09 12 2007

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DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911

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SEPTEMBER 12, 2007

WEDNESDAY

VOLUME 97, ISSUE 9

San Marcos recognizes Sept. 11 By Kara Bowers Special to The University Star All of those who lost their lives Sept. 11 were not forgotten Tuesday, the sixth anniversary of that day’s tragic events. More than 30 members of the community gathered at 8:45 a.m. at City Hall for a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony to memorialize those who died at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the plane crash in Pennsylvania. The ceremony was moved to the council chambers because of the steady drizzle that covered the front lawn, which was sprinkled with small American flags. Mayor Susan Narvaiz gave a brief proclamation honoring those who fell Sept. 11 and asked attendees to take time to reflect on those events. “I ask each of you to pause for a moment to think of what you were doing that morning,” Narvaiz said. “Keep that with you today.” After the completion of her speech, Narvaiz approached the memorial, a wreath with red carnations in the shape of 9/11, and slipped the first carnation into the wire backing. Councilman John Thomaides was followed by the remainder of the attendees as they filed out of the chambers, each taking a white or red carnation from a bucket and placing it into the memorial. Celestino Mendez, a Korean War veteran and lifetime San Marcos resident, said he attended the ceremony to show his patriotism and for those still involved in the aftermath of that day. “We owe it to our troops to support them,” Mendez said. “They have committed to whatever the command is.” Some of the crowd spilled out onto the concrete entryway of city hall, as others gathered in the foyer, while San Marcos firefighter Nick Archer tolled the bell 15 times, a tradition to honor

fallen firefighters. A number of members of the San Marcos Fire Department were in attendance to pay their respects at the ceremony. “I think it’s very good because it reminds us, not only in San Marcos, but everyone that passes through, that we have to be alert,” said Assistant Fire Chief Len Nored. “It also reminds people of what these individuals did for us.” A commemorative flag, the same one that flew over City Hall six years ago on Sept. 11 and is only flown on the anniversary, is usually raised and flown at half-mast during this part of the ceremony. This was delayed shortly until there was a break in the rain. The carnation-laden memorial was then brought outdoors and members of the fire department raised the flag. Eric Ray, 28-year-old San Marcos resident and member of the Marine Corps Reserves at the time of Sept. 11, led the crowd in an impromptu recital of The Pledge of Allegiance. Ray said he does not necessarily agree with the way some matters have been dealt with by the U.S. government, but the anniversary of this tragic event should be commemorated in spite of differences. “Sometimes things go beyond partisan politics,” Ray said. “Whether you love Hillary or Bush, it doesn’t matter today.” The memorial wreath remained in front of City Hall to conclude this year’s ceremony. The public was welcomed to place flowers on the wreath throughout the day. The Remembrance Ceremony has been an annual tradition since the 2001 attacks to bring the community together and to consider the impact of that day. “It helps to better understand a tragedy,” Narvaiz said. “This is a time to reflect on the sadness of the event and to touch neighbors’ lives in a positive way.”

RAISING REMEMBERANCE: San Marcos Firefighters Nick Archer (left) and Tory Turner prepare to raise the Flag during a Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony held Tuesday morning at City Hall.

Authorities unclear of truth behind alleged group beating evidence shows it was a mutual fight between two individuals, Brandon Adams, who is not a member of the TKE fraternity, and Taylor. “We have conflicting evidence,” Dunn said. “We can find no evidence to support (Taylor’s) story that he was attacked by three or four individuals. In fact, it looks like one fighting another.” Dunn said there were four individuals involved, Taylor and Adams, who both sustained multiple injuries, and two others who were trying to break up the fight. Mark Keffler, political science junior and active TKE member, said TKE had nothing to do with the incident that occurred outside the TKE fraternity house last week. “There was never any fraternity member who hit anyone in that garage, period,” Keffler said. “There were people in our front yard that happened to go over there, which would be the only involvement that we would have had.” Taylor said he provided evidence to SMPD such as a cell phone left in Taylor’s garage and a pair of flip flops verifying his story but Dunn said this could not prove that there were others involved in the fight. “That proved that a fight took place and that property was lost and picked up by (Taylor’s) friend,” Dunn said. “Mr. Adams did lose his phone during the fight but it could have been recovered in the streets.” Dunn said further investigation is needed Photo courtesy of Brian Henretta to prove or disprove the different accounts BLACK AND BLUE: Blake Taylor, public relations senior, awaits reconstructive surgery given by different parties. Sept. 2 at the Central Texas Medical Center after a physical altercation. “Taylor said he was attacked by three or four men we cannot disprove that or prove By Alex Herring Taylor, the same man who was stabbed at that,” Dunn said. “Mr. Adams said he was the News Reporter Lucy’s San Marcos Aug. 15, said the confron- only one that was in the fight. So far the evitation was a result of a miscommunication dence proves that.” A Texas State student who was allegedly beat- between himself and members of the TKE fraDunn said there is common factor in this en in his garage Sunday is waiting for a final ternity. Taylor said the fight started when at and other fights like this one and that is that review of evidence by the San Marcos Police least three members of the fraternity backed both subjects were “highly intoxicated” at the Department. him into his garage and beat him. Brian Hen- time. Blake Taylor, public relations senior, said retta, European studies junior, and a friend of She said if they wish to press charges they he was beaten by at least three Tau Kappa Ep- Taylor’s, arrived after the alleged beating had each face a Class B Misdemeanor for disorsilon fraternity members after a miscommuni- taken place and said they left Taylor “bathed derly conduct. cation that led to an altercation and resulted in in blood.” Hays County District Attorney Sherri Tibbe an emergency reattachment of a piece of his SMPD Sgt. Penny Dunn said the investiga- said since the case is still under investigation, nose at the Central Texas Medical Center. tion of the incident is still pending, but so far, no comment can be made about it yet.

Today’s Weather

PM Showers 86˚

Precipitation: 30% Humidity: 63% UV: 8 Very High Wind: NE 9 mph

Two-day Forecast Thursday Scattered Storms Temp: 86°/ 71° Precip: 60%

Friday Isolated Storms Temp: 88°/ 72° Precip: 30%

Cotton Miller/Star photo

University College introduces triple minor as option for major By Stephanie Kusy-Wilson News Reporter Students who have often found it difficult to choose a major now have one more option added to the list. General studies, a new and different type of degree, was initiated this fall semester. While other majors offer an interdisciplinary focus, this degree is unique because it offers course combinations that are typically not available in traditional studies. The bachelor of general studies allows students to select three minors and take two general studies courses along with appropriate supporting classes. Students who find choosing a single major challenging can now choose from 68 minors. For students like Allyson Beasley, it comes as a relief to know there are other options. “I am finally doing things I have an interest in,” said Beasley, general studies sophomore. The Texas State University System Board of Regents approved this major in Spring 2007 because of a growing interest in interdisciplinary studies. The degree was made available to students this semester and is offered by the University College, said Lisa Chrans, general studies academic adviser. The program requires students complete a minimum of 12 advanced courses in each minor along with maintaining a 2.25 Texas State GPA for each minor and no grade lower than a “C” for minor course credit. “This is our first degree program in University College, and we are thrilled to work with general studies students,” Chrans said. Beasley learned about the program last spring when she went to visit with an adviser for undeclared students. After changing her major three times, she finally

found her niche and stuck with general studies. Interested in the field of interior design, Beasley did not want to confine herself with one specific major. Now she has three minors: business, psychology and art and design. She said having a business background would aid her in the field and psychology would help her better understand people and their actions. “It’s a great solution for those who don’t want to feel limited,” Beasley said. “I have more opportunities.” Approximately 70 students have already declared general studies as their major, causing the core courses to fill up quickly — leaving students like Beasley waiting for the next semester to enroll in the classes. Another 200 students have expressed interest in the program, reinforcing its popularity. The two core courses for the degree, Introduction for Interdisciplinary Experiences and Interdisciplinary Project, help explore career interests through self-analysis and examination of subject areas, according to the general studies brochure. The classes will teach students how to “sell themselves” to future employers, explaining the benefit of focusing on three different subjects. “It is important for students who major in general studies to identify connections among their personal interests and career options,” Chrans said. She said students who have invested numerous hours into a specific major and desire to change might find general studies an ideal solution. The administration hopes it will help students achieve their educational goals by adding this new option. Interested students should schedule an appointment with the general studies academic adviser.

Inside News ................. 1 Opinions ............ 2

Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System

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