Volume 27 Issue 04 by Island Waves

TEXAS TEXASA&M A&MUNIVERSITY–CORPUS UNIVERSITY–CORPUS CHRISTI CHRISTI

| ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM || VOLUME VOLUME26 27ISSUE ISSUE20 04 || 08.27.15 02.11.16 |

MARDI GRAS SPECTACULAR

see MARDI GRAS on page 7

University receives clean sweep photo by IZZY SNEED

Homecoming kicks off with Islander Clean, beautifies campus by LEANNE HAAS staff writer

tudents from various organizations on campus gathered together on Jan. 31, to take action and participate in a clean up of the student beach. Various members of local sororities, fraternities and organizations such as the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Student Volunteer Connection (SVC) arrived at the Performing Arts Center bright and early at 8:30 a.m. to meet up and clean the student beach. This was done as a homecoming week kick-off, but SVC coordinates an annual beach clean up in the fall as well. “The goal here is to beautify the campus and to have people from different organizations come together,” said Mayra Rodriguez, coordinator for SVC. The volunteers recognize the importance of keeping the environment clean so that all students are able to enjoy the unique opportunity of going to a school on the coast.

“I think it’s a good thing,” said senior Alpha Gamma Delta member Pamela Macias. “During finals you come to the beach when you’re stressed.” And while many find the sight of litter in the area an eyesore, it also poses health and environmental risks. On the morning of the beach clean up, participants split into groups to tackle different areas of the beach. As part of an initiative conceived by I-TEAM to make Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi “Smoke-free by 2017,” a group of volunteers searched the bus stop and rest areas near the Performing Arts Center with small plastic bags specifically for discarded cigarettes. One student, sophomore SVC member Elsy Hernandez, even found an empty container of cigarettes, which she placed among the growing pile of discarded stubs. “It’s pretty sad,” Hernandez said, “because not only is it a bad habit, but it damages your health and the environment.”

photo by LEANNE HAAS

UCSA members Morgan Gingles (left) and Samantha Wood (right) pick up litter in the brush of Oso Bay.

According to the student affairs page on tamucc.edu, I-TEAM’s goal is to “be the first school in the Texas A&M System to go tobacco free.” The “Smoke Free by 2017” initiative includes the banning of both smoking cigarettes and electronic vaping on campus. This initiative is a wide step, considering that the university had not

even banned smoking indoors until 2008. Four years later, in 2012, Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi changed the requirements again so that smoking must be done at least 25 feet away from the doors of any building. The “Smoke Free by 2017” campaign seeks to include all Islanders see CLEAN on page 4

opinion

02.11.2016

How singles can survive Valentine’s Day alone ISLAND WAVES

by ABBEY WEAVER staff writer

alentines day is many people’s nightmare... with the constant reminder of the lack of a boyfriend or girlfriend between the dozens of flowers and massive teddy bears and boxes of chocolate. For singles, it feels like everyone but you is celebrating. If you do not have someone to celebrate this holiday with its easy to feel left out. But with a little creativity and a positive attitude, even this dreaded day can be fun for all the single ladies and gents. Make it a friend’s day. Yes, Galentines day (as Leslie Nope would say) can be your thing too. Round up yourself and your other single friends and spend the day together. Having a fun group of people to hangout with will take your mind off the pressures of this holiday. Grab your girls and get dressed up together and go on a fun dinner together. Or, if you all are not in the mood to see the sappy couples at the restaurant, take a night in and binge on ice cream and Netflix. Some Blue Bell and a chick flick will without a doubt give you and your girls a reason to smile. For the not so lucky bachelors, call up your buddies and play some football or organize a FIFA tournament. Nothing will make you feel better than just getting to be a guy and hanging out with your friends for the day. If being around a crowd just does not sound appealing, take the day as a pamper “all about you” day. If you are going to be anti social you might as well take the day to spoil yourself.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR The Islanders Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Team (I-ADAPT) is thrilled to cheer our Islanders on at Homecoming and year round! The January 28, 2016 article titled, “Tailgating: A collegiate sport pastime” featured diverse students sharing their favorite tailgate activities, and we want to highlight a few items that will help our students have even more fun while staying safe. The article mentions that those students who are of age may participate in tailgating activities such as, “beer pong, flip cup, and dozens of other drinking games [which] get attendees in on the game day spirits”, as well as a reference to “… drinking like kings”. We agree that tailgating can be a great way to have fun with friends, but drinking games such as beer pong and flip cup can be extremely dangerous as they encourage binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as 5 or more alcoholic drinks in a 2 hour period for men, or 4 drinks in the same time period for women, and is the most dangerous form of alcohol consumption. Binge drinking has some highly undesirable consequences including health issues, academic performance concerns, and personal relationship stressors. According to the 2014 CORE data, 38% of Islanders reported getting into an argument or fight while intoxicated, and 11% reported performing poorly on a test or important project as a result of alcohol consumption. It is important to know your limits when it comes to drinking, find alternative activities that are fun and will not lead to over consumption, always have a designated driver who has not consumed any alcohol, and remember that relaxing with friends does not need to include alcohol or other drugs. For more suggestions and information, please follow us on Twitter @iadaptTAMUCC, like us on Facebook at “I-ADAPT.”

Take a solo trip to the mall and splurge a little, nothing is quite as therapeutic as shopping therapy. Maybe look up a couple at home face and hair masks and cozy up with a book and your favorite candle. For the guys, hitting the gym is always a stress reliever. Get in a good workout, a long shower and just relax the rest of the day. Take it as an opportunity to play that new game as you have got the entire day to utilize any way you see fit. Again, this method is all about you, so just do whatever makes you the most relaxed and comfortable. Lastly, just because the day is not special for you, does not mean you should not make it special for someone else. Doing something nice for someone can turn your bad mood into a good one in a heartbeat. Maybe take your mom or grandma out to a nice meal and get them some chocolates, send a text to a few of your girl friends telling them how beautiful they are, or even buy a few flowers and pass them out to girls walking alone on campus. Something as little as these simple gestures can make their day, and yours as well. Doing any of these things on Valentines day will make the single life less boring on a day like this one. Spending the day with friends, pampering yourself or making it a special day for some one else will take your mind off all the pressure and allow you to have all the fun, even without a significant other or a date.

— submitted by DELANEY FOSTER

VALENTINE McDREAMY

JAMIE FINK

Editor-in-chief STUDENT PUBLICATION OF TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY–CORPUS CHRISTI | ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM | VOLUME 26 ISSUE 20 | 08.27.15

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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. Any student or University employee may submit material for publication consideration. To become a contributor, e-mail or call the Island Waves editor.

Web editor Copy editor Photographer

WENDY MOORE

Faculty Adviser

ALEICHIA WILLIAMS Features reporter

GERI LEMMONS

KELSEY FLORES Features reporter

KACI ALVAREZ

ELI T. BERKE

Photographer/cartoonist IZZY SNEED Layout assistant MIKAYLA GONZALEZ Layout assistant

Izzy Sneed

KARA HERRERA

News reporter Sports reporter

LEANNE HAAS ABBEY WEAVER

News reporter JONATHAN FORNEY Entertainment reporter SAMANTHA MAHLER

news

02.11.2016

Valentine’s Day more than adoration

ISLAND WAVES

by LEANNE HAAS staff writer

ike St. Patrick Day, commercialized like Christmas, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in a fashion seemingly unrelated to its origin. Associated with romance, flowers and chocolate, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as a day for couples to woo each other with gifts to show their appreciation for one another. Others may feel Valentine’s Day is off-putting, whether because they are single and grumpy or because they do not like the expectations and pressure the day brings to a relationship. Rumor has it that Valentine’s Day causes a record number of break-ups each year. Whatever reason people have to be sullen on this day of love, they may be closer to the true spirit of the holiday than they think and you can blame the holiday’s namesake for that: St. Valentine, or rather, the multiple St. Valentines documented by the Catholic Church throughout the ages. There are at least three known saints by the name of Valentine recognized by the Catholic Church, all with dubious stories. While there is not much known about the true history of the St. Valentine who is honored on Feb. 14, what is known about his story

CAREER CORNER

has nothing to do with romance. The story of St. Valentine is one of the earliest in the Church, and it is likely that time has added to the confusion. The conglomerate stories of each saint likely make Valentine’s Day known for what it is today. However, like all saints in the Catholic Church, the St. Valentine that is celebrated on Feb. 14 was a martyr meaning he died for his faith. According to cbn.com in an article titled St. Valentine, The Real Story, St. Valentine was a Roman Priest during the reign of Emperor Claudius, a persecutor of the Catholic Church. St. Valentine opposed the polygamous lifestyle that was popular among Roman Pagans, instead enforcing monogamy amongst fellow Christians. According to Catholic web news source cbn.com, “In the year 269 AD, Valentine was sentenced to a three part execution of a beating, stoning, and finally decapitation all because of his stand for Christian marriage.” Feb. 14 was later recognized by the Roman Catholic Church as a commemorative day for St. Valentine in an attempt to downplay a pagan holiday celebrated as a matchmaking event. Thus, Valentine’s Day was born but the well known holiday did not become

illustration by IZZY SNEED

what it is today for a great while. Historians theorize that the celebration of romantic relations between couples on St. Valentine’s Day was popularized by medieval English poet Geoffrey Chaucer. According to history.com, “No record exists of romantic celebrations on Valentine’s Day prior to a poem Chaucer wrote around 1375. In his work ‘Parliament of Foules,’ he links a tradition of courtly love with the celebration of St. Valentine’s feast day an association that didn’t exist until after his poem received widespread attention.” Society, however, has not become completely out-of-touch

with the origins of St. Valentine’s Day. Like all saints, St. Valentine is the patron saint of various things some not so obvious. According to history.com, “People call on him to watch over the lives of lovers, of course, but also for interventions regarding beekeeping and epilepsy, as well as the plague, fainting and traveling. As you might expect, he’s also the patron saint of engaged couples and happy marriages.” And so as every store begins to fill with love-struck consumers, there lay a tale of religion, history, and culture hidden underneath the stacks of heart-shaped candies, pillows, and accessories.

Internships give students much-needed experience

You’re on your way to finishing your degree. You get your assignments done, fight the great fight to find a parking spot quickly enough to be on time for class, and manage to squeeze in a workout every few days. You have big dreams, big plans and great things ahead of you. As a college student, the world is your oyster and you’re ready to take it on. But when you put on your cap and gown, will something be missing? As a future employer scans your resume, examining your credentials for your dream job, they won’t just be looking at your education. Finding the right person for the job often means finding someone with experience, someone who already has professional skills and knowhow tucked into their tool belt. Many students gain this soughtafter experience through invalu-

able internship opportunities. Internships go above and beyond a part-time job, because they offer the chance to directly apply what you learn in class to the real world. Students can work alongside their future colleagues, gain insight into their career path, and build a valuable network of other professionals. You’ll bring effective communication, refined critical thinking skills and a competitive level of professionalism to the job market. The benefits of an internship extend beyond the student, however. An intern’s innovative ideas and technological savvy bring employers up to speed on current trends. Interns can take ownership of projects that have been long in need of attention; completed now with the creative touch and skillful thought of a student. These accomplishments can

propel entire businesses toward success. Internships create highly skilled individuals (that’s you!) who enter the workforce, meeting needs and stabilizing businesses. Partnerships, relationships, and community involvement can all build and prosper from one student, one internship. Career Services is your one-stop shop for internship opportunities. We’ll help get your resume ready, sharpen your interview skills, and let you know if your shirt is on inside out. Meet with your career counselor to explore internships, get direction and open doors to the opportunities we seek out just for our students. Get your degree, get your experience, take on the world. Come see us today.

Terri Howe, MS, LPC director, Career Services

Career Corner is a biweekly column submitted by employees of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Career Services office.

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In the meantime, pick up some free coffee and a paper on Thursdays in the Subway alcove.

news

02.11.2016

ISLAND WAVES

Enjoy Valentines on collegiate budget by GERI LEMMONS staff writer

e all know Valentine’s Day is a money sucker. Boys spend an enormous amount of money that they do not have, and girls ask for things that they should not be asking from a boy in college. The thing is, we all want to do something on Valentine’s Day whether it is with your significant other or some friends, it is always fun to celebrate the day of love. What is not fun is spending a fortune. Here are some things you can do for Valentine’s Day around Corpus Christi on a college student’s budget. 1 Picnic on the Beach Having a picnic on the beach is a great way to spend one on one time with the person your heart belongs to while not spending a great amount of money. Just grab some blankets and pillows from your room, stop by CVS for some handy picnic snacks, and make your way down to the sandy coastline and

enjoy each others company.

with an order of ten. So you get twenty wings for 2 Texas State Aquarium the price of ten. The Texas State Aquarium is al- How awesome is ways a fun date idea. You can spend that? the day learning and observing marine animals with great compa4 Potluck Dinny and it is a great way to spend the ner day and have genuine fun. Want to Having a potluck know the best part? Texas A&M dinner is a great way University- Corpus Christi stu- to save money and get dents can get six dollars off of their creative with what you want admissions ticket by bringing their to eat. Whether it is a one on student ID. This will definitely one date or a group gathering with leave some money for concessions your closest friends, it is a great or that adorable dolphin stuffed way to spend time with the people animal your certain someone is dy- you love by not spending so much ing to have. money on preparing an entire meal. You will also definitely have plenty 3 Dinner at Hooters of leftovers, which can really save This may seem odd, but hear money for the next week to come! me out. Hooters is probably the last place someone would want to 5 IceRays Game spend their Valentine’s Day, but the Since the IceRays play on Feb. deal they are having is not some- 13 and not Valentine’s Day, this thing anybody wants to miss plus could be a pre-date for the next it adds a little humor to the day. If day or just count this as the actual you bring in a picture of your ex, date so you can relax all day Sunyou get to shred the picture while day. getting ten free boneless wings At IceRay Hockey games, they

have this deal called the Family Four Pack, where each ticket is $11 instead of $22, so this is the perfect option for a fun and exciting double date. Although there are so many fun things you can do on Valentine’s Day, the best way to spend it is with the ones you love. So take your partner to the beach for a romantic yet salty champagne date or get your awesome group of friends for a massive potluck dinner while relaxing and watching Netflix. Whatever you do, have fun and spread the love.

CLEAN continued from page 1

in the decision to go tobacco-free on campus. I-TEAM and SGA have joined together to assemble two town hall meetings this February to gain insight into the opinions of students, faculty and staff on the initiative. Student Affairs coordinator Delaney Foster encourages everyone to partake in the discussion, regardless on one’s stance on the issue. “We want to make sure everybody’s voice gets heard,” Foster said. “Whether or not you’re a smoker, you’re encouraged to share your

opinion.” Students can join the conversation by using the hashtag “#smokefree2017” on Twitter. Town hall -style meetings will be held on Feb. 15 in the University Center’s Tejas lounge from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. and on Feb. 14 from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. in the University Center’s Lone Star Ballroom B. “We’re really thrilled,” Foster said.“We’ve seen a lot of progress being made.”

photo by LEANNE HAAS

Student Engagement coordinator Delaney Foster holds a bag of discarded cigarettes found behind the Performing Arts Center.

news

02.11.2016

ISLAND WAVES

Island Royalty crowned at Homecoming

ABOVE AND TOP RIGHT: This year’s Home-

coming King, Jonathan Le; and Queen, Anna Whisenhunt, take court photos with President and First Lady Killebrew and last year’s king and queen. BOTTOM RIGHT: Homecoming Queen candidates Lauren Piritz, Erin Spann and Jasmine Rodriguez prepare to take the court before the winner is announced. BOTTOM RIGHT: Homecoming King Jonathan Le acknowledges the crowd and his supporters after being named 2016 Homecoming King. BOTTOM RIGHT: Homecoming Queen Anna Whisenhunt receives her crowning moment after being crowned by First Lady Kathy Killebrew.

photos by JAMIE FINK

CHECK OUT DINEONCAMPUS.COM/ISLANDERDINING

#SilenceForJB

by ALEICHIA WILLIAMS web editor

enior business major Jeremy Baker passed away on Monday, Feb. 1, after attending the Homecoming Student vs. Staff/ Faculty Basketball Game. Baker was in a motorcycle accident off of South Padre Island Drive (S.P.I.D) between Airline and Nile, where his motorcycle collided with a tree. Baker had turned 23 last week on January 28. Friends and family created a GoFundMe page for Baker’s Funeral Expenses. #SilenceForJB took place at the Hector P. Garcia Plaza on Wednesday, Feb. 3, for family, friends, and students to pay their respects.. Dozens of students gathered at the Hector P. Garcia Plaza to hold a moment of silence for Baker. During the event a

poem was dedicated in his honor, Bible verses were read and his close friends spoke of Baker’s life. A prayer was also said during the event. Many wore white in his honor. At the end of the event white balloons were released into the sky. “Jeremy Baker, he touched souls. He was a great man. He was going to graduate next semester,” said Baker’s roommate Marcus Lightfoot. “He had big plans for everybody. He just wanted to grow with everybody. He changed everybody’s life. Everybody out here is for him it’s for JB. Everything I do from now on, everything we do from now on as a family, is going to be for JB.” The GoFundMe page for Jeremy Baker reached it’s goal of over $10,000 in less than 3 days.

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campus

02.11.2016

Tipping off Homecoming Week

ISLAND WAVES

by SAMANTHA MAHLER staff writer

exas A&M University-Corpus Christi campus housing’s annual Tip Off Picnic was held at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 2, on the East Lawn. The Tip Off Picnic is held annually as the official kickoff of Homecoming Week. This is the first year the picnic has been open to all of the Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi campus. “Traditionally, it’s just been a Camden event for the residents, but with the opening of Momentum, we decided as University Housing to host it for all of campus,” said Sarah Judy, who is the assistant director of resident life for Camden Miramar. “We moved it from the Camden parking to the East Lawn so it would be more in the center of campus.” In addition to meeting the Homecoming court nominees, participants at the Tip Off Picnic were able to dance, eat free food and win prizes. Students could choose to take photos in a photo booth or have their faces painted. Games such as an obstacle course and Giant Jenga were also available for the students’ enjoyment. Among well-known guests were President Flavius Killebrew and the Islanders Cheer and Dance Teams, the latter of which performed for a small audience. “My favorite part was all of the students coming to the Tip Off Picnic to show their school spirit and that [the students] support our basketball team”, said John Tran, junior nursing major. “There were students all over the East Lawn playing games to win the raffle, and the cheer and dance teams showing off exceptional dance skills. The Tip Off Picnic was a good way to relieve a tough morning of classes.” The Tip Off Picnic also served as a check in point for the medallion hunt and the spirit competition. The Student Government Association taught attendees Island University traditions, such

as the shaka and the Islander Fight Song. “I’m hoping students took away more Islander spirit,” Judy said. “We scheduled the picnic at the beginning of the week because we want students to get excited to get to all of the other homecoming events.” Tran, who is a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, said “It was a great way to start off the week toward when we beat Sam Houston! It’s always fun hanging out with my brothers. It was fun that I got play silly games with my brother, Alan.” Campus Housing scheduled the Tip Off Picnic for the beginning of homecoming week as a way to get Island Univeristy students ready for the homecoming basketball game later that week. Judy said she hopes that the Tip Off Picnic taught students the essential Islander traditions needed for homecoming. “I think students really enjoyed all of the games and the prizes and really learning school traditions,” Judy said. “There were a lot of people who I think didn’t know the traditions, especially the school song. It’s good practice because I think it’s something we should all do a little more often.” The Tip Off Picnic was sponsored by Camden Mirimar and Momentum Village and for more information on the Islander’s Homecoming or more about the ABOVE AND RIGHT: Students participate in a dance line called ‘The Wobble’ on the Texas A&M University-Corpus common East Lawn during the Tip Off Picnic. The tip off Christi traditions, please feel picnic was not the only event happening, Paint Me occured in the Anchor Ballroom as a free to visit www.homecoming. With way to start Homecoming week off as well. tamucc.edu, or contact at sjudy@ BELOW: Two students attempt a game of camdenliving.com. Jenga

photos by ELI BERKE

campus

02.11.2016

ISLAND WAVES

President’s Ball celebrates Mardi Gras

by GERI LEMMONS staff writer

n Jan. 30, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi hosted the Mardi Gras themed President’s Ball. This is an event that helps showcase and thank the donors of the University. Flavius Killebrew president and CEO of the Island University said the event went well and people were having a really good time and enjoying themselves. “It was all so much fun. I enjoy the recognition of the donors because it sort of gets a chance for them to mingle with some of the other people who have donated to the school through scholarships and in other ways,” Killebrew said. This event was held in the University Center and it was put on to recognize the men and women who have given to the school. The ball included a complete Mardi Gras theme with different decorations and entertainment with the same theme. Two live

bands performed, different men walked on stilts and tons of different decorations and food to enhance the event’s theme. Morgan Hill, junior and one of the attendees at the ball, said she loves events like this. As a President’s Adviser she thinks it is great to meet people in the community and to get dressed up and have a fun night as well. “I think that these people should be celebrated. Donations are generously given and it is out of a person’s free will and they don’t have to give it, so it think it is a good idea that we celebrate them,” Hill said. At the President’s Ball, there were lots of activities. There were photo booths, a dance floor with a live band and a fortune-teller. Coffee was served in front of the University center and there was little contest. These activities gave the event some lighthearted moments and gave the celebration a more Mardi Gras feel.

TOP RIGHT: Guests and donors try on masks

photos by IZZY SNEED

Guests and donors take selfies using the selfie sticks that were passed out during this year’s ball.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ACHIEVE PARTNER

To learn more or become an Achieve Partner please visit achievepartnership.tamucc.edu

before the beginning of the ball. ABOVE: A fortune teller was available to give free fortunes to the guests. BELOW: Cake balls, along with the traditional Mardi Gras king cake, were served at the President’s Ball BOTTOM RIGHT: Two live bands performed, as guest moved on the dance floor.

entertainment

02.11.2016

ICA takes students on journey ISLAND WAVES

by SAMANTHA MAHLER staff writer

he Islander Cultural Alliance (ICA) hosted their Homecoming Fashion Show on Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. in the University Center Ballrooms. Islander Cultural Alliance members served as models for the fashion show. The purpose of the Homecoming Fashion Show was to introduce to students various aspects of the modeling industry, such as choreographed routines, modeling techniques and unique fashion. Participants were introduced to a new style of modeling while being entertained by the Homecoming Fashion Show. ICA members hope that through this fashion show, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students will become more culturally aware. “We are showcasing various samples of clothing that fall under various cultural umbrellas,” said Tia

Mullins, who is the coordinator of marketing and public relations for ICA. “We hope the audience will be able to appreciate the various cultural pieces or styles of the different cultures represented.” By showcasing pieces of different cultures from around the world, ICA members had expectations that the show would be successful in teaching the audience about cultures that many individuals are not familiar with. “Students will be able to witness pieces of the cultures tied to the specific scenes of the show,” said Roslyn Evans, a junior health science major with a minor in business management she is also the coordinator of recruitment and retention for ICA. “As the show wraps up, they will be able to see that every culture is different, but they are all beautiful in their own way.” The ICA Homecoming Fashion Show was slated as one of many official events that students, staff and

the Corpus Christi community could partake in during Homecoming Week. ICA used the Homecoming Fashion Show as a way to combine Islander school spirit with cultural awareness. “The overall theme of the fashion show is based on the models taking an Islander Voyage around the world where we will showcase aspects of different cultures,” said Mullins, who is a junior marketing major. “We kick off the show in TAMU-CC Islander Wear to board the flight with a sense of pride and honor.” Coordinators of ICA had the opportunity to plan out the Homecoming Fashion Show, as well as be one of the models walking the runway. The Multicultural Greek Council also performed it’sSpring Showcase in a special appearance for the audience. ICA members hope that their hard work and effort will produce a fashion show that is not only

exciting but educational for those in attendance as well. “Those attending the show should expect to see scenes taking you through different cultures,” Evans said. “We are taking the audience on a tour around the world.” ICA plans to continue the fashion show as a new Islander homecoming tradition. This is the first year for the ICA Homecoming Fashion Show. The ICA Homecoming Fashion Show was free and open to all students, staff, faculty and members of the South Texas community. Islander Cultural Alliance is a student run organization whose goal is to educate and bring cultural awareness to students of the Island University through engaging programs. It is their hope that through these activities, all cultural groups and organizations will have equality.

participate in this event. The quiz bowl is open to the public and will have games and snacks for those who partake in the event and get involved. One of the events that are taking place is a showing of a movie called “Dear White People” and it is also hosted by Islander Cultural Alliance. This is taking place on Thursday Feb. 11 and it is free to the public. People can watch the movie in the University Center Rotunda at 7:00 pm. “Dear White People is a movie that will talk about different social and political issues that face people every day and the movie goes along with black history month. This event is made to entertain students while also coinciding with the black history month theme. Another one of the events is hosted by Islander Cultural Alliance

and it is a “Soul Food” kickoff and it happened on Monday Feb. 1 in the dining hall. This event was open to the public. At this event there was different types of food that all went with the soul food theme and the event started at 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. This event helped kickoff black history month and start the month off with something that people might not have had the chance to ever try. When it comes to how ICA comes up with some of the events that they are going to put on they are very selective as to what they are going to do. They make sure to be all inclusive when it comes to all cultures on campus and they want to be specific with each month. Sofia I. Rodriguez-Oropeza freshman communications major said that she wants students to know that this is an organization that

embraces various cultures and that is the reason for why they have events like this. “We have charts to show how many people have came to previous events so for the next event and we say okay we didn’t have as many people for this event and what can we do to get more people to come. It is a matter of what is popular.” Rodriguez-Oropeza said. They look to see what events work and how much money they are spending on the event and they make sure to get everyone’s input in order to make the events that much better. For more information about future Black History Month events a student can go to the ICA orgsync or they can go on the school websites events page. There they can find more events and different things they can go to all month long.

Black History Month schedules events

by GERI LEMMONS staff writer

o celebrate Black History Month there will be many events going on around campus. All of these events are open to the public and most are free admission to anyone wanting to participate. Frank Gallegis sophomore graphic information science major said one of the events that he is looking forward to are the movie feature called “Dear White People.” “We are also looking forward to our black history month quiz Bowl and for those two events we are actually trying to reach out to faculty and we encourage students to come.” Gallegis said. For the black history month quiz bowl students and professors are being asked to come out and

EATING HEALTHY Izzy Sneed

entertainment

02.11.2016

ISLAND WAVES

TV shows to tune into for this season by JONATHAN FORNEY staff writer

n recent years television has broken into two separate and increasingly equal categories: network television and digital content exclusive to streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu. As February gets going many shows will be returning from their mid-season hiatuses or premiering outright. This piece will feature some shows to watch out for across a variety of genres and ways to watch them. Premiere dates are always subject to change, so double check before marking ones calendars. First up traditional television, the shows viewers can look forward to cramming their DVRs to capacity with for months to come. The timeless classics have already returned from their winter breaks such as “Family Guy”, “The Simpsons”, “American Idol”, “NCIS” and the list goes on and on. HBO has set the stage for an epic spring premiere with

“Game of Thrones”, “Silicon Valley”, and “Veep” all returning the same night. This upcoming season is a big one for “Game of Thrones” in particular as it will offer the most creative liberty the series has ever seen. “I’m looking forward to seeing where the storyline goes now that they’ve passed the books” said sophomore biology major Randi Cannon. Other big name, newer shows have already returned to primetime schedules such as “New Girl”, “The Bachelor”, “Workaholics”, “Teen Wolf ” and “Pretty Little Liars”. Smaller name primetime shows have developed strong followings in their own rights. Fox’s “Bob’s Burgers”, for example, is working on its sixth season with no end in sight. AMC’s “Fear the Walking Dead” is slated to return April 10 for its fans who are dying for more. As was evident from the films releasing this year, nostalgia is very in season this year. Television is another outlet for

networks to use the success of previous franchises to tell new stories or bring the same stories to new audiences. A prime example is the classic “The X-Files” which began its run in 1993 is still entrancing small-screen audiences to this day. Other examples could include the reboot of teen drama, “Degrassi: Next Class” which already has a full season available on Netflix. A reboot of popular sitcom “Full House” called “Fuller House” will make its way to Netflix on Feb. 26. Years past have been big for superhero movies and television shows. 2016 will build off of that established success. Shows such as DC’s “Arrow” and “The Flash” have established the gold standard for good superhero television and both are currently airing new episodes regularly. Marvel’s “Daredevil” had a very successful first season on Netflix and is set to air its second season March 20. Additionally, DC’s new show “Legends of Tomorrow” has begun airing.

“Gotham” will air the second half of its second season under the moniker “Gotham: Wrath of Villains” on Feb. 29. New shows are also generating excitement of their own. “Fresh Off the Boat” is an interesting comedy that has people eager for more. When asked why he was excited for “Fresh Off the Boat”, freshman computer science major Krisjan Carter said “it looks funny, but like a different kind of comedy.” Award winning shows are poised to earn more critical acclaim. ABC’s “How to Get Away With Murder” featuring recent SAG award winner, Viola Davis, is set to return Feb. 11. While Golden Globe winning drama, “Empire” will return March 30. There will be no shortage of things to watch this year and with content like this the question of what to watch just got that much tougher. So clear those old reruns from the DVR and get comfortable because it is time to watch television.

Students stream free music by GERI LEMMONS staff writer

hen it comes to new music and how people tend to find it and keep it students have many methods on how to do so. Ellie Gonzalez, sophomore kinesiology major, said in order for her to find new music she goes on her fiancé’s playlist and sees what he has on there in order to know what new music is out there. “I go on his Spotify and look at his playlist and he just searches for what is popular, and I just follow whatever he does,” Gonzalez said. “But sometimes I use I hear Radio and choose a station or an artist and listen to that.” Many students use different websites and different means to find new music. Some of the ways are not even music websites they are places that show video content and different forms of media to find what they are looking for. Halena Day, freshman psychology major, said she goes to YouTube and finds what new music is being played on there. “I even sometimes go on WordStar hip hop in order to find new music,” Day said. “I listen to a lot of vines and whenever I hear something I like I look at the comments to see what that song was.” Others choose to go with other popular websites that have an option to listen to new artist and songs that

sound like the ones that they already like. They use this by listening to radios like Pandora and IHeart Radio that allow people to listen to genres of music that fit their preference and do not have as many commercials as regular radio. It gives them the opportunity to also discover artists that sound like the ones they already like. Mia Green, freshman psychology major, said that Pandora is one of the ways she finds out about what is new out there. “Mostly I listen to Pandora and whatever pops up I be like oh this is good and I find it that way. Or I go on Twitter like with the song Back to Back that was how I found out about that song by Drake and that is basically it,” Green said. In today’s day and age it is easy for students to find out about all things new and improved in a matter of seconds. Music is no exception. Some people will go online and see what others are talking about on social media and find out about a new good song that way. Someone can make a song and put it out on social media and the song can become popular within days or hours. There are other ways like Rhapsody radio, iTunes radio, Spotify and of course Pandora, all vie for user’s attention. However those are just some of the countless ways that students can gain access to what is new and hot on the music scene.

entertainment

02.11.2016

ISLAND WAVES

Tips for dressing this Valentine’s day FASHION SENSE by ABBEY WEAVER staff writer

inding something to wear on Valentine’s Day can be stressful. Whether it is the boyfriend you have been dating for years or the girl you are dating for the first time, deciding what to wear on this special day is important. For college students, its even more difficult shopping for your Valentine’s plans on a budget. Here are a few tips on how to dress for the date with things you already have in your closet. 1 First thing first is to find one piece you know you want to wear and work from there. Putting together an outfit for any occasion can be overwhelming when you are starting from scratch. Pick out one item, maybe a pretty red top or your favorite button down and work from there. This will give you something to work from and help you visualize all your options better. 2 Use your accessories to your advantage. Maybe you are not sure what item to start with. In this case

start with an accessory, watch, some statement earrings, or the heels you never get to wear. Take them out and build your outfit around that item. If your accessories are bold you do not even have to worry too much about the top and bottoms because your accessories will do all the talking. 3 Do not feel like you need to stay within the color range. Yes, it’s fun to wear reds and pink on Valentine’s Day. It is festive and it is feminine for the ladies. But even black can be worn on this special day if its done in the right way. For the guys, a dark grey button down and black slacks will still look nice enough for the date and the darker colors will make you look even more sleek and put together. Sometimes it can be obnoxious if you are sporting your red tie and pink button down just because its festive. For the ladies, a fitted black dress has the same effect. If you still want to incorporate some festive colors pair it with a red lipstick or a baby pink blush. 4 If you are not dressing up then just keep your look clean. White

is the perfect casual, crisp color to keep yourself looking nice but still staying casual. A white button down and khakis for the guys is a perfect date night look that is not over the top. For the ladies, a white chiffon top and some black jeans is a perfect, effortless pair that is wearable to a wide range of venues. The easiest way to break down the perfect date night look is for guys to look clean and for the ladies to look feminine. For guys, as long as your

look is kept clean and crisp you can pretty much get away with anything. Make sure you take the time to do your hair and clean up the facial hair. Ladies, keep it feminine and you will feel invincible for this special night on the town with that someone special. The more girly pieces you incorporate into your outfit the more confident you will feel for your date night activities. Stick to these steps and you will be sure to make your date’s jaw drop.

photos courtesy WWW.TORANGE.US

Library’s new exhibit unearths interest in art by SAMANTHA MAHLER staff writer

he Mary and Jeff Bell Library at Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi is hosting “Earth Amma,” a collection of prints and paintings by Lenard Brown from Feb. 1-April 1. Brown’s “Earth Amma” exhibit will be held in conjunction with the Black History Month activities on the Island University’s campus. “This is an ongoing series dealing with spirituality and diaspora,” Brown said. BrownTexas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi alumnus, Brown said he works as Lector I in the Department of Art, Communications and Theatre at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Jeff Janko, a library information specialist at the Mary and Jeff Bell Library, said he is excited to bring the exhibit to the Island University. “I think it’s one of the best exhibits we’ve had in a long time. The quality of the work—the beauty of the work—is excellent,” Janko said. “Art is supposed to make people question themselves, their life, their culture. If art is valid, does it have any meaning? It definitely does because I don’t understand it right off the bat.”

Janko is one of many who have taken the time to view Brown’s artwork. The exhibit is becoming popular with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students as well. “I went into the library to print out a paper for one of my classes and was struck by the beauty of the Earth Amma exhibit,” said Sarah Walsh, sophomore communication major. “I stuck around so long that I almost missed one of my classes. It was just so easy to get lost in the artwork.” Brown’s “Earth Amma” exhibit has received many high praises from students and faculty alike. Janko credits the complexity and visual interest of the artwork for generating such positive responses. “The worst kind of art show you can go to is the kind where you look at one picture and then two seconds later you go to the next one,” said Janko. “If it’s so simple and there’s no question about what you’re looking at, then that’s not what art is supposed to do. Art is supposed to make you think.” Earth Amma is just one of many art exhibits that will be available for viewing in the Mary and Jeff Bell Library during 2016. Workers at the library hope that by having

various exhibits, more students will become interested in all that the library has to offer. “If it wasn’t for that paper, I would have never thought to walk through the atrium. I’m a transfer student so I wasn’t familiar with many campus events,” Walsh said. “Now that I know about the art shows at the Mary and Jeff Bell Library, I’ll be sure to come in for more than just my homework.” The exhibit is on display in the atrium on the first floor of the Mary and Jeff Bell Library at

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. All prints and paintings will be available for viewing from Monday, Feb. 1, through Thursday, April 1, during the library’s regular business hours. The “Earth Amma” exhibit is free and open to all students, faculty, staff and members of the South Texas community. For more information on events held at the Mary and Jeff Bell Library, please call Jeff Janko at ext. 2588 or email jeff.janko@tamucc. edu.

WILLIAM CLARK GREEN • SAM RIGGS • CODY JOHNSON & THE ROCKIN' CJB • JASON BOLAND & THE STRAGGLERS MICKY & THE MOTORCARS & MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!

sports

02.11.2016

ISLAND WAVES

Faculty, students battle on the court by JONATHAN FORNEY staff writer

n Feb. 1, under the bright lights of the Dugan Wellness Center, one of the first of this year’s Homecoming events took place... the fourth annual Student versus Faculty/Staff basketball game. The game featured a co-ed roster of 18 students to 12 faculty and staff members. Players from both sides registered for the event prior to the game and the roster was first come first serve. The faculty and staff came away with a 77-71 victory over the students. “Professors would email saying their students really want them to play, so they would sign up to play for their students” said Brianna Wilburn, sports club and family sports coordinator. Prior to tip-off, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi president, Dr. Flavius Killebrew, addressed those in attendance and welcomed them to get Homecoming off to a good start. “This will be a great game, a lot of fun, and a great way to kick off Homecoming week,” Killebrew said. Both sides wanted to win, but some of those playing had other goals in mind. “I enjoy playing basketball, but I was mainly looking forward to going out and sweating. Getting some

good cardio,” said Islander Athletics employee, Bryan Mayhood. Once the game began, the faculty and staff held a slight advantage on the scoreboard. Both sides substituted in sets of five to allow every player their time on the court. The clock kept running, few fouls were called and music played during the action. The game had a very laid-back and playful feel. In the crowd was a mixture of students cheering on their friends playing, fraternity and sorority members supporting their members (both in the game and honored in Homecoming Court), other faculty/ staff and any others who wanted to watch the free public event. Members of both teams wore “Don’t be a party foul” shirts from the Islanders Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team or I-ADAPT. Students wore blue, while faculty and staff wore green. Last year’s game saw the faculty/ staff beating the students and it seemed that was the way this year would play out as well. By halftime, the green team held a 33-28 lead. For halftime entertainment, the crowd was treated to a performance by the cheerleaders, Color Guard, and the 2015-2016 Homecoming court, who

photo by JAMIE FINK

The Islander Cheer and Dance team perform during halftime of the Homecoming game.

were honored and recognized. The crowd seemed to cheer slightly louder for the girls on the students’ team. In particular, sophomore marketing major Nikki Shear, who at one point scored six straight points for her team. “An MVP rises from the team and helps that team.” Shear said. “So it wasn’t really me, it was the team.” The second half kept the same formula as the first. Faculty and staff held their slight advantage throughout and came away with a 7771 victory. Both sides came together

to congratulate one another on a fun game and shook hands before socializing with the crowd afterwards. Not all were pleased with their play. Freshman kinesiology major Nick White cited asthma as the reason for his poor play. Despite this, White still had the support of his teammate and friend, Nick Lopez sophomore kinesiology major. “He’s my little brother out there on the court, so it’s hard for me to see [White] struggling like that. But we had fun and that’s all that matters” Lopez said.

city

02.11.2016

ISLAND WAVES

Green means go for new coffee shop

by JAMIE FINK editor-in-chief

n a quaint little shop on the corner of Broadway and Leopard, the Green Light Coffee Co. is aiming to become the premiere go-to coffee location for downtown Corpus Christi. With no previous experience in the restaurant industry, Sarah and Jordan Hans opened up Green Light Coffee to pursue their dreams of creating a coffee brand that served fresh quality coffee fast. The Hans moved to Corpus Christi when husband Jordan joined the Navy reserves. Prior to calling Corpus Christi home, the Hans lived in Germany while Jordan was serving for the United States Air Force. “Germany was where the idea was born, when we were stationed there during active duty,” Sarah said. “We just really loved the way Europeans did coffee. They just kind of stop everything at 3 o’clock everyday to have a coffee and a cake.” Once the Europeans had instilled a love for coffee in the Hans’ hearts, they bought their first really good coffee machine while still in Europe. The Hans’ came across the Top

Brewer Café’ system and decided it would be a good idea to bring it to the states. “There is only one other Top Brewer system in the world, and it’s in Denmark, which is where our system came from,” Sarah said. “The system is brand new technology, it’s the only system that runs entirely on Bluetooth technology.” The brewing system allows for Green Light Coffee to provide the quality type coffee they want with just the click of a button. The system is controlled via Bluetooth to any Apple iWatch, iPhone or iPad. The Hans control their system via iPad. “All the components that would be in a normal espresso machine are still with this machine, it’s just that they are all under the counter,” Sarah said. “The beans are in a bin connected to the machine, and the machine freshly grinds the exact amount of beans for each cup of coffee.” While the location of the Green Light Coffee Co. shop may be unfamiliar and new to some, the name rings a familiar bell. This is all because the Green Light Coffee Co. has been all around Corpus Christi since March of 2015. Before opening a permanent

location downtown, the Hans needed an affordable way to start their business...hence the Green Light Coffee Bus was born. “We found the bus on Craigslist,” Sarah said. “In Europe they have very small vehicles and even bicycles that they turn into a little mobile food or coffee shop. So after seeing that, we knew we could make it small. We just had to figure out how, because we hadn’t engineered something like that before.” After renovations to turn the Volkswagen bus into a mobile coffee shop, Green Light Coffee first made their appearance at the March Artwalk in downtown Corpus Christi. After six months of consistent business and venues, the Hans began working on securing a permanent location for a small coffee shop. “When we started the bus, this is just where people wanted us to be,” Sarah said. “We tried Southside, we tried North Beach and we kept getting request downtown and we kept coming. People keep telling us they would love to have a coffee place downtown.” Corpus Christi residents were itching for another local coffee shop downtown, because of the then recent departure of Coffee Waves who closed their downtown location to focus on their other store locations on Alameda and in Flour Bluff. Hans said Green Light Coffee Company’s goal is to become downtown Corpus Christi’s coffee shop. Green Light Coffee provides a simplistic and minimalist approach to an industry easily run by over-the-top combinations and choices. The Hans provide guests and patrons with a small espresso based coffee menu, along with different varieties of tea and a few

photo by JAMIE FINK

sweet bites. “We don’t offer a lot,” Sarah said. “We are very minimal. We want those few things that we do to be perfect. It took us a long time to decide what we wanted to serve with our coffee.” Along with the usual coffee and tea, the most popular item to order along side your drink is their cinnamon toast. Sarah said the toast is made to order along with your coffee. The bread for the toast is a locally produced bread from JB’s, a local bakery in Corpus Christi. “To add depth to the menu, we have a special that runs every two weeks,” Sarah said. Fans and guests of Green Light Coffee Co. have been very supportive and have helped make the business as successful as it is today. “Corpus Christi is lucky to have this place,” said Pete Garcia, in an online review of the coffee shop. Green Light Coffee has received 57 five-star reviews out of a total of 58 from guests and patrons. Green Light Coffee is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., however, once the shop is closed, employees then head out onto the streets of Corpus Christi via the Coffee Bus. Deliveries can be ordered up until 11 p.m. via the food app GrubHub. “Social media has been basically the only way that we have ever advertised our business,” Sarah said. “It’s been great for us, it has allowed us to collect with our customers along the way after the either visit the store or the bus.” For more information about updates of events that the Green Light Coffee Bus will be at, store hours and purchasable products and their biweekly specials, follow Green Light Coffee on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.