HILLTOP VIEWS
St. Edward’s University • Wednesday, September 19, 2012 • Volume 32 • Issue 2 • hilltopviewsonline.com
Students reflect on Bastrop fires one year later Austin Hestdalen ahestda@stedwards.edu
From the ashes of tragedy, Bastrop County rose to celebrate a year of recovery and hope on Labor Day. For most people, Labor Day is a time to kick back and enjoy a relaxing day off. But for current and past residents of Bastrop County, Labor Day holds a different significance. On Sept. 4, 2011, fire sparked in the heart of the Lost Pines Forest in and around Bastrop. Although many rumors began to spread about what parts of Bastrop were most
affected and how much was lost, it took a year to understand how deeply they were impacted. Junior Kelsey Acosta was one of the first to lose her home. “It’s weird to see how many people still don’t really get it,” said Acosta, who was on campus with her little sister, Shelby, at the time of the fires. “It’s not that we just lost our house. It’s that we literally lost an entire chapter of our lives.” That same feeling of loss is still present throughout Bastrop County. “I drove out there the last
week of August and was hit hard thinking about how that used to be my home,” said Ashley Conger, a St. Edward’s student and resident of Bastrop during the fire. “It was just a patch of dirt and rocks and what little trees were left... It’s hard to put words to what was really lost.” On the Anniversary of the Bastrop County Complex Fire, the Bastrop County Long Term Recovery Team, an organization formed by FEMA and the Texas Department of Emergency Management, presented “A BASTROP |3
Courtesy of Staff Sgt. Malcolm McClendon, Texas Military Forces Relief efforts brought citizens together after wildfires swept through Bastrop County last year.
Students for Sustainability adds new leaders, expands garden Natalie Phan nphan4@stedwards.edu
The new leaders of Students for Sustainability have planned a few anticipated new events. Current copresidents sophomore dociology major Andy Hirschfeld and junior environmental science and policy major Janelle Sylvester have passion for sustainable food by working alongside the leadership of former presidents
Portia Odell and Corina So- picking up from where they as the Environmental Club. lis. They hope to continue left off,” Sylvester said. “It was one of those clubs through teamwork to build “[The previous co-presidents] helped make the upon the legacy that Odell and club more focused on sustainability issues... Solis created. We’re picking up from where they left off.” “[The previous co-presidents] -Janelle Sylvester, co-president of Students for Sustainability helped make the club more focused on sustainability issues Hirschfeld discussed the that was gaining momenand they made the club more beginning threads of Stu- tum. . . . there wasn’t nearly official with the administra- dents for Sustainability, as much work being done as tion and the school. We’re which was formerly known there was at my high school.
I wanted to work to change that,” said Hirschfeld. “I felt that this organization had a lot of like-minded people who were working really hard to get that done.” Last year, the club managed to resurrect their garden of sustainable foods even during the drought. The garden, located behind Teresa Hall and in front of the Satellie Chiller Plant, was expanded this year after the university granted the club more land.
The co-presidents work closely to expand the garden with senior environmental science and policy major Ashley Shaw, the garden coordinator. “I’m hoping to plant some native flowers around the perimeter to attract beneficial insects and make the garden stand out more. I’d really like to see some art out there, which we’re in the process of GARDEN| 3
7 | Life & Arts
11 | SPORTS
14 | VIEWPOINTS
This week’s ‘Flix Fix features a horror film from the 1970s with an antogonist known simply as ‘The Baby.’
An alumnus from the Hilltop takes a swing at qualifying for the esteemedProfessional Golf Association tour.
One writer’s take on a few university traditions, both new and old, and some that are practiced by few–if any at all.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS 2 NEWS Volunteer fair provides ways to give back University alters for, they can learn a lot about Adam Crawley executive position what is available in the comdcrawle@stedwards.edu
On Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon, St. Edward’s University will host a nonprofit and volunteer organization fair in the Mabee Ballroom. Students will be able to speak with representatives from a variety of volunteer and nonprofit organizations to find out how to get involved with their community. Lou Serna, assistant director of Campus Ministry, said he believes the nonprofit fair fits perfectly with the university’s education philosophy. “As a university founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, serving our community is a defining characteristic of both the congregation and St. Edward’s,” Serna said. “Nonprofit organizations help our community ‘confront critical issues of society’, which is part of our University mission.” Serna hopes the fair encourages students to give something back to their community. “For those who are not sure what they are looking
munity,” Serna said. “For those with an idea of what they want out of their volunteer opportunity, it is easier for them to target their experience.” St. Edward’s sponsors many volunteer opportunities for students who are interested in serving. One of these opportunities is Alternative Spring Break. Through this program, students go to one of many possible destinations to do volunteer work together. Tyler Riola, a senior accounting major, participated in Alternative Spring Break. Riola went to Phoenix, Ariz. to volunteer at a homeless shelter. “For me, there was, of course, a huge difference between being at the homeless shelter and being at St. Edward’s,” Riola said. “Being immersed in that environment helped me realize what I take for granted. Even a simple cell phone call, for example.” Serna and Riola share the view that serving is an enlightening experience.
POLICE BLOTTER Incident
Bryanna Estrada bestrad@stedwards.edu
Courtesy of Liza Manjarrez and Tomas Segura Alternative Spring Break is a popular volunteer opportunity.
“I would say that students should definitely perform volunteer work. The opportunities that St. Edward’s offers are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that, to my knowledge, aren’t offered anywhere else,” said Riola. Jeff Arn, a fifth-year senior, also supports nonprofits as a part of the St. Edward’s mission. “St. Ed’s admission and its core values are centered around getting back to the community. I feel like it’s important for a St. Ed’s student to embody those values,”
Location
Arn said. “We should use the skills and values that St. Ed’s taught us to give back to the community.” Serna said he hopes to influence students to gain positive experience through their own volunteer work. “There are many people in the world struggling, and as a person of privilege, I have a moral obligation to help others,” Serna said. The fair is sponsored by Campus Ministry, Career Services and the Office of Community Engagement.
Date
Time
Resolution
July 28
12:03 a.m.
Public Intoxication
Andre Hall
Closed
Aug. 1
8:23 a.m.
Damaged Property
Parking Garage
Active
Aug. 7
2:21 p.m.
Graffiti
Ragsdale Center
Closed
Aug. 7
10:05 p.m.
Theft
RCC
Active
Aug.11
9:30 p.m.
Damaged Property
Parking Garage
Closed
Aug. 13
2:36 a.m.
Investigation
Woodward & Congress
Closed
Aug. 14
3:25 p.m.
Ill Person
Fondren Hall
Closed
Aug. 15
4:41 a.m.
Injury–Fall
Fleck Hall
Closed
“in order to address the fact that the institution is growing,” necessitating changes in the organization of roles. “Positions similar to the VPAA in the past reported directly to Sr. Donna, and the current VPAA position now reports directly to the president,” Vallance said. Vallance said that the job posting is advertised in The Chronicle of Higher Education, as well as on the university’s website. Vallance will be applying for the job of permanent vice president of Academic Affairs. Jurick continues to be heavily involved in aca-
Earlier this year, Sister Donna Jurick’s role as vice president of Academic Affairs was sectioned off and distributed among other staff members. As a result, Brenda Vallance now acts as temporary vice president of Academic Affairs. Jurick joined St. Edward’s University in 1988 as vice president and academic dean. Her title later expanded to include provost and to executive vice president in 2006, and a position as the university’s chief academic officer. “I was “You hire a search firm speaking to a friend the to generate candidates, other day,” Juwhich is exactly what we rick said, “And have begun to do...We she joked, ‘you will hire over the course gave up half your job and of this year a VPAA.” still manage -Sister Donna Jurick, VP for provost to not leave at 6:30!’” Formerly the dean of the School of demic affairs. She continBehavioral and Social Sci- ues to reside on the presiences, Vallance will take dent’s administrative staff, over the role temporarily is chair on the university’s until the university can find Strategic Planning Coma permanent replacement mittee (2010-2015) and on for vice president of Aca- the Academic and Gradudemic Affairs (VPAA). ate Council. Jurick is also a “You hire a search firm to staff member of the Board generate candidates, which of Trustees’ Institutional is exactly what we have be- Oversight and Academic gun to do,” Jurick said. “We Affairs Committee. will hire over the course of “I’m happy continuing to this year a VPAA.” be [executive] VP,” Jurick Jurick said that the divi- said. sion, as well as the need for a permanent VPAA, was
CORRECTIONS In the Sept. 12 issue, the story “University mourns professors” incorrectly reported that Harald Becker died Aug. 8. Becker died Sept. 8.
NEWS 3
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Garden builds community, awareness Continued from page 1
figuring out,” Shaw said. Expanding the garden is not the organization’s only goal. “[The] main goal is to have the student body more aware of Students for Sustainability and what we are doing on campus to enhance and promote sustainability,” Sylvester said. Shaw said she hopes the organization can also help build a sense of community through its dedication to being green. “I hope to show everyone that it’s easy and fun to grow your own food and that eating healthy, seasonal food doesn’t have to be a challenge,” Shaw said. “Gardens have this great ability to merge age and socioeconomic gaps in communities.” Although Students for
Campus Garden Theater Hunt Le Mans
Teresa Hall
Apartments
Photo illustration by Andrew Hatcher The campus garden is located in a fenced-in plot behind Teresa Hall.
Sustainability plans to integrate a few changes such as informing the student body of club activities and events, it also intends to further develop one of their plans called the Green Fund. “The Green Fund is an initiative that Students for Sustainability has been working on for years,” Sylvester said.
“The goal of it is to have a small increase in tuition... that money would go toward sustainability initiatives on campus.” The Green Fund would be a fee tacked on to tuition every semester, similar to the mandatory Technology Fee. Such initiatives would include more recycle bins,
composting with Bon Appétit and expanding the garden. The co-presidents of Students for Sustainability wish to carry on the reputation of their club while advancing their mission to educate the student body about sustainable living.
KNOWING Student government discusses YOUR SGA raising involvement on campus Adam Crawley dcrawle@stedwards.edu
The Student Government Association (SGA) commenced plans for the fall semester. On Sept. 6, the Senate hosted its first meeting in Fleck Hall. All students were welcome to attend. At the meeting, SGA announced some of its new initiatives for this year, one of which was a Green Initiative that seeks to improve sustainability on campus. There are also other planned projects that seek to involve and inform the student body. “The Association is host-
ing a debate between the ing the year. As for now, we College Democrats and have a survey on our official College Republicans, at Facebook page... that preswhich there will be a voter registra“...we have a survey on tion booth,” our official Facebook said SGA page... that presents President several key issues for Brady Faglie. “This event is students to vote on being hosted as most important to with the inthem.” tention of encouraging - Brady Faglie, SGA President students to be informed and participatory citizens.” ents several key issues for “Of course, the year is students to vote on as most early and there are many important to them,” said other initiatives and proj- Faglie. ects that will come up durSGA hosts open meet-
ings every other Thursday at 6:45 p.m. in Fleck Hall. Students are welcome to attend and discuss issues of concern to them or propose solutions to pressing issues. Faglie believes that the organization is ready to serve the student body well this year. “We have a very strong group of individuals who are intelligent, motivated and passionate about representing the student body,” Faglie said. Follow SGA on Facebook by liking the “St. Edward’s University Student Government Association” page and follow on Twitter @SEU_ SGA.
Bastrop community remembers, rebuilds Continued from page 1
Night of Hope,” an event that celebrated the Bastrop County recovery efforts over the past year and featured local Bastrop artists such as the Chubby Knuckle Choir and Hannibal Lokumbe. The night also included speakers such as KEYE TV anchor Judy Maggio, a film by Andrew Shapter commemorating the fire and six survivor stories, which varied in content from stories of family urns discovered after the fire to American flags that survived it. The Bastrop County Long Term Recovery Team also headed the efforts to rebuild the 1,023 uninsured and lowincome homes that were destroyed by the fire and to begin rehabilitating the loblolly pines found in the affected areas of Bastrop State Park. A number of other organizations also help victims experiencing psychological effects of the fire. Darla Absher, a professional with one such organization called Bluebon-
net Trails, said in an interview with The Bastrop Advertiser that they have helped 786 people in group sessions who sought help dealing with the after effects of the fire. Fire victims have also found support from smaller groups, creating the sense of community that has always been a part of Bastrop County. “I had only been at my job for a couple months and was absolutely blown away by how the people surrounding me pulled together to support me,” Conger said. “You don’t really know how nice some people can be until something really bad happens.” Those affected say that they don’t want to forget because forgetting would mean losing more than the fire took. “We forget that we don’t control the world we live in,” Acosta said, “The fire was something that we had to live through, reflect on, learn from and then just move on. Dwelling on the matter would just be depressing.”
Looking back on Bastrop fires
$471.47 lost 4 students homes
200
raised towards rebuilding efforts through SEU Campus Ministry
14
students had to evacuate
pounds of bottled water and non-perishable food donated to Catholic charities through SEU Campus ministry
1,554
total homes destroyed
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS 4 NEWS Renovations in Moody Hall swap couches for new computers Sonya Muniz smuniz4@stedwards.edu
Sounds of construction have been resonating throughout Moody Hall. This construction is responsible for the metamorphosis of Moody Hall’s atrium. The result is the new International Lounge located in front of the Office of International Education. Before the construction began, the atrium had several couches and some study space but was not structured for productive studying, according to some students. The lounge has since undergone a wave of change. “I really like the new lounge. It’s a chill lounge and is better for academic purposes,” said junior Claire Corn. The atrium construction began in Aug. 2012 and end-
ed early Sept. The lounge was and a warm color palette. created in order to bring stuNow that library study ardents together in a structured eas are decreased, the lounge’s environment, according to central location and new the St. Edward’s University atmosphere have given stuwebsite. The lounge has al- dents another place to study ready begun to meet this goal and hang out. by providing a brighter and “It is really modern and more organized area to study and spend time be“It is really modern tween classes. and nice. The building The couches have been reis easy to get to and placed with that is why many new desks and people come here.” computers. The desks can be ar-Olga Murillo, student ranged and used for study groups. While working at the computers, students nice. The building is easy to can gaze at the bamboo and get to and that is why many ceiling fixture that is illumi- people come here,” said Olga nated with light. The lounge Murillo, a first time visitor to has an international look and the lounge. feel complete with bamboo The sounds of construc-
tion have been replaced with the sounds of students. Leah Stoddard, a faculty member at the Office of International Education, sees the lounge through her office window and has seen it full of student life since the renovations were completed. “I think students like the new lounge. It’s a great place to study in groups because you can use the funky desks and interesting couches,” Stoddard said. The lounge has proven to be useful for more than just studying. On Sept. 10, the Study Abroad Fair was held in Moody Hall. The new lounge gave the university the opportunity to have the fair in a convenient location, enabling many students to attend. Photo by Emily Blasdell The International Lounge in Moody Hall provides study space.
Buses take students on first annual HEB grocery shopping event Tyler Eldredge teldred@stedwards.edu
On Aug. 30, freshmen made their way to bus stops outside residence halls for “Catch the Bus to HEB Plus,” the newest event on the St. Edward’s University Hilltopper Welcome Days agenda. The trip was organized by Student Life. “We tried this out for the first time to see how it would go,” Assistant Director of Student Life Lindsey Woelker said. “I went to the University of Michigan for undergrad which gave me different ideas for events on campus, and we wanted to give this one a try.” Freshman Katherine McGowan went on the trip and said she considered the event a success.
Wikimedia Commons Students bought food and other necessities for college living.
“It was invigorating and enthralling,” McGowan said. “I liked the opportunity to
blend a collegiate experience with a domestic experience
here in Austin.” Some Living Learning Communities attended as a group to support the event and bond with their fellow members. “I went with most of my LLC, the business community,” freshman Austin Chandler said. “It was great. I’m happy St. Ed’s has programs like this.” The event was a success because of the number of participants. “The response was amazing,” Woelker said. “When the first bus showed up at 10:30 [p.m.], we already had around twenty students waiting for it. In the end, we had over a hundred students involved.” HEB Plus proved to be the perfect choice for a first-year shopping trip.
“Planning it was super easy,” Woelker said. “We were working with alumni to get it off the ground, and HEB was so helpful in helping everything run smoothly.” Woelker said the trip will likely become a regular event each year during Hilltopper Welcome Days. “I would fully support [the trip] happening every year,” McGowan said. “I would fully support it going all year long, maybe if they did some kind of monthly service.” McGowan’s interest in the event didn’t stop at the level of purely enjoying the experience — she also had other interests in attending. “For me, it was about buying some healthy foods,” McGowan said. “I bought a lot of fruit and vegetables because I wanted to eat healthier. The
food in the cafeteria is good, but sometimes I want to eat something healthy outside of that.” Other students went to the event looking for somewhat different products. “I bought fifty dollars of candy and some batteries,” Chandler said. “I would totally do it again. I really enjoyed it.” Students did not get just groceries and everyday household items from the shopping trip. “I think it was a great way to get to know your fellow students,” McGowan said. “We got to help each other shop and figured out what everyone else liked to eat. It was a great bonding experience.”
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
GAMES 5
games look for the answer’s to both games in next week’s issue!
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6
LIFE & ARTS Fine Arts Gallery exhibits pieces that are alive WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Willa Goldberg wgoldbe@stedwards.edu
The devastation of Hurricane Katrina is still evident in Mississippi seven years since it first reached land. Separated from his home, work and friends, Jeff Schmuki, artist and current professor at Georgia Southern University, was forced to find new ways to continue making art. The hurricane left him with only two tshirts, a pair of jeans, a laptop and his pick-up. Schmuki diversified his approach to making art in the seven years following Katrina. Although he’d studied ceramics, his nomadic lifestyle made practicing ceram-
Photo by Peter Beck “Armagardden” is made up of of a hydroponic tube system.
ics impractical. He diversified his approach to art by incorporating living material, welding, engineering and
[slapdash] “Art
ghoulery”
more. “I am a product of a liberal arts institution,” Schmuki said.
Schmuki’s exhibit “Armagardden” opened Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. in the St. Edward’s University Fine Arts Gallery. During the opening, the artist explained how his experiences have shaped his art. The exhibit will remain open to the public until Sept. 27. Schmuki’s exhibit is a hydroponic system of tubes, powered by solar energy, that nurture several dozen eatable plants. The sounds of the hydroponic system, like water gurgling, are amplified and broadcast through a homemade speaker system. This creates an eerie background noise that sounds wholly organic. During the installation’s stay, a few students will
be in charge of monitoring the system so that the plants will be correctly supported. The prints created by Schmuki and his partner that hang on the walls around the living installation are composed from old hydroponic system drawings and sprinkled with plant-like colors. The overall effect is as if the visitors to the installation have stumbled upon an ecologically-friendly scientist’s futuristic plans. Schmuki began his transformation as an artist by picking up several Chia Pets at a thrift store. While cutting the Chia Pets apart and glazing pieces of them, Schmuki became enamored with the growth of the Chia plant.
Since that first brush with organic material, Schmuki has continually incorporated Chia and other plants into his work. In 2009, Schmuki created the Mobile Collards Garden Public Intervention. He painted a container pink and placed a hydroponic system that supported the plants sprouting from it within the container. He then took his piece into grocery stores and began conversations with people shopping in the fresh foods section. He asked them questions about the origin and make-up of their food. “I started becoming more of an activist in my work,” Schmuki said.
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LIFE & ARTS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
WEEKLY ‘FLIX FIX | THE BABY 70’s cult horror film terrifies, intrigues and raises questions Kelsey Acosta kacosta@stedwards.edu
Weekly ‘Flix Fix takes the legwork out of wading through thousands of film choices on Netflix, bringing you the most truly bizarre, quirky and outright amazing gems instant streaming has to offer. “The Baby,” released in 1973, is a self-described “rarely seen ‘70s cult shocker” tucked away in the dark recesses of the Netflix horror section. Viewers are completely unprepared for what they are going to find. This movie has everything you would expect of a cult classic and much more: bad hair, suspense, cattle prods, murder and a full-grown man in a diaper. “The Baby” moves at a different pace than the gory IMDB.com horror films that you may be “The Baby” disturbs viewers with its man-baby title character. accustomed to, but what it lacks in gore it makes up for this movie, you might think, most malevolently tacky mixin suspense by being both “What am I watching and tures of bad hair, deep-seated highly disturbing and rather why am I watching it?” but psychological issues, and unsettling sexual tension. revolting storyGermaine is the near-spittelling. “Germaine is the near- ting image of a soulless Lana The story folDel Rey and Ms. Wadsworth lows a social spitting image of a looks like Jack Nicholson in worker, Anne, as soulless Lana Del Ray drag. she investigates And of course you have to a case involving and Ms. Wadsworth give props to the man who the Wadsworth looks like Jack played Baby, because it takes family. The famNicholson in drag.” real dedication to crawl ily does not seem around in a diaper for the entoo unusual at a tire filming of a movie. first glance. It’s “The Baby” may not make a single mother, her two grown daughters stick with it, this movie is re- you high pitch scream, but it will leave you with an unsetGermaine and Alba, and ally very entertaining. While the storyline is wacky tled feeling in the pit of your their baby brother. Only the baby is actually a full-grown and disturbing, the characters stomach that will stick with are the real gems. you for a long time. man. The Wadsworthes are the The first time you watch
7
Culinary celebrity Anthony Bourdain gets a taste of Austin Stephanie Mejia gmejia@stedwards.edu
During a recent episode of “No Reservations, ”Anthony Bourdain said a “hipster apocalypse” hit Austin. Bourdain kicked off the final season of his award-winning show “No Reservations” in Austin during the South by Southwest Festival. The episode aired Sept. 3 on the Travel Channel. Bourdain focused on bands and food, but overall wanted to figure out what makes Austin so beloved and bizarre. The show’s first stop was at Barley Swine, where Bourdain was accompanied by the rock trio Ume. They feasted on food that was more on the fancy side with dishes such as foie gras, fried shrimp heads and grilled chicken testicles. Bourdain also visited Franklin BBQ. Bourdain was simply amazed by the quality of the meat, calling it a “religious experience of BBQ” and “far and away, the best I’ve ever had.” He visited Perla’s to have
the trigger fish “Bourdain seemed to and an octopus dish with really love the city of the head chefs. Austin and all it offers, They spoke about how the stating that it was ‘a one thing that great week of music, does not work in Austin is fantastic food and high-end respartying...’” taurants. Next, he focused on the neck, for dinner at El Azteca. city’s iconic food trucks, The final stop was with The where he was surprised by Golden Boys at Texas Chili the variety and quality of Parlor, the band’s favorite food that can come from restaurant. these restaurants on wheels. This episode really sought While at his favorite trailer, to spark the viewer’s interest El Taco Rico, he savored in trying the more unique their dove enchiladas and foods in Austin as opposed barbacoa. to the famous hamburger He went on to travel to dif- and pizza places on South ferent restaurants in Austin Congress. with the company of differDuring the episode, Bourent bands. He had fish tacos dain said it was “a great week at Quality Seafood Market of music, fantastic food and with The Sword respectively. partying with a bunch of With Neon Indians, Bour- cool new rock star friends.” dain dined on Mexican pas- This episode reminded Austries and porkchops at La tinites why they love their Mexicana Bakery. hometown so much and of With legendary guitarist the unique foods from all the Alejandro Escovedo, Bour- wonderful local eateries. dain had cabrito, or goat
Photo by Kristina Schenck Travel Channel poster boy Bourdain ate at La Mexicana Bakery on South First street.
8 LIFE & ARTS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Eleventh annual Hillfest starts school year off with a bang Ryan Coulehan rcouleh@stedwards.edu
Photo by Amy Barrientos Students take in the firework spectacle as Hillfest ended.
The sun shone brightly, the temperature peaked at over a hundred and the crowd grew by the moment until the fun began from the instant the clock struck six. The 11th annual Hillfest, held on Friday Sept. 7, played host to various Austin-based food vendors and musicians. Cabo Bob’s, P. Terry’s, Austin Pizza and Lucky J’s offered a delicious array of food to suit any palate. Even the more barbaric hunger could be satisfied thanks to the turkey legs that were also being served. The delectables didn’t end there, though. Anyone at the fest with a sweet tooth needed only to visit Jim Jim’s Water Ice or find the funnel cakes. Soft drinks were readily available, along with water. Unfortunately, due to the extreme Austin heat, the crowd drank the fest dry by about the halfway mark. But this slowed no one down. Undoubtedly, there was one feature of Hillfest that stood out above the rest: Pax, our living Hilltopper.
Photo by Amy Barrientos Attendees compete to win prizes by shooting water at a target at the classic carnival game.
Early in the festival, Pax bums out now. The Eastern could be easily spotted by a Sea was featured on MTV herd of adoring fans gathered Buzzworthy this summer around him, awaiting their and will also perform at Austurn to show the fleecy goat tin City Limits music festival some love, and snap a photo this coming October. with the beloved university Sophomore Sebastian Romascot. man, who is a member of In addition to the beloved Student Life and worked Pax, for the thrill seekers in with the University Programattendance a mechanical bull, ming Board to help organize scrambler, and bungee trampo“I was down by the line offered quite the adrenaline soccer field and the rush. There were sight of everyone also carnival style games providing together cheering and fun and prizes united during the show to whomsoever proved that we had wished to try their luck and been successful in skill. creating unity within “The rides were better in the prethe university....” vious years, but - senior Michael Ricondo there were more food vendors this year, which made up for it,” senior Michael Ricondo said. the event, said that the music And of course, since this was more of a focal point in is Austin, we cannot forget this year’s event as compared about the music. Austin, Tex- to previous years. as natives The Eastern Sea “Creating this event around and Wheeler Brothers graced music represents the city itthe humble Hilltop for the self,” Roman said. affair. Both bands have al“The bands were pretty le-
git,” freshman Anjelica Cortez said. “I liked the atmosphere too, how everyone was actually sitting on the grass together. It was relaxing...a nice break from classes.” Ricondo also appreciated the atmosphere. “The environment was chill and relaxing...the people made the experience. All from different backgrounds, different places, all hanging together. It was definitely memorable,” Ricondo said. Moreso than any other Hillfest, the 11th really went out with a bang. A fantastic fireworks show closed the event and brought together the entire student body. “What I liked most about Hillfest was seeing everyone standing, sitting and kneeling across the road in front of Main Building lawn during the fireworks,” Roman said. “I was down by the soccer field and the sight of everyone together cheering and united during the show proved that we had been successful in creating unity within the university, which is one of the main purposes of Hillfest.”
Photo by Amy Barrientos University Programming Board included a swing ride among the many Hillfest attractions.
LIFE & ARTS 9
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Nobel Laureate raises funds for mental health and wellness Mitch Harris rharris7@stedwards.edu
Truthfully, the name John Nash may not ring any bells for most; however, this mathematician, Nobel Prize for Economics recipient, and subject of the 2001 film “A Beautiful Mind” is one of the most influential economists of the last century. In addition to all of these accomplishments, Nash is also a diagnosed schizophrenic. At 84, Nash has been around the world giving lectures, attending conferences and accepting awards for his contributions to modern economic theory. Recently, he came to Austin for charity. Nash and his wife Alicia attended and spoke at a special screening of “A Beautiful Mind” at the Alamo Drafthouse Village on Sept. 16. When asked if the movie was a fair representation of what happened through-
Photo by Mitch Harris John and Alicia Nash stayed after the screening to sign autographs and pose for pictures.
out his life, Nash had mixed emotions. “The film has a different story than the literal truth,” Nash said. “The movie shows some visual hallucinations, but this doesn’t usually happen. You may have thoughts
or opinions that aren’t logical.” In spite of this, Nash added that it was a good film. When asked the secret to overcoming his diagnosis, Nash said, “Diagnoses are too much respected… Time
moves forward and situations change. I don’t think people with a diagnosis should be… branded. Someone with influenza has the flu, he isn’t an influenziac.” The couple was also asked what it was like to spend so
much time on set with Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly, the actors who play the Nashes in “A Beautiful Mind.” “Jennifer is a wonderful actress and I was very flattered,” Alicia Nash said. “I was disappointed Russell didn’t get the Academy Award.” The event was put on by The Hope Concept Wellness Center and The HOPE Project, a peer-led wellness center located in Dallas-Fort Worth. All proceeds went to the Planned Living Assistance Network of Central Texas, an organization seeking to aid people with mental health issues and their families. “Everything is specifically tailored to the individual,” said PLAN of Central Texas’ Board Chair Elizabeth Choate. “We provided services and support for those affected by mental illnesses and their caregivers.”
Both the PLAN of Central Texas organization and this particular event were spearheaded by Cécile DeWittMorette, professor emerita at the University of Texas. DeWitt-Morette knew the Nashes personally from her time studying at Princeton. She asked the couple to attend in order to raise funds for PLAN of Central Texas. She started the organization because she has experienced mental illness in her own life. DeWitt-Morette’s daughter Jan is living with obsessive-compulsive disorder. “I wanted to help her, but I also wanted to help others at the same time,” DeWittMorette said. With this in mind, she began PLAN of Central Texas with eight other families struggling to provide adequate care for their family members living with mental illness.
South Korean rapper PSY entertains America Gangnam Style Mitch Harris rharris7@stedwards.edu
The world, or at least the United States, was unprepared when South Korean rapper PSY unleashed “Gangnam Style” on the world. Published on Youtube on July 15, PSY’s music video for his hit single “Gangnam Style” has since received more than 194 million views in three months. There is no question as to why. PSY’s video contains everything one could wish for in a music video—dancing children on playgrounds, attractive women in horse stables, expensive cars in an abandoned parking garage, and an
infectious horse-riding dance The lady is not merely sexy craze that is sweeping the na- though, according to the lyrtion. ics. She must also be “a girl The dance consists of three “[Gangman] is like parts—a horse riding maneuver the Beverly Hills of (with ones hands Korea.” gripping the rains and bounc-South Korean rapper PSY ing to the beat), roping like a cowboy (without ever throwing the rope) and who looks quiet but plays a sideways leg shuffle (see at- when she plays” and “a classy tached picture). girl who knows how to enjoy However, the meaning be- the freedom of a cup of cofhind the song has nothing to fee.” do with horses. It is, in fact, PSY’s only chance of wooa classic Korean love song. ing her is by being “a guy who Throughout the song, PSY is has bulging ideas instead of attempting to woo the “sexy muscles.” lady” mentioned in the song. Contrary to popular be-
lief, Gangnam is not a style of dancing. It is however an extremely wealthy region of Seoul, South Korea. “It’s like the Beverly Hills of Korea,” PSY said in an interview with ABC News. PSY continued to explain the humorous juxtaposition of the video. “Dance doesn’t look like Beverly Hills… So that’s the point. It’s sort of a twist.” PSY himself is actually 35-year-old Park Jae-Sang. Although he may be new to the states, PSY has been a k-pop sensation in Korea for more than ten years now. His first album was released in 2001, his first movie in 2002, and has even been a nationwide Korean talent show
judge. PSY shows no signs of stopping either. “Gangnam Style” is currently number one on the iTunes music video chart. His appearances on Ellen, the MTV Video Mu-
sic Awards, and live performance in Dodger’s Stadium ensure that even if PSY fades into a one hit wonder, it will be a wonder we will not soon forget.
Photo by Mitch Harris Gangnam Style is characterized by classic “cowboy” moves.
10
SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Walk-on Cinderella story on the Hilltop Tyler Eldredge teldred@stedwards.edu
With sweat dripping down his back, he lines the ball up with the basket and takes a breath before bending his knees, exhaling and sending the ball soaring down the court to swish effortlessly into the net. Senior Joseph Saldana found a place on the NCAA Hilltopper basketball team in a way unlike many of his teammates—through an informal game while playing intramural basketball in the RCC. “I don’t really know how it happened,” Saldana said. “During the school year a couple of players played a game against the coaches and I did really well. I dropped like 36 points. Later on, I got a random email from Coach Cook that said he was interested in me being a walk-on.” Saldana’s relationship with the Hilltopper basketball team has some history, but he was not immediately picked up by the team.
Photo by Erin Reas Joseph Saldana walked on to the NCAA basketball team.
“Two years ago Joseph came to me about trying out for the team,” said Andre Cook, head coach of the men’s basketball team. “At that point we did not have any walk-on tryouts, so I
told him to keep working on his game and to stay in touch with me.” Not one to be easily discouraged, Saldana continued to strive to be an excellent basketball player.
“During that year he played intramurals against my former assistant, David Martin, and took his basketball class,” Cook said. “Coach Martin became very familiar with Joseph and his abilities. He also realized the type of person that Joseph is.” Saldana guaranteed his place on the team not by being particularly tall or shooting three-pointers with his eyes closed, but by being a team player. “As a player, Joseph is not blessed with height or a ton of basketball talent, but what he does have is a tremendous amount of heart—he plays 100 percent on every play,” Cook said. “I have no qualms with putting Joseph into a game.” Saldana is also a part of the College Assistant Migrant Program (CAMP). “I’m part of the CAMP program here at St. Edward’s,” Saldana said. “Both my parents and my grandparents were migrant workers. I’ve always had to work hard for what I had, and on
the basketball court you have to be dedicated.” More than that, though, his upbringing was not an easy one, but one filled with constant struggle. “My childhood was horrible,” Saldana said. “I... watched violence around me and I wasn’t disciplined. My hero is my uncle, Daniel Pearson, who really changed the way I view life. He taught me how to be a man—without him I wouldn’t be the man I am today.” Through hardship and struggle, one thing has stood out to Saldana: perseverance. “So many people told me I that I was never going to make it because I’m short, but I did,” Saldana said. “It feels good to make my younger brothers, Immanuel, Abraham and Jeremiah proud. They tell me all the time, ‘dude, you’re my hero.’” The men’s basketball team will be back on the courts when they host the St. Edward’s University Shootout Nov. 9 and 10.
SPORTS CALENDAR MEN’S SOCCER Sun. 9/16 | 1 p.m. vs. Midwestern State
WOMEN’S SOCCER Thurs. 9/20 | 1 p.m. vs. UT-Permian Basin Sat. 9/22 | 1:00 p.m. vs. McMurry University
VOLLEYBALL Thurs. 9/20 | 7 p.m. vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith Sat. 9/22 | 12:00 p.m. vs. Newman University
RUGBY Sat. 9/22 | 10 a.m. Heat of Texas Tourney
MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Sat Sept. 22 | 3 p.m. @ Sam Houston Sun Sept. 23 | 3 p.m. @ Texas A&M
WOMEN’S CLUB SOCCER Sat. Sept 22 | 1 p.m. @ SFA
Portion control can help combat the on-campus dining blues Sara Sanchez ssanchei@stedwards.edu
Most of the freshmen readers of this article are probably trying to figure out how to navigate our school’s dining options without gaining the notorious Freshmen 15. Fear not, for modified eating habits can redeem you. It is endlessly tempting to have a chicken tender sandwich every day, or to have two servings of tater tots instead of one. But if you do this then add stress and lack of sleep and exercise to the mix, you’ll
dig yourself a hole pretty times when you’re studying quickly. Try limiting your in- late and impulsively reach dulgence foods to only once a for the phone to order a large week, at most. Pretend like the “College is not the ice cream station in Ragsdale place to deprive is invisible. And yourself of the things when you are you love.” in line for those tots, think twice and ask your server to give you a reduced portion. pizza with extra pepperoni. On your quest for more bal- To lessen the blow, invite anced eating habits, you will some friends over and turn be confronted by resistance your one-man study session and negativity. There will be into a full blown pizza party.
You will not only have fun but also ensure that you only eat one slice instead of the whole pie. College is not the place to deprive yourself of the things you love—it is a place to learn how to balance them with other areas of your life. So if you feel like you cannot get through the week without a brownie from Hunt, find a friend and split it, and marvel at how you can be in control of portion control. Photo by Shelby Cole Salad is just one of many healthy on-campus dining choices.
SPORTS11
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Alumnus aims for professional golf tour Sam Jackson sjackso8@stedwards.edu
Two decades ago, the British musician Morrissey released a song entitled “We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful.” One can only guess what prompted that thought because it does not seem to be the attitude of most of the world–and certainly not of St. Edward’s University. Especially where Jeff Howard, a former Hilltopper and golf team kingpin, is concerned. Since he graduated in 2008, Howard has competed in various mini tour golf tournaments. His biggest event came in June when he qualified for the Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open, an event on the Professional Golf Association’s Web.com Tour, which serves as a qualifying process to the main PGA Sports Information tour. Jeff Howard is attempting to qualify for the PGA tour. As of March, when the PGA made several changes It is a process Howard has mediately joining the golf to the rules, the tour is now been wanting to get through team to become what head the only method to earning since childhood. coach Todd Ohlmeyer called a place in the professional “I started playing when I “one of the better players in league. This can be done by was about five or six,” How- the history of our program.” winning three tournaments ard said. “I played with my Howard received many in a season, which nine play- dad on the weekends and honors during his time ers have done since the poli- with my grandfather in the with the St. Edward’s golf cy was adopted in 1997. team, including 2006 and The other re2008 All-Region and Allcently institutConference, was a two time “I played with my dad ed method for academic All-American entry is to rank his senior year and made on the weekends and high enough on President’s Honor Roll with my grandfather in the the money list twice. the summer. I played to qualify for It was also thanks to his three events. performance at the 2008 all kinds of sports.” The top 75 Division II National Cham-alumnus Jeff Howard players on the pionship that the team was Web.com monable to tie for second. ey list are put “The ultimate goal is to get together with PGA players summer. I played all kinds of to the PGA tour,” Howard ranked between 126th and sports, and I just gave up all said. “But the first step is to 200th place and other quali- my other sports when I was try to get full-time on the fied players, and at the end in eighth grade.” Web.com tour.” of the whole thing, the best He took that step when Eventually, he would find 50 players earn places on the his way from his hometown he shot a 69 in the qualiPGA Tour. of Plano to St. Edward’s, im- fier. Unfortunately, when the
tournament came around, he missed the cut by five shots after the second day of playing. Missing the cut does not just mean losing. it also translates to the money Howard earns from playing golf. In four years of playing, Howard has made $17,641, according to the Adams Golf Pro Tour Series website. Even pre-economic collapse, that does not go a long way towards living expenses. “I get a couple jobs in the off-season,” he said when questioned on this issue. “When I was living in Austin, I was caddying on the side and worked for one of my old teammates. He started a food delivery company, and I worked for him for a while.” Howard still plans to continue with his career in spite of these troubles. “Right now, I plan on still playing next year. I’ll make some money in the off-season, save some money and whatever happens just try to keep getting better,” Howard said. His old teammates also support him. “Jeff is a hard worker and will put in the time to get better,” said Nick Cristea, another two-time AllAmerican who graduated from St. Edward’s in 2009. “I was very proud to see him qualify for the Nationwide event.” Collin Mayer, a four-time All-American from the class of 2010 concurred. “It is a very tough uphill battle to make it as a competitive golfer, and Jeff ’s latest success is a testament to his dedication and sacrifice. I think Jeff has every bit of physical ability to successfully make it as a professional golfer,” Mayer said.
Column as I see ‘em Nolan Green ngreen2@stedwards.edu
Column as I see ‘Em is your weekly fix for all things NFL.
Giants at Panthers
Look for Eli to have another big night as two young quarterbacks go head to head against weak secondary defenses. High scoring game, Giants by 7.
Rams at Bears
Chicago, coming off a rocky loss to Green Bay will be forced to contend with a hot St. Louis, look for Cutler to throw at least two interceptions. St. Louis by 3.
Buffalo Bills at Browns
Buffalo, with the most rushing yards this season, will run all over the Browns defense. Watch for C.J. Spiller to dominate, Bills by 14.
Buccaneers at Cowboys
After turnovers handed a loss to the Cowboys, look for Tampa Bay to force just as many turnovers this week. Bucs by 7.
Lions at Titans
The Lions put up a good fight against the NFC favorite 49’ers last week, if Detroit can get their penalties under control, they’ll be a major threat. Lions by 14.
Jaguars at Colts
Both teams are struggling out of the gate. Look for a sloppy game, multiple turnovers and a low score. Colts by 3.
NY Jets at Miami Dolphins
The Jets are struggling to take off, but against the
flopping Dolphins, they shouldn’t have any issue getting a win this weekend. Jets by 21.
49ers at Vikings
Niners roll over the Vikings, look for Frank Gore to have a big day. 49ers by 21.
Chiefs at Saints
Neither team has a win, but the Saints definitely have an edge over the Chiefs. Another sloppy game, Saints by 7.
Bengals at Redskins
RG3 and the Redskins showed massive potential against the Saints. The Bengals beat a lackluster team in the Browns. Look for RG3 to have a solid game. Redskins by 10.
Eagles at Cardinals
Arizona pulled out a shocking win against the Patriots last week, but their luck doesn’t compare to the Eagles last minute wins. Philly won’t need luck this game. Eagles by 10.
Falcons at Chargers
Look for a solid grudge match between these two teams. Matt Ryan and Phillip Rivers will put up big numbers. Falcons by 3.
Steelers at Raiders
A loss to the Broncos and a win against the Jets has the Steelers sitting in the middle of the AFC as far as early season goes. The Raiders are faltering early. Steelers by 14.
12 SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
ATHLETE PROFILE
Rising stock: Anderson McDaniel Shelby Sementelli ssement@stedwards.edu
After playing two soccer games as a Hilltopper and notching a goal against Colorado School of Mines, transfer junior Anderson McDaniel earned the Offensive Player of the Week Award for the Heartland Conference. McDaniel left the University of North Carolina Wilmington to be closer to home and to play soccer at a Division II university with long-time friend Gavin Bruce. McDaniel came to St. Edward’s University for soccer, but there is more to number 10 than just an attacking forward. Shelby Sementelli: You are often on campus wearing a fedora. How would you explain your fashion sense? Anderson McDaniel:
pect?
I cannot believe I got caught with the fedora. Well there is actually a story behind that. I am currently in the process of growing my hair out. In that process, I “Usually you will have to endure quite a catch me listening to long stage of the Beatles or The xx hair-length awkwardbefore a game to calm ness. During myself.” p re - s e a s o n I was shop-junior Anderson McDaniel ping at Macy’s and the famed fedora was on sale at the counter For my pre-game environas I was checking out for ment, I am also a bit weird. only $4.99. I am a sucker I do not like pump up mufor a bargain deal and had sic or high intensity types extremely awkward hair- of music. Usually you will length at the time. catch me listening to the SS: Do you have any hob- Beatles or The xx before a bies, interests or habits that game to calm myself. most people would not ex- SS: What do you think of
Shelby Cole scole2@stedwards.edu
AM: This summer I had
an internship with Merrill Lynch, so it spiked my interests in the stock market and business world. This summer I moved into my first real apartment. I never knew this about myself, but I enjoy decorating my place. I spent a good portion of this summer making my room one of the coolest rooms in all of Austin. I also love to enjoy the outdoor sun on my balcony with a book. I’m currently reading “A Briefer History of Time.” Everyone should check it out. I also like to jam out to some good tunes. Other than that, I am pretty boring, and I enjoy the company of my good friends and the great city of Austin. SS: What does your pregame ritual look like? AM: Embarrassing to say, I am about as superstitious as athletes come and have too many rituals to count.
Fall sports start season off strong Volleyball
Sports Information Junior soccer player Anderson McDaniel plays forward.
your team’s performance so far this season? AM: Since day one, I have really enjoyed my teammates and coaches at St. Edward’s. They are all an extremely good and funloving group of people that all have a passion for soccer. We have a great time together in the locker room, on the field and off it as well, and good cohesive chemistry goes a long way in a college team. That’s one of the strongest parts of our team. As far as on the field goes, we are doing quite well. We had two unfortunate losses against some highly ranked teams in Colorado, but we played well and had our chances to win the games. We just need to take the positives
from it, carry those on to the next games and do better. SS: What do you think of your performance so far this season and earning Heartland Conference Player of the Week? AM: As far as receiving the honor of Player of the Week, I am very grateful and happy to earn it for St. Edward’s and my team. Receiving it after playing only my first two St. Edward’s games is very humbling. Hopefully, my team and I can continue to put the work in at practice and play well enough so that we all can earn honors throughout the season.
The volleyball team opened with the Hilltopper Classic, a home tournament on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. The Hilltoppers defeated Abilene Christian, fell to Colorado State-Pueblo, swept Midwestern State and fell to Angelo State to split the weekend. Hilltopper senior libero Michelle Hundt was named the Heartland Conference Player of the Week of Aug. 27-Sept. 2. The Hilltoppers opened conference play with a win over TAMU-International and bested St. Mary’s in the annual Battle of the Saints match in a nail-bitingly close win. The Toppers suffered their first loss play to Dallas Baptist. They then swept SW Oklahoma State and fell to West Texas A&M. Hundt was honored with another Player of the Week award for the week of Sept. 3-9, along with Senior Mary McNamara.
Women’s Soccer
The women’s soccer team has had a successful run this season, creaming all their competition in all of their five games thus far. The Toppers bested New Mexico Highlands with a 2-0 victory, with goals scored by Jessica Traves and Taylor Wiseman. The team fell behind in their next game against Adams State College, but came back for a victory thanks to goals from Megan Anderson and Lauren Heller. Junior defender Kate Orklid was named Heartland Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the week of Aug. 27-Sept. 2.
The team hosted Metro State, Incarnate Word and Regis College in an unofficial tournament Sept. 7-9. The Hilltoppers beat Metro State in their first game of the tournament, 2-1 and beat Regis with a 1-0 shutout. In the latest game against 9th-ranked Dallas Baptist, the Hilltoppers surprised everyone with a 5-1 win against the conference heavyweight.
Men’s Soccer
Men’s soccer opened with a loss to Colorado School of Mines, ultimately falling short in a 3-2 loss. The Hilltoppers then played no. 1-ranked Fort Lewis College. The first half of the game ended in a 0-0. Fort Lewis took control of the game in the second half and won 2-0. The team traveled to play Dallas Baptist Sept. 13 for the conference opener. Daniel Riley scored his first goal of the season, as did Andrew Fox. James Martin added the game’s third goal just three minutes later to clinch the win. The Hilltoppers played fifth-ranked Midwestern State this weekend in a rainy match, which ended 0-0.
Sports Information Volleyball started off with a slew of conference awards.
VIEWPOINTS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
13
OUR VIEW
Bomb scare prompts questions about safety Imagine every St. Edward’s University student standing on the sidewalks of South Congress Avenue, waiting for the all-clear from administrators and police to re-enter campus after a bomb threat. Such a scene may be hard to imagine, but a similar scene was a reality for students at the University of Texas at Austin and two other universities on Sept. 14. UT Austin received a call from a man claiming to be a member of al-Qaeda around 8:35 a.m. on Sept. 14. The man insisted bombs would detonate on the Austin campus 90 minutes from the call. Administrators took over an hour to alert more than
50,000 students and 22,000 immediate updates, accordfaculty of the bomb threat, ing to The Associated Press. the Austin American-StatesWith the rise of social meman reported. A campus- dia, students now have an wide evacuation was issued expectation of immediacy. at 10:53 a.m. and continued Students are so connected until 1 p.m.. After the incident, many were “In the case of a upset with UT bomb threat, school administrators’ decision to wait administrators must before alerting react quickly and take the school about the bomb threat. the threat seriously.” UT President Bill Powers insisted that they needed to evaluate the situa- to the world via their smarttion before taking any drastic phones that they expect the measures, but some students same level of connectivity at would have preferred more school. They want to know
what is happening at any moment. Even if an evacuation was not enforced early, a clear method of communication should have been established, reducing confusion. On the same Friday UT received its bomb threat, North Dakota University in Fargo, N.D. and Hiram College in Ohio received threats of their own, The Associated Press reported. Even though all three incidents ended peacefully, this raises the question of whether administrators should take violent threats more seriously. UT administrators’ delayed response to the Sept. 14 bomb threat indicates that administrators had doubts
about the threat’s validity. But the fact is that the potential damage done by a bomb should be enough to warrant a quick and authoritative response. In the past, St. Edward’s has reacted quickly to bomb threats. In 2007, a series of bomb threats made to St. Edward’s were taken seriously, with the St. Edward’s University Police Department (UPD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Austin Police Department conducting an investigation. Like the UT incident, the St. Edward’s bomb scare ended peacefully, but there was clear, immediate action. After the bomb threat, UPD tight-
ened security across campus, easing stress. St. Edward’s has responded effectively to threats in the past, and UPD continues to promote safety with its Emergency Response Guide, which outlines safety procedures, including those in place in case of a bomb threat. UPD has extensive safety resources available on the university website. In the case of a bomb threat, school administrators must react quickly and take the threat seriously. Even if most bomb threats are fake, there is always the risk of a real bomb being detonated on a college campus, and that is not a risk worth taking lightly.
Singer Frank Ocean opens up and breaks new ground in R&B Sam Jackson sjackso8@stedwards.edu
Frank Ocean. In the dense, often depressing fog of today’s music, he stands tall with his comrades in Odd Future–a lighthouse for music lovers everywhere to sail safely toward–untouched by the vulgarities and lowest common denominator marketing of pop culture. And yet, he provides plenty of songs anyone can (and will) easily sing along to, balanced with a unique, evolved perspective on soul. It has been a year and a half since Ocean released “Nostalgia/Ultra,” the mixtape heard ‘round the world. Fans raved, critics frothed and A-list artists hoping for success by association rushed to get him to write or sing their tracks. There is no better evidence of
how high he is held in esteem than his work on Jay- Z and Kanye West’s “Watch The Throne.” It is the collaboration of the two most egomaniacal rappers in the game, but when you press play, Frank Ocean is the first voice you hear, not theirs. Fast forward, and it is July 2012. Ocean has announced his new album “Channel Orange,” and everybody’s excited. Teased by the leaked first single “Thinkin’ Bout You,” and the just-released 10 minute soul opus “Pyramids,” critics predict a smash and fans are primed to make that happen. The biggest thing Ocean ended up releasing was not bound to a melody, and contained not a hint of his music, but much emotion. “Four summers ago, I met somebody. I was 19 years
old. He was too. We spent that summer, and the summer after, together. Everyday almost. And on the days we were together, time would glide...it was my first love,” Ocean said in an open letter on his Tumblr blog. Hefty words, especially hefty when they come from someone in the rap/R&B genre, one that thrives on images of pimps, ladies’ men, and “don’t hate the player, hate the game”–an image, by the way, that Ocean never shied from. See “Songs For Women.” Before getting swelled in the hype, let’s point something out. Frank Ocean is the first high-profile hip-hop/ R&B artist to admit to being gay or bisexual, not the first ever. There are other openly gay artists in this genre who were out long before him, the
Wikimedia Commons Frank Ocean has become and R&B sensation this year.
easy example being Odd Future’s DJ Syd tha Kyd. Others include the Le1f and Mykki Blanco, both of whom have been mentioned in “Rolling Stone.” Of course, none of those three are anywhere near
Ocean’s level of fame and visibility. If Ocean’s announcement does anything, it will hopefully shatter that wall, allowing artists to be judged on their talent, not their romantic or sexual preferences. In the short term, coming
out seems to have done wonders for Ocean. His acclaim has turned him into a critic’s darling and pop success, and his performance at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 6 was clearly the greatest spectacle of the night. I saw Ocean perform July 19 at La Zona Rosa in Austin, an experience I can only describe as magical. His voice seemed to float above everything with the sound of a higher being unencumbered by the trivialities and sorrows of life. It was as if the audience were getting a brief peek into Paradise. It reminds me of what Ocean said in his Tumblr letter: “I feel like a free man. If I listen closely....I can hear the sky falling too.” I did too that night. But for once, it is not something to be frightened of.
14 VIEWPOINTS School traditions: the good, the bad and the downright made up
The ACLU releases study about single-sex learning environment
Mitch Harris
Nathalie Phan
rharris7@stedwards.edu
nphan4@stedwards.edu
St. Edward’s University is embarking on its 127th year of existence this school year. In all this time, it has amassed several quirky and interesting traditions. Some are legend, some are misunderstood, and some do not really exist. Here is a guide to which traditions are real, which are fake and the ones that were made up a few weeks ago.
Imagine walking to class one day and out of nowhere, an unused tampon lies solitary on the slick tile floor of your hall. Though this event did not happen often, it is the epitome of my life and high school career at an allgirls school. While this does not mean that I shrivel up and die in shock at the sight of the opposite sex, I must admit that the dynamics of a same-sex environment differ greatly from the average setting of a coeducational school. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) seems to think single-sex schools promote harmful stereotypes about gender differences, and thus the ACLU prefers co-ed schools. The ACLU’s views on same-sex classrooms can be found in their preliminary findings “Students in singlefrom their Teach Kids, sex classrooms are Not Stereomore likely to succeed types Campaign. academically because For example, they do not fear since graduating from St. speaking their minds, Agnes Acadas many kids...do.” emy in Houston, Texas, I have found the necessity to adhere to classrooms on a grand scale certain hygiene standards. by recently releasing their Shaving included. Dressing study of same-sex classneatly, included. Makeup, rooms and announcing their tragically, included. Society, mission to ban single-sex I have discovered, places classrooms. The organizamuch more importance on tion argues that dividing appearance than my small, classes by sex promotes an all-girls school did. unhealthy mindset conFor a school that was sup- structed of gender stereoposed to place great stereo- types. type-based standards on But when 900 teenage education, the girls at my girls are in a small commu-
Father Folk’s Nose
Formerly located outside of the Scarborough-Phillips Library, the bronze plaque of Father Paul Folk’s face now stands outside of Andre Hall. The bronze is mostly tarnished and the inscription difficult to read, except for one gleaming spot—his nose. Legend has it that if you rub Father Folk’s nose before exams, you will get better grades. As to whether that is true or not, nobody knows. Because nobody has ever rubbed it. Ever. Rubbing Father Folk’s nose may have been a vital part of exam week at one time, but it is no longer.
The Medallion Ceremony
The Medallion Ceremony takes place only once in a St. Edward’s student’s college career. By attending, you receive a medallion of the school seal on a blue and gold band. Legend has it that students wear these medallions only for very few occasions—the ceremony itself, graduation, and class reunion. Attendance at this event is spotty at best and many freshmen never receive the prized medallion. However, this tradition is completely true.
Photo by Emily Blasdell One of St. Edward’s real traditions is to not walk on the seal.
Just glance around at Homecoming and Family Weekend. Dozens of elderly men and women walk around campus celebrating their 50th in suits, dresses, and gleaming medallions. While the medallions may seem trivial during freshman year, the importance of the medallion only grows over time and stands as a tangible memento of what may be the four most influential years of a person’s life.
year. While it may make the red doors seem more special and sacred, it is just plain inconvenient. You are telling me I have to walk around Main Building to get to my class just because the doors are somehow more special this year? While a good idea in theory, the Legacy Walk is not a real tradition. Your tuition dollars pay for those doors. Use them all you want.
Walking through the Red Doors
One of the first things students are taught at St. Edward’s is to never walk across the school seal in between Ragsdale and Holy Cross Hall. For the most part, people listen. Some have heard threats that you will never graduate if you step on the seal. Some fear the verbal or physical abuse you may incur when walking through instead of around. But honestly, it does not matter. Do not walk on the seal because the sign asks you politely not to. This is absolutely a real tradition. Do not be that guy; please walk around the seal.
The Main Building red doors are arguably the most iconic image of St. Edward’s University. However, this year there has been a special mysticism about the doors. This year’s freshmen were told at orientation that there are only two times a student walk through the red doors. They enter the doors during the Legacy Walk their freshman year and exit them during the same event following graduation. This tradition is not a tradition at all, it started just this
Not Walking on the Seal
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
school seemed to have gotten too comfortable with the fact that no boys means no need for the confining limits of ultra-feminine values which organizations such as the ACLU seem to fear. It seems as though society views private education, especially in the same-sex environment, pessimistically. Because my school was assumed to have taught their students ways of female empowerment, society immediately time-travels back to earlier decades and falsely labels the diversion from average schooling methods as destructive, as if female empowerment equates to a society of close-minded women who seek to destroy the foundations of a predominantly male-dominated country. The ACLU is guilty of the serious offense of putting this stereotype of same-sex
nity, the result is not a closeminded school of women, but an empowered community of academic women. The girls learn to open up their minds to the many possibilities of life. The classes I took in high school catered to the developing minds of teenage girls, challenging students not only academically but also socially. These classes built within all of the students at the school a strong moral compass. My peers and I all graduated as better people. The reason for this is that students entering the school start off with one common aspect: their gender. This similarity opens up more room to discuss certain topics that normally not be discussed around the opposite sex. High school is when soul-searching and the selfidentification process starts. The insecurities and inhibitions that people bring with them from middle school are more likely to fade in single-sex classrooms than coeducational classrooms, and the results are apparent. I believe students from single-sex classrooms are more likely to succeed academically because they do not fear speaking their minds, as many kids do in coeducational environments do. Austin Independent School District (AISD) is currently in talks of opening the School for Young Men, a single-sex school that would parallel the remarkably successful all-girls school Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. I praise the AISD for ignoring ACLU’s ignorant view on single-sex classrooms.
VIEWPOINTS 15
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
Clint Eastwood’s chair performance raises eyebrows at RNC Kelsey Acosta kacosta@stedwards.edu
As we enter into the presidential election season, both parties are pulling out all the stops. In the past few weeks, Republicans and Democrats have hosted their national party conventions. The votes are in, the nominations have been made and accepted. The Republicans nominated Mitt Romney while Democrats nominated with Barack Obama for another term. The parties detail their respective platforms which is a statement of party priniciples at National Party Conventions. But in this day and age, we know most of that stuff in advance, so these conventions
are really more like gigantic, expensive political pep rallies, complete with a whole host of charismatic speakers giving pep talks. Over the two weeks of political cheerleading, many great orators spoke on the behalves of both parties. Everyone from the candidates’ wives, to national leaders, to politic’s good ol’ comeback kid Bill Clinton. But one speech soared high above the rest. The Republicans hinted all week that a secret speaker was to take the stage in Tampa, Fla. on Aug. 30. The anticipation built and built as the nation kept their attention to the Republican National Convention (RNC). And then it finally happened–on
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Wikimedia Commons Clint Eastwood was a special speaker at the RNC.
the closing night of the RNC, an 82-year-old Clint Eastwood took the stage armed only with an empty chair, an invisible Obama and artful mastery of improv comedy. For twelve minutes, the
seasoned Hollywood veteran verbally tore into the invisible Obama with no sign of mercy. On and on he went drilling the invisible Obama with a slew of unremitting and, often times, unintelligible
questions. I truly feel sorry for all the people who had transcribe Eastwood’s speech because at times it was nearly impossible to understand what he was saying, let alone follow the logic of the interrogation. In the days following, the infamous speech was the topic of national debate. Was Eastwood’s speech brilliant comedic commentary on the job that Obama has done since taking office, or was it the nonsensical and slightly egotistical ramblings a of senile old man? Twitter feeds blew up with posts about Eastwood’s speech and the newly created hashtag, #InvisibleObama. Moreover, the crowd at the RNC seemed to love it, or
at least the parts they could understand. As Eastwood mumbled his way from one zinger to another the auditorium filled with laughter. Romney didn’t even seem to mind that Eastwood’s lengthy speech cut into his acceptance speech. Many media outlets claimed that this speech was a good thing for the Republicans because it showed that they have a sense of humor and know how to have a good time–both important characteristics needed to run a country and try to tackle the over $16 trillion of national debt. Actually, forget Romney 2012. I am voting Eastwood. He is the real political and comedic genius.
Library closure makes studying a hassle Joanna Capanzana jcapanz@stedwards.edu
Amidst the stress of our everyday lives as financially struggling college students, an escape from reality helps to stay sane. Many turn to activities like sports as a stress reliever, while others turn to friends. However, I choose to escape to a place where others will not find silence as awkward, where knowledge is infinite upon every bookshelf. Of course, this place is none other than the ScarboroughPhillips Library, which unfortunately is not open for use due to renovations until the next academic year. In the meantime, temporary library facilities are located in Doyle Hall. The closure of the library provides many disadvantages for our student body as we struggle to find study areas. Indeed, staff has aimed to provide many other areas
on campus for students to the number of distractions. study in. For example, I find The opportunity to study that the third floor in Rags- outdoors is rather disastrous, dale Hall serves as a relatively as we knowingly live in a state quiet space to complete a filled with overwhelming few assignments, as long as there are not any “The closure of the club meetings library provides many or events taking place in the disadvantages for our ballrooms. Also, student body as we studying off campus is an option struggle to find study for students who areas.” take advantage of the metro or who own cars. Regardless, I find that a heat and humidity that can proper library is an irre- give a student a heat stroke, placeable part of a university, rather than an environment providing the sources and to truly channel one’s focus environment for students to into their assignments. work efficiently, no matter Many of the indoor lounge how many other areas may be areas, as pleasant as they are opened until renovations are in appearance, serve as relafinished. tively distracting settings that The environment of a li- are filled with the consistent brary simply motivates one to noise of people socializing, continue working by limiting numerous posters on walls
that shout for your attention to be read and televisions that practically beg to be watched. I was told that the use of one’s dorm as a study area can be catastrophic, for the place that you sleep in should not be the place where you study, due to the easily accessible bed that watches you as you study for hours on end, seducing you with its pillows. So what areas are left for truly efficient studying? As great as our newly renovated library will inevitably be once opened, the attempts to compensate for our temporary loss could have been made into a better transition. Our library continues to stand as an essential place for our student body to effectively study, and the lack of a library hinders our ability to get our work done.
16 PHOTO ESSAY
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 • HILLTOP VIEWS
HILLFEST ‘12 Photos by Amy Barrientos