September 5th, 2018 WEDNESDAY VOL. 104, NO. 11
Campus | Update
TWU receives record-setting donation
By LACEY CUTBURTH On Aug 9, 2018, the TWU Denton campus received its biggest donation of all time. Mary L.A. Stanton of Frisco gifted the university $10,001,901. Stanton is a TWU alumna who, while working towards her MBA at TWU, found herself working for H.T. Ardinger & Son, a Dallas-based wholesale import company. Her career at the company took most of her time, which halted her education. Stanton is still grateful for the degree she does have. “Without my degree, I don’t think I would be where I am today,” Stanton said. According to the TWU news website, Stanton continues to manage 10 other businesses in fields ranging from oil and gas to medical research since the passing of her late husband Horace Ardinger Jr., who ran the company. Stanton and her current husband, Bob Stanton, are strong supporters of education and are proud to be giving back to TWU. While attending TWU, Stanton commuted to campus and was a working
Campus | Student Life
Mary L.A. Stanton and Chancellor Carine M.Feyton
single parent. In an article from the TWU website, she said, “I hope my gift will provide students with a campus experience I was not able to enjoy myself.”. Stanton earned her bachelor’s degree from the university in 1989. Also quoted in the article, Chancellor Carine M. Feyton said, “Mary is a smart
businesswoman who serves as a role model for many.” Stanton wants her donation to go towards TWU’s new residential village opening in fall of 2019. The village will be geared toward TWU’s sophomore class and will be able to house 875 students. Aside from housing, the
Photo Courtesy of Office of University Advancement
village will also contain classrooms, a fitness center, exploratory learning areas and recreational spaces, according to TWU news. TWU news stated, “This is TWU’s first major housing development since the opening of the Lowry Woods Community in 2005.” Since this is such a big production,
the new village will also incorporate 30,000 square feet of dining space for all TWU students. The university Board of Regents has voted to name the new building the Mary L.A. Stanton Hall, or Mary’s Hall for short, according to the Denton Record Chronicle. $1,901 of the donation will go towards the launch of
the “1901 Society” inspired by Stanton. The name comes from the year TWU was founded, 1901. This society is for those who have donated at least $1 million to TWU in their lifetime. “Her thoughtful and generous gift will transform student housing at TWU, and I am pleased to see Mary leading the charge to inspire others to give to Texas Woman’s University” Feyton said. The donation received attention from NBC DFW (Channel 5), KRLD Radio, Philanthropy News Digest and a Denton RecordChronicle story published in the Dallas Morning News. “Ninety-nine percent of them [students] will never meet me or know me, and that’s fine. But they’re going to know that a woman was successful” Stanton said. She noted to NBC that it’s rare to see a woman’s name on a building and she hopes to serve as a role model to students. “It sends a message to our students that if you work hard, you too can be successful,” Feyton said.
Hoo’s Hoo on the new mascot
By KATELYN GARST Last year’s announcement of TWU’s new owl mascot sparked school spirit and led student life and faculty to want to put a face to the name. After auditions this summer, a mascot was sworn into secrecy and his/ her identity could only be revealed to the Pioneer Pride Dance Team and their coach, Allison Fields. The mascot debuted at the Block Party on Friday, Aug. 24 and has already made an impact to the game day atmosphere. “We already got compliments from the coaches and from the athletic director,” Fields said. “They appreciate having the extra spirit there and representation. So far, the mascot’s been to one
game, the volleyball game on Saturday night, and they all came up. Just having support really helps them out a lot and gives them a lot of empowerment.” Fields believes that TWU Student Life and Athletics did a great job of choosing a mascot that represents our school best and thinks highly of the student behind the mask as well. “I think our mascot has a lot of school spirit. That’s the most important thing, for sure,” she said. “This student comes up with great ideas. It’s great to have someone who takes initiative, and not something where the student has to be told what to do. They know what the student body needs.” Though she knows our current mascot does a great
Pioneer Pride Dance Team and the new mascot
job, Fields recognizes that it is a lot for one student to handle the job alone. She hopes that auditions for more student mascots will be held at the end of September, but no official dates have been released. The spirit team is also in need of handlers to accompany student mascots. Information on both of those details can be found on the Fitness and Recreation website in the next few weeks. Additionally, the voting on the name for our owl mascot has officially begun. 300 name suggestions were originally sent in over the summer, and those 300 have been narrowed down to four: Dub, Maroo, Oakley and Spirit. To vote, look on Texas Woman’s social media to find the link.
Caitlyn Laky / The Lasso
TWU’s new mascot
Caitlyn Laky / The Lasso
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Opinions
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 twulasso.com
The Lasso Editorial Staff Editor-in-Chief
Krista Simpson ksimpson9@twu.edu
Managing Editor Lacey Cutburth lcutburth@twu.edu
Interim Page Editor Madeline Boutwell mboutwell@twu.edu
Copy Editor
Katelyn Garst rgarst@twu.edu
Reporter
Shannon Simmons ssimmons4@twu.edu
Reporter
Amber Gaudet agaudet@twu.edu
Photographer Caitlyn Laky claky@twu.edu
Opinion | Editor-in-Cheif
Letter from the Editor By KRISTA SIMPSON Welcome back, TWU students! I am so excited to enter into a new semester and see what all Fall 2018 has to offer. As the new Editorin-Chief of the Lasso, I’m stoked to be a part of telling the stories of TWU Denton, as well as hearing all the news that some of you may bring to the Lasso to report. While a new semester always brings much excitement, it can also present stress and anxiety to practically every student walking our grounds. The primary reason for attending university is to further your education, but I think that it is also incredibly important to make an effort to mold yourself into a well-rounded student by participating in non-academic events. Yes, college is about grades and dragging yourself out of bed to make it to your 8 a.m. on time, but it is also about the lifelong friends you make and the memorable experiences
Editor-in-Chief: Krista Simpson
that come along with being a student at TWU. I have found that when I become overwhelmed with all the coursework of my classes, it is best to step back and take a breather for a second. Finding a way
Caitlyn Laky / The Lasso
to relax and reboot your system is vital to having the most successful semester possible. It can be daunting when looking at all the tests you have to study for and the essays that you have to write, but remember that you have
made it this far, so you can keep running this race that somehow keeps going. Relax for a moment. Put down the pencil. Sit on the couch with your best friend. Go dancing. Do whatever it is that brings your soul happiness, so you can go back to the world of Opinion | Managing Editor
Opinion | Staff
Question everything
STAFF
By LACEY CUTBURTH
PIC KS
Q: How do you get into the swing of things starting a new semester? All photos by Caitlyn Laky / The Lasso
AMBER GAUDET I like to plan so that I’m not overwhelmed when the assignments start rolling in. Working ahead is vital to staying on task for me, and doing so allows me to spend extra time on big projects when they arise. I try to stay organized and make use of alarms, planners and the like so I can manage my time and be as stress-free as a college student can be!
MADELINE BOUTWELL
LACEY CUTBURTH
KATELYN GARST
At the start of a new semester, I like to look at all of the assignments from each syllabus and put them into my planner. By doing this, I know in advance which weeks will have more work than others so I can prepare myself. Don’t let the semester sneak up on you.
Starting a new semester for me is like starting a new chapter. I get new school supplies, which I love. I like to start fresh and clean with new notebooks, planners and pens. Making sure I’m well organized helps me take on a new semester with ease. Each semester is a new adventure on its own.
To be completely honest, I really never get into the swing of things. Things are always coming up, changing and rearranging, but the closest I get to finding a groove for the semester is having a set day to tidy my room, clean my fish tanks and do laundry. Getting organized every Saturday makes everything simpler.
CAITLYN LAKY
SHANNON SIMMONS
KRISTA SIMPSON
When a new semester begins, I am usually completely frazzled. After the anxiety takes over, I say a prayer for clarity and let the Lord guide my steps. Truthfully, the only thing that gets me in the swing of things is remaining faithful to Him because I know He will take care of me (Philippians 4:19).
I like to make myself a weekly schedule that includes every obligation I have including school, work, time with my daughter, social time and self-care time. When I can see it laid out on paper, it helps me balance my roles in my head. I also like to put together the binder I’ll use for everything throughout the coming semester. It’s good to be organized.
I always look for a new planner when a new school year rolls around. Typically my planners have to be decorative and fun because that’s what gets me excited for another semester. I write out my class and work schedule for the week and make to-do lists so that I can stay on top of all my assignments and never feel like a due date springs up on me.
Blue Wood
TWU Lasso is hiring!
The TWU Lasso is looking for two page editors and a reporter to join the team! If you are skilled in graphic design, we would love for you to come work for us and lay out articles
academics and give it your all. Being a part of an organization, whether it’s on campus or off campus, is immensely helpful when it comes to making memories that make your college education more than just a GPA. Life becomes exponentially less intimidating when you have friends next to you to look it in the eye and laugh. I have made a point to be involved with organizations so that I can feel like I am doing something that can make a difference, and in that process, I have formed friendships that will last me a lifetime. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone when becoming a part of a group- I promise you won’t regret it. So really, all I’m trying to say is, have fun this semester! Don’t forget that life is more than grades and resumes. Go out and make some memories, TWU!
onto the news pages as well as design graphics and illustrations. We are also in need of a reporter who would be willing to write 2-3 articles a week for the paper! Both positions
are paid $10/hr for 10 hours a week. If you are interested in applying, please email Krista Simpson at ksimpson9@twu. edu.
Conspiracy theories surround the internet: one simple search and hundreds of links pop up with different theories. These theories range from simple things like Coke changing to cheaper ingredients, to the 9/11 attack. Conspiracy theories don’t have to be true to be considered a theory, and sometimes there isn’t even evidence for it. In September of 2014, there was an outbreak of the Ebola disease. It didn’t take long for skeptics to start gathering conspiracies. It is believed by theorists that Ebola was a man-made disease to control population. It was also thought that Ebola was created to make money off of medications and vaccinations. The flat earth conspiracy is a rather large one. This conspiracy is so popular that there are societies that hold meetings about how the earth is flat. According to LifeScience, the society has fabricated an opposing theory, the round earth conspiracy. LifeScience said “the belief that the earth is flat has been described as the ultimate conspiracy theory.” Chemtrails are another popular conspiracy. Planes leave behind water condensation when they are in flight, and we see what looks like thin, white clouds in lines or patterns. The theory is that these trails have toxins in them that are hurting people and the environment. According to the Carnegie Institution for Science, around 17% of the global population believe that this is more than just a conspiracy. Crisis actors are believed to be paid actors who show
up at tragic events, such as shootings. This conspiracy is brought up every time there is a new tragic event. Images of victims or witnesses showing up at multiple events have appeared across the internet. Weather is added into the conspiracies found online. It is believed that certain weather events are man-made. Major earthquakes and hurricanes are not always believed to be just nature in the conspiracy world. Conspiracists believe that some weather catastrophies could be for population control. The Mandela effect is a conspiracy over how there could be alternate realities. This conspiracy gained a lot of attention on social media. The Mandela effect is the phenomenon that multiple people remember something from the past differently than it actually happened. Conspiracies are popular and can keep life interesting. They allow people to constantly try to understand the world around them, and keeps them exploring life. Even the silliest of theories still have people using their brains and never settling for one easy answer.
How to
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All rights reserved. The Lasso is a weekly student publication of Texas Woman’s University, written and produced by students and printed at DFW Printing. Editors develop their own editorial and news policies. The presentation of news and editorials and the personal opinions expressed in The Lasso are those of Lasso staff and writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, staff, students, administration or the Regents of Texas Woman’s University.
Campus and Community
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 twulasso.com
Community | Heart Walk
Opinion | Politics
How to wield your womanly political power
By SHANNON SIMMONS
The Center for Student Leadership organized participation in the 2017 Denton Heart Walk Photo Courtesy of The Center for Student Leadership
TWU team to attend annual Heart Walk By AMBER GAUDET
On Saturday, Sept 8 at 9 a.m., the American Heart Association is hosting the 2018 Denton Heart Walk. The annual fundraising event focuses on combating heart disease and stroke. The 5k Heart Walk will take place at the C.C.H. Collins Athletic Complex, rain or shine, and donations will help fund scientific research and support the AHA’s efforts to keep Americans free of cardiovascular illness.
TWU’s Health and Wellbeing Initiative has put together a team of faculty, staff and student volunteers to attend the walk and help raise awareness of the AHA’s mission. Coordinators of the TWU Heart Walk team hope to “engage 100 people from TWU and to raise $2,000,” Director of the TWU Health and Wellbeing Initiative Thaddeus Mantaro said. The TWU team has raised $1,430 as of Aug 31 and has signed up 34 volunteers, according to
Campus | Grad Fair
Denton campus holds Graduate and Professional Fair By KRISTA SIMPSON
The idea of life after college is a scary thought for many students. It can be difficult for students to figure out what to do and where to go once they graduate, but TWU is making it easier for students to look at what options they do have by hosting the Graduate and Professional Fair on the Denton campus. On Sept 25, several graduate schools and professional practices will be interacting with students in the Pioneer Hall gym from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to the fair, Assistant Director of Admissions Ashton Brown will be holding a session covering how to get into graduate school from 10-11 a.m. in the Pioneer Hall gym. The fair is open to current TWU undergraduate students, as well as to neighboring cities in the Denton area. Students are encouraged to come and learn about graduate school and professional school. There will be over 60 universities
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represented at the fair, and students will come across many opportunities, such as in-state tuition offers from graduate schools outside of Texas, alumni connections, and much more. According to Brown, the fair is a great way to make connections with graduate schools and even “find a program that may not have been on your radar before.” If a student is unable to find the program they are looking for, Brown said that she or another colleague will assist in getting that student the resources to find that program. The event is come and go, and there will be free food provided to students who attend. If the free food and guaranteed connections are not enough motive to make it out to the fair, there will also be a drawing for $1000 that will go toward the winner’s tuition for next semester. If you are interested in attending the fair, please visit TWU’s website to register. Walk-ins will also be welcome, should students forget to register.
the team page on the AHA website. Participation in the Heart Walk is keeping with the HWI’s 2018 goals, which include fostering more engagement within the TWU community and promoting wellness in more than just physical health. “One of our goals this year is to raise awareness for students about what optimal health and holistic wellbeing looks like through these key priority areas of movement, nutrition, mental health,
and financial well-being,” Mantaro said. Those interested in volunteering for the Heart Walk can sign up at the Fitness and Recreation Center or on the TWU HWI’s team page on the American Heart Association’s website. Students and staff can learn more about Health and Wellbeing Initiative events by following @wellbeingTWU on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Campus | New Bike Program
As Texas women celebrate a century of wmen having the right to vote, it is time to reflect on how voting has changed since then. In 1918, thanks to Minnie Fisher Cunningham, president of Texas Woman Suffrage Association, women won the right to vote in primaries two years before the rest of the United States caught up with the 19th amendment. Of course, it was not until much later that voting rights were expanded to minority groups. There are still many issues to be resolved with voting rights (and exercising them) in Texas. According to lwv.org, Texas is ranked 48th in terms of voter turnout rate. According to the Texas Tribune, white adults ages 45 to 64 make up the biggest group of voting Texans. Because of voter ID restrictions that have been featured in several court settings, a huge percent of Texas’ population is unable to vote. However, there are so many who can vote who have the power to make big
New TWU Bike
decisions. Only 7.37% of the registered voters in Denton county voted for the latest City Council election. With the privilege and ability to vote, exercise civic duty to research candidates and vote. Then, it is easier to make an informed decision on the local level. Anjelica Fraga, a copyeditor at the Dentonite, said, “The great thing about local elections is that candidates are more accessible to have conversations with.” Because of social media, it is entirely possible to message a candidate directly with questions and concerns. Plus, it is easy to join the conversation about local politics by attending one of the numerous events around town, like the Voter Revolution happening at Backyard on Bell on Sep 22 at 6 p.m. Community members are gathering at the voter revolution to help people get registered to vote amidst a zine workshop, local art and local music. Don’t forget, election day is Nov 6, so this is the perfect time to get registration in order. It is wonderful that women have been voting for the last 100 years in Texas, but now it is time to take advantage of that power and share it.
Caitlyn Laky / The Lasso
New bike program makes TWU debut
By AMBER GAUDET
As many may have noticed, this semester begins with a new way to get around campus. 15 bikes are available at various bike racks across the grounds for student, faculty and staff to navigate the expanding campus. TWU was initially contracted with Spin to provide dockless bikes for campus use, but when Spin recently decided to retire their bicycles for electric scooters, the university negotiated the donation of the 15 bikes already branded with the TWU logo and colors. These bikes will be available throughout the semester as part of a new pilot program. Anyone that was signed up for the dockless bike program through Spin should withdraw from the program to receive a refund. You can find the link to do so on the TWU website. In addition to providing free transportation, the bike program will provide options for students that
promote healthy lifestyle choices. As part of the Health and Wellbeing initiative, the bicycles will encourage physical activity and make getting from one end of campus to the other a bit easier. The bikes can be parked at any bike rack but should not leave school grounds. As Associate Director of Fitness and Recreation Karrie Fletcher said in an article on the TWU website, “We will be working with Velo Republic in Denton for any repairs with the City of Denton regarding bikes that might make their way off campus.” Anyone that has technical questions or experiences difficulties with the Spin bikes should contact the Fitness and Recreation Center. The pilot program will be monitored throughout the fall to determine the needs of students, faculty and staff and will be re-evaluated at the close of the semester. Continuation of the program will depend upon
the demand determined in the coming months, and the university may also seek rider feedback. Given the popularity of the shortlived Spin program, which operated for two months on campus and logged
almost 700 rides, the bikes will likely be a well-received compliment to the other changes on campus that further enhance the TWU experience.
Junior Veronica Thayer rides TWU bike
Caitlyn Laky / The Lasso
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Student Life
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 twulasso.com
Campus | Block Party
Summer’s Last Hurrah
TWU students at the Block Party
By KATELYN GARST
Kicking off the school year and bidding summer adieu, TWU held their annual Block Party Friday, Aug. 24 at the TWU Greenhouse. The Center for Student Development relied heavily on student feedback from previous block parties to mold this year’s block party into an experience
hand-shaped by the student body. The event offered food, entertainment and activities for all TWU students to enjoy from 5-8 p.m. Sponsored by the Student Union, Fitness and Recreation Center, Center for Student Development and the Department of University Housing & Residence Life, the Block Party responded to
Caitlyn Laky / The Lasso
student feedback to create an environment for students to bring friends and make memories before the end of summer. While organizers and sponsors had a huge hand in making this event run smoothly, performers prepared and anticipated it just as much. As a co-captain of the Pioneer Pride Dance Team, junior
Maddie Hoffman enjoyed showcasing the bonding and improvements the dance team made over the summer. “We looked at what didn’t work last year and have gotten very close this year,” Hoffman said. “Everyone is giving 110 percent all the time.” With a largely freshmen squad, the Block Party was many of the girls’ first
experience. The newest member of the Spirit Team, the TWU owl mascot, and Chancellor Carine Feyton also made their appearance for students to get in a photo-op. This was also one of TWU’s first impressions for other first-year students and encouraged them to relax, have fun and make friends. “It was the second day
Pioneer Pride Dance Team and the new TWU owl
we were here, so me and my roommate just walked around and were able to become better friends,” firstyear student DeAnna Zavala said. “I feel like I’m at home. I feel like it’s a big family environment.”
Caitlyn Laky / The Lasso
The Lasso Openhouse TWU students and the Chancellor at the Block Party
Caitlyn Laky / The Lasso
September 25 3-6 p.m.
TWU students at the Block Party
Caitlyn Laky / The Lasso
The Lasso is holding an Open House on September 25 from 3-6 p.m.! Feel free to stop by Stoddard Hall Room 311 to see what it is that we do in the newsroom. Open House will be held on a Press night, so anybody who comes will get to see how we operate when we are putting together the paper! There will be a limited number of Lasso swag for those who get here early enough. We hope to see you there!
Have an idea for our next Staff Pick? Email lasso@ twu.edu
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Sports
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 twulasso.com
Campus | Sports
TWU introduces new head softball coach: Amber Barker
By KATELYN GARST After being named the HBCU Division II Coach of the Year in the spring of 2018, Amber Barker took the position as the new TWU Head Softball Coach. “This is home for me, so it was a great opportunity not only for me to get back home, but for me to be a part of a growing institution,” Barker said. After applying for the position, she heard back from TWU Athletic Director Chalese Connors. Regardless of whether or not she got the position, Barker was eager to experience the application process. Fortunately, she made it through the search committee, the Skype interview and, finally, she was brought on campus. As their new coach, Barker knows that parents are sending their children off to be entrusted by her and does not take relationships with her student-athletes for granted.
“The relationships everywhere I’ve gone are what have really motivated me and led me to do everything,” Barker said. “I take full responsibility in the fact that I get to develop those relationships, and I get to be a part of their lives at this stage.” Coming from Albany State University, Barker racked up an overall record of 54-47 at the university. After only two seasons there, she brought Albany’s Golden Rams to the 2018 SIAC softball championship and an NCAA Division II playoff berth. Taking her competitiveness coupled with her love for the game, she already has high expectations for her players with only a little over two weeks under her belt. “My expectations are for the players to get 1 percent better,” Barker said. “I don’t ask for a ton, except your best… It’s really bigger than just being an athlete.”
Barker plans to take a holistic approach to coaching her team, focusing on softball, school and life. An article posted by Becca Walters on the TWU athletics website quotes Connors on Barker’s hiring, and in the article, Connors said, “Her energy, positivity and drive for excellence made her rise to the top as we moved through this national search. She connects so well with her student-athletes and is a builder of a strong team culture that wins on and off the field.” In preparation for the beginning of the season, the softball team met with Barker for a team meeting Thursday, Aug. 30. Their morning practices are scheduled to start on Tuesday, Sept 4 at 7 a.m. The season will tell what Coach Barker has in store for TWU Softball.
“Her energy, positivity and drive for excellence made her rise to the top.” - Chalese Connors
Coach Amber Barker
Caitlyn Laky / The Lasso