Pg. 2 Trading Cards
Pg. 4 Galaxy Express
Friday, March 9, 2012
Vol. 78 No. 21 www.asurampage.com
Tuition increase approved for next academic year Contribute: Students can help decrease or maintain rates
Dillon Brollier Staff Writer The Board of Regents of the Texas Tech University System approved a 1.96 percent tuition increase on March 2 for the 2012-2013 academic year. The tuition increase was made in response to the rising costs of running an institution, Vice President of Finance and Administration Michael Reid said. “The university made the request to the board and they approved it,” Reid said. The school needs to generate approximately two to three million dollars for the next year in order to keep up with everything here on campus, Reid said. “The 1.96 percent increase will generate roughly $770,000,” Reid said. “School officials are currently looking at what else can be done to generate the rest of the revenue needed.” One student said he recognizes the need for more funds, but is still disappointed with the increase. “I’m leaving ASU next semester, so I won’t be affected by it directly, but it is unfortunate,” senior Scott Jarmon said. “It’s a shame because ASU was once known for the value and the great bang-for-the-buck, and that is slipping away more and more with each semester.” Reid said that while any increase in tuition is disappointing, the most recent increase is the smallest increase on record since 2004.
See Dissent pg. 3
Just helping to take care of the campus helps with costs. Michael Reid VP of Finance and Administration
Photo by Pam Belcher
Brian Bledsoe, Matt Larson, Allison Petty, Janet Heismann, Mike Cashin and Colby Medina are some of the students in Chi Alpha participating in “Surprise Home Makeover,” a spring break mission trip at Bastrop, Texas.
Campus ministry to help mend lives Chi Alpha: Annual spring break mission trip provides
Sawyer Ricard Staff Writer Chi Alpha plans March 6 to travel to Bastrop, Texas, over spring break to participate in projects to help the community. The Christian fellowship will take part in a trip called “Surprise Home Makeover,” which consists of 25 projects over a period of four days, to help improve the area they visit. “Fifty people are expected to make the trip,” Campus Pastor Kasey Murphy said. The projects will include cleaning up after wildfires and building wheelchair ramps, Murphy said.
productions pg. 4
Photo by Pam Belcher
The Ram Page staff wishes the campus a safe and fun break!
See Students pg. 3
Block and Bridle:
Jimmy (Roy Economides) and Staccato (Brian Nicholas Carter) brood over life’s harsh realities.
March 12 through 16
the children were not there, he said. The children were surprised to find that while they were gone the buildings had been remodeled, Bledsoe said. This was a chance to help kids who had been through rough times, he said. A year before that Chi Alpha focused on the house of a widow. “It needed a lot of refurbishing work and the wife didn’t know how to do it,” Murphy said. “We went and remodeled the house completely.” The trip itself is a way for people on campus to help others, he said. “It’s an excellent opportunity to go serve people,” he said. Murphy said he has attended the mission all four years since it started. This year will not be his last, he said.
Student agriculture group educates second graders
Student
Spring Break has arrived!
Chi Alpha started going on the trip four years ago, he said. “We go every spring break,” he said. Murphy said, “We take the students to an area that just needs laborers.” The majority of the people who attend are students, though there are exceptions, senior Brian Bledsoe said. “Some of the staff on Chi Alpha are going,” he said. In the past, there have been many large projects the fellowship worked on while on this trip. “Last year we worked on an orphanage and remodeled several buildings,” Bledsoe said. He said the trip they took to remodel the orphanage is his favorite. “I liked it because in the four days we were there we changed several kids’ lives,” he said. While remodeling the orphanage,
get to see what agriculture is all about.” Barnyard Day allows the children to Elementary students get get out of school for a day and get a differ‘different perspective on life’ at ent perspective on life, Harlow said. ASU ranch Harbin taught the children where food comes from. Adam Washington “These days, a lot of people think their Staff Writer meat just comes from H-E-B, and no one really knows where it comes from,” HarLocal second grade students experi- bin said. “We bring the kids out to show enced rural farm life Friday at the ASU that people actually raise cows, horses, Management Instruction and Research goats and sheep.” Center for Barnyard Although Barnyard Day, hosted by Block Day is for second grade and Bridle Club. students, special eduEven though we live Block and Bridle cation students got to in San Angelo and Club annually hosts enjoy the fun and eduthere is agriculture Barnyard Day, which cational experience. provides a hands-on Kyla Stone, memall around us, a lot of learning experience ber of the Council for the kids don’t underfor Crockett ElemenExceptional Children stand its importance. tary second graders. helped supervise the Reporter for Block special needs children and Bridle Kelley Harwhile they learned low said the children about the animals. Kyla Stone come out to learn Council for Exceptional Children “Even though we about the byprodlive in San Angelo and ucts of sheep, where there is agriculture all their clothes come from, where their food around us, a lot of the kids don’t undercomes from and other topics. stand its importance,” she said. “It’s an “It exposes kids to a part of life they See ASU may not get at home,” Harlow said. “The pg. 3 kids who are raised within city limits don’t
News: Angelo Trading Card Club
pg. 2
Opinions: Hello from the past!
pg. 5
Sports: Interview with Austin Slone
pg. 6
Daylight Savings Time
2 a.m. Sunday, March 11
Move your clocks ahead one hour
NEWS
Page 2
Events Calendar Get involved on campus! Here’s what’s going on this week. Friday, March 9 E. James Holland University Symposium Student Contest Exhibit from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Gallery 193 University Theatre production of: An Evening of Student Works at 8 p.m. in the Modular Theater Saturday, March 10 UREC: OA Spring Break Backpacking Trip Center for International Studies: Passport Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the CIS Passport Office University Theatre production of: An Evening of Student Works at 8 p.m. in the Modular Theater Sunday, March 11 U.S. Field Army Band Performance from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the C.J. Davidson Center Monday, March 12 Spring Break
Committee searches for new vice president Valerio: Current VP to
retire by end of semester, heads search committee Sawyer Ricard Staff Writer A special committee started searching Feb. 27 nationwide for a new vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. The current vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Dr. Vance Valerio, will retire at the end of the semester. He is heading the committee to search for a new vice president. A separate committee will search for a new associate vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management when the current Associate Vice President Dr. Cindy Skaruppa leaves ASU in June and a new vice president has been found. The committee to find a new vice president consists of eight representatives from administra-
Cafe’ et Conversation from 5 to 6 p.m. in the University Center Room 110/111 Tuesday, March 13 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 at the Multicultural Center
Student Recital from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Carr EducationFine Arts Building
ATCC: Unofficial student organization to focus on ‘Magic’ and aims to hold tournaments
Thursday, March 15 Deadline: Textbook Adoption for Summer I & II Notice: Textbook Adoption for Fall Semester due in 30 days Priority Date for 2012 Applications International Graduate Applications Due for Summer I & II Semesters 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 at the Multicultural Center
Dillon Brollier Staff Writer The Student Government Association voted to recommend a student group for official organization status in their meeting last Monday. As of Wednesday, the Angelo Trading Card Club has not
president, and a doctorate in College Student Personnel Administration, Higher Education or a related field. The person selected will handle both current and future responsibilities as the now-permanent job becomes a stronger part of campus, he said. The position requires that several responsibilities be met. “[The job is] related to the functions of student affairs, student development, enrollment services and the HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution).” The committee hopes to have two or more finalists after conducting phone interviews with applicants, he said. Valerio said the committee plans to bring the finalists to campus for interviews in May and hire someone by summer. The job itself is only two years old, he said. “It was created in the 20092010 school year,” he said. Rallo said that though ASU expected the job to become per-
manent, Valerio and Skaruppa’s employment would be temporary. “They were high-level people hired for a very short time,” he said. They are hired “if you don’t know exactly what you want the position to be” or if a new division is created, he said. Bringing in experienced people helped the school “find out what kind of person we want for the permanent position,” he said. The associate vice president was hired to help with the enrollment management, Rallo said. “The enrollment management really focuses on the admission process,” he said. “Skaruppa’s primary responsibility is all of the admissions and interactions with the high schools that come here.” The search committee for the new associate vice president is expected to start in May after the replacement vice president is found.
“I see a lot of different groups of people playing Magic and I would really like to bring all of those groups together,” Dodson said. Some people still have their Yu-Gi-Oh cards and some may even still have Pokémon cards, Dodson said. The ATCC won’t ignore any game that people still play. The ATCC would be ASU’s first official club that gears toward trading card games. It will be an original orPhoto Illustration by Pam Belcher ganization started by achieved official organization Maddox and Dodson. status. “It felt really good to get a The ATCC aims to give stu- unanimous decision from SGA,” dents and fans of card games a Maddox said. “It was a nice added place to trade, play and meet new touch.” players. Currently the ATCC has 34 “I hope that it will gather a members, but anyone who wants large crowd with a common in- to play, learn or teach different terest so everyone can gather and games are welcome to join, Dodhave fun with each other,” poten- son said. tial president of ATCC Tim Mad“It is going to be something dox said. new and hopefully really enjoyPotential vice president able,” sophomore Cameron James Dustin Dodson said he wants to said. bring players together. Maddox and Dodson said
they are already lining up events for when the ATCC becomes official. “We are going to have tournaments once a month and will give out various prizes,” Maddox said. There will be two brackets: one for experienced players and the other for beginners, Maddox said. The experienced players’ bracket will have a one-dollar entry fee and prizes will be given out to the top three players, Maddox said. The beginners’ bracket will not have an entry fee, but only the winner will get a prize, Maddox said. “We want more people to move up to the experienced bracket, not only to get more people more experienced at the game, but also so we can gather a bit more revenue and have better prizes and help people start their own decks,” Maddox said. “Magic the Gathering,” [the card game], is the focus,” Dodson said. “But we will welcome any game that anyone wants to play.” The ATCC has a Facebook page to answer any questions or for anyone looking to join, Dodson said.
Business attire fashion to be held after break Delta Sigma Pi: Event focuses on providing students insight on professional situations
Dillon Brollier Staff Writer
Business Plan II: Financials from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in Rassman 100
Submit event requests by 5 p.m. Tuesday for Friday publication to rampage@ angelo.edu
tion, faculty, staff and students, Valerio said. President Dr. Joseph C. Rallo appointed Valerio and Skaruppa to head the first committee, Director of Human Resources Kurtis Neal said. Once a new vice president is chosen, he or she will lead a search committee to find the new associate vice president, Rallo said. “We will allow the new vice president to hire his or her own associate vice president,” he said. “It’s not really appropriate to bring a brand new person in, and they have another new person as their second in command.” According to the ASU website, candidates must have experience in some of the fields overseen by the position and 10 or more years of experience. Five of these years must be in an administrative position, he said. The candidates must also have hands-on service as a dean, assistant vice president or vice
Potential group to gather trading card players
E. James Holland University Symposium Student Contest Exhibit from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Gallery 193
Wednesday, March 14 Business Plan I: Writing the Narrative from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in Rassman 100
Friday, March 9
A business fraternity Tuesday, March 20, will present an interactive fashion show to enlighten the audience on dress styles that are appropriate for the work place. Delta Sigma Pi is hosting the
Dress for Success Event from 7 to 9 p.m. March 20 at the University Center in the C.J. Davidson Center. “The purpose of the event is to identify the different categories of clothing that are appropriate in the workplace and how to wear these styles and when to wear these styles,” Delta Sigma Pi member Erica Adkins said. Students can ask questions about workplace-appropriate style and ask for tips about interviews, Adkins said. CEO of Theimagedressforsuccess Bron Austin Deal will be the keynote speaker at the event. “I feel like no one is professionally developing col-
midnightrodeosanangelo.com
• Thurs.
lege students,” Deal said. The aim for this event is to give back to college students and give them some kind of insight on not only the proper attire for the workplace, but also how they should carry themselves in different professional situations, Deal said. Dr. June H. Smith, Professor of Communications, said the fashion show is a great way for students to learn about workplace apparel. Professional dress is different from “dressing up,” Smith said. A lot of people think that dressing up is for social events when they should be aiming for a professional look. Although the fashion show will focus on proper workplace dress, the show will also serve to help the community. The show will collect food products to benefit the Concho Valley Food Bank, which is part-
nering with Delta Sigma Pi for the event. “We also want students to learn how to present and promote themselves as they search for their dream career,” Adkins said. “We hope to give back to the community in this way.” ConocoPhillips, Texas State Bank, Oliver, Rainey, Wojtek and Suddenlink are all sponsoring the event, Adkins said. “JC Penney will be providing the clothing for the catwalk,” Adkins said. Models for this year’s event will come from different student organizations on campus so that the show might represent the diversity of students on campus, Adkins said. Deal said that the models will represent professional, casual and smart casual attire. This is Delta Sigma Pi’s second year hosting the event.
3.15
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TONIGHT!! Jon Wolfe
$1.50 DRAFT BEER
Friday • 3
.2 Rich O’Too 3 le
Photo Courtesy of Delta Sigma Pi
Friday, March 9, 2012
Increase meets mixed reactions from students Continued from Page 1 “Even with the raise in tuition, the cost of attending ASU is not as bad when you compare it to bigger schools like UT and A&M,” senior Ryan Magness said. Another student said he strongly dislikes any tuition increase. “I can’t stand to see any kind of tuition increase when I see money being spent on the numerous beautification projects that are not necessary,” senior Candis Chastain said. “I am paying for an education, not a pretty campus.” There are ways that students can help curb the costs of running an institution. “Just helping to take care of the campus helps with costs,” Reid said. Students living on campus can help by conserving water, electricity and other utilities in their dorm rooms, Reid said. “Last year during the water crisis we encouraged anyone who saw any broken water sprinklers to report them because that is one of the biggest costs to the school,” Reid said. While tuition increases and budget cuts are common in budgeting, there are other ways to generate more revenue, Reid said. The school could increase the number of students in each classroom, which would generate more revenue for the university, Reid said. “But, then, at what point are there too many students in the classroom?” Reid said.
NEWS News Briefs
Staff Reports
Staff Reports
ASU’s Handball Club won the Division II team championship and placed 11th overall at the 60th USHA National Collegiate Championship Tournament Feb. 22-26 at Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. With 2,179 points, the Handball Club smoked Southwestern University, the runner-up team that finished with 896 points. ASU’s Tara Niemann won the Division 2A women’s Class “A” national championship and Morgan Solsberry won the Division 3 class “B” men’s national championship.
March is Women’s History Month, and ASU is celebrating this with award-winning films, music and refreshments. The Gender Studies Program will show several screenings of recognized films, which bring to light women’s accomplishments and triumphs over discrimination in the U.S. and across the globe. Students, faculty and staff
Photos by Pam Belcher UCPC Tuesday hosted Spin Art Shutter Shades. The process consisted of dripping paint on glasses, secured to a spinning plate, to create a swirl effect. The event took place between the University Center and Porter Henderson Library.
Continued from Page 1
ASU students expose local children to farm animal diversity Continued from Page 1 experience, and kids learn through experience.” It is imperative to get the kids out of the classroom and into a hands-on environment, Stone said. Giving the students an opportunity to see and interact with the animals produces an opportunity for higher-level thinking, she said. Treasurer of Block and Bridle Corey Burson said the main things students learn are responsibility and the differences between the animals. “The kids learn how to take care of a variety of animals they may have never seen,” Burson said. She said the most rewarding part is listening to the children’s questions, realizing how much they didn’t know, and seeing what they have learned at the end of the day. Second grade teacher of Crockett Elementary Jennifer Timm said Barnyard Day is important because it relates to classroom curriculum. Timm had just taught the children about natural resources such as animal resources and cotton. The second graders learned the difference between man-made resources and natural resources, but most of them had no hands-on experience. “Letting the kids come out here and touch real wool on a live animal is pretty impressive; they won’t forget it,” Timm said.
Photo by Pam Belcher
Sheep tend to their young at the ASU Ranch.
can enjoy free popcorn, candy, water and soft drinks at the next screening, which is Friday, March 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Texan Hall Theater. The Gender Studies Program will also show a film on March 30. The Multicultural Center will recognize the empowerment and education of women Thursday, March 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the University Center Lobby with music and refreshments.
Shutter shades ‘spin’ students
Students to get a taste of missionary life over spring break “I love doing it,” he said. “I will do it every year that I can.” Bledsoe said this is a great opportunity for attending students to learn a few lessons. “It’s nice to get a perspective of what it’s like to be a servant,” he said. Most children who haven’t been on a mission trip don’t know what it’s like to serve someone, he said. “They may serve people in jobs but it isn’t the same,” he said. Bledsoe said one cannot find the emotional or spiritual connection in those jobs as they can on a mission trip. “I just hope the guys and gals going on the trip get a chance to feel what it’s like to make a difference in someone’s life,” he said. The students going on the trip will leave March 14 and return March 17.
Page 3
International Student Spotlight
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Lisa Dees Managing Editor Adapting to a new life came with challenges, but a Vietnamese student kept an open mind when she transferred to ASU. Junior Quynh Nguyen studied at Hue College for two years before transferring last fall to complete her bachelor’s degree in English, she said. “It was very hard for me to adapt at first, but being at a nice school like ASU has helped,” Nguyen said. “People are so helpful. I’ve made many friends. I thank God for letting me choose ASU.” She said after high school graduation she applied for several institutions in the U.S., but her parents felt she was too young to move across the world. In her second year at Hue, she received news about a transfer opportunity at ASU, Nguyen said. “ASU accepted me as a transfer student, and I was also offered a transfer scholarship,” she said. “Now, I just need to finish my required courses.” The independent thinking of Americans came as a culture shock, she said. Vietnamese are close to each other and Americans act more independently. “I think independence is a good thing, but in rela-
tionships, I found it made it harder on me at first,” she said. Despite their independence, Nguyen said she has found Americans to be friendly and easy to talk with. Her host family, for example, has helped ease Nguyen into American culture, she said. “I have a great host family,” she said. “They are very warm. They are like my second family, and they made my transition so much smoother.” She said her host family helped her settle in and buy books for classes, as well as show her how to use Amazon and other popular websites. Nguyen said she plans to graduate in December 2013 and then earn her master’s degree. Eventually, she hopes to be an English professor in Vietnam and share American culture with her students, Nguyen said. She said students who wish to study abroad must look at the opportunity with spirit. “If you have a good spirit for adapting and learning you’ll be fine,” Nguyen said. “You need an open mind. Don’t isolate yourself.” She is grateful to ASU for making her study abroad dream possible, she said.
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Page 4
FEATURES
Photos by Pam Belcher
(Left): Diana (Heather Walker) finds an engagement ring in her champagne on a first date. (Right): Diana and Roger (Brandon Jones) share a surprising kiss as the shocked waiter looks on during the play “What r u Thinking?” written by Brian Nicholas Carter.
original one-act plays
Belcher
Adam Washington Staff Editor
The Arts at ASU program will hold ‘An Evening of Student Works’ featuring five-one act plays in the modular theater at 8 p.m. March 8 through 10. The program held these performances March 1 through 4. Each play was written by a student playwright and performed by ASU students. Playwright of ‘What r u thinking?’ Brian Jimmy (Roy Carter came up with his play from personal exEconomides) and perience. Staccato (Brian The play reveals the inner thoughts of a boy Nicholas Carter) have a disagreement during and a girl on a date, Carter said. the play “Staccato “I have been on a lot of dates and they have Man,” written by Jacob always been very awkward,” Carter said. “I have Scott. always wondered what they were thinking. I’m sure it’s likewise for others as well.” Carter explained that while dating is exciting and fun, it is also scary and nauseating at the same time. He said his play puts that into perspective. The students of the theater program started preparing for the show on first week of the Spring 2012 semester. Preparing for the show consists of auditions, casting, countless rehearsals, scriptreading on stage, developing characters, and then performing live, actor Magdalena Hogan said. “It’s a very hard process,” she said. “It’s not only here at the theater; you have to rehearse at home on your free time to develop your character, but it’s definitely worth it in the end.” Lots of research goes into these plays, Hogan said. “One of my characters is from the 1940s, so I had to research what kind of cars they drive, what kind of styles they had, how would they walk, how would they talk, and what would my character wear,” Hogan said. Actor Martin Rodriguez agrees with Hogan. “It’s tedious work,” Rodriguez said. “You
Students produce
Photos by Pam
Friday, March 9, 2012
have to constantly develop your character while keeping in mind your directors’ notes and how they want the show to go.” Leigha Murray, director of Psychodrama, Staccato Man and Flightless Fables, had a different perspective on preparation for the plays. “It was a little scary at first because the only directive experience I’ve had was taking the directing class,” Murray said. “Directing three shows was scary and hectic at the same time, but I have a really great cast for all of my shows.” She said not having prior experience was tough at first, but in the end the cast came together and everything turned out well. Although directing is a time-consuming job, Murray was prepared and took a lighter course load for the Spring 2012 semester. “It wasn’t about trying to find time, it was more about trying to find a balance between my courses and putting my best into directing,” Murray said. Costumer and director Eldra Sanford said process of preparation is the same anywhere, but each experience is unique. “There is no way to compare any acting experience, any costuming experience or any directing experience,” Sanford said. “They’re all different. We could take this same script, take it to a different city, cast it with different people, and it would be a totally different experience.” The writing, acting and directing experience gives these students something for their resume. Playwright of ‘Staccato Man’ Jacob Scott said he will add this experience to his portfolio and it will prepare him for his career. “As a playwright, it was a great opportunity to express opinions I have about certain topics through writing,” Scott said. “As the assistant director, I helped all the directors formulate some things they may have missed on stage, things they may have overlooked. I can work with them and help perfect the plays.” He said he has learned a lot from the directors and will pursue directing as a career.
Galaxy Express to make stop in San Angelo Jonghyun Park guitar/vocals
10 p.m. Saturday
The Deadhorse
210 S. Chadbourne St.
Wild, dirty and energetic are three words Galaxy Express used to describe its music. During their USA tour, punk rock band Galaxy Express, having very recently flown back to Texas from South Korea, will perform tomorrow, March 10, at The Deadhorse. Originating in a country that more or less idolizes pop music, Galaxy Express is somewhat confined to the small, underground rock scene that is prevalent in Hongdae, a region located in the western part of Seoul. “There aren’t many live music scenes,” vocalist and guitarist Jonghyun Park said, advising that people who want to check out Korean underground music should give Hongdae a visit. Even though South Korea generally doesn't acknowledge rock musicians as much as they do more conventional pop groups such as Girls’ Generation and
2PM, Galaxy Express has gotten its recognition. The group’s 2008 26-track debut album, “Noise on Fire,” won “Best Rock Album” at the 2009 Korean Music Awards. Park, Juhyun Lee (bass/vocals) and Heekwon Kim (drums) then, in 30 days, wrote, recorded, and released “Wild Days,” which got Galaxy Express the “Musician of the Year” honor at the 2011 Korean Music Awards. This shouldn't reflect the country’s overall reception of rock music, however. Galaxy Express, which formed in 2006, has not performed that much on TV, and their music seldom plays on the radio, Park said. Park said that inciting more enthusiasm for rock in Korea is his and the band members’ goal 24/7, and they try to achieve this by touring more and making more music. “Actually, it’s getting better,” he said, “but still, many Koreans are listening to K-pop (Korean pop), so we have to try hard.” To those looking into Korean
Photos Courtesy of Galaxy Express
Different languages, but it doesn’t matter, really... the important thing is feeling the energy.
Dana Choi Editor-in-Chief
rock, check out Crying Nut, Park said. He said he got into the lesser known genre of rock in the late 1990s, when the influential punk band Crying Nut “blew up” and he saw them perform on TV. They performed crazily and in a very unfamiliar way, thrashing and rolling around, Park said. “At the time, I was very shocked—‘That’s so cool!’” he said. “So I started playing the guitar and forming a band.” Park said, even though the band is influenced mostly by other Korean rock bands, it also draws inspiration from American bands and artists such as the Ramones, The Clash, the Sex Pistols, the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Who, and Jimi Hendrix. This is not their first time playing in America; in fact, Galaxy Express performed at the SFSX Music Festival in Austin last year, as well as in New York, Los Angeles and Toronto while on the Seoulsonic Tour. Kim said it was a great experience and everyone
they met was “really kind.” Park said, though he sees some differences between American audiences and Korean audiences, it doesn’t matter where the crowd is from. “Different languages, but it doesn’t matter, really,” he said, “because the important thing is feeling the energy.” Lee said he loves playing live; being onstage in front of an audience “makes [him] feel alive,” and it certainly shows in the energy the group gives out during its shows. Kim said Galaxy Express is playing more in Texas this time around. Among the stops Galaxy Express will make in March are Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Why San Angelo? “First we are going to see cow-tipping...kidding,” Park said. “We’re just going to look around, make friends. We don’t know [what to expect], but we’re ready to experience anything.” Page Design by Dana Choi
OPINIONS
Friday, March 9, 2012
Page 5
Letter from the Editor
Sometimes I might hear a comment along the lines of “They’re so late—this event happened last week!” throughout the day, whether I’m in class or getting to my next destination. I realize this may represent the thoughts of some people who, taking a very short break from electronic media, pick up a paper and are knocked back by the rush of nostalgia that comes from reading about things that happened more than five hours ago. Ram Page is, after all, a weekly paper. As timely as we try to be, it is not possible to cover something on Thursday after it happens for Friday distribution. It is certainly not possible to cover something that happens on a Saturday in a paper that was distributed the day before. While we often preview events and programs, we often as not cover things after they happen. Although this may not reach my intended audience, I hope at least a majority of the readers and those who occasionally pick up an issue will understand this: If we were to cover only things (still on a weekly basis) that happened, or will happen, within a one- or two-day timeframe, we could probably produce two-and-a-half
pages’ worth of material on a regular angelo.edu) of any errors, whether news week. they are actually errors or not. If The rapid, well-received rise of needed, we will print a correction and other, more “efficient” media seems update the website. About a year ago, I to be rendering the newspaper an wrote a column directed toward those anachronistic vestige of times domi- who complained amongst themselves nated by typewriters and cigar- and made no effort to communicate smoking editors. Newspapers are of- with those who could actually make ten referred to as a “dying industry,” changes. I still stand behind that, and a sentiment I’m not aiming to prove I would now like to apply what I said or dispel. Most people are well aware, then to those who find fault, whether and sometimes intolerant, of the fact it is a factual error or a typo. It is betthat newspapers are not capable of ter to catch and correct errors than to the same things as their website coun- let them remain as they are. It is often terparts. We are so used to hearing said that we learn from our mistakes, about things mere hours, minutes— but we can’t learn from mistakes we seconds, even—after they happen, don’t know we’ve made. through media such as news websites and Twitter. The printed publication, Dana Choi Ram Page being an example, cannot Editor-in-Chief deliver information quite as promptly, although, givConsidering a career in the en our week-tomedia after graduation? Start week schedule, with ASU’s student-run we try to make newspaper. We are looking for Spring 2012 our coverage as students who can meet deadlines timely as posand deliver quality. sible. Applications available at B324 On a related (library, third floor) note, I highly Features Editor FMI: rampage@angelo.edu encourage read942-2323 ers to notify Ram Copy Editor Page (rampage@
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“I’m getting my wisdom teeth taken out.” Nieman McGara, senior
Ram Page Staff
2011-2012 Angelo State University Editor: Dana Choi Managing Editor: Lisa Dees Photo Editor: Pamela Belcher Sports Editor: Stephen Cogan Staff Writer: Dillon Brollier Staff Writer: Adam Washington Staff Writer: Sawyer Ricard Photographer: Mark McDaniel Online Editor: Adam Washington Circulation Manager: Adam Washington Advertising Manager: Sara Beth Terral Adviser: Dr. Cathy Johnson 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
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 contents. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. Ram Page welcomes all letters. Please include your name, classification/position and a phone number and/or e-mail address for verification purposes. Letters must be signed and be no more than 350 words. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and 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 newspaper’s office, Room 324 on the third floor of the Porter Henderson Library. Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should any opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as the opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.
“I’m going to study really hard.”
Andy Taylor, junior
“I plan on going home and sleeping.”
“I’m going to Alabama to celebrate my boyfriend’s 21st birthday.”
“I’m going to Austin, San Antonio and Houston with my Korean friends.”
Kaitlyn Powell, freshman
Cassady Hossenlopp, junior
Donghyun Nam, junior
You’ve come a long way, The past looks a lot like the present, and most likely the future, too. Thirty years ago in 1982, Ram Page wrote about obstacles and opportunities similar to those that the university faces today. It seems safe to say that recessions still rear their ugly head and ASU will never cease to find new construction outlets. Say hello to 1982.
Lisa Dees Managing Editor
Thursday, Sept. 2, 1982 While most of the country is mired in recession and stagnation, ASU seems to be experiencing unprecedented growth and progress. With most colleges seeing a decline in enrollment, this fall’s enrollment at ASU is at a record high. And it has been accomplished without lowering of academic standards. If anything, standards have been tightened. A recent survey showed over 75 percent of all entering freshmen at
ASU
ASU were in the top half of their high school graduating classes. The increased number of better students to ASU is accredited to the university’s outstanding scholarship fund, in particular the Carr scholarship Fund. The average American College Test score for entering freshmen receiving Carr Scholarships is 24.3. This standard is parallel with those at Rice University. But it is not only the student body which is growing. The whole campus is expanding and improving. The new women’s residence hall and the new Business building are only the first in a long list of expansions and renovations planned for the near future. The university is currently awaiting the final go-ahead from the voters in November to start construction on the new Nursing-Physical Science building. The campus is also waiting for legislative approval for funding on many campus-wide improvements,
such as adding a third floor to the library, renovating the Administration building, converting the old Business Administration building into the Journalism department and administrative offices, building a central plant for campus heating and cooling and the list goes on. And anyone who has ever dealt with the current phone system will be glad to know a new telephone system is planned to be installed within the new year or so. The students at ASU have every reason to be proud of their university and the growth it is experiencing. And every member of the administration, faculty and staff deserves a pat on the back and a word of thanks for their part in making this campus a dynamic and attractive atmosphere for beginning our journey through life. In other words: you’ve come a long way, ASU, and the best is yet to come.
SPORTS
Page 6
Friday, March 9, 2012
Getting to know Austin Slone, the jumper Track: Student athlete
talks about why he loves the sport Stephen Cogan Sports Editor Junior Austin Slone is a member of ASU’s track team that’s season started Feb. 24. Even though Austin spends several hours training and studying for his classes, he was kind enough to meet with me and answer my questions, starting with a very simple one. SC: How many hours are you taking? AS: 12. SC: How do you balance track with school? AS: Time management. That’s what it all boils down to, time management and discipline. SC: What events do you participate in? AS: I’m a jumper. Long and triple mainly, but when conference rolls around, I’m probably going to add high jump to that as well. SC: What was it about track that made you want to get into it? AS: The thing with track is it’s pretty much based on your own talent. In the triple jump, I don’t have to
rely on anyone. If I’m a quarterback, I have to rely on my [offensive] line, my receivers and running backs. In basketball, you have all four of your teammates plus you, and you can’t play one-onfive. In track, at the end of the day, the points are added up as a team, but in your personal event, it’s just you. SC: If you had to pick one moment in your track life that you felt was your greatest moment, what would it be? AS: I have two of them actually. SC: Well, let’s hear them. AS: The first one was back in high school. I made it to regionals for long jump and triple jump, and I had never done that before. The icing on the cake was taking home first place in long and triple jump and got to state. SC: So, you had never been to regionals, and when you finally got there, you won both events? Wow. So, what is your second memory? AS: My second memory is last year as a sophomore among upperclassmen. I took away fifth [place] at nationals. SC: What’s the team’s attitude coming into this season after falling short of nationals last year? Do you
get any feelings from the players that they might have chips on their shoulders or something? AS: Well, we definitely have chips on our shoulders seeing how ACU (Abilene Christian University) pretty much has a dynasty going on. This is my third year, so losing conference two times in a row already and becoming second only to Abilene…. Oh yeah, it definitely makes you want to go out there and try even more. SC: How far do you think the team will go this year? AS: Well, we always have national qualifiers. There’ll be a handful, but I think the way the team is looking this year, we shall have at least 10 people going to nationals. At nationals, if we perform the way we can, I do believe we can finish in the top five. SC: Any chance you might win the whole thing and put a championship banner in the Junell Center? AS: Of course. If all of us do what we’re supposed to do, we can definitely win it all. ASU will be holding a meet of their own over spring break at the track field March 14 and 15 with times to be announced later.
Photo by Pam Belcher Junior Austin Slone does a broad jump before ASU practices for track.
Softball takes five, gives none at home to extend streak to eight Softball: Women now 19-3
Stephen Cogan Sports Editor It was a week of winning as ASU’s softball women won five straight games against Texas A&M-International and Lone Star Conference rival Cameron University. The women won a doubleheader against Texas A&M-International on Thursday and then snatched three against Cameron over Friday and Saturday to make their record 19-3 overall and 3-0 in the LSC. Highlights were abundant throughout the series from sophomore Morgan Spearman making a sliding catch in left field in Saturday’s doubleheader to the combined 20 runs scored in the
first game against Texas A&MInternational. “We played really well, pitched really well—a great way to start the conference play,” head coach Travis Scott said. The ‘Belles pitching and defense allowed a total of 11 runs and the majority came from the 20-run game where the ‘Belles won 13-7. The reigning LSC Hitter of the Week DeeshanaLynn Tafiti blasted two more home runs in the last game to give her 10 on the year. The senior second baseman leads the entire conference in home runs, RBIs (36), and slugging percentage (.899). The softball season is five weeks old and the `Belles already have three players with LSC Hitter of the Week honors. It started in week three ,when
Spearman blasted back-to-back, game-winning grand slams that earned her Hitter of the Week in week three of the season. Then, Tafiti hit four home runs and 14 RBIs over a five-game stretch to earn her award. Now, for her contributions, junior catcher Kacie Easley has been named the Co-Hitter of the Week opposite Tarleton State’s Arianna Rodriguez. “Hitting seems to be contagious for us right now,” Easley said. “It’s fun to be a part of the offensive production, and we’re just trying to ride the wave.” The ‘Belles offense through 22 games has sparked 180 runs and allowed 80. That’s an average of 8.18 runs per game. Sophomore pitcher Mary Kate McKay earned her first of two wins in the series by allowing
one run in a 7-1 victory against Texas A&M-International. McKay scattered seven hits over 6.0 innings of work and struck out seven batters. In her second start, McKay tossed a one-hit 9-0 shutout against Cameron for the team’s second Lone Star Conference win. She struck out seven batters over 5.0 innings to improve her record to 9-1 on the season. McKay’s 1.58 ERA is second in the entire conference and her 65 strikeouts are fifth. Senior pitcher Claire Molina grabbed the other three wins to improve her record to 10-2. The women are undefeated at home with an 8-0 record and coach Scott said that he feels they are well on their way to their goal, which is to win the conference and continue into playoffs.
In the latest release of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Top-25 Poll, the ‘Belles are now ranked third in all Division II schools. “Our pitching’s doing well,” junior first baseman April Breshears said. “Of course we’re hitting the ball, so I think we’ll be good to go.” The ‘Belles lead the Lone Star Conference with their 19-3 record. Scott said he was pleased that so many of the student body came out to watch the `Belles play and he hopes they continue to come out and support the team. ASU’s next opponent will be LSC rival Eastern New Mexico in Portales, N.M., on March 9, for a doubleheader scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
Photo by Pam Belcher Junior Lauren Smith (No.3) jogs home after hitting a home run against Cameron.