April 5, 2012

Vol 120 | Issue 21

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Publishing since 1913

Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University

Like us on Facebook: “The Houstonian SHSU”

George Mattingly reviews renewed Selena album, pg. 4

INDEX Viewpoints ....... pg. 2 A&E ................... pg.4 News .................. pg. 3 Sports................. pg.5

Flordia case to examine scope of ‘Stand Your Ground Law’

5-Day Forecast

JASMINE BROWN Contributing Reporter

Information from Weather.com

Thursday, Apr. 5 HI: 84 LOW: 57

Friday, Apr. 6 (Left to right) Seniors Jamie Bledsoe and Joanna Blanco, and juniors Tracy Blakely, Allison Black and Jordan Bizauskas gaze at their individual rings during the ceremony at the Johnson Coliseum on Wednesday.

HI: 83 LOW: 61

One ring to ‘honor’ them all

Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

Saturday, Apr. 7

Ceremony celebrates student accomplishments

HI: 84 LOW: 61

Sunday, Apr. 8 HI: 81 LOW: 62

Monday, Apr. 9 HI: 81 LOW: 62

KIZZIE FRANK Contributing Reporter Students set to graduate this year received their rings at the 9th annual traditional ring ceremony of Sam Houston State University, which took place at 6:30 p.m. in the Johnson Coliseum Wednesday.

Students must complete at 75 credit hours or more to be eligible to participate in the ceremony. Over 700 students registered to participate in the ceremony this year. The event usually takes place outdoors in front of Austin Hall on campus. There would not have been enough room to seat all that gathered. For each student there was at least one person who came to support. To avoid any hassle, the event was moved to a bigger venue, Johnson Coliseum.

The ring ceremony was opened with a few words of encouragement from the president of SHSU. “Students and alumni who have gathered here are

part of a historical family,” President Dana Gibson, Ph.D. “Students most of you have reached a milestone in your academic careers, and you are congratulated....I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t stop there [at graduation],” Gibson said.

Doors opened around 4:30 p.m. for students to get checked in and seated. The majority of parents and other guests arrived just a bit before it was time for the event to begin. Students were directed to the ground floor of the coliseum where they were seated alphabetically. Parents, alumni, and other guests were directed inside to the stands to witness the event.

Inside, were two large screens, showing previous ring ceremonies, as well as the school motto. Directly above the stage was a large picture of a gold class ring. There was a saxophone quartet that played as the audience waited for the festivities to begin.

When it was time to begin, Frank Parker, vice president of student services stepped up to the podium to congratulate the students on receiving their rings. He explained the importance of the word

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CEREMONY, page 3

McNair program gives advantages to underprivledged undergraduates Alejandra Trevino remembers sitting on the couch with her sister in a little house in Monterrey, Mexico. Her mother, hands clasped, tells them they’ve done something very bad. But she is joking, and her serious face changes quickly, revealing a joy that tells of great news – they got an appointment to go to the U.S. Embassy to get their residencies.

Photo courtesy Cristhian Cadena.

Cristhian Cadena is a junior biology and chemistry student hoping to begin biomedical research after getting his Ph.D.

Trevino lived in Mexico all her life, finishing high school there and volunteering for a year in a home for children while she and her mother and sister waited for word from their father about coming to the United States.

That day, she said, was “the best day of my life,” because it opened a door to some of her greatest accomplishments and successes.

It wasn’t without hardship, but Trevino said “[I] set my mind to learn and do my best to start a college education.”

Trevino, an Interdisciplinary Education graduate of Sam Houston State University, is now getting her master’s in Education in International Literacy. She hopes to be a professor someday, to “continue to share that passion for teaching that a lot of educators have shared with me.”

Trevino is just one student, but each of the students in the McNair program has a story to tell.

Her classmate, Cristhian Cadena, is a junior who is working towards getting a degree in biology and chemistry. He hopes to do biomedical research once he gets his Ph.D. They are a part of SHSU’s prestigious Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, designed to provide talented lowincome, first-generation and ethnic minority undergraduate students with effective preparation for doctoral study.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, they estimated in a study done several years ago that 22 percent of students enrolled in postsecondary education are first generation college students. In this study, roughly four in 10 (about 43 percent) left school without a degree, and only 24 percent

graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Lydia Fox, director of the McNair program at SHSU, said that retention rates within the program are high, however, 70 percent of students go on to get a master’s degree and 20 percent go on to get a Ph.D. Students in the McNair Scholars Program are working towards the goal of getting a Ph.D. or a master’s degree all the time. Each student has a faculty mentor in their chosen field to guide them in a required The McNair program has r e s e a r c h been integral in my experience The at Sam Houston...because...and project. with the help of my mentors, I opportunity for have been accepted to Vanderbilt s c h o l a r s h i p s University in the graduate and paid program and I have earned one travel to visit of the biggest scholarships the g r a d u a t e biology department has given in programs and five years... -- Cadena attend research conferences is available for all participants. Scholars are also offered graduate workshops, GRE prep, research funding, tutoring and access to resources such as laptops and a lending library.

One of the most important parts of the McNair program, however, is that it has helped students like Cadena and Trevino overcome educational challenges on their journey to success.

“The McNair program has been integral in my experience at Sam Houston,” Cadena said.

“Because of it, and with the help of my mentors, I have been accepted to Vanderbilt University in the graduate program and I have earned

“

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MEREDITH MOHR Contributing Reporter

MCNAIR, page 4

In the wake of the controversy surrounding the death of Trayvon Martin, other states, including Texas, are under scrutiny for their own “stand your ground” law.

George Zimmerman, who shot and killed Martin, has yet to be arrested and protesters across the country have expressed anger that he may not suffer any charges due to the extremities of the ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law in Florida.

Stand Your Ground laws state that a person can use lethal force if that person feels at all threatened. Versions of the law have been passed in 25 states, including Texas.

The Texas law also states that an individual has the right not to flee and can use lethal force if they feel imminently threatened.

The difference between the Texas and Florida version of these laws protects Texans more in the fact that there are provisions for provocation.

That is why Florida’s law is considered to be the most aggressive.

“Because it has no provisions for provocation,” said Tamara Waggener, Ph.D., Political Science Director of Graduate Studies.

Even though Martin committed no crime and was provoked by the pursuer, his murder could be covered by the self-defense law since Zimmerman claims to have felt somehow threatened.

So this begs the question, if Martin’s incident took place in Texas would the results turn out the same?

A slightly similar event already has.

In 2007, Joe Horn shot two immigrants in his yard who were robbing a house next door.

In Texas, if the party whom deadly forced was used against has been provoked by the person using deadly force, the act is no longer considered self-defense, according to the law Ch. 9 , Section 31 of the Texas Penal Code.

In the Joe Horn case, Horn was acquitted of murder charges because the two people he killed were robbing his neighbor’s home and had traveled to his yard in the process, in a legal sense, making them a possible threat to Horn, according to various news sources.

Stand your ground laws are heavily backed by the National Rifle Association, which pushed for the original passing of it in Florida and pushed for similar laws in other states, according to the NRA website.

The NRA has yet to comment on the Martin controversy.

“

A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked...has the right to stand his or her ground...including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm...

“

Stephen Green and Jessica Furdock debate employee weight requirements, pg. 2

Florida Statute Chapter 776, Section 13

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Viewpoints

Page 2 Thursday, April 5, 2012

houstonianonline.com/viewpoints

One or the other A hospital in Victoria refuses to hire obese employees, Editor-in-Chief Stephen Green and contributor Jessica Furdock square off

To Morgan Davis for being named SLC’s Indoor Track Student-Athlete of the Year.

To Robin Johnson, Debbi Hatton and LeeAn Muns for all of their support and guidance that led to many awards for our newspaper, radio & TV staffs last weekend at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association State Convention.

To the storm that rolled through late Tuesday night causing far too many people to panic on social media sites.

To the new sign by the CHSS telling us to keep off the grass.

Maybe the reason the grass is so trampled in that area is that there needs to be a sidewalk.

To the relocation of the Ring Ceremony from Austin Hall to the less prestigious Johnson Coliseum due to ongoing restorations.

Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alumni: The Houstonian would not survive were it not for the continued involvement and dedication of the SHSU student body. We welcome all column submissions and letters to the editor. If at any time you feel the need to express an opinion, please do not hesitate to email your thoughts or drop by our office in the Dan Rather communications building. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you as always for your continued support of the Houstonian.

Karmen C. King, Viewpoints Editor, kking@houstonianonline. com

T

he hearts of many South Texans weigh heavy due to a decision by one medical service provider to stop hiring obese employees.

The Citizens Medical Center in Victoria is requiring all employees to have a body mass index score of less than 35, which is considered moderately obese.

According to the Texas Tribune, an employees’ physical appearance “should fit with a representational image or specific mental projection of the job of a healthcare professional,” and be “free from distraction” for the patients.

What a bad move. The centers’ reasoning is so that they can push healthy lifestyles onto their patients. The logic doesn’t make sense.

Patients won’t look at their nurses and have a sudden epiphany about a healthy lifestyle.

This is much in the same way that going to the gym and seeing beefed-up personal trainers doesn’t aid in behavioral change.

In addition, it’s blatantly discriminatory. According to data from the Center for Disease Control, in 2009 Victoria had a population that was listed as 30.4 percent obese. They are once again cutting brains for beauty.

BMI is not a measure of intelligence. The mind is the most beautiful and intriguing of the

Faculty Adviser 936-294-1499

Stephen Green E dito r-in-Chie f 936 -294-1505

V

ictoria, Texas locals are outraged at an area hospital’s new policy which prohibits the hiring of the morbidly obese.

“Some of the best nurses I have ever met in Victoria and around the US have been overweight…

No matter how a nurse looks on the outside, it is her medical knowledge and bed side treatment I am concerned with,” Victoria Advocate website user of justamom said.

Citizens Medical Center in Victoria won’t hire applicants if they have a body mass index, or BMI of 35 or higher.

The policy, which was implemented about a year ago, states the potential employee, “should fit with the representational image or specific mental projection of the job of a healthcare professional,” and have an appearance that would not distract patients.

While reading this one starts to think, is this legal?

But surprisingly it is. While employers cannot discriminate against persons of certain race,

age or religion, weight isn’t included in that protection.

Only the state of Michigan and six U.S. cities have banned discrimination against those who are overweight.

Having a weight requirement is something that hasn’t been seen before. Some hospitals have declined employment to those who smoke because the health insurance would be too expensive; Citizens Medical Center denies this is the reasoning behind their policy.

They also deny the thought that those who are of obese weight will not be able to perform the duties their job entails.

They created this policy to help promote a healthy living style to their patients. Patients want to be taken care of by those who seem to take care of themselves.

Weight shouldn’t be a factor in someone’s credibility, but in the medical field it can hurt ones’ impact quite a bit. If an obese doctor advises a patient on the dangers of how what they eat can hurt them, it may not be taken as seriously as if a doctor of average

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Molly Waddell

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A & E Edi to r

Matt Frazier

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1792 – U.S. President George Washington exercises his authority to veto a bill, the first time this power is used in the United States.

1922 – The American Birth Control League, forerunner of Planned Parenthood, is incorporated.

1949 – A fire in a hospital in Effingham, Illinois, kills 77 people and leads to nationwide fire code improvements in the United States.

1994 - Kurt Cobain, lead singer for grunge group Nirvana, commits suicide.

2010 – Twenty-nine coal miners are killed in an explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia.

April 6

1808 – John Jacob Astor incorporates the American Fur Company, that would eventually make him America’s first millionaire.

1862 – The Battle of Shiloh begins – in Tennessee, forces under Union General Ulysses S. Grant meet Confederate troops led by General Albert Sidney Johnston.

1865 – The Battle of Sayler’s Creek – Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia fights its last major battle while in retreat from Richmond, Virginia.

1947 – The first Tony Awards are presented for theatrical achievement.

1973 – The American League of Major League Baseball begins using the designated hitter.

April 7

1940 – Booker T. Washington becomes the first African American to be depicted on a United States postage stamp.

1961 - JFK lobbies Congress to help save historic sites in Egypt.

1969 – The Internet’s symbolic birth date: publication of RFC 1.

2003 – U.S. troops capture Baghdad; Saddam Hussein’s regime falls two days later.

1965 – Astrodome opens.

First indoor baseball game is played.

Business Staff

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1614 – In Virginia, Native American Pocahontas marries English colonist John Rolfe.

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weight told them the exact same thing.

Those against this policy could argue that being overweight is a disability that would be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and in some court rulings obesity has been interpreted as a disability, but isn’t a concrete protected issue yet.

The hospital has not fired any current employees for being obese and is willing to give assistance to any obese candidates who want to get their BMI within the requirements.

While I sympathize with those who have been denied a job due to their weight, I side with the hospital. As with any company or organization, the employees create and represent the image of where they work. This isn’t any different from not hiring those with visible tattoos or piercings.

In the end it is the hospital’s decision as to who would be best suited to care for the patients that come through their establishment.

- Jessica is a mass comm major.

April 5

April 8

Misti Jones

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George Mattingly

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human species…no matter what the weight is of the body in which it rests. It could be said that the center is turning away perfectly qualified and brilliant potential employees because of logic with no depth.

John Beck commented on the Tribune article that echoed several Victoria residents’ sentiments.

“Are they planning to turn away obese patients too?” Beck said. “Or, maybe the next step is to discriminate against sick people.”

According to the hospital policy logic, seeing obese people causes a reaction in others to either become, or remain, obese

Karmen King

s g re e n@ho u s to ni ano nl i ne.c om

Asso ciate Edito r 936-294-1502

Editor-in-Chief

Jessica Furdock thinks that the image of the employees reflects the image of the business

Editorial Staff Robin Johnson

Stephen Green

themselves.

David Brown, hospital CEO, is making an assumption that obese people make other people get fat. This is an example of post hoc, ergo propter hoc, a Latin term used to describe one situation that is falsely said to cause another. On the flip side, non-obese persons do not cause obese people to get thinner.

It’s also harmful to employees who were grandfathered into the system. No employees have yet to be fired, but they are experiencing professional harassment. The hospital is offering help to those employees that exceed the BMI level.

It’s hard to imagine going in to work every day and knowing that one’s employer disapproves their body image. That has got to be mentally stressful, not to mention destructive.

It’s reckless of the hospital to waste the potential of the human mind for such frivolous and down-right destructive beliefs.

Instead of forcing this ideology on their employees, they should offer incentive bonuses to employees that keep their BMI below certain levels, such as a bonus or a free vacation at the end of the year.

People will respond to the good.

It’s time for talent to outweigh body-size, not only in this hospital, but in businesses across the country.

All comics courtesy Creators.com

To the hot streak our baseball and softball teams are on! Eat ‘Em Up!

Stephen Green says it’s competence not size that matters

Today in history:

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S p o rt s R e p o rt e r

Jessica Gomez

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Megan Laurie Co p y E d i t o r

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The individual opinions on the Viewpoints page are not necessarily affiliated with the view of The Houstonian or SHSU. The Houstonian is published semi-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is a news publication of Sam Houston State University, a member of the Texas State University system, and is produced by students. It is self-supporting and welcomes all advertisers.

Those interested in placing ads or classifieds should call 936-2941495. The Houstonian is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

News

Page 3

Thursday, April 5, 2012

houstonianonline.com/news

Ortiz crowned as Miss Sam Houston ALLISON MCMATH Copy Editor

Dazzling smiles and sparkling dresses lit up the stage Tuesday night at the Miss Sam Houston 2012 Pageant sponsored by the Program Council.

Angelic Ortiz took the crown after three rounds of competition consisting of Spirit Wear, Talent, and Formal Wear-Question and Answer.

Emcees Julio Poletti and Ambery Lype started the evening by introducing each of the women as they walked down the runway in bright red attire.

Nine women from different organizations on campus began the competition rounds by showing their best representation of bearkat spirit. They decked the stage in orange, white, and blue.

After spirit wear, the judges eliminated Laura Wood of Pi Delta Pi and Shelby O’Brien of Phi Sigma Pi. A wide range of skills were showcased on the stage as the seven remaining women showed off their best talents. Alexis Bloomer of Zeta Tau Alpha displayed her trick roping skills that she acquired just a few short months before the pageant.

“The Zeta girls asked me if I knew any random skills like trick roping to do as a talent and I didn’t know how so I learned just for the pageant,” Bloomer said. “I had a minor flop backstage but thank goodness the curtain was closed!”

Bloomer was eliminated after the talent portion along with Cheyenne Simpson of the National Broadcast Society.

In evening wear, each of the five

remaining contestants answered questions given by each of the five judges. The women discussed new traditions they would like to see at Sam Houston State University, their biggest accomplishments and new discoveries.

While the judges deliberated, Act I, a performance group, sang Seasons of Love from Rent and an excerpt from their upcoming show “The Brown Sugar Review”.

Angelic Ortiz was named Miss Spirit Wear, Miss Congeniality, and tied with Victoria Towery, Miss Alpha Tau Omega, for Miss Talented.

Second Runner-Up was Lauren Fenn, Miss Chi Alpha and first runner up was awarded to Victoria Towery.

Ortiz accepted her Miss Sam Houston 2012 title mouthing “thank you” to the crowd and blowing kisses to family and friends.

“We put in so much work and I’m pretty sure I got a white hair somewhere,” Ortiz said about participating in the pageant. “I am most looking forward to meeting President Dana Gibson and shaking her hand.”

Other pageant winners were also in attendance. Miss Katy 2012 Whitney Wylie, SHSU freshman broadcast journalism major showcased her twirling talents during the pageant and Miss Texas 2011 Kendall Morris offered her expertise during the evening wear portion.

“Work as hard as you can; work especially when others are sleeping,” Morris said.

Angelic Ortiz will represent SHSU in the Miss Texas 2012 pageant this summer.

Allison McMath| The Houstonian

CROWNING GLORY. Miss Sam Houston 2012, Angelic Ortiz (left) is crowned by Miss Sam Houston 2011, Risa Mitchell. Contestant, Victoria Towery (above) sings How to Love by Lil’ Wayne, during the talent portion of the Miss Sam Houston Pageant.

Allison McMath | The Houstonian

GLITZ & GLAM. Miss Texas 2011, Kendall Morris (left), read the questions to the contestants during the Q&A session at the pageant. Alexis Bloomer (above) shows off her trick roping skills in the talent portion of the pageant.

LSC representative presents expansion to account for growing number of students MISTI JONES Senior Reporter Student Government Association’s meeting was short and sweet as they welcomed a Lowman Student Center representative who asked for the student body’s support for an expansion of the facility.

Dan McDaniels, director of LSC, presented the Senate with ideas in order to attract more student participation in the center and accommodate more organizations and student groups with places to meet.

The LSC currently has 125,000 gross square feet to service a population of 12,500 people. The master plan created in 2008, McDaniels told the Senate, asks for 200,000 gross square feet for 20,000 students. Sam Houston State University is steadily growing and is expected to have more than 18,000 students enrolled by next semester, increasing a push for an expansion of the student center.

CEREMONY,

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“Honor” engraved inside of every ring; Sam Houston was given a ring from his wife before going into battle with the word honor inscribed on the inside.

“Remember where you come from and remember that you will always be a part of the bearkat family,” said Parker.

Names were called by Charlie Vienne, director of alumni relations. Gibson had the honor of handing students their ring took a picture and shook hands with everyone. Scrolls were then given to each student by the president of the Alumni board of directors, Mary Ellen Thorton.

Vienne instructed the students to put their ring on their finger to symbolize their accomplishments.

Amanda Stewart, graduating senior and sociology major, was relieved to have her ring.

“The LSC was not designed to handle the number of students who are currently enrolled,” Tyler Eberhart, SGA president, said. “Sam continues to grow and the needs of the buildings also increase. I believe an expansion would better serve the students and allow the LSC to truly be a student center.”

One of the ‘short falls’ with the current student center is that there are issues with overcrowding and lack of space for on-campus and off-campus groups who want to meet there.

“There is one meeting facility on campus that can handle large events and that’s the ballroom,” McDaniels said.

“The location of choice to hold a banquet and career fairs is the ballroom. It’s extensively booked. By Feb. 24, we had three dates this semester left open in the ballroom.”

Demand for rooms was so high this year that the LSC had to extend its hours, from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., in order to increase the number of opportunities for

groups to meet.

The facility only has two large meeting rooms; room 320 holds more than 100 people while room 304 holds more than 50.

“There’s more than 40 groups on campus that have more than 50 members,” McDaniels said. “We end up, a lot of times, putting groups down in the theater and therefore, we lose the theater for programming space.”

In spring 2010, students asked the LSC for upgrades and additional entertainment to be added to the Kat Klub. They wanted a brighter space to hangout, television viewing area, video gaming and more computer spaces.

After these renovations were made, according to McDaniels, student traffic to the Kat Klub increased by 44 percent while program attendance increased by 92 percent. The amount of student traffic to the Kat Klub has grown by 10 percent since last year.

“So, is that what happens when you renovate the

student center?” McDaniels said. “One, you’re gonna get more space but you will also provide what the students are looking for.”

McDaniels said many students have asked for a bowling center to be added to the Kat Klub; however, with a lack of adequate space in the LSC, this has not been possible. He said the center could be extended to the space of Smith-Kirkley, which will be torn down this May. “The university does have a very highly rated women’s bowling team,” McDaniels said, “so that’s an opportunity for us to partner with athletics to cover some of the cost of putting a bowling center in that would fit their needs for practice and tournaments.”

It is currently unknown what the cost will be for students in order to expand the LSC. The student center fee cannot increase without a referendum from the students.

“We don’t have the funding for a new student center,” McDaniels said.

“We’re still looking for that funding. But what we will look at is as soon as the Board of Regents say that we can proceed, that’s when we’ll get student groups together to say what want in it.”

The LSC was built in 1962 and was renovated in 1984 and 2002. Each renovation cleaned up the existing facility, but did not expand it.

McDaniels came to SGA to ask for the student body’s support for these developments.

The Student Health Center and Counseling Center have also asked for SGA’s support to expand their facilities.

“We are honored to have them come to speak with us first,” Eberhart said.

“Them coming to us shows the respect and ability to work together that SGA and administration share.”

SGA will have its last meeting on April 10 at 6:30 p.m. in LSC 320. They will have several legislative pieces including resolutions in support of the health center and LSC expansions.

“I feel it’s a big accomplishment. My next step is to graduate. I just have to keep focused on the future,” Stewart said.

Her grandfather, Guadelupe Flores Jr., was also in attendance.

“It didn’t dawn on me till this morning...as I sat there, I was spell bound,” Flores said.

The ring ceremony is held every spring semester, and was hosted by the Alumni Association with rings provided by Balfour.

60 percent unemployment rate so I really wanted to go to the United States. But it was really difficult learning English and adjusting to the lifestyle.”

These days, he also faces challenges of a demanding schedule, like many college students.

“Cris has an incredible work ethic and is willing to sacrifice personal time, including sleep, in order to get a job done,” Patrick Lewis, professor of Biology and one of Cadena’s mentors in the McNair program, said. “I’ve seen him many times in the morning in the same spot as I left him the night before, where he works straight through the night and then he goes to class. Not many students have that level of commitment.”

For Trevino, at the same time she was learning English when she came to the United States from Mexico, she was also working to put herself

through school.

“It wasn’t easy; I took writing, listening, speaking and reading classes at Lone Star College,” Trevino said.

“I started in level three out of 6 levels. I completed the ESL program in one year, and worked all through my time in school. It wasn’t easy, to work and study, but I really have had a lot of support from my family, friends, teachers and coworkers. I don’t know how I would have done it without them.

There were times I had a test or a class was getting harder, but they always had a word of encouragement. They always supported me.”

Trevino said that the McNair program has “been wonderful in helping me achieve my goals,” including all her professors and her mentor, Helen Berg of the education department.

“I have learned so much with the help of Dr. Fox, and the McNair staff,” Trevino said. “They have helped me to prepare for the

next step. They gave me the tools, the knowledge of the different options and most importantly they gave me the confidence that my goal is possible.”

Cadena said his family has motivated him to keep going, because as a first generation college student, part of the reason he is doing this is for them.

“My mom is so happy, she keeps bragging about her son to everyone,” Cadena said. “The road wasn’t easy, but family can get you through anything.”

MCNAIR,

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one of the biggest scholarships the biology department has given in five years.”

Cadena, a native of Columbia, knows he has come a long way.

“The problem with Columbia is that there isn’t a good education system, which makes it hard to get a good job,” Cadena said. “The country has a

SHSU culinary team heads to competition MOLLY WADDELL Associate News Editor The Sam Houston State University Culinary Team will be heading to the Southwest Region ARAMARK Culinary Excellence competition on April 5, 12 and 26.

ACE recognizes and rewards outstanding chefs throughout ARAMARK higher education accounts, according to Jimmy Williams, employee of ARAMARK. SHSU has selected four chefs to compete: Ariel Mayorga, executive chef, Michael South, catering chef, David Netter, catering sous chef and Richard Huber, sous chef at Old Main Market.

“Each of the participating chefs has been selected because he or she consistently strives for culinary excellence and is focused on surpassing customers’ expectations with great meals,” Williams said.

Three schools are hosting the competition; Southern Methodist University on April 5, University of Houston on April 12 and University of Central Arkansas on April 26.

Huber and South will be competing at SMU, Netter will be competing at UH and Mayorga will be competing at UCA. The chefs will prepare one show plate for the students and judges and a taster plate for each judge.

Students are encouraged to attend and cast their vote to help select the winning chef.

The top three finalists from each region will then compete at the ACE National Challenge in November.

Arts & Entertainment

Page 4 Thursday, April 5, 2012

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Greek life groups stomp it out RANA BANKS Contributing Reporter Several fraternities and sororities hit the stage to stomp it out in the Ebony and Ivory Step Show, hosted by Lambda Eta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma and Sigma Lambda Beta took home the second place prize of $500 while the ladies of Sigma Sigma Sigma and Sigma Gamma Rho were crowned the winners of the $1,000 prize.

This year’s competitors were: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. with Zeta Tau Alpha, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. with Sigma Sigma Sigma, Alpha Chi Omega with Pi Kappa Alpha, Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority, Inc. with Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. with Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc. Other featured groups at teh show were S.TA.R.Z., a step team from the Boys and Girls Club, and E.L.I.T.E., the Huntsville High School step team.

The step show was also a chance for groups to join together on stage. The ladies of Delta Xi Nu and Sigma Lambda Gamma showed unity in their organizations on stage and members of Zeta Tau Alpha performed signature Alpha Phi Alpha steps.

Zeta Bi Beta Sorority Inc. has hosted the show every spring semester for the past four years in conjuction with Finer Womanhood Week.

Photos by Rana Banks| The Houstonian

STOMPING TO WIN: Members of Alpha Phi Alpha (top left), Trisha Marie Rojas of Delta Xi Nu (top right), ladies of Sigma Sigma Sigma (bottom left), and S.T.A.R.Z., the step group of the Boys and Girls Club (bottom right) all showed their skills as they performed in the Ebony and Ivory Step Show.

Music professors to take performer’s chairs on stage GEORGE MATTINGLY Arts & Entertainment Editor Music students will trade the performing stage for audience seats as faculty member take the stage to perform in the Faculty Trombone Recital on Monday.

Held in the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, the recital will feature music performed on trombone and piano by Ben Osborne, adjunct professor of trombone along with Ilonka Rus, Ph.D., assistant professor of piano.

The performance will include six musical pieces ranging in style including Baroque, music dating back to the 1600s, impressionist , popular music and jazz, according to Osborne.

The recital is held every year as an opportunity for faculty to perform and for music students to be exposed to high-quality music, according to Osborne.

“The concert is put on for students to be exposed to different kinds of music that most people have probably never heard,” Osborne said.

“It’s also to expand trombone repertoire.”

For music students, the concert will be a unique chance to see their professors perform and gain insight into musical performance.

“Many [music students] are going to school here to be performers,” Osborne said.

“The recital will allow them to see what they can expect as performers, protocol for a recital and hear new ways that trombone can be played.”

However, Osborne said the recital will not only be an experience for music students, but will also be what he called a “privilege” for him as a performer.

“As a performer, I like the opportunity to perform in such great facilities as the PAC with Doctor Rus and I want the audience to be exposed to as much trombone music as possible while I’m here.”

The Faculty Trombone Recital will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. For more information, call the School of Music at 936-294-1360.

New Selena album attempts to revamp songs, fails to compare

Photo courtesy of Terry Ross | Flickr

REMEMBERING A STAR: A memorial stands in Corpus Christi, Texas and features a rose and statue of Selena, who was killed in 1995 at the age of 23.

GEORGE MATTINGLY Arts & Entertainment Editor For fans of Selena Quintanilla, it’s hard to forget her catchy dance tunes and throaty vocals that enchanted many, even 17 years after her death. Her music is brought to life again in the latest album titled “Enamorada de Ti”,

released on Wednesday.

While most of the reworked tracks use slower drum beats, acoustic guitar and piano that work well to bring Selena’s music into the new millennium, others fail to honor the fresh sound of the originals.

Producers added duet partners like Christian Castro, reggaeton star Don Omar and Selena Gomez.

The harmonies they create sound natural and smooth, at times, as if they were intended that way like in “Amor Prohibido”, while in “Como La Flor” the male voice sounds straining and hurts the feeling of the lyrics.

A bluesy, sped up version of “No Me Queda Mas” makes a great opening statement. The producers turned the song, which is originally much slower and mariachi style, into a slightly more upbeat track with hints of reggaeton in it. The resulting

sound keeps the feeling of the song in tact and brings it to 2012.

Another one of Selena’s hits titled “Amor Prohibido” is given a romantic makeover with guitar and strong drum beats that make it sound like more of a ballad.

Along with duet partner Samo, the song is made into a exchange between a man and woman.

This all works well because it highlights the strength and emotion of her voice while staying true to the intent of the song.

However, as the album continues on, some tracks sound out of place in the album and for Selena’s voice. “Como La Flor” is perhaps Selena’s signature song out of all her music, and the reworked version on the album completely misses the mark.

The producers opted for a slower, mariachi version of the song with strings and blaring trumpets in the background.

Christian Castro is also featured on the track and does nothing for it.

His voice does not compliment Selena’s and most of the time, it sounds like Castro is struggling to reach the higher notes in the song, which does not mesh well at all. “Como La Flor” is not a happy song; the lyrics talk about the pain of having to give up on loving someone and the new version fails to convey the same emotion.

Originally a fast-paced, fun song, “El Chico Del Apartamento 512” is slowed down in the new album. Producers took away the dance appeal and band sounds and traded them for guitar and a weird sound effect that hurt the uplifting, fun attitude of the song.

The problem with these songs is that they sound slapped together without considering the sounds and feelings in the original songs.

With better producers and duet partners that actually compliment Selena’s voice, these songs could be fixed to bring them into 2012 and would have made for a more complete tribute her music. In some cases, the original songs are simply better and should stay that way.

Despite the few flaws, the album is a good buy for anyone who enjoys Selena’s music and with its new sounds, brings her music to the ears of younger audiences.

Sports

Page 5 Thursday, April 5, 2012 houstonianonline.com/sports

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Another one bites the dust Baseball knocks off Rice for ninth straight win CODY LEWIS Sports Reporter Michael Oros lasted five innings and gave up no runs on Tuesday when the Bearkats defeated the Rice Owls 2-1 to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the season.

This was the 24th-ranked Bearkats’ ninth straight win and it gave head coach David Pierce a win over his former team where he was a pitching coach for nine years.

Prior to the ninth inning, Sam Houston head coach David Pierce made a defensive switch that put Greg Olson in right field which possibly saved the game.

Rice (20-10) was very aggressive as third baseman Shane Hoelscher tried to reach third base on the second single but a long throw from Olson prevented him from doing so. Michael Burchett then earned the save as he struck the last hitter out with runners on first and second.

“That’s been the story of our offense this year,” Rice head coach Wayne Graham said to riceowls. com. “We’re not getting the big hits when we need them. If you don’t get the big hits when you need them you’re going to be in trouble.”

Sam Houston (21-9, 10-2 SLC) scored its two runs in the third inning with three consecutive hits. Third baseman Kevin Miller and right fielder Jake Arrington hit back-to-back singles and then John Hale hit an RBI double to score Miller. Second baseman then grounded out, which scored Arrington to give the Bearkats a 2-0 lead early.

Arrington extended his hitting streak to 11 games in the win over Rice.

“With hitting I just go to the

photo courtesy of gobearkats.com

A BIG WIN. The Sam Houston State University baseball team celebrates after a win earlier this year. Tuesday, the No. 24 ranked Bearkats defeated the No. 10 ranked Rice Owls for their ninth consecutive victory. Thursday, the Bearkats begin a three game series with the Northwestern State Demons. First game is set for 6:30 p.m.

plate and look for a pitch to put a good swing on,” Arrington said. “It’s going to come and go throughout the course of the season, but I try to have good plate discipline and right now I’m squaring balls up and they’re finding holes in the defense.”

Oros (4-0) gave up only three hits and no runs in his five innings as he picked up the win in this non-conference game.

“It’s a huge win,” Oros said.

“They are a great team. They’re

ranked in the top ten in all of the polls and for us to come out and hit, pitch and play defense like we did was great.”

Allen Scott, Jordan Bunch and Burchett all pitched in relief.

Rice pitcher Austin Kubitza took the loss for the Owls, giving up all three of the Sam Houston hits that scored the two runs.

“The win against Rice was big for us as a program,” Arrington said. “It really showed that we’re not a team to be taken lightly and

Bearkats sweep Houston Baptist, win sixth straight ZACH BIRDSONG Sports Editor The Sam Houston State softball team swept Houston Baptist University in a double header at home on Tuesday, 2-0 and 4-3, giving them six straight wins overall.

In the first game behind freshman starting pitcher Meme Quinn (3-2), the Bearkats shut down the Huskie offense on their way to a 2-0 victory.

Quinn, who was making her fourth start for SHSU, threw her second complete game of the year and struck out eight of the 25 batters that she faced. Kendall Stiefel took the loss for the Huskies.

The Bearkats scored both of their runs off of a two RBI single from first baseman Kim Damian.

In the second game, the Bearkats fell behind early after Michaela Granchelli gave the Huskies an early 1-0 lead after an RBI single in the top of the third inning.

SHSU answered back after third baseman Shelbi Tucker hit her sixth home run of the

season, and gave the Kats a 3-1 lead.

HBU answered back with a run in the top of the fifth inning after an RBI single by first baseman Melissa Herman. The Huskies had the bases loaded with two outs but couldn’t capitalize as SHSU was able to get out of the inning.

Kats second baseman Alyssa Coggins came through with an RBI single in the bottom half of the inning, sealing the game for SHSU. Shelby Lancaster picked up her fifth win on the season, while Tomi Garrison got her third save of the year.

SHSU (14-15, 6-2 in SLC) continues Southland Conference play this weekend as they travel to San Antonio to battle the University of Texas-San Antonio (13-18, 3-3 in SLC) on Friday.

This will be the last time that the Kats and Roadrunners battle as UTSA is leaving to join the Western Athletic Conference in July.

The first game of the series is scheduled for 6 p.m.

For more information about the team, visit gobearkats.com.

SOUTHLAND STANDINGS BASEBALL slc

Teams

overall

SHSU Northwestern St. Southeastern La. McNeese St. Texas St. UT Arlington

10-2 9-3 7-5 7-5 6-6 6-6

20-9 12-14 21-9 11-15 18-10 17-11

Nicholls St. Central Ark. SFA TAMU-CC UTSA Lamar

6-6 5-7 5-7 5-7 3-9 3-9

17-12 11-14 12-16 12-16 11-18 10-17

SOFTBALL

Teams

slc

overall

McNeese St. Texas St. SHSU Central Ark. TAMU-CC Nicholls St.

5-1 8-2 6-2 5-3 6-4 4-4

21-10 22-12 14-15 26-13 10-14 8-22

UTSA UT Arlington SFA Northwestern St. Southeastern La.

3-3 2-4 2-6 2-8 1-7

13-18 12-16 9-21 13-23 7-26

gives us momentum heading into the rest of the season.”

The Bearkats will return home for a three game series against Southland Conference rivals Northwestern State, who is right behind Sam Houston in the standings with a 9-3-conference record.

SHSU is coming into this series as one of the hottest teams in NCAA Division-I having won its last seven conference games.

In its 25-year history in the

Southland Conference, they have never swept three Southland Conference teams in a row.

Since 1987, the Bearkats’ longest winning streak has been 10 games.

The Demons (12-14, 9-3 in SLC) recently swept Lamar and took two-of-three games against McNeese State and Stephen F. Austin.

Game one of this series will be on Thursday night at Don Sanders Stadium. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.

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