Pg. 8 HERO, French Club
Pg. 8 Baseball
Friday, Feb. 17, 2012
Vol. 78 No. 18 www.asurampage.com
Mardi Gras Celebration
Cadets to represent school and develop leadership skills
‘Fat Tuesday’ fundraises for senior citizens
US Air Force Academy: Con-
ference to be ‘good experience and opportunity’ Sawyer Ricard Staff Writer Three ROTC cadets plan Friday, Feb. 24, to attend the annual National Character and Leadership Symposium at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. Cadet Captain Jaymes Trimble, C/Colonel Abraham Morland and C/3rd Class Michael Sansano are the cadets attending. The conference, which is held for both ROTC cadets from all over the nation and Air Force Academy cadets, lasts two days and hosts various speakers who talk about leadership, as well as building character. Trimble said that he has been looking for-
Because of this we get to meet our brothers in arms before we work with them.
Photos by Mark McDaniel
Top: The Meals for the Elderly Association held their annual Mardi Gras party on Tuesday. About 800 people who attended could enjoy games, food, live music and entertainment. Bottom Right: Michaela Stokes and JB Marshall were crowned the 2012 Queen and King.
Meals for the Elderly: Meal, auction, raffles benefit group
Sawyer Ricard Staff Writer The Meals for the Elderly Association held the 12th annual ‘Meals for the Elderly Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday’ celebration on Feb. 21 for 800 guests. This event, which is one of three fundraisers held each year by the group, helps raise money every year for meals for senior citizens in San Angelo and the surrounding area. The event includes a meal, a silent
Jaymes Trimble Cadet Captain, ROTC
auction, raffles, and various other games. Leann Criswell, the volunteer director for Meals for the Elderly, said all the money raised from this fundraiser will benefit the group. In past years, the fundraiser was quite successful and she hopes this year will be just as prosperous, she said. This money is essential and every $3 raised will feed a person, she said. The total for this adds up quickly because so many meals are delivered each day.
ward to going ever since he heard he could volunteer for one of the slots. “I was excited that I get to go somewhere else,” he said. “The Air Force Academy has a long tradition of holding this conference so because of this we get to meet our brothers in arms before we work with them.” This not only gives the cadets that attend a chance to meet other cadets but to represent the school as well, Trimble said. “There’s not really much representation around the nation as far as Angelo State goes,” he said. Cadet Col. Andrew Schurman said he thinks this conference is a good experience and opportunity for the cadets.
See Community
See Conference pg. 5
Group to celebrate African
Stock Show & Rodeo
culture with ‘huge’ event ‘Back to My Roots’: Event to include acrobats from New York, guest speaker
Adam Washington Staff Writer The African Student Association will host the fourth annual “Back to My Roots” event on Feb. 29 in the CJ Davidson Center. Secretary of ASA Jennifer Ejeh, from Nigeria, said there will be many events such as fast-paced dances, native songs, poetry, folk tales, fashion shows and African acrobats. Heather Valle, coordinator for student organizations, said that the event is a culmination of ASA’s school year. “It’s everything they work toward every year,” Valle said. Ejeh said ASA will host educational programs about topics important to Africa such as HIV/AIDS, orphanages, food, dress, and dance. “My favorite part will be the dancing,” Ejeh said. “We are practicing a lot and I am excited to see the fruits of our effort.”
Spring Break Countdown: 17 days
March 12 through 16
Speakers will discuss their lives growing up in Africa, Ejeh said. Ejeh said she will tell folk tales that she heard as a child. “This year it is phenomenally huge,” Valle said. “[The ASA] is bringing in acrobats from New York and a speaker from Abilene to talk about her struggles coming from Africa to America.” Along with dances and stories, traditional African dishes will be served, including Nigerian recipes, Ghana recipes and Congolese recipes, Valle said. Chartwell’s will be serving African dishes such as soups, meat pies, rice, and wings, along with descriptions of the dishes, Valle said. Valle said this year’s BTMR will show how much spirit Africans have for living and will focus on the celebration of the circle of life. ASA has been preparing by practicing dances every other day and now they are practicing every day for two hours. Ejeh said it was difficult to learn the dances, but they are now perfecting them.
Pgs. 6 and 7
Photo by Mark McDaniel
The San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo kicked off on Thursday Feb. 16, and will finish Saturday Feb. 25. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the event.
News: “Naked Dating”
pg. 3
News: Cadet wins 5K series
pg. 4
Review: Songs of the Week
pg. 8
Leap Year Feb. 29, 2012 National Pancake Day
Feb. 28, 2012
SPORTS
Page 10
Friday, February 24, 2012
Athletic director to retire after 33 years Kathleen Brasfield:
ASU to lose accomplished employee Stephen Cogan Sports Editor Athletic director Kathleen Brasfield has decided that, after a 33-year career, she will retire from her position on May 31. “I’ve enjoyed my tenure at ASU immensely,” Brasfield said. “I’m proud of the student athletes who have participated in our programs for their accomplishments competitively, academically and after graduation. I am fortunate to have worked for three presidents who believed in the value of intercollegiate athletics to the institution and who supported
our commitment to studentathletes.” Brasfield was hired originally to be the women’s volleyball coach and was promoted to being in charge of women’s athletics in 1982, but she continued to coach volleyball. Before the 2005 season, Brasfield resigned from the volleyball coach position due to her promotion to head of the entire athletic department in 2004 and because she wanted to focus her attention on that responsibility, she said. Over 26 years of coaching, the ‘Belles won 647 games with Brasfield being named LSC Coach of the Year, a record eight times and seven league titles. Throughout her career,
ASU athletics has won two NCAA II championships in softball and women’s track and has expanded to 13 intercollegiate sports. The most recent additions were softball in 2002, baseball in 2005, women’s golf in 2009 and indoor track and field in 2010. Brasfield was a major factor in the securing of a million dollar endowment fund that was solely for athletics. The donors gave an additional $100,000 for a new scoreboard at LeGrand Sports Complex, and improvements for the track facility. “Both as a coach and as an administra-
tor, Kathleen has made innumerable contributions to Angelo State University athletics,” President Dr. Joseph C. Rallo said. “Her commitment to meeting both the spirit and the letter of the
ranked ASU No. 24 in the nation, which recognizes them as a contender going forward into 2012. The Rams’ sweep of Southeastern Stephen Cogan Oklahoma State included scores of 5-0, Sports Editor 4-3, and 8-2. “We were ready to play from the The Ram baseball team is off to a first pitch on Friday to the last one here hot start with a three-game sweep of today,” head coach Kevin Brooks said. Southeastern Oklahoma State to make “Not very many teams can come into their record 9-2 and earned their first Durant and leave with a sweep. It is a national rank for this year. good accomplishment, but we still feel The NCAA Division II Baseball Poll like we have a lot of room for improvement.” Senior shortstop Zach Cohen made his debut this series after missing the first eight games because of a foot injury. Cohen gained an RBI for each game of the series to give him three on the year with seven defensive assists. “Just his presence out there on the field makes a huge difference in terms of how our team goes,” Brooks said. “He’s not at full speed, but he did some good things at the plate and played good defense for us.” The Rams have transformed themPhoto Courtesy of Danny Meyer selves from being Sophomore pitcher/infielder Jake Feckley hits the balls for a 25-23 last year into single.
SOFTBALL vs. Emporia State - Noon in Denton vs. Washburn - 4:30 p.m. In Denton
Saturday, Feb. 25 SOFTBALL vs. Fort Hays State - 9 a.m. in Denton
Photo Courtesy of Athletic Communication
Rams rank nationally with 9-2 record Southeastern Oklahoma State
Friday, Feb. 24
BASEBALL vs. Colorado State Pueblo 4 p.m.
Athletic Director Kathleen Brasfield.
Clean sweep: Rams 3-0 against
Week at a Glance
contenders in 2012 with 19 new players and dominant performances from their pitching rotation. Starting pitchers Jake Feckley, Rick Reyna, and James Conlee have season ERAs of 1.98, 2.12, and 2.84 respectively with a combined 5-1 record. Reyna and Conlee have improved from last year, when they posted ERAs of 6.75 and 4.53 respectively. Feckley, a sophomore transfer from Texas A&M, pitched a perfect game until junior designated hitter Riley Keith hit a single to break it up. “I was able to throw all my pitches for strikes in any count and was able to keep them off balance,” Feckley said. “Our defense played great throughout the game and backed me up. I was really confident in our defense and really felt relaxed on the mound knowing that they were behind me. I was going out there and not backing down from anyone.” Feckley was named Lone Star Conference’s pitcher of the week for his performance. Over 11 games, the Rams have scored a total of 75 runs, have a team batting average of .311 and a slugging percentage of .417. Catcher Andrew LaCombe has a batting line of .389/.476/.611. LaCombe has 14 hits, 11 RBIs, and two home runs over 36 at-bats. “He does a great job of controlling the game by working with our pitchers and calling a good game,” Brooks said. “He’s a captain for a reason and he delivered some big hits for us.” Another standout is junior catcher
vs. Texas Permian Basin 4:30 p.m. in Denton
BASEBALL vs. Colorado State Pueblo (DH) 1 p.m. TRACK @ Trinity Invitational (DH) - Doubleheader
Scoreboard Women’s Basketball Incarnate Word L 49-66
Men’s Basketball Incarnate Word W 68-65
Baseball Southeastern Oklahoma State W 5-0 Southeastern Oklahoma State W 4-3 Southeastern Oklahoma State W 8-2
Softball W 10-1 vs. Southern Arkansas W 9-6 vs. Arkansas-Monticello Quaid McKinnon, a transfer from Paradise Valley Community College and leads the Rams in batting average with .390 and has 16 hits with 11 RBIs. All of this contributes to the best record of any baseball team in ASU his-
Spearman hits back-to-back grand slams Softball: Girls extend streak to eight
Stephen Cogan Sports Editor The Rambelles are now 8-2 on the year after outscoring their opponents 24-10 in a three-game sweep at the South Central Shootout in Durant, Okla. Sophomore Morgan Spearman accomplished something in the second game of the series that many professional players never do; she hit a gamewinning grand slam. Then in the third game, she did it again for a second time. In the second game, the ‘Belles were down 6-3 against Arkansas-Monticello University in the top of the seventh with the bases loaded and Morgan Spearman was up to the plate where she smacked an outside pitch to the opposite field to clear the bases. “I wasn’t in the game,” Spearman said. “I came in to pinch-hit for Jasmaine [Moore]. My mindset was to get a base hit so we can get some runs because we were down; happened to be more than just a base hit.” Junior catcher Kacie Easley put up two more insurance runs with her own home run. The score stayed 9-6 and the ‘Belles defeated the No. 12 ranked Blossoms to make themselves 7-2. A few hours later in game three, the
same scenario emerged as the ‘Belles found themselves down 3-1 in the bottom of the sixth with the bases loaded and Spearman at the plate.
“
It’s not every day you’ll have two game-winning
”
grand slams. Travis Scott Softball Head Coach
Spearman said she didn’t realize that she was in the exact same scenario and didn’t even think about hitting home runs, but just getting hits. Spearman swung and took the first pitch over the centerfield wall for her second grand slam and the ‘Belles won 5-3 over Henderson state and 8-2 on the year. “That one came off the bat like it was over,” Spearman said, and it was over. Spearman had four hits over the weekend with her two grand slams, giving her eight RBIs to give her 11 on the year. Senior Claire Molina earned the win
in two games (Southern Arkansas and Arkansas-Monticello), pitching 6.0 total innings with a 0.00 ERA and seven strikeouts. Molina’s ERA for the year is now 4.00 over 27.0 innings pitched and 23 strikeouts. Sophomore pitcher Mary Kate McKay has a 3.27 ERA with 32 strikeouts over 33.0 innings pitched. Freshman Kat Massey has seen limited action with 5.2 innings pitched and a 14.29 ERA with four strikeouts. Juniors April Breshears and Lauren Smith each hit a threerun homer in the 10-1 blowout of Southern Arkansas. Three girls have RBIs in the double digits and senior ElsamarPhoto courtesy of Kimberley Parker tina Apo has nine RBIs. Sophomore Morgan Spearman gets ready at the The team has now won eight plate. games in a row. “I’m not really sure what to even say,” head coach Travis Scott said. “Morgan was huge for us, and I know this is a weekend she’ll remember for quite some time. It’s not every day you’ll have two game-winning grand slams.”
NEWS
Page 2
Friday, February 24, 2012
Korean students form group to share culture, form community Lisa Dees
Korean Student Association: To ease
new Korean students’ transition to San Angelo Managing Editor The Student Government Association approved Feb. 13 an organization that provides an opportunity for Korean and American students to share their cultures. ASU needs a support system for the growing number of Korean students coming to school here, said Yong Min Kwon, president of Korean Student Association. KSA also encourages Americans to visit Korea. Dr. Man-Soo Ko, co-adviser for KSA and assistant professor of Physical Therapy, said KSA will play a significant role in helping incoming Korean students adjust academically and culturally to ASU.
“KSA was created to provide newcomers with necessary help for their smooth transition to ASU campus and San Angelo community,” Ko said. “In addition, KSA will serve as a bridge between Korean and American students by sharing Korean culture, eventually bringing cultural diversity [to] ASU and San Angelo.” Koreans and Americans can share each other’s customs, culture and food, Kwon said. “Koreans who have been to ASU can go back to their country and can promote [ASU], and hopefully, ASU’s Korean population will increase,” he said. Kwon said KSA hopes ASU will have more than 500 Korean students enrolled here within the next five years. He said it is important for Koreans to come to ASU to experience the culture. Once Korean students return to their native country, they can share their experiences with others interested in studying abroad,
Kwon said. Secretary of KSA Yeon-Jae Park said she believes that as the Korean student population increases at ASU, KSA will act as an influential organization. “As a [student], I want to see the improvement of ASU,” she said. “KSA is just one of many associations in ASU, but I know that many small differences or positive changes we make can eventually lead to a big change, which can be beneficial to ASU.” KSA will host events that Korean or American students can enjoy, Park said. “We are planning to play Korean music in [the] UC,” she said. “We can also watch Korean movies [and] share traditional food. We just want to have fun together and get to know each other’s culture.” The organization plans to send members to visit other KSA’s in universities across Texas, Kwon said. At ASU, KSA plans to interact with other cultural organizations, such as
Association for Mexican-American Students. KSA also hopes to create a website to promote its organization, form a soccer and badminton team, as well as make T-shirts for its members, he said. He said it was a “little bit” difficult to get KSA passed because he had to first write a constitution and fill out a registration form before meeting with SGA. Kwon said he decided to pursue starting this organization in December. He said he felt Koreans needed a place to find support, as well as offer a place for Americans to deepen their interest in Korean culture. KSA planned to meet with SGA Feb. 6, but the meeting was delayed, he said. Instead, the organization waited until the following week, when they received approval. The organization held its first meeting Feb. 17 and celebrated KSA’s beginning at ASU with Korean snacks, Kwon said.
American students joined the celebration, as well. KSA plans to meet twice a month on Fridays at 5 p.m. in the lobby of the University Center, he said. KSA hopes to change locations in the future, but nothing has been discussed yet. Park said she hopes American students will come to the activities KSA offers and enjoy learning about a different culture. “Anyone can join this organization who is interested in our Korean culture,” Kwon said. “It’s not just for Korean students. There are no regulations are restrictions in participating.” The organization has more than 30 members, he said. Students must pay $5 to become a member of KSA, he said. Along with Ko, Dr. WonJae Lee, associate professor of Criminal Justice, is also serving as KSA’s adviser.
Young Life reaches high school, college students is important to the kids whom the organization helps. Because these kids have someone who believes in them, they begin to see that their lives have great worth, meaning and purpose, Bush said. Young Life is currently working with local churches to help guide students to places of worship that best fit them, Bush said. Currently, the Young Life leaders are planning on taking high school students to a summer camp in Colorado, Photo courtesy of Jason Bush Young Life member Young Life leaders and high school students pose for a picture at Crooked Creek Ranch, a summer camp in Colorado. Young Monica McCafferty Life Angelo State was approved as an official organization during the last Student Government Association meeting. said. “Camps are Approved: Student Until a large scale program about high school and other probably the biggest is kicked-off at ASU, their main college students, to go to them, part of Young Life, McCafferty Government passes focus will be getting to know on their turf and in their cul- said. ministry organization students through events and ture, building bridges of auAlthough Young Life is small group Bible studies, Bush thentic friendship,” Bush said. a national organization that Dillon Brollier said. “Kids’ lives are dramatically formed in 1941 in Gainesville, Staff Writer “We have been holding impacted when caring adults Texas, it is still a relatively small Bible studies for college come alongside them, sharing young organization in San AnThe Student Government students every Wednesday for God’s love with them.” Association approved the almost two years now,” Bush Young Life leaders spend Young Life Angelo State group said. “Along with developing many hours with kids in their Monday. friendships with them, we also natural environment, Bush Young Life is an interde- encourage them to become said. The leaders listen to their nominational ministry that fo- leaders for our high school pro- stories and learn about what cuses on reaching out to youth gram.” and forming authentic relaYoung Life tionships, Area Director Jason doesn’t rely on Bush said. solely on events “Young Life’s main focus is and Bible studies in on the high school level,” Bush the high school or said. “However, as the San An- college level, Bush gelo program grows, we are in said. the process of developing a “It starts with ministry for students at ASU in adults and college a similar style and format to the students who are high school ministry.” concerned enough www.pregnancyhelpcenter.net 2525 Sherwood Way
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gelo, Bush said. “In 2010 a group of local San Angelo adults came together to form a committee in an effort to bring Young Life to San Angelo,” Bush said. “That committee quickly started a weekly small group ministry for ASU students and raised support to hire a local area director.” This is the first school year Young Life has had an organized ‘Club’ in San Angelo, McCafferty said. “Club is a weekly gathering where leaders will get together with high school students and just hang out,” Bush said. “There are always music, skits, and games. It is basically controlled chaos, and a ton of fun.” Meetings are held at a local host home for dinner and a Bible study every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 2806 Alta Vista, Bush said. Anyone is welcome to be a part of Young Life. “Starting late March we will be adding a Sunday night training program for students who want to be involved with mentoring local high school students,” Bush said. The Young Life Organization currently has over 80 members.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Events Calendar Get involved on campus!
NEWS
Author strips dating to bare essentials
Friday, Feb. 24 Sixteenth Annual Writer’s Conference in Honor of Elmer Kelton from 11 a.m. to noon in the C.J. Davidson Center
True Love: Five steps
Blackboard Training: Blogs from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Mathematics-Computer Science building, room 111A
Speaking to a large group of students at the C. J. Davidson Conference Center, columnist and author Harlan Cohen said, “I am so excited to bring the nakedness here I cannot contain myself!” Known for his advice column for college students entitled “Help Me, Harlan!,” Cohen talked about the five steps to finding true love through dating by using his original process. He has been speaking to universities across the nation through this seminar. The first step is to “embrace the secret truth”, he said. “There are thousands of people that want you,” he said, “but millions who will not.” This advice is for everyone, whether one is single or in a relationship, he said. “Everyone needs to understand that they always have options,” Cohen said. You change from saying “like me” to “who can I like?” as you accept that there’s more than just one person who’s an option, he said. The second step you must take is to “train in your thong,” he said. “You have to train in three thongs,” he said. “Your physical, emotional, and spiritual ones.” They all lead to acceptance of yourself and your situation, he said. The first thong helps one accept physical things about themselves that they
Saturday, Feb. 25 YPSA Networking Event at 7 p.m. at the Still Water Bar and Grill Monday, Feb. 27 UCPC Beyond the Wall Poster Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the C.J. Davidson Center Holland-Harrell Jr. Foreign Affairs Speaker Program from 2 to 3 p.m. in the C.J. Davidson Center SMART Workshop: You Can’t Study Math...Can You? from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Porter Henderson Library, room C302 Cafe’ et Conversation from 5 to 6 p.m. in the University Center, room 110/111 Second Annual UREC Crucible fitness event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Center for Human Performance Holland-Harrell Jr. Foreign Affairs Speaker Program from 8 to 9:30 p.m. in the C.J. Davidson Center Tuesday, Feb. 28 El Cafecito from 9 a.m. to noon in the Multicultural Center Conversation Partners from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Mathematics-Computer Science building, room 119 Intro to QuickBooks from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Rassman building, room 117
Page 3
to finding a match
Sawyer Ricard Staff Writer
don’t like and teaches them how to either “Love them or change what you can’t love,” Cohen said. The second thong is emotional and is used to train you into thinking that “you are good enough” for someone, he said. The third thong is the spiritual one that is geared toward telling you “that you always have someone on your side,” he said. The third step overall is used to keep one’s confidence up, he said. The next step is “stop making excuses” about relationships and why a person doesn’t have one. “We make excuses because rejection is scary,” he said. In order to find a healthy relationship, you have to put yourself out there and not wait for people to come to you, Cohen said. The next step was the ability to “take the risk” and face your fears about talking to someone you want to date as well as learn that it’s not the end of the world if you’re rejected. “When you want to say something to someone or talk to someone, do it,” he said. Just doing it, even if it doesn’t work, is a success for some people because they had the courage to face it, Cohen said. The fifth step is a combination of three factors: celebrate, reflect, and repeat. “If it works, celebrate. If it doesn’t, celebrate,” He said. “You were able to ask and for that you won.” The “reflect” stage comes when one is either rejected or their relationship ends, Cohen said. “Repeat” happens if
Photo by Pam Belcher
Harlan Cohen discussed “five steps to finding the love of your life (while fully clothed and totally sober)” Friday night, Feb. 17, when talking about his latest novel “Naked Dating,” which will be released April 10.
something fails that one was in, he said. “If you know how a relationship works and you want one, repeat what you did so it’s great,” Cohen said. Along with these steps, he answered a few questions from the audience that ranged from topics like abuse to long-distant relationships. The last topic was a new “experiment” he was starting, he said. The “Naked Dating Experiment” is a new relationship and dating community that started to work with his book “Naked Dating,” which will be released in April. This will allow singles
to find a relationship online and for those in relationships to improve their connections, he said. Throughout the program, Cohen talked to several students such as freshman Maxx Lazos and sophomore Ben Lin. “Naked Dating” was a good experience, Lin said. “It was fun and encouraging,” he said. “I especially liked his ‘being busy is not an excuse’ step.” Students can visit his website to sign up on the site or find out where he is speaking next.
Jazz artists remembered
ASU Concert Chorale Valentine Concert - “Love Songs” at 7:30 p.m. at the Cactus Hotel Zumba from 8 to 9 p.m. in the University Center lobby Latin Dance from 9 to 10 p.m. in the University Center lobby Wednesday, Feb. 29 How to Lease Commercial Property for your Business from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Rassman building, room 100 Thursday, March 30 E. James Holland University Symposium Student Contest Exhibit from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Gallery 193 El Cafecito from 9 a.m. to noon in the Multicultural Center QuickBook Basics from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Rassman building, room 117 University Theater Production of: An evening of Student Works at 8 p.m. in the Modular Theater Zumba from 8 to 9 p.m. in the University Center lobby Latin Dance from 9 to 10 p.m. in the University Center lobby Submit event requests by 5 p.m. Tuesday for Friday publication to rampage@angelo.edu
UCPC presents the Great Jazz Divas, featuring Kelly Dow and Julie Davis, who performed Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Julie Davis: Honors African-American jazz pioneers
Adam Washington Staff Writer The University Center Program Council hosted the “Great Jazz Divas” show Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the C.J. Davidson Center. Singer Julie Davis and guitarist Kelly Dow per-
formed many songs from early popular jazz artists. Amanda Spriggs, arts chairperson for UCPC, organized the show. Due to Black History Month, Great Jazz Divas featured African American artists that paved the way for today’s music, Spriggs said. “My favorite song is ‘It Don’t Mean a Thing’ by Ella Fitzgerald,” Spriggs said. Davis said she enjoyed singing for ASU.
“I think it’s cool that [ASU] had us here because a lot of these people have never heard this music and that’s what college is all about,” Davis said. Davis has been singing all her life and professionally for 20 years. “Out of all the people we have worked with, all of the schools, and all of the performing arts groups, I think this was the best,” Davis said. Davis said that ASU was
Photo by Pam Belcher
not only very hospitable, but also very organized. Her favorite song to sing is, “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life,” by Marilyn and Alan Bergman because she sings it to her husband every time she performs. Davis performed over a dozen songs from artists such as Billie Holiday, Anita O’Day and Ella Fitzgerald.
NEWS
Page 4
Friday, February 24, 2012
ROTC cadet places first despite weather SARL: Student perserveres through 5K
Dana Choi Editor-in-Chief
series and ankle-deep water
Photo Courtesy of Dept. of Aerospace Studies ROTC Cadet Col. Abraham Morland, junior
An ROTC cadet Feb. 18 raced his way to first place at the Shannon Trail Series after running three events. Cadet Col. Abraham Morland, junior, placed first overall in the 5K division of San Angelo Road Lizards Running Club’s (SARL) series, after he took first place in two races and second in one. “I was just glad that I finished because it was raining really hard and we were running ankle-deep in water,” Morland said. During the first two races, the weather was pretty chilly and windy, SARL President Julie Fowler said, but runners saw a lot of rain on the third race. “You can say [the third race] was a little more difficult, but these are all hardcore trail runners,” she said. Morland placed first Jan. 1 with 23:59 at the first race. He finished
News Briefs
second Feb. 2 with 23:23. He then capped off the series with first place and a time of 23:26. “It’s not really that easy,” said Cadet Col. Andrew Schurman, wing commander. “It’s not just running around a track…. There’s a lot of frequent runners out there, so [placing first] in one of these is a pretty amazing feat.” Morland was recognized at the award ceremony at the end of the third race, which was held at the Chaparral Pavilion in the San Angelo State Park. ASU’s ROTC program does not officially participate in the trail races, but attending cadets associate themselves closely with ROTC, Schurman said. It is good for the public to know that the ROTC cadets do a lot to keep in shape by participating in events such as trail runs, he said. “That’s a big part of the military: being physically fit,” he said. Morland said he runs two to
eight miles about four times a week. He’s been running for five to six years, but he’s played soccer for “all [his] life,” he said. Morland said he plans on participating in a half-marathon, also hosted by San Angelo Road Lizards, next week. Running is important to him because of his health, he said. “If you’re healthier, you can be a better officer,” he said. “It affects the way I lead other people.” Fifty-five people participated in the first race and 56 in the second race, Fowler said. Because of the weather, 35 people participated in the third race. About a quarter of the participants were ASU students and military, she said. According to its website, SARL is a non-profit club dedicated to “supporting running as a recreational and competitive sport and as a healthful exercise for the residents of San Angelo and the Concho Valley area.” SARL organizes group work-
International Student Spotlight
Fellows focus on community Staff Report According to an ASU news release, ASU chose five faculty members as its first group of Community-Engaged Faculty Fellows, who will develop classes as part of the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). These courses will focus on improving student involvement in the community. ASU selected Kevin Garrison, assistant professor of English; Christine Purkiss, assistant professor of teacher education; P. Janine Ray, assistant clinical professor of nursing; June Smith, professor of communication; and Sharynn Tomlin, professor of management. These faculty members will serve for the 2012-2013 academic year. Tomlin’s internship program intends to seek out non-profit organizations. She said the project will create stronger relationships with non-profits. Often, these organizations need more volunteers, she said. “Our students will gain real-world knowledge of the importance of service to their careers, and will serve as an example to other students who often struggle with how to become involved and productive citizens, both locally and globally,” Tomlin said. Purkiss is revising her science instructional strategies course for future elementary and middle school teachers. “This is a great opportunity for my students to be involved in the community, in which many of them will eventually work as teachers,” she said.
Ray is developing a course titled Population Health Nursing. The course will concentrate on nursing for diverse populations, disaster services planning and intervention, reproductive health, population-based disease spread, community assessment and work with local healthcare providers on services for underserved populations. He said this education is necessary to impact minority health discrepancies and avoid poor health outcomes in hospitals. “This course is envisioned to demonstrate the greater scope of service open to registered nurses and show them ways to be more involved with communities of need, with the hope that they will stay more engaged with their chosen profession,” Ray said. The Faculty Fellows’ new courses will act as a pilot project for the QEP, which will be fully implemented the following year. The QEP is a fundamental requirement of ASU’s accrediting body, called the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The QEP highlights dedication to the community as a teaching and learning technique. “Community engagement is not new to ASU, but through this fellowship program and other aspects of the QEP, we hope to make these kinds of learning opportunities available to more students and partner with more agencies than we have in the past,” QEP Director Doyle Carter said. He said it is beneficial to ASU and the community as the university be-
Evgeny Taranets Russia
Lisa Dees Managing Editor Traveling from a green southern Russia to a dryer climate in West Texas, graduate student Evgeny Taranets has spent a year at ASU. He said he studied at Rostov State University of Civil Engineering in Rostov-na-Donu, Russia. “I had no problems transitioning,” Taranets said. “I desired to study here.” Moving across the globe is an interesting experience because of climate and lifestyle differences, he said. Taranets said he felt welcome in the U.S. and made friends quickly at ASU. “It’s easier to make friends [here] than in Russia because people are friendly and kind and ready to help you,” he said. “I appreciate it very much.” The students’ relationships with professors came as a pleasant cultural shock, Taranets said. In Russia, student/professor relations are more hierarchical, where the professor is like a boss. Taranets said there are several differences between Texas cities and Russian cities. “We have developed public trans-
Elementary math to improve with help from Texas grant Staff Report According to an ASU news release, the U.S. Department of Education awarded a $90,000 Teacher Quality Grant to a professor. Dr. Donna Gee, associate professor of teacher education, will use the grant to extend her project designed to improve elementary school mathematics education in West Texas. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board issued the grant to fund Gee’s program, called “Algebra for Upper Elementary Teachers.” This project is a continuation of a three-year development titled “Enhancing Number Sense” that Gee started with a previous Teacher Quality Grant in 2009. ASU and San Angelo Independent School District will partner together in this program, which will allow faculty development for elementary math
teachers in Region XV. According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website, the grants are federally funded to improve mathematics and science education in elementary schools. Higher education institutions receive the grants to help provide professional development for elementary teachers. The grant program makes awards through a competitive review process. The most highly ranked and recommended projects are selected for funding. The application request process concentrates in the areas of greatest need for teacher professional development in Texas. For more information call Gee at 325-486-6952 or Katie Plum, director of the ASU Office of Sponsored Projects, at 325-942-2530.
portation so we don’t have so many cars,” he said. “The roads are narrower in Russia.” Because most businesses in cities are downtown, it is very crowded all day, unlike San Angelo, Taranets said. Despite the differences, Taranets said there are two noticeable similarities between Russia and Texas. “Texas is a big state, kind of like [how] Russia is a big country, and both have a McDonald’s,” he said. He said the new cultural experience, the people and learning at ASU, as well as working on English have been the best part of studying internationally. “I learned English in Russia and improved it in the English Language Learners’ Institute at ASU, as well as my academic skills,” he said. Taranets said he found ASU through the Internet, where he also found his ASU adviser for the MBA program. With a major in Business Administration, he said he hopes to graduate in May of 2013. After graduation, Taranets said he plans to return to Russia and use his skills in the construction engineering industry. Studying at ASU has been a “great experience for me,” he said. “The ASU environment is easy to adapt to for in-
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NEWS
Page 5
Community helps Program gives taste with popular Mardi of African cultures Gras charity event Continued from Page 1
Continued from Page 1 “We deliver 365 meals a day in San Angelo alone,” Chairman of Mardi Gras Tina Stokes said. One benefit of the event is that Meals for the Elderly doesn’t pay for the supplies for the fundraiser. The event runs entirely on donations from the community, Crisswell said. “All of the food is donated,” she said. “Over 25 restaurants had donated samples for this year.” Even the decorations are donated. “The decorations are made by two lovely ladies who are sisters and have helped us for years,” she said. “They make all of the decorations for us, set them up, and take them down. We don’t touch a thing.” Time is also donated and the workers of the fundraiser are all volunteers, she said. Some of the volunteers have worked at the event for several years. “We have some long-term volunteers,” she said. “They’ve been doing this and they like to do their particular jobs. They look forward to these jobs every year.” One of these long-term volunteers is Jessica Balliew. Her reasons for volunteering are personal, Balliew said. “The whole reason I volunteered is because my grandfather used to get meals,” she said. When he passed away she decided to volunteer in order to help other senior citizens like her grandfather. Some of the usual volunteers for the program were at the event. “A lot of them are here tonight serving as volunteers,” Criswell said.
Some of the other volunteers come from Goodfellow Air Force Base and from organizations on campus as well as groups in the community itself. “For example, the Honors Student Association contacted me and wanted to volunteer,” she said. A large group of volunteers are needed since so many guests are expected each year. An event so large takes a long time to plan, Stokes said. “We start planning the Mardi Gras right after the first of the year,” she said. “A lot of planning and time goes into this.” Some of these guests, such as Jo and Gene Cook, attended the event in the past. “We’ve been to about five,” Gene Cook said. However, they are not the only ones who enjoy the event. For Stokes, attending the Mardi Gras became a family tradition. “It’s a big deal at our house,” she said. Her entire family gets involved, from making baskets to painting props. “My whole family has been wrapped around this for weeks,” Stokes said. This event is popular with many people in the community. “In the past we’ve had over 600 guests and we’re hoping to beat that,” Crisswell said. Over 800 people attended, and the event was considered “a smashing success,” Stokes said. The event is open to the public every year for a general admission price.
“We want students to come to Back to My Roots to have a proper African experience,” Ejeh said. There will be a lot of entertainment as well as education, Valle said. “College is one of the few times in your life that you are immersed with people with so many different walks of life,” Valle said. “It gives you the opportunity to experience moments with those different people.” She said BTMR provides a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and customs from African countries.
“You learn that there are so many different kinds of people in this world,” Valle said. “The university is like a small melting pot.” Ejeh says BTMR allows students to get a different experience and more knowledge about Africa. “The second Back to My Roots was better than the first one, the third one was better than the second one, and we expect this one to be better than the last one,” Ejeh said. Back to My Roots represents the culture of the many countries of Africa that make up the ASA, Valle said.
Conference provides networking opportunities networking for cadets Continued from Page 1 “It’s a way for our cadets to learn more about leadership in the Air Force,” he said. “It’s also a way for them to network with other cadets, whether they are ROTC or from the academy, as well as active duty air force officers.” Meeting the other cadets is essential as it is possible they will work together on active duty, he said. “These cadets that they will be meeting, whether they are from ROTC or Air Force Academy, are going to be working with them in the future,” he said. This conference provides not only networking opportunities but educational ones as well, Schurman said. “There will be many topics the speakers will cover,” he said. “From what I’ve heard there’s one on WWII, another on the recent appeal of the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, and other leadership topics.” All of these leadership seminars will
help add to the self-development of the cadets as officers, he said. Schurman said even though he doesn’t get to go, he wishes he could. “I think it would be a great opportunity for me to develop as an officer,” he said. For Trimble, the opportunity this provides has been something he’s been looking forward to for a while. “The reason I joined ROTC was for leadership,” he said, “so I’m pretty pumped about going.” This is, for him, another chance to learn about leadership, he said. “The more I learn, the more it all helps in the end,” Trimble said. However, the leadership skills he learns here won’t be used only in ROTC, he said. “I’m a student senator here at ASU,” he said. “Hopefully I can bring what I learn back and apply it here.”
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1) The San Angelo Ambassadors present the United States and Texas flags.
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2) A barrel racer attempts to complete the course without knocking over a barrel and still maintaining speed. 3) A cowboy views the rodeo from the side. 4)A contestant ropes a calf during an event. 5) A pick-up man circles the arena ready to wrangle any loose livestock or help contestants. 6 )One of the highest record holders is honored during the opening ceremony
Belcher Photo by Pam
Photo by Pam Belcher
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7) The clown provides humor in between events. 8) A child clings to the sheep during mutton bustin’.
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Photo by Pam Belcher
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Photo by Pam Belcher
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FEATURES
Page 8
Friday, February 24, 2012
HERO and French Club celebrate
Mardi Gras
Traditions: Students dance,
play games, participate in gumbo cook-off Dillon Brollier Staff Writer
k McDaniel Photos by Mar
Helping to Educate Regarding Orientation (HERO) and the French Club united to put together the second annual Mardi Gras Party Feb. 21 in the Centennial Village commons area.The event gave students a chance to experience Mardi Gras traditions on campus. “Mardi Gras is a very big tradition in the United States, and we try to do something similar to bring some of New Orleans culture to ASU and have something for students to do,” HERO member junior Tristan Sanders said. French Club President sophomore Amanda Davis said HERO and the French Club have a strong relationship and putting together this event helped to unite the two groups. “I thought it was really cool how people of different sexual orientations and cultures could get together and have a good time without any conflict,” senior Devon Furbush said.
The Mardi Gras event included dancing, games, and the popular gumbo cook-off, Davis said. “The gumbo cook-off was my favorite part,” Furbush said. “It was my first time trying gumbo.” Junior CJ Riddle said trying gumbo for the first time was a great learning experience and was definitely the best part of the night. Black Organization Striving for Success (BOSS) won the cook off with a Cajun Creole-style recipe. The gumbo was made from scratch, junior Joscelyn Sanders said. “The recipe was a combination of my mother’s recipe and another one of our member’s recipes that are very similar,” Sanders said. The event was a tremendous success, Sanders and Davis said. “I would very much so consider the event to be a success,” Sanders said. “We had a lot of people come to the event; everyone had a great time, got to eat a lot of great food, party and dance.” About 30 to 35 people were at the event at one time, Sanders said. “I wanted to go out so I invited some of the Korean students to go to the event and we had a lot of fun,” senior Devon Furbush www.angelo.edu/services/career
Music Review:
Ram Page Spring 2012
Are you considering working in the media after you graduate? Start with ASU’s student-run newspaper. We are looking for students who can meet deadlines and deliver quality.
Copy Editor Features Editor FMI: rampage@angelo.edu 942-2323 Applications available at B324 (library, 3rd floor)
Patrick McKeown Contributor Petition Tennis From their sophomore “Young & Old”, Tennis has created a whole new batch of catchy little tunes. Although they are all worth a listen, “Petition” stands out from the rest of the album. From The Black Keysinspired drum beat (album produced by The Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney) to the beautiful vocals from lead singer Alaina Moore, this song is a sweet glistening groove that represents the whole album.
Sad Man’s Tongue Volbeat
Books of Moses Tom Waits
Banjos go hard. So does a dude who sounds like Elvis at a Metallica concert and sings about Johnny Cash. At some points you have no idea what this dude is singing, but who cares? The breakdown is so awesome that it doesn’t matter. If you haven’t heard of Volbeat, then take this track for a spin and see how metal is made Danish style.
A strong argument for worst singer in the world, Tom Waits delivers another rusty gem with plenty of groove. He might actually be in pain while singing this and what he is singing about is hard to make out, but nonetheless the song is a dirty slice from Tom’s incredible arsenal of musical talent.
Break Those Bones Whose Sinews Gave it Motion Meshuggah For those of you who fail to understand what metal is, this song is for you. Meshuggah has been brutally beating us since the early 90s and they have spawned yet another creation from the pits of carnage with this monster sample. Their new album “Koloss,” due March 23, will be their first album in four years and we can hardly wait.
The Malkin Jewel The Mars Volta Hmmmmm. Not sure what to think of this. With the fuzzed out guitars and whispered vocals, this sucker has a Pink Floyd vibe for sure. But The Beatles’ sound also lingers throughout this tune, almost making it a lost track from “The White Album.” Tricky and trippy, but cool. “The Mars Volta” are always changing their sound and they seem to be doing that again on their new single from the album “Noctourniquet.”
OPINION
Friday, February 24, 2012
Page 9
Straight from the
The early bird gets
www.asurampage.com
Poll results:
confused
Has the San Angelo smoking ban affected you in the past year?
Staff Editorial
Early advising took us by surprise. It seems as if advising comes earlier each semester, but this semester advising truly did kick in about a month early. To us, it seems like the beginning of the semesters are always the busiest. When advising is held later in the semester, students are generally comfortable in their routines and can easily find a slot of time for advising. But with advising so early now, it’s difficult to find a spot for advising even if it only takes twenty minutes to speak with an adviser.
It has the possibility of being a good thing, though. Early advising would simply force students to continuously think about their degree plan. They would have to make wise decisions about classes so they can graduate on time. It could also get the process taken care of so students are one step ahead with their classes. With advising midsemester, students don’t really have next semester’s classes on their minds. They are focused on midterms or hitting that spot in the semester when piles of work start to resemble mountains.
Web
20%
In our opinion, we would rather be advised after midterms. When the stress of late night study sessions subsides, students are better equipped to make logical, thought out choices about future classes. However, this is only from a student perspective. We realize that faculty and staff do immense amounts of work in regards to class schedules and availability that we as students only see the final results of.
40%
For resumes or scholarIt is required ships
40%
for an organization
To give back to the community
0%
I don’t participate in community service
This week’s poll How often do you participate in ASU events? Always
Share your thoughts on early advising & other topics.
Sometimes Never
columns letters to the editor comments
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Vote at www.asurampage.com
Submit columns and letters to the editor at rampage@angelo.edu
Sidewalk
Survey What do you think about getting advised early?
“I think it should function pretty much the same way.”
“I think it is a good idea because people can get it out of the way early.”
Josh Carpenter, freshman
Briseida Ramierz, sophomore
“It just seems kind of crazy to me. We aren’t even at midterms yet. Jordan Hunt, sophomore
“It seems normal to me, because I don’t really know any different.” Troy Rodriguez, junior
“It is a good system for the school to have. It gives students the incentive to look ahead.” Belia Reyes, junior
Ram Page Staff
2011-2012 Angelo State University Editor: Dana Choi Managing Editor: Lisa Dees Copy Editor: Victoria Lacy Photo Editor: Pamela Belcher Sports Editor: Stephen Cogan Staff Writer: Dillon Brollier Staff Writer: Sawyer Ricard Staff Writer/Online Editor/Circulation Manager: Adam Washington Photographer: Mark McDaniel Advertising Manager: Sara Beth Terral Adviser: Dr. Cathy Johnson
Some sidewalks need repaving Sur Broadway
Ram Page ASU Station #10895 San Angelo, Texas76909-0895 Editor: rampage@angelo.edu Managing Editor: rampagenews@angelo.edu Features Editor: rampagefeatures@angelo.edu Advertising: rampageads@angelo.edu Editor: (325) 942-2323 Newsroom: (325) 942-2134 Advertising: (325) 942-2040 Fax: (325) 942-2551 Member of The Texas Tech University System Associated Collegiate Press Texas Intercollegiate Press Association
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Contributor The sidewalks at ASU need work. As a student living on campus, I use the sidewalks daily. The cobblestone sidewalks on the west side of campus are cracked, unlevel, and just plain outdated. I frequently skateboard and usually end up walking when the concrete sidewalk ends and the cobblestone path begins.
With an increase of students, there has been an increase of skateboarders. I feel that most skaters would agree with me when I say that the cobblestone pathways need to go. Falling numerous times due to rocks, cracks, and gaps is embarrassing. The cobblestone makes it complicated to skate up and down campus with ease. In my opinion, the campus would look much nicer with paved sidewalks running through campus. When I arrived at ASU, the sidewalk between the cafeteria and the Massie dorm halls was being repaved. Even though the construction was inconvenient, the final product was well worth the wait. The west side of campus now looks appealing. The evenly paved concrete makes the west side of campus look good. The rest of campus is riddled with patches
of concrete and cobblestone; this makes the campus look incomplete. ASU is going through major changes and buildings are being modified, and I think the sidewalks should be re-done just as well. The “mall,” as many students refer to it, is of utmost concern. Replacing the sidewalks would take a lot time and money, but completing only the mall would take less time and less money. In addition to the sidewalks being repaved, I think it would be nice to have some type of bridge over Johnson Street. Not only would it make the campus look amazing, but it would also create less of a traffic jam for vehicles as well as students. Although this idea may seem improbable, it is simple enough to do. Overall, I would mainly love to see the sidewalks repaved in concrete.