RAM RAM PAGE PAGE
EST. 1936
ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITY
asurampage.com
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018
VOL . 85 ISSUE 11
Five guest speakers came for a two-day program to discuss the moon landing ceremony in December Sophia Gravatt, staff writer
Photo by Axel Marcenaro: James O’Brien speaks on personal experiences during the filming of the Apollo launch. O’Brien was working as an associate producer with CBS during the Apollo moon landing.
Guest speakers discussed their experiences on Wednesday, Nov. 7 for the 50th Apollo Moon Landing Anniversary Program in the C.J. Davidson Conference Center. The panel consisted of five former Apollo-era NASA and CBS news officials, as well as scholars who have worked with Apollo astronauts. “I’ve been very fortunate to meet each of the 12 people who have walked on the moon,” said Francis French, director of the San Diego Air and Space Museum. “I tried to capture what it was they did in their own words.” French said if something isn’t recorded or documented, it’s almost as if it never happened. “It’s one thing to actually do it, but it’s another thing to actually get it so that people understand what it truly means from that person’s point of view,” French said. Bill Harwood, CBS News space analyst, said he covered the launch for his school’s newspaper. He said he will never forget seeing the shuttle take off. “I’ve covered 130 shuttle missions
since then, but nothing equals the first one,” Harwood said. “Three miles from the pad, and when the sound finally gets to you, along with the shock wave of the ground, your clothes are literally vibrating on your chest. The sound is so great, you cannot hear yourself scream. TV does not capture this.” Freshman Sydney Allison asked Joel Banow, CBS News director of the Apollo moon landing broadcasts, how he responds to people who believe the moon landing was faked. “My reply is very easy,” Banow said. “I had a man say to me, ‘Did they really land on the moon? Maybe they didn’t.’ So I said to him, ‘I can guarantee you they landed on the moon because I covered that on television and what you saw was the real thing.’” Allison also asked why we haven’t been back to the moon. “Congress doesn’t want to spend the money,” said James O’Brien, CBS News associate producer. “It’s as simple as that.” Dr. James Hansen, author of “First Man,” said that it is an interesting question to study, as many wonder why we haven’t gone back.
“It’s so extraordinary that we even went at all,” Hansen said. “It would be just as extraordinary to do it again.” Naomi Sam, senior, said she came to the panel for her human communications class. “I think it was really awesome to hear their opinions and actually see the people who got to broadcast it and who were a part of it,” Sam said. “It was just really interesting.” In addition to the panel, the speakers held their own lectures. Dr. James Hansen and Frances French had a book signing on Nov. 7 in the UC. They had copies of their books “First Man” and “In the Shadow of the Moon” available to buy. Joel Banow and James O’Brien hosted a lecture on Nov. 7 in the ASU Planetarium. Dr. James Hansen also hosted a viewing of the Universal Pictures movie “First Man” on Nov. 8 at Icon Cinema. A Q&A session followed the film.
Photo by Axel Marcenaro: Hilario Armendariz, senior, shakes Dr. James Hansen’s hand after getting his copy of “First Man” signed. Francis French was also present signing copies of “In the Shadow of the Moon.”
Salute our heroes
ROTC Veterans Vigil remembered ASU alumni of WWII Kierstyn Wiley, volunteer ASU’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 847 honored military veterans Nov. 7 with a vigil at the Memorial Oak Grove. The ROTC Veterans Vigil remembered 29 ASU alumni veterans of World War II that never made it home to their families. ROTC began the event with a flag retreat ceremony and read short biographies of the veterans. Vietnam War veteran Mike Thompson said all the soldiers were brave and courageous to go to war. Thompson also told personal stories about war and spoke of his service in different military branch-
Photo by Ian Saint: A single rose placed in commemoration of those who fell in WWII.
es. It was all a blur, he said. “You only remember two things during war: when you go to war and the day you’re going home,” Thompson said. ROTC students said they appreciated Thompson’s speech as it allowed them to see his perspective on war and how it can change a person. “He was telling us how he was in the Air Force and the Army,” said sophomore cadet Joseph Williams. “It was pretty neat how he was in two branches.” Many cadets involved said they were excited to guard the memorial tomb and plaque dedicated to the 29 veterans at the Memorial Oak Grove. “My favorite part of the event will be guarding,” said sophomore Mallory Rauker. “I’m doing it for our people. We’re guarding it from 4:30 p.m. to midnight.” Fifty flags stood next to the memorial tomb and plaque to represent troops from each state who fought in World War II. There were also 29 roses to represent each departed soldier who left San Angelo College, before it became ASU, to go to war. Pictures of the soldiers were displayed on trees that were originally planted in honor of their sacrifice. Continued,
HEROES, PAGE 2
Photo by Ian Saint: Lorenzo Guerra reverently stands guard at the ROTC Veterans Vigil remembering ASU alumni of WWII. Lorenzo is part of the 847th ROTC detachment.
NEWS 2 Students watch election results and
11.16.2018
engage in political discussion Political Science Association hosts Election Watch Party with debates
Sydney Faison, staff writer
Photo by Ian Saint: Carson Jones, president of the PSA, smiles at the success of the Election Watch Party. Students who attended were treated to pizza and drinks as the votes for state elections were tallied on live T.V.
The Political Science Association hosted the Election Watch Party and engaged in debate on Nov. 6 in the Vista Verde Room of Plaza Verde. “As a political science major and a person who enjoys learning, I think it is important to befriend and listen to people who think differently than you since it promotes civility,” said Carson Jones, president of the PSA. Attendees took part in debates over election reform, individual liberty, morality, pop culture, immigration and qualifications for office. Some specific topics included the abolishment of the electoral college and whether physician-assisted suicide should be made illegal across the U.S. “It is rewarding to see people who are aware of political issues and are able to form their own opinions,” Daniella Favila, PSA historian, said. Debaters chose whether to agree or disagree with each topic presented and the person who agreed had two minutes to argue their case. The opponent then had three minutes to present their position. Afterward, the first debater had a one-minute rebuttal. A general discussion followed each debate. “It is great to hear different opinions and see people have a cordial conversation where no one
jumps down someone’s throat,” said Nicholas Manrique, treasurer of the PSA. Attendees also received a midterm election predictions survey. The survey asked questions such as: “Who would you like to see win the Texas Senate race?” and “By what percentage of the total vote will a candidate win the race?” “I joined the Political Science Association because I wanted my views to expand,” Shyanne Clevenger, sophomore, said. “The people in the association are open and welcoming,” Clevenger said the organization is easy to join. Members get the opportunity to network with each other and the association always looks forward to hearing everyone’s views, she said. The PSA is a nonpartisan organization where discussions of politics and other issues takes place. Many of the members are political science majors, but students of all majors are welcome to join the association. For more information contact Carson Jones at cjones87@angelo.edu.
History Collection hosts annual Open House ASNHC provided a lecture, tour and games in annual open house
Sydney Faison, staff writer The ASU department of biology hosted its annual Open House for the Angelo State Natural History Collections on Nov. 8 in Room 100 of the Cavness Science Building. Dianna Krejsa, ASNHC collections manager, presented the lecture “Why Our Museums Matter: Plight and Promise of Natural History Collections in the 21st Century.” “We are able to solve problems in relation to forensics, disease control, climate change and agricultural expansion,” Krejsa said. “We are entering the age of big thinking which makes research limitless.” The presentation covered ongoing areas of research, such as the discovery of new species in the depths of the ocean and in forests, viruses and DNA sequencing. Krejsa explained how to make a traditional specimen through the process of measuring, recording, opening, stuffing and sewing a specimen. She also discussed the theft and fires that have occurred at museums that caused losses and damages of specimens. Aside from the lecture, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy a selfie station, see live animals and play a polliPhoto by Ian Saint: Rooms normally reserved for students and faculty were open to the public through nation mix-and-match game. Attendees could also sign guided tours during the annual ASNHC event. The collection has specimens dating back as far as the 19th up for a newsletter with ASNHC updates and receive a century, some even older. tour of the collections. ASNHC held the event in honor of Dr. Terry C. Max- Photo by Ian Saint: Bruce well and offered his wildlife art for donations. Some of the students in the biology department ex- the bullsnake plained how being a biology major has had a positive im- flicks his tongue as he slithpact on their lives. “The professors invest in us academically and profes- ers through his handler’s sionally, so we have a close-knit relationship which allows fingers. The many opportunities for networking,” M’Kayla Motley, se- San Angelo nior, said. Nature Center Motley attended two academic conferences: South brought Bruce Western Association of Naturalists and Texas Society of and many other animals to Mammologists. “I feel like I am making an impact toward educating the collection other people about important topics such as conservation opening. and climate change,” Miranda Perry, graduate student, said. “I have learned mind-blowing stuff, such as how the world works and see how it is constantly changing,” Andrew MacPhie, senior, said. “Studying how diverse life can be and observing different survival mechanisms is amazing,” Brent Wesley, senior, said. The ASNHC contains over 150,000 specimens of animals and plants from the Concho Valley, other regions of Texas and the U.S., Mexico, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Galápagos Islands. The collections aid student and faculty research projects, are used as teaching tools and have been viewed by thousands of students through special guided tours.
HEROES, Continued to go to war. Pictures of the soldiers were displayed on trees that were originally planted in honor of their sacrifice. Many students enjoyed being able to participate in the event. “It’s respecting our veterans,” said sophomore cadet James Ochello. “We’re actually remembering the people who fought and helped give us our rights.” The public and donors attended the outdoor event and enjoyed refreshments of water, hot chocolate and cookies.
“It is open to everyone,” said sophomore cadet Austin Krambeer. “We got more Goodfellow people than we’ve had the last few years, so I’m excited about that.” For more information about future events, contact ASU Air Force ROTC at afrotc847@angelo.edu or visit their office in Room 227 of the Rassman Building.
FEATURE 3 Multicultural and Student Student
11.16.2018
Activities Program educates students of cultures and values
Taxidermists presented artifacts for students to see firsthand Sophia Gravatt, staff writer
Snaps
#RingCeremony amber-valdez31
Photo by Axel Marcenaro: Roberto F. Villarreal discusses how arrows were made and different ways they were utilized. This particular arrow was actually paired with a primitive type of launcher instead of a conventional bow.
Students celebrated Native American Heritage Month on Nov. 6 in the Houston Harte University Center. National Heritage Month is an effort to gain recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S. “I think this event is really interesting,” said freshman Hannah Hull. “I think it’s great that we’re able to learn about our descendants and just learn a little bit about our history. It shows who we are and where we came from and that is really important.” Students had the chance to learn how to make their own dreamcatchers and try popular foods from different tribes. They also watched a slideshow that discussed the cultural values of different tribes, as well as the symbolism of some of the artifacts.
“Today, we’re celebrating the Native American culture,” said Lizette Guerrero, student assistant for the Multicultural and Students Activities Program. “We’re doing it more to educate the campus on what it is and some of the cultures and values and to just be more culturally rounded.” Taxidermists Henry Dusek and Robert Villarreal displayed and talked about artifacts and art. Villarreal said that people often can’t tell the difference between an arrowhead and a dart point. People may think they’ve just found
an arrowhead, but a lot of times, that’s not actually what it is, he said. Guerrero said she thought it was neat that the students could see the artifacts firsthand, be able to ask questions and learn more about the Native American tribes. Melanie Arenivaz, junior, said she came to the event because she saw the artifacts laying out and thought they looked cool. “I don’t really know much about Native American heritage, but it’s interesting so far,” she said.
proud to have received my class ring, Now just looking forward to May
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Sidewalk Survey
Question: What would you wait in line for on Black Friday? well today I got a very exspensive ring and then, becasue of tradition, rubbed it on a ram’s head...so overall good day
twood_97
“I would wait in line for pioneer woman kitchenware.” -Ashley Ponder senior
“On Black Friday, if I were to stand in line, I would stand in line for a LV 1.5 paintball gun at Pro X Paintball.” -Jayden Harris freshman
“Do they have Black Friday sales for puppies? If they do, I would stand in line for a puppy.”
“For Black Friday, if I were to stand in line for anything, I’d stand in line for a flat-screen TV.”
-Bekah Fadler junior
-Victor Labouve freshman ASU liked it, so they put a ring on it
Events Calendar Friday 11/16
Saturday 11/17
Men’s Basketball vs Eastern *Experience ASU: Student Involvement Fair New Mexico 12-2:30 p.m. 5-7 p.m. UC Spine Area Junell Center *Men’s Basketball vs Jarvis *Men’s Basketball vs Eastern Christian College New Mexico 7-9 p.m. 5-7 p.m. Junell Center Junell Center Men’s Basketball vs St. EdSaturday 11/17 ward’s University 7-9 p.m. *Honors Breakfast RecepJunell Center tion 8-9 a.m. Monday 11/19 UC Room 201 *Senate Meeting *International Cup Soccer 7-8 p.m. CJ Davidson Tournament 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. *Friendsgiving @ the CAF Intramural Fields 5-8 p.m. The Caf
Wednesday 11/21
jakemo55
*Thanksgiving Holiday Break through Friday Nov. 23
Thursday 11/22 *Thanksgiving
Friday 11/23
Men’s Basketball Thanksgving Tournament through Saturday Nov. 24
Tuesday 11/27
*Annual Christmas Tree Lighting 5 p.m. Memorial Oak Grove
We’ll be together from the womb to the tomb, brother. Congrats on the bling
4 OPINION
11.16.2018
HAPPY THANKSGIVING WHAT ARE Rosanna Aguilera editor-in-chief
As Thanksgiving approaches, I realize I have so much in my life to be thankful for. First, I am thankful for my family. I could have been born into any other family, but God put me with the most wonderful one. My family is always there for me and they support me 100 percent in everything I do. One of my brothers is about to have a baby in early December, which is also a blessing. I know that no matter what, that baby is going to feel so much love because that’s just how my family is. Second, I am thankful for my boyfriend. If you read my previous column, you know how much he means to be. I am thankful for the hard-working man he is and for everything he does. I am thankful for my job as editor-in-chief. I am thankful that God has given me the strength and patience to succeed in my career. I am thankful for Marian and Tom Byrd. These two wonderful people have supported me for so long. I can never thank them enough for making my dreams come true. Without them, I wouldn’t be getting a degree. They make it possible for me to achieve my goals. Most importantly, I am thankful that I have a God who fully knows and loves me. I am thankful that he is a forgiving God who will always be my rock. I am thankful for so many things. I am blessed beyond measure.
YOU
Kierstyn Wiley
volunteer
Many would agree they are thankful for their pets, family and religion, but less people talk about their good health, education and home. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the support my family gives me, I would just like to look outside the box for a change. I am thankful for the ability to see where I am going, walk where I need to go and hear what is around me. My asthma can flare up some days and my scoliosis could be worse, but it is not, and I am grateful to breathe and sit up straight. I am thankful for the ability to read and write so I can attend ASU and improve my future career skills. My vocabulary has expanded since college and my pronunciation increases every day, so I am pleased for my improvement. I am thankful for a place to call home and be comfortable within my space on this earth. My dorm is my happy place and feels cozy with my belongings stretched across the room. I am content with the space I hold. Overall, I am thankful for the ability to wake up every day, learn more about my major and call my temporary living space home.
FOR ?
I am thankful for my family and friends since all of them have helped me navigate through life. My mom is always compassionate and calls me her “sunshine.” My dad always uses his sense of humor to cheer me up. My sister is always supportive of everything I do. I am so thankful for the unconditional love within my family. They guide me to the proper paths in life. Even though we’re miles apart, we’re always close at heart. Since my family is almost 1,000 miles away, my friends are like a second family to me. They have helped me through the good and bad times. I’m thankful for the surprise FaceTime calls and messages they send me. My friends are always there for me and watch over me. I am so thankful for the memories and inside jokes. My friends can always make me cry from laughing too hard. Even if my friends can’t help me solve my problems, I know they will help me face them. Whenever it hurts to look back or I am scared to look ahead, my friends are always beside me. I am so thankful that my friends are as precious as a rose without the thorns.
Sydney Faison staff writer
THANKFUL Another Thanksgiving comes this year and, again, people will ponder what it is they’re thankful for. I try to be thankful all year round, always trying to appreciate the many things and opportunities I’ve been blessed with in my life. I may forget, time to time, how good my life is and how easy I have most of the time, but that’s just human nature. We always need something to complain about, I suppose. In these challenging times when people seem to be more divided than ever and most of my friends worry about their future, we should always strive to reflect on what we’re thankful for and how things may not be as bad as we think. This year has been one of the better years I’ve had in a while. While I’ve been in college for two years now, currently on my third, I think this semester is finally the one where I feel settled in. I am thankful for the good people I have in my life that care for me and appreciate me. I am thankful for my talents in art and I hope to continue to refine those talents. I, of course, am thankful for my family who has always been supportive of everything I’ve done. I continue to look to the future with these good fortunes behind me and hope to see more in my future.
Zach Vigil-Minyard designer
5 OPINION
11.16.2018
HAPPY THANKSGIVING WHAT ARE Ian Saint
photographer
As Thanksgiving approaches, one will reflect on what they are thankful for. There are always the essentials: food, family, time and life, but each person has their own individual things to be thankful for. Starting at a young age, I was interested in photography. It began with my father handing me his camera while out hiking. Now, I work full time and support myself with what I love doing most: shooting photos. If it wasn’t for the guidance, gifts and grace I was shown, I may not have discovered my passion, pastime and paying career. Photography has taken me places and taught me to look at the world in a different way. It has also allowed me to pursue my studies more voraciously, as I have more time than I would if I had a typical part-time job. I am truly thankful for the opportunities I was given and for the efforts of those in my life that have brought me to this point. We all have something to be thankful for, no matter how small, so look inward. The smallest things are sometimes the biggest ones to be thankful for.
THANKFUL Sophia Gravatt
staff writer
November, specifically Thanksgiving, is my favorite time of year. It’s kind of nostalgic because I have so many great memories of spending time with all my cousins and being with my family. Every Thanksgiving, I make a list of a few things I am thankful for and keep it to remind myself of the blessings in my life. I’m thankful for my sister because she gives me great advice and never fails to make me laugh. I’m thankful for my friends who are always there for me and always encourage me. I’m grateful for my dog, Skippy, who makes me happy every single day, even though I don’t get to see her that often. I’m also very grateful for my position as a writer for the Ram Page. I’ve only been a writer for about a month, but I’ve learned so much already. I’m also thankful for little things like my phone, chocolate and Starbucks. Most of all, I am thankful for my parents. They support me in everything that I do and are always there for me when I need them. Even though I might not have acknowledged it enough in the past, they go to great lengths to make sure I have everything I need more. I don’t know what I would do without them and their ongoing support. Yes, Thanksgiving is the day to express gratitude for all of the blessings in our lives, but we shouldn’t forget to do that every other day of the year, too.
This Thanksgiving season, I am sincerely thankful for all the challenges in my life. As I consistently come to face new hardships, I feel people often forget how important these experiences can be. The lessons learned are essential parts of growing up. There have been many challenges, but one of the most satisfying to overcome is my lack of sense with money. I come from a family with little resources and my mother has never been financially savvy. Naturally, as I have acquired money, I’ve always just spent it. This semester, I took it upon myself to learn how to manage my accounts. I spent a lot of time watching online tutorials that covered saving for the future, budgeting and smart spending. I really wrestled with myself to kick old habits and, though the financial guru didn’t always win, I feel like I have improved exponentially. After scholarships and rewards, I pay for my tuition with the money I earn each semester. I used to never map out where my cash should go. I would make broad estimations of how much I would earn and where it would come from. This usually led to me scrambling the last month to make up for the money I thought I would have and definitely didn’t. This semester, I counted every paycheck ahead of time, measured the amount I needed to save, gave myself a set limit on spending money and even saved up for a trip with some friends. For a lot of people, this sounds like a basic process they’ve been doing for some time, but to me, it means the world. Having a little money in the bank at all times is a great feeling and I’m incredibly thankful for the newly formed discipline.
Axel Marcenaro photo editor
YOU
Thanksgiving has the unfortunate task of being sandwiched between two holidays of excessive popularity and profitability. Some see it as nothing more than the gateway from which Halloween morphs into Christmas, but it’s much more than that. Putting aside, for the benefit of this column, the history that followed the first celebration of the holiday, Thanksgiving is a time for us to truly reflect on the things we take for granted. Growing up in a military family, I spent most of my formative years with my immediate family being the only constant in my life. New places, new people and new schools, but I always had my sister and my parents by my side through it all. I can say, without a doubt, that they’re what I’m most thankful for. It always seemed like such a foreign concept to me when I would hear people say that they didn’t get along with their siblings. My sister has honestly been my best friend since I came into this world. We’re so alike that we often have what we call “twin moments” despite her being almost two years older. I couldn’t imagine life without my partner-in-crime. I’ve always admired my parents, but I’ve noticed that something happened as I got older. My relationship with them kind of shifted into more of a friendship and the child-parent dynamic was somewhat eschewed. In that shift, I’ve been able to really get to know my parents and I can say, without hyperbole, they are the best people I’ve ever known. In retrospect, some of my fondest memories are of being a child in Spangdahlem, Germany, at Thanksgiving. Family friends who were far away from home and their own families would join mine to celebrate the holiday. We would gather around the table to tell stories, laugh and enjoy great food. I’m glad to say that tradition continues to this day. A collection of people from all over, from different backgrounds and experiences, brought together with friendship and love to share a meal. Thanksgiving in its purest form.
Travis Hunter
FOR ? copy editor
6 SPORTS
11.16.2018
ASU wins in an exhibition match against Sul Ross State University Rosanna Aguilera, editor-in-chief The ASU women’s basketball team earned its season-opener victory on Sunday, Nov. 11 over Sul Ross State University in an exhibition game at home in the Junell Center. The Belles almost reached a 100-point total, but ended the game with a final of 99-62 over Sul Ross. Guard Marquita Daniels started her season with 19 points on 9-for-11 shooting. The senior also had seven rebounds, six steals and five rebounds in the game. Guard Maria Delgado earned 20 points for her team on 7-for-13 shooting with three three-pointers. The senior added five rebounds, two assists and two blocks for the Belles. Juniors Dezirae Hampton and Catara Samuel were both in double digits as well with 11 points each. Every active player for the Belles had playing time, including freshman Macy McNutt and sophomore Audrinique Anthony-Harris. The Belles will be in Denton, Texas, Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 to face TWU and the University of West Alabama in the Texas Woman’s University Tournament. The Belles have 26 games this season, with 12 at home, before the Lone Star Conference Tournament on March 7 in Frisco, Texas.
Photos by Axel Marcenaro: The Belles emerge victorious in their first game of the season.