RAM RAM PAGE PAGE
EST. 1936
ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITY
asurampage.com
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2018
VOL . 85 ISSUE 12
Coworkers remember friend who recently passed in car accident
Professor speaks about work ethic of communication major
Rosanna Aguilera, editor-in-chief Junior Seth Martinez, 20, passed away in a vehicular accident on Nov. 18 on Texas State Highway 329. Students and faculty remember him and discuss the life he lived. “Seth and I were pretty close,” RamTV coworker Dylan Jimenez said. “He would come to me when he wanted advice on his next YouTube video.” Martinez worked as a video editor at RamTV, but also had a gaming channel on YouTube where he would perform skits, Jimenez said. “Seth was always good at taking my advice because I supported him on his channel,” Jimenez said. Martinez always had fun ideas when editing and frequently talked about how he wanted to improve his skills, Jimenez said. Jimenez said his best memories with him were when they would work the soccer games Photo by Axel Marcenaro: After completing an editing project, Seth Martinez gives Dylan Jimenez a high-five. The photo is actually a reenactment of the legendary high-five created for Instagram.
for RamTV and record the sports shows. “How I want Seth to be remembered is for people to remember how happy he was,” he said. “Every time I would see Seth, he was always smiling and was ready to tackle whatever life threw at him.” Jimenez said what he enjoyed most about Martinez was the way he viewed life and how he lived it. “He was ambitious and a kind-hearted person,” Jimenez said. “I’m going to miss seeing him walk into work and miss the joy we had with him.” Isaac Wilkerson, RamTV director, said he and Martinez were good friends, as well. “Whenever I needed someone, Seth was there,” Wilkerson said. Wilkerson said Martinez was one of the best video editors to ever work at RamTV.
continued, REMEMBERED, page 2
Different cultures gather for education week
International Education Week brings various events to inform students Sophia Gravatt, staff writer Students gathered in the Houston Harte University Center lobby on Nov. 13 to celebrate International Education Week and learn about other cultures present on campus. Michael Ford, coordinator of the English Language Learners’ Institute, said the second week of November is declared International Education Week. “Every year, we have a celebration to celebrate international education and the diversity of the cultures of our students,” Ford said. “This year, we have seven or eight different events.” Students performed live entertainment, enjoyed games and activities, a photo exhibit and free food from six different countries. The countries represented were China, Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico, Vietnam and Russia. “We’re celebrating how international students’ presences contribute to college,” Stephanie Nunez, ELLI intern, said. “I think it’s really important to create diversity and share ideas with each other.” Maria Bravo, member of the Association
of Mexican American Students, said the association wanted to share their culture with all the students on campus. “We just want to share what makes us who we are and also get to know everyone else,” Bravo said. English Peer Tutoring for International Students were also among the organizations present for the event. Rachel Boezinger, EPTIS president, said the organization holds conversation groups and cultural activities for international students to help them improve their English-speaking skills and give them a sense of American culture. “We were invited by Mr. Ford to participate in this event,” Boezinger said. “He wanted us to spread the word about EPTIS because it is becoming more popular on campus. We’re hoping to recruit more international students, and more American students as well, to participate in our organization.” Alex Haag, junior, said her favorite part was Photo by Axel Marcenaro: Huyen Le, senior, eats in front of the Vietthe variety of the foods. namese Student Association’s information table. The table was decorated with culturally important articles of clothing, as well as postcards from different Vietnamese cities.
continued, CULTURE, page 2
Faculty, students celebrate an ASU Christmas
Tree lighting event brightens campus and brings smiles to attendees
Kierstyn Wiley, staff writer The Student Government Association held their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Tuesday, Nov. 27, which welcomed students, faculty and citizens to the Memorial Oak Grove. The annual event brings Christmas to ASU and gives everyone an opportunity to meet new people and show their holiday spirit. “The aspect of the whole community coming together to celebrate one of the greatest times of the year is really nice to experience,” sophomore Destiny Davis said. Families took part in various activities, such as pictures with Santa, bounce houses and slides, an ice-skating rink, create-your-own Christmas ornaments and cookie-decorating stations. Attendees also enjoyed hot chocolate and cider. “It’s just pretty to see all the bounce
houses,” Shalam Alexander, senior, said. “You see a lot of military over here, and it’s just a good vibe and beautiful surroundings and people.” The tree lighting activities started at 5 p.m., but the official tree lighting began at 6:30 p.m. The lights will remain on display for the city to see throughout the whole holiday season. Heather Valley-Brown, assistant director for student life, discussed the origins of the event. “The previous vice president met with the student government and said, ‘let’s do something at Christmas,’” she said. “They came up with a tree lighting. It was very slow going, but about three years later, we moved it to Memorial Oak Grove.” As the event grew each year with a larger number of people, the Student Photo by Ian Saint: ASU kicks off Christmas with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Hot Life Office later adopted activities for cocoa, pictures with Santa and ice skating were just a few of the many festive activities to
continued, CHRISTMAS, page 2
take part in at the holiday bash.
NEWS 2 Suicide workshop teaches students to help others
11.30.2018
Faculty, staff and students learn about mental health
Sydney Faison, staff writer
44% OF AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENTS REPORT HAVING SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
75% OF COLLEGE STUDENTS DO NOT SEEK HELP FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
Counseling Services, Student Disability Services and the Behavioral Intervention Team co-sponsored a workshop on Nov. 14 in the Nasworthy Suite of the Houston Harte University Center. “One of the reasons I wanted to present this to students, faculty and staff is because you all are the eyes and the ears of seeing people in a different context,” said Mark Rehm, director of Counseling Services. Attendees learned about the question, persuade and refer process when dealing with suicide prevention. The first step is to question if someone plans on killing themselves in a private setting. This is followed by an attempt to persuade the person to seek and accept help. The final step is to refer the person to appropriate resources for help. Attendees also participated in a verbal workshop, engaged in a case study and discussed what keeps them going. “Sometimes, it helps to talk to someone,” Russ Howard, BIT coordinator,
said. “If someone does not want to talk to you personally, please give them the crisis helpline number. I am passionate about every one of our students graduating with health and mind intact.” Rehm discussed the direct and indirect warning signs of suicide. Some examples include social isolation or a decline in academic performance, he said. Rehm also shared suicide statistics among different demographic groups. “From a veteran’s perspective, this really hits home,” Bryan White, senior, said. “People are suffering from PTSD and undiagnosed illnesses or disorders. Sometimes, the mentality of not wanting to deal with it is what many people may decide.” Students can email counselingservices@angelo.edu or call 352-9422371 to make an appointment. The ASU Crisis Helpline is also available at 325-486-6345.
Graphic by Zach Vigil-Minyard
Care Package Drive collects donations for troops overseas to bring holiday cheer
Vets Center and Student Accounts Office help soldiers with Christmas drive Kierstyn Wiley, staff writer As the holidays approach, many students and faculty have the opportunity and to send non perishable donations to troops who are overseas. The Care Package Drive is for individuals to donate whatever they feel a soldier might need while away from their families for 12 to 13 months at a time. “Dental floss, toothpaste, toiletries,” said Phillip Nichelson, retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran specialist. “When you go to take a shower, stuff falls. So, small bars of soap, shampoo or conditioner like what you get from a hotel.” Troops who are not able to be home for the holidays like to be reminded of home and how their country thinks of and cares for them, he said. “When I was deployed, I liked getting hard candies,” Nichelson said. “Clean socks and toothbrushes were always good.” The drive is open to anyone who would like to donate items to soldiers in their time of need. “These items are for everybody” work-study student Thomas Huynh said. “The items will help them get through their deployment.” For students and faculty to get involved, there will be donation boxes in some of the campus buildings. “There’s a couple of donation boxes that will be labeled,” junior Hannah Marks said. “You can find them at the Center for Student Involvement, the Vets Center and in various dorms.” These boxes have been out for the entire month of November in remembrance of the veterans and current troops. They will remain
continued, REMEMBERED “Seth should be remembered as a happy guy who looked towards the scary unknown that is the future with confidence and optimism,” Wilkerson said. Wilkerson said Martinez had a very interesting sense of humor, but it was something they had in common. “Seth was also my Batman,” Wilkerson said. “Whenever I had cool video ideas, he’d be the person to help breathe life into them. Seth was, overall, just a great friend and coworker.” Dr. June Smith, professor, said she had Martinez in her argumentation and debate class every Tuesday and Thursday. “I had just met him this semester,” Smith said. “It was my first experience with him. He was very participative, had a good sense of humor and was hard working. I was impressed by Seth.” Smith said there was a particular moment she shared with Seth that she remembers most. She was walking down the mall area of campus and Martinez kindly approached and greeted her. He was different from other students, she said. “Most students would just pass on by,” Smith said. “I am very saddened by this.”
continued, CULTURE “I like it so far,” she said. “It’s cool to see all the different cultures together.” Ford said in addition to this celebration, some of their upcoming events include a foreign film night and karaoke competition, as well as a panel discussion on Nov. 14. At this event, international students will speak on issues they face while living and studying in America. There was also an international soccer cup tournament on Saturday, Nov. 17.
continued, CHRISTMAS
Photo by Ian Saint: Donate to those in the armed services to help bring holiday cheer whereever they are. The boxes are located in the Mayer Administration Building as well as the VETS Center.
displayed until the beginning of December. Nichelson said the Student Government Association passed legislation this semester to make November the month of remembrance for the military. All soldiers are and will be appreciative for their nonper-
ishable items and it is recommended to donate things that they will need, Nichelson said. For more information, students can email vets@angelo. edu or call 325-486-8387.
families who joined ASU at the annual event. Dr. Brian J. May, ASU president, purchased a 15foot Christmas tree for ASU in 2016 to aid in the creation of the new event. “I got to talk to Dr. May last year, and he talked about how ASU is one of the only public schools left putting up a Christmas tree,” Davis said. “I think it’s so cool that we have administration that does not care what the ‘norm’ is.” All 29 trees in Memorial Oak Grove, which represent fallen soldiers, light up with the Christmas tree. “The lighting part is my favorite,” Nick Ellis, graduate student, said. “When they light the tree, all the trees around it start to light up and it’s a really nice sight to see.”
3 NEWS 1
11.30.2018
Year in Review
3
7
2
10
5 4 9
8
1. April 13-Marsalis MahomeKami Norton, senior, jumps over a hurdle in the 400-meter hurdles. 2. April 20-Axel MarcenaroThe Ram Band leads the march to the football stadium in the cap off to a Ram Jam. 3. April 20-Kaitlin Trujillo Kristi Water performs in the 2018 Drag Rave. 4. January 26-Axel Marcenaro The Society of Physics students put on a fire demonstration with explosive results. 5. March 30-Axel Marcenaro A special moment for the crowd as Krigarè pulls Brother Brother on stage for a combined performance. 6. January 26-Brit Raley A saddle bronc rider tries his best to stay on for the remainder of his eight second ride. 7. September 7-Axel Marcenaro Excitement takes over the Belles after another point against East Central University. 8. September 21-Axel Marcenaro Rob Steen, senior, twirls Lindsey Cox, sophomore, right outside of the Pike tent. 9. October 5-Ian Saint Tyrese Nathan, sophomore, fights off a defender as he pushes to the edge of the field. 10. October 12-Ian Saint Barbara Rivera-Morales, senior, rushes through the University of North Texas’s Defense.
6
Axel Marcenaro photo editor
Sydney Faison staff writer
staff writer
I want to thank Dr. Johnson for guiding our staff each week as we prepare an issue of the Ram Page. She has taught me the important fundamentals of writing for the newspaper, as well as some important principles of advertising which will advance my skills. The support and encouragement Dr. Johnson gives is so rewarding as a staff writer and student. She always listens to our concerns and ideas, which keeps me motivated. She has been a wonderful advisor for Ram Page and professor at ASU. Dr. Johnson has taught me so much, but I have learned other lessons as well. This semester has taught me to step out of my comfort zone and be more outgoing. Now that I’m a senior, I have learned how important my family’s love and support truly is. I’ve also learned how valuable my friendships are and to cherish each one I have. This is my first year working at the Ram Page and I have learned so much. I learned how to have good time management with given deadlines. My listening and writing skills have also improved. I look forward to the spring semester and I hope to accomplish all my goals.
Johnson
Dr.
As Dr. Johnson retires, and I try to imagine what the Ram Page will be like without her guidance, I can’t help but think of the many ways she has helped and pushed us all. From the time I was hired, she has been very patient with me. When I was first brought onto the team, I did not know a thing about working on a newspaper. She trusted that I could learn, and I am very appreciative of that. On the occasions that I have made mistakes, instead of a brutal callout, Dr. Johnson would simply ask me about my process. She would ask how I thought I could do better next time and offer advice along the way. Furthermore, there have been several times that we, as a team, have been completely and utterly stumped for a solution to a problem. When we had no idea what to do, Dr. Johnson always pushed us in the right direction. She was always patient and kind, no matter how many times we managed to take our meetings off the rails and forgot what our initial discussion or problem was. She always pushed us to do our best and find innovative solutions to our obstacles. Though I am sad to see her leave, I’m glad she’ll get some time to kick back and relax.
Kierstyn Wiley
11.30.2018
you,
Thank
4 OPINION
As I have only been with the Ram Page for a short time now, I would like to thank Dr. Johnson for giving me the opportunity to become part of the staff. I met Dr. Johnson the day of my interview and she was very kind and understanding with my schedule. She gave me the chance to tell her about my other job and how I would not be available for certain days and she was very generous. When I attended my first budget meeting with the employees, Dr. Johnson listened to what I had to say regarding new ideas. I appreciate the equal respect she has for me and the staff. She and I have contacted each other only a couple of times, but there was never a moment when I did not want to work for the Ram Page. Every conversation I have had with her has been professional, considerate and eye-opening to how I would like to be treated and given a chance in the future. Dr. Johnson, if you read this, please know I appreciate that you have given me the opportunity to gain experience in my future career field. Even though I am only a volunteer for now, I am thankful to know great people from the Ram Page because of Dr. Johnson.
Ian Saint
photographer After 20 years at the Ram Page, you’re retiring. I must say it’s sad to see you go. You were there when major historical events happened, such as the attack on the World Trade Center, and lead the Ram Page through troubling times when its future was unknown. You witnessed the shift from 35mm film and developing in a darkroom to digital photography. Many students on campus might not even know what that is. While I did not get to work with you long, the time I have spent under your guidance has been great. At the beginning of this year, it was uncertain if there was going to be a newspaper to publish, but with your determination, there is a fantastic staff and a paper flying off the presses weekly. Also because of you, I took the plunge into working solely as a photographer, something I only toyed with in daydreams while bogged down working retail jobs. Thank you for all you have done for the Ram Page and the university.
11.30.2018
you,
Thank
5 OPINION
Zach Vigil-Minyard
Sophia Gravatt staff writer
designer
Rosanna Aguilera editor-in-chief
About a year ago, we had an assignment in my layout concepts class where we had to create a mock-up of the front page of a newspaper. We later found out the projects would be presented to the head of the Ram Page. Weeks later, when the projects were finished, everyone presented their mock-ups to Dr. Johnson. I was happy to have completed the project, but I didn’t think too much about it afterwards. Fast forward the beginning of this semester. I received an email from Dr. Johnson asking me if I would be interested in a position at the Ram Page. It was the first time I was offered a job in the position I was going to school for: graphic design. I have now been working for the Ram Page since the beginning of this semester and it has definitely been a learning experience. I now know how it feels to work within deadlines and in a collaborative workplace, which is great experience for a real-world career. I want to thank Dr. Johnson for taking a chance on me based off a mock-up newspaper. The experience has been a good one and I very much enjoy working for the Ram Page. I would not be here without her.
Johnson
Dr.
Thank you, Dr. Johnson for all the help you have given me this semester. I enjoyed the two classes of yours that I took. I appreciate all the times that you answered my questions and gave me ideas for my projects in multimedia development and design. I am really glad that I got to take some of your classes this semester and get to know you as a professor. Not only that, but I am glad I was able to get to know you as the Ram Page advisor. You have helped me greatly with my writing skills and have encouraged me as a staff writer. This semester was my favorite so far. It was stressful, but those really stressful moments taught me how to focus and get through it. I also gained more confidence in myself because I got more involved on campus. I’ve made some really great friends this semester and I appreciate them infinitely. I can’t wait for the break, but I’m also looking forward to the classes I’m going to be taking in the spring. I can’t wait to improve my writing skills further as I continue to work for the Ram Page.
Dr. Johnson, I have been working for the Ram Page since my first month as a freshman and I have loved every minute of it. You have done so much for the Ram Page and for all of ASU. I have only been working with you for two years and one semester, but I feel like the Ram Page has been successful because of all the work you have put into it. This semester is the closest we have ever been, and I am very upset that you are leaving. I hope all goes well for you once you retire. We all appreciate the effort and passion that you put into your job, and you will be missed. As your last editor-in-chief, I hope you will remember me because I will always remember you. We will also remember that we are where we are because of you. We have you to thank for everything. ASU won’t be the same without you and neither will the Ram Page. I hope we will continue to live up to your expectations. We won’t disappoint. Feel free to visit whenever you like, if you have the time. You know where to find us. If not, you know when and where to pick up our issues. We appreciate you working with us and teaching us. This has been the best job I have ever had, and I owe all the thanks to you. Thank you for everything, Dr. Johnson.
Travis Hunter copy editor
The first time I met Dr. Johnson, I was a nervous and clueless transfer student. I had waited five years to finally go back to school and everything seemed to be moving so fast. Anyone who has taken significant time off from school knows the uncertainty that washes over you as you take the necessary steps to reenroll and register for classes. I still remember the climb to the third floor of the Porter Henderson Library with my heart beating out of my chest. When I reached the third floor and found my way to her office for our advising appointment, I was met by a very calm and kind woman. Dr. Johnson made my transition back to the academic world so much easier and I’ll always be thankful to her for that. As it would happen, I also had the opportunity to take a few of her classes and work for the Ram Page in two different positions. I had a short tenure as a staff writer at Dr. Johnson’s insistence before the schedule at my second job got in the way. Months later, I would come back to the newspaper in my current role as copy editor, again, at Dr. Johnson’s recommendation. I feel like she saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself, and I’m thankful that she gave me the opportunity to gain so much experience. ASU won’t be the same without Dr. Johnson. I appreciate everything she’s done for the department, the students, the Ram Page and the university. I sincerely hope she enjoys her retirement and I hope she knows she will be missed.
FEATURE 6 50 Nursing majors get accepted into program out of 97 students Students discuss process of being an applicant
Sophia Gravatt, staff writer Contributed by the Marketing and Communications Department. Nursing students take part in a simulation exercise.
11.30.2018
Student snaps
#HappyThanksgiving @asurams_hoops
Thankful for this group of people! Happy thanksgiving from our family. In order to be considered for ASU’s nursing program, applicants must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and take many prerequisites including microbiology, pathophysiology and anatomy and physiology. They are also required to write an essay and pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills, also known as the ATI TEAS. Out of the 97 students who applied to the program this semester, only 50 were accepted. Junior Brooke Sherman said she felt pure relief when she found out she had been accepted into the program. All her hard work had paid off and her dream had come true, she said. “I was in the car with my dad and my phone was on the dash,” she said. “We both saw the email and started crying and laughing. It was the most memorable moment.” Sherman said her mom and sister inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. “When my sister was in nurs-
ing school, I would sit in the living room and she would teach me what she was learning about to learn it herself,” she said. “My mom is also a nurse, and I used to get to go to work with her and see what it was really like.” Kamryn Hendly, sophomore, was also accepted into the nursing program. She said she chose this career path because she loves serving people and is fascinated by medicine and the human body. “I find everything incredibly interesting,” she said. “I get to combine the two things I love in one profession.” Hendly said she experienced anxiety and had to possess a large amount of patience in order to get into the program. “I had to definitely work hard and stay motivated,” she said. “I never could slack off.” She said she was overcome with emotion when she found out she was accepted and immediately called her mom to share the news.
“It was the biggest relief in the world to finally see my hard work pay off,” Hendly said. Faith Bannerman, junior, said during the application process, she had to explain why she wanted to be a nurse and what she thought that she had to offer to the program. “I am fascinated by human anatomy and physiology and enjoy learning about it,” Bannerman said. “Also, I am a compassionate person and do my best to take care of others, so I can bring this to the nursing field. Lastly, my mom and grandma were nurses, so they have been an inspiration to me.” Bannerman said she was excited to learn she had been accepted into the program. “When I found out I got in, I was relieved because this is the only thing I’ve seen myself doing long term,” she said. “I really wanted to get started, so I was happy to get in my first time applying,” she said.
@sswa_asu
SSWA’s 1st annual friendsgiving! We appreciate all our members for contributing and joining us as we prepare for the holida season!
@life.of.keeley
Sidewalk survey
Question: Do you like real or fake Christmas trees? “I like real ones because they smell good and they remind me of home.” -Meredith Frosh Freshman
“I say synthetic Christmas trees because sometimes, if you don’t take care of [real Christmas trees] they go bad, like, really fast.”
left overs are for quitters!!
@Bex.licious
-Tyra Simmons Freshman
“I prefer real Christmas trees because they remind me of back where I’m from, which is Pennsylvania.” -Aubrey Bucholz Freshman
“To me, it doesn’t matter. I have always had fake ones… the lazy side would probably just choose the fake one. It’s just easier to set up and take down once youre done.” -Tristan Vargas Senior
Gobble til you wobble
7 SPORTS
11.30.2018
Rams outscore Tigers and Grizzlies Men’s basketball team wins two games in Thanksgiving Tournament
Rosanna Aguilera, editor-in-chief
Photos by Marsalis Mahome: Daron Mims, senior, outruns the defense and leaps for a slam dunk. Mims scored 28 points against Adams State University.
The Rams basketball team competed in the ASU Thanksgiving Tournament from Nov. 23 through Nov. 24 and won both games played. In Friday’s game, ASU beat Paul Quinn College 99-72. After this game, the Rams had an overall record of 4-1. The team scored 58 points in the paint and had 54 points from players that were not starters in the game. PQC had the lead early in the game, but junior Yildon Mendoza and sophomore Paul Williams each scored to tie the game 12-12. Forward Antonio Singleton sparked a lead for the Rams with a jumper of his own. This put them to 2412 with under nine minutes left in the half. Singleton was one of four ASU players to score in double figures in the game. The junior scored a season-high 13 points with six rebounds. Junior Ronald Bell was the Rams leading scorer on the night with 16 points. The Rams kept the lead going into the locker room
at the half. In the second half, the Rams offense pushed the lead to 17 points with a 3-pointer from Singleton. ASU then pushed the lead over 20 with a 3-pointer from junior Daron Mims. Mims also had double figures. He and senior Josh Boutte scored 15 points in the game. Boutte was the Rams leading rebounder with nine. Junior Kiair Crouch was the team leader in assists with seven. The teams had a combined total of 18 fouls at the ten-minute mark. The Rams got to the line 35 times, overall, hitting 16 of their free-throw shots. The Rams finished the game with a 27-point victory over the Tigers. In Saturday’s game, the Rams defeated Adams State University 92-83. The team now has a record of 5-1 and will begin Lone Star Conference play on Nov. 29. Mims was the leading scorer for the Rams in this
game. He opened the game with a 3-pointer to give them the lead. Mims finished with a career-high of 28 points with a pair of rebounds, three assists and a block. The Rams held onto the lead when Singleton also made a three-point shot. Singleton finished in double figures with 13 points, five rebounds, two blocks and two steals. The Grizzlies offense continued to score, and they took the lead and held onto it until halftime. In the second half, the Rams took the lead early, but the Grizzlies kept tying the game back up. The Rams took the lead and continued to make their shots to end the game with a score of 92-83. The Rams will return to the Junell Center on Dec. 8 to face St. Mary’s University at 4 p.m.
Photo by Marsalis Mahome: Valentine Sangoyomi, graduate Photo by Marsalis Mahome: Ronald Bell, junior, works his way past the defender and towards the goal. studenst, takes a jump shot over the defender. Sangoyomi is from Lagos, Nigeria.
8 EDITORIAL
11.30.2018
RAM on Johnson Street PAGE Ram Page staff addresses flooding on Johnson Street crosswalk
Ram Page staff
Member of The Texas Tech University System Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Editor-in-Chief
Designer
Rosanna Aguilera
Zach Vigil-Minyard
Staff Writers
Copy Editor
Photo Editor
Circulation Manager
Sydney Faison Sophia Gravatt Kierstyn Wiley Axel Marcenaro
Photographer Ian Saint
Travis Hunter
Douglas Kurtz
Faculty Adviser
Dr. Cathy Johnson
Ram Page ASU Station #10895 San Angelo, Texas 76909 Editor: Fax:
Photo by Ian Saint
The last thing students need is soggy shoes distracting them from their academic pursuits. Johnson Street, which runs directly through ASU, has a high-traffic crosswalk that is heavily susceptible to flooding. Many students cross this street during their everyday commute and have no alternative routes, leaving them to traverse the flooded crosswalk. This water has frequently accumulated in vast quantities too wide to jump and too deep to safely walk across. Although the Ram Page staff understand there are many obstacles that would hinder typical solutions to this problem, we believe something needs to be done about this troubling issue. The problem is that the city has authority over any changes to Johnson Street, but it seems, due to their inaction, they see the flooding as a situation under ASU’s jurisdiction. Coincidentally, ASU recognizes this to be the city’s responsibility, leaving both parties at an impasse. If the university were to tackle this problem alone, any solutions would be temporary as to not impose upon the city’s property.
Outside of ridiculous ideas such as a drawbridge, zip-line system, a plethora of sponges or arming every student with a stick to pole vault the street, ASU is left with only one option. We believe the time has come for ASU to take initiative and facilitate cooperation with the city of San Angelo. This partnership could yield the proper plan of action, in regard to timing and implementation, to correct the issue at hand. To counteract the flooding, the city could upgrade the drainage system or reduce the slant towards the crosswalk by leveling the edges of the street. ASU would find the time to allow for this uninterrupted construction as well as improve the sidewalk leading to street. This collaboration would prove beneficial not only to the students traveling on foot, but to the motorists who are also inconvenienced by the pools of water that inhibit their commute. Let’s push ASU to take the first step. And make it a dry one.
rampage@angelo.edu
(325) 942-2551
Newsroom: (325) 942-2323
Advertising: rampageads@angelo.edu
Advertising:
(325) 942-2040
PUBLISHING POLICY
Published every Friday and available to students, one copy per student, the student newspaper of Angelo State University is a public forum, with its student editorial board making all decisions concerning its content. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. The Ram Page welcomes all letters. Please include your name, classification/position, phone number and/or e-mail address for verification. Letters must be signed and be no more than 350 words. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity. All letters are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel and privacy. Deadline is 5 p.m., Monday. Submission does not guarantee publication. Letters may be mailed, e-mailed or submitted at the Ram Page office, Room 324 in Porter Henderson Library third floor. Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff. Opinion expressed in a public forum should not be construed as the opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.
Events Calendar
Friday 11/30
Monday 12/3
Wednesday 12/5
*Graduating Seniors Art Exhibit 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Carr Building
*World Aids Awareness day
*President’s Round-Table 12-1 p.m. UC
*Holiday Dinner Theatre: “Brighton Beach Memoirs” 8 p.m. Daily to Dec. 1 Carr Building
Saturday 12/1 *Thesis Proposal Deadline for May Graduates 5 p.m.
Monday 12/2 *Concert: ASU Jazz Ensembles 2:30 p.m. ASU Auditorium
*Free STD testing and sexual awareness information 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. UC Room 102-103 *Senate Meeting CANCELED *SSWA Meeting 7 p.m. HHS Room 104
Tuesday 12/4 *Engineering Design Challenge Testing 8-10 a.m. Engineering Labs *Engineering Fluids Final Project Presentations 12 p.m. Daily to Dec. 7 Engineering Labs Lobby *Paws & Relax 7-8:30 p.m. Library
*Paws & Relax 1:30-3 p.m. Library
Thursday 12/6 *Women’s Basketball vs Texas A&M Kingsville 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Junell Center
Friday 12/7 *Santa, Pancakes & Ewe 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. LeGrand Alumni and Visitors Center
Monday 12/10 to Friday 12/14 *Finals Week