09 13 2012

VOLUME 102, ISSUE 10

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SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

Flow Riders

Flow Riders is an all-female cycling group who meet once a week to socialize and teach new riders how to navigate the busy streets of San Marcos. For more, visit UniversityStar.com.

CASHING IN

Emerging research status brings increase in donations Texas State

UT Dallas

“Pride in Action”

“Realize the Vision”

Start date: October 2011

Start date: Fall 2009

Fundraising goal: $110 million

Fundraising goal: $200 million

Amount raised so far: $125 million

Amount raised so far: $120 million

Texas Tech

UTSA

“Vision and Tradition”

“We are UTSA”

Start date: September 2010

Start date: 2009

Fundraising goal: $1 billion

Fundraising goal: $120 million

Amount raised so far: $925 million

Amount raised so far: $100 million

= $100 million

By Caitlin Clark News Editor Texas State entered the race to become the state’s next tier-one university when it recently received “emerging researching institution” status, and fundraising efforts are picking up speed as a result.

The university recently exceeded its “Pride in Action” fundraising campaign goal of $110 million by more than $15 million. The campaign, which went public Oct. 2011, has raised $125 million. Barbara Breier, vice president of University Advancement, said Texas State’s designation as an emerging research institution was a major boost to fundraising. This trend is reflected at other universities in the state vying for tier-one status.

Texas State became an emerging research institution Jan. 12, joining the likes of Texas Tech University, the University of Houston, the University of North Texas and the University of Texas at San Antonio, Dallas, Arlington and El Paso. The status, a step below tier-one, makes the universities eligible for additional funding in the form of the Texas Research Incentive Program.

According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the state-funded program awards matched funds to emerging research institutions. The funds depend on how much the university raises in private gifts and endowments to enhance research activities.

Breier said she was immediately able to see an increase in donations to the university after Texas State became an emerging research institution. She said since Jan. 12, approximately $17.7 million has been raised.

“The ability to go out to donors and tell them that their gift could be matched by the state with (incentive program) funding was a significant tool that allowed them to see their gift be leveraged,” Breier said.

Breier said the Meadows Foundation’s recent $1 million donation to the River Systems Institute was partly made possible

READ FUNDRAISING, PAGE 2

San Marcos named one of cheapest cities in US

By Natalie Berko News Reporter In the second quarter 2012 Cost of Living Index, San Marcos ranks as the 10th least expensive urban area in the United States, falling 13 percent below the average of all participants.

The index is published by the Council for Community and Economic Research.

It uses prices collected from chambers of commerce, economic development organizations or university-applied economic centers to measure regional cost differences of consumer goods and services for households.

The council measures several different components: groceries, health care, housing, transportation, utilities and miscellaneous goods and service. Taxes and other non-consumer expenditures are excluded from the quarterly reports.

“I just think this is one more reason people would want to live here,” said Amy Madison, president of the San Marcos Economic Development Corporation.

Madison said she thinks the city has done an excellent job in providing the foundation for a healthy economy.

“These particular reports come out all the time and I think that they are nice barometers to give us a sense of where we are at and what we can do better,” said Mayor Daniel Guerrero.

Guerrero said being strategically located between Austin and San Antonio also adds value to the city and makes San Marcos an even more attractive location to live.

“In previous years we have been ranked as one of the best communities in the United States to raise a family,” Guerrero said. “This ranks right up there.”

Dean Frutiger, project manager, said he reviewed and categorized roughly 90,000 to 100,000 average prices taken in April from the 300 participating urban areas.

READ COST OF LIVING, PAGE 2

Symposium raises student awareness of breast cancer

By Karen Zamora News Reporter Think Pink, a division of the Susan G. Komen organization, held its educational symposium Wednesday night to educate young men and women about breast cancer awareness.

More than 25 people participated in the hourlong event in the LBJ Student Center, which included a panel of local health care professionals and breast cancer advocates.

Perreda Manor, a Komen Austin volunteer for the speaker’s bureau, said Think Pink is a way to get people talking.

Manor said in some cases parents do not talk to their children about getting routine breast exams, and younger people are more likely to listen and talk to their peers. She said by getting youths to talk to their parents about breast cancer, more people are becoming aware.

Abel Galaviz, practicing general surgeon in San Marcos, said he has only treated two patients in their twenties with breast cancer in his 27 years of practice. Both were Texas State students. He said less than 1 percent of women in their twenties are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Manor said age and gender are the two big-

gest factors in being diagnosed with breast cancer. Women more than 40 years of age should be getting a mammogram every year, and women between 20 and 40 years of age should have an exam every three years.

Jenn Hatch, marketing and communications manager for Komen in Austin, said she has a very personal connection to the organization.

Hatch said her mother is a breast cancer survivor. Her aunt and grandmother both lost their battles with breast cancer. Hatch is a true negative, meaning she does not carry the cancer gene.

Galaviz said there are two mutated human genes that can cause breast cancer: BRCA1 and BRCA2, which have been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Men and women could pass these genes to their children. Galaviz said 5 percent of breast cancer cases have been passed down through these genes.

Testing for these genes has become very costly, and in some cases insurance companies do not cover the costs, Galaviz said.

Claudia Cantu, Texas State alumna, works with Community Action Inc. of Central Texas to help patients complete recommended treatment.

READ THINK PINK, PAGE 2

Emergency call centers to be consolidated into one building

By Hannah Mills News Reporter A planning process to determine architectural plans and costs for the new Hays County call center will cost about $174,500, officials say.

The Hays County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the Public Safety Answering Point in June. It will be the new home of the 911 call centers currently located at the sheriff’s office and the San Marcos, Kyle and Texas State police departments. The center will be used by 15 emergency service agencies, which will all share technology.

“This is ultimately for the public, the citizens and the people. They are the driving role,” said Erica Carpenter, communications director for the call center at the sheriff’s office. “You cannot put a cost on saving lives. It is worth the monetary

value, because our lives are priceless.”

The project management phase calls for all four entities to sign a contract and agree to pay for their portion of the project’s preliminary budget. After the agencies come to an agreement, they will decide what staffing, technology and space needs are required for the center.

If the agencies do not agree to pay, they will still be consolidated in the center, but there is a chance their needs will not be met.

The call centers will share technology, such as the computer-aided dispatch system and equally trained and qualified staff.

A start date for construction has not been determined, Carpenter said.

“The goal is to take a conceptual idea and be able to put it into a planning idea,

READ CALL CENTER, PAGE 2

Kristen Lefebvre, Staff Photographer

Jenn Hatch, marketing and communication manager for the Austin affiliate Susan G. Komen for the Cure office, speaks at Think Pink, a breast cancer awareness event in the LBJ Student Center. Hatch discussed her family ties to the disease.

University officials, PACE center tackle academic probation

By Monica Solis News Reporter

Texas State officials are helping students adjust to a change in satisfactory academic progress regulations.

As of May, any student on academic probation will no longer receive financial aid while on probation. The regulations went into effect this summer.

The requirements are imposed upon all public universities and are split into three categories: minimum GPA, completion rates and maximum completion rate.

Student services, such as advisors in the Personalized Academic Career Exploration Center and the Student Affairs Office, are helping students understand the new regulation.

Jennifer Beck, director of Retention, Management and Planning, said the department tries to provide students with

professionals, workshops or a different office to try to help them be successful.

“The students also have to make certain that they are committed to making the changes necessary to change their academic outcome,” Beck said.

The PACE advising branch is designed to assist mostly freshmen. Beck said a coordinator has been hired to focus primarily on sophomores, juniors and seniors who are in danger of academic probation.

“There’s a real concern by the university to help students avoid probation,” Beck said. “If they (go on probation), we’ll help them go through the appeal process with financial aid, as well as develop strong academic skills to get off academic probation.”

According to data provided by Institu-

READ PACE, PAGE 2

2 | Thursday September 13, 2012 | The University Star

NEWS

For more viewpoints or letters to the editor, e-mail staropinions@txstate.edu

FUNDRAISING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

due to the promise of the foundation’s gift being matched.

Aaron Conley, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations for UT Dallas, said the university’s “Realize the Vision” campaign also saw an increase in donations because of the program.

“When we started going to potential donors and telling them that they could have another $750,000 in matching funds when they donate $1 million, that’s a very compelling case,” Conley said.

The “Realize the Vision” campaign, which started fall 2009, aims to raise $200 million by the end of 2014. Conley said approximately $120 million has been raised so far.

Texas Tech’s “Vision and Tradition” capital campaign began two years ago.

It has raised about $925 million of its $1 billion goal, said Kelly Overley, vice chancellor for Institutional Advancement for Texas Tech.

“Our last campaign had a goal of $500 million. So, it was a bold decision to elevate our stature in the fundraising arena,” Overley said.

Overley expects Texas Tech’s capital campaign will finish ahead of schedule by the end of 2013.

Breier said it is possible Texas State could embark on a $1 billion fundraising campaign like Texas Tech’s, but it would take some time to get to that point.

“It’s a ways off for us,” Breier said. “I would say conceivably in about 10 years

COST OF LIVING “It takes me a good three months to review the data and get it out, and then once I have reviewed it I re-review it and review it again,” Frutiger said.

For this quarter, three other cities in Texas took the top spots as least expensive areas. Harlingen was the cheapest city, falling 18.4 percent below the national average. Wichita Falls came in second at 15.3 percent below, and

THINK PINK

we could get to that level. It really depends on our alumni base.”

Increasing participation among the university’s more than 140,000 alumni is a major goal of Breier’s for the next two years. Texas State has a five percent alumni participation rate.

Marjie French, vice president of University Advancement for UTSA, said the average age of UTSA’s alumni base is 30 years old.

“We’re a very young university, and we really don’t have a mature fundraising program,” French said. “We’re pushing very hard to run a community-based campaign. So, I can’t tell how long it will be for us to be able to launch a billion dollar campaign.”

The “We are UTSA” campaign aims to raise $120 million by 2015, and has recently hit the $100 million mark, French said. Fundraising for the campaign began in 2009.

Breier said external funding is critically important to becoming a tier-one university.

“What philanthropy does is support excellence,” Breier said. “Those are the dollars we can’t get from state or federal grants.”

Breier said though the “Pride in Action” campaign has surpassed its fundraising goal, it will continue. Breir doesn’t want to make a prediction of how much money will be raised by the end of the campaign, but would rather focus on increasing alumni participation.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 McAllen was named third at 14.6 percent under.

Frutiger said Texas is probably the most represented state in the nation with more than 35 participating urban areas.

Manhattan ranked as the most expensive urban area with an index number more than twice the overall participating average.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Cantu aids patients without insurance in overcoming barriers like paying bills and getting transportation to-and-from appointments.

Galaviz said cost is a “real, real, real

problem now.”

“You know your own body better than anybody,” Galaviz said. “If you have a breast lump, don’t let money get in the way.”

CALL CENTER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Katrina Barber, Staff Photographer

Manny Olivas, emergency communication officer, answers 911 calls Sept. 10 at the Hays County Sheriff's office. turn it over to an architect and then build a facility,” Carpenter said.

The need for this center came after Mission Critical Partners, a consulting firm specializing in emergency communication, studied all four call centers and reported current communication between them is not reliable. The only way the centers are able to communicate is by calling each other because they lack shared technology.

Carpenter said incidents occur on a weekly basis, making it difficult for the call centers to do their job. An agency could be overwhelmed in calls, but be unable to request assistance from another center.

PACE

These agencies will provide improved communication, service and response times to citizens as a result of the call centers’ relocation.

“We will be able to provide better service through a more professional atmosphere,” Carpenter said.

Mark Jones, Precinct 2 commissioner, said he gave the current status of the project to the municipalities of Kyle and Buda, which will also be involved in the process.

Ray Whisenant, Precinct 4 commissioner, said the combining of the 911 call centers will be beneficial to Hays County. “(The center) is a needed circumstance and it will be very cost effective in the long run for Hays County,” Whisenant said.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tional Research, 10 percent of undergraduate students were on academic probation of the 25,277 enrolled last fall. This was a 0.5 percent increase from fall 2010.

“In general, the rate (of academic probation), as well as the suspension rate, has been pretty flat,” said Joe Meyer, director of Institutional Research. “The hope is that we can identify trends to help those students and students who are struggling academically.”

Angelica Barrera, director of PACE advising services, said students in danger of

or on academic probation are referred to the advising department of their respective colleges. If the student is part of the PACE program, which consists mostly of freshmen, the student is referred to the PACE advising department.

“We are helping (students) monitor themselves retention-wise and understand the problems they can hit academically,” Barrera said. “We are also working with them financially because of the new federal guidelines when it comes to financial aid.

We want to be proactive versus reactive.”

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4 | Thursday September 13, 2012 | The University Star

OPINIONS

For more viewpoints or letters to the editor, e-mail staropinions@txstate.edu

Chartwells meal trade rules, restrictions unfair

Kara Ramer, Star Illustrator

C

hartwells’ policy of limiting meal trade usage to three per transaction is unfair to students.

Imagine being forced to order and pay for five pizzas from a specified restaurant. However, upon arrival, the restaurant only provides three, keeps the cash and says the other two can be picked up later.

That is essentially Chartwells’ meal trade policy, and it is not fair.

According to a Sept. 11 University Star article, Leslie Bulkley, resident district manager of Chartwells, said the reason this policy is in place is to keep high traffic vendors from running out of food.

Imagine if any other restaurant in America had a policy like this.

Gil’s would limit the number of Manske rolls a person could purchase, and Grin’s would control the number of burgers that could be on a single ticket. People would not eat there anymore, and the restaurants would likely go out of business.

Unfortunately, choice does not exist in the world of meal trades. The university requires that all freshmen living on campus purchase meal trades, which come in bundles that range in price from $250 to $1,200.

Meal trades are only good at on-campus dining locations.

If a restaurant kept running out of food at peak hours, the employees

would expand their operations and make more food for customers.

Bulkley said Chartwells cannot do that because there are limits as to how long food can sit out before being purchased, but that argument is confusing. If students are buying a lot of food at rapid rates, especially if they want to buy multiple meals at once, then food would not be sitting out long at all.

The university has nothing to gain by making more food. If anything, it would lose money by buying more equipment and food to meet the demands of students. Texas State is making the same profit whether those meal swipes get used or not.

That profit is no small number. According to a Nov. 18, 2010 University Star article, Texas State kept students’ money for 92,236 unused meal trades left at the end of the spring semester that year. And meal trades can be worth as much as $6.88.

The administration might counter that students can always go to the back of the line to pay for more meal swipes after waiting again.

However, this is an inconvenience, especially to students who want to treat a group of friends to the food they have already purchased in their meal plans.

The university has nothing to lose by denying students the food for which they have already paid. The money is already in Texas State and Chartwells’ pockets. The biggest losers are the students. The only way to make this situation right is for the university to stop limiting the number of meal trades students can use at one time or to let meal trades roll over from spring to fall so students have ample time to use the meal trades they were required to purchase.

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.

The University Star 601 University Drive Trinity Building, Room 101 San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708

Editor In Chief................................................Beth Brown, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor............................Lee Moran, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters..................................................................................starletters@txstate.edu News Editor...................................................Caitlin Clark, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor............................Hollie O’Connor, starentertainment@txstate.edu Opinions Editor..........................................Liza Winkler, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor.......................................Austin Humphreys, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor..........................................Cameron Irvine, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief......................Thomas Glasebrook, starcopychief@txstate.edu Web Editor............................................Karyn Kittlitz, starwebeditor@txstate.edu

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Opinions | The University Star | Thursday September 13, 2012 | 5

Bobcats must maintain faith in football team

By Alex Pernice Opinions Columnist

A

fter Texas State football’s overwhelming victory against the University of Houston, the heated gridiron is slowly cooling back down.

With a record attendance of 33,306 fans at the Sept. 8 football game against Texas Tech University, it seemed as though the Bobcats were in for a surprising

what do YOU think

season. And although some may not have anticipated the loss, students should still give the football team some credit. Despite the outcome of the Tech game, Texas State’s football program has definitely recharged for its new Football Bowl Subdivision status.

Before students lose faith in the football team, fans should consider the situation this year.

Every great team stems from the coaching staff it operates under. And it could be debated whether or not Texas State’s program has improved with the changing of the guards in 2011. However, when you take a look at Coach Dennis Franchione’s career records, it is pretty apparent he is an effective force on the headset. He has brought big-time teams like the University of Alabama and Texas A&M University to bowl games. Franchione fostered some of the top-recruiting classes during his years at A&M. Upon his return to Texas State, Franchione has combined forces with the rest of his staff to create quite an ideal team.

But a team cannot solely thrive off its coaches, of course. The UH game shed light on a very even group of defense and offense, as well as a few up-and-coming key players. The man of the hour is running back Marcus Curry, economics senior, who stuck it to UH by scoring all three touchdowns. Senior quarterback Shawn Rutherford, and cornerback Craig Mager— both exercise and sports science majors—also helped bring the team to victory.

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Now, it could be argued Rutherford had a tough game against Tech, but help from Bobcat quarterback Tyler Arndt, management sophomore, brought 10 points to the scoreboard. The Bobcats also showed off a bit more of that defensive talent by holding off the Raider offense on the third and fourth downs.

Texas State did not grab many points, but it does seem as though Bobcat defense holds very strong this year.

There is only one ingredient left in the meticulous recipe that creates a game-winning team—the fans behind it. The move to FBS status has definitely stirred up morale on campus this year. After the win against UH, Texas State flooded with school spirit.

Even though the Bobcats may have lost to Tech, this team still needs a certain kind of school spirit to fuel its fire.

I have total faith in the football team this year.

Texas State may have lost to Tech in a disappointing way, but there are so many other factors that will contribute to a successful and exciting season. And despite the fact there are so many fans devoted to tailgating without attending games, lots of students are waiting for that one special moment.

This is still the year of the Bobcat. It is a time when Texas State realizes it can hang with the rest of them.

Students have to realize they are Bobcats and should be proud of their football team.

Do you eat at Chick-fil-A?

54% 32% 14% No, for political reasons

Yes

NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION: Should Chartwells be able to limit the number of meal trades students can use at once?

No, for other reasons

Academics should be more important than partying

Vote online at UniversityStar.com

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By Jose R. Gonzalez Opinions Columnist

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Bobcat football players, I am not only a Bobcat football fan with season tickets; I am also a faculty member in the sociology department. As a sociologist I am trained to observe. Even when I’m not trying, I find myself seeing patterns of behavior among various groups, and (at the Texas Tech University game) I was focused on you. I like to do this; I sit in the first row so I can do this. I am not an expert in football, I am really good at watching people.

So, with that, here is what I saw.

In the first few minutes of the game you were confident, self-assured and seemed “in the moment.” Soon after the interception in the first quarter, it was obvious the group changed its demeanor. That upbeat, contagious behavior was quickly lost and it was inevitable to notice the group was now unsure, insecure, defeated and, well, bored. It reminded me of watching 10-yearolds who don’t like how a game of tag is turning out, so they simply quit. You are not 10 and this is not tag. For those of you who have taken my class, you know that I teach about looking at things in a different way—to see a behavior or event from someone else’s perspective.

You didn’t do that (Saturday night.) It appeared, from where I was sitting, that all you thought about was yourselves. If you had looked beyond only your role, you would have seen fans who drove hundreds of miles and spent ridiculous amounts of money just to cheer for you.

You would have seen even with two minutes left in the game, your coaches were still kneeling in front of you, giving you pays, and not giving up on you. But you didn’t see that. I can imagine it is

difficult to see so many of your fans, mostly your peers, leave the game. But trust me, they only gave up when it was so obvious you had given up on yourselves.

So Bobcats, we are at a crossroads. You can continue to sulk or you can grow up, and see the bigger picture of all this. This season is so much more than you. It is an opportunity for the university to gain donors and new fans, a chance for your coaches to shine after sacrificing so much of their lives and time for you, and an opportunity to be a changing force in the perception so many Texans still have about our team and our university.

Lastly, know that most of us don’t care so much that you win, but everyone cares that you play with everything you have. I would not have cared that you lost 58-10 had you actually tried.

Fans would not have disappeared on you if you had shown effort. We are here for you, but you have to think beyond yourself and play the game for your team, for your coaches and fans and for the university. If you play the way I know you can, I will personally go lock the students in the stadium and make them cheer you on.

Your move.

—Kelly Mosel-Talavera is a senior lecturer in the sociology department.

exas State students should have fun during football and tailgate season, but ultimately, academics cannot take a back seat to partying.

The university’s four-year graduation rate pales in comparison to some of the other large universities statewide.

According to the 2012 Texas Higher Public Education Almanac, Texas State had a 30 percent four-year graduation rate as of 2010. This is substantially lower than the University of Texas and Texas A&M University, which both have at least 50 percent four-year graduation rates.

According to Institutional Research data from 2009, Texas State will fail to retain about 21 percent of its freshmen.

Bobcats can improve grades and graduation rates by studying more and partying less.

There are many reasons students drop out of college, some of which are nearly unavoidable. Many Texas State students drop out because San Marcos’ social scene wholly consumes them. A new environment and lack of parental supervision greatly contribute to this issue.

Since it is ridiculous to be taking shots on a Tuesday night when there are still two or three days left of classes for the week, social activities should not spill into the school week. There is no need for students to hit the bars and nightclubs at The Square when they have yet to hit the textbooks. Newfound freedoms are definitely an important part of the college experience. Therefore, students must keep partying at a minimum.

This early in the semester, the consequences of excessive partying at Texas State are already becoming apparent. According to University Police Department records from Aug. 27 through Sept. 7, there have been 31 student arrests or citations as a result of alcohol or drug use. Police records show during this same period, eight students were arrested for public intoxication and another eight received minor in possession charges.

On the Sept. 8 football game day alone, five students were arrested for public intoxication. With total disregard for the existing alcohol ban, some of these incidents were committed on campus.

Beyond ignoring the law and not following campus regulations, students help tarnish the image of fellow Bobcats when they get drunk or high. The university’s reputation suffers when there is yet another incident of illegal substance use or alcohol abuse that plays a part in mass arrests or deaths. For instance, people might be discouraged to attend a college where garages full of students get busted for underage drinking. It is unfortunate that a student fell to her death on campus two years ago because she was drunk. Clearly, none of this behavior is “pride in action.”

Many students rightly take pride in the university, especially since Texas State is now an emerging research institute. However, there will be little to be proud of in the future if students do not put academics above partying.

6 | Thursday September 13, 2012 | The University Star

TRENDS

Check out more at UniversityStar.com

Professor’s art evokes nostalgic images of America

By Hollie O’Connor Trends Editor Broken rakes, sawdust and old rusted signs are scattered about Randall Reid’s on-campus art studio, but these items aren’t headed for a junk heap.

Instead, they could be destined for an art gallery.

Reid, professor in the School of Art and Design, used his recent developmental leave to create a body of work titled “Evidence of a Society,” which is on display in the university’s Gallery [2] through Saturday.

The exhibit is made up of materials he’s found at flea markets and antique stores, or that have been donated to him by friends and colleagues. Reid takes apart and rearranges these materials into collages. Most of the items are from the1920s to 1960s.

“What I hope people take away (from the exhibit) is a reflection on the past,” Reid said.

“There’s a nostalgia for the way things were, when things were more simple, more direct and maybe less confusing.”

One of Reid’s favorite pieces in the gallery, a collage that centers on an old post office sign, embodies this concept. Reid said the sign takes him back to a time when the U.S. Postal Service was profitable, and it only took 5 cents to mail a letter.

“The post office was very fruitful in the beginning, then began to struggle in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and now it’s in debt,” Reid said.

“The sign itself has a lot of undulation, so it reveals that underlying stress.”

That anthropological feel has been a common thread in much of Reid’s work, even before he was using reclaimed materials, said Mary Mikel Stump, gallery coordinator.

Stump has known Reid since 1994 and has seen his work evolve over the years.

While Reid chose what pieces would be displayed in Gallery [2], Stump was the one who arranged them in the room.

“You can imbue them with meaning that has to do with your own point of reference,” Stump said. “When Randall dropped these works off, I had a ball making my own connections and little stories.”

Reid’s wife, Olivia Juarez-Reid, has also contributed to the exhibit in her own way.

Reid often employs her help in scavenging the markets for items to use in his artwork.

“It’s almost like a game,” Juarez-Reid said.

“I always wonder how many rakes we’ll find, or we’ll go on a mission to find signs and rulers.”

Juarez-Reid, a Wells Fargo district manager, also offers her opinions and helps with the business aspect of selling and showing his work.

“I don’t think I have even a finger with creativity in it, but that’s kind of why it works,” Juarez-Reid said. “We work well together. I’m just so proud of him.”

After the exhibit wraps up Saturday, Reid will continue to work in his studio, where he

can always find inspiration in the speed limit signs, old metal containers, battery holders, rulers and any of the other stacks of materials that have found a home there.

“I don’t get writer’s block, or think about

what I’m going to do next. I just let it happen,” Reid said. “I just want to continue with this narrative work and finding materials that have an image and a subject matter, and develop a concept from there.”

Sonja Burton, Staff Photographer

The JCM Art Gallery is currently showing an exhibition from Randall Reid, professor in the school of Art and Design. Reid’s show aims to reflect the processes of aging, growth and decay.

The Flow Riders: empowering women on the road

Bryant Conaway, University Star

The Flow Riders are an all-female cycling group based out of the campus Bike Cave.

By Paige Lambert Trends Reporter In a world of male-dominated bike shops, a few Texas State students have banded together to help women feel more comfortable in the cycling subculture.

The Flow Riders, a social bike club, stemmed from an idea to help women who were apprehensive of bike shops. The Bike Cave would stay open after hours to fix bikes and educate women about cycling in general.

“It was originally called Women with Bicycles. We would have DIY workshops and other things that go with the Bike Cave’s mission of educating cy-

clists,” said Judith Wilson, Bike Cave manager and Texas State alumna. “Soon after we talked about having women-only social rides as well.”

Wilson and Erin Cooper held the first meeting in August of 2011, trying to get a feel for who would come and what to expect. The meeting started with a potluck. Cyclists were able to eat, tune up their bikes and hang out.

Students and professors alike gathered that first night, eager to enjoy a ride free from testosterone-filled shenanigans. Jess Liao, English senior, said the female riders were tired of all the guys showing off and drinking during the rides.

“My favorite ride was the first meeting we had,” Liao said. “I didn’t really know anyone, but it was relaxed, and we just enjoyed riding with each other.

I met friends that I’ve known for the longest time at that meeting, ladies I wouldn’t have met anywhere else.”

Since then, the Flow Riders try to meet once a month, depending on everyone’s schedule. Wilson kept the potluck tradition, making sure to include options for vegan and vegetarian dieters.

“I just want to make sure everyone feels welcome to ride,” Wilson said. “Riding bikes makes you physically and mentally healthier. Its something that’s just fun and makes you stronger.”

After talking about healthy lifestyles, books or the local bike-polo team, Wilson would set a route for the night, allowing the women to come and go as they pleased.

“The route we take really depends on who comes to the meeting. We don’t want to make a new person feel uncomfortable,” Wilson said. “We try to accommodate everyone, but challenge them at the same time. We want them to get out on the road and feel comfortable riding alone.”

The social aspect of the group continues throughout the ride, Megan Marunowski, photography senior, said. During multiple rides the group celebrated a birthday, witnessed the engagement of two riders and took a pit stop at the river.

The rides are open to everyone, including other residents of San Marcos.

The summer rides saw more middle-aged women joining up, Wilson said. The openness of the group helps the experience levels stay intermixed and keep the community involved.

“We’re just a nonjudgmental group of women who love to ride,” Liao said.

“It’s funny. When we ride, people always do a double take. We want to show people that there really are girls riding around on mountain bikes.”

Your friendly neighborhood watchdog.

Heather Anastasiu

Author and former Texas State student Photo courtesy of Hannah Anastasiu

By Emily Collins Features Reporter In a world where brain-controlling software dominates the lives of teens, Heather Anastasiu, former graduate student at Texas State, has created a new voice in young adult fiction. She released her debut novel, “Glitch,” last month. It is the first book of a trilogy, concerning a dystopian world in which members of society are controlled by neurological chip implants.

When Zoe, the narrator, starts to malfunction, she gradually regains a sense of her previous identity. The novel is the first of a three-book deal with St. Martin’s Press Publishing House and has already been translated into several different languages.

The University Star spoke with Anastasiu about her debut novel.

EC: What compelled you to write a science fiction trilogy for teens?

HA: I’ve always loved the classic sci-fi movies of the ‘90s.

I also like a lot of science fiction books and dystopian novels. I’ve found that writing for teenagers is an emotional and intellectual development. I wanted to create something that had a good correlation with the regular teenage experience with sci-fi elements in the mix.

EC: What are some characteristics of the protagonist?

HA: At the beginning of the book, Zoe is young, naive and willing to believe the first thing people will tell her.

However, when she starts to experience a glitch in her hardware, she begins to feel all of these deep emotions. She was a fun character to write. She’s like a new creature experiencing the world.

EC: As a former graduate student at Texas State, would you say the literature program has had an influence on your recent success?

HA: I’d say so. Because I was pursuing a master’s in literature instead of creative writing, I got to take a look from the outside within. I studied the motives and process of making a book. Literature and creative writing have always been two different entities.

EC: What are some of the greatest challenges you’ve faced as a young writer?

HA: For any writer, it’s learning the discipline of writing every day, and understanding the importance behind the revision process. There is an expression in creative writing called “killing your darlings.” The biggest thing I’ve had to learn is having the strength to get rid of a word or sentence that I thought was good. It’s all about rewriting.

EC: Any future projects in the making?

HA: The second novel in the “Glitch” trilogy will be released on February 19th.

I’ve already completed the first draft of the last book.

As far as any writing outside of the trilogy, I have some ideas nibbling in my mind, but nothing I’m willing to put down on paper just yet.

Advertisement | The University Star | Thursday September 13, 2012 | 7

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SPORTS

Check out more at UniversityStar.com

SOCCER

Bobcat News and Notes Get Your Tickets

Tickets have gone on sale for the softball matchup against the National Pro Fastpitch All-Stars on Oct. 18. Tickets are also available for men’s and women’s basketball home games on Friday, Nov. 9 and the WAC volleyball tournament at UTSA slated for Nov. 19-21.

Running to Houston

The cross country team heads to Houston to participate in the Rice University Invitational this Friday. So far this season, the women have finished fourth and sixth at the UT Arlington Invitational and the Bear Twilight, respectively. The men finished seventh at Baylor and did not record a team score in Arlington.

A Wild Finish

Following a 30-13 loss to Texas State, a rebuilding Houston Cougars program hosted last season’s WAC winners, Louisiana Tech. Houston was defeated 56-49 at Robertson Stadium. The teams combined to score 36 fourth-quarter points and had over 1,200 offensive yards between the two. The Cougars, who finished 13-1 last season, are now 0-2 in 2012.

Report compiled by Cameron Irvine, Sports Editor Twitter: @txstcamirvine

Ladyjacks face Bobcats in SLC championship rematch

By Odus Evbagharu Sports Reporter

The Bobcat soccer team (2-5-1) is hoping a change in scenery will help them end their three-game losing skid as they take on rival Stephen F. Austin (5-2) Friday night.

Texas State is coming off a weekend in which it did not score a goal and gave up five. The Bobcats are looking to end the scoring drought as they take on an SFA team trying to avenge a devastating loss from the 2011 Southland Conference Championship game. That game allowed the Bobcats to play in the NCAA tournament, and left the Ladyjacks at home without a bid.

“They’ve been talking about it. (The players) know that SFA is going to try and come in here and beat us,” Coach Kat Conner said before practice Wednesday. “There is no doubt that we upset them last year in beating them in the conference tournament. The players know that, and they know they’ll come here with a chip on their shoulder and avenge the loss.”

The Ladyjacks are coming off wins against Houston Baptist University on the road and Rice. SFA is outscoring opponents 15-0 and has only given up one goal the entire year in its five wins this season. The Bobcats know they have their work cut out for them to win this matchup.

“We have to get our mentality straight in the first half, as well as the second half, to put two and two together so we can get the win against SFA,” senior forward Serena Hines said. “Right now we are focused on SFA and are looking to take it one game at a time.”

The Bobcats have battled first-half woes all season and look to turn that around Friday. This season Texas State is outscoring its opponents 7-5 in the second half of games, but has been outscored 8-1 in the first half. The players are hoping the home atmosphere will give new direction in the way they start.

“It’s definitely the best place to win at home,” sophomore forward Jourdan Brown said. “We started off well playing against TCU, so we need to do that again. We came out bad at home against Central Michigan, and I honestly think everyone was just embarrassed. We had people telling coach that we looked bad in the first half, and we don’t want to do that again.”

Texas State will stay home on Sunday afternoon as it goes for

crossword

Star File Photo

Texas State soccer will take on Stephen F. Austin and McNeese State this weekend at home. The Bobcats’ current record is 2-5-1. four straight wins against McNeese State (4-3-1). In their past three meetings, the Bobcats have outscored the Cowgirls 6-2 and shut them out once.

McNeese State will come into the Bobcat Soccer Complex riding high on a three-game winning streak. In that winning streak it has a shutout and is outscoring the opposition 5-2. “(McNeese State) is tough, very tough,” Conner said.

“They’re always well-organized defensively, they have a good keeper and like to play more numbers behind the ball. It’s always harder to break them down. We need to have a sense of urgency almost, understanding that it’s going to be crucial for us to score a goal before they do or it just becomes harder to score a goal on that defense.”

Texas State has one more non-conference game after this weekend before it enters its first-ever WAC conference game at home against the University of Idaho Vandals on Sept. 28.

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Sports | The University Star | Thursday September 13, 2012 | 9

INSIDEMarcus THECurryLINES Despite injuries, Curry stays strong

Austin Beavers, Staff Photographer

Marcus Curry, senior running back, leads the team with 131 yards Sept. 1 against the University of Houston.

By Jordan Brewer Assistant Sports Editor

Fireworks lit up the night sky and the spotlights shined brighter than ever over Texas State’s first FBS game, but one player notably did not record a rush, yard, catch or touchdown on the stat sheet.

Senior running back Marcus Curry, who had all of Texas State’s touchdowns in their Houston win, was sidelined. Curry missed the Tech game with a strained quad, adding to the laundry list of injuries that have

piled up on Curry over his college-playing years.

“It almost broke my heart,” Curry said. “When it first happened, it got to me, but I just had to keep my head up, keep working and do everything I could to get back. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. I will be ready for the next game though.”

Injuries have plagued Curry during his time at the United States Naval Academy and Texas State. While at Navy, it was an Achilles that bothered him. A knee injury kept him on the sidelines after transferring to Texas State. Curry made his debut for the Bobcats last season as a redshirt junior. The current senior split time with sophomore running back Terrence Franks en route to 756 all-purpose yards with four touchdowns. “(Injuries) have helped with my mental toughness,” Curry said. “Once you are knocked down, you have to fight hard to get back into it. Just to keep striving, never give up and never defeat yourself. It’s the sport— it’s football. It’s not a soft sport.”

Coach Dennis Franchione knows he has the potential for bigger and better things. “(Curry) could be a complete back,” Franchione said. “It’s easy to see that he can run with the football.

Obviously (NFL Scouts) look at more than whether you can carry a football. They look at how the back can block, fake, catch balls, pick up a linebacker on a blitz. He has to do all of those things.”

Curry never had the opportunity to be the feature back in Navy’s triple option formations, where he was the third option from the wing position. Coupled with non-military aspirations and an NFL dream, Curry was convinced to come to San Marcos.

“I could’ve completed my time (at Navy),” Curry said. “I just did not see myself being in the military. I knew that if I went that route, my chances of playing in the NFL were pretty much zero. So, I figured if I left Navy, I could go somewhere else to have an opportu-

WOMEN’S GOLF

Michigan State Invitational the next test for Bobcats

By Eddie Baty Sports Reporter The Texas State women’s golf team is off to a strong start and will look to maintain momentum this weekend at the Michigan State Invitational.

They have received votes for a spot in the top 25 golf teams in the nation, and their own junior Krista Puisite is one of the top 50 ranked golfers in the country.

“The competition will be much more difficult, but we’re not afraid of that,” said Coach Mike Akers. “We’re going to go in there with the intention to win no matter what.”

College golf is a sport where the team is carried by the performance of its individuals. No single person can carry a team to a win. Akers said he has always tried to improve each of his golfers’ performances, as ultimately the team score is the sum of each golfer’s score.

“I think that each of us individually is able to get the win,” said Puisite. “We will just be trying to do our best first.”

Previously, the team participated in the Chris Banister Golf Classic and placed first, winning by 24 strokes. However, the competition at the invitational is expected to be more of a challenge.

Akers admitted he felt the team did not

look too sharp going into the Chris Banister with such a short window to prepare, but Texas State managed to rise to the occasion.

“The ladies should have confidence after these past performances and golf is a game of confidence,” Akers said.

“Krista saw her name in the top 50 and that boosted confidence too. They look sharper, and in practice we’ve looked sharper, which is a good sign.”

Since the Chris Banister Classic, the team has been trying to play on more difficult courses to prepare for the different grass at the invitational. The grass is thicker and rolls differently, which may give those with little experience on it a hard time.

The team is coming off some strong performances individually and as a group. Akers said he has tried to improve consistency within each day of each tournament, and the team is working to improve upon its usual tendency.

Women’s golf is finding ways to dig itself out of early holes.

“It’s been our deal for the last five years where we come through in the final round,” Akers said. “In those slow starts, we tend to rise to the occasion.”

Twitter: @EddieBatyIII

Go fetch!

HELLO

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nity to live out my dream.”

Making the transfer to Texas State was an easy one for Curry, who was a high school teammate with former Bobcat linebacker Bryan Iwuji at Hebron High School. Iwuji told him about the opportunities he would get as a Bobcat.

“It’s been fun,” Curry said regarding the scheme change. “I can actually play running back and not be the second or third option.”

Curry set career highs where he rushed 14 times for 131 yards and two touchdowns in the week-one upset of Houston. Seventy-three of his yards came on a single rush to the end zone, helping spark his Bobcats to their first FBS win.

One of Curry’s closest teammates, junior safety Xavier Daniels, marvels at the running back’s ability—banged up or not—and how it helps the rest of his team. “(Curry) and I are pretty cool,” Daniels said. “He’s a really good running back. He just makes the whole defense better prepared. He gives us a really good look— if we can tackle (Curry), we can tackle anybody. There are not too many backs as big and fast as (Curry).”

If football does not work out for Curry, he would like to be a music producer. The soon-to-be graduate has already gotten a head start by creating his own label, Fyyre Productionz.

“In my spare time, I make a lot of music,” Curry said. “That’s what I want to do. I’ve actually had some of my beats played during pre-game. (Making music) is one of my personal goals.”

Curry is expected to be back against Stephen F. Austin this weekend, taking advantage of the Bobcats’ bye week to get healthy. Maybe then, Curry will finally get a chance to play through a majority of a season injury free. The latest knockdown hasn’t ended his fight yet.

VOLLEYBALL

Texas State hosts San Jose State Spartans in first WAC match

By Jordan Cole Sports Reporter The WAC has finally arrived.

The first conference WAC match involving any Texas State sport is happening this Thursday at Strahan Coliseum as the volleyball team looks to shoot down the San Jose State Spartans. The Bobcats will also play the Utah State Aggies, another WAC conference foe, on Saturday.

Texas State has faced NCAA tournament-level talent thus far in the season, so the level of play in the WAC will be nothing new.

“Our team has seen now what the WAC is going to be like,” Coach Karen Chisum said. “The teams who prepared us were the SEC teams, the A&Ms, the Auburns, the Wichita States—they are very good. They are very comparable to a couple of our WAC opponents. The rest of our opponents aren’t on that high of a level.”

Chisum said she thinks Texas State is among the middle of the pack in the WAC. “San Jose State is very comparable to Texas State,” Chisum said. “It’s going to be a battle. They are right in the middle of the pack, kind of where we are. This first one should tell us a lot about who we are and how badly we want to compete in the WAC.” The Spartans come into the game with a 4-5 record on the season and will try to win at the net. As a team they have recorded more than 16 blocks in a match three times, including a 19.5 block performance against Oral Roberts that was the best they have had since 2007.

This will be the first meeting between

Texas State ru

If you could play any other sport, what would you play?

I’d run track.

NFL or college football?

College football.

Out of anywhere in the world, where would you want to travel to?

Anywhere in Europe.

Austin Beavers, Staff Photographer

Twitter: @TXStatesman

What movie/show have you been watching as of late?

“Paid in Full.”

What/who is your biggest inspiration?

My mom.

Xavier Daniels, junior safety, led the team in tackles Sept. 1 against University of Houston.

the two teams.

However, Utah State and Texas State have squared off three times before. After last season’s five-set match victory, the Aggies now hold a 2-1 series lead.

“I think Thursday night will be a real, true test to what it’s like,” Chisum said.

“Utah State is a little bit better though.

We will prepare for them accordingly, but we just take it one match at a time.”

Utah State is currently on a threegame skid as they make their first trip to the Lone Star State. They are 5-4 overall and stop at UTSA on Thursday before reaching San Marcos to play on Saturday.

Sophomore outside hitter Alexandra Simms leads the team in kills with 115, which puts her at fifth on the WAC leaderboards. She said the team is convinced they can compete with anyone in their conference.

“I don’t think we need to convince ourselves that we’re at the top level,” Simms said. “We’re just going to keep working hard. Our mindsets are there.”

Both Simms and Chisum said they were excited to open up WAC play and return home to Strahan to compete in front of the fans and student body.

“We’re excited,” Chisum said. “We’ve only played one at home. So, we are excited to be here in Strahan Coliseum.

Hopefully we have a good crowd—I think we will—but, yeah. It’s always nice to be home.”

The Bobcats will look to better their 5-6 record and jump above .500. The first game begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at Strahan and the second, against Utah State, is at 2:00 p.m. Saturday.

What NFL player do you model yourself after?

Ed Reed.

What other position in football would you play besides safety?

Cornerback.

Xavier Dnnainng baieckls

Twitter: @jbrewer32

What is a song that you have been listening to a lot lately?

“Pirates” – Rick Ross

How was the Texas Tech game experience for you personally?

It was nice seeing all of the fans come out in the new stadium.

In one sentence, describe the Texas State football program in a year when you’re a senior?

Better than this year and better allaround really.

Report compiled by Jordan Brewer, Sports Reporter Twitter: @jbrewer32

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