Vol. 107 Issue No. 4 11/14/18

rattler 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 1 9 Vol 107 | Issue 4 | Nov. 14, 2018 | San Antonio, Texas

University budgets and finances at a standstill due to absences in administration VICTORIA SALDANA NEWS EDITOR

As the semester comes to a close, the administrative leave of Peggy DeBartolo, vice president for finance and administration, has brought the raises for professors and the paychecks for student employees to a standstill.

Within t h e last

few months of the semester DeBartolo’s unexpected placement on administrative leave has prompted reports from professors who have not received their cost of living raises in payroll and from student employees who have complained of late paychecks since the latter half of October.

In the formal email sent out to the St. Mary’s community, P r e s i d e n t Thomas Mengler used the term administrative leave to account for DeBartolo’s absence and discussed the steps the university is taking to compensate for it. Although the St. Mary’s h u m a n resources department does not specify what constitutes administrative leave, it is safe to say that administrative Graphic by Natlia Zuniga

leave is not the same as personal or medical leave. While the requirements for administrative leave are broad, generally the leave may be related to performance issues.

DeBartolo was hired last June, spending approximately 16 months as the vice president for finance and administration.

With 10 years in public

accounting firms and developmental and staff training in other colleges across the United States, she came from a background in finance.

Based on Mengler’s official statement to the St. Mary’s community it seems likely that DeBartolo will not be returning to her position and Becky Day will be serving as the interim vice president handling the finance and human resource departments.

However, Day will not always be available on campus as she will split her time between St. Mary’s and Dallas, where she lives. Day will work closely with Mei Lin Lee, director of finance, and Michael Sala, director of budget, to run the department.

“I am confident these changes will allow us to regain our forward progress on establishing processes for accurately projecting revenue from enrollment and creating realistic annual budgets,” said President Mengler.

CONTINUED ON PG. 3

St. Mary’s Pre-Law Program underprepares students for future law endeavors

OPINION

Alejandra

Garcia

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The St. Mary’s pre-law program is often advertised as a program providing undergraduate students with the information and opportunities they need to enhance their chances for law school admission while preparing them for successful careers in the field of law. Centered around the Nelson Wolff Law Early Admission Program, which is designed to help students finish their undergraduate and law degrees in six years, the pre-law program presents itself as an opportunity to assist students with class schedules and guide them with materials they could use in applying for the program.

However, the program falls short of its goals.

Despite promising guidance in designing a pre-law academic plan, help with letters of recommendation and personal statements and trips to law school forums, among other things, students have begun to question the legitimacy of the pre-law program as they’ve spent years at St. Mary’s without any sort of guidance. Some students have become disillusioned to the point that they feel like anything would be an improvement.

“I feel like, at this point, there’s so much that can be fixed because the program is basically non-existent,” said Ashleigh Morales, senior philosophy major.

After talking to various students interested in pursuing a legal profession, they have made several suggestions as to how the St. Mary’s pre-law program could improve to best serve its students’ needs.

First, some students have explained that their conception of the program was misguided by the information advertised, with many thinking that the program consisted of guidance for those who want to go to law school but don’t know how to get there.

“I thought it would be more preparatory, [where] you don’t have to already know what you’re supposed to [do],” said Alexis Dillon, freshman criminology major. “I thought it would be like advising, where they tell you what you should do.”

Some students have also expressed that the program should extend beyond the only law program offered at St. Mary’s, since most students are looking to apply to more than one and additional guidance on how to prepare would be extremely useful.

Furthermore, some students emphasized that they didn’t know how to apply for law school and often had to go to great lengths to find out for themselves.

“It would’ve been helpful to receive information about LSAT and CAS fee waivers or even procedural steps concerning application materials, like personal statements, letters of recommendation and how to send out scores and applications,” said Angel Torres, senior political science major The pre-law program should start holding more CONTINUED ON PG. 7

PG.6

Civic Engagement paramount after election LIFESTYLE

PG.11

Getting through Thanksgiving while vegan ENTERTAINMENT

PG. 13

“Birthday Party” takes St. Mary’s by storm SPORTS

PG.14

Rattler Madness kicks off basketball season

2 NEWS

EDITOR: VICTORIA SALDANA | @STMURATTLERNEWS | NOV. 14, 2018

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WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS MEETINGS

TUESDAY, JAN. 15 UNIVERSITY CENTER Newsroom 6 p.m.

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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.

Fraternity and Sorority Life present a donation on Wednesday Oct. 31 through the St. Mary’s United Way Campaign to the Executive Director of the Guadalupe Community Center after Greek Week which raises money for philanthropy and promotes greek unity in a common cause.| Photo by Natalia Zuniga

Court rules in favor of reestablishing DACA permits MIRIAM ROBLES EDIOTR-IN-CHIEF

In early November, a federal court of appeals made an important decision regarding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). In the decision, the 9th

circuit court of appeals upheld a nationwide injunction that blocks the rescission of DACA pushed early on in the Trump administration.

Approximately 700,000 individuals are DACA participants, including a number of St. Mary’s students. This recent ruling does have significant implications for DACA

recipients, allowing them to safely continue renewing their work permits without fear of having their applications stopped in their trails. The Trump administration could continue to repeal the decision at a higher court, but until then the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue to process applications as usual.

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 civil and criminal prosecution and/or subject to

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.

Graphic by Miriam Robles

Robert Johnson inspires GoFundMe campaign VICTORIA SALDANA NEWS EDITOR

The St. Mary’s community is rallying behind a beloved Diamondback Cafe employee after he was assaulted early last month. Robert Johnson, also known as “omelet man,” was on his way to work when he was mugged and assaulted.

According to Johnson, there were three assailants who overpowered him, and when he woke up his wallet was gone. He was able to make it home before alerting the authorities and getting help for his injuries, the worst of which being his ankle, which had previously been injured and worsened after the struggle.

By morning, the campus had been alerted of Johnson’s attack. Senior biology major Andres Gaona was one of the first students to respond in compassion, starting a GoFundMe campaign alongside junior engineering management major Eduardo Torres and senior exercise and sports science major Andrew Jazbani to support Robert in his recovery.

Gaona attributed this response to help Johnson to the sense of community prevalent on the St. Mary’s campus, which pushed him to seek action and retribution for someone who touches the lives of students, faculty and staff every day.

“I simply knew Robert was a good man,” Gaona said. “Life has its hardships, but the thought of any hardship straining the kindness and warmth intrinsic to Robert promoted action on my part.”

Within the first four hours, the campaign had raised $1,000. Because this was such a huge contribution in just a short amount of time, the GoFundMe was spread through social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, allowing the campaign to raise up to $5,938, $100 more than the original goal.

Johnson has since made a healthy recovery and is now back on campus as of last Monday, continuing to bring joy to those who interact with him.

NEWS 3

NOV. 14, 2018 | STMURATTLERNEWS .COM

POLICE BLOTTER OCT./NOV. 2018 OCT. 26 Harassment and stalking in Marian Hall Case is active OCT. 29 Theft $100 < $750 in the Dickson Stadium.

Case is active.

Nov. 1 Consumption of alcohol by a minor in Marian Hall.

Case is closed— arrest.

NOV. 1 Criminal mischief - in parking lot R. Case is active.

NOV. 2 Striking unattended vehicle damage >$200 in Parking Lot W. Case is closed.

NOV. 3 Striking unattended vehicle damage >$200 in Parking Lot W. Case is closed NOV. 4 Harassment and terrorist threat in Leies Hall.

Case is active.

NOV. 6 Theft < $100 by the Physical Plant Shop.

Case is active.

NOV. 7 Unauthorized use of motor vehicle by the Alumni Athletics and Convocation Center.

Case is closed.

San Antonio’s propositions B and C passed VICTORIA SALDANA NEWS EDITOR

During the 2018 midterm election, thousands of citizens exercised their right to vote to determine not only who would become the next senator for Texas, but also whether the city should pass three propositions made by the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association.

Of the three propositions only two were passed—Proposition B and Proposition C. Proposition B will affect the term limit as well as the salary cap for the city manager while Proposition C allows the firefighter union to negotiate labor contracts. Proposition B and C both have the potential to affect not only the local community, but also St. Mary’s students.

Proposition B cuts and caps the city manager’s salary to 10 times that of the lowest paid city employee while limiting their term to eight years. In the future, this can ultimately desensitize prospective city managers, limiting the quality of those who will apply for the position in the future. An underqualified or less trusted city manager not only puts the city at risk for poor planning and improvement projects, but the city manager also has influence over taxes.

Proposition C allows the firefighters union to control labor negotiations apart from the city council. Two-thirds of San Antonio’s budget is already allotted to areas such as the fire department, police force and other first responders, and a

significant percentage of the budget also goes into infrastructure, education and public works. In allowing this proposition to pass, the firefighters union can then allow a third-party arbitrator unelected by the city to determine budgeting. This arbitrator could potentially grant more than two-thirds of the budget to first responders while having complete control over this process.

“While students won’t see the direct effect, students absolutely will be affected,” said Cameron Wilson, junior political science and communication studies major. “Hurting the ability for a city to manage itself damages its ability to continue to develop projects that benefit the whole city and slows much of the progress the city has made over the past several years.”

Dr. Charles Cotrell, professor of political science, also presented the same concern. In his experience as former president of the university, he saw the effect a potential change in budget could have on tuition.

According to Cotrell, when investors rate the university lower than other institutions in the area based on a number of factors, this can affect the cost of loans the school pulls to fund the campus, which leads to the possibility of rising tuition to compensate for this loss.

Propositions B and C highlight the importance of young voters educating themselves about what is going on in San Antonio so they can make the most informed decisions on what is good not only for the city, but also for their education.

Graphic by Natalia Zuniga

Potential mold investigation in Leies Hall displaces students VICTORIA SALDANA NEWS EDITOR

Several residents of Leies Hall are displaced after reports of the possibility of mold forced them to vacate their rooms.

According to James Villarreal, director of residence life, the warm, rainy months of September and October have created a drastic increase in humidity across the city, kicking the air conditioning units of college dorms into overtime and producing unwanted buildup in student housing. While Residence Life has received reports of possible mold buildup in every residence hall since the beginning of the semester, this buildup has hit one especially hard. Students living in the displaced quad found suspicious buildup under the sink.

After noticing the suspicious buildup in her room, one of the students reported the issue in a work order and Residence Life and Facilities visited the quad to test the air FROM “FINANCES”

However, it is questionable how easy these transitions will be and how quickly the issues regarding payroll will be solved due to Day’s long distance from campus.

On Oct. 29, President Mengler hosted an open forum to discuss salary changes and budget implementation.

DeBartolo’s administrative leave greatly affected the St. Mary’s community in that budgets directly funding student

quality. In deeming the air quality too poor for the students to live there, Residence Life asked the students to move to vacant rooms across The Village. However, Residence Life also offered help moving the students’ heavier items and partial refunds on their room rates

for the inconvenience.

“It sucks having to move on such short notice, and then hav[ing] to move back at the beginning of next semester, but I’m just glad they didn’t allow the mold situation to escalate while we lived there,” said Mishell

Toledo, senior English language arts and reading major.

Villarreal attributed the scarcity of information regarding the situation to the status of the investigation, which is still in its early stages. However, he stated that the unidentified buildup was most likely mildew, which is not dangerous if properly treated.

He also explained that the students were relocated to prevent the investigation and sanitization of the quad from interfering with their property or their preparation for finals.

Despite the pending conclusion of this investigation, Villarreal stresses that students should report any strange buildup they find in their dorms. “[We intend to] send out something to all residents that if they see something [they

Graphic by Natalia Zuniga

activities were put at a standstill.

Furthermore, customary faculty performance-based raises were running later than normal. After a long period without raises and paychecks, professors and students have also been left without answers to crucial questions such as why the vice president of finance has been put on administrative leave.

The office of the president was not available for comment at the current moment.

should] just report it.”

Graphic by Natalia Zuniga

6 OPINION

EDITOR: LOUIE DIAZ | @STMURATTLERNEWS | NOV. 14, 2018

Civic engagement promotes societal well-being within broader community society is another route students may use to discover how they want to become more civically engaged. In fact, the program Real Talk, sponsored by the Civic Engagement Center, allows students to select figures who have contributed to a social justice movement and discuss how their efforts have contributed to the their lives.

“

[We should recognize] that we are called to be one human family... [who] use[s] our time, talent and treasure... for the benefit of all members of the community.”

Clare Acosta-Matos Director of Civic Engagement

As part of a civic engagement project for Enactus, Lisa Varela, sophomore international business major, sells a churro to Jassmyn Stevens, senior international relations major, in order to raise money for the battered women’s shelter in San Antonio. Enactus is a non-profit organization that focuses on developing entrepreneurial leaders who complete numerous civic engagement projects to create a more sustainable world.| Photo by Natalia Zuniga

Louie

Diaz

OPINION EDITOR

Civic engagement sits at the cornerstone of society, allowing citizens who want society to improve and thrive to make their voices heard and work to change it.

Society is rife with problems such as hunger, poverty, drug abuse and racial injustice. However, while voting is one of the most important civic duties and one of the most significant methods of enacting change, this form of civic engagement is limited to the election cycle when there is more that can be done.

“After elections one of the best ways citizens can stay involved is by continuing to educate themselves in [sic] what their elected officials are doing in office,” said Brooke Meads, junior political science major. “Staying educated and up to date in

“

Staying educated and up to date in their communities is an essential part of the democratic process and it’s important that citizens stay involved.”

Brooke Meads junior political science major

their communities is an essential part of the democratic process and it’s important that citizens stay involved.”

To become more civically engaged, students should figure out their passions and ask themselves what they stand for, finding and becoming active in organizations that address the issues they want to fix. For example, hunger and food insecurity is a major societal problem, spanning from an individual’s local community to a global setting. To remedy this specific issue, students can volunteer with organizations like Meals on Wheels.

Finding inspiration from leaders, past or present, who have led efforts to better

Acts of service like volunteering at a soup kitchen are also great opportunities for students to become engaged, yet they don’t reach the crux of the problem. While this isn’t to say that service is insignificant, there are more efficient ways to tackle the roots of a socioeconomic issue.

St. Mary’s offers a number of avenues for students to become civically engaged, from acts of service and charity to education on social justice, spanning across the entire spectrum of engagement. The Civic Engagement Center hosts ongoing service projects and panels for students, offering a variety of speakers who come and promote awareness about education-specific issues.

Civic engagement sits at the heart of the St. Mary’s mission statement, and it is also one of the fundamental elements of a Marianist education, which is designed to educate for service, justice and peace. Thus, civic engagement is one of the charisms that defines the St. Mary’s community.

However, in the broader sense, civic engagement is also a staple of society.

Despite living as individuals, students need to recognize the broader community they are a part of and should work to maintain the common good. “[We should recognize] that we are called to be one human family ... [who] use[s] our time, talent and treasure not just for our own benefit but for the benefit of all members of the community,” said Clare Acosta-Matos, director of the Civic Engagement Center.

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Letter to the editor: A message to sexual assault survivors after Kavanaugh pick BY: ANONYMOUS ST. MARY’S STUDENT

To whom it may concern, Two weeks ago I encountered an article in the Rattler regarding Brett Kavanaugh’s appointment to the Supreme Court. Many members of the St. Mary’s community found this article very appalling due to the apparent bias and the disregard to sexual assault survivors.

The author should have expanded beyond his belief by providing evidence for both sides of this crucial issue. He also made the issue very partisan, yet sexual assault, sexual harassment and rape are not partisan issues; they are issues that pertain to everyone despite their political ideology. The article could have been so much better if the author would have spoken to an actual survivor or to someone who did not hold the same

ideology as him. I would like to invite the author to look beyond his political ideology and seek out a more comprehensive outlook on the issue.

However, this letter is not to entertain the beliefs of the writer, but to give a message to the many survivors on the St. Mary’s campus. WE BELIEVE YOU. As a sexual assault survivor, I know what it is like to have my story dismissed, but the evidence is in the scars we wear. When I was seven a close family member forced me into sexual contact. At the time I was so scared to speak out because this person threatened to hurt my family. My assaulter’s reputation was so good that I thought no one would believe my story. This went on for three years and progressively worsened. It took a toll on my mental and physical wellbeing; I was constantly disgusted with myself.

Finally, this person was sent far away for other reasons, so the assault ended.

I felt relief, but the trauma haunted me daily. Even after this person was gone I couldn’t speak out because I questioned if what I had gone through was real or if I was just making it up. Even though I doubted myself, I had nightmares and constantly showered because I felt disgusted in who I was. Each time I was about to speak out, I held myself back out of fear. Finally, after seven years, I broke the silence and I told my family. Telling my story was painful because it was as if I was reliving those dark years.

However, I was met with unconditional love from my family and I am thankful for that.

The scars still live with me and I still have nightmares, but I can tell my story now.

Unfortunately, my story is one of many.

Because of my experience, I believe Dr.

Blasey Ford and I understand why she took so long to speak out. She was brave for speaking about her story in front of the nation despite the constant backlash she received in return.

If you’re reading this and you’re a survivor, never doubt yourself because I, along with many others, believe you. Never feel forced to tell your story until you are ready. Just know that many people love you and that you’re never alone.

Sincerely, A Survivor

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OPINION 7

NOV. 14, 2018 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Coincidence or conspiracy: Events raise suspicion about midterm elections Robert

Moncada CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Over the span of two months, the nation has faced numerous controversies with a direct impact on the American population, from the rape and sexual assault allegations against confirmed Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh to various threatening packages being mailed to the residencies of prominent Democratic leaders like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. In addition to these incidents, a caravan of citizens from Central America is making its way to the southern U.S. border. Because all of this is occurring simultaneously, the American people do not seem to notice the connection many conspiracy theorists on both sides of the political spectrum have made between these events and the 2018 midterm election.

Although the Kavanaugh hearings occurred only a few months ago, it seems like the Democrats were pulling out all the stops to prevent a confirmation until election time. Many Republicans assume that this was all a ploy to prevent any conservative judges nominated to the Supreme Court by the president from being confirmed, mainly due to the polarization of politics in this country and to the left’s dislike of Trump.

In October, Cesar Sayoc was arrested

and charged with five different counts for mailing pipe bombs to many notable politicians within the Democratic Party.

The 56-year-old has a long criminal history and an unreasonable amount of Republican bumper stickers on his white van. He also maintains a record of making threats to numerous Democrats on social media.

Since Sayoc just so happens to be a Trump supporter, the media referred to the president as the cause of this man’s actions, claiming that Trump’s rhetoric must be responsible

Graphic by Victoria Valle

for the incident. Of course, nobody said this when a shooter who openly supported

FROM “PRE-LAW”

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Miriam Robles Managing Editor Samantha Salazar Copy Editor Jamira Richardson Advertising Manager Daria Flowers Layout & Design/Photo Editor Natalia Zuniga Web Editor Victoria Valle Social Media Manager Jocelyn Alvarez Bibian News Editor Victoria Saldana

talks or forums concerning LSAC, waiver opportunities, LSAT prep opportunities and the application process for law school.

Ultimately, such measures could help the pre-law program provide information and opportunities to undergraduate students in the way that it intends to.

After speaking to students who have been accepted into the Nelson Wolff Law Early Admission Program, it is clear that there continues to be a disconnect between that program and the pre-law one despite St. Mary’s best efforts. Students have expressed that undergraduate advisers should be more informed about the Nelson Wolff program to better provide information and details about what needs to be done during the application process, since it is a decision that needs to be made early on and

Bernie Sanders opened fire on congressional Republicans at a baseball game last year and yelled, “This is for healthcare!”

Neither the president nor Bernie Sanders are responsible for either of these horrendous actions.

“When you’re approaching an election, the rhetoric gets turned up on all sides,” said Dr. Christopher Frost, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. “The more intense the rhetoric becomes, the more likely you are going to see actions that are out of proportion.”

With that being said, right-wing rhetoric and left-wing rhetoric should not be treated differently. The polarity of politics is huge, and there are extremists on both sides. In order to reduce tragedies like the ones previously mentioned, both sides of the political spectrum have to regulate their rhetoric.

The president has never called for bombs to be sent to Democratic leaders. Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters, however, did call for the harassment of Republican congressmen and women in stating, “If you see anybody from that Cabinet in a restaurant, in a department store, at a gasoline station, you get out and you create a crowd and you push back on them and you tell them they’re not welcome anymore, anywhere.” Look no further than Sen. Ted Cruz and his encounter with a mob at a Washington D.C. restaurant to see the consequences of such rhetoric. Sen.

Cruz and his wife were forced to vacate the restaurant after this confrontation.

“What you’re seeing is emotional contagion,” said Dean Frost.

In the midst of all of this, many rightwing journalists and activists have stated that the bombing incident is a ploy from the left, who they believe are funding the caravan of Central American citizens migrating toward the southern border. It does seem coincidental that all these events occurred right before one of the most important elections in the country, but there is no hard evidence that proves the existence of such a conspiracy.

“There hasn’t been any uncovered evidence by any entity, that I’m aware of, that there is a conspiracy plot going on,” said Matt Wyatt, senior political science major.

Nonetheless, crucial evidence is required before any conclusion can be made. Is it coincidental that all these events occurred before an important election? Possibly.

However, without facts and evidence, a conspiracy to overthrow the other side is implausible and highly unlikely.

requires careful planning.

“My experience in applying for the program was isolated,” said Felix Hollaway, a senior 1L international relations major who recently began the Nelson Wolff program.

After first hearing about the program from his tennis coach, Hollaway turned to his adviser for help. However, while his adviser was able to provide some information, there were a lot of details Hollaway continued to be unsure about, like LSAT scores in relation to GPA and how scholarships could apply to the program.

Many students have expressed that they needed further explanation when discussing their plans to apply to the Nelson Wolff program since no one really knows what they’re talking about. Additionally, some students feel like the program does a disservice to those interested in applying by limiting the eligibility to only a handful of majors.

“I would’ve loved [if the] Nelson Wolff program allow[ed] more majors to be a part of it,” said Hollaway. “I think limiting such options might push students ... [away from] pursu[ing] what they really want to study.”

Overall, the impression appears to be that students believe the St. Mary’s prelaw program should do more in terms of reaching out to students and being involved in their journey to law school. The program should also be open to the idea of expanding its scope to cover more information about going to law school rather than solely focusing on the Nelson Wolff program.

While students do believe that the Nelson Wolff program is, in itself, a great opportunity for those who are looking to go straight into law school, it would help if it were better advertised, had more exposure, involved more advising and expanded its eligibility requirements to other majors.

VIEWS OF THE WRITERS DO NOT REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE RATTLER.

Lifestyle Editor Julissa Cantu Opinion Editor Louie Diaz Entertainment Editor Elizabeth Arredondo Sports Editor Tawny Davis Faculty Adviser Camille Langston, Ph.D.

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

Graphic by Victoria Valle

10 LIFESTYLE

Money Matters JACK WITTENBERG CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Often, when college students receive a restaurant bill, they calculate the appropriate amount of money for a tip and add the aforementioned amount on the signature line. As an evolving generation, millennials rarely carry cash, turning tipping with a credit card into a form of normalcy. However, the practice of tipping with a card actually puts less cash into the hands of those who serve students their meals.

There are a couple of factors chipping away at credit card tips. First, restaurants must pay a convenience fee when charging a credit card, and some deduct this fee from the tip as well as from the meal. In addition, some restaurants do not process and distribute these credit card tips at the end of every shift.

Restaurants will often hold these credit card tips and later include them on their employees’ paychecks, which makes them susceptible to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

If students are low on cash, they should not punish employees more than the system already will. Instead, students should make it a point to carry around $1 bills when a server might be relying on every penny.

EDITOR: JULISSA CANTU | @STMURATTLERNEWS | NOV. 14, 2018

TREND WATCH: Going back to the basics RENEE PADILLA STAFF WRITER

It may seem wrong to complete a sassy, stylish outfit with an ugly pair of shoes, but that’s exactly what people are doing, whether they are taking a walk downtown or across the quad to get to class. Fashion fiends are pairing their mom jeans with dad shoes to create a phenomenal outfit.

Because the shoes look like those men would have worn in the 80s, they have earned the nickname “dad shoes.” Dad shoes, chunky sneakers with an exaggerated silhouette, were not designed to follow any of the most popular fashion trends by any means.

Students can wear dad shoes with monochromatic color schemes. If the colors are similar, the design will feel cohesive even if the styles are mixed and matched. Muted color schemes like gray and beige work well with the shoe’s shape, though bright colors like yellow and blue can also mesh well together.

On rare cold days in Texas, students can try wearing an oversized sweater or coat with their dad shoes. Baggy clothes pair well with the chunky sneakers to create a blocky silhouette, which can easily be altered to look either laid-back or sophisticated depending on the pants and accessories.

Some students may feel hesitant to embrace the retro style, but celebrities are no strangers to being bold and different.

Kendall Jenner and Hailey Baldwin have been seen wearing dad shoes with oversized tops, and actress Tracee Ellis Ross embraced the style with a knee-length beige coat, khaki pants and a loose-fitted

students do.

While women have flocked to the trend, plenty of men have also been spotted wearing dad shoes.

Jaden Smith wore a unique Louis Vuitton coat and white pants with his slick shoes at the “Fly, Vogue, Travel” event in New York.

Like Smith, students can try wearing a distinctive statement piece with the dad shoes for a daring look.

Students can also refer back to classic styles like rapper and activist Chance the Rapper, who wore a ’90s-style jacket, rolled up jeans, a white baseball cap and plain white dad shoes. The classic white kicks never went out of style, so students can use them to balance multiple patterns.

While tackling the style may seem daunting, especially considering the how much of a statement the shoes make, the most Photos by Natalia Zuniga gray t-shirt. Students can emulate the important thing is to unique designs and experiment with the wear the shoes with confidence. A sound dad shoe craze. approach is just to wear the shoes with For lazy days when students have class, an understated outfit like light-wash jeans dad shoes can also be worn with jeans and and a t-shirt. For an unexpected twist, a plain t-shirt to create a surprisingly casual students can replace regular sneakers with look. With a powder pink blouse and classic dad shoes in any outfit. After all, a splash mom jeans, Bella Hadid created a sweet, of fun can make an old outfit feel new and innocent style when she took a day off trendy again, another way for students to from her busy schedule like many college feel fresh in the coming cold days.

Preparing students for a freezing vacation adventure NATALIA ZUNIGA LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Dressing warmly is a must for students who plan to take a trip during the winter breaks, but that does not mean they have to sacrifice style, blow their budget or deal with the dilemma of fitting everything into a suitcase.

The key to packing for a winter trip is knowing the forecast, sticking to layers and starting with fundamental pieces.

It is always vital for students to look at the forecast before a trip because there is quite a difference between a chilly 50 degrees and a freezing 20 degrees.

It is also essential for students to know if it is going to snow because snow can make or break an outfit, especially in considering footwear. Rainboots with stylish, warm socks are perfect for practical but fashionable snow days. However, if snow is not a factor, students can stick to knee-high boots or booties for a more modern look.

When traveling by airplane, students might find baggage weight restrictions stressful, but the key is sticking to layers rather than huge, bulky winter coats.

Layers are essential because even though

the weather might be cold outside, students might feel warm when they go indoors, so the ease of shedding some layers will come in handy. Layers are great because they allow students to mix and match various outfits without having to pack

also take up little space in luggage. Beanies are always a perfect winter statement to keep ears warm, but knitted headbands are an ideal alternative for students with thick hair. When it comes to choosing a pair of gloves, try to find tech gloves lined with material allowing for access to cellphone screens. These eliminate the constant struggle of removing gloves to send a simple text or capture the perfect picture.

While San Antonio is usually warm and students rarely need these winter essentials, popular retail stores like Forever 21 and H&M sell these items for as low as $5 to $10, though students who are looking to invest in some high-quality items for future winter trips can Graphic by Victoria Valle visit stores on the higher end like Nordstrom and multiple completed looks. However, it is JCPenney’s. Pinterest is also a great website best to stick to a neutral color palette with to look for winter packing lists, as users essential layering pieces. Scarves, hats and often post outfit ideas while also providing gloves are the perfect statement pieces for tips on where to find specific items for any outfit, adding a pop of color or a funky cheaper prices. print while allowing the student’s personal A trip to a new place with an unfamiliar style to shine. climate can be stressful, but this should not As for fundamental cold weather pieces, be the case because students should take students should choose bottoms such time to enjoy themselves away from school. as fleece-lined leggings, jeans and warm Therefore, with these tips, the Rattler tights. Thick tights pair perfectly with hopes students have a safe—and warm— cashmere dresses or corduroy skirts, which winter vacation.

LIFESTYLE 11

NOV. 14, 2018 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Seasonings’ Greetings: recipes for vegetarian students during Thanksgiving JULISSA CANTU LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful for students, especially when considering some may not have the opportunity to go home

and spend time with their families during a stressful time of the year, leaving them having to spend the cold nights of November in the residence halls. Thanksgiving dinner can also be stressful for vegan and vegetarian students because the meal revolves heavily

Rowdy Rattler Tofurky Roast 2 hours (1 hour and 30 minutes to cook) Serving size: 4 college students Tofurky roast, thawed in fridge for at least 24 hours 1 medium-large sweet potato 2 carrots 8-10 fingerling potatoes 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon thyme 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon rosemary pie plate tin foil Preheat oven to 350 F. Run the Tofurky Roast under hot water to loosen the plastic casing.

Carefully remove the plastic.

Peel and chop the carrots and sweet potatoes into large, uniform slices.

In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, olive oil, thyme, oregano and rosemary.

In a pie plate, place the Tofurky roast in the center and arrange the carrots, sweet potatoes and fingerling potatoes around the outside.

Pour about half of the soy sauce, oil and herb mixture over the roast and vegetables.

Use tin foil to cover the entire pie plate.

Place on the middle rack of a preheated oven. Cook for one hour. Remove tin foil, baste with the remaining soy sauce, oil and herb mixture and return to oven to bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.

For optimal flavor and texture, use a sharp, serrated knife and slice as thinly as possible. Enjoy!

on meat and meat products, which might make students feel like they are confined solely to side dishes. For students who are staying in the dorms over the Thanksgiving break, they should consider using the ovens within the residence halls of Perigueux,

Chaminade, Lourdes and Leies to cook a satisfying Thanksgiving dinner. By using the recipes provided, students on or off campus should expect some amazing, vegan-friendly alternatives for popular Thanksgiving food, as well as plenty of leftovers.

Cotrell’s Green Beans with Almond Breadcrumbs 20 minutes (10 minutes to cook) Serving size: 4 college students 1/2 cup blanched and slivered almonds 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Zest and juice of 1 lemon 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley Flaky sea salt Pepper 1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed Lightly toast almonds in a skillet over medium heat. Let cool, then transfer to a food processor and grind to the consistency of breadcrumbs.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a

skillet over medium heat. Add almonds, breadcrumbs, garlic and lemon zest and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and golden. Remove from heat and stir in parsley. Set aside.

Place lemon juice in a small bowl and slowly whisk in the remaining olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain green beans, return to the pot and toss with the lemon juice and olive oil vinaigrette.

To serve, arrange green beans on a platter, drizzling with vinaigrette left at the bottom of the pot. Sprinkle almond and breadcrumb mixture on top.

Chami’s Pumpkin Pie 4 hours and 10 minutes (1 hour and 30 minutes to cook) Serving Size: 6 college students 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon vegan granulated sugar 1 tablespoon white vinegar Fine salt 1/2 cup unrefined virgin coconut oil 4 to 6 tablespoons ice water One 15-ounce can pure pumpkin puree 8 ounces silken tofu 2/3 cups vegan granulated sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract For the crust: Preheat oven to 350 F. Add the flour, sugar, vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a food processor and pulse to combine. Add coconut oil in small spoonfuls and pulse until the largest pieces are pea-sized. Add 4 tablespoons of ice water, and pulse until evenly combined.

Squeeze a handful of the dough together; it should hold its shape. If the mixture is too powdery, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of ice water and pulse. Turn the dough out

onto a large piece of plastic wrap, pat into a 1/2-inchthick disc and chill for at least 1 hour up to overnight.

To make rolling easier, let the dough soften for approximately 30 minutes. It should be slightly soft when pressed at room temperature. Roll the disc into a 12-inch diameter on a lightly floured surface or between two pieces of floured parchment paper. If the dough gets too warm, refrigerate until firm.

Ease the crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Fold the dough under itself, and crimp the edges as desired.

Chill for 30 minutes.

Line the chilled piecrust with foil, and fill with pie weights. Bake until the edges are lightly golden for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the foil and weights and continue baking until the crust is lightly golden all over, approximately 15 to 20 more minutes.

Transfer to a rack and let cool completely.

For the filling: Process the pumpkin puree, tofu, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor until completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie shell and bake until firm for approximately 40 to 45 minutes.

Let cool completely on a rack. Chill overnight.

Slice and serve.

Graphics by Victoria Valle

Millennials regressing to minimalism; awareness of tech addiction arises JULISSA CANTU LIFESTYLE EDITOR

It is common for individuals in the 21st century to demonstrate some sort of technological addiction. According to a poll conducted by the nonprofit Common Sense Media, half of the teenage participants admitted to being addicted to their phone with adult participants being even more so. These results pose the question of what the next step should be if the tech-savvy generation wants to address said issue. For some, the issue calls for reminiscing about a time when millennials were not alive, while others believe the issue calls for deep thought and carefully crafted decisions, which require stepping back to fulfill a

minimalistic lifestyle.

When deciding to live a more minimalistic lifestyle, students might make drastic changes such as degrading to simple things like flip phones and first-generation iPods or completely discarding their electronics. This might seem ideal, since the best way to combat an addiction is to quit all at once without concession, but students usually need a cell phone to apply for jobs.

In recent years, as technology has grown more advanced, students have found that having consistent access to email and phone calls are of the utmost importance when job hunting.

Some millennials are actively choosing to regress to older versions of technology like revamped polaroid cameras. However, this

is more of an aesthetics-based decision as millennials choose to spend more money on less quality photographs. Some individuals have also chosen to digress from over-thecounter medicine and have exclusively chosen to use alternative forms of medicine, such as healing herbs.

Another common, less drastic decision students might make in seeking a more minimalistic lifestyle is the deletion of their social media accounts. Doing so is free, easy and temporary as students can re-download any of the applications at a later date.

Compared to the other minimalist choices students might make, this mass deletion is usually done around finals time.

Based on these decisions, many individuals are taking steps to change

their mindsets by actively going backward regarding the use of their technological devices. Today, students juggle multiple ideas and tasks on any given day and they often choose to minimize the input they receive from new aspects of the digital age to calm their minds. Simplifying one’s life and deescalating one’s use of technology is an understandable decision for students who want to improve their draining mental state.

Graphic by Victoria Valle

12 ENTERTAINMENT

EDITOR: ELIZABETH ARREDONDO | @STMURATTLERNEWS | NOV. 14, 2018

Street Art Initiative debuts with 16 murals by San Antonio artists ELIZABETH ARREDONDO ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

The San Antonio Street Art Initiative launched Nov. 3 at the Interstate 35 underpass where the streets of Quincy and St. Mary’s meet.

The Hispanic art scene in San Antonio is highly influenced by Mexican muralist tradition.

David “Shek” Vega took breaks from his own work to collaborate with Nikolas “Soup” Soupe, known as Los Otros. The two street artists have found success with San Antonio’s people.

According to the SASAI mission they have highlighted on website sanantoniostreetart.org/ “San Antonio believes in community. “We seek to build and strengthen a street art community here that extends across all areas, activities and people. Street art makes neighborhoods vibrant. Street art extends the arts community outside the walls of museums, brings people to see new places

to live and play, provides fresh perspectives for the young and old.”

Local artists spray painted murals on massive concrete supports under the freeway. Whether Shek and Vega are painting Spurs murals on their native South Side or creating the 2019 Fiesta San Antonio poster, their work is warmly received and plastered all over local social media. Together, Los Otros has adorned San Antonio with more than 50 murals in diverse locations like The Rim on the North Side Rudy’s Seafood on the South Side, the AT&T Center on the East Side and

throughout downtown.

The San Antonio Street Art Initiative was created this year as a nonprofit organization to advocate for street art as a legitimate form of cultural expression and public art, and to seek support among community members and businesses to help revitalize neighborhoods throughout San Antonio. Shek and street art enthusiasts Greg Rattray and James Sykes formed the group to educate the city, break the stigma of graffiti and move public perceptions of street art beyond notions of graffiti, tagging

and vandalism toward seeing it as an art form equal to museum and gallery art. There has been many people fighting in the battle to legitimize street art as a respectable genre of artwork.

Some of the 16 artists invited to paint are street art veterans Shek wanted to pay back for their early support, such as Robert Tatum, Joe de la Cruz, Alex Rubio, Cruz Ortiz and Andy Benavides, who gave Shek his first gallery show in 2005. Others are artists trying large-scale street art for the first time, such as Angela Fox, whose work Shek has shown at his gallery. Other artists involved are Ana Fernandez; James Madrano; Paul Garsón; Justin Parr, Ed Sevedra; Kelly Edwards, Suzy Gonzalez,; Mike Comp and Shek and Soup as Los Otros.

Through SASAI, Shek uses it as an opportunity to teach younger street artists, gallery artists, building owners, developers and the people of San Antonio The initiative will link the community to the global street art scene.

Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Arredondo

Thanksgiving, turkey and TV: Here’s what streaming this November RACHEL HURON STAFF WRITER

With fall in full swing, there is plenty of time for students to snuggle up on their couches with their families or in bed with their blankets and binge watch all of November’s latest TV shows and movies.

In addition, with the holidays coming up, who wouldn’t want to take it easy and catch up on their latest obsession or discover something new? So, grab something warm to drink, get comfortable and scroll through the endless list of streaming possibilities coming in the month of November.

Netflix; “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” is about a young lawyer named Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves), who travels to the castle of Count Dracula (Gary Oldman) to finalize a land deal, unaware of the count’s reputation. Harker then enters a much darker world as he discovers Count Dracula’s true identity and intentions, as he becomes an unsuspecting prominent figure in Jonathan’s life.

The Marvel movie “Doctor Strange” centers on a highly regarded surgeon in the field of medicine (Benedict Cumberbatch).

After a freak accident, he travels to a monastery in search of a way to fix his hands, only to discover his true calling in a dark world of mystic arts.

“Outlaw King,” a historical drama set in 14th century Scotland, tells the story

of Robert Bruce (Chris Pine), Earl of Carrick, and traces his journey against overwhelming odds to take the Scottish crown and win Scotland back from the English.

HBO; “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (Extended Version)” is an outrageous comedy about Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), an “infamous” news anchor who begins a bitter feud with rising star Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) as she begins to steal Burgundy’s spotlight. With the pressure to compete and retain his position as hotshot news anchor, Burgundy races against time to secure his spot as the true anchorman.

“My Brilliant Friend” is the first installment of a collection of miniseries adapted from Elena Ferrante’s bestselling Neapolitan book saga. An eightpart adaptation of the novel from the same name, “My Brilliant Friend” is centered around Elena Greco (Margherita Mazzucco), who learns about the disappearance of her childhood friend Lila (Gaia Girace).

“Tightrope” is a film about Detective Block from New Orleans (Clint Eastwood).

Block is forced to acknowledge his Jekyll and Hyde persona when investigating a deranged killer who operates in the French Quarter. This drama builds on intensity as the killer begins targeting Block’s friends and acquaintances as his victims.

“Love, Simon,” a comedy centered

around a teenager who hasn’t told anybody about his true sexuality, revolves around his journey to come clean and discover the true identity of the classmate who he has fallen in love with after meeting online.

Amazon Prime; Adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s novel of the same name, “Little Women” is a miniseries about the four March sisters and how they navigate issues such as gender roles, sibling rivalry, poverty, first love and loss.

Based on a podcast of the same name, “Homecoming” is an original series about a woman named Heidi Bergman (Julia Roberts), who used to work at a facility designed to help military veterans adjust to life as civilians. Currently working as a waitress in a diner, she is confronted about her former career by a government agent who wants to know why she left— yet according to Bergman, she does not remember.

“Little Man Tate” is a drama centered on a 7 year-old boy with the IQ of a genius. When his mother places him with other child prodigies and he begins more advanced studies, he begins to wonder if advancing is what he truly wants or if he wants a normal life.

Hulu; The Coen Brothers’ indie comedy “The Big Lebowski” features a rare case of mistaken identity as Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) is mistaken for Jeffrey Lebowski (David Huddleston), known as the Big Lebowski.

“28 Days Later” is about Jim (Cillian Murphy), a coma-ridden patient who awakens to find that a “rage” virus has affected the entire city of London and has turned everyone into zombies. After this discovery, Jim must go on the run with a group of survivors in an attempt to find their safe haven.

“Amelie” is a visually stunning romantic comedy about a young woman (Audrey Tatou) who silently orchestrates the world around her, creating a world of her own.

“Jane Eyre” is about a young woman (Mia Wasikowska) who accepts a job opportunity at the estate of Mr. Rochester (Michael Fassbender) after a childhood of abuse. Following her gradual attraction for Rochester, she uncovers a dark secret that forces her to reevaluate everything.

Graphic by Natalia Zuniga

ENTERTAINMENT 13

NOV. 14 2018 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

St. Mary’s theater department presents Harold Pinter’s “The Birthday Party” JANICE RODRIGUEZ STAFF WRITER

For the first two weekends of November, the St. Mary’s theater department presented Harold Pinter’s “The Birthday Party” at Guadalupe Chapel in Treadaway Hill. Directed by George Kendall, the production’s set design was created by Dion Denevan and the actors’ costumes were designed by

Nick Mckay and Chicago Schueller perfoming during the play.| Photo by Elizabeth Arredondo

Kathrine Johnson.

“My experience in preparing for Known for his relatively absurdist plays, this play has been hectic, stressful but Pinter used “The Birthday Party” to tell the above all else immensely enjoyable,” story of Stanley, a guest at Meg and Petey said Wages. “I play Petey Boles, the old Boles’ boarding house. When the boarding man [who] owns a boarding house. house is paid Finding time a visit by two for rehearsal d o m i n e e r i n g “The experience was amazing every week, strangers homework n a m e d working with the incredible cast and my G o l d b e r g and crew to bring our own version R O T C and McCann, of Pinter’s masterpiece to life.” obl i g at i ons chaos ensues. has been a “This play is Nick McKay c h a l l e n g e , very much an but one that senior history major I welcome.” absurdist play, which means In their that it never really explains itself. The unique production of “The Birthday absurdist movement came about after Party,” the cast made students laugh and WW1 and WW2 and the tragedies of the jump from their seat in the oddest 20th century,” said Eric Wages, sophomore of ways. political science major. “Many authors “My experience preparing for this responded with works that attempt to play was a fun bonding experience with explain how crazy our world is, and the whole cast,” said Chicago Schuller, The Birthday Party fits this description. junior political science major. “It definitely The audience should be confused, but became nerve racking [sic] when we came entertained throughout the play.” to a week before opening. “ The St. Mary’s theater department’s With the help of the amazing cast and production of “The Birthday Party” crew, the St. Mary’s theatre department’s used a small cast of six students to bring production of Pinter’s play allowed the absurdism to the real world. audience to feel like they were actual guests

“

Nick Mckay and Chicago Schueller perfoming during the play.| Photo by Elizabeth Arredondo

invited to this bizarre birthday party.

“People should expect a wild and often uncomfortable time with a story that is both complex and ambiguous,” said Nicolas McKay, senior history major who played McCain. ““The experience was amazing working with the incredible cast and crew to bring our own version of Pinter’s masterpiece to life.”

A Christmas miracle at the box office? fantastical world came to be, the part her mother played in its creation and the truth about herself.

Because of the overabundance of The recent Disney adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman’s “The Nutcracker” takes a CGI and visual effects, this story of selfnew spin on the age-old tale everyone is discovery gets lost at times. While the familiar with, starring big names like Keira storyline is a refreshing new take on a Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren classic Christmas tale, it still runs a little and Mackenzie Foy. stale. The movie is also a bit predictable, The movie begins on a bit of a but there is an exciting twist in the climax melancholic note with the discovery that to throw the audience off. the Stahlbaum family has recently lost On its own the movie is quite a beloved wife and mother. With good, but there is a lot left to be Christmas only a day away, this loss desired if it were to be compared is keenly felt by all members of the small family. Since the movie is set to the original plot, especially in the late 19th century to early in regards to the ballet. There 20th century, appearances are was only one scene in the entire everything, so Clara Stahlbaum movie reminiscent of the fact (Mackenzie Foy) and her that this tale was made into a family visit her godfather ballet, where it was heralded (Freeman) for a Christmas for its fame. party.

It was disappointing that In a true Narnia-esque Disney did not make the ballet fashion, Clara discovers a mystical world hidden in a more integral to the plot, but slightly ominous corridor of his the movie did a great job of mansion. There Clara encounters keeping the audience occupied a soldier nutcracker, a gang of with the visually appealing set terrorizing mice and the regents of design and characters. three of the four realms: The Sugar In summary, “The Nutcracker” Plum Fairy (Knightley), regent of was a whimsical story with a dash The Land of Sugar, Hawthorne of steampunk for good measure, all (Eugenio Derbez), regent of wrapped up in colorful ChristmasThe Land of Flowers and Shiver (Richard E. Grant), regent of The themed wrapping paper. However, Land of Snowflakes. the movie might not be for The three realms are Graphic by Victoria Valle those who are looking for supposedly under attack more substance, but it is from the fourth realm, ruled ultimately a good movie

by Mother Ginger (Mirren), who leads a motley crew of harlequin and mice. Clara to watch for viewers to get ready for must recover a magical key to restore the winter season. Unfortunately, it’s balance to such an unstable world. On not going to bring Disney a Christmas the journey Clara discovers how this miracle in the box office.

MARISSA COLUNGA STAFF WRITER

St. Mary’s music students performed opera pieces during the recital | Photo by Elizabeth Arredondo

St. Mary’s music students take on the opera ELIZABETH ARREDONDO ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

In early November, the Greehey School of Business and School of Humanities and Social Sciences welcomed Claudio Jung for a special opera performance, during which he was set to perform opera arias, European, Korean and folk songs.

“I only came to the United States for this performance at St. Mary’s University,” said Jung.

Unfortunately, when Jung arrived in San Antonio he fell ill and had to announce his inability to perform.

Before the event, he told the audience he would be the master of ceremonies and that St. Mary’s music students would be performing instead. These student performers were Natalia Flores;

Eva Alpar; Jonathan Balderas; Victoria Gonzales; Christian Stevens; Haley DuPlessis; Brandi Cheung and Kelly Leary.

“We were informed at 4:30 p.m. that Claudio Jung was sick and would not perform,” said Kelly Leary, senior music major. “Brother Mike told us that if we ha[d] a solo prepared we could bring our music up to Claudio’s pianist and rehearse it with her. After that we had about an hour before we had to be back, fully dressed and ready for the recital.”

Jung did end up performing “Arirang/ Hand in Hand,” a mashup arranged by Jung-Seok Choi. The students decided to perform two chorus numbers from their upcoming show—“Va Pensiero” from the opera “Nabucco” and “Seasons of Love” from the musical “Rent.”

Baritone Claudio Jung performed the closing number of the show | Photos by Elizabeth Arredondo

14 SPORTS

EDITOR:TAWNY DAVIS |@STMURATTLERNEWS | NOV. 14, 2018

Men and women’s basketball gear up for upcoming season my last year, and for [us] to win 20+ games.

[The] last goal I have is to accomplish making a deep run in the regional tournament With the men and women’s basketball in March.” teams gearing up to begin their season, Jeffrey Brooks, senior exercise and sports both are looking to have the most successful science major, has personal goals to be an season possible. This goal is especially all-conference player and set new records. prevalent to graduating seniors who are “My biggest personal goal this year is to often looking to make history before leaving be an all-conference player. For this season the court for the last time at St. Mary’s.

I want to have a 20 point game and 10+ Dimitri Peterson, senior criminal justice rebound game, and [I want to set] a goal for major, wants to be a leader through both most [three-pointers] made in one game,” his actions and his words. Peterson is also he said. “My goal [for the] team is to have looking for the team to end the season a winning season and win a conference strong in terms of game wins. championship, making a deep run in the “My personal goals are to be a [vocal] regional tournament in March.” leader on the team ... and have a 15 point and Juwan Green, senior exercise and sports 15 rebound game,” he said. “[I also want the science major, states that his personal goals team] to win a conference championship in are to play his best each time he’s on the court.

Green also wants to help St. Mary’s gain recognition for basketball again.

“My personal goal is to play my best each and every night to give my team the best opportunity to win. I want to have one of the best free throw percentages to make the All-Heartland team,” said Green.

“My goals for the team are to have a winning season and to win the conference. Another big goal is to put St. Mary’s basketball back on the map.”

Petar Radojicic, senior exercise and sports science major, Senior guard Arysia Porter, forward Lady Rattlers.| Photo by Natalia Zuniga shared personal AINARA MORA STAFF WRITER

goals such as being the team’s energy as well as being a good leader.

However, his biggest personal goal is to earn a conference ring.

“My personal goals are to bring energy every day for my team, be a good leader and to be an all-conference player with a conference ring,” he said. “I want my teammates and I [sic] to stay healthy and have a [good] season.”

Crystal Thomas, senior educational leadership major, wants to work hard in hopes of earning a starting spot on the team.

Senior forward Dimitri Peterson for men’s basketball.| Photo by Natalia Zuniga “I want to learn and weaknesses. I would [also] like ... us things faster than any other first-year player [and] work hard to communicate better ... on [and] off the and smart enough to get a starting spot,” she court. One of [my] biggest goals this year said. “Hopefully working hard and learning is [for the team] to get through the season fast will pay off for me ... [and I will be able] injury free.”

Both Thomas and Porter would want the to get the newcomer of the year award.”

Arysia Porter, senior criminology major, team to end the season very strong, setting wants to set a better example for the team personal goals of winning the conference and become a vocal leader who represents tournament, regional championship and possibly national championship. the whole team well.

Both teams begin their seasons with “I’m the only one who has been on the team for four years, so I want to represent tough opponents. Men’s basketball begin s the best way I know how. I want my team to season against Regis Rangers. The women be able to depend on me for anything and begin season against University of Texas at for me to give them the answers they need,” El Paso, which will be played as an exhibition she said. “I want us to have better chemistry. game. Both teams look forward to both their We’re getting used to each of our strengths seasons and support of their fans.

StMU basketball coaches prepare teams for upcoming seasons EVA GARCIA STAFF WRITER

guidance of coach James “Z” Zeleznak and the women’s team led by coach Jason Martens, both have been working diligently As basketball season quickly approaches with their teams throughout the semester to both the men and women’s teams are in ensure a successful season. preparation to begin a, hopefully, victorious “This particular group of student athletes season. With the men’s team under the that we have here now from the time they have stepped on campus ... have done absolutely everything we’ve asked them to do,” said Coach Z about the men’s basketball team.

“They’ve worked really hard.

They’ve blended very well together.

We’re really excited about our upcoming schedule.”

Coach Z, who is entering his 14th season at the helm, indicated that his goal for the team is to be the best it can be.

“We try to get in there to see that our guys are in a situation where they are just trying to get better,” said Coach Z. “If we take care of our business [by working on their individual skill sets] and the guys are invested by working hard every day ... in the classroom [and] in strength and conditioning on a day to day basis, they’ll be really successful.”

Coach Z added that in order Men’s head coach Jim Zeleznak.| Photo by Natalia Zuniga to get the men’s basketball team

to the level that he wants it to be, the athletes have to learn from mistakes they’ve made in previous years.

“They’re taking care of that on their own. This group is very much together,” said Coach Z. “They are very team-oriented right now, sharing the ball and working as a team. ... They’ve taken the attitude that if [that work ethic and attitude] continues ... they will like what the end result produces.”

Coach Martens is looking forward to having a healthy team after the amount of injuries obtained last year.

“Our goal this year is to get better every practice and if we can do that, the ceiling is high for this team,” he said.

According to Coach Martens, he plans to get the women’s basketball team to the level he Women’s head coach Jason Martens.| Photo by Natalia Zuniga wants it to be by doing what every coach does.

“Basketball should be fun, [the athletes “[I will help us reach that level] through should] relax and enjoy it [even if it is] easier hard work and expecting excellence every said than done. Basketball should be simple. time we step on the floor,” he said. … Again, easier said than done,” said Coach Entering his 13th year as head coach, Martens. “[Lastly], great team chemistry can Coach Martens said he has learned a few help [a team] overcome the challenges you things as coach of the women’s team. face throughout the season.

SPORTS 15

NOV. 14, 2018 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Rattler Madness officially kicks off the start of basketball TAWNY DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

“

This was actually pretty fun. it was a great time for all my St. Mary’s kicked off its basketball season friends. Even though the team with a huge student-run celebration dubbed didn’t win it was overall a great Rattler Madness, an annual event that gets all students, faculty and staff involved. This Rattler Madness.” year, instead of holding Rattler Madness inside the gym, the event was held in the parking lot outside the Alumni Athletics and Convocation Center before moving inside the Bill Greehey Arena for the men’s basketball game.

During the event, students had the opportunity to play different fun games— hosted by Lambda Chi Alpha—like dizzy bat, “Hungry, Hungry, Hippos,” three-legged race and tic-tac-toe. Students were also served a feast of burgers and hot dogs grilled and served by their peers. Entertainment for the night included a DJ, three performances

by St. Mary’s resident dance team Code Blue

Nathan Alba

Freshman international global studies major and a synchronized dance of pop songs performed by the St. Mary’s softball team.

“We practiced for three weeks on that dance routine with all the tricks and stunts that we did. The stunts were the hardest part because we had to practice them on concrete,” said Staci Johns, sophomore English language arts and reading major and softball pitcher. “It was hard because we [also] had softball practice ... but I am glad that we were

able to pull it off and that everyone enjoyed our performance.”

After Rattler Madness, everyone was invited to the men’s basketball game and the first 100 students were given the opportunity to receive the VIP treatment, which included courtside seats, a t-shirt and free food.

“This was actually pretty fun. It was a great time with all my friends,” said Nathan Alba, freshman international and global studies major. “It was fun to see the team play. Even though they didn’t win it was overall a great Rattler Madness.”

The basketball game itself was a thriller as the Rattlers battled against the Regis University Rangers. However, although the game was a nail-biter, the Rattlers ultimately failed to win against the Rangers. Regardless of the unexpected outcome, Rattler Madness was a huge success, bringing everyone together to enjoy some food, games and

“

Rattler Madness is always a great event to have here at school. I always look forward to this because it is a great time for everyone and for friends to have a good time together.”

Staci Johns

Sophomore English language arts major entertainment while also getting everyone hyped for the season. “[Rattler Madness] is always a great event to have here at school,” said Johns. “I always look forward to this because it’s a great time [for] everyone ... and [for] friends to have a good time together while cheering on our team.”

Students participate in three-legged race game while the Code Blue dance team prepares for a performance and the men’s basketball team plays defense against their opponent. | Photos by Natalia Zuniga

St. Mary’s volleyball seniors battle in final game against UAFS TAWNY DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

Volleyball season has come to an end and the Lady Rattlers look back at the many accomplishments they’ve earned this year.

Ending with an overall record of 14-14, with a conference record of 8-4, the Lady Rattlers can say they had a strong season. With the season coming to an end, this also means an end to an era for many seniors.

“Our season has been up and down but overall it has been a great experience. We have the conference tournament next and I hope that we come back with something to be even more proud of because that is what we work toward,” said Channing Hankins, senior communication studies major. “I am very proud of my teammates as well and I can only hope that I can leave St. Mary’s on a high note.”

Other players on the team have expressed how proud they feel regarding the outcome of this season, but many are looking forward to upcoming seasons as well.

“This volleyball season has been a great ride. We started off a little rocky but that’s because we were getting used to each other and playing with one another,” said Clarissa Bustamante, sophomore exercise and

“I want to come back stronger and win the conference and conference tournament and overall make a bigger name for the St. Mary’s volleyball program,” she said.

This past weekend the Lady Rattlers went into the Heartland Conference end of season championship ranked as the second seed, as they were last year. They faced off against third ranked seed University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, who entered the game with an 8-4 conference record. The match took Members of the St. Mary’s volleyball team celebrate after they win a rally against opponent.| Photo courtesy of rattlerathletics.com place at the Rip Griffin Center in Lubbock, Texas.

While the sports science major. “I think as a team we end of season tournament [and] moving on Rattlers put up a fight they ultimately fell came together very well and the bond we to the regional tournament.”

0-3 with scores being 25-20, 25-20, 25-13. have created is stronger than before. We After talking about the team’s rocky may not have reached our goal of winning start and how they eventually pulled Even though they will not go further in this the conference regular season, but we are through, Bustamante also spoke about her tournament the Lady Rattlers have ended season very strong. looking forward to winning the conference expectations for both herself and her team.

16 FEATURES

EDITOR: SAMANTHA SALAZAR | @STMURATTLERNEWS | NOV. 14, 2018

A Rattler History: a look back at the biggest events the Rattler has ever covered

Photos courtesy of St. Mary’s

SAMANTHA SALAZAR MANAGING EDITOR

The Rattler, St. Mary’s only student-run publication, has spent nearly a century reporting on local and national news. From global events like the beginning of WWII to campus-specific events like the reopening of the Pub, St. Mary’s student journalists have filled the pages of the Rattler with everything in between. Here are some of the biggest reports.

In 1927, St. Mary’s awarded seven students the first four-year bachelor’s degrees ever granted at the university. The article, titled “The Seniors,” chronicled the momentous occasion and paid high regards to the first graduating class St. Mary’s has ever seen.

“Well, it won’t be long until Saint Mary’s will lose six of the best and most popular as well as energetic and active men on its campus—no, this article was not written by a Senior” (Vol. 8, No. 14, Ed. 1).

The first class of graduating seniors was sent off by the Rattler editors with wellwishes that they find success in all that they do.

“We are confident that they will sustain the proud name of St. Mary’s wherever they may go” (Vol. 8, No. 14, Ed. 1).

The late 1920s saw the beginning of the Great Depression, which not only put the nation at a standstill but also St. Mary’s.

When the depression hit, the university was in the middle of construction on the Alumni

Gym and was forced to stop building due to financial issues. The article “Gym History: Came the Crash” reported on the depression and how it affected the university.

“Then pandemonium broke loose on Wall Street. Depression swooped down upon the entire nation. The same as it was affecting millions in other parts, the depression took its tool on moneyed San Antonians. Funds were exhausted. Work on the gymnasium came to a complete stand still. What had been a scene of buzzing activity became a silent skeleton structure with only the eerie moan of the north winds to keep it company” (Vol. 20, No. 6, Ed. 1).

During the Depression, the Thanksgiving holiday prompted Rattler editors to write a piece titled “Thanksgiving,” one that asserted there was much to be thankful for although the nation was in a state of disrepair.

“We have had depressions before, and managed to get along,” they wrote. “At least, we are living. That in itself is enough to induce us to give thanks to our God” (Vol. 14, No. 4, Ed. 1).

In its existence, St. Mary’s football remained an integral part of student culture.

In 1941, the sport disappeared due to lack of funds and loss of players to war efforts, reasons further detailed in the article “Football Situation.”

“Add to it the fact that the Rattlers weren’t too successful on the field this year, and the fact that a number of our first-string players have been locationally affected by the draft. Offhand, an onlooker would advise

dropping football, and tell us the victory was in the attempt” (Vol. 23, No. 8, Ed. 1).

Contrary to popular opinion, the St. Mary’s football team did not go undefeated.

In fact, according to the St. Mary’s Athletics website and the article “Last Semester Not the Best U’s Seen, Reporter Finds,” the football team lost its very last game to Mississippi Southern.

“To add to the discouraging string of events which occurred during the fall months, a beautiful winning streak was broken when the struggling St. Mary’s Rattlers tied a game and then lost one” (Vol. 23, No. 9, Ed. 1).

The World War II began in 1939 and in an article titled “War Clouds The Future” the Rattler editors discussed the conflict and their optimism that America would stay out of it.

“As we complete the cycle and watch the world plunging madly into war for the second time, we have faith in the future, we have faith that the ideals of our nation and the eternal principles of our religion will still provide us with a Christian, sane, and satisfying way of life” (Vol. 21, No. 1, Ed. 1).

Although war ran rampant, the editors remained optimistic and in the article “Keep It Up” described the preservation of school spirit in such perilous times.

“Even under the shadow of war, ‘school spirit’ remains an item of great interest to American colleges” (Vol. 21, No. 1, Ed. 1).

The events on Sept. 11, 2001, rocked the nation and in an editorial titled “United

in Strength, Love, and Wisdom we shall prevail” the Rattler staff detailed the very real impact it had on them.

“This terror has invaded every aspect of our lives. There is not a single moment that we are free of thoughts about the turmoil our government is in, sorrow for the thousands of lives lost or worry for the future of our nation and what that means for us” (Vol. 88, Issue 2).

Most recently, St. Mary’s introduced the “Defining Moment” campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in university history.

In a cover story entitled “Defining Moment: Breaking Down the Parts that Define St. Mary’s Largest Fundraiser” the Rattler editors reported on the importance of the campaign.

“While the changes wrought by the extensive campaign have yet to surface, the university’s tangible devotion to interweaving the promotion of excellence, the formation of faith and the preparation of students for ethical leadership provide evidence that this campaign is certainly a defining moment in building a favorable future for the St. Mary’s community” (Vol. 106, No. 5).

Since 1919, the Rattler has reported on life-changing and world-shaping events.

As the publication’s centennial approaches, the Rattler will maintain that tradition and continue reporting what matters to students most.