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SPORTS p. 7 The Bears fall to Wisconsin Thursday night 69-52, ending the team’s 2014 season.
WE’RE THERE WHEN YOU CAN’T BE
Friday | March 28, 2014
Body of student found in vehicle
Inspiring
culture
Lecturer connects students with attraction of Thailand
O
By Emily Ballard Reporter
By Paula Ann Solis Staff Writer
n the top floor of one of the oldest buildings on campus, one professor’s office overflows with the basics of a seasoned professor—stacks of antique books, coffee mugs and stacks of graded papers. But these ordinary items take a backseat to the handcrafted silky banner of elephants that hangs across a crowded bookshelf and the photographs of elephant rides and world leaders. Kathryn Mueller’s office showcases her undying love for the culture and people of Thailand. Boasting nearly 40 years as a senior lecturer of sociology at Baylor, Mueller estimates 18,000 former Baylor Bears can claim her as their former professor. Among these former students are her oldest son’s roommate and his roommate’s son, making her a multi-generational professor. Over the years, Mueller has adapted to the college student’s sleep schedule to accommodate her students. Twice a month she holds what she calls “midnight madness office hours” during which her students can come into her office at all hours of the night to discuss grades, concerns or to share stories, she said. “It’s a good thing for the athletes,” she said. “Usually SEE
The body of a male Baylor student was found at 10 a.m. Thursday in a chemically hazardous vehicle near University Parks Drive and Donaldson Lane, said Lori Fogleman, assistant vice president for media communications. The vehicle was marked with the international symbol for biohazardous materials, Cawthon said there was note on the vehicle explaining nitrogen sulfide was used. Because of this warning a hazmat team was called to the scene. “We believe that these signs or warning labels were done in an effort so that no first responders would be overcome the chemicals,” Cawthon said. “We don’t suspect foul play. We suspect a self-inflicted type of death.” Officer Steve Anderson with the Waco Police Department said Waco police were the first to respond to the scene but after they realized the location was outside Waco’s city limits, the case was turned over to the McLennan County Sheriff ’s office. Fogleman said she could not release the name of the student or his classification until authorities notify his family. Chief Deputy Matt Cawthon from the McLennan County Sheriff ’s office said most of the man’s family has been contacted. Only his father, who is traveling, has not been notified. Cawthon said he will release further details, including the student’s name, today. The Baylor Police Department has not confirmed its involvement with the investigation, but a Baylor police vehicle was seen at the site. “It’s heartbreaking and just a terrible tragedy,” Fogleman said in the official university statement regarding the incident. “Our hearts go out this his family, friends and classmates and all those who knew and loved him. The university will be proving opportunities for students and faculty to gather together to share in their grief.”
THAILAND, page 5
Photos by Travis Taylor | Photo Editor
Kathryn Mueller, a senior lecturer of sociology, organizes for Baylor students to teach the English language in Thailand. Above, she holds a copy of a publication for the Royal Chitralada projects, a technological enterprise initiated by Bhumbol Adulyadej, the king of Thailand. Mueller’s office holds a number of treasures from her numerous trips to Thailand, including a pin, left, given to her by the country’s royal family.
Texas first lady helps Waco celebrate downtown By Rebecca Fiedler Staff Writer
The city of Waco was officially inducted into the Texas Main Street program Thursday. Wacoans of all ages, state dignitaries, local chambers of commerce and first lady of Texas Anita Perry gathered at the Waco Convention Center to celebrate the city’s downtown district, honoring its history and modern growth and progress. “This distinction honors Waco’s rich history, architecture, and a downtown that has been transforming into a jewel of the city and the region,” said Bob Davis, president of the Waco Downtown Development Co. The Texas Main Street Program is run by the Texas Historical Commission, and its purpose is “to provide technical expertise, resources and support for Texas communities in the preservation
and revitalization of historic downtowns and com- to Waco, saying she is proud of the city. Waco is mercial neighborhood districts,” as the program’s the last city Perry will ever visit on a Main Street induction tour. website states. Waco Mayor Malcolm Duncan said the induc“The Waco Suspension Bridge is an important tion of Waco into the Main Street prosymbol of both your city’s past and fugram will be of great help to the Waco ture,” she said. “Brooklyn, New York, has nothing on us.” community. Perry said she feels the city of Waco “I already have two local groups who have expressed they’d like to get some has great energy. help, and the Main Street program pro“Being in the Main Street program vides design experts and architectural makes Waco special,” Perry said. “Waco has more than its share of dedicated citiassistants,” Duncan said. A potential design for aesthetic zens.” changes to Elm Street was unveiled at Perry has traveled across the state since 2001 with the Main Street prothe event, showing pictures of shops along the road with new greenery, decogram, inducting 49 of 86 Texas cities in Perry ration and masonry. the program. Perry visited Waco ThursPerry spoke of memories she enjoyed from vis- day after having been to Caldwell to induct that iting towns across the state, and paid compliments city.
Student finds injured man while on run By Paula Ann Solis Staff Writer
A Baylor sophomore found the blood-covered body of a man at 9 a.m. Thursday while running along the Brazos River near the 200 block of University Parks Drive. The student, who requested to remain anonymous, said the man was lying on the ground and his eyes were swollen and closed. She tried to speak to him but he could only wheeze in and out, she said. “That’s when I made the call,” she said. “I was on the phone for five minutes and then the police showed up.” She said she did not feel comfortable touching the man or assessing him herself, but she did wait by him until the emergency medical team arrived. Officer Steve Anderson with the Waco Police Department said the man suffered a broken arm, a broken shoulder and brain hemorrhaging. He was transported to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center. “It did not look like he had been assaulted,” Anderson said. “The male subject appears to have fallen off the trestle onto the riverwalk below.” His condition and name has not been released because officers are waiting to notify the man’s family, Anderson said. Only his year of birth, 1959, has been released.
Inside WEB
NEWS p. 4
A&E p. 6
Turtle power? The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle reboot trailer is up for debate this week.
Students played around with puppies and got some info about this weekend’s Crossroads event.
Need a late-night cure for a sweet tooth? Local eatery Lula Jane’s delivers cookies to campus.
Vol.116 No. 34
First copy free. Additional copies 25 cents each.
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