Vol. 103, No. 7 - 09/03/2015

r Vol 103

Graduate Center serves as aid in the success of minority graduates TRAVIS BOWLES COPY EDITOR

CONTINUED ON PG. 3

Issue 7

rattler the

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

University utilizes opt-out discretion TAMARA GARCIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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

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,

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.

CONTINUED ON PG. 2

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.”

Along with a shift in how students apply CONTINUED ON PG. 3 VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW The volleyball team is starting a new season. Read about their expectations and goals. PG 15

THIS ISSUE

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.

“It’s a place that’s exclusive for graduate

Sept 3, 2015

2 NEWS

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

SNAP | FEATURED PHOTO

THE RATTLER MEETINGS WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

TUES, SEPT 8 UC 258 5 PM TUES, SEPT 22 UC 258 5 PM TUES, OCT 13 UC 258 5 PM TUES, NOV 3 UC 258 5 PM

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.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Rattler welcomes letter 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.

For more information, call the newsroom at (210) 436-3401 or email rattlernews@gmail.com.

EDITORIAL STATEMENT The content published in the Rattler is the responsibility of each respective writer.

The views expressed in the staff editorial reflect the views of the majority of the editorial staff.

MISSIONS Grounded partially in the Marianist values of family and community, we maintain an open forum for discussion. We strive to produce quality content that informs, not inflames; encourages, not discourages.

We must be sensitive, not sensationalistic; reasonable, not ridiculous; balanced; not bitter.

Rattler Man amps up the student volunteers for Continuing the Heritage. | Photo by Julia Ewalefo

FROM “GUN CARRY”

Later in the ICUT mandate, specifics of how S.B. 11 changes the current law and what actions are required by ICUT institutions are detailed.

The current law, as described by the ICUT mandate, “allows individuals with a concealed handgun license (CHL) to bring their handgun to the parking lot of a public or private institution of higher education to keep it securely locked in the vehicle.”

Some of the changes to the current law as detailed by the ICUT mandate include: “authorizing a private institution… to establish rules, regulations, or other provisions prohibiting license holders from carrying handguns,” “prohibits liability for damages and cause of action in damages (unless actions were capricious or arbitrary),” “creates an offense for a concealed handgun license holder to carry a partially or wholly visible handgun on the premises,” and “creates an offense for a concealed handgun license holder to carry a handgun on the campus…that has established rules, regulations, or other provisions prohibiting license holders from carrying handguns.”

The mandate requires any ICUT institution that chooses to “establish rules, regulations, or provisions with regard to carrying of concealed handguns by license holders on their campus must first consult with students, faculty, and staff as required

by Section 411.2031(e).”

“We have until August 2016 to decide, but we will decide no later than the early part of November,” President Mengler of the university said.

“I will say that my inclination is to optout; is to continue with the current policy which has been in place a long time,” Mengler said.

The mandate states that some leaders of public and private institutions of higher education may be asked to testify as to

This sign is an example of effective notice in accordance with Section 30.06. | Source www.yelp.com

what actions were taken to determine the institution’s campus carry policy at the beginning of 2016.

Following the mandate, Mengler stated he will meet with student government representatives, leadership councils, the faculty senate, deans, vice presidents and other groups to consult and seek advice. “We aren’t going to let it linger,” Mengler said.

Current St. Mary’s Weapons Policy “strictly prohibits the use, sale, manufacture, distribution, purchase, transfer, receipt, or possession of weapons during working time or while representing the University, whether on or off University campus or workplaces.”

Vice President of Mission and Rector Rev. Timothy Eden stated his interest in hearing from various constituencies on campus who will be consulted on the bill.

“During the legislative debates on SB 11, it was no surprise to me that from all over Texas university administrators and faculty groups, as well as campus police departments, were universally against SB

11,” Rev. Eden said.

“The potential for people under pressure in a university setting to get angry or resentful or depressed is a fact of life…To add guns to the environment would simply increase the risk of one of those emotional episodes going very wrong very quickly.”

If a private institution of higher education does decide to opt out, S.B. 11 requires a posting of “effective notice” as required by Section 30.06 (Government Code) in order for a violation to be considered an offense.

Effective notice will likely include a posting of “30.06 notice” signs required at all entrances of the campus, according to the mandate.

As for reactions from the campus communit so far, Mengler said “I’ve gotten a handful of emails from students hoping that our current policy continues.”

David Wilkins and Adziko Tsatenawa contributed reporting.

NEWS 3

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

POLICE BLOTTER

AUGUST

AUG 1, 2015 Assault Lourdes Hall Active

AUG 13, 2015

Criminal Trespass AACC Cleared by Arrest

AUG 17, 2015

Improper Photography Treadaway Closed exceptioallyVictim refused to cooperate

AUG 18, 2015

Harassment University Center Active

AUG 18, 2015

Harassment University Center Active

AUG 22, 2015

Consumption of Alcohol by Minor Founders Hall Active

AUG 22, 2015

Consumption of Alcohol by Minor Founders Hall Active

AUG 23, 2015

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Treadaway Active

POLICY ON NEWSPAPER THEFT Due to high production costs, members of the St. Mary’s University community are permitted one copy per issue.

Where available, additional copies may be purchased (for 50 cents each) by contacting The Rattler newsroom.

Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and/or subject to university discipline.

EXCLUSIVE WEEKLY WEB CONTENT CAN BE FOUND ONLINE

CHECK US OUT ONLINE WWW.STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

FROM “WORK STUDIES”

for on campus jobs, the university has a focus on ensuring these jobs are academically rewarding for the students offered the positions. The goal is to prepare students for real work experience.

“The official word is that there are less positions this year than last year,” Krause said. “First of all, the university’s budget for student employment has been the same for decades. It is not a decrease in the university’s commitment or resources.

However, in the last several years there has been a significant over-expenditure of those resources. Last year what we ended up doing is requesting from the departments that we needed to cut positions by about 30 percent. Some did. Some didn’t. We then shifted this year so we were not allocating positions to departments; we actually gave them a budget. In total we are looking at student employment at $1.4 million. What happens is that expenditure has ramifications campuswide. It has ramifications on the level of grant support we give students, the level of instructional support, and when you have so much money and you overspend it at that level it has to come from somewhere.”

Part of the reason why certain departments lost work-study positions was the lack of work that students could do.

In some cases students were being paid to study rather than to work. New positions opened up in other departments, which could more effectively use student workers.

In the future the university would like to create a robust internship program to continue to allow students to gain real FROM “GRADUATE CENTER”

Students and a place where you can gather to meet other graduate students,” Edmunds said. “So it’s going to foster a sense of community in a way that didn’t exist before.”

The learning stations are currently numbered, but suggestions for names are being taken to further the communal feeling. These spaces can also be reserved through Gateway.

Some of the technology, while useful to all students, is meant to increase the resources available to the growing online student population. The webcams and video lecture recording system will allow professors and students alike to communicate with their web-based counterparts.

However, this equipment will also help with another phase of the project, which is the creation of quarterly seminars.

These three-hour-long, faculty developed seminars will focus on helping students succeed in their programs by assisting with writing and research among other topics.

“These seminars are going to be engaging, interactive and collaborative,” Edmunds said. “We look to expanding those in future years of the grant. Those events will be recorded, streamed live and stored on Kaltura (a web-based media storage service).”

So the recordings of the quarterly success seminars will be stored online so that students who were not able to attend will be able to use those as a resource.”

In addition to the seminars, postgraduate orientation is also getting a facelift. The orientation program is now structured to give incoming graduate students a better idea of what is expected

work experience in their prospective fields prior to graduation.

Another project the university is working on is establishing a pool force of on-campus student positions.

“One thing we are looking at establishing is a pool force of student employees,” Krause said. “In that there wouldn’t be a particular department you work for directly, but throughout the semester someone may need

“

In total we are looking at student employment at 1.4 million. What happens is that expenditure has ramifications campus-wide.”

David Krause Director of Financial Assistance Editor

them. Departments can dip into that pool and dipping into that pool doesn’t take away from their allocation that they have so this is like an enhancement for them.”

As these changes unfold, there are many students who have become frustrated over the new approach to assigning work-study positions. According to a student who wishes to remain anonymous, this change was not well received.

“I still haven’t gotten a position and I’ve been applying,” they said. “We should have been notified well ahead of time. I didn’t find out until midway through the first week of school.

For students who rely on work-study to help pay their tuition, this is totally unfair to the students and unprofessional on the part of them in their respective programs.

However, the orientation now also includes family members.

“We want to welcome family members to the St. Mary’s community,” Edmunds said. “We want them to understand the expectation of graduate study for their student. We want them to understand that while their family member may attend class six, nine hours a week that they’re expected to do two, three times much as that outside of the classroom, and that’s an important understanding.”

These are only a few of the project’s overall goals, with more coming over the next few years. Currently, plans are in the works to create a faculty-mentoring program, a peermentoring program and career services.

Utilizing the technology in the center will create “the ability to have some faculty mentoring, but do it online because your class schedule or work schedule does not coincide with the faculty member’s schedule,” Edmunds said. This will also

of the university.”

Upon hearing that the landscape was changing for work-studies, some students forewent applying for an on-campus job and sought out one off campus to ensure they would have some kind of revenue for the semester.

“Well due to the fact that I already have a job outside of school, and I found out the new process was like applying for a new job, I didn’t apply for one,” said another student who wishes to remain anonymous.

“I just think it’s kind of unfair because it’s the school’s fault. Students that actually need the extra help aren’t getting it.”

The university is trying to help as many students as possible find a job placement this semester. In the mean time, Krause recommends that students continue to communicate with the Office of Financial Assistance.

“Right now I ask that students feel free to come and talk to the staff in the financial aid office,” Krause said.

“I would ask that they keep going through the process and be patient. I know that it’s hard to be patient.”

FINANCIAL AID OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION Located on the first floor of Charles Francis Hall. phone: 210-436-3141 fax: 210-431-2221 email: finaid@stmarytx.edu

allow online students to participate even if they live nowhere near campus.

All these programs, as well as the center, are meant to help students earn their graduate degrees on-schedule.

“Some students go full-time, some go part-time,” Edmunds said. “Life gets in the way much more often than it does at the undergraduate level because you’re a little bit older, you’re more likely to have a family, you may also have a job, things come up.

“While we don’t have control over those external factors, we do want to make sure that all the internal factors that might impact a student’s degree completion, all of those are functioning, running smoothly and so that we’re removing whatever obstacles might be in students’ way to degree completion.”

The Graduate Center for Excellence will have its grand opening on Sept. 29 from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Everyone — even undergrads — is invited to come and see what is merely the start of the enhanced graduate program St. Mary’s offers.

Jacquelyn Banton, senior English major and art minor, sat on the brainstorming blocks before class at the center. Banton is enrolled in the combined Bachelor’s and Master’s program for English Literature and Language. | Photo by Mat Martinez

SAN ANTONIO COMFORT INN & SUITES

Linda Westermann General Manager

BY CHOICE HOTELS.COM

6039 IH-10 West San Antonio, TX 78201 Phone 210.733.8080 Fax 210.733.0035

Don’t forget to ask about the special St. Mary’s rates!

Just show your STMU ID at the front desk!

gm.txa49@choicehotels.com

BY CHOICE HOTELS.COM

Welcome home to a life of community, service and prayer

We invite you to consider life as a Marianist brother, priest or sister.

Contact Bro. Tom Wendorf — twendorf@sm-usa.org or Sr. Nicole Trahan — ntrahan@gmail.com.

www.marianist.com

6 COMMENTARY LETTER TO THE EDITOR

EDITOR: SOFIA ZANETTA/ @RATTLERSOFIA

Anti-semetic gestures plague San Antonio

The following letter was in reply to an article published March 4, 2015 in the commentary section.

WWJD? He would call Leticia Van De Putte a hypocrite, serpent and viper.

Whether or not you agree with Catholic Church teachings on marriage, the family, abortion or human sexuality, these teachings are clear, definitively stated and publicly promulgated by the church.

Although Leticia used her claim to be a Roman Catholic to political advantage, her actions and words show, without any possible doubt, that she denied these teachings and works to use government power to subvert them. This is particularly true of her actions as an elected official to enact civil laws contrary to God’s law as embodied in church doctrine regarding abortion and the family.

What will it matter for her if she gains all the political power of the office of mayor of San Antonio? Jesus will ask her, as he did the Pharisees and Scribes, “How are you to escape the judgment of hell?”

This is why it is a mortal sin for any true Roman Catholic with a well formed conscience, a conscience formed according to the principles of the church, to vote for Leticia. Anyone can deny these church doctrines, can call those who hold them any sort of “phobic” one chooses, but such deniers who do not publicly profess to be Catholic are not hypocrites.

Guy McClung, B.S. Physics St.Mary’s 1969, J.D., Ph.D.

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Tamara Garcia Managing Editor Daniel W. Perez Copy Editor Travis Bowles Advertising Manager Valerie Perez Design Editor Sara E. Flores Web Editor Brandon Leonard Photo Editor Mat Martinez Assistant Photo Editor Julia Ewalefo News Editor Now hiring!

Features Editor Midori Gonzalez Commentary Editor Sofia Zanetta Entertainment Editor Manuela Gonzalez Sports Editor Allie Beedle Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

CHECK US OUT ONLINE WWW.STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Graphic by Paige Gandara-Valderas

CLAUDIA D. CARDONA STAFF WRITER

On Aug. 12, a Jewish community on the north side San Antonio found themselves in a whirlwind of anti-Semitic vandalism.

The vandalism included swastikas, KKK letters, and Jewish slurs. Over 30 cars and homes were vandalized in the neighborhood and around the synagogue according to SAPD. The community worked to wash away the hateful messages while the FBI investigated into the matter.

Less than a week later, another synagogue was vandalized with more antiSemitic graffiti. Still, the Jewish community focused on the support they received rather

than the hateful messages.

Although this has been the first antiSemitic incident to be reported in San Antonio in the past two years, the number of hate groups have grown by 54 percent since 2000.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has identified about 930 hate groups active in the U.S. A study by the Anti-Defamation League showed that there were 912 anti-Semitic incidents across the U.S. This was a 21 percent increase since 2013.

These incidents range from adolescents bullying on social networks to men taking Jewish lives in the name of Hitler.

A popular notion is that racial inequality is something of the past, but a quick glance

at current issues such as anti-Semitic graffiti or police brutality will demonstrate the level of racial hate that is still alive.

Racism has taken more of a systematic role in the past few decades, but incidents like these show that outright hate is still alive as well.

Though these are sad moments, it is also important to recognize the resilience in these communities. The way communities react to these discrimination skits can say a lot about their dignifying attitude.

“Our congregation experienced a hate crime, but our community experienced love and support from every facet of our community.” Rabbi Arnold Scheinberg, a member of the Jewish community in San Antonio, said.

Netflix provides support with new paid leave policy SOFIA ZANETTA COMMENTARY EDITOR

Netflix’s new paid leave policy is providing for certain workers, but not but not all employees.

Netflix now provides service that not only guarantees awesome movies, but, as of now, also offers paid leave to some first year parents after the birth or adopting of a child.

Wall Street and other firms are also beginning to follow the trend. However,

“

“It’s wrong for Netflix to create two classes of employees.

Already there’s a divide between higher income earners and low wage workers...”

Shannon Murphy

these policies have a limiting factor, they

apply to a small percentage of employees deemed as “talented,” in high demand or favorable.

“Netflix’s continued success hinges on us competing for and keeping the most talented individuals in their field,” Netflix’s chief talent officer Tawni Cranz wrote.

Netflix’s policy doesn’t cover all of its employees, such as the ones in the DVD distribution division, who are less paid and endure greater physical strain. The workers deemed replaceable are not included in these plans because they’re easier to just cut.

The branch of replaceable employees does not get offered the same perks regarding paid leave and breaks.

NPR estimated the distinction will ultimately leave out between 400 and 500 Netflix employees.

The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 supports replaceable workers’ eligibility for up to 12 weeks of family leave, although it is not paid.

Other developed nations provide up to four months of paid leave to both parents,

meaning men and women can both take off.

They also provide benefits that regulate the number of required working hours and vacation time.

There have been calls to enact similar legislation within the U.S., but at this time nothing has been able to pass, and likely will not until Congress and the Senate overcome party lines and work together.

Graphic by Brandon Leonard

COMMENTARY 7

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Volunteer experience at CTH 2015 creates guide to unexpected perspective JASMINE B. MORALES CONTRIBUTING WRITER

During Continuing the Heritage our task for the day was to assist in distributing school supplies to children living in the Bexar County.

I was bewildered by the small response from the community. There few children stopped by the fair to take advantage of the free health screenings and educational information on overall well-being. It seemed the football tournament going on across the street was far more important.

Instead of waiting for the crowd to come to the fair, students from St. Mary’s went across the street to attract more people.

However, even as the students were attempting to inform the community about the free services that were provided, the crowd of parents did not seem to show much interest, but, rather, turned in the opposite direction.

I could not understand how people could

pass up the free giveaways, which could ease their spending.

After walking for what seemed like the length of the field, I paid close attention to the crowd’s body language.

Thinking about the facial expressions of the crowd during our walk back to the fair, I could not help but reflect on the word “service” and question whether we were approaching them the wrong way.

By volunteering more frequently one is able to connect with people and discover ways in which to relate to them.

If students continue to volunteer and dedicate more time to observing and applying new methods to relate to people, they would be able to make a bigger impact through volunteerism and not just charity.

If students continued to volunteer and dedicated more time to observing and applying new methods to relate to people, they would be able to make a bigger impact through volunteerism and not just charity.

CTH volunteers meet on Flex field for a full day of service. I Photo by Mat Martinez

Texas listed as leading contributer to air pollution in United States Climate change is a crucial issue affecting the world today. It is urgent that people take the initative to inform themselves.

VALERIE HUSKEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Everything’s bigger in Texas — including air pollution. Despite the Texas Clean Air Act of 1989, the state continues to fall behind others in maintaining clean air for its citizens.

This is a serious problem for Texans, as well as the rest of the globe, because air pollution is directly related to climate change.

Recent effects of climate change include the flooding in San Antonio and across the U.S. Melting glaciers near Greenland are raising the sea level, threatening to flood coastal areas of several countries including the U.S. Greenhouse gasses are partially to blame for this phenomenon.

Several factors are involved in creating air pollution, some are man-made while others occur in nature.

According to a 2011 New York Times report, Texas has the highest carbon dioxide emissions in the nation. This is due, primarily, to the thousands of cars and trucks on the roads.

Texas governmental officials have worked to reduce air pollution by following the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulations and focusing on the reduction of nitrogen oxides emissions.

Some of the efforts have paid off. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality reported that between the years of 2000 and 2013 the amount of ozone, better known as smog, decreased by 24 percent.

However, more ozone is converging around the major metropolitan cities of Texas every day. One major contributor to the air pollution in San Antonio is the Eagle Ford Shale site.

The drilling process for oil and gas increased the amount of volatile emissions in the air, according to a report from the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG).

Graphic by Brandon Leonard

Republican proposal for new birthright citizenship sparks chaos DANIELLE SAENZ STAFF WRITER

Graphic by Brandon Leonard

After reviewing the Air Quality Index Report, which provides data on the amount of emissions and gases in major cities, it is clear that a high index of ozone is present.

The report provides air pollution data dating back to 1997 to form a comprehensive look at the change in air pollution over time.

If changes in air pollution control are not made soon, cities like San Antonio are in danger of exceeding the federal standards.

If this occurs the city could suffer sanctions from the EPA as well as direct EPA oversight on any new projects.

As stewards of Texas, there exists a responsibility in preventing further destruction of the atmosphere.

For ideas on air pollution preventatives, visit the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality at tceq.texas.gov.

The issue of immigration reform has been called to the frontlines of GOP debates, creating both applause and disapproval.

Republican presidential candidates are battling the issue of immigration, calling for an application of the controversial reforms they deem as a threat to the U.S. One of the latest proposals for ending illegal immigration is ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents who are illegal immigrants.

Ending birthright citizenship would require changing and rewriting the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to those born on U.S. ground.

Many GOP presidential candidates have come forward recently stating they support ending birthright citizenship.

The conflicts surrounding their support extends further than amending the 14th Amendment — it includes what some are calling derogatory and racist statements in regard to illegal immigrants. The potential reforms for illegal immigration proposed

by Republican candidates have been a blatant attack on certain minority groups.

Jeb Bush recently called U.S. children born to illegal parents ‘anchor babies.’ If that was not enough, Bush clarified in an obvious ploy to keep the Hispanic vote while touring South Texas that he was referring to Asians.

Donald Trump also chimed in on this slur calling birthright citizenship “the

biggest magnet for illegal immigration.”

Though the GOP support ending birthright citizenship or call for a reexamination of it, they have yet to create a reasonable solution on how to determine who is a citizen, or what it would mean for current citizens born to illegal parents.

Ending birthright citizenship has come up in the past and typically has the backing of conservative vote. It is only recently that examining the idea of illegal immigration and what it means to be a U.S. citizen has come back into question. The U.S. is a nation built on immigration, whether it was considered legal or illegal.

Immigration is a major contributer to our nation’s birth and history. It has become an issue that the GOP stated endangers the American way of life.

This reform is not about doing away with illegal immigration, it is the fear of the emergence of minority cultures and peoples in the U.S., since they are a threat to many of the stances the GOP continues to reinforce.

This train of thought would make most if not all American citizens illegal since most came from ancestors who were not given formal permission to enter legally.

Illegal immigration is a multi-layered issue that will not be solved by reforms and taking away birthright citizenship. Birthright citizenship should be a Constitutional right it is for all who are born here.

As a nation, the U.S. should recognize its founding principles and history with immigration.

LABOR DAY WEEK SCHLITTERBAHN

WATER PARK

Schlitterbahn Water Park is 70+ acres of rides, attractions and fun. This Labor Day weekend, the park will be open Sept. 5–Sept. 6 from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. General one-day passes are $50.99 and parking is free. Discounted tickets can be purchased in the University Bookstore.

SAN MA

SAN MA

GRUENE

Looking for a small town with lots to do?

Then, Gruene, TX is the place to be this Labor Day weekend. It’s home to the oldest country dance hall, and fun dining in the historic Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar. The drive from St. Mary’s to Gruene is approximately 45 minutes.

OUTLETS

TUBING

Visit Texas Tubing and spend a relaxing day floating the Guadalupe River. Texas Tubing will be open from 9 a.m.–7 p.m. all Labor Day weekend. Rates start at $15 for a tube rental and one shuttle ride back to the starting point, and a tube rental with an all-day shuttle is $20.

PLUCKERS

NEW B R A U N F E L S BRAUNFELS NEW

AQUARENA CENTER

KEND GETAWAYS New Braunfels

ARCOS

Austin

BARTON SPRINGS

Barton Springs is a spring fed pool open year round and is 3 acres in size. The daily entry fee is $4 for ages 18–62. General hours of operation are everyday from 8 a.m.–10 p.m. except for Thursdays 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Alcohol and smoking is prohibited.

Tanger Outlet Center is the biggest attraction in San Marcos. Shops range from jewelery outlets to home decor. Coupons can be found at the outlet’s website: www.tangeroutlet. com/coupons/. The outlets will be open from 9 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sept. 4–Sept.5, and from 10 a.m.– 7 p.m on Sept. 6.

LADY BIRD LAKE

Lady Bird Lake has one of the best scenic views of downtown Austin. The boardwalk around the lake is perfect for bike riding.

Kayaking, canoeing, rowing and paddle boarding are some of the activities offered on the lake.

Once an appetite is worked up from shopping all day at the outlets, head on over to Pluckers Wing Bar. The infamous wings, waffle fries and lemonade are sure to satisfy every customer. Pluckers was published as a top-10 wing bar in U.S. Today, and a top-5 ESPN sports bar.

KERBEY LANE

Kerbey Lane is located exclusively in the Austin area. The restaurant offers organic, locally sourced diner style food with a unique style due to their seasonal menus. Kerbey Lane is partnered with local farmers and ranches making food friendly on the palette as well as the conscience.

ARCOS

Aquarena Center is a non-profit nature center where people can learn about the local ecosystem and participate in educational programs about environmental issues. Tours of the facilities are done in glass-bottom boats on the lake and make for a unique experience.

AUSTIN AUSTIN

10 FEATURES

EDITOR: MIDORI GONZALEZ/ @RATTLERMIDORI

Vale: The familiar word that keeps Spain close together JAMES MCCANDLESS & RICHARD S. PRESSMAN, PH.D.

Sitting at a bus stop in Alcalá, Spain, two bus drivers talk, one sitting at his seat and the other one standing in front of the open door. As they are talking, the one standing on the street starts smoking a cigarette.

As I am sitting near the front, to my surprise, he starts blowing the smoke into the bus. After a few puffs, and probably because of the look on my face, the driver says, “Stop blowing the smoke in here, vale?”

The other man says vale, puts it out, and goes to his bus.

This is just one of countless situations I have witnessed in which an argument or a potential argument is diffused with that one simple word. This word is distinct in the way it is used in Spain, as an all-purpose word for friendliness.

The rest of the world uses some variation of “okay,” but not Spain. There it’s used mainly after an agreement is reached, such as how much to pay for something at a market or what time to meet at a café. I’ve seen it diffuse arguments.

If a bus driver is late and an ordinary passenger starts an argument, the driver will argue for a few minutes and then say Vale?

He says it as a question. He means that the dispute is not worth pursuing. That is, it allows people’s anger to be superseded by a demeanor of friendliness. It’s a comforting word. If I ask someone for something and the person replies with vale, I’m immediately

assured that I will be accommodated.

The larger the request, the more times the word will be said, and in rapid succession.

I’ve seen families use it to comfort their children and to welcome in their friends.

There has not been an exchange I have overheard in which vale has not been said in agreement to something. Because this word is so universal in Spanish culture, just using it can foster friendship.

If I’m ever stopped in the street to be asked for, say, the time, that person will say vale and smile. I feel an immediate familiarity with that person. It creates friendships faster than I’ve ever seen another word do. This word plays into the Spanish idea of living for each other, or solidaridad. If Spanish people show genuine concern for their fellow Spanish person, they will say vale as much as they can.

There is a big show in saying it around children to have them understand that they are to say it in order to be friendly. I don’t hear many say it as children, but as they grow to be teenagers and so become more aware of how they interrelate with others, there is a noted increase.

Never have I seen one single word so capable of promoting so much happiness.

No one ever says it in a state of anger, but if a person one is arguing with uses vale, then the other person’s anger starts to dissipate.

It’s comforting to the person who says it and to the person who hears it, including the angry one.

In a larger sense, it can be used to

James McCandless with his roommate Andres Gonzalez and host mom. | Courtesy of James McCandless

keep ordinary society calm and collected, preventing hostile disagreements to expand into shouting matches, as the Spanish are capable of doing. After the use of this word, rarely does an argument last. It seems that this word is like a mediator to keep the social peace.

This is one aspect of Spanish culture that has no equivalent to our own. Instead of an all-encompassing word, there are several words with several meanings that all function independently of each other. There is no one word I can say in an argument

that will calm everyone down. There is no universal word that conveys to the person I am talking to that I want him or her to have a good day.

Vale is an expression of a relaxed culture that wants life to go as smoothly as possible.

Even if someone is in a hurry and runs into a friend on the street, a simple greeting and vale keeps the other person from feeling slighted.

And vale followed by venga—literally “come”—is stronger than “see you”; it means I want to see you again.

Students use summer break to explore possible career options

Exploring one’s potential future careers can be explored through internships.

DANIEL W. PEREZ MANAGING EDITOR

While some students relax for the following semester, some college students are using their time off in another way. Some pursue internships to give them a glimpse into their future professions.

Senior computer science major Mara Rivera had the opportunity to work at Rackspace, a San Antonio based company that hosts the servers for major corporations.

Rivera was one of about forty students selected to intern at the company.

“At Rackspace I worked as a developer,” Rivera said.

“Everyday I would meet with my team about what was done and what needed to be done,” said Rivera. Also adding, “ I met with many different Rackspace employees to discuss products I would be working on,” said Rivera.

Senior criminal justice major Andrea Lopez spent her summer preparing for the opportunity to do an internship at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms. After being accepted into the program Lopez was taken on a tour of the ATF offices.

“Of course the moment you walk into the office there’s security signs all over the place and the receptionist must open the doors for you,” Lopez said.

“My favorite part of the entire office was the evidence vault. There’s a huge vault, like the ones the banks have, and the inside is full of firearms such as guns, rifles, etc., along with drugs and other types of evidence,” said Lopez.

Internships allow students to apply knowledge gained in the classroom and learn if the field they are studying is something they would want as a future career.

“After working at [Rackspace] I believe I know a lot more about the major I’ve chosen,” Rivera said. “Working there has given me so much technical and nontechnical experience it was an amazing place to work.”

Lopez is also optimistic for the doors her internship will open for her.

“My expectations for this internship is to learn as much as I can from the agents and get the experience of being an agent and see if this is what I really want to do for the rest of my life,” Lopez said.

Senior history major Meagan Lozano spent her summer doing research on a figure in history whose reputation is associated with controversy.

“We conducted research on defending the true history about Adrian Vidal-- who was a Tejano who fought not only in the Civil War, but against French imperialism happening in Mexico,” Lozano said.

“His main focus was getting aid to his people in Mexico and in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Lozano. Lozano served on both the confederate and union armies.

However, he left both armies to join the Juaristas in Mexico.

“Throughout history because of this ‘treachery’ he’s been called a deserter, killer, etc. when in reality that’s not the case.

Through class we got evidence to back up our claim, and Dr. Teresa Van Hoy reached out to Rio Grande City in hopes of sharing our research with them. We ended up having an event there and I presented a 10 minute film telling the story of Adrian Vidal,” said Lozano.

Teresa Van Horn and her student researchers in front of the Kennedy Ranch Musuem of South Texas in Sarita, Texas) | Courtesy of Roberto Hasfura

(Top) Rackspace intern Mara Rivera | Photo By Daniel W. Perez

FEATURES 11

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

PHOTO POLL Q: WHAT IS YOUR FASHION MUST HAVE THIS SEASON?

ROBERT BARCENAS senior accounting and philosophy A: tank tops

Large family’s adversity leads to CEO success VALERIE PEREZ ADVERTISING MANAGER

Growing up in a family of twenty-one siblings and having faced devastating odds, Paul Lamar Hunter, CEO of Paul Lamar Hunter LLC, Life Coach and Motivational Speaker overcame his tough childhood by being the first in his family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Lamar is planning on obtaining a Masters in leadership or Public Administration here at St. Mary’s.

Lamar is originally from Wisconsin yet he is still very close to his siblings and considers himself lucky to have gotten this far. He said that he and his siblings Facebook and Tweet each other all the time.

When the fourteenth child was born, his family was living in a two-bedroom house.

The County Sheriff found out and forced them to move due to the small space. When the word got out, a donor gave his family an eighteen-bedroom house for just one dollar.

Lamar’s mother established a homeless shelter called “Love and Charity,” when he was young. Despite his large family, sadly his father died when he was eight years old. Two years later the house caught fire and he lost one of his siblings in the fire.

He described his childhood with detachment and neglect. Although some of his siblings did not fulfill their promise of attending his graduation ceremony, he still became living proof that faith, fortitude, and determination can positively impact educational success.

After Lamar graduated from Upper

SEE EXAMPLES ONLINE AT

stmurattlernews.com

CHRISLIN CAMPBELL senior criminology A: Jordans

RACHEL SERDA junior arts and communication A: Kendra Scott earrings

Photos by Mathew Martinez

Iowa University, he decided to move to San Antonio because his children resided here. His first child was born when he was twenty-three. Lamar said that a friend and mentor, Michael Mulhern, recommended the school to him because of its strong Catholic tradition.

Lamar is currently spending his time going on interviews with several television stations, attending events as a motivational speaker, and promoting his book.

“I woke up at 2 am for two and a half years and spent three to four hours writing my book before classes,” Lamar said. His book is called “No Love, No Charity: The success of the 19th Child” and is available on Amazon, Kindle Fire, and iBooks.

Having been mentioned in many national magazines, including Ebony magazine, Today’s Christian magazine, and the National Examiner, Lamar has grown in popularity. He has even been featured as a special guest on the Morning Blend, which aired on April 2, 2013. Lamar’s fame will continue as he plans to receive the Breakthrough Award at the Equanimity Awards Benefit Gala this October in Dallas.

Some of his current plans for the upcoming year are to share his story with the world and to eventually receive an invitation from President Obama to the White House.

He also wishes to get invited as a guest on The Today Show, CBS this Morning, Oprah, Ellen Degeneres, etc.

Lamar also plans be a mentor and help others also pursue an education, while being

a basketball coach as well. “ “There are three attributes that will always help anyone who wants to be successful. They are ability, innovation, and imagination,” Lamar said.

At the present time he is excited to share his story with the world.

He will be attending classes for his Master’s degree here at St. Mary’s in January 2016.

Courtesy of Today’s TMJ4 Youtube Channel

THESTYLE CORNER

Midori Gonzalez - Features Editor With school back in full swing, it’s important to look chic without breaking a sweat. Fall fashion is a breeze, if you play up your wardrobe and have all your fall essentials.

Currently, an unexpected trend is taking the United states by storm.

Denim. Not denim itself but the emergance of the use of denim on denim. Stars such as Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Rihanna, have been spotted rocking denim on denim. Usually the trend is immitated by wearing a light denim button up blouse with a darker shade of denim for the jeans.

A great way to dress up a simple outfit is by adding platform sandals.

These retro pieces of footwear have made many appearances on high profile fashion runways and can be worn casually or even for a special occassion.

This time of year, bright colors and pscychedelic patterns are in. For a day of running errands or grabbing coffee with friends, opt for rompers. The beauty of rompers is that they fit every shape and size amazingly.

For the tall slim girl looking for a way to show off her curves, jumpsuits are a necessity. Not only do they flatter the

lean figure, but jumpsuits are also super trendy must-haves for a fall wardrobe.

Lately, patterend shorts have been making their debut in the fashion world. Shorts that have designs such as tribal print, chevron patterns or floral accents are a fashion lovers dream. For a daylook, a plain colored shirt that matches the shorts is ideal. For a nightime look, wear heels and bold jewlery.

Maxi dresses and skirts are perfect for the bohemian fashion lover. To finish the look add a hat and a crocheted sweater. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore other options.

Lastly, wearing stylish footwear is crucial to making or breaking an outfit.

Ditch your flip-flops and basic flats for a fun look. Whether it is women’s loafers, gladiator sandals, or platform sandals, don’t be afraid to turn heads.

Mixing and matching different pieces of clothing can help create a wide variety of outfits. Creativity and a little bit of mixing and matching can go a long way.

Source by red-perfideny.blogspot.com

12 ENTERTAINMENT

EDITOR: MANUELA GONZALEZ/ @RATTLERMANUELA

Innovative student artwork kicks off the semester with flair

(top row from top left) Reba Cupp, ‘Masked Figure in Motion’; Johanna Villareal, ‘Sunset Nuances’; Mayra Espinoza, ‘Into the World’; Jacquelyn Banton, ‘Brilliance is Mess’; (bottom row from bottom left) Maria Saavedra, ‘Blooming Mind Holding Tight’; Jacquelyn Banton, ‘Frank’; Katy K. Primeaux, ‘Autumn’s Morning Sun’; J.P. Gandara-Valderas, ‘Melancholia’. | Photos by Tamara Garcia

TAMARA GARCIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Students’ artwork, displayed on the second floor of the Louis J. Blume Library, brought life to different subjects in different tones and colors.

Each piece had a distinct style and was made as an assignment for different art classes offered last spring including Painting I, Printmaking, Design Fundamentals and others.

Jacquelyn Banton, senior English major and art minor, had two pieces on display.

One piece, titled “Frank,” is a close-up of a man with eyes behind thick-rimmed glasses that seem to stare right back at the person staring at him. The lips are still, as if in

defeated silence, adding to the serious tone of the thought-provoking stare. The piece was done in pencil for a Drawing I class.

Banton’s other work, titled “Brilliance is Mess,” combined several elements to create one cohesive piece. “What inspired the art work was actually the poem itself that can be seen in the piece,” Banton said.

In “Brilliance is Mess,” Banton depicts three lightbulbs hanging from the top boundary of the frame, with the largest lightbulb shattered and morphed into the different layers of patterns that make up the rest of the piece.

“I had a dream where I was trying to screw in a light, but the bulb broke in my hand and sliced into my skin,” Banton said.

The patterns alternate between checkerboard, zig zag and small semi circles that build on one another.

“I had never mixed the textures of glass and blood before in my mind,” Banton said.

“The patterns I saw were very beautiful”.

The poem Banton wrote is wrapped around the boundary of the zig zag pattern, and it explored the connection between lighbulbs, creativity and thought. Most pieces involved multimedia tools.

Other pieces, like “Autumn’s Morning Sun” and “Into the World”, incorporate color in realistic and nonrealistic ways to emphasize the central focus of the piece.

Katy Primeaux, artist of “Autumn’s Morning Sun,” depicted the natural progress of a tree changing with the seasons. The

vibrant colors are reminiscent of the beauty typically associated with autumn.

“Into the World” artist Mayra Espinoza depicted a figure swinging behind a window frame with a starry-night sky in the background. The figure on the swing was painted red, which contrasted boldly with the mostly silver, grey and black sky.

The sculptures on display depicted a wide variety of subject matter from the human brain to a flower pot, some with tiny and intricate details and others with large shapes and patterns. All showcased the diversity of artistic talent at St. Mary’s University.

The exhibition was on display during the beginning of the summer, from May 8 to Aug. 31, during the standard library hours.

Major traveling spy exhibit finds new home in San Antonio Debuting exhibit on espionage makes its way to San Antonio after being hosted in the largest cities in the nation.

PAIGE GANDARA – VALDERAS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Whether dreaming of being the next double-0, IMF agent, Kingsman or just interested in spy toys, Rivercenter Mall’s recently opened Spy! The Exhibit features over 250 spy gear objects and artifacts to capture the imagination of all while showing how the espionage industry works.

“This is a personal collection of over 30 years by historian H. Kieth Melton,” general manager of the exhibit Joel Alvarado said.

“He is one of the founding members of the Spy Espionage Company. He has also written six books total … including “Spy Craft,” “Inside The Secret World of Espionage: Ultimate Spy” and “Spysites.””

The exhibit has only traveled to Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Seattle before coming to San Antonio. Melton believed San Antonio would be a great location since it is both a tourist attraction and a military city.

“So far business is good, especially with the summer tourists,” Alvarado said.

San Antonio tourists comprise the majority of the exhibit’s business. The most popular attraction is the laser maze — an attraction that requires participants to cross

a room in under 30 seconds while avoiding alarm triggering lasers. Other highlights include an enigma machine — a hollow brick used to send messages — and a pressure suit worn by a U-2 plane pilot.

“There is currently another permanent location being built in San Antonio,” service innovation leader Alex Guevara said. “It [is] the old Joske’s building on the corner of Alamo and Commerce St. It will hold both permanent and temporary exhibits.”

“The history of it is what amazed me,” Ken Furstendelf, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, said. “It’s very informative. It’s awesome to know that these spies were everyday people just like us. I feel like I appreciated it more because I was in the Air Force and actually knew people who worked with some of this stuff.”

“I loved it because this stuff actually happened,” Sarah Reyes, a San Antonio resident visiting the exhibit, said. “The spy exhibit even has a piece of the Berlin Wall in there. You actually have to spend at least an hour in there to get the full appreciation of it.” Event attendees were met with a varied collection that left a lasting impact.

The exhibit provides an interactive source for those who want to take a look at what it is like to be in the field of espionage.

Tickets are $19.50, but only $10 after 7 p.m.

The exhibit is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. and is located at 300 E. Crockett St.

Collapsible motorcycle used in special ops greets attendees. | Photo by Paige Gandara-Valderas

ENTERTAINMENT 13

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Entertainment for students planning outings on tight budget

The San Antonio Botanical Gardens, among the most interesting places one can visit in the city, providing a wonderful view as well as unique classes and tours.

Planned and funded officially in 1970 by Mrs. R. R. Witt and Mrs. Joseph Murphy, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens had their groundbreaking on July 1976 after years of citywide development and planning.

Currently, the gardens host a variety of architecture projects, trails, gardens and other natural sights of gardens and flowers. and diverse plants Individuals may sign up for classes on gardening and growing vegetables specific to age range and interest within each discipline, to name a few options.

Students with I.D. pay an $8 entry for access to every part of the gardens. | www.sabot.org

200 W. Jones Ave.

One of the most incredible architectural feats within San Antonio, the Tobin Center is an artistic hub. Designed with a modern architectural style, it is by far one of the coolest buildings in the downtown area.

Originally the Municipal Auditorium, the Tobin Center maintains aspects of the original facade, providing a great sight right off the river banks. Design-wise, the Tobin building commands a lot of attention.

Hosting a variety of talent on a weekly basis, attending an event at the Tobin Center is recommended and affordable. For the coming fall months, we can expect artists such as Lionel Richie, shows like “The Price is Right” live and John Secada performances. Students with I.D. can find discounted events online. | www.tobincenter.org

Starting out as two seperate museums before melding into one, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) was opened March of 1981.

Built after purchasing the historic Lone Star Brewery Complex, SAMA offers a great collection, as well as an incredible atmosphere and plentiful walking space.

There’s even a skybridge that connects two of the spaces and lets patrons get a view of the river and part of the city. Each floor of the museum is dedicated to an era of art, from colonial to contemporary. The outdoor patio also features a French cafe.

This locale is not one to miss.

SAMA has historic collections that are museum staples as well as traveling collections which bring in plenty of viewers. Students with I.D. gain admission for $5 as opposed to $10. | www.samuseum.org

7.

618 NW Loop 410

The Alamo Drafthouse cinema is the movie theater that will ruin other moviegoing experiences simply because the ambiance can’t be beat.

With three locations serving San Antonio and the surrounding areas, the Drafthouse is home to a bar as well as a full menu that is served to patrons as they view the films. Offering a wide range of popular blockbusters as well as premiering indie films and showcasing special oldies for events, one really can’t go wrong with the Drafthouse. Because of their desired ambiance, however, the theater does have strict policies on cellphones and talking during the movie. Pay special mind to that to avoid being asked to leave.

Most tickets can be purchased through their website with charges varying by show and time. | www.drafthouse.com/san_antonio

8.

801 E Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.

INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES

555 Funston Pl.

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART

6.

4.

100 Auditorium Cir.

ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA

The Majestic Theater is possibly the most historic San Antonio venue on this list. Found in the heart of the city, it has undergone drastic changes, being labeled a National Historic Landmark due to the age of the original building.

With a seating of 2,264, the Majestic Theater hosts a wide variety of events from concerts to plays to comedy showcases. For the coming fall months, you can expect to see stand-up from the host of Cash Cab, “Don Quixote,” “The Litte Mermaid” and the National Acrobats and Circus of China. The Majestic also has branch theaters such as the Empire Theater which features the same rapport of events.

For certain events, students get discounts if they go to the box office, with other tickets as low as $34 per seat, all of which can be found online. | www.majesticempire.com

Being the first museum of modern art in Texas, the McNay has exhibited a rich history since its founding in 1954. It is a place you must visit while attending St. Mary’s University.

Boosted by the fortune of Marion Koogler Mcnay (whom you can learn about within select rooms of the establishment), the museum is situated just within reach of the Alamo Heights district, surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna. Consequently, not only can people attend the exhibits, but they can request to have photos taken on the grounds for any special event, something common in practice. Boasting multiple floors and groundspace, the McNay is a must-see.

The McNay offers a daily deal of $5 for students admission with I.D. as opposed to the standard $10. | www.mcnayart.org

SA BOTANICAL GARDENS

224 E. Houston Street

MAJESTIC THEATER

5.

6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.

3.

TOBIN CENTER

Cowboys Dance Hall is one of the most popular dancehalls in the San Antonio area.

Attracting a majority of the college population in the city, it’s rare to find a weekend when the venue isn’t full, and their list of events shows for it. Offering a “down home country” aesthetic, squaredancing lessons and extreme bull riding spectacles, the dancehall offers plenty to do for those on campus who are looking to pull out those cowboy boots and put them to good use. The dress code is lax and the crowd is normally extremely active, adding up to a good time.

Currently, Cowboys offers a college night on every Wednesday for those students 18 and over, as well as military discount and free covers for ladies 21+ on promotional days. | www.cowboysdancehall.com

2.

MCNAY ART MUSEUM

3030 NE Loop 410

COWBOYS DANCE HALL

1.

Found at Hemisfair Park, the Institute of Texan Cultures is another notable museum, surrounded by walkable areas which the average student wouldn’t normally venture to during their time at St. Mary’s.

Focusing entirely on what makes up Texan culture, the museum holds claim to incredible collections of historic articles, which patrons will not see anywhere else. Not only that, but their exclusive association with UTSA provides excellent discounts for students across the city.

Currently, the Institute of Texan Cultures offers admissions for students with I.D. at $6 as opposed to their standard $8 (with free entry for UTSA and Alamo Colleges students). | www.cowboysdancehall.com

| compiled by Manuela Gonzalez

14 FITNESS & HEALTH EXERCISE OF THE WEEK

SQUAT

Keeping your back straight, lower your body down and back as if you are sitting into a chair until your thighs are as close to parallel to the floor as possible.

EDITOR: ALLIE BEEDLE / @RATTLERALLIE

How to avoid and treat heat related injuries ALLIE BEEDLE SPORTS EDITOR

With temperatures continuously climbing to the high 90s, heat related injuries become more common.

According to the Center for Disease Control or CDC, every year extreme heat causes 658 deaths on average in the U.S. with approximately 40% happening in California, Arizona and Texas.

The three kinds of heat related injuries are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

As students take to the outdoor courts and various fields to practice and play, it is important to keep these serious injuries in mind, and be prepared to prevent and, if need be, treat.

The least severe injury is heat cramps.

Heat cramps occur when there is muscle pain or spasms and flush or moist skin.

These can be painful but are easily treated by moving to a cool place to rest and slowly and gently massaging the affected area.

Removing shoes and socks will help to cool down the body. As the blood vessels cool they will take cool blood to the rest of the body.

When experiencing a heat related illness, be sure to remove excess clothing and drink sports drinks.

Heat exhaustion is one of the more severe heat related injuries. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include high fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue and feeling faint.

The best way to treat heat exhaustion is to use the same as the treatment for heat cramps, but, if symptoms do not improve, a trip to the emergency room is advised for possible intravenous fluids.

The most severe heat related injury is heat stroke. Seizures, coma and death are possible symptoms. Traits of heat stroke match those of heat exhaustion and cramps along with confusion, loss of appetite, agitation, lethargy and stupor.

When symptoms of a heat stroke occur, immediately move to a cool place to rest and call emergency services.

Placing ice bags on armpits and the groin area can help to quickly lower body temperature while waiting for help to arrive.

All of these illnesses can cause serious brain and organ damage and even death. Properly preparing before going out in the sun can help prevent any serious damage.

It is also important to wear protective sunscreen with an SPF higher than 15 to prevent serious sunburns. If extreme sunburn does occur cool skin with a cool shower or bath an apply moisturizing lotion.

If the sunburn is accompanied by blisters or severe pain a doctors visit is advised.

Drinking plenty of water will help to prevent all of these injuries and fight dehydration as well.

Precautions such as wearing light colored and loose apparel, wide brim hats, applying sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher, drinking enough water and avoiding peak heat hours can all help prevent heat related injuries and keep people safe.

Making Healthy Cafeteria Choices: Salad Bar Avoiding unhealthy mistakes at the salad bar can be easy by keeping a few rules in mind and making smart choices.

ALLIE BEEDLE SPORTS EDITOR

Make sure your knees do not pass over your toes and keep your abs tightly activated to ensure a straight spine. Then rise back up slowly.

Salad bars are a quick and easy way to grab a nutritious lunch and get to the next class without waiting in line in the cafeteria.

However, when making a salad some may get carried away with the different salad bases and toppings that can be combined to deminish the nutritional value. By keeping a few simple things in mind, students can keep salads delicious and healthy.

When picking the salad’s base, it is

best to stick with greener leafs, which are more nutritious, such as spinach, romaine and kale.

Making the salad look like art is another trick in avoiding less than healthy options.

The most vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables have the most nutritional value.

Try adding carrots, strawberries, cranberries, red bell peppers or corn to salads. Each fruit and vegetable is high in vitamins A and C, potassium and folic acid; nutrients that are essential for a healthy diet.

Salads can also help students get the recommended daily protein intake.

By adding kidney beans, skinless chicken or turkey, salmon, tuna and legumes students can simultaneously increase protein intake and taste of the salad.

Protein is important to a healthy diet due to its role in building and repairing the

body’s tissue and ensuring strong bones and muscles. Protein is also filling and helps curb hunger.

The source of most poor choices comes when adding extra toppings and dressings.

Try avoiding croutons and bacon bits and substitute nuts instead.

Also, be weary of which cheese you add—¼ cup of cheddar cheese has over 100 calories. Instead, try to substitute feta or Parmesan cheese; they are naturally lower in fats and calories.

When choosing dressings remember to watch serving sizes and steer clear of creamy varieties, which are high in sodium and calories.

By making careful decisions and substituting healthier options students can still quickly grab a nutritious and healthy lunch while beating the cafeteria lines.

Local restaurant specializes in being and eating green MANUELA GONZALEZ ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Varriations include adding different weights, front squat, overhead squat, split squat and sumo squat.

Squats demonstrated by senior exercise and sport science major Kriston Minor Photo by Julia Ewalefo Compiled by Allie Beedle

Due to the obesity epidemic in the U.S., healthy eating options have surged in popularity nationwide.

While many existing restaurants adapted by adding some new menu items, Green Vegetarian Cuisine made healthier living the focus of the whole restaurant.

Green, as the name suggests, caters to a healthier style of living as well as eating.

The restaurant uses an energy efficient thermal roof barrier to reduce energy consumption. They also reuse existing structures within the building.  The majority of the restaurant equipment is recycled and reused.

Green offers recycling bins at both locations, as well as bike racks for customers, fair trade organic coffee, free-range eggs and biodegradable packaging when available.

Green also provides free Wi-Fi for customers and plenty of places to plug in power chords, helping the restaurant also

function as a cafe.

While non-vegetarians might normally find venturing into vegetarian restaurants intimidating because they know little of the cuisine, the wait staff is friendly and ready to lend a hand by providing multiple suggestions on what to order.

Aside from main courses, Green also offers fresh and ready-to-order desserts that are all from vegan ingredients.

Green provides a daily special as

well as daily dessert specials that can be viewed when entering the restaurant or by checking with the wait staff.

The breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert menus offer a variety of options for customers. Some dishes include traditional Mexican dishes, pancakes, salads, burgers and muffins as well as special teas and smoothies.

Green is part of the San Antonio initiative to help residents transition to healthier eating habits due to its popularity, Green’s owners have also opened a fast food joint called Earth Burger, for those who want the same healthy eating options Green provides while on the go.

Green has two locations in San Antonio.

One is situated at the historic Pearl Brewery on 200 E Grayson Street, and the second on NW Military, Suite 2115. Earth Burger is located at 818 NW Loop 410. read

A classic green tomate with the name servers as the resturants logo. | courtesy of eatgreen.com

more

online

at

w w w. e a t a t g re e n . c o m

SPORTS 15

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Volleyball serves up powerful additions to experienced roster SARA E. FLORES LAYOUT AND DESIGN EDITOR

Heading into this season ranked No. 6 in the preseason poll, the volleyball team will have to tear through the semester missing three prominent players from last season.

Melissa Heft, Kelsey Huber and Victorria Martinez are three alumnae that left a significant mark in the program last season.

Martinez was no stranger to the headlines, breaking the program record for most all-time career digs with 2,337, and career digs per set with 5.78. Heft lead the team in kills last season with 266 total and 2.96 kills per set. Huber, a dominant six rotation player, was second in many areas on the leader board including kills with 227 total, service aces with 15 and digs with 344.

Head coach Jenny Warmack-Chipman, entering her sixth season with the team, is sure those powerhouse spots will be filled with players who display dedication and strength.

“We should’ve peaked last year as a program,” Warmack-Chipman said. “We had a lot of game experience per player, we had really good talent. I think we fell short of our true potential last year.”

However, the team’s chemistry and teamwork could make them stronger than ever this year.

“I think in the past we’ve been weak mentally,” middle blocker Lauren Holman, senior finance and risk management major, said. “We had strong players but we weren’t playing as a team. This year is so different.

We’re so close and I truly believe that if we can stay consistent and mentally strong we will go so far.”

The team already proved their chemistry in a friendly four-game scrimmage against alumnae on Aug. 23. The current team won all four games and got a taste of what it will feel like to play together when the season starts.

Prominent players returning this year include: Holman; captain defensive specialist Tori Estrada, senior exercise and sport science major; setter Kalyn Guthrie, senior forensic science major; captain outside hitter Jenna Paul, senior entrepreneurial studies major, and setter Rachael Scicchitano, junior biochemistry major.

“I think in particular with this [senior] class, after last year feeling that we should have gone farther than we did, I think they’re really focused on this year,” Warmack-Chipman said. “You know, we will accomplish our team goals, what we should do. We have the talent. The senior class gets along well, and Jenna [Paul] and Lauren [Holman] have been starters since they were freshmen. Kalyn [Guthrie] joined us last year, and Tori [Estrada] joined us her sophomore year.”

Holman and Scicchitano were at the top of the leaderboard last season in blocks and assists. Holman lead the team in block solos with 15 and block assists with 54, and Scicchitano lead the team in assists with 535.

“My goal every year is to come out better than the year before,” Holman said.

“I think what makes any player stronger is

online

at

SEPT 17

OCT 3

SEPT 19

OCT 7

SEPT 23

OCT 10

@ DALLAS BAPTIST l 7 PM

@ ST. EDWARD’S l 12 PM

@ TX WOMAN’S l 6 PM

@ TARLETON STATE l 7 PM

SEPT 25

@ TEXAS A&M INTERNATIONAL l 12 PM

l 7 PM

TEXAS A&M- KINGSVILLE l 7 PM

GAME RECAP Women’s Soccer

Men’s Soccer

#4

Women’s Volleyball

#6

Women’s Soccer

#4

@ NEWMAN l 7 PM

@ UA FORT SMITH l 12 PM

SEPT 29

2015 FALL PRESEASON POLLS

more

OCT 1

OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE STATE

#FANGSOUT

stmurattlernews.com

SEPT 10

TEXAS-PERMIAN BASIN l 7 PM

St. Mary’s athletics is hosting a GOLD RUSH! Kick off will be at 4 p.m. with a slip and slide, frozen treats, and free food. The first 125 students and faculty receive a free T-shirt with valid St. Mary’s ID. Women’s soccer starts at 5 p.m. and men’s at 8:00 pm. Don’t forget to wear your StMU gold!

read

outside hitters, whoever they are, they’re going to be a force to reckon with.”

Warmack-Chipman is not the only one who has faith in the team’s growth. Holman has noticed the hard work of her teammates as they prepare for the season.

“Although we lost some great talent, we’ve picked up some amazing players,” Holman said. “Players who I think will make a huge impact on our upcoming season in a very good way.

Victorria Estrada is a great defensive specialist, who is already filling those big shoes Martinez left. Maddi King is a transfer outside who continues to surprise me every day in practice.”

Last season marked their fifth consecutive year receiving the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic award, meaning the team excels on the court and in the classroom.

“Coming in as a freshman, everyone said how important academics is, and I don’t think I really understood what that meant until my sophomore year,” Holman said. “So, to continue that on through my senior year has just been a blessing.”

To receive the award the team must have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, compared to the NCAA’s requirement for student athletes to maintain a 2.0 minimum to remain eligible. The team finished last season with a cumulative GPA of 3.34.

“It’s all exciting,” Warmack-Chipman said. “We really see some really good stuff in this group, and, if we can stay healthy, I think we can do some really great things.”

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

GOLD RUSH!

Preseason polls for the Heartland Conference have been released for some of St. Mary’s Athletics and once again St. Mary’s has high expectations for the upcoming season.

experience. It’s learning from your mistakes and victories. Volleyball isn’t just physical.

“The mental game is such an important factor in this sport, and I’ve had three seasons of playing under my belt, and blocking is all about reading where you think the ball is going to go, getting there and placing your hands in the right position to take up as much space as possible. As a senior I know what to do, it’s a matter of taking those three steps to the next level.”

New to the team this season are: defensive specialist Ariana Flores, freshman biology major; outside hitter Channing Hankins, freshman exercise and sport science major; setter Maddy Walsh, freshman business major, and outside hitter Maddi King, sophomore international business major and transfer from the University of Central Oklahoma.

“Walsh brings to the table a really strong setting background,” Warmack-Chipman said. “Flores is super quick and can be used as a defensive specialist or a setter, and Hankins is a true six rotation player and brings heat to the attack.”

Warmack-Chipman is setting high expectations for what she believes will be a strong group of hitters in Paul; Hankins; King; Tarine Grace, sophomore business major; and Allison Rose, sophomore exercise and sport science major.

“From the outside hitting position, I think we will be the strongest I think of any of the previous five years that I’ve been here,” Warmack-Chipman said. “Both of our

OCT 15

@ LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN l 7 PM

OCT 17

@ TEXAS- PERMIAN BASIN l 12 PM

GAME RECAP Men’s Soccer

Photo by Sara E. Flores

Photo by Sara E. Flores

vs Lions/ S.A. Sting

vs Our Lady of the Lake

Leaderboard

Leaderboard

Scorers: Brianna Shater, Roxy Cruz Santory, Kendall Traa

Scorers: Ryan Hoskins, Jack Verth, Victor Luna

W 8-0

L 3-0

SPORTS 16

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

CODE BLUE NAMES NEW SQUAD Senior Karissa Falcon and sophomore Felicia Rodriguez pose outside of St. Louis hall’s front doors. | Photos by Julia Ewalefo and Sara E. Flores

St. Mary’s Code Blue Dance team gained a new coach this year and also held open tryouts Aug. 30 to recruit new members.

GABY AQUINO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The beginning of the new semester brings thrilling opportunities for the St. Mary’s Code Blue dance team.

Code Blue, who hosted tryouts Aug. 30, was not only looking for new members but they have also acquired a new head coach.

Adrienne Robinson, a St. Mary’s alumna, retuned to coach for the Code Blue Dance Team, and, as a former member, she brings new ideas and a passion for the sport.

The coach and team looked forward to the tryouts. They hold tryouts at the beginning and end of each semester, and Robinson encourages any student who is interested to tryout no matter their skill level.

“If anyone feels that they can do it, by all means, try out!” Robinson said. “Everyone has their own talent within the team, that is what makes Code Blue so special.”

The team members are excited to have new members on the team, and they look forward to welcoming new dancers to the squad.

“I’m really looking forward to getting new team members for the year,” captain Natalee Nunez, senior, criminology major said. “That’s the best part about the year in my opinion. The veterans on the team really like getting to know the new girls.”

The team wasted no time getting down to work. They are already preparing performances for basketball half times, and they plan on attending as many home games as possible.

The team is already preparing to perform for the women’s soccer home game against the Florida Institute of Technology at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 4.

The spring semester also holds plenty of exciting opportunities for the dancers; along with attending games regularly, Code Blue also plans to go to competition in March.

Coach Robinson said she is confident and has high hopes for her first year as coach.

“We want to be more interactive with the audience,” Robinson said. “To liven up the Rattler Spirit, and getting more people out to games.”

FIND THEM ON SOCIAL MEDIA FACEBOOK: St. Mary’s University Code Blue Dance Team TWITTER: @CODEBLUEDANCE INSTAGRAM: @codebluedance

Senior Karissa Falcon (top) steps to fourth position. (Bottom left to right) Sopmore Felicia Rodriguez extends to fourth pose in front of St. Louis Hall’s fountain. Falcon and Rodriguez pose on a campus bench next to St. Louis. | Photos by Julia Ewalefo