VOLUME 103, ISSUE 59
www.UniversityStar.com
THURSDAY
FEBRUARY 20, 2014
Defending the First Amendment since 1911 The University Star’s
Quad Survival Guide
VIDEO | UniversityStar.com Close victory: Women’s basketball defeated South Alabama 63-61 at Strahan Coliseum Wednesday night.
OPINIONS | A4 Like Virgil guided Dante through the circles of hell, The University Star is here to navigate you quickly and safely through The Quad this spring.
The Bridal Issue
Section B
UNIVERSITY
Allison Brouillette | Staff Photographer A female reported a sexual assault Sunday morning near Butler Hall.
CRIME
Police investigating campus sexual assault By Sarah Pollok News Reporter
Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly sexually assaulted a woman Sunday morning on campus. A white male in his early 20s reportedly assaulted the victim near Butler Hall, according to a University News Service alert dispersed Wednesday around 9:30 a.m. The suspect is described as more than 6 feet tall with a medium build, short blonde hair and blue eyes. Daniel Benitez, University Police Department captain,
said police are pursuing leads about the suspect and are in the beginning stages of investigation. The suspect was last seen wearing a gray, long sleeved V-neck shirt with the sleeves pulled up to his elbows and blue jeans tucked into brown boots, according to the alert. The suspect reportedly drives a white extended cab truck. The victim is believed to be a Texas State student, Benitez said. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact UPD or Crime Stoppers.
SPEAKERS
San Antonio mayor to attend campus event By Juliette Moak News Reporter
Julián Castro, three-term mayor of San Antonio, will deliver the keynote address at the Leadership Institute’s Annual Conference this week. The conference will be held Feb. 21-22 at the LBJ Student Center. This year’s conference theme is “Leadership and Learning: Celebrating the Journey.”
Castro contacted the Leadership Institute about speaking at this year’s conference after he was unable to accept their invitation for the previous year, said Margarita Arellano, dean of students. “We are grateful that (Castro) was just as interested as we were,” Arellano said. “He’s very invested in education and the success
See CASTRO, B6
Local businesses could be affected by curriculum change By Kelsey Bradshaw Senior News Reporter
S
ome instructors at local businesses that provide their services for physical fitness and wellness courses are concerned about a decline in business that may result due to a change to the university’s core curriculum. According to a Feb. 11 University Star story, changes to the core curriculum approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board no longer require students to take PFW courses beginning fall 2014. Several local businesses host PFW classes offered at Texas State and receive revenue from fees paid by students
Our business comes from the college classes. We’re just hoping people will still take it as an elective.”
—Teri Perkins, bowling instructor
enrolled in the courses. Some instructors at these local businesses worry about a decrease in revenue now that students are no longer required to enroll in PFW courses. Sunset Lanes Bowling alley, for instance, hosts all of Texas State’s bowling classes. There are currently 398 students enrolled in bowling PFW classes, said Teri Perkins, general manager and bowling instructor. Students occupy the lanes until 4:50 p.m. Monday through Thursday, which drives business away during the week because there are no lanes available, she said.
Austin Humphreys | Photo Editor Matt Robinson, marketing junior, bowls Feb. 19 at Sunset Lanes for a PFW. “Our business comes from the college classes,” Perkins said. “We’re just hoping people will still take it as an elective.” The bowling alley will see a change
in revenue when the new university policy is implemented in the fall, Perkins said.
See PFWs, B6
TRAINS
Railroad crossing construction begins to allow for quiet zones By Taylor Tompkins News Editor
Some residents will soon get the quiet zones they have been asking for once safety upgrades to 26 city railroad crossings are complete. The Engineering and Capital Improvements Department will facilitate construction of medians at railroad crossings to prevent drivers from bypassing the caution arms once they are lowered, said Project Manager Janae Ryan. After the barriers are installed, Union Pacific will implement quad gates that block the road leading up to the tracks at railroad crossings on Patton Street. The project will cost the city $1.1 million. Road lanes near railroad crossings are currently being restriped in preparation for the medians, which are estimated to be complete by the end of March, Ryan said. Quiet zones can be established after safety measures are completed as part of a Federal Railroad Association regulation, Ryan said. The city will post “no train horn” signs at the crossings and will file for the quiet zones with the FRA. The city has estimated the project will be complete by the end of this year, Ryan said. The quiet zones will attempt
to minimize noise by prohibiting trains from routinely sounding their horns when approaching railroad crossings within the city, according to FRA’s website. Horns may be blown when something is on the tracks, an emergency arises or in an attempt to comply with federal regulations. “We’ve already met with (FRA) and (Union Pacific) on every crossing to make sure exactly what is necessary is being put in,” Ryan said. “After all the safety improvements are installed, there’s a lull period which is about a month where they can still sound their horns just so people can kind of get used to it, and then it will go quiet.” San Marcos residents have long rallied behind railroad quiet zones and reported complaints of late night train horns, according to a March 8, 2012 University Star article. Senior Christopher Barrera lives at Bobcat Village and said the train that passes by his complex at 8:30 a.m. is “good alarm clock,” but he is also woken up by the sound of trains around 1:30 a.m. Barrera said he thinks the quiet zones are a good idea but will be hard to enforce. “I think (quiet zones) would make a big difference, but it’s about
Quiet zones will be established for trains in San Marcos after safety upgrades to railroad crossings. Austin Humphreys | Photo Editor regulating as well,” Barrera said. “There aren’t many regulators that can stop what a conductor does. If he sees something on the line, he’s going to blow the horn.” Finance senior Jordan Becker,
who lives at Copper Beech Townhomes, said his bedroom is 20 to 30 feet from the railroad tracks. Becker said he has become used to the noise. “To be honest, I thought the city
already had the quiet rules,” Becker said. “I believe this can be a good thing, as long as they can still blow the horn for emergencies like animals or people on the track.”
A2 | The University Star | News | Thursday February 20, 2014
CRIME BLOTTER
WILD ART
Feb. 14, 1:14 a.m.
Crminial mischief under $500
San Marcos Hall University property had been intentionally damaged. This case is under investigation.
Feb. 14, 2:27 a.m.
Assault—dating violence
San Marcos Hall A student and non-student were arrested for assault causing bodily injury - family member, and both were transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center (HCLEC). Judicial review.
Feb. 14, 9:27 a.m.
Graffiti—school/higher education
Derrick Hall University property has been vandalized with graffiti. This case is under investigation.
Feb. 14, 11:26 p.m.
Public Intoxication
College Inn A student was cited and arrested for public intoxication and transported to HCLEC. Judicial review.
Feb. 15, 12 a.m.
Graffiti—school/higher education
Bexar Hall Parking Garage University property has been vandalized with graffiti. This case is under investigation. Courtesy of University Police Department
Reid Liberato, marketing senior, and Blake Arceneaux, nutrition senior, practice kendama, a Japanese ball and cup game, in The Quad.
Your friendly neighborhood watchdog.
Danielle Charles | Staff Photographer
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A4 | The University Star | Thursday February 20, 2014
OPINIONS
UniversityStar.com
The University Star’s
Quad Survival Guide
The Quad works like a road.
Don’t get caught up in crowds.
T
exas State is beautiful in the spring. The flowers burst back into bloom, warmer temperatures beckon students to the banks of the river and campus buzzes with energy that went dormant during the winter. But beneath the cheery veneer cast over campus during spring lies the seedy underbelly of Texas State—The Quad. Known to strike fear and anxiety in the hearts of even the most seasoned Bobcats, The Quad tends to become an even more sinister pit of yelling, shoving and panhandling when the weather is nice.
College is great because it magically transforms people into experts on politics and religion. Coincidentally, The Quad is a campus free speech zone. This means traveling preachers and other inflammatory speakers are able to easily rile up students and challenge their newly minted (or deeply rooted) beliefs as they walk to class. This typically ends with a large group of students standing around the Stallions as they watch one brave sinner after another take on Brother Jed. While this makes for excellent people watching and sparks (hopefully) intelligent discussion, it is not an ideal situation when you are trying to get to class. Avoid The Quad (see tip seven) when Jed is in town if you are in a hurry. If not, be mindful of those who are and try not to bottleneck The Quad.
Like Virgil guided Dante through the circles of hell, The University Star is here to navigate you quickly and safely through The Quad this spring with as few awkward encounters as possible.
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Keep to the right, do not text while walking, and most of all, never stop in the middle of The Quad to have a reunion with high school friends or talk to your bros. If you are guilty of this, you have terrible etiquette and are the worst type of person.
Keep your end goal in mind.
Avoid Eye Contact.
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If you want to join an organization, the walk to your philosophy lecture probably is not the best time to go about doing so. The same goes for most other distractions on The Quad—you are on a mission to get to class on time, not buy an overpriced hot dog, T-shirt or kombucha. If you are unable to resist the siren song of sorority girls pushing their philanthropies, see the aforementioned tip concerning headphones.
If you notice a Quad panhandler standing in the middle of your path, avoid eye contact at all costs. They are easily recognizable by their outstretched hands clutching flyers promising free pizza or trash can punch, their eyes flashing madly as they desperately try to promote their organization or party. You become their next victim the second you look them in the eyes. Keep some sunglasses on you if you feel especially awkward in these types of situations.
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Timing is everything.
Headphones are criticaL.
Like sunglasses, headphones have a way of making you seem significantly more unapproachable. Most people will take the hint that you aren’t one to bother with if you appear to be engrossed in your music. This is a more practical option than taking a fake phone call, which is just sad.
Black History Column Series
Avoid The Quad altogether.
In honor of Black History Month, the opinions section will spotlight a column written by one of The University Star’s black staff members in each issue. The University Star hopes to showcase a variety of perspectives in the new series dedicated to bringing issues in the black community to light.
Racial profiling remains serious issue due to social reinforcement
Odus Evbagharu Sports Editor Journalism junior
ifty years after Martin Luther King FAmericans made his famous speech, the dream for to be judged by character rather
than skin color still seems to be light-years away from becoming reality. The line between “the suspect is a black male” and “black males are suspect” remains dangerously thin. As seen with Trayvon Martin and the eventual acquittal of his killer George Zimmerman, the line between simple profiling and overt racism can have a costly price, especially for blacks. Racial profiling by law enforcement is still one of the biggest civil rights issues in the U.S.. One of the most important reasons racial profiling needs to be opposed is because the government has already inadvertently legitimized the practice through various forms of media exposed to the general public. In the summer of 2013, guitarist Ted Nugent suggested on actor Nick Cannon’s podcast that black Americans should be profiled in the same manner different breeds of dogs are labeled dangerous. Nugent claimed, “If a Dalmatian has been biting the children in the neighborhood, I think we’re going to look for a black-andwhite dog.”
The University Star 601 University Drive Trinity Building, Room 101 San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708
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Even if you have mastered the above six tips, walking through The Quad is still probably not an enjoyable or speedy experience. We recommend circumventing the problem altogether by taking an alternate route to class. Taking the path between Evans Liberal Arts and the Undergraduate Academic Center is much faster, as is walking from the bus loop up the hill behind Derrick Hall if the student center is your destination. Both alternatives require more stairs and steeper inclines, but the calf workout and peace of mind is worth it.
The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University.
February
Breanna Baker | Star Illustrator
He added, “Over and over again, I watch the news, and here’s a rape, and here’s a burglary and here’s a murder in Chicago. Twenty-nine shot—29 blacks shot by 29 blacks. At some point, you’ve gotta be afraid of black-and-white dogs if the Dalmatian is doing the biting.” In a separate interview, Nugent “joked” he would not mind shooting residents of Los Angeles’ South Central neighborhood with a machine gun from a helicopter. Not only is it distasteful to compare human beings to dogs, but escalating a joke to something that could end in violence is inexcusable. The danger of needless violence and death against specific groups is the reason why racial profiling needs to end. Racial profiling has resulted in a divide that may never be rectified. The best example can be seen in the Florida neighborhood watchman who felt empowered to confront, and ultimately kill, an unarmed black teenager and was found without guilt. If judging people by the color of their skin is deemed acceptable by the law, the practice becomes endorsed for others to do as well. There will always be pockets of people who will judge others because they fear what they do not understand. However, this is not an excuse to judge a book by its cover, especially when it comes to race, gender or any other arbitrary, superficial characteristic. Americans must hold each other accountable for racist ideas that no longer have a place in the modern world. The injustices of racial profiling are not talked about enough in the U.S., and the lack of awareness is costing more innocent lives by the day. Unfortunately, King’s 1963 March on Washington and subsequent call for Americans to be judged on character rather than race is being undermined by the continued enforcement of stereotypes.
Editor-in-Chief.................................................Caitlin Clark, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor..........................Liza Winkler, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters..................................................................................starletters@txstate.edu News Editor............................................Taylor Tompkins, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor.............................................Amanda Ross, startrends@txstate.edu Opinions Editor..................................Savannah Wingo, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor.......................................Austin Humphreys, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor.........................................Odus Evbagharu, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief................................Lesley Warren, starcopychief@txstate.edu
Let’s say you really do have your eye on something being sold in The Quad, which is totally plausible. There are often local vendors selling great art, food, produce and jewelry. Every student should check out a stall and support a local business at least once. The farmers market in The Quad, for example, is a great resource. If you choose to partake in Quad purchasing, visit during times when most students are in class so you can browse at a more leisurely pace. Even if you are not looking to buy anything, it should be noted that The Quad is obviously less crowded during class times. Things also tend to start slowing down after about 3 p.m.
HOUSING
Officials must improve services provided to residential students
Ashley Trumps Opinions Columnist Mass communication senior
he Student Business Services and T Residential Life departments need better organization and more helpful
staffs in order to more adequately serve students who live on campus. For the four years I have lived on campus, either in a dorm or in the university-owned apartments, my interactions with the Residential Life department have been noticeably lacking. This is largely because students have facilitated most of my interactions with the Res Life department. However, none of this would be a problem if only these students could manage to answer questions with something more informative than a blank stare. Even now, when I go to the front desk, I feel as though I am greeting some other student who just wandered in and sat down to play Flappy Bird on their phone rather than an educated university employee. Every single time I have come in with questions, the lackluster Res Life student employees have had to get up and ask an adult for assistance before they could provide an answer. I have no problem with an office being run by students, but they need to be trained to answer all questions related to campus living with directness and specificity. Uneducated staff members can be infuriating, especially when dealing with something as im-
Design Editor.................................................Lee Moran, stardesign@txstate.edu Web Editor.........................................Anthony Garza, starwebeditor@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Catie Brossard, starad3@txstate.edu Account Executive.................................Blakely Knowles, starad4@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Hannah Wilson, starad5@txstate.edu Media Specialist............................................ Chris Salazar, c.salazar@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator...........................Kelsey Nuckolls, starad1@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator.......................................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...........................Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu
portant as rent and move-in dates. The Residential Living department needs to make serious changes in training their employees if they care at all about properly serving the students who choose to live on campus. Another issue students living on campus have to deal with is Student Business Services’ lack of communication and organization, especially at the beginning of a semester. Last year, my neighbors and I never received a utility bill—until three months later when it was all included in one lump sum. SBS employees were very vague with their email about the bill, and when we called the Residential Life department for more information, the head honcho was not even sure what was going on. Those who live in on-campus apartments or dorms should be a priority for SBS. If a student is behind on rent because three months’ worth of utilities were charged all at once or some other cost was charged twice, that student could potentially be unable to sign up for classes. SBS officials need to realize if students cannot pay their housing fees due to a screw-up on their part, it ends up hurting the student, SBS and the university all at the same time. SBS and the Res Life department should work together to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible for those who live on campus. Students who take on important Res Life positions such as resident assistant or hall desk worker should be well trained and able to answer most questions with clarity and confidence. Every time I have to face extra hardships due to screw-ups either from SBS or Res Life, I am tempted to walk to these offices and smack employees with my contract. I am paying to live on campus, and I, and everyone else who is doing so, deserve to have as smooth an experience as possible.
The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the spring and fall and every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Thursday, February 20, 2014. 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. The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy. Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.
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The University Star | Thursday February 20, 2014 | A5
SPORTS
UniversityStar.com
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Texas State defeats South Alabama 63-61 at Strahan Coliseum Wednesday night By Quixem Ramirez Sports Reporter @quixem
T
he Texas State women’s basketball team limited South Alabama, the top perimeter shooting team in the conference, to four 3-pointers Wednesday night in its 63-61 victory. The Bobcats improved to 12-12 overall and 9-4 in the conference. The Bobcats have a .500 overall winning percentage for the third time this season. “We put ourselves in place in the end to have enough of a cushion to win this game,” said Coach Zenarae Antoine. “There are some things we need to do execution wise better. As you heard the crowd, we had a huge sigh of relief.” South Alabama made 52 percent of its shots in the second half to cut the lead to 2 points, despite Texas State leading by 12 points at halftime. The Bobcats committed eight fouls in the half, and the Jaguars converted 11 free throws. “The thing that hurt us, ultimately, is that we kept fouling shooters and putting them to the free throw line,” Antoine said. “That kind of nicked away at that lead we have. They’re great 3-pointers, and that
combination of putting them to the free throw line early and their ability to make 3s is really going to hurt you.” Sophomore guard Ayr iel Anderson scored a team-high 17 points. Anderson’s final field goal, a mid-range shot with 30 seconds left, gave the Bobcats a 63-59 lead. Anderson has finished in double figures in four of her last five games. “I noticed the shot clock was going down, and I knew we needed a basket,” Anderson said. “I had confidence in my shot. Kaylan (Martin) set the rub screen, and it went in. I think I have a lot of freedom, and it opens up the offense.” South Alabama intentionally fouled sophomore forward Erin Peoples, a 61 percent free throw shooter, with 10 seconds left in the game. Peoples missed the free throw, and Jennifer Johnson, South Alabama forward, missed the final shot as time expired. “(I told myself to) breathe, take your time,” Peoples said. “Hold your follow through. I missed (the free throw), but I trusted my team to get back on defense and we stopped the ball and got the win.” Meghan Dunn, South Alabama guard, who is third in the conference with 43 3-pointers, was limited
to one in the matchup. “Our history against great 3-point shooting teams has been kind of tough,” Antoine said. “So I’m really proud of these young women to guard the arc. It was one of the keys of the game, and they found a way to do that.” Texas State’s Correy Moyer, freshman forward, scored 7 points in 14 minutes. Moyer missed the previous 12 games with a hand injury. Texas State has not lost backto-back matches since Dec. 22, a streak spanning 14 games. “The most important thing is this team is slowly starting to mature,” Antoine said. “We aren’t making as many mistakes. They are still not where I’d like to be, but we are getting better. It’s a sign of maturity, so how we are able to handle this win and move forward against the best team in the conference will be important.” The Bobcats’ next opponent is Arkansas State, the top team in the Sun Belt Conference. Texas State lost 81-67 in the teams’ previous matchup. “I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Peoples said. “Everybody Allison Brouillette | Staff Photographer wants to knock off the number one team, so you can put yourself into Senior forward Ashley Ezeh shoots under pressure against South Alabama defense Feb. 19 at Strahan Coliseum. a good position.”
SOFTBALL
Bobcats run-rule IH-35 rival Roadrunners 8-0 at home
By Cameron Cutshall Sports Reporter @CameronCutshall
The Texas State softball team played rival UTSA Wednesday at home, defeating the Roadrunners 8-0 for the first time in fourmatchups. “We talked about it early on,” said Coach Ricci Woodard. “I knew this was going to be a rivalry because they beat us so many times last year. This team was hungry to make sure they proved a point. I thought they did a good job of being patient and finding a way to win later in the game.” UTSA took charge early in the first inning after catcher Megan Low walked following a single up the middle by left fielder Sierra Sproul. First baseman Jori Fox
grounded out to third to end the inning with two runners left on base. The Roadrunners were unable to score after loading the bases with two outs in the top of the second. Senior pitcher Rayn House forced right fielder Victoria Birdwell to fly out and end the inning, leaving the game tied at zero. Kortney Koroll, junior designated player, hit a single up the middle to score Kendall Wiley, sophomore first baseman, giving the Bobcats a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third. Birdwell opened the fifth inning with a single into right field. Sproul walked to put runners on first and second for UTSA one batter later. Fox was able to reach first base on a fielder’s choice by Courtney Harris, junior third baseman. Utility player Angelica Nino came in to pinch run for
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Fox and advanced to second base on another fielder’s choice. The Roadrunners loaded the bases after House walked third baseman Vivian Tijerina. The Roadrunners sent in a pinch runner for Tijerina and pinch hitter Randee Crawford with the bases loaded in the top of the fifth. House struck out Crawford to end the inning, maintaining the 1-0 lead. “It was great,” Woodard said. “(House) was the one who wanted these guys the most. When they brought in the pinch hitter she was like ‘I got this, I got this.’ She was really confident and threw the ball really well tonight.” Texas State was able to capitalize in the fifth inning after a successful double steal attempt by Harris and Danielle Warne, freshman pinch runner. Delia Saucedo, senior right
fielder, hit a two-run RBI single scoring Harris and Warne, giving Texas State a 3-0 lead. “You always want to be the one to break it open,” Saucedo said. “When I get up in the batter’s box I always have that adrenaline going, saying, ‘I want to be the one.’ I knew all I had to do was a groundball up the middle or opposite side so the runner could score, or hit a long fly ball because there were no outs. All I had to do was correct my swing.” UTSA replaced its starting pitcher Kacy Freeze with Chelsea Parker, who gave up three walks and three RBI in five-straight batters to increase the Bobcat lead 6-0. Pitcher Nicole Merrill came into the contest in relief for Parker who left the bases loaded. Merrill gave up a walk to Wiley to score senior shortstop Jordan
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Masek and kept the bases loaded, making the score 7-0. Two batters later, Merrill gave up the winning walk to Koroll to end the game in five innings. “I didn’t change anything when I was up to bat,” Koroll said. “I was just trying to hit a groundball up the middle. I didn’t even notice the score. I wasn’t focusing on the fact we needed only one run to runrule. I was going up there with my normal mindset.” House earned the win for the Bobcats, advancing her overall record to 6-1 on the season. She threw her third complete-game shutout of the season, giving up six hits, striking out three and walking four in the contest. “This team has played a lot of ball games where we could’ve either won or lost,” Woodard said. “They’re a group that doesn’t stop.”
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Get to Know
A6 | The University Star | Sports | Thursday February 20, 2014
Kaylan Martin senior guard By Chris Woodard Sports Reporter
CW: What’s your favorite type of music? KM: My favorite type of music is hip-hop.
spring season.
CW: What motivates you? KM: I’m very goal driven. I’ve always been playing to win a ring. It didn’t happen in high school. Now it’s my senior year in college, and I’d love to win a ring. CW: Do you have a pre-game ritual? KM: I try to focus, pray and listen to music before my games. CW: How do you feel after a close win? KM: I feel accomplished. Those types of wins are fun—it’s like a battle. CW: If you could go on a date with any celebrity who would it be? KM: L eBron James. CW: What is your favorite sport to play other than basketball? KM: V olleyball, because it’s a lot of high spirit, fun and very team oriented.
Madelynne Scales | Star File Photo
VOLUME 103, ISSUE 59
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Defending the First Amendment since 1911
The Bridal Issue
San Marcos Wedding Vendors P2 • Couples Counseling P4 • Local Wedding Venues P4
Breana Baker | Star Illustrator
Wedding Vendors
Locally owned shops provide couples with wedding needs By Amanda Ross Trends Editor
In a small town with big city shopping, the San Marcos wedding scene is thriving. Locally owned businesses typically provide personalization and more attention to detail. From elaborate bouquets to decadent pastries, San Marcos’ local businesses have everything a blushing bride—or groom—could want for the big day.
Christine’s Jewelry & Watch Repair
The Floral Studio Flowers can oftentimes be one of the most important aspects of a wedding. Flowers tie together color schemes, act as centerpieces and are the star of one of the day’s most important moments—the bouquet toss. At The Floral Studio, flowers become a work of art. The florists can add elegant touches to both corsages and bridal bouquets, including pearls and lace. One of their most popular options, the Bridal Queen Bouquet, features fresh white roses in full bloom dotted with lush baby’s breath, artfully wrapped in lacy fabric.
The most crucial aspect of any wedding is the rings, physically manifesting the commitment made. Christie’s Jewelry & Watch Repair, locally owned and operated, offers free consultations to help the happy couple pick the perfect piece. In addition to engagement and marriage bands, the store offers thank-you cards, unity candles, champagne flutes and more, making it a true one-stop shop for wedding needs. After the big day, newly married couples can accessorize with a variety of “Just Married” honeymoon gear.
Austin Humphreys | Photo Editor
Pennington’s Cakes Serving the San Marcos area since 1962, Pennington’s Cakes has become a go-to destination for Bobcats. Good enough to eat, or smash, rather, their cakes are fully customizable to reflect any wedding color scheme or theme. Pennington’s prides itself on its ability to make any bride’s wedding day vision become a reality. Pennington’s Cakes does it all, from rich groom’s cakes topped with chocolate tuxedoadorned strawberries to a traditional tiered confection.
Stitches & Such Elevate wedding party gifts from cute to Pinterest-worthy with a customized present from Stitches & Such. This local favorite offers a wide range of merchandise such as koozies, tote bags and pillows, and nearly everything in the store is customizable. The store is a popular destination for those looking for wedding favors, bachelorette/bachelor party gifts and pretty accessories for the bride- or groom-to-be. Customers can choose from a variety of fonts, sizes and colors to add cute phrases—or a newly minted monogram—to nearly anything.
PRESS RELEASE
Environmental criminologist to give presentation at Texas State Paul J. Brantingham, founder of the study of environmental criminology, will visit Texas State University Feb. 26, to present his lecture, “The Role of Environmental Criminology in Crime Analysis.” The event will be held at 4 p.m. in room 208 of the Undergraduate Academic Center. The lecture is free and open to the public. Brantingham is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police University professor of crime analysis at Simon Fraser University, British Columbia and the associate director of the Institute for Canadian Urban Research Studies. He received degrees in government and law at Columbia University and criminology at Cambridge University. Brantingham helped originate crime pattern theory and the concepts of crime attractors and crime generators. He is the primary developer of several crime analysis tools, including the Crime Analysis System—Pacific Region (CASPR), for tracking provincial crime trends. His current research focuses on measuring the complexity and economics of policing. The event is sponsored by the Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation in the School of Criminal Justice at Texas State.
For more information, call (512) 245-7942 or email Cheri Rowden at cr1316@txstate.edu. —Courtesy of University News Service
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Ben E. Keith Food Show “Novelty Cakes” 1st Place Brides’ Choice Award 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Best of Hays County “Best Desserts” 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 “Best Bakery” 2012 Show your current Texas State i.d. for 10 percent off your bridal cake
www.penningtoncakes.com 512.396.4059 1662 S. Interstate 35
B4 | The University Star |
Bridal Issue
| Thursday February 20, 2014
TRENDS
UniversityStar.com
Counseling Center offers variety of services for student couples By Nicole Barrios Assistant News Editor
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ny couple is welcome to seek guidance and advice on their relationship at the Counseling Center at Texas State. Counseling is available for both married and engaged couples, as well as partners, said Pam Moore, psychologist at the Counseling Center. The only requirement to apply for counseling is that both partners must be enrolled at the university, Moore said.
“It ranges from straight to gay,” Moore said. “It really depends.” The center works to schedule sessions with counselors who have a specific interest in couples counseling. Generally, counseling may last the length of a semester, but is dependent upon a couple’s needs, Moore said. “It really can be a challenge just trying to get three people’s schedules together,” Moore said. Israel Nájera, supervising counselor at the center, said he has conducted couples counseling for much of his 22 years at the
university. He maintains a private practice specializing in couples therapy as well. Due to the policy that both partners must be enrolled students and because of scheduling conflicts, the center does not see many couples that are seeking counseling, Najera said. “Usually we see just a couple of couples,” Najera said. “Maybe, at the most, two or three a semester.” Typical issues couples seek counseling for include problems with communication, trying to relate to one another, financial manage-
ment and prior history interfering with their relationship, Moore said. Often, couples want to focus on their partner and portray him or her as the cause of a particular problem, Najera said. “What I focus on is ‘how do you develop a relationship with yourself?’ because when you feel good about yourself, usually somebody else is going to feel good about you,” Najera said. The center mainly sees young couples who are living together, which is similar to a marriage and can present the same types of
Local Wedding Venues By Taylor Tompkins News Editor
Students looking to add charm to their weddings should look no further than local venues for an authentic Hill Country feel. Whether ceremonies are huge extravaganzas or small affairs, the following venues offer a wide variety of services with a San Marcos twist.
The Marc
Formerly known as Texas Music Theater, The Marc, located along The Square in downtown San Marcos, hosts weddings and receptions in its nightclub-like atmosphere. The venue typically features shows and concerts, but allows private reservations for parties or conferences.
problems couples encounter when living together for many years, Najera said “Anytime a person is having issues of any sort, especially relationship issues, they should come in (to the Counseling Center),” Najera said. Couples counseling is part of a range of services the Counseling Center provides, and there is no fee for students who seek counseling at the center, Moore said. Students can call to make an appointment, but walk-ins are also accepted, she said.
Crystal River Inn Located just a few blocks from The Square, this bed and breakfast on Hopkins Street has been owned and operated by the Dillon family for 30 years. The location can accommodate up to 200 people and offers a variety of packages to fit the bride and groom’s budget. The quaint, historic venue has remained a favorite of both residents and alumni for years. Crystal River Inn has repeatedly been voted “best caterer” and “best place to have a wedding” in the area, according to the venue’s website.
Quail Creek Country Club With rolling hills, formal dining packages and high-quality banquet amenities, this country club is ideal for local couples. The main banquet room can accommodate about 200 people, and the venue provides tables, chairs, linens and a bar to meet the needs of any wedding party. Soon-to-be brides and grooms can rest easy knowing their wedding will be catered by professional staff on site.
The Hill Country Event Center The event center on Centerpoint Road provides wedding parties with stateof-the-art video and audio equipment as well as a bar area, dressing rooms and a baby grand piano. The facility, which can hold about 300 people, has a dance floor that is lit by chandeliers and a large stone fireplace.
Three Dudes Winery For those looking for a more outdoor or ranch-themed wedding, Three Dudes Winery located on Old Martindale Road offers scenic views along the San Marcos River. The location offers an array of packages for different types of ceremonies that can include a combination of food, wine and music. The venue features an expansive stone archway for couples to declare their vows to each other in front of friends and family.
The University Star | We’re hiring! | Thursday February 20, 2014 | B5
The University Star is hiring. Visit the Trinity Building (near the bus loop) for an application. All positions are paid after a six-week trial period.
B6 | The University Star | News | Thursday February 20, 2014
CASTRO, continued from front of young people.” Arellano said the Leadership Institute is fortunate to have Castro as a keynote speaker because it would be unable to pay the typical appearance fee for a public figure of his caliber. “We could not afford someone of his quality,” Arellano said. “We just get people because they love us.” In addition to Castro, conference attendees will hear from Don McPherson, a social activist and former NFL quarterback, and Jessica Gendron Williams, CEO of Phired Up Productions, Arellano said.
The conference will feature breakout sessions and small groups led by trained student facilitators, said Ashley Runnels, Leadership Institute coordinator. “What makes our conference unique are the small groups where (attendees) engage in activities and discussions,” Runnels said. “That’s where they brainstorm ways to apply what they’ve learned from the speakers to their lives after the conference.” Meghan Bates, a former student facilitator, said she still refers back to the practices learned at last year’s conference.
“Everyone is at the conference to continue learning and then to pass that knowledge forward,” Bates said. “It really taught me to be proactive and engaged in making progress happen.” Arellano said Castro’s speech will focus on a leader’s responsibility to act ethically and serve others. Castro will speak about the challenges and rewards of being in a leadership position. “I want students to come away having learned that leadership is a life-long process,” Arellano said. “It is about service and having the passion to move to action.”
PFWs, continued from front Many degree programs will still require one or two hour course credits, even though PFWs will not be required for incoming students, said Micky Autrey, director of Curriculum Services. Even though PFWs are no longer part of the core curriculum, Autrey said he thinks there will still be a demand for the courses. “We’re hoping that still the college kids will want to take bowling, because it’s indoors (and) it’s air conditioned,” Perkins said. Texas Ski Ranch offers a place to practice outside of class for students who enroll in the university’s wakeboarding PFW course. Many students often visit on weekends to use services the ski ranch provides, said Blake Hess, wakeboarding instructor. “I think we’ll still have quite a few of those people that do it because they love the sport,” Hess said. “But I do think it will hurt enrollment without it being required.” The absence of revenue formerly collected from the
125 students who take the wakeboarding class each semester will hurt business “a little bit,” Hess said. The ski ranch will better market the course to the university to encourage students to enroll in the class, Hess said. The ski ranch hopes word
of mouth will continue to drive enrollment in wakeboarding courses. “Of the people that take the (wakeboarding) PFW, there’s a good percentage of them that end up falling in love with the sport and continue doing it after the class,” Hess said.
Torrance-Tinney
Bride: Casey Torrance Bride’s Hometown: Clear Lake City, Texas Bride’s Major: Journalism Groom: Jacob Tinney Groom’s Hometown: Clear Lake City, Texas Groom’s Major: Accounting Date of Wedding: May 16, 2014 Location of Wedding: Castle Avalon, New Braunfels
The University Star | News | Thursday February 20, 2014 | B7
FACULTY SENATE
PRESS RELEASE
Assistant VP position to be reconfigured
Volunteers invited for 29th annual Great Texas River Cleanup
By Kelsey Bradshaw
Senior News Reporter
The position of assistant vice president of international affairs is in the process of being reconfigured and reclassified. The assistant vice president for international affairs previously acted as the “president’s task force on internationalization,” according to Debbie Thorne, associate vice president for Academic Affairs. Now, the assistant vice president will have a more broadly defined position relative to international affairs, Thorne said at Wednesday’s Faculty Senate meeting. “The spirit and culture of the university is wanting to move forward in all aspects—regarding teaching, regarding research, regarding everything that we do,” Thorne said. The original expectations of the assistant vice president of international affairs have changed, Thorne said. In 2001, the position included duties such as student recruitment and more programming. After Sept. 11, 2001, the office had to remain focused on compliance with changes to regulations. “Everything changed on a regular basis because of 9/11,” Thorne said. The assistant vice president for international affairs will become a “repository” and a “facilitator,” Thorne said. He or she will have a
leadership role. A survey was conducted in January by the Office of Academic Affairs to determine what the “campus climate” was concerning the position, Thorne said. The office received about 250 responses to the survey, making it clear that there is interest in international affairs at the university. The survey results revealed a leadership role and presence needs to be more clear in matters relating to internationalization, Thorne said. To some extent, the position needs to be centralized and provide a focal point. “The exact role of this position, while it has been framed via the GOJA (Guidelines Oriented Job Analysis), can possibly be reframed via the survey responses,” Thorne said. Texas State currently has a very low number of international students, said Maria Cyzewska, psychology senator. The university is partnering with two recruitment firms and has already brought in 12 new international students, Thorne said. “A lot of students want to go (on study abroad trips), but they can’t afford it,” Cyzewska said. For the next five years, $95,000 will be contributed to scholarships for students to go abroad, Thorne said. More money will become available for students in the coming years.
The City of San Marcos invites volunteers for the 29th annual Great Texas River Cleanup March 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. People from all over Texas will participate in this annual river cleanup, picking up trash along the entire length of the San Marcos River and its tributaries from its headwaters to Gonzales where it joins the Guadalupe River. Volunteers working in San Marcos will sign in at the City Park Rec Hall, 170 Charles Austin Drive, at 9:30 a.m. Breakfast tacos, coffee and free barbecue sandwiches will be provided to volunteers. A group meeting will be held for volunteers paddling the sections of river between Thompson’s Island and Luling at 9 a.m.
March 1 at the chapel in the San Marcos River Retreat, 444 Pecan Park Drive. Canoeists paddling the lower river will meet at Palmetto State Park at 8:30 a.m. Contact Ginsie Stauss for more information: ginsie@io.com. Last year, more than 70 bags of trash and recyclable material were collected, along with hundreds of pounds of debris from the San Marcos area alone. Between 40 and 50 cubic yards of trash were taken out of the remaining 90 miles of river. Volunteers hauled large items such as tires and couches up steep slopes for disposal. Everyone participating in this event is invited to camp free at either Shady Grove Campground/ Spencer Canoes (http://www.
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