The Rattler: A working history of the student newspaper at St. Mary's University

The Rattler A WORKING HISTORY OF THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY

a hua olelo papalua. I kekaia palua. Ua like no nae ka u he ekolu ano i hoike ia ma (1) na helu kumu (cardinal elua, ekolu a pela aku-(2) dinal numbers)-ka mua, ka la aku-(3) na helu mahelee numbers)-pakahi, palua, u. ia kekahi. Ke nui na mea ke me ka mahelehele ana i a ke kauna a ma ka paumi pela aku. Eha ia, he kauna e kaau ia. Umi kaau, he eha manawa, aka i ke au kahiko, , he mano ia a umi mano he , he lehu ia. Mao aku o ia, ke me ka olelo ma ka himehe one o kai la (Numberless e seashore). laua o Leialoha e inu kope kope ma ke kahua hoolukali ana laua i kekahi o na awaii mai. Ia laua e inu ku o Kalua. Noho o Kalua Leilani ma. Ia lakou e inu io lakou. Ua kokoke e pau u kope ana. Olelo o Kalua mina oia aole i kahea aku o e ahiahi o ka la mamua aku. a e hele pu laua i ke kahua e i ke kakahiaka. I aku o oe loa oia i hoi mai ai nolaimake e kahea aku ia Kalua. a makemake o Kalua e hele a hoolulu mokulele i ke kakahea oia ia Kalua oiai no kona hoi ana i kauhale. no ka Kalua inu kope ana, ulele mai Hawaii mai. Inu e koena o kana kope a hele ka hoaloha a lakou i hele ia manawa ma ka mokulenei mai kekahi mokupuni a ni e ae. I ke au kahiko ma ko Hawaii poe mai kekahi ahi mokupuni e ae. He waa waa nui iki ae kekahi a he oi kekahi. He waa kaulua

waa uuku, he lawa no hoowaa. O kekahi mau waa, lawa. He nui ka poe hoe kaulua. O ia ke ano waa i anaka i Hawaii nei mai Kape o ka hiki ana mai o ka

Mahope mai, kukulu ia kekahi hui mokua- kakahiaka, hele o kuaana i ka hana a hele ka waa i hele ai ko Hawaii poe mai kekahi hi i kapa ia Hui Moku Holo Piliaina (In- au i ke kula. Aia ka kuaana hana ma ka hale mokupuni a i kekahi mokupuni e ae. He waa ter-Island Steam Navigation Company) a leka ma ke alanui Kalepa. He k¸ai poe leka uuku kekahi, he waa nui iki ae kekahi a he ma na mokuahi i holo ai ka poe mai keka- kana hana. waa nui loa no hoi kekahi. He waa kaulua hi mokupuni a i kekahi mokupuni e ae. Ma Haalele maua i kauhale i ka hapalua hola kekahi ano waa. hope o ka hiki ana mai o ka mokulele, pau ehiku. Hele maua ma kona kaa. Lawe oia O kekahi mau waa uuku, he lawa no hooka holo ana o ka poe ma ka mokuahi. No iau i ke kula ma mua o kona hele ana i ka kahi wale no hoe waa. O kekahi mau waa, laila pau noLord, hoi ka holo ana o ka mokuahi a hale leka. Pau ka kuaana hana i ka hapalua elua no hoe waa, lawa. He nui ka poe hoe Dear hoopau ia ka Hui Moku Holo Piliaina. hola eha. I kekahi manawa pau kau kula i ka waa ma ka waa kaulua. O ia ke ano waa i I keia manawa ke hooulu ia nei ka hoi no hapalua hola ekahi. I kekahi manawa pau holo mai ai na kanaka i Hawaii nei mai KaAs we gather together to begin our work as members of The Rattler staff, ka moku halihali (ferry) no ka lawe ana i na kau kula i ka hola ekolu. hiki mai. Ma hope o ka hiki ana mai o ka weko asklakou you to orient all our ana actions ohua me kaa.

E holomua pahaby your Ke inspirations. pau kau kula i ka hapalua hola ekahi, poe e, ua hana ia a i ole ua kuai ia kekahi keia, aole paha. Ua hana o Kekoa i noho olu- hoi au i kauhale me kekahi hoaloha aiole ma mau moku e na lii. O ka moku mua loa no the gift of wisdom learning olu noGrant kona us makuakane.

Ua hana to oiarespect i ka the ke kaa ohua. process Ke pau kau kula i ka hapalua Kamehameha I. He moku lawe iliahi i Kina gift of to improve with each noho ithe makana la patience hanau na kona makuakane. holapublished ekolu, kaliissue au ia kuaana a hoi p¸ maua i (China) a hoihoi mai i na kukaa kilika (bolts gift ofohumility to learn from Aia kathe la hanau kona makuakane i lokoone o another kauhale ma kona kaa. of silk) a me kekahi mau mea e ae a na lii ka malama o Okakopa.

Aia mao ka O kekahi hua olelo kamaaina ole ma keia makemake ai. He moku kalepa ka moku. and the gift of cooperation toKekoa work together noho ias hana ai. members of our team. haawina oia no ka hua olelo papalua. I kekaMahope mai, kukulu ia kekahi hui mokuavalued E hana lei ana o Lehua. E hana lei ana oia hi manawa olelo ia palua. Ua like no nae ka hi i kapa ia Hui Moku Holo Piliaina (Inna ka Bless meia. our Ua work kauoha kaguide meia ia e we manao. and usLehua in all that do O na helu he ekolu ano i hoike ia ma ter-Island Steam Navigation Company) a hana iin iwakalua lei.

He nui no keia mau lei e loko o keia puke (1) na helu kumu (cardinal ma na mokuahi i holo ai ka poe mai kekathe name of The Rattler and St. Mary’s University. hana aku ai. E Leilehua, e oluolu oe e kokua numbers)-ekahi, elua, ekolu a pela aku-(2) hi mokupuni a i kekahi mokupuni e ae. Ma aku ia Lehua. Ua makemake ka meia i keia na helu papa (ordinal numbers)-ka mua, ka hope o ka hiki ana mai o ka mokulele, pau May inform, not inflame. encourage, not discourage. mau lei no our kanaarticles poe malihini.

E hoea mai May lua,they ke kolu a pela aku-(3) na helu mahele- ka holo ana o ka poe ma ka mokuahi. No ana lakou i ka la apopo. Makemake hoo- hele (distributive numbers)-pakahi, palua, laila pau no hoi ka holo ana o ka mokuahi a welakou be sensitive instead of sensationalistic.

Reflect notKe ridicule. balanced, bitter. huohuMay ia ana ke ku mai ka mokulele. pakolu, a pela aku.reason, ia kekahi. nui na Be mea hoopaunot ia ka Hui Moku Holo Piliaina.

Ua hana o Aulani i muumuu. He muumuu e helu ia ai, e like me ka mahelehele ana i I keia manawa ke hooulu ia nei ka hoi no May words we writeAia andmao, the images not distort. makana na the kona makuahine. ma kawe ia display nui ino,describe, ma ke kauna a ma ka paumi ka moku halihali (ferry) no ka lawe ana i na hope o kela papale ka Aulani muumuu i ha- kauna e helu ai a pela aku. Eha ia, he kauna ohua me ko lakou kaa. E holomua ana paha ia. Umito kauna, hethan kaau first. ia. Umi kaau, he eha keia, aole paha. Ua hana o Kekoa i noho olunai. Nana hana i ka papale. oiaimportant Mayno wei understand that Ua it ishana more be fair i ka papale nona iho.

He papale e papale ai hanele ia i keia manawa, aka i ke au kahiko, olu no kona makuakane. Ua hana oia i ka That truthfulness, honesty, compassion and integrity me kekahi lole ana i hanai nona iho. he lau ia.

Umi lau, he mano ia a umi mano he noho i makana la hanau na kona makuakane. are traits that we must pursue in ourselves kini la.

Umi kini, he lehu ia.

Mao aku o ia, Aia ka la hanau o kona makuakane i loko o Ma as ka much huina eiwa ua olelo ia elua wale no and as rigorously as we do in others. kau ma Hawaii nei i ke au kahiko-o ka hooi- he kini a lau e like me ka olelo ma ka hime- ka malama o Okakopa. Aia mao ka Kekoa lo, a me ke kau. I keia manawa ua kapa ia na ni-Kini a lau me he one o kai la (Numberless noho i hana ai.

May our efforts reflect E hana lei ana o Lehua. E hana lei ana oia kau o ke kupulau, ke kau wela,accurately ka haulelau a as the sands of the seashore). standards of education taught to us by this me kathe hooilo.

I ke au kahiko mai Nowemapa Hele o university.

Leilani laua o Leialoha e inu kope na ka meia. Ua kauoha ka meia ia Lehua e o ka kakou helu ana a pau o Apelila, o ka ma ka hale inu kope ma ke kahua hoolu- hana i iwakalua lei. He nui no keia mau lei e plant your newsroom of our campus hooilo,May a o you ke kau, mai MeiTruth a pauino the Okakolu mokulele.

E kali ana laua i kekahi o na hana aku ai. E Leilehua, e oluolu oe e kokua so he that wena can telloitnatomahina others.i ke au mokulele mai Hawaii mai. Ia laua e inu aku ia Lehua. Ua makemake ka meia i keia pa. Aka okoa inoa kahiko. Aole i kapa ia ma na inoa a kakou e kope ana, hoea aku o Kalua. Noho o Kalua mau lei no kana poe malihini. E hoea mai hai neiAnd i keia manawa oia hoi o Ianuali, e inu kope me Leilani ma. Ia lakou e inu ana lakou i ka la apopo. Makemake hoomay the Father, and the SonPeand the Holy Spirit pelualibe a pela aku.

Aole no i like na inoa ma kope ana, kamailio lakou.Amen.

Ua kokoke e pau huohu ia ana lakou ke ku mai ka mokulele. glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary. na mokupuni a pau. Eia na inoa o na mahina ka Leilani ma inu kope ana. Olelo o Kalua Ua hana o Aulani i muumuu. He muumuu ma ka mokupuni o Hawaii ke au kahiko. ia Leialoha minamina oia aole i kahea aku o makana na kona makuahine. Aia mao, ma I ke au kahiko hookaawale ia (set aside) Leialoha ia ia i ke ahiahi o ka la mamua aku. hope o kela papale ka Aulani muumuu i hakekahi mau mahina no ka Makahiki. He wa Ua makemake oia e hele pu laua i ke kahua nai. Nana no i hana i ka papale. Ua hana oia hoolaulea keia e hoomaka anafrom me A (beginhoolulu i kefrom kakahiaka.

I aku o i ka papale nona iho. He papale e papale ai Source: Lines 4-9 adapted Journalist’s Prayermokulele found online “Christian Viewpoint Blog” —www. ning with) Welehu-ma Hawaii; me Hili-na- Leialoha ua aumoe loa oia iAugust, hoi mai2008. ai nolaime kekahi blog.churchwebstop.com/2006/11/08/a-journalists-prayer/ — accessed Additional text bylole ana i hanai nona iho.

Ma ka huina eiwa ua olelo ia elua wale no ma maBrother Molokai a maBautista, Kauai; me Kaelo Dennis S.M., Ph.D.ma la aole oia i makemake e kahea aku ia Kalua.

Oahu.

Ina oia i manao ua makemake o Kalua e hele kau ma Hawaii nei i ke au kahiko-o ka hooiI ka wa o ka Makahiki kapu ia na hana like pu laua i ke kahua hoolulu mokulele i ke ka- lo, a me ke kau. I keia manawa ua kapa ia na ole. He pokole mai ka manawa kapu no na kahiaka, ina ua kahea oia ia Kalua oiai no kau o ke kupulau, ke kau wela, ka haulelau a lii no ka mea aohe o lakou hana. He noho nae ua aumoe loa kona hoi ana i kauhale. me ka hooilo. I ke au kahiko mai Nowemapa wale no ka hana. O ke kumu o keia, o na Aole i pau pono ka2 Kalua inu kope ana, o ka kakou helu ana a pau o Apelila, o ka

Prayer for The Rattler staff

ma ka mokupuni o Hawaii I ke au kahiko hookaaw kekahi mau mahina no ka wa hoolaulea keia e hoom ginning with) Welehu-ma na-ma ma Molokai a ma K ma Oahu. O kekahi hua ol ma keia haawina oia no ka lua. I kekahi manawa ole like no nae ka manao. O ano i hoike ia ma loko o helu kumu (cardinal numb ekolu a pela aku-(2) na he numbers)-ka mua, ka lua, aku-(3) na helu maheleh numbers)-pakahi, palua, pa ia kekahi. Ke nui na mea e me ka mahelehele ana i ka kauna a ma ka paumi kaun aku. Eha ia, he kauna ia. kaau ia. Umi kaau, he eha manawa, aka i ke au kahik lau, he mano ia a umi mano kini, he lehu ia. Mao aku o e like me ka olelo ma ka h me he one o kai la (Numbe of the seashore).

Hele o Leilani laua o Le ma ka hale inu kope ma lu mokulele. E kali ana la mokulele mai Hawaii ma kope ana, hoea aku o Kalu e inu kope me Leilani ma kope ana, kamailio lakou. ka Leilani ma inu kope an ia Leialoha minamina oia a Leialoha ia ia i ke ahiahi o Ua makemake oia e hele p hoolulu mokulele i ke kak Leialoha ua aumoe loa oia i la aole oia i makemake e ka Ina oia i manao ua makema pu laua i ke kahua hoolulu kahiaka, ina ua kahea oia nae ua aumoe loa kona hoi Aole i pau pono ka Kal hoea ana ka mokulele mai koke o Kalua i ke koena o lakou e aloha i ka hoaloh aku ai e ike. I keia manaw le kakou e hele nei mai ke i kekahi mokupuni e ae. I ka waa i hele ai ko Hawai mokupuni a i kekahi mokup uuku kekahi, he waa nui ik

ke au kahiko. wale ia (set aside) a Makahiki. He maka ana me (beHawaii; me HiliKauai; me Kaelo lelo kamaaina ole …but it’s a start. In preparation for the 100th anniversary of the student newspaper at St. Mary’s University, I began this collection of notable events in the publication’s history a hua olelo papaelo ia palua.

Ua and compiled them for future reference. I started by documenting the last 10 years, since I witnessed those events personally, then focused on the decade before I became adviser na helu he ekolu in (1) 2008. keia puke na Next, I worked chronologically, looking at every issue published from fall 1919 until spring 1964. Originally, I had planned to complete this project during the 201819 academic year—in time for the 100th anniversary in Sept. 2019. However, my upcoming sabbatical beckons, thus ending my tenure as adviser in May 2018 and, with it, my bers)-ekahi, elua, elu papa opportunity (ordinal to do so. What once was my to-do list for completing this project now becomes a guide for those wish to take on this venture (this can be an excellent student thesis, , ke kolu a pela project or assignment in the future): hele (distributive akolu, a pela aku. e helu ia ai, e like pages that include staff boxes for each semester from fall 1919 to spring 1923 and spring 1964 to spring 1999 (this document only has two cover pages from 1919 to 1923 1. Create ia nui ino, ma ke does not include anything from fall 1964 to spring 1999). Include select stories pertaining to The Rattler such as announcements of the next editor-in-chief, staff or advisers, na e helu ai and a pela . Umi kauna, he stories, format/content changes, responses from the editor-in-chief to letters, etc. Use the existing pages as a guide. farewell a hanele ia i keia ko, he lau ia. Umi o he kini 2. Based la. Umi on all staff boxes gathered from 1919 to 2018, create a spreadsheet of all students who were on the editorial staff of The Rattler as well as faculty, staff who were “moderators” o ia, he kiniora “advisers;” lau send to Alumni Relations; include full name, position held and year (in a meeting with Vice President of University Advancement Richard Kimbrough, Associate himeni-Kini a lau erless as theVice sandsPresident of Student Development Tim Bessler and myself on April 2, 2018, it was identified that work study staff from the Alumni Relations can assist with the input). This can become a contact list of alumni who served on the editorial staff and be used to invite them to future reunions and celebrations. eialoha e inu kope ke kahua hoolu3. Work aua i kekahi o nawith staff from the Blume Library to obtain digital files of every issue published, perhaps assisting on those that have yet to be digitized. Convert higher-quality scans of ai. Ia laua older e inuissues into PDF so they can be made available online as current issues are done. This collection of digital files then can be used for promoting the 100th anniversary reunion ua. Noho o as Kalua well as for decorations at the celebration. For example, perhaps the covers of every issue published can be shown on a short video, flashing about five to 10 issues (or more) per a. Ia lakou e inu Ua kokokesecond e pau for a 3-5 minute package. na. Olelo o Kalua aole i kahea aku o 4. Record vital statistics, such as how many total printed issues were published throughout the newspaper’s 100 year history? How many issues were published each year? (In 1944, ka la mamua aku. three issues were published; from fall 1959 to spring 1961, The Rattler was a weekly publication). What page dimensions were used? Which issue had the most pages? pu laua i ke only kahua kahiaka. I aku o i hoi mai ai nolai5. Kalua.

Locate every award won and digitize them, starting from the first two received in 1934 and 1935 (awards from 2008 to 2018 already have been digitized and the originals are kept ahea aku ia a binder in the newsroom; check with university and library archives for the other awards). Determine statistics such as which were the highest honors received? Which year ake o Kalua in e hele mokulele i garnered ke ka- the most number of awards? In which contests are students most successful? ia Kalua oiai no i ana i kauhale. lua inu kope ana, not finished, this document is meant to be a starting resource to help celebrate this milestone; it is dedicated to those who worked on this publication during these past 99 Although Hawaii mai. years.Inu To the editors with whom I’ve had the privilege to work with personally these past 10 years, thank you for the memories. To the future editors of The Rattler, this is for you. kana kope a hele ha a lakou i hele wa ma ka Brother mokule-Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D. ekahi mokupuni a The Rattler Adviser, 2008-2018 ke au kahiko ma 11, 2018 ii poe maiMay kekahi puni e ae. He waa 3 ki ae kekahi a he

This document is unfinished…

History of The Rattler The St. Louis College Bulletin, a monthly publication edited by the students of St. Louis College, was first published Sept. 1, 1919. When the name of the institution changed in 1923, the newspaper was renamed the St. Mary’s College Bulletin, as of October, 1923 (Volume V, Number 1). The next fall, a school-wide contest was held to choose a new name for the publication. A $5 prize was offered to whomever nominated the best replacement title for the St. Mary’s College Bulletin.

“So we ran a contest, but none of the suggestions were right. Then one day I asked a Brother friend of mine who said, ‘Call it The Rattler and be done with it.’ In this part of the country with names line [sic] Longhorns, Mustangs, and Javalinas [sic], the title Rattler was good,” recalled Brother John Black, S.M., former dean of men, in an article published Sept. 21, 1962 (page 2). Chosen because of its originality and local flavor, The Rattler was first published Oct. 15, 1924 (Volume VI, Number 1).

Ninety-nine years after the printing of its first issue as The Rattler, the student newspaper remains a semi-monthly periodical that includes a website, www.stmurattlernews.com (launched September 2009) and an annual magazine (first published online as Venom on May 1, 2013 and printed as The Rattler Magazine on May 3, 2017 and May 2, 2018).

“Over the years, The Rattler has received numerous awards for excellence. As well, the newspaper’s editors have been recognized on many different occasions,” said Brother Robert Wood, S.M., university archivist, in an article published Nov. 26, 2003.

In 1934, The Rattler received its first two national awards, “All Catholic,” the highest honor given by the Catholic School Press Association, and “First Class Honor Rating,” the second highest award from the National Scholastic Press Association. One year later, The Rattler received the highest honor given by the NSPA, the “All-American Honor Rating.”

Amid controversies involving the student staff, the university suspended publication of The Rattler during the fall 2002 semester and restructured the student publications board, editorial leadership and hiring process.

In spring 2004, after a 21-year award drought, The Rattler received its first national prize as Newspaper of the Year during the annual Associated Collegiate Press spring convention, prompting the St. Mary’s University Board of Trustees to issue an official resolution commending the student staff for the achievement.

From 2004 to 2006, The Rattler won 127 national, state and local awards under the direction of Francisco Vara-Orta (B.A. English and Communication Arts, 2006), who served as its editor-in-chief for six semesters.

In spring 2010, The Rattler won first place in its division for the Best of Show competition at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association annual convention.

The following semester, at the annual national college media convention, co-hosted by ACP and College Media Advisers, The Rattler placed first in the Best of Show competition in the category of less-than weekly publications (originally, The Rattler placed second, however, it soon was discovered by convention officials that the publication which placed first was entered in the wrong division because it was a weekly).

In 2013, Managing Editor Amanda Cano (B.A. English and Communication Arts, 2013) was honored as Editor of the Year at the annual TIPA convention.

From 2013 to 2018, The Rattler received a total of 169 national, state and individual awards, including first place in its newspaper division at the annual TIPA convention in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018. The inaugural printed issue of The Rattler Magazine also won first place in its division at TIPA in 2018.

Information gathered from articles published on The Rattler: “The Rattler” (Oct. 15, 1924, p. 1); “Rattler Receives Honor Certificates” (Nov. 22, 1934, p. 1); “Rattler Wins All-American Scholastic Press Honors” (May 23, 1935, p. 1); “...Let’s Call it Rattler” by John Paxon, staff writer (Sept. 21, 1962, p. 2); “The Rattler wraps up its 85th year” staff editorial with parts attributed to Daniel Jay Neathery, news editor (Nov. 26, 2003, p. 11); “The Rattler passes 100 award mark” by Amanda Guerra, staff writer (April 19, 2006, p. 3); “Editor’s Note” by Amanda Cano, managing editor (Venom, May 1, 2013, p. 2); “Editor’s Note” by Paige Gandara-Valderas, editor-in-chief (May 3, 2017, p. 4); “Editor’s Note” by Michelle Michimani Leyva, editor-in-chief (May 3, 2018, p. 2).

4

5

Oct. 15, 1924, p. 1

Oct. 15, 1924, p. 2

6

7

Oct. 15, 1924, p. 2

Feb. 1, 1925, p. 2

Feb. 1, 1925, p. 2

March 16, 1925, p. 1 8

April 15, 1925, p. 1

9

May 15, 1925, p. 2

April 15, 1925, p. 3

May 1, 1925, p. 1 10

May 15, 1925, p. 1

Nov. 9, 1925, p. 3

Nov. 23, 1925, p. 1

Nov. 23, 1925, p. 4 11

Jan. 30, 1926, p. 1

Jan. 30, 1926, p. 2 12

Feb. 8, 1926, p. 1 and 2

Feb. 23, 1926, p. 2

Feb. 8, 1926, p. 3

13

April 8, 1926, p. 1 and 2

May 28, 1926, p. 2 14

Sept. 23, 1926, p. 1

Sept. 23, 1926, p. 2 15

March 16, 1927, p. 2

16

April 8, 1927

April 26, 1927, p. 5

17

May 8, 1927, p. 1

May 26, 1927, p. 3 18

Sept. 23, 1927, p. 2 Sept. 23, 1927, p. 1 19

March 12, 1928, p. 2

March 12, 1928, p. 1

April 1, 1928, p. 1

April 1, 1928, p. 2

Feb. 11, 1928, p. 1 20

April 16, 1928, p. 2

May 28, 1928, p. 2 21

April 11, 1929, p. 2

Nov. 27, 1928, p. 1

May 24, 1929, p. 1 22

Oct. 26, 1929, p. 2

Oct. 11, 1929, p. 1

Jan. 28, 1930, p. 1 23

May 13, 1930, p. 1

Feb. 12, 1930, p. 1 May 13, 1930, p. 2 24

Oct. 31, 1930, p. 1

April 30, 1931, p. 1 25

April 8, 1932, p. 1

Nov. 16, 1931, p. 1

April 8, 1932, p. 2 26

May 2, 1932, p. 1

May 25, 1932, p. 1

April 15, 1932, p. 1

May 25, 1932, p. 2 27

Oct. 8, 1932, p. 2

Oct. 22, 1932, p. 2

Dec. 21, 1932, p. 1 28

March 8, 1933, p. 6

Jan. 25, 1933, p. 2

March 8, 1933, p. 9 (special section) 29

March 24, 1933, p. 2

April 13, 1933, p. 2

May 24, 1933, p. 8

April 28, 1933, p. 2 30

Sept. 2, 1933, p. 1

Oct. 12, 1933, p. 1

Sept. 2, 1933, p. 2 31

Oct. 12, 1933, p. 2

Nov. 9, 1933, p. 1 32

Nov. 23, 1933, p. 1

April 26, 1934, p. 1

April 26, 1934, p. 2 33

May 10, 1934, p. 2

May 24, 1934, p. 1 34

Oct. 11, 1934, p. 1

35

Oct. 25, 1934, p. 1

April 4, 1935, p. 4

Nov. 22, 1934, p. 1

April 4, 1935, p. 1 36

May 23, 1935, p. 1

May 23, 1935, p. 4 37

May 23, 1935, p. 14 (above; part of special senior section, 18 pages total for issue)

May 23, 1935, p. 9 38

Sept. 26, 1935, p. 6

Sept. 26, 1935, p. 2 39

Oct. 19, 1935, p. 15

Dec. 19, 1935, p. 1

Nov. 8, 1935, p. 1 40

May 14, 1936, p. 1 41

Oct. 1, 1936, p. 1 42

March 25, 1937, p. 1

April 29, 1937, p. 1 43

March 29, 1938, p. 1

May 12, 1938, p. 1 44

May 26, 1938, p. 1 45

Jan. 20, 1939, p. 1 Sept. 29, 1938, p. 1 46

April 27, 1939, p. 1

Jan. 29, 1939, p. 2 47

May 25, 1939, p. 1 48

Sept. 28, 1939, p. 1 49

Nov. 2, 1939, p. 1

Oct. 26, 1939, p. 1 50

April 19, 1940, p. 1

51

May 3, 1940, p. 1

52

Oct. 18, 1940, p. 5

Oct. 18, 1940, p. 1

53

Nov. 8, 1940

54

Jan. 17, 1941, p. 1

May 2, 1941, p. 1 55

May 16, 1941, p. 1

Nov. 7, 1941

Jan. 23, 1942, p. 2 56

May 22, 1942, p. 1

Oct. 9, 1942, p. 1 57

Oct. 23, 1942, p. 2

Nov. 20, 1942, p. 2

Dec. 18, 1942, p. 2 58

Jan. 15, 1943, p. 2

Jan. 15, 1943, p. 1 59

Oct. 13, 1944, p. 1 60

Jan. 19, 1945, p. 2

May 18, 1945 p. 1 61

Oct. 19, 1945, p. 1

62

April 17, 1946, p. 1

63

Spring 1947

Oct. 18, 1946, p. 1 64

Feb. 6, 1948

Sept. 26, 1947

Oct. 19, 1947

65

Oct. 1, 1948, p. 1

Oct. 1, 1948, p. 2 66

Oct. 22, 1948, p. 1

Dec. 18, 1948, p. 1

67

April 23, 1949, p. 2

May 20, 1949, p. 1 68

May 20, 1949, p. 2 69

May 19, 1950, p. 2 Oct. 28, 1949, p. 1

Sept. 30, 1949 p. 2 70

May 4, 1951, p. 1

Oct. 13, 1950, p. 1

Jan. 13, 1951, p. 1 71

Sept. 28, 1951, p. 4

Oct. 26, 1951, p. 1 72

Feb. 22, 1952

May 17, 1952 73

Oct. 24, 1954, p. 4 and 1

April 17, 1953, p. 2

Sept. 26, 1952, p. 4

Nov. 21, 1952, p. 4 74

Sept. 16, 1953, p. 1

Dec. 11, 1953, p. 1

Dec. 11, 1953, p. 4

May 14, 1954, p. 1 75

Oct. 1, 1954, p. 1

Dec. 10, 1954, p. 1

March 11, 1955, p. 2 76

May 13, 1955, p. 1

Sept. 14, 1955, p. 2

Sept. 30, 1955, p. 1

Dec. 9, 1955, p. 1

Feb. 10, 1956, p. 1 77

May 11, 1956, p. 1

Oct. 5, 1956, p. 1

Dec. 11, 1956, p. 1

Feb. 15, 1957, p. 1 78

May 10, 1957, p. 1

Oct. 11, 1957, p. 1

Nov. 8, 1957, p. 1 79

Nov. 22, 1957, p. 1

Jan. 17, 1958, p. 2

Jan. 31, 1958, p. 1 May 16, 1958, p. 1

Jan. 31, 1958, p. 1 80

Feb. 13, 1959, p. 4

Sept. 26, 1958, p. 1

Dec. 19, 1958, p. 1

Feb. 13, 1959, p. 1 81

May 15, 1959, p. 1

Nov. 13, 1959, p. 1 82

Nov. 13, 1959, p. 1

Nov. 20, 1959, p. 1 83

Feb. 12, 1960, p. 2

May 13, 1960, p. 1

84

Sept. 30, 1960, p. 4

Oct. 28, 1960, p. 1

85

Jan. 13, 1961, p. 1

May 5, 1961, p. 1

86

Oct. 6, 1961, p. 5

87

Dec. 1, 1961, p. 2

88

Dec. 1, 1961, p. 6 89

May 18, 1962, p. 1

March 2, 1962, p. 1

90

Sept. 21, 1962, p. 1

91

Sept. 21, 1962, p. 2

92

Feb. 1, 1963, p. 1

May 10, 1963, p. 1

Feb. 1, 1963, p. 1 93

Sept. 27, 1963, p. 1

Sept. 27, 1963, p. 2

94

Feb. 7, 1964, p. 3

95

Feb. 21, 1964, p. 3 March 6, 1964, p. 2

96

1999-2000

97

2000-01

98

February 6, 2002, p. 2

99

100

101

102

103

March 31, 2004, p. 1 and 7 104

April 14, 2004, p. 5

105

106

The

Editor-in-Chief Francisco Vara-Orta Managing Editor Laura E. Hall Layout/Design Manager Denise M. Salinas Copy Editor Ana Ramirez News Editor r for “Distinguished College Journalism” at the Press Club’s 2005 National Headliner Awards Diana Del Valle Features Editor Carla E. Aguilar Wednesday Commentary Editor April 13, 2005 Valarie Geckler Vol. 92, Issue 11 Entertainment Editor & www.stmarytx.edu/rattler Cartoonist TheRattler Chuck Kerr 20-2005 SGA elections The f lock Sports Editor make loses its history Chad Peters shepherd Photo Editor Kate Kampschroeder Advertising Manager Pedro Nieto Webmaster David N. Garza Distinguished leaders recognized tonight Interim Faculty Advisor

By FRANCISCO VARA-ORTA Dean Karen Johnson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Staff Contact St. Mary’s students last week cast INSIDE ...

12 Patricia Garcia ty 886 votes for the Student Government Association (SGA) elections for the Standards Paul II. 107 2005-2006 term, the most ever in the The Rattler upholds the Mission school history, SGA officials said

heRattler

ock s rd

Front Page 1

4/9/05

10:09 PM

Page 1

First place winner for “Distinguished College Journalism” at the Press Club’s 2005 National Headliner Awards

SGA elections make history

Wednesday

April 13, 2005

Vol. 92, Issue 11

www.stmarytx.edu/rattler

POPE JOHN PAUL II: 1920-2005

By FRANCISCO VARA-ORTA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

St. Mary’s University remembers Pope John Paul II.

By NANCY MARTINEZ STAFF WRITER

As thousands of people finished praying the rosary in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on the evening of April 2, Pope John Paul II raised his hand, blessed the people outside his window, and painfully whispered “Amen.”

PHOTOS BY DENISE M. SALINAS

(above) Junior engineering major Anthony Wittig signs a book of thoughts and prayers. (above, right) Those who attended the mass received a papal prayer card.

By VALERIE CHAVEZ STAFF WRITER

The presentation of medals to 14 Presidential Award winners by President Charles Cotrell, Ph.D., highlights the 11th annual Distinguished Leaders ceremony to be held April 13 in the University Center.

“The cornerstones of the award are leadership, academics, and service,” said Associate Dean of Students Rosalind Alderman, who took part in the selection committee. “We look in-depth at the effort students have made in those areas.”

Only 14 Presidential Award winners are chosen from almost 100 nominated students in order

Moments later, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri announced the Pope’s death and the crowd burst into spontaneous applause to bid farewell to the Holy Father.

The Pope’s impact was a central theme in many ceremonies worldwide, including reactions at St. Mary’s University from those who joined in the mourning of the Pope’s death and celebration of his life. “[Pope John Paul II] made us think and look deep within ourselves, and called us into the culture of light,” Rev. Kip Stander, S.M., said in a mass dedicated to the Pope last week. “He was a consistent man in his way of life and his lectures.”

The Rev. Terry Weik, S.M., met the Pontiff in Philadelphia in 1979 and again in January 2005 at the Pope’s last weekly audience before entering the hospital in February. A remembrance of his first meeting, two rosaries in a box with his coat of arms, is on display at the Guadalupe Chapel. “[I felt] saddened on one hand, and on the other not shocked, because we were given time to expect his death,” Weik said.

“We were at the Vatican on January 26 celebrating the 25th anniversary of our ordinance. He looked and sounded very frail but it was clear his mind was sharp.”

Students of all faiths have shown respect for the Vicar of Christ by leaving

to “keep it an honor,” coordinators said.

Recipients also have their pictures displayed in front of the Student Life Office, under the title “Presidential Awards.”

“This is neat because a lot of [award winners] say ‘I’ve seen that since my freshman year and it really meant a lot’,” Alderman said.

Presidential Award winner and English/communication arts major Vanessa Cobarrubias wholeheartedly agrees.

“I wanted to make my experience at St. Mary’s as fulfilling as I could and felt I had to be a part of different aspects of the university to completely understand the meaning behind a St. Mary’s University education,”

comments in the books for this purpose at both campus chapels. “[His death] is devastating for all of us,” junior Crystal Valencia said. “He did so much for the church and was a true leader in the Catholic faith.”

Pope John Paul II was born in Poland in 1920 as Karol Wojtyla. He was elected Pope in 1978, the first non-Italian in nearly five centuries to be elected as the head of the Catholic Church.

“He was a complex man,” Weik said.

“He was conservative and traditional in many ways but when it came to social aspects he was liberal and prophetic and this disturbed many wealthy, powerful people.”

Some of the liberal topics the Pope addressed during his era include abortion, homosexuality, capital exploitation, the death penalty, and communism. Although the specifics about his assassination attempt in 1981 have never been revealed, many claim that it was a conspiracy planned by those who opposed his views.

Perhaps the Pope’s most notable deed, scholars say, was reaching out to the Jewish and Islamic faiths. He expressed compassion and encouraged a brotherly relationship with Jews while also supporting the rights of Palestinians.

Cont. on PG 2, SEE “POPE”

Cobarrubias said.

Cobarrubias is a Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority member, President’s Ambassador, and serves on the Code Blue Dance Team, choir, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Emerging Leaders, and 2005 Miss Fiesta 1st runner up.

Other awards presented the night of the ceremony, such as Student Orientation Assistant of the Year, Resident Assistant of the Year, Advisor of the Year, and Program of the Year, are secret until the event.

Alderman encourages students to attend in support of the leaders who shape their campus life. The two-hour event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. in University Center Conference Room A.

2005 PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS Trey S. Clark Accounting

Vanessa N. Cobarrubias English Communication Arts David C. Courreges Law/Public Administration

Carlos E. Cuellar Political Science/Business and Administration

St. Mary’s students last week cast 886 votes for the Student Government Association (SGA) elections for the 2005-2006 term, the most ever in the school history, SGA officials said Friday.

Senior Alan Perez, chair of the SGA Elections Committee, predicted the outcome, primarily attributing it to the interest over a race that saw all but one of the SGA positions up for grabs, also a rare feat in St. Mary’s SGA history.

SGA reported last year voter turnout was 600 out of an eligible estimate of 2,500 students, and that was up by almost 200 from the previous election in 2003. But this year breaks all known records under the banner of an intense two-week presidential and vice presidential campaign.

The president-vice president team ticket saw junior Matt Jones and senior Ignacio “Nacho” Martinez win over the junior Arthur Bryan II-sophomore Trey Cooper duo.

Jones and Martinez said they attribute the success of their campaign to a grassroots approach and campaigning on what they deem “attainable not ambitious” projects.

“The most important thing was the contact with the students face-to-face,” Martinez said. “The work starts today.”

Jones said he will lead SGA to work on special projects such as the creation of an Internet radio station and a study abroad fund, as well as managing all the standard SGA business, like appointing new committee chairs and representing the school at events.

“A key order of business is making students feel more connected with SGA,” Jones said. “We want to get as much done so that the next administration after us can pick up where we leave off.”

The main campaign difference for Cont. on PG 3, SEE “JONES”

Erin Freasier Accounting

Kristal R. Garcia English Communication Arts

Christina D. Garcia Political Science/Speech Communications

mtvU meets StMU Get ready for the Campus Invasion Tour ‘05, starring Muse and Razorlight.

Page 9

Michelle S. Gonzales Corporate Finance

Luis R. Guerra Theology/Business Administration Tanya Matar International Relations/Art

David E. Ramirez Human Resources Management Samantha Scrivener International Relations/Spanish Valeree Villanueva Political Science

Christine Zaruba Physics/Chemistry/Math

FIESTA OYSTER BAKE

Annual event on campus this week, Friday and Saturday April 15-16.

Pre-sale tickets on sale at University Bookstore.

Visit www.oysterbake.com for more information.

Golf matriarch leaving CLASS DAYS LEFT Cindy Krause rumored to be fired as head women’s golf coach.

Page 15

rumba and the cha-cha while incorporating the basic dance moves with the appropriate music.

She thinks it’s appropriate to

studio of the Alumni Athletics and Convocation Center on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. until April 20.

Instructor Diana Wall, who

past year.

“Dance is a great stress reliever,” Reamey said. “Even the best athletes will discover just how aerobic this activity is just after an

Betty Castelli (left) gets a firsthand lesson on dancing meregnue from instructor Diana Wall.

Photo by Francisco Vara-Otra

The Rattler wins 30 awards in two months SPRING 2005 AWARD WINS National Headliner Awards First place, Distinguished College Journalism

Society of Professonal Journalists Mark of Excellence Awards Second place, Best All-Around Non-Daily Newspaper In depth reporting, Honorable mention, “Mexican Maquiladoras,” Francisco Vara-Orta Editorial Writing, Third place, “Staff editorial,” Francisco Vara-Orta and Laura E. Hall

Associated Collegiate Press Third place, Newspaper of the Year

Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Best of Show, Third place - Division 3 Critical review, First place, Chuck Kerr Editorial, Second place, Staff Editorial cartoon, Third place, Chuck Kerr Feature page design, Third place, Chuck Kerr Feature page design, Honorable mention, Chuck Kerr Feature page photo, Honorable mention, Valerie Chavez General column, Third place, Chuck Kerr General column, Honorable mention, Kavita Bhalla Best illustration, First place, Stephanie T. Sosa In depth reporting, Honorable mention, Laura E. Hall In depth reporting, Honorable mention, Francisco Vara-Orta Best information graphics, Third place, Denise M. Salinas News photo, Third Place, Angelique Chavarria Opinion page design, Third Place, Valarie Geckler Best overall, Second place, Francisco Vara- Orta Front page design, Third place, Denise M. Salinas Photo illustration, Third place, Chuck Kerr Picture story, First place, Denise M. Salinas and Mike Zuniga Picture story, Third place, Stephanie T. Sosa and Mike Zuniga Single subject presentation, Second place, Denise M. Salinas Single subject presentation, Honorable mention, Chuck Kerr Sports action photo, Second place, Angelique Chavarria Sports column, Third place, Chad Peters Sports feature photo, Honorable mention, Angelique Chavarria Sports feature story, Third place, Chad Peters Sports news story, Honorable mention, Chad Peters Sports page design, Second page, Stephanie T. Sosa Sports page design, Honorable mention, Chad Peters

By VALARIE GECKLER COMMENTARY EDITOR In the last two months, The Rattler racked up 30 awards for excellence in journalism, bringing the organization’s award total since last March to 52.

Among the top awards are honors from the National Headliner Awards for first place Distinguished College Journalism, second place Best All-Around Non-Daily Newspaper from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Mark of Excellence Awards, third place Newspaper of the Year from the Associated Collegiate Press, third place Best of Show from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) and more than two dozen awards for individual editors, staff writers and photographers.

“I think winning so many awards this year demonstrates The Rattler has done a fine job in establishing our university newspaper’s consistency as a good student journalist project,” said Francisco Vara-Orta, editor-in-chief.

A list of Vara-Orta’s awards includes honorable mention from SPJ and TIPA for in-depth reporting on factory worker conditions in Mexico and student efforts to

improve them.

Managing Editor Laura E. Hall also received an honorable mention from TIPA as well as co-nods for her work with VaraOrta on a portfolio of staff editorials earning second and third from TIPA and SPJ, respectively.

“I put a lot of thought into what I write,” Hall said, “I’m proud and grateful for being recognized, especially from both nationally and regionally important groups.”

Rattler editors agree the most meaningful award is the National Headliner Awards first-place title, as they will receive their award alongside major news outlets such as CNN, The Washington Post, and The Miami Herald in May from the Press Club of Atlantic City, N.J. This is the first year the

Need Office Space? Just Starting Out?

www.goldstaroffices.com (210) 568-1551

108

Front Page 1

4/9/05

10:09 PM

Page 1

TheRattler

First place winner for “Distinguished College Journalism” at the Press Club’s 2005 National Headliner Awards

Wednesday April 13, 2005 Vol. 92, Issue 11

www.stmarytx.edu/rattler

SGA elections make history

POPE JOHN PAUL II: 1920-2005

The f lock loses its shepherd

The San Antonio State School Is Hiring Full Time Direct Care Service Providers

By FRANCISCO VARA-ORTA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

St. Mary’s University remembers Pope John Paul II.

By NANCY MARTINEZ STAFF WRITER

As thousands of people finished praying the rosary in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on the evening of April 2, Pope John Paul II raised his hand, blessed the people outside his window, and painfully whispered “Amen.”

PHOTOS BY DENISE M. SALINAS

(above) Junior engineering major Anthony Wittig signs a book of thoughts and prayers. (above, right) Those who attended the mass received a papal prayer card.

Moments later, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri announced the Pope’s death and the crowd burst into spontaneous applause to bid farewell to the Holy Father.

The Pope’s impact was a central theme in many ceremonies worldwide, including reactions at St. Mary’s University from those who joined in the mourning of the Pope’s death and celebration of his life. “[Pope John Paul II] made us think and look deep within ourselves, and called us into the culture of light,” Rev. Kip Stander, S.M., said in a mass dedicated to the Pope last week. “He was a consistent man in his way of life and his lectures.”

The Rev. Terry Weik, S.M., met the Pontiff in Philadelphia in 1979 and again in January 2005 at the Pope’s last weekly audience before entering the hospital in February. A remembrance of his first meeting, two rosaries in a box with his coat of arms, is on display at the Guadalupe Chapel. “[I felt] saddened on one hand, and on the other not shocked, because we were given time to expect his death,” Weik said.

“We were at the Vatican on January 26 celebrating the 25th anniversary of our ordinance. He looked and sounded very frail but it was clear his mind was sharp.”

Students of all faiths have shown respect for the Vicar of Christ by leaving

comments in the books for this purpose at both campus chapels. “[His death] is devastating for all of us,” junior Crystal Valencia said. “He did so much for the church and was a true leader in the Catholic faith.”

Pope John Paul II was born in Poland in 1920 as Karol Wojtyla. He was elected Pope in 1978, the first non-Italian in nearly five centuries to be elected as the head of the Catholic Church.

“He was a complex man,” Weik said.

“He was conservative and traditional in many ways but when it came to social aspects he was liberal and prophetic and this disturbed many wealthy, powerful people.”

Some of the liberal topics the Pope addressed during his era include abortion, homosexuality, capital exploitation, the death penalty, and communism. Although the specifics about his assassination attempt in 1981 have never been revealed, many claim that it was a conspiracy planned by those who opposed his views.

Perhaps the Pope’s most notable deed, scholars say, was reaching out to the Jewish and Islamic faiths. He expressed compassion and encouraged a brotherly relationship with Jews while also supporting the rights of Palestinians.

Cont. on PG 2, SEE “POPE”

Distinguished leaders recognized tonight

.. .

By VALERIE CHAVEZ STAFF WRITER

The presentation of medals to 14 Presidential Award winners by President Charles Cotrell, Ph.D., highlights the 11th annual Distinguished Leaders ceremony to be held April 13 in the University Center.

“The cornerstones of the award are leadership, academics, and service,” said Associate Dean of Students Rosalind Alderman, who took part in the selection committee. “We look in-depth at the effort students have made in those areas.”

Only 14 Presidential Award winners are chosen from almost 100 nominated students in order

to “keep it an honor,” coordinators said.

Recipients also have their pictures displayed in front of the Student Life Office, under the title “Presidential Awards.”

“This is neat because a lot of [award winners] say ‘I’ve seen that since my freshman year and it really meant a lot’,” Alderman said.

Presidential Award winner and English/communication arts major Vanessa Cobarrubias wholeheartedly agrees.

“I wanted to make my experience at St. Mary’s as fulfilling as I could and felt I had to be a part of different aspects of the university to completely understand the meaning behind a St. Mary’s University education,”

INSIDE...

Cobarrubias said.

Cobarrubias is a Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority member, President’s Ambassador, and serves on the Code Blue Dance Team, choir, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Emerging Leaders, and 2005 Miss Fiesta 1st runner up.

Other awards presented the night of the ceremony, such as Student Orientation Assistant of the Year, Resident Assistant of the Year, Advisor of the Year, and Program of the Year, are secret until the event.

Alderman encourages students to attend in support of the leaders who shape their campus life. The two-hour event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. in University Center Conference Room A.

2005 PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS Trey S. Clark Accounting

Vanessa N. Cobarrubias English Communication Arts David C. Courreges Law/Public Administration

Carlos E. Cuellar Political Science/Business and Administration

St. Mary’s students last week cast 886 votes for the Student Government Association (SGA) elections for the 2005-2006 term, the most ever in the school history, SGA officials said Friday.

Senior Alan Perez, chair of the SGA Elections Committee, predicted the outcome, primarily attributing it to the interest over a race that saw all but one of the SGA positions up for grabs, also a rare feat in St. Mary’s SGA history.

SGA reported last year voter turnout was 600 out of an eligible estimate of 2,500 students, and that was up by almost 200 from the previous election in 2003. But this year breaks all known records under the banner of an intense two-week presidential and vice presidential campaign.

The president-vice president team ticket saw junior Matt Jones and senior Ignacio “Nacho” Martinez win over the junior Arthur Bryan II-sophomore Trey Cooper duo.

Jones and Martinez said they attribute the success of their campaign to a grassroots approach and campaigning on what they deem “attainable not ambitious” projects.

“The most important thing was the contact with the students face-to-face,” Martinez said. “The work starts today.”

Jones said he will lead SGA to work on special projects such as the creation of an Internet radio station and a study abroad fund, as well as managing all the standard SGA business, like appointing new committee chairs and representing the school at events.

“A key order of business is making students feel more connected with SGA,” Jones said. “We want to get as much done so that the next administration after us can pick up where we leave off.”

The main campaign difference for Cont. on PG 3, SEE “JONES”

Erin Freasier Accounting

Kristal R. Garcia English Communication Arts

Christina D. Garcia Political Science/Speech Communications

mtvU meets StMU Get ready for the Campus Invasion Tour ‘05, starring Muse and Razorlight.

Page 9

Michelle S. Gonzales Corporate Finance Luis R. Guerra Theology/Business Administration Tanya Matar International Relations/Art David E. Ramirez Human Resources Management Samantha Scrivener International Relations/Spanish Valeree Villanueva Political Science Christine Zaruba Physics/Chemistry/Math

FIESTA OYSTER BAKE Annual event on campus this week, Friday and Saturday April 15-16.

Pre-sale tickets on sale at University Bookstore.

Visit www.oysterbake.com for more information.

Golf matriarch leaving CLASS DAYS LEFT Cindy Krause rumored to be fired as head women’s golf coach.

Page 15

12

$1322/month to start then $1461/month after 6 month probation 10% differential for working 2 pm to 10:30 pm shift

Consider Gold Star Professional Offices April 13, 2005, p. 7 Offering Executive Office Suites and Virtual Office Plans

Press Club opened the competition to a single overall category for college media, with St. Mary’s student newspaper beating out all national applicants regardless of size in staff, publication, or budget.

The Rattler staff was particularly pleased.

“I think it just shows a lot of character and talent from members of staff, especially considering we don’t have a journalism department or formal faculty advisor,” said Sports Editor Chad Peters, who won four TIPA prizes for sports writing and sports page design. “I think we [The Rattler staff] are all able to work well together and compliment each other’s abilities to form what has become one of the premiere papers in the nation.”

what to seen as “normal”.

parents were women, the girl was originally penalized for speaking

Editor-In-Chief Francisco Vara-Orta Managing Editor Laura E. Hall

Assistant Ad Manager Nancy Martinez Webmaster David N. Garza

Layout/Design Manager Denise M. Salinas Copy Editor Ana Ramirez News Editor Valarie Geckler Features Editor Carla E. Aguilar Commentary Editor Kavita Bhalla Entertainment Editor & Cartoonist Chuck Kerr Sports Editor Chad Peters Photo Editor Angelique Chavarria Assistant Photo Editors Selina Madrid Giovanna Alanis Advertising Manager Pedro Nieto

Faculty Advisor Cynthia Olvera Staff Contact Patricia R. Garcia

discrimination. are all friends, so we have fun The Republican-led House well,” Jones said. approved the amendment to HR Bill 2123, which lets churches and other faith-based preschool centers hire only people who share their Editor-In-Chief religion, yet Francisco still receive federal Vara-Orta tax dollars. Managing Editor DelAssociated Valle According Diana to the Layout/Design Manager Press, Democrats blasted the idea Denise M. Salinas as “discriminatory.”

Copy Editor E. Hallman Founded Caroline in 1965 during News Editor President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War Valarie Geckler on Poverty, the nearly $7 billion Features Editor Carla E. Aguilar Head Start program provides Commentary comprehensive educationEditor to more Kavita Bhalla than 900,000Entertainment low-income Editor children before they enter kindergarten & Cartoonist across the nation.Chuck Kerr Sports Editor Though credited for getting Tim Hennessey kids ready for school, Head Start Photo Editor Angelique Chavarria has drawn scrutiny as cases of Assistantand Photoquestions Editors financial waste Selina Madrid about academic quality have Advertising Manager surfaced throughout U.S. and Pedrothe Nieto

Standards The Rattler upholds the Mission Statement of St. Mary’s University. The publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook guidelines and the Student Publications policy.

The Rattler is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

Contact Us The Rattler • St. Mary’s University •One Camino Santa Maria Box 83 • San Antonio, TX 78228 •(210) 436-3401 • FAX: (210) 431-4307 •rattlernews@stmarytx.edu

Commentary

april 5, 2006

The Rattler October 5, 2005

udent loans The Rattler

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Rattler

First place winner for “Distinguished College Journalism” at the Press Club’s 2005 National Headliner Awards

The Rattler

Vol. 93, Issue 1

Wednesday

September 21, 2005 Vol. 93, Issue 2

Creating a legacy by building a community

Law school improves

Vol. 93, Issue 3

KATRINA

ered by up to 25 feet of water.

Though a majority of the city fled, hundreds of thousands either unable or unwilling to leave New Orleans found themselves trapped without transportation, electricity, running water or food.

Sutton was upset that so many people were still trapped in New Orleans without any resources.

“I am basically outraged,” Sutton said.

“Not for my family... they are all alive and there’s property damage, sure, but that can be replaced. There are so many people without food and water. They think they’re forgotten; it’s very disheartening.”

Jessica Lozano, another native San Anto-

nian and junior at Loyola, knew the city was under evacuation Aug. 27 (evacuation was not mandatory until Aug. 28, the day Katrina hit) but she still had planned to move into her dorm on campus.

“Everyone thought this would just be another scare like Hurricane Ivan last year,” Lozano said.

Ivan, also a category five storm, was predicted to be fatal to New Orleans and led to evacuations but was not as devastating as forecasters had feared.

For Lozano, Katrina was different.

“I didn’t even take my stuff out [of my

on not the solution.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2, SEE “NATION”

Administration hoping to finish raising $1 million soon.

By LAURA E. HALL MANAGING EDITOR

Within just one semester, the $1 million Bell Tower Project will complete its fundraising efforts and begin construction on the St. Mary’s University campus.

Coordinators say the 100foot tower “will be a symbol of our rich history and Marianist traditions.”

The tower will represent a convergence of many themes that are central to the university and its Marianist heritage.

“I think a bell tower to a university is similar to what a plaza is to a Latin American town,” said St. Mary’s President Charles Cotrell, PhD. “It has the same symbolism in music, architectural style and as a human gathering place that inspires community.”

“They are daily reminders… in its chiming of certain things, values of the campus,” he added. “For example, at St. Mary’s, everything from ‘The Bells of St. Mary’s’ (the university’s school song) to the three o’clock prayer hour are things that bells can symbolically remind us of.”

The tower will be located in the center of the university. The area to be converted includes the space between the Quadrangle, Reinbolt Hall and Louis J. Blume library.

“All paths will reach this open space, leading to the bell tower,” said Thomas Galvin, vice president of University Advancement.

The area around and under the bell tower will also provide a new campus meeting space, reflecting St. Mary’s emphasis on community.

“One of the reasons why this is so important to the campus

is that this will be a gathering place. It’s a key to our mission, and the Marianist charism,” Galvin said. “It ties in with [the] Gateway [Project]. It will really energize campus life.”

The bell tower’s architecture also represents a joining of visual elements of the campus, combining aspects from older and new buildings as well as establishing several new features to distinguish its structure.

The architect responsible for its design, Jerry Theis, also worked on the campus SBC Center and the addition to Chaminade Tower.

Cotrell said St. Mary’s leadership saw the construction as a paramount to solidifying campus identity and establishing new traditions.

“First, bell towers are complementary symbols if made in similar character to the design of the campus it’s on,” Cotrell said. “Second, it connotates the university world and the university experience.”

A bell tower was first proposed in 1965, when Fr. Blume envisioned a campus with 6,000 total students. The tower was the capital project; also included in his designs were plans for the residence halls and what later became the Academic Alumni and Convocation Center.

The project was discussed again in 1985, but because of funding it was displaced. Finally, the project was started this year when the university received a directed donation of $500,000 from StMU alumnus and Board of Trustees member Charles Barrett and his wife Melissa.

“It’s amazing,” Galvin said.

“Here we are, 35 years later, seeing [Blume’s] plans realized.”

The tower will be named for him, and stands in honor of Barett’s mother, and his son who passed away two years ago at the age of 36.

Other donors include corporations, community leaders and alumni and friends.

All funds that support the Bell Tower Project come from private donations, so far totaling $757,000.

Officials expect to have the full amount of $1 million by December of this year, and estimate that construction will begin in late January.

The project is not financially connected to the university’s recent revitalization and beautification efforts, but the project’s goals and designs are hand in hand, Galvin said.

By FRANCISCO VARA-ORTA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Editor’s note: As part one of a six part series this fall semester, The Rattler will be examining how Vision 2006 has impacted the university in the past five years and shaped the direction of St. Mary’s in the 21st century.

As St. Mary’s University entered the 21st century, then-newly appointed university president Charles Cotrell, Ph.D., formulated a vision The that would take the school he’d been road affiliated with since his freshman to year in 1958 into a new chapter in its 150-year history.

The result became known as the “Vision 2006” plan and has been part of the university mission since early 2001 when it was unveiled.

In a recent two-hour sit-down interview, Cotrell frankly admitted that while the core of his vision has

Vision 2006

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3, SEE “ESTABLISHING”

No theft involved in campus Web site hack

By VALARIE GECKLER NEWS EDITOR

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4, SEE “WAVE”

Scrimmaging to win

Immersed within

Students share their lifealtering experience in southern Mexico.

Page 5

Editor’s note: As part two of a six part series this fall semester, The Rattler will be examining how Vision 2006 has impacted the university in the past five years and shaped the direction of St. Mary’s University in the 21st century.

Just one look at the front of the campus today shows how Vision 2006 changed the face of St. Mary’s University.

University President Charles Cotrell, Ph.D., wrote in his Vision 2006 plan that his administration wanted to “improve the appearance of the campus so it is attractive and safe for students, parents and the community.”

The decision to push donors to help fund the Historic Gateway to St. Mary’s Project, known as the Gateway project, drew criticism from students who cited various academic and extracurricular departments were dealing with budget reductions at the same time of the Gateway construction last year.

According to Rebeckah J. Day, vice president of administration and finance, the project has remained within budget and zero tuition dollars have contributed to the $4 million privately funded campaign.

“The Gateway project provided a parklike setting that will be enjoyed by students, faculty, staff, visitors, and the surrounding neighborhood for many years to come,” Day wrote in an e-mail statement.

Today, the two-phase project is near completion as the back entrance on 36th Street receives new fencing and St. Mary’s sign.

Despite any criticism, Cotrell stands proudly by the campus facelift project.

“First impressions can be very compelling,” Cotrell said in a recent interview. “[The Gateway project] was a part of what you call building strong infrastructure.”

Other major community building goals included improving campus communication, enhancing student involvement and

The road to

Vision 2006

Continued on PAGE 2, SEE “VISION”

Anyone who tried to access the St. Mary’s University Internet homepage late on Aug. 4 found the normal content replaced with a white screen reading simply, “Outlaw Group 2005.”

Discovered early the next morning, Information Technology Services (ITS) removed the server compromised by hackers and restored the original content on a secure server.

The breached server was not related to any database servers connected to the registrar or business office and no secure information was exposed.

“In [this] particular case it was not about taking data,” said Louisa Martin, interim executive director for ITS. “It was one of those ‘I want to break in and let you know you’re vulnerable cases.”

Men’s soccer kicks off season into a winning goal.

Page 15

By FRANCISCO VARA-ORTA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Class Days Left

By CAROLINE E. HALLMAN STAFF WRITER

Average bar passage rates and GPAs rise as does construction and donations.

By KAVITA BHALLA COMMENTARY EDITOR

To support and cultivate the future of St. Mary’s University Law School and its students, including the current first-year class who boast some of the highest GPAs and LSATs in recent history, several additions and changes are being made to the law school campus.

Supporting an encouraging 3.15 median GPA and an LSAT score of a 154, the entering class is a .10-point above the class prior to theirs. Minority students make up 32 percent of the first year’s class, which is up more than 25 percent from the year before. This year’s class is 56 percent male PHOTO BY VALARIE GECKLER and 44 percent female.

“It feels good to know that our scores are The Raba Law building’s construction is projected to be finished this month. high and competitive,” said Kristen Lee, a is getting to succeed from the law school class’ higher scores, “but now everyone is first-year law student. “We want help to faculty, administration and the majority of being so helpful.”

Nathan Schwarz, a first-year law older students. build the reputation of the law school.”

“At first some of the older students were Lee has been overwhelmed with the amount of support and encouragement she a little resentful,” Lee said, referring to her Continued on PAGE 3, SEE “IMPROVEMENTS”

Hurricane relief efforts need boost

By AMANDA SOTO STAFF WRITER

last Thursday in the University Center, attended by only a handAs rebuilding occurs along the ful of students. “Not much can be done easily [by students] exGulf Coast after two major cept fundraising.” hurricanes struck it in the Dean of Students Karen past four weeks, student life Johnson added that students officials stressed the imporcan volunteer at various sheltance of not letting efforts deteriorate on campus.

Hurricane ters in San Antonio, now one of the largest port of evacuees “Hurricane Rita is worse nationally post-Rita. Accordthan a lot of people know,” said Associate Dean of Students ing to the Red Cross, there were Rosalind Alderman at a meeting about 4,700 people in the shelters

RELIEF

as of last week, with nearly 2,500 of those attributed to Rita.

Four primary shelters have been operating in San Antonio for a month after nearly 13,000 people evacuated here from New Orleans in the days following Hurricane Katrina, which ravaged the central Gulf Coast on Aug. 28.

The number of people staying at the shelters — two at KellyUSA, the former Levi Strauss factory and the former Montgom-

ery Ward’s store at the Windsor Park Mall — had been dropping steadily in the weeks after Katrina hit. The numbers increased again two weeks around the time Rita slammed into the Texas-Louisiana border on Sept. 24, the San Antonio Express-News reported last week.

The death toll from Hurricane Rita’s assault on Texas has risen to about 100, but most of the victims died before the hurricane struck, either while preparing for the

PHOTO BY LAURA E. HALL

By FRANCISCO VARA-ORTA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTO BY ANA LOPEZ

sor of finance; Daniel Thompson, Ph.D., theology department chair; and Alejandro Velez, Ph.D., professor of economics.

Hardin was a resident of New Orleans for 18 years.

According to Kerr, the cost of Hurricane Katrina will surpass Hurricane Andrew, previously the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history. He estimates $35 billion solely in insured damages.

There is no telling how high that

The fall 2006 semester for residents of Chaminade Hall and Leies Hall promises free washers and dryers and a switch of the resident populations, in addition to a slight increase in room rates for some residents, Residence Life officials confirmed last week.

Ann Karam, Associate Director of Residence Life Operations and Facilities, said that free laundry was made possible by the reallocation of Cont. on PG 4, SEE “RES LIFE”

Rev. Rudy Vela, S.M., reads prayers to 50 university community and neighborhood pet owners who brought pets to be blessed last Saturday morning as part of University Ministry’s celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. The first-ever blessing was held at the university fountain in front of St. Louis Hall.

hurricane] have terrible pictures in their heads of death and deThree weeks since Hurricane struction,” said Barbara Hardin, Ph.D., director of the CounKatrina devastated the Gulf seling and Testing Center, Coast of Louisiana, Missisat a panel discussion on sippi and Alabama leaving Sept. 8, titled “The Effects thousands homeless, rescue of Hurricane Katrina: A teams were still finding a handful of survivors in the Hurricane Community Response.”

Along with Hardin, panflooded streets of New Or- KATRINA elists included Andy Hill, leans and retrieving deaddirector of the Service Learning bodies in the affected areas.

“People who lingered [after the Center; Dana Kerr, Ph.D., profes-

Continued on PAGE 3, SEE “CAMPUS”

By KRISTEN FLORES STAFF WRITER

By CARLA AGUILAR FEATURES EDITOR

GOALIE SAVES RATTLERS

Rattlers goalkeeper sophomore Steven Michael’s save in the second half sparked St. Mary’s first win of the season, defeating Missouri Southern, 2-1, after freshman midfielder Austin Whiles failed to connect the shot. After the Rattlers’ rough 0-3 start, head coach

storm or fleeing from it, authorities told the Associated Press last Thursday.

Officials in Louisiana said the death toll resulting from Hurricane Katrina might reach 1,000 this week.

Johnson e-mailed the student body last week encouraging them to register with San Antonio Area Volunteer Organizations Active in

BLESSED ARE THE ANIMALS

Que Willis said Michael’s defensive play gave the team confidence to pull away with the win. The teams were locked in a defensive struggle until sophomore forward Scott Kilpatrick connected on a game-winning shot in the second half. Story on PAGE 14

number would be if uninsured damages could be gauged.

Evacuees have begun to move out of shelters in various cities across the nation, including San Antonio, which started with 13,000 evacuees divided among three shelters. As of last week there were 4,000 people remaining in San Antonio shelters.

Federal and local government Continued on PG 4, SEE “HURRICANE”

DONATIONS FOR SURVIVORS Clothing Salvation Army (210) 352-2000 Food San Antonio Food Bank (210) 337-3663 Pet Food San Antonio Humane Society (210) 226-7461 ext. 121

All locations accept cash donations

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

The American Red Cross 3642 E. Houston Street San Antonio, TX 78219 Call 211 for information • Currently recruiting volunteers for six hour shifts • Volunteers must be 18 or older

In a career daze

Julieta-palooza

Career Services Center helps students get an early professional start.

Page 7

Latin Grammy pop/rock star headlines local college concert fest.

Page 10

Class Days Left

Editor’s note: As part three of a six part series this fall semester, The Rattler will be examining how Vision 2006 has impacted the university in the past five years and shaped the direction of St. Mary’s University in the 21st century.

Revision of the core curriculum, establishment of the 21st Century Leadership Center, internationalizing St. Mary’s University and improving law school bar passage rates form the heart of the academic excellence University President Charles Cotrell, Ph.D., called for in Vision 2006.

“A goal of academic excellence is not easy to achieve or sustain,” Cotrell wrote in Vision 2006, authored five years ago. “If we aspire to academic excellence, then we must consider these characteristics as we build on St. Mary’s reputation of quality.”

Now as university president, Cotrell is overseeing the core curriculum revision 20 years after the last major changes were made in the mid-1980s, when he

The road to

Vision 2006

250

The struggle of attaining diplomacy in the Americas, a region where political corruption has made it difficult for democracy to thrive, was addressed by former U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua Oliver P. Garza at a lecture last Thursday at St. Mary’s University.

The “Diplomacy in the Americas” lecture was sponsored by Student Voice, a newly formed group with the mission of spreading awareness on national and international issues.

President of Student Voice Jose Frech decided to invite Garza, a St. Mary’s alumnus, to speak on campus in an effort to expose students to the realities of his native land.

“Nicaragua is not a poor country,” said Frech. “It is a country that has been impov-

PHOTO BY VALERIE CHAVEZ

Former U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua Oliver Garza discussed anti-corruption efforts.

erished by corrupt government officials who only enter the government to satisfy their own personal interests.”

Garza, who considers diplomacy in Latin American countries to be a complex issue and a complex Continued on PG 4, SEE “AMBASSADOR”

St. Mary’s students abroad per academic year

200

Number of Students

to classify hurricane intensity, stormed through the Gulf Coast, hitting Louisiana On Saturday, Aug. 27, San Antonio na- and Mississippi, killing estimated hundreds, potentially thousands of people. tive Brandon Sutton had successPreliminary estimates put the fully moved into his dorm at Loyola dollar amount of damage between University New Orleans and was 20 to 100 dollars, possibly making looking forward to his first year of Katrina the most expensive natural college in The Big Easy. disaster in United States history.

Just 24 hours later on Sunday, The situation in New Orleans, the 160 mph winds and inevitable flooding from Hurricane Katrina Hurricane a city particularly prone to flooding due to geography, became even forced Sutton and 12 family memmore dire when the levee system bers and friends as well as nearly a failed to prevent water from filling the city, million New Orleans citizens to evacuate.

Katrina, a category five hurricane, the thus inundating New Orleans.

Parts of the city were reported to be covstrongest on the Saffir-Simpson Scale used

150

By LAURA E. HALL MANAGING EDITOR

100

served as Vice President of Academic Affairs, a position charged with directly redesigning the curriculum.

Today, in Cotrell’s old shoes is vice president of Academic Affairs David Manuel, Ph.D., who formed a committee to explore what changes should be implemented to the core.

“As we continue in this process this year, we are

The recent rape of a University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) student in her dormitory reminds the university community that violence against women on college campuses is a constant concern.

A warning informing students of the rape was issued last week to UTSA students who live on the campus located in North San Antonio, prompting campus officials both at UTSA and St. Mary’s University to stress ways to possibly prevent rape and other acts of violence against women.

The St. Mary’s police department offers Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) courses, a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women.

According to the website, RAD “is a comprehensive, women-

Continued on PAGE 2, SEE “CORE”

Continued on PAGE 4, SEE “VIOLENCE”

50 0

1998-1999 1999-2000

2000-2001

2001-2002

2002-2003

2003-2004

2004-2005

Year

SOURCE: Office of International Education

2005-2006 (PROJECTED)

GRAPHIC BY DENISE M. SALINAS

Happy 25th, LAC!

Four times a charm

The Learning Assistance Center celebrates silver anniversary of tutoring.

Page 6

Men’s soccer overcomes past challenges to win four games straight.

Page 15

PHOTO BY ANGELIQUE CHAVARRIA

Margaret Girela, 70, looks at the Chaminade Apartments building where she’s lived for 14 years.

Cont. on PG 4, SEE “FATE”

Class Days Left

St. Mary’s education department, said the school council asked itself if the area could provide a population to feed the school because “as neighborhoods change, so must the institutions that serve them.”

The school council found that large parts of Holy Rosary’s target students and families are relocating to the sub-

urbs and attending schools near their new residences, causing a decline in private school enrollment, usually located in inner-city areas.

It’s a trend cited in many of the archdiocese’s decisions to close its schools since the archdiocese and former Archbishop Patrick Flores established a task force in the 1990s

Read about the greatest graphic novels in recent years, such as Blankets.

Page 9

By KIMBERLY VELA STAFF WRITER

Rodents infiltrated the cafeteria in mid-March through pipes and conduit coring under the University Center, prompting Physical Plant to contract pest control services, campus officials confirmed last week. “[The pest control] technician used his expertise to examine entry points, noticing the travel routes as indicated by grease markings,” Facilities Administrator for Physical Plant Bill Tam stated through e-mail. “[To fix the problem], he suggested tree trimming of branches and recommended limit-

ing the growth of bushes around the building.”

According to Tam, Physical Plant has set liquid bait and snap traps to catch the rodents and blocked the entry points with steel wool and expansion foam.

Chief of Staff and Communications Dianne Pipes confirmed that the Bell Tower construction has made handling the rats difficult.

“Anytime there is construction, problems like this can be stirred up,” Pipes said. “[This kind of problem is one] that they (Physical Plant) act on immediately, but it takes a little time to cover everything that needs to be covered.”

First-year Psychology major Katie O’Donnell noticed a rat crawling high above one of the registers in the cafeteria about a month ago.

According to O’Donnell, after she notified the staff, the problem was taken care of almost immediately.

“I heard that the exterminator came in and took care of the problem, which makes me feel better,” O’Donnell said. “I have not seen any more mice, and I have seen [the staff] cleaning more, but I still think about [the rat] every time I eat [in the cafeteria].”

For students worried about the situation, Tam acknowledges that rodents and other pests on

PHOTO BY DANNY CHARBEL

Immigration was a dominant theme throughout last month’s Cesar Chavez March held in downtown S.A.

Campus panel debates U.S. immigration policy today.

By FRANCISCO VARA-ORTA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Students interested in stirring the melting pot of debate over immigration and border security will get their opportunity to discuss and ask questions about the hot-button issue at a panel on campus today.

“We are trying to create awareness among students about how immigration is an important issue to the entire community,” said Jose Frech, president of the Student Voice Coalition, a student-run civic engagement organization. “Immigration affects all of us living in the United States directly and indirectly and merits students’ attention.”

Named after a controversial part of a U.S. House bill that would construct a wall on the U.S-Mexico border, “The Wall” panel discussion, sponsored by the Student Voice Coalition, the Mexican Student Association and the

PHOTO BY KIRAN BAINS

Women in Bangladesh meet to pay off loans they acquired as part of a woman’s development group struggling to turn the tide against the rampant illiteracy and poverty in the developing South Asian nation. To read one student’s experience during her three month internship with a non-governmental organization, see story “Student brings piece of Bangladesh back home” on page 5.

A novel idea

Rodent problems surface in facilities

Cont. on PG 3, SEE “HOLY”

UP-CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH BANGLADESH’S GROWING ECONOMY

By FRANCISCO VARA-ORTA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Down the street behind St. Mary’s campus and tucked away in an aging, grey-tinged apartment complex office, Alma Gonzales toils away on tenants’ applications one late Wednesday evening hoping to somehow employ the values of the Marianists rooted in her apartments’ property.

“The children here are our future and they need a decent place to live,” Gonzales said in an interview last week, lifting her tired eyes up from the pile of 20 freshly-approved resident applications, most of which are from families. “If we didn’t have this apartment complex there would be a lot of vulnerable people and families out on the streets. They have dignity, too.”

When Gonzales finishes her paperwork this week, Chaminade Apartments, located at the corner of Hillcrest and Cheryl Drive, will once again reach its maximum occupancy of 200 units filled, just as the complex did when it officially opened in 1972.

Chaminade Apartments are the fruit of a contract forged by St. Mary’s leadership to help Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provide affordable housing for low-income families in the university’s neighborhood.

The contract, named the Chaminade Apartment

PHOTO BY NATALIE ANNE AVITUA

Students and their parents gather together in the soon-to-be empty halls of Holy Rosary School, located a block down the street at the St. Mary’s main entrance on Camino Santa Maria.

to assess students’ needs.

When the new school year began in August 2005, Holy Rosary’s principal, Sister Gretchen Trautman, immediately knew the school was in danger when she saw enrollment was so low.

“When you see just 116 students [attending the school], you see that you can’t make the budget,” Trautman said.

Despite efforts to keep the school open through fundraising, advertisement and parental involvement, the closure appeared inevitable months ago.

“We really did a lot”, Trautman said. “We tried to do everything.”

The Archdiocesan Catholic Schools’ Council, the Catholic School Office, Archbishop Jose Gomez, Holy Rosary’s next-door parish council, Holy Rosary’s faculty and administration, and the parents of Holy Rosary students had discussions concerning the school’s future throughout the past academic year.

The school council explored three options for Holy Rosary: fight to maintain its current enrollment, reconfigure the school by combining grade levels and limiting some programs, or closing.

Rattlers in playoffs

Men’s and women’s basketball sweep St. Edward’s in double-header.

Page 15

Class Days Left

Mexican-American Studies program, will be held at 6 p.m. today in the SBC Center for Information Technology in room 108.

“The panel takes no official stance and will be open to both sides,” Frech said, alluding to perceptions that South Texas area immigrant debates lean overwhelmingly pro-immigrant.

The panel will address recent laws proposed in the U.S. House and Senate on immigration and border security reform with discussion led by panelists Professor of History Gerald Poyo, Ph. D., Professor of Political Science Sonia Garcia, Ph.D., and University of Texas at El Paso Political Science Professor Tony Payan, Ph.D. Poyo said that although immigration is one of the hottest topics in an election year for many areas in the United States along the U.S. borders, the same arguments against Cont. on PG 4, SEE “IMMIGRATION”

“Because of [Perry’s] failed leadership, our state is divided. It’s time for Texans to take Texas back. Perry’s promised a brutal, bloody campaign, and I say, ‘bring it on;’ it’s one promise I’ll know he’ll keep.”

- State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn

“If the university just came out and would tell us about the measures they are taking [to fix the problem], then people could feel a little more at ease about it.”

- Freshman Katie O’Donnell

campus is not unusual because these animals are attracted to food sources. He encouraged students to keep the campus clean to help remedy the situation.

When there is a problem like rats on campus, O’Donnell said she thinks students deserve to know that the university is working on a solution.

“If the university just came

out and would tell us about the measures they are taking [to fix the problem], then people could feel a little more at ease about it,” O’Donnell said. “If they were up front [about the issue], I’d feel more comfortable eating in the [cafeteria] later on because I’d know that something was being done.”

By KIMBERLY VELA STAFF WRITER

sororities, not including social sororities. Gonzales said she believes that it is the job of the council to help change and develop the reputation that sororities have.

“There hasn’t been any changing of the rules [through the CPC], but what we are trying to do is change attitudes. We want to help make the girls realize that what they do actually does affect the image of the [whole sorority],” Gonzales said. “We want them to be conscientious of what they do and we want other people to know that we (many of the different sororities) do work together and don’t hate each other.”

The CPC contains a delegate, a chair and a member from each of the sororities it governs. By having a member from each of the different chapters, the council is able to make changes internally for the separate sororities.

President of the St. Mary’s University chapter of the Collegiate Panhellenic Council (CPC) Sarah Gonzales wants to change the image that the public has of sorority women.

A member of Alpha Sigma Tau and delegate on the CPC board for the past two years, Gonzales has a vision for what the image of sorority women should be.

“I’ve always wanted a positive image for the sororities. People who aren’t Greek seem to have a negative image of Greeks. They think: ‘[Greeks] pay for their friends and all [Greeks] do is go party.’ People automatically assume the worst, but it’s just not true,” said Gonzales, a senior and biochemistry major.

The council, which encompasses Alpha Sigma Tau, Alpha Phi, Delta Zeta and Tri-Sigma, is the governing body for national

Wednesday April 19, 2006 Vol. 93, Issue 11

www.stmarytx.edu/rattler

community realize the need for mercy and forgiveness. It is not merciful to confirm my neighbor Sororities looking to in sin. The Church welcomes all revamp public image sinners because we are all sinners in need of redemption. Sin entitles us all the more tothe God’s Where’s border?mercy and redemption. Stop promoting sin and start promoting mercy and truth.

For40 detailed reasons why 19 INSIDE... the Catholic Church says no to contraception, read Humanae Vitae

by Pope Paul VI or The Theology of

Its closure marks the fifth local Catholic school axed during the past decade.

The rising tide of woes for local Catholic education washed up on St. Mary’s shore with last week’s announcement by the Archdiocese of San Antonio that neighboring Holy Rosary Elementary School will shut its doors this May after almost sixty years of service.

Due to a steady decline in enrollment over the past few years, the private elementary school, located at the corner of Culebra Road and Camino Santa Maria, didn’t have the financial resources to sustain itself, and will close permanently on May 26, school officials said.

Rev. Richard Wosman, S.M., president of the Archdiocesan Catholic Schools’ Council, which oversees the Catholic schools in the area, explained that the changing demographic of the surrounding neighborhood was a major factor.

“The residents of the area have aged,” Wosman said.

“Their children have moved to other neighborhoods/parishes. Many of the homes have become rental property, indicating a more fluid population than when homes were owned by the residents.”

Wosman, who teaches in

Named first place champion in collegiate journalism by the 2006 Texas Intercollegiate Press Association

Wednesday April 5, 2006 Vol. 93, Issue 10

www.stmarytx.edu/rattler

Holy Rosary shuts its doors

By DIANA DEL VALLE MANAGING EDITOR

The Rattler

First place winner for “Distinguished College Journalism” at the Press Club’s 2005 National Headliner Awards

Wednesday March 1, 2006 Vol. 93, Issue 9

www.stmarytx.edu/rattler

Changes set for residence halls in 06-07

Mary’s opens arms to Katrina victims raception St.idea not agreed years of celibacy, I don’t think this reasoning is that Church by all in StMU community. abstinence is a “fantasy”. If doctrine comes from Christ, Truth Nicaragua faces Truth, though, 14:6).

Miss Martin wants to advocate itself (John challenges in Bell tower’s first toll months away Cotrell nears the democracy end of the road chosen.Chaminade Why follow contraception, then let her do it must be freely Editor, Apartments to Vision 2006 in demand he Rattler upholds the in the “public” papers, but not in anything but the truth? That is not l over home and save a couple million dollars that to say other religions have no truth, on statement of St. Mary’s ours! have could go into paying some of the deficit instead Academic (they excellence do), fuels but the Catholic Church ersity.” If that’s the case, drive behind Vision 2006 ve to of having to dig into student loans. rape still a proclaimsCampus for centuries that it a Marin’s recent article has Thank you, problem nationwide If proper procedures would have been taken mind Katrina’s impact makes wavesS.M. three weeks later has the fullness of the truth. The Bro. Robert Wood, ace in it. to evacuate all of southern Louisiana before truth will set you free! Plus, truth s undoubtedly true that not ? Are Hurricane Katrina hit, we would not have had toINSIDE... just Church Dear Editor, one is Catholic, but this 44 54 INSIDE...cannot be confined spend $11 billion. 63 INSIDE... n cut toINSIDE...

In response to the contraception doctrine. Truth is universal with ersity is, and we follow and You can do your part by contacting your e and e to the Magisterium of article printed in your last issue of or without Church doctrine. senators and letting them know how not having 109 The author was right when Church and, consequently The Rattler, I was shocked to read e, do those loans has affected you. Contact financial

By VALERIE CHAVEZ & VALARIE GECKLER STAFF WRITER & NEWS EDITOR

The Rattler

First place winner for “Distinguished College Journalism” at the Press Club’s 2005 National Headliner Awards

Wednesday

October 5, 2005

www.stmarytx.edu/rattler

www.stmarytx.edu/rattler

www.stmarytx.edu/rattler

“It is just so hard to believe New Orleans looks like a third world country.”- Jessica Lozano, Junior, Loyola University New Orleans

The Rattler

First place winner for “Distinguished College Journalism” at the Press Club’s 2005 National Headliner Awards

First place winner for “Distinguished College Journalism” at the Press Club’s 2005 National Headliner Awards

Wednesday

September 7, 2005

children.

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Staff Contact Patricia R. Garcia Ang amend Yet, before the House voted the Los Ant on the religion-based hiring is Sanimper Standards spot.

In amendment the bill, the dispute The Rattler to upholds the Mission Statement organization St. Mary’s University.

The publication same on civil the l overofreligion eroded the bipartisan follows the Canons of Responsible worse (o support for Head Start’s Press renewal.

Journalism, the Associated Stylebook federal progr With guidelines andinitially the Student Publications If this atti The House passed the policy. target t bill The 231-184; 23 of Democrats Rattler isonly a member the Associated in federally fu laws aga Collegiate Press, the Scholastic many talent voted for it. When theColumbia amendment Association, the Society of Anto and San cultured wasPress added on, only 10 Democrats Professional Journalists, and the Texas difficult voted for it, Press leaving the final shut out of Intercollegiate Association.

Grant mi House vote on Contact the bill Us at 220-196, students’ out to The Rattler • St. Mary’s University •One their family’t mainly along party lines.

Camino Santa Maria Box 83 • San Antonio, Katrina a While the squabbling goes TX 78228 •(210) 436-3401 • FAX: (210) worsening c of of famil •rattlernews@stmarytx.edu inte on to 431-4307 the Senate, the bill further an age

Cont. on PG 4, SEE “WOMEN”

Focus on South Asia

Going International

Women’s History Month panel discussed issues in the region.

Page 6

FIBA Basketball Tournament comes to St. Mary’s this summer.

Page 14

Class Days Left

Continued on PAGE 4, SEE “INDEPENDENTS”

Continued on PAGE 3, SEE “ALL”

Kinky Friedman represents the true independent essence shaking up traditional Texas politics.

COURTESY PHOTO

Visits St. Mary’s

Independent candidates jolt interest in Texas governor’s race.

Not since Sam Houston, 150 years ago, has Texas seen an independent candidate win the governor’s seat, something both musician Kinky Friedman and State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn hope to change in November’s mid-term elections.

The 2006 gubernatorial campaign offers an interesting cast of archetypes for a political race: one well-known, wellgroomed Republican incumbent (Rick Perry); two equally individualistic independent candidates, one being a “grandma” (Strayhorn) and the other an outspoken musician/activist (Friedman); and a lesser-known underdog Democratic candidate (Chris Bell).

Heavily relying on the support of those who do not traditionally participate in elections, Friedman has been holding rallies at college campuses across the state.

On March 6, black cowboy hat snug on his head and unlit trademark cigar in hand, Friedman spoke, joked and fielded

Cracking the

OYSTER BAKE

Coverage

PHOTO COURTESY SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA

Last fall, junior Mary Gonzalez participated in Tri-Sigma’s annual festival for children without families at Boysville.

Check out The Rattler’s newly-designed website! Visit www.stmarytx.edu/rattler for updated features, content and more.

questions from a standing room-only crowd in University Center Conference Room A. Friedman, the musical artist behind the country album They Ain’t Making Jews Like Jesus Anymore and author of books such as Texas Hold ‘Em: How I Was Born in a Manger,

By ANH NGUYEN STAFF WRITER All 25 positions in the Student Government Association (SGA) are up for grabs in the 2006-2007 election, SGA reported last week.

Campaign advertisements were already posted around campus by Easter Break, but the campaigns really heat up this week.

A debate between the presidential and vicepresidential candidates is slated for Thursday.

Sophomore Jose Frech is facing off against junior Alysia Córdova for the presidential position.

Frech focuses on setting up “campus wide” events while Córdova centers in on a voter registration program.

“I want to get more students to vote [and] help students realize how important Congress’ decisions are, especially their influence on financial aid,” Córdova said. “Last year there was a proposal to cut SGA 50 percent of the Perkins PRESIDENTIAL Loans, which half of the CANDIDATES students at St. Mary’s are Jose Frech Sophomore [on], and students don’t International Relations know that. Students have and Economics major to get the votes out to let Alysia Córdova Congress know what they Junior Criminology major need.”

For Frech, the plan is to get students more interested about campus activities. “[I want] SGA to be more involved with other student organizations. [I want] to create more campus-wide events.”

One of his objectives is to organize a food committee to voice students’ concern about the quality of food services on campus.

“Students need someone who stands up for them, not someone who goes with the flow,” Frech said.

Both candidates promise to make SGA more accessible.

Frech suggests the “Meet your SGA” initiative, scheduling time for students to talk with SGA members in the University Center.

Córdova plans on helping students know their representatives and senators, and to have SGA always open to students’ ideas.

“Many students are not aware that SGA

KINKY

By VALARIE GECKLER & FRANCISCO VARA-ORTA NEWS EDITOR & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

SEE PAGE 7

Candidates for SGA advocate more student involvement

OTHER TEXAS GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES

Chris Bell

Carole Keeton Strayhorn

Democrat

Rick Perry Republican

Independent

Core curriculum revision remains hazy in its final year

By CAROLINE E. HALLMAN COPY EDITOR Core curriculum revision anxiety has plagued the university community ever since the decision to remodel it 15 years ago.

The current undergraduate core curriculum was adopted in the mid-1980s, and in 1991, a task force was created to review the curriculum and interpret the faculty’s understanding of it.

There has not been another comprehensive revision since then.

The original task force produced a document which later became part of President Cotrell’s

INSIDE...

NSIDE D DE

recently completed Vision 2006 strategic plan. faculty members to form the New Academy A revision of the core curriculum remains as Curriculum Committee to create the revision plan. The committee has been looking at other one of the few major goals yet to be achieved. schools’ up-to-date core curriculum “The world around us has models, such as the newly implechanged a great deal,” said Vice Core curriculum mented 2005 curriculum of Loyola President of Academic Affairs David revisions slated for University in Chicago.

Manuel, Ph.D. “The context in which implementation in “We do core curriculum and a we think about undergraduate eduFall 2007. liberal arts curriculum differently cation has changed greatly. We think of ourselves differently as a society than we did than a large public institution, or differently 10 to 20 years ago. We rely on and use technol- than Harvard University does, or differently ogy very differently.”

Manuel was in charge of appointing ten Continued on PAGE 3, SEE “CORE”

Walking for justice

Up, up and away!

A delegation of more than 30 students unite for pro-immigrant march.

Page 7

Check out the summer movie preview, featuring Superman Returns.

Page 10

Class Days Left

9

egration,” ofessor of aid. “One e rememt. Mary’s. gineering was the

e integrather than e core cure required n course each maors teachso. This is fessionals also pubed. e curricuourse and uirements

ne departs object of to reduce Sauer. “It holic core ufficient,”

urriculum l 2007, affreshman ollow. the core

very interesting.”

SGA President and senior Matt

take pride in them.”

Córdova’s plans are to organize

Center. Voters must show their student ID.

The Rattler passes 100 award mark

By AMANDA GUERRA STAFF WRITER In the past two years, The Rattler has won a total of 107 state and national awards for content and design after a 21-year drought.

Earlier this month, The Rattler brought home 32 awards, including first place Sweepstakes, meaning the paper won the highest amount of awards in their category, from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA).

In addition, in March The Rattler took home a Newspaper of the Year award in Los Angeles from the Associated Collegiate Press.

Two weeks later they received nine awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

“The numbers of awards we have received over the years are

in direct proportion to the amount of attention, work and care that is put into each issue of The Rattler,” said Entertainment editor and senior music major Chuck Kerr, who has won 23 awards since joining the staff in 2002. “As a school with no real journalism program, our successes are truly our own.”

Kerr, now a part-time designer at the San Antonio Current, is proud to say, “we set a goal to create the best possible product for the student body. The awards are just icing.”

The Rattler staff say they have consistently achieved their goal to strive for excellence.

In 2004 The Rattler won 12 awards from the TIPA competition, in 2005 the number jumped to 31 and now 32 this year.

April 19, 2006, p. 3

110

Outgoing Editor-in-Chief Francisco Vara-Orta attributes this to doing a good job of reflecting the St. Mary’s community. The staff has joked about having an award for every year The Rattler existed, about 88 years, but is pleased to have surpassed that number.

“We are now the consistently developed high quality journalism that the university and San Antonio community can be proud of,” said Vara-Orta, who has two back-to-back jobs lined up at the Austin American-Statesman and Los Angeles Times post-graduation.

Vara-Orta added that the wins send out many graduating editors who re-opened the paper under his leadership, as well as organizing next year’s staff, on a high note.

14

www.stmarytx.edu/rattler

Commentary The Rattler

April 19, 2006

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES: GRADUATION

The newsroom keeps rattling Francisco Vara-Orta Editor-in-Chief Major: English/ Communication Arts Minor: Latin American Studies Career Goals: Journalist

When Francisco first walked into my room four years ago, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Everyone had left the lights off all summer long in 2002, after I was shutdown over ethical violations, but the landlord, Dean Karen Johnson, gave the 18-year-old freshman the keys to my home and encouraged him to make himself at home.

He certainly did.

Do what you love, love what you do Tommy Deibel

Staff Writer Major: English/ Communication Arts

Now my walls are adorned with over 106 national and state journalism awards (with, at least, three first place awards), my new countertop shelves are lined with new equipment from the grants his staff garnered, and, most importantly, the 1,000 copies I send out twice a month to my neighbors at the stands no longer return.

No, I’m not the sandwich in the cafeteria nor the Student Government Association office.

Yes, I’m The Rattler newsroom, a small, modest space on the University Center’s second floor, where a group of students toil

away all year long to produce award-winning, fully studentproduced journalism every two weeks for the St. Mary’s community.

Francisco and his team of hard-working editors have aimed tirelessly to consistently capture the intrest of fellow students and the issues that concern them in interesting, informative, thoughtprovoking and fun stories.

He and some of his “family,” as he calls them, lived here for four years but are now facing eviction because they will be issued a “degree” this May. Now 21, Francisco is leaving

me for another; typical man.

But I understand that the Los Angeles Times will treat him well, hopefully at least as well as I have during his stay at St. Mary’s.

I’ll miss him, but he turned over his newsroom keys to a bright young lady named Kim, along with 13 other editors and a staff of thirty-plus aspiring media professionals.

I’m glad that this time around, when the outgoing editor leaves, I’ll have a house full of warm, good-hearted, talented people to keep the business running - and keep you reading.

Education education’s sake Aprilfor 19, 2006, p. 14 I must admit, journalism is not my number one career goal after I graduate from college. Actually, I still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up. I used to have a bit of an idea, though.

When I was in third grade, I figured that at least by the age I am now, I would have been to Mars with NASA. I still think it

Caroline Hallman

Copy Editor Major: English/ Communication Arts Career Goals: Political Activist all my shark books, but I am still 111I, II, III, IV, and terrified by Jaws: XXVI, or however many sequels

changing process has a lot to do with discovery. People start discovering what they like, and what they are good at.

I initially picked the English/ Communication Arts major because I was running out of time and it fit me best, but it wasn’t a matter of love for the field. The most important thing to get out

Singing praise for low-key leaders Kavita Bhalla

Commentary Editor Major: Political Science Career Goals: Civil Rights Lawyer/Advocate If I can offer one piece of advice to any student at St. Mary’s, it would be to not expect anything.

Don’t expect the best, don’t expect the worst. Don’t expect to be praised, and don’t expect to be discouraged.

Give your time, energy and dedication to helping “fix” St. Mary’s because you want to, not because you think you will be thanked for it later.

Bring about change to help yourself and others, not because the experience will leave you looking like a St. Mary’s superstar.

This school is full of heroes whose stories you won’t ever hear about, whose pictures aren’t showcased on a wall, and whose

We want you to be an active member of campus. We encourage you to study

Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D. President

Rattler ranks among top in nation SPECIAL ORIENTATION EDITION: 2006

The Rattler

First place winner for “Distinguished College Journalism” at the Press Club’s 2005 National Headliner Awards

Orientation Summer 2006 Special Edition

www.stmarytx.edu/rattler

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177 STUDENT DIV The Service Learning Center works with 295 UNIVERSITY ormation visit: http://www.stmarytx.edu/ ERSITY ST. MARYʼS NEVADA ad/. students to find NEwhich W YORK type of service activWELC through COLORADO ships BIENVENUE! ity will best fit their needs, whether Mary’s encourages students to gain classes, one-time projects, immersion trips, WELCOME TO ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY rld experience through internships or long-term placements or summer programs. me jobs. Students often wonder how to Service Immersions: Santa Maria, Mexico; New erience if no one will hire them. Intern- Orleans, Louisiana; Las Vegas, New Mexico For more visit: http://www.stmarytx.edu/slc/. ve students a chance to get that profes- information Bell Tower Update Spring Art Show August xperience.

Faith Development Career Services Center provides mock Lastly, because St. Mary’s is a Catholic Marrviews, career counseling and resume ianist institution, faith is an important aspect ops for students looking to get a head of campus life. the business world. Students are also “Freshman year especially is a time of tranged to browse Career Zone, an online sition and investigation,” Carol Hewson, Actof jobs and internships available to ing Director University Ministry said. “We are s, linked to the Career Services Web here to try to answer questions or point you in so available on their Web site is a step- the right direction.” plan called “The Rattler Pursuit,” that Faith Development Programs: Marianist Leader-

BENVENUTO! IllUSTRATION BY: EDGAR A. ALANIS

CLASS OF 2010!

INSIDE...

Find out the latest information on the St. Mary’s Bell Tower.

Page 2

Classes Begin

Check out student works now on display.

Page 2

22

PHOTO BY SCOTT SCHRADER

The Rattler 2005-2006 staff won 75 awards this year, including a Newspaper of the Year award from the Associated Collegiate Press.

By DAVID GARZA WEBMASTER The Rattler, the university’s entirely student-produced newspaper, has won 127 local, state and national awards since 2004.

Most recently, this May The Rattler received several Proliner Awards of Merit and Excellence from the San Antonio chapter of the Association for Women in Communications. Eighteen awards were given out to various staff members for editorial cartooning, sports photography, print features and investigative journalism.

“It was an honor to win my three awards,” said now-alumna Carla Aguilar, former Features Editor.

Aguilar was awarded for her opinion piece about provocative clothing marketed to young children. It was the first commentary that she had ever written.

“I was not used to giving out my opinion, but that was an issue I just felt so strongly 112

about,” Aguilar said. “It was nice to see such a positive response to my work.”

According to now-alumnus and formerEditor-in-Chief Francisco Vara-Orta, these awards are particularly significant for The Rattler because this was their first time entering a competition alongside players in the professional fields of journalism, like the San Antonio Express News.

“To receive so many awards from this kind of organization is indicative of how progressive and more equal minded the community that we come from is in terms of gender, too,” Vara-Orta said.

When told of the budgetary constraints of The Rattler, The Association for Women in Communications offered to pay the fee for Rattler winners to attend their award banquet.

“That just demonstrates how important student journalism is in their eyes,” VaraOrta said.

at (210) 436-3401.

The Rattler

First place winner for “Distinguished College Journalism” at the Press Club’s 2005 National Headliner Awards

Wednesday September 13, 2006 Vol. 94, Issue 1

www.stmarytx.edu/rattler

December latest for Tower completion

Staff Cartoonist Chuck Kerr Faculty Advisor Margaret Luevano Staff Contact Patricia R. Garcia Standards The Rattler upholds the Mission

By ELIZABETH PEÑA STAFF WRITER

“We want to know what’s going on and how we can help,” With newly-elected freshman said Frech, a junior international senators onboard, money for relations and economics major.

It was science students who the Science Department, regismade SGA aware tering students to of the equipvote and a monthly NEWLY-ELECTED newsletter are all on FRESHMEN SENATORS ment improvements needed in the agenda of the Amanda Osuna their school. In Student Govern- Spencer Vaughn response, SGA is ment Association Mathew Reyna teaming up with (SGA) for the new administrators to help search for semester.

SGA President Jose Frech is alumni or donors to purchase imalso emphasizing the importance proved lab and classroom tools of maintaining open lines of com- for the science program. munication between SGA and the student body.

Continued on PG 4, SEE “SGA”

KARAOKE NIGHT FEVER

Editor-in-Chief Kimberly Vela Managing Editor Diana Del Valle

Hazing awareness a hot topic PHOTO BY ANGELIQUE CHAVARRIA

The 100-foot Bell Tower may one day have an adjoining church, acording to the Facilities Master Plan.

By VANESSA COLÓN STAFF WRITER

Weather permitting, students should see an end to construction and the premiere of a completed Bell Tower and surrounding plaza by December 2006, according to Vice President of University Advancement Thomas Galvin.

Dispelling the campus rumors that the Bell Tower will not have bells, Galvin explained that, while the tower will not have traditional bells, it will be equipped with carillon bells.

Carillon bells are stationary sets of chromatically tuned bells sounded by hammers and controlled by a keyboard.

Continued on PG 3, SEE “WORK”

PHOTO BY SELINA MADRID

Sophomore sports science and physical therapy major Malcomb Gauthereau belts out the Tim McGraw hit “Don’t Take the Girl” on Friday Sept. 8 during the karaoke night sponsored by the New Student Orientation in the Diamondback Cafe in the University Center.

Cafeteria food changes inspired by student input

By DOMINIQUE VARGAS STAFF WRITER

Changes to the Diamondback Café have engendered mixed reactions among students expecting the same choices they had in May. The Asian cuisine station, Miso, has been replaced by Smokehouse BBQ, which offers brisket, chicken and sausage on its menu.

Pre-prepared Asian options can still be found next to Home Zone.

Tara Engberg-Castro, Food Service Director, said that several factors, including student input from committee meetings and online surveys, led to the changes.

“We researched and studied the needs of the campus and put together an action plan to meet them,” Engberg-Castro stated via email. “It’s an ongoing process, as the needs of the campus change with every incoming class.”

According to Amador Gutierrez, a man-

ager for Aramark, the company that manages the Diamondback Café, Smokehouse BBQs have been successful on other campuses managed by Aramark.

“We support a large staff behind the scenes that most students don’t see,” Engberg-Castro stated. “We work very closely with our district manager and our marketing program manager who collectively cover ten other universities in the area.

They assist with bringing innovative ideas to campus that come from research and development at a corporate level.”

Junior Stephanie Arredondo said she eats at the café about four times a week and she likes the new edition.

“I never really liked the stir-fry,” Arredondo said.

Other students admit to being disappointed by the loss of the Miso custom stirfry option. Sophomore Christine Peralta said she seldom eats in the café anymore.

“I try to eat only the fresh vegetables available in the salad line [now that the stirfry option is gone],” Peralta said. “[The premade Chinese food has] too many sauces in the food and you have no control over your sodium intake.”

While Engberg-Castro did not comment on the nutritional benefit of the move away from made-to-order stir-fry, she pointed out that her staff does not add preservatives to Diamondback Café food. The cafeteria utilizes “batch cooking,” preparing meals in smaller quantities on a continual basis, to keep items fresh.

Students will have an opportunity to give feedback about cafeteria services through a Dining Styles survey, sent via St. Mary’s email, in Sept. or Oct. “Whether it’s one person or one hundred, all ideas and suggestions are important to us,” Engberg-Castro stated.

INSIDE

STAFF EDITORIAL THE RATTLER FEATURES

ENTERTAINMENT Terrorism Law

Over 100 bands

New center for Terrorism Law opens its doors.

ACL guaranteed to showcase the best of today’s hottest rock sub-genres.

Page 5

Page 9

PHOTO BY ANGELIQUE CHAVARRIA

Students can order several new entreés at Smokehouse BBQ including freshly-sliced brisket.

SPORTS

Rattler Soccer

Women’s soccer looks to build on last season’s success.

Layout /Design Manager Barbara Sanders Copy Editor widely promoted, a major problem Jacqueline Mendez determine whether certain activiti

News Editor traditions are hazing.

With speaker Judge Mitch Crane recently Dominique Vargas At times, what is lawful and w coming to St. Mary’s to promote hazing Features Editor awareness, our attention turnsElizabeth to our Ruiz customary come into conflict, thus The Rattler Presidential Award are caught in the dil own community. recipients honored Entertainmentmembers Editor SGA seeks Selena San Miguel sound system to StopHazing.org, hazing is of observing the law and hon According Photo Editor their customs. “any activity expected of someoneAngelique joining aChavarria For instance, it is understood w group (or to maintain full status inAssistant a group)Photo Editor Jon Mike Hernandez Greek communities that non me that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional Advertising should not wear Greek-lettered shirts and/or physical harm, regardless of the Manager Nancy Martinez Allowing non-initiated membe person’s willingness to participate.”

Assistant Ad Manager It remains a common misconception Amanda Guerrawear a group’s letters may devalu that hazing is an issue of only Greek Faculty Advisorsignificance of those letters. Wear Margaret Luevano letter shirt signifies that the person h communities. As a societal problem, hazing *Tuitio Staff Contact knowledge of the organization’s pu plagues other groups as well, including, Patricia R. Garcia but not limited to, athletic teams and honor and traditions– knowledge th Standards only be gained once initiated. the military.

The Rattler upholds the Mission Fall 2006 and Spring 2007 Yet this unwritten rule may be cons Based on the number of detailed laws

By ST Statement of St. Mary’s University. a violation of hazing laws. concerning hazing, the State of Texas has follows The publication the Canons THE R of Responsible the should aim to define c Groups given much consideration to this issue.

Still, Journalism, You Associated Press Stylebook guidelines whether or not any of their act it has a long way to go to help remedy this and the Student Publications policy. blemis The Rattler is a member the considered hazing to could ofbe problem on a greater scale. tarnish Associated Collegiate Press, the breaking the law and compromisin As stated113in St. Mary’s hazing policy, walls Columbia Scholastic Press Association, well-being of themselves and/or all campus-recognized organizations mustof Professional the Society Journalists, Page 15

First place winner of the American Scholastic Press Association’s 2006 Scholastic Newspaper Awards

Wednesday

April 18, 2007

Vol. 94, Issue 11

www.stmarytx.edu/rattler

By DOMINIQUE VARGAS NEWS EDITOR Each year, a select group of summer, winter and spring graduates are honored as recipients of the 2006-07 Presidential Award.

According to the “Student Awards and Recognitions” section of the St. Mary’s Web site, the recipients are chosen for their “academic, leadership and service qualities.”

In order to receive the award, students must be nominated by faculty and staff; then, the nominees can proceed to the application process.

A committee, comprised of faculty and staff, is responsible for evaluating each applicant and choosing winners.

Cont. on PG 4, SEE “STUDENT”

explaining spiritual relationships

24

WHO

PERCENT OF AMERICANS CLAIM

CHRISTIANITY

CHOSE CATHOLICISM WHEN ASKED WHAT DENOMINATION

THEY WERE AFFILIATED WITH.

53

Alumnus Daniel McCumba listens to a MP3 player while exercising.

PHOTO BY ANGELIQUE CHAVARRIA

By ERIC-JAMES ESTRADA STAFF WRITER

Robert Vargas, senior engineering and physics major, has been a member of the St. Mary’s community for four years. He said that the university has been neglected of certain aspects of the community amenities.

Vargas utilizes the school’s gymnasium on a regular basis; however, he said that it lacks one important feature: a sound system, which, according to the complaints of Vargas and other students, reduces the quality of the Alumni Athletics and Convocation Center (AACC).

Vargas met with Student Government Association (SGA) president, junior Jose Frech, and Vice President for Student Development Kathy Sisoian to create a proposal to purchase and install a sound system that can be heard in both the weight room and possibly the pool area.

“Having a sound system will bring more students to the gym and in turn bring students together,” said Vargas.

Frech has been aware of the growing need for a sound system in the AACC; he said it looks bad when people are forced to take laptops and radios with them to the gym.

Frech cited the two main complaints from the students as problems with the TV’s and old music videos.

Cont. on PG 3, SEE “NEW”

INSIDE

Editor-In-Chief Kimberly Vela Managing Editor Diana Del Valle Layout /Design Manager Edgar A. Alanis Copy Editor Anh Nguyen News Editor Valarie Geckler Features Editor Elizabeth Ruiz Commentary Editor Gabriel Sanchez Entertainment Editor Jennifer Zúñiga Sports Editor Tim Hennessey Photo Editor Angelique Chavarria Assistant Photo Editor Selina Madrid Advertising Manager Nancy Martinez Assistant Ad Manager Amanda Guerra Webmaster David N. Garza

Science money, “Get Out the Vote” top SGA to-do list

FEATURES

Argentinean stories Author/professor celebrates publication of book.

Page 5

ENTERTAINMENT

PERCENT

CLAIMED

PROTESTANTISM.

WHICH DENOMINATION HAS THE GREATEST ATTACHMENT TO GOD?

THROUGH HIS RESEARCH, JOEL

FOSTER, PH.D., ATTEMPTS TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION.

Cont. on PG 3, SEE “PROFESSOR”

SOURCE: CIA Factbook

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JON MIKE HERNANDEZ

Oyster country

Jason Boland and the Stragglers sit down with The Rattler.

Page 9

SPORTS

Road to regionals

Softball team finishes at the top for its final home game.

Page 16

Gr

Editor in Chief Kimberly Vela

St. Mary’s University

Features

Vol. 95

Issue 1

9.12.2007

pg. 5

Darfur exhibit Reality of Darfur situation is brought to St. Mary’s.

PHOTO BY AMANDA GUERRA

Residents assigned to live in Adele Hall resided in La Quinta Inn for two weeks while the insulation on the piping of the Hall was rennovated.

Managing Editor Karina Villa

Layout/Design Manager Jon Mike Hernandez

Copy Editor Jacqueline Mendez

By Kimberly Vela -Editor in Chief-

As of Sept. 7, all 66 residents of Adele Hall had moved into their dorm rooms or were back on campus after temporarily living in La Quinta Inn, 7134 N.W. Loop 410, according to Director of Residence Life James Villarreal.

Residence Life officials provided hotel accommodations to students and hall directors due to damages caused by the air conditioning pipes in Adele Hall.

News

Entertainment

News Editor Dominique Vargas

Entertainment

Elizabeth Pena

Commentary Editor Gabriela Noriega

Entertainment Editor Selena San Miguel

Sports Editor Jonathan Trillo

Photo Editor Vivian Esparza

Advertising Manager Nancy Martinez

Assistant Ad Manager Amanda Guerra

Faculty Advisor Margaret Luevano

Staff Cartoonist Elena Gonzalez

Standards The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University. The publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy.

The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

Contact Us The Rattler

St. Mary’s University l One Camino Santa Maria Box 83 l San Antonio, TX 78228 (210) 436-3401 l FAX : (210) 431-4307 l

pg. 9

ON THE INSIDE:

News

Laws governing Edwards Aquifer safeguard citizens

By Karina Villa -Managing Editor-

Amuse your appetite Check out these delicious grills that will entertain your friends and your tastebuds.

Features

Features Editor

pg. 3

Fun with physics Students demonstrate physics to local elementary school students.

1

5

9

Commentary

12

Sports

15

According to the action plan developed

by Physical Plant and sent to Residence Life on Aug. 16, housekeeping noticed water damage in several of the first floor rooms at the beginning of the month. Physical Plant along with Residence Life concluded that immediate and full action was necessary.

On Aug. 13, Physical Plant maintenance staff concluded that condensation from a water pipe that ran over the first floor caused the damage. The Physical Plant action plan stated that the insulation on the pipe was

The Edwards Aquifer has served as a major and enduring source of naturally filtered water in Texas for centuries. It is also currently considered to be one of the purest artesian aquifers in the United States.

The Aquifer extends 180 miles from Brackettville in Kinney County to Kyle in Hays County.

Not only does the Aquifer serve as the primary source of water for approximately 1.7 million people, but it is also an ecosystem for many endangered species, which are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Some of these species include the Texas Blind Salamander and the San Marcos Salamander, which, along with 40 other species, have made the Aquifer their home.

According to Edwards Aquifer Public Affairs Officer Roland Ruiz, these species found a tough competitor: humans.

“Generally speaking, if the water quality in the Aquifer becomes compromised to the point that species become extinct, the probability is that humans will also bear the consequences,” said Ruiz. “We, too, depend on the Aquifer for our well-being.”

This vital resource has been the center of political unrest, as many agencies are fighting to protect the historical water system.

At the local level, the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) is responsible for the upkeep of the Aquifer; at the state level, the

responsibility falls to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; and at the federal level, agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Wildlife Service hold high regard for the preservation of the Aquifer.

However, the laws concerning the Aquifer affect nearly 1.7 million people, yet few of them are aware of the frequent changes they undergo.

Cont. on PG 4, SEE “EAA”

PHOTO COURTESY OF www.edwardsaquifer.net

Increasing pollution in the Edwards Aquifer threatens main source of drinking water for south Texas.

“in poor condition, and combined with the excessive humidity over the last few months, caused the insulation to loose its vapor barrier and become ineffective.”

Villarreal said that no mold was ever confirmed in the building, but staff treated the area for mold as a precautionary step.

He also stated that the best solution to the problem was to repair all of the pipes in the building at once.

Cont. on PG 3, SEE “REPAIRED”

Judy Deshotels, Ph.D., fills the dean of students position.

By Jacqueline Mendez -Copy Editor-

was happy to find it was much like her own Cajun New Dean of Students Judy culture in that it focuses on a Deshotels, Ph.D., takes the reins family-oriented community.

“I like working in a valuesfor her first fall semester at St. based environment that matches Mary’s University.

Deshotels was previously my own values,” Deshotels said.

Deshotels employed as the dean of students also said that she at the University “Now that we have considers this of West Florida in a dean of students, semester to be an Pensacola, Fla. important time I think that we will She of learning about stated see progress and St. Mary’s. that she took an more communication “Over time, I interest in St. will come to see Mary’s because between Residence some of the needs she wanted to Life and other get into Catholic organizations.” and provide higher education. the leadership According to to meet those - Monica Saldana, needs,” said the St. Mary’s University Web Sophomore marketing major Deshotels. “My philosophy site, the dean of is always students is an important position. It states that looking to see how we can the dean of students is responsible improve things.

Until Deshotels was hired, the for a number of different areas such as campus recreation, judicial dean of students position had affairs, orientation, residence life been vacant for approximately one year. and student activities.

Students said they believed In general, the dean of students is responsible for the overall well that a new dean of students would contribute to the being of the student body.

In reference to St. Mary’s, efficiency of the Residence Deshotels said “I’m loving it.” Life office.

“Now that we have a dean of She praised the students, staff and students, I think that we will see overall community of St. Mary’s.

Deshotels added that she progress and more communication enjoyed experiencing the culture between Residence Life and other organizations,” said sophomore in San Antonio.

As a native to southern marketing major Monica Saldana.

Louisiana, she said that she “I wish her luck in her first year.”

CHECK IT OUT:

Rattler

St. Mary’s University

Vol. 95

Issue 8

Musical inspiration by John Lennon takes to the road.

pg. 10

2.20.2008

For full coverage on Sen. Clinton’s speech see pg. 8

By Dominique Vargas B -News Editor-

Presidential nominee hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) made a campaign stop at the Bill Greehey Arena last week, drawing national attention and making St. Mary’s the center of both the hotly contested presidential primary and of religious moral controversy.

The Office of University Communications sent out the first of several e-mails at 3:54 p.m. on Feb. 11, amid rumors that Clinton’s campaign would be stopping at the school.

The e-mail discussed the university’s history of civic engagement and listed past candidates and elected officials who have visited the campus, including H. Ross Perot and Ann Richards.

It further stated the date and time of the event as well as parking instructions.

At 5:16 p.m., a clarification was sent from University Communications, which stated, “As a Catholic taxexempt university, St. Mary’s does not endorse political candidates or their positions on issues and acknowledges the fundamental differences between those of the presidential candidates and the Catholic Church.”

The last three e-mails all contained this clarification along with check-in instructions and time changes.

On Feb. 12, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez released a statement to local media outlets that he had not been consulted on the

University’s decision.

Gomez also said, “Catholic institutions are obliged to teach and [to] promote Catholic values in all instances. This is especially important when people look to our Catholic universities and colleges to provide leadership and clarity to the often complicated and conflicting political discourse,” as quoted in a MySanAntonio. com news article.

Cont. on PG 3, SEE “CAMPAIGN”

PHOTOS BY VIVIAN ESPARZA

AND ROBIN JOHNSON

Accomodations made for construction on new residence hall affects parking for residents, commuters

By Selena San Miguel -Entertainment Editor-

As the construction for the new residence hall project is underway, the St. Mary’s community has been subjected to adjustments to accommodate the necessary safety and construction standards.

Director of Residence Life James Villarreal advises students to continue checking their student e-mail accounts and the Residence Life Web site for any changes and construction updates.

“We are still awaiting permits from the City of San Antonio for both the parking lot and the construction of the building,” said Villarreal. “Once the permits are

approved, the process should be much quicker—pending weather conditions.”

The project also includes the removal of the landscape island in front of Anthony Fredrick Hall and the implementation of a road leading to a new residence lot that will expand to enclose the Outback area. Construction plans do not include an additional entrance to campus.

Following Spring Break, residents should expect to gain access to designated Outback parking zones by temporary roads. The University Police Department urges students to use extreme caution when using the temporary roads and traveling at a slow speed to prevent any damages to vehicles.

The loss of 55 parking spaces due to construction has

resulted in a ripple effect of shuffled parking spaces among residents and commuters.

St. Mary’s University Chief of Police Paul Glowacki encourages residents to check both the Outback parking lot and Dougherty parking areas, Lots O, R and N, before using temporary parking areas Lots H, W and G.” “Parking out of convenience rather than in allotted areas can result in loss of space for commuters,” said Glowacki.

“We are trying to accommodate students as the construction process begins, but students have to help us out.”

Cont. on PG 4, SEE “CAMPUS”

Off-court conversation

Do great Minds think alike?

Get to know women’s tennis team player Tiffany Edwards.

Professors play the part of history’s greatest philosophers and leaders.

pg. 6

pg. 15

Gallery 118 artist speaks

A local gallery hosts art that hits close to home for area artist Raquel Rawsin. pg. 7

where you’ll find it:

News pg.1

Features pg.6

Entertainment pg.10

Commentary pg.12

Sports pg.15

For more information, call newsroom at (210) 436-3401.

the

Rattler

the

Rattler

to a compositional journey, and the next, you are floating off into a region of free-form solo before returning.

I also have to comment on how open he was to different musical styles. Call me crazy, but I think that Zawinul was a metal head. If you do not believe me, check out the track “Badia/Boogie Woogie Waltze” off the live Weather Report album 8:30. At 7:27, you will hear a “blast beat” in the drums.

For those of you who do not know what a “blast beat” is, picture sticking the barrel of an automatic rifle in your ear and Religious controversy surrounds St. Mary’s squeezing the trigger.

While most jazz musicians sneer at a drummer who uses double pedal, Zawinul was pushing his to drum like a madman.

Zawinul’s character is also something to look up to. When he was a young musician, he was not simply backing up legends such as Miles Davis and Cannonball Adderly; he was also contributing music to them. Half of the songs on the landmark album Bitch’s Brew were penned by Zawinul.

When he formed his own band,

Editor in Chief Elizabeth Ruiz

Managing Editor Christine Le PHOTO COURTESY OF www.klausmuempfer.de

Layout/Design Joe Zawinul died of cell carcinoma skin cancer September 11,Manager 2007.

Jon Mike Hernandez he gave other young musicians him seem, you cannot deny his compassion when he stated, “I the same opportunity.

Copy Editor Jacqueline Mendez love Jaco as a friend.”

Jaco Pastorius was at least will always To me, one of his most inspiring 10 years younger than Zawinul News Editor the fact that he when he joined Weather Report, accomplishments DominiqueisVargas and Zawinul was open to his got married to a Playboy Bunny.

Features will IEditor be tempted to compositions. When Jaco left, Never again music Vela to get girls to Zawinul enlisted Victor Bailey, play lame Kimberly me. In a worldEditor full of rock who was only 19 years old at notice Entertainment and popSelena stars,SanZawinul played the time.

Miguel Also, Zawinul was not a kiss- a different kind of jazz and still Commentary Editor to land a hot wife. up. Around the same time that Jaco managed Gabriela Noriega Thank you, Mr. Zawinul, for became known as the “world’s music and life. greatest bass player,” Zawinul your wonderful Sports Editor remembered, told him that his song “Liberty You will always Jonathanbe Trillo City” sounded like “some high respected and loved. Have fun Photo Editor jamming up there with the rest of school band shit.”

Vivian Esparza As gruff as it may make the greats.

Rattler

Flantastic!:

the

the

Rattler

Sept. 11.

I heard the sad news while driving to school and listening to Benny KRTU. “We’ll be Marquez Adele Hall remediation project completed playing Zawinul’s music today during the Lunch Feature in remembrance of him,” announced the DJ. I remember thinking, “The people tuning in today are in for Deshotels joins community something different.”

Zawinul was not your average jazz musician; he was one of the pioneers of jazz-fusion, a style that goes beyond the barriers of conventional jazz and should not be confused with smooth jazz.

Anyone can find information about Zawinul’s life and accomplishments on Google.com, so I will instead share how his music and character affected me.

Zawinul’s music showed me what jazz could be. Honestly, playing the head twice, soloing for an infinite amount of choruses and repeating the head again is boring.

Zawinul changed that for me when I heard his band Weather Report, a group that balanced the art of

the

the

the

For more information, call newsroom at (210) 436-3401.

St. Mary’s University

Vol. 95

Issue 11

Locally owned Carmen de la Calle Café perfects the art of flan among other delicious dishes.

pg. 7

4.30.2008

Consumer Blues

Assistant Photo Editor Women have forgotten essence of femininity, self-respect Staff Editorial Robin Johnson

Rising prevalence of private loans has caused concern among universities, lending companies and congress.

amount of clothes or who can best pull off bedroom wear with jeans.

It is painstakingly obvious that women have forgotten what it is to be a woman and the power they possess as women. Honestly, it is not impressing when every woman is walking around looking like a “show girl.”

In reality, the women who are most successful and most respected are the ones who do not clothe themselves in ensembles straight from Victoria’s Secret. Some of the biggest sex icons are also among the most conservative.

Today, there is a terrible misunderstanding of the word “sexy,” and Spring 2008which is not about how naked a woman is; rather, it should define her demeanor. If this is not true, why is the Mona Lisa one of the most famous portraits in the 114 as opposed to a one depicting a modern world nude woman?

PG 3, SEE “PRIVATE”

-The RattlerToday’s women have submersed themselves in Victoria’s Secret catalogs, which they have used as a model to transform their wardrobe. They no longer wear the long slim skirts with button-up blouses and high heels; they have forgotten about pearls and the “up-do,” switching to extensions and bright bulky jewelry.

What happened to the time in which women were referred to as beautiful works of art and had been classically imprinted by famous painters such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Diego Rivera? In art museums, we are able to admire Fall 2007 the fortitude and independence of women, but most of the time in the real world, all that we are left to admire is their lingerie.

From Britney Spears to Paris Hilton, modern women are greatly misled. This is not

Keep it on the Download

Balancing Act

Subscriptionbased web site offers free music downloads.pg. 10

St. Mary’s golfers make time for academic and athletic demands throughout season.

Absolut Mess

Vodka advertisement stirs up controversy.

pg. 12

pg. 15

to embrace it, to celebrate their gift of being Advertising Manager a woman.

Amanda Guerra One of our staff members dances Brazilian Samba and is a working with a fourAssistantmother Ad Manager Martinez year-old son. Another Nancy has taken two forms of martial arts. Still another embraces it through Faculty Advisor artistic means such Margaret as painting.

Several of Luevano us are members of sororities. And, although journalism is a male-dominated Standards field, The The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s Rattler is produced almost entirely by women, University. The publication follows the Canons of the exception being two of our 13 editors.

Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook This makes only partPolicy. of the legacy and theup Student Publication is a member of the Associate Press, of a woman.TheItRattler is not what she putsCollegiate on or, in Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Society some cases,the leaves off; it is how put together of Professional Journalists, and the Texas Intercollegiate she is and the value of her strength, wisdom Press Association. and loyalty.

Contactwho Us read this: A message to all women The Rattler l St. Mary’s University l One Camino Respect yourselves, for are TX not meat 78228 Santa Maria Boxwomen 83 l San Antonio, (210) 436-3401 l FAX : (210) 431-4307 for everyone to sample.

Co Staff

-The Ra

Pic clock’s ly, you work o ment y Fra plete y flip flo No and in the ac the fre Sud when orange signs a men w hard h mound You tion as and ta much

For more information, call the Features Editor newsroom at (210) 436-3401.

Illustration by Elena Gonzalez & Gabriela Noriega

Elizabeth Pena

Commentary Editor

the

Rattler

Gabriela Noriega

Entertainment Editor Selena San Miguel

Sports Editor

Editor in Chief Jonathan Trillo

Editors, staff deserve pat on back for efforts Staff Editorial -The Rattler-

Imagine that every two weeks your professors assigned you a total of 36 papers at around 250 words each, which you and a couple Vivian Esparza of your friends had the sole responsibility of Layout/Design Manager Assistant Photo Editor editing. That would be the equivalent of one Jon Mike HernandezSabrina Servin 10,800 word essay.

Now, imagine that if you did not turn those Advertising Manager Copy Editor Nancy Martinez papers in, you could affect the attendance Jacqueline Mendez and knowledge of different clubs and Assistant Ad Manager organizations in your community. On top Amanda Guerra of that, remember that you still have your News Editor Faculty Advisor everyday responsibilities, school workload Dominique VargasMargaret Luevano and group memberships.

Welcome to a day in the life of The Rattler Staff Cartoonist Features Editor editors and staff.

Elena Gonzalez Elizabeth Pena Perhaps you have never met a member of the editorial board or a writer for the paper.

Standards The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s Before you start to criticize the end product, Commentary Editor University. The publication follows the Canons of please take a moment to reflect. The Rattler Gabriela Noriega Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook members do not take an official journalism class and the Student Publication Policy.

The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, because the student-run periodical is a part of Entertainment Editor the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Society Student Life, not the English/Communication of Professional Journalists, and the Texas Intercollegiate Selena SanPressMiguel Staff Editorial arts department.

Association.

While our editors do have experience, no -The RattlerContact Us staff member is required to have experience.

Sports Editor The Rattler l St. Mary’s University l One Camino Next, consider the writing process. Every Santa Maria Box 83 l San Antonio, TX 78228 Jonathan Trillo Imagine that weeks (210) 436-3401 l FAX : (210) 431-4307 two weeks, editorsevery must formtwo at least 10 story

Kimberly Vela Photo Editor

Sparing the details of press weekend, ideas per section. Then, editors pitch and assign the story ideas at Monday meetings, where writers and interviewees either forget or refuse to show up to turn in assignments which about five writers in total attend.

Editors either find someone else to pick and photographs, the paper is put to bed on up the wayward stories or write the stories Sunday. Once printed, the editor in chief must themselves. Here, it is important to note that pick up the paper and transport 1000 issues of the latest edition to school on Wednesday. editors have responsibilities too.

Complaints are then heard for a week until The Rattler requires editors to be in the office at least 10 hours with the exception of the next paper comes out.

While The Rattler will never get better the editor in chief, who must put in 15 hours.

Also, nine of the 11 editors are enrolled for without criticisms, the student body must not at least 15 hours at St. Mary’s. Not to forget, forget that the paper is a club too. Members some editors also have outside part-time jobs are needed to improve the group’s product. and work-study duties to fulfill. On top of Editors love input and thrive on it.

This editorial is in no way a moan from the that, they still have social obligations to attend. editorial staff. Instead, it is a testament to its After all, editors are not machines.

Once writers pick up stories, they must dedication to the paper. Illustration by Elena Gonza Not many people would willingly give up then find time for interviews and research. A week and a half later, stories are due to the their weekend every other week to work for a copy editor, who must then edit all of them for paycheck that adds up to little over two dollars an hour. Why do it, then? When it comes down accuracy, grammar and style.

Press weekends mark the time of the week to it, editors love their job.

Only through a newspaper can editors when all 11 editors give up at least 24 hours of their weekend to the paper. During this time, expose big scoops, publicize problems in the editors must design the pages of the paper community and congratulate organizations for Sparing the d section.

Then,a job editors pitch and well done. from scratchideas in Adobeper InDesign on Macintosh Perhaps the meetings, next time you meet the editors computers, assign prepare photos, captions and at Monday where writers and the story ideas headlines for each page and continue to edit or writers, you can congratulate them for their about five writers inwork total attend.the community.or refuse to show yourto fit which recognizing stories on said pages.

It’s that time of the year again...

Editors, staff deserve pat on back fo

Photo Editor

rattlernews@stmarytx.edu

Vivian Esparza

Assistant Photo Editor Sabrina Servin

Advertising Manager Nancy Martinez

Assistant Ad Manager Amanda Guerra

Faculty Advisor Margaret Luevano

Staff Cartoonist Elena Gonzalez

Standards The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s

Editors either find someone else to pick professors assigned you a total of 36 papers at hunger for lovewhich is muchyou moreand difficult to remove than hunger for bread.”Mother or Teresa up the wayward stories write the stories around“The 250 words each, a couple of your friends had the sole responsibility of themselves. Here, it is important to note that editing. That would be the equivalent of one editors have responsibilities too.

Wednesday,The Dec. 5, 2007, p. 12editors to be in the Rattler requires 10,800 word essay.

Now, imagine that if you did not turn those office at least 10 hours with the exception of papers in, you could affect the attendance the editor in chief, who must put in 15 hours. and knowledge of different clubs and Also, nine of the 11 editors are enrolled for organizations in your community. On top at least 15 hours at St. Mary’s. Not to forget, of that, remember that you still have your some editors also have outside part-time jobs everyday responsibilities, school workload and work-study duties to fulfill. On top of that, they still have social obligations to attend. and group memberships.

Welcome to a day in the life of The Rattler After all, editors are not machines.

Once writers pick up stories, they must editors and staff.

Perhaps you have never met a member of then find time for interviews and research. A week and a half later, stories are due to the the editorial board or a writer for 115 the paper.

Before you start to criticize the end product, copy editor, who must then edit all of them for

and photographs, Sunday. Once prin pick up the paper the latest edition to Complaints are the next paper com While The Rat without criticisms forget that the pa are needed to imp Editors love input This editorial is editorial staff. Inst dedication to the p Not many peop their weekend eve paycheck that add

From: “Dizinno, Janet” <jdizinno@stmarytx.edu> Subject: RE: The Rattler Newspaper Date: May 20, 2008 at 10:24:09 AM CDT To: “Bautista, Dennis” <dbautista@stmarytx.edu>

From: Rattler Newspaper <rattlernews@stmarytx.edu> Subject: Consultation on publication design for The Rattler newspaper Date: February 19, 2008 at 6:54:16 PM CST To: “Bautista, Dennis” <dbautista@stmarytx.edu>

Hi, Dennis. this is an extremely generous offer you are making. I fully support it, as does Kathy Sisoian. When you are ready, let’s get a meeting organized. Who do you think should be there?

Many thanks for sharing your talents in such a wonderful way.

Janet

Bro. Bautista, I am the new editor-in-chief of The Rattler newspaper, and I would like to ask your for your input on publication design. I would really like to guide the paper towards high standards of design, as I feel like it is a foundation for a strong publication. I know that you are among those on campus who has experience in this area, and I’ve spoken to you with Dr. Langston about InDesign in the international relations office.

The staff and I would really appreciate your input and guidance. I can be reached at the office at ex. 3401 or at rattlernews@stmarytx.edu. My cell number is 915-252-7702 and my email is eruiz1@mail.stmarytx.edu.

Sincerely, Elizabeth Ruiz

From: Bautista, Dennis [mailto:dbautista@stmarytx.edu] Sent: Tue 5/20/2008 9:37 AM To: Dizinno, Janet Subject: The Rattler Newspaper Hi Janet, Rosie suggest that I contact you regarding the possibility of serving in some capacity of advising the student newspaper, The Rattler.

Earlier in the semester, the new editor-in-chief had approached me to seek feedback regarding the publication’s design, layout and content. With my previous experience as the faculty adviser for the student newsmagazine at Chaminade University, along with my professional interest in design, I was naturally glad to offer some feedback.

From: “Ms. Elizabeth L. Ruiz” <eruiz1@mail.stmarytx.edu> Subject: Consultations Date: March 25, 2008 at 5:03:34 PM CDT To: <dbautista@stmarytx.edu>

Eventually, this led to regular meetings for the rest of the semester with the Layout Manager after each issue was published.

Admittedly, when I left Chaminade in 2002, I was certain that I would not ever want to serve in that capacity again! -- newspaper advising tends to be a lot of work, stress and responsibility, which is the nature of the position.

Bro. Dennis, We would like to know if we could schedule consultations for the paper on release dates.

However, with the interest generated from the students who are looking to improve and seek advice -- and, perhaps, along with having forgotten how stressful the responsibility is! -- I find myself willing to seek possibilities that might allow me to get involved with advising the Rattler newspaper.

They are as follows: April 2 April 16 April 30

A few weeks ago, I met with the current adviser, Margaret Luevano, recounted these recent events and simply talked about some possibilities that might result. I believe she has spoken with Kathy Sisoian about this as well.

We would really appreciate your input.

Thank you, The Rattler Staff

Rosie and I talked about this, too and she is supportive as well. She suggested that the next step is to contact you and see where the possibilities might lead.

When you get the chance, please let me know your thoughts on this and whether we might want to have a possible meeting with all those involved.

Thanks, Dennis 116

The Rattler: 2008-09 PUBLISHED ISSUES AND AWARDS RECEIVED DURING THE 2008-09 ACADEMIC YEAR The Rattler St. Mary’s University

Vol. 96 Issue 1

09.10.08

Are you ready?

Vol. 96 Issue 3

The Rattler St. Mary’s University Student Newspaper

Bills, tests, deadlines, elections; decisions plague the life of a Rattler.

10.08.08

Personal identity Do school activities, fashion trends and personal tastes dictate who you are?

Soulfully Solo Rilo Kiley front finds voice with second solo album.

Enhanced waters Are they worth it or worthless?

Bring it on Rattlers look forward to strong competition.

Page 17

Page 4

Vol. 96 Issue 5

St. Mary’s University Student Newspaper

Art and Culture

Native American Heritage celebrated through art.

Page 3

11.12.08

Keeping Connected

The Road Ahead

Vol. 96 Issue 6

Politically Aware

Prayer for Prevention

Page 16

Double Life

Not Just A Dream

SGA wants recycling in our future.

Page 6

Vol. 96 Issue 7

11.26.08

Trick or Treat

Celebrating the season

Page 21

Elections, avatars, and relationships link rattlers together.

Students pray for an end to the death penalty.

St. Mary’s University Student Newspaper

St. Mary’s University Student Newspaper

Students grow in their faith at the annual retreat.

Page 4

Striking out a legend

A century-old game played here has impressive history.

Page 20

Page 14

Christmas to the 4th

Home Run

Pink Panther Returns

Rattler softball team prepares for tournament.

Vol. 96 Issue 10

Steve Martin reprises his role as Inspector Clouseau.

Page 25

St. Mary’s University Student Newspaper

04.08.09

Vol. 96 Issue 11

How much will your student bill change?

Page 3

Page 22

February 18, 2009

February 4, 2009

The Rattler

The Rattler St. Mary’s University Student Newspaper

02.18.09

Rattler Awakening

John Quiñones pays a visit to his alma mater.

November 26, 2008

03.25.09

The Rattler

Hometown Hero

November 12, 2008

St. Mary’s University Student Newspaper

Recent criminal activity spurs police to increase patrolling.

Page 14

Vol. 96 Issue 8

Page 18

Page 23

The Rattler

02.04.09

How safe is our campus?

Page 17

Reese and Vince team up for new holiday laugh riot.

Page 13

October 29, 2008

The Rattler

Students find a fun way to stay fit and gain rhythm.

DIY gifts, cultural insights and holiday spirits wrap up the semester.

Cast your vote, eat your candy and discover frightful new ways to celebrate Halloween.

The Cure finally release anticipated album.

5-6-7-8

Event educates about Native American traditions.

Page 8

Vol. 96 Issue 9

St. Mary’s University Student Newspaper

5th Annual PowWow

Barack Obama faces several challenges.

Guest lecturer stresses impact of Latino vote.

October 8, 2008

The Rattler

Reduce, Reuse,...

Film series raises awareness of SOA and protests.

Page 16

September 24, 2008

The Rattler

10.29.08

Shutting Down SOA

Wrap It Up

What St. Mary’s athletes do off the court.

September 10, 2008

St. Mary’s University Student Newspaper

Page 3

Page 27

Page 28

The Rattler

Page 21

How-to guide for this fall’s essential accessory.

Your Advocate Interim dean ready to fill role.

Vol. 96 Issue 4

04.29.09

The Rattler

Back-to-School Special Edition 2009

St. Mary’s University Student Newspaper

08-18-09

SPECIAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL EDITION: SUMMER 2009

First Steps

SGA

Reconnecting tradition

Mayoral Forum

Battle of the Bands

The Fox

Page 14

Page 20

Successful season ends after loss in tournament.

Campus meets standards, yet accessibility still a challenge

Page 27

March 25, 2009

Page 6

NCAA Tournament

Minnesota State-Mankato wins Elite Eight tournament

An easy-to-follow guide for college

SGA presidential candidates cause controversy with election violations Page 3

Page 6

pg. 4-5

Cramming for Finals

Play starts off slow, acting strengthens towards end

Four bands make the cut to compete in annual event.

Women’s Basketball

Recent disturbances have students asking for cameras

Page 14

Page 4

Behind Closed Doors

Securing Campus

Homecoming ‘Baby Bake’ gets captured in photos

Two candidates outline experiences, plans for city.

Students offer tips on how to survive finals week Page 16

onLInE TooL LETS STUDEnTS aSSESS morE Than jUST cLaSSES pagE 18

Chevelle Backstage Pass An exclusive interview with drummer Sam Loeffler

Page 28

Page 22

April 8, 2009

April 29, 2009 117

PLUS

Summer Movie Reviews • Café Updates • Campus Map

August 18, 2009

The Rattler Editorial Staff Fall 2008 to Spring 2009 Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Ruiz (fall ‘08) Sarah Mills (spring ‘09) Managing Editor Christine Le Copy Editor Jacqueline Mendez (fall ‘08) Design Editor Jon Mike Hernandez (fall ‘08) Amanda Rodriguez (spring ‘09) News Editor Ari Rivera Commentary Editor Alfonso de la Torre Features Editor Sarah Mills (fall ‘08) Jaime Perez (spring ‘09) Entertainment Editor Stephanie Sanders Sports Editor Chris Filoteo Photo Editor Robin Johnson Assistant Photo Editor Analicia Perez Advertising Manager Kimberly Vela Assistant Advertising Manager Katie O’Donnell Writing Coach Dominique Vargas (fall ‘08) Kimberly Vela (spring ‘09) Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

118

Commentary The Rattler

Senior Commentaries

The Rattler Editor in Chief Elizabeth Ruiz Managing Editor Christine Le Layout/Design Manager Jon Mike Hernandez Copy Editor/Writing Coach Dominique Vargas News Editor Ari Rivera Commentary Editor Alfonso de la Torre Features Editor Sarah Mills Entertainment Editor Stephanie Sanders Sports Editor Chris Filoteo Photo Editor Robin Johnson Assistant Photo Editor Analicia Perez Staff Cartoonist Jaymee Baxley Advertising Manager Kimberly Vela Assistant Ad Manager Katie O’Donnell Faculty Advisers Margaret Luevano Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D. Standards The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University. The publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy.

The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

Contact Us The Rattler St. Mary’s University One Camino Santa Maria Box 83 San Antonio, TX 78228 210.436.3401 / 210.431.4307 (fax) rattlernews@stmarytx.edu Letter to the Editor The Rattler welcomes letters to the editor.

Letters should not exceed 500 words and must include writer’s name, classification, major and telephone number.

Editors reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar, spelling and content.

When I started my college career at St. Mary’s in 2004, I really had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I figured I Jon Mike would answer that Hernandez preeminent question sooner or later as I progressed through the semesters. Nine semesters later, I discovered what I am truly passionate

about and what I would enjoy doing every day until life ceased to course through my veins. What I didn’t expect to find in that time span was the rather large, yet tightly knit circle of friends that I have today.

What made my time at St. Mary’s truly memorable were the people that I spent that time with.

I’ll be honest and say that most of my close friends are the people that I worked with on The Rattler. The

A pivotal moment in my college career happened two years ago: I saw the sun come up from an office window; I had been sitting in front of an approximately 15-year-old Mac for almost an entire day and I still knew that I had more work to do.

I could have run away and fallen Elizabeth asleep on a bed of leaves somewhere, Ruiz but I knew that the experience and the subsequent long press weekends would make more than just great cover letter fodder.

The time spent in this office was not an array of weekends lost, but experiences that I was gaining, which was initially lost on me in the mental cloud one feels after lost sleep and hours of editing and designing.

I gained a sense of what a small group of students could do under tight deadlines and hectic schedules.

I learned that in a team, it’s impossible to be solely responsible for yourself, and that the best work places combine arduous work with hysterical (sometimes delirious) laughter.

Even as I mark the final red scratches over the edited pages, I can’t help but get nostalgic for the small office in the middle of campus.

I know that in our future careers, even if they are not in journalism, we will most likely work this hard again.

But there are few opportunities in one’s career in which everyone has equal stake in the outcome and the combined efforts are shown in every page.

I’m glad I spent all those countless sleepless nights of AP-style fun in that same office. If I hadn’t, I could have missed out on the well-rounded experience of writing, editing and designing that I couldn’t have received at even the biggest journalism programs. (Refer to Dominique’s article adjacent to mine for the inside references.)

friendships I made working there really showed me the value of true camaraderie.

The staff eventually became my second family, not only confined to just the newsroom, but also on the outings and trips that we took together. The stories, laughs, awkward moments and facetious fights we had are going to stay in my mind until the eventual onset of Alzheimer’s cleans out my brain. The friendships I made with

My college education has provided me with many important lessons in addition to the standard academic fair.

It is possible to develop a physical depenDominique Vargas dence on Dr. Pepper.

It is also possible to stay awake for more than 24 hours straight and still be fairly productive.

“Much Ado About Nothing” starring Keanu Reeves as Don John, any Jane Austen remake with Colin Firth, and the “Crying Game” are, cinematically speaking, the best ways to learn about love in British literature and life.

Euphemisms are best discussed in relation to “Lady Chatterley’s Lover.”

Oregon is greener and rainier than one would imagine. Re-tracing the steps of Jack Nicholson in “The Shining” on a closed floor of a hotel undergoing construction is scarier than I thought it would be.

Bust lines should always be present in photographs.

A trip to San Francisco for a newspaper convention can result in a voluminous list of adjectives for one’s state of being: old, cold, pale, pasty, brie (not an adjective), cantankerous, etc.

The shortcut to place a story on InDesign is Apple + D. AP stylebooks, “The Elements of Style” and the MLA handbook

several members of the faculty and staff at St. Mary’s also showed me that real friendship doesn’t depend on one’s age or status in life.

So as I leave St. Mary’s, I leave knowing who I can count on to be there for me. Thanks to everyone at The Rattler, old and new, and thanks to the faculty and staff that helped me realize what my passion is.

are invaluable, even if they read like stereo instructions.

IHOP and Jim’s are the best places to study/vent/start or end a road trip. The attic of Reinbolt and Treadaway Hall are almost certainly haunted.

Jon Mike may or may not own a pair of women’s pants. Political journalism is not my cup of tea.

Mike Rowe is my ideal husband.

Jokes aside, I have learned so much during my time at St. Mary’s.

My courses and professors gave me a direction and an outlet for the creative and intellectual energy I had stored in the recesses of my mind.

The Rattler became my second home; my fellow editors became an extension of my family—unavoidable when you spend 36 to 48 hours straight with 10 other people in a tiny office every other weekend.

Though my career goals are hazy specks on my proverbial horizon I know that I have the support I need to attain them.

I have felt the gamut of emotions in regard to St. Mary’s and my time here. As I write this at 8:43 p.m. on a Saturday in the newsroom, I am thinking of the pages I still need to copy edit for the last edition of The Rattler that I will help produce, and I feel nostalgic, kind of sad, and proud of what I have accomplished thus far.

Thank you to my professors, friends and colleagues. You have touched my life and I will be forever grateful.

Nov. 26, 2008, p. 10

Letter to the Editor To the Editor:

119 his integrity. My point, however, is not to de-

to me that there are ways of disagreeing with-

The Rattler: 2009-10 PUBLISHED ISSUES AND AWARDS RECEIVED DURING THE 2009-10 ACADEMIC YEAR www.stmurattlernews.com

www.stmurattlernews.com

The Rattler

Juggling it all A look into the lives of student parents as they raise a family and get a degree

PG. 12

A St. Mary’s Student Publication since 1925 • Vol. 97 Issue 1 • 09-16-09

Alumna hopes for immigration reform bill

By Stephen Guzman Features Editor The DREAM Act, or the Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, is a piece of bipartisan legislation which would grant a path to citizenship to some 65,000 undocumented students who were brought to the U.S. before the age of 16. These students must also demonstrate good moral character and graduBenita Veliz ate from high school.

On Sept. 23, 63 organizations from 15 states will hold a number of events in favor of the DREAM act for the Back to School DREAM Act Day of Action. These events may include informational forums, rallies, press conferences or marches. Many of these events will take place on college campuses including The University of Texas in Austin, The University of California Los Angeles and Arizona State University.

In June, 7 pro-DREAM act organizations from six cities across Texas united and formed the Texas DREAM Act Alliance. With organizations in Arlington, Austin, Dallas, Houston, College Station and San Antonio. Members of the Texas DREAM Act Alliance strive to grow activism, awareness of what the DREAM Act is and advocate for it on a legislative level.

The San Antonio chapter of the alliance, Students United for the DREAM Act, formed on campus after alumna, Benita Veliz, faced deportation.

Veliz, 24, is a Mexican native. She traveled to the U.S with her parents at the age of eight on a tourist visa from Nuevo León, Mexico but has called the U.S. her home ever since.

As valedictorian of Jefferson High School in 2002, Veliz was able to attend the university on a full scholarship and graduated under the honors program in 2006 with a 3.4 GPA. In January, when a police officer stopped Veliz for not making a complete stop at a stop sign, she found herself in a situation that would eventually cause her to face deportation. With only a Mexican consular identity card in hand, Veliz was handcuffed and turned in to the Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Before this incident, Veliz said she had never been in any sort of trouble with the law that would expose her to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Veliz, currently employed by a non-profit church organization, is not bitter toward the U.S. judicial system. “I know that there are laws and regulations,” says Veliz. “I think that that’s one of the things that makes America great, to be able to have laws which allow for freedom. But at the same time I’m in the position that there is nothing I can do to adjust my status.”

U.S.-born or not, Veliz said she holds American

The Rattler

New facilities University donors campaign to add $23 million collegiate sports complex.

H1N1 COMES TO ST. MARY’S

By Jasmine Garcia Staff Writer Students, faculty and staff will no longer need to be near a computer to receive emergency alerts now that the university has decided to enhance campus safety through new emergency notification system software.

The new system, launched Sept. 16, enables messages to be sent to mobile devices in the event of emergencies requiring

The campus prepares to prevent future outbreaks of the new epidemic sweeping the nation after six students contract the swine flu.

The student health center is hoping to receive 1,000 doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine mid-October for students on campus.

Sandra Vasquez, director of the student health center, said she has already registered the University with the Texas Department of State Health Services, which will be distributing the H1N1, or swine flu vaccine.

“My fear is there is going to be many cases before the vaccine comes,” Vasquez said.

Since school began, six cases of influenza have been confirmed at the University, the first five of them commuter students, according to Vasquez. The sixth case – the first resident to have the flu this semester — became ill the Friday before Labor Day according to Dean of Students Tim Bessler and Director of Residence Life James Villarreal.

“Normally we don’t see seasonal influenza this early in the school year so this is very unusual,” Vasquez said.

Although the sick students’ illness has not been confirmed as swine flu, Vasquez said she assumes it is because at other health

facilities and testing centers in San Antonio, 99 percent of cases have been confirmed as H1N1.

Roger Sanchez, an epidemiologist in Bexar County explained that sentinel clinics, which are surveillance sights where specimens are taken from patients usually for influenza tests, have only come across two seasonal flu cases in the past couple of months. Ninety-nine percent of the positive tests were from H1N1, Sanchez said.

Although the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 36,000 people die from the flu every year, the swine flu has had more media attention because of the virus’ ability to mutate and transfer. Vasquez and the Web site of the CDC describe symptoms to be similar to seasonal flu, but with digestive problems such as upset stomach and vomiting.

Students who were diagnosed with H1N1 have recovered in several days, Vasquez said, and they can quickly get back into their school routines if they seek treatment early.

It is crucial that any individual with the virus take the prescribed medication within 48 hours of symptoms in order to reach

H1N1 Symptoms According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the Swine Flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of seasonal influenza.

However, If you feel ill it is recommended that you stay home from work or school. Most physicians agree that the virus will shed 24 hours before the symptoms begin to show.

It is highly recommended you contact your local physician if you exhibit any of the following symptoms.

immediate action.

The system is now available via Gateway. Campus wide emails have been sent out with a log in username and password which will allow users to register up to three phone numbers and four emails. The username and password can also easily be recovered by calling the Information Technology Services’ Help Desk.

Rave Wireless, a company which has partnered with various other universities, runs the system. The system will send out only urgent emergency notifications through text, voicemail and/or email.

“The best emergency systems have mutiple avenues of communication because you never know when something is going to happen that prevents you from accessing your preferred mean of communication,” said Tim Bessler, Ed.D, Dean of Students.

Last Friday, an email was sent out through Gateway by Paul E. Glowacki, director and chief of University Police Department, notifying students about a male adult who “inappropriately touched or exposed himself in the presence of a female student,” however an emergency notification was not sent out through the new system.

Bessler said an emergency notification was not sent out because

Staff Writer A student government candidate elected vice president last spring, only to be disqualified a week later, says she’s still not clear why she was denied the office and other students say there’s been no accounting for her defeat either, or for petitions of protest that seem to have disappeared.

Five months after the election, criminal justice senior Amanda Osuna, who won more than 60 percent of the vote to become vice president of SGA, finds herself out of the job for which she was elected, and with no certain idea of why -- a state that other students say they find dissatisfying, at the least, and challenging of the validity of the SGA. According to James Villarreal, director of residence life, who was interim dean of students and SGA advisor at the time of elections, Osuna’s disqualifica-

o Headache o Nasal Congestion or runny nose o Sore throat o Cough o Body aches and lethargy o Lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting o Diarrhea Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Graphic Illustration by Jaime Perez

Cont. on PG. 11 and 12, SEE “Dreaming”

September 16, 2009

rattler the

rattler the

Have the perfect Valentine’s Day Take a look into the minds of the opposite sex, find the most romantic places on campus, give gifts on a tight budget and find out how to reveal your crush.

PG. 10

Student holds block walk

By Clayton Billadeau Staff Writer

By Clayton Billadeau Staff Writer

Incumbent Gov. Rick Perry stood shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Debra Medina during a live debate between the Texas Republican gubernatorial candidates on Jan. 29. The debate was hosted

by Belo, a Texas based news company and owner of KENS 5 San Antonio.

A combination of four Texas journalists moderated the debate and challenged the candidates to respond to Texan concerns: highways, taxes, immigration and other social issues.

Concerning highway infrastructure, Hutchison and Medina called for the immediate audit of Texas Department of Transportation. The toll road debate among Texans involves the appropriation of public infrastructure funds to private interests. The apprehension lies in increased population, resulting in traffic jams. Hutchison called for “new leadership” in cutting TxDOT cases of mishandled funds. Perry revised such comments, asserting that TxDOT is audited every two years.

Medina supported a Texas gas tax, currently 38.4 percent per gallon of gasoline, but asserted a need for “transportation dollars to stay in Texas.” The federal government should not overstep state sovereignty by dictating appropriation of funds, she affirmed.

Perry’s tax plan included budget cutting for state agencies, overall balanced budget and consolidations, such as Public Utility Commission and Railroad Commission. Hutchison agreed with Governor Perry on consolidations, appending Governor Perry’s Enterprise Fund for not producing jobs and results speculated by the Texas executive. Perry defended the Enterprise Fund, calculating a favorable increase in Texas employment and revenue – “$380 million spent to produce $16.4 billion of capital and 54,600 jobs.”

Medina, however, disagreed with her contenders, noting a 13 percent increase in executive department spending. Medina stated her position on the elimination of property tax by subsidizing with increased sales and consumption tax.

The highlight of the debate was KHOU’s Len Cannon, who inquired about the issue of allowing undocumented students, whose parents brought them to Texas illegally, to be allowed to attend Texas colleges with an in-state tuition rate. Governor Perry defended his position supporting students who are undocumented.

Tyler Ingraham, junior political science major, hosted his first “block walk” to raise awareness about his campaign for the District 1 seat on the Alamo Community College Tyler Ingraham District’s board of trustees.

Gathering near San Antonio College, Ingraham and co-campaign managers Robert Pohl and Jacob Segarra instructed the ins and outs of a safe and effective walk for the group of 22 supporters. Precautions included no trespassing, observing “no soliciting” and “beware of dog” signs, leaving any person who is angry or combative and to always travel in pairs.

Generally, walkers should not do anything out of the ordinary or feel

Cont. on PG. 3, SEE “GOVERNOR”

Cyber love

Cont. on PG. 5, SEE “INGRAHAM ”

Brother Cletus Behlmann, a Marianist brother for 54 years, is getting ready to construct an 8 by 440 feet long mural at the new Haven for Hope facility in downtown San Antonio. Photo by Emily Scruggs

Marianist artist chosen to paint mural

Web sites create a new realm of dating on the internet.

PG. 13

[but] they told me, ‘Oh no, we want you to do that one too,” said Behlmann with a laugh.

The construction of the mural will begin between the middle or end of February and will continue through spring once Zachary Construction Corporation finishes working on Haven for Hope, according to Behlmann.

“I am going to get some St. Mary’s students to help, [and] Kathe Lehmen-Meyer is going to help do a documentary on the project,” said Behlman.

Behlmann has done many projects with his artwork for the past 54 years. After graduating from McBride High

A chocoholic’s paradise

School in St. Louis, Mo., he decided to become a Marianist brother. Behlmann had been teaching at elementary schools and parishes in El Paso and Victoria for several years, then decided to ask the Society of Mary if he could study art. He then attended the Art Institute of Chicago in the 1960s and taught for 19 more years until the society granted him an art career as a full time occupation.

“I had enough credits to teach art in Missouri. So I turned a chicken coup into an art gallery in St. Louis – that is where I began for seven years,” explained Behlmann.

Coco Chocolate Lounge and Bistro serves up exotic dishes.

PG. 15

SGA gets cameras approved

“Then I came to San Antonio [and] I had the art gallery on the other end of the block on Augusta Street for 30 years; only two years ago I moved from Augusta Street to where I am today.”

Behlmann’s workplace and gallery is located behind the St. Mary’s Center for Legal and Social Justice on 2507-B N.W. 36th St. Upon entering the gates for the center, there is a sign with an arrow that says in a distinct font “Cletus.” Behind the center and beyond the parking lot, two mobile trailers that house Behlmann’s niche. There he Cont. on PG. 3, SEE “CLETUS ”

“From the get-go”

Softball team wins 2-1 against East Central University.

PG. 20

February 10, 2010

Inside: Tasty Tacos

Neighborhood taco stands are an alternative for latenight taco runs.

PG. 9

PG. 20

Energy + Alcohol

Mixing alcoholic beverages with stimulants has grown popular, but not safe.

PG. 13

Tablet Talk

Computer tablets may all look similar, but read about differences among models.

PG. 14

Going Greek

Fraternities and sororities prepare for Greek Week after completing recruitment.

PG. 15

A new study abroad scholarship fund is created after approval of a Student Government Association proposal. on full-time undergraduate students was declined.

SGA president Tania Ramirez, senior political science major, said she decided to try to get a new proposal passed because she wanted to increase the amount of students who study abroad, which is also one of the university’s Vision 2012 strategic goals “This has been on SGA’s back burner for years,” said Ramirez who has studied abroad in China and Bolivia.

“Studying abroad is a life changing experience; you appreciate your home more and get to see how people in other places live. So I thought ‘let me pick [the proposal] up to see what I can do.’”

SGA worked on the proposal, which includes 200 student signatures in support, for nearly five months. Dean of Students Timothy Bessler, who is also the SGA advisor, and Minita Santizo, Director of International Educational Programs, advised the group through the process.

Bessler assisted by asking a lot of those questions.

“We researched other universities who have scholarship funds for studying abroad, spoke to financial aid, talked to students who have studied abroad and to parents to get different perspectives,” Ramirez said. “There were some negatives and positives, but the positives are what drove me to continue the proposal.”

Currently, students studying abroad can use their financial aid to help cover the cost, but work-study awards cannot be used because students must work on campus to use the award.

Even though students can use financial aid to study abroad, it does not cover the entire cost. Santizo estimates that the London study abroad program totals $23,000 to $24,000 for one semester; the Spain program is an estimated $22,000 for one semester.

“Because of the exchange rate and depending on where Cont. on PG. 3, SEE “SGA ”

Cont. on PG. 3

Cont. on PG. 3, SEE “SEPÚLVEDA”

February 24, 2010

By Azhmir Acosta and Amanda Cano Staff Writers

Cont. on PG. 3, SEE “POTHOLES”

Inside: Evaluate St. Mary’s

Survey responses provide the opportunity for campus improvements.

PG. 3

Inked Up

Despite judgment, students declare the true significance of their ink.

PG. 9

A Hairy Situation

Tasty treats take the form of flavorful frozen yogurt at local shopping hotspots.

PG. 17

Spaces

Founder’s Hall residents prepare to downgrade room size and possibly upgrade number of roommates.

Campus roads have suffered through water, age and other damaging factors so much that various cracks and potholes have emerged and have caught the attention of students. One student, Jon Ellis, a senior international relation and international business major, has gotten so frustrated that he created a Facebook group titled “STMU FIX RATTLER DRIVE!! & CHANGE THE SPEEDBUMPS!!”

“Potholes, cracks, dips, and oversized jagged speed bumps should not welcome anyone to a college campus.

And with how much we are paying for tuition, I’d assume this would be only a minor expense to fix. Hopefully someone will see this group and fix our street,” said Ellis on the group’s Facebook page.

As of March 6, this group has added 421 members. On the page, members, like sophomore entrepreneurial studies major Payton Reiff, have left

Beard owners share the story behind their unique facial hair.

PG. 12

PG. 20

Trading

By Matthew Rodriguez Staff Writer

Sweet Treats

Editor-In-Chief

An increased student population, due partly to the building of Founder’s Hall, has resulted in big changes to the room selection process. Photo by Felix Arroyo

Students campaign to keep

Blume Library open later

By Ari Rivera News Editor Students recently created a new online Facebook group called “St. Mary’s University Library Should Be Open Longer.”

Members of the group are pushing to keep the library open later, however, past attempts have shown that students fail to support their own efforts.

Since the group was created, 833 members have been added and have discussed their needs for the Louis J. Blume Library to remain open longer. Members of the new group include students of all classifications and majors.

The creator of the group junior biochemistry major Justin Haloot said he felt frustration with the limited time he had to study in the library. Haloot said having labs until the evening have kept him from getting to the library sooner. He also finds it difficult to study during the day because of his schedule. His friends had similar situations, he said.

“We then went to the library to do some work and soon it was time to get out,” Haloot

The time for room selection has arrived, and while students can decide whether they want to live on campus or would rather commute, their decision about where to reside on campus may not be entirely up to them, but rather up to the residence life office.

This year’s room selection process will take two weeks because of the increased student population – a direct result of the addition of Founder’s Hall, the freshman only dormitory, according to Director of Residence Life James Villarreal.

In past years, the process has been a one week event.

A new room selection process is not the only change students can expect when trying to decide where to reside. There is also a higher possibility that rooms will be tripled in many Outback buildings, including Marian, Lourdes, Dougherty and even Founder’s Halls.

Some rooms in the age 21 and up Chaminade Hall may also be doubled. Single rooms will still be available in Treadaway Hall and Leies Hall will remain a single, quad style residence hall.

The process to select a

This year’s spring commencement ceremonies will be held on campus in the Alumni & Athletics Convocation Center on May 8, not in a larger venue as it has usually be done in the past – a change that has garnered both positive and negative reactions from students.

The idea of moving graduation back to campus originated from a decision made by the Board of Trustees. Although the concern of decreased available space for guests was

an issue, the idea has been under consideration since the fall of 2008, according to Andre Hampton, vice president of academic affairs.

The board, which is largely composed of university alumni, wanted to bring graduation back on campus grounds to make an on-campus graduation ceremony a tradition.

They also wanted to move the location as a sense of pride for the beautification process the school has been under since the construction of the Barrett Memorial Bell Tower.

Traditionally, commencement exercises

room gives preference to students with a high “lottery number.” Lottery numbers are calculated based on a student’s GPA and completed semester hours along with other factors. Those with higher lottery numbers have a higher chance of getting the room of their choice.

The lottery number system has been in place for about five years and was implemented to give priority to those students who have been at the university for a longer period of time as well as to reward those who have done well academically.

During the first week of room selection, applications will be taken for Leies, Chaminade and Treadaway Halls, the Marian Science Living and Learning Center and some Outback tripled rooms. Freshman will not be able to participate during the first week of room selection and must wait until the second week.

Villarreal acknowledges that tripling rooms can have a negative impact on academic performance, but said that tripling rooms can create a community among students where experiences can be shared.

Freshmen are most limited in the room selection process because they will Cont. on PG. 5, SEE “ROOM ”

for the fall semester are usually held in the Alumni & Athletics Convocation Center, and commencement exercises for the spring commencement are commonly held in the Freeman Coliseum, where typically over-attendance is not an issue because of the large size of the venue.

“We created a task force to see the feasibility of having both graduations on campus. We wanted it to be a full circle, the commencement which is the beginning and graduation

March 10, 2010

120

said. “I then realized that this was kind of typical for a lot of St. Mary’s Students.”

There is a real need for increased library availability, said Jonathan Solano, senior corporate financial management major.

“I use the library for both a quiet space and for the resources all the time and I feel hindered since it closes so early,” Solano said.

While the group’s current profile picture suggests that the library be open 24 hours a day, many of the members are willing to compromise.

“I would love it [to stay] open till at least 2 a.m. if it can’t be open 24 hours,” Solano said.

Senior English major and member of the Student Government Association Alex McCoy, made comments about the request on the group’s discussion page.

“It would affect staffing, budgeting, possibly tuition and a lot more,” McCoy wrote. “So, there is no simple solution.”

Staff members of the Blume Library have received requests for longer hours before; however, student participation does not end up matching the requests. In previous years, the library tried to remain open later to see the results.

Performers end the semester with a bang at the Christmas concert.

PG.8

PG. 10

one of the best values in the West.”

The extent of students’ college debt depends partly on how well they plan, according to Krause and Rosalind Alderman, assistant vice president for student retention.

“A lot of it depends on your priorities, choices and planning,” Alderman said. “You have to figure out the big picture of this.”

Some students come to her with as much as $100,000 in debt for advice, she said. Others have debt as low as $2,000.

“You need to be smart from the beginning about how much debt you want to be in and also what that debt really means,” Alderman said.

In addition to early career planning, constant financial planning and monitoring is important to reduce or avoid debt, Krause said.

Krause advises students to apply for both departmental and outside scholarships, to complete the FAFSA by its deadline and to finish coursework early to minimize debt.

Looking at education as a value proposition and an investment is something Alderman said all students should do.

“You can’t just figure out what to do for one year,” Alderman said. “Every semester you tack on to your plan is money spent. The longer time you spend here, the longer you are not making money in the ‘real world’ with a job and the longer the propensity for needing loans will be.”

Alderman pointed out that students can save money and time by taking up to 18 hours a semester since the tuition rate for 12 to 18 class hours is the same, She also said that it is also important for students to consider how much money they will earn when they graduate because they must begin repaying their loans six months after entering the work force.

No matter what field a student is entering, students should plan early so that they are able to secure a job that enables them to pay their bills, said Leticia Hart, a specialist at the Career Services Center.

“We recommend that students start early with their career planning, so that we can start identifying opportunities that will benefit them,” she said. “If they don’t know where they are going, we encourage them to come visit us [Career Services] even sooner.”

Alderman also stresses early career planning. “If you don’t know what you want to do to begin with, then it doesn’t matter what school you go to. You are still going to have issues with debt,” she said.

Cont. on PG. 3, SEE “IN DEBT”

Cont. on PG. 3, SEE “Library” Photo illustration by Jaime Perez and Analicia Perez

rattler he

December 9, 2009

rattler the

NEW in this issue: Your Tweets PG. 8 Poetry Corner & The College Crossword PG. 15

A Guide to Fiesta 2010 Excited for Fiesta, but not sure which events to attend? Our handy Fiesta guide will help you decide where to go and what to expect.

A St. Mary’s Student Publication since 1925 • Vol. 97 Issue 10 • April 12, 2010 • STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Residence Life plans to fix network issues Students who live on campus may have noticed in the last couple of months that some important changes in the residence halls have been made since last semester, including changes to the internet network.

Last semester, all residents were notified by e-mail about upgrades that were going to be made to the internet network in the residence halls. The dorms

elections

By Sarah Mills Editor-In-Chief

Senior criminal justice major Stephania Oliver holds her son, Ayden Quinn, and remembers opening a hymnal in church to Psalm 38.

One line reads “I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.” Photo by Analicia Perez

m

By Austin W. Newton News Editor On Jan. 12, 2010 at approximately 3:53 p.m. CDT, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit one of the poorest nations in the world — Haiti. The earthquakes toppled buildings, trapped civilians and the fallout has killed over 111,000 people thus far.

This inspired Americans and world citizens to donate up to $355 million to the island country and many are also volunteering for the American Red Cross, according to CNN. com on Jan. 23. But who would have known that the earthquake’s tremors would shake the lives of St. Mary’s University students?

Senior biology major Irene Pedraza has visited Haiti twice in the past, most recently dur-

Commencement venue change causes mixed feelings

By Nancy Perez Senior Staff Writer

St. Mary’s University 2008 graduates faced an average debt of $27,416 on finishing their undergraduate education, according to data compiled by the university.

In contrast, students at The University of the Incarnate Word, a private university like St. Mary’s, had a higher average indebtedness for graduates in 2008 — about $39,985, according to UIW data. Graduates of the University of Texas at San Antonio, a public university, graduated with an average of $20,083 in debt in 2008, according to data compiled by UTSA. The data are contained in each institution’s Common Data Set (CDS), an initiative by higher education institutions and publishers which is intended to improve the quality and accuracy of information provided and to reduce the reporting burden on data providers. The CDS is based on students who have attended a university since the beginning of their freshman year.

According to David Krause, St. Mary’s director of financial aid, private colleges and universities generally tend to have higher tuition than public ones, and higher average indebtedness is associated with higher tuition.

Other factors that affect average indebtedness include the amount of time a student takes to graduate, the endowment resources for financial aid, the average financial aid package offered, the cost of living in the area, the number of an institution’s part-time and commuter students -- and student demographics, such as family income and ability to pay, he said.

Krause argued it’s also important to look at how much average indebtedness a graduate has in relation to the university’s tuition and fees.

“Based on the level of graduate indebtedness of St. Mary’s compared to UTSA, a St. Mary’s student will borrow more over four years, an amount that averages out to less than $2,000 a year,” said Krause. “However, the price differential between our tuition and fees [for this current academic year] is $10,000 more than UTSA’s a year. That means the price differential is not being put on the backs of students, mainly because of St. Mary’s commitment to providing non-loan resources.”

Lucha Ramey, director of media relations, argues that these factors provide “proof of why St. Mary’s has been consistently ranked by the U.S. News & World Report as

November 18, 2009

The women’s basketball team advances to the regional championships while the men’s team falls to University of Incarnate Word.

Concert Band

High prices are driving students away from stores and to the Web.

The price of education

By Sarah Mills

Cont. on PG. 5, SEE “Anglicans”

Goodbye, Heartland

Online shopping

A St. Mary’s Student Publication since 1925 • Vol. 97, Issue 5 • 12-09-09

St. Mary’s 2008 graduates left with an average $27, 416 in debt — a figure of many factors.

Some clergy members are hailing Pope Benedict’s invitation to Anglicans worldwide to rejoin the Catholic Church—while other Catholics, including a St. Mary’s professor and School Sister of Notre Dame, are asking how the Church can reject ordaining celibate Catholic women, on the one hand, while welcoming married Episcopalian clergymen into the Catholic priesthood, on the other.

“By [Pope Benedict] asking the conservative Anglicans to join the Church, that is saying something about what direction the pope sees the Church going,” said Sister Ann Semel S.S.N.D., Ph.D., and English professor. “He is welcoming the very conservative group of Anglicans because they object to some of the things that are going on in their Church, one of those things is the ordination of women.”

The differences unfold a month after the pope issued his pronouncement, at a moment of division in the Anglican Church.

Conservative Anglicans worldwide have rejected their church’s acceptance of women priests, homosexual clergy and homosexual unions. In the midst of that controversy, Pope Benedict released an official church document streamlining Anglican conversions into the Catholic Church, including a provision for married Anglican priests to retain wives and children, become Catholic priests and seek full communion.

The new statement makes international what had already been set up for the U.S. by Pope John Paul II in the 1980s. He had enabled American Anglicans who converted to Catholicism to be in full communion with the Catholic Church.

However, opposition from some Catholics on the latest pronouncement was followed last week by the Vatican issuing clarifying rules that married priests would be admitted only on “a case-by-case basis, according to objective criteria approved by the Holy See,” The New York Times reported.

an alumnus and former faculty member.

The series is presented to the public as a service to the community free of charge.

The family asked that every few years the theme be based on the economy, according to University Communications

A St. Mary’s Student Publication since 1925 • Vol. 97 Issue 9 • March 10, 2010 • STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

The ¡Adelante! U.S. Education Leadership Fund hosted the first of a three-part series of the State of Latino Education at the university with Juan Sepúlveda as the main speaker.

Sepúlveda spoke about the significance of education on a national scale and how it impacts San Antonio.

Sepúlveda is the director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans (which is housed under the U.S. Department of Education and the Domestic Policy Council) under President Barack Obama’s administration, and manages the White House’s involvement in Latino education in the U.S. During his speech on Feb. 19, Sepúlveda began the series by saying that education is one of the top priorities of the Obama administration.

Sepúlveda introduced the administration’s goal of making the U.S. the leading country where the majority of the population has an undergraduate degree. The U.S. is currently No. 10 on that list, he said.

People with no college education account for 15 to 20 percent of the currently unemployed population and those with some college education account for less than 5 percent of the currently unemployed, Sepúlveda said.

He restated Obama’s challenge regarding education: “Every child needs to get at least a high school education and at least one year of college education.”

The future of the U.S. is tied to the Latino community because of its increasing population. There are 47 million (51 million if you count the residents of Puerto Rico) Hispanics in the U.S., and it is the largest minority group in the country.

About half of Latinos do not finish high school, and half of the students who do finish high school are not even ready for college. Thirteen percent of Latino high school graduates get an undergraduate degree and 4 percent get a degree beyond the undergraduate level, Sepúlveda said.

He then laid out the Obama administration’s agenda regarding Latino education. The Obama administration plans to challenge programs such as “Head Start” and other programs in all states to increase the quality of their

PG. 6-7

Staff Writer

free pair of shoes to needy children for every pair of shoes sold when he visited Argentina.

He realized children not having shoes is a common issue in developing countries and wanted to help protect their feet from getting wounds and infections.

The initial name for his company was “Tomorrow Shoes,” because when a customer buys a pair of shoes, the company will in return give a pair to a needy child. But, he later shortened the name to TOMS in order for the label to fit on the back of the shoe.

The Lin Great Speakers Series sponsored Mycoskie’s visit to the university.

Originally established in the late ‘80s, the series is made possible by a gift established in memory of Shu-Chi Lin by his widow, Chang Le-Chiao Lin and his son, Vincent Lin, Ph.D.,

Campus roads need fixing

PG.16

The Rattler

By Charles Ramirez

the

Rattler basketball teams prepare to compete in the Heartland Conference playoffs.

Dean’s List Annual Dean’s List reveals the best of the best at St. Mary’s University.

Students are spending more time on social networking site applications.

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Blake Mycoskie, founder and “chief shoe giver” of TOMS Shoes, laughs during a question and answer session at the end of his presentation for this year’s Lin Great Speakers Series. Photos by Analicia Perez

Entrepreneur, Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS shoes, spoke to the university community about the new economic landscape and its effects on business and social responsibility.

On Oct. 14 Mycoskie addressed a large audience in the Bill Greehey Arena on how one can get involved in social entrepreneurialism and be financially successful while making the world a better place.

Mycoskie first had the idea to provide a

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Do you APPly yourself?

The pope welcomes Anglicans

rattler

Preparing for battle

By Alonzo Mendoza Staff Writer

By Sarah Mills Editor-In-Chief The university’s board of trustees officially approved a Student Government Association proposal to create a scholarship fund for students planning to study abroad on Feb. 12.

Beginning in fall 2010, a $10 fee will be implemented each semester for all full-time undergraduate students. The fees will be used to create an International Educational Student Scholarship Fund that will give students hoping to study abroad the opportunity to receive a scholarship to help pay the costs.

The fund will be maintained by having 75 percent of the fiscal resources available to students who enroll in an International Education Program; the remaining 25 percent will roll over each semester so that the fund can mature, according to the proposal.

In spring 2007, a similar SGA proposal that called for the university to match all funds collected from a $4 fee

PG. 9

October 21, 2009

White House official speaks on education

Bon Voyage!

Contact sports create greater risk for contracting swine flu.

Entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie speaks of philanthropy, sustainability and maintaining a successful business.

By Valerie Sanchez and Ari Rivera Staff Writer and News Editor

The Rattler

Coaches take flu precautions

Students and staff share their chilling ghost experiences at the university.

Giving shoes for a better TOMorrow

By Alex Salinas Staff Writer The Student Government Association has responded to numerous criminal incidents that occurred in parking lots throughout the 20082009 school year. This semester the university will install security cameras near Marian Hall.

They will be placed on top of the building and set on a tripod, with three cameras facing opposite directions. Footage will be captured from all angles and will eliminate the potential for a specific area to be left unsecured.

After the security cameras are installed SGA wants to have the tripods installed at Leies Hall and at the Ernest A. Raba Law Building area. According to Tania Ramirez, president of SGA, these three buildings were the major locations of many of the incidents that occurred last school year, which range from slashed tires to vehicular break-ins.

The security cameras were proposed in spring and successfully passed through legislation that same semester. Each camera will cost approximately $200, said Ramirez. Sarah Benavides, senior economics major, said the benefits will exceed the costs.

“A camera isn’t going to stop someone,” she said. “But it will increase the odds of catching them.”

It is not certain if these cameras will prevent crime in and around the parking lots, but may be worth the effort to promote deterrence from crime — especially for those who have been victim to any sort of vehicular damage.

Benavides suffered a similar crime recently. The incident served as a learning experience, and remains positive. “There can be justice in the thought of being able to catch them,” Benavides said.

Ramirez shares a similar sentiment and feels the cameras will assist in various ways.

She explained that the cameras will give the University Police Department an advantage when determining who committed a crime.

Cameras could also capture license plates on the vehicles of those committing the crimes, which could help the UPD identify criminals.

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Gubernatorial debate heats up

By Austin W. Newton News Editor Brother Cletus Behlmann, S.M., has been chosen as the main artist to paint a large mural for Haven for Hope, a new three-story, 37-acre facility for the city’s homeless, scheduled to open in April.

The mural he will be painting measures 8 feet tall and 440 feet long and is located at 1 Haven for Hope Way downtown.

“When I was [at Haven for Hope], [the mural] seemed like it went on forever,” Behlman said. “Way across the yard was another wall. I thought another group was going to do that,

tion had nothing to do with the 21-page affidavit submitted by opponents Gabriel Hernandez and James Eades.

Villarreal said she was disqualified, a week after the election, because she was in the University Center without permission two different times during the election as prescribed by election rules. Also, a student wearing a campaign shirt that supported Osuna and Tania Ramirez entered the UC at the time, another violation of the code.

In contrast, Osuna said she received permission from the student officials who were running the elections at the time to enter the UC to go to the restroom and another time to go upstairs for reasons unrelated to the election. As for the student wearing the campaign shirt, she said both her and Ramirez should have been faulted.

“You can’t really control who wears your campaign shirt and where,” Osuna said. “I think if it was going to be counted against me it should have also been counted against Tania too.”

Cont. on PG. 3, SEE “SGA Candidate”

Is the campus haunted?

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September 30, 2009

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it was not considered urgent, but was rather a heads up to students to be aware of their surroundings.

“This system is meant more for emergency action and information that we need to get out to the community immediately,” he said.

Glowacki agrees and states that it is important to report all events immediately in order to help with the new system. It is necessary for students to get involved in order for the system to take effect.

“There are two key things. One – opt in the program. We [the students, faculty and staff] have to sign up. Two – it is set up for immediate action for example, severe weather. It is designed for emergencies that affect and require immediate response.”

Glowacki said UPD will continue to email nonemergency notifications through Gateway.

Louisa Martin, ITS’ executive director for technology rescue management and planning, is looking forward to promoting the system at priority registration.

“It will be used only for emergency purposes,” says Martin, “and not for promotional purposes.”

Martin said the new system will only be available to active students, faculty and staff.

Once a semester the ITS department will test out the new system to insure that it is working.

“The text, voicemail and/or email will state that it is only a test notification,” Martin said. “We want to make sure it is working and that all who have signed up are able to receive notifications.”

Political science senor Tania Ramirez, who is also the Student Government Association President, is excited about the new system.

“It’s a great idea. It will definitely increase campus awareness,” Ramirez said. “Some people don’t check their emails and now students will be aware of their surroundings.”

By Melody Mejia

The Rattler

PG. 14

SGA candidate unclear about election results

Emergency

o Fever or chills

Cont. on PG. 5, SEE “Swine Flu”

How to make a long distance relationship work.

Campus starts new emergency notification system

“My fear is there is going to be many cases before the vaccine comes.”

- Sandra Vasquez, director of the student health center

By Denice Hernandez and Valerie Sanchez Managing Editor and Staff Writer

Surving the Distance

Burglaries have student bikers alarmed.

PG. 8-9

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PG. 18

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Bicycle Thefts

H ing the 2009 Thanksgiving break. Her father, Robert, is currently an employee of the U.S. Agency for International Development and has been helping rebuild Haiti with U.S. government funds for the past year and a half. Pedraza’s father was in the U.S. embassy when the earthquake struck.

Irene’s father survived the earthquake.

“When [my family] first found out, we weren’t able to get in contact [with him] for an hour. He reassured us he was fine,” said Pedraza.

The embassy was built to survive earthquakes and other natural disasters. However, everything around the embassy was destroyed. Her father is unable to walk the streets anymore, as the pedestrians are getting more violent day

M by day, she said.

“Everything the U.S. has done in Haiti, all the buildings they helped with, it is all demolished,” describes Irene Pedraza. “[My family and I] are calm. Our main concern is getting food to him. There isn’t that much food in Haiti right now. He always gets supplies when he leaves home. Since he hasn’t been home, it’s hard to get food over there.”

What Irene hopes the St. Mary’s community understands is this: “Haiti was very devastated before the earthquake happened. Now there’s more devastation. Even after the earthquake is gone from the news, the help shouldn’t stop. We should continue to help Haiti, because they need aid now more than ever.”

Within our St. Mary’s com-

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munity there is also a native of Haiti who walks among us.

She is a student, an employee, sister and a mother. Her name is Stephania Oliver, a criminal justice major. Oliver, along with her sisters and grandmother, call Haiti their home.

Here in the U.S. they spend most of the evenings together at their apartment watching television or reading articles on the computer. The earthquake has devastated their home lives, but they continue through their daily routines?.

“The day it happened, Jan. 12, was my mother and grandmother’s birthday. My mother was in Haiti when it happened.

It took about two days to talk to my mother [on the phone].

When I did, I was on the floor crying,” said Oliver as she Cont. on PG. 3, SEE “Haiti”

Posters plastered all over campus, T-shirts with “vote for me” printed on them and students begging for votes usually sums up the competitive spirit of the Student Government Association spring elections.

But this year, most of the candidates running are doing so unopposed. The only competitive race is for the Vice President position and is between sophomore political science and philosophy major Daisy Chaparro and junior political science major Valerie Mancias.

The presidential candidate, junior English major and business minor Alexandra McCoy, faces no opponent and will become the SGA president for

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anua y 27 2010

2010-2011 as long as she gets one vote and does not make three violations to the SGA elections regulations. McCoy and Macias are running mates.

The current SGA president senior political science major Tania Ramirez said she sees this year’s elections as a direct reflection of a lack of involvement in SGA. “I hope in the future SGA reaches out to students more during elections. It is sad to see the competitive race to only be for the vice president position,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez wants students to know that whoever they vote for will be responsible for communicating student concerns to the university’s faculty, administration and Board of Trustees.

“Most people do not know

Alexandra McCoy President Junior English major and business minor Experience: • SGA senator since her freshman year • Member of the appropriations committee for two years Chair of the Student Development Committee, which has allowed her to work directly with the Board of Trustees for Student Development Has organized events like Rattler tailgates, pub nights and Rattler Madness Has helped establish two 24-hour quiet study lounges in the Outback Shares Macias’ platform, also aims to improve science labs and SGA involvement

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that we have the power to change things. We have a direct access to the administration, and if you want something changed, that is the way to go,” Ramirez said.

Under Ramirez and vice president senior political science major James Eades’ lead, this year’s SGA accomplished the following: a study abroad scholarship fund, pub nights, an expanded recycling pilot program, 24 hour quiet study areas in Adele and John Donohoo dorms, immigration panels, designated motorcycle parking areas and a revised SGA constitution.

The Vice President of Internal affairs Valerie Cobos, a public administration graduate student, hopes that students see the importance of voting for a vice

Daisy Chaparro Vice-President Sophomore political science and philosophy major Experience: • SGA senator since her freshman year • Member of the Administration, Finance and Technology Committee where she helped launch the second annual “Go Green Week” Member of the Governmental Affairs committee, became deputized and helped register students to vote in Bexar County elections Attended the international Conference of Student Government Associations Aims to create 24 hour study locations, improve food options and Wi-Fi connectivity

• • •

president. The vice president is mainly responsible for overlooking various committees that form to answer the concerns of the student body.

However, Cobos is only expecting 300 students to vote in this year’s elections, 207 less than last year’s race which had three contenders for SGA president.

All votes are counted through surveymonkey.com, which makes it possible for students to vote electronically. Voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the UC atrium on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Quad on Monday and Tuesday.

Winners will be announced 24 hours after all votes are counted as long as the elections are not contested or appealed.

Valerie Macias Vice-President Junior political science major Experience: • SGA senator since her freshman year • Member of the appropriations committee where she helped allocate funds to RSOs Former chair of the Enrollment management committee where she helped administration work on retaining students Helped SGA become part of bearattler. com, a social networking site designed to help SGA answer students’ questions Aims to find a late-night study location, increase number of security cameras and explore a book rental program

April 12, 2010

PG. 10

The Rattler Editorial Staff Fall 2009 to Spring 2010 Editor-in-Chief Sarah Mills Managing Editor Denice Hernandez Copy Editor Alexis Alvarez Design Editor Jaime Perez (fall ‘09) Amanda Rodriguez (spring ‘10) News Editor Ari Rivera (fall ‘09) Austin W. Newton (spring ‘10) Commentary Editor Lorna Cruz Features Editor Stephen Guzman Entertainment Editor Stephanie Sanders (fall ‘09) Luis Miguel Macias (spring ‘10) Sports Editor Chris Filoteo (fall ‘09) Veronica Martinez (spring ‘10) Web Editor Sara Cornejo (spring ‘10) Roberto Dumke (fall ‘09) Photo Editor Analicia Perez Assistant Photo Editor Davilin Hamel (fall ‘09) Felix Arroyo (spring ‘10) Advertising Manager Leo Reyes Assistant Advertising Manager Katie O’Donnell Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

121

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60.9%

authentically satisfied students seem, according to Bessler.

“When the prospective students see our current students, they talk to them,” he said. “They see how vibrant and diverse our campus community is through our current students.”

Freshmen international students Myriam Vigil from Honduras and Ninfa Escobar from Nicaragua heard about St. Mary’s University from over a thousand miles away.

“I have family and friends who had other family members who had gone to St. Mary’s,” Vigil said, “They all loved it.”

“I had a friend that said very good things about St. Mary’s,” Escobar said. “They were the ones that told me ‘Hey, you need to come here, you’re going to love it.’”

Vigil and Escobar are only two of the newest members of university’s international student population of 200, according to Jenny Brydon, International Student and

Find out why you have been receiving Gateway e-mails so late.

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Mexico 11 China 5 El Salvador 3 Honduras 3 3 Peru Saudi 3 Nicaragua 2

TEXAS (529)

San Antonio 220 Valley 65 65 El Paso Houston 57 Central Texas 37 Corpus Christi 24 West Texas 6 Other 11

female

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Other countries include: Bolivia, Canada, Costa Rica, India, Italy, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Nigeria, Slovenia and Uzbekistan.

According to the Admission’s Office, as of Aug. 19.

Scholar Services director.

“We have the largest [international student] population we have ever had,” said Brydon. “The largest populations of international students come from Saudi Arabia and India. We have more graduate international students than undergraduate students.”

Both Brydon and Bessler said that integration between international and American students can enrich a student’s experience.

“Our international students are incredibly cool. I hope students make the effort to make our international population feel welcome at St. Mary’s,” Brydon said. “Knowing an international student will enrich your life.”

Director of Admissions Chadd Bridwell handles much of the new student recruitment. This year he has recruited 24 new international students.

Apart from recruiting students from other countries, Bridwell said his mission is to

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enhance diversity by bringing in students from areas around San Antonio, such as El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley.

“We have most of our recruitment from the Valley and El Paso because, statistically speaking, these students are more willing to travel,” said Bridwell.

Twenty-one percent of the class of 2014 is from these areas, while 37 percent is from San Antonio and 11 percent is from out-of-state.

The class of 2014 is also unique because of their new living arrangements.

Eighty-four percent of freshmen are living on campus for the current academic school year, while the school is at a 104 percent residence occupancy, according to Residence Life.

“The class of 2014 is going to bond, especially with tripling rooms,” Bridwell. “They are going to be a neat class.”

Take our quiz to find a good student organization match.

Page 8

In a world where sharing the most intimate details of one’s life via tweet or Facebook status update has become conventional human behavior, many do not realize the potential dangers that can arise from sharing too much information.

Privacy settings might be able to keep some information hidden, but that does not always ensure safety. Something as simple as posting status updates or photos about newly purchased items can invite theft, said Armando Abney, associate professor and chair of the criminology department.

“You are basically advertising what you have,” he said. “Criminals take note and are looking for easy targets.”

Criminals are always looking for ways to take advantage of new technologies, said Abney, and students should never “broadcast” their personal information on social networking sites.

Most Smartphones also embed the GPS coordinates of where a photo was taken into the actual photo, said Louisa Martin, executive director for technology resource management and planning.

In other words, people should be cautious and disable geo-locations to avoid revealing their location.

Facebook applications like “Places,” which allows users to let others know their exact location at

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any given time, could also give criminals, or stalkers, another resource to find a target.

Martin said too many personal or easily identifiable details can make someone a target for identity theft, harassment or property crime.

“I think that there are people out there who may look at this feature and think that it is nice to use so that people know where you are, but at the same time, they know where you are not,” said junior history major Kari Gords. “To me, it is like an invitation for someone to go rob your house while they know you are at the library or the store.”

The average Facebook user has more than 100 friends, and with more than 500 million users, it is more than just friends browsing through social sites wanting to learn more, according to facebook.com/press .

“You never know who is out there watching; you can monitor Facebook users from left to right: David Clark, Katie Beth, John Villalobos, Hector Mars, Andrea Riojas, Maria your privacy and what you share Smit, Marco Bass and Michael Rodriguez. Photos by Analicia Perez but there are people out there who can hack around it and read every- nerable,” Lehman-Meyer said. appropriate to post,” she said. have to use common sense.” thing,” Gords said. “Many people “You do not realize it because it is “Personal information about their After all, using sites like Facehave friends on Facebook that they part of your everyday life and you lives, or concerning other people, book can be an amazing tool when either barely know or do not know are used to telling everyone what would seem inappropriate.” used sensibly, according to Lehmat all. You never know who could you are up to, but it is all about The less information, the better, an-Meyer. be stalking your page or monitor- how you approach it.”

“There is much to be learned seems to be the best approach. ing what you say.”

“There are a lot of other social about social media, there are not Freshman psychology major The main thing, though, is Lucuro Alvarez said she posts norms that we know can also get any clear cut rules yet, but there controlling what you put out about two Facebook statuses and us into trouble if we aren’t careful,” certainly are guidelines,” she said. there, said Katherine Lehman- four tweets a day, but she only Lehman-Meyer said. “Drinking “If you are conservative, you canMeyer, director of the Academic likes to share things about her day, is an example, and it is the same not go wrong.”

Media Center. thing with social media. There are not about personal matters.

“Your information is very vul“Vague information would be some things we just do not do; we

FEATURES

NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT

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Read about the rugby team’s first season game.

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Serve the community this spring break

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CineFest offers Latino-themed films

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Tennis doubles are a “match made in heaven”

Aramark, the university’s exclusive caterer, is making changes to its food services after a group of students voiced their dissatisfaction with the Diamondback Café.

Several students raised concerns about food quality, sanitation, pricing and hours of operation during a student forum hosted by the Student Government Association on Oct. 25.

John Finerghty, director of food services, attended

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FEATURES

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Time for some good ol’ ethical debate

February 2, 2011

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Students prep for the Rock-n-Roll Marathon

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Cont. on PG. 8, SEE “12 DAYS OF STUDYING”

O.J. Chavez shares his karate stories

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Looking for good sushi? Read our reviews.

SGA proposes a bike exchange program

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Students reach out to Marianist Brothers

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Student is first to direct major production

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Men’s basketball ranks high in survey

December 1, 2010

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Check out Dr. Cotrell’s stmubook wall PG. 8

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finals

SGA organized the forum in response to a Facebook event titled “St. Mary’s Aramark Boycott,” scheduled for Oct. 27. On the event’s page, students made comments about services in the Café. Some defended Aramark, while others criticized it. The boycott was cancelled after the forum was held.

“What we did to be proactive was break down the Facebook page and took the valid comments and the issues that were out there,” Finerghty said. “Then we tried to find solutions to those complaints or situations that people have experienced.”

Students Tommy Woerner and Andrew Riley Cont. on PG. 4, SEE “Aramark”

ENTERTAINMENT

It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas — especially with our custom holiday playlist. Check it out.

PG. 12

If just hearing “study week” makes you want to cry, make the week go by a little easier by scheduling in some time to get away. A couple of hours spent away from fearing finals can’t hurt much, so browse through our list of 12 places to go to find your escape. Bring some frazzled friends along, and if you must, bring your books, too — just don’t expect to pay much attention to them.

November 10, 2010

Although some students find parking on campus inconvenient, the University Police Department says there is enough room. PAGE 8

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Students share opinions about bill that could possibly allow guns on public campuses and give private universities the option to allow them.

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An in-depth overview of dining program changes this Fall.

The University community can expect the new dining program—an allyou-care-to-eat plan—to take effect at the beginning of August this year.

Different meal plans, food stations, dining facilities and operating hours are some of the new changes occurring in the next year.

According to Aramark Food Services Director for the University John Finerghty, the current state of the dining program was similar to a retail environment where there were declining balances and purchasing was done in an out-of-the-cart fashion.

“We’re moving to what’s called a residential meal plan program, otherwise known as an all-you care-toeat program, which in Aramark world is called RFOC, which stands for Real Food On Campus,” Finerghty said.

“What stands out from other residential meal plans compared to what we’re doing here [is] a lot of universities don’t do an all-access plan. What they do is an all-you-care-to-eat program but it’s limited to three times a day, so you can only eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.”

With the program here, Finerghty said that the student has the “flexibility to come in and out of the dining hall as much as they want as long as they

Students Didya Magaña, Miriam Cruz and Stefanie Ramirez — all of who participate on the university’s Recylcing Committee — are asking students to make efforts to live an environmentally aware lifestyle. Read about the efforts the university is currently making to be environmentally freindly and learn about how you can get involved.

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Cont. on PG. 8, SEE “CENTERSPREAD”

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Sweeten up your day with a cupcake

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The baseball team faces high expectations

February 16, 2011

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GO GREEN WITH STMU

Students visit Austin to support TEG

the forum to answer students’ questions, including pre-determined questions by SGA. “Things that were brought up were valid complaints,” Finerghty said. “They were issues that could easily be fixed.”

Finerghty said that changes are already being implemented and that there are signs of improvement.

Changes that have been made include assigning a salad bar attendant to the salad bar on the weekends, offering value meals at Home Zone, re-training staff to meet sanitation standards and extending the hours of Miso and Tortilla Fresca, according to Finerghty.

By Katherine Benavides News Editor

ENTERTAINMENT

Broken machines are a pain for residents

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all-you-care-to-eat

Marketing senior Charles Schlecht works out at the gym. Currently, there are several hand weights missing from the gym. Photo by Jennifer Sims

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After communicating with students, Aramark officials plan to continue making changes to respond to their concerns.

Students have the will, but do they have the weights?

NEWS

SPORTS

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SATISFIED?

Read our review on three haunted houses

October 20, 2010

Get the facts on how to file your 2010 taxes.

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The dating scene has been affected by popular Web sites like Facebook and Twitter — sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Read about how it has destroyed some relationships, and how it has inspired love.

Have you filled out your FAFSA?

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Gym officials make plans to improve equipment.

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TLC Tees teaches students business skills

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The lovebug strikes again. Treat your special valentine with a sweet treat.

Check out what local chocolate shops have to offer.

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Social Networking has changed the “relationship status.”

NEWS

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Check out what the students studying abroad in London have been up to.

Photos are inside! pg. 8

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September 28, 2010

September 15, 2010

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Get ideas for cheap, creative Halloween get-ups for men and women using items that you probably already own. pg. 8

Graphic / Illustration by Jasmine Garcia, Photo by Leo Reyes

INTERNATIONAL (24)

OUT OF STATE (65) Arizona 15 California 4 2 Florida Illinois 2 Maryland 2

39.1%

News Editor

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Oversharing personal information through social websites can lure in unwanted attention.

Managing Editor

If it seems like there are more students at the university, it is because there is.

With more than 700 new freshman and transfer students this semester, the university experienced a 3 percent increase in undergraduate enrollment, compared to the 2009 fall semester.

The graduate school enrollment also grew by 19 percent, compared to same data.

Overall, the total student population grew by 5 percent, according to the Dean of Students, Timothy Bessler.

Word-of-mouth is a key factor in bringing in new faces to the campus, according to Bessler.

“The things that are said by word-ofmouth from a current student to a prospective student is invaluable.”

Prospective students often note on how

September 29, 2010 •

rattler

DIY COSTUMES

how SAFE is it?

By Denice Hernandez

By Austin W. Newton

•

Vol. 98 Issue 2

facebook

ENROLLMENT heightens

male

•

A St. Mary’s Student Publication since 1925

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Find out where to get student discounts. pg. 8

11 FEATURES

4 NEWS

Fraternity promotes club night for a cause.

Explore downtown’s music scene.

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Cont. on PG. 3, SEE University expected to see new dining program for fall

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Cont. on PG.8, SEE “GRADUATION”

16 SPORTS

Native Roar: Bringing a new sound to campus

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who rules overall?

10 FEATURES

2011

12 ENTERTAINMENT

14 SPORTS

Form, function and sole: the perfect sport shoe

Find out if power bracelets make a difference.

March 2, 2011

CLASS OF Registrar’s Office increases the amount of graduation tickets due to an overwhelming response from graduating seniors.

3 NEWS

Young students exposed to science professions

Guest speaker shows students how to weave.

don’t swipe their card twice within a 30-minute period.”

For the All-Access 7 option, residents have unlimited entries, seven days a week into the dining hall. Also, the plan includes $250 dining dollars and costs $1,786 per semester, including sales tax. The All-Access 5 meal plan, with a cost of $1,580 per semester, also has unlimited entries but for five days a week and includes $300 dining dollars. Dining dollars, according to Finerghty, work like cash and can be used to purchase items at any of the on-campus outlets.

Although one of the on-campus outlets is the current Subway store, new additions will be installed next year when the residential meal plans take effect. The new on-campus outlets include Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, the Law Cart Kiosk and the new Provisions on Demand convenience kiosk.

The Chick-fil-A will be located in the current Rattler Den and the Starbucks will be built on the bottom floor of the Louis J. Blume Library. The P.O.D. Market will replace Java City. According to Finerghty, items similar to what are sold in the C-store will be sold at the P.O.D. Market, including soups, pre-made salads, sushi and bottled beverages.

Summer holds a make-over for St. Louis Hall

March 30, 2011

Student couples plan to marry after graduation

Eatery pairs classic fare with mod atmosphere

Student boxer James Leija starts career strong

April 20, 2011

The Rattler Editorial Staff Fall 2010 to Spring 2011 Editor-in-Chief Sarah Mills Managing Editor Denice Hernandez

Jasmine Garcia

Copy Editor Azhmir Acosta Design Editor Jasmine Garcia News Editor Austin W. Newton (fall ‘10) Katherine Benavides (spring ‘11) Commentary Editor Alex Salinas Features Editor Amanda Cano Entertainment Editor Dania Pulido Sports Editor Veronica Martinez (fall ‘10) Diana Garcia (spring ‘11)

Denice Hernandez

Web Editor Sara Cornejo

Presented at the 2011 Spring Convention in Fort Worth, Texas

Photo Editor Analicia Perez (fall ‘10) Felix Arroyo (spring ‘11) Assistant Photo Editor Felix Arroyo (fall ‘10) Jennifer Sims (spring ‘11) Advertising Manager Leo Reyes Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

123

Outgoing staff says farewell

By Sarah Mills Editor-in-Chief

By Denice Hernandez Managing Editor

During my last press weekend with The Rattler, I looked around at all the other editors, who have become like my family, and I remembered why I wanted to be a part of all of this. There has been nothing better than working with people that share the same ambitions as me, and they are all my constant inspiration to be the best person I can be. I am always in awe at how well we fit each other, no matter how different we all really are. I guess what ties us together is our genuine love for our jobs.

I can’t remember the last thing that was as important to me as this position has been, and never have I felt more at home than in this crazy newsroom. I think everyone who works to put The Rattler together leaves changed in some way. Being a part of The Rattler staff has helped me stay focused on my wild dream of one day becoming a journalist, and it brought me some of the best friendships. But still, the most wonderful thing is that The Rattler helped me reach a place where I could finally just be me.

I can only hope that for all the things I have learned here in my past two years, that I have also given something special in return. And although this is both an exciting and sad time for me, I have to say that I am beyond excited for our new Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor. I am confident that they will be wonderful role models for everyone who joins the Rattler family. I also encourage everyone to get involved and write for us, who knows where that first story will take you.

So, thank you Brother Dennis, Patricia, Dr. William Israel and all the work-studies for helping me grow and believing that I could do this. And Rattler staff—my passionate, smart, creative friends— knowing you will always be the most special

By Robin Johnson experience of all. When I Photographer look back on everything, it is all of you that I first saw an advertisement I will rememfor The Rattler in 2007, a ber and miss month after I started colthe most. lege. I applied and was so excited to become a

By Alex Salinas photographer and writCommentary Editor er for the paper. Since My time with St. Mary’s University and The Rattler is fithen, I’ve had the opBy Jasmine Garcia nally up. After four years at the university and two years of service with portunity to write and Layout/Design Editor the paper, I can say with pride that I am blessed. take photographs all A particular lecture a professor gave during my first semester still Graduation is near and it is time to over campus and San sticks with me. He told the class that in retrospect, we would learn to prepare for the next chapter of my life. I am Antonio, but more imporappreciate the value of a college education and the opportunity we took thankful for what St. Mary's University has tantly met some really great to better our lives by being in college. He warned that while the future offered me over the past four years. The friends people. I can’t imagine how was uncertain, an education remains forever. And he was right.

I made in my classes, Sigma Sigma Sigma sorormy college life would be without As the professional working world increases its competiity, Rattler Awakening and The Rattler newspaper the paper and the people I’ve met tion because more people are acquiring a proper educahave helped me become the person I am today. Colbecause it really has become a home tion, I realize there are still many more on the other lege has been a learning experience and has preaway from home. I am saddened this side of the spectrum that will be left behind. This pared me to take up any obstacles I may encounis my last issue, however, I know the stark contrast, between the have and have-nots, ter in the future with confidence and without skills I’ve learned and the friends I’ve deeply concerns me, but makes me appreciate fear. If I could thank every teacher from whom made have helped me become who I the value of opportunity and the value of choice.

I have learned a great deal from throughout am and prepared me to enter the real If there is anything I’ve learned from college, it my college career, I would. I appreciate the world. I’ll miss the paper and its atis this: accountability is the difference between confidence teachers have in their students. mosphere, but mostly all my friends nothing and everything. Be accountable for evTo the Rattler staff, I will miss you all dearwho’ve I worked with erything you do. ly and our many lunch conversations at Casa who made my I am thankful for all those I have met who Maria during press weekends. They may time at St. helped and challenged me. The Rattler is an examhave been stressful, overwhelming and Mary’s a ple of an opportunity I took to gain skills I will use long but I will forever cherish the memblast. in my life. I thank each and ories we have made. I will miss – wedevery person on staff, as ding design conversations with Denice, well as writers, whom I talking to Alex about how amazing the served. It was an honor to be a pizza in Louisville was, Jennifer’s neat habits, voice for the campus and the hearing Katherine randomly sing, Amanda’s St. Mary’s community. passion to learn more designs, Dania’s magic I also thank my fampowers to finish her pages early, Diana’s ranily, especially my parents, dom laughs that sound like cries, Sarah’s inwho pushed me to do ability to keep a secret, Sara’s bad influences, better than I thought I Felix’s quick photography editing skills, and could everyday.

Azhmir always being around to listen as a coI make a promise to worker, a friend and a sister. You guys were the give back to those who ones that helped me break out of my shell and gave to me, as well as to believed in me. I will miss the many late night others who deserve the best laughs and conversations that make no sense at all. the world has to offer.

And of course, the pigging out on snacks and Red So here is my formal farewell: Bull. goodbye, and God bless.

After two years of being editor-in-chief, I've decided it’s time I get out of this madhouse people call a "newsroom" to enjoy my last year as an undergrad. Looking back at my experiences makes my head feel similar to when I was a child and used to spin around in circles for fun — one big, dizzying blur with varying ups and downs that somehow manages to be fun. However, I did learn some valuable lessons: 1. An article becomes biased as soon as journalists start choosing their sources. 2. Once you lose the "me first" mentality you start having more fun. 3. The person next to you is smarter than you think. 4. When the worstcase scenario happens, just laugh. 5. Life will never makes sense unless you look at something from various perspectives, especially one that opposes your own.

So thank you to any student I’ve ever worked with, to anyone I’ve ever interviewed, to our readers, to Dr. William Israel for not lowering your teaching standards, to Brother Dennis Bautista for being brave, to our supervisor Patricia Garcia for being so organized, to my parents for making me feel like a superstar, and to my close friend Stephen Guzman who eats lunch with me every other day.

The biggest thing I've learned is to value my free time. Working can easily take over your life, so please take time to spend with loved ones and for yourself. How do you want to remember your life?

We'll miss you all . . .

April 20, 2011, p. 5 124

The Rattler: 2011-12 PUBLISHED ISSUES AND AWARDS RECEIVED DURING THE 2011-12 ACADEMIC YEAR the

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A o f c h a n g e A of service

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Renovations completed for Assumption

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Rowdy Rattlers bring back school spirit

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Student groups explore A summary of faith-based organizations

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Say ALOHA to fall fun

faith on campus

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Sea World gives everyone something to scream about Pg. 5

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ITS brings higher bandwidth to campus

Exclusive interview with musician Alyssa Bernal Groundbreaking sparks major changes for teams

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PG. 8 University celebrates international education

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Heat wave gives menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer team an edge

3 NEWS

Website offers diagnoses for skin conditions

September 21, 2011

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16 SPORTS / Photo by Felix Arroyo.

10 FEATURES

Sports complex construction on hold till April

Rattler Awakening: an experience of a lifetime

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Cast your vote for your favorite Oscar nominee

16 SPORTS

University baseball team prepares for big season

February 8, 2012

University hosts Boo Bash for community

Meet the new athletic trainer on campus

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Although the library is one of the current places that gets Wi-Fi, the university plans to expand it to other campus buildings. / Photo by Rubi Doria.

/ Illustration by Jasmaine Aquino.

10 FEATURES

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Finding costumes that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t break the bank

Thirteen gory scenes that will make you scream Intimidating athletes put some fear in the game

Batman: Arkham City new game is thrilling

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Find out what tops your list

PG. 8

stmurattlernews.com

Decrease in alcohol citations compared to Trinity

PG. 8

Arrests in January decrease car break-ins on campus Members of the University community experienced two vehicle break-ins last month compared to the six in January, according to University Police Department Detective Tony Lummus.

Lummus said with the arrest in January of two offenders from the surrounding community and increased vigilance of community members, the number of burglaries has dropped significantly. The majority of the break-ins are from members of the surrounding area and not from university students.

Some of the items that were taken on campus included purses, iPods, GPSs, wallets, phones, sunglasses and other valuables. According to Lummus, many of the incidents happened from 8 to 11 a.m. during the week. A total of three vehicles were stolen in January. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The highest dollar amount for a single item was a flute reportedly valued at about $4,000,â&#x20AC;? Lummus said.

Many of the major break-ins and burglaries happened near the east entrance of the school, located at the Camino Santa Maria entranceway. Other break-ins happened throughout the campus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Burglaries were reported in parking lots A, B, G and S,â&#x20AC;? Lummus said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These parking lots are close to external roadways allowing easy access and escape for burglarsâ&#x20AC;ŚThe most recent was in parking lot W. Typically, these occurrences happen in different spots of the city at different times. According to Lummus, the University was somewhat of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;hot spotâ&#x20AC;? in January, and currently not anymore. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hot spots for car burglaries can be described as areas where vehicles are left unattended for longer periods of time, such as movie theaters, gyms and restaurants. Car burglars know that the driver will likely be away from the vehicle for at least an hour,â&#x20AC;? Lummus said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This gives the burglars the opportunity to commit the crime and get out of the area, putting distance between them and the scene of the crime.â&#x20AC;?

Although freshman political science major Ricardo Iruegas had his vehicle broken into off campus, it was still nearby, located at the Dairy Queen on Culebra. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I ate for

approximately 45 minutes and I noticed that immediately all my stuff was gone when I got back,â&#x20AC;? Iruegas said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They took my backpack, which had my laptop and over $500 worth of books.â&#x20AC;?

University police is working with Physical Plant, surrounding campus police departments and the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s police department. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a very good working relationship with other police agencies in and around Bexar County, including other universities and the San Antonio Police Officers patrolling the districts surrounding our campus,â&#x20AC;?

Lummus said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our main goal is to provide a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors.â&#x20AC;?

The department also uses undercover cops on campus to keep an eye out for suspicious people and has regulated officers out on duty.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The University Police Department has adjusted patrols to focus on preventing such incidents,â&#x20AC;? Chief of Police David Ott said.

In order to prevent break-ins, UPD emphasizes on putting away valuable items, report suspicious activities or damage and do not engage with people involved. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Take your stuff with you. Lock your car. Hide the stuff you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take with you,â&#x20AC;? Lummus said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We rely on everybody in the community to keep an eye out (and) call us if something doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look right.â&#x20AC;?

Lummus stressed on the importance of UPDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rattler Eyes program. According to the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s section on the University website, a personsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; visual and auditory senses are very critical in promoting a safe campus and community. Contact UPD by telephone or through the blue light telephones located on campus.

Wi-Fi is expected to be available in all academic buildings by spring 2012.

Volleyball seniors say farewell at final game

With the current installation of Wi-Fi access points and a new Internet phone system, university officials expect to initiate a network authentication process as their next project after completing the wireless expansion.

The university recently increased the broadband bandwidth and installed a new $2 million Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system. Installation, which began in November, is currently taking place with the setup of Wi-Fi access points and cabling to increase the saturation and coverage to all academic buildings and halls. The six-week project is expected to be finished at the beginning of the spring semester.

The new network expansion plans to cover all university academic buildings and academic halls with 100 percent Wi-Fi coverage so that faculty, staff and students can access a strong wireless signal from their laptops and mobile devices. The project will cover 25 additional classrooms and other locations with complete wireless network coverage and add wireless areas to the Bill Greehey Arena and common areas located in the second floor of the University Center. The area around Java City/Subway and Founders Hall courtyard will also be covered. This Wi-Fi expansion will cost approximately $117,000. The new outdoor sports complex indoor spaces will also have Wi-Fi coverage when construction is complete.

In the previous three years, crosstown universities, St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Trinity, have experienced decreases in alcohol related citations according to crime statistics. St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has had a 50 percent decrease while Trinity only had a 31 percent decrease.

In 2010, the latest year for which data is available, Trinity still had about four times as many alcohol-related incidents per student as St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, according to statistics compiled under the federal Clery Act. In 2010, Trinity had 175 alcohol violations; St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had 72, which is substantial since Trinity has a student population of about 2,400 while St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has about 4,000.

Between 2008 and 2010, the last three years for which figures are available, St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had 321 incidents involving alcohol while Trinity over the same time period had 572.

One reason for the 50 percent decline in citations at St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s may be more vigorous enforcement, according to police chief David Ott. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The University Police Department was being too lenient in the past couple of years about giving tickets to students that were underage drinking,â&#x20AC;? Ott said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were only giving tickets to students that were seen drinking. Now, we have tightened our policy by giving tickets to everyone that is present at the site. This includes on and off campus as well as the student(s) that were providing the alcohol as well.â&#x20AC;?

Ott also stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Along with receiving a St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ticket, the individuals also have a greater chance of receiving a

3 NEWS

Finals week increases caffeine consumption

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around campus. Trinity uses 50; UIW has 24.

Each university police department faces different problems, according to their respective police chiefs.

10 FEATURES

12 ENTERTAINMENT

New organization: Filipino Student Association

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Experience the city during the holiday season

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Men and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball season preview

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April 18, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘

Fiesta Oyster Bake

Survial Guide

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Page 8

Shucking made easy

An in-depth overview of dining program changes this Fall.

The University community can expect the new dining programâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an allyou-care-to-eat planâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to take effect at the beginning of August this year.

Different meal plans, food stations, dining facilities and operating hours are some of the new changes occurring in the next year.

According to Aramark Food Services Director for the University John Finerghty, the current state of the dining program was similar to a retail environment where there were declining balances and purchasing was done in an out-of-the-cart fashion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re moving to whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s called a residential meal plan program, otherwise known as an all-you care-toeat program, which in Aramark world is called RFOC, which stands for Real Food On Campus,â&#x20AC;? Finerghty said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What stands out from other residential meal plans compared to what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing here [is] a lot of universities donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do an all-access plan. What they do is an all-you-care-to-eat program but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s limited to three times a day, so you can only eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.â&#x20AC;?

With the program here, Finerghty said that the student has the â&#x20AC;&#x153;flexibility to come in and out of the dining hall as much as they want as long as they

Graphic / Illustration by Chrystalla Georghiou

rattler

A St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Student Publication since 1925

all-you-care-to-eat

By Katherine Benavides News Editor

Cont. on PG. 3

November 22, 2011

Check out Dr. Cotrellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stmubook wall

stmurattlernews.com

Justice of the Peace ticket, [which] requires students to appear in front of a judge with their parents present.â&#x20AC;?

An alcohol citation at St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s may also trigger a campus judicial affairs process, which can be a long and tedious one for students. According to John Wickline, director of judicial affairs, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The easiest way for a student not to get involved with judicial affairs is by not consuming or bringing alcohol to campus if you are under the age of 21.â&#x20AC;?

According to Trinity University Police Chief Paul Chapa, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The biggest problem on this campus is the use of alcohol by minors.â&#x20AC;? He suggested that the problem may be more intense at Trinity because the residential campus is a more enclosed area on campus and includes a number of houses just off and close to campus.

At St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Ott said police talk to freshmen ND 101 classes and in an array of other events about alcohol abuse, sometimes using â&#x20AC;&#x153;drunk goggles,â&#x20AC;? which imitate the effects of alcohol for anyone who wears them.

University Police may also have an impact by being sufficiently staffed, enabling faster reaction times, according to Ott. The force usually has at least seven officers on duty, with officers who work ten-hour, overlapping shifts. This means between 8 p.m. and midnight, there are double the officers on duty as there are at any other time.

The force, Ott said, employs 29 parttime or full time officers, and five workstudies. In contrast, the University of the Incarnate Word, which has 3,000 more students than St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, employs 37; Trinity employs 25.

St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also uses 40 cameras

Cont. on PG. 3

November 9, 2011

Feeling Lucky?

stmurattlernews.com

University strengthens connections

By Austin W. Newton Staff Writer

15 SPORTS

October 19, 2011

Vehicle break-ins drop due to community help and two offender arrests.

13 ENTERTAINMENT

3 NEWS

Hair raises money for charity via benefit show

3 NEWS

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By Katherine Benavides and Catherine TreviĂąo News Editor and Contributing Writer

Decide who you think is best qualified to rule the school PG. 8

Finding fashion for the class room

12 ENTERTAINMENT

* # ! ) % ' (

3 NEWS

Four candidates, one spot at the podium

11 FEATURES

What everyone should know about this historic holiday Pg. 8

October 5, 2011

A St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Student Publication since 1925

Dia de los Muertos

Photo by Joe Rodriguez

Restaurants battle for your taste buds

Code Blue readies the stage

stmurattlernews.com

PG. 8

12 ENTERTAINMENT

15 SPORTS

rattler

Check out the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Major Breakdownâ&#x20AC;?

stmurattlernews.com

Students share experiences as commuters

14 SPORTS

August 31, 2011

November 9, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘

Despite higher student enrollment than Trinity, university sees declining alcohol-related incidents in 2010.

For full story see pg. 16

/ Courtesy of Robin Johnson / St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Athletics.

Photo by Chanti Lee Vong Doughertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fresh looks welcome freshmen

13 ENTERTAINMENT

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By Kevin Kotzur Contributing Writer

12 ENTERTAINMENT

10 FEATURES

Vol. 99 Issue 5

3 NEWS

New laundry service available for university

4 NEWS

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A St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Student Publication since 1925

shuck: verb; to remove the shell of an oyster

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t swipe their card twice within a 30-minute period.â&#x20AC;?

For the All-Access 7 option, residents have unlimited entries, seven days a week into the dining hall. Also, the plan includes $250 dining dollars and costs $1,786 per semester, including sales tax. The All-Access 5 meal plan, with a cost of $1,580 per semester, also has unlimited entries but for five days a week and includes $300 dining dollars. Dining dollars, according to Finerghty, work like cash and can be used to purchase items at any of the on-campus outlets.

Although one of the on-campus outlets is the current Subway store, new additions will be installed next year when the residential meal plans take effect. The new on-campus outlets include Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, the Law Cart Kiosk and the new Provisions on Demand convenience kiosk.

The Chick-fil-A will be located in the current Rattler Den and the Starbucks will be built on the bottom floor of the Louis J. Blume Library. The P.O.D. Market will replace Java City. According to Finerghty, items similar to what are sold in the C-store will be sold at the P.O.D. Market, including soups, pre-made salads, sushi and bottled beverages.

The ultimate guide to Oyster Bake 2012.

03 06 10 12 16

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A St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Student Publication since 1925

Cont. on PG. 3, SEE University expected to see new dining program for fall

UPD and other agencies prepare for the 75,000 expected guests Debate on the pros and cons of the Univeristyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest event A preview of the the festive flavors at Oyster Bake Frontman of Battle of the Bands winner discusses bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apirations Athletes work hard to clean campus when festivities are done

University police patrols campus parking lots throughout the day and night to ensure student safety. / Photo by Jennifer Sims.

Cover photo of Daniel Pizana, law student. /Photo by Chrystalla Georghiou.

3 NEWS

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12 ENTERTAINMENT

16 SPORTS

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12 ENTERTAINMENT

Native Roar: Bringing a new sound to campus

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who rules overall?

16 SPORTS

4 NEWS

1O FEATURES

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16 SPORTS

Learn how an organization on campus is celebrating our history. PG. 10

# " &$%# % ! * #*$% # !& + !%! $!&# $ $% ! ((( $% &# %% # ($ !

February 22, 2012

Res life triples up for 2012-2013 school year

Feminist Award honors four university members Music festivals make a big splash in South Texas Ultimate Frisbee: More than just a park pasttime

March 7, 2012

125

Young students exposed to science professions

Form, function and sole: the perfect sport shoe

March 28, 2012

Depression, anxiety concerns rising on campus

Exclusive interview: SGA president Pablo Muniz Superheroes to battle for top spot at box office

April 18, 2012

Rattler Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy supports athletic teams

The Rattler Editorial Staff Fall 2011 to Spring 2012 Editor-in-Chief Azhmir Acosta Managing Editor Amanda Cano Copy Editor Nick Canedo Design Editor Chrystalla Georghiou News Editor Katherine Benavides Commentary Editor Briana Perez Features Editor Arturo Osteguin, Jr. Entertainment Editor Dania Pulido (fall ‘11) Jessica Valles (spring ‘12) Sports Editor Joe Rodriguez Web Editor Emily Scruggs Photo Editor Felix Arroyo Assistant Photo Editor Jennifer Sims (fall ‘11) Brissa Renteria (spring ‘12) Advertising Manager Leo Reyes (fall ‘11) Greg Valdez (spring ‘12) Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

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• farewell • good luck • you will be missed • farewell • good luck •

The Rattler Newspaper is the most powerful organization on campus. We can publish anything we want, including my photograph on the cover, and sure, we would get some backlash, but it would be worth it.

Instead, we choose to take the ethical route.

As the editor-in-chief, I have endured the typical editor problems with the staff—story ideas, dropped stories, long press weekends, plagiarism, editing and even debating over articles.

But I have also endured with them the not-so-typical editor problems— voting on where to go eat, watching editors fight over rolly chairs, funny nicknames, music playlists and many more. These #editorproblems, as we called them, have now become memories for me to treasure.

The newsroom has become my home and the staff has become my family. Though I am sad to leave, I cherish the memories that I have made with this wonderful group of people.

I would like to thank them and our adviser, Bro. Dennis, for helping make my chiefdom as enjoyable as it was.

I look forward to seeing what the newspaper accomplishes in the future. Though journalism does not always receive the respect that it should, I know that this group of people will always strive to make it respectable.

ost a Az hm ir Ac Chi ef Editor- inFall ‘11 - Spring ‘12 Copy Editor ‘11 Fall ‘10 - Spring

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Brissa R ente ria Asst. Ph ot o Edito r Sp rin g ‘12

The best memory of being on the Rattler editorial board has been when my peers surprised me for my birthday with a cake and sung a Spanglish song that was badly rehearsed. Being a sports writer for two and a half years, I have learned to cherish my supervisors and mentors in my writing community, and they took me in immediately as part of their family. I will not forget the moment I began writing as a social server to our University. I was ecstatic to share news through writing, but even more so to be able to accomplish so much through drafting and editing in various deadlines. Now, as an assistant photo editor, I have seen the other side of production, and I love that our small group accomplishes ample and valued work in minimal time. Thank you Bro. Dennis for being a great leader of our organization. I wish the new editorial staff the best of luck next semester, and don’t forget the University’s missions; apply them to your lifestyle, observe and record your surroundings. Growth in this organization is inevitable.

Em ily Scru gg s Web Edito r Fa ll ‘11 - Sp rin g ‘12

Da ni a Pulid o Ent erta in m en t Edito r Fa ll ‘10 - Fa ll ‘11

T h e Rattler staff is a group of dirty liars. First, they hire you a n d outline every detail of your job description. Then you sign your life away and they chain you to a computer every other weekend from dawn to dusk surrounded by only fattening foods.

The staff did not tell me what to expect when it came to what having this job really meant—a new family. Being enslaved in a newsroom with strangers may not sound like a fun way to spend your weekends, but each of those strangers became a new friend. Each person I worked with in the newsroom taught me something valuable, and I always looked forward to those weekends.

The Rattler staff has taught me lessons that I will carry with me as I begin a new chapter of my life. Although I am deeply saddened to say goodbye to The Rattler and our wise adviser, Brother Dennis (and a little angry that they did not include, “You will miss us terribly when you graduate” in their job description), I am, above all, grateful for the experiences I least expected: endless laughter, the cultivation of my passion for journalism, and lots of love.

C h ry st a ll a L a y out / Ge o rg hiou D Fa ll ‘11 - e s ig n Edit o r Sp ri n g ‘1 2

Senior year has arrived and graduation is quickly approaching. I want to take this time to thank the professors who have pushed me to do better and be better.

I learned that life is much like the “flatten image” action on Photoshop—you just can’t undo it. So when it comes to mistakes, learn from them. When it comes to school, be thankful for “command z.”

And when it comes to life, never underestimate your abilities. What you are capable of will surprise you.

Being an editor taught me a lot about patience and I learned that you will not be able to please everyone. You cannot expect for things to be perfect and criticism helps, but only when it is creative. I am excited to see all the editors grow. They have already done so much. I am impatient to see what happens next.

The one thing I would like to leave them is this: Go after the harder stories and fight for the knowledge you believe is important for everyone to know. The road won’t be easy, but if you have taken Bro. Dennis’ graphics class, it won’t be that hard either.

Graphic / Illustration by Amanda Cano

April 18, 2012, p. 5 127

The Rattler: 2012-13 PUBLISHED ISSUES AND AWARDS RECEIVED DURING THE 2012-13 ACADEMIC YEAR

Vol. 100 Issue 6 August 22, 2012 A St. Mary’s University Publication Since 1925

Adventure pg. 8 Time Ten

COSTUME PG. Concepts

New semester brings new changes

Vol. 100 Issue 8

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Amanda Cano

MANAGING EDITOR

With Halloween approaching, a tendency to be easily frightened can sneak up on people. Completely natural things, like the sound of a door creaking or the wind knocking something over, can be magnified into a paranormal experience and linger in people’s minds for days.

According to the University website, ground for the campus was broken Sept. 1894. With such an old campus, it is natural for ghost stories to surface. While there are some skeptics, others strongly believe in the supernatural world.

Joe Lucio, library services supervisor of the Blume Library and Cotrell Commons, has had many

IN GARNI HALL

Richard Zepeda

your service to community, and in your daily interactions with others – out into the world to live purposeful lives and make valuable contributions for the common good.

So, thank you for being here. I look forward to meeting you during the semester, whether it be in the hallway of St. Louis Hall (it looks terrific, doesn’t it?), on the Quad, or at a sports or social event. I want you to feel as welcome on campus as I do!

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

To protect students from various threats, such as the five school shootings which occurred around the country this year, the University Police Department has been training to handle situations where lives are in danger; this includes live, armed dress rehearsals in buildings across campus.

There have been no shootings on campus, but the incidence of violence across the nation have caused police everywhere to prepare for similar threats, according to St.

Thomas M. Mengler, J.D. President

Mary’s Chief of Police David Ott. “We have this thing called ALERRT. Probably a lot of people don’t know about it, but it’s really cool, and it really gets your blood going,” Ott said.

ALERRT, Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, was developed in 2002 by Texas State University along with area law enforcement departments.

Their goal is to be prepared for any incident where first responders are needed to subdue an active shooter. According to ALERRT’s website, law enforcement officials across the country have adopted it’s curriculum in order to train their personnel.

Their training can be used to help prevent incidents like what happened earlier this month when a 14-year-old fired a shot in his

Illinois high school classroom before a teacher wrestled him to the ground. While no one was hurt in the Illinois incident, at Oikos University in Oakland, Calif., seven people died and three were injured in another shooting April 2.

ALERRT was developed after the tragic shooting at Columbine High School in 1999, where 12 students and one teacher were killed by two students. Ott remembers that incident well.

“I’m just thinking to myself, ‘What are you guys doing? You got to get in there. I know you don’t have all your guys, but you got to stop the shooting,’” Ott said about the delayed response of S.W.A.T. members.

The point of the training, according to Live Oak Police see ALERRT page 4

Arturo Osteguin Jr. FEATURES EDITOR

Driving to campus can be a chore for commuters with all the congestion on highways during the early parts of the day, but for Stephanie Ward, associate professor of management, biking to campus is an enjoyable alternative to fighting traffic.

A while ago, Ward became concerned that her commute was taking almost an hour from her home to campus. Living by

The grand opening for the Starbucks located in the library commons is scheduled for Sept. 4. w Photo by Adriana Avila

BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION

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Sara LaToul

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A growing unofficial subculture has begun to make its way to the forefront of fitness-based recreation on campus. Skaters of all board type and size get to class in almost half the time with double the fun.

The skateboarder population has risen with the arrival of freshmen this semester.

“As a commuter who’s not naturally social, I think it’s cool that skating on my long board helps pass time between classes while also serving as a great ice-breaker,” freshemen biology major, Steven Ridgway said.

For skateboarders, a long board and a skateboard are entirely different. A long board is a longer

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v-day tips vol. 101 issue 2

BASEBALL

implemented greenways around town to accommodate bikers and runners, so Ward decided to take her mountain bike down the trail a few times a week.

“I noticed that my commute (was getting) longer and longer by the day. I knew I wanted to fit more exercise and time in the outdoors into my schedule.”

Stephanie Ward Associate Professor of Management

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“It cut down on expenses toward gas and sitting on the road. I first did it twice a week and gradually stepped it up to three times a week,” said Ward. “After arriving at the Ingram Center, I would then take a bus to campus.”

The commute had taken her an hour and 15 minutes—only a 20-minute difference over the previous car ride.

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Jessica Valles STAFF WRITER

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DEFENDING the

DREAM A St. Mary’s alumna who helped mobilize the nation in the battle over immigration has been joined by a number of undocumented University students seeking legal residency.

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Alumna Benita Veliz’s refusal to be quietly deported led to the government closing the case against her and to her addressing the Democratic National Convention. It has also led to Veliz being trailed by some 40 more undocumented St. Mary’s students applying for residency, backed by students and other campus supporters, including President Emeritus Charles Cotrell.

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from the Philippines and all range between with purchasing necessities such as the ages of 18 and 22, according to lawyer toiletries,” Ochoa said, “which means Anne Ohlrich, who’s been a St. Mary’s that the DREAMers cannot afford the faculty member in law and international $465 application fee to obtain their work relations.

Ohlrich is authorization, and that contributing her time to they also do not have These students are the funds to get legal help the students apply for

“

temporary residency under currently struggling with assistance.”

President Barack Obama’s purchasing necessities To help the DREAMers Development, Relief and such as toiletries.” raise the application Education for Alien Minors fee, Ochoa created the Act, or DREAM act.

Fund to Tanairi Ochoa DREAMers Senior, Political Science raise money for the cause.

Under this executive order signed by Obama, They also produced a an undocumented student T-shirt, sold for $18 who has been in the United States for over each or two for $30 as a fundraiser. The 10 years and is currently enrolled in school fund has raised over $4,000, enough may petition for a work authorization to help support the formal filing of permit for two years. Obtaining the permit petitions for 10 of the 40-plus students in has been anything but easy for students. see DREAMERS page 3 Ohrlich was inspired to help by another undocumented St. Mary’s student, senior Pictured above: Senior Tanairi Ochoa, political science and international relations junior Joel Gardea Beltran, sophomore Gina Gallardo, sophomore Crystal Casteneda, major Tanairi Ochoa, who had helped Veliz sophomore Jose Eduardo Martinez, senior David Tovar, senior Briana Fantauzzi. Photos and other backers of the DREAM act.

by Felix Arroyo “These students are currently struggling

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A Facebook “confessions” page has rattled the St. Mary’s community to the dismay of University officials, who are legally unarmed despite concerns of harassment but believe student opposition may be the only solution Amy Diepenbrock, director of the Civic Engagement and Career Development Center, discovered the “St. Mary’s University Confessions”

amount of “likes” is not what concerns John Wickline, director of judicial affairs.

“Students can’t necessarily get in trouble for what they post,” Wickline said. “Simply because a student can post something doesn’t translate that a person should be able to post something, if they think it through.”

Confession pages have become a social media sensation sweeping college campuses nationwide, and have generally been tolerated among universities because posting on them falls under an individual’s first amendment right. Even if legal prosecution were a feasible measure, though, the

anonymously run Facebook page is also run through Server Monkey, a third party website, making it difficult to track the culprits. Legality aside, Wickline believes that passively reading the Facebook page is not the Marianist thing to do.

Wayne Romo, director of university ministry, observes an obligation to rail against the Facebook page.

“This goes against everything we hold and whether (there are) legal ramifications (to) stopping (this) or not, we have an obligation to articulate our disapproval, our disdain for the kind of conduct that’s see CONFESSIONS page 3

see POSTSEASON page 15

Construction complicates Oyster Bake plans Alex Eakins NEWS EDITOR

Construction on campus complicated Fiesta Oyster Bake planning this year, but University officials and construction contractors assured the Fiesta Oyster Bake Committee the necessary space will be available in time.

This month, the Fiesta Oyster Bake Committee will enact plans to transform the PART-TIME JOBS w PAGE 11

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University campus into the major festival site, according to Stephen Rosenauer, executive director of Fiesta Oyster Bake, and Fiesta Oyster Bake Chair Mike Martinez.

“In fact, it is almost like building a small temporary city within the campus of St. Mary’s,” Rosenauer said.

According to Rosenauer and Martinez, projects such as the construction of the Alumni Athletics and Convocation Center, the Gateway Project and many others have

THE COVE w PAGE 13

EntERtaInmEnt EdItoR

Two undergraduate political student organizations emerged this semester on campus to strengthen ties between political parties and college students in the midst of an unspoken competition for the youth vote on Election Day. With tables side by side, the College Republicans and College Democrats

their “Pretty in Pink” party tomorrow.

According to sophomore Eng lish-communication arts major Analissa Cantu, one of the event organizers, the chapter chose to support breast cancer awareness because it is a cause that most women seem to think that they don’t have to worry about until they are over the age of 40.

“Women don’t realize that breast cancer can hit at any age, and chances are many people here on campus either know someone who has or is battling breast cancer,” Cantu said.

Janet Frias

The Alpha Sigma Tau chapter at St. Mary’s is currently hosting Breast Cancer Awareness Week, a topic that hits close for one University professor, who notes that minority women are significantly more likely to die from the disease than Anglo women.

Breast Cancer Awareness Week began with a “Pink Out” mass Sunday evening, and will conclude Friday as Alpha Sigma Tau sends out prayers from the Quad.

They will also be collecting donations for a local breast cancer research center at

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led to heavy layout plan changes for Fiesta Oyster Bake in the past.

“This year is not the first time the ground’s layout of the Oyster Bake has significantly changed, and it probably won’t be the last time either. The Fiesta Oyster Bake Committee is skilled in adapting its plans based on the growth of the University,” Rosenauer said.

Flexible planning for Oyster Bake begins

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Katherine Benavides

March 6, 2013

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Even though the School of Law has had both Republican and Democratic student ran organizations for years, the College Republicans were the only political undergraduate student organization until recently, when they lost their status as an active organization due to outdated paperwork. Senior political science major Jonathon Angel Garza is the undergraduate student who initiated the process of bringing bipartisan diversity to campus by starting the College Democrats of StMU. “I started researching on how to start the group last spring, but most of the work has been done in the past few weeks,” Garza said. “(The College Democrats of

to Caroline Byrd, associate director of Louis J. Blume Library.

“Most of the action is on this floor (first floor),” Byrd said last week, just after the Commons filled with well-wishers attending a standing-room-only dedication. “It often gets very full in here.”

Visitors come early for Starbucks, come later in the day for study or technology tutelage or collaborate in a variety of ways into the night.

Students also can spill out into the new metal

A $1.8 million upgrade, which included the new Cotrell Learning Commons and a series of security, fire, and electrical upgrades, has increased library traffic almost 50 percent, according to a library official.

The Commons now hums most Sunday through Wednesday evenings with up to 250 students engaging with each other in the unit’s 21st century learning environment, according

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GRADUATING pg. 8

Plan to improve campus security at reasonable cost is in preliminary stage.

Alex Eakins NEWS EDITOR

The chief of the University Police Department helped form an unofficial committee for the improving of campus security through surveillance, despite uncertainty of the availability of funding.

UPD has used footage from its surveillance cameras to solve hit and runs, wrecks, burglaries and other crimes, according to UPD Chief David Ott. For that reason, Ott explained that UPD would like to come up with a more comprehensive plan to improve campus security at optimal cost, but the plan is only in the talking stages.

“We’re always looking at ways to improve our camera system. I think right now we have over a hundred cameras on campus,” Ott said.

Some of the cameras have pan-tilt-zoom capabilities, which means the cameras can

be turned and zoomed remotely. The zoom is powerful enough to read the numbers on a license plate, according to Ott. These cameras solve even trivial crimes, crimes that didn’t happen at all or “he-saidshe-said crimes,” Ott said. Sometimes, a student will report a crime and Ott will offer to review the surveillance cameras.

“They’ll say: ‘well, never mind. I guess it didn’t happen after all.’ So, they lie to us,” Ott said.

Although UPD often reviews surveillance footage to solve crimes, it does not yet have officers to watch the surveillance cameras 24 hours a day.

In October, The Rattler published an article that detailed security upgrades in the Louis J. Blume Library after the renovation of the first floor, resulting in the present commons area. Caroline Byrd, interim director of the Louis J. Blume Library, spoke about the security upgrades there.

LEFT: Father “Since the learning commons Senior AmberFranz Schrop is the most popular area of the walks Anderso at the bell n (left) and through Pecan tower; BOTTOM Grove; TOP alumna library building, and since it outside the Louis RIGHT: LEFT: Freshma Amanda Mendez J. Blume n Rosie has the newest resources, it Library.

Talaman converse Photos

In an attempt to offset student expenses, the St. Mary’s bookstore is planning a small introduction to a big opportunity—renting textbooks, instead of buying them.

While looking to upgrade the bookstore’s software system, bookstore officials keyed in on a bonus option which facilitates book rental. Because the demand to rent textbooks is increasing, bookstore officials decided it was time to accommodate the masses as early as next semester.

“That seems to be the thing in the industry these days. So we decided to go

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by Adriana

see SECURITY page 3

As countries worldwide look south to Latin America after the appointment of the region’s first pope, the University has already embarked on a unique program, offering a complete master’s degree program in Mexico and Nicaragua.

“For this (past) fall and for the (current) spring semester, our Latin American program’s cohort from the counseling department is graduating.

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to reach out beyond the geographic boundaries, he considered it important to have a presence in Latin America.

“We had made some efforts to respond to (former president) Dr. Cotrell’s Vision 2012, and part of the vision was to make some efforts to spread St. Mary’s globally,” Dana Domstock, department chair for counseling and human services, said.

Early in 2007, former Vice President of Academic Affairs David Manuel

Avila

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ahead,” bookstore director Arnold Davila said.

The program would start by renting out a limited amount of textbooks, excluding e-books. Once expanded, textbook shelves will state whether a book is eligible for rental or purchase.

After a student rents a book, a contract will be printed for the student to sign, agreeing to care for the book and return it by the due date, according to bookstore manager Kimberlee Ferris. Once the contract is signed, the bookstore will collect a credit card to place on file for the student’s rental period, to hold in case of delinquency.

This keeps students accountable for losses or

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MIGL REACHES 1,000 WINS!

NO DAY BUT TODAY. page 12

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April 16, 2013

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a st. mary’s university publication since 1924

OYSTER BAKE jump to page 8 for more information

WIN

2

CKE

Cut on the dotted line, place your face through the hole, take a picture and hashtag your photo #ShuckYeah

when you upload it to Instagram or Twitter for a chance to win Oyster Bake tickets!

tes studeis

Two-day event produces waste, majority to be recycled Veronique Moreno CONTRIBUTING WRITER

This weekend’s annual Oyster Bake may set records not only for atendees, but for recycling – yet campus officials are saying that student engagement in recycling now looks to be waning.

Oyster Bake traditionally means recycling cans, bottles, paper, plastic, cardboard, aluminum and oyster shells, as alumni, volunteers, faculty, staff and a few student organizations pick up the remains. Still, more recycling may occur this year, partly because St. Mary’s has joined with Texas A&M-Kingsville to haul the oyster shells to Corpus Christi, in part of a “Sink Your Shucks” program. The program uses bleached and ground up oyster shells to regenerate degraded oyster reefs in Texas bays and estuaries, according to campus risk management officer Srikanto H. Paul and Fiesta Oyster Bake Director Steve Rosenauer.

Last year, Oyster Bake officials ordered 16,842 pounds of plastic, 5,775 pounds of aluminum and 8,121 pounds of glass to conduct the festival, according to Rosenauer and Ramirez. From the two-day event last year, officials filled a 30 cubic yard dumpster with just oyster shells and recycled 65-75 percent of all the materials ordered, they added.

In the two years he’s been a member of the St. Mary’s community, Paul said recycling efforts have seen a continuous improvement on the part of campus staff, focused through the campus Sustainability Committee (formerly the Recycling Committee). But what used to be a strong involvement with students has declined in the past year, he said.

Another who said he’s seen a decline in student involvement is David Ramirez, who’s see RECYCLING page 4

Professors Edixon Chacon (left) and Esteban Montilla (right) enjoy fall commencement with graduate student Gilberto Reyes. Photo courtesy of Esteban Montilla

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Senior Kendrick Vela, 2013 Homecoming king.

Cartoon by Angela Engle. Photo by Nick Canedo.

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severe damages, such as coffee stains and excessive page tearing, with the exception of highlighting and note taking.

At the end of each semester, if the book is not returned by the date due, the credit card on file will be charged a late fee of $10$20, which could increase until the book is returned, or the full price of the textbook is charged.

“Basically, the credit card is just security that (the student) rented the book and will return it back,” Davila said.

Additionally, students will have the option to rent using their bookstore accounts, or close the account. However, all rentals will still require a credit card on file.

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“I think it’s a good idea,” senior marketing major Brendan Valdivia said. “I rent my books from (the website) Chegg.com. I close my bookstore account at the beginning of the semester, and just rent my books because I think it will come out cheaper.”

Ferris aims to uphold current goals for students by providing the correct book at the right time at the best price.

Bookstore cashier Louise Sutton looks forward to the new options.

“It’s a good change. I think it’s good for the kids. I just hope everybody is patient with us because it’s going to be new,” Sutton said.

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November 28, 2012

Students earn degrees in native countries That’s about 40 or 50 people more that we are now expecting, which is actually taking the number (of graduate students graduating) higher than the undergraduates,” Registrar Christina Villanueva said.

The master’s program in clinical mental health counseling, run by the department of counseling and human services, was born out of a commitment made by former President Charles Cotrell that would advance the mission of St. Mary’s. In Cotrell’s commitment

P. 8

Junior Rebeka Garza attempts to finish her homework alongside a serious doomsday prepper. Photo by Adriana Avila

Source: www.clker.com

vol. 101 issue 5

A St. Mar y’s University Publication Since 1925

University bookstore adopts textbook rental policy Carla Rodriguez

LAYOUT/DESIGN EDITOR

see STUDENT POLITICS page 4

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StMU) began partly through (my) effort … to get the organization up and running, and, of course, through a great reaction from peers to want to group together in an organization like this.”

Garza and the DemocRATTLERS have held weekly meetings, scheduling speakers from the local Democratic Party and volunteering for local Democratic candidates in the upcoming elections.

Brother Brian Halderman accepted Garza’s invitation to be the College Democrat’s’ adviser.

“We know that no political party holds all truth in what is best for advancing the

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November 28, 2012

THE END OF THE WORLD & FINALS WEEK

chairs and tables installed outside the Commons.

The Commons’ dedication is past Thursday honored President Emeritus, Charles L. Cotrell, for his contributions to St. Mary’s. H. Palmer Hall, director of the Blume Library, was also recognized for his passion for the Commons and persistence in pursuing the project. Support recognition was given to

softball w page 16

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SURVIVE

October 31, 2012

KEEPING CLOSE WATCH

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Freshman Dezirae Elias dribbles toward the basket. Photo by Lauren Lundy

were brought together for the first time in support of Mayor Castro’s Oct. 22 appearance.

The organizations were able to appeal to the large student population of the roughly 300 strong audience, handing out fliers and answering questions about the candidates they support.

The College Democrats displayed signs of support for re-electing President Barack Obama, while the College Republicans distributed bumper stickers and an assortment of goodies in support of former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney as well as local Republican candidates.

Staff wRItER

pg. 11 , POPPIN TAGS

Nick Canedo

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A St. Mar y’s University Publication Since 1925

Technological updates increase library use

see AWARENESS page 4

vol. 101 issue 4

With the end of their season this past Saturday, the Rattlers are ready to take the Heartland Conference by storm on the road to a regional tournament bid.

The women’s basketball team has been predicted fifth in the region and has secured the number two seed for the conference tournament. At this point, however, regional rankings are not set in stone.

“We plan to be first (in the Heartland tournament),” guard Jackie Woods, a junior exercise and sport science major, said, “and go into regional play with a higher ranking.”

Forward Brushea Daniels, a junior psychology major, said, “I think we have a good team. If we come prepared to play and we’re just in that focused mindset, I think that we will go a long way.”

For guard Dezirae Elias, a freshman exercise and sport science major, the key to the Rattler’s success has been the uniquely intense energy that they exert in their relentless play-by-play method of offensive attack.

“When our energy is up, it’s

CAMPUS CAMPUS CONFESSIONS CONFESSIONS Facebook page while sifting through her newsfeed on the social media website.

Diepenbrock found out students were anonymously posting their “confessions,” which generally involved saying anything they wanted about someone or something.

Diepenbrock forwarded the link to Sheri King, director of student activities, who said she was “pleasantly surprised” when the page, which had 388 Facebook “likes” at the time, was taken down on Feb. 18 by the administrators who ran it. That same day, a new page, “Stmu Confessions,” was created.

However, the significant

Stela Khury

Increasing awareness

SPORTS EDITOR

Concerned University officials react to controversial Facebook confessions page.

Politically active students occupy campus and lead opposing efforts in information dissemination.

Juniors Pablo Muniz and Claire Etter do a double take in the University Center. Photo by Felix Arroyo

pg.8

Team eager for playoffs

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PARTYCRASHING

Christina Faesler

Students band together raising money to secure residency in the United States.

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October 31, 2012

Students (from left to right) Julie Losoya, Alexis Arriaga, Vanessa Benavides, Alfonso Pacheco, Adrian Zamarripa, Arturo Balderas, India Bray, Christina Garcia, Lauryn Figueroa, Veronica Martinez and Kevin Matula promote their political party’s presidential candidate. Photo Illustration by Juan Casas and Carla Rodriguez

a st. mary’s university publication since 1924

Shhh...

Richard Zepeda

www.stmurattlernews.com

‘HAMLET’ w PAGE 12

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Senior Scott Slusher (left) and freshman Al Gonzalez particpate in batting practice. Photo by Sara E. Flores

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SPRING vol. 101 issue 3 w

see BOARDS page 11

Student skateboarders take a break from riding on the bridge next to Dougherty Hall. Photo by Sara LaToul

Addictive Applications pg. 12 +

such as carving and downhill racing.

Also commonly ridden on campus are the lightweight and easy to cary “cruisers.” They are bit smaller than a typical skateboard and are usually made of sturdy plastic.

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shower,” Guevara said. “Then I talked to a hall director who told me to stay out of my room and try to take as few things as possible with me.”

Alex Eakins According to Guevara, at first the hall director she NEWS EDITOR spoke to was reluctant to temporarily relocate her to another room until, after further protests, the hall Treadaway Hall residents panicked upon news of director moved Guevara. She could not recall the name an infestation of bedbugs that had burrowed their way of the director she spoke to, only that the director was into the walls of the fourth floor of the residence hall not the Treadaway Hall director. requiring emergency pest control treatments. “(She) told me just to stay in my room, but I told Increasingly more common in residence halls in (her) I didn’t want to,” Guevara said. all universities, a single instance of bedbugs presented Residence Life subsequently resumed its treatment itself in Treadaway in late November, procedures. according to Director of Residence Life The primary tactic for obliterating (She) told me just James Villarreal. However, treatment of bedbugs used to be a chemical the room did not prove effective enough to stay in my room, treatment, but the University moved and a couple other rooms came to harbor but I told (her) I didn’t to a heat treatment after the first tactic bedbugs. proved ineffective. The company in want to,” On Jan. 13, junior accounting major charge of the treatments, ABC Pest Sandy Guevara moved her belongings Control, first applies a heat treatment Sandy Guevara into her room only to find bedbugs Junior, Accounting to heat the student’s room up to 140 visibly crawling about her mattress and degrees Fahrenheit for three or four soundboard. hours, killing any trace of bedbugs, “As I walked into my dorm, I noticed some strange according to Associate Director of Residence Life Ann bugs on my wall and my bed. They were coming from Karam. After heat treatments, the pest control company the wall and crawling on my bed,” Guevara said. uses a chemical treatment to cap the process.

According to Guevara, she was the first student to Normally, this treatment would have been sufficiently alert the residence life office of the persistent bedbug effective, except bedbugs unexpectedly burrowed into problems despite initial treatments before and during the crevices of soundboards in Treadaway Hall, winter break.

“I first told the RA (residence assistant) on duty, and she came to my dorm and nicely asked me to take a hot see BEDBUGS page 2

Vol. 100 Issue 10

TI

Residence Life works to obliterate insects as Treadaway Hall residents dismay.

The baseball team will be counting on experience and a strong pitching line up entering this semester’s regular season.

After a regional championship and a fifth place finish in the College World Series last season, the team seems to be in agreement that, if they can buy into the same concept of winning, it will be an exceptionally successful season.

“Our expectations are always to get back to the World Series,” Head Baseball Coach Charlie Migl said. “Last year we were there and it was great; we won a game and lost a couple. Our goal is to get back there and hopefully win a national championship.”

With their first conference game right around the corner, the team is beginning to review its goals for the season.

“(Our goals) are to be the best defensive team. We’d love to lead the nation in fielding percentage, have the best pitching staff ERA and lead the nation in that,” Assistant Coach Chris Ermis said. “Last year we did both. We weren’t number one but we were top five. From an offensive stand point, we want to score a run every inning.”

Short stop Derek Williams, a junior exercise and sport major transfer from Rice University, hopes St. Mary’s can bring him confidence and restore the love he once had for the game. Williams finished his sophomore season at Rice with a batting average of .151 and a fielding percentage of .943.

“I plan on having a good time winning with the guys and seeing our work and commitment pay off while we try to earn another bid to the World Series,” Williams said.

Pitching and catching are the battery of baseball and the coaching staff could not

see HAUNTINGS page 9

dash ‘ stache PAGE 10

KNOW YOUR VOTE page 8

St. Mar y’s University Publication Since 1925

Visiting Lecturer of Art James Joffe began teaching on campus in 2002, and claims he has witnessed strange occurrences throughout the Charles Francis building. It is rumored the design art studio may have once been a chapel for the brothers and at one point, was a dormitory before it was remodeled into classrooms and offices in 2000.

“I, and another faculty member, have experienced the sensation, or feeling, of someone walking past our doorways when no one else is in the building,” Joffe said.

Joffe’s office is located on the top floor of the building. Late one night, he was in a rush to not get locked into the faculty parking lot.

October 17, 2012

Champs return to field Defending regional champs are ranked first in preseason conference poll.

variant of the common skateboard and tends to be flat, while the classic skateboard has curvy geometry to better serve for tricks. The complex differences vary depending on the board model, which are engineered to better suit their intended uses

‘LAS AMERICAS’ w PAGE 10

September 26, 2012

Best bars in

town8 page

a st. mary’s university publication since 1924

J.K. ROWLING w PAGE 13

wA

$

softball hopes to strike back. page 16

Fair Oaks ranch up Interstate 10 West, the commute had become longer than usual, most of which was in congestion.

“I noticed that my commute (was getting) longer and longer by the day,” said Ward. “I knew I wanted to fit more exercise and time in the outdoors into my schedule.”

That’s when she decided to put the two together.

Ward had noticed a bike route that started from Loop 1604 and I-10 and ended near Ingram Center. The city had

supernatural occurrences while working here.

“I personally think only certain individuals are exposed to these types of experiences,” Lucio said.

When closing, Lucio walks the library floors after turning off the lights. One night, strange shadows caught his eye.

“I thought they were students but I didn’t see anyone. My hair stood up,” Lucio said.

He also explained that there are times when he pushes the chairs in and later finds them pulled out.

“I think it was the brothers from the cemetery,” Lucio joked.

Lucio has become used to these unusual experiences and just goes on with his day.

Skaters shred through University grounds

Professor initiates an alternative on commuting to campus

Alex Eakins

NEWS EDITOR

October 17, 2012

hauntings in the hallways

SHOOTING

Construction progresses on campus

substantially on schedule,” Day said.

As with any construction projects, The debut of the newly renovated there are significant costs involved with Diamondback Café is the highlight undertaking several projects at once. of a summer full of construction for “The projects have a combined cost of the University, which took on several approximately $30 million, and the funding simultaneous projects that will have a visible has been planned and approved, prior impact to the campus. to the start of construction,” Day said.

According to Rebeckah Day, vice “Projects are funded through a combination president of administration and finance, the of donor gifts, grants and University University committed itself to at least seven support. Aramark is funding the cafeteria large projects over the summer. renovation, Chick-fil-A, POD on the Quad “With the exception of the Outdoor (convenience store) and Starbucks.”

Sports Complex, which will not be see CAMPUS page 2 complete until May 2013, the projects are

September 26, 2012

S I M U L A T E D

University Police Department prepare for potential school shootings with national ALERRT program.

Dear St. Mary’s University those of you who are new to St. Mary’s, I extend a special welcome. As a relative newcomer myself, I Family, know you have many questions and perhaps even Welcome to campus! I feel a bit of trepidation. But remember, everyone hope that your summer has here is eager to make your experience an enriching been an enjoyable one and and fulfilling one.

I believe most of us choose to be at St. Mary’s that you are energized to take advantage of the many because it is a community of faith. Together, we opportunities that await you aspire to live our mission. As educators, we challenge you to excel academically. Also of great importance this semester.

If you are a returning student, I expect you are to us as a Catholic and Marianist institution is your looking forward to your classes, catching up with formation in faith. Our wish is that you take what old friends, and settling back into university life. For you learn at St. Mary’s – in the classroom, through

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TS

Dining Program page 5

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April 16, 2013

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per issue

The Rattler Editorial Staff Fall 2012 to Spring 2013 Editor-in-Chief Nick Canedo Managing Editor Amanda Cano Copy Editor Ashley Snipes (fall ‘12) Stela Khury (spring ‘13) Design Editor Carla Rodriguez News Editor Alex Eakins Commentary Editor Briana Perez Features Editor Arturo Osteguin, Jr. (fall ‘12) Liliana Espinosa (spring ‘13) Entertainment Editor Stela Khury (fall ‘12) Rachel Grahmann (spring ‘13) Sports Editor Christina Faseler Web Editor Juan Casas Photo Editor Felix Arroyo Assistant Photo Editor Adriana Avila Advertising Manager Rachel Hernandez Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

129

“

our favorite hellos and hardest goodbyes As the semester winds down to a close, five graduating editors say goodbye to The Rattler Newspaper.

nick canedo.

editor in chief: may 2012 - may 2013, copy editor: may 2011- may 2012

My job is too easy. I come to work, sit on my throne as king of the newsroom and think of extravagant, sometimes improbable ideas for the newspaper and Website. I then assign these ideas to one of the talented editors to execute, and, because they have such innate respect for me, they do (and do a better job than I could’ve done). Ok, so maybe that’s not how things work, but this talented team does make me look good. Thanks Alex, Briana, Lily, Arturo, Rachel G. and Christina for your consistent dedication to the sections. Thanks Carla and Juan, for leaving your imprint on the organization. Thanks Felix and Adriana, for putting up with each other and somehow managing the photo team.

Thanks Rachel H., for making us some serious money. Thanks Ashley, for teaching me things I never knew (even though I said I already did). Thanks Azhmir, for teaching me the tricks of being EIC, and thanks Stela, for having the courage to be the next EIC. Thanks Brother Dennis, for everything. But most of all, thanks Amanda, my editor-incrime, for sticking around one more year (I don’t know what I would’ve done without you). Thanks staff, for executing my ideas (even when they required more work), for laughing at my jokes (even when they weren’t funny), for playing good music (especially Mumford & Sons), for listening to my critique (or pretending to) and for teaching me valuable lessons as a leader. You all made my job easy (and incredibly difficult at the same time). Never stop communicating and being creative—it’s what separates us from everyone else (along with our weird obsession with social media).

amanda cano.

managing editor: may 2011-may 2013, features editor: august 2010 - may 2011

I walked into the newsroom four years ago, embarrassingly making videos on Windows Movie Maker and writing “you” in articles. Slowly, I grew into myself and Bro. D saw me “earn my own desk with my name on it.” I didn’t just gain a nameplate and chair, but also a family. I could write about all the skills and lessons learned, but, instead, I want to thank every person who helped me earn “Editor of the Year.” I joke about it but I couldn’t be the “Editor” I am without the right ingredients: a family, the supportive Bro. D, the backbone of The Rattler, Patricia and my crazy editor-in-crime, who you might know as The Chief. I often thought my goals and visions for not only The Rattler, but myself, were outrageous but these people never said no. Instead, Bro. D somehow always thought of a crazier plan than the one I proposed, Patricia asked what I needed to make them happen and Nick reinforced my confidence. To the rest of my family, without you, the EIC and ME don’t have a kingdom to rule—that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them a hard time though. Work hard, take pride in what you do and the awards will come. Above all else, cherish every moment with each other, even when you want to tear each other’s heads off during press weekends. Embrace unexpected friendships, but stay away from Adriana, because she’s mine. No matter how many times I joked about being ready to leave a year ago, it’s still hard walk out of the newsroom for the last time. To my fellow graduates, it’s been a long and exciting journey, but I can’t wait to see you all impress the world and make St. Mary’s proud...even the Veteran, who I wouldn’t have survived this newsroom without.

juan casas.

web editor: may 2012- may 2013

When I was hired for the web editor position, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. My coding experience was as basic as changing the font on my MySpace page – that still hasn’t changed. Managing the website has been one of the most entertaining and thrilling things I have done during my time at St. Mary’s, even though people usually ask me, “The Rattler has a website?” I know where technology is taking us and I realize that the website can only go up from here. I love what I was able to do with The Rattler and, even more so, I love every single one of my fellow staff members. It is fair to say they have seen me at my lowest and at my highest. “Journalistically speaking they have seen me naked.” –Kathleen McElroy

felix arroyo.

photo editor: january 2010 - may 2013. asst. photo editor: january 2009- december 2010

One of the hardest things for me to do is to say goodbye. For four years I have sweat, bled and finally cried for The Rattler Newspaper. I can still recall being the intimidated scrawny kid with the Jew-fro that walked onto campus back in 2009. Joining The Rattler Newspaper has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Through the years I have grown to be a better photographer as well as a better person, all the while getting a few nicknames like Swarley, Felijah, Randall and, finally, the Veteran. Over the years I have seen editors both come and go, always leaving behind a lesson or a piece of advice that I have held to this day. My advice, appreciate the people that you will meet in life, one minute you’ll be with them and the next, they’ll be gone. Every editor I have had the privilege of meeting has influenced me, but specifically two—Amanda Cano and Adriana Avila—have changed my life. And now the end is near, so it is time for this veteran to finally retire. If I should ever find a better group of friends…family, well then forgetaboutit!

rachel hernandez. ad manager: may 2012- may 2013

As I reach the end of my college journey, I have bittersweet emotions. I find it hard to say goodbye, but in the end I know much more awaits me. The Rattler has made my senior year the most memorable by far. As the Advertising Manager, I have been able to play a small part of something that is much bigger than myself. It is inspiring to see that every editor who works for this paper is extremely passionate, motivated and dedicated. I am late to every press weekend and show up just in time for lunch, but my little, Adriana Avila, has put me in my place. She plays the role of my personal calendar since I have the memory of a squirrel. I will miss her and everyone who has made a major impact in my life in college. In the end, this has just been the beginning of wonderful friendships.

April 16, 2013, p. 5 130

history of the rattler magazine…

The Rattler Editorial Staff Fall 2012 to Spring 2013 Editor-in-Chief Nick Canedo Managing Editor Amanda Cano Copy Editor Ashley Snipes (fall ‘12) Stela Khury (spring ‘13) Design Editor Carla Rodriguez News Editor Alex Eakins Commentary Editor Briana Perez Features Editor Arturo Osteguin, Jr. (fall ‘12) Liliana Espinosa (spring ‘13) Entertainment Editor Stela Khury (fall ‘12) Rachel Grahmann (spring ‘13) Sports Editor Christina Faseler

2012-13 nameplate designed by carla rodriguez, summer 2012 About the name Venom: “The name originated when we were thinking of what to call Page 5. We wanted a page dedicated to student life and what was happening on campus as close to the print date as possible—thus Venom

Web Editor Juan Casas

was born because a rattler bites its victim and the venom courses through one’s veins. The content

Photo Editor Felix Arroyo

we covered is what coursed through the veins of the campus. When I thought about creating the

Assistant Photo Editor Adriana Avila Advertising Manager Rachel Hernandez Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

magazine, it was a no brainer. Venom, page 5, would evolve into VENOM Magazine, which included the biggest stories of the year that people ‘sunk their teeth into.’”

Amanda Cano Managing Editor, The Rattler, 2011-13 Editor-in-Chief, Venom Magazine, 2013 TIPA Editor-of-the-Year 2013 131

www.stmurattlernews.com

Running through the veins of campus...

iPHONE PLAY BY PLAY:

venom»5

A comparison of the new iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S.

Graphics and compilation by Adriana Avila.

Camera

Source: www.intomobile.com

iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S 8 megapixel Autofocus Tap to focus LED flash Backside illumination sensor Five-element lens Face detection

Hybrid IR filter ƒ/2.4 aperture Panorama 1080p HD video recording 30 fps Tap to focus while recording LED light

iPhone 5 only

Improved video stabilization.

Takes still photos while recording video.

Face detection.

Dimensions Source: www.prweb.com

iPhone 4S

Talk time: 8 hours on 3G Browsing time: Up to 8 hours on 3G Up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi Standby time: Up to 200 hours 30 pin connector

iPhone 4S

Height: 4.5 inches Width: 2.31 inches Depth: 0.37 inch Weight: 4.9 ounces Screen: 3.5-inch diagonal Retina display: 960-by-640

iPhone 5

Talk time: 8 hours on 3G Browsing time: Up to 8 hours on LTE Standby time: Up to 225 hours Lightning connector

Battery Life

iPhone 5

Height: 4.87 inches Width: 2.31 inches Depth: 0.30 inches Weight: 3.95 ounces Screen: 4-inches diagonal Retina display: 1136-by-640 Source: www.apple.com

iPhone 5

iPhone 4S

Source: www.iphonerepairvegas.com

Photo Poll: Is the new iPhone 5 worth the upgrade from iPhone 4S?

“No, I hate iPhones.

They’re overrated. They still aren’t customizable like Androids.”

Alejandra Escandon Senior, Marketing

sept. 12, 2012

“Yes, Apple always comes out with the best products.”

Jules Montalvo Junior, Accounting

“No, I think it’s a waste of money. Changing small features is just a ploy by Apple to make more money.”

Sonia Montanez Junior, Forensic Science

“I want it because it looks cool, but there’s not much difference. I can get most of the new features with the iOS 6 update.”

Alejandro Reguera Senior, International Relations

sept. 26, 2012 132

“Yes, I think so. It’s more advanced. It’s the top technology in phones right now.”

Ana Cervantes Sophomore, Biochemistry

www.stmurattlernews.com

Running through the veins of campus...

ink-tober

venom»5

www.stmurattlernews.com

Running through the veins of campus...

venom»5

ROCK’EM SOCK’EM

October is national Breast Cancer Awareness month. Find out ways you can participate and contribute both on campus and around San Antonio.

Compiled by Adriana Avila

Sororities promote Breast Cancer awareness

E L E C T I O N

Remaining Events

OBAMA ROCKS AND SOCKS ROMNEY IN PRESIDENTIAL STUDENT POLL.

Information/Fundraiser Table Thu., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

University Center Atrium

59%

Blue Bomber

Pretty in Pink Party

Thu., 6 p.m.

Outdoor Amphitheater Alpha Sigma Tau sisters (From left to right: sophomores Analissa Cantu, Amalia Gonzalez, Tania Pena and senior Julia Samaniego) promote Breast Cancer Awareness. Photo by Vivian Rodriguez

ONE

OUT OF

WOMEN IN THE U.S.

will develop

Quad Prayer

Fri., 11:10 a.m.

Quad

8

BREAST cancer One of every 100 breast cancer cases occur in a man.

The likelihood of developing breast cancer increases with age.

Compiled by Arturo Osteguin, Adriana Avila, Bianca Soto, Rachel Hernandez, Jessica Hughes and Vivian Rodriguez.

Photos and graphics by Adriana Avila.

INDEPENDENT

NOT VOTING

DON’T CARE

7%

5%

7%

22%

Red Rocker

ROMNEY

SGA Pub Night Thu., 9 p.m.

St. Mary’s Cafeteria

Student Government Association is hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness themed Pub Night. Wear Pink.

Poll question: Why are you voting for your candidate?

Graphic courtesy of Marianna Villarreal

Paint the Parkway Pink Sat., 8 a.m.

North Central Baptist Hospital

5K run/walk, 1-mile family walk and kids fun run.

Post-race health fair and awards ceremony.

Source: www.painttheparkwaypink.com

The best defense against breast cancer is to get frequent mammograms and clinical breast exams.

“Obama’s values line up with mine, and I feel he is the best prepared to foster economic growth. ”

Pink Chihuahua Cocktail Through Oct. 31 Taigo’s Cabo Grille

Only 5 to10 percent of all breast cancer cases occur because of inherited mutations.

$1 of each ‘Pink Chihuahua’ drink purchased will be donated to Komen San Antonio affiliate through the end of October.

White women are more likely to get breast cancer than any other ethnic group, however African American women are more likey to die from it.

Source: www.komen.org

OBAMA

Beta Sigma Phi sorority is selling T-shirts (above) for $10. Orders will be placed Friday, Oct. 19. Contact Beta Sigma Phi for more information. Photo courtesy of Beta Sigma Phi sorority

The student poll consisted of 135 responses from University students. Illustrations do not represent exact percentages.

Oscar Gonzalez Sophomore, Economics

Source: www.tiagoscabogrille.com

oct. 17, 2012

“I really appreciate how Obama is not creating a war on women, and I feel that he’ll stimulate the economy.”

Kady Salazar Junior, Info. Systems Mgmt.

“Obama supports equality of all people, as seen in the Lilly Ledbetter Act and the Dream Act.”

“Romney will cater to the growth of the American people ... not the growth of government.”

“He is offering real working solutions to our problems, not just promises that sound good.”

Jonathon A. Garza Senior, Political Science

Alfonso Pacheco Junior, Political Science

Vanessa Benavides Senior, Political Science

oct. 31, 2012 133

“One of the primary reasons I voted for Romney is because I believe he is the right man to turn our economy around.”

Adrian Zamarripa Junior, Corporate Finance

a full-page ad ran on page 5 during the entire spring 2013 semester; for the final issue, editor farewells ran on that page…then, the magazine was born (online only)…but it would take another four years until the first printed edition was published in 2017

MAGAZINE

Editor-in-Chief Amanda Cano Associate Editor Nick Canedo Art Director Carla Rodriguez

MAGAZINE

Baseball Strikes

A St. Mary’s University Publication Vol. I, Issue I May 2013

Graphic Designers Adriana Avila Juan Casas Rachel Grahmann Contributing Editors Felix Arroyo Alex Eakins Liliana Espionza Christina Faseler Stela Khury Arturo Osteguin Jr. Briana Perez Ashley Snipes

home run for coach

Contributors Azhmir Acosta Travis Bowles Pablo Cruz Alex Eakins Jocelyn Garcia Tamara Garcia Rachel Grahmann Stela Khury Christina Faseler Sara E. Flores Janet Frias Sara LaTouf Kyra LIttlejohn Lauren Lundy Vivian Rodriguez Jessica Valles Richard Zepeda

PEACE FOR

Dreamers STUDENTS SPILL THEIR

CONFESSIONS

BED BUGS CRITTERS CAME

Disclaimer Venom Magazine a product of The Rattler, which upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University. The publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy.

CRAWLING

A BITE OF WHAT SLITHERED THROUGH THE VEINS OF THE RATTLER NEWSPAPER THIS SEMESTER.

134

editor’s note Dear Readers, If someone told me four years ago, “You’re going to make the first online-exclusive magazine at St. Mary’s,” I would’ve laughed. I first walked into The Rattler newsroom with expectations of one day working for Seventeen Magazine and quickly learned I knew nothing about the publication world—yet. This magazine is proof that with hard work, true passion and dedication, anything is possible.

In my time at The Rattler, I have spent countless hours brainstorming how to change the newsroom into a “web-first” mentality. We live in a fast-paced world where society is driven by quick and concise information. Is it sad that newspapers are a drastically declining medium?

I say no—it’s an exciting time for publications to reinvent themselves and make their own rules.

I can proudly say that The Rattler has definitely made some big leaps this year. I have to thank Juan Casas, our Web editor, for his hard work, enthusiasm, and kick-starting our website into the right direction—so right that the website received its first national award.

My ultimate vision is for The Rattler to one day be a completely web-based news source and for VENOM Magazine to become the main print publication on campus. While the organization isn’t quite there yet, I leave St. Mary’s excited to see the progressions of what The Rattler as a news organization has accomplished over the last year.

This magazine would not have been possible without my editor-in-crime, Nick Canedo.

Thank you for not only accepting my decision to stay with The Rattler one more year but for making it, possibly, the best decision I made in my college career. I haven’t said it before but you always went out of your way to make sure you made my last, unexpected year at The Rattler worth my time.

Thank you to Carla, Adriana, Rachel and Juan—without you all, this magazine wouldn’t have been possible. You guys took my vision and made it far beyond what I could’ve ever hoped for.

I sometimes felt I was asking too much of Carla but she always remained enthusiastic. Adriana’s critical eye pushed me not to settle for a design when it could be great. Rachel amazed me with her ability to easily transition from designing a newspaper spread to a magazine one. And Juan, you will never know how much your support while designing the prototype meant to me.

I would’ve never thought of this magazine if it hadn’t been for Professor Kevin Welch’s Career Seminar course. His never ending questions pushed me to remember who I am and what I’m meant to be doing. Over the years, he never settled for my initial project ideas and always expected me to expand on them more—I’m proud of each one of those projects.

Last but not least, I cannot thank Brother Dennis Bautista enough. Brother Dennis has a special ability of guiding people without telling them what to do. Since my first semester, he has been with me through every step—somehow always trusting me to find my way. For three years, he always reminded me to be humble and remember there’s always more to learn. In my final year, I finally earned his endless praise. If I have his approval, I figured I must be doing something right. So Brother Dennis, for creating the “Editor of the Year,” and from the entire staff of VENOM—each of whom you have impacted in the most positive ways—this magazine is for you. Thank you.

The Rattler: 2013-14 PUBLISHED ISSUES AND AWARDS RECEIVED DURING THE 2013-14 ACADEMIC YEAR

PG. 13

Drake is back. PG. 11

Parents on campus. PG. 16

Real life superheroes

Spurs Silver Dancer

www.stmurattlernews.com

Tough class tips

PG. 7

Photo by Adriana Avila

Oct. 9, the “St. John’s Bible Heritage

of physical plant, to reduce accidents.

University Police Department David Ott and Dean of Students Tim Bessler

put my staff in a bad situation,” Salinas said.

staff

going to be a constant pattern.” police

have

Etsy finds

PG. 10

“We were in the talking phases for

the dean’s office and decided that it

around

people

series recently appointed as its new director the former president of the

mold a person’s life, but struggles followed

policy

“We’d be tied up all day, transporting

President

students around campus. There would

Cotrell

into accidents or become ill.

mission

to

the

in

especially

fears and learned to govern her life is professor of biological sciences

values

Veronica

University

Contreras-Shannon.

of spreading understanding and

Contreras-Shannon

history with breast cancer, which

some students, for whom the distance

and

began in April 2012.

between the dorms and the quad,

according to Cotrell.

if tiresome in inclement weather, Photo by Carla Rodriguez

grounded

add value to local, regional, state

The change has made a difference to

Injured or tired St. Mary’s community members may have a harder time finding solace at the sight of a golf cart

triumphs

One person who serves as an exemplary model of facing difficulty in life, and who has conquered her

a physical impairment—and physical

The new policy also prevents student

by

elevate a person’s self confidence.

Charles appointed

Policy, an institute formed with a

foundational

employees from driving golf carts out

been

Director of the Institute for Public Administration, Policy and Public

Ott said that police using the carts will continue to respond to emergencies, such as students who get

to avoid a student falling off a cart,

Emeritus

has

be too many, and we’d have to drive them more than once a day.”

changes

or being hurt while a worker drove.

international

“Our

mantra,

communities,

shared

Contreras-Shannon the

remembers

Catholic

that

SPORTS

PG. 14

www.stmurattlernews.com

February 5, 2014

COMMENTARY

BIG FISH LITTLE POND

her

clearly

day,

April

19,

becomes arduous and exasperating

Marianist nature, the mission of

when her doctor first suggested

for a student physically impaired or

the University is deeply embedded

the possibility that she potentially suffering from cancer.

SEE COTRELL PAGE 2

SEE CART RIDES PAGE 3

PG. 6

Viral videos

PG. 10

screens

me

in

(showcasing)

a

the

little

mammogram in the screens with the

a

Shannon began her treatment the

minutes. I basically knew that I had

summer of 2012.

victim

of

cancer,

Shannon said.

After waiting for her doctor to finally

meaning

Photo by Liliana Espinoza

detect

the in

cancer time

DiCaprio’s Oscar

PG. 13

Student boxer

On

campus,

PG. 14

www.stmurattlernews.com

February 19, 2014

Reinbolt Hall will be temporarily closed beginning this summer, requiring students and faculty to adjust class times, and forcing three departments to reorganize operations.

I was nervous (when I found out

to opt for other forms of cancer

received three demerits; Starbucks received a

the

treatment.

perfect, zero demerits, score on the report.

Venezuela

PG. 6

Rebeckah

Day,

Vice

President of Administration and Finance, the overarching project will be completed in

the other seats 90. Both new rooms

Month

webpage,

Month Committee on campus, which is

a series of two phases—the first to address

composed of 14 members, aims at lifting

exterior conditions, the second to address

up the contributions that women have

interior renovations. The first phase will cost

made in society and, more specifically,

approximately $2.5 million.

the

“The first phase of work is an exterior

finance and professor of law.

project to stabilize the building. This phase

“The faculty will be happier, the

includes

existing students and the future students

demolishing

concrete

around

should all have a much better learning

the building perimeter, constructing new

environment” because of the addition,

retaining

Valencia said. in

May

of

piers

under

utilities and updating the landscape,” Day said.

The second phase of the project involves updates to mechanical systems, interior

were also added to the building over

finishes and restrooms, Day said. As of yet, a Graphic by Rachel Grahmann

start date for project phase two has not been

activities were shut down.

LILIANA ESPINOZA STAFF WRITER

construction on the two new rooms,” Valencia said.

(The addition will help) but at the end of the day, it’s about what information the professor is conveying and how they’re conveying it.

NICOLE GARZA

Law student

is

the

first

major

involving

the

Law

Classroom building since it opened in 1968. According to Rebeckah Day,

treatment of animals. Dawn followed her dreams and became a marine animal trainer.

returns to the wild hundreds of wild animals

She loved the whales and was proud of her

World

every year, and that Sea World commits

work as a trainer.”

millions of dollars annually to conservation

After the release of the documentary Blackfish,

in

January

2013,

Sea

that the documentary has had on its

and

wallet, as reported by a recent article in

important, the film fails to mention Sea

scientific

research.

Perhaps

most

World’s commitment to the safety of its

Forbes magazine. has

team members and guests and to the care

experienced various protests from animal

and welfare of its animals, as demonstrated

Although

this

corporate

giant

rights activists, these were nothing compared

by the company’s continual refinement and

to the present number of protests against

improvement to its killer whale facilities,

Sea World, even outside park grounds.

One

project

Jacobs mentioned, these include the fact “that Sea World rescues, rehabilitates and

has repeatedly tried to deny the impact

classes are ongoing right now in the existing part and they are continuing the

construction

installing

Assumption Chapel, adding new exterior began

2013 with construction crews digging underground to set the foundation. A new sprinkler system and new fire alarm

The

walls,

of

occurred

the on

most New

Year’s

people

protested

in

Tournament

the

recent

Sea of

protests

Day

World’s Roses

when

equipment and procedures.”

Jacobs is not the only one who has provided a more balanced view to this

As a student of a university that does

Photo by Adriana Avila

Junior accounting major Elizabeth Leon sits outside Reinbolt Hall which, starting Summer 2014, will undergo renovations through a two-phase project.

the research partnership with Sea World

alex eakins COPY EDITOR

Repair

crews

have

workers may conduct repairs under safe working

The

which,

according

to

hot water line ruptured in October of 2013—

of St. Mary’s and our Marianist Catholic heritage, I think, is rooted in a larger sense

float

ethical issue. Others who have spoken in

to continue the search of knowledge at the

management team is here on the weekends.

halls—causing

as

of community. I know it’s difficult because it

Parade

defense of Sea World include its long-term

cost of the specimens’ pain and exploitation.

Whatever it takes from the minute an outage

immutable heating regulation and cold

affects people directly,” Hanna said. “I know

in California.

employees and trainers of the animals. One

As reported in the documentary, Sea

Nonetheless, it is important to note that

notable example is the family and friends

World has a prolonged history of mistreating

the documentary did not offer a completely

of Dawn Brancheau—the trainer who was

its animals. The park has been accused

starts to the minute it’s over,” Director of Facility Services Aaron Hanna said.

But scalding hot water running through

showers.

While

inconveniences

have

it’s inconvenient, and I consider it’s the

complained of these inconveniences, which

some

students

premiere charge of my department to ensure

Hanna recognized, others, such as junior

balanced treatment of the issue at hand. For

killed by the orca, Tillicum.

According to

of robbing and kidnapping innocent baby

pipes during repairs, Hanna explained,

music major Aaron Cook, were mostly

Brancheau’s family, Brancheau would have

orcas from their mothers and confining

endangers the workers dedicated to fixing

unbothered by the outages.

as

the

law

building classroom addition must be

a written interview of Sea World’s Vice

not endured working 15 lengthy years at Sea

its adult orcas in tiny pools that constrict

the ruptures as soon as possible. The hot

President of Communications Fred Jacobs

World had she believed that the whales were

their movement.

water

tells of the many good deeds that Sea

maltreated. As her family publicly declared,

World has done for its captive animals. As

“Dawn Brancheau believed in the ethical

The detrimental effect of Sea World’s SEE SEA WORLD PAGE 7

that

circulates

through

campus

pipes reaches between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Hanna, enough to cause third degree burns. Such hazards

February 5, 2014

“It

(the

outage)

was

minor

just glad we have water,” Cook said.

Junior biology major Alejandro Nevarez, too, had few complaints.

the level of service you all receive while here meets your expectations.

However,

a

inconvenience, but it wasn’t bad at all. I’m

Photo by Aaron Hanna

Water shoots out of a broken pipe near University Ministry and Pecan Grove.

community.

in

the

greater

sense

of

HUBEL GONZALEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The

A University program organizes volunteers to file

committee begins meeting in October of every year to begin planning events that

taxes for lower income families in the city.

revolve around promoting awareness of

Approximately 450 tax returns that generated just

Women’s History Month.

over $1.4 million in refunds were completed in the first

This year, the theme is celebrating women

of

character,

courage

six weeks of the 2014 filing season. The program, which

and

is under the direction of Associate Dean for Clinical

commitment. Women in San Antonio and

Education and Public Service, and professor of law,

the University will be able to participate

Ana Novoa, and professor and chair of accounting, Tom

in various women-driven events during

Madison, has expanded to mobile tax preparation sites at

this month that discuss the importance

Haven for Hope and Daughters of Charity, while the CLSJ

of women’s contributions to society.

The

Women’s

History

Month

Committee hosts a multitude of events

Enterprises

team

attended a three–day start up program building an on-campus pub.

“Bill Greehey wanted us to have a student-managed business … so the initial Rattler team designed a business around printing t-shirts,” explained

He first lived in Marian Hall when

Gail Kaciuba, the Faculty Advisor of

SEE MARIANIST BROTHER PAGE 3

In contrast, senior corporate finance

interest

that he take a foreign language course that would count for six credit hours, which he took and passed.

in

differences

Photo by Kyra Littlejohn

Rattler Enterprises.

“We had to look for a new business Kaciuba

downtown

is

a

said.

“Geekdom

small

fares that start with tickets as low as $1. Megabus.com serves inner cities in international markets such as the U.S,

250–300

people

went to pub night and over 150 of them obtained bracelets marking their age at 21 or older, giving them freedom to purchase drinks.

it out.”

Kaciuba

Now the University buzzes with talk

and

Fuentes

expressed

Team member and junior marketing major and wing Joseph Monroe may become

sorority, according to Greek life advisor

PG. 6

Piano player

Spotify vs. iTunes

PG. 10

been

national become

a

founded at St. Mary’s before, she said. In

Monroe said he has taken initiative by visiting UTSA’s chapter Alpha Delta Lambda

junior

minority serving Greek organizations.

hangout place for students to go,” Chief

like, that will help the planning,” Kaciuba commented.

Alexandria

on

a

PG. 14

March 26, 2014

and

other

the fraternity’s Psi Alpha chapter this fall

“I bought my tickets the night before

events

since

his

SEE FRATERNITY PAGE 2

the hours of a graduating senior, but I will

Students are warned, at the bottom of the GPS screen that this advising tool is meant to be used as a guide when planning completion of a degree’s requirements, but it’s not an academic transcript nor an official notification of completion of degree.

Questions are directed to the Registrar’s Office, Photo courtesy of Curtis Wilkins

Junior Joe Monroe perfoms a “hopping” routine during his probate ceremony at quad.

Student dancers

PG. 10

Oyster Bake 2014

PG. 13

Athletes who coach

Volume 102 Issue 5

PG. 14

89 t h Year of PublIcatIon

www.stmurattlernews.com

April 17, 2014

A professor and the Chair of the philosophy department received a grant last semester which allowed to develop a class on the topic of human dignity.

The

University’s

newest

philosophy

course that teaches students about human dignity was made possible last semester through a grant.

to

Glenn Hughes, are the founders of the course

and

were

joined

former

Mayor

together

on

such as the political landscape confronting each mayor and the roles that they have played and

differences

are playing in the transformation of San Antonio.

Mexicanos (AEM), founded in San Antonio in 1996 by a group of Mexican entrepreneurs

are sometimes industrial, commercial or even

distinguished

science, Henry Flores, Ph.D., a series of open-

who were looking to achieve success in the United States and to promote Mexican

SEE MAYOR PAGE 3

business

students how to prepare their own tax returns.

At one point, the city was only second to New York in VITA program.

Madison stated that, although the majority of the student volunteers come from the business school, any

SEE VITA PAGE 3

with

According

San Antonio alone has 20 VITA sites dispersed

American to

entrepreneurs.

Alvarez,

AEM

young

entrepreneurs helps international students

throughout the city, Madison said. terms of how many tax returns were filed that year by a

Professor becomes first male recipient of long-standing feminist award HUBEL GONZALEZ STAFF WRITER

and

countries

are

The students have agreed to integrate de

Empresarios

Jovenes—Association

of

Mexicanos

Young

Mexican

Entrepreneurs—joining two other chapters

Franzke to promote peace and equality,

in the city, according to corporate finance

first male, in the history of the award, to

Pressman expressed surprise at receiving

and risk management junior Lucia Alvarez,

be presented with the award.

the award.

who

Richard Pressman, professor of English

“I never thought I would get the award. … I believe I deserve it, but I don’t think I’m

for the Franzke Feminist award three

“Twice I’ve done a course in my special area, American Realism, using women’s novels

teaching at the University (he will spend

only. In the last generation or generation

next Spring abroad) as a full-time professor,

and a half, women critics have been more

The

Franzke

Feminist

Award

was

signed

The

an

young

integration

agreement.

entrepreneurs

group

is

Borges foundation president visits University

the only male to deserve it,” Pressman said.

years ago, but did not receive the award then. Now, during his last spring semester

themselve

United States and Mexico, that connects students to international entrepreneurs. a St. Mary’s University chapter into the

Communication Studies, was nominated

establish

affiliating

with an organization, prominent in the

Asociacion

Even after 35 years of teaching at the University and having worked closely with

Feminist award is named, became the

St. Mary’s students from a span of majors

98 YEARS OF OYSTER BAKE

first one myself, and, then, she said she wanted to work with me.”

A friend and colleague of the late Alice Franzke, after whom the Alice Franzke

English major Deandra Barrera about Borges.

TAMARA GARCIA NEWS EDITOR @tamvicgar

The

incisive than men because they come from

president

of

an

Borges (1899-1986) has written fiction, international

an outsider critical position, so I learn more

foundation presented to the university

from women than men.”

as part of Las Americas Letters Series

ancient Greek philosophical times up to the

established by the St. Mary’s Women’s

By the time he got to graduate school,

to further the legacy of internationally

Caucus in 1990 to commemorate the life and

Pressman said, he started to deal more

acclaimed writer and poet Jorge Luis Borges.

Western culture and in present-day political and international life,” they said. They also said that they want students taking the SEE DIGNITY PAGE 2

March 5, 2014

135

and

he

had

always had a woman chairman, always, and that’s always been fine. I’ve never had

and I did the first peace programs. I did the

and

and

‘80s,

essays

Borges

that,

lectured

“Since the second year I was here, I have

peers

given to those who have made contributions

of someone I was actually quite close to in

‘70s

Jorge Luis Borges is that in his work, this man of letters prefigures many of the great

female

to gender equality.

the faculty,” Pressman said. “Alice Franzke

poetry,

some have said, earn him recognition

1960s,

at the University of Texas at Austin.

Maria Kodama, the president of the Fundacion Internacional Jorge Luis Borges, or the J. L. Borges International Foundation,

with

female professors.

“The Franzke Award was named in honor Photo by Adriana Avila

Chair of the philosophy department, Megan Mustain, and professor of philosophy Glenn Hughes are the only professors allowed to teach this human dignity course.

nonfiction,

as one of the greatest Latin American writers of the 20th century. During the

more

works of Alice Franzke, Ph.D., a professor in the Sociology Department at St. Mary’s University from 1982 until 1989. The award is

teaching the course this semester. The course stresses the “importance of ideas about human dignity, both in the development of

“Enduring

w

affiliated with Asociacion de Empresarios

entity evolve over time. He stated that cities go through different, developmental stages that

research professor and professor of political

by

present,” Mustain and Hughes said.

together with Jennifer Speed in University

Humanities

Castro

Pressman was nominated for the award and

at the University and are the only professors for

Julian

Cisneros

received it.

who teach it. They discovered the National

Advancement to develop a grant proposal

Henry

semester through the spring 2015 semester.

Endowment

are

Mayor

also offers tax preparation services to students and international students at the University Center to teach

Moderated

The class “investigates the development of

Hughes taught the human dignity course

SEE HOT WATER PAGE 3

ended questions were asked that addressed issues

opportunity

university

and the Future.”

operations,

ideas about human dignity from Biblical and

Questions” grant program and worked

These

onsite

the

during the fall 2013 semester, but Mustain is

occurrences due largely to environmental

and

According to Flores, the history of any city

of

University and required both of the founders

Chair of the philosophy department,

factors. From a planning standpoint, we’ve

the

is really the history of watching an organic

consultation

Hughes said. $25,000

had

comparisons

how it is evolving.

and

based for a class that answers the question

awarded

Listeners the

draw

between the two different time periods—while taking a look at where the city used to be and

Madison, who coordinates volunteer recruiting,

university student is allowed to join the program. All

grant

Antonio’s recent history and its future in politics. to

a panel titled “San Antonio Politics: Recent History

during tax season. training,

“What is Human Dignity?”, Mustain and The

one stage to answer questions about San

KYRA LITTLEJOHN ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Administration Politics and Policy—hosted the mayor and former mayor on Tuesday, March 18, for

volunteers that assist Saturdays at the CLSJ site have

Megan Mustain, and professor of philosophy

“I’m not really upset about it,” he said.

Mayor Julian Castro and former mayor Henry Cisneros share insights of future and past advancements in San Antonio.

preparation services to lower income families at the Center for Legal and Social Justice (CLSJ) every Saturday

to teach the course from the fall 2013

TRAVIS BOWLES WEB EDITOR

Transformational Leaders Community Conversations—a series that is formed by The St. Mary’s Institute for Public

a problem with it; I just don’t know why I would,” he said.

Pressman promotes equality of gender

March 26, 2014

Photo by Tamara Garcia

Maria Kodama, president of the J. L. Borges International Foundation, shared her experiences with students, faculty and staff during her visit to campus through the Las Americas Letters series in April.

Ap

“One of the most amazing things about

came to campus for “A Presentation by Maria

scientific discoveries of the 20th century,

Kodama: Borges, the Man and His Work.”

such as quantum physics, chaos theory,

“There is no specific genre that his work

READ MORE ON PG. 9

SEE AWARD PAGE 3

Graduate

Program

and many of the new theories about time,

fits into, because he, like his writing, (and

spacetime and the cosmos. Concepts that

even his own wife), is a genuine treasure

were later explored by scientists such as

all his own” said senior criminology and

17 2014

SEE AMERICAS PAGE 2

Director

or

Director of Student Records.

SEE GRADUATION PAGE 2

November 20, 2013

PG. 6

a

not be completed with my degree plan nor

SEE MEGABUS PAGE 2

Fine arts internships

shows

my minor,” Jaime said.

them ahead of time, they would’ve been

SEE PUB PAGE 2

89 t h Year of PublIcatIon

sessions

GPS

states that she will graduate next semester,

graduate May of 2014; however, that is

where he has participated in information

Monroe was introduced as a member of

I left for Austin, but if I would’ve bought

Kaciuba sees support for their idea

and finance major, said.

Rodriguez,

roundtrip fare costing $14 each.

instance,

incorrect. After next semester, I will have

fraternity registered

other words, the University appears to lack

Financial Officer, Leanne Fuentes, a

www.stmurattlernews.com

has

Cupp recently took Megabus from

“If we could have more events and

Baseball

fraternity

San Antonio to Austin and back with

figure out what the space would look

PG. 13

then

Omega Psi Phi has 58 chapters in Texas, including the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Alpha Delta Lambda chapter.

American

satisfaction with the turnout and hope

“I think they’re very excited and

Volume 102 Issue 4

secure

student organization at St. Mary’s, and seek Inter-fraternity Council recognition.

Sabina Ramirez. In addition, no historically African

another

classification. Senior exercise and sport

“My GPS states that I am expected to

objective is to recruit seven more potential members, recognition,

Kappa Delta Chi is the only Latina national

In

student holding a higher than appropriate

degree plans, she expects to graduate in

current St. Mary’s student. Monroe’s next

the first charter member of a St. Mary’s chapter of Omega Psi Phi. Of 11 Greek organizations now chartered,

“The seats are comfortable, you have plenty of room, and you can bring a carry-on and your own suitcase,” Cupp said.

later resolved by the registrar’s office.

science major Tonya Jaime said that her GPS

Spring 2015.

Of the three men who probated to the St. Mary’s community, Monroe is the only

in the university’s history.

Canada and parts of Europe.

Gonzalez said that though he had trouble with the missing credits, the problem was

though because of multiple changes in

members revealed themselves to the campus community as Omega Men.

to plan more events akin to pub night.

looking forward to this creation of a

sophomore business administration

become the first African American fraternity

Megabus.com is a private enterprise run by Coach USA. It offers customers

the location pegged for construction of the pub, according to Kaciuba. They estimated

business

a workshop called three–day start up or 3DS. We spent the weekend fleshing

during its new member showcase, known as a “probate,” in which he and other

team has set out to establish what could

pub night on Oct. 17 at Pecan Grove,

around

MICHELLE VOGEL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A member of St. Mary’s men’s basketball

outstretched, yawning, as she travelled

incubator…and this summer they ran

of the pub.

to affordable prices, junior Reba Cupp,

home for holiday on a Megabus.

Rattler Enterprises held its first

But the t-shirt business no longer provides easy revenue. model,”

Senior exercise and sports science major Tonya Jaime is one of many seniors who has struggled to graduate. Due to GPS misinformation, she will not graduate until spring.

SEE THANKSGIVING PAGE 2

could recline in comfortable seats, legs

But when Gonzalez

checked, a GPS worksheet reported he had no credit for any foreign language course.

and

STUDENT TRIES TO ESTABLISH NEW FRATERNITY

November 6, 2013

Greehey School of Business and St. Mary’s University

Philosophy professors receive grant to teach human dignity course

“Just work around their schedules. They (the

February 19, 2014

Rattler

this July that set in motion plans for

School of Law and is supported by the Internal Revenue

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA),

community, at times, we must understand uncontrollable.

@tamvicgar

Service (IRS) and Wells Fargo. The program offers tax

site provides year-round tax preparation services to the

these

are

TAMARA GARCIA NEWS EDITOR

The

they ever tried, I’d win,” Barrett said.

which began in 2003, is a partnership between the Bill

San Antonio community.

SEE HISTORY PAGE 3

sentiment to me. Part of the foundation

interrupting hot water circulation in the Lourdes, Founders and Dougherty residence

approved by the Board of Trustees, upon SEE LAW PAGE 2

quantify

“We literally have crews work through

such

Mary’s

“Dean Bessler echoed an interesting

the night sometimes, myself included. Our

example, a recent CNN article discussing

such

not

the complications provoked by the outages.

documentary. Based on the evidence of Sea

vice president of administration and projects

could

community, he expressed understanding of

World’s treatment of the orcas, it is immoral

finance,

being recommended by the University

Hanna

the affect of outages on the University

outages,

consistent email updates to the University community, have been frequent ever since a

outages in University facilities.

Although

conditions.

to fix breakage in water pipes that have necessitated short, but frequent, hot water

to defend itself by taking part in the

repair crews) do what they can.”

necessitate the cut off of hot water so that been

through nights, outside operational hours,

consideration that Sea World has refused to be interviewed personally and refused

St.

SEE REINBOLT HALL PAGE 2

Broken pipes inconvenience administration, students

research with Sea World, it is only natural to question whether the continuation of is ethically correct, especially taking into

solidified.

I really appreciate your support.’”

KYRA LITTLEJOHN ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

The University’s Women’s History

are more spacious and better suited Valencia,

A team of business majors has motioned to start an on-campus pub to provide students with a new spot to interact as a community.

precious. People like you have made my life pleasant. I’m 89 years old and

Photo by Tamara Garcia

During the first six weeks of the 2014 tax season, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program has reached over $1.4 million in refunds for the communities it aids.

women’s history and raise awareness.

to instruction than other classrooms, associate dean for administration and

Student entrepeneurs motion to start pub

The typical message, he said: “‘All I want to say is thank you, thank you, thank you. You have been most

Dean Detten, freshman finance and spanish major, and Deniz Hernandez, sophomore international business major, volunteer to help local San Antonio residents file their taxes.

Women’s

History Month is observed in March every year to recognize and reclaim

to

having called some 130 members so

$1.4 MILLION IN TAX REFUNDS

According to the St. Mary’s Women’s History

renovations that will bar its use during the upcoming summer and fall semesters.

According

expressed

understanding

Photo by Kyra Littlejohn

openings, serving projects and book

celebration of Women’s History Month.

in

Reinbolt first opened its doors in 1908 and

students for class and up to 150 people

Harhara and

travel home or when they go on vacation.

Adriana

major Pablo Gonzalez’s advisor suggested

exchange gifts and eat a bunch of food.” learning more about the Christian faith

Like many St. Mary’s students, thanks

major

order to fix the miscommunication.

“It’s kind of like a Christmas for us,” Harhara explained. “We come together as a community and as families to pray,

A golf clinic, a film showing and discussion, a science engineering and technology luncheon, oral debates, art

located

is scheduled to close those doors on June 1 for

for events and non-class purposes, while

Advisor Gail Kaicuba and sophomore, finance major Leanne Fuentes, show the banners put up in the Alkek Business School building to gather comments from students regarding potential projects students would like to see undertaken as Rattler Enterprises prepares to take a new business direction.

far.

Graduation changes

PG. 14

March 6, 2014

completion of the project.

Students and faculty can use two new,

Softball

intended sacrifice to Allah, the same story written in Genesis: 22.

enjoying affordable luxury while they Photo by Adriana Avila

membership,

psychology

on her GPS transcript, Zamarripa said, which caused her trouble when she applied to graduate next month. To get the missing credit counted, she said she went from advisor to registrar, and registrar to professor, in

CLAUDIA CARDONA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

@brianaperez27

a safety refit of the building.

PG. 13

Senior

to account for a class she’d already taken.

The class she took last spring didn’t appear

last month when Muslims celebrate the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his

rates for bus rides during holiday breaks,

He calls members of the Marianist Mission simply to thank them for

October 22, 2013

Student recitals

in order.

Zamarripa said she had trouble getting GPS

Harhara

He linked the Christian holiday season

St. Mary’s students are paying cheap

Mission.”

“I figured if I pulled tricks before

PG. 10

or ignore disclaimers on GPS, and may over-

Thanksgiving!”

similarities between Christianity and

teaching career are of the pranks he

YouTube singer

suggest that students sometimes overlook rely on machines when human advising is

love

to the Muslim holiday of “Bakri Id” or

JENAVIE AGUILAR CONTRIBUTING WRITER

played on and the jokes he told to his

Photo by Carla Rodriguez

has occasionally miscounted their credits or

celebration,

Alsultan’s plans echo Abood Harhara’s own plans, a freshman engineering student.

place, give us a call and let us check it out,” Ott said.

the

students.

Photo by Adriana Avila

Thanksgiving

Alsultan said, will be his third pursuing

“I

In his 70-year career, Barrett has

Barrett’s fun-loving personality that

Left, Mayor Julian Castro speaks to inauguration attendees about the sports complex, which received a $6 million grant from Bexar County. Right, the softball stadium is the only one of its kind in San Antonio.

thing

interfaith discussions with Americans.

declared.

time. Although retired, he keeps

some of his fondest memories of his

www.stmurattlernews.com

briana perez MANAGING EDITOR

tiered, classrooms, one of which seats 130

“Once the fall started we reopened

Ott advised members of the University community

“You know, probably, who shouldn’t be here, who

himself busy, particularly working

and

important

misled them. University officials, however,

This

stop coming.”

on a project he called “Marianist

service

most

to God.”

they know we register the bikes here so that they’ll

seen the brothers’ progress with

Barrett has touched the lives

Committee organizes month-long celebration of women

Law Classroom Building of the St. Mary’s

Construction

I’d love for the word to get out to the thieves so that

marines,” Barrett said.

their

These seniors say GPS, which guides undergraduates in signing up for courses,

doesn’t look right. If the person looks suspicious and

Megabus offers low-cost rates to travelling students

recently returned to Gross Catholic

89 t h Year of PublIcatIon

A two-phase process to address the temporarily close down classrooms and currently

were

@STMUSaraSports

automated advising tool, the Graduation Planning System.

is

respect,” Alsultan said. “It’s no problem

“Eid,” the Feast of the Sacrifice, observed

to celebrate his 70th jubilee. Such is

SEE CAFETERIA PAGE 3

SEE CONTRERAS PAGE 10

they

SARA E. FLORES SPORTS EDITOR

Some St. Mary’s University seniors say that they attribute to the university’s

celebrating Thanksgiving and joining friends.”

he or she is looking around and just appears out of

reason cited as his motive for joining thought

With graduation looming in the horizon, students report misinformation on their GPS transcripts.

connecting

they’ve had difficulty preparing to graduate

“The

or looks suspicious.

the brothers.

“I

are

and graduating senior Saad Alsultan said he’ll pursue an interfaith dialogue in San

to learn how others pray … how they talk

to call the police if a person appears to be out of place

When she reported the problem to UPD,

of many, especially in his 20 years

and

received 11 demerits for improper glove use and

structural failure of Reinbolt Hall will departments

University School of Law and to complete

the existing part of the building…So

Many campus locations have seen thefts, including Damali Asase, a junior English communications

she learned of the other thefts. UPD opened up an investigation to find her bike.

teaching at Daniel Gross Catholic

Volume 102 Issue 3

BUILDING CLOSING FOR LENGTHY RENOVATIONS

A student’s take on the Sea World controversy

the summer, while classes and other

Chick-fil-a

food debris found on glass panels. Chick-fil-a

club meetings: these are just a few of

A.

Subway,

was not the case for Contreras-

89 t h Year of PublIcatIon

SEE PARK AT ST. MARY’S PAGE 2

Starbucks were also inspected in August. Subway

the events planned for the University’s

Reynaldo

“We have a very small percentage of people who

Ott said. “Register your bicycle. It’s free—no charge for

Treadaway hall, shocked to find that it

students

Next Thursday, a Saudi Arabian student

it. You have a sticker you put between the handlebars.

was missing.

November 20, 2013

Antonio by “going to people’s houses,

actually come in and register their bikes with us. There

major and Treadaway resident, returned to the spot

High School in Omaha, NE. He

October 2, 2013

Volume 102 Issue 2

Mengler, who was elected after

million, the first such project since

this caused him to bestow the six demerits.

by

feeling their breasts for lumps. This Shannon, and as a result, she had

Contreras-Shannon

a team building that includes coaches

St. Mary’s, for our athletes and the outside community.”

the 24th. I was out of town, not with

news),”

renovated seating area, press box, new ticket windows, concessions stands and

debris in soda nozzles and the ice machine panel.

my husband, not with my family;

said. “(Still), I was probably calmer

Dickson, an alumnus who donated $1 million to the project, features a

projects in many years,” Mengler said.

“It opens up so many possibilities for

University, Thomas Mengler, the Park

earlier

Dickson Stadium in honor of David

the campus in huge ways. It was a big project to oversee, and one of the biggest

According to President of St. Mary’s at St. Mary’s project has cost $17.3

The health inspector stated that the machines need proper cleaning to prevent mold buildup;

a

named

Antonio Mayor Julian Castro among new sports facilities last week.

According to a written report, an inspector

facilities,

at the cold island station, and some mold and

can

to

“It has transformed that part of

baseball

District discovered a leak in the cafeteria faucet

that have

went

The

from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health

have

who cancer

“I

fields.

comparison to potential competitors rated by

may

misconstrued

people breast

misfortune.

new baseball facilities, new tennis courts and two FIFA regulation soccer

municipal officials.

S o m e t i m e s , a

conference from the 20th through

variety of venues and the topography of the land, according to Vice President of Administration and Finance Rebeckah

was a mastectomy,”

people

her

comprises a fully renovated baseball field, a stadium-bearing softball field,

them, cut the blue ribbon to inaugurate

in

understanding

confirmed

the

to

favorably

24, from her doctor

building and move them elsewhere until

according

ranked

that

project to add modern classrooms to the

Workers completed a nearly $2 million

it

said the finalized project has exceeded expectations. The Park at St. Mary’s

St. Mary’s proved to be a more complex project due to the size of the acreage, the

Day.

University and city officials, San

The St. Mary’s University cafeteria scored only six demerits in its latest health inspection report,

said.

finally

received a call, April

@heyfellaimstela

the Park project had already begun,

Park and Founders Hall were equivalent in terms of project cost. But the Park at

Contreras-Shannon

suggest the possibility of cancer, ContrerasShannon

Contreras-

“The first treatment that I got

Founders Hall was built in 2009. The

STELA KHURY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CLARISSA YANAR CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After confirming that she was

spots circled. I sat there for twenty cancer when I saw it,” Contreras-

Cafeteria aces health inspection

to know more information. I just needed to know more.”

actual

than other people because I needed

September 11, 2013

Men’s basketball

around

University.

But

Capital punishment

GABRIELA CASTANEDA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

see

difficult to grasp the whole entity of

there’s a liability issue with students or

hitchhike.

said the new policy was put in place

Avoiding Freshman 15

may

campus on a daily basis, but it is a person without first understanding

last year now result in the refusal of

Maintenance supervisor Gil Salinas

Tricks and advice on staying healthy.

We

sat

room with two giant computer

@LilyEspinosa46

that individual’s story. Many events

student supplicants to ride, even with plant prevents students driving and

pg. 08

“They

LILIANA ESPINOZA FEATURES EDITOR

Conversations”

“Community

The Park at St. Mary’s will serve the University, the adjacent neighborhood and the city at large with stateof-the-art sports facilities.

NEWS

Professor in winning battle against cancer

wheelchairs falling off the golf carts.”

Until last year, both departments

A copy of the magazine may be picked up for free at the English Department in Chaminade Tower.

Photo by Carla Rodriguez

Elizabeth Dalton, Lindsey Johnson, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, County Commissioner Paul Elizondo, Thomas Mengler, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Charles T. Barrett Jr., Councilman Chris Medina and Rebeckah Day, cut the ribbon during the inauguration ceremony.

campus on golf carts are no longer

89 t h Year of PublIcatIon

The University completed the first major renovations to the law classrooms since 1968, creating one space that fits 103 students and another for 90 occupants.

Muslim

PG. 14

GPS DOES NOT GUARANTEE GRADUATION

ties between Islam and Christianity.

has even been talk about mandatory bike registration,”

in which she parked her bike, a rack outside

sorority. But even more significant is

Parents as coaches

Marianist dialog some say may strengthen

Ott suggests several ways students can protect themselves from having their bikes stolen.

Treadaway, Marian, Leies and Garni.

On Oct. 3, Brother Joseph Barrett celebrated his 89th birthday with the members of Sigma Sigma Sigma

SEE BIBLE PAGE 2

Source www.saintjohnsbible.org

The organization best known for its

We don’t have enough manpower, and

offered injured students a chance

Volume 102 Issue 1

University makes historic revamp of law classrooms

as a brother.

Byzantine,” O’Connor said.

PG. 13

American holiday traditions to a Muslim-

“Most of these bicycles are chained up, but they’re very easy to cut. They use a pair of bolt cutters, just slices like butter right through,” Ott said.

in the San Antonio area have been experiencing the

Barrett’s long-time religious career,

doing so because of a change in policy,

to

PG. 13

celebrated nearly nine decades of life, shortly after celebrating seven

of it is abstract, some of it borders on the almost full Middle Ages, some of

FEATURES

@andersdeakins

got to the point where we went to wasn’t our responsibility anymore.

rides

leaving some of the injured to struggle

Sherlock season 3

“Their artwork is wide and varied.

Some of it is representational, some

life-long dream was to create a hand-

O’Connor emphasized the variety

Simple chains are not as safe as many think, Ott warned.

same problem.

Holiday to-do

CEDRICK QUENINE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Asase advised.

a

Also, bike)

theft problem, according to Ott, who said he has

counselor and self-proclaimed father of thousands of children recently

start such a project, they quickly became

drawn Bible, organized six calligraphers

under

well-lit bike rack.

try and check (the

information that indicates that two other universities

poet,

inspiration from contemporary sources

his partners. Donald Jackson, whose

and several artists including Sally Mae

ALEX EAKINS COPY EDITOR

three years,” Ott said, “but it finally

adopted

a similar posture: officers driving

others

without the aid of the carts.

Courtesy of Pecan Grove Review

ENTERTAINMENT

FEATURES

COMMENTARY

PG. 6

department.

golf carts will not transport disabled

August 21, 2013

Basketball attendance

class was not a function of the police

maintenance

and

and

said they collaborated in the decision, determining that bringing students to

On the other hand, he added, “If I see someone (is) struggling to get around, I’ll help them out, but it’s not University

Police

Songs that plagued the summer radio.

that Donald Jackson—the illuminated Bible’s Artistic Director—desired to

it

PG. 10

GRADUATION STRUGGLES

Muslim students embrace Thanksgiving

regularly from time to time to see that it is still there,”

bike or putting

University Chief of Police, David Ott, said UPD has put forth extra effort to ensure the safety of the St. Mary’s community.

as well as more traditional methods.

newS

Cotrell lands director position

students around campus. Chief of the

“This is just in case the student turns the table, since I don’t want to

workers who used to offer injured students

Summertime Radio Hits

Concerns and questions from the newest students.

Heritage

copying of books. So they saved a lot of books that would have otherwise been

“Take precautions such as double locking your

DANIEL PEREZ STAFF WRITER

In the wake of surging bike thefts, University Police reaped few results.

Best and worst gifts

89 t h Year of PublIcatIon

www.stmurattlernews.com

November 6, 2013

Department’s efforts to find the perpetrators have

PG. 7

Volume 101 Issue 11

FEATURES

Freshmen Questions

A look into the demonstrations in Turkey.

The

for viewing, in upcoming days, the first

Body image debate

“They use a pair of bolt cutters, just slices like butter right through.”

St. Mary’s isn’t the only university with a bicycle

Brother,

PG. 15

COMMENTARY

Turkish Unrest

LGBT Increased acceptance mirrors Marianst philosophy.

Edition

was begun in 2007 and published

in the Middle and Dark Ages who did the

teacher,

Basketball Preview

BIKE THIEVES ELUDE CAPTURE

@andersdeakins

A

PG. 13

www.stmurattlernews.com

ALEX EAKINS COPY EDITOR

Since this is the first Bible of its

Movember

Barrett a sense of awe and was one

newS

Policy bans campus cart rides University Police and physical plant workers are no longer allowed to offer rides in University golf carts, including for injured students.

JuLIA PuLLINS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

pg. 07

October 23, 2013

Marianist Brother celebrates 70th jubilee

Joseph and Thomas Ingmire.

PG. 11

SPORTS

pg. 06

$17 MILLION LATER

A boxer among us

89 t h Year of PublIcatIon

ENTERTAINMENT

pg. 03

www.stmurattlernews.com

Sports complex ushers new era for community

PG. 7

Brothers pray in their Prince Albert

riding in golf carts, as well.

pg. 02

SPORTS

Volume 101 Issue 10

FEATURES

Aramark has announced a new system for taking out to-go containers. The boxes now cost $7 and participants will be given a reusable container and a green card. Like last academic year, as long as participants bring back the green card and the container in usable condition, they will be provided with a clean box to no charge.

StMU football

PG. 15

89 t h Year of PublIcatIon

kind in over 500 years, the artists drew

Because of this tradition, when St. John’s University and Abbey learned

COMMENTARY

Cafeteria To-Go Containers

ENTERTAINMENT

coats. This memory impressed upon

NEwS

Alex eAkins Copy Editor @andersdeakins

FEATURES

boy and would watch the Marianist

Literary magazine publishes 14th edition Volume 14 of the university’s literary magazine is now available for all literature enthusiasts.

This edition of the Pecan Grove Review is dedicated to professor H. Palmer Hall, an avid supporter of the Review, who passed away in the spring of 2013.

According to faculty moderator for the Pecan Grove Review Diane Bertrand, among his many contributions to the Review, Hall voluntarily proofread the magazine, provided funding in times of need and published the Review in the Pecan Grove Press where he served as co-editor and director.

“We are very grateful to him. We miss

on

hand-written, hand-illuminated Bible

SPOrtS

Rattler Round Up Student Organization Fair 6:30 p.m.- Founders/ Dougherty courtyard

PG. 13 Alumni game

Vine Famous

Young Joe Barrett was an altar

Professor Hoffman’s presence and contributions.

The community also received news of the passing of Joseph Chavez, a recent alumnus of the University and member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, with great sadness. Many recent graduates and current students have warm memories of Chavez, and were saddened to hear of his death at the far too young age of 24.

Shortly after, news of the passing of associate professor of political science Celine Jacquemine’s husband Lee Goodridge was announced. His death came soon after he began to battle advanced bone marrow cancer.

Condolences are offered to the family and friends of these beloved individuals.

him,” Bertrand said.

Approximately one-fourth of the content in the Review is dedicated to Hall, including poetry written by Hall himself. Other content includes poetry, short stories and creative non-fiction by students as well as staff and faculty members.

Although the staff for the 2013-2014 school year is set, freshmen and others might consider contacting Bertrand about getting involved with the Review in Fall 2014.

“My advice would be to get in touch with me. Take a class in creative writing and be knowledgeable in InDesign,” Bertrand said.

In addition, the review is accepting content submissions until Sept. 20. Submissions should be no more than five pages and each person is limited to three pieces. Poems should be no longer than forty lines.

PG. 10

Volume 101 Issue 9

which began Dec. 8, 1943.

entertainment

August 29 Opening of School Liturgy 11:20 a.m.

Guadalupe Chapel

Modeled

“The Benedictines were the people

FeatUreS

Aug. 27 Burgers with the Brothers 5 p.m.

Casa Maria Residence

campus.

in over 500 years.

COmmentarY

Aug. 26, 2013 Splash Back into Class 4 p.m.

Outdoor pool

Robert O’Connor, associate professor of theology, said.

on

the Benedictine tradition of handwritten, hand-illuminated Bibles and

in 2008.

@travibowles

destroyed by invading Teutonic tribes,”

Edition” will be made available for viewers

manuscripts,

TRAVIS BOWLES WEB EDITOR

Development is underway for the University Center this fall. The new stairs with wooden floors, placed over the summer, connects the newly remodeled downstairs tile to the work in progress on the second floor of the center.

Over the summer, the University community lost several members of its family.

In late July, the University community was saddened to hear of the passing of Tom Hoffman. A member of the St. Mary’s community since he received his bachelor’s degree in 1973, Hoffman was a revered part of the University faculty. As a professor in the political science department for 31 years, Hoffman was essential to the establishment and development of the Civic Engagement core course. The University faculty, and the political science department in particular, will greatly miss

PG. 7 Fall fashion tips

Recall vote

October 2, 2013

The “St. John’s Bible Heritage Edition,” the first bible of its kind in 500 years, will be made available for viewing at the University.

NEwS

UPC Snake Shake 7:30 p.m.

Flex Field

PG. 15

In 21 years as a part of this community, Brother Barrett has spread love and gathered a legion of sons and daughters.

Pg. 5 More images on University facelift

@brianaperez27

Code blue

University hosts illuminated Bible

read an exclusive interview with Miss texas usa Pg. 3

BriAnA perez Managing Editor

PG. 12

www.stmurattlernews.com

September 11, 2013

newS

Alumna crowned Miss Texas USA

Campus mourns lost community members

Aug. 23 Quad Prayer 11:15 a.m.

Quad

Justin Timberlake

89 t h Year of PublIcatIon

The University will make available

University Ministry Bridge 9:30 p.m.

Alkek Atrium

PG. 11

Volume 101 Issue 8

89 t h Year of PublIcatIon

COMMENTARY

Wellness Team: Can I Kiss You? Ft. Mike Domitrz 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

UC-A

Debating Snowden

Volume 101 Issue 7

SPORTS

Welcome Week Events

PG. 5

CENTER

University gets facelift

ENTERTAINMENT

The traditional, campuswide service event is back for another edition.

Students, faculty, staff and alumni will once again join forces to contribute time and effort to those in need in San Antonio.

Participants may apply to any of the traditional work sites as well as the newest addition: Haven for Hope.

Those who apply to work in homelessness relief for Continuing the Heritage will potentially be split into groups, provided with information about the work of Haven for Hope and assigned to various tasks, such as working in one of the locations’ kitchens.

FEATURES

Continuing the Heritage Aug. 24, 7:30 a.m.

COMMENTARY

SPORTS

SPORTS

ENTERTAINMENT

SEE CONTRERAS PAGE 10

ENTERTAINMENT

FEATURES

SPORTS

COMMENTARY

FEATURES

SPORTS

August 21, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT

?

COMMENTARY

FEATURES

?

Photo by Sara Flores

COMMENTARY

SPOrtS

FeatUreS

Graphic by Carla Rodriguez

entertainment

Photo by Liliana Espinosa

COmmentarY 89 t h Year of PublIcatIon

Source sanantonio.gov

The RaTTleR

Volume 101 Issue 6

www.stmurattlernews.com

The Rattler Editorial Staff Fall 2013 to Spring 2014

Texas Intercollegiate Press Association

Editor-in-Chief Stela Khury

presents the

Frank Buckley Scholarship

Managing Editor Briana Perez Copy Editor Alex Eakins

to

Stela Khury St. Mary’s University

Design Editor Carla Rodriguez (fall ‘13) Rachel Grahmann (spring ‘14) Awarded April 12, 2014 Spring Convention in San Antonio, Texas

News Editor Tamara Garcia Commentary Editor Emily Artalejo Features Editor Liliana Espinosa (fall ‘13) Daniel Perez (spring ‘14) Entertainment Editor Rachel Grahmann (fall ‘13) Daniela Garcia (spring ‘14) Sports Editor Sara E. Flores Web Editor Travis Bowles Photo Editor Adriana Avila Assistant Photo Editor Kyra Littlejohn Advertising Manager Lauryn Figueroa (fall ‘13) Kelly Carmona (spring ‘14) Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

136

STAFF LS L E W E R A F Adriana

Khury

Editor in Chief Fal l 2013- Spr Copy Editor spring ing 2014 2013 Entertainment Edi tor Fall 2012

Being a pa rt of the my two yea rs in this new Rattler was a transform sroom, I hav ative experi leadership, ence. In e lea cam Columbia Jou araderie and journalism rned more than ever about . As I make rnalism Sch ool, it’s tou my journey that this pe gh not to fee riod of my to life l a bit disap positive, tho will soon be pointed come just a ug memory. I’m memories wil h, by the knowledge of kept just how pre l be. Every article I hav cious these experience. e written or Every desig edited is an n choice wa honed perce invaluable s a step tow pti ard a more strengthened on of graphic design. finely Every admin me as the lea istrative de they deserve der I want to cision high praise grow into. because the grounded (ev As for the ed y were the itors, en ones in the first pla when they were the ones who had that kept me ce). Thank you to all of more than driven me ma the Manag you d , especially ing Editor. unrelenting Bri ana She was a frie , who was source of sup nd, con port. Our gif than words conversation fidante and ever could. s expressed Th ank mo without wh re you also to ose res Brother De nnis, have felt I wa tless love and trust I could never s capable of do believed in me more tha ing a good job. He n I did mysel of a 90-yea f. The beaut r-old public ation is this: y here, but the I may be do Rattler con ne tinues publis I’m humble d for having hing. been a part of its leg acy.

Stela & Bria

na

Emily

Stela

kelly

Adriana

Perez

Briana

Avila

2014 Fall 2013- Spring Managing Editortor Fall 2011-Spring 2013 Edi ry Commenta lege

Photo Editor Fall Assistant Photo Edit 2013- Spring 2014

or Fall 2012-Spring 2013 The past than I ever imag two years in the Rattler newsroo ined they would m have been mor have definitely seen be. This room and e and excited, to unle every side of me. From bein everyone in it they’ve seen it all. ashing wookie noises out of g insanely hyper frustration, this was always theNo matter how crazy things got though, place I gravitated to.

Thank you this experience so so much to all the people who made thank you for brea amazing. To those who have grad some of my favo king me out of my shell and for uated, such a great assisrite people. Kyra, thank you for being being tant and such a goo are one of the best d friend. Rach for always keeping people I know. Thank you so el, you love you and your me sane in the newsroom andmuch out. insa ne talent. Sara, it feels been here the who I like you’ve And your love of le time I have, and I love it. And ing Gilmore Girls balls. Briana, thank you for alwa you. ys watchcreep on the epis and for always allowing me to silen much we’ve seen ode you were on. Stela, it’s so craz tly a great neighbor happen in this room, thank you y how Dennis, thank youand now a great leader. Lastly, for being Brother in the newsroom, for always pushing us to do bett whole, thank you in class, and in life. To the Rattler er and for everything. I’ll as miss you all so muca h.

ejo

Artal

nd weeke ng 2014 Emily 2013- Spri y” to my lastarpt reofssmy lifoeusfor itor Fall p d

col years of my I’ve spent 3 om. At times Rattler newsro ce in the career in the trating pla frus st mo the it was my favorite others it was world, and at ed through pus. It remain the most r, place on cam eve down, how Mary’s. every up and I’ve had at St. night nce erie exp rewarding s those late mis not y ma I h and every eac Even though s mis ly definite out this Saturdays, I’ll me figuring put up with way. person who g along the Girls. Kelly, ing Editor thin ring my love of Gilmore our way whole Manag sha for nks threw a pun Adriana, tha . Travis, you ads ling s hilarious. sel wa ing butt at ly admit it kick ing dg gest for gru big nks r st tha you then, and I mu and it will be Kyra, every now and an insane ball of energy taking you far. are intelligence see to and it Daniela, you ls wa skil ’t r can l, I see you advice—I asset. Danie every now d law school e chick food time you nee et to eat som call me any my beloved Sara, don’t forg taking such great care of each and you succeed. for me you ded nk tha ily, talent astoun r and I’m so you , and then. Em hel efd for chi om section. Rac than prepared paper grow. Tamara— Commentary you are more the x, p Ale hel e. will every issu d people I’ve r leadership kin you ely uin how gen nk you excited to see of the most r Dennis, tha K! You are one that. Brothe being GOOD LUC . Never lose you Stela for come across st of all, thank r, thanks been lucky to dance. But mo re importantly, howeve gui ke a-li leader. Mo for your Yod ng agi our enc s GIFs. a decisive and me in hilariou for only texting

Ed

tu ge a nerv rld.

Commentary “Perpetual Ws borkee-sn suchmaehusince I dwasin th is wo you an wn s as Rattler ha rld yet,with ve kno campus e my day us wo From ry Editor, th Dennis, you’ce on this is enormo nnect me ot y pla place in th nge me, co hich I cann ire enta ars. Bro. m m d m o p fin w y le ye as C und m t four e, chal in me, forviser that I as ying to the pasork-study trsay I have fo to guide m believe and ad little w h I cannot ch chanceimportantly, or, mentor my stiff ” fess ost ly, fromjust “done r ro Thoug mped at ea m d p , te d e ar th an lehe n I am it togethe have juht people h. You are ld me who ts whe for the rigyou enoug braced the momen ability to ho Thanks u’ve em , to , to my in r quotes. that have thank aff, yo pcorn to be. Rattler st during po on my head ill-placed ai enanigans silent work arly cing strange ws, to my toshop sh ne an ha a d to ve as d ething le intervie l of the Pho u started f; I am glad ful combiawkwar yo ab er al t ut som and p uncomfort pport and life. Alex, ger of a chieare a wond would no duringughs, the sue my whole the swag mara, you ssiness that suddenly the la much mad u walk withrmation. Ta d fierce sae writer has I hold so ill an y n yo o rit tt n sf u io w o re vo at yo w p my fa and no mpassi this tran rganiz ether study, witnessed genuine co se but you; r of this o ce that tog el en of r.

Edito nation rk in anyoneManaging full confidf The Rattle wo I have grity o e the becomto my heart. y and inte dear ld the legac upho

Kelly

2014

Workin Rattler has bee g as the Advertising Ma nager for The n one of the mo es of my college st benefic It has been an career here at St. Mary’sial experienchard-working honor to work with such University. dilig peo ple this semeste ent and taught me just r. Thi a student new how much work and effos experience has successful. Durspaper in order to make rt can go into the publication me true hands ing this semester, this pos that I will be on experience with sale ition has given s and adverti day. Howeve able to use in a potential care sing appreciative r it is the news staff that I am er someof unique indof. This is a group of people the most ividuals who and drive to ma share passion composed Closing this cha ke this publication as suc, dedication sweet one. Howpter to my college care cessful as it is. er is a bitterthe people I havever, I cherish this experie to new journe e met along the way and nce and all of ys in my life. look forward

April 17, 2014, p. 4 137

Carmona

Ad Manager Spring

The Rattler: 2014-15 Sunset at the Belltower

www.stmurattlernews.com

Kenyan triplets

August 20, 2014

www.stmurattlernews.com

A summer donation from alumni set into motion plans to establish another social gathering place for faculty and students alike in the library.

Plans to build a campus pub are made possible thanks to a $900,000 donation from St. Mary’s alumni, Tom Contreras (BBA ’88) and Leticia Conterras (BA ’89). Officials believe the pub and recreational area will provide permanent areas for students, faculty and staff to congregate and enjoy one another’s comradery.

“What we really wanted was to create a social gathering place,” Leticia Contreras said. “We felt like St. Mary’s didn’t have that anymore, and we wanted to take action to bring the community aspect back.”

The addition of a pub and recreational space will provide areas for all students to spend time

“I’m excited about the pub,” junior Finance and Risk Management major Kendra Gray says, “It’ll be a place to hang out and have a good time with friends, instead of going off campus.” | Photo by Rachel Grahmann

with friends, grab a bite to eat late at night, and perhaps indulge in an adult beverage or two,

according to President Thomas Mengler.

“These two spaces, I think, begin to address

the need for good spaces for students to have fun and to come together on campus,” Mengler said.

...CONTINUED ON P. 2

Freshmen attend revamped orientation Mercedes Kelso News Editor

Students show school spirit at Zaragoza Rattler Days.

Photo by Matthew Martinez

Three revamped Zaragoza orientations and an extended Rattler Days orientation took place to help prepare the class of 2018 for their first undergraduate year at St. Mary’s.

Months of planning took place to create and implement a successful, new orientation.

Zaragoza transitioned from a 3-day to a 2-day orientation. Meanwhile, Rattler Days, an extended 3-day orientation starting August 15 and required for incoming freshman, was added.

Senior psychology major Mayra Espinoza and senior biology major David O’Mara are co-directors of the Zaragoza orientation and have been working diligently since November to plan and prepare for the orientations.

In addition to their positions, at the end of the fall 2013 semester, 15 student Zaragoza leaders were selected to take a Zaragoza leader training and preparation class during the spring 2014 semester.

“The Zaragoza class prepares the Zaragoza leaders to be professional and knowledgeable of the campus,” O’Mara said. “We taught them how to be prepared on the spot to

Photo by Mat Martinez

Reading to Tamara Garcia Managing Editor @tamvicgar The Community Reading Experience (CRE) taking place this semester in classrooms across campus focuses on World War I (WWI) literature as a means to connect the University community.

The CRE coordinators, associate professor Kathleen Maloney and visiting lecturer Melissa Scully, have organized the main event to take place Oct. 29 in UC-A. It will consist of a fourperson panel followed by a question and answer session.

Instead of inviting a

Remember

local author—as has been Members of the panel done twice previously— include French Collections duo Maloney and Scully Research Associate chose to focus on Elizabeth Garver, Ph.D., WWI literature. along with literary scholar “This year we decided to and published author try something a little bit Frank Kersnowski, Ph.D., different...we and university chose to focus This year we decided alumnus and on the reading to try something a veteran Maj. e x p e r i e n c e little bit different...we Gen. Alfred itself and on chose to focus on the Valenzuela. experience r e a d e r s , ” reading T h e itself and on readers.” panelists will Scully said.

She noted all come at Melissa Scully that the the topic of Visiting Lecturer, WWI flexibility “from English Department very different of the topic allows various directions,” disciplines on campus Scully said. to incorporate pieces Each member of the of WWI literature into panel will have a 15-minute CONTINUED ON P. 3 their curriculum.

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Officials break ground on soonto-be built pub Ana Beatriz Villas Boas Contributing writer The St. Mary’s community participated in the campus pub groundbreaking ceremony despite the cold, rainy weather outside the Commons on Jan. 22.

The St. Mary’s University jazz ensemble provided music during the ceremony. University President, Thomas Mengler, and pub donors Leti and Tom Contreras offered a few words before the groundbreaking commenced.

Afterward a reception proceeeded in the University Center with snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks.

Tom and his wife, Leti, both graduated from St. Mary’s, and their daughter is currently a freshman.

They donated $900,000 in order to give back some of the fun they were able to experience during the 80’s at CONTINUED ON P. 5

Outstanding professors awarded for classroom work Travis Bowles Copy Editor @notTervis

The corgi spends most of her time around treadway, nibbling on the oranges from a nearby tree, sleeping and timidly following students. x Photo Mathew Martinez

Stray dog saunters through campus, enchants passersby Joshua Marid Staff Writer As is expected, the new semester means new faces, but, this semester, many might have noticed that one of those faces happens to be furry.

“So there’s this Corgi dog, or shall I say, a dog that people think is a corgi. When in fact she is quite the mutt,” said Kayla Janecek, senior elementary education major.

Sightings of St. Mary’s newest resident, a stray dog known on social media sites and lunch table conversations as “The Corgi,” have sprinkled campus.

While some reports on the corgi’s gender conflicted, senior marketing major, Elia Rice claimed that the dog is female.

No one knows exactly where the corgi came from, or how it found its way onto campus, but her presence has proven to resonate positively with the St. Mary’s community. She is frequently found near the Treadaway courtyard and the library.

Senior English major Jennifer Nunez said she thinks that the dog’s presence on campus is a positive one.

“The dog is adorable,” Nunez said.

“I want to feed her, but I always forget to bring food,” Nunez said. “She also brings a swell of pity to my heart.”

In a 2012 article in The Rattler, Caroline Byrd, Director of the Louis J. Blume Library, suggested that students should avoid leaving food out for the cats because the smell of food attracts stray dogs from the neighborhood--some of whom are not as nice as the corgi. The stray dogs went as far as to not only injure the cats, but also kill them as well.

The same events could transpire should students leave food out for the corgi for extended periods of time.

While it’s recommended not to feed the fuzzy friends here on campus, that didn’t stop people from talking about her. The corgi brings out the emotions of those who see her, getting attention and many ‘”aws” from the girls around campus.

She has yet to be given a proper name. Being a pup of few words, getting an interview with her proved challenging. The fact that the corgi has shown discomfort when St. Mary’s community members approach complicates the matter.

Senior psychology major, Aletssa Salinas, has noticed some particular

Several faculty members were honored on Jan. 23 during the Distinguished Faculty Awards Ceremony and Dinner.

Established by the Alumni Association in 1984 to recognize the outstanding performances of St. Mary’s faculty over the last year, the Distinguished Faculty Awards honor one professor each in business, science, law and graduate studies as well as two professors in humanities and social sciences.

Larry Hufford, Professor of Political Science and International Relations, was awarded the honor for graduate studies. He also won the Marianist Heritage Award in 2005.

He said he was humbled and honored for the recognition of his work, and, to him, the award represents an understanding of the “characteristics of a Marianist education.”

Meanwhile, K. Matthew Gilley, Professor of Management and Bill Greehey Chair in Ethics and Corporate Responsibility, took away the award for the school of business. Gilley is a professor who — in addition to teaching and research project — mentors both undergraduate and graduate students on everything from career choices and selecting a graduate

February 4, 2015

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Sarah Palomares Contributing Writer

A St. Mary’s law student stands accused of arson and attempted murder linked to a singular incident in Louisiana, but contradictory reports have led to confusion about the accusations.

According to Chief of the University Police Department (UPD), David Ott, the U.S. Marshall Service contacted him Aug. 12 to provide information about Matthew Alexander, a second year law student who reportedly had warrants out for his arrest on murder and arson charges in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana.

In actuality the charges against Alexander are two counts of attempted murder and two counts of arson, one simple and one aggravated. No injuries or deaths resulted from the incident despite the fact that a Monroe official’s filing error led reporters to believe that the student was arrested on murder charges.

“We have a student who has some really serious allegations against him,” Dean of Students Timothy Bessler said.

“A media headline of murder versus attempted murder has very different reactions and implications.”

When stories broke that Alexander had been arrested on murder

Parking tickets annoy students

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Senior political science major Coatlicue Molina and senior exercise and sports science major Alejandro Castaneda stand against the locked gates of the Treadaway Hall pool. | Photo by Rachel Grahmann

After 47 years of service to students, faculty, staff and Marianists, the outdoor pool located between Treadaway Hall and the Marianist Residence has closed for demolition and will eventually be converted into green space.

The difficulty of maintaining such an old facility and the infrequency of use made the pool a costineffective service for the University, according to Director of Building and Grounds Aaron Hanna.

“Due to its age, location and inconsistent use, we have decided to decommission the pool, (and) the University’s

POOL

Under the leadership of President Thomas Mengler, the University has once again secured a donation stretching past the $1 million mark.

The St. Mary’s Alumni Association has, with the help of generous alumni and various fundraising events, donated $1.5 million to the University to supplement the $7.5 million restoration project on Reinbolt Hall as well as fund and endow a chair for the development of a Center for Catholic Leadership.

The president of the association donated $500,000, which will fund the foundation restoration project in

Reinbolt Hall, home of the Theology Department, which is currently being displaced. Reinbolt Hall is the prospective location for the Center for Catholic Leadership.

The Center for Catholic Leadership is a concept in development that is aimed at enhancing the education of students and faculty at St. Mary’s.

“If you ask employers who try to hire our students, there are three distinct reasons why people try to hire from St. Mary’s. One, because they are capable and technically sound employees; two, because they are ethically and morally good people; and three, because, even at a young age, they are prepared to be leaders in a work space and this chair in catholic leadership will only further enhance all three of those,” Richard Kimbrough, St. Mary’s CONTINUED ON P. 2

Clarification of school alcohol policies encourage responsible, safe tailgating to promote event attendance, social interaction.

Eric Rodriguez Commentary Editor @eric_rr33 Students over 21 were able to bring alcohol to a recent volleyball game tailgate, bringing to light the longstanding policy at St. Mary’s regarding alcohol and sports.

According to the school policies anyone age 21 or over is able to bring any kind of alcohol to tailgates at St. Mary’s sporting events.

This is a good way for the University to promote better attendance at sporting events. By allowing students to “tailgate,” many students get the feel

operating costs will be reduced,” Hanna explained.

According to University records, St. Mary’s has a long history of outdoor aquatic facilities. The current outdoor pool was constructed in 1967 when Treadaway Hall was built and is the third on campus.

Records from the Brother Joseph W. Schmitz Special Collections state that the first natatorium was constructed July 1895, but the bottom of the pool dropped out after two months of use.

A second natatorium was built in April 1897 and sat where the current greenhouse is located. This pool was filled in once the construction of the math, engineering and science building started.

The Archbishop of San Antonio Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M. Sp. S, spoke at the 12th Annual Catholic Intellectual Tradition Lecture Series in UCA Feb. 11 and urged the St. Mary’s community to continue Jesus’ mission and ministry with encounters, dialogue and service.

Ex-student athlete fights illness

Students discuss sexism in video games

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Student cyclist club recruits members

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of a big university while receiving a student audience once games start. With decent student participation, this has the small school education.

Tailgating and other events where potential to become a great part of the St. alcohol is served have become popular Mary’s experience.

Some students may feel this promotes student activites in recent years.

If the University continues to unsafe student drinking on campus.

According to David Ott, Chief of sponsor tailgating at games, the level University Police, this of school spirit could drinking policy has been rise, along with student Keep in mind, this does in place for some time. social interaction. not open the campus to Students must remain For example, drinking anywhere. This in designated tailgating as they do in large is only in the designated areas, and no student schools, Greeks could areas during an event and under 21 is permitted have their own booth only if you are of age, and to drink. and interact with the do not drink to excess.”

Chief Ott stressed that campus community.

Tailgating, especially David Ott students are not allowed on a larger scale, Chief of University Police to drink in every area on campus. allows students The area designated an opportunity to become more excited about for the tailgate will be the only place, other than at University events and sporting events.

This could translate to a livelier in 21 plus residence hall rooms, on

“

October 28, 2014

$500k

Number of dollars donated by the President of the Alumni Association, Jason Longoria.

even those who were considered lost, according to the Archbishop. Garcia-Siller said Jesus even let the prostitute wash his feet with her tears—that Jesus was never put off by the outcasts, the poor and the weak; he touched them and inquired about their lives; he spoke and listened to them. Jesus even performed miracles for them, Garcia-Siller said.

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Information graphic by Alex Eakins

February 18, 2015

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Rattler Madness fires up school spirit

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9 0 t h Year of PublIcatIon

www.stmurattlernews.com

November 12, 2014

American Indian drum echoes from Pecan Grove powwow

Calvin Osife, a full-blooded Navajo, performed dances around the drum in traditional eagle feathers during the powwow.

Photo by Morgan Pullins

Marianist formation program shares mission with students Movement inspires students to live out the Marianist values through personal connections, supportive friendships and community growth.

University President discusses 5K preparation Mercedes Kelso News Editor St. Mary’s will host an on campus 5K for the neighborhood, and the proceeds will go to United Way and SNIPSA—an animal rescue and pet adoption organization.

The event will begin with mass at 7:30 a.m. in Guadalupe Chapel on Oct. 19 followed by opening remarks at 8:45 a.m. in Pecan Grove. The race begins at 9 a.m. Online registration is currently open, and those who wish to may register in Pecan Grove between 7:45 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on the day of the race.

*These views are the views of the writer and do not represent the views of The Rattler staff.

Ready, set, action: students snagged their cameras to capture history in five-minute increments for the fourth installation of the Mobile Mural.

Professor of history Theresa Van Hoy coordinates the Mobile Mural, and sent students out into the world to teach the St. Mary’s community new material guided by fresh angles of Women’s-History-Month.

Specifically, Van Hoy asked students to focus on the topic of gender and war. Almost every corner of the globe was represented with films involving history from China, Korea, South Africa, Mexico, WWI trench poets, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the United States and Germany during WWII. “(The students) have to tell a story in five minutes and they have to teach us something new about history,” Van Hoy said.

“They have to have original documentation such as newspaper articles, military reports, etc.”

MobileMural began as an experiment to support Van Hoy’s O’Connor chair research.

She wanted to share the findings of her research with the public, not just scholars in the field of history.

This event had humble beginnings with just eight students showing their films on the outside wall of Chaminade Tower.

“Basically it was just for us because we wanted to see what it looked like three stories high,” Van Hoy said. “We wanted to see what it looked like at night.”

Over time it grew to all the students enrolled in her classes. Last semester 130 people attended the event and awards were given out. Thanks to Dean Dizinno, winners received $50 gift cards to the bookstore. Before, Van Hoy would pay out of her pocket for the prizes.

The audience decided the winners, and the two films with the most votes won. This semester, junior history major Megan Lozano won first place for her film “Chinese Women Warriors.”

Cristina Anguiano won second place for the film “Women Fighter Pilots.” Both received a rose and a gift card to the bookstore for $50.

Number of dollars allocated toward the Center for Catholic Leadership

p. 10

“

According to University President Thomas Mengler, the idea for the event started with a desire to continue assisting the surrounding neighborhood.

“We have had a commitment to our neighborhood revitalization since before I arrived,” Mengler explained.

“So I thought about a run, in part because it would be an opportunity to raise some money.”

In addition to supporting the betterment of the neighborhood, the run will also provide an occasion for the surrounding community to gather.

“It’s an opportunity … to bring

the community together to define it,” Mengler said. “We have invited the neighborhood and alumni too.”

Mengler has advocated for this 5K since the beginning of the semester.

In preparation for the race, he has been consistently running during the week and participated in the El Grito 5K on the San Antonio mission trails.

“I try to run three times a week, and have been running 2–4 miles, and I have been doing that for about a year pretty consistently,” Mengler explained.

He ran track and cross country in

Mercedes Kelso News Editor @mercedeskelso Celebrating Dia de los Muertos This photo illustration incorporates over 15 different types of Mexican and American candies, bringing together two cultures as observants honor friends and loved ones who have passed.

Photo illustration by Rachel Grahmann, Tamara Garcia and Alex Eakins

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October 8, 2014

stmurattlernews.com

March 4, 2015

ADDRESSING THE GAPS

Speakers at commission discuss economic inequalities worldwide

Midori Gonzalez Contributing Writer

$1 million

University taking steps to improve wi-fi

of not only the instrument but also the accompanying singers, could be heard from as far away as the University Center.

The heartbeat of the American The drum signified a heartbeat, Indian coursed through the De Luna said. veins of St. Mary’s University, “When you listen to the drum, as the community the drum actually came together has a heartbeat, When you listen to the for a powwow on drum, the drum actually a human heart,” Nov. 1, according has a heartbeat, a he said. to Erwin J. De human heart.”

The drum sang Luna, President various songs: of United San Erwin J. De Luna family songs, Antonio Pow Wow President, United San songs of victory, Incorporated.

Antonio Pow Wow Inc. songs celebrating The purpose exceptional of the powwow, and the nonprofit United feats, etc. Each of the songs San Antonio Pow Wow has a history, and many came Incorporated, is to promote the from all over the United States, culture and traditions of the particularly Oklahoma and American Indian, according to Arizona, De Luna said.

Learning the songs, though, De Luna. isn’t easy, according to De Luna.

At the powwow, community “You have to sit at the drum members could purchase items of American Indian heritage, and learn the songs as they go,” watch dancers, interact with De Luna said.

“It takes years, sometimes, to each other and listen to the drum, the centerpiece of do it, so young people listening to these songs today are learning the powwow.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on those songs and passing them on Nov. 1, Pecan Grove rang with to others.”

Among the many dances the sound of the powwow drum.

The drum, which is comprised ...CONTINUED ON P. 2

campus where alcoholic beverages may be consumed.

But being free to drink any type of alcohol at a tailgate does not mean tossing discretion entirely aside.

Drinking in excess will not be tolerated, and students who violate University policies or state laws will incur the usual consequences.

Such a liberal alcohol policy relies on the responsibility that St. Mary’s students are able to exhibit.

The purpose of allowing tailgating is to create a fun, student-friendly atmosphere before a sporting event. It encourages students to attend games.

To all students attending school tailgates, drink responsibly to ensure that the University can safely start this tradition.

Film strips archive bits of women’s history

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Volume 102 Issue 11

Alex Eakins Editor-in-Chief @andersdeakins

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FEATURES

Aramark reviews suggestions for dining

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During operation, the pool opened from the beginning of May until September, and was used daily by an average of 3-4 people.

Though pool attendance has dwindled recently, over the years, groups including the National Youth Sports Program, student life and athletic directors have used the pool for different events, according to Aquatics Coordinator Kathleen Whitten.

The St. Mary’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) also used the outdoor pool as a part of their training routine, utilizing the threemeter diving board, which

February 18, 2015

Total dollar amount donated to the University

Archbishop Garcia-Siller speaks to St. Mary’s Community. x Photo by Kyra and Matt

After an introduction—which presented to the community Garcia-Siller’s humble beginnings, education and acts of service—Garcia-Siller proceeded to speak of Jesus’ life “looking for sheep.”

“Jesus enables people to feel God’s love,” Garcia-Siller said.

He explained this thought by reminding the community of Jesus’ unique way of ministering.

Jesus sought out all walks of life,

Yak app encourages gossip

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September 24, 2014

Archbishop delivers lecture to University

Adziko Tsatenawa News Editor @atsatenawa

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CLOSES

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Christopher Singer Contributing Writer

A capella group prepares for performance

COMMENTARY

ONE POINT FIVE $1.5 million

MILLION

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Volume 102 Issue 9

Alcohol policies promote social interaction, responsibility

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FEATURES

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Men’s tennis hopes to serve up wins

September 24, 2014

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volume 103 x issue 1

Student rocks leadership of local band

9 0 t h Year of PublIcatIon

Alexander Eakins Editor-in-Chief @anderseakins

Danielle Garcia, senior Political Science major from Mercedes, TX, reads about World War I in one of the books assigned to students by english teachers to prepare students for the Community Reading Experience on Oct. 29.

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TREADAWAY HALL

September 10, 2014

ZERO TO HERO

The Rattler breaks down popular majors

www.stmurattlernews.com

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August 20, 2014

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Volume 102 Issue 8

NEWS MEDIA EXACERBATES ACCUSATIONS OF UNIVERSITY LAW STUDENT

Alumni donate million dollars to establish pub as social space at Blume library The addition of a pub and recreational lounge will contribute to the development and improvement of campus life, according to the Dean of Students, Tim Bessler.

“Mr. and Mrs. Contreras’ gift to the university [is something] that students have helped bring to the forefront of our attention and gives us the opportunity to build on that idea in a real physical and tangible way,” Bessler said.

The expected location for the pub is on the north side of the Cotrell Learning Commons while the recreational gathering space will be on the west side with an entrance through the Commons. Both areas have an expected completion of fall 2015.

Proposed by Executive Director of Facilities, Aaron Hanna, the location choice required consideration of noise given its proximity to the library. According to

Has Apple lost its flair?

89 t h Year of PublIcatIon

POURING GLASSES OF COMMUNITY Mercedes Kelso News Editor

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Volleyball preview

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Barrio Barista

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Police brutality

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Fall sports schedules

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Volume 102 Issue 6

Adziko Tsatenawa News Editor @atsatenawa

The President’s Peace Commission took place Feb. 24 until Feb. 26. | Photo by Mat Martinez

“It is a crime for people to live in this rich nation and receive

starvation wages.”

Jorge Montiel quoting Martin Luther King Jr. Lead industrial areas organizer

Adziko Tsatenawa News Editor @atsatenawa

The St. Mary’s University President’s Peace Commission presented Students in Debt, a People in Debt: Indebted to a Vocation in the UCA Feb. 24 through Feb. 26.

There were various panels presented by the commission about various topics including “Debt: Unmasking the Beast” and “Is a Living Wage Really Letting Us Live?”.

“Is a Living Wage Really Letting Us Live?,” presented by Jorge Montiel, lead industrial areas foundation organizer, and assistant professor of Economics Steve Nivin, Ph.D., led a discussion about growing economic inequality in industrial countries,

and the inadequacy and unjustness of minimum wage in San Antonio.

Nivin listed countries with the most economic inequality juxtaposed with those countries with the least. Ireland ranked number one with the most inequality before taxes and redistribution through welfare and social security. The United States ranked tenth.

After taxes and redistribution, however, Ireland dropped in the list from the number one spot, and the U.S. moved up six spots to fourth on the list.

Nivin attributed this to low tax rates in the U.S., specifically for the top one percent of income earners and less transfers and redistribution of income. He said that the top one percent of income earners have an aggregate share of income equal to the bottom ninety

percent of income earners.

Another factor that causes great inequality in countries, Nivin said, is an imbalance in education and power. He presented a chart that illustrated an increasing correlation between levels of education and salary. The imbalance of power was strongest in the political system Nivin said.

“In my mind it stems from the fact that there is a strong marriage between D.C. and Wall Street. Large corporations and afford lobbyists and average individuals cannot,” he said.

“If inequality gets worse it will become a big social issue, not just economic. It’s something that we need to address not just from an economic but PEACE ON P. 3

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NEWS

First recipient of law professor award delivers inaugural lecture

The dean of the law school, Stephen M. Sheppard, J.S.D., delivered his vision for the law school in his inaugural lecture as the first recipient of the Charles E. Cantu Distinguished Professorship of Law award Feb. 25 in the courtroom of the law building.

Sheppard’s vision included the production of ethical law students who were not only very knowledgeable but charitable and willing to help people, rich or poor, of all walks of life; a faculty that was innovative and kept up with the ever- changing rules of law; and a law school that fosters strong Marianist values with higher rates of students passing the bar.

Before Sheppard delivered his lecture, University President Thomas Mengler, gave an opening statement. He expressed his admiration for Sheppard and confidence in his ability to bring his vision for the school of law to fruition.

“He’s got great vision,” Mengler said. “He’s a very ethical man of deep faith himself and he has enormous energy. All those three (characteristics) will be key to LAW ON P. 2

ENTERTAINMENT

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March 26, 2015

CERTIFIED The only one of its kind in Texas, St. Mary’s University is now a fair trade certified university, commited to conscionable purchases.

Adziko N. Tsatenawa News Editor @atsatenawa Beginning the certification process in the fall of 2013, St. Mary’s was officially named a fair-trade university on March 23.

After final items were approved, St. Mary’s received its certification making it the first fair trade university in the state of Texas and another among only twenty-eight in the country.

As a fair-trade university, St. Mary’s supports fair pay and fair working conditions for farmers and producers by conscientiously buying and offering fair-trade products on campus. The Diamondback Café, the campus bookstore, the P.O.D. and the Starbucks on campus all offer fairtrade products. Among those products are coffee, chocolate and tea.

This certification comes after years of efforts initiated by alumni Puafuatausag Nomura and Rebecca Montes, two business students who took an international business course with business professor, Zaida Martinez in the 2013 fall semester.

“One of the challenges I gave to students in this class was to take the first step for St. Mary’s to become a fair trade university by signing us up with the Fair Trade Colleges and Universities campaign,” Martinez said.

“This first step is key since we needed to form a committee composed of students, staff, administrators, and faculty.”

Nomura and Montes took the first step and registered the school with Fair Trade Colleges and Universities.

After that, the alumni were required to build a team, reach out to campus outlets, source fair trade meetings at events and Registered Student Organization meetings, commit to fair trade education and pass a fair trade resolution all as part of the certification process.

To meet those requirements, the alumni later formed a committee that included themselves and Professor Martinez at first. The committee raised awareness on campus by holding information sessions in the UC, informing organizations they were involved in about the issue and organizing events that supported fair trade by selling fair trade products. They also coordinated with Aramark and the bookstore to offer fair trade items on campus.

In 2014 Martinez and Clare Acosta, Minister for Social Justice, who was also instrumental in the certification process, received a grant to hire an intern for Fair Trade, Jonah Kavanaugh. Kavanaugh later, with Nomura, helped facilitate the rest of the certification process and helped draft the required fair trade resolution on campus. The resolution which was proposed to the board of directors, asked that the university support fair trade as well as sell and continue to sell fair trade products after the reso-

Baristas Enrique Perez and Maria Martinez, senior criminology major, prepare coffee at Starbuck in the University Cotrell Commons. Starbucks offers fair trade products. | Photo by Alondra Garcia

“We now have a set of standards and criteria to which we (St. Mary’s) will hold ourselves accountable...leading by example and hopefully encouraging other institutions to examine their own

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consumerism.”

Clare Acosta Matos Minister for Social Justice

Community previews fiesta Spirit Fest, one of the many events during Homecoming Week, took place at the Alumni Field on March 24 and hosted several activities including tugof-war, a three legged race, and hula-hooping.

Homecoming Week is a celebration of the homecoming of alumni. It is a part of the festivities leading towards Baby Bake, the official alumni celebration that raises money for scholarships and brings notoriety to

“OYSTER” CONTINUES ON P. 3

Students run three-legged race at Sprit Fest. | Photo by Allie Beedle

means to share in the mission of the Marianists without having to profess any vows.”

According to Makena Hamilton, senior music major, the formation program offered her an opportunity to meet new people on a different level.

“Every week we were sent out with a mission … to have coffee or a meal, or get to know another person’s story,” Hamilton explained.

As the lay Marianists prepare for their commissioning retreat, they will develop their own set of goals for their identities as lay Marianists, according to Buchmeyer.

“What the community does next semester is in their hands,”

stmurattlernews.com

Volume 103 x Issue 5

April 29, 2015

Ana Rocha Contributing Writer

New book calls for a beyond the dual-race models set up by the courts and the academy to better address issue of discrimination for Latinos.

On April 13, the St. Mary’s School of Law held a book reception in which Henry Flores, Ph.D., professor of political science, gave a special presentation about his book, “Latinos and the Voting Rights Act: The Search for Racial Purpose.” The book uncovers the extent race and racism plays in public policy.

The room in the Sarita Kennedy East Law Library was packed with different people, from undergraduate students, to professors and faculty of the law school.

Flores began his presentation by thanking several people that were influential when performing his research. He went on to explain the different reasons he was inspired to write such a book. “I discovered a need to create a research design that would allow me to uncover racial purpose where race and racism had been hidden from the public view,” Flores said.

The book stems from Flores’ research as a racial purpose expert in the 2011 Texas redistricting lawsuit and the subsequent voter identification case. His book opens a new field in racial political studies as he calls for movement beyond the dual-race models that have been set up by the courts and by the academy. Race was always based on the relationships between blacks and whites, never on the relationships between Latinos and Anglos Flores said.

Flores said the book also incorporates a theoretical standpoint, in which he asks why race plays such

Henry Flores Ph.D. releases his book, “Latino and the Voting Rights Act” on April 13, 2015 in the School of Law. x Photo by Kyra Littlejohn

an important part in the way politics are determined in the political and cultural tapestryof the state of Texas.

His research was fascinating

enough to grab the attention of the acquisitions editor for the publisher Rowman and Littlefield he said.

Flores was speaking at a conference in Chicago when the editor heard

him and took him aside in order to ask him if he could publish his research.

It took Flores 18 months to write his book.

ROTC host university’s first ever Take Back the Night The University Wellness team makes evort to inform students about sexual assault and promote a culture where respect for one another is the norm.

March 26, 2015

home-like feel in the spaces we met,” Buchmeyer said. “I wanted the program to feel very relatable and comfortable, but I don’t think there is any space on campus that give(s) that to us.

It’s supposed to feel like dinner with a family.”

Sop homore biology major Ricky Garcia participated in the formation program to gain an identity as a lay Marianist.

“Through this opportunity, I have been able to gain so much more knowledge of who the Marianist(s) are and what the mission as a Marianist is,” Garcia explained. “To me, it simply

Buchmeyer explained.

“We will continue to meet together and do an ongoing formation. They will need a strong unifying mission to keep them together.”

Roberta Shoenmakers, junior exercise and sports science major, had a positive experience with the program and encourages others to participate next semester.

“I learned so much about my faith through the Marianist Movement, and I hope that students take this opportunity and choose to become a part of our community,” Shoenmakers said.

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November 12, 2014

Troy Grohman Staff Writer

St. Mary’s.

Spirit Fest is a celebration that seeks to include undergraduate students in the alumni homecoming festivities. After a golf cart decorating contest, which yielded some creative designs by various Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), the formal presentation of the homecoming court followed.

The homecoming court is chosen via a selective process

the semester for a meal, prayer, various activities and a weekly mission in preparation for a lay Marianist commissioning retreat at Tecaboca Marianist Center for Spiritual Renewal from Nov. 21-23.

According to Brian Buchmeyer, Coordinator of Marianist Student Initiatives, as the first time St. Mary’s has had a lay Marianist formation program, the program turned out a little differently than anticipated.

“I think a lot of this was because we were missing a

Professor expands conversation on Latino rights

fair trade

Christopher Singer Staff Writer

CENTER

This semester a group of 16 students gathered weekly for a 10-week lay Marianist formation program to make a commitment to creating a faith-based student community.

The group met every Thursday evening since the beginning of

October 28, 2014

graphic by Alex Eakins

The best campus study spots

ENTERTAINMENT

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Border crisis

FEATURES

COMMENTARY

PUBLISHED ISSUES AND AWARDS RECEIVED DURING THE 2014-15 ACADEMIC YEAR

On April 9 the University Wellness Team along with ROTC sponsored the first Take Back the Night event,

an international campaign that raises awareness about sexual assault.

Facts about sexual violence were presented on boards at the event, while survivors of sexual assault shared their experiences with attendees. Followed by their testimonies, attendees lit candles and said a prayer followed by a moment of silence.

One of the survivors was also a guest performer. Laura Marie Valenzuela-Kleffner, a St. Mary’s alumna and pop/folk singer-songwriter was sexually assaulted at the

age of eight by the father of a childhood friend.

She refrained from telling anyone about the incident because she was too embarrassed to recount the details, and fearful she wouldn’t be able to see her friend anymore.

At the age of 19, Kleffner was drugged and sexually assaulted for the second time by an older man while on a double date with a female friend of hers. Again, she refrained from telling anyone and seeking help.

“As a young adult, my fear was

that it was my fault for drinking underage or dressing provocatively,” Kleffner said.

“I was also afraid no one would believe me, and I would be humiliated further. The fact of the matter is I was not able to give sober consent.

The way I was drugged made it easy for the perpetrator to do what he wanted without my fighting him.”

Kleffner sought said. “Social pressure can go a long way. We must CONTINUED ON P. 2

April 29, 2015

Flores was proud of his work.

“What it means is that it opens the door for a whole new field of CONTINUED ON P. 3

SPORTS

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CENTER

KATHE LEHMAN-MEYER P. 8-9

The Rattler Editorial Staff Fall 2014 to Spring 2015 Editor-in-Chief Alex Eakins Managing Editor Tamara Garcia Copy Editor Travis Bowles Design Editor Rachel Grahmann (fall ‘14) Alondra Garcia (spring ‘15) News Editor Mercedes Kelso (fall ‘14) Adziko Tsatenawa (spring ‘15) Commentary Editor Eric Rodriguez Features Editor Daniel W. Perez Entertainment Editor Manuela Gonzalez Sports Editor Sara E. Flores (fall ‘14) Allie Beedle (spring ‘15) Web Editor Brandon Leonard Photo Editor Kyra Littlejohn Assistant Photo Editor Mathew Martinez Advertising Manager Valerie Perez Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

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have performed for over a decade, and they represented Kenya at several international events.

Mary, Marta, and Maggie Moipei sing “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Spurs vs. Clippers game on Sunday, April 26.x Courtesy of Tony Garcia

Four editors bid farewell to The Rattler

Alexander Eakins Editor-in-chief

46 articles, four positions and four years— those numbers represent the product of my work at The Rattler. But numbers cannot measure my experience at The Rattler.

The newsroom has been my home at St. Mary’s. Not Treadaway, not the Commons, not the greater University Center, not Reinbolt, nor Alkek, nor the Greehey Arena, no, not even the English department occupies the same space that The Rattler does—sorry people. If a home is a place where growth and camaraderie take place, the newsroom simply wins.

Eric Rodriguez Commentary Editor

I consider myself extremely lucky to have been able to be part of the Rattler staff. I never imagined myself being an editor when I first came to St. Mary’s, but the experience has been life changing.

Very few organizations can make a person feel as if they are a part of a family. Yet at the Rattler, a diverse group of people with so many different talents comes together to create something great.

This is an experience I will not forget, and I am so grateful to have had it. Eating at amazing restaurants, random dancing in the newsroom,

Kyra Littlejohn Photo Editor

Some things haven’t changed in these four years. I wear the same Heelys I did freshman year. I look pretty much the same. I still hate math, and I still groan every time I have to roll out of bed.

But my newsroom commitment never changed because it represents so much of what I love at St. Mary’s. In the newsroom, my favorite people attack each other with cascarones. They have heated political debates without disrespecting one another.

They “throw shade” at each other for liking Cheryl Crow or using the word raunchy to inappropriately describe something.

They laugh, they cry, they work and they grow together.

The newsroom is a place where personal and professional growth perfectly collide, and every new second I worked there I knew I would be a different person than the second before. I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to lead the University’s strongest leaders, and I will miss it dearly.

-Editor-in-chief, signing off.

When I first joined the staff, I honestly did not think I was going to last long.

As a student-athlete, I already had time commitments; however, the Rattler was very understanding of that and still brought me on board.

This has been my favorite experience in college. I didn’t make new friends; I made a new family.

The people that I have worked with continued to support, encourage, and motivate me in all that I do. They have been

Alondra Garcia Layout and Design Editor

“popcorn” games, being “fired” and the inside jokes we all have contributed to the idea that being a part of the Rattler truly is like being a part of a family. Even despite the sometimes stressful press weekends, it will be hard to top the friendships and experiences I have had as part of the Rattler. It was challenging in a way that I have not been challenged before.

The lessons I learned while Commentary Editor will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I came in knowing nothing about computers, unsure what kind of content I would be able to create, and now I am proud to say that I was lucky enough to contribute to an awardwinning collegiate publication. I’d like to thank Alex, Tammy, Rachel, Brother Dennis, and all the other editors who helped me out from the time when I was a young freshman.

I’d also like to thank Manuela for being clutch with the cartoon requests I would give her.

This was an amazing experience I will never forget, and one which has helped me to grow as a person in ways I did not think was possible.

Although short, I’ve hated, enjoyed, cried, laughed and gone through every possible emotion at The Rattler. I never expected to work with a community of student leaders who are so passionate and proud about their work.

The greatest lesson that I take from everyone is to be passionate, responsible, integral and hardworking about every small thing that I may do. Although a lot of our viewpoints were vastly different, I’m glad I

April 29, 2015, p. 16 140

one of my biggest support systems, and I could not be anymore thankful for that.

For the past two years, the newsroom has become a second home for me where I will always feel welcomed.

It is a place where a diverse group of students from different backgrounds can come together and just be themselves. Press weekends were always filled with endless laughs (and, lots of food). Finalizing the issues was always stressful, yet rewarding.

It is because of The Rattler that I was able to gain a skill set that I may have not gained otherwise. Learning the importance of deadlines, management, and concise writing are a few of the skills that I plan on taking with me, as I get ready to enter the real world.

I want to thank everyone that I have worked with for being the wonderful people that they are, and giving me the opportunity to experience something great.

The memories may fade, but will forever remain eternal. You will be missed!

was able to meet you before I graduate. I hope that 50 years from now we are able to reunite, look at the memories on paper we’ve produced and remember the relationships that we built amongst each other.

To my fellow staff members who took the time to teach me and understand my hectic schedule of my last semester, to those who stayed with me through every question I had, to the students who helped me through my press weekends, to all of the loyal readers who take time in their day to read our work, to our community on campus that invests and provide a place where we train into our future careers and lastly to Brother Dennis for raising the standards of our work into the best of our abilities, THANK YOU! I’m grateful to have met every individual, and I pray that God continue to bless your dreams into realities.

Much Love, Alondra Garcia Class of 2015

The Rattler: 2015-16 PUBLISHED ISSUES AND AWARDS RECEIVED DURING THE 2015-16 ACADEMIC YEAR

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Female athletes steal the show at 23rd annual ESPY awards

Graphic by Brandon Leonard

Leaked videos cause controversy Planned parenthood has been heavily criticized for the recently released videos of employees allegedly profiting from illegal sales. Videos were released by an anti-abortion group.

TRAVIS BOWLES COPY EDITOR

Recent videos showing a Planned Parenthood executive discussing fetal tissue sales quickly turned to the shaming of women’s health rights and legal scientific practices.

The footage that started the debate came from a lunch with Deborah Nucatola, senior director of medical services for Planned Parenthood. In the video members of

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The ESPYS are an award ceremony that gathers top celebrities from sports and entertainment to commemorate the past year in sports by giving awards for major achievements and performances. This year also provided fans with a chance to recognize and celebrate some inspirational women and their accomplishments in sports and in their personal lives.

Danielle Green and Lauren Hill were among the women honored for their courage, bravery and determination in the face of adversity.

Green received the Pat Tillman Award for Service, which honors an individual with a connection to sports and who has served others in a way that echoes Pat Tillman’s legacy. Tillman was an Arizona Cardinals starting safety who left his NFL career to serve his country. He made the ultimate sacrifice in 2004 when he died in combat in Afghanistan.

Green, a former Notre Dame point guard, left after five successful seasons to serve her country in Iraq. She returned after losing her left arm from the elbow down in an explosion.

Green retuned from Iraq and worked hard in physical therapy, then received her master’s.

She now works for the Department of Veterans Affairs, helping other veterans and their families adjust and cope with post-war physical and mental trauma.

Green left the audience and views with a reflective question.

“Ask yourself: What’s my purpose?

What’s my passion? What do I want my legacy to be? How can I live as a full human being?” Green asked. “We can all find ways to support the people around us. We can all find a purpose on this Earth larger than yourself.”

Lauren Hill’s winning the ESPY for Best Moment was another inspirational point. Lauren’s mother and father took the stage to give a moving tribute to her legacy with a speech and video tribute — which can be found on the ESPYS’ YouTube channel — reflecting on Lauren’s courage, and determination to live life and her love of basketball.

Hill, who received a basketball scholarship to Mount Saint Joseph, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.

She continued to live life and scored the

The Graduate Center for Excellence’s Title V grant promotes greater academic success for postgraduate students, especially those that are minority and lowincome.

In 2014, the U.S. Department of Education awarded St. Mary’s a $2.5 million Title V Grant Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans. The funding was used to create the Promoting Excellence in Graduate Education project. Like the Office of Student Retention aims to help undergraduate students complete their respective programs, this project does the same for postgraduate students.

“The grant has three primary objectives: to increase graduate head count, with a focus on increasing Hispanic and lowincome students, increasing the master’s three-year completion rate and increasing the number of postbaccalaureate degrees awarded,” Director of Graduate Student Success Anne Edmunds said.

Unlike undergraduate studies, which are heavily monitored for completion rates and student success, most postgraduate programs have no oversight.

“There are federal guidelines that require reporting of progression and degree completion data at the undergraduate level,” Edmunds said. “St. Mary’s is on the cutting edge because we’re looking at retention of graduate students, and not many places are paying attention to the retention of their graduate student population, so this has put us at the forefront of that particular area.”

The grant started on Oct. 1, 2014 and Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Aaron Tyler acted as the program’s project director. He started the planning and budgeting for the new Graduate Center for Excellence, an area on the third floor of the Luis J. Blume Library specifically designated for graduate students. It’s the Learning Commons for postgraduate studies.

The area received all new furniture and technology. Some of the new equipment includes seven collaborative learning stations, seven large monitors, four magnetic glass boards, five remotecontrolled webcams and a multiperspective recording system for video lectures.

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CADETS ON THE TRAINING FIELD

Malfunctions cause Hoverboard ban on university campus St. Mary’s University joins the ban of hoverboards, twowheeled balance boards, due to hazardous malfunctions.

ALLIE BEEDLE & SARA E. FLORES STAFF WRITER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Through sweat, rain, aches and pains, Rattler Battalion strives through field

training exercises every semester. Military science students from all levels participate in the exercise, with each level having different tasks.

This past fall, the battalion, which consists of cadets from Alamo company (St. Mary’s) and Cardinal company (Incarnate Word), participated in a weekend of tactical training to enhance readiness for future military careers.

The November FTX (Field Training Exercise) was held at Camp Bullis and

Wars” due to imaginative storytelling and stunning visuals.

Although science fiction has undoubtedly impacted pop culture, there is an apparent lack of people of color.

According to Lee & Low Books, only eight percent of science-fiction and fantasy films have protagonists of color and zero percent of which are women of color.

It was not until the late 1960s when

About a quarter of work-study students on campus are adjusting to changes that have reduced payment errors, but which may require them to check in with the Business Office to make arrangements to avoid late charges on their tuition payments.

The changes affect roughly 100 of about 400 work-study students who apply their work-study checks in their entirety to pay their university bills, according to Business Office Director Dora Ybarra.

The changes began last spring when the office took over filling out financial planning forms for students Ybarra said.

Previously work-studies had to fill out and submit the forms to the office themselves.

The Business Office is now generating work-study payments and posting them directly to students’ accounts, saving time and error when students had trouble filling out the forms.

Rather than continue using a flawed system, “We automated it now versus the students having to do manual submissions because it was causing so many delays,” Ybarra explained. “Calculations were not always correct, so we had to reject them [financial planning forms].”

Graphic by Brandon Leonard

Work-study positions become scarce to utilize resources DANIEL W. PEREZ MANAGING EDITOR

This semester St. Mary’s has shifted to a new student work-study program that allows students to apply for positions oncampus in the same way they would apply for a job in the real world. Unfortunately, the new process has left some students without a campus job this semester.

The program used by the human

Inside THIS ISSUE

resources department at St. Mary’s is Applicant Pro. Previously, people applying for faculty or staff positions utilized the program. This semester, Applicant Pro is being expanded to encompass student employment positions.

According to the director of financial assistance David Krause, the university has changed the way it employs students as a result of finding a more efficient way to utilize university resources.

BIRTHRIGHT AMENDMENT GOP has recently proposed an amendment that would change citizenship requirements. PG 7

“We had to shift how we allocated positions by departments,” Krause said. “It seems that students are getting into it very quickly — they’re applying for jobs and interviewing. Not everyone is getting jobs, but what we’re trying to do with the student employment program is make sure it is educational and worth wild.”

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CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC VIDEO Beyoncé’s new video causes concerns due to the use of the n-word. 7

LUMBERSEXUAL Learn about this trending fashion style for men, how to spot it, and how to follow it. PG 10

PRESIDENT’S AMBASSADOR Learn more about the President’s Ambassador program, its perks, and how to apply. 10

BASKETBALL MOM Junior player Mariah Lee shares how she manages to play basketball while being a mother of two. PG 16

SUMMER NIGHTS ON WINTER Re-live the Hollywood Classic, “Grease,” with the new live version released on Jan. 31. 12

January 27, 2016

FRUSTRATION

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MARILYN SAENZ & PAIGE GANDARA-VALDERAS

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PAPER TIGER MUSIC VENUE Old venue reopens with indie and rock band focus with affordable ticket prices. PG. 13

The walls are made of brick, there is plenty of window space facing Pecan Grove, automatic blinds just in case the sun comes in too strong, a non-cluttered kitchen area, suitable seating space and four

PAIGE GANDARA-VALDERAS NEWS EDITOR

As some of the residence halls at St. Mary’s near their life expectancy, projects such as the renovation, remodeling and stabilization of each hall continue from the the beginning of summer 2013.

For the past two summers, much focus has been on the Outback halls and specifically their courtyards. They have done some landscaping including new walkways, picnic tables, planted new grass and inserted watering systems. As the Outback halls’ renovations continue, the next step is to add some barbecue grills in those areas. It is

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ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE COURSE Professor teaches sociology course using zombie myths as comparison. PG. 10

September 23, 2015

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“Some of the maintenance issues I have come across in Cremer have required me to call residence life instead of submitting a work order,” Amber Hernandez, junior psychology major, said. “Issues like a clogged sink or overflowing toilet water,

Students returned from 19th Rattler Awakening stronger and more revitalized than ever.

Kevin Frei, junior marketing major, considers Rattler Awakening a weekend for students to get away from the stresses and burdens that school, work and life bring. Frei worked as the music leader for this semester’s event. Frei remembered feeling unhappy with how his life was going and was encouraged to attend Rattler awakening.

“I went and all of my questions were answered,” Frei said. “The community I met was incredible, and they opened my mind to different perspectives.”

A person is allowed to attend Rattler Awakening once, and is required to sign up as staff if that person decides to attend again. Frei discussed his rewarding transition from staff member to head of the worship music.

“I had a lot of people already on staff take me under their wing, particularly Karl Wacker,” Frei said. “He was the music

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undecided at this point if the grills are going to be gas or charcoal.

“I think that these changes to the Outback make it look better because before it was all dry out here with nothing but dirt,” Adelind Sifuentes, sophomore environmental science major, said.

The renovations in Chaminade hall are among the larger projects that began over the summer. The entire basement level of

Inside THIS ISSUE

said. “There are 17 rooms that are in the process of remodel, and those should be wrapped up by December.”

Once the Chaminade basement and rooms are complete, the first floor residents will move to the basement. In December, the first floor will begin its remodel. The overall idea is for each floor of Chaminade to get

STUDENTS AT RISK College campuses are at high risk for STDs due lack of safe sex education.

PG. 14

VIOLA STUNS EMMY’S Viola Davis become first black female to win an Emmy for female lead in a drama series PG. 12

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CLAUDIA CARDONA STAFF WRITER

Students are reminded to drink responsibly and be safe this Halloween season. Take precaution and plan ahead before hitting the streets on this festive holiday. | Photo by Sara E. Flores

A quick glance at any costume in the female section of a Halloween store displays the stark difference between female and male costumes, with almost any character or job outfit transforming into a more sexualized version for women.

These adult costumes are not a recent

Students are encouraged to take precautions in alcohol consumption this Halloween.

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ALLIE BEEDLE SPORTS EDITOR

As the semester winds down and the holiday season approaches the social scene gets bigger and the potential for danger

Students volunteer, despite weather barrier Students, faculty and staff participate in an all day service event held every fall that involves cleaning up beaches.

JASMIN RIVERA STAFF WRITER

On Oct. 16 St. Mary’s students made their way to Port Aransas, Texas for the yearly Adopt-A-Beach event.

The Adopt-A-Beach event is held once every semester, but St. Mary’s only

participates in the fall. St. Mary’s has been participating since 2007.

A total of 36 people participated including students, staff and faculty, but this year was different. The event organizers announced that, due to a red tide, the yearly Adopt-A-Beach would be rescheduled from Sept. 26 to Oct. 16.

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and bad decisions increases.

Students take to bars and houses to celebrate almost anything, but, while a good time can be therapeutic for an over stressed student in need of a night out with friends, it can also become dangerous. On average 1,825 students die from alcohol- related unintentional injuries and over 97,000 students are victims of alcohol related sexual assault or date rape each year. Taking

precautions and making smart choices before during and after a party can prevent fun nights out from becoming a nightmare for students.

A few things to consider before going out are companions, means of transportation and being aware of limits.

Going with a group is a great idea but

ENTERTAINMENT

Florence and the Machine and Drake pack their bags and head to the Austin City Limits Music Festival.

Several artists come to perform at Austin City Limits (ACL), but they probably look forward to the food and rowdy crowds they will come across as well. This year’s ACL weekends had almost identical lineups, with highlights from each set. Drake performed Saturday night both weekends, and had one of the biggest crowds ACL has ever seen.

More people attended the growing music festival than in any other year. In the weeks preceding the event, the festival was

Austin City Limits, bucketlist music festival KAYLIN BALDERRAMA STAFF WRITER

October is one of the best months of the year for music fans in Texas because popular artists such as The Weeknd, GREEKS GIVE BACK Greek life students discuss philanthropic work and community service events. PG. 13

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FEMALE DIVERSITY ON CAMPUS FEATURES

KAYLIN BALDERRAMA STAFF WRITER

Only two universities in Texas have 100 percent sprinkler system protection, and St. Mary’s is not one of those two schools. Building sizes are considered when installing systems. | Photo by Mat Martinez

University lacks sprinkler system protection in dorms MICHELLE MICHIMANI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Although St. Mary’s is up to date with fire codes, only Founders Hall and Leies Hall have full fire sprinkler systems.

Fifty-three percent of dormitories did not have sprinklers between the years 2007-2011, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The University of Texas at Austin claimed to be one of only two universities in Texas with 100 percent sprinkler system protection in all dormitories.

“All buildings have fire detectors and notification systems that are monitored and maintained by UPD [University Police]

ALEXIS ZEPEDA STAFF WRITER

Bookstore accounts closed sooner than expected for St. Mary’s students causing some confusion and decreased revenue for the bookstore’s October sale.

Although some students on campus close their accounts early or run out of money before the semester ends, other

BLAKE VERA NEWS EDITOR

Professor offers students opportunites to help refugees BLAKE VERA NEWS EDITOR

This semester, students have the opportunity to help some of the most marginalized individuals in the world refugees. The term refugee has been used frequently since last semester, when news of the Syrian Refugee Crisis sparked polarizing opinions across the country.

Regardless of where students may fall politically, the Marianist values associated with St. Mary’s call some to help those who have left everything to become part of a new community. These opportunities range from helping refugees with the logistical steps of resettlement, to becoming political

and legal experts.

Associate professor of political science and associate Dean of Students and Curricular Affairs for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Celine Jacquemin, weighed in on the situation by sharing her experience with helping marginalized groups around the world.

This French-born academic gives students who want to get more involved the opportunity to help refugees who are resettling in the San Antonio area. Dr. Jacquemin has worked with numerous organizations, gaining useful experience in subjects relating to developing countries and the socio-political situations that exist within them. Her work in Sub-Saharan

Africa has made her an expert in the area of groups that have had to flee their countries—in particular by studying the Rwandan genocide.

She says, “The most vulnerable people in society are refugees because they are stateless. They have no country or government to protect them from whatever is going on in their homeland and thus must find a new home.”

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February 10, 2016

Graphic by Paige Gandara-Valderas

TWO NATIONS UNITED BY ONE FAITH Pope Francis addresses Mexican and American citizens on a historic event in Ciudad Juarez.

He focuses on human dignity regardless of immigration status.

NICOLAS MCKAY & SARA E. FLORES STAFF WRITER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

On Wednesday, Feb. 17, people from both sides of the Mexican-American border gathered to celebrate the visitation of the Holy Father Pope Francis. For the past few months the bordering cities of El Paso and

Ciudad Juárez were excitedly awaiting the arrival of the Pope. The Pope visited various cities in Mexico: Mexico City, Ecatepec de Morelos, Tuxtla de Gutiérrez, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Morelia, concluding with Ciudad Juárez.

As the pope landed, a crowd of supporters greeted him. As he made his way along the route, he stopped to greet and interact with the crowd whenever they grew restless.

One of Pope Francis’ most significant scheduled visits was to Cereso state prison, a notorious dual gendered prison, where he spoke to a group of hundreds of inmates.

Elvira Quintana, a prisoner of the facility,

won a contest and was chosen to give a speech in front of the Pope. She spoke about how prisoners such as herself are often forgotten and shunned from society.

Afterwards, Pope Francis spoke to the inmates telling them not to lose hope and to believe in change—a change only they can make happen.

The most influential part of the Pope’s stay occurred when he traveled to the levy dividing the U.S. and Mexico. The streets were filled with people walking and driving over the border at early hours in the morning to find a place among Francis’ travel route.

Ciudad Juárez at one point became

so crowded that officials were forced to close the border to prevent more people from crossing.

People from across Texas, as well as neighboring states such as Arizona and New Mexico, were in attendance. People on both sides of the border celebrated under the banner of “Two Nations One Faith,” the name given to the aired telecast.

Many who could not visit Juarez celebrated mass in the UTEP Sun Bowl and received a virtual blessing from Francis.

Marina Crosse, an El Paso native and

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Tuesday, March 1 marked another “Super Tuesday” where people from 11 states and one U.S. territory came out to vote in the presidential primary race. The results of this day favored Republican Party candidate Donald Trump and Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton winning the majority of contested states, but also revealed the lack of voter turnout across the country.

Voting rights, and voting in general, captures little attention from numerous demographics, including college students.

For this reason, the St. Mary’s School of Law hosted a legal symposium stressing the relevance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. On Friday, March 4, law, graduate and undergraduate students joined alumni and staff in listening to an academic discussion about the relevance of voting given by three distinguished panelists.

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students prefer to keep their accounts open until they close automatically. The open bookstore accounts were scheduled to close on Oct. 30, but, due to a mistake made by the business office, they accidentally closed on Oct. 20.

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THE VILLAGE AT ST. MARY’S

University bookstore replaced

by Barnes & Noble, Marianist spirit questioned

SARA E. FLORES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

themselves that they will workout and diet all week before and after to make up for all the bad foods consumed over the weekend.

Though people are aware that the foods are unhealthy, the purchases are still being made.

There are several reasons why people continue to buy the high calorie foods.

Whether it is deep fried, served on a stick or dipped in chocolate, it’s really all St. Mary’s students have for the weekend.

The university shuts down, and so does the

St. Mary’s has undergone many changes recently from exciting residence hall updates to the most recent uproar of the university bookstore closure.

Efforts to improve the bookstore have been ongoing for the past three to four years. Administration had been looking into the change of a national partner since February.

“The main reason we made a change was to achieve a more sophisticated online site and more sophisticated merchandising in the store,” Rebeckah Day, vice president of administration and finance, said.

The seven university bookstore employees were informed on March 23 of the change. The next day, Barnes & Noble came to campus to inform current bookstore staff of employment options and application processes with them.

Two weeks later, on April 7, work-study employees gathered with financial aid to discuss alternate work options for the upcoming academic year. Work-studies were guaranteed positions next year and were also encouraged to apply with Barnes & Noble.

Junior political science major and bookstore work-study, Noel Cortez, has described the bookstore’s atmosphere as one full of tears and heartbreak. He expressed how hard he sees the staff work on a daily basis to make sure students receive services they need such as: overnight book orders, stocking shelves well before students arrive back to campus for the school year and accessibility to book orders before each semester begins.

The book store staff is being provided assistance during their transition out of university employment. Services such as career counseling and resume assistance are provided as well as severance packages.

The staff will continue to get paid through the month of May, even though the bookstore will be closing May 9.

In addition, 2013 alumnus Joseph O’Hare made the extra effort to create

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The first dormitory of The Village at St. Mary’s will open in Fall 2017, six more dormitories will follow. | Photo Courtesy of University Communications

SARA E. FLORES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF From left to right (top) Rachel Amuzu, Sandy Tan, Samire Adam, Mishell Toledo, (middle) Marissa Lawrence, Cindy Chavez, Ashley Thomas, Tito Onwuzurike, (bottom) Eyerusalem Debebe, Christy Chen, Mary Moipei. | Photo by Sara E. Flores

ALLIE BEEDLE STAFF WRITER

St. Mary’s boasts a diverse student and faculty population including people of different religions, races and genders.

According to statistics in the most recent University Profile, publication date 2013, there were 241 full time women faculty and staff members and 152 men, making the proportions 61.3 percent female and 38.7 percent male.

The undergraduate student body

has similar statistics, with 1,343 women and 1,050 men. Females of diverse races, ethnicites, professions and backgrounds dominate the St. Mary’s population. While females at St. Mary’s already are in the majority of the university, there still seems to be some room for growth in the future.

Reference and Instruction Librarian Diane Duesterhoeft, who is working to coordinate the many events on campus for Women’s History Month, says that while St. Mary’s is keeping up with trends when it comes to liberal arts universities and their

COMMENTARY

University lacks variety in gender and ethnic studies CLAUDIA D. CARDONA ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Most universities in the United States offer a variety of courses including a range of ethnic studies and gender studies. Ethnic studies classes are a result of the civil rights era of the 60s and 70s, which contributed to the radicalization of minorities. Typically, ethnic studies include: African-American studies, Chicano studies, Asian-American studies and Native-American studies.

In recent years there have been several studies about the positive impact of ethnic

studies on students. In January 2016, Stanford researchers discovered that high school students “saw large improvements in their grades and attendance records when they enrolled in a class dedicated to exploring race and ethnicity.”

Under the section titled “Marianist Universities Provide an Excellent Education” in “Characteristics of Marianist Universities,” the text states, “As Catholic, Marianist universities seek to embrace diverse peoples and understand diverse CONTINUED ON 7

diverse populations, there are still some who are underrepresented. Duesterhoeft says that she feels there is still an underrepresentation of African American students on campus as well as Asian American students.

St. Mary’s has an interesting history when it comes to women, considering that it was not until 1963 that women were allowed to attend the university. In that year the University admitted its first 247 full time female students and officially became a

The Outback will be home to a new residence hall facility in Fall 2017. After the addition of the new hall and construction of an additional six more residence halls, The Outback will become The Village at St. Mary’s.

First in the timeline of construction is the addition of a brand new residence hall in the empty area next to John Donohoo Hall. Once the construction of the new building is done, Adele Hall and Archbishop Flores Hall will be demolished.

Next, Anthony Fredrick Hall and John Donohoo Hall will be torn down; Cremer

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

GODSPELL St. Mary’s Theatre, in collaboration with the music department, premiered the spring musical at Guadalupe Chapel. 13

SEAWORLD SHAMU SHOWS SeaWorld announces discontinuation of Shamu shows. 7

STUDYING EFFECTS OF ADDERALL Learn more about the side effects of taking this drug unprescribed. 14 THE POWER OF PASSION Haley Richter shares her story on the importance of sports in her life. 12 www.stmurattlernews.com

March 10, 2016

In 2015 there are minority actors and musicians that win Oscars, have number one hit songs and tour all over the world, but this does not mean that racism in media has ended, and comedic stereotypes just condition people to believe these forms of representation are okay.

The stereotypical roles of different races are exaggerated in television and movies. Children learn about different ethnicities and cultural groups through negative outlets, recognizing to associate themselves and other people using the skewed images big media presents. These representations are often inaccurate and can be offensive, sometimes even harmful.

These stereotypical portrayals affect how others are treated within a society.

A prime example is the casting choices for TV and movies. Most TV shows do CONTINUED ON PG. 2

SPORTS

Volleyball seniors play last home match ALLIE BEEDLE SPORTS EDITOR

Saturday, Nov. 14 was bitter sweet for four seniors as they took to the court for the last time.

One by one they were called onto the court arm in arm with parents and family members. Standing, arms full of flowers, each player was given a framed home jersey while taking in the applause from the Rattler community, their friends and family.

The seniors included entrepreneurial CONTINUED ON PG. 16 LORD OF THE RINGS CLASS Professor creates an English class incorporating “Lord of the Rings.”

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November 18, 2015

After 55 years of operation, the St. Mary’s bookstore is closing.

Barnes & Noble will now take over the bookstore, and will be open for business starting Fall 2016.

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Junior pitcher and exercise and sports science major Ashley Mills pitches during the game against Lubbock Christian University on February 5. Photo by Sara E. Flores

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RED STARBUCKS CUPS The ongoing controversies of starbucks cups and religious views are researched by students. PG. 6

Inside THIS ISSUE

VALERIE DOMINGUEZ STAFF WRITER

Law school informs students on voting rights

and Facilities,” Aaron Hanna, executive director for facilities administration, said.

In Bexar County the requirements to install a fire sprinkler system are based on a building’s classification, size and contents.

In 1982, the city of San Antonio passed an ordinance requiring any building being built that is over 75 feet tall to install a fire sprinkler system. The ordinance made no provisions for buildings that were already built and over the height limit.

While Bexar County fire codes must conform with the International Fire Code and the Uniform Fire Code, addressing older buildings’ sprinkler systems is a

Student bookstore accounts close early, revenue opportunities drop

The 21st annual Network of International Business Schools (NIBS) Case Competition was hosted by the Greehey School of Business. More than 60 students from around the world competed in the event.

From Monday, Feb. 29 through Friday, March 4, St. Mary’s University’s Greehey School of Business hosted 16 teams of university students from around the world for the Network of International Business Schools (NIBS) Worldwide Business Case Competition. Challengers from Canada, Ireland, China, Peru, and others, traveled to compete using business and international experience.

According to the NIBS website, each group is given a limited time to analyze written business cases, assess the challenges facing the organization and present

ENTERTAINMENT

Modern day media encourages racial biases in casting

NICOLAS MCKAY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

October 28, 2015

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St. Mary’s implemented the new Pharos printing system this semester, changing the number of printing formats available as well as the payment method.

James Gomez, executive director of the Technical Support Center, spearheaded the conversion within each of the departments.

“Our goal is for students to have whatever resource it takes to make life easier for them,” Gomez said. “And that is one of our goals, in particular with the new printing system.”

Under the previous Easy Pay system, students paid through the business office or with a card that charged straight to their student account. Each student was allotted $100 for the academic year.

According to Gomez, this limited students who needed to print after certain office hours. Many cases also emerged in which students who were preparing to graduate were unable to do so because of holds on their accounts for as little as five cents. Gomez explained that, while everyone was able to move on, considerable time was lost trying to pay holds.

“We want students to leave St. Mary’s happy, and have excellent recalls of their time here,” Gomez said.

Many other updates and patches have been enacted as well. One such update increases the number of formats that can be printed. Previously, files such as Microsoft spreadsheets had to be converted into PDF files before they could be printed.

The feedback has been largely positive, according to polls taken by Gomez. Diane Duesterhoeft, reference and instruction librarian and professor, said she has heard fewer complaints since the switch was made.

Some students, however, are unable to create PayPal accounts, or do not trust its security. Misael Tamayo, freshman English communications major, currently cannot access the printers because of an inability to make a PayPal account. Pharos is still new, and is not without faults. The most common issue is when students’ papers come out blank. In these instances, students are reimbursed.

Gomez used an example of a learning curve to define student satisfaction. As more students become better acquainted with Pharos, he believed they will find the new system easier to access and use.

With this in mind, instructions have been posted on Gateway in the resources tab under print center.

COMMENTARY

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New printing system produces effective results

Stereotypical costumes cause controversy

October 7, 2015

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FITNESS & HEALTH

HALLOWEEN BOOZE & DONT’s

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Chaminade Hall was taken out except for the lounge area. St. Mary’s facilities gutted each room and have taken out parts of the rooms such as the wardrobes and floors.

Other mechanical projects include new AC units and water piping.

“The life expectancy of Chaminade was about 50 years, and we’ve already exceeded that by about a good five or six years or so,” James Villarreal, director of residence life,

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ALEXIS ZEPEDA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

University residence halls experience intense summer renovations

(Left to Right) SGA President Luis Zaragoza, Student BAR Association President Rebecca Fischer, donors Tom and Leticia Contreras, children of donors Kelly and Chris Contreras, President Thomas Mengler and Rev. Tim Eden after cutting the ribbon at the grand opening of the Pub. | Mat Martinez

attendees managed to make the most out of it, some packing themselves into the pub and enjoying good company, while others braved it all and ran out for the food in the tents outside. Overall, the event was more memorable than expected, and any setbacks were long forgotten by the time President Mengler went up to begin the ceremony.

Currently, the pub is functioning with a beautiful space lined with visual art that really adds a personal touch to the setting.

Many students view St. Mary’s not only as the foundation for their future careers, but also as a place to call a second home. The residential halls are one of the locations on campus where students spend most of their time. However, several students who live in the halls, specifically in the Outback, have stumbled with some issues.

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Students living in the residence halls of St. Mary’s now have access to digital cable television in their rooms and in the study lounges, and, although there are many advantages and most students are happy with the changes, there have also been some problems with the new system.

On Sept. 23 residents at St. Mary’s received an urgent email from their hall directors stating that Time Warner Cable

STAFF WRITER & FEATURES EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING WRITER & NEWS EDITOR

rattler

Residence halls offer improved digital cable

Rattler Awakening strengthens growth in students, enhances spirits

JOSHUA MADRID & MIDORI GONZALEZ

From cricket infestations, to water leaks and AC units going out, the residents of St. Mary’s are seeking help not only through staff, but also through work order submissions.

MANUELA GONZALEZ ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

FEATURE

Students attending the 19th Rattler Awakening retreat comment on unique experiences and influences contributing to spiritual growth.

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Junior accounting major Kiara Etheridge impatiently awaits the dreaded “one minute” countdown on the washer that residents experience. Students complain that the timers on washers can often be inaccurate. | Photo by Julia Ewalefo

The St. Mary’s University community welcomed a new lounging area into campus life; the long awaited return of the St. Mary’s Pub. After rigorous planning and development, the ribbon cutting finally occurred Sept. 10 in the Pecan Grove area.

Even though strong rains and inclement weather threatened to ruin the ambiance,

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Mirroring a victorious 2015 season, the softball team begins the new season with a superregional title as motivation. The team is reconstructing with many new faces.

lasted two days during the third weekend in November.

The FTX was organized and conducted

by MS IVs (fourth year military science cadets), contributing to leadership training as future officers in the Army.

MS IIIs are trained by MS IVs in order to lead the FTX the following year.

MS Is and MS IIs undergo more simplified versions of the exercises.

www.stmurattlernews.com

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CAMPUS RESIDENCE HALL GLITCHES CAUSE

occurs outside a four-cornered classroom.

Through service to others, collaborative work and countless conversations, St. Mary’s students advance along their lifelong journeys surrounded by the befriending embraces of their fellow students, our Marianist brothers and lay faculty and staff.

On this point, there’s history here. The dedication of the Pub this past Thursday

Alumni gather for pub grand opening

Winning traditions influence softball team’s success

KIMBERLY ARRIETA SPORTS EDITOR

Nichelle Nichols, an African-American woman, starred as Lt. Uhura in the television series “Star Trek.” Her breakout role was revolutionary for AfricanAmerican woman who wanted to work in the science fiction genre; however, vast lines and screen time were not given to her.

Alongside Nichols was George Takei,

a Catholic university established a gathering space that serves alcohol?”

One important answer is that the Contreras Family Terrace, including the Pub, will promote a core Catholic and Marianist belief: that we are relational beings. We follow God’s special calling to each of us and become more fully human, not in isolation, but through our interactions with others, by extending ourselves to our neighbors.

Much of our students’ development into mature adulthood — perhaps most of it —

SARA E. FLORES LAYOUT AND DESIGN

The Rattler softball team is coming into the 2016 season after one of their best seasons since 2005.

The team is currently ranked 12th in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association for the preseason.

The team faced Colorado Mines for the season home opener last week.

The team scored late into the game in the fifth inning, and player to watch freshman forensic science major Raynelle Nash gave the team the lead by scoring two runs.

The team had eight players graduate last semester, each of which played an important role in the success of last season’s team.

The softball team has new faces on the roster, now the question is how to create the best lineup to compete and bring home victories.

“We need to take it one day at a time and try to build our team each day. We have expectations for our girls and we’re going to make sure they develop the newness. We have quite a few new faces that are going to be on the line up. We graduated eight seniors that played a really big part.” Head softball coach Donna Fields said.

With new faces there is new chemistry.

“I expect this season to be nothing less than that of last season. We got a lot of new faces on the team and a lot of talent.

We are still working to find our exact team

ENTERTAINMENT

ALLIE BEEDLE & SARA E. FLORES STAFF WRITER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Student workstudy employees encounter conflicting payment dates

performances and a spacious student lounge with televisions and comfortable seating. The Pub, which also has televisions and a small stage for karaoke and other entertainment, will serve members of the St. Mary’s community food and refreshments, including beer and wine to adults 21 and older.

With great excitement, the St. Mary’s community has looked forward to the opening of the Pub and the other social spaces. But a few have questioned, “Why has

Changes in payment plans force students to adjust and prepare financially. Reasons for better preperation are due to the new automated student balances on Gateway.

VALERIE DOMINGUEZ STAFF WRITER

Science Fiction genre discourages cultural diversity Science Fiction has provided audiences with an opportunity to experience endless possibilities since the beginning of the 20th century.

Some of these films have left a huge cultural imprint on society, such as “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Alien” and “Star

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After becoming last Christmas’ most popular gift, hoverboards, two-wheeled balance boards, continue to provoke safety concerns due to battery-related fires. These concerns have prompted a number of safety regulations on a global scale to the point of it being taken out of stores and being banned off of the St. Mary’s campus.

According to USA Today, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)’s Patty Davis stated that so far, there have been 11 reports of fires and a total of 39 emergency room injuries related to hoverboards.

CPSC Chairman Elliot F. Kaye released a statement explaining that an investigation is being conducted to evaluate different components of the hoverboard, including the lithium-ion battery packs.

Although the safety concerns have revolved around the fires, the CPSC is also investigating if the hoverboard’s design itself may increase fall-related injuries.

Chairman Kaye explains that, “the designs of these products might not take fully into consideration the different weights of different users, potentially leading to the units speeding up or lurching in a manner that a user would not have reason to anticipate, especially a firsttime user…they [may] present a hidden hazard that is leading to fall injuries that should not occur, even on a product that presents some risk of falling.”

On campus, the Office of Student Development sent out a notice banning any version of the hoverboard until the

Freshman political science major, Gabrien Gregory works with team to succefully pass one of twelve obstacles during FLRC. | Photo by Sara E. Flores

The Rattler Battalion conducted their annual Field Training Exercise last November. Cadets participated in a weekend of tactical training at Camp Bullis.

On Thursday evening, St. Mary’s University dedicated and opened the Contreras Family Terrace, which includes a pub, one of four gathering spaces St. Mary’s has developed through the generous donation of graduates Tom and Leti Contreras.

The three others are a beautiful patio, an outdoor stage for concerts and other

September 3, 2015

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St. Mary’s has seen some drastic changes in the past few years, but there is one aspect that has not changed amidst recent developments in Texas legislature: St. Mary’s Weapons Policy.

On the morning of August 19—only the second day into the semester—the Office of the President sent out an email to what is listed as “St. Mary’s University Community” titled “SB 11 – Campus

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THOMAS M. MENGLER UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

according to the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT) Legislative Mandate #2 of the 84th Legislature.

The bill also authorizes public and private institutions of higher education to “establish rules, regulations, or other provisions concerning the storage of handguns in dormitories or other residential facilities owned or leased by the institution and located on the campus of the institution,” according to the ICUT mandate.

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FIESTA LINE UP Check out the entertainment lineups for the 100th annual Oyster Bake. 13 CARTER WILLIAMS Students grieve the passing of St. Mary’s student. 16

www.stmurattlernews.com

Hall will be the fifth demolished residence hall, followed by Herbert & John G. Leies Hall and finally Lourdes Hall. All razed halls will be replaced with new buildings, with the possible exclusion of Lourdes.

The master plan is set up to include time for reflection in between demolishing and building periods in order to improve living conditions.

Each hall will have individual names inspired by the prominent villages Father Chaminade traveled though during the founding of the Marianists. Possible names could be: Perigueux, Bordeaux or Zaragoza.

The first dormitory scheduled fto be built in The Village will cost around $22 million. Room rates are expected to exceed

operation costs in between seven and 10 years. The new hall will house seniors and juniors and include a suite-style living environment with a common area — similar to Leies hall. Rooms will consist of four individual rooms, two private bathrooms, a living room area, a kitchenette area, a full size refrigerator and a microwave. Floor kitchens are also being considered with oven and stove accessibility.

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Popular Oyster Bake favorites pack on deep fried calories for food lovers PAIGE GANDARA-VALDERAS MANAGING EDITOR

With an average of 70,000 attendees and volunteers each year and a net profit of $550,000, which contributes to the $7 Million Scholarship Endowment Fund, Oyster Bake is approaching its 100th year.

Though the community may love the famous chicken on a stick or fried cheesecakes, fair foods are packed with fats, sugars, salts and high calories.

Students, faculty and staff across campus prepare for Oyster Bake foods by promising

April 14, 2016

THIS ISSUE

THIS ISSUE

TRAVIS BOWLES COPY EDITOR

Carry Opt-out Discretion.” In it are the details about Senate Bill 11, also known as Campus Carry, and St. Mary’s authorization to prohibit license holders from carrying handguns on the campus “by utilizing the statutory right to opt out,” according to said email.

The bill, scheduled to become effective August 1, 2016, amends the Government Code to authorize a concealed handgun license holder to carry a concealed handgun while on the campus of a public or private institution of higher education in Texas,

Oct 28, 2015

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SELL US YOUR MAJOR Students discuss the pros and cons of their majors and how to prepare for field of work. PG 6

ALLIE BEEDLE SPORTS EDITOR

TAMARA GARCIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

rattler

University president explains reasons behind a pub on campus

University utilizes opt-out discretion

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SAN ANTONIO HOT SPOTS Check out a map of fun things to do in San Antonio. Find hot spot locations for weekend fun. PG 2

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Many other GOP candidates and other conservative media figures were quick to agree on the morally lax stance of such sales and call for Planned Parenthood’s closure. They are right too, profiting from the sale of fetuses is not only reprehensible, but also illegal.

Planned Parenthood, however, is not profiting from such sales. Several highranking directors and presidents of organizations involved with biorepositories — labs that use fetal tissue for scientific experiments — agree that at the “$30 to $100” price Nucatola quoted in the video, Planned Parenthood would be lucky to break even.

“In reality, $30-$100 probably constitutes a loss for [Planned Parenthood],” Sherilyn

rattler

Graduate Center serves as aid in the success of minority graduates

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the Center for Medical Progress, an antiabortion group, asked Nucatola about the fetal tissue sales Planned Parenthood makes from the abortions they perform.

A second video from the same group was released about a week later, this time featuring Dr. Mary Gatter, medical director for Planned Parenthood. Similar to the first one, Gatter is questioned on the cost and profits of handling such tissue samples.

Both videos were originally released as highly edited versions of the full conversations, and painted Nucatola and Gatter as making a profit off such sales. This elicited a response calling for the closure of a non-profit organization that, “defend(s) their taxpayer funded abortions and profiteering from selling aborted fetuses,” chief political strategist for Rand Paul’s campaign, Doug Stafford said.

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COMMENTARY

Inside THIS ISSUE

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The Rattler Editorial Staff Fall 2015 to Spring 2016 Editor-in-Chief Tamara Garcia (fall ‘15) Sara E. Flores (spring ‘16) Managing Editor Daniel Perez (fall ‘15) Paige Gandara-Valderas (spring ‘16) Copy Editor Travis Bowles (fall ‘15) Dean Detten (spring ‘16) Design Editor Sara E. Flores (fall ‘15) Guillermo Avelar (spring ‘16) News Editor Paige Gandara-Valderas (fall ‘15) Blake Vera (spring ‘16) Commentary Editor Sofia Zanetta Features Editor Midori Gonzalez (fall ‘15) Jasmin Rivera (spring ‘16) Entertainment Editor Manuela Gonzalez (fall ‘15) Claudia Cardona (spring ‘16) Sports Editor Allie Beedle (fall ‘15) Kimberly Arrieta (spring ‘16) Web Editor Brandon Leonard Photo Editor Mathew Martinez (fall ‘15) Julia Ewalefo (spring ‘16) Assistant Photo Editor Julia Ewalefo (fall ‘15) Kriston Minor (spring ‘16) Advertising Manager Valerie Perez (fall ‘15) Michelle Michimani-Leyva (spring ‘16) Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

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Communism is actually defined as a system in which goods are owned in

WORKS OF ART

depart

The Atlantic online published a spread of photos which included Cubans’ reactions

Graphic by Sara E. Flores

content. For more information, call the newsroom at (210) 436-3401 or email rattlernews@gmail.com.

Kimberly Arrieta SPORTS EDITOR

Claudia Delfina Cardona ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Sara E. Flores EDITOR IN CHIEF

“It’s been a rollercoaster!” That’s how I can describe my time with The Rattler with the fewest number of words. I learned so much. It’s not the type of learning where you “learn it because you have to and never use it again,” but it was a type of learning that I will apply in my future endeavors. Although my time with The Rattler was not long, the environment was always one that I enjoyed coming to. I’m a strong believer in surrounding myself with those who want to be successful just as much as I do, and as a result, I will prosper. That’s exactly what I did with this staff. We worked hard to put out a great product and it was never something we weren’t proud of. Brother Dennis made the transition simple and always made sure to make me feel welcomed. He also let us be actual journalists in terms of telling a story that needed to be heard. My time as the sports editor has been real, I’m out.

Never would I have thought that my freshman self who wrote stories for The Rattler would end up as the entertainment editor for the last semester of my college career. Although my time with The Rattler has been relatively short, I have greatly appreciated the time I’ve spent, surrounded by creative peers who all care about reporting on issues that matter. I will always remember the magic of being in a room full of talented writers and editors who all come together to create a publication in the span of a weekend. After a semester of immersing myself into journalism, I now realized that journalists are true artists because of the stories we write and the layouts we design. As the writer David Foster Wallace has said, “Good art can do things that nothing else in the solar system can do.” I feel honored to say that The Rattler staff has created, and will continue to create, great art.

Blake A. Vera NEWS EDITOR

Brandon Leonard WEB EDITOR

Kriston Minor ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to work at The Rattler this semester. Although I won’t be working here next Fall, the newspaper will always have a special place in my heart and on my mind as it continues to inform and educate students on important issues. What I learned from working here can’t really be summed up in this small farewell, but I can definitely say I will be walking away from this with new skills and a lot of respect for everything that goes into the creation of a newspaper. I enjoyed working with my fellow students who have a lot of talent and passion for what they do and am proud to now call many of them good friends.

Two years ago, I started as the web editor for The Rattler and it was an overall great experience. As a computer science major, I did not expect to work for a newspaper. However, my sophomore year, a couple of my friends thought that I’d be perfect as a Web Editor and I ended up taking the job.

The Rattler has allowed me to explore my graphic design interests and has given me more friends and connections than I can count. I’ve learned a lot about maturity in the workplace and what working with a large group of people can be like. I’ll definitely miss the good Rattler days and press weekends as I start the next chapter of my life.

Being a part of The Rattler has been a blast this semester.

Since I was only able to be a member for a minimum amount of time and got close to the people, I am going to miss it a lot. I am going to miss the amazing staff the most. Through the ups and downs, agreeing and disagreeing, I believe that they have welcomed me with open arms. The environment and vibes that are present in the newsroom brightens my day every time I step foot in the office. Brother Dennis is awesome and cares so much about our opinions and us as humans, and that is what reeled me in. I loved being around a group of intelligent, humble and caring people. That is what The Rattler is about!

Three years in the newsroom isn’t enough — but then again no amount in here seems like enough. My collegiate years can easily be defined by the memories I’ve gained working for The Rattler. What I’ve learned goes beyond any technical skill we are taught as journalists. Working in a group of people who I believe to be so incredibly talented with so many different creative opinions can be challenging to say the least — yet so inspiring.

Every staff that I’ve been on has contributed to this newspaper in countless ways, and I am beyond grateful to have crossed paths with every single one of them. Once you enter the newsroom, you become a part of a family — a family that argues, a family that laughs, a family that’s too honest, a family that eats way too much on press weekends, a family that I hope to never lose.

All families need that one person to keep everyone sane, to give everyone faith and reassure everyone that everything that should happen will happen: Brother Dennis easily takes this role in our Rattler family. I can’t count how many times I’ve ran to his office freaking out over the newspaper, school and even my career. I like to think of Brother Dennis as a father away from home, and I can’t thank him enough for being such a blessing in such an important time in my life. Thank you Brother Dennis for being that person in my life that you didn’t have to be, I owe a great deal of my growth as a person, student and journalist to you.

Serving as Editor-In-Chief has been the greatest leadership challenge I’ve experienced so far. I couldn’t have led the newspaper this semester had it not been for the other 12 people that surrounded me in the newsroom. To my Spain clan, (Blake, Claudia, Sofia, Dean), reminiscing on our European adventures will never get old, and don’t ever let anyone keep you from saying “Remember that one time in Spain…” To my athletes, (Julia & Kriston) keep slaying with your model statuses. To my babies, (Michelle & Guillermo) I see so much potential in both of you, and I can’t wait to see you two lead the newsroom when it’s your turn. To my replacements, (Paige & Jasmin), I have so much faith in what you’ll do with the newspaper, keep fighting even on late nights. To my veteran, (Brandon) being on staff with you for three years has been down right fun. Remember me when you become the next Bill Gates. Lastly, thank you to my best friend (Kimmy) whether it’s inside or outside the newsroom you’re always there to give me the ugly truth.

The Rattler has been a home for the past four years, and I know no matter how far I venture off it will always be home.

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The Rattler: 2016-17 PUBLISHED ISSUES AND AWARDS RECEIVED DURING THE 2016-17 ACADEMIC YEAR

MARISSA HOLGUIN & PAIGE GANDARA-VALDERAS STAFF WRITER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

With only eight St. Mary’s Core (SMC) 4301 Capstone Seminar: Prospects classes for this semester, students, particularly upperclassmen, have become worried about being able to register for the classes they need in order to graduate.

All eight courses are either capped at their fullest occupancy, or are currently over the amount intended for each class.

Most sections also have an extended waiting list. The SMC 4301 class with the most students this semester is with Dr. Patricia Britton, adjunct professor of business and SMC capstone courses. She is currently teaching two of these classes with the largest one being Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:35 to 1:50 p.m., seating a total of 28 students.

At the start of the semester, there were students in and out of her classroom trying to land a seat in her class with an add/drop slip in hand. Britton is very passionate about

the class and has tried hard to help as many students as she can.

“This semester is unusual,” Dr. William Buhrman, director of St. Mary’s Core curriculum, said. “A week before classes started… there was very low enrollment.

I’m not sure why this is happening, but we’ve had a number of students coming in later to register.”

In past semesters, the capstone courses usually fill up, but there are more than just eight classes available for that one subject.

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MARILYN SAENZ & PAIGE GANDARA-VALDERAS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER & NEWS EDITOR

(Left to Right) SGA President Luis Zaragoza, Student BAR Association President Rebecca Fischer, donors Tom and Leticia Contreras, children of donors Kelly and Chris Contreras, President Thomas Mengler and Rev. Tim Eden after cutting the ribbon at the grand opening of the Pub. | Mat Martinez

attendees managed to make the most out of it, some packing themselves into the pub and enjoying good company, while others braved it all and ran out for the food in the tents outside. Overall, the event was more memorable than expected, and any setbacks were long forgotten by the time President Mengler went up to begin the ceremony.

Currently, the pub is functioning with a beautiful space lined with visual art that really adds a personal touch to the setting.

MANUELA GONZALEZ ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

The St. Mary’s University community welcomed a new lounging area into campus life; the long awaited return of the St. Mary’s Pub. After rigorous planning and development, the ribbon cutting finally occurred Sept. 10 in the Pecan Grove area.

Even though strong rains and inclement weather threatened to ruin the ambiance,

PAPER TIGER MUSIC VENUE Old venue reopens with indie and rock band focus with affordable ticket prices. PG. 13

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ENTERTAINMENT

VALENTINE’S DAY QUESTIONS ANSWERED S, DEAR @STMURATTLERNEW UP WITH I RECENTLY BROKE MY LONG-TERM GIRLFRIEND WHAT AND I DON’T KNOW DAY. TO DO FOR VALENTINE’S HELP?

S, DEAR @STMURATTLERNEW A LONGI AM CURRENTLY IN DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP. ENJOY HOW CAN WE STILL VALENTINE’S DAY TOGETHER?

The Greehey School of Business prides itself on offering real-world business exposure to its students; offering various programs and courses that allow students to engage in active and purposeful interactions all around the globe.

Historically, this included a businesscentered immersion trip to Dubai every spring semester; however, this year’s has been cancelled and has left many students in shock.

Dr. Sam Sedki, professor of accounting, began organizing the annual trip to Dubai for 2017 last fall. Study Abroad in Dubai, a

S, DEAR @STMURATTLERNEW GOT MY FRIEND RECENTLY DUMPED. I DON’T WANT THIS HER TO FEEL DOWN VALENTINE’S DAY. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

-Try having dinner together over a Facetime or Skype and then watching website! movie through a screen sharing

if you -Treat it like any other day and item want, purchase that high-priced you have been wanting!

DEAN DETTEN/RUBY MARTINEZ COPY EDITOR/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

S, DEAR @STMURATTLERNEW MAKE THIS I REALLY WANT TO FOR VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL I’M NOT MY GIRLFRIEND, BUT SHOULD I ROMANTIC...WHAT

and -Take her out for galentine’s day really spend time do something that she likes. Or try something new together!

S, DEAR @STMURATTLERNEW HOW DO I TELL MY THAT I AM SIGNIFICANT OTHER DAY? NOT INTO VALENTINE’S

S, DEAR @STMURATTLERNEW I HAVE LIKED THIS GIRL IS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. RIGHT VALENTINE’S DAY THE MOVE? DAY TO MAKE THE

DO?

other -Be honest with your significant of time. and let them know well ahead

-Save the hype for another day.

Valentine’s day may put too much pressure on a budding romance.

anything -Your girlfriend is going to love the that you do for her. Try some of places we have listed on page 12!

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undecided at this point if the grills are going to be gas or charcoal.

“I think that these changes to the Outback make it look better because before it was all dry out here with nothing but dirt,” Adelind Sifuentes, sophomore environmental science major, said.

The renovations in Chaminade hall are among the larger projects that began over the summer. The entire basement level of

Inside THIS ISSUE

Chaminade Hall was taken out except for the lounge area. St. Mary’s facilities gutted each room and have taken out parts of the rooms such as the wardrobes and floors.

Other mechanical projects include new AC units and water piping.

“The life expectancy of Chaminade was about 50 years, and we’ve already exceeded that by about a good five or six years or so,” James Villarreal, director of residence life,

said. “There are 17 rooms that are in the process of remodel, and those should be wrapped up by December.”

Once the Chaminade basement and rooms are complete, the first floor residents will move to the basement. In December, the first floor will begin its remodel. The overall idea is for each floor of Chaminade to get

STUDENTS AT RISK College campuses are at high risk for STDs due lack of safe sex education.

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

Photo by Paige Gandara-Valderas

As Halloween approaches, many students will be tempted to consume candy without any moderation. Over 90 million pounds of chocolate are consumed during the week of Halloween.

DARIA FLOWERS / PAIGE GANDARA-VALDERAS STAFF WRITER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Surpassing Easter and Valentine’s Day, Halloween is known as one of the largest days of candy consumption in America.

While many college students may consider themselves too old to participate in Halloween festivities such as trick-ortreating, many will inevitably be tempted to satisfy their sweet tooth cravings.

Halloween is right around the corner and that usually means that avoiding candy is almost impossible. Although children consume the majority of candy during this holiday, college-aged students will face a huge consumption as well.

“Heck yeah [I still trick-or-treat],” Luz

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Del Alma Hernandez, sophomore English major, said. “I like getting dressed up and it’s free candy. Like, who wouldn’t want free candy?”

For this holiday in particular, it may seem like it is OK to collect a pound of candy, eat it without any limitations and save what is left for the weeks ahead. Though all of the candy is collected during the night of Halloween, and, depending on the amount of candy collected, can last for weeks to come. This leaves people eating unhealthy for days.

Candy corn, one of the most iconic candies of Halloween, is actually one of the least healthy among the broad scheme of candies. Candy corn consistently ranks as being one of the least healthy Halloween candies. According to Heather Mangieri, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, at just 140 calories per ounce, zero grams of fat and approximately 32 grams of sugar, it is safe to say that candy corn is almost purely sugar.

“I eat candy corn every once in a blue moon,” Polet Guadalupe Martinez, sophomore criminology major, said. “[Now knowing] its nutritional value makes me not even want to eat it [at] all.”

According to Daily Burn, “candy-crazed celebration” has some stats that some might find surprising when it comes to Halloween candy consumption.

One finding is the amount of money spent each year on candy during this holiday.

Americans spend about $74 billion on candy alone. About 90 million pounds of chocolate are consumed the week of Halloween and about 3,500 to 7,000 calories worth of candy is collected by each individual person.

Though exercising the night of Halloween is probably far from most people’s minds, there are actually surprising statistics in regard to just how much it takes to burn off the calories consumed. It takes about 54 push ups to burn off one pack of M&Ms and about 17 minutes of burpees to burn off one bite-size snickers (160 calories).

Aside from exercise, there are other health factors involved with candy consumption. With all of the sugars in candy, tooth decay and cavities are possible.

Tooth decay is very common among adults.

In fact, the average adult between ages 20 and 64 has about 13.6 decayed teeth

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FOUNDERS HALL GHOST STORIES

FOUR QUICK COSTUME IDEAS

October 19, 2016

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February 8, 2017

Golden Key Honor Society raises concern among students and faculty with questionable authenticity regarding ‘spam’ email. | Graphic by Natalia Zuniga

GOLDEN KEY HONOR SOCIETY

In light of the recent presidential election’s onslaught of lopsided moral views dripping with razor-edged prejudice, discrimination and intolerance — it has become increasingly evident that what society needs more than ever is a tolerant support system. Indicative of St. Mary’s mission to instill a sense of community and charity within its student body, several individuals flooded the Quad on the morning of Friday, Feb.17.

Kicking off the new year by offering his “heartfelt wishes of peace to the world’s peoples and nations, to heads of state and government, and to religious, civic, and community leaders,” Pope Francis succinctly epitomized the importance of banding together and combating this rapid upsurge in hatred with “charity CONTINUED ON PG. 7

EMAIL CHAIN CAUSES CONCERN FOR LEGITIMACY PAIGE GANDARA-VALDERAS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Recent emails directed to the St. Mary’s Golden Key International Honor Society have suggested that some students are questioning the value of the organization.

With over 300 emails connected to the Golden Key student email thread, about 10 students requested to be unsubscribed after the chapter president Amber Calvillo, senior psychology and English majors, sent out a reminder email on Monday, Feb. 13.

Students connected to this thread used the “reply all” email feature instead of relaying their concerns directly to the president. After the first student, David Culbreth, in the email thread said, “Okay, seriously people, are you paid to spam people? Is there an unsubscribe from this mailing list,” others started replying with similar statements.

One such reply was from Greg Harman

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who is currently studying in the international relations graduate program. Harman also replied all and shared his personal thoughts questioning the legitimacy of the international organization along with several articles that he found online. Some of these articles included scandals at other chapters across the U.S. and Australia.

Harman mentioned that he looked up Golden Key to get more information, but found a handful of negative articles surrounding the organization.

In response to the emails, Dr. Heather Hill, co-adviser of Golden Key and associate professor of psychology, responded to the thread explaining St. Mary’s Golden Key chapter’s mission saying, “As a faculty member, I am all about helping my students.

In fact, I spend more time with my students than I do my own family oftentimes. One of those ways that I am helping students is to bring a legitimate organization on to campus, provide leadership opportunities

for those students, while giving them access to external opportunities that are unparalleled at our institution and by other honor societies on campus.”

Golden Key is an honor society that invites students to join whose GPA’s are in the top 15 percent of the university. The St. Mary’s chapter currently has 30 active members and is starting its second year on campus. It was originally in the planning stage in 2015, kick started in 2016 and is finally up and functioning now in 2017.

“I selected Golden Key to bring to campus because I thought that it fit the ideals of our mission,” Hill said.

Golden Key is very important to both Hill and Calvillo. Therefore they were surprised by the students’ responses on the email thread.

“It came to me as a shock that they [students in the email thread] got

MIRIAM ROBLES ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

The St. Mary’s theatre department is hard at work again bringing their latest production to the university’s stage. “Six Character’s in Search of an Author,” the upcoming production, is an absurdist metaphysical play that revolves around characters trying to figure out their relationship with their creator. The play is not necessarily modern, having premiered in 1921, but the St. Mary’s theater department has given it a new flair.

This latest production promises a

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The six residents of the Westminster Marianist Community House, also known as the “MLP House,” relocate to halls on campus after an inspection was made during spring break. | Photo by Natalia Zuniga

COMMUNITY HOUSE INSPECTION CAUSES RELOCATION SYDNEY ALFARO COMMENTARY EDITOR

Following this past spring break most students returned back to their dorm rooms and regular routine. Contrarily, the members of the Westminster Marianist Community House were met with closed doors and a notice of immediate eviction and relocation to other on-campus housing upon their return.

This house has been a program guided

by St. Mary’s through connections with Holy Rosary Church’s parish community since the fall 2014 semester. The goals of the house were to establish a direct connection with the church to perform service work and community outreach. This was a unique opportunity as it encouraged living in community, a Marianist charism, in a way that helped the students prepare for life

after graduation.

Regular residential inspections had been performed earlier this spring according to the Dean of Students and Vice Provost of Student Development Dr. Tim Bessler. The house, located off campus on the corner of Camino Santa Maria and Westminster Avenue, brought about concerns after the initial inspection. The university felt it warranted a more thorough look into the house’s livability condition in order to protect the students living there.

“The inspections reported a wide variety of concerns with almost every component of the home which, as a result, led to the decision to immediately relocate students until the issues could be resolved,” Bessler said.

The residents of the house were notified of the university’s decision to close the house temporarily via email upon returning

from the break. Bessler, along with other administrators and faculty close to the program, were quick to try to help the affected students with the transition in any way that they could.

Provisions were put into action to assist the students in their unexpected move.

The students’ professors were notified of the untimely transition in order to explain any hiccups in their performance. The facilities department on campus provided them with boxes and assisted in moving personal items to the new rooms as needed.

James Villarreal, director of Residence Life, assisted with the students’ transfer to oncampus housing. The goal was to keep the students’ needs and concerns at the forefront of the process.

“We wanted to be very conscious about [the students’ school responsibilities during the move]. Nobody likes to move from a

situation where you are very comfortable, and you’re set in the way things are, to have to uplift everything and move it... and then school on top of that; it can be stressful,” Villarreal said.

Villarreal and the Residence Life staff worked to try and give the students similar accommodations to what they were familiar with in the community house. For example, while they were not able to create another house on campus for the students, residents were assigned to single rooms in Anthony Fredrick, Cremer and Chaminade Halls.

While these provisions may have made the move easier, it still came as a disappointment for those living in the house.

“I am upset that the [student] community won’t be able to finish the year in the house,” Alejos Salazar III, resident of the house and senior software engineering major, said. “We, CONTINUED ON PG. 3

Dean of the Greehey School of Business earns place in S.A. Women’s Hall of Fame LOUIE DIAZ STAFF WRITER

The San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame welcomed its newest members on March 25, 2017. One of the 16 women included Dr.

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School play takes theatre by storm

SPORTS

The Lifestlye section of The Rattler is a collection of reoccurring columns pitched by the staff that pertain to college life.| Graphic by Sam Ramos

Lack of funds kills Dubai trip

WAYS TO COPE WITH STRESS

PAIGE GANDARA-VALDERAS NEWS EDITOR

The Zombie Walk, a San Antonio tradition since 2009, invites people from the community to come dressed as zombies and walk the streets of downtown.

This year the San Antonio Zombie Walk will take place Sunday, Oct. 30 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Tower of the Americas.

Each year the event has grown bigger and the staff has had to control the zombie outbreak by setting new boundaries.

One of the biggest changes this year is that there will be a general admission fee of $5 to attend if purchased in advance; otherwise, the price will go up to $10 at the door on the day of the event.

Previously, there was no charge, but with increased attendance, the staff has made this decision to help fund the festivities, amenities and police officers. Any extra proceeds will be given to local charities.

“The costs to have this event have always come out of pocket,” Joseph Devine, coordinator of the Zombie Walk, said.

“We wanted to hire more police officers, but it has just gotten too expensive to do so. Safety is our main priority.”

This year, the Zombie Walk staff hopes to break the world record for the largest zombie gathering. This title is currently held by the Zombie Pub Crawl of Minneapolis Minnesota.

The Zombie Walk first started with just a small group of friends back in 2009, according to Devine.

“It started with just a handful of friends and grew from there,” Devine said. “We didn’t start turning it into a festival until about four years ago.”

One St. Mary’s student who has routinely gone to this event for the past three years is Elizabeth Lewis, junior criminology major. Though she may not like Halloween, she enjoys going to the event instead to make up for missing the holiday.

“I think [the Zombie Walk] is a great way for the community to come together to enjoy the event and to show their creativity,”

Jamira

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CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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“Some of the maintenance issues I have come across in Cremer have required me to call residence life instead of submitting a work order,” Amber Hernandez, junior psychology major, said. “Issues like a clogged sink or overflowing toilet water,

VOL. 104, NO. 10 | OCT. 19, 2016 | SAN ANTONIO, TX

St. Mary’s offers peaceful protest in time of need

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www.stmurattlernews.com

Many students view St. Mary’s not only as the foundation for their future careers, but also as a place to call a second home. The residential halls are one of the locations on campus where students spend most of their time. However, several students who live in the halls, specifically in the Outback, have stumbled with some issues.

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Zombie walk invites students to attend,

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RICARDO REYES / DEAN DETTEN NEWS EDITOR / COPY EDITOR

Post-election day left many St. Mary’s students, and people around the world, with mixed emotions about the future of the country. While some celebrated the Republican Party victory, others responded with fearful uneasiness over the unofficial results of the 2016 Presidential Election. This election is one of the most historic elections in recent history. The election of Presidentelect Donald J. Trump and his running mate Vice President-elect Mike Pence marks the end of what is being called the most

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Vol 105 | Issue 2 | March 8, 2017 | San Antonio, Texas

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Trump protests across the nation in cities like Baltimore, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Washington D.C., and even here in San Antonio. The San Antonio protest took place on Friday, Nov. 11 in front of the Alamo. Some St. Mary’s students were also in attendance. The protest was labeled as “peaceful” since no violent acts took place.

However, there were individuals who took assault riffles to the protest.

The St. Mary’s students, and many others, who attended the San Antonio protest Friday night found out about the protest through Facebook. One student,

Students returned from 19th Rattler Awakening stronger and more revitalized than ever.

Kevin Frei, junior marketing major, considers Rattler Awakening a weekend for students to get away from the stresses and burdens that school, work and life bring. Frei worked as the music leader for this semester’s event. Frei remembered feeling unhappy with how his life was going and was encouraged to attend Rattler awakening.

“I went and all of my questions were answered,” Frei said. “The community I met was incredible, and they opened my mind to different perspectives.”

A person is allowed to attend Rattler Awakening once, and is required to sign up as staff if that person decides to attend again. Frei discussed his rewarding transition from staff member to head of the worship music.

“I had a lot of people already on staff take me under their wing, particularly Karl Wacker,” Frei said. “He was the music

University residence halls experience intense summer renovations As some of the residence halls at St. Mary’s near their life expectancy, projects such as the renovation, remodeling and stabilization of each hall continue from the the beginning of summer 2013.

For the past two summers, much focus has been on the Outback halls and specifically their courtyards. They have done some landscaping including new walkways, picnic tables, planted new grass and inserted watering systems. As the Outback halls’ renovations continue, the next step is to add some barbecue grills in those areas. It is

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MIRIAM ROBLES ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

second time since 2000, the popular vote did not help her win the election. The U.S. Election Project estimated that 128.8 million people casted their ballot out of 231 million eligible voters, leaving about half the country choosing not to vote this election season.

For some, especially people of color and members of the LGBTQ community, the result was a worst case scenario as seen in many reactions on social media.

Trump’s campaign has been blamed as the cause of the violent acts committed by his supporters, who often incite his name during the acts.

This fear and violence has led to anti-

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rattler

Four inexpensive dates to go on without having to spend a buck

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, meaning that Valentine’s Day dates are also quickly approaching too. Going out for a fancy dinner on the River Walk may not be an option for struggling college students, which can sometimes be discouraging.

There doesn’t need to be a lot of money behind a meaningful date though. There are a lot of ways to tell one’s significant other how much they mean with a romantic, thoughtful evening.

Whether it’s a private movie theater with popcorn, a romantic walk through the park or a private rooftop dinner for two, there are plenty of ways to make this Valentine’s Day special for little to no money on a short notice.

polarized presidential race in recent history, according to several news outlets.

Trump defeated the Democratic Party nominee, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, by winning the majority votes in the Electoral College. Trump is expected to win at least 290, while Clinton is only expected to have amassed at least 228 votes, with 20 still too close to call at the time of publication. These results will not be official until the Electors of the Electoral College cast their respective votes on Dec. 19.

While Clinton won the popular vote by a narrow margin of 0.02 percent, for the

The walls are made of brick, there is plenty of window space facing Pecan Grove, automatic blinds just in case the sun comes in too strong, a non-cluttered kitchen area, suitable seating space and four

the

Vol 105 | Issue 1 | Feb. 8, 2017 | San Antonio, TX

Student protesters gather at The Quad at St. Mary’s University on Friday, Nov. 12. Students are listed top-left to bottom-right: Natalie Juarez, Raul Mejia, Samantha Perez, Samire Adam, Jacqueline Lucero, Kayla Trevino, Andrew Diaz, Eyerusalem Debebe, Alyssa Alvarez, Jocelyn Cardenas, Ariana, Jocelyn Ascensio, Julissa Cantu, Katia Reguero, and Katherine. | Photos by Natalia Zuniga

STAFF WRITER & FEATURES EDITOR

September 21, 2016

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St. Mary’s students reflect on concerns and fears for future laws and policies

JOSHUA MADRID & MIDORI GONZALEZ

From cricket infestations, to water leaks and AC units going out, the residents of St. Mary’s are seeking help not only through staff, but also through work order submissions.

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Students attending the 19th Rattler Awakening retreat comment on unique experiences and influences contributing to spiritual growth.

Junior accounting major Kiara Etheridge impatiently awaits the dreaded “one minute” countdown on the washer that residents experience. Students complain that the timers on washers can often be inaccurate. | Photo by Julia Ewalefo

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Vol 104 Issue 11 | Nov. 16, 2016 | San Antonio, TX

Rattler Awakening strengthens growth in students, enhances spirits

Alumni gather for pub grand opening

About a quarter of work-study students on campus are adjusting to changes that have reduced payment errors, but which may require them to check in with the Business Office to make arrangements to avoid late charges on their tuition payments.

The changes affect roughly 100 of about 400 work-study students who apply their work-study checks in their entirety to pay their university bills, according to Business Office Director Dora Ybarra.

The changes began last spring when the office took over filling out financial planning forms for students Ybarra said.

Previously work-studies had to fill out and submit the forms to the office themselves.

The Business Office is now generating work-study payments and posting them directly to students’ accounts, saving time and error when students had trouble filling out the forms.

Rather than continue using a flawed system, “We automated it now versus the students having to do manual submissions because it was causing so many delays,” Ybarra explained. “Calculations were not always correct, so we had to reject them [financial planning forms].”

August 31, 2016

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Lack of capstone classes puts students on hold

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Changes in payment plans force students to adjust and prepare financially. Reasons for better preperation are due to the new automated student balances on Gateway.

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occurs outside a four-cornered classroom.

Through service to others, collaborative work and countless conversations, St. Mary’s students advance along their lifelong journeys surrounded by the befriending embraces of their fellow students, our Marianist brothers and lay faculty and staff.

On this point, there’s history here. The dedication of the Pub this past Thursday

FEATURES

Blake

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The start of a new school year brings both feelings of excitement and nervousness for college students across the state of Texas. Starting this month, further concerns are expected to arise over Texas Senate Bill 11, which will facilitate the ability for individuals to carry handguns on campuses statewide.

Commonly referred to as “campus carry,” SB 11 passed through the Texas senate and was signed by Governor Greg Abbott back in the summer of 2015. The new law officially went into effect on Aug. 1 of this year. Under this legislation, public colleges and universities are required to allow for the ability to carry handguns in dorms, classrooms and other buildings on campuses — as long as the weapon is not visible.

According to the University of Texas at San Antonio’s official online statement about the new law, individuals may carry a concealed weapon as long as they (1) are at least 21 years old or active duty military, (2) meet the federal requirements to own a gun and (3) receive training or instruction from an officer of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The entire issue of campus carry ties in

On Thursday evening, St. Mary’s University dedicated and opened the Contreras Family Terrace, which includes a pub, one of four gathering spaces St. Mary’s has developed through the generous donation of graduates Tom and Leti Contreras.

The three others are a beautiful patio, an outdoor stage for concerts and other

Student workstudy employees encounter conflicting payment dates

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department, later becoming the department chair.

After much diligent hard work, she became the associate dean of HSS and in 1999 became the official dean of HSS. Dizinno has been a proactive leader at St. Mary’s. She started the HSS Dean’s Cabinet and created a new minor in visual communication design just last semester.

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DISCOVER SAN ANTONIO

drove her to the decision.

Dizinno felt that as dean, she did not have many opportunities to interact with the students.

Teaching will give her a chance to build meaningful relationships and to continue a profession that she has long missed.

Dizinno started working at St. Mary’s in 1988. She began her journey at St. Mary’s by working in the office of evening studies before moving over to the psychology

a Catholic university established a gathering space that serves alcohol?”

One important answer is that the Contreras Family Terrace, including the Pub, will promote a core Catholic and Marianist belief: that we are relational beings. We follow God’s special calling to each of us and become more fully human, not in isolation, but through our interactions with others, by extending ourselves to our neighbors.

Much of our students’ development into mature adulthood — perhaps most of it —

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MONEY MAGAZINE RANKS STMU

Janet Dizinno, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, will return to the classroom in fall 2018 after serving as the dean for nearly two decades. Dizinno will carry out her term as dean through May 2017.

Throughout her tenure as the dean of HSS, she has implemented the Marianist

characteristics among all areas of her work.

She has continuously showed her support for the liberal arts in the school of HSS, several student organizations and most of all through her position and continued dedication.

Though she will leave her position as the dean, she will return to something that she is very passionate about.

Her love for students and wanting to engage with them again is what ultimately

performances and a spacious student lounge with televisions and comfortable seating. The Pub, which also has televisions and a small stage for karaoke and other entertainment, will serve members of the St. Mary’s community food and refreshments, including beer and wine to adults 21 and older.

With great excitement, the St. Mary’s community has looked forward to the opening of the Pub and the other social spaces. But a few have questioned, “Why has

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The most recent app sensation, Pokemon Go, is hailed as an economy booster, reason for people to exercise and an aid in a face-to-face social relationships, but it is contributive to a larger societal plague—a virtual distraction to very real problems.

At first this may seem like a beneficial

contributor to the world’s economy— but it’s not. CNBC states, “The “Pokemon Go” economy means growing regional inequality.”

The rural middle class is all but a mere shadow of what it was in the mid 20th century, something that does not bode well for continued economic viability. While many people cite reports of increased economic activity, the overall impact benefits only a large corporation.

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Tanuja Singh, dean of the Greehey School of Business. She was inducted in the category of higher education for her esteemed work during her tenure at the university.

“I think in the company of such accomplished women, it’s a really humbling experience to see that you are being recognized alongside [them],” Singh said.

The San Antonio Women’s Hall of

Fame was developed in 1984 and formally established in 1987 to recognize the excellence of female community leaders who have made substantial contributions in their respective fields. The fields for which they honor them include agriculture and ranching, business and finance, communications, civic leadership, creative arts, education, health professions,

innovation, law, military, public service, science and technology, and volunteerism.

For Singh, the honor was great because of the company she had in the Hall of Fame.

“I was thrilled primarily because of who else was inducted, not just this year but in years past, and a lot of those women are my

SPORTS

Nintendo, as well as its business partners in relation to “Pokemon Go,” are said to be earning more than $1 million every day.

That’s just the problem; the money that is being generated does not leave their corporate pocket. According to CNBC, “That money is flowing away from small and medium cities and toward big

On Saturday, July 27, the office of Residence Life relocated from the University Center’s Student Life office into Herbert and John G. Leies Hall rooms 101-105 in order to be closer to residents and the construction of The Village at St. Mary’s (previously known as the Outback).

The office relocation took up an entire quad of four rooms, which was originally assigned to three students. The three residents were immediately contacted as soon as Residence Life knew they were moving offices earlier this summer.

Though the students were not completely fond of the move, Residence Life made sure to keep all three in close proximity when relocating them. The quad was also not filled to its full capacity and therefore permitted Residence Life to consolidate.

As per the St. Mary’s University Housing handbook, “Some double rooms are reconfigured to house three residents. The University reserves the right to assign any empty space in a double or a triple room to another student as needed.” Since the quad was originally not filled, consolidating the quad and other open spaces on campus was necessary.

The idea of relocating has been considered for years between the Dean of Students and Residence Life. Since the opportunity to move was available and with phase one of the first new build in The Village underway, the move became almost a must. The move also provided office spaces for those who did not previously have an official office. For instance, Jenni Kraft-Batchelder’s office space was a small corner in the main lobby area prior to residence life’s relocation. She now has her own office and Civic Engagement has also moved in to the space made vacant by Residence Life’s move.

Residence Life wanted to give students

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St. Mary’s designs the first official university ring.

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DEAN DIZINNO’S departure invites DEAN FROST to the family

Vol 105 | Issue 4 | May 3, 2017 | San Antonio, Texas

May 4, 2017

The Rattler Editorial Staff Fall 2016 to Spring 2017 Editor-in-Chief Paige Gandara-Valderas Managing Editor Jasmin Rivera (fall ‘16) Michelle Michimani-Leyva (spring ‘17) Copy Editor Dean Detten Design Editor Guillermo Avelar (fall ‘16) Christopher Repka (fall ‘16) Julia Ewalefo (spring ‘17) News Editor Ricardo Reyes (fall ‘16) Samantha Salazar (spring ‘17) Commentary Editor Sofia Zanetta (fall ‘16) Sydney Alfaro (spring ‘17) Features Editor Megann Vera Entertainment Editor Miriam Robles Sports Editor Demarius Holmes (fall ‘16) Gemeny Givens (spring ‘17) Web Editor Samantha Ramos Photo Editor Julia Ewalefo (fall ‘16) Natalia Zuniga (spring ‘17) Assistant Photo Editor Natalia Zuniga (fall ‘16) Advertising Manager Michelle Michimani-Leyva (fall ‘16) Daria Flowers (spring ‘17) Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

magazine EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Paige Gandara-Valderas Managing Editor Michelle Michimani Leyva Copy Editor Dean Detten Advertising Manager Daria Flowers Layout & Design Editor Julia Ewalefo Web Editor Samantha Ramos Photo Editor Natalia Zuniga News Editor Samantha Salazar Features Editor Megann Vera Commentary Editor Sydney Alfaro Entertainment Editor Miriam Robles Sports Editor Gemeny Givens Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

DISCLAIMER The Rattler Magazine is a product of The Rattler Newspaper and upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University. The publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy. The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, the College Media Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

Photo by Erick Buenrostro

PAIGE GANDARA-VALDERAS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

I first want to thank St. Mary’s University for helping me grow into the person I am today. Never did I think that I would be the editor-in-chief of such an amazing news organization. However, I am here, I have learned, I have created change and now my time is coming close to an end as I prepare to graduate this spring.

As I reflect on this year, I know that I have done everything I wanted to do for The Rattler Newspaper. The newsroom got an upgrade with new furniture and equipment, we created more web-based content including seven produced videos, we created the lifestyle section and now we have put out The Rattler’s very first printed magazine with new end-ofthe-year content.

Though this is the first printed magazine, our influence came from the spring 2013 staff when they created “Venom.” The Venom magazine name came from what The Rattler called page 5. Page 5 was named Venom because it included the biggest stories on campus that the community could “sink their teeth into.”

Venom was originally created with the purpose and hopes of continuing the magazine. While planning for spring 2017, my managing editor, Michelle Michimani Leyva, and I wanted to do something a bit different. We wanted to do more and get the staff excited about publishing work outside of our traditional newspapers. Michelle and I then decided to bring the magazine back, but this time in a printed version with brand new content.

Usually, The Rattler’s press cycles end in mid-April. With The Rattler Magazine, we are now ending in May, which has allowed us to cover stories that would otherwise be left out.

We have all worked very hard this year – especially on this magazine. I thank every member of my staff for crafting such a beautiful piece of work. Thank you to my right-hand-woman, Michelle, for being by my side and for being so supportive and creative.

Thank you to Dean for being the most honest, funniest and classiest copy editor I can ask for. Thank you to Julia, my design editor, for having the creative eye that keeps the publication so neat. Without my section editors, little Sam, Sydney, Megann, Miriam and Gem, this magazine would not have been possible. Finally, thank you Daria, Big Sam and Natalia for being amazing members of the team. I cannot wait to see what you guys do for The Rattler next year.

My final thank you goes to my adviser, Brother Dennis. For three years now, I have had the pleasure of knowing you and being guided by your wisdom. Whether you were helping me as a professor, brother or adviser, I always knew that you were a person that I can go to for anything. Thank you for encouraging me in everything that I do and for letting me know that everything is a learning process, even when the times get tough.

At the end of this all, you might be wondering why we did not name this magazine Venom. Since Venom was not continued, it gave us the option to open it up to a new name. We invite the community to help us name next year’s magazine.

Essentially, this magazine’s name should be called “The Rattler Magazine...for now.” Email us for your thoughts on the magazine’s name at rattlernews@gmail.com I hope you enjoy this magazine as much as we enjoyed creating it for you.

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Originally, the staff intended to continue using the name Venom for the end-of-year magazine. However, during the Student Publications Board meeting April 10, 2017, non-student board members strongly discouraged using that name. Thus, the student editors decided to call it The Rattler Magazine and recorded it as Volume 105, Issue 4. The name was continued the following year (Volume 106, Issue 8).

Interestingly, Venom (and its variant, Viper Venom), was the title of a section of The Rattler in the late 1920s and early 1940s (see page 58 of this document).

And, in November 1959, the student council ran a questionnaire asking whether or not the athletics teams’ nickname, Rattlers, be changed because the “rattlesnake possesses no noble qualities or comicalness normally associated with a mascot” (“Rattlers rattled; nickname changed asked,” Nov. 13, 1959, p. 1). Students favored retaining the nickname, Rattlers, by a 225-100 vote (see pages 82 and 83 of this document).

The Rattler: 2017-18 PUBLISHED ISSUES AND AWARDS RECEIVED DURING THE 2017-18 ACADEMIC YEAR

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PERIGUEUX, THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK? Jamira

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simply as the “Outback” into “The Village.”

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MEET THE NEW VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Dorm makeover. Can you guess what hall it is?

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Texas Supreme Court presided at St. Mary’s School of Law. | Photo courtesy of St. Mary’s University

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On-campus rapes found under-reported throughout San Antonio

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January 31, 2018

As is customary in an investigation of this nature, the university has suspended two staff members through the conclusion of the investigation.

The university is taking all precautions to address this matter and plans to act with deliberate speed in this investigation, which is under the supervision of the Office of the President. St. Mary’s and the athletics department are committed to providing a positive educational environment for our students, including their experience as a member of one of our athletic teams. I would like to assure you that my foremost responsibility and concern as the Director of Athletics is the well-being of our studentathletes.”

SAMANTHA SALAZAR NEWS EDITOR

only lasted overnight and was remedied after Trump signed the major budget deal into law, which noticeably excluded DACA. The Trump administration then set a new deadline, March 5, for Congress to reach a bipartisan agreement regarding DACA before protections to the program end.

Karla Elias De Anda, senior mechanical engineering major and DACA recipient, opposed the shutdown, saying that although her fellow DACA recipients were still in danger, it didn’t solve anything.

“In general, any government [shutdown] is a waste of time,” she said. “In this case it was pointless since the issue was only delayed in the end.”

Elias De Anda has had DACA since the program’s inception and is fortunate enough to have the status for a few more years.

However, her loved ones were not so lucky.

“My brother and some friends were not able to renew within the proper time frame due to the news,” she said.

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LITTLE WOMEN: BIG VOICES, BIG ACT JANICE RODRIGUEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The St. Mary’s theatre department worked in conjunction with the music department to bring to life a rendition of award-winning Broadway musical “Little Women.” Like any production, a lot of time and preparation went into the stagecraft and musicality behind this type of art. The musical’s brilliant cast of 13 actors, in addition to the theater technicians, created artistry from the page and took it to the stage, launching its opening night on March 2.

The production’s opening night has given director George Kendall, visiting drama professor, time to reflect on his work and see where the past several months of planning took him. In this worked not-so-perfect world, the cast and crew

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worked not-so-perfect world, the cast and crew diligently to make his vision come alive.

“The biggest challenge is to always ensure the story is being told clear[ly] to the audience,” he said.

The goal of each performance is to move the audience in such a manner that they no longer feel like audience members but as if they are characters within the show itself. Each musical number will tell a story and the production’s finale will draw audience members into the individual storylines of each character. This group effort will show how crucial each role is to the overall theme of the musical.

Students shouldn’t let the name fool them; “Little Women” is a compelling story with a strong female lead who aspires to be a writer. This operatic tragedy will have students at the edge of their seats with several plot twists and turns.

Eva Alpar who plays Jo March, shares her excitement about being part of the play.

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PETA accuses St. Mary’s professor of cruelty and abuse against rats academic affairs, played an integral role in the whole situation. Dr. Pallansch, who normally handles faculty issues, was in charge of making sure the RIP was followed on all accounts.

“Basically my role in all of this was to make sure that we followed, to the letter, our research integrity policy, so that we followed exactly what it said in terms of the investigation, conducting the investigation [and] the findings from the investigation,” Pallansch said. “It was my job to make sure

VICTORIA SALDANA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

mayor wished to implement during his term, as well as San Antonio’s upcoming tricentennial celebration.

The conversation began with the topic of the mayor’s voting patterns. Casey asked whether he was typically in the majority or the minority in these situations. According to Casey, the mayor was often in the minority. The mayor responded that he was often a minority vote in a different council with a different agenda, but with his election he hopes to make changes that will support San Antonio being the “forward-looking and progressive” city he views it as. He continued that his campaign and election “is what the city of San Antonio wanted and needed.”

The first point of the discussion concerned the Vista Ridge pipeline, in which

the mayor, a councilman at the time, was in the minority vote. The pipeline, which would stretch from San Antonio to Burleson County, a rural county northeast of Austin, would transport 50,000 feet of water for 30 years.

The mayor is a critic of the pipeline. One reason for his critical stance is his concern about how San Antonio is getting the water and if this is the best option for the city’s growing population. The second reason is the complicated contracting of the water and whether the city will have a guarantee to this resource, both on the SAWS side and through outside factors.

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“When I first found out I was going

to play Jo March, I was completely shocked! I am a sophomore so I was convinced I would get, at most, a supporting role. Taking on this role was a dream come true.

Jo is a truly amazing person and I like to think I made Louisa May Alcott proud. The adventure of discovering who Jo March is to me was amazing and I am so humbled to have had the opportunity to bring this character to life.”

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The situation forced Elias De Anda to stay informed, which included attending information sessions, many of which were held by St. Mary’s. Although she found the sessions beneficial, she also recognized that St. Mary’s as a university could only do so much.

“In reality, St. Mary’s couldn’t do anything but offer support,” she said.

The whole ordeal has affected Elias De Anda substantially and has left her in a constant state of helplessness.

“I consider myself in a state of limbo when it comes to a future for DACA,” she said. “I understand the importance of the law yet I am also aware that it was not my choice to break any laws.”

On the other hand, the situation has also revealed an abundance of support for Elias De Anda, who said that people are kind during difficult times. She claimed that

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San Antonio mayor discusses vision for a tricentennial city San Antonio mayor Ron Nirenberg visited St. Mary’s as part of the lecture series Community Conversations. The discussion took place in the University Center on Nov. 7 and was centered on the mayor’s vision for a tricentennial city. Mayor Nirenberg’s visit provided an opportunity for students and the community to come together to listen and discuss the ambitions of the city’s newly elected mayor.

The conversation was moderated by Rick Casey, an accomplished journalist both in print and public broadcasting, who presented and led the mayor through the topics of the night. Casey and Mayor Nirenberg focused on the policies the

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that we followed it exactly.”

The investigation was supposed to be completed within 120 days but did not finish until this fall due to the summer break, causing difficulties securing interviews with the right people.

“It was not because the case was particularly complex; it’s just that the people that would need to be interviewed were not here on campus,” Pallansch said.

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Vol. 106 | Issue 7 | March 7, 2018 | San Antonio, Texas

LIFESTYLE

An investigation involving St. Mary’s professor Dr. Marshall McCue has recently ended after allegations were made by the organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, also known as PETA, who claimed that Dr. McCue was conducting cruel starvation experiments on rats.

Dr. Marshall McCue, an associate professor of biological sciences who has conducted research and written about digestion, starvation and other physiological processes in both animals and humans for almost two decades, was under investigation for 6 months.

The initial complaint from PETA was sent to the St. Mary’s president about alleged research misconduct by Dr. McCue. As per the Research Integrity Policy (RIP), a policy outlining steps the university must take if there is an allegation of research misconduct.

St. Mary’s Research Integrity Officer Dr. Richard Cardenas was required to review the allegations and decide whether or not there was sufficient evidence to warrant an investigation.

After gathering preliminary information, Dr. Cardenas decided to move forward with an investigation and the process began in spring of 2016. The RIP indicates that an investigation committee should be appointed by recommendations made by Dr. Cardenas.

The committee members are then vetted by the provost’s office to ensure the committee is made up of unbiased and objective faculty members. The committee was made up of three members, with the chair of the investigation committee being Patricia Zibluk, director of sponsored projects, academic research and compliance.

Dr. Leona Pallansch, vice provost for

November 15, 2017

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DACA’s fate left hanging in midst of congressional battle A continuing piece from “DACA dream cut short” from vol. 106, issue two.

Legislation surrounding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has dominated the consciousness of American citizens, legislators and especially DACA recipients. Conflicting reports and indecisiveness on Capitol Hill have left DACA recipients everywhere feeling helpless and lost, especially on campuses like St. Mary’s, which hosts a significant number of DACA recipients.

Since the Trump administration’s initial announcement in September, there have been ever-changing reports on the plans for the program. The disagreements soon came to a breaking point in January when the government shut down over an unapproved budget bill, happening again in February just a few weeks later. The February shutdown

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Briscoe to run the volleyball team through an incredibly grueling physical training as punishment after an unsupervised night out.

This training resulted in some of the girls getting injured, which sparked controversy among parents, especially after pictures of said injuries emerged on social media.

The athletics department did not comment regarding the nature of the suspension nor the investigation, and the information gathered from the volleyball team is based on personal accounts and social media.

Athletics Director Liz Dalton offered the following statement, “St. Mary’s University and the Department of Athletics [are] investigating an incident that occurred during a team workout on Monday, Sept. 18.

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Vol. 106 | Issue 6 | Feb.14, 2018 | San Antonio, Texas

The Supreme Court of Texas met this week in the St. Mary’s law building, allowing law students, undergraduate students, professors and faculty to attend two judicial hearings. The opportunity to see a live case was an invaluable experience for students to better understand the field they might choose to pursue in the future.

“The resources of the state are more easily accessible by being on campus and these opportunities allow students who are undecided of their major, or undecided of what kind of law they would like to practice, to enjoy the real experience,” said Daniel Reyes, junior political science major.

Kimberly Salazar, sophomore psychology major, was in attendance for one of the cases and was honored to sit in front of such a prestigious group and experience first-hand how they work.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience... to see the Supreme Court of Texas at our own university,” she said. “It was really amazing to see their judicial process.”

This is not the first time the Supreme Court of Texas has visited St. Mary’s. In fact, Chief Justice Nathan Hecht opened the hearings with a statement expressing the Supreme Court’s excitement to be on campus for the third time since March of 2010. Justice Hecht also continued on to say that the Supreme Court of Texas has existed outside of Austin since 1997, rotating between different law schools and other facilities to offer citizens a better idea of what the judicial process looks like.

Alejandra Garcia, junior English major,

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St. Mary’s hosts Texas Supreme Court hearings

nothing on the table that identified it as being Young Conservatives … [A]ll the material[s] there were from various outside agencies or organizations,” King said.

The university’s RSO office policy states that RSOs are allowed to have tables in the UC only for the stated purpose and only as long as this purpose is identified. Therefore after putting up a sign with the organization’s name, the group was then in compliance with the policy. However, for students on social media, this was not the

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MIRIAM ROBLES MANAGING EDITOR

Volleyball coach Callaway Logan and physical trainer Henry Briscoe have both been put on administrative leave by the athletics department as of the week of Sept. 24. There is currently an internal investigation in place regarding both staff members.

The investigation unfolded when concerned parents of the volleyball team contacted the administration regarding injuries supposedly acquired by team members during a particularly intense training session. According to various sources and social media, Logan had instructed

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in the UC, the organization must first go through RattlerTracks and be approved for the space. The Young Conservatives’ table had been approved for the sole purpose of recruiting members for their organization. However, after hearing about incidents involving students getting angry at the organization, Dr. Sherri King, director of student life, took a look at the table and realized this was not the case.

“I went down there, I looked at the table and realized there were some problems here because there was

VOLLEYBALL TRAINING ENDS IN TWO STAFF SUSPENSIONS

September 20, 2017

Barnes & Noble bookstore gift card controversy

“St. Mary’s does a great job of actively informing people about it and the steps to take to prevent or report it, but overall it’s such a harsh reality for some people, especially the victims, and it really messes with their minds,” Ramos said.

Support for that view comes from St. Mary’s recent campus climate survey, which recorded a rate of sexual assault among enrolled students at 11 percent of the 447 participants who answered in the affirmative when asked, “[A]t any point since you entered college, has anyone had unwanted sexual contact with you?”

Of the students who said they had received such unwanted sexual contact, the number of students who reported the incident to university staff was only two. Nor is this uncommon, according to experts in the field.

“I can tell you that sexual violence of any

The Young Conservatives, a registered student organization (RSO), has recently come under fire after hosting a controversial table in the University Center. The table, which displayed a large Trump banner, was highly criticized on social media by students who believed that the table violated university policy against campaigning. Although the backlash was widespread, the Young Conservatives’ table in the UC followed RSO rules and regulations, for the most part.

In order for any RSO to have a table

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reports of on-campus rape (Table 1). At first glance, the comparison appears to show that rates of rape at Trinity and St. Mary’s are approximately 11 to 17 times higher than at UTSA or at UIW (Table 2).

The reality, however, seems to be the opposite, which becomes clearer when reviewing figures from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).

According to RAINN, about 11.2 percent of women experience sexual assault during their college careers. Applying that statistic to figures of institutional size suggests not that women at St. Mary’s and Trinity campuses are more at risk for sexual attack, but that both universities do a better job of reporting when attacks occur than either UTSA or UIW. Officials at UIW and UTSA declined to comment on this estimate.

Ramsey Ramos, sophomore biology major, believes that although sexual assault is a very sensitive and touchy subject, St. Mary’s handles it appropriately.

PG. 6 The Young Conservatives table banner that sparked controversy. | Photo by Steal Adcock

the

THE DEFINING MOMENT

VICTORIA VALLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

hi SAMANTHA SALAZAR NEWS EDITOR

PG. 10

Kayla Trevino, senior political science major, at the peaceful protest at the Quad on Sept. 8 after hearing the recindation of DACA.| Photo by Natalia Zuniga

Vol. 106 | Issue 5 | January 31, 2017 | San Antonio, Texas

A rising tide against rape has barely affected higher education, but projected on-campus rapes swamp the official reportsthough St. Mary’s and Trinity universities score better on reporting these types of crimes.

This tide of backlash has turned against the powerful over the past three months, taking out movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and members of Congress, as well as threatening President Trump. With the exception of convicted Michigan State University physician Dr. Larry Nassar, the tide seems yet to engulf college campuses, where projected rapes appear to be high.

Just how high becomes more evident when comparing four San Antonio campuses—St. Mary’s, Trinity, the University of Texas in San Antonio and the University of Incarnate Word—on their self-

OPINION

How to manage money like a boss? Tips & tricks

PG. 8

A S T. M A R Y ’ S P U B L I C AT I O N S I N C E 1 9 2 4

Marking the university’s 165th year since the inception of its Catholic-Marianist mission, President Thomas Mengler, J.D., has first introduced the largest fundraising campaign in the university’s history, a campaign aptly entitled the Defining Moment. As a testament to the university’s dedication to the ongoing campaign, St. Mary’s has already raised $104,872,000 of its $130 million objective, comprised of the monetary gifts of almost 200 donors contributing over $25,000 each, with 24

PG. 3

Founders Hall shifts to house sophomores

LIFESTYLE

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alumni were crucial in paving the way for the Defining Moment’s success, which he referred to as the implementation of resources necessary to aid in the achievement of the university’s three most coveted goals. “[We want] to promote and maintain a culture of excellence among students, faculty and staff; to foster the formation of faith by deepening and pervasively embedding our Catholic identity and Marianist spirituality throughout the university ... and to facilitate among our students their development of the values and skills of outstanding

PG. 6

North Korea boasts of power that is not there

Soccer team searches & finds international talent

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of said donors funding $1 million or more when announced on Friday, Nov. 17.

Among these donors was alumnus and honorary campaign co-chair Bill Greehey, after whom the Greehey School of Business earned its moniker in 2005. Greehey, who pitched in more than $10 million to the campaign as a long-term benefactor of the university, also contributed to the business school with a $1 million gift for his fourth consecutive year.

According to President Mengler in a pamphlet detailing the facets of the comprehensive campaign, these generous donations and the leadership of various

SAMANTHA SALAZAR NEWS EDITOR

PG. 7

September 6, 2017

NEWS

PETA raises allegations against St. Mary’s STEM research

SPORTS

Perigueux hall in its final stage awaiting completion of outside amenities such as the community pool and landscpaing | Photo by Michelle Michimani

JAMIRA RICHARDSON COPY EDITOR

NEWS

PG. 15

PG. 10

As the new Perigueux hall welcomes its new tendants, reviews are in for the new St. Mary’s addition on campus.

PRO: Reminiscent of a Californian hotel with its muted color palette and sparse grove of palm trees, a pristine new residence hall—branded Perigueux in honor of the birthplace of the Blessed William Joseph Chaminade—looms over the outskirts of the campus, indicative of one of the key characteristics woven through the

mission statement of St. Mary’s: an openness to adaptation and change.

The sprawling expanse of Perigueux, comprised of four floors of suite-style rooms —including private bedrooms per resident, two bathrooms, a kitchenette and a fully furnished living room per suite—opened its doors to incoming juniors and seniors this fall, marking the culmination of the first phase of a multi-phase plan to turn the cluster of halls known

UPCOMING SEPTEMBER MOVIES

e to be interested in coming all the way until they graduate,” she said.

Alderman credits the magnitude of the Class of 2021 to three things: a hardworking team, a new consultant group and an improved marketing communications plan.

“I think in this world, you have to be passionate about relationship building and also about the use of data and analytics, because it’s a very sophisticated kind of world of how people look for students,” Alderman said.

Although there are several factors that

| Sourc

LIFESTYLE

Vol. 106 | Issue 4 | Nov. 15, 2017 | San Antonio, Texas

OPINION

families now have a stable income.”

Gonzales, who has lived in the U.S. for over a decade, is frustrated with the situation because she believes many DACA students aren’t responsible for the current situation and call the United States home.

“This is our home; this is where we grew up...All our friends, classmates, [and] coworkers are here,” she said. “This is our life.”

St. Mary’s is home to many DREAMers and has offered a multitude of financial and legal resources since the program’s inception. The Office of Civic Engagement being one office providing assistance to DACA students.

Clare Acosta Matos, director of civic engagement, has been working with DACA students since the program became available and has quickly become an important link between students and the Center for Legal and Social Justice (CLSJ).

“I worked heavily with the CLSJ to set up information sessions for our students,” she said. “For some students [who] weren’t comfortable going to an attorney by themselves, I would go with them to meetings. I served as [their] support.”

With the assistance of the immigration clinic at the Center for Legal and Social Justice, many DACA students were able to find both financial and legal assistance. “…Any time I have a student come in and say ‘I need help with some legal assistance,’ it takes one phone call and there’s an attorney ready to work with them,” Matos said.

The Center for Legal and Social Justice’s Erica Schommer, a clinical assistant professor of law at the Center for Legal and Social Justice, gave advice about DACA. Schommer, whose main job is helping law students become immigration attorneys,

On Sept. 5, 2017, President Trump announced his plans to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). The program, which was established in 2012 to protect undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children, is set to be phased out over a six-month period unless legislation is passed. The termination of DACA will affect thousands, especially in Texas where the second largest population of DACA recipients resides, after California. DACA students, also known as DREAMers, are not only in abundance in Texas but also within St. Mary’s, and are now faced with an uncertain future as residents of the United States.

One of said students is Etiem Rivera Gonzales, sophomore music major, who arrived in the United States in 2006 and has been a part of DACA for three years.

Through the program, Gonzales has had the opportunity to study and assist her family with a small, steady income.

After hearing the news about DACA, she was heartbroken.

“If the program is completely ended, then I will not have a reliable income and the financial aid that is provided through work study may not be available,” she said.

Gonzales, who plans to renew her permit and become involved in advancement of DACA through Congress, believes thousands have been able to build a financially stable life because of DACA. “The DACA program has helped thousands of youth who have been here for most of their lives,” she said. “Many [DACA recipients] were living in poverty conditions. With the help of the work permit that was part of [DACA], many

Cruelty on campus?

Vol. 106 | Issue 3 | October 18, 2017 | San Antonio, Texas

DACA DREAM CUT SHORT

SAMANTHA SALAZAR NEWS EDITOR

PG. 13

The day before the Fall 2017 semester began, the Greehey Arena was filled with faculty, staff and the second largest freshman class in St. Mary’s history for Academic Convocation. The Class of 2021, as of Aug.

Acade

23, is 646 students strong, a substantial increase from previous years.

Rosalind Alderman, Ph.D., was an instrumental factor in the size of the newest freshman class. Alderman is the vice provost for enrollment management, an office that encompasses the areas of admission, financial assistance and retention and graduation initiatives.

“So, basically, we’re looking at the whole life cycle of a student, from when they start

Media

HOW TO GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS

of 2021

rsity Social

ST. MARY’S NEW CAMPUS ADDITIONS

The Class

SAMANTHA SALAZAR NEWS EDITOR

s Unive St. Mary’

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A S T. M A R Y ’ S P U B L I C AT I O N S I N C E 1 9 2 4

A S T. M A R Y ’ S P U B L I C AT I O N S I N C E 1 9 2 4

Vol. 106 | Issue 2 | September 20, 2017 | San Antonio, Texas

Vol. 106 | Issue 1 | Sept. 6, 2017 | San Antonio, Texas

CLASS OF 2021: THE NEWEST RATTLERS BRING IN RECORD SETTING NUMBERS

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Skin care routine recommendations for guys.

Romance is not dead among college students

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St. Mary’s students perform a scene of “Little Women” at the Treadway Recital Hall during the first act on opening night. | Photo by Natalia Zuniga

pg. 17

SPORTS

Laziness: the main culprit of St. Mary’s parking problem Natalia

Zuniga

PHOTO EDITOR

The parking situation for residents on campus is usually the worst, especially for those who live in Lourdes and Anthony Frederick. Students from surrounding residence halls such as Founders and John Donohoo tend to park in Lots N and Q,

PG. 8

Playlists for your current relationship status

February 14, 2018

which are directly in front of Lourdes and Anthony Frederick, even though parking is available for both dorms near their own buildings. What most residents in Lourdes tend to see are students from Founders parking in lot N because it’s closer to their residence hall than Lot R, the parking lot directly behind Dougherty.

Overall, when speaking to residents, they all had similar opinions that there is not enough parking near the residence

halls that need it. Lourdes receives the most complaints, according to particular residents.

“It’s evident that the Lourdes parking lot is not large enough for the amount of people living in Lourdes,” said Ashley Perez, sophomore biology major.

Most residents in those halls pointed out that the hardest time to find parking is CONTINUED ON PG. 6

March 7, 2018

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PG. 14 Coach Clay talks about the women’s basketball team

VOL. 106

May 2, 2018

May 2, 2018

ISSUE 8

The Rattler Editorial Staff Fall 2017 to Spring 2018

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Michimani Leyva Managing Editor Miriam Robles Copy Editor Jamira Richardson Design Editor Daniela Gonzalez News Editor Samantha Salazar Opinion Editor Louie Diaz Lifestyle Editor Isabela Vazquez Entertainment Editor Elizabeth Arredondo Sports Editor Madison Perales Web Editor Samantha Ramos Photo Editor Natalia Zuniga Assistant Multimedia Editor Steal Adcock Advertising Manager Daria Flowers Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

the

rattler magazine EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Michelle G. Michimani Leyva

esilient and radiant are words that describe the Rattler staff I have been able to work with.

Throughout the 2017 – 2018 school year, the R a t t l e r strived to bring the news and

Managing Editor Miriam Robles Copy Editor Jamira Richardson Advertising Manager Daria Flowers Design Editor Daniela Gonzalez Web Editor Samantha Ramos Photo Editor Natalia Zuniga Multimedia Editor Steal Adcock News Editor Samantha Salazar Lifestyle Editor Isabela Vazquez Opinion Editor Louie Diaz Entertainment Editor Elizabeth Arredondo Sports Editor Madison Perales Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

STANDARDS The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University.

The publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy. The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, the College Media Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

information students wanted. For our last issue we decided to bring back the Rattler Magazine. Different from our newspaper issue, the magazine focuses on the stories, people and moments that the community can “sink their teeth into,” the cover a collection of the issues that impacted our nation and students.

As I finish my term as editor-in-chief I feel sadness to leave a place I’ve called home since 2015 and people I consider family since 2017. However, rather than sadness I feel proud, proud of the amazing staff and the hard work they have put into every issue published and the work behind-the-scenes that comes with being part of the Rattler.

This year the Rattler finished the year as one of its most decorated chapters in the publication’s 99-year history with two national awards: First Place with Special Merit in the 2018 American Scholastic Press Association’s annual review and contest (issues submitted: Vol. 106, Issues 3 & 4) and Second Place in Best of Show (issues submitted: Vol. 106, Issue 3) at the National College Media Convention for non-weekly newspapers at four-year colleges and universities, not excluding the total of 42 awards won at the 2018 Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) convention.

While a decorated chapter in history,

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the people on staff decorated my days with joy. Each member has made the issues unique, like their personalities.

Thank you, staff, for making my time as editor-in-chief an amazing one. I am so proud of you all and can’t wait to see what you all do in the future, but if you ever need me, you know the Rattler dad is a text away. Miriam, managing editor, thank you for taking risks with me. From changing the layout, renaming a section and introducing the new Lifestyle section, I am glad to have worked with you as my right-hand woman.

I would also like to give a special thank you to our adviser, Brother Dennis. From the beginning of my journey to the end, you have guided me with your wisdom. A mentor, adviser and professor, you have guided the staff to be the best staff it can be. Your work has gone beyond making a great issue, but making every person on it the best they can be. As you step down from being the adviser of the Rattler, please know that I am honored to have worked with you.

It has been an amazing experience working with the Rattler. Thank you to those who supported us throughout the years.

In the end I can only hope three things: -that the readers enjoyed the Rattler as much as we enjoyed working on every issue -that the staff flourishes in their future endeavors -and that I was the editor-in-chief they hoped to work with.

It was an immense pleasure and honor,

Michelle G. Michimani Leyva Editor-in-Chief

DECEMBER 4, 2008. Sarah Mills (Jan. 2009 to May 2011) and Elizabeth Ruiz (Jan. 2008 - Dec. 2008)

This perpetual plaque includes the names of those who served as editor-in-chief of The Rattler in honor of the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time of service. It was created in May 2011 and hangs outside of the newsroom door, University Center Room 258.

April 28, 2011. Sarah Mills (Jan. 2009 to May 2011) and Azhmir Acosta (May 2011 to May 2012).

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MAY 1, 2013. Nicholas Canedo (May 2012 to May 2013), Stela Khury (May 2013 to April 2014) and Azhmir Acosta (May 2011 to May 2012).

APRIL 22, 2015. Alexander Eakins (April 2014 to April 2015) and Tamara Garcia (April 2015 to Nov. 2015).

APRIL 23, 2014. Alexander Eakins (April 2014 to April 2015) and Stela Khury (May 2013 to April 2014).

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APRIL 26, 2017. Paige Gandara-Valderas (May 2016 to May 2017) and Michelle Michimani Leyva (May 2017 to May 2018).

APRIL 30, 2018. Michelle Michimani Leyva (May 2017 to May 2018) and Miriam Robles (May 2018 to present).

MAY 4, 2016. Sara E. Flores (Dec. 2015 to April 2016) 152

The Rattler award history highlights (from 2008 to 2018) 2008-09 Issues: 10 Awards: 1 2009-10 Issues: 10 Awards: 5 * ACP/CMA Best of Show 4th * TIPA Best of Show 1st * ASPA 1st with Special Merit 2010-11 Issues: 10 Awards: 8 * ACP/CMA Best of Show 1st 2011-12 Issues: 11 Awards: 2 * ACP/CMA Best of Show 6th 2012-13 Issues: 11 Awards: 35 * ACP/CMA Best of Show 10th * TIPA Overall Excellence Honorable Mention * Editor-of-the-Year (Amanda Cano, managing editor)

2014-15 Issues: 11 Awards: 20 * ACP/CMA Best of Show 9th * TIPA Overall Excellence 1st 2015-16 Issues: 11 Awards: 27 * TIPA Overall Excellence 1st * TIPA Division 5 Sweepstakes 2016-17 Newspapers: 9 Magazines: 1 Awards: 24 * TIPA Overall Excellence Honorable Mention 2017-18 Newspapers: 7 Magazines: 1 Awards: 44 * ACP/CMA Best of Show 2nd * TIPA Overall Excellence (Newspapers) 1st * TIPA Overall Excellence (Magazines) 1st * ASPA 1st with Special Merit

2013-14 Issues: 11 Awards: 20 * ACP/CMA Best of Show 7th * TIPA Overall Excellence 1st

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The Rattler at TIPA (2004 to 2018) ON-SITE CONTESTS

2005 (Dallas): 27 (3rd Best of Show)

2014 (San Antonio): 17 (1st Overall Excellence; Scholarship - Stela Khury, editor-in-chief)

2006 (San Antonio): 32 (2nd Overall Excellence)

2015 (San Antonio): 18 (1st Overall Excellence)

2007 - Did not attend (went to CMA spring convention in Portland)

2016 (Dallas): 25 (1st Overall Excellence)

2011 (Fort Worth): PR Release Writing (2nd); Print Advertising (2nd); Spanish News Writing (3rd)

2008 - Did not attend (went to CMA spring convention in San Francisco)

2017 (Dallas): 23 (HM Overall Excellence)

2013 (Fort Worth), 2: News Photo (3rd); Sports Action Photo (HM)

2009 - Did not attend (went to CMA spring convention in San Diego)

2018 (Dallas): 42 (1st Overall Excellence, Newspaper; 1st Overall Excellence, Magazine)

2014 (San Antonio), 4: Yearbook Design (2nd); Feature Photo (2nd); Magazine Design (3rd); Editorial Writing (HM)

2004 (Austin): 12

2010 (Kerrville): 2 (1st Best of Show; Scholarship - Sarah Mills, editor-inchief)

2010 (Kerrville), none

2012 (Corpus Cristi), none

2015 (San Antonio), 5: Print Advertising (1st); PR Crisis Management (1st); Magazine Design (HM); Headline (HM); PR Release Writing (HM)

2011 (Fort Worth): 4 (Scholarship Denice Hernandez, managing editor)

2016 (Dallas), 2: Print Advertising (3rd); Yearbook Design (HM)

2012 (Corpus Cristi): 0 2013 (Fort Worth): 30 (3rd Best of Show; HM Overall Excellence; Editor-of-the-Year - Amanda Cano, managing editor)

2017 (Dallas), 2: Television Advertising (1st); Yearbook Design (3rd) 2018 (Dallas), 2: Magazine Design (2nd); Yearbook Design (HM)

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The Rattler records (2008-2018) MOST ISSUES AS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: 1. Sarah Mills, Spring 2009-11, 26

MOST ISSUES AS MANAGING EDITOR:

MOST ISSUES ON EDITORIAL STAFF: 1. Felix Arroyo, 37 (Spring 2010-Spring 2013)

5. Azhmir Acosta, Fall 2011-Spring 2012, 11

1. Amanda Cano, 22 (Fall 2011-Spring 2013)

5. Nicholas Canedo, Fall 2012-Spring 2013, 11

2. Denice Hernandez, 20 (Fall 2009-Spring 2011)

5. Stela Khury, Fall 2013-Spring 2014, 11

4. Briana Perez, 11 (Fall 2013-Spring 2014)

5. Alexander Eakins, Fall 2014-Spring 2015, 11

4. Tamara Garcia, 11 (Fall 2014-Spring 2015)

6. Jacqueline Paige Gandara-Valderas, Fall 2016-Spring 2017, 10

5. Christine Le, 10 (Fall 2008-Spring 2009)

7. Travis Bowles, 28 (Fall 2013-Fall 2015)

7. Daniel Perez, 6 (Fall 2015)

7. Sara E. Flores, 28 (Fall 2013-Fall 2014; Fall 2015-Spring 2016)

7. Michelle Michimani Leyva, Fall 2017-Spring 2018, 8 9. Tamara Garcia, Fall 2015, 5 9. Sara E. Flores, Spring 2016, 5

7. Jasmin Rivera, 6 (Fall 2016) 8. Jacqueline Paige Gandara-Valderas, 5 (Spring 2016) 9. Michelle Michimani Leyva, 4 (Spring 2017)

3. Briana Perez, 33 (Fall 2011-Spring 2014) 3. Alex Eakins, 33 (Fall 2012-Spring 2015) 5. Amanda Cano, 32 (Fall 2010-Spring 2013) 5. Sarah Mills, 32 (Fall 2008-Spring 2011)

8. Michelle Michimani Leyva (Spring 2016-Spring 2018), 23 12. Nick Canedo, 22 (Fall 2011-Spring 2013) 12. Stela Khury, 22 (Fall 2012-Spring 2014) 12. Daniel Perez, 22 (Spring 2014-Fall 2015) 12. Brandon Leonard, 22 (Fall 2014-Spring 2016) 14. Azhmir Acosta, 20 (Fall 2010-Spring 2012) 14. Denice Hernandez, 20 (Fall 2009-Spring 2011)

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MOST POSITIONS HELD ON EDITORIAL STAFF:

MOST AWARDS WON, INDIVIDUAL + TEAM:

5. Stela Khury, 3 (Entertainment, Copy, Editor-in-Chief)

1. Michelle Michimani Leyva, 28

5. Alexander Eakins, 3 (News, Copy, Editorin-Chief) 5. Sara E. Flores, 3 (Sports, Design, Editorin-Chief) 5. Jacqueline Paige Gandara-Valderas, 3 (News, Managing, Editor-in-Chief) 5. Michelle Michimani Leyva, 3 (Advertising, Managing, Editor-in-Chief)

HIGHEST HONOR WON: 1. Amanda Cano, Editor of the Year, 2013

2. Sara E. Flores, 22 3. Jacqueline Paige Gandara-Valderas, 19 6. Briana Perez, 14 6. Amanda Cano, 14 6. Alex Eakins, 14

TIPA SCHOLARSHIPS 1. Sarah Mills, 2010 2. Denice Hernandez, 2011

7. Stela Khury, 11

3. Stela Khury, 2014

10. Nick Canedo, 8 10. Denice Hernandez, 8 10. Sarah Mills, 8 11. Daniel Perez, 6

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD WINNERS (ST. MARYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S UNIVERSITY)

12. Azhmir Acosta, 5

1. Lorna Cruz (commentary editor), 2010 2. Emily Artalejo (commentary editor), 2014 3. Stela Khury (editor-in-chief), 2014 4. Mercedes Kelso (news editor), 2015 5. Jacqueline Paige Gandara-Valderas (editor-in-chief), 2017

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2003-2007

The Rattler Named first place champion in collegiate journalism by the 2006 Texas Intercollegiate Press Association

Wednesday April 19, 2006 Vol. 93, Issue 11

www.stmarytx.edu/rattler

“Because of [Perry’s] failed leadership, our state is divided. It’s time for Texans to take Texas back. Perry’s promised a brutal, bloody campaign, and I say, ‘bring it on;’ it’s one promise I’ll know he’ll keep.”

- State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn 163

Candidates for SGA advocate

2007-2008

the

Rattler

St. Mary’s University 2008-2009

Vol. 95

Issue 8

2.20.2008

The Rattler

For full coverage on Sen. Clinton’s speech

Religious controversy su

Vol. 96 Issue 7

St. Mary’s University Student Newspaper

FALL 2009

5-6-7-8

www.stmurattlernews.com B Dominique By Vargas -News Editor-

How safe is our campus?

The Rattler

Students find a fun way to stay fit and gain rhythm.

Page 17

02.04.09

Presidential nominee hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) made a campaign stop at the Bill Greehey Arena last week, drawing national attention and making Mary’s the Recent criminal activity spursSt. police A St. Mary’s Student Publication since 1925 • Vol. 97 Issue 2 • 09-30-09 center of both hotly contested presidential tothe increase patrolling. primary and of religious moral controversy.

Page 14 The Office of University Communications 164 sent out the first of several e-mails at 3:54 p.m.

University’s dec Bicycl GomezThefts also obliged to teac Burglar values in all insta student importantalarmed when Catholic univer P to provide leade to the often c conflicting polit as quoted in a M

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Have the perfect Valentine’s Day Take a look into the minds of the opposite sex, find the most romantic places on campus, give gifts on a tight budget and find out how to reveal your crush.

PG. 10

A St. Mary’s Student Publication since 1925 • Vol. 97 Issue 7 • 02-10-10 • STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Gubernatorial debate heats up 2012-2013

By Clayton Billadeau Staff Writer

Incumbent Gov. Rick Perry stood shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Debra Medina during a live debate between the Texas Republican gubernatorial candidates on Jan. 29. The debate was hosted

by Belo, a Texas based news company and owner of KENS 5 San Antonio.

A combination of four Texas journalists moderated the debate and challenged the candidates to respond to Texan concerns: highways, taxes, immigration and other social issues. vol.

101 issue 2 February 13, 2013 Concerning highway winfrastructure, Hutchison and Medina called for the immediate audit of Texas Department of Transportation. The toll road debate among Texans involves the appropriation of public infrastructure funds to private interests. The apprehension lies in increased population, resulting in traffic jams. Hutchison called for “new leadership” in cutting TxDOT cases of mishandled funds. Perry revised such comments, asserting that TxDOT is audited ev-

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Etsy finds

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Sherlock season 3

Volume 102 Issue 1

PG. 14

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COMMENTARY

The University completed the first major renovations to the 2015-PRESENT law classrooms since 1968, creating one space that fits 103 students and another for 90 occupants.

GABRIELA CASTANEDA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Workers completed a nearly $2 million

project to add modern classrooms to the Law Classroom Building of the St. Mary’s University School of Law and to complete a safety refit of the building.

Students and faculty can use two new,

tiered, classrooms, one of which seats 130 students for class and up to 150 people for events and non-class purposes, while the other seats 90. Both new rooms are more spacious and better suited to instruction than other classrooms, Reynaldo

A.

Valencia,

associate dean for administration and finance and professor of law.

BIG FISH LITTLE POND

rattler the

A student’s take on the Sea World controversy

A S T. M A R Y ’ S P U B L I C AT I O N S I N C E 1 9 2 4

“The faculty will be happier, the

existing students and the future students should all have a much better learning environment” because of the addition, Valencia said.

Construction

Men’s basketball

February 5, 2014

University makes historic revamp of law classrooms

to

PG. 13

89 t h Year of PublIcatIon

www.stmurattlernews.com

according

SPORTS

ENTERTAINMENT

FEATURES

COMMENTARY

2013-2015

Basketball attendance

began

in

May

of

2013 with construction crews digging underground to set the foundation. A new sprinkler system and new fire alarm

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