November 16, 2015
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UTD students safe after Paris attacks Group of three studying in Spain spent day in French capital on same date of bombings, shootings NIDHI GOTGI
Managing Editor
THE MERCURY | UTDMERCURY.COM
UTD TEAMS FALL IN NCAA TOURNEYS
Three UTD students were just five miles away from the Stade de France in Paris at 9:20 p.m. on Nov. 13. That’s when the first explosion in a series of bombings and shootings that would end up killing 132 people went off at the stadium. Around 10 p.m., global business and international political economy sophomore Bethany Salgado, speech pathology sophomore Shefali Chauhan and speech pathology senior Jen Quiros, who were in Paris on a break from studying abroad in Spain, were down the street from the Palais Garnier when they found out about the attacks happening all over the city. “My parents called me,” Chauhan said. “The first thing my dad said to me on the phone was if I was okay. I was really confused because I didn’t know anything had happened. He then quickly explained that there had been a shooting at a concert and
suicide bombers at a soccer stadium. After the call, the girls started to figure out where they were in relation to the attacks that had happened so far. They found a restaurant with a TV running regular updates to make sense of the situation. Outside the restaurant, they were told by a woman to not continue walking in the direction that they had been going. “By the time that we went into the restaurant, we were almost a kilometer and a half away from the closest attack, I believe,” Salgado said. “I don’t remember if that was the Bataclan theater or one of the (other) sites of the shootings.” Although several of the attacks had taken place, by the time the students reached the restaurant, Chauhan said the atmosphere was eerily relaxed. “(It was) weirdly calm,” she said. “I felt like we were the only ones panicking. Everyone else was calmy enjoying their
→ SEE PARIS, PAGE 12
BETHANY SALGADO | COURTESY
Global Business and International Political Economy sohphomore Bethany Salgado (left) and speech pathology senior Jen Quiros pose in front of the Eiffel Tower on Nov. 13. Just a few hours after this picture was taken, terrorist attacks killed 132 people in Paris.
MAN'S BEST FRIENDS Service dogs help owners on campus live easier lives CARA SANTUCCI News Editor
PG. 7 BEST OF HOMECOMING 2015
FERRIS KHAMMASH| MERCURY STAFF
Matthew Schroeder pictured with his two-year old service dog, Lauren. Lauren is trained to help Schroeder with doing tasks like pick items off the floor and barking if Schroeder ever falls out of his chair.
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atthew Schroeder has had a much easier time dealing with certain aspects of being confined to a wheelchair ever since Lauren came into his life. The two have become practically inseparable. Lauren’s a loyal friend and a constant, comforting presence. She’s also a golden retriever. More than pets Schroeder, a graduate student studying literature, has to use a wheelchair due to his severe cerebral palsy. He filled out an application a year and a half ago for a service dog through an organization called Canine Companions for Independence. This past April, he got Lauren, who is now two years old. Lauren is trained to pick items off of the ground, push buttons to open doors and bark on command if Schroeder were to fall out of his chair. Although she was fully trained when she arrived, Schroeder said he still works on strengthening her commands.
PG. 5 BASKETBALL TEAMS TIP-OFF
Through their work together, Schroeder and Lauren have become boon companions. “It’s really nice to be able to come home and know someone’s excited to see you and you just feel more comfortable because you’re not alone,” he said. Jennifer Burrhus, a senior in arts and performance, also keeps a service dog on campus. She trained Gatsby, her 3-year-old poodle, herself after determining that the price of and wait for a service dog wasn’t right for her. “I don’t know exactly why I started looking into it a little bit more, but once I did I realized there were things a dog could actually help me with and it was actually a feasible option for me,” Burrhus said. Burrhus suffers from fibromyalgia, which affects her balance and causes her chronic pain. She also has mercury poisoning from her dental fillings, resulting in high anxiety levels and panic attacks. There is no certification under U.S. federal law for a dog to be qualified as a service animal — it just has to be trained to do at least one thing to help its owner.
Gatsby is trained to be alert to changes in Burrhus’ body that signal the onset of a panic attack before she herself is even aware one is coming. He can also help her up if she falls. Burrhus said poodles are an empathetic breed of dog. The breeder she got Gatsby from tested the temperament of the whole litter to find the best puppy for what she needed. Still, she said there were challenges to training a service dog all by herself, especially when she had to teach him to respond to her physiological changes. “I had to be very aware of how I was feeling,” Burrhus said. “So I had to really intensely focus on what I was feeling at any given point so that I could actually reward him for responding to it.” She is still teaching him new commands and tricks. He recently learned how to circle around her, giving her a buffer in crowds. “There’s always new things they can learn,” she said. “If you stop training, they’re just going to regress.” Although Burrhus and Gatsby are able to work together successfully now, she said there was a
→ SEE DOGS, PAGE 6
Couple gets married in Lot T Newlyweds met through dating app, decide to exchange vows in front of Rainbow Guards’ float MIRIAM PERCIVAL Mercury Staff
As multiple student organizations prepared for the annual homecoming parade, one group set out to transform their float into a particularly memorable scene: a wedding venue. On Nov. 13, Cole Fenwick, a former student, and Cody Kuhn, a sociology sophomore, tied the knot in front of Rainbow Guard’s float in Lot T just before the parade. Around 10 a.m., Zach Gentry, a literary studies junior and a minister ordained by the State of Texas, wed Fenwick and Kuhn. Only the couples’ close friends attended the ceremony. Fenwick and Kuhn met a year ago on a popular dating app called OkCupid. They discovered soon after that they both went to UTD and began dating. After a year of seeing each other, the couple decided to get married. Originally, they planned to go to the courthouse, but Adam Richards, the president of Rainbow Guard, suggested they get married on the homecoming cart.
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→ SEE WEDDING, PAGE 6
CHRIS LIN | MERCURY STAFF
Cole Fenwick (left) and Cody Kuhn kiss during their wedding on Nov. 13. The couple got married right before the Homecoming Parade at Rainbow Guard’s float.
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NOV. 16, 2015 | THE MERCURY | UTDMERCURY.COM
Campus inexperience with race issues potentially harmful Recent protests at the University of Missouri highlight UTD’s relative youth in dealing with racial problems on campus ESTEBAN BUSTILLOS COMMENTARY
Many students are taking a step back and examining the role race plays in their lives after allegations that the University of Missouri doesn’t pay proper attention to the needs of minorities have incited racial tensions at college campuses around the country. UTD has one of the most diverse campuses in the state, if not the nation, and there hasn’t been a long history of experience when it comes to handling racial strife here — and it’s unclear if that’s good or bad for the campus. At most of the institutions where this recent fight against racism is taking place, there have been years of struggle to maintain racial tranquility. Missouri, which was a dark place during America’s struggle with slavery, founded its flagship university in 1839. It wasn’t until 1950, almost 100 years after African Americans were granted citizenship, that the university accepted its first black student. When this type of history is present, it’s not surprising when the ghost of institutional oppression still haunts students, faculty and staff. At a place like Mizzou, there are probably still people who work there who remember what it was like when black people were non-existent on campus because they just weren’t allowed to be there. These wounds are hard to heal. Students at Missouri were clear and vocal about how they felt uncomfortable and often threatened by an unwelcoming campus atmosphere after university officials didn’t make any changes after multiple complaints about racial injustice were made to administrators. They used the hashtag #ConcernedStudent1950 to identify their movement, paying homage to the first students who were allowed into the school over half a century ago. As I watched the coverage of the protests and how charged and outspoken people in Columbia were, I couldn’t help but wonder how students at UTD would react if similar incidents happened here. Would people be up in arms? Would there be such a swift call to action? The history of our university differs from many around the country because of how relatively new our campus is. UTD was founded in 1969, making this school younger than my father. Students here never had to experience what it was like for some-
ESTEBAN BUSTILLOS | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Just a few days after the president of the University of Missouri stepped down after allegations he wasn’t doing enough to combat racism on campus, the Spirit Rocks were painted with #BlackLivesMatter. Later that day, that message was covered with #AllLivesMatter.
thing as simple as racially equal access to admission to not be guaranteed. Compared to other universities, UTD has been surprisingly effective at being accepting of all races. The university hired Franklyn Jennifer, a black man, to serve as university president from 1994 to 2005. In comparison, having a black president is something that not even UT Austin, the system’s flagship school, has done. Despite the lack of obvious racial barriers, the number of black students currently enrolled stands at a shockingly low 5 percent. Sadly, those numbers stay about the same at other universities. At UT Austin, only 4 percent of the student body is black. At the University of Texas at San Antonio, that number jumps, but only to 8.16 percent. Clearly, there’s a problem on this campus and other campuses around the country with representation of black students. That’s the underlying problem of what’s happening at Missouri and, if we’re not careful, it may happen here. While racial strife has never seemed to be a major problem here, I fear that underneath the surface of
harmony UTD promotes, there are deeper problems at work. None of this was more apparent to me than when an argument about race nearly ripped apart a class I was in as a freshman. During the course of what seemed to be a regular debate that had nothing to do with race, one student blurted out that black people feel entitled. That’s when I heard the pins drop. Soon, the class became divided between those who agreed with the statement and those who couldn’t believe what had just happened. I was literally rendered speechless. I turned to a student sitting next to me, who happened to be black, and I’ll never forget the double take he did as he tried to process what he had just heard. I remember sitting and thinking a long time about what happened that day and what it meant. Slowly, I realized that maybe my college isn’t as accepting as I thought it was. UTD, like any other university, is still defining itself racially. We have never had a moment of singular racial strife that we can all point back to and say
we learned from, which makes me hopeful because we won’t have to fight some of the past demons other schools have had to exorcise. It also makes me worried, because that same lack of experience may make us less adept at fighting the devils that potentially await us just around the corner. A few days after Tim Wolfe, the president of Mizzou, stepped down, I was walking on campus early in the morning when I saw that the Spirit Rocks were painted with the hashtags #BlackLivesMatter and #UTDtoMizzou in solidarity with the students struggling in Columbia. Cynically, the first thing I thought of was what would happen if someone protested the paintings. Sure enough, later that same day, someone had, with red paint, crossed out “Black” and replaced it with “#AllLivesMatter,” literally blanking out the concerns of those who had painted the message. Maybe we don’t have the same problems as the University of Missouri and other more established schools face. But that doesn’t mean we’re not capable of creating our own ghosts that may come back to haunt us one day.
Ease of access to news can be mixed blessing Ability of users to get information at any given time can lead to public more fixated on quick bites rather than substantial pieces NIDHI GOTGI COMMENTARY
In a day and age where information is disseminated in nanoseconds and an unfathomable amount of content is at our fingertips, it’s not surprising that people want what they’re looking for in the most condensed, readily-available form possible. However, this tendency could encourage the status quo and prevent us from improving as a society. Shailesh Prakash, the chief product and technology officer of The Washington Post spoke at UTD on Nov. 6 about the effects of new technology on the media industry. He brought up the fact that Carol Leonnig of The Post won a Pulitzer Prize this year for her coverage of the Secret Service’s failure to protect the President. This investigative story, which took three years to construct and totaled 11 pages, reached a significantly smaller audience than some entertainment pieces by The Post, Prakash said. In the fast-moving world we live in today, we tend to drift toward news platforms that offer quick nuggets of information and don’t require much
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searching. A study done by the Pew Research Center shows that the percentage of users who get their news from social media has risen between 2013 and 2015. Sixty-three percent of both Twitter and Facebook users claim that the social media sites are their primary news source. Instant access to news through social media circulation is a rising trend — and it’s not necessarily the worst thing. The interactive aspect of social media drives more people to be interested in what is happening around them. For example, the safety status feature on Facebook allows one to track the well-being of a loved one if they’re in an area affected by a terrorist attack or a natural disaster. They could be receiving news of the event and confirmation of their friend’s safety all in one scroll. Social media also entices users to be in touch with current events by making content easy to access and digest. It’s an attractive source for people who normally wouldn’t seek out the news. However, news shouldn’t just be about allowing
people to be in touch with their surroundings. It should move people to ask the right questions and enact change, or else society runs the risk of getting caught up in the current state of affairs. “We strongly believe that if traditional companies like The Post and The New York Times disappear and all you got your news from was the Buzzfeeds and the Twitters of the world, we believe that society would be harmed by it,” Prakash said. Change is vital to improvement. Identifying and rectifying our mistakes is the only way we can set a better example for future generations. A clear instance that highlights the long-term benefits of investigative, long-form journalism is the legislative reforms and federal investigations Leonnig’s pieces have launched. She’s uncovered everything from the corruption of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell to
It is a reader’s duty to demand more from their news sources and use them as a starting point to enact change in their communities.
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the presences of excess lead in drinking water in the District of Columbia. Through such detailed reporting, Leonnig was able to hold the government accountable, but her work is of no use if it doesn’t garner public support. That support will only follow when people show the same amount of interest in this news format as they show for quick updates. Although news outlets may make a greater profit by producing click bait content that consumers are looking for, they are doing the people a disservice. Journalism is meant to inform and incite, and that can’t be achieved if you’re not approaching it from a cause-oriented perspective. “There is the concept of being a mercenary, which is, you know, you sell your skills to the highest bidder and you can make a lot of money that way if that’s your goal,” Prakash said. “But there’s also the missionary aspect: are you doing good? Is this something you really believe in? A lot of us who work at The Post are not just here because we are coin-operated, but we are also cause-operated.” It is a journalist’s duty to move away from giving readers what they want and start giving them what they need. It is a reader’s duty to demand more from their news sources and use them as a starting point to enact change in their communities.
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NOV. 16, 2015 | THE MERCURY | UTDMERCURY.COM
The Butterfly Effect
Monarch butterflies flock to campus thanks to work of students, facilities
LIFE&ARTS
PINPOSSIBLE
Burlap Wreath
ANDREW GALLEGOS | PHOTO EDITOR
Students plant milkweed for the monarchs during one of several events sponsored by the Office of Student Volunteerism. The plants will attract migrating flocks of butterflies on their way to Mexico for the winter. SHIVANI SHARMA Staff Writer
Butterfly Flutterby, a landscaping project that supports monarch butterfly populations, is playing host to a large migration of butterflies for the first time as they fly from Canada to Mexico. The project features stations around campus that house a variety of milkweed for the monarch butterfly population. They lay their eggs in milkweed and the caterpillars only consume the milkweed plant. For this reason, the monarch way stations not only serve as a place for the butterflies to stop during their spring migration, but also as a habitat restoration project on campus. “UT Dallas is right in the migratory path,” Craig Lewis, the greenhouse landscaping coordinator for Facilities Management, said. After experimenting with smaller no mow zones for butterflies, Thea Junt, the sustainability manager for Facilities Management, and Lewis decided to create an even larger project for monarch butterflies this year. This project was implemented during an Office of Student Volunteerism event in which they grew 540 seeds of several species of milkweed in the greenhouse. Since then, there have been four Office of Student Volunteerism events that involve planting, sowing seeds and weeding to maintain the way stations. Lewis said the efforts placed in creating the way stations have proven fruitful. “Last Thursday, I was by myself working and I
stopped counting at 200, because all of a sudden (the butterflies) were everywhere,” Lewis said. “That, to me, was success.” Lewis also attributed the success of the way stations to student involvement. “Without the support of the students and the student body at large … this program would be much smaller, if known at all,” he said. The monarch way stations are expected to become stronger during the spring, when the monarchs will begin their migration from Mexico back to Canada. “What’s nice is that … the whole goal is selfsustaining,” Lewis said. “Once that becomes self-sustaining, it will start spreading as much as the community allows it to. (The milkweed) will expand for sure, once it gains its own health and stability.” Peak migration for monarchs flying from Canada should occur within the next two weeks. Lewis said the best time to watch the butterflies at the way station is right after the sun rises. “They're solar creatures. They depend on solar energy as well as the nectar. They have to dry out their wings, which become moist overnight,” Lewis said. “They come out just after the sun is cresting the trees and they'll sit on a flower mound. And it's the only time, I've noticed, other than when they're in flight, when their wings are out.” Both Lewis and Junt really recommend stopping by or volunteering at the Butterfly Flutterby events hosted by Office of Student Volunteerism. Dinesh Gundu, an electrical engineering graduate
INSTRUCTIONS LINDA NGUYEN | MERCURY STAFF
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e’re finally getting some consistent fall temperatures in Dallas, so even though we’re about half way through November, it’s only just beginning to feel like fall in Texas. I’m obsessed with reds, oranges and browns. Even though we’re past Halloween, I’ve been loving pumpkins and rustic-looking wood backgrounds in my Instagram posts. Another symbol of fall that I’m really into right now are burlap wreaths. There’s something about the rustic-ness of burlap that compliments fall and Thanksgiving. They’re also easy to customize with letters and flowers.
WHAT YOU NEED - 12 in. wire wreath frame A - 1-2 rolls of burlap, 5 yds each - Decorative accents — extra burlap, flowers, wooden letters
1. Tie the burlap in a knot on one of the middle wires of the frame. B 2. Using the burlap, make loops of burlap coming out of each opening on the frame going from inside out. C 3. After you finish the outermost loop, twist the burlap and begin again from the innermost opening. Push the loops together so they bubble. D 4. Continue doing this until you fill the entire wreath. The tighter you push the loops, the fuller the wreath will look, but the more burlap it will take to go around the whole thing as well. 5. Tie a knot to finish the loop. E 6. Add accents and embellishments to the wreath as you like. I added a bow and some flowers. F This would make a great host/hostess gift for Thanksgiving and the holiday season. They’re very simple, and relatively inexpensive to make. It’s definitely a project you can make while watching a television show, and there are a bunch of tutorials for burlap flowers floating around on the Internet that I’m excited to try out to complement the wreath.
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CHAD AUSTIN | MERCURY STAFF
Every issue, The Mercury’s craft connoisseur will scour Pinterest and craft blogs in search of the best and worst DIY projects. Show us your results on social media using #pinpossible and @utdmercury.
HOMECOMING 2015
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Homecoming Kick Off - Homecoming started off with music, games, food, and prizes in the Visitor Center Atrium on Nov.11. Homecoming royalty Jason Abante (left) and Randi Baculi (right) play a game of basketball. Campus Fashion Show - Students show off the latest trends that are available at the campus bookstore on Nov.12 in the Visitor Center Atrium. Homecoming Parade - Student organizations parade down Rutford Avenue withtheir custom floats during the annual homecoming parade on Nov. 13. Cardboard Boat Regatta - Students construct boats made entirely from cardboard and duct tape and try to stay afloat as they race down the swimming pools in the Activity Center on Nov. 13. Tailgate - Before the basketball games started, students gathered in Lot J for a tailgate party consisting of games and music provided by Umer Nadir on Nov. 14. Celebration and Casino - The closing event of homecoming was held in Recreation Center West on Nov. 14. The theme was "A Night in Atlantic City".
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THE MERCURY | NOV. 16, 2015
LIFE&ARTS
Orgs feed students left behind on holiday Comet Cupboard, other groups focus on feeding students BHARGAV ARIMILLI Mercury Staff
In anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, organizations around campus are taking initiative to provide support for students who are unable to return home during the Thanksgiving break. Amber Brown, the coordinator for Comet Cupboard — UTD’s food pantry — said the organization is preparing itself for a large volume of customers over the holiday. “The pantry is low in stock, but we also collect most of our donations during (this time) because it’s the holiday season and people are willing to give,” Brown said. The Cupboard is also holding a food drive on Nov. 18 during its Hunger Games, an annual event with games and competitions that celebrates National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. “What we try to do during that week is to provide different opportunities to raise awareness about the issue and also to encourage donations to the Cupboard,” Brown said. The Cupboard will remain open over the Thanksgiving holiday to cater to the needs of students who will remain on campus. Other organizations on campus are playing a role in this effort. University Commons, in conjunction with the International Center’s Intercultural Programs, will host a traditional Thanksgiving meal for students. The event, which has been happening since 2004, will take place in Residence Hall North this year and is open to any student with a Comet Card. “Each year, we look at how we can add educational aspects to the dinner,” Kaytie Farrell, assistant director for residential life, said. “We want to educate our international students on what the Thanksgiving holiday is in America. This year, we’re looking at bringing in different cultural holidays that are similar to Thanksgiving.” Since its inception, more and more students have come to the event. Last year, for example, more than 400 were in attendance. University Commons said it
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learning curve to working with a service animal. “I got accosted in the post office until I was crying in a corner in a ball because no one would believe me that he’s actually a service dog,” she said. “Those (situations) don’t happen as much anymore and I think it’s just because, at first, I didn’t have as much confidence in me and Gatsby as a team.” A Team Effort Although exceptionally well trained, Schroeder said Lauren is just as high-spirited and playful as any other dog. However, he said she is very aware of her role at all times. “When she’s not on the clock, she enjoys fetch and tug of war and all the same things that regular dogs do,” Schroeder said. “She gets plenty of time to be a normal dog and plenty of time to be a service dog.” Although he’s only had her for about half a year, Schroeder said Lauren and he are a package deal. “At this point, Lauren, for me, is nonnegotiable,” he said. “Wherever I’m going to be, I’m more than likely going to have Lauren with me.” Similarly, Burrhus and Gatsby are almost always in sync with each other. “He’s the best dog I’ve ever had. He takes really good care of me,” she said. “We trust each other.” Even though Schroeder and Lauren are inseparable now, he said there are things he is noticing about how he interacts with people since having a service dog that he was able to write off before. “People treat me very differently depending on whether or not I have Lauren,” he said. “When I have Lauren, people smile at me and they look at me and I’m much more of a presence. When I don’t have Lauren, people deliberately avoid direct eye contact and sort of try to ignore me as much as possible … It’s just weird to get used to being noticed and then stop being noticed sometimes just because you don’t have an animal with you” Burrhus said she has experienced something simi-
CHAD AUSTIN | MERCURY STAFF
The Comet Cupboard is currently low in stock, but workers with the pantry say the holidays usually bring about an increase in the amount of food donated.
has planned this year’s event to accommodate even more guests. Students will come to Residence Hall North, go through the buffet line and can have their meals in the several seating areas set up — each with different activities. Vegetarian options will also be available. “We usually have the traditional parade on one TV and a football game on another and we have some small activities, but (it’s truly) a time for food and fellowship,” Farrell said. Farrell said she hopes the event will help students gain a sense of camaraderie. “Not everyone is able to travel home for the holidays,” she said. “We want to provide an outlet for students so they have something to do that day and so they can share a Thanksgiving meal.”
lar. She said she’s noticed that it is obvious to her when someone seems more interested in being the dog’s friend than hers. “It’s like being that invisible friend. Like you’re there with a group and no one remembers you being there,” she said. “Sometimes it’s disheartening, but I appreciate people that actually remember my name before they remember the dog’s name” Distractions Because it is so common for people to approach someone with a dog in tow, Burrhus and Schroeder both stressed the importance of getting the owner’s express permission before distracting a service dog. “When you see them out in public, they’re working. So be very careful about touching them or anything because that can distract them a lot, which makes them less obedient and can put them in dangerous situations at times,” Schroeder said. “That being said, don’t hesitate to ask if you can pet a service dog.” Burrhus has had experiences with someone distracting a service dog that resulted in a serious injury. She knew someone with a seizure disorder and, because he was distracted, the dog missed the alert so the owner didn’t have enough time to get to a safe place. She ended up falling and hurting herself. She also cautions against anyone trying to get Gatsby’s attention while he’s on the job. “If he just so happens to look, be distracted, maybe take a step towards them and I need him, he’s not there for me and I could fall,” she said. Burrhus and Gatsby and Schroeder and Lauren are just a couple of the pairs of owners and service dogs on campus. Through their relationships with their animals, Burrhus and Schroeder have both a comforting companion and someone to make sure they stay healthy and happy. “I feel more confident because I’m taking care of another living being and I know that I’m capable of that,” Schroeder said. “I know that I’m able to bring people joy just by being around because she’s with me, and that’s really great to me.”
ALBERT RAMIREZ | CONTRIBUTOR
Arts and performance senior Jennifer Burrhus stands with Gatsby, her 3-year old poodle. Gatsby is trained to be alert to Burrhus’s panic attacks and can help her if she falls.
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student who has been working with the project, said that the results have given him a sense
→ WEDDING
of fulfillment. “By the last three weeks, I’ve seen at least 10 or 15 butterflies,” he said. “It feels so good … I’m not sure it’s because of what we did, but I really believe it’s because of that, so I feel happy.”
Fenwick and Kuhn said they are excited to be married, but that telling their parents will be difficult. “I think we’re both going to feel a little push back from our parents,” Kuhn said. “My mom “It was actually just a happy coincidence. We knows and is supportive, but my dad is going to decided last week that we wanted to get married flip. He’s never liked Cole and (he) is going to say and we were just going to go to the courthouse and we’re too young, making a mistake, don’t know what we’re doing.” do it,” Kuhn said. Similarly, Fenwick said that “But I am also Same-sex marriage is a he is anxious to tell his family involved with and doesn’t want to see his Rainbow Guard good starting point, but our mom cry. His brother has also and Adam, our work is far from over. Homenever met his partner, but President, said, ‘Our float is gay lessness, job loss, harassment Fenwick said he anticipates that he will be supportive. wedding themed, and suicide are still huge so you should get Fenwick still remembers married on it.’” the day that gay marriage problems in the LGBT comIt was a crisp, was legalized. He recalls munity and need to be adbright morncrying when he heard the ing when the news. While he said this dressed even more now that ecstatic couple is a major step in the right same-sex marriage is legalstood across direction, Fenwick still from each other. wants more work to be ized. Groomsmen — Cole Fenwick done in the gay community. stood off to the “Same sex marriage is a side and held a good starting point, but our giant paper rose over their heads. work is far from over,” Fenwick said. “Homelessness, As Gentry performed the ceremony, Fenwick and job loss, harassment and suicide are still huge Kuhn couldn’t help but giggle when their eyes met. problems in the LGBT community and need to be The couple kissed after exchanging vows and the addressed even more now that same sex marriage is guests cheered. legalized.”
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NOV. 16, 2015 | THE MERCURY | UTDMERCURY.COM
A TALE OF TWO TOURNAMENTS Volleyball, men’s soccer fall in first rounds of NCAA playoffs
UTD’s historic V-Ball season comes to close ESTEBAN BUSTILLOS Editor-in-Chief
The volleyball teams’ national championship hopes came to an end on Nov. 15 after the team fell 3-0 (16-25, 18-25, 27-29) to No. 9 Cal Lutheran in the second round of the NCAA tournament. After winning the ASC championship for just the third time in program history and the first time since 2009, the squad was set to head to California take on Whitworth in the first match of the tournament on Nov. 13. Junior outside hitter Abbie Barth said the team was very excited. “We were just waiting to see who was going to host regionals and waiting for that Monday’s NCAA show to see where we were headed or if we were at home,” she said. “We were just very excited to be there.” Earlier in the year, the Comets played Whitworth when they traveled to Georgetown, Texas to play in the Mary-Hardin Baylor Tournament. UTD won that contest 3-0. Heading into the rematch against the Pirates, the Comets were focused on Whitworth’s outside attack. JOE BERGMAN, CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY | COURTESY “We knew they have really good outside hitters,” Barth said. “I think they rely on their outside hitters as much as we rely on our middles.” Junior outside hitter Holyn Handley attempts to get the ball past Cal Lutheran’s defense during UTD’s second round game against the Despite having gained experience against Whitworth during the sea- Regals on Nov. 14. The Comets lost 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 29-27). son, UTD dropped the first set 19-25. Coming into the game, the Regals were the ninth ranked team in the do that to us.” Head coach Marci Sanders said she had to make adjustments because UTD headed into the third set down 2-0 and fighting for their surthe team was struggling with the serve-receive and setting the ball up nation. They were also playing in their home gym — something that vival. Looking for any kind of spark to light the team, Sanders moved Barth said made the game more challenging. to its hitters. “Their fans were pretty loud, pretty obnoxious, which is always a Barth to libero. “I also changed up our match ups a little bit, and so I rotated us “Abbie was struggling a little bit and so was (freshman libero) Fayna fun atmosphere to play in,” she said. around a little bit,” she said. “But the kids, “We knew it was going to be tough (Zang), and so I just decided, you know, leave it all out on the floor,” honestly, they just started fundamentally and we knew they were going to play she said. “I also wanted to try and get (senior outside hitter) Meredith playing better. We passed better, we got We weren’t able to throw them out Crawford out on the floor. She’s been hurt most of the season and I well in their own gym.” the ball to the hitters that we needed to of their system, and they were able to Starting the game, Cal Lutheran’s wanted to see if she could come out and make some plays for us.” get the ball to and they made the decisions The changes seemed to work, as UTD played toe-to-toe with the physical abilities were evident as that needed to be made.” do that to us. they moved the ball through UTD’s Regals for most of the third set. Still, the Comets found themselves Even though they dropped the first set, defense with ease. Adding on to down 24-21 with the season on the line. UTD won the match 3-1 (19-25, 25-22, 25-15, 25-17). — Head coach Marci Sanders UTD’s woes were the 17 errors the That’s when UTD battled back and picked up four points in a row team committed in the first two sets. to stave off elimination. Barth said the mood of the team was “At that point, we were still in the game,” Barth said. “It was very Sanders also said ball movement high after the win. The celebration would intense. We just didn’t want to let them win. I think we wanted it more have to be short-lived, however, because the next day they would take once again hurt the Comets. “It kind of came down to the serve and pass game,” she said. “We on California Lutheran — the team that had knocked UTD out of the → SEE VOLLEYBALL, PAGE 9 weren’t able to throw them out of their system, and they were able to NCAA tournament in 2009.
ASC champs’ season cut short by second-ranked Trinity Tigers PABLO JUAREZ Sports Editor
The men’s soccer team fell 3-0 in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Nov. 14 to second-ranked Trinity, ending its chances at a national tournament run. Before they got to the first round of the national tournament, the Comets had to get through UT Tyler in the championship match of the ASC playoff. After playing the Patriots for 110 scoreless minutes, UTD was forced to face their opponent in penalty kicks. “That’s definitely the most stressful event that can happen in soccer,” junior defender and captain Sam Konstanty said. “One shot goes a different way and it’s over.” The team rushed the field in excitement after Tyler missed their penalty kick in the sixth round, clinching the win for UTD. Konstanty said that was the team’s primary goal heading into the season — to win the ASC title. The Comets received an automatic bid in the NCAA tournament, making their fourth tournament appearance and their first in back-toback seasons. On selection day, the team was paired against a familiar foe in the first round of the tournament — the Trinity Tigers. Because they served as regional hosts last season, the team headed down to San Antonio to face the Tigers, a team that had eliminated them in the NCAA tournament in each of their three appearances. An early fourth minute goal by Trinity off of a deflection set the tone for the rest of the match. “We just didn’t meet it for the first 15 to 20 minutes of the game,” Konstanty said. “They kept getting behind us and we couldn’t keep the ball at all, so it seemed like they were going to score pretty early — which they did. It made us nervous for the rest of that half.” The team was trailing 2-0 at halftime for only the second time all season. Head coach Jason Hirsch said he tried to instill belief in the team. “We told them if you get one goal, then you’re right back in it,” he
SHERI MATTHEWS | COURTESY
Sophomore midfielder Isaac Urcuyo controls the ball during the Comets’ first-round NCAA game againt Trinity on Nov. 14. The Tigers took down the Comets 3-0.
said. “You know, you’re putting them on the back foot and we’re on the front serve and you never know what can happen.” The Comets outshot the Tigers 9-7 in the second half, but were unable to capitalize on the offensive end, losing 3-0. “They’re number two in the country for a reason,” Hirsch said. “You can’t make mistakes and come in to start a game against a team not focused and ready to go and do the little things right. When you play a team like that, they’re good enough to take their chances — and they did.” During the season, the Comets (15-4-3) tied a program record for most consecutive victories with nine straight wins in addition to completing seven shutouts during that stretch. They finished 1-2-1 heading into the post-season. “We played our best soccer in the middle of the season and kind of — not fell apart — but weren’t playing as well in the end,” Konstanty said.
Seven Comets were named to the All-ASC men’s soccer teams with sophomore Danny Meyer tabbed as the league’s offensive player of the year and Konstanty named co-defensive player of the year. Of the 11 starters for this season, only one is a graduating senior. Konstanty said the experience and cooperation will play a pivotal role as the Comets look to defend their ASC title next season. Overall, Hirsch said he was pleased with the hard work the team put in throughout the season. “I’m just proud of the attitude and the camaraderie that this team brought,” he said. “They’re more like a family than they are just a team. I was telling a couple of the other coaches that some seasons go by really slow and it’s just like a glide. This season it feels like we just started because it’s just such a good group of guys that it’s a pleasure to work with them everyday, so I’m sad the season is over.”
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SPORTS
UTDMERCURY.COM
LIKE DEJA VU ALL OVER AGAIN Men’s, women’s basketball gear up for another season
Youthful women’s squad looks Men’s team aims to improve to reclaim ASC championship on lackluster 2014 campaign
CHRIS LIN| MERCURY STAFF
Alyssa Crockett, a junior transfer guard from Cisco Junior College, scans Schreiner's defense on Nov. 14. Crockett is one of 10 new players on this year's roster. ESTEBAN BUSTILLOS Editor-in-Chief
After having arguably the most successful season in program history, the women’s basketball team finds itself starting fresh with a roster filled with young, new players. Last year, the senior-laden team won the ASC for just the second time and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament — the farthest the Comets have ever gone in the postseason. Most of that experience has been lost, however, with only seven Comets from that roster returning this year. Head coach Polly Thomason said it feels like they’re starting all over again. “We’ve got 10 new players. Most of them are our guards,” she said. “We knew that at the end of
last year that we had a great group of seniors who really stepped up and that this was going to be the problem, the challenge. Our hump basically is getting the new people acquainted with my coaching style, what I expect, what we want out of our basketball players.” Since the team has undergone such a drastic change, some of Thomason’s strategy has adjusted with it. Last year, guards led the team, with starting point guard Madi Hess averaging 12.2 points per game and being named the first All-American in UTD history. Hess, along with senior guards Amber Brown, Christina Brosnahan, Iemah Wallace-Perry and
→ SEE WOMEN’S BBALL, PAGE 9
CHRIS LIN | MERCURY STAFF
Sophomore forward Reagan Keogh prepares to hand the ball off to sophomore guard Jon Hatcher during UTD’s opening game against Centenary on Nov. 14. PABLO JUAREZ Sports Editor
A second half collapse in last year’s ASC quarterfinal against Hardin-Simmons all but ensured the Comets’ post-season fate, leading to a 77-63 rout at the hands of the Cowboys. The first round exit was the earliest the men’s basketball team had been sent home packing since the program’s 2007-2008 campaign. “That was an eye opener last year,” sophomore forward Reagan Keogh said. “I just think having that experience for the first time is the biggest thing — being able to actually know what
it’s like.” The hill of challenges continues to get steeper as this season’s roster will feature no seniors — something uncommon to UTD head coach Terry Butterfield. “It’s hard to be on top of the heap every year,” Butterfield said. “I don’t know that I’ve ever had, in all my years of coaching, such a young team as we have. I don’t remember ever not having a senior.” Butterfield said the team wasn’t as sharp on the defensive end of the floor last season in comparison
→ SEE MEN’S BBALL, PAGE 9
NUMBERS ON THE BOARD
CHAD AUSTIN | MERCURY STAFF
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UTDMERCURY.COM → WOMEN’S BBALL
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Emily Price, has graduated from UTD, leaving the Comets with a lack of experience in the backcourt. For Thomason, this means she will have to rely on post play more than in years past. “Early in the season I think we need to be more post-oriented until our guards get comfortable and get the experience that they are lacking,” she said. “We haven’t been very post-oriented the last couple of years, so just changing our offense to get them more touches, more looks are things that we’re going to have to do.” For this year’s team, most of the experience lies with its forwards and centers. Juniors Madison Steele, Nicolette Erkman and Micaela Gonzalez will form the core of the Comets interior lineup. “Because the post have the most experience, the post play is more extensive,” Steele said. “As the guards get warmed up and used to how conference play is, the guards will step up.” Along with switching to a more center and forward based attack, UTD is also changing its defensive mindset this year. Traditionally, Thomason’s teams have refrained from pressing teams coming up the
floor and have focused on a half court defense. This year, that may change, as the Comets have to adjust to rule changes and increasing athleticism in the game. “The game has evolved, so we’ve got to evolve a little bit,” she said. “So yeah, we’re going to add some press and some pressure defense and play a little bit more full-court, up-tempo because I think that’s the way the game is evolving. In order to keep up with the game, we’re going to change our style a little bit.” For the new players on the team, all of these changes, along with the adjustments they have to make personally, will likely pose a challenge for the young squad. Alyssa Crockett, a junior guard from Cisco Junior College, said she is still adjusting to the play at UTD. “I’m just getting used to the coach and my teammates and just everyone,” she said. “A lot of freshmen, a lot of sophomores, juniors, all that. Just getting used to it, that’s a little bit of a struggle.” In the Comets’ first game of the season against Schreiner on Nov. 14, the teams youth and inexperience was on display in the first two quarters, with turnovers grinding the offense to a halt. UTD finished the game with 25 giveaways.
→ MEN’S BBALL
→ VOLLEYBALL
to previous years, allowing 69.5 points per game resulting in a plus 4.7 margin of victory — the highest number of points allowed per game and the lowest scoring margin since 2005. “The foundation of our program has to start with good defense and excellent rebounding,” he said. “We’re going to be really looking for guys this year who can really bring the defense… and work in a team oriented defense. Guys who can do that for us will certainly see minutes increased.” Last season Keogh played with a knee brace after suffering an ACL tear during his senior year of high school. He said that the knee brace has been shelved and that he’s getting used to playing without it. Keogh also gained six pounds this offseason in preparation to bang down low against bigger players in the paint. Only one player on the roster is over 6-foot-6-inches but Keogh, a 6-foot-6-inch forward who served as the team’s primary center last season, said he doesn’t necessarily see it as disadvantage. “Last year was kind of a learning process for me trying to figure how to score and defend against bigger guys,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of guys on the team that are 6-foot-5 and 6-foot-6 that are going to play the four so we can end up with some pretty big line-ups.” Butterfield said no one true star has emerged from the bunch, so the team will have to ride the hot hand on any given night. As a low possession team, he said ball security is paramount to their success offensively. Last season the Comets turned the ball over at a 15.5 per game — 3.7 times more than their opponents. “This early in the season I would say our weakness would probably be execution offensively,” said sophomore point guard Caleb Banks. “We’re putting in a new system offensive wise but it’ll get better as the year progresses.” Originally a walk-on last season, junior forward Kyle Coulter — Junior Forward Kyle started in all but one of the 26 Coulter games last season while averaging a team best 10.3 points per game. He said he and the other returners have taken on a bigger leadership role. “We think we’re going to be a much more balanced team offensively this year,” he said. “It’ll definitely help with team chemistry and getting everyone involved.” Regardless of the questions surrounding the team Coulter said claiming the ASC championship remains the goal. The team has been predicted to finish third in the ASC East, behind Louisiana College and defending ASC champions East Texas Baptist. Coulter said Butterfield has preached to the team a mindset of being a more cohesive group of players. “Our team motto this year is to just be a together group,” he said. “We have to play as one. We’re going to be a balanced together group of guys who are all clicking on the same cylinder. That’s how we’re going to beat people.”
Despite having at least two shots at extending the game to a fourth set, the Comets were not able to complete the rally and Cal Lu won the third 29-27, ending UTD’s season. After the game, Barth said the team was focused on the positives of the season. “We just kept reminding each other that we accomplished so much this season, that one game doesn’t define us,” she said. “We’re still proud of all the things we had (done.)”
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THE MERCURY | NOV. 16, 2015
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In the second half, however, UTD was able to find its form, outscoring the Mountaineers 34 to 26. 18 of those second half points came in the paint. The Comets were lead by Steele and Gonzalez, who had 16 and 12 points, respectively. Additionally, UTD finished the day with 23 points coming off of turnovers. Thomason said first game jitters were apparent in the Comets first outing. “We just played that way in the first half, we weren’t really trusting anything we were doing,” she said. “I really liked our adjustment in the second half, for sure. It was still ugly and Schreiner’s a great team, but we found ways to win, we found ways to be successful and I like that about our team.” As the Comets look forward to the upcoming year, Thomason doesn’t view this as a rebuilding season. “Our goal is still to win a conference again,” she said. “We’d love to be back-to-back champions. That’s what we talk about, that’s what they’re working for. (The players) understand it’s not going to happen today or tomorrow, we’re not going to be the best team we can be this opening weekend, we’re building every day and just working hard every day getting better at the things we need to get better at.”
For Sanders, the performance the team made this year makes her believe that it was the best that UTD has ever produced. “I told them after the match that this team was a better team than our 2009 team,” she said. “I honestly feel like this group is the best group of individuals that came together as a team overall.” Before the loss, the team was on a 24-game winning streak, one shy of a program record. Looking forward to next year, Barth said the teams’ performance makes her excited for the possibilities in 2016. “We have a lot of returners, which is nice,” she said. “I know we’re going to build on this season and make next season even better, so I’m pretty excited for next season.”
We have to play as one. We’re going to be a balanced group of guys who are all clicking on the same cylinder. That’s how we're going to beat people.
UPCOMGING BASKETBALL GAMES MEN’S NOv. 21 vs. concordia
WOMEN’S
NOv. 29 @ HENDRIX
NOv. 20 vs. EASTERN (NEWARK, N.J.) NOv. 21 vs.KEAN/ STATEN ISLAND
DEC.1 @ TRINITY
(NEWARK, N.J.)
DEC. 5 @ OZARKS
NOv. 24 @ Chicago
DEC. 19 vs. RUST (SHREVEPORT, LA)
DEC. 2 vs. AUSTIN COLLEGE
JOE BERGMAN, CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY | COURTESY
Junior outside hitter Holyn Handley hits the ball over the net during UTD's first round game against Whitworth on Nov. 13. The Comets won the match 3-1 to advance to the second-round of the NCAA tournament for the second time in program history.
SPORTS QUICK HITS RUNNERS FINSIH IN TOP 50 AT NCAA REGIONALS Two cross country runners finished in the top 50 of the NCAA Division III South/Southeast Regional Championship Meet on Nov. 14. Sophomore Lindsey Rayborn finshied 45th in the six-kilometer race with a time of 24:12, while junior Brenton Heble placed 46th in the eight-kilometer race with a time of 27:40.
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THE MERCURY | NOV. 16, 2015
EVENTS CALENDAR
UTDMERCURY.COM
UPCOMING EVENTS Talk with the Comet Cupboard team to compete for prizes and learn about hunger awareness issues on college campuses.
Meet Transfer Student Services in the pub for food, games and fun with other transfer students.
Watch the Comets take on Concordia University in a non-conference game. Free admission with comet card.
Join Residential Life and Intercultural Programs for a free Thanksgiving lunch. Free admission with comet card.
Take a break from studying and destress with some canine companions in the McDermott Library.
Join the Women’s Center for refreshing tea and conversation.
The Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies presents a poetry reading by professors Zsuzsanna Ozsvath and Frederick Turner.
COMICS&GAMES ENARC
NOV. 16, 2015 | THE MERCURY
IT’S WINTER!
ALVIN NGUYENLY | MERCURY STAFF
THE SEMESTER KEVIN VANHORN | MERCURY STAFF
LIFE OF TEMOC
ALVIN NGUYENLY | MERCURY STAFF
KEVIN VANHORN | MERCURY STAFF
DISGUST
AUTOMATICALLY STUPID
TIM SHIRLEY | MERCURY STAFF
ANTHONY INCA | MERCURY STAFF
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meals and even the waiters who had heard about the news didn’t seem alarmed.” Once they understood the situation, they left the restaurant in search of a taxi that would take them back to their apartment. “We did not want to sit idly in the restaurant,” Salgado said. “One of the shootings had been just walking down the street. Someone had shot into a restaurant, so we didn’t want to stay there.” They soon realized that every taxi was taken and that panic had finally set in. “The news about the attacks had spread and people were trying frantically to get home so none of the taxis were available,” Chauhan said. “That’s when we decided to go to the Embassy because it was pretty close to where we were at the time and in the direction away from the attacks.” The entire block of the U.S. Embassy was barricaded and French guardsmen were turning people away from entry. The girls were declined access even after producing documentation that proved their U.S. citizenship. They tried to find a taxi around the Embassy and called a cab service, but weren’t able to secure one. Salgado said there were more police and sirens and ambulances near the Embassy, so the severity of the situation was increasing. “I was frustrated and scared because we didn’t know what else to do,” Chauhan said. “This was the only plan that we could come up with at the time. We felt that we had the right to be protected by out Embassy and felt abandoned.” Eventually, they were told that the French president, the prime minister and the minister of the interior were all in close proximity to the Embassy, so extra precautions were being taken. They were also told that the only time an Embassy can allow people to seek refuge is during a time of war. At that point an American special agent approached them and offered his support. “He was very encouraging and calming,” Salgado. “He told us ‘You guys did the right thing. You came to the right place. Unfortunately we aren’t allowed to let you in. We have French diplomats and … typically the U.S. Embassy and other embassies become a
target when terrorist attacks like this happen.’” Chauhan said that she was very alert and paranoid before talking to the agent, but felt calm and prepared to move forward after their conversation. The three students headed to a hotel nearby to wait in the lobby, but found a cab on the way there, which was able to take them back home. They arrive at their apartment around 11:15 p.m. All three of the girls spent an hour and a half after they got home telling their loved ones that they were safe. “(My parents) were definitely panicked,” Salgado said. “It was probably more than an hour and a half after they’d heard about it that I was finally able to contact them. So they were very scared.” Even though France tightened border controls after the attacks, the students’ plane back to Spain was still scheduled for Nov. 15 at 9 a.m. Chauhan said that on Nov. 14, the day after the attacks, life resumed as per usual in Paris. “I was afraid that we would leave our apartment that day and see the streets deserted but immediately when we opened the front door of our apartment, we saw a couple walking on the street and several other people down the street,” she said. “It was relieving and calming that the city wasn’t in total chaos. Seeing life continue despite the horrific incidents that had happened not even 24 hours ago was very reassuring that everything was going to be okay.” The girls headed to the airport the next morning and Salgado said that everyone there was on high alert with armed military personnel at every corner. They had to go through several security checks and passport verifications before they were allowed to board the plane. “The security scans in Europe are typically much more lax than they are in the U.S.,” Salgado said. “The security (on Nov. 15) was much more like American security. We were taking off shoes, jackets, pulling out any liquids we had and kind of electronic devices. It was just a lot more intense.” They arrived in Spain safely to Jaume I University, where they are studying for an exchange program. Salgado said Parisians showed concern for their welfare and she was moved by how much they cared. “It was very touching and I think it definitely shows a sense of resilience in the citizens within Paris,” she said.
Freshman’s death ruled accident The Collin County Medical Examiner’s office has announced the cause of death of Collins Chima, the 18-year old freshman who died in Res Hall West on Oct. 18. Chima died from sickle cell disease complicated by a foot injury. The death is categorized as an accident.
CHIMA
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