04 23 2009

Tune Revue Grand Opening

Texas State theater produces first

free classes, tours SEE TRENDS PAGE 8 SEE SPORTS PAGE 14

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April 23, 2009

Student, university seek resolution for dispute

Thursday

Volume 98, issue 77

student perception toward debt may change

By Kosaku Narioka News Reporter

By Theron Brittain Senior News Reporter An investigation involving a graduate student in the department of sociology and seven different university offices is underway, but may be headed toward a resolution.

Stephanie Bradford, graduate student in the department of sociology, said university officials accused her of writing an anonymous e-mail in December criticizing a faculty member. Bradford was referred to Student Justice in January where she was asked to sign a warning reprimand.

She has denied being the author of the e-mail.

“I was completely freaked out,” Bradford said.

“The warning stated I would accept responsibility for the e-mail, and if another anonymous e-mail was sent, I could be separated from the univer university. I could not accept responsibility for the e-mail because I did not do it.”

Bradford said the warning provided two options: a signature admitting responsibility for the e-mail or denying responsibility. She signed the warning denying responsibility and appealed to a hearing committee board.

University Attorney William Fly said the board is comprised of students and one faculty or staff member, all appointed by the dean of students.

“Generally, it is a one-time event,” Fly said.

“Depending on the outcome, either party can appeal to the vice president of Student Affairs.”

The vice president of Student Affairs has the final decision in the appeals process.

Fly said if a student is found responsible for the accusations, penalties can range from a written warning to dismissal from the university.

Bradford’s hearing, scheduled to be held last week, was cancelled that day.

Student Justice officials have declined comment on the matter. Other university officials representing the Office of Disability Services, the Dean of Students, the Chancellor’s Office of the Board of Regents and vice president of Student Affairs have also declined to discuss the issue.

“Student Affairs does not make comments about situations regarding individual students,” said Joanne Smith, vice president of Student Af Affairs.

Her statement has been echoed by other officials, who have referred all inquires to Fly. “The university has well thought out processes that address student concerns when there is an allegation of discrimination,” Fly said. “We have a process for investigating and taking the appropriate actions.”

Fly said he has spoken with Michael Hostetler, an attorney retained by Bradford, and both of them are seeking an amicable resolution to the matter. Hostetler has promised Fly an outline of grievances by Bradford, though Fly has not yet See BRADFORD, page 3

Tina Phan/Star photo ARTISTIC PERFORMANCE: leAnne smith, director of dance at Texas state and breast cancer survivor, michelle Nance, assistant professor in the department of theater and dance, teach their Advanced modern Dance class monday afternoon in Jowers. see FooTAge AND A sliDe show AT uNiVersiTysTAr.Com

Fashion Show for a Cause American Cancer Society presents Cattle Baron’s Ball Style Show

By Leigh Morgan Features Reporter

David Schmidt/Star photo stephanie Bradford, sociology graduate student, studies for one of her classes Tuesday at her office in JCK. Bradford is dealing with a dispute within the sociology department

From hospital gowns pacing the hallway to the hottest trends strutting on the runway, cancer survivors displayed renewed confidence at the second annual Cattle Baron’s Ball Style Show.

The fashion show was sponsored by Prime Out Outlets, Bath Junkie and Kathy Morris in support of the American Cancer Society. Members of Fashion Mer Merchandising Association also joined cancer survivors producing the show and modeling fashions generously donated by Banana Republic, Calli’s Sassy Boutique, Centerpoint Station, Saks Off Fifth Avenue and Two P’s Unique Boutique. Mink Salon also contributed hair and makeup experts, offering the cancer survivors a day of glamour.

The room was buzzing with excitement as survivors, friends of survivors, fashion gurus and audience members filled the room. The music started, the lights dimmed and the show began.

One of the participating models was cancer survivor LeAnne Smith, director of dance in the department of theatre and dance. She stole the show, offering a personal testimony of her battle and survival with cancer.

“It was an honor to be asked (to participate) and a privilege,” Smith said. “I think (the show) was a way of saying I’m surviving and I’m thriving. Cancer can be ter terrifying, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world.”

Smith shared the highs and lows of cancer. She described how cancer had taken her hair, her breasts and five years of her life, but it gave her a divine sense of life and what she sees as truly important.

“I found gifts in something terrible like cancer,”

87˚

Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 50% UV: 9 Very high Wind: S 21 mph

See FASHION SHOW, page 8

Two-day Forecast

Today’s Weather Partly Cloudy

Smith said. “You can choose to be happy, or choose to let it destroy you.”

Smith said she is certainly not destroyed.

“It was great to share with the other survivors who could relate and share with what you have been through,” Smith said. “We were so worried about living, and there we were, having a blast.”

Smith praised the American Cancer Society for their help during a troubling time.

“After my surgery, someone from ACS brought me a heart-shaped pillow for my seatbelt so driving was safe and not painful,” Smith said. “People come out of the woodworks to help you. It is very humbling. This is a way to say ‘thank you.’”

Smith spoke about her new outlook on life and how it has applied to her career and relations with students at Texas State.

“I was open with my students after being diagnosed.

I had their love and support,” Smith said. “Because of my illness, I see things from my student’s point of view.

I try to be more helpful and empathetic. I see now that everyone has a story and needs someone to listen.”

Smith described her fellow faculty members as a family, but said family does not quite do them justice.

Every person who came in contact with her exchanged a smile, warm embraces and caring words.

“I love my job. It is phenomenal to do what I do every day,” Smith said. “I would do it for free. I am rich in all of the ways that count.”

Caroline Johnson, fashion merchandising senior, participated as a model in the style show. Johnson

Isaac Brewer, criminal justice senior, has a little less than $30,000 in student loans.

He borrowed money to pay for college and living expenses and is headed for graduate school this year.

Brewer said he will pay off his debt in a few years, after he finishes his master’s degree.

“In today’s world, you need an education,” he said. “That’s the system they created. I have to take full advantage of it. I don’t have any other debt. If you have to have debt, most people understand college debt. It’s not going to hurt me in the long run, and it’s not going to take long to pay off.”

About 15,000 Texas State students bor borrowed an average of $7,373 to finance their education in the fiscal year 2008, according to Board of Regents Fact Sheet compiled by the Office of Institutional Research.

The university’s Financial Aid Office, which provides counseling service to students, said in an e-mail that the staff has not seen any significant changes or trends in students’ perception toward debt, “but we anticipate some changes in the future.”

The unemployment rate in Austin-Round Rock metropolitan statistical area this March rose to 6.2 percent, a 2.4 percent jump from last March, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. The last time the area unemployment rate reached this level was 2003, according to United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Students should know what type of loans they have received, the interest rates, the repayment options and to only borrow what they will need to pay their educational expenses,” according to the financial aid of office.

Justin Garza, kinesiology freshman at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, said he has about $10,000 in student loans.

“I work at Subway, (but) they don’t pay enough for my whole college,” said Garza, a San Marcos native. “When you think longterm, you know, when you are trying to buy a car (or) you are trying to buy a house, college debt isn’t something that they are going to look at as something bad on your credit, because everyone is going to need college.”

Garza, who wants to become a football coach, said his friends go to parties and clubs, but he cannot afford to do so.

“I barely have enough to make rent and stuff like that,” he said.

The percent of Texas State graduating seniors who borrowed through any loan programs stayed somewhere between 50 to 60 percent from 2002 to 2007, according to Common Data Sets prepared by the Office of Institutional Research. The average cumulative undergraduate debt per borrower increased from $15,002 to $17,141, or about 14.3 percent. The consumer price index increased about 15.2 percent during the period in south urban areas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Financial Aid Office said the figures for 2008 and projection for 2009 are not available because the office is compiling the data.

The Texas State Financial Aid Office provided more than 17,000 students with an average of $9,212 in financial aid in the fiscal year 2008, according to the fact sheet to the system board. The average figure rose 11.4 percent, compared to fiscal year 2007.

“I think one of the things that I find distressing about the conversation in Texas is there is an awful lot of anecdotal information about student debt that is actually based on students who attended private schools, not students who attended public universities,” University President Denise Trauth said at an April 15 Faculty Senate meeting while talking about tuition and state funding.

Trauth said given the amount of financial aid the university is awarding

See DEBT, page 3

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2 - Thusday, April 23, 2009

Calendar WEDNESDAY

starsof texas state

Texas State junior forward John Rybak was named to the Capital One Bank Men’s Basket Basketball Academic All-Southland Conference First Team after earning a 3.36 grade point average as a business marketing major in the McCoy School of Business. On the court, Rybak aver averaged 10 points, 4.3 rebounds and shooting 43.8

Today in Brief

percent behind the 3-point line and 79.2 at the free throw line for the Bobcats. He had a teamhigh 32 points and 10 rebounds at Rice. Rybak was named an Oak Farms Dairy Academic Award winner at Texas State in 2007 and 2008.

News Contact — Amanda Venable, starnews@txstate.edu Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System

NUTS OVER EARTH DAY

There will be an Overeaters Anonymous Meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland.

April, 13 3:30 a.m.

Warrant Service - Smith Hall While on patrol, a police officer noticed three individuals engaging in suspicious activity.

Upon further investigation, two students and a nonstudent were issued citations and a student and nonstudent were arrested for warrant service and possession of prohibited weapon. The student and nonstudent were transported to Hays Country Law Enforcement Center and are awaiting a court date.

The Ensemble Series presents Texas State Jazz Orchestra Concert, Dr. Keith Winking, Conductor at 8 p.m. in the Evans Auditorium. Admission will be $5 for general public and $3 for students and senior citizens.

THURSDAY

There will be a meeting of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at 5 p.m. in LBJSC, room 3-14.1. Cost is $25 Learn how to get rid of debt and build wealth by using the principles that Dave discovered after the hardship of bankruptcy that have now turned him into a millionaire. Contact Krista at 512-3534414 or bsm4jesus@centurytel.net for more information.

There will be a “Simple Silent Sitting” meditation group from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. in Psychology Building, room 130B. All are welcome (any religion or no religion).

Brief instruction can be arranged before we “sit” by contacting Colby at 512-4084544 or Sheila at 512-847-2159.

The Student Recital Series presents Michael Hamilton Graduate Voice Recital at 8 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall. Admission is free.

The Faculty Artist Series presents Texas State Wind Octet Recital featuring Ms. Daris Hale, Bassoon at 8 p.m. in the Evans Auditorium. Admission will be $5 for general public and $3 for students and senior citizens.

CRIME BLOTTER University Police Department

The McCoy College of Business Administration is hosting a Pre-Law Panel Discussion, “How to Get into Law School and Succeed Once There,” from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in McCoy, room 126. Panelists will include an admissions representative from St. Mary’s School of Law as well as successful Texas State alumni who practice law in Central Texas.

Everyone is welcome. Please contact Dr. Alexis Stokes at as44@txstate.edu for more information.

Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship will hold its weekly meeting at 8:30 p.m. in Old Main, room 320. Enjoy contemporary worship, relevant teaching, prayer and plenty of fun. Everyone is welcome.

Contact 512-557-7988 or mail@ texasstatechialpha.com for more information.

—Courtesy of Texas State Athletics

Austin Byrd/Star photo A gray squirrel profits from the fruits of the Earth Wednesday, a day dedicated to protecting the planeta.

This day in history

1616: The Spanish poet Cervantes died in Madrid.

1789: President-elect George Washington and his wife moved into the first executive mansion, the Franklin House in New York City.

1791: James Buchanan, the 15th president of the United States, was born in Franklin County, Pa. 1896: The Vitascope system for projecting movies onto a screen was demonstrated in New York City.

1908: President Theodore Roosevelt signed an act creating the U.S. Army Reserve.

Barry Bonds.)

1968: The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged to form the United Methodist Church.

1564: This is the generally accepted birthdate of the English poet and dramatist William Shakespeare. He died on the same date 52 years later.

1971: The Rolling Stones album Sticky Fingers was released.

1940: About 200 people died in a dance-hall fire in Natchez, Miss.

1985: The Coca-Cola Co. announced it was changing its secret formula for Coke. However, negative public reaction later forced the company to resume selling the original version.

1954: Hank Aaron of the Milwaukee Braves hit the first of his 755 major-league home runs in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

(Aaron’s career total is second only to

1987: Twenty-six construction workers were killed when an apartment complex being built in Bridgeport, Conn., suddenly collapsed.

1992: McDonald’s opened its first restaurant in Beijing.

1993: Labor leader Cesar Chavez died at age 66.

1995: Sportscaster Howard Cosell died at age 77.

1998: James Earl Ray, who confessed to assassinating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 and later insisted he was framed, died at age 70.

2004: President George W. Bush eased Reagan-era sanctions against Libya in return for Moammar Gadhafi’s giving up weapons of mass destruction.

2007: Boris Yeltsin, the first freely elected Russian president, died at age 76.

2007: Journalist and author David Halberstam died in a car crash in Menlo Park, Calif., at age 73.

—Courtesy of New York Times

Library Beat

Library hours extend for finals, late night studying

The Alkek Library will once again extend its hours beginning May 2, to offer students increased study time as finals approach. Again this semester, the library will remain open through the weekend during finals. The following “study hall” schedule can be accessed anytime from the library homepage.

May 2, the Saturday before finals begin, the library will be open an extra two hours, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The library will open at 1 p.m.

May 3 as usual, and will remain open around-the-clock for study until 5:30 p.m. on May 12.

Service points, such as the Reference Desk and Computer Lab, will not be staffed during the overnight study hours. May

9 service points will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. but other otherwise will maintain their regular schedules before and during finals. Visit the library homepage www.library.txstate.edu or call 512-245-3681 for operating hours of specific library services, please.

While in the library, everyone is asked to be considerate of others and help maintain an atmosphere conducive to study studying. Note the sixth floor is designated “Quiet Study” — those working in a group should use a group study room or go to another floor, and keep voices low to minimize disruption to others.

Remember, group study rooms are in high demand and are available on a first-come, first-served

basis. Also, cell phone use is prohibited in all public areas, and food and drinks are not allowed except in the First Floor Public Lounge.

Seventh floor construction ends at 4:30 on weekdays — the library extends sincere apologies that work must move for forward during finals. The seventh floor remains open for study, including a total of 13 single-per single-person study rooms along the east and west walls.

Courtesy for patrons is always greatly appreciated, but especially so during peak study times.

The Alkek librarians and staff wish everyone a successful finish to the Spring 2009 semester.

—Courtesy of Alkek Library

April 13, 11:26 p.m.

Medical Emergency Student Recreation Center A student reported to a police officer she injured herself while playing basketball. The student refused medical transportation.

April 14, 9:10 a.m.

Mischief-under $500 Strahan Coliseum Parking Lot A student reported to a police officer his vehicle had been damaged while legally parked.

The case is under investigation.

April, 15, 12:30 a.m.

Burglary - Habitation Bobcat Village Apartments A student reported to a police officer her property had been taken without her consent. The case is under investigation.

April 15, 6:45 a.m.

Criminal Mischief-under $500 - Trinity Bldg A nonstudent reported to a police officer university property had been damaged. The case is under investigation.

April 15, 7 p.m.

Warrant Service - Other A police officer made contact with a vehicle for a routine traffic stop. Upon further investigation, a student was arrested for a warrant service and transported to Hays Country Law Enforcement Center and is awaiting a court date.

April 15, 2:10 a.m.

Theft-Under $500 - Bobcat Village Apartments A student reported to a police officer her personal property had been taken without her consent.

The case is under investigation.

April 15, 7 p.m.

Burglary of Vehicle - Bobcat Village Parking Lot A student reported to a police officer his personal property had been taken from his vehicle without his consent. The case is under investigation.

April 15, 10:31 p.m.

Burglary - Habitation - Bexar Hall A student reported to a police officer her personal property had been taken without her consent.

The case is under investigation.

—Courtesy of University Police Department

News

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Students attempt to detour around new housing policy

The University Star - 3

The hardest choice Economy is forcing students to weigh university options

By Sajen Claxton-Hernandez News Reporter Angelica Wathen, a 19-year-old pre-athletic freshman, attempted to bypass the housing policy that requires students younger than 20 years old with less than 42 credit hours to live on campus.

Wathen said there are multiple reasons she wanted to live off campus, but primarily to alleviate her financial situation.

“I come from a single mom (who) I think makes only 10 grand a year,” Wathen said. “I am here on loans, I’m here on grants. I’m paying everything myself.”

Wathen said she located a house that would be about $50 less per month than her current room at Sterry Hall, based on the compensation checks she received showing the cost per week.

“With all the bills and whatnot, it would be like $430 a month,” Wathen said. “Whenever you do the math, that is cheaper than Sterry.”

According to Texas State policy, an exception to the housing policy requirements may be granted if a student lives at a parent or legal guardian’s permanent home within a 60-mile radius of the university.

Wathen said she wanted to move to a friend’s barn in Flatonia, which is within 60 miles of the university, to qualify for exemption of the residency requirement. Wathen would then lease a house in San Marcos while the university thinks she is commuting, if she were to be exempt.

Wathen signed an application to lease an off-campus house, even though she knew it would be difficult because of the university’s requirements.

Rosanne Proite, director of the Department of Housing and Residential Life, said they instructed students not to sign anything in regards to off-campus housing if they had questions.

Wathen said she began feeling skeptical about living off campus next year.

“I started really thinking, ‘If I get caught, that is really big,’” she said.

Wathen decided to abandon her plan of living off campus.

She was not required to pay to break contract from the house because the signed document was only an application.

However, Wathen soon learned the time to register for preferred residence halls had closed.

She said there is no choice in which residence hall she will be placed in because she waited too long to decide to stay on campus.

Proite said the Department of Housing and Residential Life was clear in their instructions for students regarding the change in policy.

“We put something in every single student’s mailbox. We sent them e-mail information, we sent materials home to students’ families and it is on our Web site,” Proite said.

Wathen said she threw out a letter in her mailbox informing about the change in the housing policy requirements and claims she never received an e-mail.

“I thought it was just another mass-junk mail they were putting in our boxes,” she said.

Wesley Schultz, management junior and resident assistant at Falls Hall, said students should ask the housing department if there are any inquiries regarding the new housing policy requirements.

“They should have gone to J.C. Kellam Building into the department of housing and residential life (office) to make sure they were qualified to live off campus,” Schultz said.

Wathen said she plans to live off campus when she qualifies.

Gary Reyes/San Jose Mercury News/MCT From left, Alden Mitchell, 16, Rachel Brown, 17, and Sheri Park, 18, critique paintings during an advanced placement art class at Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton, California, on April 15, 2009. Brown is a senior who is currently deciding on colleges for the next school year. This is the time of year that students and parents must finally commit to the school of their choice.

By Dana Hull San Jose Mercury News SAN JOSE, Calif. — Mike Maietta was eating lunch when he got a text message from his mom.

“Notre Dame,” it said. “Big envelope!”

Mike, a senior in high school, whooped for joy. The envelope meant the university in South Bend, Ind., had offered him a coveted slot in its Class of 2013. But the $51,300 annual price tag is a formidable obstacle. So Mike and his parents are considering offers from several other colleges and calculating the costs — tuition, housing, holiday trips home.

This year, money is the driving factor for a growing number of high school seniors.

Layoffs, plunging home values and decimated college savings accounts have vastly changed family finances.

“We’re ecstatic that Mike got into so many great schools,” said Michael Maietta, his father, an engineer at Microsoft. “But if you consider going to school out of state, you’ve got to think about all of the other costs: moving, flying back and forth for the holidays.

You’re looking at about $3,000 a year just for travel.”

BRADFORD CONTINUED from page 1

received them.

Complicating matters is Bradford’s status as a disabled student.

She has an autoimmune disorder caused by a dysfunctional thyroid.

Bradford underwent surgery last week to have her thyroid and a related tumor removed. Before surgery, she had symptoms that caused her to miss classes, assignments and tests, though she said

the Office of Disability Services recognizes her disability and regularly provides her with the appropriate paperwork exempting her from certain class due dates.

Bradford believes the e-mail incident is the reason she has been denied any further exceptions and incompletes in the department of sociology. Bradford is asking the university to investigate charges, claiming her character has been defamed and her educational career sidetracked.

Aside from the course work she is enrolled in this semester, Bradford lacks six hours from completing her second master’s degree.

However, since the e-mail incident, she has been dropped by her thesis chair and committee. She has since been advised to pursue a non-thesis degree track.

The outcome of Bradford’s case is still unclear, though Fly said he hopes to avoid legal action, and he believes both parties can come to a reasonable solution.

very lucky that their parents are helping out their finances,” Hays said.

Chris Murad, anthropology freshman, on the other hand, said his parents are taking out loans to pay for his education.

“There was always an expectation that I would go to college,” Murad said. “They always said they would take care of it. It would

be nice if I can get a scholarship or stuff, but if I don’t get any, they are still going to do whatever they can to get me to go to college.”

Murad said he does not get many scholarships and is grateful for his parents.

“I wish they wouldn’t have to do it,” he said. “The economy right now is just kind of hard... I know it’s hard for them.”

DEBT CONTINUED from page 1

students, they cannot incur as much debt as cited in the national media.

Anna Hays, pre-international studies sophomore, said her parents are paying for her education.

She has received scholarships through her high school.

“A lot of my friends have been

More than 7.6 million students have filled out the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a 19.9 percent increase over last year.

The federal Department of Education this month urged college financial aid officers to give more help to families suffering from the recession. And a record 30,428 students applied for 2,300 slots at Stanford, in part because the university boosted financial aid for families earning below $100,000.

Students have until May 1 to decide on a school, and many campuses require “matriculation deposits” up to $400 to secure their slots for the fall. As families weigh their options, some are going back to financial aid offices in hopes that packages can be boosted.

“The most heartbreaking appeals at this point are from families where parents are just being told about layoffs in the last few weeks,” said Karen Cooper, director of financial aid at Stanford. “Even those who thought they had a plan in place are scrambling to come up with new options.”

Mary Nucciarone, an assistant director of financial aid at Notre Dame, said families of admitted students are asking the university to consider new information.

“Loss of bonus income, loss of home eq-

uity, decrease in assets, mortgages underwater,” she said. “People are coming back to us and saying, ‘Did you consider this?’“ Santa Clara University, where tuition, room and board top $46,000 a year, is concerned accepted students may choose more affordable alternatives instead. So nearly 400 alumni volunteers are now telephoning every admitted student. The most highly valued prospective students receive calls from President Michael Engh or Provost Lucia Albino Gilbert.

Mike Maietta got into eight colleges, and narrowed his top choices to a final five: Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Loyola Marymount, Gonzaga and the University of San Diego.

As the Maiettas turn the options over in their minds, numerous factors come into play. Loyola Marymount and Gonzaga offered Mike partial scholarships, but Notre Dame and Vanderbilt did not. Loyola, in Los Angeles, is within driving distance. But the cost of housing at Gonzaga, in Spokane, Wash., is slightly cheaper.

“Fifty thousand dollars a year is a lot of money,” said Mike, who wants to study mechanical engineering. “I’d like to go to Notre Dame or Vanderbilt, but I can see myself at LMU.”

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News

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Student Health Center officials urge students to get STI tests

By Lora Collins News Reporter The problem with STIs on campuses has caused uproar among institutions’ administrations, according to Student Health Center officials.

Karen Gordon-Sosby, assistant director of the Student Health Center, said more students are coming back with positive tests for STIs such as chlamydia, gonor gonorrhea and HIV than before.

The Student Health Center offers treatment for removal of HPV warts, antibiotics for Chlamydia and provides antiviral medication for herpes.

Gordon-Sosby said there are still sexually active students who do not get tested.

“The main reason is probably that they have no symptoms and therefore do not realize that they might have an STI,” she said. “Embarrassment might also be a factor.”

A total of 1,715 students were tested for chlamydia between January 2008 to December 2008.

A total of 48 males and 50 females out of the tested students were reactive to symptoms.

Gordon-Sosby said the Center sees 150 to 200 students on an average day.

Health Center staff tested 198 men for gonorrhea in 2008. Female tests totaled 1,394. Eight people were reactive to the STI. Gordon-Sosby said women tend to look out for their health more.

“This is true for college health and health care in general,” she said.

Gordon-Sosby said students would benefit from seeing practitioners at the Health Center because they focus more on “preventative care.”

“Students benefit from seeing medical providers who understand the unique issues facing college students,” Gordon-Sosby said.

Dr. Emilio Carranco, director in the Student Health Center, said the concern of campus STIs will only grow if students do not start practicing safer methods.

The Health Center provides print out resources, which allow students to understand the risks of STIs and how the health center can help. The report entails that two of three of all STIs occur in people 25 years old or younger.

It also entails that less than half

of adults ages 18 to 44 have ever been tested for STIs. “Having sex with someone you don’t really know is the biggest risk of all,” Carranco said. “Sexual partners should be open and honest with each other about their sex sexual history. Partners should have mutual respect for each other and take precautions to prevent STIs and unplanned pregnancies.”

The pamphlet entails that students who have been sexually active should get tested for STIs. Carranco said this is important because it could prevent further spreading of certain diseases.

“The Student Health Center offers examinations and screening tests for human papilloma virus (HPV), chlamydia, gonor gonorrhea, herpes and HIV,” Carranco said. “Sexual relationships are a normal part of adult life. Students need to learn how to take care of their physical, mental and sexual health.”

The Health Center staff was unable to conduct a full STI study for the 2008 to 2009 academic year. The staff still urges students to seek professional advice whenever they deem necessary.

NASA may delay 2020 moon launch

By Robert Block and Mark K. Matthews The Orlando Sentinel CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA’s plans to return astronauts to the moon are being revised and are in danger of slipping past 2020.

Agency managers say they are delaying the first lunar launch of the Ares V rocket by two years.

NASA’s internal plans had called for Ares V to go to the moon in 2018, though the agency had announced a public goal of 2020.

Internal deadlines are used by NASA to keep programs on track and to provide a margin of error for developmental problems.

However, the agency is reset resetting its internal date to 2020 because of growing budget woes, which means the public 2020 date to send humans back to the moon is in deepening trouble.

The news is another major blow to KSC. The facility had hoped

to get the moon-rocket program running to offset thousands of job losses from the space shuttle’s retirement next year.

In a speech last week, former NASA administrator Mike Griffin blamed the White House — especially the Bush administration.

He said money available for Ares V and other moon projects had dropped from roughly $4 billion through 2015 to just $500 million.

“This was to be allocated to early work on the Ares V heavylifter, and the Altair lunar lander,” he told the National Space Club annual Goddard Memorial Dinner. “With only a half-billion dollars now available, this work cannot be done.”

NASA officials would not comment.

“We cannot discuss any changes to Ares V until after the budget is officially released at the beginning of May,” spokesman Grey Hautaluoma said. “Nothing definitive can be

said about Ares V development cost at this point in time.”

But the slip of the Ares V flight is significant.

Ares V is supposed to be a cargo rocket that will deliver “large-scale hardware” to space — including the Altair lunar lander and all the materials necessary to establish a manned moon base. The rocket will be 381 feet tall and weigh 3.2 million pounds at liftoff, making it the most powerful ever built.

Engineers say the reason for the Ares V delay is that its sister ship, the Ares I, is taking longer and costing more to develop than originally planned.

Ares I, topped by an Orion capsule designed to carry six astronauts, is supposed to replace the space shuttle and make its first flight to the inter international space station by 2015.

NASA’s internal schedule had originally called for a 2013 liftoff, but was delayed because of design and cost issues.

The University Star - 5

OPINIONS 6 - The University Star

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Thursday, April 23, 2009

Opinions Contact — Krista Almazan, staropinion@txstate.edu

THE MAIN POINT

T

he stretch of land between San Antonio and Austin is among the most picturesque in Texas.

In some spots the hill country rolls on as far as the eye can see and in other areas the only thing grabbing anyone’s attention are big box stores, not to mention the traffic and parking lots associated with them. The economic growth that comes with opening new stores is always welcome, especially in these tough financial times, but we need to remember to be responsible with how we are expanding.

According to an article published in the April 15th issue of The University Star, Brock Brown, associate professor in the geography department said there are risks associated with unchecked growth and land development. Brown said irresponsible development of land could have numerous negative impacts on the area’s water supply. One of the most unappealing of the possibilities is pet waste ending up in the water system.

“A lot of these are problems people don’t typically think about,” Brown said. “People don’t consider that an extra strip mall will cause more runoff. They don’t think about where their trash or pet waste run to after it rains. Many issues are connected to growth.”

Most people do not pause to think about the effects a new shopping center will have on the recharge zones in the area or the flooding or the other environmental problems related to paving areas once lush with plant life.

San Marcos is not just a small, sleepy town in the middle of Texas so we cannot pretend growth is not going to happen and developers will not move in to our city. The rate at which Hays County is growing demands we keep our eyes on the development of the land.

It is possible for responsible growth to happen and our city has done a respectable job thus far. Brown applauded San Marcos’ efforts for responsible growth, but he said the bulk of the responsibility lies with individuals.

“There has been a grassroots effort,” Brown said. “That’s what it has to be, a grass-roots effort. People have to care for it to change.”

Responsible growth is not going to be cheap, but as residents of the city and region, we share the land with each other and it is our responsibility to encourage developers and contractors to keep it healthy for ourselves and future generations. After all, “this land is your land, this land is my land…”

BEAUTY

The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University-San Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.

Cycling for combating cancer

GARRETT MCSPADDEN

Star Columnist

Cancer is a plague on humanity that research thus far has been unable to overcome.

Road bikers representing the Texas 4000 organization are planning their fifth annual ride to Anchorage, Alaska, approximately 4,600 miles, to raise hope, awareness, money and most importantly, a combative spirit.

Jon Stringer, the only Bobcat in the ride, could be seen this week between Alkek Library and the LBJ Student Center training on his new Felt bicycle, preparing to make the arduous trek to Anchorage. He is the ride director for the coastal group of riders who, according to Stringer, will ride west, tie into Highway 1 and continue northward across the Canadian border and into Alaska. He will be accompanied by 48 Longhorns and one Aggie.

The riders will eventually split into two groups. One will travel with Stringer up the coast and the other will take a more direct approach through the Rocky Mountains. Both rides are part of the longest charity bicycle ride in the world.

According to Stringer, Carolina Caravati, the Rocky Mountain route travel chairperson, explained the riders have been training since January for this strenuous trip, juggling long rides and muscle-stretches with “penny drives, mailing lists, carwashes and panhandling, anything you can imagine.”

The goal is to raise $4,500 per rider. Each member averages around $6,500, said Stringer, meaning 50 members combined accumulated roughly $300,000.

According to texas4000.org, they, “will visit hospitals, organizations and local churches to talk about (their) ride, what (they) are doing to fight cancer, and how (we) can help prevent and beat cancer.” The Web site also explains they will complete roughly 80 miles per day for 70 days, taking only a few short breaks to explain their cause and raise awareness. The riders must also pass the Century Test, a 100-mile span through which the rider must maintain a certain speed.

All of this determination and planning for a trip that most serious bicyclers would find daunting, if not unmanageable, proves the people’s compassion.

Stringer explained they get to keep the high-end bicycle after completion of the trek. However, it seems that is not the only motivation for their efforts.

Perhaps they have close relatives or friends that have been affected by cancer. Or maybe the daily reports on unrelenting Juan Ramirez/Star Illustration death tolls caused by different diseases have sprung them in to action.

Reasons notwithstanding, the proof is in the pudding.

This is something admirable that any community queried for donations can support as a noble act for a noble cause.

It is inspiring to see these Google for comfort. Losing athletes take to the pavement connections and getting too to battle an illness anyone involved with technological afflicted could usually never outlets is dangerous. participate in. They are doing According to a study by Daniel something very humanitarian, S. Holder of the University of and will be collecting donaChicago, “Facebook does not cre- tions for their trip, all of which ate or spur new social relationwill go to cancer research. ships or interfere with existing When it comes down to it, ones, but, as Claude Fischer sug- there are still a large number gests for telephones in America of people who care about the Calling, it only augments existcommunity. Impeding socialism ing ties.” It is good to remember or not, when it counts, there that too much of something can are those present to fight for be a bad thing. Laptops and cell the oppressed. We can follow phones don’t have to be a bad, their journey on the Web site, but we need to remember to where a full-length documentacontinue building healthy interry and blogs will be monitoring personal relationships. their progress.

Increasing technology dependencies require more attention to humanity

By Ammie Jimenez Star Columnist Technology has become a fullblown obsession that, for most of us, goes unnoticed.

Our lives are saturated with technology, making it hard to sever our dependency. Every day most of us wake up and check e-mails, texts and Facebook or Myspace, sometimes both, and then continue our day. Then begins the constant checking of e-mails and updates and making sure our cell phones are charged and always with us.

I have always been a big sup-

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porter of not relying too heavily on technology, but it was surprising to me when, in a matter of a few days, my laptop, alarm clock and cell phone broke down. I was left in what felt like an isolated bubble. Sure, there are the library computers, but the lack of instant access made me anxious.

I quickly realized no matter how much I opposed it, I am also dependent on technology. It was scary and problematic.

It is hard to imagine going through the day without cell phones or computers. However, the problem is we, as a society, have built walls of technology around ourselves and have grown

increasingly distant from other people. It is much easier to listen to our iPods than acknowledge others. We walk around with heads down, texting half the time and failing to notice our surroundings. I have seen and done it myself. It has become an increasingly dangerous habit.

The probability of becoming even more detached from reality increases as Facebook and Twitter become addicting. The CNN Web site posted an article that entails “rapid-fire TV news bulletins or getting updates via social-networking tools, such as Twitter, could numb our sense of morality and make us indif-

Editor In Chief.............................Scott Thomas, stareditor@txstate.edu Letters....................................................................starletters@txstate.edu News Editor............................Amanda Venable, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor...................Brett Thorne, starentertainment@txstate.edu Opinions Editor.......................Krista Almazan, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor....................................Karen Wang, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor....................................Lisa Carter, starsports@txstate.edu

ferent to human suffering.” If there is a possibility of that, the problem could be bigger than we realize.

Sustaining a healthy sense of reality and staying connected with people in real-life relationships is a major component of what makes us human.

It takes more work, but it is vital in developing ourselves as individuals. It is also more beneficial, when dealing with a life crisis, to have those relationships and human connections with others to help through tough times — much more helpful than flipping open a laptop and going to

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The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos published Tuesday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a distribution of 8,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

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Copyright Tuesday, March 24, 2009. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

Trends The universiTy sTar

freefest

Riverfest will take over Sewell Park this afternoon with music, food and games. The event will feature local artist 46, Eleven Fingered Charlie and the Expendables. Past performers include Paul Wall, Lil’ Rob, the Burden Brothers and Nelly. In addition to music, the day will feature a sand volleyball tournament with prizes for the winning teams. The day will begin at 3 p.m. and continue through 11 p.m. 46 takes the stage at 6 p.m., followed by Eleven Fingered Charlie at 7, and the Expendables at 8.

7 - Thursday, April 23, 2009

Trends Contact — Brett Thorne, starentertainment@txstate.edu

Kaitlin Hopkins selected as head of musical theater

By Ashley Dickinson Features Reporter

(Courtesy of Kaitlin Hopkins) MOVING UP: Kaitlin Hopkins and her husband Jim Price, who have both had acting and writing careers, recently joined the Texas State department of theater and dance.

Students seek refuge from partying in local coffee house

CrysTAl DAvis DA

Trends Columnist

An interesting aspect of student nightlife in San Marcos is that not everyone flocks to The Square to drink alcohol and party. Students enjoy a more sober perspective in a cozy coffee house sandwiched between two bars on The Square.

According to The Coffee Pot’s Web site, www.coffeepotbistro. com, it is a great place to eat, drink and people-watch. At night nighttime, however, the sidewalk traffic becomes louder, more intoxicated and livelier. At night, the pedestrians in front of the coffee house mostly come from Barfish, Bar One-41 and Harper’s Public House.

In movies, when characters get drunk it provides some comic relief and entertainment, but is it really so funny in real life?

Hannah Albrecht, mass communication junior, loves the at atmosphere of The Coffee Pot, no matter what time of day, but she said there is a definite attitude change in the nocturnal passersby. She said sometimes she hears funny things, but mostly the crowds are just louder.

“It’s a great place to just sit and relax if you don’t want to go out and bar hop,” Albrecht said.

The noises from the crowds can be annoying, but she said it

doesn’t bother her enough to keep her from the shop.

The Coffee Pot isn’t the only business on The Square where patrons watch fellow residents bar hop. Customers sitting on the patio at The Wine Cellar have also witnessed pickled pedestrians enjoying a night out.

The Wine Cellar’s nighttime traffic is mostly people going to and from J’s Bistro.

Richard Romeo, pre-theater junior, said once he saw someone run into the Plexiglas windows of The Wine Cellar.

“This guy ran into the window at The Wine Cellar with his face and then he started making weird faces,” Romeo said.

So what is a key factor keeping some people sober on The Square at nighttime?

Albrecht said some of the people in the coffee house are designated drivers. She said some people will go out with a group of friends as the designated driver, and instead of square dancing from bar to bar, they will hang out at The Coffee Pot. “I’m not saying I have any problems with bars, but on the nights I really don’t want to drink or smell like smoke, I’ll go hang out at Cof Coffee Pot and wait for my friends to be done, and then I’ll drive them home,” Albrecht said.

Sometimes opposites need each other to survive. I’m sure The Cof Coffee Pot has seen its fair share of drunken drama, but San Marcos residents, sober or drunk, can coexist amicably on The Square, which only solidifies the unique dynamic of this town.

Kaitlin Hopkins and her husband, James Price, have spent the last 25 years as nationally recognized performers, but they both knew their path would lead to teaching. That path has led them to San Marcos.

Hopkins begins as the new head of musical theater for Texas State in August.

Hopkins will be involved in directing and overseeing student scholarships. Price and Hopkins will split teaching between seven different courses in the department, but their job begins this summer with recruiting students.

John Fleming, chair of the department of theater and dance, said Hopkins turned down a lead female role in the Broadway play, “Bye Bye Birdie,” to take the univer university position.

“We’re extremely excited. We already have a first-rate faculty, and they bring more visibility and connections,” Fleming said. “Professionals will come down and do things for our school for free.”

The couple has wanted to help a university better its theater department, and Texas State was a favorable environment for them.

“We have been looking for an opportunity to help build a program for a while

now, and Texas State really seems like that program,” Price said in an e-mail.

“After spending a few days on campus meeting with the faculty, the administration, the students — we knew this was the place for us.”

The award-winning Hopkins has a long list of acts on and off Broadway and in film, television and radio. Some of her Broadway roles were in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Anything Goes” and “Noises Off,” and her off-Broadway titles include “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” and “Johnny Pye and the Foolkiller.”

She was recently on a national tour with “Dirty Dancing.”

Hopkins has appeared in more than 50 film and television roles, including Confessions of a Shopaholic, The Nanny Diaries, Trust the Man, “Six Degrees,” “Law and Order,” “Star Trek” and three years as Dr. Harrison on the soap opera “Another World.”

Price, whose future career at Texas State includes teaching and playwriting, is also familiar with the national theater scene. He joins his wife in the acting field and additionally holds talents for being a musician and a playwright. Price held a Broadway position in “The Civil War,” which he performed during a benefit for then-President Bush, and “Ring of Fire,” along with a role in the international “Les Miserables.”

Price was chosen as a Lark’s Workshop Playwright Fellow. His written pieces include “Collision Course,” “Colony Collapse” and “Piano in the Woods.” He is also the composer and lyricist of a musical called “Cold Feet.”

The two actors worked on the same production together in New York.

“My favorite show I ever worked on was the original production of ‘Batboythe Musical,’” Price said. “Great piece, great director, great actors. Did I mention that’s how I met Kaitlin? It’s also her favorite production.”

Both new faculty members are committed to Texas State for the next year, and said their goal is to bring the program to a nationally competitive level.

“We’ve always known we would someday teach,” Price said. “We started teaching at colleges around the country a few years ago, and then started teaching and judging on a regional level for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.”

Texas State will be welcoming the new head of musical theater and the adjunct professor in the fall, and according to Fleming, the faculty believes the couple will elevate the program.

“As much as we love performing, teaching is so much more fulfilling,” Price said.

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR Thursday Shawn Pittman, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall Robbie and the Robotics, 10 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon The Outlaw Angels, 9 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Kyle Park, 9 p.m., Cheatham Street Phil Stevens, 6 p.m., The Blue Hit, That Damned Band, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Friday Los Lobos, 8 p.m., Gruene Hall Peacefield, 10 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Genuine Cowhide, 9 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Johnny Burke Band, 9 p.m., Cheatham Street Rabb Rodriguez y los Killa’ Hogs, 6 p.m., The Skeletons, Crystal Creek Boys, Fish Fry Bingo, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Saturday Gary Claxton, Erik Hokkanen, & Friends, 1 p.m., Gary P. Nunn, 9 p.m., Gruene Hall Buster Jiggs, 10 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Weldon Henson, 9 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Lucky Tubb, 9 p.m., Cheatham Street Zlam Dunk, The Couch, Cactus Rash, Fight City, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Sunday The Ruby Jane Show, 12:30 p.m., Antsy McClain & the Trailer Park Troubadours, 5 p.m., Gruene Hall

JazzieOke, 9:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Open Mic w/ Glenn Allan, 9 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Open Mic w/ Grant, Holly and Nate, 8 p.m., Triple Crown Monday Bret Graham, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall Matt Begley Song Swap, 9 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Kerrville Student Songwriter Competition, 8 p.m., Cheatham Street RC Banks, 6 p.m., Sober Daze, Capital City Outlaws, 10 p.m., Triple Crown Tuesday Mario Matteoli, 7 p.m., Gruene Hall Forest Wayne Allen, 9 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Midnight River Choir and Jordan Minor, 8 p.m., Cheatham Street Bruce Curtis Band, 6 p.m., Grant Ewing Band, 9 p.m., Triple Crown Wednesday Clay McClinton, Patty Griffin, 8 p.m., Gruene Hall Open Mic w/ Tony Taylor, 9:30 p.m., Gray Horse Saloon Molly Hayes, 9 p.m., Riley’s Tavern Kent Finlay’s Songwriter Circle, 9 p.m., Cheatham Street Erickson, 6 p.m., Lonesome Heroes, Mankind and Me, 10 p.m., Triple Crown

Trends

8 - The University Star

FASHION SHOW

Facebook brings together old friends

By Walin Wong Chicago Tribune

Tina Phan/Star photo

CONTINUED from page 1

said Smith has truly left her mark on others. “(Smith’s) testimony was powerful, inspiring and encouraging,” Johnson said.

“She is a courageous woman who fought cancer and is a true survivor.”

Sarah Hadley, fashion merchandising sophomore, helped with the show and felt it was a success.

“We love having the opportunity to

Thursday, April 23, 2009

volunteer our time with such a worthy organization,” Hadley said. “At the same time, we get to use our fashion knowledge to help the style show, model the clothes and help facilitate a fashion show, all for a great cause.”

Hadley said the cancer survivors and Fashion Merchandising Association look forward to participating in the style show in the future.

“We will definitely be back to help with the next show,” Hadley said. “Every year, it will get bigger and better.”

No one needs to wait a decade to reconnect with old classmates in the Facebook age. Facebook is its own non-stop virtual reunion, with its ability to track down long-lost friends and share messages and photos.

Even so, the high school reunion remains a hallowed tradition. I joined a Facebook group earlier this year that a classmate created for my 10-year gathering, which is scheduled for the Saturday after Thanksgiving. About 120 members of our 400-plus class have joined the group, and some people have posted enthusiastic responses. (The recipient of our graduating class’ “best dressed” award proclaimed, “I’m drunk just thinking about this.”)

Facebook has made high school reunions much easier to organize.

Lindsay Swanson, who is planning Naperville (Ill.) Central High School’s 10-year reunion, said she and two co-planners have done everything via the social networking site.

Swanson consulted a district-managed online directory of alumni information.

But she found most of the addresses belonged to her classmates’ parents, and it was far easier to search for people on Facebook. Swanson said nearly all of the

750 students in her graduating class are Facebook members.

“Talking to the school and a couple classes ahead of me, it seems that really in the past couple of years, that’s how everybody’s been reuniting,” said Swanson, who works as Naperville Central’s dance director.

But my generation’s heavy use of Facebook raises a question: What’s the point of a high school reunion when everyone already has reconnected online?

I remain close with a small group of high school friends. As for everyone else with whom I’ve fallen out of touch, my interest in their post-high school lives — and, presumably, their interest in mine — is fairly superficial: current location, professional history, marital status.

It’s those basic categories Facebook covers so well. I see on classmates’ profiles where they went to college, where they’re living and where they’re working.

I see updated photos of their family and pets and read their status updates. Lately, my Facebook feed has been overrun with people taking silly quizzes and sharing the results: “Who’s your celebrity boyfriend?” “What Chicago neighborhood do you really belong in?” And — this is not a joke — “How will you die?”

The considerable awkwardness I displayed in high school surely would be topped at the reunion by a conversation

starter like: “So ... choking, eh?” But if I already know via Facebook that someone has a colicky infant, bought a new house or drank three lattes that morning, what else is there to discuss?

Swanson acknowledged she has thought about this issue. But she notes the upside of knowing so much surface information about casual or long-lost acquaintances.

Viewing each other’s profiles takes care of the burning questions people have at reunions, like who has gotten rich or drastically changed their appearance.

“Because all that information is already on Facebook, those awkward, first-coupleof-minutes introductions for people won’t be awkward anymore,” Swanson said. “So people can ask: ‘What are you up to? How is your family?’“ In other words, the information on a profile page becomes a springboard for substantive offline conversation. And perhaps some people have rekindled high school friendships online, and the reunion offers a rare opportunity to meet in person.

Swanson’s point of view is a good reminder that interaction on social media often languishes in banality, unless there’s an effort to connect in person as well.

By the way, if anyone needs to break the ice with me at the reunion, here’s a freebie: My celebrity boyfriend is Hugh Dancy.

struggled for half a century to imitate the staggering complexity of the brain, even in creatures as lowly as a cockroach or fruit fly. Although computers can process data at lightning speeds, the trillions of ever-changing connections between animal and human brain cells surpass the capacity of even the largest supercomputers “One day we will create a human-level artificial intelligence,” wrote Rodney Brooks, a robot designer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in Cambridge, Mass. “But how and when we will get there — and what will happen after we do — are now the subjects of fierce debate.”

“We’re in a slow retreat in the face of the steady advance of our mind’s children,” agreed Paul Saffo, a technology forecaster at Stanford University in Stanford, Calif. “Eventually, we’re going to reach the point where everybody’s going to say, ‘Of course machines are smarter than we are.’

“The truly interesting question is what happens after if we have truly intelligent robots,” Saffo said. “If we’re very lucky, they’ll treat us as pets. If

not, they’ll treat us as food.”

Some far-out futurists, such as Ray Kurzweil, an inventor and technology evangelist in Wellesley Hills, a Boston suburb, predict that robots will match human intelligence by 2029, only 20 years from now. Other experts think that Kurzweil is wildly over-optimistic.

According to Kurzweil, robots will prove their cleverness by passing the so-called “Turing test.” In the test, devised by British computing pioneer Alan Turing in 1950, a human judge chats casually with a concealed human and a hidden machine. If the judge can’t tell which responses come from the human and which from the machine, the machine is said to show human-level intelligence.

“We can expect computers to pass the Turing test, indicating intelligence indistinguishable from that of biological humans, by the end of the 2020s,” Kurzweil wrote in his 2005 book, “The Singularity Is Near.”

To Kurzweil, the “singularity” is when a machine equals or exceeds human intelligence. It won’t come in “one great leap,” he said, “but lots of little

steps to get us from here to there.”

Kurzweil has made a movie, also titled “The Singularity Is Near: A True Story About the Future,” that’s due in theaters this summer.

Intel’s Rattner is more conservative.

He said that it would take at least until 2050 to close the mental gap between people and machines. Others say that it will take centuries, if it ever happens.

Some eminent thinkers, such as Steven Pinker, a Harvard cognitive scientist, Gordon Moore, a co-founder of Intel, and Mitch Kapor, a leading computer scientist in San Francisco, doubt that a robot can ever successfully impersonate a human being.

It’s “extremely difficult even to imagine what it would mean for a computer to perform a successful impersonation,” Kapor said. “While it is possible to imagine a machine obtaining a perfect score on the SAT or winning “Jeopardy” — since these rely on retained facts and the ability to recall them — it seems far less possible that a machine can weave things together in new ways or ... have true imagination in a way that matches everything people can do.”

Robot conference proves programmed intelligence

By Robert S. Boyd McClatchy Newspapers WASHINGTON – Robots are gaining on us humans.

Thanks to exponential increases in computer power — which is roughly doubling every two years — robots are getting smarter, more capable, more like fleshand-blood people.

Matching human skills and intelligence, however, is an enormously difficult — perhaps impossible — challenge.

Nevertheless, robots guided by their own computer “brains” now can pick up and peel bananas, land jumbo jets, steer cars through city traffic, search human DNA for cancer genes, play soccer or the violin, find earthquake victims or explore craters on Mars.

At a “Robobusiness” conference in Boston last week, companies demonstrated a robot firefighter, gardener, receptionist, tour guide and security guard.

You name it, a high-tech wizard somewhere is trying to make a robot do it.

A Japanese housekeeping robot can move chairs, sweep the floor, load a tray of dirty dishes in a dishwasher and put

dirty clothes in a washing machine.

Intel, the worldwide computer-chip maker, headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., has developed a self-controlled mobile robot called Herb, the Home Exploring Robotic Butler. Herb can recognize faces and carry out generalized commands such as “please clean this mess,” according to Justin Rattner, Intel’s chief technology officer.

In a talk last year titled “Crossing the Chasm Between Humans and Machines: the Next 40 Years,” the widely respected Rattner lent some credibility to the oftenridiculed effort to make machines as smart as people.

“The industry has taken much greater strides than anyone ever imagined 40 years ago,” Rattner said. It’s conceivable, he added, that “machines could even overtake humans in their ability to reason in the not-so-distant future.”

Programming a robot to perform household chores without breaking dishes or bumping into walls is hard enough, but creating a truly intelligent machine still remains far beyond human ability.

Artificial intelligence researchers have

Trends

Thursday, April 23, 2009

The University Star - 9

Bold colors make a comeback in fashion

By Maura Dieringer McClatchy-Tribune

department at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, said. American Apparel and Urban Outfitters also have a great mix of classic and basic items at affordable prices, she added.

And, don’t overlook high-end department stores just because you are on a budget. Department stores usually have a section that is more affordable than their designer clothing, such as Nordstrom’s BP section. The items mirror runway fashions, but at a fraction of the price.

Since style is all about creativity, mixing vintage items into your wardrobe is a good way to add newness to your style without breaking the bank, Patrick Hughes, professor of the history and culture of clothing at Parsons The New School for Design, said. You don’t have to be too adventurous — you could even start with chunky, vintage jewelry like bangles or a brightcolored belt.

Now you know where to shop, but the hard part is what to buy? Well, you can never go wrong with dresses. They are always a spring staple, but this

year long Maxi dresses are perfect for daytime with flat sandals and a cardigan or wedges When Mindy Sartori, a merat night. Chiffon dresses are chandising management major at also in, especially in floral Virginia Tech, is deciding what to prints. Pairing a chiffon dress wear, confidence in her clothes is with a structured jacket or carthe most important factor. digan from seasons past allows In spring specifically, she you to use items you already chooses colors that flatter her own, Nordstrom suggests. tan skin, like yellows and hot Cardigans are the most impinks. Her instincts aren’t far portant item for spring, accordoff this spring, where bold coling to Ostroff. Long cardigans ors, softness, light fabrics and can be worn with leggings, or feminine details are making a short cardigans can be paired comeback in a big way. with shorts or jeans, she said.

People are struggling in the When worn with a great fitting poor economy. Some are feelpair of jeans and a tee, the ing their desired wardrobes outfit looks effortless, yet put Alyssa Scavetta/Star photo are far out of reach, but many together. For men, lightweight ALL THAT JAZZ: Performers of the musical “The World Goes ‘Round” give their best jazz hands stores cater to smaller budgets, corduroys with a good, solid Wednesday in the Music Theater building. so style and confidence doesn’t short-sleeve shirt is essential. have to be sacrificed— even if Scarves, oversized slouchy you are pinching pennies. bags and retro-bright shades Stores like H&M, Forever 21 are all accessories that can add and the Gap are great places to color and pizzazz to an otherstart when shopping for spring. wise plain outfit. A nice pair of “The Gap always has great jeans, a solid white tee and sanaffordable basics (tees) and dals might otherwise be a borclassics (cardigans) in the ing outfit, but if you add a pink right trend colors for the seaoversized bag, for example, the son,” Nancy Kaplan Ostroff, outfit is now bold and stands associate professor and assisout. Scarves should be lighttant chairperson of the fashion weight with fun patterns, like Morgan Wilson ties and are in different stages Scott said audience members merchandising management floral prints, or bright solids.

Features Reporter in their lives,” Scott said. “I play will not be able to help but rethe woman that is realizing that act to the show.

This week Texas State will be life is disappointing sometimes.”

“It is really just a fun show to hosting its first musical revue, enWhite said since he per- watch,” Scott said. “Our audience titled “The World Goes ’Round.” formed the exact same show on opening night was awesome The department of theater in his previous years, he thor- and very responsive. There are and dance has re-launched the oughly enjoyed giving the some deep, heartfelt moments Bachelor of Fine Aarts in musi- students a glance into the pro- but you will always know you are cal theater sequence. fessional world. going to be laughing soon.”

“It’s the first spring musical “There was an audition proWhite said the audience left revue,” said Greg White, direc- cess similar to that of the pro- opening night humming tunes tor of spring musical revue and fessional world,” White said. they never heard before. director of musical theater. “We want to give them a similar “Music is the most memo“Now, those who choose to experience to that of which they rable part,” he said. “When ‘All graduate with a BFA in musical will encounter later in life.”

That Jazz’ comes on, you could theater will be required to parWhite has been working with tell people in the audience alticipate in some kind of spring the students and preparing for ready knew what it was. There musical theater offering.” this revue since February, and are a lot of songs that the au“Musical revue is a collec- said nothing is more exciting dience is not familiar with, but tion of songs by John Kander than preparing. that is the exciting part.” and Fred Ebb,” White said.

“It’s always a joy to work with White is excited to see the “Most people do not know who students who are eager and crowd’s response to the reKander and Ebb are.” passionate about their work,” maining shows.

Kander and Ebb wrote the he said. “Learning and growing “Last night, there were music and lyrics for several fa- is a part of the process of being many at-the-door tickets sold, mous musicals such as “Chica- an artist. These students are but I think because of word go,” “Cabaret” and “New York, just that, artists.” of mouth, people should start New York.” Each composition “The World Goes ’Round” getting their tickets ahead of in the revue covers all aspects opened on Tuesday and will run time,” he said. of Broadway. through Sunday. The turnout was Scott said she hopes to give “There is singing, acting, as better than expected, and the au- audiences more than just a well as dancing in the revue,” dience’s reaction was responsive. show— she hopes to leave them White said.

“Audience response was with an experience.

The cast is comprised entirely great,” White said. “It is a va“The show is very close up of students whose majors range riety show that appeals to a va- with the audience, so don’t be from BFA in acting and musical riety of your senses. There are afraid if we come down into the theater to general studies. some quiet moments and some audience and shake your hand,” “The revue is double cast,” big moments that will leave you Scott said. “We will not pull you he said. “There’s a wide array having a good time.” on stage. We promise.” of students who vary in major that are participating.”

Samantha Scott, musical theater senior, plays Woman 1 in the five-person cast that performs Tuesday, Thursday and Photo Courtesy of MCT Saturday, while she is replaced by another performer WednesSWEAT IT: Cardigans are the most important item for spring, according to Nancy Kaplan Ostroff, associate professor and assistant chairperson of the fashion merchandising management department at day, Friday and Sunday.

“The show is built on five Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Pictured here is a cardigan and dress from Nordcharacters that have personalistrom (www.nordstrom.com).

Musical revue to cover ‘all aspects of Broadway’

Diversions

10 - The University Star

Complete the grid so that every row, column, and 3-by-3 box contains every digit from one through nine inclusively.

Solutions for 4/22

Classifieds

Thursday, April 23, 2009 ACROSS 1 Deli offering 5 Charge 11 “__ pinch of ...”: recipe words 15 Hardly the full gamut 16 High leader?

17 Close 18 Viva __: by word of mouth 19 *Parting words 21 Huge 23 Prankster’s cry 24 Nick name?

25 It’s too close to call 27 Self-seeker 29 One leaving a wake 30 Togo neighbor 31 Playground retort 32 Cleanup hitters’ stats 36 Cause of inflation?

37 *“That outfit looks fabulous!”

40 SASE, e.g.

41 NLRB part: Abbr.

43 “__ la vista, baby!”

44 “Cool!”

46 Nutrition author Davis 48 “Don’t delay!”

49 Darling 52 “The Da Vinci Code” albino 53 100-member group 54 Safeco Field contest, to the Mariners 57 *Like unlikely chances 60 Hebrew for “skyward” 61 Yours, in Tours 62 Buck 63 Pro __ 64 Hamlet, for one 65 Takes the wheel 66 Barbara who played Jeannie DOWN 1 Eat 2 Thames landmark 3 *18th century French painting style

4/23/09

By Dan Naddor

4 Ohio conservatory 5 Invite to a movie, say 6 NATO founding member 7 Golfer’s pocketful 8 Father of Dada 9 No. to which annual raises might be tied 10 Pocket Books logo 11 Barfly’s request 12 Wimbledon tie 13 Russian villa 14 Buddhist who has attained Nirvana 20 Upscale Italian shoe brand 22 Kenyan tribesman 25 Reduce in grade 26 Gut course 27 Former Archbishop of New York 28 Karmann __: sports car 29 Pain in the neck 31 “Love __ Around”: 1968 hit

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

(c)2009 Tribune Media Servies, Inc.

33 Picnic veggie dish, and a hint to words hidden in the answers to starred clues 34 A fan of 35 Garbage barge 38 Diver’s sickness 39 Reunion attendee 42 University of Wyoming site 45 Stand with shelves 47 Info to input

4/23/09

48 Shooters, before shooting 49 Syrian leader 50 Atlanta-based airline 51 Burger topper 52 Sub detector 54 Place for an ace?

55 Friend of Adelaide 56 Flair 58 E-mail address part 59 Phillies’ div.

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The University Star - 11

Utah defensive end survives tragedies, still holds interest for NFL Draft

By Marla Ridenour The Akron Beacon Journal It was a joking suggestion that Paul Kruger might have nine lives. But the Utah defensive end did not find the comment all that inappropriate.

At age 23, he has already sur survived a stabbing that nearly cost him his life and a car accident that took his spleen and a kidney. His mother said he is wearing out his guardian angels.

“It’s terrible to be in situations like that,’’ Kruger said. “But after you recover, you understand a lot of things about life and are very grateful to be in the situation you’re in.’’

The Utes’ redshirt sophomore is a standout pass rusher who is project projected as a second- or third-round pick in this weekend’s NFL Draft. He nearly died in January 2008 after an encounter with a group of gang members left him with slashes to his ribs and abdomen that required 50 staples and four hours of surgery to close.

Kruger, his brother, David, and Utah teammate Greg Newman were leaving a house in Salt Lake City when a group of men drove by and shouted obscenities. After Newman threw a snowball at their car, the men got out of the vehicle and ignored Paul Kruger’s attempt to prevent a fight.

Newman was inflicted with a

screwdriver puncture through his back and David Kruger suffered a broken nose and shattered cheekbone by what the police think were brass knuckles. But Paul Kruger was the injured the worst.

Kruger’s then-defensive coordinator, Gary Andersen, believes the efforts of an emergency room nurse might have saved Kruger’s life. A friend of Kruger’s sister, Jessica, who was at the scene, kept pressure on his wounds (along with Jessica) and called 911 when Kruger’s blood pressure dropped, asking an ambulance to meet their SUV en route to the hospital.

Andersen, now coach at Utah State, said Jessica Kruger called him at 2 a.m. Andersen was close to the family after playing junior college football with Kruger’s father.

“You don’t like to get those calls as a coach,’’ Andersen said. “At that point, football didn’t mean much, for about a 24-hour period. It was the perfect case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.’’

The incident had a huge impact on him, Kruger said.

“Being a football player, you kind of think the world revolves around you,’’ he said. “That mindset is definitely cut short once you have something like that.

“I’ve learned a tremendous

amount just being smart, knowing your surroundings and learning how to avoid situations like that.

Every day I think I’m lucky to be alive and I don’t want to go through something like that again.’’

Kruger was playing with a pad wrapped around his abdomen because of the 1999 car accident before the stabbing. He was 13 and with his family on a four-wheeling excursion in the mountains when their Jeep flipped and rolled over onto his stomach.

During his 2008 recovery, Kruger lost at least 10 pounds, another physical setback in a career interrupted by a two-year mission with the Latter Day Saints. Andersen said Kruger had just regained the strength he lost while serving in 2005 and 2006, mainly in Kansas City, witnessing for his church.

Kruger described the mission as an “awesome’’ experience. According to a Yahoo Sports story, Kruger still keeps in touch with some young children he met and a friend he made in a struggling single-parent home in Manhattan, Kan. “I loved it there,’’ he said. “They were just down-to-earth, humble people.’’

Kruger, recruited as a quarterback at Utah, played for two undefeated Utes’ teams during his redshirt year

in 2004 and in 2008, when they went 13-0 and won the Sugar Bowl. Kruger finished last year with 16 tackles for losses and 7 sacks, giving him 10 sacks in two seasons. According to Yahoo, Kruger made his mark in practice in 2004, batting down passes from future No. 1 overall draft pick Alex Smith.

Kruger, now 6-foot-5 and 263 pounds, left school early because of his age. He believes he can play end in a 4-3 defense or linebacker in a 3-4 and Andersen agrees.

“He can be a very gifted and talented pass rusher,” Andersen said. “I don’t know what it takes to play linebacker in the NFL. I’ve never coached at that level, but I’ve coached 15 kids who have played defensive line in the NFL, and he can definitely play defensive line. He’s very gifted athletically and very smart. I also think he can play outside linebacker.’’

Pro Football Weekly’s Draft Guide criticized Kruger for his “limited upside,’’ but Andersen strongly disagreed.

“That couldn’t be more wrong,’’ Andersen said. “He was a quarter quarterback in high school. From a strength standpoint, a weight standpoint, general knowledge of the position. Even though he’s an older kid, he never had a true offseason to train. His upside is off the charts.’’

12 - The University Star

SportS

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Mavericks must narrow gap in ‘superstar’ category

By Eddie Sefko The Dallas Morning News Some things baffle the imagination, like how a squeezed lemon knows exactly where your eye is.

It’s the same way with Dirk Nowitzki. It’s just hard to figure out how some dude named Matt Bonner is the new Germanator.

The explanation can’t possibly be so simple, although Bonner has been one of San Antonio’s defensive keys to keeping Nowitzki under wraps through two games of the first-round series.

The way Nowitzki has struggled, it’s a mild shocker the Mavericks are level with the Spurs. Playoffs are usually dictated by superstars. Nowitzki is getting trounced by Tony Parker in the matchup of the two best players in the series.

But that’s why a series is best-of-7. After two games, it’s foolish to try to declare a winner, especially when it’s 1-1 going into Thursday’s Game 3 at American Airlines Center.

Nowitzki, who finished the season with

25 consecutive games scoring at least 20 points, hasn’t made it to that mark in the playoffs yet. It’s the first time since May 5 and 7, 2005 against Houston that he’s gone consecutive playoff games without reaching 20.

You have to go back to his second season and first playoff appearance in 2000-01 to find three in a row.

Clearly, the Spurs are making the Mavericks’ star uncomfortable on the offensive end. He is getting crowded by Bonner, or Bruce Bowen or Drew Gooden, and if he puts the ball on the floor to shake free, other Spurs are running at him.

Isn’t there anything Nowitzki or coach Rick Carlisle can do to free him up?

“Not really,” Nowitzki said. “That’s their game plan. Maybe catch the ball a little more on the move. They’re not giving me any room.”

Jason Terry, the second focal point of the Spurs’ defense, has talked at length about him and Nowitzki being willing passers and having faith in teammates to pick up the scoring slack.

Carlisle doesn’t have to say much to his stars about it.

“We deal with this all year,” he said.

“There are teams that double-team Dirk at the 3-point line. When that happens, the onus is on everybody else to hit shots. I don’t need to go into a long dissertation about it because our guys know where things are.”

Nowitzki’s struggles were compounded in Game 2 when Bonner had 11 points and seven rebounds in 29 minutes, shooting 3-of-9 from the field— a virtual push with Nowitzki’s 14 points and six boards on 3-of14 shooting.

No way San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich plans on a push in that match.

Meanwhile, Parker has been, as Terry said, “the head of the snake.” He’s the part that does the biting.

“We need to make someone else beat us to have a chance,” Terry said.

The confusion and frustration Parker is causing is becoming evident. The guards are having a tough time keeping him out of the paint. And if the big guys help out,

they risk Tim Duncan having a big offensive night.

Erick Dampier let it be known after Game 2 that hard fouls would be coming Parker’s way in Game 3. He guaranteed he would get his money’s worth on his first foul when Parker drove to the bucket.

But hard fouls aren’t the only answer.

“We just got to keep him in front of us,” said Brandon Bass. “He got so many easy baskets. You got to use your fouls wisely, but you got to stay in front of him. That’s the most important thing. Fouling him hard, that’s his game. His game is getting into the paint so you can foul him all you want.

“What you have to do is do your best, keep him in front of you and maybe double him some and get the ball out of his hands.”

No matter how they do it, the Mavericks need to find a way to slow down Parker to where he’s merely great instead of all-universe.

If they can’t, the gap between the two superstars is going to be awfully tough for the Mavericks to overcome.

continuity kept fresh the university star

Thursday, April 23, 2009

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The University Star - 13

SportS the univerSity Star

tennistops

The Texas State women’s tennis team was recognized as one of 800 Division I groups for academic performance, announced by the NCAA Wednesday. The Bobcats were among the top 10 percent of the sport’s Academic Progress Rate, which takes into account factors including eligibility, retention and graduation.

14 - Thursday, April 23, 2009

Sports Contact — Lisa Carter, starsports@txstate.edu

Senior softball player hopes to finish career with conference win

By Keff Ciardello Sports Reporter Ryan Kos, senior second baseman, has been a familiar face on the Bobcat softball diamond for the past four seasons, starting in all but one game since her freshman year.

Kos has accomplished numer numerous individual achievements in her career. However, there is still one goal remaining uncrossed on her list before her Bobcat softball career is complete — to win the Southland Conference tournament.

“We’ve (the team) gotten close, but we just can’t seem to do it,” Kos said. “But if there’s any year we can do it, it’s this one. My freshman year, we had six freshmen in the starting rotation. Now all of us are seniors. That experience has helped us this year. ” Kos’ competitive nature has helped her become one of the leaders, according to Coach Ricci Woodard.

“Ryan is one of those kids that’s going to give you everything that she’s got every game,” Woodard said. “We like having her around. She’s very competitive. She’s always outside the dugout yelling at her teammates to play harder. She is just a very vocal leader.”

Woodard has coached Kos all four years. Woodard said she has seen a transformation in not just Kos’ play, but also in her mental approach to the game.

“(Kos) is a more stable, confident leader now,” Woodard said.

“She has figured out how to handle the game mentally. She has been here long enough to see what works and what doesn’t.

Her experience helps keep everybody on the same page.”

Kos has seen a change in herself.

“I’ve matured a lot,” Kos said. “I feel like I can handle certain situations better. Not pressure situations, though I like pressure, but more so of how I handle bad play from me.

Before, I would get down on myself, but now I can manage the problem better.”

The Texas State softball team owns a 32-14 overall record, 19-5 in SLC play, and sits atop the SLC standings. The Bobcats are ahead of secondplace team Stephen F. Austin State and McNeese State by four games with seven matches remaining in the season.

Of those seven games, three of them will be against SFA in a three-game series that starts noon Saturday in San Marcos.

The Bobcats could clinch a first place bid in the Southland Conference tournament with a series sweep. However, Kos has a differ different motivation for defeating the Lumberjacks this weekend.

“We lost two of three games in the tournament last year to Alyssa Scavetta/Star feature photo SFA and that ended our season,” TEAM PLAYER: Ryan Kos, senior second baseman, has been on the Bobcat softball diamond for the past four seasons. Her next goal is Kos said. “This year, we are back and fighting harder than ever. to win the Southland Conference tournament.

It’s payback time.”

Student Recreation Center expansion holds official grand opening What we’ve looked forward to is basically having everything open again and getting back to full use on our Rec Center.”

Hanley said the 49,000 square foot, $31 million project would have been impossible without the students. He said the goal was to make the new facility acceptable for them.

“Students no longer have to wait in line for six treadmills.

Now we have more than 105 pieces of cardio equipment,” Hanley said.

Jennifer Rea, psychology senior, said she uses the SRC three times per week on aver average. Rea said she is pleased about no longer having to wait to use exercise equipment.

“When I found out they were going to build a new one, I thought, ‘Awesome! I’m not going to have to wait for a piece of equipment anymore,’” Rea said.

“The biggest problem was having to come in and wait or not being able to work out when I wanted to because it was always so packed.”

Matthews said he hopes the SRC will give students the chance Alyssa Scavetta/Star photo to obtain a healthy lifestyle.

“Higher education is not CUT THE ROPE: The official grand opening of the Student Recreation Center expansion on Wednesday included new activities such as just about the transmission outdoor recreation, golf, sport clubs and intramural sports. of knowledge. It’s also about physical fitness, virtues and

By Lisa Carter Recreation Center. as Glenn Hanley, director of part of planning the expansion. teamwork,” Matthews said. “We Sports Editor Construction to the expan- campus recreation, Chancellor “It’s great seeing everyone want every Bobcat to live a long sion of the center, which began Charles Matthews, ASG Presi- come out who’s been a part of and healthy life.”

Students will no longer have in 2007, was nearly complet complet- dent Brett Baker and University this for so many years,” Baker A ribbon-cutting ceremony to jog around construction ed in November. Wednesday President Denise Trauth. said. “It’s something we’ve followed the speakers’ adsigns or see yellow caution marked the official grand openBaker said he was pleased to needed for a long time, and it’s dresses. A reception and tours tape when going to the Student ing and featured speakers such see those in attendance who were great for students in general. were given immediately follow-

ing. Students and guests were welcomed with opportunities to participate in free, group exercise classes, free entrance to the rock wall and a longestdrive contest on the golf simulator, one of the center’s most recent additions. The simulator is located in the former weight room of the original SRC. Multipurpose rooms, pools and basketball courts are also recent additions. Baker said student possibilities for exercising in the expansion with the new establishments are endless.

“You look at our rock climbing wall, the (fact the) basketball courts that have doubled, you can do anything in this Rec Center,” Baker said. “It’s just a great asset that we have here at the university. I think it’s amazing for students so far (and) I think it’s going to continue to be amazing for them to be able to come here.”

Baker said he has received nothing but positive feedback from students.

“I think (the feedback from students) has been unbelievable,” Baker said. “People wouldn’t go to the old Rec Center because they couldn’t get in there and actually work out.

They were waiting in all the dif different lines and it was just a big mess in there. But you look at how smooth everything is going right now (and) I think students are very pleased. We’ve got an amazing facility. It’s probably one of the best centers in the whole nation.”