Issue #9 - Nov. 11, 20089

Hilltop Views S t .

E d w a r d ’ s

U n i v e r s i t y

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Volume 26 | Issue 9

hilltopviewsonline.com

University creating new intramural field Regina Shelton St. Edward’s University is creating a new intramural field on the lawn in front of Teresa Hall.

The $125,000 field, located down the hill from the Mary Moody Northern Theatre and adjacent to Teresa Hall’s sand volleyball court, will be 150 feet wide and 225 feet long. The idea for an intramural field was conceived by the Student Affairs board about two years ago, but was not approved until late last spring by the Landscape & Architecture Committee.

Athletics Director Debbie

Taylor said that finding the location for the field was not an easy task considering the size of the campus but Michael Peterson, the director of Physical Plant, said the designated location will be perfect for the plans.

But although the field may look ready, it will not be able to be used because the grassroots need to set in.

“We plan to have the field finished before Christmas break and ready for use sometime in late March or early April,” Peterson said.

The field will also not be fenced-in like the regular athletics fields. Those fields

Lucio Manzano

An intramural field is being created on the Teresa Hall lawn.

are closed off to non-NCAA athletes because of the highmaintenance Bermuda grass.

Airfare up for holidays Katy Johnson Students planning on flying home for the holidays may want to purchase their ticket sooner rather than later, as ticket prices are increasing on a daily basis.

According to a New York Times article released last week, Thanksgiving airfare is rising nearly 6 percent weekly, a percentage that is projected to increase as the holidays approach. The article also reported that tickets purchased for the most popular itinerary, departing Nov. 25 and returning on Nov. 29, increased 10 percent over the course of

a week. This would be the ideal flights for traveling St. Edward’s Un i v e r s i t y students who have off from classes on Nov. 25-27.

Southwest Airlines St. Ed- Southwest Airlines is known for cheap flights. ward’s stubock find it more efficient dents come from all over the country and the to fly home rather than face globe, but a vast majority also a lengthy and grueling road come from Texas, a state that trip.

As of Nov. 6, flights leaving takes about 12 hours to drive from Austin arriving in El from one end to the other.

Many students who are from cities like El Paso and Lub-

Sports: Men’s soccer and women’s volleyball win conference titles. Page 9-10.

HOLIDAY, 2

The field is going to be left open so that it is inviting for students to stop by and play

pick up games at their convenience,” Taylor said. “It will be used longer and more often than current athletic fields.”

Soccer, lacrosse, football and rugby goals will be available at all times on the field, in addition to some bench seating which, according to Peterson, will be placed between the current volleyball court and the new field. Peterson also spoke of another amenity, a water fountain, which will be located on the north side of the field in the general direction of East Hall. No permanent lines will be drawn on the field in order to maximize flexibility

for several sports.

That flexibility will also force the current basketball court to be moved behind in the parking lot between Teresa Hall and the Satellite Chiller Plant building, Taylor said.

The Athletics Department and Landscape & Architecture committee are planning to have an official grand opening April 2010, assuming everything goes as planned.

An official name and dedications have yet to be established, and Lemons said that he has yet to get that far into INTRAMURAL, 4

H1N1 cases decreasing Mary Fisher The number of presumed H1N1 cases reported is decreasing, said a St. Edward’s University health official.

“The week of Oct. 12 there were 23 cases while the week of Oct. 26 there were only six cases,” said William Pannabecker, director of the Health and Counseling Center at St. Edward’s.

“However, that does not mean we won’t see a big surge in cases.”

Since August, the Health and Counseling Centerhas identified 192 H1N1 cases, said Pannabecker.

Features: Hilltop Mentors program offers support. Page 13.

And, even though the cases are decreasing, the St. Edward’s population has experienced a slightly higher percentage rate than the nationwide average.

About 5 percent of the St. Edward’s student body affected by H1N1 is about 5 percent, said Pannabecker, while the national rate of students affected by H1N1 is 2 percent, according to the American College Health Association.

Pannabecker believes the higher percentage was caused by the fact that more students sought treatment for their symptoms at the

Health and Counseling Center.

“First, we mounted a very big education campaign to inform the campus about the risks of flu,” he said.

“Second, all our materials encouraged students to come to the Health and Counseling Center.”

It is still uncertain if St. Edward’s will receive any H1N1 vaccines.

“They are showing up in Texas, but they’re mostly going to young children and pregnant women,” said Pannabecker.

Entertainment: Get the dirt on Fun Fun Fun Fest.

Page 8.

H1N1, 4

Page 2 | NEWS

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Angers deadline extended Daniel Garza The application deadline for the spring semester of the St. Edward’s study abroad program in Angers, France was recently extended due to slow enrollment.

The Angers program, which is currently in its first semester, originally required student applications for the spring to be turned in by Oct. 8. That deadline was extended to Oct. 30 to increase enrollment, and also due to marketing internship opportunities that recently became available in Angers for students. There were 13 students that applied for the spring semester program.

International Education Coordinator Esmeralda Hoang said she thinks that these numbers are modest but expected.

“We’ve expected it to be a slow start,” Hoang said.

“There are 18 students there now, and we expect a similar group for the spring.”

One reason for the slow enrollment into the program is the economic pressures both here at home and abroad.

Students and their parents are much more aware of the expense posed by study abroad programs, and the instability of the U.S. dollar as compared to the euro make accurate cost estimates difficult to obtain with certainty.

The current price for a semester in Angers, France is $15,570, not including airfare or money for food. Current students in the program that have been surveyed report that they spend about 50 euros a week on food expenses, which is the equivalent to about $75. This adds up to a large expense for students and their parents, however financial aid and scholarships work towards a semester abroad just like any other semester.

“It’s important to note that all financial aid applies,” Ho-

ang said. “It’s as if the student were enrolling in a normal semester at St. Edward’s.”

All processes and applications for financial aid for a semester abroad are the exact same as for regular semesters at home, Hoang said.

There are some scholarships available to students that are specific to semesters spent studying in foreign countries, but all regular avenues of obtaining financial aid do not change if a student plans on taking advantage of programs that take them out of the U.S. for a semester.

Despite the high price tag, the program in Angers offers opportunities for students who wish to spread their wings and learn in a different cultural environment. The current fall semester program in Angers has a business school focus. The upcoming spring semester is focused on the School of Humanities, and boasts some interesting courses on literature and creative writing.

Chris Flynn, associate professor of Humanities will be teaching English courses in Angers in the spring. Flynn had designed a program almost two years ago after visiting Paris that focused on American writers and how the time they spent abroad affected their work. To his delight he was selected to teach in Angers during the first humanities focused semester, partly because he already had a lot of the planning and organization for his courses complete.

“The literature course is focused on American expatriate writers and will give students a unique sense of the dislocation from normal life that affected the way these writers thought and wrote what they did,” Flynn said.

Flynn, who traveled to Angers this past summer, thinks that this location will help to give students this unique perspective while being sepa-

Holiday travel costs weighed Continued from page 1

Eloise Montemayor

St. Edward’s students studying outside in Angers, France.

rated from their homes and day to day lives. Flynn will also be teaching courses on creative writing, specifically focusing on their personal, past experiences.

Flynn hopes that the new culture and environment will help to inspire students to have interesting things and travel experiences to write about.

“Angers is very picturesque, with a lot of physical history.

There are many things to see with a medieval feel to them,” Flynn said.

This program in Angers has been in the works at St. Edward’s for about a yearand-a-half. The professors are selected to teach in Angers after submitting proposals for courses of study that are specific to Angers or the general area. A committee comprised of Deans and faculty decides and approves programs that are usually submitted over a year in advance.

The program is currently structured to offer businessrelated courses in the fall and humanities in the spring.

However, the hope is to include other, and more varied programs in the future.

Students who are looking to study abroad for a semester have many programs to choose from. However, the Office of International Education thinks that the program will catch on among

students looking to invest in a rich learning experience.

“The Angers program seems like it’s more accessible and comfortable for St. Edward’s students,” Hoang said.

“Students in the program are benefitted by having other St. Edward’s students and faculty around them and nearby all of the time.”

Flynn said that he is excited to be going to Angers for a semester to teach and also said that the program is very beneficial to students in the long run, and any who are able should take advantage of the program in Angers and other programs. The Office of International Education recently held eight study abroad information sessions in less than two weeks.

“As an undergrad, it is the best time of your life for this kind of dramatic move, and it can very literally be life changing,” Flynn said. dgarzaa@stedwards.edu

Paso on Nov. 25 and returning on Nov. 28 start at $311, according to Travelocity, while Bing travel starts airfare from Austin to El Paso at $467.

Kyle Nigro, a freshman, is flying home to Connecticut for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and bought his tickets nearly a month ago.

“The tickets for Thanksgiving, round-trip, are going to be $450 to fly back [to Connecticut] on Nov. 24 and return Sunday [Nov. 28],” he said, “The tickets for Christmas are $350, cheaper because it isn’t as close to the holiday.”

According to Travelocity on Nov. 6, the same tickets from Austin to Hartford, Conn. over the Thanksgiving break start at $704. Although Nigro said the cost of ticket prices were not a major concern for him, he said it most likely will be for a lot of students.

Callie Simpson, a senior, is one of these students. For Simpson, ticket prices mean the difference between getting to see her brother for the holidays or not, she said. Her brother attends law school in Atlanta, Ga., and finds it hard to make it home for the holidays because of high airfare. In fact, ticket prices have kept her brother from coming home for the holidays for nearly two years.

“The plane tickets to and from Austin and Atlanta are in the $700 range, so that is a huge chunk of money,” she said. “In 2008, he came home the week after Christmas because the week of [Christmas] was really expensive.”

In addition to high ticket prices, air travelers also incur additional fees as most airlines require a checked baggage fees. Parking, food and other unexpected costs also need to be factored into a trip to the airport.

Marcos Soto, a senior, said even if the ticket prices were cheaper, he would not fly to his home in Dallas, a three-to-four hour journey up IH-35. Currently, Southwest Airlines starts roundtrip tickets from Austin to Dallas, a 300-mile journey, at $306.

“I personally would not fly home even if ticket prices were lower” he said. “I prefer the scenic drive back to Dallas. The journey gives me time to think and I get to see our state change as I drive along.”

Increasing ticket prices may force many students, who need to travel long distances home, to adopt this positive attitude toward road trips this holiday season. kjohnso3@stedwards.edu

Corrections: The article “Folks that have given Austin flavor,” which appeared on page 9 on Nov. 4 contained two errors. Will Wynn should have been identified as the former mayor of Austin. Jake Hartwell wrote the article.

In the article, “Committee to review SGA Bills”, which appeared on page 2 on Nov. 4, the documents described should have been referred to as resolutions. Measures that go to the Legislative Initiatives are resolutions; those that go to Intergovernmental Affairs are bills.

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, November 11, 2009

NEWS | Page 3

Student discovered dead in apartment Bryce Bencivengo Claire Cella Tristan Hallman St. Edward’s University sophomore Jared M. Young was found dead in his offcampus apartment Nov. 1.

The Austin Police Department received a call at 7:31 p.m. and responded to an apartment in the 500 block of East Stassney Ln. APD is currently investigating Young’s death as an accidental death, as there were no signs of foul play in the apartment, according to Detective Chris Smyth.

Further comment from Smyth and The Austin Police Public Information Department is being withheld until more is known about what led up to his death and

the released results of the toxicology reports.

Young, 20, was originally from Austin and went to high school at HuntingtonSurrey School. Despite being local, he lived in Doyle Hall and Hunt Hall last school year. Young’s major was currently undecided.

“I’m saddened by the news because it was very shocking,” sophomore Brent Johnson said. “We used to run into each other many times in the residence halls and we would always have good conversation. He will be missed and his family as well as his other close friends are in my prayers.”

Young’s friend, sophomore Sara Dunsmore, said that Young was known for having an extreme lifestyle and that

Courtesy of the Brown and Young Families

Young greatly enjoyed athletics activities like snowboarding, bicycling and wakeboarding. Recently, Dunsmore said, Young had suffered a thirddegree burn from falling off of his long-board.

“He always seemed to have a broken bone,” Dunsmore said.

Dunsmore said that she and

Young became friends when they both lived in Doyle and Hunt last year. They often stayed up late studying together in groups and she considered Young to be a serious student, she said.

“He was one of the nicest people I’ve ever known,” Dunsmore said. “He always had a smile on his face. Al-

ways.”

An e-mail from Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Lisa Kirkpatrick was sent to the St. Edward’s community at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 3 to inform students of Young’s death.

In the e-mail, Kirkpatrick encouraged students to remember both Young’s family and friends in thoughts and prayers.

“As a community, it is important that we support one another as we mourn this death,” Kirkpatrick wrote.

“Please remember that there are numerous support services available on campus including Campus Ministry and the Health & Counseling Center.”

Funeral services for Young

were held Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Umlauf Sculpture Gardens, located in Zilker Park.

Young is survived by his mother, father, step-father, and his three brothers.

Young is the second St. Edward’s student to die this year. John “Quatro” Kiley IV, a junior, died from drowning Aug. 23 while visiting his father in Osterville, Mass. bbenciv@stedwards.edu ccella@stedwards.edu thallma2@stedwards.edu

Plan for new chapel delayed due to lack of funds Kyle Nigro By 2010, the Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel on the campus of St. Edward’s University was scheduled to be replaced with a new chapel. But as of 2009, the chapel still stands and there are no signs of new construction

on campus.

The chapel, one of the oldest buildings on campus, was to be replaced by a new chapel under the 2010 Master Plan that was developed in 1999.

But in the stagnant economy, the university is having difficulty raising funds to

build the new chapel. The campaign for the project requires a lead gift of $3 million.

“Should we receive such a lead gift, a time line would then be set to achieve the balance of the funds,” said Rhonda Cartwright, vice president of Financial Affairs. “Obvi-

Hilltop Views Archive

As part of the 2010 Master Plan, the Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel was to be replaced.

ously, in today’s environment that has proven difficult.”

At the moment, the university has only raised $1.6 million to go toward the chapel.

However, schematics are in progress and are being drawn up by Rick Joy, the architect in charge of the project.

The new chapel would not only serve as a place of worship but also as the new home to Campus Ministry and the Holy Cross Institute.

Both are currently located in the Mang house and in various offices around campus.

Currently, the plan is to build a new 11,000 square foot building, with a price tag between $8 and $10 million.

But these costs estimates are over two years old.

The money for construction would not come from student tuition but from various fundraising, said Cartwright.

The site for the new project is not the same site that the chapel currently occupies near Trustee Hall. The new

At the moment, the university has only raised $1.6 million to go toward the chapel. building would likely be built over the commuter parking lot, just south of Mary Moody Northern Theater.

Money is not the only thing hindering the new chapel’s progress though. Several students have expressed some concern about the plan for several reasons. Some students said the old chapel has been a place of worship and significant events for so long that to relocate to a new chapel seems wrong.

“It would be ending a tradition here on campus and we have so few of them that I feel taking away ‘Our Lady’ would be a mistake,” said Lauren May, a junior.

The Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel has resided in

the same place since 1897, however it wasn’t until 1948 that it became the official campus chapel. Throughout the years, the chapel has been the location of several marriages and baptisms to students, staff and alumni. knigro@stedwards.edu

Page 4 | NEWS

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 | Hilltop Views

University assesses computer competency Jennifer Schrauth St. Edward’s University has been reassessing its computer competency requirements and the way that computer skills are taught.

Every student at the university is required to complete a set of computer competencies before graduation. The purpose of the requirement is to ensure students are capable of basic computer use that accompanies most classroom environments, according to the Instructional Technology Web page.

Based on six modules, the competencies cover the topics of basic computer use, internet communications, library research, word processing, spreadsheets and multimedia presentations.

But this year, one of the

modules, basic library research, was removed from the requirements.

Joana Trimble, the computer competencies and training manager, said the decision to drop the module from the criteria was because the librarians at the university instruct students early in their academic careers, in courses like Rhetoric and Composition. The need to teach and test students on this information became obsolete, Trimble said.

Although much of the competencies are still based upon older and outdated software like Windows XP, updates are not expected in the near future, Trimble said.

“But as soon as the university adopts a new program, we will be prepared,” she said.

For students who have

Lucio Manzano

Students are required to pass computer competency tests.

increased their working knowledge of computer programs, the IT department offers free computer training workshops, covering topics ranging from CSS to Adobe Photoshop, to help them improve their personal skills

and professional abilities.

The workshops are available to students, faculty, and staff every month and at various times.

Megan Garza, the IT training coordinator, said the goal of the workshops is to pre-

Intramural program to expand Continued from page 1

the process.

The new sports field is going to play a large part in assisting Andy Lemons, the first full-time intramural programmer on campus, with expanding and progressing the university’s intramural sports program by giving students a designated and visible location to have practices and host games.

Due to this year’s weak interest in intramurals, Lemons said he had a late start and is working on developing a program that fits the university and appeals to the needs of students on campus. Lemons said that he plans to offer a variety of sport options at two different levels by having a competitive league and a recreational league.

Lemons said he intends to build interest in intramural activities by beginning with

“This new field is specifically for the general public student population,” Lemons said.

a host of drop-in events and figuring out how to get more people to participate.

He would also like to see some campus-wide events, like a field day or interactive, opening-week activities, hosted on the new field.

Lemons, who joined the university this September, has 10 years of experience in building recreational sports programs. He recently left UT Southwestern Medical School at Dallas after developing its intramural program.

He hopes all students will take advantage of the new fields after they make appropriate reservations with

his office.

“This new field is specifically for the general public student population,” Lemons said Both Lemons and Taylor added that the athletics teams will not be use the intramural field except in extreme circumstances.

“If the soccer field gets flooded, there is a possibility that the soccer team could end up using the field to practice,” Lemons said. “St. Edward’s sport team members are students on campus too.”

Historically, the university’s athletic fields have been moved around campus for years and have adapted as

the university has changed.

“Prior to the construction of Basil Moreau and Dujarié over seven years ago, there were two sports fields in their present location,” Taylor said.

The Dallas Cowboys were the most famous occupants of those athletics fields. The team held training camp there from 1971 to 1997. During the construction of the residence halls, St. Edward’s soccer teams practiced off-campus for an entire year until the current soccer field was complete. rshelto3@stedwards.edu

pare students with the relevant technological knowledge for graduate school. The IT department works to gear the workshops toward the best practices and popular topics in technology, she said.

“Students that attend the workshops take the extra initiative to learn what’s going on in the technology world,” Garza said.

Computer education is crucial for students to acquire, Trimble said.

“Students don’t necessarily always have the skills that they need to succeed in the classroom,” she said. “We’re really trying to move toward general computer literacy and keep the education we offer up-to-date.”

In addition to the workshops, IT also offers oneon-one instruction, faculty

requests and certification through the Circuit Track, Garza said. The Circuit Track allows students to receive certification in office essentials, Web essentials, or digital graphics essentials, by attending five to eight required workshops. At the end of the series, participants submit track projects to be graded, and if these projects demonstrate proficiency in the area, certificates are awarded.

“The IT Circuit keeps people coming back because people are interested in getting a certificate,” said Trimble.

All workshops are held in Moody Hall 309. The schedule for this month’s workshops can be found at http://www.frc.stedwards. edu/workshop/index.cfm. jschrau@stedwards.edu

H1N1 vaccines still unavailable Continued from page 1

The Health and Counseling Center received a second shipment of 170 seasonal flu vaccines at the end of October. They had received first shipment earlier in the semester of about 170 vaccines.

Pannabecker expects that 160 more seasonal flu vaccines will arrive soon.

“We still have about 25 vaccines left from the late October shipment,” Pannabecker said.

Even though the Health and Counseling Center is treating students for H1N1, it cannot confirm that the cases are H1N1.

“The testing for H1N1 has to be sent off, and it takes seven to 10 days,” said Pannabecker. “By the time it’s back, the person would be better.”

The Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention provided clinicians with recommendations for H1N1 testing.

“This season, most testing will be done in people who are seriously ill (hospitalized patients) and patients where testing may impact treatment decisions,” according to the CDC. The CDC would also test for H1N1 if the patient dies and if the symptoms point to H1N1.

“We presume that our cases are H1N1 since they fit the symptom pattern,” Pannabecker said. mfisher@stedwards.edu

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, November 11, 2009

GAMES | Page 5

Games

Check Out

Hilltop Views

Online

Today

Hilltop Views is offering the St. Edward’s University community a new way to find out about campus news and events. Hilltopviewsonline.com will offer the majority of what is available in the print edition and so much more. Online you will find additional stories, photos, podcasts, videos and interviews.

hilltopviewsonline.com

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

Answer to last issue’s Sudoku:

6 Wednesday, November 11, 2009 | Hilltop Views

ENTERTAINMENT

Concert Reviews

Art Brut and Princeton at Mohawk Ryan Lester London’s Art Brut brought their blend of punk-like energy and lead singer Eddie Argos’ witty lyrics about modern art and English life to the Mohawk with outstanding results.

After a great opening set on Oct. 25, from the Los Angeles group Princeton, the crowd’s excitement grew as Art Brut was set to take the stage.

The band has developed a loyal fan base, and there was a healthy amount of them present at the show.

Argos, who talks into the microphone more than he sings, was celebrating his birthday, and started things

off by admitting to the crowd that he was a little drunk.

The band then proceeded to play “Formed a Band,” their calling card off their debut album, “Bang Bang Rock & Roll.”

The band also played many cuts from 2007’s “It’s A Bit Complicated” and this year’s “Art Brut vs. Satan.”

The recurring motif in the majority of the songs was Argos adding on to his already hilarious lyrics. For example, on “Formed A Band,” after stating that “We’re going to be the band that writes the song that makes Israel and Palestine get along,” he added “and then America and Scotland, easy peasy.” Moments like these occurred through-

Ryan Lester

Art Brut, Princeton and Surfer Blood played an energizing show at Mohawk Oct. 25.

out their set, and didn’t fail to bring a smile to concert goer’s faces.

While Argos worked his magic on the microphone,

the other four members of Art Brut played with a contagious amount of energy.

Most of their songs are fast and filled with instrumen-

tal hooks, and each member played as though being chased by a train. Guitarists Ian Catskilkin and Jasper Future played their instru-

ments with a sort of cheeky swagger, and bassist Frederica Feedback and drummer Mikey Breyer (who played his kit standing up) provided a strong rhythm section that pulled everything together.

Art Brut has a way of connecting with their audience that makes them feel like they are a part of something, and the sheer manic energy that can be found their records is only magnified when they play to a crowd. They are a truly one of a kind act, and they ably proved that with their Mohawk performance. rlester@stedwards.edu

Students sing the praises for Fox’s Glee Jake Hartwell In a time when procedural dramas like “Law & Order” and “CSI” are a dime a dozen, musical comedies are ultimately unheard of. However, “Glee,” a new show in the

fall line up from the creative minds at Fox, has broken through.

“Glee’s” pilot debut thrid in its time slot. Weekly, the show is up against “Criminal Minds,” “Modern Family” and “Law & Order: Special

Victims Unit.”

“Glee” has officially been approved for a full season, and has been met with considerable popularity. The plot focuses around a high school Glee Club, blending elements of music, comedy and drama to tell a story.

The musical focus of the show is somewhat unprecedented on Primetime television, which has attracted the attention of many St. Edward’s students.

Some critics have criticized the characters as being very stereotypical, but Alexis Konevich, a senior, has a different

view on them.

“I like ‘Glee,’” said Konevich, “because it is unabashedly self aware of the stereotypes the characters represent: gay, nerdy, emo, self-obsessed high school starlets and the like.”

The show has some satire in its stereotypes that builds on the humor. Some students are also impressed with the soundtrack choices.

The show has been praised for its great music and the talent of the cast. Music on the show ranges from show tunes to chart-topping pop hits, because one of the creators, Ryan Murphy, said, “I want there to be something for everybody in every episode.”

The focus on musicals certainly shines through on the show.

“Anyone on campus who is into musicals and over-

the-top theatre will like the show,” junior, Emily Ellis said. “It’s the only prime-time program I can think of that will devote a full 4 minutes to a single song.”

The show represents a unique centering on music that many students have welcomed. However, some remain skeptical.

“It’s about glee club... And nobody ever liked the glee club kids, so why would we want to watch a show about glee club kids?” junior, Jordan Flayer said.

Concerns exist regarding whether the appeal of the characters is strong or wide enough to sustain multiple seasons. Some viewers also feel that the show is too trivial or unimportant.

“I watched the pilot show and then the second one,” junior Amanda Schaeper said.

“It didn’t catch my interest. I

felt like it was a fluff show for someone who didn’t feel like investing too much though.”

Despite the criticism, “Glee” still receives several million views per week, and is at least a unique change in show style. It could be on the Fox schedule for several more seasons, barring Fox’s history with innovative and hilarious programs.

“It’s a great show,” Nino said. “I hope Fox doesn’t cancel it.” jhartwe@stedwards.edu

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, November 11, 2009 Ryan Lester Very rarely do sequels to movies outperform their predecessors. Barring a few exceptions, they are often made to profit off of the original’s success. Sometimes though, movie companies take things to the extreme, churning out sequels every other year or releasing a new installment in a series 10 years after the last entry. Here are some of the worst offenders. rlester@stedwards.edu

American Pie: The first two movies in this series were mindless, hormoneinduced entertainment that had memorable characters and some outlandish moments.

However, after 2003’s “American Wedding,” the series has taken the straight-to-DVD route. Everything from band camp to frat houses have been squeezed of any sexually related humor, with often unfunny results. For example, this year’s installment, “American Pie: The Book of Love,” has a new batch of bothered teenagers trying to reconstruct a book of tips for picking up women that they happen to stumble upon in the library. With seven movies in ten years, and a lack of new ideas or good jokes, the “American Pie” series has become the “Police Academy” of the 2000’s. Poor Eugene Levy.

ENTERTAINMENT | Page 7

The films that never end Parodies: While not groundbreaking, the first “Scary Movie” at least had its’ heart in the right place. It made fun of a genre that often takes itself way too seriously, and one that has in recent years become almost a parody of itself.

However, after three sequels and no less than 600 spin-offs (this is only mildly exaggerated) including such cringe-worthy entries such as “Date Movie,” “Epic Movie,” and “Meet the Spartans,” it all begins to seem a little ridiculous. Now more focused on painfully obvious pop culture references than making fun of their respective genres (see “Epic Movie’s” “Lazy Pirate Day,” a mash up of “Pirates of the Caribbean” and the SNL digital short “Lazy Sunday,” for proof ), the proper reaction to hearing of a new movie in this conglomerate is to roll your eyes and breath a world-weary sigh.

Saw: Now in its’ sixth volume, the Saw series continues to demonstrate what happens when you rush to get a product out in time for Halloween six years in a row.

While the movies at least have some form of plot- a man wanting to fix other people for the better does so by killing them if they don’t meet his expectations- it seems that the victims are stupid enough to fall back into Jigsaw’s trap at the same time every year. You would think by now that American audiences would have had enough of the obscene amounts of gore and predictable storylines, but the series has been highly successful. The series has made almost $700 million worldwide since the original “Saw,” and a seventh movie is already in the works. I just can’t wait to buy the boxed set 20 years from now.

Movies That Get Sequels Years After the Original Films: There are many movies that really don’t need sequels. But if it made enough money for a studio, there is a good chance one may get made 10-20 years later. The most obvious culprits are the recent releases from Sylvester Stallone, updating Rocky (which had five movies before it) and Rambo (three) within the last three years. I can understand wanting to introduce your product to a new audience, but that’s what specialedition DVD’s of the original movies are for. Additionally, releasing sequels or prequels a decade or so later (here’s looking at you “Boondock Saints,” “Dirty Dancing,” and “Dumb and Dumber”) spoils the integrity of the original films.

There were certain qualit i e s about these movies that made them special, or at the very least memorable.

Releasing a sequel or a prequel ten years later makes the new movie feel more like an afterthought or a quick attempt to cash in. At least George Lucas was kind enough to warn us there would be a second “Star Wars” trilogy.

Page 8 | ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 | Hilltop Views

The dirt on Fun Fun Fun Fest

Eloise Montemayor

All Leather performed on the black stage Saturday.

Caroline Wallace

both projects of Austin native Alan Palomo, performed on the blue stage only hours apart. While both projects produce danceable electro tunes, Neon Indian’s set was more psychedelic and hypnotic than the livelier Vega show.

Brooklyn band Les Savy Fav gave what was arguably Saturday’s most inventive performance.

Lead singer Tim Harrison embraced his balding head and prominent gut, by strutting around on stage in everything from a reptilian mask paired with a wedding dress, to a pair of iridescent purple leggings, worn under

blue brief-style underwear.

Harrison also applied black and red face paint to himself, his band mates, and members of the crowd and press pit.

His onstage antics were extended into the audience further with multiple stagedives, one of which included a fully extended ladder being spread horizontally across the crowd so he could walk on top of it.

Yeasayer, Face to Face, 7 Seconds and Ratatat also delivered popular performances on Saturday.

The second day of the festival was dampened by rain, and eventually a thick sludge of mud covering large parts of the festival grounds.

Nothing Austinites were not accustomed to after ACL’s now notorious Dillo Dirt sludge-fest.

The Austin buzz band Black and White Years played an early set on the orange stage. Their blend of electo, dance and rock coupled with some bold fashion choices, made for a entertaining set.

Alaska in Winter played an inventive show on the blue stage. The one-man electro band, Brandon Bethancourt, sang and played the keytar onstage, while his virtual video orchestra was projected on a screen above the stage.

The video featured images

Festival-goers were treated to many perks as they arrived at Waterloo Park Saturday morning for Fun Fun Fun Fest.

Among them, a speedier willcall line than years past, free iPhone and iPod cases from sponsor Incase, a string of vendors offering up tasty treats, and of course, a wide array or musical offerings, poised to deliver a good time.

An early afternoon performance from Austin’s own L.A.X drew a sizable crowd for so early in the day, and managed to get many people dancing. The six-member dance hybrid group showed off their moves as well as their musical talent.

Altercation Comedy members JT Habersaat, Jake Flores and Joe Staats garnered laughs at the yellow stage for ripping on hipsters, UT football fans and the realities of being broke.

The jokes seemed to strike a cord with much of the crowd. Ironic considering the packed stadium was only blocks away.

Sharla Kew Vega and Neon Indian, Fans enjoy the music while sitting on the Waterloo Park lawn.

of Bethancourt playing all of the different instruments utilized in each song.

Boston punk band Street Dogs inspired circle pits in the rain with their performance on the black stage, drawing on live show mainstay tracks like “Tobe’s got a drinking problem.”

Of Montreal headlined the orange stage, and gave the kind of flamboyant, psychedelic performance that is typical of the band, known for their live show featuring dancers, ninjas and elaborate costumes. Probably the only notable difference between the band’s performance and their other shows was the fact that lead singer Kevin Barnes kept his clothes on for the rainy occasion. In previous Austin performances, Barnes has opted to strip into more revealing attire.

Competing with Of Mon-

Caroline Wallace

Health performed on the blue stage Sunday.

treal in the 8:30 timeslot was Danzig, returning to Austin for the first time in approximately 15 years. Though frontman and namesake Glen Danzig may have aged a bit since his Misfits, Samhain and early Danzig heyday, his vocal abilities were still on point. Fans stuck it

STUDENT CATERING Do you have a late night study session coming up? Are friends coming over to celebrate a special occasion? Student Catering is your on-campus solution.

A full student catering menu can be found online: www.cafebonappetit.com/stedwards

out through the rain and sludge to rock out to the rock legend’s performance.

Other notable Sunday performances came from Atlas Sound, Youth Brigade, Mission of Burma, D.R.I and Crystal Castles. cwallac2@stedwards.edu

SPORTS

9

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Volleyball claims Heartland Conference title Kayla Meyer The St. Edward’s University women’s volleyball team clinched the Heartland Conference title after defeating St. Mary’s University 3-1 on

Saturday, Nov. 7.

“When we started the season, one of our major goals was to win the conference and have the chance to bring the conference tournament to St. Edward’s,” Head Coach

Kayla Meyer

Freshman Laura Colley serves against Incarnate Word.

Sean Donahue said. “It is great to see the players earn something they have worked very hard for.”

Claiming the conference title will allow the St. Edward’s volleyball team (21-10, 12-2 HC) to host the Heartland Conference tournament this weekend. The team’s first game in the tournament will be against the University of Texas-Permian Basin on Friday, Nov. 13 at 5 p.m.

If the Hilltoppers win, they will move on to their second game on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.

“It feels great,” sophomore Courtney Trevino said. “We are very excited about it and are looking forward to hosting the conference [tournament] here in our home gym.

It’s been a great regular season, and we can’t wait to get our post season going.”

Donahue said that because the team’s region, the South Central Region, is very tough, with seven teams ranked nationally, a national appearance comes down to winning the Heartland Conference tournament.

The team tried to claim the conference title on Thursday, Nov. 5, when the Hilltoppers played the University of the Incarnate Word (24-8, 11-3 HC). However, the Hilltoppers ended up losing in a five-set match, 25-22, 23-25, 25-23, and 13-15.

After a four-game losing streak, the Hilltoppers were glad to put a win on the board.

The team beat St. Mary’s in a

four-set match, 25-19, 23-25, 25-20 and 25-21.

“It’s an amazing feeling; words can’t describe how it feels to know all of our team’s hard work is paying off,” junior Pam Osborn said.

Leading the attack was freshman Meredith Bard and Trevino, both with 11 kills each. Following was freshman Ale’tra Ware with nine kills and sophomore Lindy Luleff with eight. Sophomore Chelsea Barsamian contributed a game-high 24 assists at setter, while senior Allison Ralston tallied 22.

Freshman Michelle Hundt led the defense with 20 digs, and sophomore Ashley Vander Hey and Trevino each contributed nine.

Donahue said that it is not

one thing, but a combination of factors that led the Hilltoppers to a successful season.

“The whole team, from the starters to role players all the way to our manager, have a great work ethic and that goes a long way in anything in life,” Donahue said. “One other factor I see is the ladies have a strong belief in the systems we run and the team concept.

They all get along with each other, which is one of those intangibles you can’t measure. Finally, the one thing that makes this team fun to be around, which helps in their success, is that they are all very positive people.” kmeyer2@stedwards.edu

Women’s soccer advances to South Central Regionals Bryce Bencivengo The St. Edward’s University women’s soccer team qualified for the post season for the second time in three years.

The team will compete in the South Central Regional hosted at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Incarnate Word (15-2-3, 10-1-1 HC) won the Heartland Conference title and achieved the highest ranking in the region this season.

“I think our team is as talented as we have had the past four years, but we’ve have a lot of injuries the past year,” said women’s soccer Head Coach Nick Cowell.

Cowell said that making it as far as they have shows the team has a lot of depth on the roster.

The Hilltoppers’ (15-3-1, 10-2 HC) first round match will be against Central Okla-

homa University on Friday, Nov. 13.

Cowell said that playing their game will be key going into the first game in post season, as well as defense.

“We have a very suffocating defense,” said Cowell. “Not very many teams have been able to score on us. I think we’ve only let in six goals in the past 19 games. We just need to bring our intensity on defense.”

The team took on the Central Oklahoma Bronchos during their non-conference schedule in late August. This match, which took place in Austin, had St. Edward’s coming out on top 2-0. The Hilltoppers dominated most categories, including outshooting the Bronchos 14-4.

Central Oklahoma qualified for the NCAA tournament by upsetting the South Central Region top seed West Texas A&M University in penalty kicks in the Lone

Star Conference Tournament.

This is the team’s second appearance in the NCAA tournament in the past three years.

In 2007, the Hilltoppers were the top seed in the South Central Region and hosted the tournament, which earned them a bye through the first round. In the second round, they faced Central Oklahoma, which upset them in overtime 2-1.

This result stunned the team and eliminated them from the tournament.

The Hilltoppers are hoping to avoid being bounced early by winning their first round match and moving on to face Incarnate Word.

The team split the season series with the Cardinals. In their first meeting in Austin, the Hilltoppers fell behind early but scored one goal in the first half, and the game winner in the second half to

capture the first meeting of the year.

Then on Oct. 30, in San Antonio, Incarnate Word captured the lead in the 13th minute and did not relinquish that lead. Had St. Edward’s won this game, it would have all but clinched the Heartland Conference title, which was ultimately won by Incarnate Word.

St. Edward’s lost the game prior to its meeting with Incarnate Word against Newman University 0-1 in double overtime, their first conference loss of the year. Following the two-game skid, the Hilltoppers rebounded with two wins over Texas A&M University International 30 and St. Mary’s University 3-0.

St. Edward’s has amassed some impressive statistics this season. This year, the Hilltoppers have only allowed six goals, while scoring 50. The team has also out-

shot opponents 427 to 71.

The team’s NCAA opener kicks off in San Antonio on

Friday, Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. bbenciv@stedwards.edu

SEU Sports Information

Junior Janae Averett speeds up the field.

Page 10| SPORTS

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Men’s soccer wins Heartland Conference Kayla Meyer The St. Edward’s University men’s soccer team won the 2009 Heartland Conference Title after defeating St. Mary’s University 4-1 on Sunday, Nov. 8.

This is the first Heartland Conference Title the team has won since 2000.

The Hilltoppers have since been battling conference foe, University of the Incarnate Word, for the conference title. St. Edward’s has been clinching second place by just one point each season. This year, Incarnate Word (9-7-3, 7-3 HC) finished second in conference.

“We had a lot of downs and ups, but to win conference for the first time in nine years has meant a lot to me and the guys on the team,” senior Beau Grantier said.

The Hilltoppers (8-8-2, 82 HC) had a rough start at the beginning of the season, tallying a 0-6-2 overall record for the first eight games of the fall season. This was mostly due to injuries, ineligibility and playing six of the eight games against nationally ranked teams. However, when conference play began, the Hilltoppers put their overall record aside.

“I am very proud of all the guys of the team. Starting off with a 0-6-2 record was very

frustrating, and it could have been easy for the guys on the team to get down on themselves and give up,” Grantier said. “However, all the guys on the team worked together and fought hard the rest of the season, which led to us finishing first in conference.

This was the first time in nine years that we won conference. So, I am honored to have played with all the guys on the team and am excited for the future of St. Edward’s soccer program.”

Grantier along with seniors Josh Nannen, John Calandro, Kevin Klaus, AJ Prebensen, Ezual Lewis and Brandin Parras, along with graduate students Scott Strickland and Bryan Van Cura, will be leaving the team this year.

“We will truly miss all nine of the players who have exhausted their eligibility, but we also have some very capable players who will step up next season and do very well,” Young said. “The coaching staff will get an opportunity to work with the remaining players over the spring season, and I am looking forward to see who the next set of leaders will be for 2010.

We also have five players who couldn’t compete this past season who would have seen a lot of playing time, and I am eager to see what they can do as well in 2010.”

SEU Sports Information

Sophomore Terry Stewart dribbles the ball up the field.

The St. Edward’s men’s soccer team needed to close the season out with a win to clinch the Heartland Conference Title and they did just that with their win against St. Mary’s (5-12-1, 3-6-1 HC).

Klaus was able to put the Hilltoppers on the board early in the game with a goal in the 15th minute. Nannen put the second goal on the board from a long pass by Strickland. This was Nannen’s fourth goal in the last seven games, three of which were game-deciding.

The team was able to tally one more goal by freshman JR Ellis before the half. This was Ellis’ first career goal for the Hilltoppers.

A penalty kick in the second half would bring the Hilltoppers to a 4-0 lead. Up to take the kick was Calandro, who tallied his first goal of the season. St. Mary’s scored their only goal of the game in the 73rd minute.

Even with the Heartland Conference Title, unfortunately this was the last match of the season for the Hilltoppers. The team was not ranked high enough in regionals to go any further.

“In NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer, unlike every other sport at St. Edward’s, winning the conference championship doesn’t automatically get you into the NCAA tournament, so we just need to get back out recruiting, work with our current players and put together another demanding schedule like we did this past year,” Young said. “But next year, we just need to win more games earlier on in the year and continue our success in the Heartland Conference.” kmeyer2@stedwards.edu

Men’s basketball defeats Div. I UT-Pan America Kayla Meyer The St. Edward’s University men’s basketball team upset Div. I University of Texas at Pan America 8472 in an exhibition game on Saturday, Nov. 7. UT-Pan America is the current team of St. Edward’s Former Head Coach Ryan Marks.

Leading the Hilltoppers in the game was sophomore Patrick Barnes with 18 points followed by junior Jeff Miner with 14 points, and seniors Jannik Zimmer and Reggie Shanks with 13 points and 11 points respectively. Senior Bobby Watkins had a game-high eight assists.

“It was a great win overall for our team, in that it was over a Div. I team and gives us a barometer of where we are as a team at this point in the season,” Miner said. “The fact that it was over Coach Marks’ new team is pretty much irrelevant because we all harbor no ill feelings towards him and wish him all the success in the world in his newest endeavor.”

This exhibition was a good win for the team going into the season. The Hilltoppers will be hosting the annual SEU Shootout on Nov. 1516 to kick off their season.

“We were very fortunate to schedule an exhibition game with UT-Pan American and Coach Marks’ new squad before our Tip-off Tournament,” St. Edward’s Current Men’s Basketball Head Coach Andre Cook said.

Cook said that the game was a great stepping stone for them to assess the team against a quality opponent.

Cook also said that the game built a lot of confidence for the team and staff.

“The players, especially, benefited greatly from such a terrific experience with

not only winning, but doing so in a difficult atmosphere against a guy they are very familiar with,” Cook said.

Cook was brought to coach at St. Edward’s from Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, N.Y., where he compiled an overall record of 119-40 and was named Region III Coach of the Year as well as the Basketball Coaches Association of New York Junior College Coach of the Year.

ing and being around the game as much as I do.”

Both Cook and Miner stress that they are focused on their goal to win the Heartland Conference Championship.

“Our goals for the season boil down to winning the Heartland Conference Championship and advancing to the NCAA tournament, and hopefully advancing in that tournament as well,” said Miner. “As we

SEU Sports Information

Senior Jeff Miner goes for a layout against UT-Pan America.

“As a coach going into our first game this Sunday, I think it’s important that I continue to stress these same principles and remain consistent with the approach of playing as a smart, hard-working basketball team,” Cook said.

Cook said pre-season has been going great and that the guys have made his transition to Austin very enjoyable.

“From the weight room to the film sessions, the individual workouts to the team practices, we have worked extremely hard to produce what I think can be a championship product,” Cook said. “I am very fortunate to be coaching such quality young men that enjoy play-

have worked this season, regaining the conference championship and making the national tournament has been squarely on our minds.”

In the SEU Shootout, the Hilltoppers will be facing Texas A&M UniversityCommerce on Nov. 15 at 5:30 p.m. and Midwestern State University on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.

“So far, we’ve been very pleased with the results: our guys are buying into the system, we are working very hard at doing so, and in the process, getting a few laughs in at the same time,” said Cook. kmeyer2@stedwards.edu

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 | Hilltop Views

SPORTS |Page 11

Five Minute Major

When competitive drive becomes crazy Tommy Collins Sports Commentary

4

Competition is an essential element of athletics. Two or more parties competitively striving for a goal only one can reach is exhilarating for the athletes as well as the spectators.

Without competition, sports simply would not be entertain-

ing.

This defining characteristic of athletics, however, is inflating so much in some athletes that their competitive drive is overriding their moral character, resulting in malicious actions against their opponents.

Some athletes are essentially cheating, not with the direct goal of winning, but with the nasty intent to hurt their opponents. These actions are not a result of competitive drive; rather they are senseless acts of malice that have no place in sports.

In the past few weeks, two incidents in college athletics have pointed out this growing issue in high-level sports of all kinds.

First, University of Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes attempted to shove his fingers into the eye sockets of a defenseless opponent. For this, he was suspended only half of a game.

Next, Elizabeth Lambert of the University of New Mexico women’s soccer team carried out repeated acts of aggression against the opposing players. She violently yanked a girl to the ground by her ponytail.

She kicked, punched, elbowed and basically attacked many of the Brigham Young University athletes with the clear intention of hurting them. Lambert was suspended indefinitely.

While baring your soul on the table to win is praised at the highest of Americana, examples include the spine-tingling nature of Rudy and Rocky, the Yankee’s Bombers and James Braddock, “The Cinderella Man.” This brand of malice is not respected and frankly not understood.

Beyond being gutless, sad Associated Press and pitiful, these actions set a terrible example. The rationale: If one of the best players on the top-ranked football team in the nation tries to literally gouge his opponents eyes out, why shouldn’t the 12-year-old linebackers in Pop Warner football do the same?

These athletes walk a fine line between achieving their full athletic potential while not compromising their moral character. As the stakes get higher and higher, this line is being overstepped the wrong way, and the result infringes on fair play and good sportsmanship.

Just win, and we’ll forgive you even for taking steroids. But when the aim of the action is the naked harm of another, completely or mostly unrelated to victory in the game, we have no respect for that, and we shouldn’t have any tolerance for it either. tcollin@stedwards.edu

The Hilltop Views sports column, ‘Five Minute Major,’ appears every other week in the sports section and is written by Co-Editor-in-Chief Tommy Collins.

FEATURES

12 Wednesday, November 11, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Veterans Day celebrated Haleigh Svoboda An aging man recalls a tale of valiance from the Vietnam War. He wears a military uniform decorated with gleaming, colorful metals.

This is the image many people picture when they hear the word “veteran.”

However, veterans come from all sorts of backgrounds. Some older generations of Americans have

bravely served in conflicts including the Vietnam War, the Korean War and the Gulf War. Now, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other U.S. military conquests, have created a

new, younger generation of veterans.

St. Edward’s University has 109 veterans and 10 ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) cadets enrolled in classes for the Fall 2009 se-

mester, according to Christina Garcia, a financial services counselor on campus. These following three stories come from St. Edward’s veterans who have all come from distinct backgrounds and have

had different experiences while serving in the armed services. hswobod@stedwards.edu

Aaron Millhench

Lamar McKnight

Senior Aaron Millhench knew he did not want to go college right after he graduated from high school, so he joined the Navy.

“Going around the world seemed more interesting,” said Millhench.

The Navy assigned Millhench to the U.S.S. Winston S. Churchill vessel, where he worked as an electronic warfare technician, manipulating radar to trick missiles. Millhench was deployed twice during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the first deployment being in 2003.

“We shot harpoon missiles into Iraq at whatever tactical point had been designated,” Millhench said.

In 2005, Millhench, working with French, Belgian and other sailors in the U.S. navy, helped detain pirates who had hijacked an Indian ship.

“We basically went in there with guns pointed at them and said, ‘We think you should stop,’” said Millhench.

Millhench, after serving five years of active duty, decided he was ready to attend college.

Waiting to attend college until after he served in the Navy allowed Millhench to get more out of the college experience.

“Now, I can really enjoy my classes and my learning environment,” said Millhench.

Millhench said that his experience in the military allowed him to apply the time management skills learned then to his academic studies now. The Navy also gave Millhench a chance to develop leadership and interpersonal communication skills.

“In the Navy, you are forced to work with people from all around the world,” Millhench said. “You have no choice who you work with.”

Millhench narrowed down his choice of colleges to the University of Texas at Austin and St. Edward’s. He ultimately chose to attend St. Edward’s because of the familial environment.

“The classes are small and you get to know your professors,” said Millhench.

Millhench entered St. Edward’s under traditional undergraduate program instead of the New College program because he wanted to go to class during the day and focus on his studies full-time.

The average age of a traditional undergraduate student at St. Edward’s is 20.5 years, according to the University’s Web site. Millhench is six years older than this average; however, despite the age difference, Millhench said that he does not feel alienated from his classmates.

“Most of the students in my classes do not even realize that I am older until I tell them,” said Millhench.

Since attending St. Edward’s, Millhench began to miss the connection he had with the Navy and joined the Navy Reserves, where he has worked with intelligence analysis for three years.

Going through what he describes as an “interesting time,” junior Lamar McKnight wanted to do something different with his life. McKnight’s mother and stepfather had just separated, and he felt like he did not have the structure or stability that he needed to go to school.

“I saw one of my friends who had joined the Marine Corps and the discipline it instilled in him,” McKnight said. “It looked like something I wanted to become.”

Courtesy of Lamar McKnight McKnight enlisted in 1999 and request- McKnight served overseas in the ed to go overseas where he was stationed Marine Corps in Okinawa, Japan. Once there, McKnight was able to train in aerial operations. Eventually, he became an enlisted air crewman and a crew chief.

“I wanted to be in an aviation unit because I have a lot of aviation people in my family,” said McKnight.

McKnight traveled throughout Southeast Asia while stationed in Japan, visiting Thailand, the Philippines and Korea. His experience abroad allowed him to compare life in the U.S. to other countries.

“If anything, it reinforced my view that despite our flaws, we have the best system in the world in terms of keeping people free and safe,” said McKnight.

In late 2003, McKnight left the Marine Corps. He is now an undergraduate in the St. Edward’s New College program.

The New college program is one reason McKnight chose to come to St. Edward’s; he enjoys taking classes with other students who have life experience outside of high school and college.

“People actually bring a lot of practical knowledge that they have actually learned from experience,” said McKnight said. “I like to be in that environment.”

Although McKnight also loves the location and small size of the university, St. Edward’s Catholic mission has made McKnight feel the most included.

“I think the Congregation of Holy Cross is a wonderful organization because they go so far out of their way to reach out to people and bring them in,” said McKnight. “There is a level of inclusiveness between the New College and Holy Cross that I do not think you get at other schools.”

Military service has taught McKnight how to function with little sleep, which he said is important for college students. McKnight’s experience in the Marine Corps also taught him perseverance, and he said that military service helped him better understand what he knows he can do.

“The military gave me a great foundation,” said McKnight. “St. Edward’s has helped me to take that great foundation and package it into something that would be very helpful as a future citizen.”

Courtesy of Aaron Millhench

Millhench joined the Navy after high school

VETERANS, 13

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, November 11, 2009

FEATURES | Page 13

Hilltop Mentors program offers support Emily Blasdell Transitioning into college can be fairly difficult for many students. Some students may find adapting to a new schedule, a new environment and new people to be overwhelming, and having someone to guide them through the shift is helpful. St. Edward’s University’s new program, Hilltop Mentors, does just this.

Coordinated by Student Life, Hilltop Mentors pairs new students with an experienced faculty or staff member on campus who acts as a support system and resource.

Currently, 90 faculty and staff serve as mentors to over 120 new students.

“Research shows that students with a mentor have higher GPAs and continue in

college longer than the general student population,” said Leslie Sans, assistant director of Student Life.

Sans also said the program is not only beneficial to students, but to the faculty and staff members who mentor as well.

“It’s an opportunity [for faculty and staff ] to grow professionally and increase their connection with the campus community,” said Sans.

Russell Frohardt, Hilltop mentor and associate professor of Psychology, agreed that being a mentor is a valuable experience to him.

“It is great for me to get a sense of how someone see SEU outside of academics. It has been a lot of fun so far,” said Frohardt.

Participating in Hilltop

Mentors is simple. St. Edward’s faculty and staff can apply to be a mentor, and any incoming student—including freshmen, transfers, international, New College or Graduate students—can apply to have a mentor. After being carefully matched up, the mentor and mentee are required to contact each other at least twice a month, be it through email, phone, in-person appointments or even Facebook.

Freshman Andi Schrock said she and her mentor do a good job of keeping in contact.

“We have met up a few time and are trying to plan some sort of fun outing,” said Schrock.

However, a Hilltop Mentor is not just someone to

answer questions. Mentors are also invested in their mentees’ personal wellbeing.

Freshman Phil Oates says his mentor, Steve Rodenborn, assistant professor of Religious Studies, has really tried to get to know him and cares about how he is adjusting.

“All in all, Dr. Rodenborn has been a very helpful factor in my transition to college life on a very whole basis,” said Oates.

Freshman Jenny Eakin agreed that having a mentor has been helpful.

“It’s been a pretty big transition, so having a close relationship with someone on campus has definitely helped me out,” said Eakin.

Eakin joined Hilltop Mentors because she thought it would be a great way to get

involved on campus. She was matched with mentor Marisa Walden, assistant director of Student Life.

“She has helped with questions about organizations to get involved with, but she’s also just helped with different college life questions too,” said Eakin.

Oates, Schrock and Eakin all agree they feel more connected to St. Edward’s because of Hilltop Mentors and don’t think their transition would have been as smooth without the program.

“It’s a great program, and I think if it keeps up throughout the years, it is really going to help by being a deciding factor for future freshmen on whether or not they want to come to St. Edward’s,” said Schrock.

Hilltopper veterans recognized for service

Sans says even though it is a one-year program, she anticipates the relationships made through the program will continue past the first few years.

“I hope in most cases the relationship will last the student’s entire time at St. Edward’s,” said Sans.

For more information, log on to the Hilltop Mentors Web site, http://www.stedwards.edu/stulife/leadership.htm. Applications to be a mentor or mentee are available online or by email, leslies@stedwards.edu. eblasde@stedwards.edu

Continued from page 12

Nick Shearer The military has always been a part of sophomore Nick Shearer’s life. Shearer’s father was in the military, which he said influenced his decision to join the Army reserves. “[My dad] kind of pushed me into it,” said Shearer.

Shearer said that growing up in a military family helped prepare him for what to expect in the army reserves. However, Shearer did not expect the separation from his friends during basic training would be so mentally challenging.

“It was like a little culture shock,” Shearer said.

For Shearer, basic training consisted of road marches, an exercise where soldiers have to carry their gear and march several miles to “somewhere,” field camping, and lots of running and pushups.

Courtesy of Nick Shearer As part of basic training, Shearer had to Sheaer enlisted in the Army reserves wear a gas mask and enter a chamber where a gas, like gas used for riots, was released.

“Then they made you take [the gas mask] off and talk, so it would get in your mouth and your eyes.”

The reserves meet one weekend a month and an additional two weeks a year for training, unlike active duty members, who are enlisted full-time.

Shearer’s reserve unit could deploy if activated. Shearer said that if his unit does activate, he could get out of deployment, but he would deploy anyways.

“I have to do my part,” Shearer said. “If I get called up, I have to do what is asked.”

Veterans Day on the Hilltop Ragsdale Lawn Wednesday November 11 11 a.m. - 5 p.m Come celebrate Veterans Day with the St. Edward’s University community and experience a day in the life of a service member. There will be interactive displays, a campaign to write letters to military personnel currently serving abroad, and many opportunities to ask questions of VA students and veterans. The event will culminate at 4:30 p.m. with a retreat ceremony, remarks from Dr. Martin and lowering of the flag by current veteran students and ROTC cadets.

Cost: Free Christina Garcia, Veterans Affairs Office of Student Financial Services 512-448-8766

14 Wednesday, November 11, 2009 | Hilltop Views

Editioral

VIEWPOINTS

Police force needs external supervision Officer Leonardo Quintana was suspended for 15 days for the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Nathaniel Sanders II in May. At the time of his death, Sanders was asleep in the back of a Mercedes-Benz station wagon.

Although Quintana was cleared of any criminal charges—police officials have said that Quintana fired at Sanders after Sanders, after being awakened

by Quintana, reached for a gun near his waist—Quintana was suspended for not activating the dash camera of his patrol car.

Quintana’s suspension, which was handed down by

Police Chief Art Acevedo Nov. 4, has angered the East Austin community because of its short length. A citizens oversight panel that reviewed the case recommended a 90day suspension for Quintana because the officer failed to use appropriate protocol and did not properly identify himself to Sanders.

Adam Loewy, the Sanders’ family attorney, believed the inquiry into Sanders’ death was flawed and Quintana’s subsequent penalty was weak.

“I think it’s overwhelmingly clear at this point that the entire investigation is botched,” Loewy said. “The

entire investigation was seeking one result and that was to protect and to exonerate this officer. It was not seeking the truth.”

It seems questionable that the mechanism for accountability comes from within the department. By nature, a police department has the feel of a fraternity, and understandably so. As a collection they take on the largest and potentially most harmful threats in the community.

But it is questionable, then, that there exists objectivity in an internal investigation as to the actions of an officer versus a possible threat.

Expecting objectivity

Austin American-Statesman

Quintana was susponded only 15 days for a minor infraction.

when liability is judged from within the police force is illogical. Instead, there should be some form of authoritative body outside of the

brotherhood of the police department. Although the citizens oversight panel that recommended Quintana’s punishment clearly exists,

its current incarnation lacks any influence. A new panel would uphold a standard of actions of the officers against the community, just as they hold citizens accountable for their behavior.

No matter the context, the Quintana case resulted in the death of an 18-year-old citizen. When the consequence is that great, the guilty party deserves more than an introspective slap on the wrist. Whether or not Quintana acted out of line and deserved further discipline than two weeks off of the streets, the system as it stands is begging to be abused.

Fixation with television ruining our bodies, minds Michael McNally I love when people act like watching the Discovery Channel is an intellectually stimulating activity. Sure, it’s fun to watch elephants roam the plains of Africa in almost-real-life HD brilliance, but what does one actually gain from this activity?

Apparently not much, according to a recent study by researcher Jacob Jacoby. Jacoby, a marketing professor in the New York University system, found that 90 percent of 2,700 people misunderstood what they viewed on television only minutes before. Other studies show television’s hold on our lives. A study by Herbert E. Krugman, the former public opinion manager at General Electric, found that the brain releases endorphins during TV viewing, much like under the influence of opium.

In another recent study, 127 Germans agreed to abstain

Hilltop Views

from watching television for a year with the promise of payment should they succeed. After six months, all the subjects had given into watching television once again, and each reported that they experienced anxiety, depression and frustration, all symptoms associated with withdrawal from drugs or

alcohol.

Television also shuts down higher brain function. Research has shown that while in this lower brain state, individuals deal with reality on the most primitive level, motivated only by pleasure, comfort, and warmth.

Indeed, psychophysiologist Thomas Mulholland

has claimed the brain activity during television viewing is equivalent to staring at a blank wall.

In addition to having your brain essentially shut down, TV viewing is the cause of poor grades, sleep problems, behavior problems, obesity and risky behavior like unprotected teen sex, according

to the University of Michigan Health System.

As college students, we have more reasons to worry.

Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons stated that students who watched at least one hour of TV everyday were at a higher risk for poor homework completion, negative attitudes toward school, poor grades, and academic failure in general.

And the worst part is that the average American spends four and a half hours each day plopped in front of the good old idiot box. To put it in perspective, that’s 1,642 hours a year, or two whole months. Two months of mouth-gaping, brain-draining, fat-gaining brilliance.

You would think industrialized and educated citizens of an advanced society could find something more productive to do in their time.

Or are we so advanced that activities such as lounging under a tree or taking a walk

outside are deemed ancient and taboo?

In four and a half hours, one could go running outside, read a fabulous book, indulge in the arts, get some needed sleep or, God forbid, spend some quality time with friends and family. Think about it: What would you do with four and a half hours of added time every day?

Television’s eerie resemblance to opium should be taken as a warning. Once upon a time, a powerful dynasty that ruled a continent for over 250 years came to its knees because of the masses’ addiction to the narcotic.

What’s to say the same won’t happen to America because of television’s hold on our lives? mmcnall@stedwards.edu

Hilltop Views | Wednesday, November 11, 2009

VIEWPOINTS | Page 15

Studying abroad beneficial but not essential Jake Hartwell Studying abroad is an integral part of many students’ university experience, and like at many other schools, it may eventually be mandatory for St. Edward’s University students. While I do not contest the importance of immersing oneself in other cultures, an institutional mandate of such an activity is neither necessary nor beneficial.

First of all, we must examine some of the groups that would be affected by mandatory study abroad programs.

The School of Management and Business is the largest branch of St. Edward’s. The School of Natural Sciences

is extremely successful, and may soon be our university’s greatest claim to fame. For these students in particular, the primary purpose of college is utilitarian—they attend to learn the necessary skills in their professions.

The cultural aspects associated with the endeavor to another country may be helpful, but are not the purpose of their four years in school. Students of the sciences generally want to take their classes, learn the skills for their profession, graduate and start using them in the real world. Mandatory study abroad could only be a nuisance to them.

St. Edward’s has a strong

Hilltop Views 3001 S. Congress Ave.#964, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: (512) 448-8426 Fax: (512) 233-1695 seuhilltopviews@yahoo.com www.hilltopviewsonline.com Bryce Bencivengo Tommy Collins Editors-in-Chief

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Claire Cella Tristan Hallman News Editors Phillip Bradshaw Jen Obenhaus Features Editors Kayla Meyer Sports Editor Ross Green Rachel Winter Viewpoints Editors Holly Aker Caroline Wallace Entertainment Editors

Eloise Montemayor Photo Editor Daniel De Los Santos Assistant Photo Editor

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Arianna Auber Amber Burton Leslie Ethridge Nicole Henson James Leavenworth Copy Editors Christy Torres Advertising Manager Jena Heath Faculty Adviser

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.

Eloise Montemayor

The Universite Catholique de L’ouest in Angers, France.

community. Professors have flexible hours and know students by name. Students become accustomed to this

environment, and there are few better places for them to receive an education. Since we have such a considerate

faculty and strong support structure, students should always have the option to take all of their classes here.

If they want to experience other cultures, that is their choice, but those who wish to remain on campus should be free to do so.

Studying abroad is not the best way to experience another culture. School can be stressful and occupies much of a student’s time, which would lessen the impact and the positive experiences someone could garner from studying abroad. Everyone should travel at some point—see other countries, visit beautiful cities and enjoy the culture of entirely foreign

lands. This is imperative— absolutely essential—to one’s existence as a fully flourishing human being.

But appreciating the magic and power of the experience is harder when you have to worry about classes. If you really want to enjoy your time abroad, be bold and autonomous. Do it yourself with your own plans. jhartwe@stedwards.edu

“Jon and Kate” not worth the pain Candice Rogers Although TLC is known as The Learning Channel, reality shows like as “Jon and Kate Plus 8” aren’t teaching audiences anything valuable. It seems the only thing people are learning is that two parents with eight kids starring in a hour-long show will more than likely lead to divorce and heartbreak after only two seasons.

When the show first aired, Jon was a laid-back, mellow father who adored his children, while Kate was the antsy mother who wouldn’t even allow her children to play with crayons.

While Kate is still as highstrung and controlling as ever, Jon’s persona has done a complete 360.

Jon has eclipsed Kate in the public eye, appearing with different women each month in various gossip rags. He recently contacted Michael Lohan, Lindsay’s father, to plan a reality show collaboration about fathers in the news overseeing famous families.

Conspiring with Michael

Lohan? His mind is obviously not in the right place.

TLC also agrees, as they’re currently in the process of suing Jon for not following the terms and conditions of the contract.

Instead of the personable attitude he once had, he now has an obnoxiously cavalier manner. During most recent interviews, he shrugs his shoulders and pulls an immature facial expression.

While Jon has a studio apartment to himself and by reports is living the bachelor life, Kate is still calling a mansion the network gave to them for the third season home. She is currently alone in caring for all eight kids, but it’s not all that bad for her, apparently—notorious celebrity gossip Web site TMZ has numerous photos of Kate sunbathing with some of her friends out on the front lawn.

Because of the constant spot in the public eye, many wonder what will happen to the Gosselin’s children as they get older. The twins, Mady and Cara, have just

Photo by The Learning Channel

The separation of the Gosselin family is televised weekly.

turned nine. For their ninth birthday, they were given a cake from their dad decorated with both of their names.

Sadly, Jon spelled Mady’s name incorrectly.

Because of their exposure to the media, the children are literally able to watch their family fall apart on television.

Their faces are all over the Internet and trash magazines, their story all over radio talk shows. On a common day, the paparazzi camp out near the front gate of their home for hours, hoping to get a

snapshot of the family. What will all of this attention do to the children?

Jon and Kate agreed to the show to help pay for the expenses of having to raise eight kids. But now that America has gotten to watch their family become torn apart, is it possible that the money maybe wasn’t all worth it? crogers4@stedwards.edu

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Wednesday, November 11, 2009 | Hilltop Views

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