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Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio 2014 Columbia Scholastic Press Gold Medalist
{SINCE 1981}
UTSA DeBrenna LaFa Agbényiga has been named vice provost and dean of UTSA’s graduate school.
Volume 51
Issue 5
February 17 - February 24, 2015
What’s with all the cats on campus? Page 6
Open Carry coming to Texas? San Antonio With three months until mayoral elections, Mayor Ivy Taylor has announced her candidacy for mayor after saying last year she didn’t intend to run.
Texas Wal-Mart has filed a lawsuit with the state of Texas that would allow it to sell hard liquor directly to consumers.
U.S. Despite confusion and resistance from its Chief Justice, Roy Moore, Alabama is now the 37th state where gay and lesbian marriage is legal.
MariaCristina Moreno Staff Writer
@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com
Marcus Connolly, The Paisano Despite its conservative reputation, Texas remains one of the few states that does not allow firearms to be carried openly in public.
Caroline Traylor Contributing Writer
@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com Texas has taken another step towards joining the other 44 states in the country that allow guns to be carried openly. Making good on its promise to prioritize gun legislation, the Senate State Affairs Committee voted Thursday, February 12 to allow the open carrying of handguns. The “open carry” bill passed with a vote of 7-2 down party lines. Open carry refers to carrying a handgun in plain view in a holster and without the concealment by a garment. The two nay votes cast were by Democratic Senators Rodney Ellis, D-Hous-
ton, and Judith Zaffirini, “If we can have concealed D-Laredo. When asked why handguns, I think that’s sufshe voted the way that she ficient and we shouldn’t take did, Zaffirini replied, “I vot- it any farther. What good ed against open carry in the will come of it?” said FreshSenate State Affairs Com- man political science major mittee hearing because I be- Christina Hunter. “I support lieve that the bill as crafted the Constitution and 2nd will create a less safe envi- Amendment rights and if ronment. It is opposed widethe maly by law jority of enforceTe x a n s m e n t w a n t officers open carw h o m ry then I I know can supand report it.” spect. SupT h e y port for testiopen carChristina Hunter fied that ry legisthe law Freshman political science student lation has would been on make it harder for them to the Texas Republican Party’s respond to critical incidents platform for many years. ReSee OPEN CARRY, Page 2 and ensure public safety.”
“If we can have concealed handguns, I think that’s sufficient and we shouldn’t take it farther. What good will come of it?”
Report: University president OK’d applicants over objections Associated Press news@paisano-online.com
Sports The softball team will be hosting the UTSA Classic February 20-22, where the Roadrunners will compete against Iowa State, UIW and Southeastern Lousianna during the three-day event.
WEB - Paisano Preview Don’t forget to check out the “Paisano Preview” every Monday to catch a glimpse of what’s going in the paper that week. visit paisano-online.com
Two public universities for one Alamo City
A “select handful’’ of University of Texas applicants are approved each year at the direction of the school president over the objections of the admissions office, a longtime practice that has grown in recent years, according to details of an investigation commissioned by the school’s Board of Regents and released Thursday. The investigation into influence peddling in admissions at the University of Texas System’s flagship campus found applicants approved by outgoing President Bill Powers typically
were recommended by state lawmakers, university donors, alumni and at times by regents themselves. The report found “no evidence’’ applicants were admitted as a result of inappropriate promises or exchanges and said the practice doesn’t violate the law. Powers told investigators his decisions regarding admissions always were made with the “best interests of the university’’ in mind, according to the report. But the report criticized Powers and his staff as misleading earlier investigations by failing to disclose the existence of “watch lists’’ and high-level meet-
ings concerning applicants. And it said the practice has caused “increasing tension’’ between the president and admissions staff. The question of influence peddling in general admissions to the university, as well as to the law and business schools, was a key factor in years of tension between Powers, several regents and state lawmakers. Powers was pressured last year to resign and he leaves office in June. “I inherited this process,’’ which was well known by lawmakers, former chancellors and regents, Powers said after the report was issued. He also said the practice See ADMISSIONS, Page 2
“Come game day I will wear a UTSA shirt, but the moment Texas A&M University San Antonio (TAMUSA) gets their own football team going, I’m switching back to my maroon and black,” said TAMUSA graduate Veronica Herrera as she sat next to her husband, UTSA graduate Michael Herrera. Michael and Veronica married in 2012, after they both graduated from college. However, the two started dating when they were just undergraduates. While there is a respectable rivalry between the couple, eachhad his or her own reason for choosing their university. Ironically, Veronica had planned on going to UTSA after she completed her associates at Northwest Vista, and Michael had plans for attending A&M in College Station but enrolled in UTSA after his high school graduation. “UTSA was closer at the time to where I lived but I still went to the South Side to go to A&M,” stated Veronica as she explained her reasons for traveling the extra miles. “I started looking into it more, and it was more affordable and the class sizes were way smaller, so I wasn’t going to be in this huge lecture hall type of environ-
ment. It was like a community college atmosphere at a university level.” Meanwhile, Michael wanted something more traditional. “UTSA was the best choice in town that wasn’t expensive. With UTSA I knew I was going to get the college experience without having to pay as much as I would if I went somewhere else in town,” explained Michael. His wife tried to convince him to attend TAMUSA, but he stood his ground for an obvious reason: “They didn’t have my degree program.” Michael graduated with a B.S. in Geology. Although San Antonio is home to over 110,000 college students, most are enrolled at one of the city’s many community colleges or more expensive private colleges such as Trinity, Our Lady of the Lake or St. Mary’s. UTSA and TAMUSA are the only public, four-year institutions in the Alamo City and both have actively tried to make inroads with San Antonio’s growing population and a local economy that increasingly needs more workers with a degree. Although TAMUSA is more affordable than UTSA, the university offers significantly fewer degrees than UTSA. TAMUSA has only three colleges for undergraduate students to choose from — College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and College of Human See TAMUSA, Page 2
MariaCristina Moreno, The Paisano UTSA and TAMUSA are both affordable options, but offer distinct experiences.
OPINION - Photo Poll Release
ARTS - Sikh Exhibit
SPORTS - Men’s basketball
Students weigh in on “campus carry.”
Check out the vibrant culture behind Sikhism at the Smithsonian Instiute.
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The Roadrunners split home games against ODU and Charlotte.
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Please recycle this newspaper!
NEWS
2 February 17 - February 24, 2015
OPEN CARRY: Lt. Gov. has made open carry top priority UTSA to share $6.6 million grant to publican Chairwoman of the said that he will sign a bill view with the Dallas MornState Affairs Com- permitting either licensed ing News. “It’s a matter of help cloud computing reach academia Senate mittee Joan Huffman stated, or unlicensed open carry letting people, if they so
Anthony Mendoza Staff Writer
@dAnthonyMendoza news@paisano-online.com A cybernetic library that encompasses all academic fields where an individual checks out virtual laptops rather than books — this is cloud computing. UTSA and Indiana University have collaborated on a $6.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study cloudbased research systems that allow for easier universal access to academic resources. The cloud-based system, according to Director of Cloud Computing Research at UTSA Paul Rad, will simplify and innovate existing practices of gathering and disseminating academic research to promote academic collaboration. UTSA students and researchers are working together to create an academic pool of inquiry where questions and answers can be found instantaneously. Rad equates the research to building a library. Instead of trying to purchase all the necessary books required for research projects, UTSA, along with Indiana University, will create a virtual shared entity — an international library of research data. “When we look at a library we look at it as a place where we just get books, then suddenly you start realizing as a result of so many people doing the same thing it’s a collaboration space — cloud is the same thing,” said Rad. “(Cloud) is collaborating. While I do XYZ, someone can do something else. Basically (cloud) makes for a
more powerful tool, someone else can grab my work and expand it and enhance it.” Rad explained that before contemporary cloud use, the exchanging and sharing of research required fields of servers and data centers to process academic research. Thousands of computers stored various information such as biology and chemistry computations. The problem is that storing fields of servers requires money and physical space, which is limited. Cloud computing systems can remedy this problem through a virtual domain that stores all information on demand for any paying user. The cloud’s capacity, although not unlimited, is far more flexible in terms of available space than a physical geographic location. “With the cloud, the concept is companies can now, in the same way that we go turn on the light and have electricity, not think about where the generator is located,” said Rad. “The same concept now is a lot of people (and) smaller companies or people that want research, they can leverage those huge amounts of computer capacity that is available by someone else, like the generator so that they could use it as a utility and if they don’t need it they basically turn it off.” Part of the grant’s proposal is to build one monolithic entity that is federated among three cloud centers. Cloud computing, although innovative, has inherent concerns such as security. Rad explained that when building a cloud system, security is embedded in the system’s architectural DNA rather than a separate
element as in the past. Furthermore, designing a massive information system requires the consideration of three components, scalability, federated systems, and demand, and user interface. A cloud system, as Rad explained, needs flexibility to ensure it can meet the demands of users while still maintaining interface capability among multiple networks. Additionally, the cloud, in some instances, can make routine activities like driving easier. “(Cloud) means having access to information and computation, my great example is the first time I went to Chicago ten to fifteen years ago. I used a map when I rented car to go around the city,” said Rad. “It was a hassle when you’re driving looking at the map in a new city. Today everyone just pulls their phone and plugs it in — that’s cloud system.” Rad feels that the research opportunities will bring the university closer to its tier-one endeavor and strengthen UTSA’s spot as a top academic institution. “There is no leader of the cloud, we are the leader of the cloud computing,” said Rad. “Its always good when there is a new trend coming and your kind part of that trend because you can change it, you can shape it, you can build a brand. So I think some of those opportunities are with us. The leadership of universities is to start identifying that humanities is moving towards informatics age and to start investing and putting attention into this type of cloud system.”
CITE program reaching new entrepreneurs Olivia Ybarra
Contributing Writer
@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com In 2006, the UTSA College of Business, in collaboration with the College of Engineering, produced a program in which entrepreneurs and engineering students could work together on business and technology ventures. Since its inception, the Center for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CITE) has provided intercollegiate opportunities for students in multiple disciplines by offering internships, projects and competitions to individuals looking to materialize technological ideas and begin their business endeavors. Coordinating with UTSA faculty and the local business community, students are given the resources and support through CITE to learn and initiate projects. Anita Leffel, Director of the Entrepreneurship Program at the College of Business began, “we started with the idea that there was not a large amount of young entrepreneurs coming into the city and staying.” Leffel continued, “we felt it was important as a University to help feed that pipeline to young entrepreneurs so that when they are educated within the University that they’ll want to stay (in San Antonio) and build a business.”
As part of the CITE program, a biannual $100K Student Technology Venture Competition is held to provide senior undergraduate entrepreneurial and engineering students with the experience of product development and entrepreneurial commercialization. “(This collaboration) makes perfect sense for helping the economy and for moving our city forward,” Leffel explained. The success of the CITE program has sparked the movement of the College of Business expanding their program to students at other universities looking to acquire a similar curriculum in their personal education. Offered as an online resource, the Entrepreneur’s Academy will provide the tools for entrepreneurship and a similar education offered in the CITE program. “My colleague and I wrote (an entrepreneurial) book just for UTSA students referencing our own library and San Antonio. So we’re putting that online and turning it into a program that is a little more general to the state”, says Leffel. Still in its infancy, the Entrepreneur’s Academy will first be made available for faculty development and eventually expand to students and classes. Winners of the CITE competition are awarded with over $100,000 in resources and support to continue their winning enterprise. Funding is provided by various donors that grant students provisions such
as free office space and legal advice, explained Leffel. Past winners of the competition include technology that monitors fetal development, mind controlled wheelchairs and improvements on prosthetics. “We just took the idea and ran with it,” says Trent Berryman, senior entrepreneur major and winner of last semester’s CITE competition. “(Our) project was a medical device that is a mask that treats sleep apnea without all the inconveniences of a sleep apnea machine,” explained Berryman. As part of the winnings, Berryman and his group will continue to receive support executing their product. “I think it is so awesome that UTSA pairs business students and engineering students to collaborate on an idea and build a product and business plan around it. The CITE competition allows me to learn how to commercialize a product without having to know to design and develop one,” Berryman said in a statement earlier in UTSA Today. As of now, Berryman and his team continue working toward organizing and preparing their product for the medical supply market. “Our mission is to provide an experience and to give them the resources necessary. Any nascent entrepreneur who is really interested in moving forward we want to give them the tools they need in order to move forward with their business idea,” says Leffel.
“Clearly the Republicans are all very strong proponents of the Second Amendment — we’ll always have that in mind as we make these decisions. But it’s a balancing act.” One proposition made to achieve this “balance” was by Houston’s Assistant Police Chief, Dan McKinney, who asks lawmakers to consider boosting the training requirements and holster standards in the open carry bill. The bills, which have failed in the past two legislative sessions, follow Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s recent promise to champion legislation that expands Texan’s 2nd Amendment rights. Governor Greg Abbott has
if it reaches his desk. Even Senator Zaffirini, who voted against the bills, believes it will reach his desk, saying, “The Senate is likely to pass the open carry bill.” Thursday’s hearing attracted a passionate group of people. Among the dozens who testified were survivors of the mass shootings at UT Austin in 1966 and Virginia Tech in 2007, who expressed their opposition to the laws. Countering them were gun rights advocates who spoke of their “God-given rights” and the Constitution. “We are talking about lawabiding citizens who want to exercise their rights,” said Committee Chairwoman Joan Huffman in an inter-
choose, protect themselves in a legal way,” she continued. Tensions are high surrounding such a contentious issue as gun rights and the political climate has become increasingly hostile. Upon reaching out to Representative Roland Gutierrez, whose district is in San Antonio, one of his aides, Margaret Wallace, expressed her concerns over the heated atmosphere: “It makes a lot of offices very nervous, myself included. The gun rights supporters are very gungho and very aggressive. We have all had to be more alert because it’s a very emotional issue. Someone was arrested and taken out in handcuffs.”
Marcus Connolly, The Paisano Governor Greg Abbott has already expressed a desire to sign an open carry bill into law.
ADMISSIONS: less than one in 1,000 applicants affected “should not stop.’’ “It is my observation that some similar process exists at virtually every selective university in America, and it does so because it serves the best interests of the institutions,’’ Powers said. Powers also noted the report cited 73 applicants who normally would not have been admitted, a rate of fewer than one in 1,000 over the time covered by the report. Powers has been school president since 2006. Board of Regents Chairman Paul Foster and new Chancellor William McRaven said they do not want to punish Powers or university employees. “There are a lot of things we can do better,’’ McRaven said. “But I saw no willful
misconduct, no criminal activity and I intend to take no disciplinary action.’’ Regent Wallace Hall, Powers’ most vocal critic who had pushed for the investigation, declined to comment Thursday. Hall also has been the subject of a legislative and an ongoing criminal investigation into his efforts to force Powers out of his job. Powers told investigators that letters or recommendations from lawmakers on behalf of applicants were afforded “more weight’’ because legislative oversight impacts the university. The report did not name specific lawmakers who tried to influence admissions for family, friends or constituents. It also noted “several instances’’ when regents con-
tacted the university on behalf of relatives. In one instance, an unnamed regent asked for a meeting with the director of admissions while a relative’s appeal of a denial was pending. The regent said the request was unrelated to the pending appeal but system lawyers ultimately didn’t allow the meeting. On another occasion, a regent asked Powers’ assistant Nancy Brazzil who an applicant would “need to talk with.’’ Brazzil replied, “Don’t worry I’ll take care of it’’ and the applicant was admitted, the report said. A university spokesman said Brazzil would not comment on the report.
TAMUSA: schools cater to students with different goals Development—and one Masters program. UTSA offers seven colleges for both undergraduate and graduate students as well three colleges that offer doctoral programs. Additionally and perhaps most revealing is that TAMUSA accepts only transfer students and does not consider students directly out of high school. While the two universities have distinguished names and credentials, each univer-
part-time. Michael agrees that UTSA is ideal for someone looking for a more traditional college experience, with large auditorium classes, an extensive list of degrees, on campus living — and of course a football team. Veronica was attracted to the non-traditional atmosphere at TAMUSA. “A&M takes pride for being on the South Side, in a place where no one thought ‘hey, let’s put a college here,’” said Veronica, who was impressed with the university’s vision. “The dream was to put a university that was affordable on the south side so that way the community there will have a better opportunity to go to college and not have to travel to the other side of town or more out of the city for school,” she said. In the past five years, UTSA accepted on average 73 percent of applicants, 44 percent of whom went on to enroll. In the same five years,
“Don’t choose because of hearsay or tradition — choose because you feel that school is going to give you the best opportunity.” Michael Herrera UTSA Alumnus
sity is unique and complements two separate demographics. Over the past five years, an average of 82 percent of UTSA undergraduates enrolled full-time, while 54 percent of TAMUSA’s students only took classes
TAMUSA accepted on average 87 percent of applicants, 70 percent of whom enrolled. Isaac Salazar, College Access & Success Advisor at Café College, has noticed a trend at the two universities. “For A&M San Antonio, most of their students will be transferring from the Alamo Colleges to A&M. Right now that is what they are trying to build their reputation on. UTSA, while they do have a specific agreement with the Alamo Colleges, they have more first time freshmen enrolling there than at TAMUSA,” Salazar said. For those trying to decide which university to attend, Michael offers some advice: “Don’t choose because of hearsay or tradition. Choose because you feel that school is going to give you the best opportunity at succeeding and enjoying your college experience.”
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February 17 - February 24, 2015
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4 {The Paisano} Editor-in-Chief: Jakob Lopez
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OPINION
February 17 - February 24, 2015
Investing in the future of higher education Editorial Gun rights and Second Amendment issues have thus far been in the spotlight as the legislature meets in Austin, but one order of business still sits in political limbo. Traditionally, the legislature passes a new tuition revenue bond bill every four years; yet no such bill has been signed into law since 2006. Historically, tuition revenue bonds (TRBs) have been a vital avenue for Texas universities to acquire the funding for new on-campus construction projects. The state provides the schools with money up front, and the universities pay off the loan in the following years when the bonds are sold to the public. Many lawmakers complain
that these bills are too expensive for the state to continue footing the bill. However, the benefits that these projects bring to Texas’ college campuses more than justify the investment. Many schools — particularly ones like UTSA that lack a consistent revenue stream outside of tuition and fees — find it particularly difficult to secure new sources of revenue without raising tuition prices or fees for students. For this reason, TRBs have played an integral role in keeping facilities up-to-date and ensuring that non-flagships have sufficient resources to meet the demands of students. As anyone who has ever spoken to President Romo for more than a few seconds
is aware, UTSA is an emerging Tier One university. This means that, although UTSA does not have the same tier one distinction as UT Austin or Rice University, it is doing everything it can to achieve the merit. However, sometimes doing all it can is simply not enough. The Flawn Science Building is 39 years old and its labs are far behind where they should be, but UTSA does not currently have the capital to replace them. This year, UTSA is asking the legislature for $95 million to build a more modern science building and an additional $40 million to renovate the aging Flawn Science Building. If the legislature is serious about bringing
more research and jobs to the Lone Star State, it should see through on its promise to help UTSA and other emerging Tier One institutions attract not only the brightest students, but also foster the most cutting-edge research. This is not a money issue. A recent report conducted by Economic Modeling Specialists International and commissioned by the Council of Public University Presidents and Chancellors found that for every dollar spent on higher education in Texas, the state gains $6.40 in tax revenues and other benefits, and society as a whole gains more than $14. Higher education should not have to be something that is fought over, but thanks to
“political fumbling” tuition revenue bonds have died in the halls of the capitol every session for almost a decade. UTSA — along with every other emerging Tier One school — needs these funds to be competitive and to continue to attract top talent from across the state and across the country. The Texas Legislature should pass a bill authorizing new tuition revenue bonds this session, not just because UTSA will finally be able to update its aging research facilities, but also because the investment will pay dividends for the state’s students and economy.
Lizzette Rocha
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{Staff Writers} Anthony Mendoza, Patrick Martinez, Robert Avila, Pavela Bambakova, Savin Weerasinghe, Brittany Brink, Maria Cristina Moreno, Daniel Shaw, Teia Herrera, Alysha Gallagher, Christopher Breakell, Brayden Boren {Staff Photographers} Robert Pistochi {Contributing Writers} Hayden Housson, Olivia Ybarra, Jennifer Vannoy, Randi Gilmore, Nathaniel Archer, Caroline Traylor, Colleen Adams, Julian Gonzales, Emily Varvel
{Adviser}
Diane Abdo
{Advisory Board}
Steven Kellman, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman, Stefanie Arias, Diane Abdo The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. The Paisano is distributed on all three UTSA campuses — Main, Downtown and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Additionally, Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tripoint and a variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed to:
14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)-690-9301 {Letters to the Editor}
Letters must be fewer than 400 words and include the writer’s name, classification or title and telephone number. The Paisano reserves the right to edit all submissions. Send letters to: Editor@paisano-online. com
Chasing Signs Commentary One of the m o s t import a n t questions to ask a potential romantic partner is, “What’s your sign?” Although this may seem like a cheesy pick-up line, astrology is a great tool to discover your compatibility with others. The body and the universe are connected. Recognizing this connection can help us develop meaningful, lasting romantic relationships. Astrology is all about the study of patterns, movements and positions of celestial bodies that influence humans from the time that we are born. Our astrological signs tremendously affect our personalities, our worldviews, our feelings and most importantly our communication styles. Our success in love depends on becoming our own astrology guru. We must not only know the characteristics of our own signs, but also we must be aware of our potential romantic partners’ signs and the characteristics associated with those signs. There are 12 zodiac signs, and four elements: water, earth, air and fire. In order to have success at being your own matchmaker, I recommend memorizing what zodiac sign is apart of what element. This will be the most important tool in determining compatibility, and is also easy to remember. Astrology encompasses so much more such as specific degrees called decanates, ascendant and rising signs, moon signs and sun signs, as well as the different houses each sign belongs in. Astrology may seem
complicated, but by focusing specifically on the elements will prove to be simple and all the information you really need to prosper. I like to give the example of a Cancer and an Aries -- a water sign and a fire sign. The old adage is that opposites attract and I can’t deny that fact. This relationship may start hot and heavy, but will shortly fizzle out. So why didn’t it work? Let’s remember the natural behaviors of these elements. Water extinguishes fire; therefore this does not make a life-long romantic match. Trust me, I am a water sign that has had to break up with a fire sign. The personalities and communication styles are so clashing between the Cancer and the Aires that the chance of romantic relationship survival is slim. The best and most fulfilling romantic relationships are relationships between signs of complementing elements, such as fire and air. Any element that matches your element exactly will work as well, such as Earth and Earth. If you are wondering why your last several relationships haven’t worked out, learn from the past and look up their signs. If the signs didn’t have complementing elements, you can finally know why it didn’t last. You can learn a lot from the experiences you have had to make a more positive change in the future. Never leave love to luck. The universe is old and wise, and it is a perfect resource in finding an impeccable love match for yourself. Brittany Brink Staff writer
I’ll just sit here by Christopher Breakell
Photo Poll
Do you think the passage of “campus carry” or “open carry” would affect the level of community violence? “I don’t agree with the laws, and I would feel very uncomfortable.” Natalie Hernandez
Sophomore education major
“I think in general guns may make people nervous, which may make things worse. Nervous people don’t act rationally.” Adriana Solorzano
Senior education major
“It would change the community because people may be scared or uncomfortable.” Claudia Simaniungkalit
Sophomore education major
“I think it would depend on maturity level. Teachers for sure could have guns.” Rachelle Lockwood
Senior pyschology major
“I think that students 25 years or older are mature enough to carry guns.” Anna Ramirez
Senior pyschology major © 2014, The Paisano
Photos by Mia Cabello, The Paisano
ARTS & LIFE
5 February 17 - February 24, 2015
Sikhs: Legacy of the Punjab Exhibit sheds light on religion, culture, values that has never had its story told,” Benavides said. Dr. Bryan P. Howard, ITC’s Director of Research, Exhibits and Collections, provided further background information on the Sikh culture in Texas. “The earliest Sikh I’ve seen in records so far appears by 1910 in Dallas. By the 1970s, the number of Sikhs in Texas was rising, but it’s really been only in the last 20 years or so the numbers have increased more dramatically,” Howard shared. “Today, San Antonio has about 1,000 Sikh Photo Courtesy of The Smithsonian Institution Check out this “Sikh” exhibit currently featured at the Smithsonian Institution. Discover what the culture stands for and what values and beliefs go along with the world’s fifth most practiced religion.
Alysha Gallagher Staff Writer
@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com Developed by the Smithsonian and sponsored by the Sikh Heritage Foundation, the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) will begin hosting the “Sikhs: Legend of the Punjab” exhibit Feb. 21 - Jan. 3 2016. Sikhism is the fifth most practiced religion in the world. Since the terrorist events of 9/11, Sikhs have experienced discrimination and stereotyping associated with their wearing of turbans and other non-
Western articles of religious clothing. In an effort to further education about their culture and values, Sikh community members and leaders have worked closely with the museum to draw attention to the religion’s core beliefs. During an interview with CBS News, Columbia University Religion Doctoral Candidate and native San Antonian Simran Jeet Singh described the ideals of Sikh culture, “For us, salvation is not the endpoint…our goal is to achieve absolute love within this lifetime and that love is achieved through recognizing oneness, all
throughout the world in every interaction.” Originating 500 years ago in the Punjab region of northwest India, the traditional garb of Sikh faith includes five K’s: Kakar, a kachhera undergarment; Kanga, a wooden comb; Kirpan, a ceremonial short sword; Kara, a bracelet and Kes, uncut hair. While providing a tour of the Sikh exhibit during its installation phase, ITC Senior Communications Specialist James Benavides shared his thoughts on its potential impact. “This is going to be fantastic; this is a community
residents and Texas an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 individuals.” Those who attend on Feb. 21 can expect an exhibit featuring religious articles, art, armor, ceremonial swords, a model of the sacred golden temple and background information on religious beliefs and culture. Members of the Sikh community will serve as gallery hosts to answer questions about the exhibit. “This is a religion that transcends borders,” Benavides concluded at the end of the tour. “It’s a religion
that is also a culture that describes and defines the people.” The Institute of Texan Cultures is located at 801 East César E. Chávez Blvd. Doors for the opening of the Sikh exhibit open on Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission for adults (13 or older) is $10 at the gate and $8 in advance, children (6-12) $5 and for children under five admission is free. For more information please visit texancultures. com.
SPRING BREAK — South Padre Island, TX Sleeps 6 people. Next to water park and all the action. Cell: (956) 459-4806 condorental@border-tech.com for rental and details.
The Art of Spiritual Dreaming Free Book Discussion
UTSA (1604) UC 2.01.30 (Magnolia Room) Thursdays, Jan. 29 – Feb. 26, 6:30-8:00 PM ● Learn more about the spiritual nature of dreams ● Better recall, understand, and interpret your dreams
Info: Landon: abe250@my.utsa.edu Justin: 832-244-6502 www.Eckankar-Texas.org Sponsored by the Eckankar Student Organization
6 Arts & Life Events Calendar Tuesday 2/17 7:30 p.m.
Jekyll & Hyde - A Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse Musical Based off of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella, this wicked retelling of the classic tale revolves around the double life of one Dr. Jekyll and the evil Mr. Hyde, and the other double life of two women - one, beautiful and trusting; the other, beautiful and filled with doubt. Featuring the hit “This Is The Moment” from Grammy winning artists Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse, this thrilling musical is sure to please both newcomers and fans of the original worldwide. For more info and to buy tickets visit the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts (100 Auditorium Cir) tobincenter.org.
Thursday 2/19 7:00 p.m.
With over 12 million albums sold, three Grammy Awards, and a member of the Grand Ole Opry, country icon Brad Paisley is stopping by the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo at the AT&T Center (723 AT&T Center Parkway). Paisley has been one of country’s most cherished singers for the past 15 years, with hits like “We Danced” interspersed with new material from his number one Country album “Moonshine In the Trunk.” To purchase tickets and for info on other artists visit sarodeo.com.
Friday 2/20 6 p.m.
Ever been interested in getting into art, yet didn’t want to sit through another boring lecture? Try one of the new monthly lectures on the history of art at the San Antonio Museum of Art (200 W. Jones St), hosted by UTSA’s own Dr. Annie LaBatt, a professor of art history & criticism. To find more about this exciting new series visit samuseum.org.
Saturday 2/21 All Day
Head over to the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center for the 37th Annual CineFestival. Enjoy films that have been chosen as the best in the Contemporary U.S and International Latino categroies. For tickets and more info, visit cine.guadalupeculturalarts.org.
Sunday 2/22 7:00 p.m.
So Valentine’s Day is over, big deal! Fall in love with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere all over again in the classic chick-flick “Pretty Woman,” for Girlie Night at the Stone Oak Alamo Drafthouse this Sunday (22806 US Hwy 281 North). Celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary while drinking cocktails and singing along to Prince’s “Kiss,” all while quoting the film along with dozens of other fans. For more info and to buy tickets, go to drafthouse. com/san_antonio.
February 17 - February 24, 2015
ARTS & LIFE
What’s with all the cats on campus? Cat Coalition helps felines find their purr-manent homes
Photo Courtest of RRCC members A lot of the campus cats can be found around the university’s convocation center. The above ground drains around the premises provide the perfect escape when they need to get out of the rain, heat or cold.
Beth Marshall Arts Editor
@bmarshallmedia arts@paisano-online.com Inevitably, after attending UTSA for a semester or more, you will cross paths with one of the cats on campus. They avoid you if you avoid them, but they never pose a threat while you make the trek to class. There might be a brief moment of eye contact before you both continue with your busy day, but afterwards neither gives the other much thought. All these felines must get fed somehow. Why else would they stick around? Since 2005, faculty members of the Roadrunner Cat Coalition (RRCC) have been working behind the scenes taking care of and feeding the cats that wander onto campus. “Our job is to take any
cats that come on campus and do something for them,” said Karen Williams, a founding member and current treasurer of the RRCC. The RRCC is a registered faculty volunteer organization that operates completely on donations. While the group technically is not affiliated with the university, the efforts they put forth to keep the cat population at bay is monumental. The members pay for the cats’ food out of their own pockets and save donation money for vet bills and humane “Tru Catch” traps. “We have two or three (student) feeders at Chaparral Village,” RRCC Vice President Kathy Hope said. Williams added, “They can’t officially be members, but they certainly can be volunteers for us – particularly the ones that live in the dorms.” The group’s goal is to keep track of the old and new kit-
ties on campus. If an unfamiliar feline finds its way to UTSA, the RRCC makes sure to have them spayed or neutered, if they haven’t already been, and then do all they can to find them a new permanent home. In the meantime, the group keeps a feeding schedule to ensure all the campus cats are wellnourished. “Everybody here has a shelter for heat and cold,” Hope said. “They’re very well hidden; you won’t see them.” While some cats prefer to stay off the grid, others have no problem interacting with students. In fact, one cat, which goes by the name of Harry, has become so notorious for hanging around the Roadrunner Café that a student decided to make him his very own Instagram. Follow Harry’s trail by searching the username @chap_cat on the app. “I think everyone in our group has a cat from here.” Hope said, “We all have a number of our own, and several of them we’ve taken from UTSA.” The RRCC has come a long way since its formation, and while the system now is equal parts caring and efficient, starting out was not without its hardships. “A professor that used to be here about ten years ago…would feed the cats,” Pope said. Williams added, “but it was sort of haphazard and they didn’t get the cats fixed.”
While this professor’s acts were likely filled with good intentions, the effects were a bit of an issue. Feeding the original feline residents attracted more kitties and even some hungry critters of the more wild variety. This led to a feline frenzy because many of the cats had not been fixed. Every spring, multiple litters were born, but few were adopted. “A couple of us started feeding, and then we realized someone else was feeding,” Williams explained. “That’s when we decided we better get organized, and started trapping and neutering and identifying where the spots that we would see the cats (were).” One of the oldest cats, Princess, who has her share of stories, has roamed campus grounds for at least a decade. Princess meandered her way down to the mail delivery area, and, out of curiosity, made her way through a gate that shut be-
hind her. “She was there for at least a week; we finally heard her meowing and she told us ‘I need help,’” Williams said. Hope added, “We put a trap in there, and every day we had to go in there and she wouldn’t let us touch her.” Princess lived to tell the tale, but not without injury. One of her eyes was punctured in the process and had to be removed. While she still likes to keep to herself and has an eye for adventure, Princess has by no means used all of her nine lives. There are about 25 cats that currently live on campus and could use a permanent home. Learn more about the RRCC, how to donate, how to adopt and how to volunteer at utsacats. com. Like their Facebook page as well to stay updated.
Photo Courtest of RRCC members Dozens of stray cats roam the campus grounds and are looking for a place to call home. The members of the Roadrunner Cat Coalition put their lives on “paws” to make sure the cats always have enough food and water.
Louden Swain celebrates success Column Corner Emily Varvel
Contributing Writer @ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com
Louden Swain is a “rockin” band who just released their fifth full-length album “Sky Alive.” This record includes a wide variety of indie, rock-styled music infused with punk, alternative and reggae. The band is composed of four members: Rob Benedict (lead singer), Stephen Nortan (drummer) and Mike Borja (bassist). Louden Swain formed in 1997, but the group was not complete until 2005 when Billy Moran (guitarist) joined as the fourth and final member. What started as a threeperson garage band trying to make it in a dog-eat-dog world turned out to be a successful rock quartet. Their perseverance has paid off because they are now the house band for the Supernatural traveling television series convention “Salute to Supernatural.” “Eskimo,” released in 2012, is another great album by this band and features rock music paired with their quirky ability to create a compelling story enclosed in catchy rhythms. Like most captivating stories, you will want to hear it again and again. For all of the Supernatural fans out there, Rob Benedict is actually an actor on the show who portrays Chuck, a prophet of the Lord. Not
only is Rob Benedict’s acting impressive, but his vocals also set him apart. His sweet tone is counteracted by a rough sound that creates a very interesting and intriguing combination. In person, these guys are a down-to-earth bunch; complete sweethearts in fact. Upon falling down on stage during the Houston Saturday Night Special Louden
Swain concert, the audience immediately asked Rob Benedict if he was hurt. The singer burst out laughing and replied, “This is what every rock singer wants to happen, to fall on stage and have the audience ask if he is okay.” Louden Swain is a band that cares about its fans and supporters. Following the two-hour concert, all of
the members signed complimentary autographs for audience members. Experience has melded this band into a single unit while they perform, proving that Louden Swain’s live music is as moving as the iTunes version. I predict that Louden Swain will continue to increase in momentum. Soon, everyone will know their name.
Louden Swain’s next album is a re-release of their EP “Overachiever” that will now include five never-heard-before songs. Be sure to check out this gem of a band as they continue up their steady incline on the music industry rollercoaster.
Photo Courtesy of Emily Varvel
SPORTS
7 February 17 - February 24, 2015
{Sports Events} Wednesday, Feb. 18 6:00 p.m. UTSA softball The softball team takes on Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in their first home game of the season.
UTSA opens season with series win UTSA BASEBALL
Friday, Feb. 20 5:30 p.m. UTSA softball The softball team faces off against Iowa State as part of the UTSA Classic.
6:00 p.m. UTSA baseball The baseball team takes on Bryant at Roadrunner field.
Saturday, Feb. 21 11:00 a.m. UTSA tennis The men’s team takes on Lamar on the tennis courts
12:30 p.m. UTSA softball The softball team goes against UIW as part of the UTSA Classic
2:00 p.m. UTSA basketball The women’s team faces UTEP in the Convocation Center.
2:00 p.m. UTSA baseball The baseball team plays Bryant at Roadrunner Field.
3:00 p.m. UTSA softball The softball team takes on Southeastern Louisiana as part of the UTSA Classic.
Sunday, Feb. 22 10:00 a.m. UTSA softball The softball team goes against Southeastern Louisiana as part of the UTSA Classic.
11:00 a.m. UTSA tennis The women’s team faces Northwestern State on the UTSA tennis courts.
12:00 p.m. UTSA baseball The baseball team plays Bryant on Roadrunner Field.
12:30 p.m. UTSA softball The softball team takes on UIW as part of the UTSA Classic.
Julian Gonzales Contributing Writer
@PaisanoSports1 sports@paisano-online.com On Friday, Feb. 13, the UTSA Roadrunners (2-1) were led offensively by unfamiliar faces freshmenTrent Bowles and Skyler Valentine in the 8-5 season opening victory against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (1-2). Five new Roadrunners saw action in Friday night’s ballgame, with Bowles, Valentine and first baseman Ben Brookover getting their first collegiate starts. Junior college transfers Kevin Markham and Tyler Straub were penciled into the starting lineup as well. “It was fun to watch tonight and finally settle into the game. We were playing a lot of young kids tonight and everybody’s going to be nervous, especially in their first college game,” said UTSA Head Coach Jason Marshall. Junior ace Brock Hartson got the opening pitching assignment, giving up three earned runs and seven hits over 4.2 innings. “I think Brock Hartson is living ‘Pepto Bismol’ for the entire dugout because he
keeps you in the game and settles you in and allows our hitters to get past the nerves,” Marshall said. Senior captain John Bormann powered the Runners offense, going 3-for-4 with four RBI’s. “I feel great and I have a lot of
night,” said Bormann. Bouncing back from an 8-2 loss on Saturday to the Ragin’ Cajuns, the Runners won the series finale against them on Sunday afternoon 11-5. Senior pitcher Cody Brannon was on the bump for UTSA, scattering three runs on five hits over 3.1 innings. However, UTSA junior pitcher Patrick Herbelin earned the win, hurling 4.1 strong innings to complete the ballgame. “(Herb elin) was the MVP of the weekend, no doubt. He throws lots of strikes and can really spin that breaking ball,” said Marshall. Markham belted his second homerun of the season to start off the contest while batting out of the leadoff spot. The Roadrunners offense hit a Robert Pistocchi, The Paisano grand total of six during the confidence up there,” Bor- three-game stretch. mann said. “I guess it was the breakThe two teams exchanged fast they gave us,” said the lead a total of four times Markham with a laugh throughout the contest. speaking about his early “We made some errors success. on the right side, which is The UTSA Roadrunwhere all of our freshmen ners travel up to Austin are. So I just called them to for a date against the Texas the mound and told them Longhorns on Tuesday, take a deep breath because February 17, at 6 p.m. we got a lot of ball game left... The freshman ended up having a really good
Baseline bios:
The freshman experience from two different perspectives
PLAYER PROFILE
{Recent Results} Thursday, Feb. 12 UTSA Women’s basketball W, 52-51 at Old Dominion
Friday, Feb. 13 UTSA softball W, 10-0 vs. Grand Canyon L, 5-9 vs. Texas Tech
UTSA women’s tennis L, 2-5 vs. South Alabama
Saturday, Feb. 14 UTSA softball W, 10-1 vs. Grand Canyon W, 6-3 vs. Texas State
UTSA women’s Basketball L, 54-74 at Charlotte
Sunday, Feb. 15 UTSA softball L, 2-7 vs Texas Tech
UTSA women’s tennis game vs. UT-Arlington postponed
Brayden Boren Staff Writer
@ThatBorenGuy sports@paisano-online.com As an out-of-state recruit from Louisiana, freshman Christian Wilson must not only adjust his game from a high school level to the college game, but also break out of the mold of the south’s low recognition from top schools around the country. “It’s just an adjustment. Everybody want’s to be ‘the Guy’, but good player’s understand the game,” said Wilson. “Being the sixth man, coming off the bench, I just step up and play my role the best I can,” he continued. Wilson is not the only newcomer on the squad as over half of UTSA’s roster is made up of freshmen. One of these freshmen — Larry Lewis — is experiencing a different start to the new year on the court than his other teammates after a shortened season due to an injury sustained last year. Lewis was given a medical redshirt, or granted a hardship waiver that would void his benched season and keep him eligible for the next four years of his college career. Despite the setback, Lewis, also an out-of-state recruit from Arizona, isn’t troubled by the loss of playtime. “When I suffered
from that medical redshirt, I just sat back and observed the position that I would be taking on for the upcoming year. I just try to do everything the coach wants me to do, perfect it as much as I can and do it to the best of my ability,” explained Lewis. The key ingredient for UTSA to win CUSA lies within the ability for the team to lock-in and be ready to play every single game. “I think we can win if we all continue to buy in and sell out and play every single possession, defense and offense, at 120 percent,” said Lewis. “There’s a high chance for us (to win CUSA), we just have to come out and play ball, stop having these moments where we come out slow and sluggish,” added Wilson. Ultimately, both of these young players want their legacies as Roadrunners to be remembered as hard-working individuals and teammates. “I just want people to remember me as one of those hard-working players with a great attitude and who was fun to be around,” Lewis stated. Said Wilson of his plans beyond college basketball, “I want to graduate and become an alumni here at the Roadrunner Nation, as well as further my career into professional basketball.” Wilson, Lewis and the Roadrunners go on the road for their next bout against the UTEP Miners on Thursday Feb. 21, in El Paso, Texas.
Photo courtesy of UTSA Athletics Photo courtesy of UTSA Athletics Larry Lewis (34) and Christian Wilson (10) have combined this season for 10.3 points per game. The two are the only freshmen on the entire roster to notch more than four points per game.
Marcus Connolly, The Paisano UTSA freshman Zander Lozano (pictured) finished the Oak Hills Invitational placing T-17th. Lozano is one of four Roadrunners to finish in the top-20 for the tournament.
18 holes with the men’s golf team: a midseason review UTSA GOLF Shabazz I. Dawkins Sports Editor @shabazzvs sports@paisano-online.com
On Tuesday Feb. 10, the UTSA men’s golf team tied for their best placement of the season by finishing second in the UTSA Oak Hills Invitational. Of the 15 teams in the tournament, UTSA outplayed all but Baylor University — who finished with a total score of 850. UTSA’s score of 866 was good enough to place them above powerhouse club and top25 ranked Oklahoma University who finished in third with 871. “(Finishing second) was big for us, especially beating Oklahoma, that was pretty cool,” said UTSA sophomore Bryce Alley. Alley was one of two UTSA players to end the tournament with an individual top five finish. On the strength of his performance at the invitational, Alley received Player of the Week honors. “I didn’t play well in qualifying but I just stayed with it, stayed patient and tried to play the best I could and it worked out this week,” Alley said about his performance. Until recently Alley’s sophomore campaign has been fairly inconsistent. He finished tied for 36th (T-36th) in the first tournament of the season and T-22nd in the second. Alley’s placements have been trending up since his lowest finish in October, where he got T-50th in the Jerry Pate National Invitational. His T-5th finish is his best of the season to this point. “(Alley) always finds a way to come back and fight to the end. He definitely deserves that recognition,” said Kyle Collins, UTSA assistant coach. The other Roadrunner to finish T-5th in the tournament was team captain Brett Hogan. Hogan started the season with an abysmal T71st placement in the first
tournament of the season (Sam Hall Intercollegiate), despite that, he has shined in his junior campaign for UTSA. “I went into (the Sam Hall Intercollegiate) mentally the wrong way. I feel like I put a lot of pressure on myself to start well,” Hogan said of his initial struggles. Since his first outing, Hogan has scored five top-15 finishes. His best performance came in the Miramont Invitational where he finished T-3rd. “Mentally, I feel like I’m a lot more mature and I can handle a lot more now,” Hogan said explaining his progression through the season. Just like Hogan, the team has progressed consistently throughout the season. The Roadrunners finished eighth, seventh and T-10th in their first three tournaments respectively. In their last three outings the team finished second, fifth and most recently second. “(The team has) grown a lot. We’ve worked really hard to get where we’ve gotten,” said UTSA senior Garrison Lackey. “As a team, I don’t think we’ve had that defining moment yet. I think we’ll have one in the next couple of tournaments, that’s for sure,” added UTSA freshman Zander Lozano. “We beat a top-20 team in Oklahoma. We beat every team that was in our conference there, but it’s nice to know that my guys are hungry, and they weren’t satisfied with just finishing second. That’s a good thing for this group,” said UTSA Head Coach John Knauer on the recent success of his team. “They believe in themselves and they believe they’re one of the top teams in the country,” Knauer finished. Next the men’s golf team heads to Humble, Texas, to compete in the Bayou City Collegiate Championship from Friday, Feb. 20 to Sunday, Feb. 22.
8
February 17 - February 24, 2015
Mia Cabello, The Paisano
UTSA splits two-game home stint UTSA BASKETBALL Colleen Adams Contributing Writer
@PaisanoSports1 sports@paisano-online.com On Thursday, Feb. 12, the UTSA Roadrunners notched a riveting 72-67 comeback win against conference rival Old Dominion University (ODU) Monarchs. The Roadrunners’ comeback was led by senior guard Keon Lewis, who scored 14 of his team-high 21 points in the second half, notching his sixth 20-point performance of the season. Lewis also shot 5-of-7 from the field, 2-of3 from the three-point line, and flawlessly sunk 9-of-9 opportunities from the foul line. Junior guard Ryan Bowie, scoring 16 points and nabbing 6 boards for the Roadrunners, supported Lewis. Senior center Kaj-Björn Sherman and senior forward Jeromie Hill contributed 11 points a piece. As a team, the Roadrunners shot a staggering 61.1% from the field in the second half. “We just stayed in the game the whole game. (ODU was) killing us on the rebounds, but I just kept telling the guys to stay in it because we’ll beat them at the end. We’re coming together at the right time and starting to have that poise that we need,” Lewis said commenting on the balanced team contributions. The Roadrunners looked sluggish in the first half and the Monarchs began turning offensive rebounds into second chance points. Despite their initial struggle, UTSA took the court in the second-half with an improved defensive performance. The Roadrunners instituted a full-court zone pressure that unnerved the Monarchs, allowing the Roadrunners to pull ahead of ODU. “We started zoning more, mixing it up, and just keeping them on their heels. We had to play harder than the other team to win,” said UTSA Head Coach Brooks Thompson proudly as he reflected on his team’s defensive efforts. On the following Saturday, the Roadrunners suffered a painful 89-81 loss to the Charlotte 49’ers. UTSA remained neck-and-neck with the Niners in the first half, trading the lead back and forth several times. The 49’ers scored four of the last five field goals in the first half to pull ahead 42-39 at half. Charlotte came into the second-half strong, opening the half with a 12-5 run and expanding their lead to 16 points with eight minutes left in the game. UTSA attempted a comeback, cutting Charlotte’s lead down to four points with 51 seconds left in the game thanks to a layup from sophomore forward Phillip Jones, but Charlotte clenched the win, sinking four free throws in the final 44 seconds of the game. Charlotte’s all around strength from the field, paced by freshman guard Torin Dorn’s 22 points and a career high 21 points from senior guard Terrence Williams, along with 15 points from Mike Thorne was hard for the Roadrunners to counter. “While it’s more difficult to prepare for a team with so many weapons, you still have to play harder and tougher than them, and we just didn’t do that today,” admitted Thompson as he commented on Charlotte’s multi-faceted offense. There were bright spots for the Roadrunners in the loss. Senior Keon Lewis recorded 25 points, junior guard Ryan Bowie notched his second double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds and freshman guard Larry Lewis showed poise with 10 important points off the bench. The next home game for the UTSA Roadrunners will be on Thursday, March 5, when the team faces off with conference rival Rice in the Convocation Center at 7:00 p.m.
SPORTS