Defending the First Amendment since 1911
INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS pages 1-3 New Ideas discussed for faculty parking Possible changes to red parking permits were addressed at Wednesday’s Faculty Senate meeting.
OPINIONS page 5 City Council election needs student turnout
TRENDS Pages 6-7 Unique instruments invade Texas State Juan Martinez can play almost any kind of stringed instrument. Campus gallery reopens doors with additional exhibits
Volume 99, Issue 23
20
TUESDAY
OCT
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Today’s the last day to cast a ballot for the best of San Marcos, visit UniversityStar.com to vote.
Faculty research Charity run ‘Pi’s and pups’ development causes doubles donations, support Bike Cave relocation By Scott Thomas Web Editor Bike Cave workers received a notice Oct. 9 to pack their gear and move to the Colorado Building — one third the size of the current location. A year ago, Bike Cave volunteers cleared the Pedernales Building on the north side of campus. It had been abandoned for years until volunteers cleared the building. Judith Wilson, bike cave worker, said it took two weeks of sweeping, dusting and mopping. “This place was a big dust ball before we got here,” Wilson said. “Now people walk in and say ‘wow this place is cool.’ And they’re taking it away from us because it’s cool.” Nancy Nusbaum, vice president of facilities and support services, said a new faculty member in the department of anthropology needs the building to conduct research. “We have a great need for faculty research space on campus,” Nusbaum said.
DIVERSIONS page 9
SPORTS Pages 10
ASG senate sends updates to student organization presidents
Bobcats conquer Colonel The Texas State Bobcats traveled to John L. Guidry Stadium to play Nicholls State and left victorious for the first time this decade. Volleyball burns Demons at SLC game Women’s soccer remains undefeated in conference
Today’s Weather
82°/67° Mostly Cloudy Precipitation: 10% Humidity: 69% UV: 6 High Wind: SSE 14 mph
Wednesday
Isolated T-Storms Temp: 76°/59° Precip: 30%
Thursday
Few Showers Temp: 69°/53° Precip: 30%
Nusbaum said the professor brought in millions of dollars of grant money to the University of Texas, where he worked before coming to Texas State. She said utilizing the building made sense because it is next to the center for archeological research. She said the decision has been in the making for months, and she has been in communication with Auxiliary Services, which manages the Bike Cave. Nusbaum also said facilities and support services offered to compensate the bicycle co-op for any costs incurred during the move. John McCallister, assistant director of Auxillary Services, said cost is not the problem. “It’s just an issue of moving from one building to another,” he said. Bobby Scheidemann/Star photo The decision for relocation was suggested by the facilities DOG RUN: Katie Tiegs, business junior, runs with her dog Saturday morning in the puppy run, hosted planning committee, endorsed by Alpha Delta Pi. by the provost and approved by By Dj Nutter shelter and resources. continued. see RELOCATION, page 3 News Reporter Katie Vandegriff, philanthroVandegriff said Pi’s and Pups py chair and public relations Fun Run was introduced as a Students’ four-legged com- junior, said members of Alpha second race this year because of panions helped members of Delta Pi raised $15,000, almost her “soft spot” for dogs. Breeds Alpha Delta Pi double the chap- double from last year’s dona- from Pekinese to Poodle had the ter’s donation to Ronald Mc- tion of $8,448. chance to run for a cause in a Donald Houses of San Antonio. Around 400 participants ran half-mile race with their respecMembers of Alpha Delta Pi a three-mile terrain of trails, tive owners. Pup owners were hosted their second annual Ron- hills and streets along the San required to have their dogs on ald Run 5K Saturday at River Marcos River, competing for leashes and have brought proof Ridge Business Park. Donations travel vouchers to Mazatlan, of rabies vaccination to race ofreceived will help benefit the Mexico and Telluride, Colo. ficials. Ronald McDonald House, which However, runners were not the see DONATIONS, page 3 aids children with illnesses by only participants seen trotting providing their families with or lumbering as the race-day
By Bianca Davis News Reporter Student organization presidents can expect weekly e-mails from ASG beginning next week. The ASG senate passed legislation requiring more communication between student government and organization leaders in an effort to increase transparency. The bill, authored by Sen. Melanie Ferrari, requires a summary of the ASG minutes and legislation to be sent to all presidents of campus student organizations. Ferrari said she wrote the bill in response to several organization presidents asking what ASG is doing to communicate Tina Phan/Star photo with students. HOLY BIKE CAVE BATMANv: Chris Evans, geography freshman, “I thought what better way (to communicate),” Ferrari works in The Bike Cave located in the Pecos Building Monday said. “We are already going to afternoon.
be going to their meetings. So this gets them prepared for when we’re going to be there.” Ferrari said the intent of the legislation is for students to stay informed about what is happening in ASG. “We’re trying to reach out to them and let them know what we’re doing,” she said. Ferrari said every organization should have the opportunity to know what its senators are doing. “Every organization matters to ASG, we represent the largest amount of students on campus. We represent every student,” Ferrari said. “So every organization, whatever it may be, is important, and they deserve to know what’s going on within our senate.” Students should be aware of what ASG is doing, so more people can take advantage of
the opportunity to speak in public forum, Ferrari said. “I feel like the students have a lot of questions about different things we’re working on right now,” Ferrari said. “I’d like them to know when we’re working on them, so they can come into our meetings and say something in open forum.” Sen. Jonathan Moldenhauer, pre-psychology junior, endorsed the bill. “This is going to allow the organizations to know what we we’ve been doing in our meetings,” Moldenhauer said. “So when we go to them they can have questions and know what we’ve been doing, so they can better be ready for us when we’re present at their meetings.” see ASG, page 3
City Council hopefuls debate economic development By Dj Nutter News Reporter Candidates running for City Council addressed community members Monday at the League of Women Voters debate. Candidates running for City Council Place 5 — Lisa Marie Coppoletta, Shaune C. Maycock and Ryan Thomason — launched the debate by communicating individual experience of their campaign. Directly following, hopefuls for City Council Place 6 — John Thomaides, Anita Fuller, and Monica Garcia — similarly communicated prior initiatives and loyalty to their city. Sitting atop chatter was a discussion of candidates’ priorities involving economic development. Maycock said creating a separate economic development budget, aside from the existing general budget, will secure funds the City Council is able to
procure to allocate towards San Marcos expansion. Coppoletta said supporting local businesses will generate funds by creating loyal city patrons. She said students and community need jobs with adequate revenue — “not retail jobs.” Thomason recognized the city’s economic developer, Amy Madison, and said officials’ ability to acquire similar experts will directly coordinate economic stimulus. Thomason said he disagrees with Maycock in dismissing incentives and tax abatements as an invaluable strategy to generate revenue for the city. Candidates running for Place 6 addressed economic development in regards to the effects of the city acquiring a community college. Jake Marx/Star photo Garcia said, as a United States CITY DEBATE: Lisa Marie Coppoletta, Shaune C. Maycock, and Ryan Thomason, Place 5 City marine, she used GI Bill funds to see DEBATE, page 3
Council candidates, debated Monday evening at the San Marcos Activity Center. The League of Women Voters hosted the debate.
Page Two
2 - The University Star
STARS OF TEXAS STATE
Defensive lineman Adley Eshraghipour dove to intercept the ball in Saturday’s football game against Nicholls State University. The Bobcat’s received the ball on their 48-yard line after the turnover. Texas State won the game with a final score of 34-28. — Courtesy of Texas State Athletics
Texas State University – San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
ON THIS
DAY IN CRIME BLOTTER HISTORY
1803: The U.S. Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase. 1964: Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States, died at age 90 in New York City. 1967: Seven of 18 defendants were convicted in Mississippi of violating the civil rights of three young men who were murdered while trying to help blacks register to vote in 1964. 1977: Three members of the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd were killed in the crash of a chartered plane near McComb, Miss. Hannah VanOrstrand/Star photo 2000: Egyptian-born Ali Mohamed, a U.S. citizen LEISURE TIME: Hannah Brock, pre-international studies sophomore, takes time Monday to read at Starbucks. who’d served in the Army, pleaded guilty in New York to helping plan the deadly U.S. embassy bombings in Africa in 1998 that killed 224 people, including 12 Since 1986, the Adventure Trip Program The Thanksgiving Break Buffalo River whale watching. Beachside camping, (ATP) has introduced the Texas State Canoeing and Rock Climbing trip takes cultural exchange, surfing, snorkeling and Americans. community to the benefits of the great place Nov. 25 to 29 in Arizona. Cost for sea kayaking are available as well. Cost is 2004: A U.S. Army staff outdoors. The ATP offers excursions students is $230, faculty and staff pay $270 $850 for students, $910 for faculty and sergeant, Ivan “Chip” and workshops ranging from one day to and the trip is $310 for the public. You will staff and $1,120 for the public. Registration Frederick, pleaded guilty weeklong extended trips from a wide variety, be able to swim, camp, cook on the fire and deadline is 6 p.m. Nov. 12 and prices do to abusing Iraqi detainees such as rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing relax by the Ozark Mountains. not include airfare. and backpacking led by certified ATP staff. ATP enables students to leave their Visit www.campusrecreation.txstate.edu at Abu Ghraib prison. (He Sean McClanahan, undecided freshman, comfort zone and have experiences outside for more on the Adventure Trip Program. was sentenced to eight attended the New Student Wilderness of campus. Contact Anthony Deringer at 512-245-8552 years in prison.) Expedition Adventure Trip earlier this The Hawaii Volcanoes Backpacking or via e-mail at sd1287@txstate.edu for ATP
Recreation Beat
Adventure Trip Program offers students holiday alternatives
semester and became addicted to ATP trips. “The leaders were very knowledgeable and in fact are some of my friends,” said McClanahan. “I have already attended another trip and am going on another one.”
Adventure Jan. 8 to 18, 2010 is a 10day trip limited to 10 participants. The trip includes five days of backpacking at Volcanoes National Park along the coast, four days of exploration on Big Island and
trip details .
— Courtesy of Department of Campus Recreation
— Courtesy of New York Times
Oct. 10, 1:08 a.m. Public Intoxication/LBJ Street An officer on patrol observed a suspicious individual. Upon further investigation, the individual was found to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested for public intoxication and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center. Oct. 10, 9:24 a.m. Burglary of Vehicle/ Lindsey Lot An officer was dispatched for a report from a student that their vehicle was broken into and property taken without consent. The case is under investigation. Oct. 10, 9:39 a.m. Burglary – Habitation/ Lantana Hall An officer was dispatched for a burglary of habitation report. A student reported property taken from her room by an unknown person. The case is under investigation. —Courtesy of University Police
News
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
New ideas discussed Relocation for faculty parking By Lora Collins News Reporter Possible changes to red parking permits were addressed at Wednesday’s Faculty Senate meeting. According to the Parking Services Web site, having a permit does not guarantee a spot on campus. However, some faculty said they believe red permit holders should be assured a spot. Robert Gratz, special assistant to the president, said Parking Services used to operate under a universal permit system — allotting parking authorization in a “first come, first serve” manner. Transportation and Parking Committee co-chairs Gratz and Bill Peeler met with the Faculty Senate Wednesday. Sen. Chair Debra Feakes said parking is not monitored enough. She said gate cards are not updated frequently and allow for misuse of parking spaces. “Students have access to them at some level,” Feakes said. “One of our primary recommendations is the idea of creating 24-hour-red parking spots, and, to our knowledge, those don’t really exist.” Gratz said faculty increases need to be considered. “The transportation and parking committee tends to be a very data-based committee,” Gratz said. “They really want to look at the quantative information. It’s time for us to take a step back and take a comprehensive look at what has happened over the last four or five years.” Sen. Richard Warms, professor in the anthropology department, said the problems seem prevalent because of the build-up of tempers among faculty and staff. “Many of us have been sitting here for a number of years and complaints about parking are one of the constants of university life,” Warms said. “I think it’s important to say in the last six to 10 months it seems there has been a real quantum leap with complaints about parking.” Jaymeen Shah, associate professor in the department of CIS and quantitative methods, offered a suggestion to Gratz and Peeler regarding parking expansions. “Obviously, we could argue
Donations Runners could register in The Quad, on-line or Saturday. Registration included a $15 donation for either race, or a $25 donation to participate in both. Seventeen Pi Kappa Alpha members were participants in the Ronald Run 5K. Joshua Glover, engineering sophomore, took third place in the males’ 19 and under bracket with a time of 20 minutes, 34 seconds. “The course was pretty legit,” Glover said. “These girls didn’t make (the run) easy on you, that’s for sure.” Kourtney Applegate, member of Alpha Delta Pi and biology sophomore, said runners were supplied water, bananas, muffins, granola bars, and other refreshments at dispersed stations along the course. “We really enjoyed coming together and supporting Alpha Delta Pi’s cause,” said Brett Hoffman, member of Pi Kappa
ASG
we have spaces at Bobcat Stadium and faculty could park there and walk half an hour to get here (on campus),” Shah said. “Can we alleviate some of the parking issues for faculty by adding more faculty parking floors in the garages?” Gratz said the campus master plan should be considered and emphasized the yearly parking situation changes. Gratz focused on getting faculty to see parking garages already underway, such as the Mathew Street Parking Garage. Feakes said small steps toward reserved parking can alleviate stress. “I would say our top priority is this idea of creating 24-hour reserved spaces,” Feakes said. “Now certainly, there would have to be some studies done on how many and where they should be. It’s an inexpensive solution. We are not asking for gates or anything like that, but that is something I think would resolve some of the problems.” Peeler said parking and transportation committee members have heard a constant flow of concerns, but noticed a heightened number of angry parkers in recent months. The committee meets once a month with representatives from the Faculty Senate, Associate Student Government and the staff congress. He said each one of those sees the situation from their own “perspectives” and does not see “the whole picture.” “We are more or less the neutral arbiter of the various stakeholders on campus,” Peeler said. The committee acts as a mediator between groups on campus, he said. Peeler and Gratz said all alternatives are considered fairly and addressed on the basis of relevance. Gratz said changes are made each semester to parking maps and rules. He said each committee is given fair chances to address parking grievances. Peeler agreed. “Everyone wants to be able to come on campus, park next to their building, whether it’s an office or classroom building, get out and go in.” Peeler said. “Unfortunately as wonderful as that would be, it simply isn’t possible.”
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Alpha and exercise and sports science junior. “Good looking course and good looking girls.” Applegate said her Boston terrier, Carter, seemed to fare better than she did in the Pi’s and Pups Fun Run. “I’m more winded than Carter is,” Applegate said giggling. “I did have to carry him in the beginning, though.” Dogs received a complimentary goody bag from Science Diet, and owners competed for a travel voucher to South Padre Island. Awards were given to Best Bark, Best Trick and Best Dressed. Charles Codrington, member of Alpha Tau Omega and history freshman, ran with his Rottweiler-Labrador mix, Skooter. Codrington said they ran the race because it was a worthy cause, and hopes greek life will continue to support the effort next year.
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Moldenhauer said the legislation makes ASG more transparent. “They can already access (the information) if they want to,” Moldenhour said. “So this is just a way of promoting it and getting it out there to them since it’s not like we’re trying to hide it.” Seven of the 12 internal affairs committee members either abstained or voted against the legislation. Some said they agreed with the purpose, but the outreach could be expanded. Sen. Fidencio Leija, international relations senior, said adding ASG news to the university Web site homepage would reach a wider audience. “Anyone (could) see it, not just students, but anyone who is interested in ASG, maybe an incoming student,” Leija said. Sen. Zachary Gonzalez, soph-
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omore, said e-mails should not exclude any student. “We’re only limiting ourselves by just sending it to the organizations’ presidents,” said Gonzalez, who voted in favor of the legislation. “I feel if we are going to be sending it to people we should be sending it to the students, because the organization presidents would be included in that.” Sen. Colter Ray, public relations junior, said sending e-mails to organization presidents is a more effective way to reach students. “I do not believe putting a link on the ‘latest news’ is being proactive enough,” Ray said. “In my opinion, that is a way of thinking I would like to see this organization shift away from. If we are reaching out to the organization presidents that is a lot better.”
the president. David Matuschak, bike cave worker, worries about where the co-op will store materials volunteers have collected. “The building we’re moving into is smaller than what we started out in,” Mastuschak said. “Everything we’ve collected is going to be shoved into this small space we’re supposed to move into.” Matuschak believes the university is ignoring students’ volunteer work. “A lot of students put time
Debate
continued from page 1 in this, and they aren’t even paid,” Matuschak said. “And now the university is saying ‘we don’t care.’” Wilson said the bike co-op serves to promote alternative transportation and sustainability. “I think it’s confusing to students and to us about maintaining progression, and making this as a sustainable campus. This is one of the only facilities on campus that is sustainable,” Wilson said. “Now they’re kicking us
continued from page 1 pay tuition at Texas State. She ing would be available. Thomsaid finding room for a com- aides said as a small business munity college will assist San owner he wants all community Marcos residents who seek members to weigh-in, as trades technical degrees. available should associate with “There’s currently a missing local businesses to secure its link in the chain of education, positive economic effect. and there’s a limit in jobs we reCandidates discussed transceive,” Garcia said. portation within the city, and Fuller said people that are its effect on parking availability not ready for a four-year college and downtown vitality. would benefit from a commuMaycock said the city does nity college’s technical trades. not carry a sense of “walkabilThomaides said community ity,” and suggested investments colleges will allow companies to in freshly painted crosswalks grow as specific program train- and the development of bike
The University Star - 3
out and preventing us from being sustainable.” Nusbaum said she told the co-op they might have to move at any moment, but Matuschak and Wilson believes the announcement came with no notice and at an inopportune time. Matuschak said the co-op was never consulted about moving. “It’s one thing to say ‘we’re using this facility for an academic purpose and you need to leave because this isn’t
your permanent facility,” he said. “But there was no interaction with us (or) working with us. They are kicking us out.” Soon the Bike Cave will be in the Colorado Building. Wilson hopes the Bike Cave will find a permanent facility some day. “But we need the funds to do that,” she said. “So we’re just waiting for a grant, and the university gets grants all the time. I wish we were put on some sort of priority list.”
lanes for cyclists. However, Thomason said money thrown at transportation concerns does not solve safety. “(University) President Trauth recently said paint does not protect anybody,” Thomason said. “I’d have to agree.” Coppoletta said her experience in protecting the interests of south-side companies makes her a leader on road construction issues. Candidates for Place 6 addressed regarding parking issues downtown.
Fuller said there is an inadequate availablility of parking spaces downtown. She said if city officials invest in mixed-use development buildings, people will be able to walk from the close proximity. Garcia said she favors investing in parking garages in order to mimic Austin’s downtown system. She said investments will expand the city into a “destination beyond shopping.” Early voting began Monday and ends Oct. 30. Election Day is Nov. 3.
4 - The University Star
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Opinions
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The University Star – 5
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Equal opportunity for all
the main
point. We live in a
country founded on equality, rights and freedom. However, in the same country known as “the land of the free,” it took nearly two centuries to achieve equality between race and genders. Segregation and discrimination plagued the black and female communities of the United States until legal and social equality amendments were specified in the Constitution. Despite partial diminishing of racial and sexual discrimination, intolerance to other communities in the United States is far from dissolved. The spotlight for close-minded thinkers and lawmakers is often focused on the gay and lesbian population. Federal law denies permission of same-sex marriage, but six of 50 states have managed to legalize it because of court ruling. Unfortunately, these legalized marriages–found in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire–are not recognized in every state. The argument facing same-sex marriages constantly refers back to the tradition of marriage remaining between a man and a woman. Denying marriage opportunities to gay and lesbian couples prevents these citizens from obtaining legal rights concerning financial benefits, insurance, taxation and more–all of which should be made available to everyone. In response to the denial of same-sex marriages, some states are now opting to create civil unions for its citizens. These civil unions
are not recognized as marriages under federal or state decree, but it gives residents seeking the rights and benefits made unattainable by the Defense of Marriage Act. However, if this is implemented for gay couples, the same should be done for heterosexuals. Either the government recognizes all as civil unions or all as marriages. This is, after all, a debate about equality. According to an article in the Oct. 13 issue of The University Star, National Coming Out Day took place Oct. 11, but celebration of the cause extended throughout the week. The specific number of gay and lesbians on campus is unknown, but size should not be of concern when it comes to equality. Homosexual couples on campus should not have to deal with the struggle to obtain rights and responsibilities heterosexual couples are given. Struggle is not unfamiliar in our country. The United States has made progress through the times by adapting to changing societal standards. Rights once denied based on gender or race have been eliminated creating equality for everyone–or at least, almost everyone. There is no need to stop there. The absence of rights for homosexuals in the United States contradicts basic morals and principles on which our country was founded. If marriage is out of the question for narrow-minded lawmakers, all 50 states should at least provide gay and lesbian residents with the opportunity for civil unions. They can live the life the United States promises– one of equal opportunity and freedom. 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 UniversitySan Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.
Zach Ashburn/Star Illustration
City Council election needs student turnout By Luis Baez Opinions Columnist
The 2008 Presidential election had students from all majors and disciplines actively cementing their political beliefs — and even trying to change the minds of others. The political activity at Texas State certainly attributed to the record turnout of youth voters in Texas and the United States last year. Will Texas State see that same enthusiasm from last year transfer over to the upcoming San Marcos City Council elections? Probably not. On face, that might seem
like a reasonable answer to expect. Whether or not it should be accepted is an entirely different story. Two City Council seats are up for grabs on Nov. 3. Lisa Marie Coppoletta, Shaune Maycock, and Ryan Thomason are battling for the Place 5 seat. Monica Garcia, Anita Fuller and John Thomaides are campaigning for the Place 6 seat. The San Marcos Area League of Women Voters held public debates Monday where the candidates were asked questions about their goals for the city. To sum it all up, everyone said, “I want to fix everything.” And they meant it. Any is-
sue from roads, development, Texas State, veterans, tax incentives, schools, children and even bars, were debated by the candidates. But the reason Texas State students should be concerned became obvious very early. Two candidates seem to specifically have students in mind when it comes to their plans in economic development and enhancing the community to meet their needs. During the Place 5 debate, Thomason and Maycock made their goals very clear. But only Coppoletta seemed to have the experience and actual plans to make those goals happen. From the start,
Coppoletta’s experience as a former Texas State policy debater overwhelmed the general “we can fix it” messages of her opponents. Coppoletta said she is relying on “smart growth, economic sustainability and balanced budgets.” She said she aims to make sure Texas State students do not have to go back home or move away from San Marcos in order to further their careers after graduation. Coppoletta was a bit vague when it came to transportation though. Maycock and Thomason both said they wanted to see San Marcos become a more “walker friendly” place, including building crosswalks
where students tend to cross the street unprotected. The Place 6 debate seemed power-matched from the start. Most of the candidates seem to agree on what they wanted to achieve, but Thomaides made it obvious only he had the experience to continue work that had already started. Thomaides was the only candidate to outright say he is actively working for a commuter rail from San Antonio to Austin, stopping at San Marcos. This could affect the Texas State campus in a number of ways when it comes to parking, bus crowding, or even Texas State’s bus routes to San An-
of the possible threats in our environments and we should come together and act in response to this incident. A plethora of questions arose after the news was released to the student population. How could this happen during one of the busiest times of the day and around one of the most active areas on campus? Why were there not any cameras in the Pleasant Street Garage and why was the lighting not better? Ultimately, we want to know how the university
plans to respond to this occurrence. I understand crime is somewhat inevitable, but it can be prevented or addressed in a better manner. Even if we don’t want to begin to paint the image of Texas State as an unsafe campus, providing awareness and knowledge about the threats we face daily is imperative. After all, we are preparing for the “real world” and college life is the precursor. As a young woman I can relate to the growing concern of the population of women and
men on campus. According to the University Police Department Web site, in 2007 there were six reported residential and non-residential forcible sex offenses and nine in 2008. The UPD offers a Rape Aggression Defense course and services such as Bobcat Bobbies and the Midnight Express, in which students can call for an escort to various places after a certain time. Shockingly, this incident occurred during the day and the victim was less secure than expected.
We should all take caution whenever walking alone, and especially in unpopulated areas. We should be able to depend on our local law enforcement officials to protect us from these hidden dangers. I’m not trying to belittle or criticize UPD in any way, but we should collectively make a goal to transform our community into a safer and more secure setting. It is apparent this event has opened our eyes to the issue of crime and I hope it will motivate our actions in the
tonio and Austin. Every one of the City Council candidates say they have the welfare of San Marcos in mind, but two seem to have students in mind as well. Unfortunately, as of now, you can only take my word for it. Each candidate has a campaign Web site and it is up to us to inform ourselves. The local election might not be as exciting as last November’s, but it is every bit as important.
—Luis Baez is a political science junior
Alleged assault causes questions, concerns By Gabrielle Samples Special to the Star
Upon learning of the sexual assault incident that occurred last Monday, I was appalled and disgusted with the reality something like that happened at a time and a place where the victim, as well as other students, felt safe. The police have deemed the case inconclusive, but our campus, and our world for that matter, is not as safe as we would hope. I believe we, as a community, must become more aware
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future. In order to provide the victim and others who feel vulnerable with reassurance, we must provide answers to those piercing questions. Lastly, I would like to offer my greatest condolences to the victim. I hope the individual who is responsible for this ruthless act is found promptly and is punished for their actions accordingly.
—Gabrielle Samples is a public relations sophomore
The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State UniversitySan Marcos published Tuesday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a distribution of 8,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Tuesday, October 20. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.
Trends
Venue Transfer
Author Daniel Pink’s lectures on his book A Whole New Mind at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesday have been relocated to Evans Auditorium. Originally set for the LBJ Mall, the location changed because of expected bad weather conditions.
6 – The University Star
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Festival blends community, art promoting local talent By Thea Setterbo Features Reporter Greg Hardin is a husband, journalist, author and painter. But in the eyes of his colleagues, he is a believer in the value of the arts. Hardin is a founding member of the Central Texas art advocacy program – Art for Texas. The group hosted its first festival last weekend at the Four Four Five Ranch in Fentress. The festival was intended to showcase and promote local artisans, musicians and vendors from San Marcos and surrounding areas. “There is an over abundance of football coaches being hired in Texas and as a result, the number of art and music teachers is dwindling,” Hardin said. “Art is more important to an individual’s future.” Hardin said there was a need for additional activities celebrating the work of local artists and wanted to create more opportunities for Hays and Caldwell County communities. Susi Thames, marketing director of Art for Texas, was involved in recruiting talent for the festival. “We really want to make people aware of the arts and
how important they are to the well-being of the community,” Thames said. Thames spoke with the San Marcos Art League to generate artist participation for the festival. “(Thames) called and asked if I wanted to be a part of the festival,” said Lisa Jasak, president of the San Marcos Art League. “Needless to say, I was like ‘Uh, yeah!’” Jasak has been painting for 15 years, and the festival gave her an opportunity to put oil and watercolor pieces on display. Diane “D Mac” Macgregor, alumna and member of the Art League, joined the festival’s cause with her husband and fellow artist, Norman Bean. “We’ll put our art out for anybody. I’d like to have my art known about,” Macgregor said. “You could be a great artist, but you have to work at it constantly or nobody will know you.” The San Marcos Art League was organized to promote art in the surrounding area. The Art League has a rotating show in the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce and will showcase member talent at the Central Texas Medical Center galleries in December.
Fine art students took advantage of the festival’s networking and showcasing. Kasey Short, studio art senior, was eager to involve the Fine Arts Student Association with the festival endeavors. Other members took advantage of the chance to showcase their abilities. Mercedes Casas, alumna, saw the Art for Texas festival as a way to network with other local artists. “Making these connections with other people who are going to be in the same networking circle is a great experience,” Casas said. “It’s what artists have to do to make it.” Short said the idea of the student showcase at the festival was to bring the traditional gallery setting into nature. The Fine Arts Student Association built their own walls and set them against the backdrop of the surrounding oak trees. “We’re just trying to make art happen,” Short said. The Art for Texas festival brought in musical acts from across Texas, including Floyd Domino, Kim Kafka, Trainwreck, Dag King and the Knightriders, among others.
preciation for unusual instruments, though her particular choice is not as portable as the charango. The bandoneon is typically played in traditional Argentinean tango. The instrument most resembles a piano accordion with several rows of buttons replacing keys on the sides. “Gordon Jones was looking for people to participate as musicians for the Caucasian Chalk Circle in April 2008,” Clark said. “He asked if I would be willing to learn how to play the bandoneon, so I taught myself.” Clark has played the bandoneon since December 2007 and will accompany Jones in the Music for Dancers duet at the end of the month. Jones, senior lecturer for the School of Music, said the world music class is popular among students, and his personal interest in Ghanaian drumming, Brazilian samba and the Indonesian gamelan ensemble speaks to a preference for worldly sounds. Celeste Curiel, music graduate student and mariachi singer,
was born into a long line of performers. Curiel’s grandfather and great uncle were mariachi singers as young adults, and Curiel carried on the tradition since the age of nine. “I am able to express my innermost feelings through mariachi,” Curiel said. Curiel also sings opera. She discovered opera as an undergraduate at San Antonio College, and she put mariachi singing aside until she was able to grasp the techniques of the operatic stage. Curiel brought mariachi back into her life while attending graduate school at Texas State, but still performs both styles competitively. Jaime Torres, history junior, frequented the drums as a child, but it is his passion for the berimbau that makes his musical interest uncommon. The berimbau is a singlestring percussion instrument closely resembling a fishing pole attached to a gourd. The berimbau is a part of the Brazilian art form known as Capoeira Angola. The form involves different elements of song and dance, and “all members of the musical group are required to learn all the inBobby Scheideman/Star Photo struments,” Torres said. UNIQUE MELODIES: Juan Martinez, music senior, enjoys creating music with the charango, a smallTorres can play every instrustringed instrument similar to the Ukulele. ment in the musical group, but the medium-pitched berimbau remains his favorite. “I think that’s because it reflects my personality someweb what,” Torres said. “It’s the extra middle tonality — deeper than the viola and higher than the gunga.”
Bobby Scheideman/Star Photo CREATIVE PROCESS: Kids were allowed to create their own pieces of art Saturday at the Art of Texas festival held at the Four Four Five Ranch in Fentress.
Morris Nelms, senior lecturer in the School of Music, played Friday night and displayed personal artwork for sale at the festival. Ray Joiner, festival attend-
ee, thought the environment at the Four Four Five Ranch was a fitting compliment to the artists’ work. “I think the atmosphere here is great,” Joiner said. “I
love the uniqueness of being under a canopy of Texas Live Oaks.” Art for Texas coordinators said they plan to have another festival in March 2010.
Unique instruments invade Texas State By Thea Setterbo Features Reporter Juan Martinez can play almost any kind of stringed instrument. Hand him a mandolin, ukulele, upright bass or violin and his fingers will fly. One instrument, in Martinez’s eyes, surpasses the fun of playing the others. The charango, a small, powerful lute, is native to the Andes region of South America and dates back to the 17th century. “The first time I saw one, Professor Nestor Lugones pulled out (what looked like) an armadillo shell guitar with hair all over it,” said Martinez, pre-music junior. “After I saw it, I just had to know what it was.” Six years later, Martinez still prefers the charango to all other instruments, even though he chose to forgo the armadillo shell in favor of a more structurally stable wood frame. “It’s just so unusual and portable,” Martinez said. Megan Clark, anthropology senior, said she has an ap-
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Campus gallery reopens doors with additional exhibits, room By Matthew Barnes Features Reporter The ribbon draped across the new iron gate on the seventh floor of the Alkek Library was cut Saturday as the Wittliff Collections reopened revealing an expanded gallery. “We’ve tripled the photo space and doubled the reading room,” said Connie Todd, curator of Wittliff Collections. Featuring the Southwestern and Mexican Photography Collection and the Southwestern Writers Collection, the gallery has been displaying regional works for 23 years. “It highlights the importance of things collected in the Southwest … and the people who draw life from it,” said University President Denise Trauth. Michele Miller, media relations and publications coordinator for the Wittliff Collections, said the main goal of the expansion was to get more of the 15,000 prints into the public eye. “We were exhibiting about 60 at a time, and now we’ve got 137 photographs on the wall,” Miller said. Two of the new exhibitions, including the main gallery, feature photographs by Keith Carter, which are in concert with books published by the University of Texas Press. Carter was present at the opening ceremony to sign his books and give a speech. “Keith’s photo was the first ever hung in the galleries here,” Todd said. “It’s wonderful to have an echo of his work … It resonates.” A separate, new exhibit consists of 45 images selected from the gallery’s permanent
collection, featuring artists old and new. “These are a showcase of more than 35 different photographers,” Miller said. “Some are from the dawn of Mexican photography, like Manuel Alvarez Bravo, and some are very contemporary photographs, like one of Tom Waits by Michal O’Brien.” The Southwestern Writers Room is filled with notes, drafts and journals from leading authors of the region in conjunction with the Texas State 2009 to 2010 Common Experience theme. “It shows the art of their creative process from the first spark of their inspiration all the way through the printed final piece,” Miller said. “All of the freshmen can get a little more Common Experience event activities under their belt by coming up here.” Behind-the-scene peeks of Castaway and King of the Hill, a look at the novel The Road by Cormac McCarthy and glimpses into the minds of Sam Sheppard and Rick Riordan are included in the exhibit. The Lonesome Dove Collection, featuring memorabilia from the miniseries Bill Wittliff wrote the screenplay for, has returned to its permanent home on the seventh floor. Miller said coordinators wanted a larger reading room for researchers interested in the collections’ content and to open more space for students. “I think lots of the people interested in art can come up here and get away from the campus itself,” said Karen Thompson, interdisciplinary studies junior. “It’s high up here — a good place to study.” EXPLORING WITTLIFF: Construction for the Wittliff Collections on Alkek’s seventh floor is completed.
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Sports 10 - The University Star
SCORING SQUADS
The Southland Conference has four of the nation’s top eight scoring teams, according to www.southland.org. Texas State is ranked fifth with 36.8 points per game. Stephen F. Austin is atop the rankings with 44.8 points. McNeese State is seventh with 36.5, Southeastern Louisiana is eighth with 36.2 and Sam Houston State is 23rd with 30.8 points per game.
Score Board
Bobcats Conquer Colonels
Volleyball Team
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sports Contact, Lisa Carter – starsports@txstate.edu
SLC Overall
37 21
Cen. Arkansas Stephen F. Austin
30 McNeese 33 Northwestern
East Division
Cen. Ark. SFA McNeese Nicholls St. Se. Louisiana Northwestern
8-0 5-2 3-4 3-4 2-5 0-8
19-3 16-9 15-6 9-12 6-12 1-15
By Keff Ciardello Sports Reporter
7-1 15-10 Sam Houston 6-2 11-8 Lamar 4-3 10-12 Texas State 3-4 8-13 UTSA 3-4 7-12 UT Arlington 0-7 7-15 Tx. A&M Corpus
The Texas State Bobcats traveled to John L. Guidry Stadium to play Nicholls State and left victorious for the first time this decade. They won 35-28, thanks to a solid rushing attack and timely turnovers. “Our defense did what you have to do against an option offense. They had some big plays, but we made more plays than they did, and we are going home with our first win here since 1999,” said Coach Brad Wright. “We were able to get some turnovers and that is key whenever you play an option offense. Offensively, we had several different players contribute with some big plays in the game.” Texas State finished the game with 247 yards rushing. Karrington Bush, junior running back, gained a season-high 163-yards off 20 carries and one touchdown. However, Bush went down in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. “We will be saying our prayers and hopefully it’s not as bad as we think,” Wright said. “But if it is, we will have to get some people to step up, which Alvin Canady and Frank Reddic have done this season.” Bush missed the first four weeks of the season with a sprained MCL. The extent of the injury and whether it is as serious as the first has yet to be determined. Bush got his only touchdown Ben Rondeau/Star file photo
Sat. Oct. 17
1 3
McNeese Tx. A&M Corpus
3 0
Cen. Ark. UT Arlington
3 1
Texas State Northwestern
3 1
Stephen F. Austin UTSA
3 2
Soccer Team
SLC Overall
Texas State Se. Louisiana SFA UTSA Sam Houston McNeese Lamar Northwestern Nicholls St. Cen. Ark.
5-0-1 4-0-1 4-1 4-1-1 3-2 2-4 2-4 1-4 0-4-1 0-5
10-5-1 10-3-1 7-7 9-7-1 6-7-2 6-9-2 3-11-1 8-8 4-11-1 6-8-1
Fri. Oct. 16
VICTORY: Da’Marcus Griggs, junior wide receiver, observes the Bobcats’ Sept. 19 game against Texas Christian from the sidelines. The Bobcats won 35-28 against Nicholls State Saturday in Thibodaux, La.
Nicholls Texas State
1 3
Se. Louisiana UTSA
3 0
Lamar Northwestern
1 0
SFA Sam Houston
6 0
McNeese Cen. Ark
1 0
Sam Houston Utah Valley
3 2
Sun. Oct. 18 Se. Louisiana Texas State
0 0
Nicholls State UTSA
1 1
McNeese Northwestern
2 0
Lamar Cent. Ark.
3 0
51 23
home team in bold type
Western Division
Se. Louisiana Lamar
SLC Results
Se. Louisiana Sam Houston
of the game in the second quarter after the Bobcats recovered a fumble on the 24-yard line to put the Bobcats up 24-7. The Colonels then scored two unanswered touchdowns — their last drive of the first half and first of the second half — to reduce the Bobcats’ lead, 24-21. The Bobcats took a six-point lead into the fourth quarter after a 26-yard field goal by Justin Garelick, freshman kicker. Texas State opened the fourth quarter with a 12play drive capped with a six-yard touchdown catch by Daren Dillard, sophomore wide receiver. Texas State was about to score again, but Bush fumbled the ball into the end zone from the one-yard line. Nicholls State obtained possession at the 20-yard line after a touchback was ruled. The Bobcats came up with an interception to secure the victory just when the momentum began swinging in the favor of the Colonels. Bradley George, senior quarterback, threw for 233 yards and three touchdowns. He completed 20 of his 31 pass attempts. Da’Marcus Griggs, junior wide receiver, led the Bobcats in receptions for the fifth time this season. He caught six passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. The Bobcats play on the road for the second consecutive week. They will face 7 p.m. Saturday against Northwestern State.
Volleyball burns Demons at SLC game By Eric Harper Sports Reporter At this point in the season, volleyball teams are separating themselves from the pack, and the Bobcats are looking to secure themselves as one of the leaders. Texas State defeated Northwestern State 3-1 Saturday, bringing its record to 10-12 overall and 4-3 in the Southland Conference. The Demons fell 1-15 overall and 0-8 in the SLC with the loss. The match continued a winning trend for the Bobcats against teams with weaker re-
cords, while struggling to take down higher-ranked teams. Coach Karen Chisum said the Bobcats have played well but are still not at the level she wants. “We are playing well enough to win, but we are still inconsistent,” Chisum said. The Bobcats have tried different lineups throughout the season. Chisum said the instability of who plays which role has been a factor in the team’s inconsistency. “We are still playing a lot of people,” Chisum said. “I wish at this point in the season I could have a set starting
lineup.” Chisum said the changes have made it difficult for the Bobcats to gain continuity, but they have given players a chance for improvement. “We’re playing a lot of players which means people aren’t performing consistently,” Chisum said. “On the positive side, lots of people have had valuable playing experience and have been taking care of business, which is why we are winning matches.” Chisum said Texas State has not been able to put away teams as quickly as she would like in victories. For example, Texas
State had a two-set lead in the Northwestern State match and a 9-2 lead in the third set. However, the Demons came back and forced a fourth set before the Bobcats eventually prevailed. Chisum said the Bobcats need someone to be aggressive and will the team to victory. “We are looking for a killer instinct,” Chisum said. “We are looking for a leader to step in and say we are not going to lose.” Chisum said the Bobcats’ difficulties against strong opponents have come partially from the mindset the team has going into those matches.
“We need to not be timid and passive,” Chisum said. “We have to come out and be aggressive.” Chisum said the Bobcats are focused on the Nov. 20 to Nov. 22 SLC tournament. Chisum said the key is for the team to be at its best going into these matches, regardless of tournament seed. “We want to keep building and chipping away at these teams, building confidence and consistency going into the tournament,” Chisum said. “We want all our players to be on fire.” The Bobcats will be back on the court 6:30 p.m. Thursday to host Lamar.
The Texas State women’s soccer team is still undefeated after this weekend’s matchups with Nicholls State and Southeastern Louisiana. However, the Bobcats are undefeated in a different fashion. Sunday’s game against the undefeated Lions ended in a 0-0 tie but kept the Bobcats’ top Southland Conference record intact at 5-0-1.
Texas State had control of the shot category in the first half of Sunday’s match against Southeastern Louisiana, 5-1 over the Lions. But the second half took a turn for the worst with Texas State getting off only one shot against the Lions’ defense. Mandi Mawyer, senior goalkeeper, saved all five shots from the Lions. The Bobcat offense had just three
shots on goal in the game with two coming from Brittney Curry, junior forward, and one from Erica Michaud, sophomore forward. The Texas State offense had an easier time scoring goals Friday with a 3-1 victory over Nicholls State. Curry, Michaud and Taylor Kelley, freshman midfielder, who each scored one goal.
Texas State outshot Nicholls State 23-7 (14-2 in the first half). The Colonels had to save 11 shots just to keep the Bobcats at three goals on the night. Texas-San Antonio’s previous loss means the Bobcats hold the No. 1 record in the SLC standings. Texas State is 5-0-1. Southeastern Louisiana follows the Bobcats at 4-0-1 and UTSA rounds out the top
three at 4-1-0. Texas State’s final three conference games of the season are at home beginning Friday against Stephen F. Austin.
Women’s soccer remains undefeated in conference
— Staff report compiled by Cameron Irvine
