Page
Ram Vol. 86 Issue 17
ASURamPage.com
Big bids at annual Valentine’s Day auction ASA and Kappa Sigma play Cupid on Valentine’s Day
Mbulelo Maqungo, staff writer
Photo by Mbulelo Maqungo: African Student Association members celebrate the end of a succesful auction. Ugonna “Chuck” Oparaochaekwe and Destiny Brown of ASA both brought in money as auctioned dates. The African Student Association and Kappa Sigma on Feb. 14 organized a formal date auction for available suitors and suitresses on Valentine’s Day. Students volunteering from multiple organizations walked the aisle and presented themselves to the crowd for the second annual Ultimate Valentine event. The date auction was filled with active audience members eager to participate, something that ASA President Caroline Madake said was the main goal. “More so than the number of people in the audience, I just wanted to make sure whoever was here had a good time,” Madake said. “I foresee this getting bigger and involving more people here on campus.” The audience members received identifying numbers to raise to participate in each individual auction.
Feb. 21, 2020
What’s in store!
Students who had SGA friends taking part in the Pg. 2 date auction cheered and supported all the particiRugby pants. Pg. 2 “This is the farthest I’ve ever come out of my Sports update Pg. 2 comfort zone,” junior Ram Rodriguez said. “It was a little overwhelming but I had a Sidewalk Survey Pg. 3 ton of fun.” Many of the particiGlass half full pants earned high biddings Pg. 3 to make the event profitable, but none as high junior IsaSudoku answers iah Alvarez. Pg. 3 Junior Lexi Iracheta won the bid for Alvarez with Real-talk lecture a final total of $200. Pg. 4 “Isaiah’s one of my closest friends,” Iracheta said after her successful bid. “As far as I'm concerned, you can’t put a price on friendship.” Alvarez said he had no idea Iracheta was going to do that and it took him by surprise. “My friends have already warned me not to get a big head,” he said. Senior Havila Njoku acted as the master of ceremonies for both valentine date auctions. “The idea of a Valentine’s Day date auction was inspired by events other ASA branches at other schools organize,” Njoku said. “These kinds of things are always fun for us, the audience and the participants alike. It’s always exciting to see meaningful relationships come from this as well.” ASA is now preparing for an Afrobeat Dance Workout event on Feb. 28.
Causes, Conduct and Consequences Russian Enrichment Program hosts lecture on Soviet-Polish War Sophia Gravatt, copy editor
ASU’s Russian Enrichment Program on Feb. 10 hosted a lecture about the causes, conduct and consequences of the Soviet-Polish War. Dr. Roger Reese, a history professor at Texas A&M University, discussed the Soviet-Polish War in the context of World War I. Reese said the origins of the war are not obscure but not that well-known, either. “Poland was there, in the hearts and minds of the Polish people, but they were divided between three different empires,” he said. “They had been conquered and divided in 1772, 1793 and 1795 between Prussia, Austria and Russia.” He said the desire to reunite their country had never gone away but the only way to get Poland reconstituted as a nation-state would be if all three empires disintegrated simultaneously. In 1919 and 1920, Poland was at war with the Soviet Union and the Czechs and part
of Lithuania. Romania was at war with Hungary, the Czechs were at war with Hungary and Poland. All of the Baltic States were at war with the Soviet Union. “So, this is really the Polish-German-Czech-Soviet War," he said. Reese said the Soviets did finally get the Civil War under control in 1920. “The Soviets start amassing forces to kick the Poles out and get their territory back or establish that border where they want it,” he said. One of the premises Vladimir Lenin was dealing with was the Russian Revolution leading to the world-wide revolution. “The Red Army, advancing across Europe, would definitely spark that in Europe and then onto the rest of the world,” he said. The Soviets created a cavalry army that was responsible for pushing the Poles back to Warsaw. “The border is very much in favor
of Poland,” he said. “They get a big chunk of Ukraine. It’s a mixed population. Is it really Poland, is it really Ukraine?” One of the reasons the negotiation took as long as it did, until March of 1921, was because the westward Poles kept trying to move the border back, in the Soviet’s favor. “So, Poland saved Europe from the Bolshevik Revolution,” Reese said. Christian Borders, president of the Russian Club, said he thought it was good the Russian Enrichment Program brought Reese to ASU. “It’s important to bring and expand on Russian and Polish culture and history on campus,” he said. Senior Darby Cheek said he wanted to go because he is interested in Russian history. “Dr. Reese was a captivating speaker and he did a good job,” he said. “I look forward to coming to the next one.”
Generous “soles” give back iHeartyosneaks collects shoes for disadvantaged kids Axel Marcenaro, editor-in-chief
Members of the student organization iHeartyosneaks gathered in the Houston Harte University Center on Feb. 11 to host their Black History Month shoe drive. The organization’s members invited students to donate gently used sneakers, which are to be given to less fortunate kids in the community. Raegan Gibbs, sophomore, donated a pair of Vans, Nike and Converse shoes and said it was well worth it. “It makes me feel good knowing that I’m making a huge impact on someone else’s life by doing such a small deed,” Gibbs said. Amber Orne, iHeartyosneaks president, said the organization brings the shoes wherever they are needed. Most recently, their supply of sneakers was brought to the Family Shelter of San Angelo. “I really like our mission,” Orne said. “We’re helping communities one ‘sole’ at a
time.” Orne said that while they have had large turnouts and donations in the past, members of their own organization have been the largest contributors recently. Orne hopes to increase the organization’s visibility while she is president and bring donation numbers back up. “I just really believe in this organization that we have here and I hope that we can continue to make it more known in San Angelo, on campus here at ASU, and we hope to grow to other campuses, too.” During the drive, members also gave those who provided shoes a free iHeartyosneaks T-shirt. The shirts featured the faces of famous Black leaders edited onto a photo of the Power Rangers team line up. Students could also purchase a shirt, with no donation, for $20.
Photo by Mbulelo Maqungo: Shoes of all types, from athletic to dress, fill the iHeartyosneaks collection bin. If students donated a pair of shoes, they were given a free iHeartyosneaks T-shirt. If students are interested in joining or helping in some way other than offering sneakers, Orne said the public is welcome to attend iHeartyosneak’s meetings, which are every other Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Room 210 of the University Center.
2 News
2.21.2020
SGA speaks on social responsibilities Student Government Association discusses social media presence and future goals
Ixchel Sotelo, staff writer
The Student Government Association held their second meeting of the year on Feb. 10 in the C.J. Davidson Conference Center. They began by discussing old business matters including the extension of Senate Bill 91.13 from the Rules of the Senate Committee as it is being restructured. SGA also approved, by unanimous consent, to provide the funding for the use of a Ram Tram to transport ASU students to a movie event hosted by SGA and UCPC at the Icon Cinema on Feb. 11. The next order of business was to discuss the social duties of the SGA. Senators Maddison Kaiser and Brady Floyd both stood in front of all senators to discuss why they should be allowed to aid Senator Terry Burt, public relations chair, and her committee with the SGA social media accounts and any other tasks that need to be completed. “Social media is a big thing nowadays,” Floyd said. “Everyone has it, companies have it and they’re needing someone to take over and know what they’re doing.” Burt’s goals include having programs updated, applications of ASU for the student discount program and being in attendance to every single event that SGA hosts. The senators were confirmed and will go through the required training to follow through with their
Ram Rugby falls to Roadrunners ASU loses to University of Texas at San Antonio 27-48 Ashley Rodriguez, staff writer
responsibilities. Lastly, Senator Kristen Kilpatrick presented the SGA T-shirt design seeking the approval of all senators. After a discussion and being denied by unanimous consent twice, the design was passed. The SGA will have their next meeting on Feb. 24 in the C.J. Davidson Conference Center.
Photo by Cora Bishoppetty: Senator Weslyn Kirkpatrick to the right of Senator Mason Hightower clarifies a mix-up in the conversation in regards to the public relations chair. Both Kirkpatrick and Hightower are in charge of representing the political science department.
The ASU Ram Rugby team on Feb. 15 played against the UTSA Roadrunners for their last home game of the season. The first half started with a scrum and UTSA was the first to score a try, a touchdown in rugby, making it 5-0. The Rams came back shortly after reclaiming possession of the ball and scored, tying the score 5-5. Frequent penalties and defensive poaches caused possession to switch back and forth between the Rams and the Roadrunners. UTSA continued to keep the lead going for the rest of the first half, with ASU a few tries behind. By the start of the
sion of the game, the Rams came up short, falling to the Roadrunners with a score of 27-48. “It was a hard-fought game,” senior Toby Timms said. “It really brought out the best of both teams. Both teams put their lives out there today. We came out with a loss, but I know it was a hard-fought loss.” As this is the last home game of the season, senior Kyle Klausner said he has his eyes set to the future of the club. “I just hope this game is a stepping-stone and that we go deep in the playoffs,” Klausner said. This game is also a closing chapter for graduate student Kevin Reid-Haughton. Reid-Haughton has played with the team for six years. “Ram Rugby, as an organization, has done it different than anyone else” Reid-Haughton said. “When it comes to every single game and every single practice, we play this game with no regrets. You never know when it’s your last, and we love the game, we love each other and we pour it out onto the field.” ASU Ram Rugby’s next game will be Feb. 22 against the Unihalf time break, the score was 15-29. versity of Texas at Dallas in Richardson, Texas. The team will also Moving forward to the second half, the Roadrunners widened compete in the Lone Star Conference Championship tournament on their lead and scored making it 15-36. The Rams gained advantage af- Feb. 29 in Huntsville, Texas. ter misplays by the Roadrunners to put 5 more points on the board. Players on both teams swung the ball laterally to drive up the Photo by Cora Bishoppetty: Trevor Pledger, junior, is launched by field, but incomplete and forward passes caused interruptions that props for the ball in the line-out. The ASU Ram Rugby team played lead to scrums and lineouts. Eventually, both the Rams and Roadrunagainst UTSA for the first home game and last home game this season. ners racked up some points, making the score 27-43. At the conclu-
Away game updates: BE BELLLLEE YYEEA AH H Tennis: Belles tennis on Feb. 16 lost against the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos 4-0. The Belles are 2-1 for the season.
!!! M M E ’ E ’ M M M E ’ A RRA M A
R
Baseball:
Rams baseball on Feb. 14-16 defeated Cameron University in every game of their series. The Rams won the final game with a score of 23-8. The Rams are undefeated in the season at 10-0.
Softball:
Belles softball on Feb. 14-16 swept the George and Ola McCorkle challenge. The Belles defeated both Texas A&M International and Ouachita Baptist twice. They also beat New Mexico Highlands and Tarleton State. They were 6-0 in the challenge and are 13-3 overall in the season.
Basketball: Belles basketball defeated University of Fort Arkansas-Smith in a close game of 73-72. The Belles are 14-8 overall and 11-7 in conference. Rams basketball suffered a close loss against the University of Fort-Arkansas-Smith 83-82. The Rams are 16-6 overall and 12-6 in conference.
3 Opinion
2.21.2020
Sidewalk Survey:
Are you registered to vote in this upcoming election?
“No, I am not registered to vote, and I’m not sure who I will be voting for.” -Danielle Mullen, junior
“I am not registered to vote, nor “I am registered to vote, but I do I plan to vote as it’s a democrat am not 100% sure who I will be primary.” voting for in the primary.” -Kenna Brock, senior -Alex Turner, junior
“I am not actually, but I would not be participating.” -Jeans Timmons, junior
What does your glass look like? Ixchel Sotelo, staff writer
Five weeks into this semester, and it feels like everything is falling apart. For me, it is not a simple explanation as to what’s exactly wrong, but more of just an empty hole where my motivation should be. I started off the new year as many other people do, by making New Year’s resolutions. These included being a better student, making new friends and to overall just enjoy this chapter of my life. I was so excited that I finally felt that determination to truly dedicate myself to my studies and be the best version of me that I could be. After the first week back from break, just as I started settling in, I began to feel this weight that would pull me away from my schoolwork and instead I would just sit around and do noth-
ing. I figured it was just my brain wanting to stay back home and have the break all over again, but days then turned into weeks and here I am, procrastination in full swing and still trying to get out of it. Despite that, I’m not too worried about this feeling controlling me anymore. One thought that always reassures me is that I believe we all have the choice to look at a glass of water and decide if it’s half empty or half full. Many people say this simple observation can define our entire personality as pessimistic or optimistic, but I see it as a daily reference. We don’t all always have good days, nor do we always have bad ones, but every day is new. While things may not seem okay for some time, they will get better. Time will pass, the world will keep spinning and one day you’ll wake up and see that the glass does look half full after all.
How did you do in Sudoku? Ram Page ASU Station #10895 San Angelo, Texas 76909
Crossword Competiton
Last week’s crossword competition is still running. The first person to send in the correctly completed crossword puzzle before Feb. 25 will be crowned Crossword Champion of the Month and have their photo and name published in the Ram Page. Send your work to rampage@angelo.edu or DM us on social media.
Ram Page Member of The Texas Tech University System Texas Intercollegiate Press Association
Copy Editor Sophia Gravatt Staff Writers Ashley Rodriguez Jeremiah Devereaux Ixchel Sotelo Mbulelo Maqungo
Editor: RamPage@angelo.edu Newsroom: (325) 942-2323
Consultant Travis Hunter
Designer Dominic Rodriguez
Editor-in-Chief Axel Marcenaro Photographer Cora Bishoppetty
Photo Editor Ian Saint
Circulation Manager Jeremiah Devereaux
PUBLISHING POLICY
Faculty Adviser Dr. Ellada Gamreklidze
Published every Friday and available on campus and online. The student newspaper of Angelo State University is a public forum, with its student editorial board making all decisions concerning its content. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. Ram Page welcomes opinions from anyone who would like to share. If you would like to contribute, please email us. Do include your name, major (if applicable) and classification/position. The paper reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and clarity, and all submissions are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel and privacy. Deadline is 5 p.m. on a Monday. Submission does not guarantee publication. Opinions 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.
4 News
2.21.2020
A heart-to-heart on healthy relationships
A seminar on maintaining positive romantic connections
Jeremiah Devereaux, staff writer
ASU’s Counseling Services partnered with the Texas Advocacy Project on Feb. 11 to present a seminar in the Houston Harte University Center. “Real Talk in Relationships” informed students on what it looks like to be in a healthy relationship. Faculty and students joined to learn about the telltale signs of potential harmful relationships. Some of the topics covered were communication, resolving conflicts without resorting to violence, identifying controlling behaviors and digital abuse. Attendees also received personal safety plans so they can have a constructive layout in case they’re in an abusive relationship. The plan highlighted a few things such as safety after a breakup and breakups when children are in-
volved. Michelle Boone, director of Title IX Compliance, said she believes students should only involve themselves in healthy relationships. “Today was about identifying healthy relationships,” Boone said. “Students should engage in meaningful relationships where consent and health reside. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to ask. If you are having or have heard anything related to Title IX, you can report through our hotlines, online or even in person.” Title IX will partner with ASU’s Counseling Services and UREC to present the Coaching Healthy Relationships event on Feb. 21 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ben Kelly Center for Human Performance.
10% Off for Teachers, Active Military, and ASU Students Old Town Books provides an oasis in West Texas where individuals can share and celebrate the written word. We look forward to seeing you soon! 506 South Chadbourne San Angelo, TX 76903 325-703-5151 Monday-Friday (10 AM—6 PM) Saturday (10 AM—5 PM) meh@oldtownbookstx.com staff@oldtownbookstx.com
Graphic by Dominic Rodriguez
Events Calendar @asurampage
@ASURamPage
RamPage Angelo state University
Angelo State University Mission Statement
Mission Statement Angelo State University, a member of the Texas Tech University System, delivers undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines. In a learning-centered environment distinguished by its integration of teaching, research, creative endeavor, service, and cocurricular experiences, ASU prepares students to be responsible citizens and to have productive careers.
Vision Statement ASU strives for excellence by fostering an innovative, collaborative, and supportive learning environment that enables a diverse student body to achieve success as citizens and professionals. Values Opportunity - Innovation - Engagement
Friday 2/21
-ASU Track & Field at LSC Indoor Championships All Day *Lubbock, TX -True Blue Friday 9:15am -ASU Women’s Tennis vs Mississippi College 2:00pm-5:00pm *Arkadelphia, AR -ASU Baseball at Lubbock Christian University 4:00pm - 7:00pm *Lubbock, TX, Hays Field -ASU Big Band: Latin Jazz Concert 7:00pm *ASU Auditorium
Sunday
2/23
-Angelo State University Baseball at Lubbock Christian University (Texas) 1:00pm - 4:00pm *Lubbock, TX, Hays Field
Tuesday 2/25
Saturday 2/22
-ASU Track & Field at LSC Indoor Championships All Day *Lubbock,TX -Ram Family Connection Family Breakfast and Financial Aid Answers 9:00am - 10:30am *The CAF -American Chemical Society Magic Show 1:30pm - 2:30pm *Cavness Science Building, Room 100 -ASU Women’s & Men’s Basketball vs Texas A&M International University 2:00pm - 6:00pm *Junell Center
Monday 2/24
-Academic advising begins. All Day -ASU Golf vs St. Edward’s University All Day Austin, TX, *Onion Creek Country Club -Printmaking Exhibition 9:00am M-F (to Mar 19) *Carr EFA Building -SGA Senate Meeting 7:00pm-8:00pm *Houston Harte UC
Wednesday
2/26
-Summer Camp Job Fair -Mathematics Seminar 10:00am-2:00pm *UC 12:00pm *MCS 210 -Healing Through Music 1:00pm -President’s Round Table 2:00pm Weekly (to Apr 14) 12:00pm - 1:00pm *University Clinic *Houston Harte University Center -Etiquette Dinner -Culture Exchange: Orientation 6:00pm - 8:00pm 6:00pm Weekly (to Apr 29) *Houston Harte University Center *Plaza Verde Clubhouse (2nd floor)