Issue #2 Spring 2013

HILLTOP VIEWS

St. Edward’s University • Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • Volume 33 • Issue 2 • hilltopviewsonline.com

Campus dining services add compost facilities Kristina Schenck kschenc@stedwards.edu

Compost bins are now present in dining halls on campus after a year of discussion between the university and Bon Appétit.

Diners can now dispose of food scraps in the bins marked “compost” at the trash stations in the cafeterias in Ragsdale, Hunt Hall and the Huddle. Napkins,

to-go containers and cooked food products can be composted in addition to fruits and vegetables. There are also receptacles in the kitchens for Bon Appétit employees to separate compostables from other kinds of waste.

The compost bins are then emptied into larger barrels located out on the loading docks outside each cafeteria.

The barrels can weigh anywhere from 300–400 pounds

when full. The “It’s not cheap, but waste service I think the benefit company Break it Down empties outweighs the cost, the barrels three personally. We’re doing times a week, according to Bon a good thing.”

Appétit General -Mike Smith, general manager for Manager MiBon Appetit chael Smith.

Composting of food waste genber of reasons. erated on campus does not “[T]he logistics, hazards, occur on campus for a num- regulations, pest control

and permits associated with composting food waste onsite make it impractical and financially prohibitive,” said Brian Burns, assistant director of the Facilities Department.

Bon Appétit is responsible for managing the composting program and paying for a pickup service.

“It’s not cheap, but I think the benefit outweighs the cost, personally. We are doing

a good thing,” Smith said.

In the future, the university may pay for some of the fees required to employ Break it Down.

“If the diversion of food waste reduces the frequency of regular waste collection from the dining facilities, the university will use the savings realized to reduce Bon Appétit’s food COMPOSTING |3

As influenza season peaks, students advised to seek vaccines Shelby Cole scole2@stedwards.edu

Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times/MCT The Health and Counseling Center is providing vaccinations during this severe flu season.

The flu has run rampant this season, and statistics from the Center for Disease Control, CDC, report that 130 million vaccine doses have already been administered.

Flu season is said to peak in January and February.

Currently, Texas is one of 24 states reporting high influenza-like illness activity, according to the CDC. For most healthy young adults, getting the flu means missing classes or work while being confined to your bed; however, for some people —

especially senior citizens and infants — catching the flu can mean hospitalization and can even cause death.

St. Edward’s University junior Margot Salsman and senior Lupita Hinojosa both had the flu this season. Neither received a flu shot prior to their diagnosis.

“My parents never really enforced it,” Hinojosa said.

“My mom ... claimed the shot itself would give us the flu.”

The CDC claims that similar misconceptions about the shot are more common than not and recommends that everyone at least consider getting a flu shot to protect against the virus.

CDC statistics from years past show flu shots to be 60 to 70 percent effective at preventing strain A of the virus, though completely ineffective against a certain strain B. It seems to be a betting game, though the stakes are your health. It is also possible to still get the flu after getting a flu shot, according to the CDC. Both Salsman and Hinojosa reported experiencing similar symptoms. “[I feel] fatigued and achy all the time. It is hard to sleep [because of ] lots of coughing FLU |2

8-9 | LIFE & ARTS

10 | SPORTS

13 | VIEWPOINTS

A guide for students on Homecoming Week details events and traditions.

The softball team kicked off the season with four wins and a loss at tournament.

An Austin church may be the first church in Texas to bless a same-sex couple.

2 NEWS Flu vaccination recommended as virus spreads across nation Continued from page 1

and throat issues,” Salsman said, who has been fighting a cough for six weeks.

“My body aches, my eyes feel heavy and my throat feels like sandpaper,” Hinojosa said. “At night, I lose sleep because I have to blow my nose every 10 minutes or I get cough attacks.”

If you think you have the flu, getting the shot will do nothing to help your symptoms, but the CDC still recommends getting the shot. Getting a flu shot even though you have the flu is important because “[it is] possible that your illness was not caused by an influenza virus … [and] even if you were sick with one influenza virus, the seasonal flu vaccine protects against three types of flu vi-

ruses, [meaning] the vaccine can offer protection against other influenza viruses you have not been exposed to yet,” according to the CDC website.

If you think you have the flu, it is in your best interest — as well as the interest of your fellow students, the faculty and staff — to not go to class so as to avoid further spreading the virus. This might prove difficult if professors take strict attendance.

“I [have] only missed one of my classes, and my professor was very understanding,” Hinojosa said. “All the other classes I went to ... I would have to step out when I would get cough attacks or when I had to blow my nose ... I even ostracized myself [by] sitting away from everyone because I did not want to

get anyone else sick.”

For those on campus who have yet to get the flu and are concerned about avoiding it, the St. Edward’s Health and Counseling Center provides flu shots.

“If the student has the student health insurance, [the flu shot] is free because we can bill the insurance company … Otherwise, the charge is $20,” Kim Yeager, a nurse at the Health and Counseling Center, said.

Both the Health and Counseling Center’s doctors and the CDC have recommendations for flu-stricken students.

“Students with the flu should not go to class or public events until they are feverfree for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medications,” Yeager said.

Melina Yingling/MCT Influenza activity has increased this year, with forty states reporting moderate-to-high levels.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS

University Programs deans to promote Holy Cross mission Candy Greer cgreer@stedwards.edu

Marianne Hopper stepped down from her position as dean of University Programs following 35 years of working for the university.

Cory Lock is the current interim dean, with Susan Loughran serving as associate dean.

While Lock is taking a break from teaching students, she will still serve Photo by Candy Greer on the School Committee, Lock and Loughran will serve as University Programs deans. whose duties include nominating and evaluating St. courses running efficiently heritage makes us distinct Edward’s University faculty at a consistent, high-quality from other universities and members. level,” Lock said. it encourages us to develop The website of UniverThe purpose of Capstone further.” sity Programs states that it is sometimes misunderSt. Edward’s mission is dedicated to “developing stood by students. statement results in a cominnovative ways to incorpo“I do not think students mitment and fidelity to an rate moral reasoning, civic are always directly aware of idea of global community engagement, social justice the university’s mission or and humanism. The CULF initiatives and global under- how important it is as a part courses not only fulfill the standing across the curricu- of the liberal arts education,” Holy Cross mission but also lum.”

Lock said. help prepare students for The general education St. Edward’s is dedicated more than just job applicaclasses all students take to making sure all students tions and office etiquette. such as FreshThis is what University Promen Studies, grams works to instill in stu“Our Holy Cross a majority of dents every day. the Cultural “It is easier to have a posiheritage makes us Foundations, tive view on a class that is distinct from other CULF, courspersonally chosen. We feel es, Capstone universities and it strongly that the classes and the Hon[CULF and Capstone reencourages us to ors Program quirements] can be very develop further.” are under the enriching. They might even juri s dic tion be more valuable than the -Cory Lock, interim dean of Uniof Univerclasses your major requires,” versity Programs sity Programs.

Loughran said, who shared Howe ver, that she studied theater in Un iversity college and has now been Programs is, more impor- learn the importance of so- a part of general education tantly, in charge of repre- cial justice and ethical rea- studies for 20 years. senting the St. Edward’s soning.

There are many offices community and the Holy “I want general education and resources working for Cross mission, Loughran classes to foster even more the students and faculty of said. awareness of our university’s St. Edward’s on campus, “As a student you may not mission. These classes em- but University Programs is see it, but there is a huge body that and are construct- specific to emphasizing the layer of management to keep ed to help students achieve,” importance of general eduall of the general education Lock said. “Our Holy Cross cation.

NEWS 3

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Composting efforts focus on education Continued from page 1

composing expense,” Burns said.

Over four tons of food scraps have been collected for composting on campus since Jan. 14, Smith said.

Smith expects the campus will generate a total of six to seven tons of compost by the second week in February.

“If we continue to be successful with [the program] then there will be additional pickups and additional barrels,” Smith said.

Several groups on campus are working to raise awareness about the new program.

Students for Sustainability, SFS, the environmental interest group, worked closely with Smith to organize tabling events and create sig-

nage to instruct diners on what belongs in the bins.

“We have a lot of work to do, but I have seen a change,” Miranda Coutee of SFS said.

Coutee and fellow SFS member Morgan Greeves attended meetings with Smith and the Facilities Department during Fall 2012 to provide student input on initiating a composting program on campus.

Smith said the program has been most successful in the South Congress Market in Ragsdale because the contents of the compost barrels include ‘dirty’ waste compared to the ‘clean’ compost collected from the containers outside Hunt.

Dirty waste means that the compost includes napkins and to-go containers

Photo by Renee Cornue Compost barrels are outside campus dining halls.

in addition to food and is an indication that diners are using the compost bins.

‘Clean’ compost refers to waste that is mostly food scraps and indicates that composting at Hunt is primarily occurring behind the

POLICE BLOTTER Incident

scenes in the kitchen, rather than from diners and Bon Appétit staff.

“We just need more education at Hunt,” Smith said.

Currently, Kelby Moore stands near the waste station at Ragsdale to talk to diners about what they can compost, recycle and what belongs in the regular trash.

Moore participates in the GO Project, a transitional program for college-aged students attending schools in the Austin Independent School District. Participants in the GO Project work in the South Congress Market during the week performing tasks like cleaning tables and raising awareness about how to properly compost.

“I just wanted to … I felt like why not do something just to help out,” Moore said.

Date

Time

Location

Resolution

Jan. 6

2:08 a.m.

DWI

Apartments

Closed

Jan. 12

11:35 p.m.

Criminal Mischief

Apartments

Closed by Arrest

Jan. 17

3:36 p.m.

Theft

Bookstore

Closed

Jan. 18

1:01 p.m.

Lost Wallet

Ragsdale

Closed

Jan. 19

2:56 a.m.

Disturbance Verbal

Hunt Hall

Closed by Arrest

Jan. 19

4:59 a.m.

Suspicious Activity – Person

Hunt Hall

Closed

Jan. 20

3:11 a.m.

Accident – Minor

Dujarie Parking Lot

Closed

Jan. 20

1:49 a.m.

Disturbance Verbal

Apartments

Closed

Jan. 23

4:11 p.m.

Criminal Mischief

Alumni Gym Parking Lot

Closed

Jan. 24

8:45 p.m.

Burglary of Vehicle

Dujarie Parking Lot

Active

Jan. 27

1:41 a.m.

Welfare Check

Apartments

Closed

Jan. 28

1:30 p.m.

Criminal Mischief

Premont Parking Lot

Active

Jan. 29

1:32 a.m.

Found Property

Apartments

Active

Jan. 30

5:06 p.m.

Theft

Apartment Parking Lot

Closed

Jan. 31

2:58 p.m.

Theft

Ragsdale

Active

KNOWINGYOUR SGA SGA plans survey, continues policies Adam Crawley dcrawle@stedwards.edu

As this semester picks up speed, SGA continues to push initiatives from last semester, and moving forward with their objectives to better represent the student body while improving sustainability on campus.

One of the ways they will do this is to implement an online survey through Surveymonkey. com to gather quantitative and qualitative data on what issues matter to students.

“I would say the survey is going to be the major push this semester,” SGA President Brady Faglie said.

Through this survey, the SGA hope to consolidate data on what matters to students to better represent their interests and concerns. “... On the survey [is] ... what issues are important to students. Smoking will

be on the survey,” Faglie said.

“It’s going to be based on issues, but also with what’s the best way we communicate to students. There’s an open [response] part where students can put any thoughts, comments, questions, whatever they would like, on there. You can do it in under a minute.”

The goal for this survey is about 1,500 to 2,000 student responses, Faglie said. “[These numbers] would be pretty unprecedented in terms of anything SGA has done in the past in terms of reaching out to students in the past. It’s a lofty goal, but I think it’s possible,” Faglie said.

The survey is already completed, but the SGA are waiting for the right time to implement it.

“If we get the numbers that we’re shooting for, I have no doubt in my mind that we can see some real change,” Faglie said.

CORRECTIONS In the Dec. 5, 2012 issue of Hilltop Views, the article “Several buildings on campus present accessibility problem” incorrectly reported that Dylan Baggett, president of the Tennis Club, could not access the tennis courts without assistance. This information was not confirmed with Baggett, resulting in the above error. The Hilltop Views regrets this mistake.

In the Jan. 30, 2013 issue, the photo caption for the article “Student partners with Chicago non-profit, starts campus arm” contained a misspelling. Kate Murray’s name was misspelled as Katie Murray.

4 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS

ETHICS & GUIDELINES Hilltop Views serves as the voice of St. Edward’s University’s students and as a forum for discussion for the entire university community. The newspaper holds independence, fairness, accuracy, honesty and transparency as core values. The paper’s first obligation is to report unbiased information on topics of interest to the university community. Its second obligation is to provide a tool for student journalists to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become ethical professionals. Reporters and editors are solely responsible for the news articles, editorial and opinion columns, photos and videos that appear in Hilltop Views. We take this responsibility seriously and pledge to follow the ethics guidelines set forth in this policy.

Independence Certain conflicts of interest may violate the reporter or editor’s ability to be fair. While students should be encouraged to explore a range of interests, it is critical that campus journalists balance their loyalties to outside organizations against their obligation to be fair and impartial.

To that end, reporters and editors for Hilltop Views should not cover any event or issue concerning a student organization to which they belong. Reporters and editors should not cover an event or issue relating to their employment outside of Hilltop Views or relating to an internship. For example, an editor should not assign a story about the library closing for renovations to a student who is employed at the library.

Reporters holding office or serving in offcampus organizations should avoid covering stories relating to their positions.

Members of the Student Government Association should not cover issues relating to SGA, including legislation, policies, members or events.

Reporters and editors should refrain from posting opinions about issues, events organizations and people the newspaper covers on social media sites, including but not

Interested in learning about how Hilltop Views strives to cover the news fairly, accurately? Read our Ethics and Guidelines policy.

limited to personal Facebook and Twitter accounts. Reporters and editors should assume readers will consider their re-tweets endorsements, unless stated otherwise in their Twitter bios. Journalists should assume that everything they post to social media sites can be viewed by the general public even if accounts are set to private.

Reporters should not cover stories in which close friends or family members are directly involved. For example, if a reporter’s best friend wins an award, the reporter should not cover the story. However, the reporter can pitch coverage of the event to the appropriate editor.

Reporters should inform editors of any conflicts of interest before accepting assignments. Editors should inform the editors-in-chief and, when necessary, the faculty adviser before assigning stories that may pose conflict-of-interest questions.

Hilltop Views does not grant sources prior review. Reporters and editors may read direct quotes, in context, back to sources.

They may also read back particularly technical or complicated portions of their articles.

In both cases, the goal is solely to check for accuracy.

Reporters and editors may not accept gifts from the people they interview or cover.

Reporters should pay for tickets to entertainment events, such as a films or sports games. Reporters reviewing movies or concerts should apply for press credentials, but they may not accept free passes. Hilltop Views critics are reimbursed for meals, tickets and entry fees at the restaurants and events they cover.

Fairness and Accuracy Hilltop Views reporters and editors endeavor, above all, to be fair and accurate.

When we stumble, we correct our mistakes clearly and as soon as possible after an error has appeared in print or online. Reporters are responsible for notifying editors when corrections need to be made. Editors are responsible for working with reporters

to write and publish corrections. Readers may report the need for a correction to the editor-in-chief. Contact information is published in each weekly print edition and on hilltopviewsonline.com.

Journalists plagiarize when they use verbatim material without crediting sources.

Cutting and pasting material found in print or online without attributing the source is plagiarism. Any verbatim statement made by a source must appear in quotation marks with proper attribution. Publishing false information, i.e., making up quotations or other facts, is fabrication. Hilltop Views has a zero tolerance policy for plagiarism and fabrication. Both are firing offenses and the newspaper will publish a front/homepage editor’s note explaining any such incidence.

Honesty and Transparency Hilltop Views reporters writing articles for publication in the print or online editions must identify themselves as such when covering a story. Reporters and editors tape record interviews only with the consent of the person being interviewed. All interviews are on the record unless the reporter and source expressly agree, before the interview begins, that some material may not be used at all or may be used without naming the source. Reporters cannot grant sources anonymity or use material without attribution unless they have received permission from an editor. In the rare instances such anonymity may be granted, all information provided by that source must be independently verified. Reporters are obligated to make these standard rules of journalistic engagement clear to the people they interview.

The Hilltop Views staff regularly reviews and revises these guidelines and the technology and practice of journalism evolves.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS

games

GAMES 5

look for the answers to both games in next week’s issue!

6

LIFE & ARTS Student plays music aloud throughout campus WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Kelsey Caine kcaine@stedwards.edu

Around campus he is known as “The Music Guy,” but his real name is Austin Chandler. Chandler, currently in the freshmen class of St. Edward's University, chooses to spend his time between classes being a traveling oneman band.

Chandler said that to him, music is more calming than silence.

The origin of his tale began on the second day of last semester. After his first class, he began to play music on his phone.

Quickly realizing that he did not have headphones, he decided to play his music anyway. Spending the rest of the day playing classic rock aloud on his phone made him wish he had his speakers with

Courtesy of Austin Chandler Chandler welcomes song requests on Facebook or in person.

him.

The next day, Chandler brought three battery-

powered computer speakers, hooked them up to his phone, carried them around

in his hands and played music aloud.

He received immediate positive attention from other students by playing classic rock from Led Zeppelin to Freddie King. Chandler’s moving concerts are always accompanied with a big smile and positive attitude.

While the blues is his favorite type of music, he keeps an open mind.

As he has become wellknown across campus, Chandler has used social media to engage those around him.

His Facebook page, “Austin - The Music Guy,” is an open forum to announce the songs he will be playing.

“If I’m going to be playing country, I will warn people,” said Chandler.

He also uses the site to take music requests. Of course these requests must pass his

own standard of quality music, as he is the one promoting it.

Chandler is also known to take requests. This is done most commonly while he is eating lunch and dinner.

Originally, he played music aloud to make himself happy, but it turned out that it makes others happy as well.

Once, while playing Bob Seger’s “Against the Wind“ in a school elevator, a professor asked Chandler to take his class next semester.

This, as well as other encounters, has reinforced a positive opinion of “The Music Guy.” His reputation has encouraged Chandler to continue to openly share his music with others and expose people to new and different styles.

Since his humble beginnings, “The Music Guy”

has upgraded speakers to an MTX Audio iThunder, which is perfect for carrying around campus.

His popularity has surpassed even his own ability to keep track. During our interview on campus he was called out for being, “The Music Guy” in passing.

He then turned to me and whispered, “I don’t even know who that is,” in a genuinely innocent way.

Although he always politely accepts the request to turn his music down, he never indulges those who rudely ask him to turn off the music.

Throughout campus, Chandler has made an impact on the St. Edward’s community.

Self-admittedly, not all of his publicity has been positive.

“I’m just a guy that likes music … and women,” Chandler said.

WEEKLY ‘FLIX FIX | The Giant Mechanical Man “Mechanical Man” expresses import of finding passion in life Brooke Blanton bblanto@stedwards.edu

“The Giant Mechanical Man” was the most refreshingly simple movie I have seen in a while. Starring Jenna Fischer and Chris Messina, “Mechanical Man” is a more realistic take on the modern love story.

Janice, played by Fischer, is just going through the motions of life and finds a kindred spirit in a street performer, Tim, who hopes to appeal to the lost and confused. When Janice and Tim both get a job at the zoo, a romance ensues that teaches

both of them the power that once person can have to improve another’s life.

Fischer is best known for her role as Pam in “The Office” and does a surprisingly good job in “Mechanical Man” at making the viewer forget that fact. A few minutes into the movie, she was frustratingly depressed and passive and not at all like the humorous and sarcastic secretary we all know and love.

Topher Grace plays the absolutely insufferable author in romantic pursuit of Janice. While somewhat exaggerated, Grace depicted that oh-so-obnoxious person who

will not stop talking about themselves that everyone tries to avoid.

Messina beautifully portrayed the nearly transcendent character of Tim, who is mentally adrift, but at the same time understands the world in all its complexities.

His mesmerizing robotic movements as the Mechanical Man are enough to get anyone to stop on the street and stare.

As for their romance, there was none of the usual fanfare that typically accompanies romantic comedies.

There were no fireworks or hot air balloons or passion-

ate walk-through-the-door love scenes. Janice and Tim in “The Giant Mechanical Man” were just two highly compatible real people who needed a little push in the right direction. The acting and dialogue was so genuine that I found myself almost responding to their conversations, thinking I was a part of them.

The chance of this film changing your life is slim to none; the lack of excessive conflict is pleasant but unmemorable. However, it guarantees about 90 minutes of light-hearted and unpretentious romance that everyone could use once in a while.

Donna Ward/Abaca Press/MCT Fischer stars in the indie film about a lonely street performer.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS

7 Religion professor finds calling in recent Protestant ordination LIFE & ARTS

Brooke Blanton bblanto@stedwards.edu

The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Veninga did not always know that she wanted to pursue religion as a career, but now has a Ph.D. in theology and was ordained in the United Church of Christ denomination in 2012.

“Originally I intended to major in international relations and/or music,” Veninga said. “But I took one course in Religious Studies at SMU during my first semester at college and absolutely fell in love with it.”

Courtesy of Jennifer Veninga After growing up in Smith- Veninga planned to pursue music before deciding on religion. ville, Texas, a town with a population of less than and religious resource for of the World and Abrahamic 4,000 people, Veninga at- those on campus,” Veninga Traditions. She has previously taught courses on Feminist tended Southern Method- said.

In her opinion, her gender Theology, Religious Imaginaist University and earned a has not been an issue durtion and Islam. This semester, Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with a minor in his- ing her role as a leader in the Veninga is teaching a seminar tory. She then attended the church. The United Church on Christian Existentialism.

“I love ideas and I love peoHarvard Divinity School to of Christ has ordained women since 1853 and, even ple, and teaching is a wonderearn a Master of Theological Studies and eventually though the Roman Catho- ful way to combine the two,” earned a Ph.D. in Systematic lic Church does not ordain Veninga said. women, Veninga has been Not only is she a professor, and Philosophibut Veninga has a prominent cal Theology role in Campus Ministry, from the Gradu“I love ideas and I love serving as the university’s ate Theological Ecumenical Minister. people, and teaching Union in Berke“I work with programs ley, Calif. is a wonderful way to that support collaboration “I have literally combine the two.” between Christian denomibeen studying nations and offer resources religion and theto Christians of all back-Jennifer Veninga, religious ology since that grounds,” Veninga said. studies professor first semester,” An example of these proVeninga said. grams is the Taizé prayer “I just can’t get services that are offered twice enough.”

Veninga first realized she supported fully as a part of a month. These services origwanted to pursue ordination the St. Edward’s University inate from a community in community.

France with both Protestant while studying in Berkeley.

“I feel truly grateful to be and Catholic Christians.

“I felt a sense of calling to “It is incredibly rewarding this particular form of leader- able to fulfill my dual callings ship and I couldn’t turn away of teaching and scholarship to introduce my students to from it,” Veninga said. “I feel on the one hand and pastoral new ideas and concepts in the that my particular ministry is ministry on the other,” Ven- fields of religion and theology and to learn with them as we to serve academic communi- inga said.

Veninga consistently teach- explore these areas,” Veninga ties, where I can be a spiritual es Introduction to Religions said.

8 LIFE & ARTS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Homecoming festivities HOMECOMING 2013 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS to begin this weekend 9 12 feb 9-17

SAT

Battleship Boat Design

Mitch Harris

rharris7@stedwards.edu

The banner across South Congress now hangs, greeting all who pass it with a warm “Welcome Home!”

From Feb. 9 through Feb. 17, hundreds of students will participate in competitions, hundreds of alumni will return to their alma mater and hundreds of family members of both past and present students will grace the Hilltop for the first time for St. Edward’s University Homecoming and Family Weekend.

It is the melding of these three distinct groups that makes Homecoming so unique.

“That energy and spirit of coming together is very special to St. Edward’s,” Katrina Woolery, associate director of Student Life, said.

The Dean of Students office, Alumni office and Student Life all plan for months to make sure the weekend provides a sense of celebration and pride for St. Edward’s.

Consequently, the theme of this year’s Homecoming is “Embrace Your Hilltop Pride.”

“We want to encourage every member of the St. Edward’s community to come together and celebrate what we love about St. Edward’s,” Woolery said. “And that can be something different for every person.”

For alumni and families, that often means coming back to campus for the first time in a long time. Alumni and family events include campus tours to show off the new buildings on the rapidly

Cardboard boats created to be attractive and unique as well as “seaworthy.” No matter if you’re an expert engineer or a novice, you’ll enjoy participating in this event. Constuction begins today! Judging is Sunday at 1 p.m.

T-Shirt Design Photo by Veronica Adams The 2013 winning team’s name will be engraved on the Cup.

developing campus, alumni award receptions and, of course, class reunions.

For current students, however, Homecoming is primarily about the week of events and competitions surrounding it, known as the Topper Cup. The Topper Cup is a series of competitive games lasting from Feb. 9 until Feb. 17 in which student-created teams compete in activities ranging from ice cream eating to Connect Four to dodgeball.

After all the activities, the winning team is crowned as champions and has their team name engraved on the large silver bowl-like trophy.

Students interested in competing can still register as a part of a team or as a free agent via collegiate link, according to Woolery.

The winners of the Topper Cup are announced at one of the most anticipated Homecoming events — the Homecoming Pep Rally.

On Feb. 15, the Recreation and Convocation Center, RCC, is overcome with games, prizes, cheers and

spirit for the Homecoming Pep Rally. Students, families and alumni are all invited to this event.

The Homecoming Pep Rally is also where the Homecoming Court is announced.

12 students are nominated and subsequently chosen by their peers for their embodiment of what it means to be a St. Edward’s student.

From there, two seniors, one male and one female, are crowned as Mr. and Ms. SEU at halftime of the men’s basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 16 in the RCC. Most other schools associate Homecoming with the return of a football team, but Woolery believes that it is the spirit, rather than the sport, that makes Homecoming so special.

“Homecoming is about bringing our community together,” Woolery said. “It doesn’t take football to do that.”

Woolery reminds students that it is not too late to participate in Homecoming. Visit homecoming.stedwards.edu for more ways to get involved.

Leave your legacy. The winning design becomes next year’s Team Competitions T-Shirt. Earn your right to be seen! Designs due Wednesday Feb. 13.

10 SUN

Battleship

1 p.m. @ RCC Pool SEU’s first cardboard regatta. It’s not just about the boat, but how you design it. Design judging begins at 1 p.m. Race to follow.

11 MON

Mini-Races

11 a.m. @ Ragsdale Lawn Got five minutes? Does your team need more points?

Three more chances to win! Tri-cycle races. 3-legged races. Word scramble. The more you play, the more you win.

Rain location: Alumni Gym

Board Painting 7 p.m. @ Garage, 3rd Floor Stop by, and let’s spice up your Monday with music and materials for the last creative competition. Juding takes place later in the week.

TUE

Ice Cream Eating Contest

7 p.m. @ Mabee Ballrooms Yes, this is a challenge. You will not want to miss the excitement of teams attempting to eat large tubs of ice cream in record-breaking time.

13 WED

Ash Wednesday Mass

Noon, 5:15 p.m. & 9 p.m. @ Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel

Dodgeball Tournament 7 p.m. @ RCC Whether you’re an avid dodgeball player or just a fan of the unforgettable film, this tournament will offer a wealth of energetic fun (costumes optional).

Night at the Theater 7:30 p.m. @ Mary Moody Northen Theatre MMNT celebrates its 40th anniversary season and starts off this semester with William Shakespeare’s last comedy “Measure for Measure.” Space is limited for the special performance. Purchase tickets at 512-448-8484 or or stedwards.edu/theatre

Casino Night 8-11 p.m. @ Alumni Gym Come play casino games and earn the chance to win amazing raffle prizes! Enjoy an evening of refreshments, desserts and dancing. Free for students with an SEU ID. Visit www. stedwards.edu/homecoming for family and alumni registration.

Connect Four Tournament 16 SAT

7 p.m. @ RCC Arms not strong enough?

Maybe it’s time to exercise your brain. 2 plus 2 equals fun 4 you!

14 THU

BLUE & GOLD SPIRIT DAY Wear your wackiest blue & gold outfit!

Connect Four Finals

Halftime of Men’s Basketball game (7:30) @ RCC

15 FRIHILLTOP PRIDE DAY Wear your favorite St. Edward’s gear!

Pep Rally 2:30 p.m. @ RCC (See pg. 12 for sports events)

Homecoming Tailgate/BBQ

3-5 p.m. @ Moody Drive Enjoy food, music and entertainment betweent basketball games. Barbecue plates are $5 for students with an SEU ID. Alumni and families can purchase tickets online or at the event for $15.

17 SUN Homecoming Mass 10:30 a.m. @ Mabee Ballrooms Information compiled from the Student Homecoming Committee Schedule of Events

LIFE & ARTS 9

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Homecoming by the Numbers Kristina Schenck kschenc@stedwards.edu

Brooke Blanton

bblanto@stedwards.edu

2

0

The number of football teams playing in the Homecoming game on the Hilltop.

There can only be one team that takes home the Topper Cup.

Student Life will post two sets of two photos from past Homecomings on Facebook. Students can caption these photos and win a free Homecoming shirt.

The men’s and women’s basketball teams will play twice each during the festivities, for a total of four Homecoming games.

5 9

4

Alumni from five separate graduating classes will celebrate at reunions for the classes of 2003, 1988, 1983, 1973, and 1963.

The number of appearances the Hilltop Views staff hopes unofficial mascot Pax will make during Homecoming Week.

3

7

This year Homecoming week runs Feb. 9-17 for nine days of celebration. Those that participate in the Topper Cup can attend nine competitive events, including an ice cream eating contest and battleship.

6

1

Three alumni will receive awards for their accomplishments following graduation from St. Edward’s University. Robert Edward Wilems and Tim Russ are 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients, and Katharine Baragona will be presented with the Alumni Achievement Award.

It only takes six people to complete a team for the Topper Cup games. If you don’t have a team, just sign up as a free agent and the Homecoming committee will set you up with a team.

The number of people each faculty, staff and student can vote for Homecoming Court — three females and three male underclassmen and one male and female senior. Voting on Collegiate link between Feb. 9-15 ends at 2 p.m.

Those that pre-ordered Homecoming t-shirts paid $10 each, though the price has since gone up to $15. Last year, people who participated in the Topper Cup received shirts for free.

8

10

Infographic by Hannah Smith, compiled from homecoming.stedwards.edu

[slapdash] The Great Outdoors

“Isn’t it nice to just get away from it all sometimes?”

10

SPORTS Hilltopper softball win four in first tournament WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Shelby Cole scole2@stedwards.edu

The Hilltopper softball team had a winning weekend at the St. Mary’s University Division II College Classic as they faced off against Eastern New Mexico, Angelo State, Abilene Christian, Tarleton State and Incarnate Word.

All are highly-ranked programs. The team endured a tough loss to Angelo State, but the rest of the Toppers’ games resulted in W’s.

This was a great opener for the team, as the Toppers got to face off against some stiff competition, shake some preseason nerves out of their system and try their hand against Angelo State, which notoriously knocked the Hilltoppers out of the Regional Tournament last year.

Despite their loss, they showed their true colors

with wins across the board against the other Division II schools with strong softball programs.

“The St. Mary’s Tournament is known for having the best Division II regional teams play. The first weekend lets us get our jitters out,” senior outfielder Marissa Thome said. “If we beat [these teams], they are already ranked, so that helps us out a lot. This weekend was kind of important.”

In the recent pre-season Heartland Conference Poll, St. Edward’s University was picked as runner-up to conference rival St. Mary’s. Last season, St. Edward’s ranked second in the Heartland Conference, but won the Heartland Conference Tournament. After the tournament, they advanced to the NCAA South Central Regional, where they finished

Sports Information Softball beat regional rivals in a tournament at St. Mary’s.

in second place after losing to Angelo State 5–3. “[The 2013 St. Mary’s Tournament] was the best we have started off in the four years I have been here,” Thome said. “We usually go even, with the same number of losses and wins. It was a re-

ally, really good weekend.”

But what makes Angelo State such stiff competition?

“Maybe it is in our minds.

Defensively, they did not make any stellar plays. They literally had two big hits. Other than that, it would have been a 1–0 game,” Thome

said. “It was frustrating, but it was good to bounce back and beat the other regionallyranked teams the next day.”

The Hilltoppers were forced to play a pitcher short after a line drive hit freshman pitcher Katelyn Klug in the face and broke her nose in five places.

Sophomore pitchers Emily Mayfield and Sarah Debrow had to bring their respective A-games to recoup the loss of Klug, who is out of play indefinitely while she recovers from her injury.

“I was in the circle minutes after she got hit. That is actually not the first time I have had to pitch in a pool of blood,” Mayfield said. “[Debrow and I] know the task at hand, but we are versatile. I rely on her, she relies on me, we get our job done.”

Mayfield was one of two Hilltoppers named to the

All-Tournament Team this weekend and was selected as the Heartland Conference Pitcher of the Week.

“It feels amazing. It is awesome. I could not be there without my team, though,” Mayfield said.

The Hilltoppers will move into the season ranked higher than St. Mary’s because of their success in this tournament and their three-win streak.

Additionally, the St. Mary’s College Classic was a learning experience for the young team, which includes eight freshmen on its 19-woman roster.

“We finally learned that we can come together. In the past, it has been very obvious who our clear hitters are, but this weekend, every single person in the lineup had a hit at the right time,” Thome said.

Baltimore Ravens secure Super Bowl XVLII by narrow margin Jake Robinson jrobinse@stedwards.edu

Sibling rivalries are always hard fought, but magnify a brother verses brother bout on the biggest stage in professional football and you get a dog fight. Despite being the underdog, the San Francisco 49ers were able to give the Baltimore Ravens more than a run for their money.

The first quarter began with the Ravens scoring on the opening drive after quarterback Joe Flacco connected with wide receiver Anquan Boldin on a 13-yard touchdown pass. The 49ers would eventually muster up a drive that ended with a 36-yard make for kicker David Akers, yet the triumph was short-

lived.

The 49ers defense had no answer for the powerful Ravens offense, as Flacco would connect on two more touchdown passes before the first half ended. The first being a one-yard completion to tight end Dennis Pitta and the second a 56-yard bomb to receiver Jacoby Jones.

Under the emotional leadership of veteran linebacker Ray Lewis, the Ravens did not allow any player in red and gold to cross the goal line in the first half. However, the 49ers’ David Akers was able to connect on a 27-yard kick before the end of the second quarter, leaving the score at halftime 21–6 in favor of the Ravens.

Now is the part where the

49ers regroup, get fired up and start the second half off with a bang, right?

Wrong.

Ravens’ receiver Jones opened up the second half with a 108-yard kickoff return, tying the longest kickoff return in NFL Super Bowl history.

However, the stars suddenly aligned for the 49ers. A power outage occurred at the Superdome in New Orleans during Super Bowl XVLII, causing a significant 35-minute delay.

Despite failing to convert the first down after the delay on a third and 13th, 49ers quarterback sensation Colin Kaepernick led his team on an offensive explosion, throwing a 31-yard comple-

tion to wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Crabtree shed tacklers as he found the end zone, as did 49ers running back Frank Gore, whose six-yard run capped a two-play, 20yard drive.

The 49ers were not done yet as Akers connected on yet another field goal, bringing the third quarter to a close with 17 unanswered 49ers points and a score of 28–23 still in favor of the Ravens.

The fourth quarter began at a stalemate until Ravens kicker Justin Tucker booted in a 19-yard kick to make the score 31–23, with the Ravens ahead. Then Kaepernick, just as he has done throughout the playoffs, showed his impressive speed on a 15-yard run for a touchdown, bring-

ing the game to its closest deficit of 31–29.

After a failed two-point conversion, the 49ers trailed by only two until Tucker struck again, this time with a 38-yard field goal and that gave the Ravens a five-point lead. Despite a controversial “no-call” on Crabtree, the 49ers were denied a touchdown.

After an intentional safety in an effort to run out the clock, the Ravens punted to wide receiver Ted Ginn, who was tackled short of the end zone. Ray Lewis — who had announced this would be his last game in the NFL — and the Baltimore Ravens emerged victorious with a 34–31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

Mark Cornelison/MCT Ray Lewis hoisting the Vince Lombardy Trophy.

SPORTS11

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Women’s lacrosse team plays down, still puts up strong fight Shelby Cole scole2@stedwards.edu

The St. Edward’s women’s club lacrosse team played two games on the weekend of Feb. 2 and 3 against Southwestern University and Trinity. While the team lost both games 18-10, the games were highscoring and close overall.

President Claire Hemingway encourages her teammates to fight through the hard times. During the team’s games against Trinity and Southwestern, the Hilltoppers played short.

“I think without having a and I don’t feel like I’m being full team, not having any subs completely fair,” Hemingway and — more importantly — said. “I’m a super competitive not having a coach, we held person, so while I’m playing our own and put up a pretty good “We held our own and fight,” Hemingway said. “We put up a pretty good did a good job fight...” for being on our own.”

-Claire Hemingway Women’s lacrosse has had coaches on and off over the the sport I don’t feel like I’m years. This year, Hemingway able to communicate as clearserves as both a player and a ly as a coach might be able to.” coach.

Captain and Vice President “It’s frustrating at times Allison Bahneman scored

three goals in both games, and has a positive takeaway on the weekend.

“Considering that it was our first couple of games for the season and that there are a lot of players who, for them, those were their first legitimate games, I think we did pretty well,” Bahneman said.

The team has high expectations for their upcoming game against Rice University.

Last year, the lady Hilltoppers and Rice’s team both were short players in a tournament. In a show of true sportsmanship, the teams

decided to join forces to play against Texas State, a betterestablished team.

The Hilltoppers feel like they are evenly matched with the Rice Owls. “[Rice is] going to be a lot more on our level,” Bahneman said.

The women’s lacrosse team seeks to provide a fun, competitive outlet for athletes, regardless of past experience.

“We have players who come to St. Edward’s and we teach them how to play. They have a lot of fun with it,” Bahneman said. “But getting people

to come and do something they’ve never done before is hard.”

Despite the team’s hardships over the years, it is still a fun outlet for a core group of committed players.

“I do whatever I can for the team,” Bahneman said.

The St. Edward’s club lacrosse teams will play a double-header on Feb. 16.

The women’s team will play against Rice at 12 p.m. while the men’s team is set to play against the University of Houston at 1 p.m.

ATHLETE PROFILE

Senior outfielder dishes on past injuries, secret nap spots Shelby Cole scole2@stedwards.edu

Senior Marissa Thome from Sugar Land has been playing softball since she was five. Last season, she led her team with a .406 batting average.

Shelby Cole: What is your post-grad goal?

Marissa Thome: I ultimately want to make a difference in peoples’ lives.

Softball helped me grow as an athlete and a person, so I want to be that positive influence to my players and students. It coincides with my faith. I feel like I’m called to teach and coach.

SC: How does it feel to have your crazy batting average?

MT: It can be a little pressure, but I try not to think about it.

SC: Have you ever been hit by the ball before?

MT: All the time. The worst thing is you can see it coming. You just have to turn into it, don’t tense up and don’t rub it, whatever you

do. I have a scar on my hand from the stitches of the ball hitting me in high school.

SC: Any breaks or tears?

MT: Once I was playing for a select team before I came to St. Edward’s. I went to dive for a ball, and first base started running to get it, too. I couldn’t change my direction in the air, and she tried to avoid hitting me.

She ran into my arm, tearing my labrum except for a strand. I couldn’t even lift my arm. For the rest of the game, I threw underhand.

We didn’t have anybody else to play and my teammates needed me. I had to get surgery, and I was out for months.

SC: Do you see your teammates as family?

MT: You end up growing on each other. We spend every waking moment together in season, when we’re stuck on a bus, or when we travel for, like, 12 hours to Kansas or something. Sometimes we’re like ‘I love you, but I can’t

wait to get back to campus so I don’t have to see your face for a day.’ You need the next day off and you don’t miss anybody, but then you realized you missed them for those 24 hours. It’s a really great bond.

SC: What’s it like working with Cat Osterman, pitcher for the U.S. National Team?

MT: It was weird at first. I watched her [when I was] growing up and now she’s here in person. Now, it doesn’t even phase me. I sometimes forget she was in the Olympics. She knows her stuff, but she’s down to earth.

SC: What do you do in your free time?

MT: I study a lot. I also love hanging out with friends.

I’m Co-President of FCA here, and that’s a huge part of my life. We do Bible studies and huddles, which is like game night. I’ve been involved with FCA since my freshman year. They’re my second family.

SC: What gets you pumped

for a game?

MT: I listen to my Christian rap mix. My favorite Christian rapper is Lacrae.

It is upbeat, but the message is still good and helps keep me calm.

SC: Do you have any weird hobbies or habits?

MT: I deal with numbers daily, but I hate odd numbers. When my best friend turns up the TV, she’ll make it stop on a weird number and it freaks me out. I am also partially narcoleptic, apparently … I have so much softball and studying, if I get five minutes I’m going to nap. People make fun of me if I fall asleep in conversation.

SC: What’s your secret oncampus nap spot?

MT: Our dugout. I’ll sleep on those wooden benches any day. Or the women’s locker room. It is mainly for soccer, volleyball and basketball, but they have good nap couches.

Sports Information Marissa Thome has the team’s highest batting average.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS 12 SPORTS SPORTS CALENDAR Heisman candidate Te’o aware of online scandal Sam Jackson sjackso8@stedwards.edu

It has been a long several weeks filled with nothing except ridicule for college football player Manti Te’o, and it is actually not because he plays for Notre Dame.

Te’o, a linebacker for the Fighting Irish, was the hero of the team because he had not only made runner-up for the Heisman trophy, but he had helped them clinch the Bowl Championship Series in December.

Unlike most football players though, he had to do it while choking through two throat punches from life. In September, Te’o had gotten the news that his grandmother had passed away from leukemia. About six hours later, he found out that his long-distance Internet girlfriend Lennay Kekua had also died of the same thing.

Most men would have been

Robert Duyos/Sun Sentinel/MCT Te’o, in a recent interview with ABC’s Katie Couric, admitted he knew of the hoax in Dec.

grounded under the twin tragedies like a roach under a boot heel, but Te’o used them as emotional fuel to better himself and his team.

It is a story so heartwarmingly inspirational that it could be a Sandra Bullock movie. And it might as well have been, because after the sports blog Deadspin put out a story saying they could

not find any record of Kekua even existing, it came out that Te’o had been tricked and that his “girlfriend” had been completely faked. A media firestorm ensued, bringing with it an inevitable hurricane of memes, puns and jokes.

Investigation has implicated California resident, and Jon Stewart punchline,

Roniah Tuiasosopo as the perpetrator of the hoax. Apparently, the Te’o and Tuiasosopo knew each other the same way Te’o “knew” his girlfriend, through the Internet. Recently, Tuiasosopo has said in a Dr. Phil interview that his motivation was based out of love for Te’o.

You may be feeling sorry for Te’o since it appears that

he did not start this himself and was completely fooled.

But do not get too caught up in your pity. According to ABC News, Te’o knew the relationship was fake as far back as Dec. 8th and, yet, continued the lie until the story broke. If he had just come clean publicly and admitted he had been foxed, he might have gotten sympathy instead of jokes about “Te’oing.” After all, it is not that hard to admit you do not really have a girlfriend you were talking up.

It is baffling to believe that people are still being fooled by fake information on the Internet in 2013, when it is a common joke and vital information in teaching about the Internet. But unfortunately, it is true. So will this be a large enough wake-up call for people to stop blindly trusting what they find on the Internet, or do we continue to spur ourselves on in the race to the bottom?

No new inductees into 2013 baseball Hall of Fame Lyanne Guarecuco lgaurec@stedwards.edu

Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Roger Clemens and Mike Piazza. Baseball fan or not, these are household names.

Barry Bonds holds the record for most MVP awards with seven to his name. Sammy Sosa played in the MLB for 18 years, racking up 609 home runs out of his total 2,408 hits. World Series champion Roger Clemens has a total of 4,672 strikeouts thus making him one of the most renowned pitchers of all time. Catcher Mike Piazza proved his abilities as an all-around player by holding the record of most home

runs by a catcher with a total of 427.

With so many legends to choose from, why was there not a single player elected into the MLB Hall of Fame, HOF, in 2013? The answer is not because there were simply too many talents to choose from, nor that these players do not measure up to the players previously inducted into the HOF. They did not receive the 75 percent vote required to be inducted into the MLB HOF because they have all been associated with steroid use.

So what happens now? Is no 2013 Hall-of-Famer better than a doped up one?

Without a doubt, Sosa,

Bonds, Clemens and Piazza deserve the award based on their records. However, the MLB must consider the message it would be sending if they were to allow players who have tested positive for steroid use to be inducted into a category filled with the most talented baseball players of all time.

The sad thing is that all the players associated with steroid use would have played tremendously regardless.

Perhaps it was their actual talent that got their names on the list of potential candidates, but their steroid use that kept them out.

While many fans of these baseball legends are protest-

ing the lack of a new HOF inductee, the verdict still stands. This is going to be the first year in over 15 in which not a single player is to be inducted. The spot is too valuable to give up to anyone who has made the MLB’s list of players that have tested positive for steroid use. We cannot really blame the MLB for wanting to keep out tainted names from an elite “hall” of the best players of all time.

Hopefully, this scandal will demonstrate to athletes that the secret is not avoiding detection, but to outright refuse steriod use. If one year without a new MLB HOF inductee will prove a point

to aspiring baseball players, then it is well worth it.

Baseball 02.06.13 | 1:30 p.m. vs. Oklahoma Christian 02.08.13|12 p.m. vs. Newman 02.08.13|3 p.m. vs. Newman 02.09.13|1 p.m. vs. Newman

Softball

Texas A&M-Kingsville Tournament Kingsville, Texas 02.09.13|2 p.m. vs. Midwestern State 02.09.13|4:30 p.m. vs. Texas A&M Kingsville 02.10.13|9 a.m. vs. Midwestern State 02.10.13|2 p.m. vs. Texas A&M Kingsville

Men’s Tennis 02.07.12| 2 p.m. vs. Trinity 02.10.13 | TBA @ UT-San Antonio

Women’s Tennis 02.09.13 | 11 a.m. @ UT-San Antonio

Men’s Basketball

02.07.13|7 p.m. @ Dallas Baptist 02.09.13|7:30p.m. @ Oklahoma Christian

Women’s Basketball Chuck Kennedy/MCT Reoger Clemens, 2013 Hall of Fame canidate, testifying.

02.09.13|2 p.m. @ Oklahoma Christian

VIEWPOINTS 13 Women in the armed forces allowed in combat WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS

Throughout our nation’s history, the military has been made up mostly of men. Most people have probably considered the remote possibility of their husbands, fathers, brothers and sons being drafted to serve. But the fact of the matter is that women are also an integral part of the U.S. military, and these women will soon be taking a greater role in combat.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta recently announced that the Obama administration is prepared to give women in the armed forces the right to face direct enemy combat. In doing so, women will be able to occupy thousands of combat roles that

they are currently excluded from. Many contend that this is a proper push for equality and progress within the military. Others view women engaging in direct combat to be a misguided and hazardous experiment.

Advocates for women in combat believe this inclusiveness will allow America’s armed forces to make use of truly talented women who have been in high risk scenarios before. But under the new policy, women could potentially be placed in front line combat positions such as the infantry and Special Forces battalions. The military proclaims these positions are more dangerous and, there-

fore, traditionally for men.

If equality in the military In turn, women are placed in is truly to be achieved, all inother positions. dividuals who are willing to Due to the changing landscape of warfare, “Women in the military the lines between are becoming more the front line and the rear are and more accustomed rapidly blurring. to and equipped for life Modern battle threatening situations.” tactics have made every occupation in the armed forces a more dangerous position. Women serve should have the right to in the military are becom- do so, even if it is in the most ing more accustomed to and dangerous capacity. Moreequipped for life threatening over, with gay and lesbian situations. Essentially, since members of the armed forces many women already experi- finally able to openly serve ence the heat of combat. their country, lifting the ban

on women serving in combat seems like a logical step toward equality.

Furthermore, women, many of whom already serve in dangerous combat situations, will finally be recognized for their achievements. Men in combat have always been rewarded for their service, so it is only fair that women also receive medals for the same work.

That being said, numerous issues remain in the discussion of truly integrating females into combat.

Establishing gender-neutral physical qualifications for the infantry is already proving to be a difficult issue. Infantry forces are the main soldiers

involved in foot operations.

They not only travel long distances on foot, but also are expected to carry heavy loads.

The health effects for infantry soldiers can be exceptionally harsh, resulting in both long and short term damage.

Research on the effects these perils will have on female soldiers is essential before judging the differences between men and women infantry members.

Ultimately, the move to allow women in the front lines of combat is a move toward equality, and equality is usually a good thing, even if the transition presents some challenges.

Austin Episcopal church to offer first same-sex blessing in Texas Kelsey Acosta kacosta@stedwards.edu

St. David’s Episcopal church, located in downtown Austin on East Eighth Street. could make history next month by becoming the first episcopal church in Texas to bless a same-sex couple.

St. David’s is the largest Episcopal church in Austin with roughly 2,500 parishioners, a significant number of whom are lesbian or gay, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

Last July, the Episcopal Church convened for its national convention. It was decided that the church will accept the blessing of samesex couples which is a rite that involves prayer and the exchange of vows and rings.

This decision made The Episcopal Church the largest U.S. denomination to officially sanction same-sex re-

lationships, according to the since it was clear that the Houston Chronicle. legitimacy of same-sex relaThis decision was made tionship was not a win-lose possible in part by three years issue. of work between Bishop Andy “The debate over Doyle of the Dioceses of Texas same-sex relationships and former Sechas been a very divisive retary of State James Baker, issue in the Episcopal who is a practicChurch for over a ing Episcopalian, decade now.” according to My San Antonio.

The debate over same-sex relationships As part of the compromise, has been a very divisive is- called the “Texas Comprosue in the Episcopal Church mise,” St. Stephen’s Episcofor over a decade. The issue pal Church in Houston was has caused debate between also given permission to ofthe sanctity of marriage and fer same-sex blessings if the loving and accepting one’s church wished to. neighbor.

So far neither church has Doyle and Baker saw how blessed any same sex couples, divisive and energy consum- according to The Episcopal ing this one issue had become Diocese of Texas. St. David’s so they decided that there in Austin has yet to select a needed to be a compromise, couple to be blessed or decide

on a date in February.

However, St. Stephen’s in Houston has two blessings scheduled for April.

Members of the Episcopal Church have made it clear that these gay blessings are not the same as a marriage, which many still believe is a sacrament that can only be shared between a man and a woman. Furthermore, church blessings are not legally binding, as a marriage would be.

However, it is refreshing to see a major U.S. Christian denomination recognize that same-sex relationships are valid in many of the same ways that heterosexual relationships are.

It is even more refreshing for the Episcopal Church recognize that the sole purpose of the church is not to police marriage rights.

While allowing samesex blessings in two Texas churches is far from securing

equal marriage rights for the LGBTQ community, it does speak to a change of heart from a traditionally conservative, anti-gay stance, to a more inclusive, progressive state of mind.

This symbolic act is similar to the Austin City Council unanimous decision to en-

dorse same-sex marriage.

Though both are only baby steps forward, symbolic acts matter.

If there was a better way to go then we would find it, but as it stands, it appears that we will have to continue to incrementally progress toward change.

Wikimedia Commons St. David’s Episcopal church is located on East Eighth Street.

14 VIEWPOINTS Homecoming Weekend has many benefits Katie Heim kheim@stedwards.edu

Most people remember it, perhaps too clearly. You know, trying to pick out the perfect outfit for the dance, decorating mums, garters and desperately trying to smile through a three hour football game.

Homecoming is a staple of the stereotypical “high school experience,” but it was ultimately kind of terrible.

To some students’ dismay, and others’ joy, St. Edwards has no football team. Yet, homecoming prevails on the Hilltop.

Homecoming and Family Views Archive Weekend 2013 kicks off on Communications professor Teri Varner takes part in Homecoming andHilltop Family Weekend fesFeb. 15 and runs through tivities last year. Varner was voted by students to rap during the Homecoming Pep Rally. the Feb. 17. There are dozens of events and activities disdain for the hullabaloo tend all events, they will pay But everyone knows sports available for students, alum- surrounding Homecoming $195. A $10 discount is per- teams need more time in the ni and families. Events like and Family Weekend might mitted alumni who gradu- spotlight.

Casino Night, welcome din- consider how the events of ated within the past decade.

Additionally, a special ner and alumni awards, cam- the weekend are funded.

Families, depending on performance of “Measure pus tours, and basketball A modest portion of stu- the size, pay $10 to $15 for to Measure,” specifically games are meant to entice dent tuition is appropriated Saturday breakfast, home- for parents, takes place on the masses. to Homecoming, but more coming barbecue, Casino Feb. 15 at the Mary Moody Although some students significant funding comes Night and Sunday brunch. Northen Theatre. shy away from A t-shirt is not included in It seems these special Homecoming this price. showcases for students are because they Some particularly pes- well worth the money, espe“Ultimately, the remember the simistic students might la- cially considering that most horrors of high great thing about ment that even one tuition of the money is not comschool, that dollar is too much tuition ing from students’ tuition Homecoming and is not to say spent on Homecoming but rather from fees paid by Family Weekend, and Homecomand Family Weekend. It is families and alumni. ing and Family tempting to agree, but the Moreover, Homecoming all the events that it Weekend does overall good of Homecom- and Family Weekend might entails, is optionality.” ing and Family Weekend seem frivolous at first glance, not have its benefits. outweighs the cost. but a little fun should be HomecomSeveral special events take welcome in the midst of the ing Weekend is a good op- through fees charged to at- place during Homecoming tedious academic environportunity for alumni to tendees like alumni and and Family Weekend that ment. reconnect with their alma families, according to Vice allow student athletes and Ultimately, the great thing mater. For students hav- President of Financial of Af- performers to display their about Homecoming and ing difficulties adjusting to fairs Rhonda Cartwright. talents.

Family Weekend, and all the college life, Homecoming Though Cartwright proThe pep rally allows the events that it entails, are the Weekend could provide a fa- vided no specific infor- dance team and cheerlead- options. miliar comfort. In addition, mation about where the ers to exhibit their skills Those who so desire can the weekend helps students’ money comes from, further while enlivening the crowd. proudly wear blue and gold families establish a relation- investigation confirmed The basketball team will be to any and every event. For ship with the university.

Cartwright’s assertions. introduced although most the rest, no eye-rolling is Those students who disFor the uber-nostaligic students are already familiar necessary because they don’t play disinterest and, at times, alumni who want to at- with the players on the team. have to be there.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Scientific studies should be valued I see a scary trend hit- ties are brought to the ting our campus: the White House, and the red “brain-drain” away from carpet is an everlasting scientific studies. This is symbol of success. Gone an especially pertinent are the days of the Cold topic for me, since I have War, when scientists and firsthand experience. their newest discoveries During my freshman were at the heart of sociyear at St. Edward’s Uni- ety. versity, I switched from Part of the problem is a major in Computer today’s youth have fewer Science to Global Stud- and fewer recognizable ies. St. Edward’s is not role models to look up at fault. Because this is a to in the sciences. But in much larger issue. Amer- such a climate, it makes ica has led scientific advance“Part of the problem ment for is today’s youth have decades, but we are fewer and fewer sure to see recognizable role a shift to countries models to look up to in like India, the science field.”

China, and Brazil in the upcoming years simply be- sense to see such a shift in cause more and more sci- the younger generations. entific degrees are bound Regardless, there still for those countries while remains a growing popufewer are put to use here. lation in scientific social Since this is a national communities. They are issue, it seems improbable bound close by their interthat universities alone ests and, in my experience would be able to shift the at least, they are respected ratio back in the next few rather than ridiculed by years. I would contend the populace. that these problems derive Though they may not be from societal opinions on in the scientific workforce, scientific studies. the interest is still there, For example, an Ameri- driving them to stay concan primetime television nected on their own time. show can center around This give me hope for the the lives of geeks, but the future and confidence humor is mainly that of that, no matter where the an outsider. The laughs scientific wonders of the are had at the expense of future are created, Amerthe main cast of “geniuses.” ica will not be far behind.

Meanwhile, the media raves over which celebriPatton Pray

VIEWPOINTS 15

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS

New reality show catches gritty truth of online relationships Brooke Lewis blewis@stedwards.edu

“Catfish,” a new show on MTV that follows both the highs and lows of online dating, has become an instant hit. The show is based on a documentary released in 2010, which followed Nev Schulman on his journey to reunite with his own online girlfriend.

Schulman did not find success in his relationship, but decided to make a show for others who wanted to be reunited with their own online lovers.

The show has an interesting premise. Every episode features Schulman helping someone find their online love.

The range of relationships vary, with some couples only chatting for a few months,

while others have hit the ten- usually find some type of about who they are. Someyear mark, believe it or not. evidence making the person times it is an extraordinary Most of the people featured on the show seem “Most of the people featured on the pretty naïve, not show seem pretty naïve, not finding it finding it suspicious that they suspicious that they have not talked to have not talked to their online lovers on the phone or seen their online lovers on the phone their faces.” or ever seen their faces.

However, it is their innocent hope that look suspicious. lie, like someone being a makes the show. Hopeful Whether the relation- completely different gender viewers tune in believing this ship has lasted for a couple or having a different name. will be the episode where a months or several years, the Other times, the lies are experson has actually fallen in emotions surrounding the re- cusable. love with someone real each veal of the person are always But most of the time, the episode. climactic. The drive to the person leaves disappointed.

Schulman and Max Joseph, person’s house is butterfly- Sometimes it is just an allhis camera man, do some inducing because you never out hot mess, resulting in background research on the know who will be waiting on fights and tears. person through Google and the other side of the door.

“Catfish,” from the outside, as well as their Facebook Most episodes of “Catfish” may just look like another or MySpace profiles. They feature someone who has lied trashy reality show, but it is

HILLTOP VIEWS

3001 S. Congress Ave.#964, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: (512) 448-8426 Fax: (512) 233-1695 hilltopviewsonline@gmail.com www.hilltopviewsonline.com Kristina Schenck Editor-in-Chief

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Hilltop Views is a weekly student newspaper published by the School of Humanities and serving the community of St. Edward’s University. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the university, whose mission is grounded in the teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church.

Letter Policy: Hilltop Views welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters may be edited for space, grammar and clarity. Letters will be published at our discretion. Anonymous letters will not be printed.

timely. The popularity of online relationships only makes sense with overwhelming presence social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.

Whether you have fallen in love online or not, the mystique of an online presence is something that many people can relate to.

It seems that social media profiles have become all about making yourself seem better than you are in real life.

It is like one giant popularity contest and whoever gets the most likes or re-tweets wins.

Maybe the true magic of “Catfish” lies in the fact that everyone participates in the fabrication of the online world. Everyone is striving to make their Internet personas better than who they are in

real life.

The term “catfished,” from which “Catfish” takes its title, has even become relevant in the sports world.

Manti Te’o, a linebacker for the University of Notre Dame’s football team and a candidate for the Heisman trophy, was publically catfished in January, after his recently deceased online girlfriend was exposed as a hoax.

Most people have not fallen into the trap of loving someone they have never met, but they can understand the world of online love we live in and how easy it is to buy into the way someone portrays who they are online.

All of this is probably because we all are not what we appear to be online.

VOICES ABROAD Our writers are blogging from abroad.

Follow their experiences online at:

hilltopviewsonline.com/viewpoints/voices_abroad/ Sophomore Hannah Thornby is blogging from Angers, France

Sophomore Jenna Jaco is blogging from South Korea

Sophomore Willa Goldberg is blogging from South Africa

16 PHOTO ESSAY

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 • HILLTOP VIEWS

SPRING Planting On Feb. 2, the St. Edward’s University Students for Sustainability club held their first garden work day of the semester to help prepare the community garden outside of Teresa Hall for their annual spring planting. The club is making diligent efforts to raise environmental awareness at St. Edward’s through efforts such as the new composting program with Bon Appetit.

Photos by Veronica Adams