Jan. 15, 2014 by The Wichitan and Wai Kun

Jan. 15, 2014 | Midwestern State University | thewichitan.com | Your Campus. Your News. | Vol. 78 No. 15

Interim fine arts dean steps down

Anonymous letter submitted to university president prompts personnel changes self-conscious about it and it will hopefully never happen again.”

ETHAN METCALF EDITOR

fter what some students and faculty said were inappropriate comments at the theater banquet last fall, theater professor Laura Jefferson chose last week to step down from her position as interim fine arts dean. University President Jesse Rogers said he received an anonymous email from one of the banquet attendees which then prompted him to speak to Jefferson about the banquet. “It was her wish that she step down as the interim dean position and we accepted her wish. She did it entirely on her own,” Rogers said. “Her motivation was quite noble, and I appreciate her attitude about this.” “I’m back to what I love to do,” Jefferson said, adding that she will continue to serve as full-time theater faculty member and will direct the spring play “God of Carnage.” Other than that, Jefferson said she stepped down for personal reasons and had no further comment. Tim Green, senior in theater, was at the banquet and explained that attendees participated in a gift exchange. “Whenever you pick up a present you have to tell a joke and some people were telling inappropriate jokes I guess, but it was in the spirit of merriment,” Green said. “We were all having fun telling jokes and someone took offense to some of them but didn’t bring up the issue at the time so we kept telling jokes.” Rogers said he only learned of the events of the banquet from the anonymous email sent to him. “Both faculty and students will tell you that probably a line was crossed,” Rogers said. “People can put in 20 years of the best quality work and stand for the best things and make a poor judgment for 15 minutes. I don’t think that it’s anything that should ruin a person

Top Academic

APPOINTING NEW DEAN

PHOTO BY LAUREN ROBERTS / WICHITAN

Laura Jefferson talks with cast members before tryouts for God of Carnage Tuesday night. After University President Jesse Rogers received an anonymous letter expressing concern about some of the material at the theater department holiday banquet, Jefferson stepped down as interim Fine Arts dean. Provost Betty Stewart appointed Jim Sernoe, chair of the mass communication department, to replace her. or anything else.” Rogers said he is impressed with the way Jefferson handled the situation by stepping down. “Her reaction to it was so impressive to me because she thought about it, and like I say, every action that was taken was at her request and I think it showed her character and what she is as a person. I have a great deal of affection for her, and certainly a great deal of professional appreciation for her and others involved,” Rogers said. “The way they handled it was so impressive to me that I think that the matter needs to be closed. I’d like for

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Mitzi Lewis, an assistant professor in mass communication, received the top faculty award.

Year of the Horse. Go Mustangs!

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everyone to learn something from this, and I think we did.” Green said each semester theater faculty and students must attend a majors/minors meeting in which they discuss plans for the department. At this semester’s meeting held yesterday, students underwent sensitivity training coordinated by interim department chair Elizabeth Lewandowski to address the comments made at the banquet. “We were just told about the jokes being inappropriate,” Green said. “Now we’re all aware that we can actually make someone feel that uncomfortable. We’ll all be more

Golden Globe

pg. 5

Students didn’t pay much attention to the Golden Globe Awards, or the upsets, this past weekend.

After Jefferson stepped down, Provost Betty Stewart appointed Jim Sernoe as interim dean on Jan. 9. Repeated phone calls and other attempts to reach Stewart proved unsuccessful. “I’m optimistic,” Sernoe said in an interview last Friday afternoon. “This is my 19th year at Midwestern. I care about the university and college and the department.” Sernoe will serve until Aug. 11 when Martin Camacho, the newly hired dean, takes over. Rogers said appointing Sernoe as interim dean will ensure that the fine arts college will continue to operate smoothly until Camacho takes over in the fall. “I’m glad that we have Dr. Sernoe there to step in for her,” Rogers said. “I think we won’t miss a beat.” Sernoe said he prefers teaching to administrating, but he accepted the interim dean position simply because the Provost asked him to. “I have 22 faculty colleagues counting on me. I have 300 students counting on me,” Sernoe said. “I’m equipped to do the dean’s job. I think I can do it for seven months, then I will be happy to be chair again.” James Gorham, assistant professor, will also take over as interim chair of mass communication until August. Sernoe said he will continue teaching classes in the spring and he will still meet with his advisees, but he won’t be taking on any new advisees until his term as interim dean has concluded. “I’ll probably take longer to grade stuff for my classes though,” Sernoe said.

Holiday Trimmings

pg. 7

Fitness program encourages weight loss.

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1/15/14 1:23 AM

2 | Jan. 15, 2014 | OPINION |

10 Tips for Tippers: Don’t be cheap E

very day, millions of Americans dine out at their favorite restaurants. However some of these Americans especially college students have not yet learned how to properly tip their server. Assuming that people are Jazman good-hearted and only tip Patterson poorly out of lack of understanding why tips are important, here are 10 simple rules to help ensure that patrons are taking care of the people who are taking care of them.

10. Always Tip.

A thank you is not a tip. An invitation to your church is not a tip. Candy is not a tip. A compliment to the manager is not a tip. None of these can pay rent. That tip line on your credit card slip isn’t a suggestion. Always tip. Servers only make $2.13 an hour, most of which is used to cover the taxes on their income. Because of this low wage, servers should be tipped a standard 15 percent according to the price of the check. Servers today tip out to the bar, the hosts and bussers. So if you decide to skimp on the tip you could cause your servers to actually lose money serving you. That’s just rude.

9. Your friends don’t tip for you.

Just because your friend decides to tip well doesn’t mean you are allowed to be cheap. Next time try to be more like your buddy instead of trying to pocket a couple of bucks off of your pal‘s kindness. Likewise, if you decide to let your comrade pay for the meal and you’ll leave the tip, look at the bill. Make sure you are always tipping appropriately even when those around you aren’t.

8. Be considerate of your server’s time.

If you decide to be what those in the service industry call a “camper,” take into account your server’s time. Most servers expect for a table to stay in the restaurant 30 to 45 minutes, and of course with each new table comes new income. Therefore if you’re that person who gets to the restaurant 36 minutes before your friends to hold the table, or you like to stay and chit chat for two hours after your server has cashed your check, you begin to cause your waiter or waitress to lose possible income. Make sure you show your gratitude to your server for letting you hang out in

their section by throwing in a few more dollar bills.

7. $5 isn’t always a good tip.

Yes, $5 is a wonderful tip when your check total is $11.48; however, if you have a $62 bill, and you tip $5, you’ve just become the most hated person in that server’s life. Likewise, $20 isn’t always a good tip. If your bill is $187.92, you need a few friends to accompany Andrew Jackson. There is no such thing as a set amount for a good tip, and that is why there is a standard percentage for tipping.

6. Being bad at math isn’t an excuse for not tipping properly.

If you aren’t skilled enough in arithmetic to calculate 15 percent of your total, there’s an app for that. Use the calculator on your smartphone. Or try doubling the tens place on of your bill. For example, if your check is $32.71, double the ten’s place (three) to find how much to tip; in this case $6. For higher amounts, just add the place values in front of the ten’s place. For example, if the bill is $161.83, double 16, so that you tip $32.

5. If you’re a pain in the butt, tip more not less.

It’s not your server’s fault that you drink as if you just returned from an odyssey to the Sahara Desert and feel the need to drink with zero regard to your bladder. If you decide to consume two strawberry lemonade’s before your waiter or waitress can even take your order, don’t be upset with him or her because you’re ridiculously thirsty. If you choose to order one chips and queso appetizer for your family of seven, don’t be upset with your server when you have no chips in two minutes. If everyone at your table orders a house salad, don’t be upset when you don’t see your server again for a while. If your party of 14 wants the checks split 16 ways, don’t be upset when your server takes a few minutes to process your checkout. If you’re a pain in the butt to wait on, don’t take it out on your server if they struggle to keep up with your high list of demands. Surprisingly, you’re not the only person in the restaurant.

4. Don’t choose the most expensive thing on the menu and not tip. If you think you’re being generous when you hand your server a $50 bill for a $48.96 check from the steak and lobster and say keep the chage, you’re not. If you want to act like a high-roller, tip like a high-roller.

the

wichitan Vo. 78 | No. 15

Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room B103 3410 Taft Blvd. Box 14 Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 • wichitan@mwsu.edu

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3. Put the shoe on the other foot.

If all the money you would make for the day depended on what people decided to give you, you would not want people to skimp out and be cheap when repaying you for your hospitality. You want them to reward you for your hard work. Be a positive presence to your server’s day. Remember the golden rule, and tip others how you would like to be tipped.

2. Not everything is your servers fault.

If your food is late, it probably is not because your server took too long to prepare your meal. Likewise if your food tastes like cardboard topped with dog food that is also not your servers fault. The bar was backed up so your third house margarita during happy hour didn’t come out swiftly. The server wasn’t in charge of making it. Cooks, bartenders, managers, hosts, bussers, and everyone else in the restaurant will make money regardless of how well or poorly they perform, so if something didn’t come out exactly as expected. You’re not taking it out on the people responsible when you don’t tip. You take it

EDITOR: Ethan Metcalf BUSINESS MANAGER: Blake Muse PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR: Lauren Roberts STAFF: Ahra Cho, Mandi Elrod, Cooper Miller, Arron Mercer, Eddie Miller, Bailey Pitzer, Austin Quintero ADVISER: Bradley Wilson

out on the one person who was trying to help you have an enjoyable dining experience.

1. If you can’t afford to tip, you can’t afford to go out to eat. Your date is not impressed when you buy drinks, appetizers, an extra salad, a highpriced entrée, and dessert, but you unjustifiably give your server a meager tip. If you can’t afford to tip, go someplace else to eat. Tipping your server always says more about you than it does the service. Make sure you are taking care of those who take care of you, and giving your server a proper tip. Aim for 20 percent, and your waiter or waitress will appreciate the opportunity to take care of you. Patterson is a graduate student in education and server at Chedders.

Copyright © 2013. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a telephone number and address. The editor retains the right to edit letters.

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| FEATURES | Jan. 15, 2014 | 3

PHOTO BY AHRA CHO | THE WICHITAN

Mitzi Lewis, an assistant professor in mass communication, received the Faculty Award at graduation in December of 2013.

Mass Comm prof wins top award Lessons borrowed from bartending help Mitzi Lewis get campus-wide recognition BY COOPER MILLER REPORTER

J EDUCATION Bachelor of University Studies | University of New Mexico Master’s in Communication | University of New Mexico Doctorate | University of North Texas

ust based on first impressions, Mitzi Lewis, an assistant professor of mass communication, comes across as modest and shy. Her office is filled with memorabilia and books. Lots of books on all aspects of social media, the Internet and design. But after halfan-hour of discussion, it wasn’t her work in social media, blogs or curriculum that stood out as unique and different. It was her work as bartender in New Mexico. “I used to be so shy and introverted,” she said. “It was very hard for me to talk to people and what broke me of that I think was repeated exposure and (being in) situations that I felt uncomfortable in. But working at a bar, bartending, you cannot survive if you cannot hold a conversation with someone and be completely awkward and totally uncomfortable.” Now, Lewis, teaches, among other courses, speech communication, and was the recipient of the 2013 Faculty Award. “I was surprised and really shocked and humbled,” she said of winning the award, beating out Sheldon Wang, chair of the McCoy School of Engineering. “He’s a nice colleague, and he seems to be really focused on students. It was quite an honor to even be

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among the people who were nominated.” Janis Salter, assistant to the dean in the College of Fine Arts, said, “She’s one of my very favorite people up here. She’s so efficient and on time with everything. She’s friendly and has a good relationship with her students.” Lewis said the top-notch, student-focused faculty and small size of the department give students more opportunity to get involved. “I love that MSU is a smaller school, a liberal arts school,” she said, “My colleagues in this department are very fun and smart, and I learn from them all the time.” Kayla Sims, a junior in mass communication, said, “She is very helpful, and she’s always there to ask questions. She keeps the class together and focused.” Dinalee Peterson, a senior in mass communication, said, “She has a positive attitude, and I rarely see her angry.” She said her interest in mass communication didn’t start until she was in college at the University of New Mexico. Originally, she said she wanted to be an engineer, like her father. But then one of her professors, John Condon, who taught multicultural communication, influenced her change. “Once I started doing (engineering), I realized it wasn’t for me. For a while I thought I

was going to be a musician. I love music,” she said, preferring to play classical music to her husband’s preference, rock. She has been teaching at MWSU since 2008 and received her doctoral degree in communication from the University of North Texas. But in addition to her personal research, her work with undergraduate research at MWSU and her other service to the university, Lewis said she loves to travel. As a child in a military family, she traveled a lot and has lived in Alaska, where she was born (“I thought I was an Eskimo until I was 10.”), New Hampshire, Mississippi and Germany. She said she appreciated any chance to travel “and experience other places, other people, other cultures (that’s a lot of fun) and see new things.” In addition to travel, she said her family, including her husband, Charlie, of more than 18 years and two dogs, both rescued in Henrietta, that seemed more like children than pets. “Why buy a dog when there’s one that needs a home?” One, a fluffy mix that looks like a collie. The other, like a greyhound. “They are just goofy rescue dogs,” she said. “A dog loves you no matter what.”

COURSES Computer-Assisted Reporting Fundamentals of Speech Communication Introduction to Mass Communication Multimedia Design Publication Design Website Design

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4 | Jan. 15, 2014 | CRIME LOG

BRIEFS Geoscience series continues MANDI ELROD REPORTER

Jennifer Biddle will showcase Microbial Life in the Subsurface: Letting the Sequences Tell the Story. Biddles’ presentation will be at 5:30 p.m. in room 217 in Bolin Hall Jan. 16. The lecture will be a continuation of the Geoscience and Environmental Science Colloquium Series.

Youth Opportunities Center holds talent show

The Youth Opportunities Center, a center for young members in the community, their families and other community residents to express and hone their intellectual, spiritual and physical talents, is celebrating 20 years of service to Wichita Falls and surrounding area with a talent show Jan. 18. The show will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Washington/Jackson School and admission is $2. PHOTO BY LAUREN ROBERTS / WICHITAN

Mike Kern, resident artist, stands behind a row of mugs he created. Kern said,”I make functional pottery so people can use it. When I’m making something the thought is always in the back of your mind. Like, will it pour properly.”

Functional artwork Resident ceramic artists prepare first solo gallery

worked as a ceramic technician and is now teaching as a resident. She began her interest wo resident ceramic artists, both who in art in high school and went on to get her produce functional ceramic items such degree. She makes functional pottery with as bowls, platters, salt and pepper shak- inlaid slip designs while utilizing her vast ers, cups and plates, will exhibit and sell their color palette. She has had her work exhibited work Jan. 17 in the gallery at the Juanita and in shows such as the “Drink This!,” the Workhouse International Ceramic Cup’s show, Ralph Harvey School of Visual Arts. Every year residents are accepted into the and the National Council on Education for ceramics department to work with students the Ceramic Arts national student judged exand staff of the department as well as to uti- hibition. “I hand draw everything and I spend lize its equipment. As residents of the program, they receive free room and board in hours on each piece perfecting it, on top of that, I also make my own glaze for my potexchange for teaching ceramics classes. Mike Kern and Chandra Droske, the two tery,” Droske said. Kern, 27, also a Wisconsin fine arts gradvisiting residents from Whitewater, Wisc., met in college and both have degrees in pot- uate, said he is interested in creating highly designed utilitarian ware. He started out by tery and ceramics. taking a ceramics class in high “You don’t apply togethschool for two semesters where er, you just hope you get into he found his passion. Within a program together,” Kern the next five years he plans to said. “We were accepted into make use of his skills and purfive other programs. When chase land where he will have a we found out that they were studio just for his pottery. only asking for one person “My favorite thing about here, we asked if we could pottery is being able to make come here together and we things with my hands that can got it, so we came here.” MIKE KERN actually be used. I don’t see a Until now, most residents RESIDENT ARTIST point in buying things in stores have only been able to disthat can just be made by hand,” play their art in collective shows, like “The Empty Bowl” exhibition last Kern said. He has been exhibited in shows such as semester. “As far as I know, no other residents have “Strictly Functional Pottery National” and ever had a gallery opening while they were NCECA’s nation show. He has also been pubunder residency here at MSU,” Gary Gold- lished in Ceramic Monthly’s Undergraduate Showcase. berg, professor of art, said. The works produced by Droske and Kern Droske, 25, received her bachelor of fine arts in ceramics from the University of Wis- will be for sale at their exhibition, each item consin in 2012. Since graduating, she has priced from $20-$300. MANDI ELROD REPORTER

“I don’t see a point in buying things in stores that can just be made by hand.”

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Artist Lecture: Pentatonix

Pentatonix, winners of season 3 of NBC’s The Sing Off, will be featured in the upcoming Artist Lecture Series Tuesday, Feb. 4. Free tickets were available for students, but sold out. Dean of Students Matthew Park said possible additional seats will be added in the aisles, but it is unknown how many will be added.

Student regent application process begins

The Student Government Association has begun the student regent election process for 2014-2015. The student regent represents all students for a one year on the Board of Regents starting on June 1. The position represents students in discussions of key issues discussed by the board. The applications were sent to student’s emails and are due Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. in room 104 of the Clark Student Center.

Let’s talk rare books

Todd Giles, associate professor of English, Cortny Bates, associate university librarian of technical services, and Clara Latham, university librarian, are building a rare book collection compiled of American publications. They have established a budget plan to purchase the books and will begin with a discussion about Giles’ post-WWII literature during National Library Week in April.

Dec. 09

A current MSU student reported that her vehicle was struck and damaged by an unknown vehicle while it was parked on MSU property.

Dec. 12

A MSU student reported the theft of personal items from a counter at the bookstore.

Dec. 17

A subject was cited for failure to identify after some type of verbal confrontation with an MSU employee. The incident occured immediately after the MSU Men’s Basketball game.

UPCOMING EVENTS Jan. 16

Dan Lornitis, comedian hypnotist will be in CSC Comanche at 7 p.m.

Jan. 17

Donuts and coffee in CSC food court at 8 a.m.

Jan. 17

Chandra Droske and Mike Kern exhibit opening reception held at Juanita Harvey Art Gallery at 6 p.m.

Jan. 20

Martin Luther King Jr. Day NO SCHOOL

TafT HaUS aparTmenTS Call or Come by for details!

amazing move-in speCials!

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|Jan. 15, 2014 | 5

‘12 years’ takes home top honors Golden Globes seen as preview for the Oscars

• Best motion picture — drama | 12 Years a Slave • Best performance by an actress in a motion picture — drama | Cate Blanchett • Best Performance by an actor in a motion picture — drama | Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club • Best Motion Picture — comedy or musical | American Hustle • Best performance by an actress in a motion picture — comedy or musical | Amy Adams, American Hustle • Best performance by an actor in a motion picture — comedy or musical | Leonardo Dicaprio, Wolf of Wall Street • Best animated feature film | Frozen • Best Foreign language film | The Great Beauty (Italy) • Best performance by an actress in a supporting role in a motion picture | Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle • Best performance by an actor in a supporting role in a motion picture | Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club • Best director | Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity • Best screenplay | Spike Jonze, Her • Best original score — motion picture | Alex Ebert, All is Lost • Best original song — motion picture | “Ordinary Love,” Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom • Best television series — drama | Breaking Bad • Best performance by an actressin a TV series — drama | Robin Wright, House of Cards • Best performance by an actor in a TV series — drama | Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad • Best TV series — comedy or musical | Brooklyn Nine, Nine • Best performance by an actress in a TV series — comedy or musical | Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation • Best performance by an actor in a TV series — comedy or musical | Andy Samberg, Brooklyn Nine, Nine • Best mini-series or motion picture made for TV | Behind the Candelabra • Best performance by an actress in a mini-series or motion picture made for TV | Elisabeth Moss, Top of the Lake • Best performance by an actor in a mini-series or motion picture made for TV | Michael Douglas, Behind the Candelabra • Best performance by an actress in a supporting role in a series, mini-series or motion picture made for TV | Jacqueline Bisset, Dancing on the Edge • Best performance by an actor in a supporting role in a series, mini-series or motion picture made for TV | Jon Voight, Ray Donovan

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The Golden Globes are hosted by the 93 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association recognizing excellence in film and television, both domestic and foreign. The 71st Golden Globe Awards were presented on Jan. 12 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California, where they have been held since 1961.

“I usually don’t enjoy the Globes, but this year was really enjoyable. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler made my night with the way they bashed Taylor Swift.” Brianda Morales junior in biology

“I was really dissapointed that American Horror Story didn’t win anything. However, I was really happy that Leonardo Dicaprio won an award.” Hope Harvick freshman in fine arts

“I wanted to watch the Golden Globes, but I was preoccupied. I’m a fan of Frozen, and I really wish it had won best original song as well.” Sterling Biegert senior in theater

“I was really pleased that Frozen won. I was also really happy that Jennifer Laurence got best supporting actress. I admire her so much.” Kasi Bailey senior in Spanish

“The Globes are cool and all, but honestly it seems like a huge waste of time. There’s way too much hype on what they wear and who is there rather than the movies or shows.” Craig Stevens junior in mechanical engineering

“I feel like it’s a good way to advertise different movies and shows to the people that are watching. I hadn’t even heard of ‘12 Years a Slave’ until they won Best Motion Picture.” Francisco Luna junior in marketing

BEST MOTION PICTURE DRAMA | 12 YEARS A SLAVE In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty at the hands of a malevolent slave owner, as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the 12th year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life. HTTP://WWW.12YEARSASLAVE.COM/

1/15/14 1:29 AM

6 | Jan. 15, 2014 | RESTAURANT REVIEW

PHOTOS BY LAUREN ROBERTS / WICHITAN

Tom Miller work on reupholstering the chairs and booths from the Mesquite Cafe in the trailer parked next to the student center Tuesday. Ron Baldwin, Archie Mayfield, Terry Love and Tom Miller work on reupholstering the chairs and booths from the Mesquite Cafe in the trailer parked next to the student center Tuesday.

Vaca Loca puts quality before service EDDIE MILLER REPORTER

he Mexican restaurant industry is quite popular in the state of Texas. We all have our favorites and the not so favorites. Located west past Sikes Center Mall off Kemp Blvd, Vaca Loca is a hidden “authentic Mexican” restaurant. The outside of the building looks a little rundown. It looks as if not much was done to the outside since it was a putt-putt place many years back, but don’t judge this book by its cover, the food speaks for itself. Upon entering the building, I was quickly approached by a waitress who sat me in a booth. There were plenty of options for seating. The place was pretty empty for being lunch hours. The waitress was not very peppy as most servers usually are. They first brought out homemade chips and salsa. The salsa had a little kick of spice to it, and the chips were still warm from being freshly made. The combination of the chips and salsa was a great appetizer. They keep the chip basket ful so watch out how much you eat or you’ll spoil your meal. After the waitress took my order, in a very monotone manner, I took the time to look at the decorating and cleanliness of the restaurant. There were a few things that seemed off with the decorating. Being a casual Mexican restaurant, one would expect loud paintings and mariachi music. Instead, they have these oriental wall dividers. Vaca Loca was fairly clean, the walls could use some repainting and the bathroom needs an update. The food came out roughly 20 minutes after

PHOTO BY BRADLEY WILSON| THE WICHITAN

Mouth watering tamale, enchilada meal covered with homemade salsa and melted cheese at Vaca Loca.

I ordered. The quesadillas smelled amazing. The smell of the melted cheeses and the bell peppers were unbelievably rich. The first thing I noticed when biting into the quesadilla was the shredded chicken. It was juicy and full of flavor. Of course it was first dipped in ranch dressing, but this is Texas, you must have ranch dressing. Overall the experience I had with the food at Vaca Loca was great. The food was full of flavor. The overall experience with the restaurant was not so great. It just didn’t have the authentic feel that they claim to be. The atmosphere was enough to alter my experience there in a negative way. Final Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this place if you are in the mood for some Mexican food and not interested in the full experience of a Mexican restaurant.

Dining hall receives upholstery upgrades ARRON MERCER REPORTER

s part of contract negotiations that ended with university officials choosing Follet High Education to manage the bookstore last year, Follet gave $250,000 now being used to fund upgrades to the student center. According to Michael Mills, director of housing and dining services, the Board of Regents determined that they would renovate the student center and try to reupholster the booths and chairs in the dining hall after years of wear and tear. The last remodel to the

facility was at least before 2003, when Mills was hired. “It’s been needed for awhile,” Mills said. “[Crews] started right before Christmas break and they are almost done,” Mills added. “They did the food court first and then moved to the cafeteria.” As part of the renovation, broken wooden frames and springs were repaired on all furniture prior to being put back in the dining hall. “Basically, new booths and chairs for the dining hall,” Mills said.

3909 Wayne Ave. Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 Phone (940) 228-7712

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|Jan. 15, 2014 | 7

SPRIN G GROUP FITNESS SCHEDULE Monday

5:30 a.m. SPIN Jackie rm. #2 12:00 p.m. SPIN Dail rm. #2 5:30 p.m. STEP Korie rm. #1 5:30 p.m. SPIN Debby rm. #2 6:30 p.m. ZUMBA Kerri

Tuesday

PHOTO BY ARRON MERCER / WICHITAN

Maxwell Norris, junior, Rian Dillard, junior, Sterling Biegert, senior, and Chris Phillips-Henson, sophomore, try out for God of Carnage, a 90-minute play being put on by the theater department this spring. Photo by Arron Mercer.

Postponed auditions beneficial for students Convenient timing allows more preparation

AUSTIN QUINTERO REPORTER

he fall 2013 semester ended well for the theater students with their two successful plays “The Diary of Anne Frank” and “Wiley and the Hairy Man.” However, a shaky new year began when auditions for the upcoming play “God of Carnage” were canceled and rescheduled twice to Jan. 14 and 15. While the cancellation and rescheduling may seem to be inconvenient, for some it has been just the opposite. Theater students have not only found time to better prepare themselves, but have extra time to settle before returning to their working environment. “It works out better for me,” Shandi Bowsher, senior in theater, said. “I worked last week whereas this week I happen to be off!” With the recent switch of interim deans in the

College of Fain Fine Arts, certain questions were raised as to why the auditions were canceled. However, while the change in audition schedule was quick, Bowsher and junior in theatre Leisha Thorton both believe it was for the simple reason of convenience. “It is just easier for the students to have the auditions after classes start so they know what’s going on.” Thorton said. Although time is an extremely important aspect in theater and most work environments, the audition change had little effect on the outcome of the upcoming play. “It’s a contemporary play so it didn’t have any effect on the set or costumes of the play.” Emily Osmon, freshman in theatre, said. The upcoming play “God of Carnage” will premiere Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m.

CALLBACKS WOMEN Sterling Biegert, Rachel Bullard, Morgan Burkey, Rian DIllard, Heather Hayes, Nicole Neely, Kiani Stone | MEN Zachary Binx, Anthony Garza, Tim Green, Maxwell Norris, Chris Phillips-Henson, Houston Pokorny

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5:30 a.m. SPIN Meagan rm. #2 12:00 p.m. SPIN Dr. Keith rm. #2 4:30 p.m. ZUMBA Kristin rm. #1 5:30 p.m. Cardio Fusion Korie rm. #1 5:30 p.m. SPIN Heather rm. #2 6:30 p.m. ABS Class Anna

Wednesday

5:30 a.m. SPIN Heather rm. #2 12:00 p.m. SPIN Dail rm. #2 5:30 p.m. STEP Korie rm. #1 5:30 p.m. SPIN Heather #2 7:00 p.m. YOGA Melissa

Thursday

5:30 a.m. SPIN Meagan rm.#2 12:00 p.m. SPIN Dr. Keith rm. #2 4:30 p.m. ZUMBA Kristin 5:30 p.m. CARDIO FUSION Korie rm. #1 5:30 p.m. SPIN Debby rm. #2

Holiday Trimmings COURTNEY BETTS REPORTER

Students, faculty and staff can get a kick-start on healthy new years resolutions by participating in the holiday trimmings program at the Wellness Center. “This is the time of year that people set personal health goals,” Greenwood said. “We hope to provide people with a healthy lifestyle change and not just weight loss.” The person who loses the highest percent of body weight will win a hundred dollar Visa gift card. There will be a female winner and a male winner. The first weigh-in is from Jan. 27 to Jan. 31 at the Wellness Center. The final weigh-in is April 18 and winners will be announced April 21. “We are here to educate and answer questions for anyone,” Greenwood said. “This can be a life-changing program for people on campus and it is not costly.” There will be a kickoff event called “The Brown Bag Lunch” for the contest on Feb. 5 at the Clark Student Center. People can bring their own lunch and the Wellness Center will provide healthy snacks such as fruit and vegetable trays. “We have done the “Biggest Loser” program, but we are hoping that the name change will make it more exciting because past participation wasn’t as high as we expected it to be,” Greenwood said. The cumulative amount of weight lost between the participants will also be calculated at the end of the contest. “It would be pretty cool to have a large number and to see how life-changing this program can be,” Greenwood said. Greenwood and assistant director Randy Canivel will work directly with participants throughout the contest, but there won’t be a weekly weigh-in. “People set new years resolutions and give up by the end of February,” Greenwood said.

Friday

5:30 a.m. SPIN Heather rm. #2 12:00 p.m. SPIN Scott #2

Saturday

11:00 a.m. Cardio Fusion Korie

Sunday

2:00 p.m. SPIN Debby rm. #2 3:00 p.m. YOGA Rheagan rm. #1

PHOTO BY BAILEY PITZER / WICHITAN

The row of cardio machines stand empty before the rush of students arrive Friday afternoon.

1/15/14 1:34 AM

8 | Jan. 15, 2014 | SPORTS | SPORTS CALENDAR Jan. 15

Tarleton State University D.L. Ligon Coliseum Women’s Basketball 5:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 17-18

Texas Tech Open Lubbock, Texas Women’s Track All Day

Jan. 19

Texas Woman’s University Denton, Texas Women’s Basketball 6 p.m.

PHOTO BY LAUREN ROBERTS / WICHITAN

Lisa Hampton, junior in business/sports management, looks over at an offical after a play during the teams overpowering 75-44 win over Eastern New Mexico University in D.L. Ligon Coliseum. Hampton was the leading scorer with 18 points and sunk 4 3-pointers. This was her second start of the season. Their next game is Wed. at 5:30 at home against Texas A&M Kingsville.

PHOTO BY LAUREN ROBERTS / WICHITAN

DeJuan Plummer drives into the lane during the 66-41 rout against Eastern New Mexico University Jan. 11 in D.L. Ligon Colisuem.

Jan. 22

Angelo State University San Angelo, Texas Women’s Basketball 6 p.m Men’s Basketball 8 p.m.

PHOTO BY LAUREN ROBERTS / WICHITAN

During practice at the softball field Jan. 10 Kelley Schaefer, junior in athletic training, tosses the ball to a teammate during a fielding drill. The team will start the season at the West Florida Sping Tournament Feb. 1-3 in Pensacola.

PHOTO BY LAUREN ROBERTS / WICHITAN

Jenee’ Gholson cries after the ceremony that honered her husband Nick Gholson, former Time Record News sports editor, before the men’s basketball game against Eastern New Mexico University Jan. 11 in D.L. Ligon Colisuem.

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Owners: Victor Kocks & John Kocks 4505 Kemp Blvd. Wichita Falls, Texas

1/15/14 1:30 AM