The Paisano Volume 51 Issue 2

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Experience the lives of those who fought for our country through moments frozen in time at the McNay. page 6

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UTSA upsets Western Kentucky in come-frombehind victory. page 7

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio 2014 Columbia Scholastic Press Gold Medalist

{SINCE 1981}

UTSA UTSA and Indiana University will collaborate to work on developing a cloud-based computing system after receiving a $6.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation.

Volume 51

Issue 2

January 27- February 3, 2015

How one student’s grandfather inspired him to become a doctor Page 2

Reality at Prado remains far from advertised luxury

San Antonio San Antonio’s unemployment rate has fallen to 3.8 percent, signaling a return to full employment.

Texas U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr. ruled that veterans who enrolled into the military outside of Texas cannot be denied free tuition benefits under the Texas Hazlewood act.

U.S. President Obama’s proposal to preserve Alaska’s national wildlife refuge as a wilderness area could potentially halt fossil fuel exploration.

Sports UTSA Men’s Basketball will play UAB Saturday, January 24 at 2:00 p.m. at the Convocation Center.

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Marcus Connolly, The Paisano Although some residents have begun to move in, much more work remains before Prado will finish construction.

Alysha Gallagher Intern

@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com Prado Student Living’s inconsistent move-in dates and alleged missed stipend payments have left some UTSA students leasing with Prado frustrated, stressed and living in a hotel months after the luxury apartment complex was scheduled to open.

Prado Student Living is built south of campus across from the Block and sits on the corner of Roadrunner Way and UTSA Blvd. Its close proximity to campus, advertised high-end amenities and the appeal of fully furnished apartments has drawn UTSA students to sign and lease with Prado.

Students Valia Andry, Mariah Ozuna and Freddie (who opted not to use his full name) all signed a lease with Prado during the Spring and Summer of 2014. Andry’s original move-in date was December 10, Ozuna’s was between late August and early September and Freddie’s was August 23.

All were told that their move-in dates would be pushed back, not given a specific move-in date and were housed in various hotels around UTSA campus: Staybridge Suites, La Cantera Hotel and Resort, the Residences at the Rim, and Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites.

For the inconvenient hotel arrangements, students were offered stipends to be paid every two weeks after rent payment had been

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received every first of the Freddie began his Prado month. lease at La Cantera Hotel Andry and Ozuna were and Resort but is currently promised stipend checks living at the Holiday Inn Hoof $280 while Freddie was tel and Suites on University promised a stipend check of Heights. Since beginning $420 and an extra incentive his lease in August, he’s been check of $350 for sharing a concerned with receiving hotel room with another stu- the stipend checks on time: dent. As of Monday, January “We should get it on Friday 26, only Ozuna and Freddie and it will usually take three had received their stipends or four extra days. We’ll get for the past six months. it by Tuesday or Monday, it’s Andry, who is currently never really set in stone like living at Staybridge Suites, we thought it was going to expressed little confidence be.” in receiving her stipend payWhen questioned further ments. “They are supposed on his stipend checks Fredto be $280 every two weeks die’s second concern was but I haven’t gotten any of how the checks would affect them so I’m supposed to get the filing of his income tax. $1000 on my next one on “The only bad part about (Jan.) 19th but I don’t know it is that all the money is goif I’ll get it.” As of Mon- ing to be taxed on us at the day, January 26, Andry has end of the year. They made not received three stipend us fill out a form saying that checks even though she has the money is being paid to paid the first two months of us but since they can’t tax it her lease in full. or whatever, they are taking Ozuna it out of the first lived taxes that at La Canwe make or tera Hotel something and Resort like that.” but decided At the to move to time of their the Resiinter views, dences at Andry and Mariah Ozuna the Rim beOzuna were fore finally Former Prado Lessee unsure if moving they had into Prado housing on Janu- also signed any tax docuary 10. Although Ozuna ments that would affect their received all of her stipend income taxes for last year. checks, there were issues When contacted by with receiving them on time. phone, Prado staff stated “They pushed the days back. that since the complex reWe would receive them on mains under construction, Sundays and then it went to several of its advertised Tuesdays which was kind of amenities — like the modern odd. Everybody likes free fitness center, outdoor aqua money, but even that gets lounge and gaming center — See PRADO, Page 3 old after six months.”

“It’s just disappointing that we are paying for things we don’t have.”

Sexual assaults, violence remain sparce at UTSA Mia Cabello

Managing Editor

@miacab_ news@paisano-online.com When the president and the vice president of the United States announce that one in five women are sexually assaulted during their college career, people listen.

When a Rolling Stone cover story about a gang rape by a University of Virginia fraternity is discredited, people listen.

Recent studies commissioned by the National Department of Justice and Bureau of Justice Statistics have demonstrated that the number of sexual assaults on college campuses have been declining steadily.

UTSA, however, contradicts national and local statistics with its reported safety trends, even with a consistent increase in sexual offenses per annum since 2011.

With an on-campus population of 35,000, UTSA is the size of a small city — approximately the population of Schertz; and for a university of its size, the occurrence of sexual assault is incredibly low.

Based on UTSA’s 2014 Annual Security Report alone, the university may be among the safest places in San Antonio, especially considering the city’s 27 percent increase in the last year, noted the FBI’s annual Uniform Crime Report.

“You’re never going to get the level of safety off campus as you are going to get on campus,” said Director of UTSA Communications Christi Fish.

UTSA’s 2013 Annual Security Report conveys a grand total of 13 forcible sexual offenses from 2011 to 2013. The university’s security report, assembled

by UTSAPD, examines data from crimes reported to UTSAPD, other law enforcement agencies and non-police that occurred on-campus property, noncampus property and public property in 2011, 2012 and 2013: a total of two sexual offenses in 2011, four in 2014, six in 2013.

Forcible sexual offenses include forcible sexual assault, forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object and forcible fondling. The genders of the assaulted individuals are not disclosed in the Security Report.

UTSAPD Officer Maranda Tupper said, “The An-

nual Security Report does a really good job representing where we (UTSAPD) are at and how organized we are in addressing and preventing issues, especially in regards to sexual assault, dating violence and stalking.”

Note that consistent with its founding charter, UTSA remains a commuter campus and the majority of students reside in off-campus housing. Although UTSAPD can make arrests throughout Bexar county, UTSAPD resigns its jurisdiction to SAPD at the campus curb-line, meaning that UTSAPD does not patrol at off-campus apartments such as Avalon Place Apartments or the Outpost — locations where forcible assaults have been reported in the past years.

Tupper explained that to heighten the security and safety level of students, the university police officers work closely with the San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and the surrounding Apartment Association.

Even when considering crime in off-campus apartments, UTSA statistics still elude nationally publicized trends for sexual violence — in both its ascending character or in frequency.

A National Institute of Justice study claimed that one in five women are sexually assaulted during her time in college. A subsequent report commissioned by the Department of Justice refutes the 1 in 5 statistic; rather than 1 woman in 5 being sexually assaulted during her collegiate career, the rate of occurrence is closer to 1 in 40 women — 2.4 percent.

The reports surveyed women ages 18 to 25 years old and who graduated college within four-year periods from multiple universities.

Both President Obama and Vice President Biden cited the startling statistics as part of the “It’s on Us” 2014 White House campaign to curb sexual assaults. Together UTSA and UTSAPD will promote the 2015 White House campaign — “a safer campus for brighter futures prevents sexual violence” — in April, sexual assault awareness month.

Research on the frequency and consequence of sexual assaults as well as situations like — and similar to — the Rolling Stone University scandal has captured media and political attentions, See ASSAULT, Page 2

News - Oil Prices keep falling

ARTS - Graduation Preparation

SPORTS - UTSA v. UAB

The drop in global oil prices could mean less investment in the Eagle Ford shale play.

Do what it takes to succeed with a few simple tips in mind.

UTSA Women’s Basketball will will take on the UAB Blazers in Birmingham, Ala.

Page3

page 5

Sat, Jan. 31 @ 2:00 p.m.

Please recycle this newspaper!

NEWS

2 January 27- February 3, 2015

Nick Gonzaba draws on personal experience to keep motivated

Nicolas Alexander Morton-Gonzaba, or Nick as his family, friends and professors know him, is not your stereotypical pre-med student. In fact, he is more likely to be seen working out in the Recreation Center than studying for exams in the JPL. He is the type of person who will use a word like “golden” as opposed to “great” when analyzing someone’s accomplishment and the type of person who will describe his favorite color as “tealaqua-ocean Bianchi bike blue” instead of simply “blue.”

The soon-to-be graduate cherishes his time as a Roadrunner. After attending Trinity University for one year and not liking the Biology program, Nick transferred to UTSA. “Many students were dropping out of Trinity’s pre-med. It was not my environment,” says Nick.

Initially, Nick planned to transfer to the Uni-

versity of Texas at Austin.

However, he “loved UTSA and stayed.”

“All aspects of UTSA attracted me. The professors were more open with higher credentials and the camaraderie was better,” says Nick.

Nick became involved with extracurricular activities and took leadership roles. He served as the vice president of Alpha Epsilon Delta – the National Premedical Honors Society – through which he “learned support and communication, teamwork and networking.” He was also a Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader for Organic Chemistry and a member of the 2014-2015 UTSA rugby team.

“At UTSA, I learned how to connect with other students. Most of my involvement was oriented in a common group for the same purpose,” says Nick.

Nick started his medical school application about a year and a half ago. He asked his teachers for letters of recommendation and credits Dr. Hans Heidner, professor of virology, for reviewing and editing his personal statement.

Dr. Alan Vince, director

of the University Health Professions Office, wrote Nick’s committee letter, and Nick was ready to apply by the 2nd week of June.

Nick’s seamless school proficiency, his unique creativity and his outgoing character have recently earned him acceptance into several medical schools in Texas.

Nick “never had an epiphany” about becoming a physician — he simply “grew into the desire” to heal others.

Nick’s mother raised him

prompting the reassessment and rebranding of sexual assault protocols and outreach programs.

“I think it should be of the upmost importance for women to feel safe on and off-campus,” said MeganMichelle Moran, UTSA student and founding member of the Feminist@s.

As cities and colleges evaluate their sexual assault programs, due attention has been given to facilitating comfortable channels for

victims to report crimes. The sensitive, illicit nature of the crimes and revealing nature of the report renders sexual crimes difficult to track.

UTSAPD’s website offers a complete list of crime prevention as well as other educational programs and materials and outreach services. UTSA’s Title IX bans sexual violence.

Instances of sexual violence can be reported to UTSA’s Title IX Coordinator Leonard Flaumas as well as

UTSAPD, who relay all acts of sexual violence to the Title IX office.

Whether the number of female students who are sexually assaulted is closer to 1 in 5 or 1 in 40, both figures are comprehensively understood as both significant and incomplete. Many — between 50 and 70 percent — of sexually violent crimes go unreported. The Department of Justice claims that rapes and sexual assaults remain among the nation’s

prices have caused some Texas based companies’ drilling operations to become unprofitable. For instance, BHP Billiton Petroleum announced a planned 40 percent decrease in drilling activity for the 2015 year reducing their rig count from 26 to 16. Further, Baker Hughes plans to lay off 7,000 employees within the first quarter as oil prices continue to drop.

“Lower oil and gas prices will put pressure on firms to become more efficient. The recent drop in prices will certainly have an impact, but even at $40 per barrel some companies can still make money,” said Thomas Tunstall, research director for the UTSA Institute for Economic Development. “The key question is where will oil prices settle at and become stable again. At this point, all we can do is continue to monitor worldwide production and demand, and then see what impact it has on oil prices.”

In July 2008, Texas gas prices reached nearly $4.00 per gallon, eventually dropping to $1.71 per gallon later that year. Prices continued to fluctuate between $1.50$3.70 per gallon from Jan. 2009 to April 2014. By May 2014, however, a steady decline in gas prices became noticeable as costs continued to drop toward their current level. Numerous factors — crude oil prices, U.S. oil and gas production and improved drilling techniques such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic frac-

Pavela Bambekova Staff Writer

@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com

in a single-parent home with the occasional help of his grandmother, who was a nurse. Nick remembers moments in which his grandmother would bring him along to make house calls for hospice families with terminally ill patients.

He admired her helping hand and became attached to her. After losing his grandmother to breast cancer, Nick looked to two of his uncles and his grandfather as role models — all of whom were doctors.

Nick felt connected to

his grandfather despite his grandfather being busy with his medical practice. He had started the Gonzaba Medical Group in the 90s, with offices in many cities. When he retired, Nick’s grandfather had a significant presence in Nick’s life. “He quickly became a father to me and guided me through his perspective and teachings. He taught me integrity and how to be ‘true to myself,’” says Nick.

In 2002, Nick’s grandfather reacquired his practice, and Nick started spending time there and helping out. “That is where I went everyday. My grandfather fostered my love for medicine,” says Nick.

“I didn’t necessarily pick the path of medicine—the values of medicine aligned with my developed values, and it just fell into place.”

Although Nick has been accepted to medical school and interviewed at all public schools in Texas, he is still not sure where he will end up. “I might want to go to UTMB, it has a lot of history – it is the oldest school west of the Mississippi and the medical school that my grandfather and uncle graduated from,” says Nick.

His family, however, wishes Nick would stay in San Antonio.

Today, Nick is an administrative assistant in his grandpa’s clinic, where he works alongside his grandfather and his two uncles.

“My grandpa is my biggest role model,” says Nick. “He is 80 years old and wakes up every morning, puts on his hearing aid and goes to work in his clinic. I sit 20 feet away from him and I see him everyday.”

After medical school, Nick might pursue a surgical residency program. “My grandpa was a surgeon,” he says. “I am very detailoriented and good with my hands. At the same time, I like the physician-patient interaction, and I like to be able to follow up with my patients.”

Despite this, he claims to be open about his path of specialization. “I have some sort of a plan, and I will get there. But today, I live for today,” says Nick. “I don’t want to be a rat racer because that is easy. That is living in a dream and living your life asleep.”

most underreported crimes.

UTSA’s Counseling Services and Student Health Services offer confidential reporting. Individuals who have been sexually assaulted and do not wish to — or are contemplating, but not certain whether they wish to — file criminal charges can receive medical attention and support at Methodist Transplant and Specialty Hospital and the Rape Crisis Center.

If after contacting UTSAPD an individual chooses

not to file criminal charges, UTSAPD logs the assault as an “incident” rather than an “offense.”

Could UTSA’s low numbers of sexual offenses reflect a low instance of report?

“I don’t think so,” firmly answered Officer Tupper.

Tupper, instead, attributed UTSA’s minimal instances of sexual offense in the Security Report to UTSAPD’s effective organization and outreach as well as strong networking with the student

community.

The UTSAPD Office evaluates its outreach program by involvement and request, said Tupper.

“I think we are doing everything that every other university is doing and more,” Tupper said. “Where we are (at now) is at a safer community.”

turing — contributed to in North Dakota, as chief the current gas price, but a contributors for the United significant factor, the Eagle States’ increase in oil proFord and Permian base area duction to 9 million barrels activity, have generated con- per day, an increase in 4 milsiderable economic revenue lion barrels per day from ultimately boosting the Tex- 2008 levels. as economy.

“We hope that the activity Numerous companies, in the Eagle Ford will present such as Schlumberger, Hal- opportunities for communiliburton, and Baker Hughes, ties there that were not availhave established bases in able a few years ago,” said San Antonio providing Tunstall. “We have encourjobs for local residents. The aged community leaders to Center for Community and use the increased tax revBusiness Research (CCBR) enues to put infrastructure at The University of Texas in place and public ameniat San Antonio Institute for ties that will improve qualEconomic Development ity of life for all residents.

(UTSA-IED) estimated that These measures will form the Eagle Ford Shale’s im- the foundation for the ability pact on the South Texas economy was $87 billion. Additionally, the Eagle Ford Shale region s u p p o r te d 150,000 jobs and is expected to reach 200,000 jobs through 2023. UTSA IED Research Director Dr. Thomas Tu n s t a l l cites the Eagle Ford Shale, along with the Permian Basin in West Source: Texas Railroad Commission, EIA Texas and the Bakken

to diversify local economies so that they will be more resilient over the long term.”

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas (FRBD), Texas’ unemployment rate is currently 4.9 percent, while the U.S. rate is 5.6, ranking Texas as 3rd in nation in job growth. However, there is concern that lower oil prices will affect Texas similar to the 1980s oil industry crash. In 1982, Texas’s combined oil and gas tax revenue was 18 percent. The 2014 combined percentage was 5.5, leaving room for a potentially less harmful impact if oil prices stay low. Further, the FRBD re-

ported that San Antonio had a 4.2 percent job growth in 2014, and predicts Texas job growth in 2015 to moderate between 2.0-2.5 percent estimating 259,000 jobs, concluding that Texas is “likely to continue to grow but not nearly as strong as last year.”

“To this day, despite our efforts with renewables and other types of fuels, oil remains the most important commodity for the world economy,” said Dwain Rogers, UTSA Transportation and Policy Research Director. “When oil changes price, everything changes.”

Photo Courtesy of Nick Gonzaba Gonzaba’s dream to become a doctor has helped him reach some high places.

Assault: UTSA Police Department has helped keep the number of sexual crimes far below national averages

Texas’ economy to slow down as oil prices continue to fall Anthony Mendoza Staff Writer

@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com The Bloomberg report showed crude oil prices at just below $50 per barrel (WTI & Brent). Consequently, United States’ gas prices have plummeted to a national average of about $2.00 per gallon, a value not seen since the early 2000s according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data (EIA). As crude oil prices continue to drop, low gas prices vary among U.S. cities with San Antonio having one of the lowest gas prices at $1.79 per gallon. Despite spending less money at the pump, Texans’ heavy pockets may be empty once more.

The United States’ increase in oil and gas production makes the country a viable candidate as an exporter of oil and natural gas.

However, environmental issues and oversea competitions raise concerns for the longevity of the South Texas region’s prosperity and its surrounding areas. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), in response to U.S. oil and gas production, had the opportunity to cut their own production and keep their prices high, but instead kept their production steady; this — coupled with increased outputs in places like the United States — has caused global oil prices to decline.

Consequently, low oil

Marcus Connolly, The Paisano

The decline in oil prices has drastically reduced the number of requests to drill in the Eagle Ford shale play, and may slow economic growth.

NEWS

3 January 27-February 3, 2015

New Lt. Governor wants to cut Texas Dream Act MariaCristina Moreno Intern

@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com The Texas DREAM Act is facing revocation with Texas’ new legislative session. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is determined in leading the act’s abrogation.

In 2001, former governor Rick Perry signed the Texas DREAM Act, which gave undocumented immigrant children the opportunity to attend an in-state college and pay in-state tuition granted they have lived in Texas for at least 3 years and graduated from high school, or at least obtained a GED. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick promises that repealing the DREAM Act is his top priority and calls it “a question of fairness for American citizens.” Lt. Gov. Patrick is not alone.

State Representative Mark Keough has filed his first bill, The Texas Fair Tuition Act, which would significantly redefine the Texas DREAM Act. “They (those who can use the DREAM Act) have to be a permanent resident and they have to be here legally... All I want people to do is say, ‘Hey, you don’t have any right to go there and sign up,’” said Rep. Keough.

UTSA Director of the Mexico Center, Dr. Harriett Romo, fears the act’s annulment will negatively impact Dreamers. “I think it is going to be very difficult to take away something that has benefited a large number of young people and their families,” Romo said. By 2013, the Texas DREAM Act had ben-

PRADO: lessees given opportunity to opt out of contracts

are not yet available for cur- and receive a payment of efited over rent and potential residents. $1,000 “to help with moving, 20,000 unAfter 13 days of living relocation expenses and as documented at Prado, the incomplete a token of our gratitude for students. advertised amenities and your patience.”

For every continued construction led The second option would student enOzuna and her roommate offer assistance with rerolled under to break their contract with location to housing with the Texas only a few months left on “preferred partners” TetDREAM Act, their lease.

“It’s just disapro Student Village or The UTSA loses pointing that we are paying Luxx Student Housing at over $11,000 for things we don’t have. a discounted rate with two that students We’ll be gone by (Jan.) 31st. ” months of rent paid

by Prawould be payOzuna and her roomdo.

The Prado team is ofing as nonmate decided to sign a six fering movers to assist with residents. Dr. month contract with Luxx the process in this option as Romo argued Student Housing.

“Me and well. this could be my roommate are just glad Andry, as a future resident an honorto finally be able to move of the incomplete section able sacrifice into a place that we can call one and two, has decided to while lookhome again after 7 months, ” take Prado’s second option ing at the she said. and signed a new lease with big picture.

In an email sent out on Tetro Student Living on Jan. “These young January 23 to lessees as26 to move in on Jan. 30. people are signed to section one and Freddie, as part of section really excepMarcus Connally, The Paisano two at Prado Student Liv3, is still waiting to move tional. They Undocumented students would no longer receive in-state tuition under Dan Patrick’s plan. ing, the Prado staff revealed in.

“There is never really a have worked that the complex will be straight answer, it’s always hard to overcome numerous mately on a temporary ba- crossing the border. “unable to release an exact just a guess for them, ” he barriers to make it to higher sis in the country, I think Dr. Romo defends the move in date indefinitely… stated. education. They are all suc- you wouldn’t have as many Dreamers’ parents and their ceeding in their fields and wanting to come and staying outlawed decision of coming due to further, unexpected “This place has some sehave chosen fields that they on because they do not have to America. “Many of them construction delays.” As a rious potential. No doubt a can give back to the commu- the option of going back and did come hoping to provide result, Prado staff has given year from now it will be the nity.” forth.” a better future for their fam- a January 30 deadline to stu- spot,” Ozuna said. “I just However, legislators fear Like Lt. Gov. Patrick, Bed- ilies — it’s what most of us dents in the affected sections wish the option to break the that the Texas DREAM Act ford Republican Rep. Jona- will do. If you yourself were to select from two options to lease without penalty would does not benefit the com- than Stickland agrees that in a situation where you saw cancel their lease without of been presented a lot earmunity. They believe the act the act is unfair to the coun- no future for your children, penalty. lier and the deadlines a little can be used as an open in- try’s legal residents. In a pub- it will be very tempting to One option would allow more realistic and truthful.” vitation for more illegal im- lic statement he said, “Why take risks to give them an the lessee to cancel their migration. “The magnet that does someone who lives four opportunity.” contract without penalty drives illegal immigration is miles outside the Oklahoma partly caused by providing border have less of an opporbenefits like in-state tuition tunity than someone who to those who have violated comes here illegally from Free Book Discussion state laws,” said Rep. Keough the southern border? It’s tryUTSA (1604) UC 2.01.30 (Magnolia Room) in a public statement. ing to pick winners and losThursdays, Jan. 29 – Feb. 26, 6:30-8:00 PM Dr. Romo suggests that ers, and what we should be ● Learn more about the spiritual nature of dreams immigration reform is nec- doing is putting Texas kids ● Better recall, understand, and interpret your dreams essary. “A lot of people want first.” Rep. Stickland is one of to go back to their country many who believe the Texas Info: Landon: abe250@my.utsa.edu of origin… If we allowed DREAM Act is rewarding Justin: 832-244-6502 www.Eckankar-Texas.org more folks to work legiti- the families’ illegal actions of Sponsored by the Eckankar Student Organization

The Art of Spiritual Dreaming

CAN A STUDENT DISCOVER THE TRUTH FOR AMERICA? When you’re a part of the CIA, you can.

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ISAAC_The_University_of_Texas_at_San_Antonio_11-5x10-125.indd 1

10/1/14 7:59 AM

The Paisano

4 {The Paisano} Editor-in-Chief: Jakob Lopez

Managing Editor: Mia Cabello

News Editor:

Matthew Duarte

Arts Editor:

Beth Marshall

Sports Editor:

Shabazz I. Dawkins

Web Editor:

Michael Turnini

Special Issues Editor: Jade Cuevas

Photo Editor:

Marcus Connolly

Social Media Editor: Rebecca Conejo

Business Manager: Lizzette Rocha

Ads Manager: Edidiong Adiakpan

{Staff Writers} Anthony Mendoza, Patrick Martinez, Robert Avila, Pavela Bambakova, Jennifer Vannoy, Emily Varvel, Savin Weerasinghe

{Interns} Brittany Brink, Maria Cristina Moreno, Daniel Shaw, Teia Herrera, Alysha Gallagher {Staff Photographers} Robert Pistochi {Contributing Writers} Hayden Housson, Olivia Ybarra, Brayden Boren, Randi Gilmore, Nathaniel Archer

{Adviser}

Diane Abdo

{Advisory Board}

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.

The Paisano is distributed on all three UTSA campuses — Main, Downtown and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Additionally, Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tripoint and a variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus.

All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed to:

14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)-690-9301

OPINION

January 27 - February 3, 2015

SAG Awards on merit, not race Editorial On Sunday, January 25, the 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards aired on TNT and TBS with two minority actresses — Viola Davis (How to Get Away With Murder) and Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black) — taking home two of the most coveted awards for actresses.

Considering I know from the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences (AMPAS) snub of the critically acclaimed “Selma” (2014), it is almost a wonder that men and women of minority status have

been held to the same Hollywood regard as their Caucasian colleagues.

Davis and Aduba’s respective wins for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series and Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series, illustrate a point that is seldom made clear to the film and television industry as a whole — honors should be awarded to work of true substance regardless of age, race or ethnicity.

The members of the Screen Ac-

tors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists union (some 156,000 working actors and actresses) determine the SAG Awards, while a 6,000 plus membership pool of the AMPAS that includes a selective group of studio executives, directors, producers, actors, writers and other film industry professionals determines the Academy Awards.

Besides an obvious discrepancy in membership size, the Academy Awards has historically showed a preference to nominating and

awarding Caucasian actors and actresses — which does not seem surprising given that 94 percent of the voting pool is Caucasian according to the Los Angeles Times.

Only ten African American women have ever been nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role, withHalleBerrybeingthesolewinner for her role in “Monster’s Ball” (2001); however, African American men have had a far greater winning streak with four men winning out the 20 nominated. And the trend continues — the smaller

the minority, the increasingly fewer number of nominations bestowed in the 87-year history of the Academy Awards.

The 2015 Academy Awards features an all-Caucasian group of nominees for Best Actor in a LeadingRoleandBestActressinaLeading Role.

Before the AMPAS can call their decisions a reflection of diversity, they should take a page out of the SAG Awards book because as Davis said in her SAG acceptance speech, “it starts from the top up.”

Commentary

Will beards make the cut? Jungle Fever Why d o women l o v e m e n with beards — is it purely a superficial, physiological attraction to the hairy trend or is it a pheromone phenomenon?

Trends affect us even more than we realize. An everevolving entity, physical attraction is a peculiar business.

When seeing visually stimulating and heavily prompted fashion statements, we tend to jump on the proverbial bandwagon, saying “Hey, that’s pretty neat. Let’s give that a try too.”

Pogonophilia — beardlove — is currently a thriving subculture of men’s fashion.

Will this trend fade out (like an ombré), or will it make the cut?

Social media sites like Instagram and Reddit, which have accounts solely dedicated to the maintenance and

trend progression of men’s facial hair, support that the beard-love is here to stay.

Not only is male facial hair a hot fashion topic, but also a complement to businesses.

Product lines like the Texas Beard Company, which sells all-natural oils, balms and waxes, as well as shops like The Art of Shaving at North Star Mall cater to the slightly stubbed to the lumberjack-ofall-trade customers.

The popularity of beard fashion raises the question, what is so manly and so impressive about male facial hair?

A team of Australian scientists published a study in The Royal Social Biology Letters where they surveyed men and women about the perceived attractiveness of males with and without facial hair.

The researchers showed the subjects photos of men with different lengths of facial hair. The responders ranked the men in the photos with beards more attractive than men lacking facial hair, especially when the bearded

men occurred less frequently among the photos.

At an ever-popular climax, the bearded stallion conveys a certain sex appeal to women.

As a type of fashion statement, beards have formed a niche audience in online dating, where bearded fellows can showcase their originality.

Bristlr.com, a budding online dating site, introduces itself as a platform to connect “those with beards with those who want to stroke beards.”

The creation of an online forum showcases scruffy-jawed originality and demonstrates the popularity and perpetuated attraction of the trend.

Whether cosmetically or scientifically inspired — the sexualized, commodified, digitalized beard shows no signs of being trimmed, at least not soon.

Randi Gilmore Contributing Writer

Letters to the Editor

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

I am t h e produ c t of an interracial relationship. My mother is African American and my father is Dominican and Colombian.

My parents met in Houston in the eighties. And although they began dating twenty years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled antimiscegenation laws unconstitutional, racial prejudice still endured.

Casual observers of my parents’ relationship accused my mother of “jungle fever.”

A slang term, “jungle fever” refers to a person’s interest in someone of a race or ethnicity different from his or her own.

Interracial dating is so common that most don’t look twice when passing by an interracial couple or family — I know I don’t. Even then, not all America is on board with interracial relationships.

Nevertheless, I believe interracial dating is an observable American characteristic.

Companies such as Macy’s, Ikea, Old Navy and Sealy use models of different ethnicities to show interracial couples in their advertisements.

Cheerios has used a wellknown advertisement called “Gracie,” which first aired during the 2013 Superbowl.

The commercial displayed an interracial family of an African-American man, Caucasian woman and their bi-

racial child.

When I first saw the commercial, I did not notice that the couple was interracial.

However, others did, and they were upset to see an AfricanAmerican man coupled with a Caucasian woman.

People left comments on the YouTube video stating they were surprised that the black man was still involved in his child’s life. Many other derogatory statements were said to the point that the option to leave comments was disabled to stop malicious commentary.

Despite the negative criticism Cheerios received from the commercial, they still casted the same actors and featured the interracial family in their 2014 rendition of “Gracie” for the Superbowl commercial break.

Because they were adamant on using the same cast for the 2014 commercial, I expect to see a 2015 version of the “Gracie” ad this Superbowl Sunday.

Despite the progress that has been made with the Civil Rights Movement, gender equality and other equality movements that some Americans still challenge growing norms such as interracial dating.

A lot has changed since my parents dated, but interracial dating’s presence in popular culture and American consumer marketing demonstrate its progression to a cultural fixture.

Teia Herrera Intern

I’ll just sit here by Christopher Breakell

{Come join the team!} We are always looking for innovative writers, photographers, videographers and graphic artists.

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Interested? Email us at: editor@paisano-online.com

ARTS & LIFE

5

January 27 - February 3, 2015

Graduation preparation: surviving the last semester Beth Marshall Arts Editor

@bmarshallmedia arts@paisano-online.com Nostalgia. Relief. Fear.

Excitement. Graduation.

This is a day that students, family and friends have planned for and looked forward to, and it’s finally here.

How does it feel? Nostalgic?

Relieving? Scary? Exciting?

Rewind a few months.

Spring semester is just beginning and there are plenty of things to keep students’ minds off of the college chapter of life coming to a close. The details and preparation that go into graduation and the great unknown that follows matter most right now.

Some of the most beneficial things to do prior to walking across the stage involve focusing on right now.

Keep that part-time job just in case there is a window of time before landing that entry-level dream job. Enjoy quality time with the friends that lasted this long so that bond will last even longer. Apply to every job thinkable and keep important contacts that will be helpful while job searching.

“You will go through many different cycles here at UTSA,” explained senior geography major Andrew Throgmorton.

“Classes, group projects, friend

groups and social scenes; take day one of freshman year to graduation and see which of your friends are still left standing with you.

Those are your best friends.”

Some of the friendships that began in college will be lifelong. These are the people who have probably been around for the best and worst of times. When graduation is over, it’s important to understand that it may be time to settle in somewhere else and foster new friendships. But don’t forget about the people who made these important times memorable. Friendship is a two way street. Do what it takes to meet in the middle.

“My family has supported me throughout college,” Throgmorton said. “They are ready for me to graduate and move on to the next phase of my life.”

Some graduates will be the first in their family to graduate from college.

Maybe going to college was something that was always expected and anticipated.

Or maybe college wasn’t an option when at 18, but it is now after working hard and saving money. Regardless of the conventional or unconventional college route, most students have family to thank for encouraging and shaping the college graduates everyone hopes to become. Being surround-

ing about this educational experience because these connections may help with landing that dream job.

Teachers care a lot more than students tend to think.

Transitioning from auditorium-sized freshman classes to much smaller upper division courses is some-

“Take day one of freshman year to graduation and see which of your friends are still left standing with you.

Those are your best friends.”

Andrew Throgmorton

senior geography major Marcus Connolly, The Paisano Thousands of students cross the graduation stage into the real world every year. Every one has a unique story and will create their own path.

ed by as many family members as possible is part of what makes this day so special; it’s about celebrating with people who were there from the beginning.

“I felt extreme relief to see my family and close friends witness what took so long for me to accomplish,” mechanical engineering gradu-

ate student Nick Goodwin said. “I was also anxious so much as to not trip as I walked across the stage and back to my seat.”

In addition to family and friends, don’t forget about the new skill sets that professors provide. Keep in contact with the ones who really stand out when think-

thing to take advantage of.

Goodwin also shared that during his last semester he took time to network and get to know his professors better. “This put me in a great position for letters of recommendation and assistance in terms of landing the job that I wanted.”

The next important step is taking those skills and applying to potential jobs near and far. Always keep an updated resume close by and

keep social media content under a watchful eye. Reach out to potential employers after sending in an application, and let them know how much the job means by emailing or calling in an attempt to set up an interview.

It can be scary to think that each graduate had a unique journey through college only to graduate with a degree that hundreds of other people from the same university alone will also receive. But fear not, applying to any and all positions of interest is not likely to leave scholars empty handed.

“Now that I have worked for an amazing company for about ten months, I’d have to say that I want to gain more experience and have a couple semesters of grad school under my belt before I actually decide what city I want to start a family and career in,” Goodwin said of his time as Associate Pipeline Integrity Engineer at Nustar Energy.

College should be a time to look back on and smile about, but it’s safe to assume that life will still get better from here. College is a time to gain a better understanding of who to be, who to be surrounded by and what to achieve. Enjoy the last few months and try not to stress.

EVENTS CALENDAR Tuesday January 27, 2015

Friday January 30, 2015

Warm up your pipes and sing for a cause. Karaoke 4 A Cause and Pets Alive will be hosting a benefit event at 502 Bar (502 Embassy Oaks) from 6 – 9 p.m. This is all in an effort to get San Antonio to a “no kill” status when it comes to animals in shelters. Admission is $20. Sing a little, help a good cause and who knows, maybe you’ll adopt a pet of your own. Check out Karaoke 4 A Cause’s Facebook page for more information.

Head over to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts (100 Auditorium Circle) and enjoy the sounds of Strauss Festival – La Valse. This event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. as well. For ticket and box office information, visit tobincenter.org.

Wednesday January 28, 2015 Laugh with Tommy Blaze at the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club (618 NW Loop 410).

His material stems mostly from poking fun at relationships and the quirks that can go along with them. Admission is $16 and the laughs begin at 8 p.m. For more information, visit lolsanantonio.com.

Thursday January 29, 2015 Catherine Nix will be performing a solo recital on campus at 7:30 p.m. See what talent UTSA has to offer and snag a seat to this free event located in the Arts Recital Hall. For more information, visit music. utsa.edu.

Saturday January 31, 2015 Ever wanted to try your hand at writing? Check out the free El Placazo Journalism Workshop at the San Antonio Cultural Arts Center (2120 El Paso St.). The workshop is for aspiring writers ages 15 and up and the day begins at 1:30 p.m. To register, visit sananto.org.

Sunday February 1, 2015 The San Antonio Museum of Art (200 West Jones Ave.) will be hosting First Sunday For Families: It’s a Tea Party! Bring the whole family and enjoy the art and, of course, some tea. Admission is $10 and this event begins at noon. Visit samuseum.org for more information.

6

ARTS

January 27 - February 3, 2015

World War II photo flashback Brittany Brink Intern

@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com A young sailor in a Navy uniform sweeps a nurse in a white uniform off her feet for the victory kiss in Times Square. An abandoned, small boy sits atop filth and bomb ruins holding a stuffed animal in his dirty hands.

These iconic images are exhibited in ‘World War II: Looking Back’ featured at the McNay Art Museum until May 10, 2015.

The exhibit features celebrated photographers Margaret Bourke-White and Alfred Eisenstad, as well as some unknown photographers whose identities may never be known. Featured among the many photographs are historic images like the powerful ‘Marines of the 28th Regiment of the 5th Division Raise the American Flag Atop Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima.’

This exhibit includes photographs that may have never been seen on display before, including one of UTSA Libraries’ Special Collections photographs of boys loading scrap onto a donkey in San Antonio.

‘World War II: Looking Back’ is curated by Director William Chiego, Chief Curator of Art after 1945 Rene Paul Barilleaux and 20142015 Semmes Foundation Intern in Museum Studies Genevieve Hulley. The ex-

hibit features photographs covering international, national and local perspectives of the war. There are images that cover the international Pacific angle, including a photograph of the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay.

and Air Force Bases such as Brooks, Kelly, Randolph and Lackland in the area.

“We wanted to focus on San Antonio and on the local aspect,” said Hulley.

“We also included some images to make the Latino

Alfred Eisenstaedt, Photo courtesy of Monroe Gallery of Photography (Santa Fe, New Mexico) “V-J Day in Times Square, New York” Copyright: Time Inc. All rights reserved.

Caught up in the excitement of victory, a Navy sailor plants a kiss on a nurse in the middle of Times Square on August 14, 1945.

There are color images of women during this time period working on war aircrafts for the United States.

War memorabilia from San Antonio sits in a glass display, accompanied by a copy of the “Soldiers Guide to San Antonio.”

San Antonio is a huge hub for military activity and presence with Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis,

influence in World War II present to the public. We have collaborated with the ‘VOICES Oral History Project’ from the UT journalism department, which focuses on efforts to make the Latino experience in our country more fully documented.”

Brothers, Ramon Galindo and Tom Galindo from Austin, stand in military uniforms in front of an El

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Galindo Tortillas delivery truck. This was their family business during World War II and the image highlights local Latino presence from that era.

Latinos, as well as other under-represented groups, have made their presence known in this exhibit. The Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American Army pilots, are featured in a photography collage. One of the airmen sports aviator goggles for a photo taken in Ramitelli, Italy.

Almost an entire wall is dedicated to photographs of “Monuments Men.” This group of around 345 men and women were instrumental in protecting monuments, paintings and cultural treasures from destruction during World War II. There is a group photograph of Monuments Men leaders George Stout, Walker Hancock and Steven Kovalyak standing side by side with large guns strapped to their hips.

Marion Koogler McNay, previous owner of the house and grounds that the museum is built upon, is also featured in the exhibit because of her avid support of military efforts. McNay’s first husband died at an army camp in 1918, and in an effort to show her support for his military honor, she kept his last name until her death.

To finish reading, visit paisano-online.com.

Column Corner:

Movies Daniel Shaw

Contributing Writer @ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com

Like many directors, Clint Eastwood’s films carry a distinct style and feel. Even when stories are set in modern times, his movies always manage to feel like they’re taking place in the old west.

Since his directorial debut, Eastwood has delivered a fairly balanced series of hits and misses over the years.

His latest adaptation of ‘American Sniper’ is without a doubt among his most memorable hits.

‘American Sniper’ tells the story of Navy Seal Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) and his legendary status as the most lethal Sniper in U.S. military history.

Throughout the film we follow Kyle on his journey from a simple life in Texas to his four tours in Iraq.

Bradley Cooper utterly disappears in his role as the patriotic and battle-hardened Chris Kyle.

Compared to actual photos, the resemblance is both amazing and terrifying.

Regardless of looks, Cooper does a marvelous job capturing Kyle’s personality and charm. The chemistry between Cooper and costar Sienna Miller is perfection. Miller, portraying Kyle’s wife Taya Renae Kyle, treats the audience with a great performance as she effortlessly shifts between supporting her husband

and challenging his self-imposed crusade.

The dialogue between the actors in nearly every situation is engaging and feels completely natural. Every word is spoken with emotion and humanity, even if it was a darker side of humanity.

Eastwood’s grasp of story, character and cinematography are fully realized in a vivid and no nonsense presentation. ‘American Sniper’ can be a difficult movie to watch.

The film pulls no punches in its portrayal of war violence and the effects that violence can have for someone abroad and back home. More specifically, as the title implies, ‘American Sniper’ does not just present Chris Kyle’s life, but also his inner struggle with what many consider a profession that carries a certain moral ambiguity. Is it right to take someone’s life in cold blood, regardless of war?

Many of Kyle’s confirmed kills were made defending troop movement. Whatever answer one may arrive at, the reality is that many of Kyle’s fellow service men and women depended tremendously on his skill. Still, the role and responsibilities of a sniper will continue to be the subject of debate for years to come.

To finish reading, visit paisano-online.com.

SPORTS

7 January 27 - February 3, 2015

vs.

{Sports Events} Wednesday, Jan. 28 7:30 pm Spurs Basketball The Spurs go up against the Charlotte Hornets at the AT&T Center.

UTSA STUNS WKU IN COMEBACK UPSET Patrick Martinez Staff Writer @PaisanoSports1 sports@paisano-online.com

Thursday, Jan. 29 7 pm Men’s Basketball The UTSA Men’s Basketball team takes on Middle Tennessee in the Convocation Center.

7:30 pm Rampage Hockey The San Antonio Rampage take on the Charlotte Checkers at the AT&T Center.

Saturday, Jan. 31 2 pm Men’s Basketball The Roadrunners look to upset conference rival UAB in the Convocation Center.

Marcus Connolly, The Paisano UTSA forward Akunna Elonu (21) soars for one of the team’s 45 rebounds.

8 pm Spurs Basketball The San Antonio Spurs take on the Los Angeles Clippers at the AT&T Center.

C-USA W. Basketball STANDINGS C-USA/Overall

Marcus Connolly, The Paisano UTSA guard Alana Heard (5) makes a clutch basket, cutting into WKU’s lead.

The UTSA Roadrunners (9-10, 4-3) overcame a 16-point deficit to upset the No. 24 ranked Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (17-3, 6-1) snapping their 14-game winning streak. The Roadrunners — on a three game winning streak — got their revenge for the men’s team who fell to the Hilltoppers in Western Kentucky, 83-74.

“There’s always time to make history. I believe in my team all the way, and we believe in each other. This win shows how much we believe in each other,” the confident Akunna Elonu affirmed after the first UTSA win against a top-25 team in program history.

Both teams came out fierce and ready to battle in this first meeting between the programs this season. The first half was very physical with neither team letting up.

Miscues were abundant in the half with the Roadrunners and Hilltoppers amassing 21 and 14 turnovers respectively.

Elonu commented about the turnovers, “If we work on little things like [turnovers], we will definitely be a better overall team and be able to compete with other top-25 teams and beat them as well.”

UTSA trailed by a score of 27-21 at halftime.

“We had way too many turnovers in the first half. We

were lucky to still be in the game [at halftime],” explained Roadrunner Head Coach, Lubomyr Lichonczak.

Western Kentucky started the second half scoring, in-

“There’s always time to make history.”

Akunna Elonu

UTSA junior foward creasing the lead to a 16-point advantage, including a 12-2 run. Even with a score of 4529, the Roadrunners never gave up. “We just kept fighting,” said sophomore center Tesha Smith.

UTSA did a much better job protecting the ball after halftime, tallying only four turnovers in the second half, leading to a total of 25 for the game, one less than the Hilltoppers.

With a dominate rebounding effort, the Roadrunners slowly chipped away at the lead and found themselves at the free-throw line with a chance to tie. Smith was on the line and sunk both free throws. “[The ball] felt good in my hands. I wasn’t scared. We cannot play scared. We w e re n’t intimidated by anyone. We just came in, put

up our best effort and came up with the win,” explained Smith about her free throws that tied the game and put UTSA up the next play.

There were critical fouls for both teams down the stretch as the Hilltoppers’ second-best scorer, San Antonio native Alexis Govan — who ended up with 22 points — put Western Kentucky up by one point on a critical free throw with seven seconds remaining.

On UTSA’s final drive of the game, junior forward Mannasha Bell was sidelined by a hard foul as she drove to the rim. With Bell out, Coach Lichonczak put Elonu to the free-throw line. She sank both free throws securing the 64-63 victory.

When asked if they can win the conference, Tesha Smith confidently shouted, “Yes! We can definitely win the conference. I have confidence in our team and our coach.”

Said Coach Lichonczack, “I’ve always felt that we can win the conference. We’re not playing for second place; we’re playing to win it. That takes hard work, humility and perseverance. It was a tremendous win, I’m very proud of our team to do that.”

Next for UTSA is a road game against Middle Tennessee. on Thursday, January 29 at 7:00 pm.

T-1. Western Kentucky (6-1) (17-3)

T-1. Middle Tennessee (6-1) (12-5)

T-3. Southern Miss (5-2) (12-6)

T-3. Louisiana Tech (5-2) (10-8)

T-5. Marshall (4-3) (12-6)

T-5. Old Dominion (4-3) (11-7)

T-5. UTSA (4-3) (9-10)

6. Florida Atlantic (3-3) (9-8)

T-7. UAB (3-4) (9-9)

T-7. UTEP (3-4) (8-8)

T-7. Charlotte (3-4) (7-12)

T-10. Rice (1-6) (6-12)

T-10. North Texas (1-6) (2-16)

12. Florida Int’l (0-6) (3-14)

C-USA SOFTBALL PREVIEW AND PROJECTIONS UTSA SOFTBALL Shabazz I. Dawkins Sports Editor @shabazzvs sports@paisano-online.com The UTSA softball team begins their 2015 season on Friday, February 6 in Las Cruces, New Mexico against Montana University.

The game will come as part of the Hotel Encanto Invitational, one of three invitational tournaments that comprise the bulk of UTSA Softball’s non-conference schedule.

Conference-USA (CUSA) play for the Roadrunners begins on Saturday,

March 7, when UTSA will go on the road to take on Southern Mississippi, and begin what will likely be a competitive campaign in the conference.

The C-USA recently announced their preseason poll and preseason team

for the 2015 season. UTSA had one player make the conference team, senior infielder Meagan Low. Low also recieved Preseason Player of the Year honors on the strength of a junior campaign that saw her take

home a first team AllConference USA selection, and second-team NFCA All-South Region selection.

Preseason rankings for the conference see the FIU Panthers and the UAB Blazers in a two-way tie for first place with both teams receiving five first place votes.

UTSA is projected to finish in the middle of the pack at seventh.

UTSA is coming off of a 2014 season that left the Roadrunners with a C-USA record of 10-14 and an overall record of 24-30.

Despite coming off a sub .500 season, the Low-led Roadrunners should be much improved in 2015.

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8

January 27 - February 3, 2015

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