10-17-2023

TUESDAY October 17, 2023 VOLUME 113 ISSUE 11 www.UniversityStar.com

SMPD reports spike in car larcenies in late September

Local activists protest Berry Aviation's treatment of migrants

By Ryan Claycamp News Reporter Local political activism groups gathered at the San Marcos Regional Airport on Sunday morning to protest Berry Aviation's transportation of migrants.

Berry Aviation, which is headquartered in the San Marcos Regional Airport, has been hired by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to fly migrants to California.

By Yelizaveta Kalinina News Contributor San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) reported a spike in car burglaries the last weekend of September, with as many as 11 cases per day compared to the average of three to six.

The number of reports for September is currently 77, but this number is not final because not all reports for the month have been processed yet, said Sgt. Kye Kennedy of SMPD. According to the Texas Penal Code, 'burglary of a vehicle' is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor. It is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000 or both.

"All you have to do is enter the vehicle," Kennedy said. "It doesn't matter if it's unlocked or if you steal a pencil or a laptop computer; the offense is the same."

In 2023, May and August saw the most vehicle burglaries with 101 and 92, respectively.

Kennedy said no specific area in San Marcos is consistently hit.

"We have two types of car burglaries: juveniles trying car door handles and organized criminal groups that will work their way up and down the interstate," Kennedy said. "If we have a football game in town, a graduation or a big shopping weekend at the outlet mall, they'll hit the hotels.

If it's not [a busy weekend], they'll look for apartment complexes."

From posts by vehicle burglary victims on Nextdoor, a social media platform for neighborhoods, many 'welcomed' criminals by not ensuring their cars were locked and leaving valuables in sight.

Alyssa Clemts, a resident at one of the apartment complexes off Mill Street, said her car was robbed twice in less than a month: the last week of August and the first week of September. Both times, she had her vehicle unlocked.

At her estimate, the theft in August cost Clemts a little above $1,000. What's most important, the pieces stolen were sentimental to her, like her charm bracelet.

"They got me good," Clemts said. "My AirPods, my purse that had a James Avery charm bracelet in it. My entire bag of makeup. Another pair of headphones, a portable speaker, a couple of bags with hair and jewelry stuff [were all taken]."

SEE CRIME PAGE 2

PHOTO BY RYAN CLAYCAMP

Roberto Lopez (left) delivering a speech, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 at the San Marcos Regional Airport.

SEE PROTEST PAGE 3

San Marcos celebrates music with annual Frights and Sounds festival

By Haley Velasco Life and Arts Editor On Friday and Saturday, attendees at the fourth annual Frights and Sounds Music Festival were decked out as pirates, witches, mummies and more as local bands played with plenty of vendors to explore.

Frights and Sounds began in 2019 with the intention to create an event to kick off the Halloween season. Co-founders Mitchell Meitler, the lead vocalist for Our Last Daze, and Ricky

Fullen, vocalist for HateWaker, felt that the San Marcos community didn't have a Halloween-themed event, and chose to add music onto F r i gh t s and Sounds to spread their love for music.

"No one really did anything around this time, they tried every now and then, but it wasn't consecutive" Meitler said. "I think we started the trend because there's a few [organizers] now that have events around Halloween. And we're blessed to have so many friends that are talented. The city is loaded with musicians of all different types."

SEE COMMUNITY PAGE 5 PHOTO BY MEG BOLES

Post-Hardcore band End of Evergreen preforms at the Frights and Sounds Music Festival, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at Sean Patrick's Brew Pub, Alley Stage.

Residents take legal action against local complex

By Ryan Claycamp News Reporter

PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN

Texas State President Kelly Damphousse rides a motorcycle down the field at the football home opener game against Jackson State, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 at Bobcat Stadium.

Damphousse aims to change football, athletics narrative

By McKenna Ladson Sports Contributor Texas State President Kelly Damphousse is involved with many organizations on campus, but he's perhaps the most involved in athletics, where he's aiming to change the narrative around the historically unsuccessful football program.

With high aspirations for the football program, Damphousse elected to start fresh with a new head coach by bringing in G.J. Kinne. Halfway through the season and Kinne has led the pro-

gram to its best start in a decade.

According to Damphousse he knew Kinne’s potential from the start.

“When we interviewed [Kinne] in December, I was about 10 minutes into the interview and I said, ‘this is the guy for us.” Damphousse said.

From the beginning of his presidency, Damphousse knew the public often associates the quality of athletics programs with the prestige of a university.

With this knowledge, he is determined to change the recent narrative of Texas State athletics.

Residents of The Junction apartment complex have been voicing complaints of poor living conditions impacting their quality of life and even their health.

With issues including mold, residents such as Jawad Abugabal, a computer science sophomore and his roommates, plan to take legal action.

"We're all involved because at the same time we're all stuck in the same boat. So all of us are going to focus on that [lawsuit] if we're going to move forward with this problem," Abugabal said.

The Junction is located on West Ave. in San Marcos. A 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom furnished apartment costs $565 a month per person.

The complaints vary from burst pipes, unclean conditions and mold growing in their apartment, all of which residents say management has ignored.

Damphousse is continuously working with the athletics programs to help contribute to the betterment of the university. This fall, predominately improvements can be seen through the football program with its success.

“What Malik Hornsby is doing when he gets in there, [Joey Hobert] catching one handed passes with no gloves, people are talking about us in a good way,” Damphousse said. “That increases the value of your degree.”

SEE STUDENT LIVING PAGE 3

SEE ATHLETICS PAGE 9

PHOTO BY RYAN CLAYCAMP

An air vents with mold in it, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023 at Savannah Mullin's apartment in The Junction.

The University Star

2 | Tuesday, October 17, 2023

NEWS

Blake Leschber News Editor starnews@txstate.edu

Remembering Dr. Elvin Holt: The first Black tenured professor at Texas State

By Lesdy Hernandez News Reporter In 1983, Elvin Holt became the first tenured Black professor in the English Department at Texas State. Holt had previously served as assistant professor and associate professor at then Southwest Texas State University.

For the next 37 years, Holt went on to dedicate his work educating his students on realizing their true potential. He spread his knowledge on the heritage and impact of the African American community to the rest of San Marcos up until his passing on Sept. 18.

Former Chair of the English Department and Professor Dr. Daniel Lochman recalls the excitement amongst the department in welcoming Holt back to his alma mater.

“He had a long history as a student in Southwest Texas and going through the ranks to then becoming a full professor,” Lochman said. “We were looking forward to his developing courses and African American literature.”

African literature, African American literature, cultural studies, folklore and children stories surrounded Holt’s life work that he continued to share with passion.

“He was teaching courses during a period where African American writers are beginning to blossom in the world of publication and he had that very exciting element of being able to teach it,” Lochman said.

Lochman said Holt had dedication and willingness to speak on areas that were troubling and helped educate his students to carry out a tradition of excellence.

“He took his position very seriously, but he also did enjoy a good laugh now and then,” Lochman said. “[He was] a very tenacious person, so to that end, he was not always the easiest professor for students.”

Retired Director of Academic Development for the Honors College, Diann McCabe, was a former student of Holt’s during her time in graduate school.

“I took Dr. Holt’s class on Richard Wright and Zora Neale Hurston and it introduced me to those amazing writers,” McCabe said. “His teaching style

and love for literature was something I really liked.”

Apart from being an active member of several university committees, Holt also participated with organizations spreading his knowledge on the history of the African American community.

He was teaching course during a period where African American writers are beginning to blossom in the world of publication and he had that very exciting element of being able to teach it,” DANIEL LOCHMAN Former chair of the English department.

"Everything with him was subtle, but powerful,” McCabe said.

Serving as president and longest board member at the Calaboose African American History Museum was one of his most recognizable participations.

“He was always there giving stories and he was a sort of quiet spokesperson for the rich heritage that was for that community,” McCabe said.

Librarian for the San Marcos Public Library, Deborah Carter, recalls Holt’s patience and continued support and participation in the library’s Black history programs throughout the years.

One of these programs "Remembering Hardge's Hornets", celebrated the Hardge's Hornets Pony League baseball team which finished undefeated in the 1964 season.

Carter said it was Holt who brought them back together and did everything to make this program happen.

“He never said no, he would come up with these beautiful programs which had great turnout and were completely memorable,” Carter said. “He was a bridge for the Black community and the library program to rekindle their relationship.”

Holt’s legacy and continued support towards the San Marcos community is one that will continue to impact those who knew him and those who will go on to learn about him.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBORAH CARTER

First tenured Black Texas State professor Elvin Holt sitting at a desk. Holt passed away on Sept. 18, 2023.

FROM FRONT CRIME Clemts said she could track her AirPods with her phone to a house in Austin. She called SMPD to let them know, but nobody got back to her. Now, the earbuds are offline.

"We are having a significant increase in violent crime, both here and in Austin. And property crimes, unfortunately, tend to take a backseat," Kennedy said.

Kennedy, who only has two detectives to assign property cases to, said he has to look at the overall benefit for all the citizens of San Marcos when deciding who to assign cases to.

Regarding vehicle burglary prevention, Kennedy said ensuring the vehicle is locked is vital. He also recommended Ring doorbells and security cameras, especially for those living in individual houses.

"We don't always identify the offenders, but it is a significant help," Kennedy said. "If nothing else, we can identify the type of vehicle that they're in and send that out to patrol officers."

As for car alarms, the place where one parks is the deciding factor, said Kennedy. They are primarily helpful for residential neighborhoods but not apartment complexes or parking garages.

"If you live in an apartment complex and an alarm goes off every night for whatever reason, you might just become numb to that noise and not even go look," Kennedy said.

However, even sophisticated security technologies do not give a 100% guarantee. Cynthia Smith, a homeowner near Paul Peña Park, said having an expensive doorbell camera did not prevent criminals from going through her car back in 2020.

.

INFOGRAPHIC BY EVA BOWLER

"What they did is they crawled along the side of the house, came up to the doorbell and put electrical tape over it," Smith said.

Smith never filed a police report, believing it was her fault as the car was unlocked. However, Kennedy recommends that a report is always filed.

"When we see a pattern of criminal activity in a specific area, we can afford to focus our patrols in those areas," Kennedy said. "And one of the only ways we're going to know that is if those crimes are reported."

San Marcos residents can report crime online via the Citizens Online Police Reporting System (COPRS) with-

Publication Info

Editorial Staff Trinity Building 203 Pleasant St. San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 245 - 3487

History: The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday of the spring and fall and once a month in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 3,500. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

Visit The Star at universitystar.com

Editor-in-Chief:

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Blake Leschber starnews@txstate.edu

Haley Velasco starlifeandarts@txstate.edu

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Kobe Arriaga starmultimedia@txstate.edu

PIR Director: Abbie Taylor starpr@txstate.edu

out the necessity to wait at the scene.

However, according to the City of San Marcos website, if a firearm or prescription is taken then the crime cannot be reported online.

Engagement Editor: Zaria Jackson starengagement@txstate.edu

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Copyright: Copyright Tuesday, October 17, 2023. 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.

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The University Star

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 | 3

NEW S

Blake Leschber News Editor starnews@txstate.edu

FROM FRONT PROTEST Immigration activism groups such as Mano Amiga and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center hope to pressure San Marcos to evict Berry Aviation from the airport.

"We have no response from Berry Aviation, and now we are here calling on the city of San Marcos to end Berry Aviation's lease at the San Marcos Regional Airport," Nataly Avendano, the Immigration Coordinator for Mano Amiga, said during her speech. "We are not going to tolerate the disrespect and the undignified treatment of immigrants."

Migrants volunteer to go on these flights due in part to misleading information given before they arrive in California. "[Migrants] are mainly given false promises that when they arrive in a new destination they are going to have housing, jobs and be taken care of, but instead they are just left alone in somewhere they are not familiar with," Avendano said.

Jordan Buckley, the director of the Lost River Film Festival and a former member of Mano Amiga, encouraged people to attend the protest to end what he sees as abhorrent treatment of disadvantaged people.

[Migrants] are mainly given false promises that when they arrive in a new destination they are going to have housing, jobs and be taken care of, but instead they are just left alone in somewhere they are not familiar with,” NATALY AVENDANO Immigration coordinator for Mano Amiga.

"I think it's morally depraved conduct and that our municipally owned airport should not be used to harbor profiteers of human misery, which Berry Aviation has proven themselves to be," Buckley said.

Protestors also spoke out about "Operation Lone Star," Governor Greg Abbott's response to an uptick in immigrants crossing the southern border by creating more security measures on the U.S. - Mexico border.

"Over the last three years Gov. Abbott has wasted over $10 billion of Texan taxpayer dollars on a racist and unconstitutional political scheme," Jennefer Canales-Pelaez, a policy attorney and strategist for the Immigration Legal Resource Center, said.

Mano Amiga and the Immigration Legal Resource Center view Sunday's protest as only a step in its fight and plan to continue advocating for a change in the actions of Berry Aviation, or its removal from the airport.

Scan the QR code for more information on the Immigration Legal Resource Center.

Nataly Avendano, the immigration coordinator for Mano Amiga, (left) delivering the opening speech at the protest, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 at the San Marcos Regional Airport.

PHOTO BY RYAN CLAYCAMP

FROM FRONT HAYS COUNTY

INFOGRAPHIC BY HARRISON MOORE

Savannah Mullen, who has lived at The Junction for around two years, said conditions have never been great, but they have gotten worse in the past several months.

"Maintenance has always been an issue," Mullen said. "They always either take a month, or it just doesn't happen."

Some of Mullen's complaints include broken equipment in the complex's gym, broken pipes, the pool being dirty, air conditioning randomly going out, utilities being shut down and black mold growth.

"A water pipe burst in [the gym] and they shut it down," Mullen said. "That also happened in our apartment. There's still a hole in our wall from where it happened and that happened two years ago."

Mullen decided to look at reviews and photos of The Junction to ensure it was not just her and her roommates having issues.

"As I'm looking through the new reviews I see a million pictures of black mold," Mullen said. "I checked my vents and they were black."

Mullen credits the mold growing in her apartment to worsening her asthma and sending her to the emergency room multiple times.

"I'm coughing up blood, I felt really sick, like I never have before and my asthma is bad," Mullen said.

After her second trip to the emergency room, Mullen temporarily decided to stay at a friends apartment fearing more prolonged exposure with the mold would continue worsening her condition.

"I've lost about 20 pounds in two weeks because I haven't been able to keep any food down," Mullen said. "I was able to eat for the first time last night and I think it's because I'm at a different apartment."

Abugabal has not become sick due to the mold, but he is worried about the

possibility and how it would impact his finances and schooling.

"I'm an international student here... I'm on the university's insurance and that's not going to cover anything, so I would have to pay for everything if I get sick because of this [mold]," Abugabal said.

Abugabal said management at The Junction has constantly changed their story when discussing the mold growth.

"At first [management] told us it was black insulation, then they told us 'no, we didn't say that'," Abugabal said "Even though we are still saying it is mold, they are saying we can agree to disagree."

Melody Zul, an accounting junior and resident at The Junction, said she also had issues with management not taking maintenance complaints seriously.

"You put in your work order and management takes like a week to look at it," Zul said.

"If you don't go [talk to management]more than once, they're not going to look at it."

Mullen, Abugabal and their two other roommates have spoken with numerous mold removal professionals, and San Marcos Code Compliance to pressure The Junction into removing the mold to no avail.

Students experiencing similar situations in their apartment complexes can also consult with the Attorney for Students which offer resources such as attorneys who specialize in rental law.

Management at The Junction declined to comment. The University Star received copies of maintenance requests.

4 | Tuesday, October 17, 2023

The University Star

The University Star

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 | 5

LIFE & ARTS

Haley Velasco Life and Arts Editor starlifeandarts@txstate.edu

FROM FRONT COMMUNITY This year, the festival was held at Sean Patrick's Irish Pub, The Porch and Jack's Road House with 44 artists and more than 20 vendors spread across the three locations.

The artists are local and primarily fall under the alternative genre with the opportunity to let different forms of music thrive together.

"I grew up on the Warped Tour scene, so that's very much what inspired me to do stuff like this," Fullen said. "Being in front of so many different types of music and being able to do my art alongside of it while being in one place. Those festivals meant a lot to me, so I'm giving it back to the younger generation or just the scene in general here."

Fullen believes that providing a space for new artists to perform is important and isn't offered in many

nearby cities anymore, including Austin and San Antonio.

Fullen's determination to allow new artists to perform has been spread to new artists like Hudson Devlin, a drummer in the new indie rock band Soho Holiday. Devlin performed last year for the first time along with his bandmates for Frights and Sounds.

Devlin was ecstatic to perform for Frights and Sounds again, giving him more experience to become a successful musician.

"It's a pretty good festival, because you get exposed to a bigger crowd," Devlin said. "You also learn how to control nerves, learn what to bring and not bring, how everything works. It's a big opportunity career wise and it's just fun to be around these people in bands and all that."

Planning for the festival begins as soon as the previous festival ends the year prior. Meitler and Fullen said they receive dozens of emails of new artists interested in playing every year. This year, Meitler and Fullen received enough requests to require them to prioritize expanding the number of locations the festival would be held.

Next year, Meitler and Fullen are planning on giving more artists exposure, while also expanding their audience.

"We need to get to a point where it's going to be a family event," Meitler said. "We really wanted to do something for the kids. We want to make sure this is a community base and at the end of it, it's actually looked forward to by the entire community and people of all ages."

PHOTOS BY MEG BOLES

(Left) Post-Hardcore band End of Evergreen preforms at the Frights & Sounds Music Festival, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at Sean Patrick's Brew Pub. (Middle) Indie Punk band Humble House preforms at the Frights & Sounds Music Festival, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at Sean Patrick's Brew Pub. (Right) Post-Hardcore band End of Evergreen preforms at the Frights & Sounds Music Festival, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at Sean Patrick's Brew Pub.

Storytellers gleam at fifth annual Star Stories

By Blake Leschber and Haley Velasco News Editor and Life and Arts Editor

Joshua Kayo - Second year MFA student Joshua Kayo was accepted to Texas State as one of only five students for the jazz studies program. However, four years ago, Kayo became a college dropout with a 1.8 GPA. Kayo started feeling the pressure of being a musician which caused him to have panic attacks.

After dropping out of college, Kayo revealed all the information to his mom.

“Needless to say there was a lot for my mom to take in,” Kayo said. “But I think that became a catalyst for me realizing that when I had issues like this, I didn’t have to handle it alone.”

Kayo started working to get back into school, where he is now getting his Master’s degree and teaching multiple English courses.

Kayo thanked English professor Vanessa Johnson, English professor Steve Johnson, former Editor in Chief at The Star Carrington Tatum and his other friends and family.

Members of the Texas State community gathered on Oct. 12 at the Performing Arts Center to attend The University Star’s Star Stories. The event was organized by The Star’s public relations team and featured seven speakers to share stories about Texas State’s opportunities and obstacles.

Kelly Damphousse - Texas State president 23 years ago, Kelly Damphousse went to Brazil for a week. He was mugged by two men at a beach in Salvador. The men stabbed him, pushed Damphousse on the ground, took his shoes and his fanny pack.

Through this experience, Damphousse reflected on how it built him up and made him admirable to others.

“I think it’s so valuable for us to always think about how [we got] here,” Damphousse said. “I can look back on my life and recognize that I’m not the president of this university because of the things I accomplished, but there are people who invested in me and believed in me.”

LaTonya Henry - Career Services coordinator In March 2000, LaTonya Henry took a job at Texas State as a Career Services adviser. However, nine months before, Henry was diagnosed with Goodpasture syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease that attacked her kidneys.

Henry was on dialysis for three days a week for two years. Although she had a kidney transplant, she had to put her plans for grad school on hold for three years.

After six years, Henry got her graduate degree and another kidney transplant.

“I do still have dreams; I do still have goals,” Henry said. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to accomplish them. As for my other dreams, we’ll see; maybe I’ll be redirected again.”

Miranda Williamson Psychology sophomore When Miranda Williamson was 20 years old, she was diagnosed with a seven millimeter pituitary microadenoma. This resulted in severe migraines

PHOTO BY CARLY EARNEST

Miranda Williamson, a psychology sophomore, shares her story, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at the Performing Arts Center.

and headaches, eventually causing her to drop out of Texas A&M. By 22, Williamson was able to slowly pick herself back up and soon created the “38,000 Strings Project”, a visual display of strings representing Texas State students. 3,420 teal strings represents students who have considered suicide, 9,120 purple strings represents students who have seriously considered suicide.

“And there are 24,614 uncolored strings to represent each and every person who has the power to make a difference in the silent sound surrounding suicide at Texas State University,” Williamson said.

Amy Chaffee - International stud ies freshman and former U.S. Diplomat to Kenya For the past couple years, Amy Chaffee was a U.S. Diplomat to Kenya and the events director for the United States Embassy in Nairobi. Chaffee was able to reach these titles without a college education, allowing her to feel achieved, but still wanting more.

Chaffee, now 55, is enrolled at Texas State. Chaffee believes that her Texas State student ID card easily replaces her diplomatic passport.

“This student ID is opening up a whole new world to me that I never thought at my age I would do,” Chaffee said. “I’ve done a lot of great things, but this thing is expanding my mind and opening my eyes. I want to say thank you to Texas State. Of all the titles that I’ve had in my life, Bobcat is the best title I have ever had.”

James Bouzard - University Seminar professor James Bouzard has a booth set up on the Quad by the stallion statue. With the booth there’s a sign that says: “Let’s talk about anything”.

Bouzard was a pastor for 20 years before setting up on the Quad. Bouzard shared many stories of students that have visited his booth. One that stuck to his mind was a student whose girlfriend was pregnant and considering an abortion.

“I realized that very first day that my presence on the Quad was meeting a need,” Bouzard said. “That my being there provided a place for students to speak about their sorrows, their shame, their joys and their triumphs.”

Jeanette Pacheco - Academic adviser Jeanette Pacheco recalls attending the Texas State versus Texas A&M football game in September 2005. As cars were fleeing due to Hurricane Rita, the Texas State buses made their way to College Station.

Texas State ended up losing that game 44-30 but the closeness of the match gave Pacheco hope as the school shared the conference championship title.

After winning the first playoff game against Georgia Southern, Pacheco said the crowd’s energy was electric as they stormed the field.

Students did this again at the next game versus Cal Poly. Then, the semifinals happened against Northern Iowa.

The game ended up going into overtime, but Texas State lost that game by three points. Although Texas State lost, Pacheco said the energy at the game was unforgettable.

“I feel that magic returning to our campus,” Pacheco said. “Maybe it’s already here, the team’s doing pretty good.

But when that magic’s here, you’ll know it.”

The University Star

6 | Tuesday, October 17, 2023

LIFE & ARTS

Haley Velasco Life and Arts Editor starlifeandarts@txstate.edu

Meet Reba: TXST alumna becomes "TV sister" and leader in the newsroom

By Jacquelyn Burrer Life and Arts Contributor From interviewing her dolls in her room at 8-years-old to becoming a TV News Anchor for WTVR CBS 6 News, Texas State alumna and four-time Emmy award winner Reba Hollingsworth aims to serve as a voice for her community in Richmond, Virginia, and as a mentor for young, aspiring journalists.

“I knew when I stepped foot [at Texas State] that I wanted to be a journalist,” Hollingsworth said. “I just love telling stories [and seeing] people shine.

I think everyone has a story [and] everyone has a voice.”

After graduating from Texas State, then Southwest Texas State, in 1992, Hollingsworth constantly sent out her application tapes to local news stations until Gina Gaston, ABC 13 news anchor, told her she needed to get out of her comfort zone.

Hollingsworth took this advice and embarked on what she nostalgically calls the “Reba Tour,” where Hollingsworth and her father traveled to nearly every news station inside of Texas and Louisiana looking for a job, eventually landing anchor positions in Victoria and Abilene, Texas.

“I was probably the first black female anchor in [Abilene],” Hollingsworth said. “It felt like my dreams were finally coming true even though I was making $12,000 a year. It’s just a great feeling to be in a business that I've wanted to do since I was 8-years-old.”

During her time at Texas State, Hollingsworth studied under Laurie Fluker, associate professor for the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State. Fluker said that Hollingsworth always went above and beyond as a student and in her career.

“Reba was always very special,” Fluker said. “I knew she would be above all others, the one that would be extremely successful. She’s the example of what we want all of our students to

PHOTO COURTESY OF REBA HOLLINGSWORTH

Shelby Brown (left) interviewing Reba Hollingsworth (right) at the Remarkable Women's Luncheon, Thursday, March 24, 2022, in Glen Allen, Virginia.

do and be when they leave us at Texas State.”

Fluker said that following graduation, Hollingsworth dedicated herself to her career through her journey with the “Reba Tour” and taking voice and

and Communications for Metropolitan Business League, a non-profit dedicated to helping journalists of color by connecting them with resources and support in the field, said Hollingsworth has become one of her best friends and is

Reba was always very special. I knew she would be above all others, the one that would be extremely successful.

She's the example of what we want all of our students to do and be when they leave us at Texas State."

Laurie Fluker Associate Professor for the School of Journalism and Mass Communications diction lessons to improve her marketability as an anchor.

“I don't want to call her a product of Texas State, but that's exactly what she is,” Fluker said. “[Hollingsworth is] just the total package. There is nothing more gratifying to see.”

Shelby Brown, CBS 6 TV news journalist and Director of Marketing

her “TV sister” in the industry.

“I just love [Hollingsworth] for her heart,” Brown said. “We have a relationship where we just show up for each other. She’s a leader in the newsroom because of the experience she has. She’s serious about her craft, and she’s good at it.”

Hollingsworth and Brown have

embarked on numerous community engagements together, including organizing get-togethers for African American female anchors in their area, supporting local bookstore “Resist Booksellers” in Petersburg, Virginia and actively participating in Metropolitan Business League together.

In 2015, CBS 6 anchor Stephanie Rochon died from cancer, which deeply affected the news station, according to Brown. Rochon was a strong advocate for individuals with breast cancer and ran the news station’s “Buddy Check 6,” where the station airs stories about breast cancer awareness to remind viewers to do their monthly breast self-exams.

Following Rochon’s death, Hollingsworth decided to take over running the “Buddy Check 6” segment. This soon became part of Hollingsworth's purpose as a journalist.

“I feel like I am this vehicle for a lot of survivors to give them this platform to share their stories, and for them to make these connections is just impactful because that’s what awareness is all about,” Hollingsworth said.

Hollingsworth has also succeeded as an entrepreneur with her creation of the “AHA Wrap,” an adjustable leg wrap to hold microphone packs for news anchors, particularly for women in the industry, as well as her recent authorship of her new book, “Lipstick and Legacies,” that released on Oct. 6 written by herself and five other female entrepreneurs.

“Our station tries to be the voice of the community,” Hollingsworth said.

“Whether it’s breast cancer awareness or someone who’s been a victim of a crime, I think the responsibility of journalists [is to give] people this platform to share their voices, and I feel privileged to do that every single day.”

Southwest Texas State alumnus provides hidden jewel for Texas State students

By Haley Velasco Life and Arts Editor Walking into San Jose Jewelers, customers are welcomed with a pink-flowered wall, accompanied by an assortment of engagement rings, sorority rings and college rings for over 60 schools, including Texas State.

San Jose Jewelers, located in Waco, was founded in 1985 by Joe Jimenez. Jimenez started the company with the intention to build momentous rings with his family, allowing it to become a family-run business.

Jimenez spent most of his time running the shop with the help of his brother Robert Jimenez, a Texas State, then Southwest Texas State, alumnus.

"While I was going to Southwest Texas State I'd come home on weekends and holidays and basically worked for [Joe]," Robert said. "I found that I loved doing what I did."

Robert graduated with a bachelor's degree in in-

dustrial arts in 1985. While attending Southwest Texas State, he had the opportunity to be hands on with jewelry casting, 3D printing and more.

The opportunities Southwest Texas State provided Robert instilled him to take on the project with his brother to sell college rings. Robert eventually wanted to sell college rings for his alma mater, but he and his brother started their journey after mounting rings for students at Baylor University.

"When we started mounting the rings we thought 'Oh my God, people love these things,' and there wasn't anything in the market like it," Robert said. "After I finished college, I said 'Let's go down to Southwestern [University] to see what opportunities emerge.' We got permission to use their field down there and we started producing college rings."

In 1995, Robert took over the family business and continued to keep the family legacy. Although Joe died in 2021, Robert kept going with the help of more fam-

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSE JIMENEZ

Robert Jimenez (left) carries his son Adam Jimenez (right) while making jewelry at the first shop for San Jose Jewelers, 1995, in Waco, Texas.

ily members, including Jeff Jimenez, Robert and Joe's nephew.

Jeff started working as the operations manager for San Jose Jewelers six months ago. Jeff was able to help the family business evolve through his expertise in sales and marketing, having once been a marketing and content specialist for Latemodel Restoration Supply, a company in Waco that restores car parts.

Jeff believes that his help and his family's historical work ethic has allowed San Jose Jewelers to remain open for nearly 40 years.

"My uncles were only the second generation here in the United States," Jeff said. "Initially [my family] came here from Mexico. My great grandfather was a farmer and worked land, so it has always been instilled in us to work hard."

Along with keeping a good work ethic, the Jimenez family prides itself on keeping San Jose Jewelers running through the care they give to their customers. Robert believes the care for customers comes from having a deeper understanding of the significance of jewelry, especially college rings.

"My ultimate goal is to make an heirloom for our customers," Robert said. "When people graduate, they want to enjoy their ring, they want to show their accomplishments and show their pride in the university they graduated from."

Ana Moreno, a Texas State alumna, graduated from Texas State in 2022. Moreno chose to get a ring for San Jose Jewelers after seeing that the company offered sorority rings.

Moreno appreciated the number of customizations that were available for the ring, including the band design, colors, ring seals and more. She believes that her ring represents one of her highest achievements.

"I actually wear [the ring] on a daily basis since the moment I got it," Moreno said. "I didn't want a high school class ring because to me it wasn't a big milestone, it's kind of expected. But my undergrad ring signifies being the first one in my family to go to college and graduate."

The Jimenez family hopes to continue to make more stories like Moreno's and make accomplishments a representation through a fine piece of jewelry.

"The way I look at it is we're building something that somebody put their heart into," Robert said. "It's not just a piece of jewelry, it's something that tells that individual's story."

The University Star

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 | 7

OPINIONS

Rhian Davis Opinions Editor staropinions@txstate.edu

Opinions in The University Star are not necessarily those of our entire publication, Texas State University’s administration, Board of Regents, School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Student Publications Board.

Studying abroad is more affordable than you think

By Madison Green Opinions Contributor When most students consider studying abroad, cost is one of the most prominent factors that raises concern.

Although the upfront cost of studying in a different country might seem scary, it is actually more affordable than students believe.

Of course, there is no contest about the benefits of studying abroad. These unique experiences help students develop skills like leadership, adaptability and problem-solving. A study from the Institute for the International Education of Students reported that “79% of [study abroad] alumni found study abroad effective for developing job-related skills.”

It is understandable why cost would be one of the first things that people consider before taking the leap to a different educational setting. The tuition, program fees, flights and textbook costs add up quickly on paper. A common question that students might find themselves pondering is if it is cheaper to study abroad or just travel on their own.

Students who ask this question are typically unaware of all the economic assistance associated with education abroad. One of the greatest benefits of traveling for school is that students are eligible for financial aid, including grants and scholarships.

Monica Sorensen-Santos, a psychology and Spanish senior, who participated in both the Valladolid and Cuenca faculty-led programs in the

ILLUSTRATION BY DEVON CREW

summer, said her experience with financial aid was challenging, as some of the deadlines had already passed when she hoped to apply for aid. “[The International Education Fee (IEF) Scholarship] covered like a third of the cost of the program,” SorensenSantos said. “I could have studied abroad for free, but I didn’t know about all of the opportunities until it was already kind of too late.”

The IEF Scholarship is an award that is offered through Texas State. According to the Education Abroad Office, the average awards are $1,500 for full semesters and $1,000 for the summer.

More scholarships for studying

abroad offered through Texas State can be found on the Bobcat Online Scholarship System. This system filters scholarships with criteria specific to the student applying.

In addition to scholarships offered

by Texas State, there are many external scholarships dedicated to students going abroad. One of the most well-known is the Gilman Scholarship. According to their website, over 41,000 of the applicants have received funding through the scholarship program.

There are multiple financial aid opportunities to study abroad; however, it is important for students to familiarize themselves with said opportunities in

order to plan for applications accordingly. Therefore, it is likely best to start looking for aid long before you plan to leave the U.S. Additionally, more than just classes are included when studying abroad. Depending on the program, financial aid can be utilized to cover the cost of fun excursions and extracurricular activities within program fees. Sorensen-Santos said things such as kayaking, hiking, flamenco classes and city exploration to places like Madrid and Segovia were additional activities that were included with her programs.

"It was totally worth the money,” Sorensen-Santos said. “If I was there by myself, I probably would have had to pay for all of that.”

Not only could these pre-planned activities save students money through group discounts and early reservation deals, but they also save students time. If time is money, then pre-planned activities allow students to instead use their free time more effectively.

Studying abroad provides a rich cultural immersion with friends and classmates for a great price that students are unable to get anywhere else.

You can't put a price on a once-ina-lifetime experience. Education abroad allows you to develop skills and gain a better understanding of a different way of life, as opposed to simply being a tourist in a space that is not your own.

-Madison Green is a psychology and advertising senior

The U.S. government affects students

By Emma Hall Opinions Contributor The U.S. is a complex topic that could easily be used to start a strong debate or a heated argument. But how much does the average U.S. citizen really know about what the government is doing?

On Oct. 1, a government shutdown was narrowly avoided. An article from The Brookings Institution said a government shutdown occurs when Congress does not approve a spending plan for federal agencies. Because of this, federal agencies would not be able to pay their employees or spend any money if Congress did not pass the shortterm funding bill on Sept. 29.

However, because the bill was passed, the shutdown did not go through. The harsh reality is, if a shutdown were to ever happen, students could very well be affected.

College students need to become more aware of what is happening within the government because it allows them to be more aware of their rights and how those rights can be protected.

If a shutdown were to occur, the Department of Education would be directly affected. A Reuters article said student loans would continue to be paid, however, they would most likely be disrupted.

This is where Texas State students would be directly affected. At Texas State, about 56% of all students take out loans provided by the federal gov ernment. In the event of a shutdown, these loans would be stopped.

It can be argued that college students “know enough” about the government. Most students pay attention during election time, but most of the time, that is all they do. In the 2016 election, only half of U.S. citizens from the age of 18-29 voted. Though the turnout was 3% higher than the 2012 election, the numbers were still distressingly low. Despite the 2020 election showing a steady increase in student voting, it has been proven that post-election interest in politics drops about 20% when compared to political interest during the time of elections.

Educating oneself during election time is an incredibly significant task in order to better the country. However, it is arguably equally important to keep up with what goes through the Congress floor throughout the year.

It is vital to keep up with what is happening in the country in order to know what can be done to help. U.S. citizens have rights put in place by the constitution that allow for changes within the country, including the right to peacefully protest, the right to free speech and most importantly, the right to vote.

Students at Texas State must learn the importance of educating themselves about what is going through Congress and what the government is in the process of doing. We are all capable of empowering change and we should not be afraid to do so.

-Emma Hall is a journalism sophomore

ILLUSTRATION BY HARRISON MOORE

The University Star welcomes Letters to the Editor from its readers.

All submissions are reviewed and considered by the Editor-in-Chief and Opinions Editor for publication. Not all letters are guaranteed for publication.

The University Star

8 | Tuesday, October 17, 2023

SPORTS

David Cuevas Sports Editor starsports@txstate.edu

PHOTO BY CARLY EARNEST

PHOTO BY CARLY EARNEST

(Right) Texas State junior linebacker Kenny Hayes (14) and senior linebacker Brian Holloway (0) encourage one another after a play versus ULM, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at Bobcat Stadium. (Left) Texas State senior cornerback Chris Mills (7) and senior safety Shawn Holton (23) celebrate a goal line stop versus ULM, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at Bobcat Stadium.

Sun Belt West Division Football Standings School Texas State

Conf. Ovr. Pct. Rec. 2-1 .714

Troy

2-1

.714

Louisiana

1-1

.667

Arkansas St.

1-1

.667

South Alabama 1-1

.667

ULM

0-3

.333

Southern Miss 0-3

.333

T.J. Finley: 24-46 222 yds, 2 TDs, 1 int.

Joey Hobert: 10 rec., 110 yds, 2 TDs Donterio Davenport: 15 carries, 94 yds Brian Holloway: 8 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss

"This is the dang Super Bowl": TXST remains unbeaten at home

By Jalan Tolliver Sports Contributor Redshirt sophomore quarterback T.J. Finley connected with junior receiver Joey Hobert on a 22-yard touchdown pass in the left corner of the end zone to complete the Texas State (5-2, 2-1 Sun Belt Conference) 21-20 comeback victory against the University of Louisiana-Monroe (2-4, 0-3 Sun Belt Conference) Saturday night.

The 27,537 recorded attendance at the game was the fifth largest in Texas State football history.

“The crowd was amazing, the student section was amazing,” Texas State Head Coach G.J. Kinne said. “You could feel it when we started going.

We're going to win that game.”

With eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, Finley threw an interception to ULM graduate student cornerback Ja’Terious Evans for a 76-yard touchdown return to give the Warhawks a 20-9 lead.

“I thought T.J., after that pick six, he kind of let loose and played,” Kinne said. “I was proud of him and the way he was able to respond.”

Down two scores, the Bobcats began running a tempo offense to preserve time and ensure two more possessions.

The tempo produced an 11-yard touchdown pass from Finley to Hobert, making the score 2015 after the failed two-point conversion with four minutes remaining in regulation, leaving the defense to get one more stop.

“Defense wins championships,” Texas State senior defensive end Jordan Revels said. “We are proud of ourselves. Whatever it takes for us to win,

the defense is going to do it, and I know the offense is going to do it because I believe in everybody.”

The defense forced a quick three-and-out, allowing the offense the opportunity to win the game. Still using the tempo offense, Finley led the offense down the field, setting up the game-winning touchdown pass.

Finley finished the game 24-46 with 222 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Hobert had 10 receptions for 110 yards and two touchdown passes. Hobert set a record for Texas State, being the first receiver to have three straight 100-yard games.

Redshirt sophomore kicker Mason Shipley was a perfect 3-3 for the second consecutive week, including a 47-yarder, the longest of the season for Texas State.

The win is Texas State’s fifth of the season, marking the first time the program has won five games since the 2013-14 season.

“It was huge. I talked about it all week; this is the dang Super Bowl. We let one slip away from us last week,” Kinne said. “In the big picture of things, this game was the most important game of the season, obviously because it was the next one, but in the big picture, it was huge for us.”

The Bobcats will look to rest up in the upcoming bye week and prepare for its homecoming game against Troy University (5-2, 2-1 Sun Belt Conference).

Kickoff between Texas State and Troy is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Bobcat Stadium. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+.

Conference championship or bust for Texas State football

By Jude Botello Sports Contributor Texas State football is not the same 4-8 team from last year.

The resilience of players who decided to stick around during the restructuring of the program over the offseason, for junior cornerback Alonzo Edwards Jr., redshirt senior linebacker Brian Holloway and junior defensive end Ben Bell, has paid off.

“This is a winning environment now. Nobody plays just for themselves; everyone is in for the win,” Edwards said. “We didn't win a lot of games last year, so the common goal is a conference championship.”

Edwards started in all 12 games last year, showing his ability to be a leader for the Bobcat defense. So far this season, Edwards has started in all seven games, tallying 11 solo tackles and 11 assisted tackles.

The thought of winning a conference championship is on Holloway’s mind on and off the field. Further, the Bobcats have a new leader in first-year head coach G.J. Kinne, who shows the new-look roster how possible a conference championship is.

“The biggest difference is trust in the coaches,” Holloway said. “This is my last year of college football. I want to go out with a bang [and] we have the people and the coaches to do it.”

Players such as Holloway have found new life this season, with him being named Sun Belt Player of the Week for his performance against Nevada in week four. In this game, he registered seven solo tackles and five assisted tackles.

As Holloway’s collegiate football career nears its end, he said he only has one thing on his mind: To bring this team to the promised land.

“We just have to take it week by week and just keep winning,” Holloway said. “I’m looking

forward to the conference championship.”

This year not only brought wins but also a new idea of brotherhood—the idea that ‘a team that sticks together wins together.’

With this high level of cohesiveness, the idea of a championship appears much closer.

For players like Bell, his faith in the team means more than statistics.

“Belief is contagious, and everyone buys into that,” Bell said. “Through my losses and missed tackles and sacks, I just want to be a big factor and playmaker.”

Bell has found his way into a starting position after not starting a single game last season after making the transition from outsider linebacker to defensive end. Through the first seven games, Bell has recorded three sacks and six and a half tackles for loss and has become a staple for the Bobcat defense.

“When we have signs of greatness, it's great.

When we all buy into that, we can be a great team; we can do something really special here,” Bell said. “Football is everything to me; this is my first time starting [and] I want to prove I am a starter.”

Overall, Texas State’s returning players have become big names this season through their dedication to the process. They’ve seen their hard work pay off through praise and respect from their coaches, peers and teammates.

After a substantial amount of off-season change for this team, the mindset of moving on from being knocked down and developing a winning culture is apparent throughout every individual in the program. Kinne preaches this philosophy more than anything.

“There’s no let-up. We got to continue to push in every area,” Kinne said. “We’re on them every day about something. That’s what it takes to continue to build that culture and build success.”

PHOTO BY CARLY EARNEST

Texas State junior defensive end Ben Bell prepares for the Louisiana-Monroe game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at Bobcat Stadium.

The University Star

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 | 9

SPORTS

David Cuevas Sports Editor starsports@txstate.edu

FROM FRONT ATHLETICS

do all I can to win for this program,” Texas State senior defensive end Jordan Revels said.

Revels said he never met the previous president, but sees and even talks to Damphousse often throughout the week due to his presence at games and practices. This works to encourage him and other athletes as well.

Kinne has also observed Damphousse’s involvement and appreciates the encouragement it provides to not only the athletes, but the fans as well. Kinne said Damphousse’s work encourages everyone within the athletics program.

“Anytime you have that type of work ethic, that just naturally trickles down and it’s a motivator for everybody,” Kinne said.

Damphousse has been involved in the football program in a variety of ways. He has traveled with the team, attended practices and has even given pre-game and postgame speeches. He also kicked off the new football season with a bang at the Bobcats first home game in week three against Jackson State as he rode a motorcycle out of the tunnel across the field.

“It was my first affirmation from the students,” Damphousse said.

“The students really seemed to get me because I’m here for them— I work for them.”

Damphousse, however, isn’t just doing this for show. He loves being involved as well as seeing how the students are encouraged through his involvement. He knows the power and prestige his title holds, and how his presence affects the student body.

“I recognize that I’m not important,” Damphousse said. “Kelly’s not important, but the presidency is.”

This mindset paired with his involvement is felt throughout the

(Left) Texas State President Kelly Damphousse shoots his T-shirt cannon to the crowd of fans, Saturday Sept. 16, 2023, at Bobcat Stadium.

(Right) Texas State President Kelly Damphousse prepares to ride across the football feild before kickoff, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Bobcat Stadium.

PHOTOS BY SARAH MANNING

university, especially among Texas State’s athletic programs. His attendance continues to encourage student athletes

in a multitude of ways.

“Seeing him contribute to everything really just makes me want to

The cycle: From student to coach

By Kobe Arriaga Sports Reporter

PHOTO BY CARLY EARNEST

Texas State senior setter Ryann Torres (14) and junior defensive specialist Jacqueline Lee (7) discuss strategy with fellow teammates, Thursday, Aug. 19, 2023, at Strahan Arena.

Sun Belt West Division Volleyball Standings

School

Rec.

Ovr. Pct.

South Alabama

8-0.

.850.

Troy

6-0.

.556.

Texas State

5-1.

.632.

Louisiana

3-5.

.545.

Southern Miss

2-6

.368.

Arkansas State

0-6.

.550.

ULM

0-6.

.182.

For the past decade, sports have provided a platform for many different talented athletes across the nation, and two Texas State volleyball players have decided to use their platform to guide and motivate younger athletes through coaching.

The United Volleyball Association has allowed junior defensive specialist Jacqueline Lee and senior setter Ryann Torres the opportunity to grow as coaches and help younger kids understand what it’s like to be a Division I collegiate athlete.

Both Torres and Lee serve as assistant coaches with the United VBA and find it rewarding when they can help teach and motivate a young group of athletes aspiring to be like them.

Torres initially began coaching a year ago to help grow her love for the game of volleyball and found a much more important goal in the process of working so closely with kids.

“The big picture is all about building great people,” Torres said.

“Sports have great instilled qualities that can be used and last forever, so I think being able to teach them young will help them be more prepared in the future.”

Lee first began training and teaching others during her senior year of high school and has been involved with the United VBA serving as an assistant coach for three years now.

She said what defines her work is not her success as a coach, but instead, her players’ success.

“My coaching philosophy is ‘How can I take my experiences and apply them to these kids who are going through the same thing and make it better for them?’” Lee said. “I want to put these kids in the best position possible, so they don’t have to struggle in the ways that I did.”

Texas State head volleyball coach Sean Huiet said he sees the value in players practicing their coaching ability.

Not only does it benefit the Texas State players who practice coaching, but also the children who are involved.

“We love giving back to our community and Ryann and Jackie do a great job representing our program,” Huiet said. “It’s great to see them being role models for the next generation; not only does it help them for their careers, but it also helps with learning leadership skills for our team as well.”

Since joining the United VBA, Torres has gained a different perspective on coaching and what it’s like being a young student while having a role model to learn from.

“I was once a young volleyball player that had viewed older athletes so intriguing, so being on the other side of it now is something that I wouldn’t trade for anything,” Torres said.

Game days at Strahan Arena also show exactly the kind of inspiration these players have passed onto the younger generation, as the stadium is filled nightly with young fans and aspiring collegiate athletes.

Lee said that her favorite part is hearing the young fans scream her name in the crowd, and understands how important it is to remain a good role model for the kids.

“You don’t realize how important your work is on a small or large scale until you see those kids lining up on autograph day and telling you they loved your energy on the court,” Lee said. “That’s awesome because even when I’m not having the best game, it can be really uplifting.”

Huiet said coaching has offered his players growth and he believes that the benefits of learning from athletes at the collegiate level can certainly help them grow on and off the court.

“It allows them to show younger athletes what it takes to play at our level and the hard work it took to get here,” Huiet said. “The other part I love is watching the young ones realize that our athletes are human— they like to laugh, have fun, make mistakes and were once doing these camps as well.”

The University Star

10 | Tuesday, October 17, 2023

STAR SNAPS

Kobe Arriaga Multimedia Editor starmultimedia@txstate.edu

PHOTO BY MEG BOLES

PH OT OB YM EG B

OL

ES

Festival Goers dance as Humble House performs at the Frights and Sounds Music Festival, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at Sean Patrick's Brew Pub.

Post-Hardcore band End of Evergreen performs at the Frights and Sounds Music Festival, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at Sean Patrick's Brew Pub. PHOTO BY ALLISON MENDOZA

Texas State marketing freshman Willie Crowson enjoys dancing with his dad during family weekend, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at Bobcat Stadium parking lot.

PHOTO BY CARLY EARNEST PHOTO BY CARLENE OTTAH

Geography water resources junior Rex Kerwin (Left) dunks water on Greek Philanthropy chair Kyndall Fiaschetti (Right), Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, near the UAC building.

Boko gives a round of high fives to the fans in the stands during the game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at Bobcat Stadium.

PHOTO BY CARLY EARNEST

Texas State cheer welcomes fans on the sidelines ahead of the family weekend game versus ULM, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at Bobcat Stadium.