The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University Vol 117— Issue 29
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Most memorable moments, Page 7
Index
Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian
Viewpoints..................................page 2 Special.........................................page 3 News............................................page 4 Special................................,........page 5 Entertainment....................................page 6
Sports...........................................page 7 Special.........................................page 8
Photo courtesy of SHSU Athletics
Senior Goodbye Letters, Page 2 and 3
MISS CINCO DE MAYO
The Multicultural and International Student Services will celebrate a Mexico’s holiday for its victory over France tomorrow at noon in the Lowman Student Center Mall area. FINAL RUN
So long, farewell Today’s issue of The Houstonian will be the final issue of the semester. We will resume printing during the first week of the Fall semester. If you have stories or issues you would like to see covered in the Fall semester, please send your ideas to epeterson@houstonianonline.com or sgreen@houstonianonline.com. Thank you for reading The Houstonian and have a safe Summer!
Commencement Ceremonies
Graduates ready walk
Students graduating in the College of Business Administration will graduate at 2:30 p.m. on Friday while those graduating in the College of Education will graduate at 7:30 that Friday evening. Criminal Justice majors will graduate beginning at 9:30 Saturday morning with students from the newly created College of Sciences. Saturday afternoon will hold graduation ceremonies for students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication.
JOINING THE WORKFORCE
BEARKAT SPORTS Baseball coach prepares to retire
Mother’s Day Gift Suggestions Good ideas: • Flowers • Chocolate • Homemade Cards • Jewelry • Breakfast in Bed (as long as
Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian
JOB HUNT BEGINS.. Soon-to-be graduates face stiff competition, including other graduates from years past, laid-off workers, and anyone else who is suddenly seeking work because of difficult economic times. less than half of employers, 46 percent, plan to hire college graduates for full-time positions, according to a poll on Monster.com last year.
Seniors prepare for job industry after ceremonial walk
you are the one
By Mike Silva
who cleans up!)
The lives of thousands of Sam Houston State students are about to drastically change. Donning black gowns and tasseled caps, this large group will enter commencement as students, and come out as graduates. In two weeks, the 2011 class will graduate not only from college, but from a chapter in life. But the next part of the story may be the
Bad ideas: • Cleaning supplies • Deodorant • Scale • Live pets • Anything in an informercial • Fake Flowers • Clothing (You may end up getting the wrong size
Senior Editor
SHSU Career Services. “I think it’s getting better, though. Reports definitely indicate there is more hiring. Things will continue to get better.” With national unemployment hovering around nine percent, securing a job is far from easy today. Business are closing, people are being laid off, and money is spent more reluctantly than in the past. Furthermore, soonto-be graduates face stiff
competition, including other graduates from years past, laid-off workers, and anyone else who is suddenly seeking work because of difficult economic times. What’s more, less than half of employers, 46 percent, plan to hire college graduates for full-time positions, according to a poll on Monster.com last year. Finding work right out of college is as difficult now than ever. — See JOBS, page 4
Center gives parents relief By George Mattingly Senior Reporter
With finals closing in students are starting to feel the pressure, especially when trying to fit children into study time. On Wednesday night the SAM Center did its part to help by providing free child care for student mothers as
NATION AND WORLD
a part of the Finals Relief Program. Candi Harris, staff associate in the SAM Center, created the Finals Relief Program about a year and a half ago as a way to help young mothers to get in study time before finals. “When students have children, they don’t have
time to participate in everything the campus has to offer,” she said. “I know from experience that it’s hard to keep up with studying when you have kids of your own,” she said. The program was held in the SAM Center meeting File Photo| The Houstonian room where toys STUDY HELP. To help alleviate the stress for parents juggling a college career, the Student Advising and Mentoring (SAM) Center — See CARE, page 4 provided free childcare Wednesday night.
Obama administration denies Texas disaster declaration request
Obama holds raid photos
White House Press Secretary, Jay Carney, told reporters Wednesday that President Barack Obama has decided not to release photos of Osama bin Laden’s corpse. The decision comes after many Americans are questioning whether or not Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks and leader of Al Qaeda, was really killed because of the lack of evidence provided. Carney told reporters in the daily White House Briefing that Obama did not want to inflame passions or appear to gloat. “There’s a long history of images like that being used to rally opinion against people,
toughest to get through. with limited seats available, Millions of students and everyone fighting for a worldwide Only about 15 to 20 spot. will be “There’s percent of all available jobs always jobs h a n d e d d i p l o m a s , are ever publicly advertised out there, acting as in any medium and only even when tickets to about five percent of job- the economy joining the seekers obtain jobs through is at its worst, workforce. ads, according to nationally you just have T h e recognized career and job- to work a problem is search expert Randall S. little harder the show Hansen, PhD. to find it is nearly nowadays,” sold out, and there are many said Greg Monteilh, tickets being handed out, Employment Specialist with
For more information on graduation ceremonies, visit the Registrar’s office website at http://www. shsu.edu/~reg_www/ destination/destination_ commencement ceremony.html.
Front page of the Chicago Tribune the day after Osama bin Laden was killed
to turn people into heroes,” Carney said. The news wire service Reuters has published photos from the raid, conducted on Sunday afternoon Huntsville time, that were taken by a Pakistani security official and show three men lying dead in pools of blood and the wreckage of an abandoned U.S. Helicopter.
Governor Rick Perry’s request for federal assistance following massive wildfires across the state has been rejected. The declaration was requested in mid-April to help clearthe way for federal funding and assistance with state efforts to combat wildfires that have burned over 2.2 million acres of
land. “I am dismayed that this administration has denied Texans the much needed assistance they deserve,” Perry said, in a statement. “It is not only the obligation of the federal government, but its responsibility under law to help its citizens in times of emergency.” Perry added that he is
considering an appeal. “We will immediately look at all of our options, including appealing the denial, so Texans can receive the resources and support they need as wildfires continue to threaten life and property across our state,” he continued.
Egypt’s Mubarak potentially faces execution If convicted, Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak could face execution for ordering the killing of protesters, according to Egypt’s justice
minister. “If the crime is proven, then the court will not hesitate to issue the death sentence,” Mohamed Abdelaziz alJuindy said.
Mubarak resigned in February after Egyptian citizens took to the streets in January to protest against the government.
NASA delays shuttle launch again NASA officials have said that the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour will not take place any earlier than May 10. The launch was originally scheduled for last Friday, but was scrubbed due to an electrical problem. President Barack Obama was scheduled to attend the April 29 launch, however, he still took the time to speak with officials at Kennedy Space Center and met with the crew. The flight will be Endeavour’s final mission and is the second to last shuttle launch left in the fleet.
Viewpoints
Page 2 Thursday, May 5, 2011
houstonianonline.com/viewpoints
STAFF LISTING Robin Johnson
FACULTY ADVISER (936) 294-1499
Meagan Ellsworth EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (936) 294-1505
mellsworth@houstonianonline.com
Erin Peterson ASSOCIATE EDITOR
epeterson@houstonianonline.com
Stephen Green VIEWPOINTS EDITOR
sgreen@houstonianonline.com
Brandon Scott
SPORTS EDITOR
bscott@houstonianonline.com
Jessica Priest
WEB/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
jpriest@houstonianonline.com
Mike Silva SENIOR EDITOR
msilva@houstonianonline.com
Thomas Merka
A&E EDITOR
tjmiv@houstonianonline.com
Kolby Flowers SENIOR REPORTER
kflowers@houstonianonline.com
Jared Wolf
GRAPHIC COORDINATOR
jwolf@houstonianonline.com
Lotis Butchko
SPORTS REPORTER
lbutchko@houstonianonline.com
Jessica Gomez PHOTOGRAPHER
April Sanders COPY EDITOR
Brittany Hampton BUSINESS MANAGER (936) 294-1500
bhampton@houstonianonline.com
Gurpreet Singh
ADVERTISING MANAGER (936) 294-1503
gsingh@houstonianonline.com
Chanel Montgomery PRODUCTION MANAGER
Chelsea Boyd
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
cboyd@houstonianonline.com
Chrystal Golden
COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST cgolden@houstonianonline.com
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Houstonian Staff 2010-2011 Jessica Gomez’s camera | The Houstonian
FAMILY. (Left to right) Bottom row: Jessica Gomez, Chrystal Golden, Jessica Priest, Lotis Butchko, Mike Silva. Top row: Brandon Scott, Kolby Flowers, Meagan Ellsworth, Stephen Green, Erin Peterson.
‘It’s what I love to do’ Mike Silva reflects on his decisions, accomplishments at SHSU I remember when I first arrived at Sam Houston State University. Throughout high school, I was exceptional at math. I scored a 740 out of 800 in math on the SAT, almost all of my family had studied accounting and, believe it or not, I actually like math. The pieces were in place for me to pursue a math-based career. But writing was another thing I loved to do, what I really wanted to do, and covering sports was my specialty. I would watch sports religiously, since I was seven years old, and I used to make a three-page football “magazine,” made of notebook paper, pencils and crayons. If I played my cards right, I could write for a real magazine, or some sort of publication. Looking at some places close to home, SHSU stood out. The school had a pretty good journalism program, I’d heard, and after all, Dan Rather went there. I applied to the school, and of course, was accepted. At orientation, my first stop was the mass communication building. I walked into the Houstonian newsroom, hesitantly, as I was the new kid on the scene. Talking to the soon-to-be students was Brad Basker, who you should probably remember if you’ve read the newspaper at all over the last couple of years. I approached him and asked what it took to get involved with the Houstonian. He told me to come by during the year and see about getting some assignments. I told him to remember the name Mike Silva, as I’d be with the paper for sure. Of course, August came a few weeks later, and so did September, and October, and I was yet to go into the newsroom. I guess you can say I was living “the college life” for a while. Translation: Shenanigans, the Fox, and lack of responsibility. Ironic enough, I was at a party one night and I noticed Brad. So again, I approached him and said what’s up, and he responded, “Mike…
Letter to the Student Body 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. Stephen Green Viewpoints Editor sgreen@houstonianonline.com
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 selfsupporting and welcomes all advertisers. Those interested in placing ads or classifieds should call (936) 294-4864. The Houstonian is a member of the Associated Press and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.
Mike Silva
Senior Editor wait. Mike Silva, right?” I was surprised he remembered me, and even more surprised by how many times he said the word “like” in a sentence, but we continued to talk and he again tried getting me into the newsroom. Fast forward a few semesters, and I had yet to step foot into the Houstonian newsroom. I think a lot of it was fear, more of it was laziness, and some was doubt. I wasn’t myself (except the lazy part, that’s consistent). I needed to get back to the confident, witty Mike Silva everyone knew me to be. I also needed some experience. I couldn’t afford to go on to my junior year with nothing to show for it. So I finally walked into the newsroom, got an assignment, and had some pieces published before finishing my sophomore year. It felt good. I finally had some clips, but I had to keep going. So I applied for sports reporter. When the next year came, I surprised myself again by earning the position. I was kind of upset at first, seeing as my immediate “boss” would be this annoying dude from my intro to mass communications class that would never shut up. Lotis was his name, and I’m confident whoever is reading this has become accustomed to reading his socialist, outlandish materials. Wait, I mean “democratic” socialist. He’s adamant about the differences. Surprising enough, we actually got along. He kind of took me under his wing, and polished my skills. I was a talented writer, but I was raw. After he showed me the ropes, I knew I would make it. He always hung out with Joe Buvid, our former photographer, also a good mentor. He was probably the only person who saw eye to eye with me from a political standpoint, which was good. And I’ll never forget the sandwiches we had at McNeese. Joe knows. So the three of us, the “sports” guys they called us, would go on the road with the football team and cover all the games together. We got close, business relationships turned into strong friendships, and the two of them taught me a lot about journalism and life. The next semester, I was brought up to sports editor, exactly where I fit in. I needed a sports reporter, though, and I had a good person in mind. I already pretty much decided Brandon Scott would be the one, and after he gave me his “dude, I’m about to have a kid” speech, it was a lock. Over the next year, Brandon, Lotis, and I had SHSU sports covered like a blanket on a baby. As the new “sports” guys, we became great friends, as our crazy trips and stories can attest to. There was the Baylor trip, where we scared our new, devout Mormon photographer, John Rudolph, into thinking we’re total “jerks,” as he
would say, by taking him to Hooters, having a few cold ones, then parking in the VIP Baylor alum lot, only to march up to the press box reeking of sweat and cigarettes (Brandon smokes Kools). There was the UT-Austin trip, where four grown men shared a one-bed hotel room. Don’t worry, we didn’t all sleep in the bed. Only our other photographer and “vectors/graphics” extraordinaire Jared Wolf, who slept fully clothed in a vest, tie, and loafers, and Lotis, who slept almost in the buff, sprawled out with just boxers on, shared the bed. As the minorities, naturally Brandon and I slept on the floor, where we somehow had to share one pillow. There was TIPA, which was also an experience to say the least. Some of the conversations included, “does this bar have wells beers,” “is this place Italian or Mexican?” and details of things I can’t share in this publication. Now that I think of it, that was all Jared. And who can forget our stories? Mexico mode, the Mariah story, the “is it broke?” story, the LAN party sister story, the “ATX girls unattended” update, “Oh!” “ready,” Snuffaluffagus, the Fort Worth Convention Center, “I’m from Houston!” our fantasy league. The list just goes on and on. It wasn’t just the sports guys and photographers I interacted with. “Hey” Stephen Green and iKolby iFlowers showed me how I should’ve handled my freshman year by being involved and overactive in news reporting. Meagan Ellsworth, Erin Peterson and Jessica Priest were good at showing me the non-sports side of news reporting. Oh, and most importantly, the ethics of it all. E. Jay Miranda set an example for how you should do things on a daily basis: with full effort and enthusiasm. I learned some things about running websites from Thomas Ma-MaMa-Merka, who was our web editor for what seemed like years. Our advisor, the “Boy Wonder from Down Under” Dr. Robin Johnson (not really from Australia) taught me a lot about multimedia and online journalism. Maybe because of the class he taught, but his teachings gave me really practical lessons to pick up from. All of my professors taught me a lot. Strait, Kosuowei, Edge, Herskowitz, and so on. I don’t think I’ve had one that I truly didn’t like in my time at SHSU. Contributors, like Hugo “DIDYOUSAYPABLOESCOBAR” Lopez and Cheval John, it’s on y’all to fill in for us graduates to keep this paper afloat. For anyone I unintentionally forgot to mention, I’m sure you too played a big part in helping me grow throughout college, and I apologize for not giving you credit for it. The reason for this letter is to show those reading it that you can achieve what you want to achieve. It’s in you, you just have to bring it out, and the friends and relationships you develop as you go on will help you out. A semi-wise man once said, “Take advantage of the opportunities that are given to you.” He’s right. So freshmen, sophomores, whoever reading this, if you haven’t gotten involved yet, now is your time. Once you get your feet wet, they will not dry. As you can see, you’ll have fun along the way, too. - Silva is the Houstonian sports editor and a May graduate with a mass communication degree with an emphasis in broadcast journalism.
Viewpoints
Page 3 Thursday, May 5, 2011
houstonianonline.com/viewpoints
Embracing a new chapter in life Jessica Priest is proud of her time at Sam Houston, confident in the future Someone famous long ago put it best when he (or she!) said, “The only constant in life is change.” When I graduated from high school in 2007, my life was turned upside down. My parents had just drug my sister and I through an ugly and bitter divorce. My friends had abandoned me to go to what I thought were far off, esteemed colleges like Texas Tech, University of Texas and Texas A&M. The future was vague and unknown, and the decision as to where to go to college was just one more inconvenient thing I needed to check off my long, laborious to-do list. I settled with Sam Houston State University. It had pretty trees, I reasoned. As a freshman, I continued on this path, spending most of my days locked in my tiny Elliot dorm room to either sleep or study. I got the best sleep of my life and a 4.0 GPA my freshman year, but I wouldn’t say it was necessarily my best year of college. I didn’t embrace the change, although a bit scary, that was happening around me. I hid from it. But two years ago, I decided enough was enough. I finally mustered up the courage to approach then viewpoints editor Bryan Honeycutt in the Dan Rather Building Room 210. “I want to write news,” I said in front of a room full of strangers, a feat I had yet to accomplish. I wrote columns instead. And my how times have changed since then. As a reporter at The Houstonian, I have not only cast off my normally softspoken demeanor, but also conquered my fears. Oct. 22 is a prime example of this. While most sane students were running away from the danger that was an alleged gunman on campus, I, along with several other reporters, ran towards it, which is something I’ve since been told is common occurrence among my chosen field. I guess I chose the right one then. The staff survived off salvaged pizza and warm soda from a vending machine down the hall. I didn’t leave the newsroom until 10 p.m. that night. It turns out the culprit responsible was actually a student group ignorant of the repercussions of their actions. The only gun they’d been toting around campus was made out of plastic. It was a moment I will never forget - and
probably laugh about a of your baseball games lot later. or even read what I don’t These days, I often doubt was a perfect don’t go to sleep until 5 movie script. Please a.m. (I’ve shaved years know that I sincerely off my life with this wanted to and that you job!) I spend most of are one of the smartest, my time either cursing nicest individuals I’ve the editorial staff’s ever had the pleasure of tardiness and pretending knowing. I can’t wait to to be sane (and failing). see your movies on the But whether I’ve been big screen one day. tirelessly working on Meagan EllsworthThe Houstonian or You have a real talent for indulging in something making everyone on staff a little less studious, like feel welcome. Perhaps I Jessica Priest watching marathons of benefited from this the Law and Order (What Web/Multimedia Editor most when I joined staff did you think I was as associate news editor. going to say?!), I wouldn’t change it for the Ignorant of newsroom policies, I went to world. go see a movie with my roommates on my Overall, I’m proud of all I’ve first-ever deadline. I thought I was done, accomplished at SHSU and as a staff but my page was riddled with errors. member of the Houstonian. My only real Instead of jumping down my throat, regret is that I could not do more. you worked tirelessly to illustrate to me I owe A LOT to the following people: the error of my ways. Your patience (and, Amanda Priest- What can I say about my really, forgiveness), a quality I envy and sister? While we may fight and bicker over unfortunately do not possess, prevailed and childish things, you are and always will be that’s probably why I stuck around in the my other half. You’ve rooted me on when first place. I was feeling low, you picked me up from Since then, you’ve become one of my school whenever I was stranded and cooked best friends, often offering an empathetic me countless meals without hesitation. ear when I had no one to listen. Thank you. You and I both know I seriously would’ve I can only hope that one day I can be just starved without you. half as great of a friend to you as you have I hope you know how amazing you are. been to me already. P.S. You did not start Even as a child, I recognized this when you the fire. Your mom did. beat me at nearly everything. You were the Erin Peterson- I’m so sad to be leaving first to drive our Barbie car, and, well, we just as I’m getting to know you. I hope we all know how upset I got when you could can reunite one day after graduation to enjoy sing the Pledge of Allegiance and I could our favorite Tex Mex spot, La Hacienda, in not at the tender age of five. Houston. I’ve never told you this before, I may always be subconsciously jealous but I truly admire your dedication to the of you, but I think we both each have our Houstonian. individual strengths and talents. You are not a Mass Communication As we become adults and go our separate major, and, for most people, that would paths in life, that will only become more discourage them from participating in the defined. Unfortunately, not many people newspaper, where one must acquire an can say their siblings are their best friends, extensive knowledge of not only how to and I’m happy that even after torturing you write for news but do so ethically. You’ve for 20 years, you still kinda like me. done a superb job carrying on what I’ve Kevin Jukkola - You were my first friend started by covering the Student Government on staff. Thank you. I was intimidated by Association, despite surmounting the loud personalities at the Houstonian, opposition to it, such as people saying it’s and your voice of reason often kept me sane boring and what not. during the hardest semester of my life. I’m Please do not be discouraged by these sorry I never got the chance to go to one individuals. What you’re doing, what
you’re working towards is important, and it does not go unnoticed. I’ll be excited to see what direction you take the newspaper in next semester. I’m confident that I, as an alumnus of SHSU (Ah, it feels so great to say those words), will not be disappointed. Stephen Green and Kolby Flowers- Even though ya’ll can be party poopers (I’m sorry, but no one should go to sleep at 10 p.m. during TIPA!), I have always been really impressed with how involved you both are at SHSU - even as freshmen. How can two people do so much? As I previously stated, I was not really very involved my freshmen year, and I sincerely regret it. You guys are the future of the newspaper, and I think we are leaving her in great hands. Your innovative ideas have brought a lot to the table this semester, and I urge you to continue on this path. Change is not necessarily a bad thing. Good luck guys. Joe Buvid and Lotis Butchko- It really saddens me that you both think I hate you or have any ill will towards you. As I approach the end of my collegiate career and reflect back on all that I’ve learned, I want you to know that that is not true. While I may have disliked you both as some point (I will certainly not lie about that), it was only because you both challenged me so much as a journalist to fight for what I believe in and stand up for myself. In fact, out of all the people I’ve met while working at the newspaper, I’m perhaps most indebted to you both. Thank you for pushing my buttons. Thank you for showing me that settling for “just good enough” is not good at all. Lotis, I’ll see you in Esquire one day. Joe, you are an amazing photographer. I can only hope that I’ll be as successful as you both will undoubtedly be. If I’ve left anyone out, I assure you it was not done out of malice. I tend to be longwinded, and at more than 1,000 words, I think I’ve given Stephen, our viewpoints editor, a sufficient enough challenge with his page design. Please know that I love each and every person on staff. You guys are my family. I may be embarking on a new chapter of my life, but I’m only a phone call away. This time, I will embrace the change. Promise. - Jessica Priest will graduate Magna Cum Laude in May with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communications. She has an emphasis in print journalism and is an English minor.
Thank you for your criticism, support Meagan Ellsworth prepares to leave the editor’s old, broken chair, shares memories
Not many people have heard the birds singing at 3 a.m. in front of the Criminal Justice building, nor have they seen a full moon illuminate a rather eerie Peabody Library at that hour. Every Monday and Wednesday since fall 2008, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this campus from a different angle. I’ve experienced sickening mistakes, awakening moments and heartwarming stories. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to sit in the same room as a former president and a Navy Cross recipient. I’ve seen a great man step down from his role as our university’s president and great woman step up. I’ve watched freshmen transform into young professionals. I’ve seen buildings demolished and raised. But of all the sights and sounds of this university, the greatest of these moments has been the conversations held and laughs shared with the Houstonian staff and alumni. As I prepare to leave my cluttered desk, I would like to share a few words with those who have seen me for better or worse. STOLBY: Stephen Green—you are by far the best and worst thing to have walked through room 210’s door. Whether it’s your awkward behind the desk kick, sneak back into the room move, or random expressions—you have managed to distract me every single deadline night and have hindered my production capability. For this I thank you. While you have managed to remind me why I love the Houstonian family so much, you also have demonstrated the importance of being a tough journalist who stands their ground on ethics without being a pansy. I’m so proud of how far you’ve come, as well as your recent appointment as a Texas Intercollegiate Press Association officer, and I can’t wait to see the direction you take from here. POW! Kolby—a human being should not be as technologically compatible as you are, in fact, I wonder if your biological father is actually a Mac. I can never thank you enough for implementing the Houstonian App and taking us in such a beautifully progressive direction. But, as much as I admire your quick skills to post breaking news immediately on our social media sites to let the world know about events such as a campus gun scare, I also must once again threaten your life if you post another video of me without makeup on. Although, as much as I hate it I constantly find myself re-watching the videos and laughing just as hard. I know once I leave that I will forever cherish and appreciate the times you captured on camera. I truly meant what I said the other day, you have remarkable insight into politics at such a young age and no matter which way you go with your career for politics, journalism or freaking rocket science, I am positive you will put us all to shame and also provide a great service to society. Oh, and I still think you’re the next Anderson Cooper. Lotis—at this point we know where we stand. As journalists we disagree on just about everything and we’ve been completely, verbally honest about that. But, after all of these years you have been like a big brother to me and I know that every challenge you have thrown my way has helped me grow as a journalist, to question
why things are done the confidence. I admire way they are done, so your ambitious ability to that I no longer follow a take on so many projects pattern of behavior, but and excel in them all. I actually make decisions had so much fun doing that are of my own will your make up for Miss and direction. And as Relay and our “clubbing” much as you’ve made me experience in Fort Worth. want to pull out my hair, We definitely all need to I have to admit, it was get together again soon. sometimes nice to hear Jessica—you are by your brutal honesty speak far one of the hardest out loud what everyone working students I have else was thinking. Thank ever met. I remember you for forcing me to back when I was the think outside the box viewpoints editor and and to step outside of my you came in to write comfort zone. I wish you Meagan Ellsworth columns for me. You’ve all the best in both your grown so much as a Editor-In-Chief career and engagement. writer, journalist and Mike—whether it’s with jokes, layouts especially as a strong woman. I have the or podcasts, you’ve really brought an edge utmost respect for you and appreciate all to the Houstonian. Any given time that you the times that you’ve came through—not were in the newsroom we were guaranteed only as a member of the staff, but as an a much-needed laugh. You always have the incredibly great friend as well. I’m going to best stories and such an interesting take miss our tropical sunrise lunches, but I’m on things. I admire your cool hat, perfect so proud of you and I can’t wait to see the grammar and determination to not have work you do next. junk food during lent—I would never be Erin—we danced, we ran, we edited, able to accomplish such a sacrifice. Best but most of all we shared some really wishes as you prepare to walk across the great jokes, stories and future plans for the stage and step into your career. Houstonian. I can’t say that I know who Brandon—what I can say, I mean, we the next Editor will be, officially, but if have a ‘Houstonian Kid’ together. And you do become chief I know I will finally even though it’s one ugly kid, it’s ours. be able to go to bed before 3 a.m. You are All kidding aside, you’ve always brought a strong editor, a great teacher and a true a little sanity to the newsroom, often friend. I know this publication will be safe pointing out when we were overanalyzing, in your hands and that’s the only reason I and bringing us back down to earth from am willing to leave that old, blue broken our ‘stressosphere’. You are such a gifted chair. Besides, you’re far more organized and hardworking writer with a voice that than I could ever be. I’m excited to see what speaks to everyone from all walks of life. you will assign and design. If you ever need No matter what the issue or debate is, you anything, just know that I’m here for you. always seem to have the best insight and the Robin—I’m so happy to have been the most common sense. Not to mention, you editor when you became the Houstonian’s have the best cup in the world. Keep the adviser, but I wish you would have arrived content rolling my friend, I’ll be reading it, sooner. You have pushed us to realize our and good luck with all that you do. potential and have made us aware of the Jared—you’ve added so much color and areas where we need to improve as well as life to the Houstonian with your creativity the more modern technologies and sources and out-going personality. I respect your we need to utilize. You have provided ability to produce such beautiful graphics, tremendous guidance to me this semester even when it was a last minute request. for which I am eternally grateful. You are Beyond the art on the page, I still can’t a great mentor and I take great comfort in believe you made a basketball court and knowing that the staff will be in your hands airplane out of pizza boxes, as well as a when as I wave goodbye. Thank you for all colorful Houstonian “H” out of straws. I of your support, your jokes and especially will never forget the day you and Lotis had for pizza night. Good luck with the future an epic battle in the newsroom. Thank you staff and 326 class. I’ll be sure to leave the for adding a little fun to the staff and don’t water guns for you. work yourself to death. Take the time to Chrystal, Cheval, and Hugo—thank enjoy the world around you just as it is. you all so much for your enthusiasm and E.Jay—look at our website, look at our willingness to sacrifice your time to the social media sites. You have helped us go Houstonian. It is people such as you that in a new direction and have opened our keep the Houstonian alive. Chrystal, we eyes to who our audience is. I’ll never be had a tent at Relay for Life…you did that! able to thank you enough stepping up to the Cheval…you have kept the Houstonian’s plate and aiding us in realizing our vision. first consistent blog and have really reached It’s been great having you as a part of the out to the university community to share Houstonian staff and experiencing the Red such unique stories. Plus, you always are Bull lifestyle with you. You’ve already there to help. Hugo, you’re going to make done so many remarkable things with your a damn good investigative reporter. I love life and I can’t imagine what’s next. Best your passion to dig deep within the issues wishes, swag. that most weak-minded journalists shy Merka—you have such a great personality away from. Be careful in your bravery and and really launched the Houstonian’s remember what I said about being humble facelift. Thank you for building our and mastering the basics. Good luck, my
friends, and thank you for everything. Mad Brad, Brittany Hampton and Pawpaw Price—if it was not for each of you last spring there’s no way we would be where we are now. The Houstonian faced some truly troubling challenges, but you came back to us and made way for stability as well as a future for the Houstonian to continue its wonderful service to the university. Thank you so much for allowing this great opportunity to continue our traditions. Ms. Mary and Rex Harding—I know we didn’t make it easy on you. We were messy, we were late, and we were simply a wild bunch of hooligans some nights. Thank you for your unwavering patience and kindness. Dr. Edge, Dr. White, Professor Eschenfelder, and Professor Ziegler— without each of you I would have been completely lost. Thank you for your lessons and guidance. Houstonian Alumni-when times were tough, when you could have thrown up the peace sign and ran, you called, you wrote letters, you shared advice and provided a long-distance shoulder for me to lean on. Not to mention, you trusted a student with no experience and a ton of ambition to become a reporter, opening the door for me to become the editor. Without you Bryan, Rachael, Christi and Jenny I would not be prepared for a career as a journalist, I would not have ever built these relationships, shared these experiences or written these words. You created a monster, one that will continue to follow you and look up to you even after I walk across the stage. Thank you for always being there for me and I look forward to our next reunion dinner. University Community-- After reading this letter, I hope you have some idea as to how much I love and support the Houstonian program. I can’t say that I always the best editor, but I promise that I have loved every waking moment of my experience. When it comes to the Houstonian, there are just some things that can’t be taught from a book. But this program provides the opportunity for us to build a portfolio and have a fighting chance in a competitive industry. It is vitally important it is for students in the Mass Communication field to take advantage of this hands-on program and help it to continue to grow. Please support this publication with news tips and feedback. Let the staff know when they print a good story and hold them accountable when they make a mistake. After the surge from Hurricane Ike I lost my home, but I had the Houstonian. It has been my sanctuary through this crazy college experience. Now that deadline is creeping up on me again, and the time ticks closer for me to bring this letter to a close, I find it harder to walk away from my second home and family. I’m sure I’ll slap my head as soon as the pages are sent for forgetting a ton of people and notes, so for those unmentioned and the words unwritten let it be known that I will always take pride in my time here and hold these moments dearly to my heart. Thank you for it all. - Meagan Ellsworth is a mass communication major with an emphasis in print journalism.
News Social media leaves impression
Page 4
Thursday, May 5, 2011
houstonianonline.com/news
By George Mattingly Contributing Reporter
Social media is here to stay. With the number of members reaching into the millions, including celebrities, politicians, major companies and organizations, no one can doubt the apparent popularity of social networking sites. Facebook alone has 500 million active users from all over the world, 70 percent of those users being outside the U.S. Twitter has gained 106 million users since 2006 who contribute a collective 55 million tweets a day. Although social media websites were originally intended for fun online socializing, they have had far more reaching impacts on how people communicate. Social media has allowed people to connect faster across distances. Long gone are the days when it took days or even weeks to hear from someone and to respond to them, or traveling long distances to see someone. Today, through social media, contacting someone is as simple and quick as the click of a mouse or typing on a keyboard. “The world has shrunk in terms of how fast we can communicate,” Sujey Vega, Ph.D., assistant professor of sociology, said. “Because of social media, time and space are imploded. People can communicate almost instantly.” The lightning-fast power of social media has kept
From JOBS page 1
“You’re told all growing up that if you get a college degree, it makes it a lot easier to get a job,” 2010 SHSU graduate Thomas Martel said. “To constantly apply and hear nothing was kind of discouraging. “But I continued to apply for jobs everywhere, and I finally got a call back. The key to it all was persistence. I just kept going, I got an interview, and the rest is history.” To cope with the times, there are alternatives students can follow to alleviate the job searching pressure. A good way to get feet in the door in any industry is with internships. Though many are unpaid, the experience attainable is unmatched. Many employers could use the extra help, so even if they invite unpaid help, the opportunity should be seized. Pursuing higher education is another means students take to cope. First-time enrollment of U.S. graduate students grew six percent from 2008 to 2009, according to the Council of Graduate
people in communication in times of crisis. According to USA Today, social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and others were instrumental in mobilizing aid for those affected by the recent earthquake that struck Japan. People were able to communicate with U.S. ambassador John Roos via Twitter in order to get troops to a hospital within an hour of tweeting him. In a gun scare last September at Sam Houston State University, the power of social media was at work. Several students were warned by their friends on Facebook and Twitter about the presence of the alleged gunman before being notified by the university. But, as Robin Johnson, Ph.D., professor in the mass communication department, points out, speed of communication can lead to “a loss of message control.” There are times when, because of the speed of social media, false information can be spread quickly. The ability of people to share vivid, unedited photos and videos gives them the power to leak certain information before traditional media or governments can officially release it. This power of social media can be dangerous because it can cause much confusion and hurt reputations in the public eye. Despite of the dangers of social media, employers, businesses and organizations have grasped onto the power of social media to communicate with
their constituents. Entrepreneurs and developers from more than 150 countries build with a Facebook platform while at least half of Twitter users follow companies, brands or products. “Before the internet, there was mass advertising through TV, radio and newspaper,” Johnson said. “Now, the environment is fragmented. Companies are targeting certain populations they want to purchase their products.” The speed of communication in social media allows for quick feedback on goods and services. Companies can immediately see the reaction from consumers, and the ability of people to introduce friends and relatives to products helps expand businesses through influence. Social media also allows for a close personalization between companies and consumers by allowing consumers to actively participate in business. Employers have also utilized the power of social media to view pictures, updates and other information about their employees and potential employees. Although this can cause people to lose their jobs or not be selected, Johnson says that it benefits companies because every employee represents an investment for that company. On the flip side, people can also research companies through social media and decide if they want to be part of it. According to him, having a presence online is becoming
important for employers. “Having an online presence is a selling point for employers and will become very important for future employees in the next 2-5 years,” he says. “People just have to learn how to manage their public personas.” There are several reasons why social media attract so many people, but, as Vega says, it all comes down to the need for people to feel connected to the world around them. “I like to stay connected with friends and events,” said sophomore Olivia Jaramillo. “It helps me to stay up to date on things.” Vega agrees that social media has increased the speed of communication between people and groups but points out that the need to feel connected can sometimes become obsessive. “The idea of ‘Facebook official’ has created another reality for some people because the focus becomes less about staying connected and more about being involved in everyone’s business,” she said. While some people use social media to stay connected to others, some use it as a tool for selfpromotion, and that can lead to distraction, says Vega. She says people have become obsessed with the need to share everything about themselves. It raises questions about whether people do it for attention, or if it will truly affect them if someone does or does not communicate with them. As more people begin
Schools. Not only does school provide shelter and a sense of familiarity, it also increases job marketability upon graduation. People with a master’s degree earn about $400 thousand more in a lifetime than those with a bachelor’s degree, according to About.com. Another option for graduates hit by the job market is to start their own business. Though the risks are high, and capital may be needed, the reward is well worth it should success come. Phillip Emenogu, junior at SHSU, founded PNE Online Staffing, LLC to help students find work out of school. “I was motivated to start my own business, because of the economy. Because it’s so hard to find a job, I decided to use my savings to go ahead and start my company,” he said. “Our focus is on helping people get jobs, stay with the company, and grow within that company. “Our motto is ‘helping individuals discover their potential.’ Not only are we trying to help the corporations, we also want to help prepare individuals
to work in their areas of expertise and to grow.” While finding work out of school may be difficult, it isn’t impossible, and there are common misconceptions about the process. Something that discourages job seekers is not seeing a want ad for a specific business. Just because an employer doesn’t post a wanted ad doesn’t mean they aren’t hiring. Only about 15-20 percent of all available jobs are ever publicly advertised in any medium and only about five percent of job-seekers obtain jobs through ads, according to Randall S. Hansen, PhD. Probably the biggest misconception about interviewing is that the most qualified person will automatically be hired. Actually, the job-seeker with the best mix of qualifications, interviewing skills, and rapport with his or her interviewer will receive a high consideration, Hansen said. Another thing to avoid is jumping at the first job offer made available. A better offer could come along, and it may be best to hold out for the job offer that best fits the
direction they want to move in, Hansen said. “It’s good to be flexible in this particular job market,” Monteilh said. “If you grab the first thing available, you may regret it. But again, it may be an opportunity where you can get experience, and you can build from that. “Your dream job may not be the first you come across, but the first job you come across may help you get that dream job.” There is light at the end of the tunnel. Though unemployment remains relatively high, the number continues to decrease. Monteilh advised to use all resources available to gain an edge on the competition, including using career services. He also stressed the importance of networking, and maintaining aggressive in job seeking. “If you’re going to job hunt, treat it like a job,” he said. “Do it for eight hours a day. Get up in the morning, and finish in the evening. “The more you look, the more interviews you get, the more likelihood there is that you’ll find a job, and quicker.”
to utilize social media, some concerns are that they are taking away from traditional media such as TV, radio and even face-toface communication. Johnson argues that social media have not caused other media to suffer but helps them. “In terms of TV and radio, I don’t think it has suffered; it has enhanced them,” he said. “According to recent statistics, people are not watching less TV because of social media. In the age group between ages 18-29, they are watching more online TV.” Vega disagrees and says that social media has caused communication, particularly writing and basic grammar, to become too casual because of the constant use of text messaging and online chat. However, both Johnson and Vega agreed that faceto-face communication has suffered due to social media, because more people rely on their presence online to communicate with others. It’s all a matter of perspective, according to Jaramillo, who says social media has helped her contact with people more than hurt it. “I think of it as I get to stay in touch with more people at the same time, and now it is really easy to stay in touch with them,” she says. “I think without Facebook I wouldn’t be in contact with a lot of people.” Johnson says the biggest danger of social media is that they “often hide some of their real motives” because
most people can provide information without even knowing it and thus become robots in a sense. Vega says the real danger of social media is that they have the potential to perpetuate bullying and stereotypes. She says that when people engage in social media, they are always at risk of coming under attack for their personal views or lifestyles because information is public and people are quick to react without thinking. The ability for people to remain anonymous through social media adds to this problem because people are more willing to discuss things online rather than speak about it. “Just because it’s not said out loud, doesn’t mean someone can’t post about it,” she said. Although social media has already displayed its power within a few years of appearing on computer screens, the long-lasting effects remain to be seen. Johnson says that although social media is popular, people are too quick to move on to the next big thing to make a long-lasting impact like that of TV when it was introduced in the 1950s. Vega argues that social media will last in the long run because people will always have a need to communicate and interact with others. “[Social media] will change and evolve of course, but we have to evolve with it,” she said.
UPD Update May 1, 2011 - Officer was dispatched to the CHSS Building, located at 1901 Avenue I, in reference to an altercation in a computer lab. Officer identified two female university students who were involvoed in a verbal dispute. Information was obtained and a incident report was completed. A copy will be forwarded to the Dean of Students’ Office for review. - Officer responded to the area of Wall Unit to assist the Huntsville Police Department in reference to a reported Aggravated Robbery report. Upon arrival, officer located three suspects and detained them until the Huntsville Police Officers arrived. - Officer was dispatched to Spivey House (1925 Avenue I) to assist with a medical call. April 29, 2011 - Officer was dispatched to Belvin Buchanan Hall (1008 17th Street) to assist with a medical call. - Officer responded to the the Psychological Services Center (919 Bearkat Boulevard) to assist with a student who was seeking medical help. - While providing police services at student social funcition located at the Walker County Fairgrounds (3925 SH 30 West) officers had to break up a fight. During the fight a male university student detained. A report was completed and a copy will be forwarded to the Dean of Students’ for review.
From CARE page 1
and games were provided for the children while the mothers worked and studied at nearby work areas. McDonalds also helped by sponsoring free kids meals for the children. “It’s a huge relief,” said senior business major Lindsey Picone, who registered for the program after seeing it on the SHSU website. “It’s very hard to balance everything because I work full time and go to school full time,” she said. It’s not just about the young mothers said Harris. According to her, when students have children while going to school, they often rely heavily on family members to help them with child care and Finals Relief was a chance to give them a break also. Picone encourages other mothers on campus to take advantage of the program because “we need all the help we can get.”
File photos
TAKE BREAK. Parents’ Finals Relief gives back again this year to those students with children for two hours of study time in preparation for finals. Harris hopes to expand the program in the future if more mothers take advantage of the opportunity. Each semester, only four to six mothers register for the program and this semester was no different. “If there are students
on campus who know of the program, but cannot participate for any reason, we would like to know so that we can cater to their needs,” she said. Until then, she plans to stick to the program’s motto: “as long as one student benefits.”
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Arts & Entertainment
Page 6 Thursday, May 5, 2011
houstonianonline.com/a-e
Sand, sun and summer fun
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HCT to bring fairytale to Old Town Theatre By Thomas Merka
Entertainment Editor
The Huntsville Community Theatre will share a bit of fairytale magic with their production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella� beginning May 13. The production is a massive project that has pulled many talented people from the community together. The cast totals upward of sixty people.
The main characters include: Chelsea Dunivan as Cinderella, Angela Towler as the Fairy Godmother, Rebecca Cobo as the Stepmother, Mandy Colwell and Erin Moerbe playing the stepsisters Grace and Joy, respectively, Jack Coughlin as Christopher or Prince Charming, Doug Mullins as the King, Michelle Ray as the Queen, and Jeremy Mitchell as Lionel. Helen Farrar is the
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assistant director, Cindy Rohe is the music director and JudĂŠ Lee Routh is the production’s choreographer. “People tend to miss the point, and think that they story of Cinderella is all about living happily ever after,â€? said Marjean Creager, director of Huntsville Community Theatre’s upcoming production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. â€œâ€Śbut it’s really about telling an honest story well and striking a chord in all of our hearts.â€? With Creager’s vision, the HCT’s production of “Cinderellaâ€? will be updated and humorous, without losing the spirit of enchantment and makebelieve. “Impossible things can happen everyday,â€? said Marjean Creager, director of Huntsville Community Theatre’s upcoming production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. “We just have to believe it, then work for it.â€? HCT’s “Cinderellaâ€? opens on May 13th at 7:30 pm. Other performance dates are: May 14th, 20th, and 21st, all at 7:30 p.m.; May 15th and 22nd, at 2:00 p.m. at the J. Philip Gibbs, Jr. Centre for the Performing Arts (Old Town Theatre), 1023 12th St., Huntsville, Texas. For Cinderella tickets or for information on HCT’s upcoming 2011-12 season, call (936) 291-7933 or go to HCT’s website at www.HuntsvilleCommunityTheatre.org.
Sports
Page 7 Thursday, May 5, 2011
houstonianonline.com/sports
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Final Thoughts: Favorite Stories of the Year Sports Reporter Lotis Butcko reflects on women’s basketball season as most memorable In part due to the return of redshirt sophomore Britni Martin and part by a new attitude the Bearkats women’s basketball team flourished this year, finishing the season for only the third time with a winning season. The team blew through a tough nonconference schedule, beating the likes of Grambling and North Texas. They were primed for a season that would not disappoint any fans. The team won its first five conference games and went 11-5 in conference. Britni Martin and Sequeena Thomas helped lead the team through both hard times and good, being pushed by Head Coach Brenda Nicholls. “This whole year the one thing I kept preaching was mental toughness,” said Nichols in an interview from March. “This team had to develop toughness about it and get through those mental blocks. That’s what
we did this year, we were mentally tough.” Though they didn’t lead any categories throughout the year the team was thorough on teamwork. At some points passing the ball five or six times before they ever got a shot off. Unfortunately the team did not finish in story book fashion. Pitted against University of Texas – San Antonio, the team was pushed out from a win by some favorable calls and a lack of an outside shooting game. However the brightest point seems to be the future, as the team will return every starter from this year. “When you ask me what the best part about this team is, I can say that my entire team will be back next year,” said Nichols. “That is a good luxury to have.” lbutchko@houstonianonline.com
Sports Editor Brandon Scott pays tribute to retiring baseball head coach Mark Johnson
Photo courtesy of SHSU Athletics
LEGACY. Johnson became the sixth head coach in Sam Houston State University’s modern baseball history on July 16, 2006. His four seasons at the helm of the Bearkat program can best be described as “record breaking.”
Jessica Gomez | File photos
A NEW BEGINNING. Both Sequeena Thomas (left) and Britni Martin (right) were the top two scorers and rebounders for the squad. Martin ranked third in the Southland in scoring, sixth in assists and ninth in steals..
On Feb. 5, when Mark Johnson told his players he’d be retiring at the end of the 201011 season, the initial shock wore on a lot of players. Seniors couldn’t help but be happy to hear Johnson would still be around for their final year. But for the younger players - the one’s who still have aspirations of maximizing their college careers with one of the best coaches to ever do it, the announcement came as an unpleasant surprise. “There goes my senior season,” said one junior Bearkat relief pitcher to his thengirlfriend (and Bearkat softball pitcher). It immediately became a tribute season to a man who dedicated more than 40 years to baseball. The first noteworthy point of the season was SHSU winning 11 straight games after losing two of its first three. Bearkat senior and all-time hits leader Braeden Riley (which really ties for my favorite story of the year) said the team wanted to send Johnson out the right way. Who could blame them really? Last season Johnson became the 44th head coach to win 1,000 games at the NCAA Division I level. He started at Texas A&M as an assistant in 1982 before taking over the program from
1984 to 2005. Johnson won Southwest Conference championships in 1986, 1989, and 1993 and Big 12 league titles in 1998 and 1999. He is a member of both the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and Texas Baseball Hall of Fames. But what’s most impressive about Coach Johnson lies in his humanity - focusing on developing his players into productive men of society. During Johnson’s tenure at Texas A&M, 93 percent of the 272 baseball players who competed in the baseball program earned their college degrees. All of this explains the crowd of 3,560 when the Kats visited the Aggies earlier this season. The Olsen Field crew put grass behind home plate into the shape of a number 7. It was done subtly to the point you had to look for it to see it, according to Larry Bowen of The Eagle in College Station. But there should be nothing subtle about how we celebrate Johnson’s five seasons as the Bearkat skipper, even though it will be (students won’t be here May 20). The next coach will be honored to call himself a replacement. bscott@houstonianonline.com
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