Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
IslandWavesNews.com
PARKING TROUBLES
Parking irritates community, UPD assures no problem by KACI ALVAREZ • Page 4
CAMPUS
Islanders show school spirit at State of the University Page 11
Also
September 22, 2016 Volume 27, Issue 23
Opinions Page 2 Entertainment Page 7 Sports Page 12
2 Opinion
STI
STUDENT PUBLICATION OF TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITYCORPUS CHRISTI
ISLAND WAVES | ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM IslandWavesNews.com
09.22.2016
IZZY
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FÚTBOL?
WORD on the STREET
How do you feel about not having a football team?
SNEED
| VOLUME 26 ISSUE 20 | 08.27.15
ABRAHAM CEPEDA freshmen, biomedical science
Editor-in-chief KACI ALVAREZ
Well, going to a college without a football team is very different. I feel like there would be more spirit and more entertaining stuff if there was a football team.
Web Editor MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL Copy Editor KATIE MEZA
RANDI VILLARREAL
Visuals
senior, kinesiology and physical education
IZZY SNEED, editor MARIAH OLIVE CHARLIE BLALOCK
I think it’s not fair because at a lot of times we don’t have a lot to do. We don’t get to have tailgate parties, we’re not as spirited, and I think it would be something that would add a lot to our school.
Layout KARA HERRERA, editor
Reporters GERI LEMMONS, news JONATHAN FORNEY, feature MELISSA RODRIGUEZ, news
JENNA LASALA
Advertising
senior, marketing
JAMIE FINK, manager
I feel like we don't have enough spirit and there is not really any student activities going on. A football team could change that.
Faculty Adviser WENDY MOORE
ABOUT ISLAND WAVES Island Waves is a studentproduced publication at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The newspaper is printed weekly, except during summer sessions. Any student or University employee may submit material and opinions for publication consideration. To become a contributor, e-mail or call the Island Waves editor. CONTACT US 6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5783 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 825-5862 editor@tamucc.edu ads@tamucc.edu
Islander football undefeated, inexistent KACI ALVAREZ @earthtokace
After graduation, high schoolers are always excited to not only move away from their parents, but also experience the college lifestyle. Some students rush sororities and fraternities while others join clubs related to their majors. In Texas, sports are extremely popular in the college setting. A great way to enjoy the college experience is by going to a football game or tailgate with a group of friends and
getting to know other students who attend your school and also love sports. Unfortunately, at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, we do not have a football team. While it can be a lighthearted joke that the Islanders are still “undefeated," it’s the root of the non-spirited students and vibe on campus. In an interview with Island Waves, Dr. Killebrew admitted that the Island University has problems with retention. Those who do transfer feel like they don’t get the full college experience while being in Corpus Christi and I feel like the school should be worried about that.
While I know we don’t have the funds for a football team and our school isn’t big enough population wise, it should at least be in the works. Football is huge in the Lone Star State and if students who came from Texas high schools come here they might be disappointed. The atmosphere that is created during college football season compares to nothing else in the world. If the Island University had that atmosphere to offer, students would be excited about coming to school and the university could turn from a commuting campus to a place where students don’t mind staying
throughout the day. Texas A&M University-College Station is known for their traditions, sporting events and, of course, North Gate. If we had half as much school spirit and activity on our campus than they do, we would have a much better retention rate and most students would want to stay here for all four years. While football may not be the next thing on the Island Campus’ to do list, it would be extremely beneficial to not only the students but the university as a whole, which can take this Islander community to the next level.
News 3
09.22.2016
Giant pandas escape endangered list JONATHAN FORNEY @jb4nay
A
ccording to a report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), giant pandas are no longer listed as an endangered species. The pandas’ status has upgraded from endangered to vulnerable. The report features the recent removal of giant pandas from the IUCN Red List, which works with scientists and organizations around the world to determine the conservation statuses of various species. Giant pandas are native to central China. The restoration efforts were due in large part to habitat protection by Chinese government and conservation organizations to ensure a habitat space for the bears. The panda population has increased significantly over recent years. From 2004 to 2015, the population has increased from 495 to 2,060, respectively. “That’s so awesome that they were able to reverse it. Hopefully [the giant pandas’ conservation status] stays that way,”
said Tiare Hopkins, junior nursing major. Currently, there are 67 reserves in China spanning an area of 5,400 square miles. Roughly two-thirds of the world’s panda population is housed on these reserves and the remaining are in zoos around the world. Even with more available habitats and their population on the rise, giant pandas’ sustainability is not absolute. Their primary food source, bamboo, could be directly impacted by climate change. According to the IUCN report, “Climate change is predicted to eliminate more than 35 percent of the Panda’s bamboo habitat in the next 80 years, and thus the Panda population is projected to decline.” The primary threat to giant pandas are humans. Illegal hunting is the major factor limiting their conservation efforts. Hopefully habitat protection allows the positive trend to continue. Giant pandas are a prime example of what a concerted effort by humans to preserve a species can do and hopefully more species can be salvaged
before it’s too late. Human involvement is the primary threat to animal populations, fortunately it doesn’t have to be this way. “There’s so many animals that shouldn’t be extinct or endangered but they are because of humans,” Hopkins said. Giant Pandas are a particularly difficult species to bring back from the brink of extinction due to their biology and behavior. Female Giant Pandas only ovulate in the spring of each year. The narrow window of fertility severely limits the time pandas have to reproduce.
Panda cubs are also vulnerable for a long time. The cubs keep their eyes shut until they are at least six weeks old. Additionally, the cubs cannot walk until they are three months of age. Fortunately for pandas, they have no natural predators, so they can afford to have these long periods of vulnerability. The efforts to preserve Pandas can be used for the preservation of other species. “It gave me hope for other endangered animals,” said Emalee Bennett, junior biology major. For more information, visit wwf.panda.org.
@GeriLemmons
crude oil. Pipeline drillers would be able to ship crude oil a lot cheaper through the pipeline. It would also be safer for the oil to be shipped through pipeline then through train, which is what they would have to use. Taylor Floid, senior nursing major, said at first she did not know what to make of it, but thinks the protesters had the right idea. However, she said she doesn’t know if it is going to stop the corporation. “I think they should find other ways to do that,” Floid said. “Apparently the last time they did that they went through a major body of water and they polluted it.” The protest is mostly about the fact that the pipeline will be going through a major water source for the people who live on the reservation. The community fears that it will pollute the
water and that is their closest source. There is also an issue with the fact that they will be digging on sacred lands of the tribe including digging on several burial grounds. There have been many people, according to huffingtonpost.com, that have come out to support what the tribe is doing. Some will camp out in the place they are protesting and wake up ready to do it all over again. People come and bring signs, shout, dance and bring awareness to the cause. Some have even come out to help because they themselves have been through the same situation. They come to support the tribe and help them as much as they can. Courtney Dickey, senior marketing major, said her grandparents faced something similar to what the tribe is going through.
There was supposed to be a giant highway through her grandparent’s town which was going to cause some serious damage to their town. “It was supposed to basically take out most of their town,” Dickey said. “They protested, put up all these signs in the front yard saying, ‘You are not buying our land,’ and they quit the project.” This story is ongoing and the project is now being looked at and reviewed but it has not been completely shut down. When talking about her own experience, Dickey said she has family that have their own experience with oil and they have been able obtain it without hurting anyone. “My grandpa would drill for oil on his own land and he owns a farm,” Dickey said. “It’s not something that is going to affect anyone else besides his production.”
T
he Standing Rock Sioux reservation has been protesting the building of a pipeline through Lake Oahe, which supplies their water, and through there sacred sites such as burial places. There has been some progress from the protests as the project to build the pipeline has been halted by President Obama. But there has been a set back with a federal judge denying the tribes request to stop the construction all together. “Is there that big of a benefit to do it?” said Bianca Lewis, senior nursing major. “There has to be other places than there. It just really does not make any sense to me.” According to npr.org, the pipeline is said to have the benefit when it comes to the price to ship
Island Waves News .com
Dr. Killebrew announces retirement
Photo courtesy of GOOGLE.COM
A Giant Panda enjoys its food of choice, bamboo. Pandas, while considered cute by humans are just as dangerous as any other bear.
Pipeline riots shock world, raise awareness GERI LEMMONS
O N L I N E
During the State of the University luncheon held on Sept. 14, the sold-out crowd was stunned into silence. At the end of the luncheon and during the final address, Dr. Flavius Killebrew announced that at the end of the calendar year he would be retiring from his role as the president of the university. Killebrew has been working at the university for close to 12 years and has helped the campus reach new heights. This semester he helped welcome the 12,000th student enrolled at the school and watched as ground was broken for the brand new life science building, now titled “Tidal Hall.” Read more at islandwavesnew.com.
State of the University showcases spirit
The State of the University event provided the opportunity to highlight the many events occurring along with the growth and future plans for the Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi. Faculty, staff, students and even contributors paraded blue and green throughout the University Center. Read more about the State of the University at islandwavesnews.com.
ON THE COVER: Photo taken by MARIAH OLIVE
4 News Parking irritates community, UPD assures no problem KACI ALVAREZ @earthtokace
T
exas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Fall 2016 semester started off with student complaints about the parking system on the Island. Ward Island, the location of the Island Campus, is approximately 240 acres or useful land and 259 acres including the wetlands surrounding it. With the recent growth in in the Islander population, the school has had to make several changes to the campus. After admitting the 12,000th student, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students voiced their parking concerns once the first week of school came around. “In fact we do have enough parking on campus,” said Alan Gutierrez, University Police Department’s chief of police. “People want to complain about parking, but don’t realize we spend a lot of time analyzing our data and what we have, because we know our limitations.” The University Police Department collects data on a chart which reveals the exact number of students and faculty
09.22.2016
enrolled in classes every hour of the day for every day of the week. They use this data to determine the peaks of each day and how many students will be arriving on campus. Gutierrez said there is approximately 6,000 parking spots on campus. With the data university police have collected, that is plenty for the number of students for each time slot throughout the day. The police department also has cameras set up around the university to display each parking lot on campus. They use this to see where there are available parking spots and how many are accessible. “We mind the data that we have so we have it available,” Gutierrez said. “But I can’t keep people from driving in circles around a certain lot.” Roy Dilks, University Police Department’s parking supervisor said they are always monitoring and patrolling the parking lots. “If a lot is full, we try to our best to notify the students and direct them to an empty lot,” Dilks said. Even with this information, students still believe the campus parking situa-
tion is a problem. “With around 6,000 parking spots and 12,000 students, I just feel like that doesn’t really make sense,” said Jamie Pultorak, junior sports management major. “What about the students that stay on campus all day? Are those spots accounted for?” Other students have taken to social media to express their frustration. Some have even tagged the university in their posts so administrators and faculty can see their complaints. The University Police Department
urges students to stay updated with their social media pages and check emails about possible events and plan accordingly. They also want students to consider using the Momentum Campus shuttle system. With the newly implemented shuttle system, students are able to purchase a much cheaper parking pass, park at the Momentum Campus, and then take a shuttle that arrives and leaves every 10 minutes For more information on Texas A&M University parking, visit police.tamucc. edu/park/parkingregulations.html.
MARIAH OLIVE/Island Waves
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi student parking lots fill up quickly every day, leaving many frustrated and driving around in circle looking for somewhere to park.
News 5
09.22.2016
MAC launches new make-up line in Corpus MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL @mikaylaMOG
M
AC cosmetics is releasing a brand new make-up collection in honor of Corpus Christi’s young singer and icon Selena Quintanilla. The world premiere will be held at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, on Sept. 30 starting at 10 a.m. The event will launch the collection to the public, giving fans of Selena and makeup a chance to buy not only the new products, but signature MAC products as well. Alongside the launch, there will be a concert held in the arena of the Bank Center. As of right now, the artist has not been announced but Kristen Billy, marketing director for the American Bank Center, said when they get the okay from the higher ups, they will be making announcements across their social media platforms. “Selena is Corpus Christi,” Billy said. “To hold the event in Corpus Christi, that’s what it means for people here. It is the Selena MAC launch but it’s also a
celebration of her as a performer and as an icon in both fashion and make-up.” Quintanilla was not born in Corpus Christi but she and her family made it home in the 1980s. Corpus was where she was later murdered by a close friend. Quintanilla’s death had a huge impact on the community in Corpus as well as all across the world, with fans coming from thousands of miles to pay their respects. Since her death in 1995, each industry she had a part in has honored her in some way or another. Now, the make-up industry is joining the ranks of preserving Quintanilla’s name. “It’s so exciting to have such an amazing event that empowers women and especially a woman as amazing as Selena,” said Marla Bantigue, sophomore psychology major. Fans and media from all over the country and the world are flying in to be there as the make-up line is debuted. “Corpus Christi has never seen anything like this,” Billy said. “You know, its LA and New York that get these
launches. And the fact that it is going to be right here in Corpus that speaks such volumes. The fan-base here is going to be just as big as if it was in LA. It is just going to be amazing.” The collection is said to be all about Selena and what she wore when she was alive and performing. According to The make-up line is not just about honoring the young singer who was taken from her friends and family too soon, but it is about embracing what she stood for with her fans. “Selena is an empowering woman and a role model, she grew up [in] a small town and instead of leaving that aspect behind she embraced it,” Bantigue said. “She embraced her Mexican-American culture and her individuality through her music, fashion, and makeup. Selena is showing women that you shouldn’t be afraid to be sexy which carries out into her makeup line.” The MAC event and the concert is free to the public. The building is still enforcing their bag policy but is allowing the public to bring in small personal purses.
To learn more about the event as well as the rules for the event, read about it at the website: americanbankcenter.com.
MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL/Island waves
The Selena memorial in Corpus Christi is one way that Selena is honored. The launch of the make-up collection another way, Selena will continue to live on.
Tats fur cats at TAMU-CC MELISSA RODRIGUEZ @melisssaa
T
he Cattery Cat Shelter kicked off their fundraiser on Sept. 10 by pairing up with Axis Tattoo shop to give people the chance to get a tattoo in support for all the animals at the shelter. The fundraiser aims to raise proceeds by partnering up with Axis Tattoo where people can get tattooed and a percentage of that money is then granted to the cat shelter. “It’s an amazing fundraiser,” said Stephanie Baldwin, staff member at The Cattery. “We paired with Axis Tattoo. They are such wonderful people for doing this.” The Cattery, located on 8021 Weber Rd., is a cat shelter for abandoned or neglected animals that is open to the public Friday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. They have more than 100 cats that they take care of every single day which, according to staff members at the shelter, requires lots of maintenance and money. “Whenever you donate to us, you are drastically improving the quality of life for these [cats],” Baldwin said.
This fundraiser lasts through the month of September, so despite missing the grand opening event, there is still a chance to stop by Axis Tattoo and get a tattoo in support of the cats. “Specials ranged from $20 to $80, even the biggest [tattoos] the regular price would be like $150,” said Matthew Rosas, tattoo artist at Axis. “So we were giving [the people] a deal and everyone gave a percent of their total at the end of the night to The Cattery.”
Follow the steps below for FREE Chic-fil-A
Photo courtesy of MELISSA CISNEROS
TAMU-CC student, Melissa Cisneros, proudly shows off her new cat tattoo.
6 Ads
09.22.2016
S un c has e
T heWi nni ng C ho i c e •P u bl icT ra n s po rt a t io n •Fit n e s sCe n t e r •Sw im m in gP o o l •La u n dry Fa c il it y •H a rdw o o d Fl o o rin g •Ca rpo rt •Ce il in g Fa n ( s ) •Ne w / Re n o v a t e dI n t e rio r •O nSit eMa n a ge m e n t •O v e rs ize d Cl o s e t s •Ba l c o n y •Ca bl eRe a dy •A ir Co n dit io n in g •O nSit eMa in t e n a n c e •P a t io •Co v e re dP a rkin g •Re f rige ra t o r
5 4 4 5So u t hA l a m e da Co rpu sCh ris t i,T X784 12
( 36 1)28835 6 0 $9 9 . 0 0MO V EI N
Entertainment 7
09.22.2016
Solomon P. Ortiz honors Center 16 de Septiembre Festival
CHARLIE BLALOCK/Island Waves
CHARLIE BLALOCK/Island Waves
The 16 de Septiembre Festival includes many vendors from both Mexico and Texas, where people are able to purchase Hispanic products including scarves, blouses and blankets.
The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce hosts the second annual 16 de Septiembre Festival at the Solomon P. Ortiz Center. The festival included food trucks, street dancers, live music and traditional ballet folklorico.
8 Entertainment ‘When the Bough Breaks’ keeps audiences engaged
09.22.2016
FILM REVIEW
photos courtesy of VIMEO.COM
Co-stars Morris Chestnut and Regina Hall cozy on up in the shooting of ‘When the Bough Breaks.
GERI LEMMONS @GeriLemmons
W
hen it comes to “When the Bough Breaks”, it feels like a story that one might have heard before. At the same time, it could just a lot of information from the trailer without actually having to watch the movie at all. However, the film still keeps audiences engaged and hanging on to the edge of their seat. The film is about a couple that is very successful in life, but they are unsuccessful when it comes to being able to have children. John Taylor, played by Morris Chestnut, and Laura Taylor, played by Regina Hall, are a the main characters. After seeing a surrogate’s video and meeting her, they decide to choose Anna Walsh, played by Jaz Sinclair, to carry their child. Unfortunately for them, a lot of drama starts to unfold because of the surrogate mother and her mental episodes. This film reminds me of many films that have come before it like “Fatal Attraction” and, in particular, “Obsessed.” The reason why it reminds me of “Obsessed,” is because both films have a one sided type of attraction. They also both have male characters that would do anything for their family, and both men have to go through situations that could end their marriage if they don’t tell the truth. One of the main complaints about this movie is the fact that the ending
does not give the audience any closure. It leaves viewers feeling like they still have so many questions that were not answered. The movie needed a whole other scene in order to wrap up all the issues that were in the plot. When the credits rolled there was a feeling like the audience was just hitting the peak of the story but rushed at the end. All that being said the film was really engaging and kept the audience guessing, “What could happen next?” Even though it could be said that some of the storyline was predictable, with its predictability, came some moments that made the movie surprisingly intense. What I think is the most engaging part about this film is the fact that the storyline can be so realistic. The situations that occur in “When the Bough Breaks” seem like they could happen to any unfortunate couple. Maybe not to the same severity, but the chain of events seems very possible. I think that is why this film keeps the audience thinking as well. At the end of the day this film was good in a predictable kind of way. Although the ending was not very satisfying, the movie itself is worth watching maybe once or twice, just to get the experience. A second look may be eyeopening because there may have been some clues that one might have missed. If one is looking for a story about perseverance, lust, betrayal, and mystery then this is the film for you.
10 Entertainment
09.22.2016
Aurora set to feature ‘Rocky Horror’
MELISSA RODRIGUEZ @_melisssaaaa
C
oming once again to the Aurora Arts Theatre, is a stage adaptation of the 1975 film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The show will be in production from Sept. 16 through Oct. 29, with a special Halloween performance as well. The performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Saturdays, with general admission tickets priced at $20. “I just want them to have a great time,” said Samantha Ratliff, who will be playing Columbia in the production. “This is a time when everyone can act like a complete weirdo and not get judged for it.” According to Peter Lopez, director of the Rocky Horror Show at the Aurora Arts Theatre, the show that they will be recreating is a comedical musical about aliens, alien transvestites, innocence and mad creations. There have been multiple versions of Rocky Horror Picture Show, however, this show will be a rendition to the original play production. As director, Lopez addressed how he has been working hard in trying to get his vision right for this show to make it a fun experience for the viewers. “I really hope [the audience] will leave the show with a sense of ‘Oh I love that moment’,” Lopez said. “I tried to recreate a lot of the iconic moves from the movie that so many people have seen, and try to bring them onto the stage that way people are like ‘oh I remember that’ and that way we bring back a nostalgic feeling.” According to a couple of the Aurora Theatre actors, they have been working really hard to prepare for it and be able to put on a production fitting for the renowned Rocky Horror Picture Show. “I just want everyone to know that this show is about accepting others who are different than you and that it’s okay to be different,” said Jalen Gonzales, narrator for the show. According to the director, the show is approximately two hours of nostalgic feelings and fun. This will be the sixth time this show is being put on at the Aurora Arts theatre, and the third time Lopez will be directing it. “It’s become a Corpus [Christi] tradition and I am so glad to be a part of it,” says Lopez.
“I just want everyone to know that this show is about accepting others who are different than you and that it’s okay to be different.”
-Jalen Gonzales
Photo Courtesy of ALEX CHAPA
Rocky Horror Picture Show actors rehearse the “Damn it Janet” song as characters, Brad and Janet. Brad and Janet are the main characters in the show.
Campus 11
09.22.2016
Killebrew announces retirement at State of the University
Photos by MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL/Island Waves
Dr. Flavius Killebrew throws up the shaka with his wife after announcing his retirement at the end of the calendar year.
Check out the story on IslandWavesNews.com. An Island Waves original video of State of the University will be included in this week’s RipTide on their YouTube channel.
Event goers mingle around the tables before the event starts and participate in interviews from local news stations and newspapers.
Island Waves on-air reporter Eileen Hernandez stops for a quick photo with Dr. Mary Jane Garza before the State of the University.
12 Sports
09.22.2016
Islanders fall short in home opener JONATHAN FORNEY @jb4nay
T
he Islander soccer team fell victim to a second-half push by the University of Houston in their home opener on Friday, Sept. 8. The loss put the team’s record at 0-7 but showed flashes of progress in 4-1 loss as the regular season plugs along. Prior to the game, fans were treated to a tailgate outside of Jack Dugan Soccer & Track and Field Stadium which featured booths, music, food and a dunk tank. The Islanders’ starting goalkeeper Jordan Wainwright suffered an injury during pregame warmups. Freshman goalkeeper Kendall Moody started in her place. Moody embraced the spotlight and challenge of starting. “I was super excited and super pumped,” Moody said. “These things happen and you always have to be ready.” The home team more than held their own in the first half. Their early dominance was punctuated with a goal by Shayla Spearman. The goal marked the
third in the early season for the Islanders. But the goal marked a shift in momentum toward the Cougars. “First half, I was really happy with how we possessed the ball [and] got that first goal,” said Shanna Caldwell, head coach. Spearman’s goal was answered 10 minutes later, taking the game into the half, tied 1-1. The command the Islanders had over the ball seemed to have reversed once the second half began. “Second half we were tired,” Moody said. “We let them get the best of us a little bit, but we’re getting so much better.” The Islander freshman tallied six saves compared to only two for the Cougars. However, saves only tell part of the story. Houston stayed on the attack the whole way through. In fact, the Cougars took more than twice as many shots as the Islanders did in each half. Of those 17 shots, three made their way into the Islander net. The Cougar scoring burst in the second half left the Islanders on the losing end of the final 4-1 score.
The Islanders had an excellent turnout for their home opener. More than 600 people came to cheer for the ladies in their efforts. If this turnout is any indicator of how home games will be attended throughout the season, the Islanders will have a great home field advantage. Additionally, Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi will host the 2016-2017 Southland Conference tournament in
November. Hosting the tournament is all the more reason to pack the Jack. “Playing here at the Jack is awesome.” Caldwell said. With the regular season less than halfway through, there is still time for the Islanders to make adjustments before the conference tournament. The Islanders showed they have the potential to play with anyone, it’s just a matter of all the pieces fitting together.
Think you might be Pregnant?
You’ve got this. We’ve got your back. Pregnancy Test • Limited Ultrasound Cost Free • Confidential • Consultation 361-991-2008 • ccpregnancy.org
JONATHAN FORNEY/Island Qaves
Senior defender Mariah Olivé, stays step for step with her cougar defender.