TEXAS TEXASA&M A&MUNIVERSITY–CORPUS UNIVERSITY–CORPUSCHRISTI CHRISTI || ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM || VOLUME VOLUME26 26ISSUE ISSUE22 20 || 09.10.15 08.27.15
Hooks rock ‘90s night
See HOOKS on page 8
Past due upgrades delivered
Heart of Island University receives renovations, refurbishment
by ISAAC PAGE sports reporter
T
he iconic Mary and Jeff Bell Library of Texas A&M University– Corpus Christi is currently undergoing renovations. Students who attended summer school and used the library to study at any point during the summer might have noticed, or maybe gotten annoyed at, the sound of power tools and men at work. All that noise is because the library commenced renovations in June. For decades generations of Islanders have utilized the library and its long-awaited reconditioning has finally come into fruition and is starting to materialize. “The library hasn’t had a strategic, comprehensive renovation for decades,” said Cate Rudowsky, director
of the Mary and Jeff Bell Library. “It was time to do a comprehensive update in order to make sure we have new furniture and technology that would meet the needs of today’s students.” A team of 11 personnel from each of the different departments within the library was assembled by Rudowsky to provide representation and insight about which areas of the library needed upgrades. Students were also surveyed to find out what changes they desired. A plan was formulated and passed on to an outside company that specializes in library renovations. The modernization of the library is being financed through library fees by way of students’ tuition. “All of this done with the goal of providing support for TAMUCC students, faculty and staff through infor-
mation and learning resources that support the growing and evolving student body as well as the increase in degree programs and curricular offerings,” Rudowsky said in an e-mail. Improvements to the library include new furniture that will be more mobile and user friendly so students can easily move around and combine for group study. The old and heavy tables have made moving around a chore for years. Also new to the library will be an increase of outlets and ports that will make it more accessible for students to charge their laptops and cell phones. Progress is steadily being made and some of the upgrades are noticeable already. The service counters have been revamped with a more modern and practical look. The circulation counter where students check out
and return books has been relocate. It used to be tucked away on the first floor and now it has been moved closer into view making it more prominent. The reference desk has also been redesigned. It used to be a round desk in the middle of the first floor, now it is a desk with two consultation areas so that librarians and students can work together more efficiently. Perhaps the most exciting of the upgrades will be a new lounge area for students to eat and relax. By popular demand, students wanted a way to eat in the library without having to leave the library, so a small lounge space provided with a TV will be incorporated on the second floor of the library. The overhauling of the library is scheduled for completion around the end of September.
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2
opinion
ISLAND WAVES
This month in Island Waves history by JAMIE FINK editor-in-chief
a student publication of
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
island waves staff JAMIE FINK
web editor-in-chief
KELSEY FLORES copy editor
KARA HERRERA layout assistant
GERI LEMMONS
features reporter
ISAAC PAIGE
sports reporter
LUIS GOMEZ
advertising assistant
ELI T. BERKE
photographer
WENDY MOORE faculty adviser
contact us 6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5783 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 825-5862 write us a letter Island Waves accepts letters no longer than 250 words. Letters are subject to editing. Send letters to the editor via email at editor@tamucc.edu. about island waves The Island Waves is a student-produced publication at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The newspaper is printed weekly, except during summer sessions. Island Waves is supported by student fees and advertising sales. Any student or University employee may submit material for publication consideration. To become a contributor, e-mail or call the Island Waves editor.
09.10.2015
I
n 2000, students created the yearbook club in hopes of capturing the history of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi by developing a yearbook for students, staff and faculty to buy. The Islander volleyball team fell in their home opener in the Moody Fieldhouse against the University of North Texas. The university announced the EDGE, Excellence through Development Growth and Experience program to the curriculum. The EDGE program’s mission was to develop student’s leadership skills so that they might become better leaders on campus, in the community and in the workforce. Finally, movie reviews of Nurse Betty hit the stands in issue 15. In 2011, two days after 9/11, Island Waves released their 13th issue of the year highlighting the terrorist attacks that forever changed our great nation. Former president Robert Ferguson had his second President’s Picnic in the Center for Instruction courtyard. Greek recruitment was just beginning at the Island University. The average membership fee was $500 to $700. Snoop Dogg was holding a concert at the Concrete Street Amphitheater on Sept. 23, while reporter Miranda Sanchez gave her best movie review of “Jeepers Creepers.” In Sept. 2001, students also mourned the death of singer Aaliyah, who died on Aug. 25. In 2003, students had complaints about difficulty finding parking on campus. Students were occasionally directed by UPD to park on grassy, non-paved areas. Students traveled to Mexico on a photography trip along with Jeff Janko to capture the soul and primitive culture. “Freaky Friday” had just debuted at the box office leading to a movie review by reporter Rachiel Soliz. The Islanders volleyball team opened the season with a 3-0 sweeps of North Carolina A&T, but then was swept 0-3 by the Texas Tech Red Raiders. In 2004, Wells Fargo and SandDollar$ teamed up to bring students new banking options with brand new student id’s that allowed students direct access to their Wells Fargo bank accounts. The Islander Cantina Sandwich shop and the all-you-can-eat buffet were two new dining additions the University opened that year. Islander athletics were prepping for successful seasons as volleyball would open the season at the North Carolina A&T Tournament and cross-country was looking to make a run for Nationals. Island Waves featured a “9/11: United We Remember?” issue, questioning whether America had moved on from the attacks.
After NCAA violations came out, the Islanders lost their athletic director Brian Teter due to an abrupt departure. The Islander athletic program looked to fight through the violations and flourish again under interim athletic director Scott Street. Kevin Sherrington remembered the “Bear” of “Glory Road,” Don Haskins and the journey he went through by being the first coach to start five African American players in the 1966 NCAA basketball championship game against the Kentucky Wildcats. In 2010, the university had just held it’s 10th annual President’s Picnic, which attracted more than 200 people who enjoyed good food, prizes and a show from the Islander cheerleaders. The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi men’s and women’s cross country teams took seven of the top 10 finishes in the University of Texas-Pan American Bronc Buster to open their season. The office of International Education moved its offices out of the University Center and into a new office space in Corpus Christi Hall under director Ann Billeaux.
Island Hall opened its doors, becoming the largest building on campus and housed the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the College of Education’s kinesiology program. As for the movie industry, to make us all feel a little older, “Easy A” and “Resident Evil” were the next big releases of the year for moviegoers. Last year at this time the university welcomed Dr. Catherine Rudowsky as the new library director. 2014 also saw the Islander volleyball team open the season with a pair of wins over Portland and Abilene Christian while losing to Baylor in the Baylor Invitational. The Islander soccer team opened the season with a victory before facing the undefeated Texas State Bobcats. All of the facts from the above story were individually filtered from the Island Waves archives which date back to its inception in 1993. For more information about stories or information from past Island Waves issues please contact the Editor-in-Chief, editor@tamucc.edu or visit the Library to find archived issues.
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news
09.10.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Code Blue helps students stay alert by GERI LEMMONS reporter
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t Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi students’ classes vary all throughout the day. Students are on campus all day, some walking around early in the morning and others not until late at night. Some students are here so late that the only light they have when walking back to their dorm, apartment or bus stop is the campus streetlight to guide them home. This situation brings up safety concerns on campus regarding how students will make it to their destination and back home safe and sound. A majority of students around this campus head home late at night and have realized that they are walking alone. It can feel like an unsafe situation but it can be handled in many different ways. Olivia Cohoon, freshman nursing major, said that as a freshman she plans on staying safe on cam-
pus by always sticking with one or more of her good friends. “I also make sure that if I do leave, someone always knows where I’m going and with who,” Cohoon said. Making sure that someone knows when his or her roommate or friend is coming home, especially if it is late, is very important. This allows them know that this person should be home by a certain time. If that friend or roommate can accompany them so that they do not have to walk alone is very helpful and can make a fellow student feel even safer. Karla Calderon, sophomore nursing major, said that the Island University is never really empty and there should not be a reason for someone to feel unsafe. “I feel like there should also be more safety measure things just around campus just so that when you are walking home and there is no one around in the dark, and someone can’t get to their phone
they could have a backup plan,” Calderon said. There are also numerous ways in which the Island University helps students in staying alert and having a source of communication in times of emergencies. One of these resources is the Code Blue system. Code Blue is set up to give alerts to students in case there is an emergency happening on campus. The system has alerts via calling, text messages, classroom phone alerts, social media, outdoor voice and sound alarms and through e-mails. All of these alerts are given to warn students, faculty and staff of emergencies or important infor-
mation like hurricane warnings, school closures, delays and evacuations. A student can sign up for these alerts by going on to their S.A.I.L. account and submitting their phone numbers. By doing this, students are given the choice between text message or phone call alerts or even both. Parents can also get the alerts too to be apprised of an emergency should something happen. Staying safe or helping others stay safe at A&M-Corpus Christi can really help students have a more comfortable time while attending college. It is important to remember that though the Island University has many resources that someone can run to in case of emergencies, students should also look out for one another and see if anyone around them needs help. Students can call campus police at 361-825-4444 or visit the station at UPD130 behind the parking garage. Students should report suspicious activity.
State of the University coming soon by JAMIE FINK editor-in-chief
P
resident and CEO Flavius Killebrew will present the annual State of the University during the luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 11:30 a.m. Each year, Dr. Killebrew presents the SOTU address before faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community to reflect on the past year and what is to come for the future of the Island University. “I am proud of the growth and development the Island University and the Coastal Bend region are experiencing,” Killibrew said during last year’s SOTU luncheon. “With our community partners, the University is actively strategizing and
planning for a strong future that builds on our accomplishments and our commitment to students and research for the benefit of everyone in the Coastal Bend.” Last year’s SOTU luncheon was at the American Bank Center, but it will be held in the UC Anchor Ballroom this year. Individuals can purchase tickets for $25 per person, or a table of eight seats can be sponsored for $1,000 or $2,500. A lot has changed in the past year at the Island University. The University has added Beach Volleyball to the women’s intercollegiate athletics programs. In 2014, the University experienced record enrollment of nearly 11,000 students. The University Center’s renovations have been completed and will be one
WHERE: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi University Center, Anchor Ballroom WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015 TIME: Lunch at 11:30 a.m. TICKETS/MORE INFO: sotu.tamucc.edu of the features for this year’s SOTU address where attendees will have a chance to tour the $28 million addition to the University Center, along with a campus tour following lunch. The State of the University address in the recent past has examined the future of the University and the Momentum 2020 plan. Momentum 2020 is Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s plan to become an emerging research university with unparalleled commitment to every student’s success,
closing gaps in achievement and delivering a robust campus experience. The plan features five major values the University looks to withhold through the implantation of the strategic plan: excellence, integrity, leadership, sustainability and inclusion. Proceeds from the State of the University address benefit student scholarships. For more information about the SOTU or information about sponsorship or reserving a table visit sotu.tamucc.edu.
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campus
09.10.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Izzy takes a selfie with a student during the President’s Picnic on Sept. 1 in the University Center.
Students welcomed at President’s Picnic
ABOVE: Izzy poses with the Islanders dance team during the picnic festivities. ABOVE RIGHT: Students file in to dish up free food provided by the university during the President’s Picnic. FAR RIGHT: President Flavius Killebrew speaks a few words to the students in attendance. RIGHT: Izzy picks up some reading material while sitting at a table with students.
Students play games while others continue to eat and socialize at the President’s Picnic.
Photos by ELI BERKE
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news
09.10.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Photo by GERI LEMMONS
Girls Night Out strengthens female students by GERI LEMMONS reporter
O
n Sept. 1, the Laura Bush Institute for Women’s Health and Student Engagement and Success hosted the annual Girls Night Out inside a packed University Center Anchor Ballroom crowd of young college women. The event offered free food, giveaways, multiple door prizes, speakers, music and different kinds of resource tables for students to visit. Girls Night Out was held to cater to females at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. This event talked to girls about safety and several key speakers during the event spoke to the students about different issues that women on or off campus could face. This event was advertised in the University Center and all around campus, and some were given credit in class for going to the informative event. Sarah Hawkins, freshman marketing major, found out about GNO from her seminar professor. Hawkins thought it would be a beneficial event to go to listen to because she works at a restaurant with a sketchy back ally and she has to walk to her truck alone at night. “I feel like if I knew a little bit more about how to protect myself, I might feel a little more comfortable going to work or even leaving here because I commute back and forth,” Hawkins said. GNO featured keynote speakers Beth Holloway, Natalee Holloway’s mother; Dr. Mary Tripp, a skin cancer expert from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and a presentation from the Student Engagement and Success. Holloway spoke about the tragedy of losing her daughter, Natalee Holloway, and how it has affected her. She believes
Images courtesy of KATEKINBARDI.TYPEPAD.COM
Photo courtesy of TAMUCC FLICKR
Beth Holloway speaks to a group of female students on Sept. 1 during Girls Night Out, an event to teach female students how to be safe during college.
that everyone could learn from what happened to her and how students could help themselves in what could be or what they feel is a potentially dangerous kind of situation. Holloway mentioned to the crowd of female students that not everyone of the people they meet can be trusted. Females need to remember to stay safe. Even though they may feel safe, they should always be aware of their surroundings when going anywhere. Dr. Mary Tripp and the other ladies from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center talked about skin cancer and how one may prevent cancer. They said sunscreen is just
one of the many different ways one can prevent skin cancer and unhealthy amounts of UV rays. Cassandra Guardiola, sophomore communication major, said she thought the GNO was something perfect for incoming freshmen. “It has a lot of good information to help us, so far I have learned a lot,” Guardiola said. “I am going to be taking some things from this so that I now can apply it to my life like the talk about skin cancer and sunscreen. It was nice hearing the speakers stories and getting to admire their stories. I think this event was good for the girls here on campus.” Student Engagement and
Success wrapped up the event by performing different skits with various situations. One skit showed students what consent is and what it is not. GNO showed videos and slides that accompanied numerous amounts of information about how someone can say no and mean no if they feel uncomfortable with any situation. For more information about Girls Night Out contact the Student Engagement and Success office.
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campus
09.10.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Photo courtesy of KARA HERRERA
Hot-spots for after class relaxation by MYELEENA GONZALEZ contributing writer
S
ometimes classes tend to pile up stress on students at all times of the day. The good part about attending college on an island is all the relaxing and enjoyable spots to stop between, before or after classes. Hang out spots are places where one can clear their thoughts. Life is always throwing obstacles at people so when the opportunity to kick back and relax comes along, make sure to enjoy it. There are a variety of things to do in Corpus so explore. A beach spot located 15 minutes from campus is freshman and future marine biologist Corrine Johnston’s favorite place to be. “Padre Island is the most relaxing place to be. It can be loud and fun or as quiet as a library,” Johnston said. “The waves are calm and the sand feels so good in between my toes. To be honest, the best part about this little beach spot is there is never really people.” Padre Island also has a grill and pier located right on the beach. One can spend the day at the beach and spend the night fishing for just $2 a person. “Do not be afraid to try it out because you will not regret it,” Johnston said. Corrine and her friends like to hang out at the beach at the end of the day just to see the sunset. People love that this beach has
very little to no shells so one can walk around bare foot as much as they want without having to worry about cuts on their feet. Students, families and friends go out there for peace and nature’s beauty. Many students love to take a drive down Ocean Drive at any time of day or night. Sometimes the mini adventure turns into breakfast, lunch or dinner at Whataburger by the Bay. “Whataburger by the Bay is my favorite restaurant in all of Corpus,” said freshman nursing major Maya Wilson. “The employees are so nice and outgoing and there is always other college students there. Looking out to the water while eating on the second story of the fast food restaurant has to be the most exciting thing. It just makes fast food seem magical in a way.” It may sound disturbing that fast food is so important to many students, but it’s the truth. The fact that Whataburger is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, makes it extra popular. “The balcony on the second floor makes studying so soothing and actually better because the breeze just hits you and flips your book pages for you,” Wilson said. These are just a couple of hangout spots, but go out and visit plenty of others. If fishing is what some are looking for then try out the Oso Pier and Grill by the university. One will never have to fish on an empty stomach anymore because their burgers
are delicious and famous. The Texas State Aquarium is educational and is like a mini indoor under-the-sea zoo, so definitely check it out. Many park sites are located on Ocean Drive and have a trail to run and exercise along the water. An elegant restaurant named, ”Landry’s” is located by Ocean
drive and is surrounded by boats. The overall experience there is beautiful. Corpus Christi has amazing things to do especially for college students so try out some of these places. Always remember that there is no such thing as a boring day when one lives on an island.
Photos courtesy of FLICKR and ROADARCH.COM
Pictured above is one of Padre Island’s best known piers, Bob Hall Pier. Pictured below, the original Whataburger, now known as Whataburger by the Bay.
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entertainment
09.10.2015
Students get ready for Fall premiers
ISLAND WAVES
by MYELEENA GONZALEZ contributing writer
T
elevision is so popular for a component of entertainment all around the world. Television shows get people addicted and often end season finales with a cliff hanger. Some shows have one to four seasons of episodes while others have six to 18 seasons. The amount of episodes and seasons of a show is determined by the popularity of the show or if it will actually create smiles on peoples’ faces. A popular television show to both teenagers and adults is “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.” It is an American police, legal and crime drama television series that is aired on NBC. The series’ setting is in New York City, and is also produced there. The show was first aired on Sept. 20, 1999 and is still popular to different aged audiences. The show has changed characters throughout the years, but the overall concept of the series remains the same. Freshman nursing major Annie Hernandez said the show has helped her realized she should be aware of her surroundings. “They make this show so suspenseful that you do not want to miss even a second of it,” Hernandez said. “I like the fact that relates to real world situations and shows you precautions that you should take into consideration. It prepares you for many conditions in which you never thought yourself would be in.” “Law and Order SVU” has an upcoming premiere date which is Sept. 23, 2015 and it will be the show’s 17 season so write the date down on your calendar. Young adults tend to quickly connect with many television shows because they enjoy the drama, action or comedy such as with the show “Teen Wolf ” that airs on MTV. Freshman and future marine biologist Amanda Avila is a fan of the show and watches it regularly. “The best part about the show are the hot guys and their perfectly shaped abs,” Avila said. “I love this show because you never have a clue of what is going to happen next. The
Photo courtesy of NYTIX.COM
action rocks and it keeps you on your toes.” The first episode of this series was shown on June 5, 2011. The viewer’s numbers have increased over the years and remain at top. “The parts that get me most are when characters slowly start dying throughout the seasons,” Avila said. “‘Teen Wolf ’ makes me so emotional because I literally have cried with many shows as if I was a character.” She said the series does a good job in making you feel so connected with it because the plot is never the same and life every day is adventurous. “Best Time Ever” with Neil Patrick Harris ‘is a new show that will premiere on NBC Tuesday, Sep. 15 at 10 p.m. The new show will be an hour long and will feature appearances by stunts, stars, comedy skits, audience giveaways, hidden camera pranks and mini game shoes. “Grandfathered” is a comedy series that
Photo courtesy of YOUTUBE.COM
will premiere on FOX on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 8 p.m. John Stamos is overrated now because he is a grandfather. Stamos plays the role of a restauranteur. He finds out not only that he has a son, but that his
son has a daughter as well. There are other upcoming TV shows but these two series are predicted to be the greatest. Save the dates because laughter is definitely on the horizon.
Photo courtesy of IMDB.COM
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sports
09.10.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Hooks record franchise-best season
by ISSAC PAGE reporter
D
uring ‘90s night at Whataburger Field, the Hooks players and staff wore colorful uniforms reminiscent of the era and music from the decade blasted throughout the stadium all night. The Corpus Christi Hooks defeated the Frisco Rough Riders 4-2 in their last home game of the regular season Friday night, improving to a franchise-best record of 87 wins and 50 losses. The game was scoreless until the second inning when Trevor Adams of the Rough Riders drew first blood by belting a solo, line-drive home run off starting pitcher, Chris Devenski, with one out left in the inning. The Texas League All-Star Chris Devenski wasn’t his usual self on the mound tonight. He seemed to lack focus and command of the strike zone during the game. He only pitched four innings, striking out five batters, allowing two hits, one walk and one earned run. He also hit a batter. The Hooks would answer back in the third inning with a two out rally of their own that started when
Teoscar Hernandez singled to left field. Hernandez then put himself into scoring position by stealing second base with Colin Moran up to bat. Hernandez scored all the way from second after Moran banged a single into left field, evening things up. Moran finished the game batting a productive three-for-four with one run and one RBI to his name. The Hooks tacked on a couple more runs in the fourth inning when Jack Mayfield hit his seventh home run of the year, a two-run shot to left field that also brought home Jon Kemmer who reached base when he singled earlier in the inning, increasing the lead to 3-1. Another Hooks run was added in the seventh inning when catcher Roberto Pena hit his first home run of the season. It was a solo shot off relief pitcher Ryne Slack who had just been inserted into the game. That would bring the lead to 4-1. The Hooks were then in cruise control until things got interesting in the eight inning when their relief pitcher Albert Minnis walked two batters in a row with no outs to start the inning off. J.T. Wise then singled to left field off a grounder that third baseman Colin Moran couldn’t
handle, that would drive in a Frisco run, cutting the Hooks lead to 4-2. That prompted manager Rodney Linares to make a pitching change that would bring in their closer Jandel Gustave. Gustave then struck the next two batters out, walked the next batter to load up the bases and then got the final out of the eighth inning by getting Kellin Deglan to fly out. “Having him in the game kind of helps things out,” said Doug Brocail, pitching coach for the Hooks, speaking on behalf of his closer. “We know that if he can get the ball in the zone, he has a chance. He hardly gets hit and he doesn’t get hit hard when he does.” Gustave returned for the ninth inning, striking out the first batter he faced and recording the next two outs by getting the next two batters to groundout, earning his 20th save of the season while helping the Hooks triumph for the 87th time this year. “I don’t ever expect groundball double-plays from him, but we do expect the strikeouts and we got two out of the three outs on strikeouts, so we’ll take it,” Brocail said. The victory Friday was the perfect time for the Hooks to reflect
and look back on a historical season as they prepare to make another postseason run. “It’s a testament of good players, we’re only as good as our players,” said Rodney Linares, Hooks manager. “We draft well and we sign well out of Latin America and they’ve done pretty well here.” The Hooks are not looking to make any major adjustments during the postseason. Chris Devenski will be their number one starter and Kyle Westwood will be their number two starter. “I’m just making sure that the guys enjoy it and they understand that whichever team makes the least amount of mistakes is the team that’s going to win. It’s not about who is the better team, it’s about who is playing better,” Linares said. “It’s pretty special, it’s when at-bats really count, pitches really count and you’re playing for something.” The Hooks will end their regular season in San Antonio with a threegame series against the Missions, before heading home to prepare for their postseason games. Photos by
ISSAC PAGE