Volume 81 Issue 26 April 24, 2015
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Delta Zeta takes its last tug
Delta Zeta, a sorority at ASU, brought teams of students together on Sunday, April 19 for their last annual Turtle Tug competition. The competition consisted of teams of three girls and three guys that played tug-of-war over a pool of Jell-O for a fee of $10 per person. The event raised money for the Painted Turtle Camp, which provides a summer camp experience for children with disabilities. Delta Zeta will still be involved with the Painted Turtle Camp, but no longer through the Turtle Tug competition, as the Delta Zeta national headquarters decided that the event was too much of a liability to continue. See InstaRam for more pictures, page 2 Photo by Marsalis Mahome Illana Dancel, Delta Zeta member, tugged with all of her might and gave everything she could to not meet the fate of a Jell-O bath at the Turtle Tug event.
Greek week consists of games and community service Fraternities and sororites joined together to help disabled people from Mosaic at the Special Olympics event as part of their Greek Week celebration Martina Dalla Zanna Staff Writer
The seven Greek chapters of ASU celebrated Greek Week April 11-17, which involves games, activities and community service on campus. Greek Week is an annual event that occurs during the spring semester, Elizabeth Guzman, Greek Week Co-Chair, said. “It resembles Homecoming Week, and is a time in which all fraternities and sororities at ASU come together and have fun,” Guzman said. “It is also a competition and an opportunity to do some community service.” Gil Moreno, Greek Life programs manager, said that Greek Week consists of a week-long series of events and activities, one every day, organized by the seven fraternities and sororities of ASU, which are: •Delta Zeta •Lambda Chi Alpha •Sigma Kappa •Pi Kappa Alpha •Kappa Delta Rho •Tau Kappa Epsilon •Kappa Sigma Colony On Wednesday, many people with intellectual disabilities belonging to the organization Mosaic had the chance to have fun at the day’s event called Special Olympics. Mosaic is a San Angelo organization that provides support, possibilities of development, and services to the families of the disabled people. Every chapter organized a different game. The
games included popping a balloon by sitting on it, throwing a ball inside a series of buckets displayed in a row, bouncing a basketball through cones and/ or throwing the ball through a hoop, throwing a big plastic ring on a pole, a simpler version of baseball, and more. “We expected about 25 people from the Mosaic homes,” Sierra Turney, treasurer of the Panhellenic Council, said. “But more people showed up and we really didn’t expect this. It is a great satisfaction.” Every person from the Mosaic homes that wanted to take part in the games was assigned to a brother or sister, who was responsible for accompanying him/ her throughout the games. Liam Johnston, member of Pi Kappa Alpha, was assigned to a woman named Mary. He said he helped her through the event playing games and talking with her. “I felt happy that I was able to help someone and it was great to see how much fun she was having,” Johnston said. “At first it was challenging, particularly because I didn’t know what her exact condition was, but a few minutes after meeting her I began to understand her and then it wasn’t challenging.” Johnston said that he enjoyed the Kappa Sigma fraternity baseball activity.
ASU offers free on-campus housing this summer
Students say they prefer living on campus to stay plugged in Erika Walker Staff Writer Although summertime might be coming up, it does not necessarily mean that classes are officially over- or dorm life. Luckily for students, ASU Housing and Residential Programs is offering free summer housing to students who meet a few requirements, in order to lift that extra burden of cost from students’ shoulders. “ASU started this program in Summer of 2013, and we have seen incremental growth each year,” Associate Director of Housing and Residential Programs, Travis Taylor, said. “We expect even more growth this coming summer.” In order to be eligible for the free summer housing, students must meet the following criteria: • Enroll and complete 6 hours per
Anime club presents its upcoming ideas at President’s Roundtable
Table Flip fundraiser approaches, donations start at 50 cents Cameron Niblock Staff Writer
summer term; or enroll in a 4 credit class (science class with lab) per summer term • Must earn a minimum 2.0 GPA each summer term of enrollment. The qualifications stayed the same as last summer, with the exception of adding the option of taking a 4 hour class, comprised of a 3 hour course plus lab, to satisfy the requirements. Students with special circumstances can also be considered on a case by case basis, but it will require a recommendation from the Academic Program Chair or the Academic Dean along with approval from the Director of Housing and Residential Programs. “I had to take summer classes and I needed a place to stay, so I decided to stay on campus,” Celeste Rowe, sophomore,
Mu Epsilon Kappa, also referred to as the Anime club, talked about their goals and upcoming fundraiser on April 15 at the President’s Roundtable. “The club aspires to teach students about Japanese culture through the popular Japanese animation style,” Samantha Blaydes, Anime club president, said. “Watching Anime shows many aspects of the culture, such as popular holidays and beliefs they practice.” Anime club schedules two movie nights a semester where students and members can gather to watch a popular anime film as a group. There will not be any more movie showings until next semester, but students can still participate in the “Table Flip” fundraiser on Friday, May 8. The fundraiser runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is located between the Porter Henderson Library and University Center. Starting with a base donation of 50 cents, students can experience flipping a table without having to clean up. By increasing the donation amount, more objects will be added onto the table to enhance the experience. The idea behind this fundraiser is simulating a popular anime action while benefiting a great cause. All proceeds go to the Extra Life charity, which helps to pay for treatments, medical equipment, or even entertainment options for children who are stuck in a hospital environment.
See NEWS, page 3
See NEWS, page 3
WHAT’S INSIDE: • • • •
Photo by Marsalis Mahome Michele McCartney, Kendra Longbrake, Brittany Biugstad, and Morgan Andrews from Sigma Kappa had to twist and manuver with hands held while not letting the hula hoop touch the ground. See FEATURES, page 4
Read on page 4 about the PIKE’s Nearly Naked Mile event coming up Find pictures from the alumni rugby game on page 6 Discover how you could help the animals at Concho Valley Paws on page 3 Check out page 4 to find the last part of the “I Chose Angelo State” series and read about track athlete Jaylen Rodgers
NEWS
Page 2
Friday, April 24, 2015
InstaRam
Submit your photos to rampage@angelo.edu to see you and your friends’ pictures featured on Insta Ram
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Ariadna Sonni giv es her bracelet number to UREC staff member Devon Wilde aft er completing the “ Tutus and Ties” 5K run.
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Brett Rasb err y, No. 5 , snags a p from Kyle ass Washingt on during spring foo the tball game on Saturday, April 18.
Friday 4/24
Softball vs. Cameron University at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in Lawton DROP & SHOP Rummage Sale: DROP from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 300 N. Chadbourne Baseball vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville at 6:30 p.m. in San Angelo
Saturday 4/25
DROP & SHOP Rummage Sale: SHOP from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 300 N. Chadbourne Walk a Mile in Her Shoes from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the San Angelo courthouse Softball vs. Cameron University at 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. in Lawton Baseball vs. Texas A&M University-Kingsville at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. in San Angelo
Darian Glenn, PIKE president, splashed into the Jell-O pool after losing at tug-of-war . at the Turtle Tug on April 19
Monday 4/27
Undergraduate Research Symposium at 12:00 p.m. in the CJ Davidson Conference Center SGA Student Memorial at 5:00 p.m. in the UC
Tuesday 4/28
Bills for Summer 1 available to view online
Wednesday 4/29
Putt Putt Extravaganza from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Angelo Skate and Fun Center ULive: Texan Hall Blood Drive from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. UCPC Movie Night featuring Mockingjay Pt. 1 at 8:00 p.m.
Thursday 4/30
Track and Field at Texas Tech Invite Society of Human Resource Management Bake Sale at 10:00 a.m. in the UC Coke Floats with the VETS Center and Student Veterans Organization at 2:30 p.m. in the UC Greek Life: 5th Annual Greek Awards at 6:00 p.m. VGA and UCPC: Video Game Tournament at 6:00 p.m. in the UC, Room 110/111 University Theater presents: “Rabbit Hole” at 8:00 p.m. in the Modular Theater, Carr EFA Building
Caitlyn Crumrine and her Turtle Tug team, the Ninja Turtles, left drenched in green goo and excitement.
NEWS
Page 3
Friday, April 24, 2015
Texas Classroom Teachers Association helps with Autism Walk
Event will be hosted on campus to raise awareness in the community and benefit children with autism Martina Dalla Zanna Staff Writer ASU’s Texas Classroom Teachers Association chapter will take part in the Autism Walk on Saturday, May 2. The event will be held on campus, and is meant to bring awareness about autism in the San Angelo community. “This is just a great event for those with autism and with sensory difficulties,” Morgan Griffith, president of TCTA’s chapter at Angelo State, said. “Awareness is such a vital fight and a step towards finding a cure for autism, and that’s exactly what this event does.” Registration for the walk will start at 7:30 a.m. Shelby Sanders, secretary of TCTA at ASU, said. The walk will start at the Pavilion and follow a course around campus to end back at the starting point. Children who are affected by autism in the San Angelo community, their families and those who want to bring awareness to the problem will participate in the walk, Griffith said. “Most children there will have autism, and it is a time to let them and their families know that they are not alone and that people care,” Sanders said. Griffith said that TCTA members will walk along with the participants to get to know them. They will also help in setting up the walk, passing out T-Shirts,
and tearing down things afterwards. Last year, a petting zoo and a bouncy house were part of the event; TCTA is working closely to set up these things and other sensory oriented activities for this year’s event as well. “TCTA just wants to be involved in the community and we just want to help out in any way we can with the Autism Walk,” she said. The main organizer of the walk is Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy organization that funds research and conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public in the United States. Griffith said that people will have the possibility to donate money to Autism Speaks to fund research on autism and programs in favor of people affected by the disease. “This is a great event for the community of San Angelo and Angelo State University to be a part of because so many students and people in our community are affected by autism, and awareness is the start of making a difference,” Griffith said. “This event brings the heart to those who need the love and support, and we rally around those to let them know we are fighting to find a cure alongside with them.”
TCTA is an association for classroom teachers that provides legal guidance to students and teachers and keeps them up to date about the latest findings on education matters. Griffith said it is a great resource for students seeking a degree in education because it gives insight to students about what is going on inside the classroom. The San Angelo chapter of TCTA brought a chapter to ASU; they are active in the community by helping in events such as the Jim Bass Ford fall festival for special-needs children and Sensory Santa. “Also, it informs ASU’s members of what the San Angelo TCTA is doing and brings speakers to the meeting to give advices and information on education-related topics,” Sanders said. TCTA is very proud of their involvement with the Autism Walk, and look forward to helping the San Angelo community through helping with the event. “This event is so important and I am so proud that the TCTA chapter is so involved and willing to help out in the community through this event,” Griffith said.
Drop and Shop sale benefits Concho Valley PAWS
CVP not only encourages students to come to the sale but to become volunteers to help animals find homes Steven Salas Contributor
Students are encouraged to donate belongings and attend the Drop and Shop Rummage Sale on Saturday, April 25 to benefit animals at Concho Valley PAWS. The Porter Henderson Library will be hosting the sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 300 N. Chadbourne, and donations to the sale may be delivered on Friday from 6-9 p.m. at the same location. Expected items to be sold include furniture pieces, televisions, clothing, décor, and much more. Jenie Wilson, Executive Director at Concho Valley PAWS, says that the annual event helps to benefit the non-profit organization so that the volunteers can help find the animals a forever home. Wilson also said that CVP is a large organization and continues to assist animals in various ways. “We’re one of the largest non-profit organizations in San Angelo, serving most counties,” Wilson said.
“We’ve rescued around hundreds of animals in the last year and have found most of them a forever home. Not only do we rescue and shelter them, but spay and neuter the animals free of charge.” Taylor Price, senior, adopted her cat last November from the organization, and is very pleased with how the animals are treated and how ASU is involved with an event that is beneficial towards animals. “Right when I walked in there, I noticed how much love was being provided to the animals,” Price said. “They weren’t afraid or in fear of the volunteers or potential adopters. Knowing that ASU supports a great organization really warms my heart.” Not only is the rummage sale beneficial to animals, but ASU students can also benefit from the fair prices and variety of items being sold at the event. Evan Wilson, senior, prefers to shop wherever he
may find a good deal on merchandise, especially while being on a budget. “I’m on that college budget, so I plan on going to see what items are being sold this Saturday,” Wilson said. “I might get an awesome T.V. or some cool clothes! I also have a lot of things I don’t use or need anymore. Might as well donate them for the sale.” Though the event is a great way for people to help the organization and animals, Jenie Wilson encourages students and residents of San Angelo to become volunteers at CVP. “We’re always looking for volunteers to come in and help find our animals a home, inform the community about Concho Valley PAWS, and to love each animal,” Wilson said.
Famous paleontologist talks to students about his discovery of an extinct fish
Dr. Neil Shubin encourages students to pay attention in class and study their textbooks Cameron Niblock Staff Writer
After eight years of searching in the mountain terrain in northern Canada, Dr. Neil Shubin was part of a team that discovered the snout of the Tiktaalik. Shubin, a paleontologist, shared his experiences with students and faculty at ASU on Sunday, April 19. He spoke about his discovery of an extinct fish during his exploration. Shubin explained that the discovery came by chance- one of the college students on the team found dry rock full of fish scales. After more hours of searching, the snout of the Tiktaalik was found. “Something that stood out to me is how the discovery was made by complete chance,” Pete Ortega, student spectator at Shubin’s talk, said. Shubin said the anatomy of a fish can be traced back to humans. He compared human bones, muscles, and nerves to the functions of gills for sharks and fish.
“I’m greatly inspired by Dr. Shubin,” Stephanie Martinez, biology graduate student, said. “It was wonderful to listen to him give testimony of his discovery.” Shubin said studying the genetics of fish can show how disease affects humans, and discoveries can be made to extend human life. He said there are possibilities of discovering cures that can benefit our lives and those of our loved ones. “I was encouraged to come here by all my biology professors,” Ortega said. Shubin said it is important to focus on undergraduate studies: he discovered the fish because of his undergraduate textbook. This news also came from a fortune cookie that foretold he would be at the center of the world. “I really enjoyed that he got the inspiration from
Housing page 1 sophomore, said. “I think it’s really beneficial to let students stay on campus for free for the minimum criteria that the housing department is asking for. It’s also really nice for the students who aren’t from San Angelo.” The program started as part of a broader institutional initiative
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an undergraduate textbook,” Martinez said. “Pay attention to undergraduate studies because it can open up the world to you.” Shubin said the class that helped him succeed in college was his Russian literature course. “The professor really forced us to think about the writing, and more importantly, really focus on our own writing,” Shubin said. Shubin has written many books over his discoveries and how they connect to animal evolution. “It was incredibly informative,” Ortega said. “I didn’t know a lot about Shubin, but now I’m very happy I attended the meeting.” Shubin has taught anatomy classes to students for four years and is still active in the field of paleontology.
Anime page 1 to increase summer enrollment, along with the goal of helping students graduate faster. “Being a student is always easier when you live on campus– there is proximity to classes, UREC, Library, Dining Services, and everything else that revolves around the campus,” Taylor said.
“There are also added benefits specific to housing, such as having Resident Assistants available to help, 24hour security, and programming events to help students socialize outside of class.” The free housing this summer will be held in Robert and Mary Massie dorms. There is a $50 application fee, but that is the only cost to students as far as housing is concerned. “Housing is glad to play our part in this, and happy to share in the success of the continued enrollment growth at ASU,” Taylor said.
If students don’t have money at the time of the fundraiser there is an option to make a donation through the Extra Life website. By searching the team name “Mu Epsilon Kappa” a donation can be made electronically and after showing the receipt students can proceed with flipping the table. The President’s Roundtable allows presidents, or delegates of different organizations, to bring their agendas to the Student Organization office so they may get counseling with Heather Brown, Center
of Student Involvement, Student Organizations and Orientation Programs, assistant director of student life. These meetings provide an opportunity for leaders of organizations to network and promote their own events. The meetings run on an hour and a half time frame allowing students to come in during their lunch break in 30 minute increments. Lunch is provided so students don’t have to rush between having the meeting, eating lunch, and getting to their next class.
“This is how to get involved with a leadership capacity,” Brown said. The meetings bring a family atmosphere so ideas can be exchanged between leaders while also enjoying some great food. It doesn’t matter if it’s a returning president, or somebody who is taking on a new leadership role with in their organization, all input is welcomed. Collaboration between leaders can help make ASU’s student organizations reach out to more students on campus.
FEATURES
Page 4
Friday, April 24, 2015
Part three of a three-part series
Athlete from Hamlin, Texas, picks ASU for track experience Senior and kinesiology major’s love for ASU and track run in her family Henry Mahome Staff Writer Sydney Wegner Editor
Some students come to ASU because they love the small town feel, others stay in San Angelo because they grew up in the surrounding area, and some come because they want to compete in sports on a Division II college level. For Jaylen Rodgers, track is what brought her to ASU. Jaylen is a senior and mid-distance runner for ASU. Jaylen said from her recruitment she loved the campus and the environment, and knew she would soon call ASU her future home. Raised in Hamlin, Texas, which is a short distance from Abilene, Jaylen has always loved track and running and has always been an outstanding performer. She achieved many accomplishments at Hamlin High School and chose to further her athletic career by choosing ASU. Jaylen, running mid-distance events at ASU, has stacked up successful stats in her years as a Rambelle. In 2012, her second year at ASU, Jaylen won the 800m at the LSC Championships, and was selected AllConference for winning the 800m run. She ran a personal best time of 2:09.97 in the preliminaries at the national meet, and recorded four of
the ten fastest times in the 800m in program history. She was also named All-American in the 800m run, and won the 800m at three different meets during the season. In 2013, Jaylen set three career-bests for outdoor track with the 400 meter (56.91), 1,500 meter (4:36.08), and triple jump (37’.05” or 11.29 meters). Rodgers finished in the top three in four out of five events at the 2013 LSC Outdoor Championships, with an LSC title in the 800m, and received AllConference honors as well as South Central All-Region honors as well. Jaylen is not only a successful on the track; she is also a great role model, leader, and friend. Many of the staff has praised her for how she helps improve and uplift the team morale, and how she is a great person to be around. She has been noted as professional, helpful, and a big sister to her teammates. On top of keeping up with the chaotic athletic schedule, Jaylen is a kinesiology major. However, Jaylen isn’t the only Rodgers that runs track for ASU. One of Jaylen’s three sisters, Morgan, is somewhat following in her footsteps. Morgan is a freshman at ASU and
Photo by Summer Almaguer Jaylen Rodgers runs lines along side her teammates during track practice. As a pre-meet ritual, Rodgers enjoys eating a slice of toast topped with peanut butter, bananas and honey for breakfast. is also on the track team as a ‘heptathlete’, or, an athlete that does seven events. Although this is Jaylen’s last year running for ASU, she will always be a part of the team, and the school, and will be remembered for her achievements in competition and how
she mentors others. “There is nowhere else I would have rather went; making the decision to come to ASU was the best decision I ever made,” Jaylen said. “These guys here, the coaches and my teammates, are my family and I love them.”
PIKE gets risqué for a good cause
Fraternity strips down to their sneakers and shorts to support local charity Erika Walker Staff Writer
Pi Kappa Alpha, commonly known around campus as PIKE, is set to hold their third annual Nearly Naked Mile run on Thursday, April 30 at noon. They will start in the campus green area by Texan Hall, with the goal of giving back to the West Texas Chapter of Goodwill. “The event is essentially a glorified clothes drive,” Nearly Naked Mile Coordinator, Connor Frankhouser, said. “Participants gather old clothing that is suitable for donation in the ensuing weeks before the event, and as a ‘blitz’ or capstone of our week of generating used clothes, participants show up to a predetermined place on campus, strip down to their sneakers and shorts–shorts and a sports bra for women, and run across campus.” There will be someone behind the participants
picking up the clothes. The clothes participants shed will be donated to a representative from Goodwill West Texas, who will be waiting at the finish line. “People get extremely involved,” PIKE President, Darian Glenn, said. “Anytime a group of fun-goers can take clothes and run almost naked across campus for a good cause sounds like a great time for anyone. We also love doing good work for the community in fun, nontraditional ways that turn heads.” Of course, there are still some people who are not completely comfortable with the idea, but Frankhouser said at the end of the day it is all about the cause, and they can still donate. “We understand the idea of running nearly naked is quasi-abhorrent to some in San Angelo,” Frankhouser said. “Still, we welcome the clothing
donations of these people who are hesitant to show some skin.” They will have a donation booth set up before the run from 10 a.m. until noon in the blue tent area between the University Center and library for those who do not wish to participate in the run. Clothing can also be given to any PIKE member prior to the event. Nearly Naked Mile was started in 2011 by former PIKE President, Andrew L. Atterburry. He wanted to come up with something that was racy, but still implementable, in a place that has a rather conservative atmosphere. It instantly became a success, with over 30 runners and additional clothing donations, and has continued to grow over the years.
Greek Week page 1 “Mary was really good at throwing the baseball and it made her so happy to be succeeding,” Johnston said. The overall theme in this year’s Greek Week was sports, Guzman said. “The other activities organized for the week were a rodeo-themed chili cook-off and dessert competition on Sunday, the show of the movie ‘The Blind Side’ on Monday, Greek Sing on Tuesday, Greek life education series on Thursday and an obstacle race on the ASU Mall on Friday,” Guzman said. Guzman said that the Greek Week Selection Committee randomly assigned a different theme to every chapter, which they had to include somehow when participating in the activities. Fleur Prins, member of Sigma Kappa, said her favorite event of the
week was Greek Sing, during which at least 10 members of a fraternity or sorority had to sing or dance on the stage. “While practicing for it we got a really good bonding with the girls,” Prins said. “It was fun performing and watching the other Greek organizations and see how everybody was supporting each other.” Prins said she really enjoys Greek life, especially because there is no such thing in the Netherlands, where she comes from. “Greek life itself gave me the opportunity to get my full American experience, meet new friends while doing community service and making new experiences, but above all learn about the values of the sorority,” Prins said.
Photos by Marsalis Mahome Larissa Murphy, Delta Zeta member, focuses hard on trying to balance a can of soda for a Greek Week event.
Above: As part of ASU’s Greek Week, the ladies of Sigma Kappa were charged to patch together a puzzle of the Angelo State fight song. Left: Lori Langston diligently focuses on balancing dice on a popsicle stick. Her Delta Zeta sisters urge her on to make it to the check point without dropping the dice during a Greek Week event.
Friday, April 24, 2015
OPINIONS
Page 5
Student chooses ASU for the small time feel, scholarships and smiling faces Jessica Tharp Managing Editor I chose Angelo State for a variety of reasons, and I will forever be grateful for that decision. Probably the biggest deciding factor in my deciding to come here is the scholarships that ASU offers. With the Carr Scholarship and the Honors Scholarship, I was able to get a sizeable chunk of my college paid for. Also, I was accepted into the Honors Program, which gives me access to many different, unique opportunities as well as the ability to be surrounded by students that are as driven as I am. Though scholarships are the basic reason I chose to come to ASU, and probably the biggest factor, I have to say that there are several other, smaller things that added weight to my decision. I went to a tiny high school called Veribest outside of San Angelo, and my graduating class had eleven people in it. Our school, and even our old football field, are located in the middle of some cotton fields. Going to such a small school was a blessing, because I formed good, lasting relationships with my peers and teachers, who were always willing to help me achieve success, that will impact me in the long run. I decided ASU was best for a smalltown kid like me as opposed to a larger university located in a big city because I
knew it was centered in my hometown and reflected some of the values I had grown up with. ASU has a smalltown feel that makes kids like me feel comfortable. The classes are small with a comfortable student-to-teacher ratio and the teachers take a personal interest in helping you achieve your goals and genuinely care for your future. ASU was also able to provide an atmosphere of diversity. There wasn’t a lot of diversity at my high school, whether we are talking race or politics, and it is refreshing and fascinating to me to meet people from other countries and to listen to people with opinions drastically different from what I am used to hearing. If the rest of these things weren’t enough, the people of ASU definitely sold me. From students to faculty and staff, everybody is friendly and helpful and never tires of talking about how great ASU is. Everybody has their own unique reason for choosing ASU. There are many factors contributing to my decision to come to ASU, and while some of them were practical reasons, a lot of them had to do with the culture and atmosphere only ASU could offer. Whatever your reasons are for choosing the place to begin the path to your future, I can say with the ultimate pride, “I chose Angelo State.”
Why did you choose Angelo State University? “I chose Angelo State because it is a small enough university to where I felt like I was at home because I did come from a small school. The student-to-teacher ratio is a lot smaller than bigger universities, so that is nice too. The teachers actually care about your grades. They email you constantly; they remind you of everything. And just the people here: It’s such a diverse university, you can meet anybody here. It is just a great place to be.”
“I chose to come to Angelo State because I love how homey it feels. Everyone is nice out here, nobody is mean. They are genuinely nice and everyone is happy. It is a really chill campus. There is no crime, and it is just a good environment.” Pacia Holland Sophomore “To be completely honest, I feel like God sent me here for a reason. I’m not sure what that reason is yet, but I am here for that reason. Also, I want to do PT and this is one of the best PT schools in Texas.” Kevin Reid Freshman
German club hosts Walpurgis Night, all are invited
Jared Goecker Contributor The ASU German Club is hosting a Walpurgisnacht (Walpurgis Night) on April 30 at the ASU Pavilion from 8-10 p.m. The event is open to everyone so come and join in the fun! There will be dancing, a costume party, snacks and drinks. The ASU German Club will be holding this event to foster knowledge and appreciation of the German culture. Walpurgis Night is a holiday originating out of Germany, but is celebrated throughout Europe in countries like the Czech Republic, Finland, Estonia, Sweden, and the Netherlands. It celebrates the coming of spring and is held on the eve of Saint Walpurga Day, an 8th century German abbess. The legend is that Walpurga travelled to Germany as a Christian missionary to help in the Christianization of Europe after a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. She was
known for her humility, kindness, and gentleness in life and was beloved by the local people of Heidenheim, Germany. Legend says that she was declared a saint on May 1 by the Pope in the early 9th Century, the beginning of spring in European cultures. The Christian Church attempted to connect the beloved saint to the pagan holiday to Christianize it and move away from its roots. Walpurgis Night is traditionally celebrated with dancing, music, and bonfires and was believed to help drive out evil spirits from winter to prepare for spring. Like Halloween, or even Christmas in some ways, Walpurgis Night in contemporary times has moved away from its ancient pagan beginnings to become more of a celebration of time spent with friends and family. The modern holiday has morphed into an excuse for taking time off work and celebrating life with loved ones. Many German children take the opportunity that Walpurgis Night offers to play pranks and stay up past bedtime! ASU has a long history of hosting many rich and diverse cultures on campus. German culture is an ancient and vibrant culture students at ASU would really enjoy and benefit from learning about and experiencing first hand! The German Club hopes to see everyone out there! For more information, feel free to contact Lisa Myrice, German Club Treasurer, at lmyrice@angelo.edu.
Manny Rivas Junior
“I am here as an exchange student for one year. I am from South Korea. I like Texas and it has a reasonably priced tuition. My senior recommended for me to come here because it has nice student-professor relationships.”
Suzy Park Junior “When I came to visit, I really liked the student-toteacher ratio, I liked how friendly everyone was. Like my mom and I went shopping off campus and the girl who owned the shop was like, ‘If you ever need anything call me!’ She gave me her number and her email. So I pretty much liked how small it is and you get to know everyone here and everyone is so friendly.” Kyrsten Gibson Sophomore
Ram Page Staff 2014-2015 Angelo State University
Editor: Sydney Wegner Managing Editor: Jessica Tharp Online Editor: Erika Walker Photo Editor: Carli Robison Photographer: Marsalis Mahome Photographer: Summer Almaguer Cartoonist: Johnny Le Staff Writer: Erika Walker Staff Writer: Martina Dalla Zanna Staff Writer: Cameron Niblock Staff Writer: Henry Mahome Circulation Manager: Matthew Cummings Advisor: Dr. Cathy Johnson Ram Page ASU Station #10895 San Angelo, Texas 76909-0895
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SPORTS
Friday, April 24, 2015
Softball seniors go out with a bang at their last home game Rambelles take the Lions down in spite of weather delay Cameron Niblock Staff Writer
The Rambells struck out the Lions with a 4-2 win on Saturday, April 18, despite a 45-minute weather delay halfway through the game. Before the delay, Camry Weinheimer, freshman, secured two runs for ASU after hitting a home run ball. “Any time a game is postponed for more than fifteen minutes the momentum will drop,” Russ Howard, student spectator, said. “Especially with this game because the Rambells were setting a strong pace, but then the lightning intervened causing all moment to stop.” After the weather subsided the game was underway with Kennedy Urbany, sophomore, pitching against the Lions at the top of the fourth inning. The inning ended with no hits and no errors. Senior Megan Granado stepped up to bat at the bottom of the fourth. It was senior day, marking the last home game the seniors would play in their college careers. After Granado secured first base, Weinheimer attempted to advance the Rambelles for another run but was caught out by a Lions outfielder. Howard said he was impressed with how the Lions kept up. “They never quit; that’s one thing I admire and respect,” Howard said. Lanie Robinson, junior, set up to bring Granado
home as the crowd clapped in support of the far right ball that allowed her to advance to third base. The next play found the umpire calling a foul ball on a hit that would have allowed Granado to secure the run for ASU, causing the crowd to yell in disapproval of the call. “Far be it for me to be critical of any official, because they have a tough job, but some of the calls on balls and strikes have been questionable,” Howard said. The motivation from the crowd could be heard after Senior, Koria Micherie, hit a far out ball allowing Granado to secure the third run of the game for ASU. During the top of the fifth inning, the Lions secured two runs, leaving the crowd with mixed emotions as the game was currently set at 3-2 with ASU in the lead. The top of the seventh inning showed the home crowd banging their feet on the bleachers so the Rambelles could hear their school spirt. As the final out was called on the Lions, the home crowd stood and applauded. The game concluded on a 4-2 win for the Rambelles. Sam Mendoza, Coordinator for Student Programs and Activities, said it was a good game considering it was senior day and the Rambelles wanted to end on a good note.
Photos by Marsalis Mahome Tina Cisneros squares up to bat on the weekend of the Belles’ series sweep over Texas A&M-Commerce.
Left: Camry Weinheimer, freshman, has come a far way this season, as she hit a single up the middle to score two runs and fuel a 2-1 comeback win in game two of their series against Texas A&M-Commerce on Friday, April 17.
Winding up her pitch, Kennedy Urbany leads the Belles to their first conference sweep of the season.
Old members face new teams at the alumni rugby game
Photos by Marsalis Mahome Above: The men and women’s rugby teams took part in a fun exhibition match between old players and current members on Saturday, April 18. Below: Eva Mendoza, junior, crushes an alumni rugby player into the turf during the rugby exhibition match.