa and following New York and New Jersey’s mandatory quarantines for medi-

cal workers returning from West Africa. The longer the United States takes to get this disease under control in both the U.S. and West Africa, the higher likelihood more people will become infected with this disease, even in the U.S. What we can do as the people of America is to contact our local representatives and to make sure that the United States is intervening by sending healthcare workers and resources to stop this epidemic from becoming a pandemic.

Senior Copy Editor: Paul McIntier

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Steven Kellman, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman, Stefanie Arias, Diane Abdo The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods.

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14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)-690-9301 {Letters to the Editor}

Letters must be fewer than 400 words and include the writer’s name, classification or title and telephone number. The Paisano reserves the right to edit all submissions.

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© 2014, The Paisano

Letter to the Editor Ebola has taken over the media since healthcare workers from developed countries started becoming infected in September 2014. However, The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that this disease has been known to affect the people of West Africa since 1976. The Center for Disease control says that you cannot be infected with Ebola through the air, water, or through food. The only way to get Ebola is from touching the bodily fluids of an infected person.

Many would agree that the reason for the interest in this disease is because Ebola has affected people of the United States. However, there have only been 10 cases in the United States, two resulting in death according to the

New York Times. The U.S. can stop this disease from turning into a pandemic if we become more aware of what is happening globally.

The time has come for U.S. citizens to take international matters seriously. The New York Times stated that seventy percent of Ebola cases in West Africa are fatal, but eight of the nine people treated in the United States have recovered. More than 14,000 people in Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone have contracted Ebola since March, according to the WHO, making this the biggest outbreak on record.

More than 5,000 people have died. Why does this discrepancy exist? If we know how to treat the disease, why are we not helping infected individu-

Sophia Worth UTSA Master’s student in Social Work

Letters to the Editor We would love to hear your feedback!

Letters must be fewer than 400 words and include the writer’s name, classification or title and email address. The Paisano reserves the right to edit all submissions.

Send Letters to the Editor to: editor@paisano-online.com

I’ll just sit here by Christopher Breakell

ARTS & LIFE

5

December 9 - December 18, 2014

Hayden Housson Staff Writer

arts@paisano-online.com Sterl The Moor isn’t rapping just to rap; he wants his music to be a conversation piece for his listeners.

Inspired by the intellectual and artistic achievements of the Moors of the ancient world, UTSA student Sterling Green — “Sterl The Moor” — wants to give meaning back to hip-hop music.

Green, an information systems major, has been doing more than studying. “I have been working for two years on my most recent CD. It is my first batch of original music,“ said Green proudly, referring to his first EP, “The Awakening,” that dropped Dec. 7.

Green views mainstream hip-hop as repetitive, watered down and meaningless; instead, he finds inspiration from old school rappers like NAS and alternative artists like J.Cole.

“NAS definitely inspired me a lot because when I look at hip-hop, I look at it as more than a genre,” said Green. “I feel like it’s a lifestyle. I feel like NAS kept it real because he didn’t really try to have a certain sound to fit popular demand.

He was really just talking about what was going on in a unique and original way,” continued Green.

For Green — a natural born innovator who dislikes

following the status quo — originality is a big concern.

Through his music, he tries to convey originality to all of his listeners and fans.

“What I really want for people to take away from my music is to know that they can be themselves and that they don’t have to try and fit into the mainstream,” explained Green. Along with making his songs unique, Green tries to fill his songs with meaningful content.

“NAS’s content is really what made me feel like he is the best because anybody can rap, but it’s about what it is you are trying to say with it,” Green said.

Rather than aiming for the lavish lifestyle that normally accompanies making it big, Sterl The Moor is all about the art of making music. He views a lust for fame and fortune as detrimental to hip-hop music. “One of the biggest problems we are having today,” said Green, “is people are worrying about the business rather than worrying about the music.”

A lack of quality among mainstream hip-hop motivated Green to pursue a career dedicated to creating meaningful, original art. For Green, “The Awakening” is only the first chapter of his music. “’The Awakening’ is like I am being born into the music,” emphasized Green. “(‘The Awakening’) is what it sounds like when I am just getting my feet wet.”

After listening to a few tracks from “The Awakening,” you really start to understand who Sterl The Moor is and what message he is trying to send. The nostalgic vibe of “Stuck In The Past” and the political undertones of “Lean” exemplify Green’s ability to craft original, significant content.

Just like the Moors who came before him, Sterl The Moor identifies the transmission of art and knowledge to others as his calling.

Through his slow, laid-back rap, Green spreads ideas one lyric at a time.

“This is what I feel I am supposed to do,“ said Green.

“I definitely have plans for further albums and tapes,” continued the artist, whose first album chronologically narrates his life. “But I want to go in order. I want to tell it like a story — because this is my life.”

Driven to change the face of hip-hop and enlighten his listeners, Green strives to continue creating fresh and original music.

“A lot of the beats that are on this CD are some of my first beats I made two years ago when I was first getting started,” said Green. “I wanted to start from the beginning so I could show my progression as I go on.

“I don’t look at it like I’m just somebody coming out with a CD,” he continued.

“I really feel like I have really made a contribution to hip-hop.”

Courtesy of Sterling Green

Sterl the Moor: rap revivalist

Information Systems major, Sterling Green poses for the cover of his EP “The Awakening” which aims to enlighten hip-hop enthusiasts.

Hillel hosts Hanukkah Service-based sorority lives up to its name Kate Kramer Intern

arts@paisano-online.com Amid the hustle and bustle surrounding the end of the semester and final exam preparations, one student organization took a break to celebrate. On Dec. 4, Hillel celebrated Hanukkah a little early.

Complete with a latke (potato pancake) bar, games and a lighting of the menorah, students from around San Antonio visited the Barshop Jewish Community Center to gather one last time before the end of the semester and enjoy the company of peers who share their beliefs.

Each student left with a gift bag filled with a latke recipe, a dreidal (a top), gelt (chocolate coins), directions on how to play a game called “dreidal,” two candles, matches and a card with the blessings for the candles.

“This is what I would like to call ‘A First Night of Hanukkah Survival Kit,’” director Samantha Mazuz playfully said.

Hillel, an internationally recognized Jewish student organization, empowers students to take pride in their Jewish heritage and connect with other community members around the city.

Although this was the big end of year event for Hillel, they aren’t finished yet. On Friday, Dec. 12, Hillel will be hosting a study break for students to gather and enjoy some snacks while socializing.

Hillel is even in full swing for next year, already planning the future events that

will be held throughout the semester.

“We are looking forward to the enthusiasm that has been put forward through this past fall semester (for next year),” Mazuz said.

Hillel, whose group mission is to enrich the lives of students so they can enrich the lives of others, is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for Jewish college students so they can grow intellectually, spiritually and socially.

“Being part of Hillel gives me the opportunity to connect with others who share my beliefs,” Jessica Cohn, a UTSA student who attends Hillel events, said.

“Being a college student isn’t easy in today’s culture where morals seem to be sinking,” Cohn continued.

“Being able to gather with other students not only allows me the social interaction but helps reaffirm my own faith and belonging.”

Hillel aims to enable students to embrace their Jewish identity and form a sense of community with other Jewish students.

“My job,” Mazuz explained, “is to form a welcoming environment for Jewish students to come, connect socially, and celebrate Jewish traditions and even spark Jewish conversations.”

And that is exactly what Hillel has been doing this semester.

Holding bi-monthly lunches on campus to help foster a sense of community and offer students the opportunity to meet, the members of Hillel seek to encourage each other and

form a connection with others who share their values.

“At the beginning of the semester, the students would walk into the room quietly, come to me and get their food,” Mazuz said. “But now excitement and admiration for one another has grown and the conversations have become deeper.

Throughout the semester, a bond has formed for sure.”

Hillel has held many events over the past semester, including bringing in guest speakers to share their stories about their heritage and traveling to Israel on a Birthright Israel trip, something that sparked interested with Cohn.

“I’ve never been to Israel and never really had the desire to go,” Cohn stated.

“But after hearing one of the guest speakers, Izzy Ezagui, talk about his experience and journey to Israel, I knew it was something I really needed to do. And that wouldn’t have entered my thoughts if it weren’t for Hillel being on campus.”

Hillel does more than help Jewish students connect with one another – the organization helps students connect with their religion.

“I feel that Hillel is growing in the best possible way.

We are definitely engaging the Jewish students and building a family in San Antonio. I love it!” Mazuz said.

For more information about joining the organization next semester or stopping by one of their many events, like The REAL Hillel at UTSA on Facebook or email info@sahillel.org.

Jennifer Vannoy Arts Assistant

arts@paisano-online.com Leadership. Unity. Service. These are just a few words that describe the Omicron Tau chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha. The sorority was first founded in 1908 and has been on the UTSA campus since 1989.

Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) has a tradition of volunteering with charity events that give back to the community. The members of AKA have helped in events such as the San Antonio Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the For The Kids (FTK) Winter Wonderland Fashion show. They have also assisted with building playgrounds and volunteered with Haven for Hope.

cally black fraternities and sororities. AKA took photos, blew up balloons and greeted the participants.

“It was amazing to be there with all those people and wear purple,” said member Rachel Ugoala.

“We were all there to support and help out where we could. It was a really good event.”

AKA also helped with the FTK Winter Wonderland Fashion show on Nov. 14, which supported families with children who are battling pediatric cancer. Held in UTSA’s Liu Auditorium, the fashion show featured UTSA student leaders escorting children with pediatric cancer down the runway.

“It was just nice to be able to support the families and children who are affected by this,” said member Grace Williamson. “We got to entertain them for a few hours before we actually went out there.”

Continuing their community service, members of AKA volunteered at Haven for Hope, which gives warm clothes and food to homeless people in San Antonio. They prepared meals for the day in the bistro, made sandwiches in the kitchen and served hot meals to residents.

“We’re very fortunate, and we don’t really get to

“You’re becoming a part of a lasting legacy: an imprint on this world that will stay here even when your name is gone.”

Grace Williamson

Alpha Kappa Alpha At the San Antonio Walk to End Alzheimer’s in September, the ladies of AKA arrived at 6 a.m. and helped set up for the walk with other members of UTSA’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), the coordinating body for the nine histori-

see people who struggle everyday to put food on the table for their kids or their family, and just to see that was very humbling,” said member Janay Thomas.

“They were saying, ‘Thank you, you’re smile has just made my day!’ and I feel like just our presence there made a real impact.”

Member Janay Thomas feels that their top priority is to give back to the community. “Women should try to be a part of this organization because we’re very service-based. If you want the social side of it, the sisterhood, we have all of that. It’s the best of both worlds. We all have fun, yet we still give back to the community.”

Ugoala additionally shared that being a part of Alpha Kappa Alpha changes its members for the better and equips them with experience that will be useful later in life. “I’ve grown so much since I first joined last spring. Just to be a part of something greater and to give back on a broader scale, this sorority gives you so many opportunities for you to lend a helping hand anywhere. This sorority is a lifetime membership.”

Williamson said that it’s more than an organization.

“It’s also business, it’s leadership, it’s spiritual and you also gain a lifetime of sisters.

You’re becoming a part of a lasting legacy: an imprint on this world that will stay here even when your name is gone.”

6

December 9 - December 18, 2014

EVENTS CALENDAR Wednesday 12/10

Celebrate the start of Dead Days with The Hangar’s monthly whiskey tasting on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. Tastings take place on the second Wednesday of every month, and admission is $10; this includes 10 whiskey samples, light snacks, a $10 Hangar gift card and a raffle ticket. Stick around after for Cards Against Humanity, starting at 9 p.m. For more info, go to thehangarsa.com.

Thursday 12/ 11

‘Tis the season to be amazed. Don’t miss out on this extravagant Cirque show/Broadway musical/holiday spectacular starting Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. through Dec. 14 at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Join aerialists, trapeze artists, strength acts, juggling, comedy and music for a family night that you won’t soon forget! Tickets start at just $34.50 on tobincenter.org.

Friday 12/12

Take a break from studying with Disney’s classic The Lion King on Friday, Dec. 12. The world’s number one musical hits the stage at 8 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre with tickets starting at $80.20 on ticketmaster.com.

Go to majesticempire.com for more info on this roaring good time.

Saturday 12/13

Come see the Light of Life Holiday Spectacular “Te Vai Nei” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Josepehine Theater located on 339 W Josephine St. This annual end of the year celebration is filled with live music, Polynesian dance performances and ethnic food. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tick-

ets in advance are $15 and $20 at the door. Call 210-310-4312 for more information, or log onto DesertPolynesiaProductions.com

Sunday 12/14

The third annual Holiday 5k Walk/ Run is presented by Carrera Races on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 5 p.m. at Eilan 17101 La Cantera Parkway.

This race is complemented with beautiful Christmas lights, great music and the finest wine. Donations can also be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Log on to carreraraces.com/holiday5k to register now and create a team.

Monday 12/15

Bring your family out to enjoy the Parman Library’s Winter Walk from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 20735 Wilderness Oak. The playground leads to a wintery scenic trail behind the library. Come enjoy hot chocolate decked with Christmas spirit! Contact 210-207-2703 for questions or visit mysapl.org/calendar.

Tuesday 12/16

The Grand Hyatt San Antonio Hotel hosts Story Time with Santa Paws on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Bring the whole family – including pets – to hear your favorite holiday children’s stories.

Puppies from the Humane Society will stop by to help spread Christmas cheer over cider and hot chocolate.

Sign up for a library card with the San Antonio Library Foundation and bring home books from your holiday reading list. Visit grandsanantonio. hyatt.com or contact 210-2241234 with any questions.

ARTS & LIFE

Lights, camera, action: UTSA professor discusses success outside the classroom Lonnie Harris Intern

arts@paisano-online.com Dr. Douglas Brode believes, as far as modern movies go, “Inception” is the best movie, while “Interstellar” is the worst movie out today.

As the semester comes to a close, Brode looks forward to releasing five, possibly six, new books in 2015 that will begin with an anthology of zombie stories to which he contributed. However, Brode eagerly stated, “I always look forward to teaching the following semester, particularly when I have students that I like and respect as much as my students at UTSA.” Even at the age of five, Brode was infatuated with films. One film that particularly resonated with Brode was the 1948 Howard Hawks film, “Red River.”

Brode described the movie as one of the top five Westerns of all time, but one thing he could never get out of his mind was the scene when Thomas Dunson (John Wayne) shoots Cherry Valance (John Ireland).

As the credits for “Red River” rolled, Brode could not figure out whether Valance was alive or dead.

Brode was so intrigued by the scene that he watched the film on television several times but still could not

be certain.

Brode attended Syracuse University, where he received his Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and doctorate in Shakespearean studies and creative writing. His mother’s work as a teacher also inspired Brode to attend a teachers’ college.

Five years later, still uncertain of Valance’s fate, Brode went backstage at a performance of “Abraham Lincoln” to ask Ireland himself about Valance’s fate.

Ireland’s response was “Kid, they never even told me.”

From his childhood, Brode’s mother instilled in him a love of reading and writing. “I dictated stories to my mother,” he reminisced. “She wrote them down for me. And heaven help her if she got even one word wrong.”

Brode now holds many titles: teacher, film critic, screenwriter, playwright, novelist, graphic novelist, film historian and journalist. He always had a teaching job but found time to write books and review films, which required him to fly to Los Angeles. There, he would also attempt to sell his movie scripts.

“Everything was always interrelated,” Brode explained of his many titles.

“I wanted to do many other things: act, direct, write, etc. And I did.”

Brode offered advice for aspiring film critics: “There

was only one way to become a film critic: talk some newspaper, radio station or TV channel into hiring you. If you got lucky, one of those three would hire you.

I got all three.”

He expounded, “Today, it’s different. While there are fewer newspapers now, meaning even fewer jobs, anyone who wants to can create a blog and set himself or herself up as a film critic.”

Brode has read, watched and critiqued many films, but he highlights Westerns, especially John Ford’s, and Shakespeare as his favorite genres.

“I wanted to do many other things: act, direct, write, etc. And I did.”

Dr. Douglas Brode

UTSA department of philosophy, humanities and classics professor Even after running into Ireland in the 1990s, Dr. Brode never learned the truth regarding Cherry Valance’s death.

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You must have one of the following conditions:

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If you qualify, you may be compensated up to $2,500 for time and travel.

To learn more, visit our website or call 210-225-5437 and ask about study VI116.

For more info, e-mail: editor@paisano-online.com Put your name in the paper! E-mail: ads@paisano-online.com for advertising info

ARTS & LIFE

December 9 - December 18, 2014

Creative Writing: Coffeehouse Nebula Savin Weerasinghe Staff Writer arts@paisano-online.com

Here’s a story of a few friends coming together in a project of love, friendship and a free-for-all brawl.

Indeed, a wonderful tale.

Now, we start our tale with two of my friends and me— students of the nearby university—as we walked into a recent café around the block.

“Quit pushing, I said I don’t want to go. Seriously, I hate coffee, I’m a tea person, Nox!” “Oh, shut it. You’ll love it.”

“I dunno, if he doesn’t like it, he doesn’t like it.”

“You shouldn’t be one to talk, Sehina. You were a teaonly person not too long ago, weren’t you?”

“Whatever.”

“Just come on in.”

A rush of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla rushed into our faces. We all gave a deep sigh and grinned. The shop was dimly lit inside a cherry wood room (What taste!).

The shop gave that antique bookstore feel while being very contemporary with its metal, leather-padded chairs and brushed-metal edges.

A corner of the shop was lined with baristas working furiously as a crowd of customers shouted their orders. I was awestruck at how calm the baristas were with a business smile and their speed of taking orders and passing back drinks and short eats. On the opposite side of the baristas was an arena—yeah, a boxing arena. Don’t worry about

that—yet.

“Are you done staring, now,” Nox called out, pulling me from my trance.

“Take your time, it’s a lot to take in,” said Sehina.

I walked toward the menu board and gazed through the dozens of options and combinations.

Seriously, it was like I was looking at the countless boards at the New York Stock Exchange.

The sheer amount of options had me glazed over, staring at the blackboards with neon markers flowing together into some psychedelic stream. It was a very new experience—not one I would like to relive anytime soon.

As my eyes bore into the board, I was jerked out of my trance, staggering with my shoulder bruising. I jolted around glaring at the direction the hit came from. Staring at me with her deep-brown inquisitive eyes, Sheila tilted her head; as a blur disorientated my eyes, I fell into complete unconsciousness.

I woke up standing with bright, LED lamps blinding me through my tightly shut eyes. Squinting little by little, I got used to the intense light and examined my surroundings. I was in the arena, that boxing arena. It didn’t take very long for me to realize what was going to happen. I cursed under my breath and tried to run off the arena. As I twisted around, I smacked my head into the arena’s corner beam. Crumbling to the ground as I clutched at my throbbing forehead, I noticed a person staring at

me from the opposite corner. I cursed again, “What the hell?” Sehina was there equipped with full kickboxing gear and with her glare, probably ready to grind me into the ground.

I raised my trembling hands into feeble fists when thunderous metal clashed together. The sudden sound had me dazed for a split moment. My senses cleared up once more and before me was a full barista’s bar table. In front of Sehina was the exact same set up.

“What the heck?” I exclaimed over the surrounding crowd cheering and yelling.

“Surprised? What d’you think?” Sehina replied calmly with a grin.

“Why the heck did you punch me for?”

“Funsies? Had to bring about this contest, y’know.”

“You’re messed up in the head, you know that? Seriously mental. Anyway, what are we doing here?”

“It’s a coffee/tea contest.

Basically, we try to make the most delicious coffee or tea for three judges including your opponent. Disregard the side effects. Anyway, the bell has rung—let’s begin!”

“What bel-” A gong from behind my ear rung with a glorious blast.

I’ve never made my own tea, usually my mom makes it for me. I’ll have you know, she makes the best Ceylon tea to be made. Tea aside, I’ve made my share of delicious dishes. Mostly curries and crème brûlée and some damn good sautéed sausages with caramelized onions wrapped in toasted butter

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tortilla bread. Well, dishes galore aside, tea: How the heck should I go about this?

Well, it didn’t take very long for me to get used to the barista’s table as I’ve studied them every time they made me my Vanilla Chai. I started the water and the whole milk to a boil.

The table had a collection of every tea available: Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Green, Oolong, and Jasmine— the list goes on and on. I finally located the best tea: a packet of authentic Ceylon tea.

I notice the water and milk were ready and I laid a layer of tea leaves into four black ceramic mugs designed with subtle purple and white streams and curves.

The leaves were set, and I poured the milk into a measuring cup. Carrying the cup, I slug walked toward the mugs.

That tea could’ve been quite nice, y’know. Walking carefully, Sheina crept behind me and snaked her arm through mine. The mug of hot milk spilled onto my arm, scalding me as I dropped the cup instantly.

Sehina cackled at my despair. You could probably guess what happened from there. I gritted my teeth cursing at her and went back to the table and remade my tea, but with a twist. It would become a tea-coffee expresso topped with stylized whipped cream that made Sheina collapse at my awesomeness, and I would become famous as the judges glorified my expresso.

To finish reading, visit paisano-online.com.

Column Corner:

FITNESS Alexander Morovitz Contributing Writer arts@paisano-online.com

In the time spent watching an episode of “The Office” on Netflix, you could be striving toward a better and more physically fit you.

How? Get up, and go for a run.

You do not need a gym to be physically fit. All you need are a pair of shoes and an ounce of will-power.

Running improves your cardiovascular health, increases your heart rate and helps burn fat. Still need more reasons to run? Runnersworld.com provides a few facts to consider.

Running has been shown to increase sleep quality, improve mental concentration and protect against anxiety and depression.

Running has also been shown to increase life expectancy for both smokers and non-smokers. Furthermore, running can decrease the chance of developing diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

For those concerned about starting a running program due to their current fitness level, have no fear. Running is an excellent starting point for getting into shape. Here are some tips to help beginners improve their performance.

Don’t forget to stretch!

Stretching before and after running is a good way to avoid soreness. It doesn’t

take more than a couple of minutes to work your arms and legs a little bit as a warm up and cool down.

Don’t let the number of miles discourage you. Commit to running for a set amount of time, and your pace will eventually improve. With dedication and commitment to running, a 3-times-a-week, 10-minute jogger can become a 5-times-a-week, 45-minute jogger in just a few months.

Consistency is key: running minimally three times a week, and reaching your target pace, will yield results. Increase the duration of your run by increments of five minutes. Once you can comfortably run for 20 minutes three times a week, increase the time to 25 minutes. The more often you run, the better! Five times a week is preferred, but three times a week will still yield results.

In addition to creating a running schedule for yourself, it is equally important to make healthy eating choices. Don’t go running and then drive through McDonalds. It would be wiser to stop at the store once a week and buy fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meat for protein.

Remember, if you can find time to watch Netflix, you can make time to run! Put on some running shoes, and go experience the thrill and benefits of running today!

Roadrunner for life:

Alumnus shares success story Shemona Wali Contributing Writer

arts@paisano-online.com

school, so I couldn’t afford to be a full-time student,” said Vazquez.

Shortly after graduating from UTSA, Vazquez immediately connected with UTSA’s next door neighbors, Valero and NuStar Energy. After becoming a dedicated board member at Valero Energy, Vazquez

“There is no secret to success. It’s the result of hard work, involvement and learning from those around you which truly leads you to the pathway of success,” said Mario A. Vazquez, associate vice president for institutional advancement for Texas A&M San Antonio and past president and CEO of KLRN-TV at San Antonio.

Vazquez’s route to success began at San Antonio Community College (SACC) where he completed his core requirements before applying to UTSA. “At the time, UTSA Mario A. Vazquez was the only affordable UTSA alumnus public university in San Antonio, and although I re- received recognition from ceived a full scholarship to another board member who Trinity University as a pia- also happened to be a board nist, I chose to go to UTSA member at KLRN-TV. because I was passionate Vazquez was then asked to about political science,” ex- join KLRN-TV. plained Vazquez.

After joining the KLRNVazquez’s passionate TV board, Vazquez bedrive to succeed as a first came heavily involved with generation college student volunteering, supporting at UTSA started when he charities and instituting first entered UTSA in 1986. fundraisers, which allowed He graduated in 2006 with a his career to flourish. “I Bachelor of Arts Degree in had the chance to climb my political science. “The rea- way up higher working with son why it took me 20 years Valero, but I’m glad with the to graduate from UTSA was choice I made. Just like bethat I had to work as a litiga- ing a student at UTSA, my tion paralegal while going to experience at Valero was my

starting point and helped my career go further.” said Vazquez.

Due to Vazquez’s altruistic work ethic and sheer determination to succeed, the former president of KLRNTV nominated Vazquez to be the new president and CEO of KLRN-TV at San Antonio.

Vazquez was the first Latino to become the CEO of a PBS station and lived up to his title by continuing his humanitarian work through volunteer and charity organizations for KLRN. “I enjoy trying to make a difference in the San Antonio community and being able to give back. I think that getting involved and volunteering is an excellent way to be successful,” said Vazquez.

Today, Vazquez continues to discover ways in which he can give back to the community. “As a former Roadrunner, I still carry the values and lessons I’ve learned as a student at UTSA throughout my everyday life here at Texas A&M San Antonio.

There is a lot of respect for UTSA here at our university, and I’m always proud to tell people that I am indeed a lifetime alumni member at UTSA” said Vazquez.

“There is no secret to success. It’s the result of hard work, involvement and learning from those around you which truly leads you to the pathway of success.”

ADVERTISEMENT

8

December 9 - December 18, 2014

The Paisano is looking for

stamp collectors and coin collectors!

If you are a philatelist or a numismatist and you are interested in helping a non-profit, educational trust value stamps and coins, please contact Diane Abdo, Trustee, The Paisano Educational Trust (dianeabdo@aol.com) or (210) 737-0010).

SPORTS

9 December 9 - December 18, 2014

{Sports Events}

Tuesday, Dec. 9 8:00 pm Spurs Basketball The San Antonio Spurs travel to EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City, UT, to compete against Gordon Hayward and the Utah Jazz.

Wednesday, Dec. 10 7:30 pm Spurs Basketball Marcus Connolly / The Paisano

The San Antonio Spurs take on Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks at the AT&T Center.

Friday, Dec. 12 The San Antonio Spurs face Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers at the AT&T Center.

Saturday, Dec. 14 7:00 pm Spurs Basketball The San Antonio Spurs head to Denver, CO to take on the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center.

C-USA Football STANDINGS East Division C-USA/Overall

1. Marshall (7-1) (12-1) 2. Middle Tennessee (5-3) (6-6) 3. UAB (4-4) (6-6) 4. Western Kentucky (4-4) (7-5) 5. Old Dominion (4-4) (6-6) 6. Florida International (3-5) (4-8) 7. Florida Atlantic (2-6) (3-9)

UTSA sophomore center Tesha Smith is met with a multitude of hands underneath the basket. The Roadrunners were held scoreless for the final 2:48 of the game, ultimately losing to their I-35 rival the Texas State Bobcats.

Roadrunners stifled at home

UTSA BASKETBALL Robert Allen Sports Assistant sports@paisano-online.com The UTSA women’s basketball team (4-3) led by as many as 12 points in their matchup against their I-35 rival, the Texas State Bobcats (3-3), but a late push by the Bobcats gave Texas State the upset victory, 57-53, at the Convocation Center. Senior guards Ashley Spaletta and Kamra King led the way for the Roadrunners with 13 points apiece and five and four rebounds, respectively.

The Roadrunners held the lead for the first half, scoring 10 points off Texas State turnovers and allowing no bench points for the Bobcats during the first half.

“We came out strong. We just couldn’t finish,” explained Spaletta, following the loss.

“This one definitely hurt. It’s a rivalry game, and we wanted this win badly.”

The Roadrunners also dominated the second half,

leading for most of the half.

The Runners’ shooting percentage improved in the second half from 36.7 to 39.3 — as did their free throw percentage from 42.9 to 66.7. Turnovers hindered the Roadrunners’ performance in the second half. UTSA committed eight turnovers, allowing Texas State to score 12 points. In the final 2:48, UTSA could not buy a shot.

All four layups attempted by the Runners came up short while the Bobcats continued to make baskets. The Bobcats obtained the lead after Ayriel Anderson hit a pair of free throws for Texas State, giving them a 54-53 advantage with 21 seconds remaining. The Roadrunners were unable to catch up.

The Roadrunner defense played well throughout the game, recording six blocks and 13 steals. In the first half, the Runners held the Bobcats to a 29.4 shooting percentage from the field and hit just two of their seven 3-point at-

“We came out strong. We just couldn’t finish.

This one definitely hurt. It’s a rivalry game, and we wanted this win badly.”

letes for Action Tournament.

The Runners will start the tournament by taking on the Houston Cougars before fac-

ing Texas Tech and Nicholls later that weekend.

Ashley Spaletta

UTSA senior guard tempts.

“The good thing about this (loss) is we have two weeks off to recuperate and get our legs back under us before we go to Lubbock,” said an optimistic Spaletta. “It was a tough loss, but we’ll be able to shake it off.”

The Roadrunners are not back in action until Friday, Dec. 19 as they travel to Lubbock to compete in the Ath-

Marcus Connolly / The Paisano

8:30 pm Spurs Basketball

UTSA senior guard Kamra King is rejected under the basket by an opposing player.

Alumna offers advice to UTSA students UTSA SPORTS FEATURE

C-USA/Overall 1. Louisiana Tech (7-1) (8-5) 2. Rice (5-3) (7-5) 3. UTEP (5-3) (7-5) 4. UTSA (3-5) (4-8) 5. North Texas (2-6) (4-8) 6. Southern Miss (1-7) (3-9)

Shabazz Ishmael Staff Writer sports@paisano-online.com “Never stop being competitive!” UTSA alumna Michelle Beadle advised aspiring Roadrunner sports journalists. Twenty years ago, if you told Beadle that she would host one of the most popular shows on ESPN, she probably would not have believed you.

When she graduated high school in 1994, Beadle was certain that she would be a lawyer. Born in Italy, but a native of Boerne, Texas, Michelle Beadle was a straight “A” student at Boerne High School. She started her college career at UT Austin as a political science major and pre-law student. However, after three years in school she realized that law was not her calling. Beadle took a threeyear hiatus from school during which she traveled and worked, doing everything from waiting tables in Austin to breeding Great Danes in Canada.

After three years of uncer-

tainty, Beadle decided it was time to head back to school.

She returned to San Antonio to become a Roadrunner and switched her major to communications.

“It was awesome,” Beadle said as she recalled her memories of UTSA. She remembered the teachers always going the extra mile without hesitation to accommodate her hectic work schedule.

“They were great! They were really good about helping me, which not a lot of people would do.” Beadle’s situation was unique in that she already had experience working in the communications field from covering a minor league hockey team.

Beadle’s first big job was interning for the San Antonio Spurs. There, she got her first taste of working as a reporter.

“The Spurs gave me this awesome chance to get in front of the camera a couple of times,” said Beadle. The chance the Spurs took on her would set the tone for her entire career, and even today she identifies as a die-hard Spurs fan. After

“Find something that you’re passionate about and enjoy doing.”

Michelle Beadle UTSA Alumna

her internship, she worked for TNN (now Spike TV) as a reporter. From TNN reporting, Beadle worked with the Travel Channel, hosting a dating show called “Get Packing”. She broke back into the sports world by landing a job with the YES Network where she conducted interviews and covered the New Jersey Nets.

Photo courtesy of ESPN

West Division

Her big break came in 2009 as a co-host with Colin Cowherd on the ESPN show, “SportsNation”.

According to Beadle, she auditioned for the show on a whim. Beadle’s agent urged her to try out for the show before it had been fully conceptualized.

“You’ve heard ‘no’ so many times by that point that it’s just sort of like, auditions become just normal and you get ready to be rejected,” said Beadle of auditioning. ESPN said “yes,” and from 2009 to 2012, she and Cowherd hosted a sports show like no other. Filled with games and viral videos, the show’s informal and fun delivery of sports news became a fan favorite.

In 2012, Beadle left ESPN to work for NBC where she hosted, “The Crossover” but

the show failed to gain momentum and was canceled in the fall of 2013. This past March, Beadle returned to ESPN and SportsNation where she currently works as a co-host alongside Max Kellerman and Marcellus Wiley.

“It’s supposed to be fun,” Beadle advised aspiring sports journalists. “We all have to work…you might as well have something you don’t dread getting up to do.”

She continued, “Find something that you’re passionate about and enjoy doing.”

“If you want to be in front of the camera, if you want to be behind the camera, just practice.” She continued: “You can go to school, you can watch TV, you can read a million books, but [it won’t matter] until you get in front of that camera and just really get kind of comfortable with yourself.”

Catch Beadle on Sportsnation weekdays at 2 p.m. on ESPN 2.

10

December 9 - December 18, 2014

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CONGRATULATIONS TO

Nate Leonard UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO Winner of a 2014 National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete Award, presented by Fidelity Investments.

Fidelity Investments and the National Football Foundation salute Nate Leonard for his work on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

Third-party trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of FMR LLC. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917 Š 2013 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

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