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The Cougars will look for an upset win against the defending National Champion Louisville Cardinals on Guy V. Lewis night.
Former SGA President hosted a signing at the University Center Bookstore Tuesday.
Trying to make a statement
Cougar promotes first published book SEE PAGE 7
SEE PAGE 5
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Act supports education for immigrant students Rebecca Hennes Staff writer
Just as the issue of illegal immigration affects the country as a whole, it affects the state of education and universities, and changes in state and federal legislation across recent years give evidence supporting that belief. As it stands now, the Texas Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act affords children of undocumented immigrants the opportunity to study at Texas universities for in-state tuition rates, provided they meet certain requirements. “Right now, one of the most important pieces of legislation in Texas is HB 1403 (the DREAM Act), which was one of the first in the nation to allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition,” said law professor Geoffrey Hoffman, director of UH’s Immigration Clinic. “The law requires that, to qualify, a student must have resided with a parent or guardian while attending high school in Texas, graduated from high school or have received a GED in Texas, have resided in Texas for at least three years leading up to graduation or receiving the GED, and must provide a signed affidavit indicating an intent to apply for permanent residence as soon as possible.” The Texas DREAM Act was first signed into law in 2001. Since then, other states have followed suit, creating similar laws. While a federal DREAM Act has been debated on the Senate floor for several years, current federal law, which provides no financial aid for undocumented students, takes a ACT continues on page 3
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A Shining spotlight on UH
The Alley Theatre will be presenting its 2014-2015 season at UH as well as its future renovation plans to house productions, performers and visitors. Construction will begin on July 14 and continue throughout the next summer. | Courtesy of Alley Theatre Sonia Zuniga Contributing writer
The prestigious Tony Awardwinning Alley Theatre is packing up from its iconic home of 45 years and moving into UH this fall for the 2014-2015 production year, bringing with it grand renovation plans and a whole new audience to UH grounds, all in anticipation of bringing the spotlight to the new and improved main campus.
“There are a lot of people who I believe have a sense of not knowing what UH is, and they’re afraid that it’s this dangerous crime-induced campus,” said Jim Johnson, director of the School of Theatre & Dance. “I think this is a door we’re opening to a lot of people who may have this pre-judgment from decades ago of our university as a whole, and this will get them to campus and they’ll be surprised to see that this is a great place to come. It will open a lot of
doors to the university.” Starting in early July, the Wortham Theatre will be under construction to accommodate the Alley Theatre as its landmark building goes under a $46 million makeover, forming an exciting partnership between these two institutions, an alliance in which Johnson has been central. Johnson said when the Alley Theatre comes in, they’re going to do some additional improvements
to Wortham Theatre. “We’ll get this wonderfully improved space, but it’s also an opportunity for us to do improvements elsewhere in the building. Our costume shop has been expanded and upgraded. Our smaller theater got completely renovated over this past year. We’re still finishing up some details, but it’s almost complete, including a whole new THEATRE continues on page 8
Jazzing up the New UC Students relaxing at the lounge spaces in the New University Center were treated to a performance by their fellow Cougars. Justin Tijerina/The Daily Cougar
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THE DAILY COUGAR
FLASHBACK CAREERS IN:
Cougars spy an unusual superstar
JOURNALISM
Hale-Bopp, a comet that was visible from the Earth’s surface from May 1996 to April 1997, was one of the brightest and most widely seen comets of the 20th century. Then-UH students Munshi Shyam, Doug Hope and assistant professor of physics and astronomy Juan Carlos Reina were shown in The Daily Cougar with their telescopes in the January 1997 edition at the observatory at the Science and Research 1 Building.
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Clinical Evaluation of Soft Contact Lenses for Daily Wear The Texas Eye Research and Technology Center (TERTC) is seeking volunteers to participate in a research study to evaluate a new silicone hydrogel soft contact lens. You may be eligible for this research study if: • You are a current adapted wearer of soft contact lenses. • You have normal, healthy eyes. • Your current contact lens prescription is between -10.00 to +8.00 D, • You are 18 years of age or older. This study will consist of 4 visits over a period of three months that will require a total of about 4.5 hours of your time. Risks to subjects participating in this study are similar to risks associated with soft contact lens wear. The lenses will be worn on a daily wear basis (NOT overnight) for at least 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. Lenses and solutions will be provided during the course of the study at no cost to you. As an incentive, you will receive payment of up to $140.00 provided all study visits and questionnaires are completed, and all study lenses are returned. If you feel you qualify based on the information provided or if you have questions, please contact the TERTC office at (713) 743-1931 or TERTC@optometry.uh.edu or the principal investigator, Dr. Jan Bergmanson at (713) 743-1950 or jbergmanson@uh.edu. This project has been approved by the University of Houston Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (713-743-9204).
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The comet received widespread attention, especially on the newly budding Internet. It was famous for its nigh-unprecedented brightness, reaching its height on April 1, 1997, when it was brighter than the stars behind it. Hale-Bopp broke records, was the source of further astrological research and inspired conspiracy theories and UFO sightings. — Laura Gillespie
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Munshi Shyam, left, and Doug Hope, center, and assistant professor of physics and astronomy Juan Carlos Reina ready their telescopes to view the once-in-a-lifetime comet. | 1997/The Daily Cougar
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THE DAILY COUGAR
NEWS EDITOR
Amanda Hilow
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ADMINISTRATION
UHPD appoints crime prevention coordinator The Daily Cougar News Services The UH Department of Public Safety is initiating its plan to reduce potential crimes on campus, and the first step is to appoint a campus crime prevention coordinator. UH announced Tuesday that police Chief Ceasar Moore appointed Sgt. Dina Padovan, who has worked with the UH Police Department for 17 years, to this role. “Padovan will be the police liaison to facilitate a close working relationship with faculty, staff,
students and organizations on campus so that together we can more effectively address safety and security concerns of our students, as well as reduce the opportunity for crime,” Moore said in a statement. Padovan’s duties will include developing and disseminating resources Padovan related to crime prevention, and she will be responsible for programs at UH, UH-Sugar Land, UH-Victoria and the UH
System at Cinco Ranch. “I want to educate students on how they can reduce their chances for becoming victims of crime,” Padovan said in a statement. “We not only want to create a safe living and learning environment on campus, but also give our students personal safety knowledge and tools they can use beyond campus.” Padovan is starting her outreach efforts in the residential areas of campus, the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, the University Center and the libraries. news@thedailycougar.com
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University student organizations are working with undocumented students in order to educate and inform about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and the DREAM Act. | File photo /The Daily Cougar
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hands-off approach. “Federal law leaves the issue of admitting or banning (undocumented students) to the states, who in turn decide these polices on the institutional level,” said law professor Michael Olivas. The Department of Homeland Security enacted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in 2013, which helps protect those who arrived in the country as children of illegal immigrants and enables them to find gainful employment by giving them
access to Social Security numbers, occupational licenses, driver’s licenses and the ability to leave the country and return. The UH Law Center and the Immigration Clinic provide assistance to students who may be eligible for aid from the DREAM Act and DACA. Representatives of UH were unavailable for comment regarding exactly how many students this entailed. “The University does not collect this information from students,” said Shawn Lindsey, director of media relations. “Applications are handled using the uniform ApplyTexas application.” With the federal DREAM Act
still being discussed in Congress and Texas gubernatorial candidates such as Sen. Dan Patrick arguing to overturn the current Texas DREAM Act, immigration issues in education are bound to be a topic of debate in the near future. “I do not see major legislative change at the state level. It’s 50/50 that federal legislation will be enacted to provide immigration reform,” Olivas said. “Even so, these DREAMers and DACA recipients will be at the front of the line with comprehensive immigration reform when it happens.” news@thedailycougar.com
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THE DAILY COUGAR
OPINION EDITOR James Wang EMAIL
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HOUSING
Student housing costs still through the roof
O
n-campus housing is expensive. The locations of housing options at the University are optimal — one can walk to class, so no having to spend money on gas. However, if one does choose on-campus housing, be prepared to pay large amounts of money for a Kelly room the size of a Schafler shoebox. Off-campus housing is not much different. While the pricing of off-campus housing can be less expensive, the location of said housing options may not be convenient. Students attempt to find a place that is close enough to campus to avoid stagnantly sitting in traffic, yet not so close as to be concerned walking out their front door. Searching for affordable housing options is difficult — mainly because Google seems to have a different idea of what the word “affordable” means. I associate affordable with a place that I feel safe in, that I can pay for with a full-time job and that has no roaches. Google associates affordable with a two-bed, two-bathroom apartments that cost an arm, a leg and more than $1,000 a month. Strangely enough, though students recognize that finding affordable housing in Houston is a struggle, national reports do not. In fact, affordable seems to be the key word used when describing Houston living options. According to a study shown on Houston.org done by the Council for Community and Economic Research, Houston ranks well on the average cost of living in urban areas. The study shows that Houston has the third- lowest cost of living among the nation’s 20 most populous metropolitan areas. In addition, according to a 2012 study by Forbes, Houston sits at No. 6 on the list of best cities for renters. These statistics make living in Houston seem completely doable — as long as one is not a struggling college student.
David Delgado/ The Daily Cougar While the national scale is able to put Houston on the lower end of rental rates, in comparison to previous years, Houston’s rental rate is rising. Apartmentratings.com calculated the market trends in Houston to show that the rental rate has continued to rise, especially over recent years. For a one-bedroom apartment, the rate has risen 2.76 percent since 2013. Apparently, the market for renting a two-bedroom apartment is even worse; since 2013, rates have risen 10.19 percent. These conflicting statistics makes one wonder why it is so difficult for college students to pay for these affordable options that are being
THE DAILY COUGAR EDITORIAL BOARD Channler K. Hill Natalie Harms WEB EDITOR Jenae Sitzes NEWS EDITOR Amanda Hilow SPORTS EDITOR Christopher Shelton LIFE & ARTS EDITOR Monica Tso PHOTO EDITOR Izmail Glosson OPINION EDITOR James Wang ASSISTANT EDITORS Laura Gillespie, Nora Olabi, Justin Tijerina, Andrew Valderas EDITOR IN CHIEF
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bragged about. It may have something to do with The National Center for Education Statistics, which shows that in 2012, about 40 percent of full-time college students between 16 and 24 years old were employed, while about 84 percent of part-time college students were employed. Employment is a great contributor to paying for a place to call home, but with a majority of students working minimum-wage jobs, even this “low rental rate” seems out of reach. So now the typical working student is caught between a rock and a hard place. Houston seems to be a good place to find a home after students have graduated and are making
STAFF EDITORIAL The Staff Editorial reflects the opinions of The Daily Cougar Editorial Board (the members of which are listed above the editorial). All other opinions, commentaries and cartoons reflect only the opinion of the author. Opinions expressed in The Daily Cougar do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Houston or the students as a whole. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Daily Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250
more than $7.25 an hour. However, unless a college student has been fortunate enough to land a job that pays well during school, Houston is a bad place live on low wages. I believe the lack of collegebudget-friendly housing might have something to do with the fact that Houston is not a town built around its universities. While Houston is the home of quite a few universities, they are not the main focus of the community. Houston is mostly known for its vast job opportunities — not the colleges within the city. While colleges in Houston are still relevant, Houston is not a city like Huntsville or College Station, whose main focuses are the
words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@ thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing. GUEST COMMENTARY Submissions are accepted from any member of the UH community and must
universities within them. Nevertheless, more affordable housing for college students in the Houston area should be made a priority. If a cheaper housing option is not found soon, students will have to continue to live in shady areas of the city, outside the city limits or in the garage apartments that are sometimes available to rent from creepy landlords. Houston, save students from excessive debt by making this city more of a college-friendly place. Senior staff columnist Kelly Schafler is a print journalism junior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com
be signed with the author’s name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Commentary should be limited to 500 words. Guest commentaries should not be written as replies, but rather should present independent points of view. Deliver submissions to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@ thedailycougar.com; or fax them to (713) 743-5384. All submissions are subject to editing.
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THE DAILY COUGAR
SPORTS EDITOR
Christopher Shelton
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MEN’S BASKETBALL
Righting the ship Cougars believe turnaround of upand-down season still within reach Christopher Shelton Sports editor
TaShawn Thomas has been here before. Though the Cougars are in a slump, having lost six of their previous seven games, the junior forward has seen similar days. During his freshman season, the Cougars had two four-game losing streaks en route to a 15-15 finish. Losing is a culture shock for underclassmen who are used to being bigger, faster and stronger than their peers in high school, but Thomas had to learn to deal — UH didn’t finish with a winning conference record during Thomas’ first two seasons. Though teammates have always looked up to the 6-foot-8 Thomas, he hopes to use his influence and experience to help steady the ship. “It’s kind of hard to stay positive when stuff is going bad. I’ve been kind of trying to keep the team positive,” Thomas said. “I know it’s stressful because the
VIEW Louisville flies south
UH returns to the friendly confines of Hofheinz Pavillion in search of a signature win on Wednesday. Matchup: UH (11-11, 3-6) vs. Louisville (18-4, 7-2) Time: 8 p.m. Watch: ESPNU Listen: 950 AM KPRC
young people are used to winning in high school. The fact that we’re not winning anymore is really hard on them.” Thomas and his teammates have a chance to begin changing the status quo today when defending national champion Louisville makes its way to Hofheinz Pavilion. The Cougars will have to overcome recent history and the emotions in the building to earn a victory against the No. 14 Cardinals. When UH traveled to KFC Yum! Center, they returned with a 39-point loss after a first-half threepoint barrage put the game well out of reach early — Louisville connected on 11 shots from behind the arc before the break. The University will also honor Hall
of Fame coach Guy V. Lewis in a pregame ceremony. As the players make their way down from the locker room to the court, they’ll have to dodge members of the media conducting interviews with Lewis’ former players in the same tunnel. But Thomas said the Cougars are worried about what happens when the two teams take the court at 8 p.m. only because the Cardinals present a tough test. Louisville ranks in the top five in scoring margin (No. 1, +20.2), turnover margin (No. 2, +6.8), steals per game (No. 5, 9.5) and total steals (No. 5, 209). The Cardinals also feature a strong backcourt led by Wooden Award candidate and senior Russ Smith, who averages more than 18 points and almost five assists per game. However, despite the lopsided win in the first meeting, Louisville head coach Rick Pitino said his team is not overlooking UH. “We’ve got some tough road games ahead, and if you think that Houston is going to be an easy one, it’s not. Our team has to work to win,” he said after Louisville defeated UCF. The Cougars said the keys to earning the win will be responding to when the Cardinals make a run and getting
UH was blown out the last time they played Louisville. But with a large expected crowd for a celebration of Guy V. Lewis, the Cougars have their minds set on a upset against the defending champs. | File photo/The Daily Cougar off to a good start. “They hit some big shots, and we didn’t respond in a positive way,” said head coach James Dickey. “I think our team will be ready to compete, and we
UPSET BID
UH THINKS IT HAS THE RIGHT MIX OF TALENT TO EARN A BIG WIN AGAINST LOUISVILLE. HERE WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE MATCH-UPS:
have a lot of confidence in our team. We’ve just got to make sure the right one shows up.” sports@thedailycougar.com
Written by Jordan Lewis Infograph by Farah Hasnie
Guards
Forwards
Bottom line
The Cardinals have a great veteran presence at the guard position in senior Russ Smith, senior and sharpshooter Luke Hancock. Their backcourt is defensive-minded and likes to get a lot of points from turnovers. The Cougars’ leading guards, sophomores Danuel House and L.J. Rose, returned from injuries in their first meeting against Louisville. Now if they’re hoping to seek revenge, they will need help from senior Brandon Morris and sophomore Jherrod Stiggers.
Junior TaShawn Thomas has continued to dominate and lead the Cougars’ front line. Senior J.J. Richardson is also back from his injury, and freshman Danrad Knowles will have to continue to be a spark from his position off the bench if UH is hoping to upset Louisville. The Cardinals present great size and depth, including Montrezl Harrell, who averages 12.5 ppg and 8.3 rpg, but Wayne Blackshear, who dominated with 23 points and seven rebounds in the last meeting, won’t play because of a concussion.
Edge: Louisville
Edge: Louisville
The Louisville guards will present a full-court pressure that will make it tough for the Cougars to get into a half-court, forcing several turnovers that allow them easy points. The Cougars’ front line has the athleticism to match up with just about anyone, but the Cardinals’ size will make it tough for them to obtain rebounds, including offensive ones that would allow second-chance scoring opportunities. Louisville is loaded on both sides of the ball. The Cougars will have to take care of the ball in the Cardinal’s full court press, because Louisville also ranks 5th in the nation in steals per game (9.5). Both teams have depth at all the positions, which should formulate into an interesting Round 2 on Guy V. Lewis night. — Justin Tijerina/The Daily Cougar
— Caitlin Hilton/The Daily Cougar
— Caitlin Hilton/The Daily Cougar
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P/T EMPLOYMENT After School Program Instructor. 2-6pm M-F. Christian School, Galleria area. Email resume: cebbs@robs.org
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ACROSS 1 Syllables sung while skipping 6 Like the dry season 10 Tailor’s meeting place? 14 Hulk of pro wrestling 15 Comedian Carvey 16 One-time Canadian major leaguer 17 Any obsolete item 20 Waxwinged flier of myth 21 Against the rules 22 Address for a gentlewoman 25 Ernest, in “From Here to Eternity” 26 Road Runner’s remark 30 Aid a felon 32 Bug 35 Feeling of hatred 41 It may be opened at a party 43 Sur-
passed 44 Make more efficient 45 Word with “heaven” 47 Winter hazard 48 Book with legends 53 Upperstory room 56 “Born Free” beast 58 Portion of a mountain range 63 Hit film of 1985 66 Russian range or river 67 Reference books? 68 Hindu attire 69 Man or boy 70 It may lead to a conclusion 71 Cast off from the body DOWN 1 Bangkok citizen 2 Campus mil. grp. 3 Turkish honorific 4 Secluded habitat 5 Per ___
(yearly) 6 Fuss 7 U.K. mil. branch 8 By deadline 9 Willie Wonka’s creator 10 Art photo shade 11 Right on the money 12 Orbital extreme 13 It may be below a crest 18 Org. founded by Juliette Gordon Low 19 Diminutive seasonal helper 23 Statistics and such 24 Inactive 26 Type of lettuce 27 A great lake 28 Flubs 29 Brad of Hollywood 31 Like a Granny Smith apple 33 “La,” at La Scala 34 Tallies 36 Prefix with “classic” or “natal” 37 Stoic and
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alcohol endings Certainly not nice “Render therefore ___ Caesar ...” Hobo concoction Golf stroke Resurrection Day Set of records Princess’s crown Like some anesthesia Foot-leg connector Two of a kind World currency org. Partner of effect Achy from a workout For men only Casual affirmative Cornea and lens neighbor Ending with “slug” or “song” Witch Tokyo, in the past
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SPORTS TRACK AND FIELD
Depth, family feel creates contender Khristopher Matthews-Marion Contributing writer
The UH track and field program recently took a step toward elite national status and broadcasting their image, cracking the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s top 25 for the first time in school history. By moving into contention as the nation’s No. 23 team, the Cougars have threatened to crack the foundation of South Eastern Conference track and field dominance as well as underestimations about the talent of their team. Despite the fact that the accomplishment was largely because of the efforts of freshman sprinter Cameron Burrell, sophomore sprinter Leshon Collins and junior triple and long jumper John Horton, each athlete remained humble, displaying more excitement about the prospects of their teammates rather than themselves. “That’s what most people don’t understand, the depth of our team,” Horton said. “Really, we cracked the top 25 with only four people — myself, Cameron, Leshon and Issac Williams. Once the mid-distance group opens up and the shot putters start making marks, we should really be in the top 15, easily.” Horton was a high school standout and had an opportunity to compete for a national championship at Arkansas, arguably the nation’s top team, but decided to thrive in an underdog role with UH. “If you look at Texas schools like Baylor, UT, Texas A&M and Texas Tech, they don’t have jumpers,” Horton said. “I was immediately impressed by the talent they already had on the roster and the coaches’ plans for the team in the near future.” The talent he speaks of comes from out of state, including players like Collins, sprinter Brittney Wallace from Pennsylvania and high jumper Isaac Williams from New Jersey. The Cougars rely on their submission to the family-oriented approach they bring to every meet. Although runners like Burrell and Collins are part of one of the nation’s best 4x400 relay teams, their focus on leadership, and the source of their team philosophy, is made possible by head coach Leroy Burrell and volunteer coach and Olympian Carl Lewis. Collins and Horton agree that Lewis’ dedication to the team has been significant and has helped to not only raise each of them to the next level but improve the team as well. They agree that their potential lies in the youth of the team and leadership approach from their coach. “Even with Cameron being here, Coach Burrell treats us equally,” Collins said. “He cares about us like we’re
The Cougars broke into the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s rankings for the first time at No. 24 last week, then advanced to No. 23 on Monday. The athletes and coaches think UH can become a top-15 team before the season ends. | Photos by Caitlin Hilton/The Daily Cougar
Graduate to a
BIGGER SPACE
his own kids. People sleep on UH as a team, but we’re dangerous because of the potential and guidance we have. We like the underdog role, but soon teams will begin to fear us.” Coaches Burrell and Lewis share similar coaching philosophies in creating a wealth of recruiting talent. Both men are hands-on teachers who instill a no-compromise attitude to becoming the best. There is no favoritism on the squad. All athletes are treated like their own children. “We have people here that make
physical and financial sacrifices, some which are on partial scholarships, which deserve our attention and best effort,” Coach Burrell said. “I believe the effort on both our parts, as well as the wealth of talent that comes from the surrounding areas of a city like Houston, will make us the elite competition of big-name schools like Arkansas, Florida, Texas A&M, Oregon and Stanford in the next couple of years.” sports@thedailycougar.com
1 bedroom start @ $679 2 bedroom start @ $924 3 bedroom start @ $1509 5331 Beverly Hill, Houston, Texas 77056 713.626.3660 | 713.623.2227 fax www.ChateauxDijon.com
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LIFE & ARTS EDITOR
Monica Tso EMAIL arts@thedailycougar.com
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EVENTS
Alumnus inspires with first book Monica Tso Life and arts editor
An alumnus, and newly published author showcased his work and shared his inspirations at the first book signing event Tuesday afternoon at the New University Center Bookstore. After a three-year journey, public relations and advertising alumnus Kennyrich Fomunung published his first book, “The Glass,” on Nov. 26 and held the official release at the Athletics/ Alumni Center. Fomunung worked with Felix Robinson, the bookstore’s general manager, to bring his books to the UC Bookstore’s shelves, and Robinson offered him the opportunity to host the first book signing event this semester. Drawing a crowd, Fomunung shared his spoken-word poems and a bit of history and personal experiences and influences. “Growing up, I’ve always identified with authors almost twice my age, and I wondered why it was so rare to see young people writing books and inspiring others,” Fomunung said. “In 2011, I decided to write something to my generation from my generation.” Filled with sentimental poems, short stories, prose and free verses, “The Glass” shares his thoughts on humanity, sentiments and spiritual experiences. “I’ve been writing a long time. My friends all know that I used to write notes and statuses on Facebook, and I received a lot of positive feedback,” Fomunung said. “At UH, I took a lot of poetry classes, and after talking to one of my professors, I told myself that I will publish a book.” He also created a blog, “Enrich by Kennyrich,” in 2010 to inspire students who aspire to write and share their
Public relations and advertising alumni Kennyrich Fomunung promoted his first publication, “The Glass,” a collection of poems, verses and stories, on Tuesday at the New UC Bookstore. | Monica Tso/The Daily Cougar deepest thoughts through words. Fomunung, who was president of the Student Government Association from 2009 to 2010, realized the importance of continuing his legacy after graduating in 2010. “I came to the U.S. from Cameroon in West Africa when I was 15. I studied at UH for four years, and it was the best four years of my life,” Fomunung said. “I decided that being president of SGA was only a stepping stone to doing something greater, and I want to inspire students to keep doing what they love.” He stressed his appreciation for the support he has received from the University and from his peers, and he hopes his book can symbolize a portion of his gratitude. “This entire experience demonstrates the diversity of the school,” Fomunung said. “And I hope that I
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state-of-the-art lighting system that has been installed. It’s been a significant improvement, absolutely. You look around and this campus is a completely different world from what it was when I started working here 12 years ago,” Johnson said, remembering UH’s reputation as “Cougar High” that it continues to work to prove wrong, a progression well on its way. “We’ll be in a very small cramped apartment for a year. It’s going to be a pain in the butt, but it’ll be fun,” he said. Theater sophomores Valentina Olarte and Mateo Mpinduzi-mott anticipate great opportunities for the following year. “It’s great,” Mpinduzi-mott said. “It’ll be different seeing the actors up front, for
can inspire students to stay motivated through and after their college careers.” Finance junior Bleranda Neziri was studying in the bookstore when she overheard Fomunung’s presentation. “I enjoyed Fomunung’s spoken words acts of ‘Daydreamer’ and ‘Math I Am,’” Neziri said. “I overheard his inspirations to write the book, and his way of advertising the book really grabs your attention.” Neziri’s curiosity and wonder ended in her purchasing a copy of the book. “The fact that he’s an alumnus and he’s going after something he really wants to do is great, and I like how he is inspiring others to do the same,” Neziri said. “I hope he’ll become a big seller one day.”
Cooking for Chinese New Year
The Council of Ethnic Organizations invited students to learn how to cook pan-fried dumplings, a traditional Chinese treat, on Tuesday evening at the CEO Office to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Betty Henriquez/The Daily Cougar
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us as aspiring artists. We get to see what’s behind the scenes, share the same green room and observe their preparation.” Olarte said Alley Theatre explained its plans to UH’s theater students to better assist them in the transition. She added that Alley Theatre actors came to work with the students as instructors during the year. News has spread throughout campus, and it might gain the Alley Theatre new fans, such as business senior Jorge Benitez. “I wouldn’t usually buy a ticket,” Benitez said, recalling how impossible it is to find parking in downtown. “But now it’s in location, and this brings more light into campus and changes the way you look at our university, so I’ll definitely support it.” arts@thedailycougar.com
Dressing rooms, stages, stage crew equipment and more will be renovated to improve productions at the new theatre, which will feature a Broadway-like environment with 565 seats. | Courtesy of Alley Theatre