For her final A&E column, Monica provides an inside look at the genius of “Community.”
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Season’s cheer: Campus guide to holiday events
Trinity continues holiday traditions with Vespers and Christmas on Oakmont events.
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Women’s basketball wins continue with away games
rt se In 8 n 5-1 ho .1 at e p ar id M Ins
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College conundrums: looking into the popular sitcom
Trinity Tigers beat Hardin-Simmons and Concordia away.
theTrinitonian Volume 112, Issue 14
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www.trinitonian.com
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Serving Trinity University Since 1902
• December 05, 2014
Michael Fischer chosen as interim president As the presidential search continues, Fischer chosen as interim president until the academic year of 2015-16. by James Godfrey & Luke Wise NEWS REPORTER & EDITOR Michael Fischer, vice president for faculty and student affairs, has been named interim president by Trinity University’s Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 2, 2015. Dennis Ahlburg will step down following his contract’s end in January to begin a sabbatical. Fischer has served as vice
president since 2000 and is in charge of Trinity’s academic and student affairs. “I will serve until the new president is selected, until the new president comes to campus,” Fischer said. Ahlburg has served as president since January of 2010, completing his five-year contract, during which he has helped the university through the construction of a variety of projects and the beginnings of a new strategic plan and marketing initiative. Fischer, who also serves as a professor in a first-year seminar and HUMA class, noted his gratitude for the position and in moving the university through various programs. “It is a privilege to be called on to provide leadership,” Fischer said in a statement. “I am excited about moving Trinity forward
on key initiatives within the university’s strategic plan and implementing our innovative new curriculum.” The new curriculum is set for implementation come 2015, alongside a continued marketing presence in the wake of the established strategic plan. “The curriculum and strategic plans really provide a map for the future and that’s where we’re header. My goal is to help us get there,” Fischer said. Fischer also stated his goals in helping transition Trinity into the new presidency. “My goals are to continue to move the university forward to ensure a smooth transition to the new president,” Fischer said. The presidential search is being conducted by a search committee, comprised of various faculty and staff members alongside student representative
Evan Lewis. Upon selection, the committee will present the candidates to the Board of Trustees who will then offer the final decision on the new president for the academic year of 2015-16. Lewis stated that although he hasn’t had the opportunity to work with Fischer often, he has been impressed with his commitment to the university and leadership. “I have been impressed by his willingness to listen to students,” Lewis said. “I think he will do a fantastic job in the next few months.” Following the appointment of the president next academic year, Fischer will return to his position as vice president. “My role will be to help the new president become acclimated to a new campus and adjust to the university,” Fischer said.
To many students, including those who know Fischer and those who do not, the change and transition is one that, while challenging is exciting. Along with these sentiments, many students are grateful for the experience that Fischer will be able to bring during this transition period. “It’s good that we have someone who is familiar with our school and community who can help us operate effectively as we search for a new president,” said junior neuroscience major Cole Evans. Fischer stated his excitement towards the future of Trinity and his passion to continue working with the university in the coming years. “I love Trinity, I am committed to it,” Fischer said. “This is where my son went to school, I’ve been a professor here and I am excited to be serving in this new role.”
Low midterm-elections turnout shape mayoral race With midterm elections over, San Antonio mayoral race heats up by Tyler Boelts NEWS REPORTER
With the recent midterm elections over, the next upand-coming political event will be the mayoral race in May of 2015. San Antonio offers a different type of race in which non-partisan candidates run for mayor and city council seats. “In San Antonio they are ostensibly non-partisan elections and
therefore you don’t run for mayor or city council as a Republican or Democrat,” said David Crockett, the head of the political science department. The lack of partisanship makes it much more difficult for voters to pick a candidate to support because they don’t have knowledge
of where they stand on broader views. “It’s a nonpartisan election, therefore it’s more difficult for voters to get information about the contest because the partisan label gives you information. Whether I like someone or not, if I see the label Democrat or Republican next to them I know something
about what they believe in, something about their policy or agenda, and because I have a psychological affiliation with one of the two parties, I have a positive or negative reaction to that person just because of the label,” Crockett said.
see MAYORAL Page 5
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News
theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
compiled by Luke Wise
LOCAL Following the clearing of NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo after the death of Eric Garner, San Antonio citizens took to the streets Thursday night in protest. Over 50 people gathered at the steps of the Bexar county courthouse downtown and across town. Along wih the protests over Garner’s death, Black Panther members gathered outside the courthouse earlier in the day to protest the killing of Marquise Jones, who was shot by off-duty San Antonio police officer Robert Encina. Reports from Encina stated Jones was armed and the officer felt threatened. ksat.com
graphic by Samantha Skory
Meet the SENATO NATIONAL
INTERNATIONAL
Protests continued across the nation, with protesters shutting down major highways in New York and Chicago ,among other cities, following the grand jury’s decision not to indict New York police officer Daniel Pantaleo. Eric Garner was killed on July 17, after being wrestled to the ground in a chokehold, with the autopsy report citing the hold as a contributing factor in Garner’s death. Also protesters were angry following a Missouri grand jury declined to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson after fatally shooting Michael Brown on Aug. 9.
On Dec. 3, militants attacked buildings in Chechnya’s capital of Grozny, leaving at least 10 security officers dead and six insurgents dead. According to Russian authorities, the fighting left 28 officers injured. Under the authority of Kremlin-backed leader Ramzan Kadyrov, attacks like this have been rare over the years, at the expense of what critics cite as often violent and controversial methods to keep down the insurgency. The attacks came hours before Russian president Vladimir Putin delivered his State of the Nation speech in Moscow.
LET TER EDITORS TO THE
nbcnews.com cnn.com
theguardian.com
TUPDBriefs Location: Chapman Graduate Center Date: 12-02-14 Time: 7:00 p.m. Classification: Theft
Location: Coates Library Date: 11-24-14 Time: 10:37 p.m. Classification: Fire Alarm
Location: Winn/Witt Hall Date: 11-22-14 Time:10:52 p.m. Classification: Burglary
Location: Laurie Auditorium Date: 11-30-14 Time: 5:37 p.m. Classification: Fire Alarm
Location: Prassel Hall Date: 12-01-14 Time: 6:06 p.m. Classification: Burglary
Location: CSI Building. Date: 11-25-14 Time: 3:13 p.m. Classification: Fire Alarm
HONOR COUNCIL
Location: Stieren Theater Stairwell Date: 11-23-14 Time: 12:39 a.m. Classification: Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor
Location: Prassel Lawn Date: 11-20-14 Time: 9:45 a.m. Classification: Theft
Location: Coates Library Location: Miller Hall Date: 11-20-14 Date: 11-23-14 Time: 4:15 p.m. Time: 12:53 a.m. Classification: Fire Alarm Classification: Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor
Corrections Spot a mistake? Email us at trinitonian@trinity.edu, and we will happily run a correction in the following issue.
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Guest Columns: Guest columns should be arranged with Alicia Guerrero (aguerre1@trinity. edu) one week prior to publication. Columns submitted without such arrangements will not be accepted. Columns may not run if they exceed 500 words. Opinions expressed in the Trinitonian are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Trinity University, its students, faculty, staff or the Trinitonian. Editorials represent the opinions of the Trinitonian Editorial Board. The first copy of the Trinitonian is free; additional copies are 50 cents each. ©2014. All rights reserved.
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compiled by Luke Wise
Identification
The Trinitonian [USPS 640460] [issn 1067-7291] is published weekly during the academic year, except holidays and final exams, by Trinity University, One Trinity Place, San Antonio, TX 782127200. Subscription price is $35 per year. Periodicals Postage Paid at San Antonio, TX. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Trinitonian, One Trinity Place, #62, San Antonio, TX 78212-7200.
Index
19 Campus Pulse 1 News 9 Opinion 23 Arts&Entertainment 15 Marathon Guide 26 Sports
Staff editor-in-chief: Faith Ozer managing editor: Alicia Guerrero business manager: Sydney Coleman ad director: Allison O’Hanlon news editor: Luke Wise campus pulse editor: Kenneth Caruthers arts & entertainment editor: Mason Walker sports editor: Claire Hoobler-Curtis photo editor: Miguel Webber graphic editor: Samantha Skory web master: John Mendiola social media coordinator: Henna Jalal reporters: James Godfrey, Courtney Shikle, Julia Elmore, Heather Bush, Sarah Farrell, Alyssa Tayrien, Mia Garza, Sarah Davis, Tyler Caldwell, Tyler Boelts
Monica Clifford, John Mendiola columnists: Lauren Schroeter, Joy Lazarus, Megan Reynolds, Callum Squires, Sofia Villarreal copy editors: Brooke Griffis, Alessa Hutter, Rachel Pauerstein photographers: Eva Littman, Jordan Leeper, Sarah Thorne graphics designer: Matt Kennemer distribution manager: Laura Prentice advertising staff: Christina Moore, Gladys Gonzalez, Vivian Wei, Liam Miner, Elizabeth Teeter, Erin Patridge, Hayley Malone, Cassidy Claar business staff: Elly Yeo, Cori Whang adviser: Katharine Martin
News
theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
The
Christmas
Vespers
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:10
December 7, 2014 6 o’clock pm Margarite B. Parker Chapel
Trinity University
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News
theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
Trinity professors and alumna hold teach in event discussing recent human rights issues in Mexico Disappearance of college students in Mexico sparks dicussion among Trinity faculty and students by James Godfrey NEWS REPORTER The Department of sociology and anthropology and the Mexico, the Americas and Spain program sponsored a teach-in event on Friday, Nov. 21, in order to inform students of the disappearance of 43 college students in Iguala, Mexico, following a confrontation with local police. A number of professors spoke at the event, and alumna Roxana Rojas was available to answer questions and contribute to the conversation at the event via a Skype call from Guadalajara. “There is a real human rights crisis in Mexico,” said David Spener chair of sociology and anthropology. “A lot of people [are] disappearing and there is not a lot of media coverage.”
“There is a real human rights crisis in Mexico. A lot of people [are] disappearing and there is not a lot of media coverage.” David Spener Chair of Sociology and Anthropology
The event was conceptualized and organized by Rosana BlancoCano assistant professor of modern languages and literatures, Arturo Madrid ,professor of modern languages and literatures, Katsuo Nishikawa, associate professor of political science, Aaron Navarro, associate professor of history and David Spener, chair of sociology and anthropology. The teachin concept dates back to the 1960s and originally involved events in which students and professors would organize open events on subjects that were not being addressed in courses. As Spener explains, current events often capture the attention of professors but are not appropriate for
their syllabus and course material, which led to the rise of teach-ins. “With media the way it is now, no one outlet dedicates more than a few seconds to issues like this,” Nishikawa said. “This is very complicated and nuanced, and we wanted to show that.” The event was attended by about 60 students, and in addition to the information presented by professors who had organized the event, an alumna was available on Skype as well. Roxana Rojas currently lives in Guadalajara, and she related her experiences with protesting the disappearances and poor media coverage as well. The lack of coverage of the event is in part, said Spener, due to the misconception that these disappearances took place due to the students’s involvement with the drug trade. The Mexican drug trade, Spener says, is largely supported by the demand provided by the United States. On the other side, however, the United States government interacts with the Mexican government, training members of their government and police forces to respond to the drug trade and aid in the war on drugs. The impact of events like these disappearances are not isolated from MexicanAmericans, though it has received coverage from the media. He explains that this is a
mistaken assumption, and that many people only tangentially related to the drug trade. After the deaths of six students, major demonstrations were held around Mexico, calling for state officials to be held accountable for their involvement. “It is disappointing to me that this has not been adequately addressed,” Spener said. “Issues in Mexico are not always addressed in earnest.”
“With media the way it is now, no one outlet dedicates more than a few seconds to issues like this. This is very complicated and nuanced, and we wanted to show that.” Katsuo Nishikawa Associate professor of Political Science
Recent developments have seen American citizens take to the streets in protest, holding various vigils and rallies to help address the issue further. Organizers have taken to social media as well, trending campaigns using the USTired2
photos by Eva Littman David Spener, professor of sociology and anthropology, talks to students over the recent issues surrounding the disappearance of 43 students in Mexico (top). Alongside Spener, Katsuo Nishikawa, associate professor of political science, engaged students in the conversation (above). The talk, sponsored by the department of sociology and anthropology, as well as the Mexico, the Americas and Spain program (MAS), featured professors Rosana Blanco-Cano and Arturo Madrid, as well as Trinity alumna Roxana Rojas who was available to talk via Skype from Guadalajara.
hashtag to raise awaraness of the incident. A recent CNN report stated that the remains of some of the students may have been found following the
abduction by their gang killers, although the attorney general noted that conclusions would be held until DNA tests were confirmed.
News
theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
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Midterm elections see lowest turnout in 70 years; San Antonio mayoral race set to see a similar trend • continued from Page 1
The races for mayor in many cities go fairly unnoticed and do not have high rates of attendance. Some of that low turnout can be chalked up to the time of year the elections occurring. “They‘re held in May, we don’t think about elections in May. It is hard enough getting people out for midterm election for governor. We can do it for the presidency because it’s such a high profile one,” Crockett said. For the up-and-coming 2015 election, all seats on the council are up for election. According to Ballotpedia. org, “The San Antonio City Council is made up of 11 members, including the mayor. While the mayor is elected at-large, the other 10 members are elected by the city’s 10 districts.” There will be more information as the election date becomes closer, but those who are running for mayor have already begun to declare themselves as candidates. According to Ballotpedia. org, those who have declared thus far for mayor are
State Representative Mike Villarreal and State Senator Leticia Van de Putte.
“There are all sorts of possible explanations from people being disenchanted with politics in general [to] increasing polarization in the political class.” David Crockett Chair of Department of Political Science
There are no known candidates who have declared for city council as of yet, although in the coming months there will be more information regarding potential city council members.
While a full analysis of voter turnout for the midterm elections is a couple of months away, it is widely known that the turnout in the recent election is one of the lowest there has been in years. Many Trinity students registered to vote in the weeks leading up to the election only to be turned away at the door. Sarah Thornton, a sophomore from Arizona, said “I think it was something that they should have told me up ront when I was registering to vote. I was completely unaware until voting day.” Recent voter registration laws have changed, making it much more difficult for out-of-state students to vote. This difficulty arises from the fact that they don’t have Texas state IDs. “I think that as a college campus they should provide some options for us as outof-state students because we have so many out-ofstate students, they should accommodate for that. If they want people to vote, we are all educated, we were going to vote and that was taken
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away from us,” Thornton said. Midterm elections are notorious for having lower turnout than presidential elections for a multitude of reasons, but this year’s turnout was lower than usual. “This midterm election was somewhere around 33 percent so it was lower than normal. There are all sorts of possible explanations from people being disenchanted with politics in general [to] increasing polarization in the political class seems to lead to certain dysfunctional aspects to our politics,” Crockett said. Crockett continued to note that American citizens are continuing to become dispassionate about politics. “More and more Americans may be thinking, ‘This is not a pathway to peace and prosperity, it’s not a pathway to progress, it’s not a pathway to things we need to do as a nation.’ They get turned off by politics, they don’t see it as relevant to their lives, and they don’t see their decision making a difference,” Crockett said.
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News
theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
Student lead program Waste Watchers aims to tackle issues of food waste across campus Students Organized for Sustainablity tackle issues of food waste in Mabee alongside DAC discussion with Aramark by James Godfrey NEWS REPORTER The Students Organized for Sustainability sponsored the Waste Watchers event in the evenings in Mabee Dining Hall the week of Nov. 21 to collect and record the amount of waste produced. They concluded that waste averages about 200 pounds every evening, and they aim to work with Aramark and the Dining Advisory Committee to minimize waste produced after meals. “Because Aramark sees that the food has been picked up, they interpret this as meaning it has been consumed,” said SOS member Hayley Sayrs.
“We hope to work closely with SOS because we share some of the same concerns and both organizations go hand-in-hand. We also want [the DAC] to expand beyond just dealing with Mabee food.”
photos by Sarah Thorne Students Organized for Sustainability sponsored Waste Watchers gathered in Mabee to measure the amount of food wasted by Trinity students and Aramark. The program found an average waste of 200 pounds a night.
dedicated to encouraging sustainable practices and community. The Dining Advisory Committee has expressed interest in working with SOS and Aramark when communicating the desire for food and waste production, as both organizations seek to minimize unnecessary costs and waste. “We hope to work closely with SOS because we share some of the same concerns and both organizations go hand-in-hand,” said DAC President Liliana Diaz.
employees was enthusiastic, and Sayrs hopes to make the event a recurring one so that Aramark can track the amount of waste that is produced to report progress on decreasing it. Working with the Dining Advisory Committee, Sayrs also hopes to encourage Aramark to provide food that is necessary for students with particular dietary needs as well. “Instead of negotiating, [Aramark and student groups] are shutting down
and felt that a lot of students interpreted their goal as making them realize guilt for the waste created. This was not their goal, however, and in explaining this they found a lot of positive student response towards the goal of the event. Trinity is not the only university facing issues regarding food waste. In the United States, according to the UDSA, 31 percent of the available food supply went uneaten in 2010. This number reflects 133 billion
“We also want [the DAC] to expand beyond just dealing with Mabee food, and this helped raise awareness.” In addition to working with Aramark on minimizing waste, SOS members spoke with students and Aramark employees about the event. As reported by SOS members, the response from Aramark
and being wasteful,” Sayrs said. “I think we can start a conversation by looking at the end of the system and asking ourselves why things are being generated the way they are and why are they not being eaten.” Members of SOS at the tables noted students’s reactions to the event as well,
pounds of the 430 pounds total. The estimated value of the food loss was $161.6 billion. A recent 2012 study at the U.N. Climate Summit found similar results, with roughly 35 million tons of food thrown out; worldwide, onethird of food produced never gets eaten.
Liliana Diaz Sophomore and President of the Dining Advisory Committee The event was originally organized by SOS and involved setting up a table in the back of where dishes are submitted in the back of the dining hall. Over the course of several evenings, SOS asked students to pour the leftover contents of their plates into containers, which they then weighed. Their results showed that wasted food totals about 200 pounds each evening. The results of this event will be used in interacting with Aramark in order to discuss what can be done to produce less waste. The event was organized by the Students Organized for Sustainability, an organization on campus
News
theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
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Students and faculty discuss gender stereotypes following “Miss Representation” film showing
Students and faculty discuss gender inequality following film viewing by Courtney Shikle
NEWS REPORTER On Wednesday, Nov. 19, Helen Fiegenschue, senior, hosted an open viewing of the documentary “Miss Representation,” followed by a discussion led by Katie Blevins, visiting assistant professor of communication. Fiegenschue wanted to share the film with Trinity’s campus as an additive to the increasing discussion on gender stereotypes and other issues with women in particular. “I feel like the issue of gender inequality, gender stereotyping, skewed gender roles, whatever you want to call it, began to receive a lot of attention over the past year or so,” Fiegenschue said. “Especially paired with debates and discussion on rape and consent, beauty standards,
et cetera, the documentary seemed like such a fitting addition to the conversation.”
“We have the right to be shown more women in positions of power in the media, using their intellect and not only their beauty. Women are complex beings, with many facets to us.” Outlwile Matome Junior
The film “Miss Representation” is a part of The Representation Project, which, according to their website, “is a movement that uses film and media content to expose injustices created by gender stereotypes and to shift people’s consciousness towards change.”
The documentary stresses the importance of media literacy and understanding that the images portrayed in the media are manufactured, according to Fiegenschue. “The images shown to women in the media about how women look—but not really because they have been photoshopped— are shocking,” said Outlwile Matome, junior. “They create an unattainable ideal, which is bad for self esteem, and as the documentary states, hinders many girls, teens and women from pursuing what they would like to because confidence in one’s self is paramount to the achievement of one’s personal goals.” Matome would like to see women in the media portrayed for something other than beauty. “We have the right to be shown more women in positions of power in the media, using their intellect and not only their beauty. Women are complex beings, with many facets to us. We need to stop being portrayed in such a onedimensional way,” Matome said. The film not only highlights the misrepresentation of women in the media but also points out the struggles of men. “The film did raise a very important point about how this also negatively impacts
men because now they have an unattainable, unhealthy image of masculinity that they are sold and made to feel inadequate if they don’t fit,” Matome said.
“I think it is fantastic that we were encouraging media literacy outside of the classroom, which is one of the goals of the communication department.” Katie Blevins Assistant Professor of Communication “This misrepresentation of women and their roles and gender roles is an issue for both genders because it affects both negatively.” “The overall tone and the message that the film represents was very accurate in terms of
what is happening with media representation in our society,” Blevins said. Blevins was also pleased to know that the event was organized and hosted by a student. “I think it is fantastic that we were encouraging media literacy outside of the classroom, which is one of the goals of the communication department, but having that be a student-led initiative because it is something that was interesting and powerful to so many of the students is fantastic,” Blevins said. Though Fiegenschue cannot host another event of the sort, she hopes that others will continue to hold similar events in the future. “The Representation Project will be releasing another documentary in 2015, titled ‘The Mask You Live In,’ which essentially takes the same issue and examines it from the male perspective, which is just great and will really help in including men in this fight,” Fiegenschue said. “So I definitely plan on passing on the torch and hope that this first event sparked enough interest to inspire others.”
information according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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News
theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
Student Government Association discusses conflicts of interest among student organizations Looking at various student organizations on campus, SGA senators revise the student body constitution by Tyler Boelts NEWS REPORTER Last week the Student Government Association came out with revisions to the undergraduate student body constitution and specifically ruled out conflicts of interest in positions on campus. Meetings and discussions held by the SGA senators have been going on for a while now. The real hot button topic was the conflict of interest between members of ResLife and SGA senators. Liliana Diaz, a senator for the class of 2017, said, “The one position we had the most discussion on was ResLife. Whether you could be an RM or RA and still hold a senator position. It was very split.” With a fine line between various positions on campus, Diaz noted how important it is to maintain the division between the university and students, particularly with student interests, restricting
the amount of students can have.
power
“The one position we had the most discussion on was ResLife. Whether you could be an RM or RA and still hold a senator position. It was very split.” Liliana Diaz Sophomore SGA Senator “In the end we did see that it was a conflict of interest because a lot of people were saying that you wouldn’t want your RM- an employee of Trinity University, and they would have to support the rules and you wouldn’t want your RM to get you in trouble but then again if you’re an SGA senator you’re representing the students,” Diaz said. “So there was that fine line of, you don’t want that person to have to much power. You can’t be on the school’s side and on the students’ side.” Eventually coming to a general consensus, SGA passed the revision that
now states in section six of the constitution. “In order to minimize conflicts of interest, no undergraduate student may occupy the following combinations of positions concurrently… Student Government Association officeholder and Residential Life Staff member.” The main purpose of the revision was to clarify unnecessary conflicts of interest previously ruled out in the constitution. Evan Lewis, SGA president, said, “It’s actually nothing brand -new in the constitution. The constitution had that conflict of interest segment as far as I can recall.” The process involved gathering up members of SGA to go back over the constitution itself, making sure to find any conflicts within. “We edit the constitution. I’m on the rules and oversight committee,” Diaz said. Diaz noted that SGA had to look through all the various positions on campus and see which ones could possibly conflict with the others. “So we had to go through and we had to look at the various, the most powerful positions on campusregarding the Mirage, the Trinitonian, ResLife, Student Conduct Board and Honor Council and then we had to
see which ones conflicted with positions in SGA,” Diaz said. Diaz noted that SGA spoke to many current members of the positions, to better understand any potential conflicts that could arise.
“To clarify, the constitution is not just the student government constitution; it’s the constitution of the Trinity University undergraduate student body. Most of it has to do with the structure of student government.” Evan Lewis Senior and President of SGA “So we spoke to a lot of the people who were already in those positions and asked them their opinion and if they felt like their position would conflict with being a senator,” Diaz said. Lewis also noted that this section of the constitution was previously written in
vague terms without specific ruling. This ambiguity created unclear guidlines on handling conflicting interests. “We went ahead and clarified what the conflicts actually were, because it was written over broadly,” Lewis said. “I think they were written to intend to exclude certain positions from also serving on SGA. But it was written so broadly that it excluded certain positions from each other that it didn’t really make sense.” The constitution itself is for the entire undergraduate student body, but is mostly dealt with by SGA members. “To clarify, the constitution is not just the student government constitution; it’s the constitution of the Trinity University undergraduate student body. Most of it has to do with the structure of student government. It’s primarily concerned with SGA, but technically it’s not SGA’s constitution.” Said Lewis said. With the edits the section in the Trinity University Undergraduate Body Constitution members of the Big Six may not overlap. The Big Six are: Conduct Board member, Academic Honor Council member, Trinitonian editor-in-chief, Mirage editor-in-chief, Residential Life Staff member, and president/chair/director of specific organizations on campus.
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Opinion
theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
The Short List
Coleen Grissom, Professor I love this season of the year–the part in which everyone encourages us to “be thankful.” I avoid snapping that I, honestly, am thankful all the time–yes, even more than during my evening prayers. A sense of gratitude abides in my life, and it’s been many a decade since my mother, noticing that I was focusing on some slight or disappointment, casually observed, “Look, Coleen’s out of sorts; she’s going into the garden to eat worms.” What in the world could that possibly mean? I certainly didn’t think it was a humorous, witty observation then, but somehow, as with many of our mothers’ words of wisdom, those have stayed with me through these many years. I never stay depressed for long. Who could–if they thought they’d soon be out in the garden chowing down on some tasty non-arthropod invertebrates? Appreciating blessings– seeing the glass half full, rather than half empty- behaving like the child who, given a room full of excrement, rather than being distressed, began to dig, announcing, “There must be a pony in here somewhere!” – generally serves me well.
I begin by noticing some moments that are easy to ignore: I can get out of bed without assistance and so can my dogs and cats; wrens and cardinals chirp joyously in the backyard trees, both welcoming the dawn and reminding me it’s time to hustle out with some sunflower seed; the fountains splash, the deer frolic (although in this “rutting season,” the males are a bit more focused on procreation of the species than I fully appreciate), the chimes tinkle with the light fall breeze, even my black/ white clownfish-George & Weezee–undulate in joy as I approach their aquarium; maybe it’s me, maybe it’s the Formula One flakes. How could one not be grateful? It’s also almost semester break, and, although I enjoy the current classes, I’m always eager to plan for the next ones, hoping to avoid mistakes I made this time around (Okay, okay, students in 3327–you win, Kingsolver and McBride are “dead to me.”) The change of semesters provides a new beginning, a fresh start. That always motivates me and makes me happy. One of the reasons for this reaction is that–still crazy after all these years–I relish preparing for classes, planning the syllabi, trying to be considerate of demands on students who brazenly have other interests and obligations beyond my class. I love leading discussions of material my bright, articulate, generally self-assured students have read and about
which they have opinions. I love watching them become more self-assured and articulate as together we create an accepting, collegial climate in the classroom. I hope to phrase this in a fresh, original way: some days this world seems headed to hell in a hand basket. (Okay, so it’s another cliché with a confused meaning but clear intent.) Always being cognizant of that, any thinking person has to fight not to be depressed. Few of us have much significant input into the broad scope of affairs–most in this country didn’t even bother to vote in recent elections–but we can attend to our own little corner of the world. No matter what, if any, faith you follow, try rereading the “Sermon on the Mount” and applying those principles in your daily life. (If you’re rushed, just scan the beatitudes.) Instead of heading to the garden or wallowing in whatever selfpity and disappointment affects you at this or any moment, train yourself to celebrate and to be grateful for ALL the blessings of your life. Seize the opportunity of 2015 and the new semester to start anew, considering every single day a time for thanksgiving and sharing that approach to life with others. Coleen Grissom is a professor in the English department.
EDITORIAL
An ode to President Ahlburg Walking through campus these days, the anticipation is almost palpable. While the majority of us on campus—students and faculty alike—are counting the days and hours ‘til the end of finals, many others are preparing for their last days here at Trinity. With winter commencement fast approaching and the (somewhat) cold weather licking at our faces as we hurry from class to class to the library, it all begins to feel very nostalgic, and we are reminded that with winter commencement also comes the end of a different era, that of the Ahlburg presidency. After the initial announcement of his departure this past spring, we students have heard little about our president’s departure, or his potential replacement, aside from the occasional search committee meeting and the Dec. 4 news release that he will be leaving on sabbatical. For now, vice president for faculty and student affairs Michael Fischer has been selected as interim president starting this January, and rumor has it that the new president will be announced within the following week after a lengthy process of interviewing dozens of applicants from across the country has finally come down to the final few. To us, these are mostly nameless and faceless potential leaders of the university, but to the seniors graduating in the spring, one of them will possibly be shaking your hand as you each walk across the stage and are awarded your degree. While this gesture may seem small in the scheme of things—and despite the slew of opinions that may be held about our current president—it is an odd finality in his process of departure. As this class graduates in December, in a way, so does he. While it has not been officially announced if Ahlburg will be joining the faculty in the dusty depths of Chapman after his presidential resignation and sabbatical abroad, we are on the cusp of a new era here at Trinity, and now we watch as the sun sets on his time here in the looming fourth floor office of Northrup Hall. Whether this leaves you completely unmoved, unabashedly celebrating or touched at your core, the Trinitonian would like to make this nod towards Ahlburg’s service as president, and for the hours and sanity sacrificed for a job as demanding as his. We hope we speak for the Class of 2015 when we say that walking across that stage will not be the same without his dignified presence at the end of it, that deeply accented “congratulations” or a straight-talking farewell speech. However, with high expectations, we wait for his substitute’s reveal. Thank you all, and have a happy holidays.
What do you want most for Christmas?
sidewalk • sidewalk • sidewalk • sidewalk • sidewalk • sidewalk • sidewalk • sidewalk
Appreciate your blessings in life
9
Since I’m graduating this semester, all I want is my degree. Elizabeth Gilbert Senior
A keyboard will be really cool. Alex Frisbie Sophomore
All I really want are clothes. Allison Carter Sophomore
I’ve been asking to get the iPhone 6 Plus. Christian Nardini Senior
I would definitely want a panda. Nina Tao Sophomore
I really want to make a high score on the GRE. Allie Howland Senior
I want a six-foot iPhone charger so I can sit in my bed and charge my phone at the same time.
Haley LeFlore Junior
compiled by Jordan Leeper
10 theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014 Opinion Searching for the meaning in Christmas cartoons CSI is (Y)ours From the Wild Frontier David Crockett, Professor I know it’s difficult to get into the Christmas spirit when we’re all barreling down the endof-semester highway at 80 miles per hour. The end is in sight, however, and the forces of popular culture have already begun their annual effort to inculcate appropriate Christmas values through the mechanism of animated specials. I have enjoyed many of these since I was a child, and now that I have children of my own I am able to relive the experience through their eyes. Alas, though, I find that all too often my inner Plato comes roaring to the surface in a desire to call out the “artists” and “poets” for what they are delivering to the people. Heaven help you – literally – if you are looking to animated specials to understand the meaning of Christmas. The newest additions to the cartoon pantheon seem to be completely devoid of any seasonal value or relevance. I watched the “Shrek” Christmas special once, and have never returned. “Prep and Landing” is amusing, in a spy caper sort of way, but its only connection to holiday spirit is its North Pole setting. Now I see
that we have new Christmas adventures for the casts of “Ice Age,” “Kung Fu Panda,” “Madagascar” and “Toy Story.” “Toy Story” has potential for some genuine spiritual reflection, but I have no real hope for the rest. So, perhaps we should look toward the classics. And I don’t mean the “Star Wars” Holiday Special from 1978, featuring Chewbacca’s father Itchy and son Lumpy. That was a live-action calamity, and more a Thanksgiving special than Christmas. No, I’m thinking of the Grinch’s misadventures in Whoville, which has a respectable pedigree, derived from the book by Dr. Seuss. Certainly the transformation of our green friend [SPOILER ALERT] from bitter house burglar to born-again Santa Claus represents some tangential connection to an anticonsumerist sentiment. But the nondescript and contentfree spirituality of the Whos is fairly nonthreatening and unreflective of the true challenge of Christmas – completely suited to our contemporary multi-cultural sensibilities. But at least there is a spiritual message buried in the Grinch story. Not so for “Frosty the Snowman.” Here we have a mad scientist/ magician who accidentally finds he can create life, and then chooses to murder it rather than let it enjoy its freedom. Magical Santa saves the day. I am unclear what the Christmas connection is here, but what do you expect from a cartoon based on a
pop song? Speaking of cartoons based on pop songs, this year we’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” This is the story of a reindeer born with a birth defect – or maybe he’s a mutant, or just the next step on the reindeer evolutionary ladder, I’m not sure. Anyway, he’s got this congenital problem with his nose, and most of the adults in the show behave in a perfectly atrocious fashion. The reindeer coach falls prey to all of the worst stereotypes of Division I athletics; the father is embarrassed by his condition and tries to cover it up (I’m sensing years of therapy in Rudolph’s future); and Santa Claus – the supposed paragon of Christmas values – is the worst of the bunch, criticizing the father for siring this monstrosity, and only coming to accept Rudolph when his special powers prove useful. With pop culture messages like this, you don’t need a “war on Christmas.” My preferences incline toward the “Charlie Brown Christmas” special – not the newer add-ons that pad the broadcast hour, but the original classic from the 1960s. Yes, it’s based on a comic strip, but it comes much closer to representing the meaning of Christmas. As Charlie Brown tries to figure out what Christmas is all about, he
is presented with several false options: it’s about spectacles and contests (Snoopy), getting “my fair share” (Sally), or putting on the best production (Lucy). And when the kids articulate their standard for greatness or success – what they want in a Christmas tree – it’s all about size and strength. We learn, however, that true joy comes from that pathetically small and weak excuse for a tree – through humility and meekness. And we conclude not with a Vegas-style pop song, but with a traditional Christmas hymn glorifying the newlyborn God-Man. Linus even gives us a lengthy quotation from Luke’s Gospel. It’s hard to imagine something similar getting through politicallycorrect diversity-loving network censors these days. But the essential meaning of Christmas is not a saccharinesweet sentimentality of warm wishes and human goodness. Instead, true power and glory come from servanthood and meekness; true love is self-sacrificial and directed toward the unlovable and undeserving; genuine freedom comes from repentance, and is acquired from a source beyond humanity. That’s the deep context behind Linus’s quote. It’s not politically correct, but it’s the real reason for the season. Merry Christmas!
never fails to bring a smile to my face. The exchange between Mr. Narwhal and Buddy the Elf as the protagonist says goodbye before heading to New York is a work of genius. For the more violently inclined, red-blooded American, look no further than Bruce Willis and the “Die Hard” series. “Yippeekayaye [insert serious sexual maternal expletive here]” is a wonderful catchphrase. And there are explosions and guns and weaponry that I believe the typical Texan finds either interesting or arousing—I’m unsure which to be honest. For the more romantic type, “Love Actually” is a brilliant British film that intertwines 10 different Christmas love stories in London. It’s emotional, hilarious and entertaining all at the same time. And it features a British guy flying to America to go exploring! Interesting concept, that. Family gatherings are a lot of fun for some people, but represent the stuff of nightmares for others. Be patient with those annoying relatives who question why you haven’t already gotten married and had three kids at the age of 20. Thank your silly great aunt for another disappointing present,
remarkably similar to the awful one she gave you last year. If your little cousin pulls your hair one too many times, just understand that he/she adores you and doesn’t fully understand pain yet. You can’t change your family, no matter how much you desire to sometimes, and secretly you wouldn’t really like the new one if you did change. They’re like an ugly Christmas sweater. You love them dearly, but just don’t want to be seen with them in public. And that’s okay. That’s Christmas spirit after all! Eat. Eat everything. Eat everything twice. Every day. Let’s be real. The best thing about Christmas is not presents; it’s the food. We have smoked salmon and bread to start. Roast turkey, sausages wrapped in bacon, stuffing, carrots, roast potatoes, peas, parsnips and gravy for our main course. We have Christmas pudding and vanilla custard to finish. It is absolute bliss. I will put on five to 10 pounds eating that meal, and that’s okay! Then I wouldn’t have my yearly New Year’s resolution to “lose weight and get fitter.” I’m trying, honest. On New Year’s Eve, typical Brits forgo all their responsibilities
David Crockett is a professor in the political science department.
by David Ribble
Guest Columnist
Trinity’s Center for the Sciences and Innovation (CSI) is a spectacular and innovative academic building built for the entire Trinity community. Students from across campus are finding the study spaces inviting, engaging, and fun – whether they’re science students or not. Guests to CSI have been pleasantly surprised to see the place filled with students everywhere at all times of the day and night. With guidance from the Trinity University Police Department and coordination from the Tiger Card office, CSI is available to students 24 hours a day -- something no one thought possible eight years ago during planning. Being a community resource means we all assume responsibility. We have all enjoyed the beautiful new top quality furniture, and if it’s going to last for the benefit of present and future Trinitonians, we must all take care of it. Let’s be mindful of the wonderful new asset we have in CSI. Let’s keep our seats clean and put them back where we found them. Let’s recycle our waste in the many available bins. Let’s leave the spaces cleaner than we found them. Please, show respect to all who share and enjoy these intriguing spaces in CSI. Good luck with finals-and hurry back. (Y)our CSI awaits you! David Ribble is chair of the biology department.
Looking forward to break and all the things to do, British style Staff Column
Callum Squires, columnist I’m really struggling to comprehend the fact that the first semester of my sophomore year is about to conclude. It was August, like, three days ago! Truth be told, I think I still feel like a first year on the inside. I swear Halloween was less than two weeks ago! You’re telling me Christmas is in three weeks? Time, apparently, does fly when you’re having fun. But as unfortunately fast as this year has gone by, thankfully we have a brand new one to look forward to just around the wintry corner of holiday break. The holiday means a lot of different things to different people across campus, but to me, it means I get to head home to cold and rainy London Town for the first time in five months. Don’t get me wrong, I love it here, but there really is no place like home. So, in
typical selfish fashion, the topic of this column is once again going to be me—specifically all the things I’m looking forward to doing at home this Christmas. I’m hoping there’ll be something here you can relate to. We’re not that different, you and I—honest! Catching up with friends is what the holidays is all about. All my friends have been off at their various universities doing very individual things, but we will all reunite this festive period to give me a metric tonne of crap for studying with you lovely people in Texas. We’ll laugh, they’ll drink, we’ll dance, I’ll clean up their vomit after one too many drinks, I’ll cry when Manchester United loses and my friends will supportively celebrate my despair. It’s a great relationship, really. Make the most of your time with your high school buddies. Take time to reminisce about the good times. Don’t take for granted the time you have with them. It’ll be over soon. Christmas films are a must for me. Admittedly, there are a lot of awful Christmas movies you need to avoid, but shrouded in among those abominations are some true classics. Will Ferrell in “Elf”
and drink until they cannot walk. I would recommend a more balanced approach—maybe eat some food first so that you can physically move yourself after your 15th shot of Jägermeister. That way, a night as memorable as New Year’s Eve should be, is something you can actually recall the next morning. Enjoy the parties, and celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of something new. The year 2015 is going to be a blast. Have a wonderful Christmas, have a fantastic New Year, do all the things I mentioned above and stay safe. Catch you in January. And lastly, if we all have one Christmas wish, let it be that the powers that be here at Trinity see fit to change the absolute abomination of our new sports logo. It’s atrocious. Not one person I’ve spoken to (and I’m very social and speak to a lot of people) has told me they like it. If I knew precisely who to complain to, I would do so other than here. But alas, this is my signoff. Have some common sense. Change the friggin’ logo. Please, Santa? Callum Squires is a sophomore majoring in German studies.
Opinion The death of Eric Garner: A sociological perspective by Sarah Kaufman
Guest Columnist
Yesterday, I made a lastminute change to my students’s Introduction to Sociology class after I read about the nonindictment of the police officer who killed Eric Garner: I asked them to apply their sociological knowledge to a real-world event for an assignment due next week. Here’s a cheat sheet for them, and an introduction to sociological thinking for others. Sociologists ask how a situation is affected by society’s structures. We believe that individual choices and behaviors are not random, but rather governed by common institutions that structure our lives. The education system, the economic system, the legal system and others create rules and expectations that guide individual choices and their consequences. If you live in a wealthy white suburb, you are as likely to drive drunk as poor people of color. You are as likely to use drugs as poor people of color and to steal just as often. But you are not as likely to be caught or punished. This is because U.S. police don’t concentrate on white, wealthy neighborhoods. Policing in this country has been focused on poor communities and communities of color since the 1970s and the War on Drugs. And if the police do find wrongdoing among the advantaged, there
legal authorities participated, facilitated, or remained blind to the murder of black U.S. citizens well into the 20th century. Now in the 21st century, we might ask: are black lives treated as equally valuable as white lives under the law? The nonindictment of Officer Pantaleo suggests they are not. There is a video, a known perpetrator, an autopsy and a coroner’s determination of homicide. What more could a grand jury want? Hundreds of thousands of people are sent to face criminal charges in the U.S. each year with much less evidence. But few are white policemen who kill African-Americans. My work is to educate students about the social and historical forces that influence everyday life. But I had to struggle to stay focused on that job this week. The failure to send Officer Pantaleo to trial seems patently unfair to me. Thousands of young people will have their lives forever damaged by our punitive criminal justice system this week. The U.S. sends a greater percent of its population to prison than any other nation in the world, and these are disproportionately poor people of color. Why should their families and communities suffer more than those who are members of privileged groups?
to portray moments frozen in time. While a movie is constantly in motion and a novel leaves much to the imagination, a comic is able to do both of these things—motion can be portrayed through various techniques, yet the reader can fill in gaps left between the panels. Loving comics has been so much fun. I’ve read crime comics, adventure comics, memoir comics, sketchbooks and travel journals, diary comics, horror comics, historical comics and even comics about comics. I’ve read old comics (as old as 1906!) and new comics, colorful comics and black-andwhite comics. I’ve read comics that make me cry each time I reread them and comics that never fail to cheer me up. I’ve read comics with doomed heroes and absent fathers and budding romances and anarchy and betrayal and orphans and long-lost lovers and furious mothers and forgotten memories and death and birth and everything in between. The stories I read, much like great novels, try to put the human experience into words, and they each succeed in their own way. So what’s my advice to Trinity students as they explore their interests on this beautiful campus? Never forget to enjoy learning for fun. Reading comics is one way I’ve continued to actively exercise my brain, and it’s helped me immensely. As fun as it has been to watch 12 episodes of “The
League” in a row, I know that I’ve grown so much more by reading and actively learning in my spare time. Too often we get bogged down by work; it’s so important to remember what makes us feel alive. Please don’t forget the things you truly enjoy while you’re in college (spoiler: these things shouldn’t be limited to getting wasted or partying). Set aside time to do what you love, whether it’s once a week or every night before bed (which is what I try to do). Utilize our library’s Interlibrary Loan system, because you can basically get any CD, movie, or book that exists (and the librarians love for people to use it, or so they claim when I send them thirty requests in twenty minutes). Trinity has been a great home for me these last three-and-ahalf years, especially because it has helped me explore the world in new and profound ways. So whether your passion is video games or DNA or football or chess or feminism or math, find time in your life to remind yourself of these joys. Don’t let other people demean your passion: explore it, talk about it, find other people who like it too. Sure, college is about getting your degree, but it’s also about finding things you genuinely enjoy and then doing them. My love for comics will, I imagine, last for my lifetime. And regardless of anyone else’s opinion, I think that’s pretty great.
Sarah Kaufman is an assistant professor of sociology.
Senior Column
If there’s anything I’ve learned here at Trinity, it’s to do what you love. I recognize how simplistic this sounds and even that pointing it out is cliche itself, but this is really important. For me, “following my bliss” or “finding my passion” or “being myself” has meant a lot of things, but one of the more significant arenas I’ve been able to explore is (you guessed it) popular culture. Pop culture has become a serious intentional passion of mine. In high school, I’d been casually interested, perhaps to the same degree as most of my peers. I had some ideas about what I liked. But in college, this interest ballooned exponentially. I decided I loved television and I wanted to watch the best it had to offer, and now I read countless reviews and have become obsessed with HBO. I fell in love with movies, and now I’ve begun the long journey of viewing every fantastic film ever made (a journey that will likely be impossible to conclude). But my real love has become comics, as I’m sure anyone who frequently reads my articles could guess. And this medium, though it has gained respect, is still very often misunderstood. I believe it truly has something to offer everyone. It utilizes both the written word and visual elements
Staff Column
Megan Reynolds, Columnist Thanksgiving came and went in what seemed like the blink of an eye, and I find myself feeling somewhat blue. It’s not that I had an unhappy break or anything—it’s actually quite the opposite. I had a wonderful break filled with football, friends, family and, most importantly, food. The only problem was that with all these great things going on around me, my homework was forgotten and my backpack was relegated to a corner of the house—out of sight and definitely out of mind. During those five days of rest (which never actually feels long enough) I didn’t even look at my homework—not even a glance—and now that decision has come back to bite me. I have papers and presentations and not to mention tests to prepare for, but with only a week and half left of school I feel the heel of time inching closer and closer, just waiting to squish me. It always seemed so unfair to me that we should get that short reprieve right before everything builds and culminates. It lulls me into a false sense of security. Over break, I feel as if I have all the time in the world, like that
theTrinitonian
DEC.05.2014
paper will only take me an hour and that book won’t take long to finish at all. Then I come back and the homework that I neglected rears up with such a vengeance that I wonder why I ever felt so relaxed during break. This is my main source of endof-semester downers. It’s such a quick turnaround between midterms, Thanksgiving, and finals, and then winter break, that I sometimes feel as though my head is spinning so fast it might spin right off my neck and roll away. I find it exceedingly difficult to toy with my motivation like that. That’s why these last two weeks or so of class are always so tough. I don’t think the schoolwork is much more demanding than average but, hey, maybe that’s just me. I really just feel like Thanksgiving break gives me only a taste of what winter break will be like, and that taste is enough to completely devour my motivation for the rest of the semester. It’s hard to travel then come back for such a short amount of time, only to travel all the way home once again. The bright side of all of this is that winter break really is so very close. While these last two weeks feel longer than usual and my desire to be back home in my queen bed instead of my dinky twin bed here is almost overpowering, I cherish the fact that I do only have a few more days to get through before I make it to 2015. Megan Reynolds is a junior majoring in English.
on behalf of the staff of campus publications,
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are lots of ways that racial and socioeconomic privilege lessen the harshness of punishment. Members of the Trinity community, for example, are much less likely to be subject to criminal charges if caught selling drugs than other residents of San Antonio. Trinity folks might face school sanctions, but we are much less likely to face physically brutal arrests, go to prison, or have criminal records that will affect us for the rest of our lives because we are members of an elite institution that prefers to deal with scandalous events outside the system. The #CrimingWhileWhite hashtag expands on this disparity. Eric Garner died in part because he is part of the group of people who are more policed and punished more harshly. In this sense, the chokehold that killed him was not random, and the system that failed to indict his killer was not random either. We sociologists also ask: how is what’s happening today a result of what happened in the past? The history of AfricanAmerican relationships with U.S. legal authorities is troubled to say the least. For much of the country’s history, AfricanAmericans had different rights than whites. Before the abolition of slavery, African-Americans could be legally murdered for any number of reasons. After the Civil War, murdering AfricanAmericans became technically illegal, but the history of lynching demonstrates how
Do what you love to do by Monica Clifford
11 Thanksgiving break blues
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Cartoon by William Freeman
12 theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
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theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon 2014
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his year’s theme is #TrinityPride. There are some designated spaces for various groups. See the guide on the back of this insert for more information. Runners will have ascended a brutal hill on Tuleta only to face another one on campus. That area will feature cheering sections from campus religious groups, Counseling Services, and Health Services. We ask that most student groups and departments line up on Stadium Drive. Prassel residents are encouraged to cheer from the south-facing balconies. • Plan to be on the course no later than 8 a.m. Most runners will have gone through by 9:30 or 10 a.m. • Use the blank pages on this insert to make signs for the runners (not just the Trinity Runners). • If you are coming from off-campus, enter campus through Bushnell or Oakmont and park on upper campus. If you have to enter through Rosewood please be respectful of our neighbors. • Noise makers, foam paws, and Santa hats will be passed out to supporters the morning of the marathon!
What You Can Do Runners are slogging through as many as 26.1 miles. They LOVE and appreciate attention, noise, spirit and, creativity. Come with noise-makers, colorful-dress, and loud cheers! Words of encouragement mean a lot to all runners-not just the ones from Trinity. • Wear club jerseys, athletic team jerseys, or anything Trinity. As a default, wear maroon! • A fun distraction for runners are the funny and encouraging homemade signs. Signs can be inspirational “Pain is temporary, Pride is forever,” or fun “Worst Parade Ever.” • The first runners through will be the elite runners. Cheer them on but give them space as they are competing for pride and cash.
A New Campus Tradition This marathon, which features as many runners as there are living alumni, is a chance to showcase the University. After the race last year, many runners listed Trinity University as their favorite part of the race-despite the hills! Specifically, this affords Trinity the chance to support runners, and burst the bubble by showing campus and civic pride. This is quickly becoming a new campus tradition.
s t c a F t Fas
• Runners will be participating in the half marathon (13.1) miles and full marathon (26.1 miles). • Annually about 25,000 runners from around the world participate in the San Antonio event. • The marathon course winds north through Brackenridge Park and past the zoo. Runners will enter Trinity at Devine and Stadium Drive. • Trinity University will be at approximately the six miles mark on the course. All runners (half and full) come through campus. • The relay hand-off spot, for those doing the half marathon relay, is at Alamo Stadium. • The Spurs sorority is staffing the hand-off spot! • As many as 100 Trinity Runners will be participating. Give them special cheers!
Want a Trinity Rocks t-shirt?
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oday is the last day you can get a t-shirt! To get one donate today at the Coates Center. The Kayla Mire Food Drive is named for 2010 Trinity graduate Kayla Mire who died shortly after her graduation. She was an ASR/SGA Senator and a strong ally for those in need.
Our Neighbors Support Runners Too!
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This space is left blank for you to make an awesome poster encouraging the runners!
18 theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon 2014 o i n o t n A The San ’ Roll
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The Trinity Experience
Note that the run was moved from mid-November to early December by the city so the weather wouldn’t be too hot. Now the runners may have to brave the cold or rain. The race goes on rain or shine and the runners can use your support regardless of the weather!
1. Admissions
12. Athletics Teams
2. Religious Groups
13. Staff
3. Health Services
14. Stand Band
4. Counseling
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5. Tiger
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6. Victory Bell
17. KRTU
7. President
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These numbers are just suggestions! Feel free to stand
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with any number of organizations or to move around
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Our Neighbors Support Runners Too!
throughout the morning!
campus
Pulse
Students Display Artwork for Exhibition Art held in Neidorff Gallery through 5 p.m. tomorrow
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Trinity celebrates holidays with concert, Vespers and Oakmont Music students prepare for weekend full of performances by Heather Bush CAMPUS PULSE REPORTER At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, Trinity’s music department will host its annual Christmas concert in Laurie Auditorium. The event will feature the choirs, orchestra, handbell choir and wind ensemble. In preparation, directors from each ensemble chose their repertoire before coming together to develop a cohesive program. While some of the pieces are performed every year, each concert also introduces something new. “We always close with ‘Joy to the World’ and— in the past—we used a setting that was not written specifically for us; we just sort of arranged it,” said David Heller, head of the music department. “So the department commissioned a new setting of ‘Joy to the World’ and it will be premiered at the concert this year.” Before and after the concert, the jazz ensemble, brass quintet, Trinitones and Acabellas will perform in the hallways of the auditorium for guests to enjoy. The event is highly attended not only by students and staff, but also by family members and the surrounding community. “It’s always a really crazy week because the choirs have the Christmas concert and Vespers, so we always try to do at least one or two songs that are the same between both. For the most part, however, they’re completely different programs,” said Gary Seighman, director of choral activities. “There’s a lot of preparation.” Two days after the concert, on Dec. 7, members of the choirs will again perform in Trinity’s annual Christmas Vespers service at 6 p.m. in Parker Chapel. The event is Trinity’s longest standing tradition. “Because the music is part of the service, we want to make sure it fits in with the liturgy,” Seighman said. “For example, we have the magi and the Annunciation scene, so we kind of pick music that fits thematically with that service.” The service is a series of readings that deal with the nativity, alternating with a variety of carols sung by the combined choirs. Before the service, a half-hour prelude will feature music performed
by faculty members, as well as a student soloist. “It’s always an incredibly well-attended event,” Heller said. “Especially with ‘Silent Night’ at the end, I think everybody loves that moment when the choir surrounds the congregation and everyone is in candlelight.”
“It’s always a really crazy week because the choirs have the Christmas concert and Vespers, so we always try to do at least one or two songs that are the same between both. For the most part, however, they’re completely different programs.”
file photos (Top): Members of the Trinity Handbell Ensemble perform in front of a house during Christmas on Oakmont. (Above): The Trinity Choir performs at Vespers last year in Parker Chapel. Vespers will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 7, in Parker Chapel.
Gary Seighman Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities Following the service, the residents of Oakmont Street will open their homes for another traditional event, Christmas on Oakmont. Each home will feature snacks, drinks and caroling by the chamber singers, as well as warm greetings from the hosts. “It’s a really nice event because it gives students, staff and members of the community the opportunity to see our house and admire the decorations and eat the snacks,” said Michael Fischer, vice president for faculty and student affairs. “It’s a great way to start the holiday season.”
graphic by Samantha Skory
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campus
Pulse
Students showcase artwork in exhibition “Woven from Fragments” and “Overlooked, Hidden, Unseen” on display through tomorrow by Sarah Davis CAMPUS PULSE REPORTER Two student art exhibits opened on Nov. 20 in the Neidorff Art Gallery following the opening reception that evening. One exhibit, titled “Woven from Fragments,” features the work of seniors Megan Brown, Stephen Sedia, Jacqueline Golden and Sara Longridge, presenting collage and multimedia work from the students. “‘Woven from Fragments’ centers on process-driven artwork and features multiple collage and collaborative pieces; the show itself is something of a collage. It includes pieces from multiple artists and media all woven together,” Longridge said. The artwork of this exhibit addresses relationships over time, whether they are among humans or between humans and nature. On her artwork titled “Pelmanism,” Longridge says that “the 18 individual collage pieces that make up ‘Pelmanism’ represent a faulty system of interaction between man-made structures and natural ones, and, for me, they serve as a reminder that there are gaps in our understanding of the world we live in and how we must continue to fill them.” The other exhibit featured in the gallery is “Overlooked,
photos by Eva Littman Senior Stephen Sedia explains his artwork to junior Maddie Pelayo during the exhibition’s opening reception on Nov. 20 in the Neidorff Art Gallery.
Hidden, Unseen,” which includes the artwork of seniors Hillary Dohoney, Carina Hiscock and Alejandra Trigoso. These pieces are about investigating artwork on a small scale. “‘Overlooked, Hidden, Unseen’ is about appreciating unappreciated objects and creatures found in the human and natural world. It’s meant to be an engaging viewing experience that requires the audience to pay close attention to the works rather than doing a routine glanceand-pass,” Trigoso said. Senior Hillary Dohoney further explains the meaning behind the artwork. “The works are often small, tucked away or subtle. Rendering the art in this unconventional way compels the viewer to take the time
Junior Nancy Li examines art from the student exhibit during the opening reception.
Trinity alumnus releases new book on Texas On Nov. 4, Richard Parker—Trinity class of ‘85—released his first book, “Lone Star Nation: How Texas Will Transform America.” While at Trinity, Parker was a columnist for the Trinitonian and majored in political science. Parker went on to receive his masters in political science from Tulane University. “The book argues essentially that Texas has changed in fundamental ways and will change the country in fundamental ways,” Parker said. “My argument is not about the land, but about people on the move and the historic consequences of large movements of people.” Parker had previously written about Texas for the New York Times and has lived throughout the state
for the majority of his life. In addition to interviewing experts in the field, Parker also spent time interviewing other everyday Texans. “There are other people in the book, too: a couple representative of the millennials, moving to Austin; a first-generation girl of Mexican origin trying to get into UT and a woman living near Fort Worth who is a fourth or fifth generation Texan,” Parker said. “I tried to include the stories of everyday people.” “Lone Star Nation” examines Texas’ three main challenges, which Parker determines to be a lack of upward social mobility, issues of the environment and shrinking democracy. “Texas has two starkly different futures. One is of a society of tremendous inequality, mass poverty and
discrimination,” Parker said. “But the other is a very rosy future—continued economic prosperity, upward social mobility through continued education, smart ways to make sure there is enough water in an arid environment and a fair and just democratic society.” Parker explores the future of Texas as he considers migration to the “Texas triangle”—including the San Antonio, Dallas, Houston and Austin areas—which has drastically increased in recent years. “It is a very different place from the Texas I grew up in,” Parker said. “Nothing ever happened in the Texas I grew up in. It always seemed, to me, that the important events of the day were always happening elsewhere.” By 2015, Texas will have the fourth-largest economy
in the world, replacing Germany. To continue with this tremendous economic boom, Parker argues, Texas will have to make major changes. “Lone Star Nation” takes an in-depth look at this possibility. “Texas is a really interesting story right now. It’s such a vibrant place,” Parker said. “Over a thousand people move to Texas a day and, as a result, it’s worth taking a fresh look at it and trying to understand its history, its present and its future.” Parker now lives in Wimberley, Texas. He works in journalism and publishing, and his writing has appeared in the New York Times, as well as the Columbia Journalism Review.
by Heather Bush
to notice and appreciate the very things that are so often ignored,” Dohoney said. Jessica Halonen, associate professor of art and art history, commented on the collaboration between students in creating two art exhibits for one space in the gallery. “Although the process of making art can be a solitary one, collaboration and being a team player is an important part of the contemporary art world,” Halonen said. “By including multiple students in a group exhibition and/or dividing the space into two exhibitions, students learn to work together to produce a professional quality exhibition.” Both exhibits will remain in the art gallery until 5 p.m. tomorrow, Dec. 6.
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theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
21 Pulse Trinity participates in International Education Week campus
Goal of week to make students aware of international opportunities
International Education Week 2014 was held Monday, Nov. 17, to Friday, Nov. 21, and featured numerous daily events on campus. The week was held in conjunction with a national initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education, and it is meant to bring awareness to international education programs and the variety of ways Trinity incorporates international education into campus activities. “The goal of this week is to make our students aware of internationally-themed events, lectures, study abroad programs and opportunities available at Trinity,” said Andre Martinez, study abroad advisor. “Many students know what is happening internationally but then there are many that never look beyond the borders of campus.”
Some of the week’s events included information sessions for faculty-led study abroad programs, a study abroad photo contest display, presentations on international experiences and “A Taste of Vietnam,” hosted by the Vietnamese Student Association. A majority of the events were new this year, such as a visit by representatives from the U.S. Passport Agency to give travel safety tips, tables set up in Coates Center for information on study abroad programs and international programming by KRTU. Martinez added more about the importance of international education. “International education is important because it allows us to learn about other cultures, people, politics, history, geography and about other systems different from our own,” Martinez said. “Trinity students that go abroad for a semester, in summer, or with a Trinity faculty-led program will have the opportunity to develop the cross-cultural skills necessary to live and work in the global workforce.” The International Cinema Club (ICC) hosted a screening
of “Under the Bombs,” a movie about a woman’s struggles with war in Lebanon, to raise awareness about different cultures. “We believe that much can be learned about a nation or a set of beliefs by what is presented in popular media,” said Nipuni Gomez, sophomore and ICC president. “Thus, our aim is to watch foreign films together and provide students and faculty from the countries of production with an opportunity to explain hidden meanings behind the films’s components.” Nancy Ericksen, assistant director for study abroad, highlighted the international nature of Trinity: almost 10 percent of Trinity students are international, and many faculty and staff conduct international research and programs. “We could pick almost any week at Trinity University and find films, meetings, speakers or presentations that connect us to the wider world,” Ericksen said. Stephanie Herzog, international student and scholar services advisor, helped organize the week with Martinez, and she
Although miscommunication led to a hiatus for Trinity University’s Film Society this semester, the founders of the organization, juniors Bria Woods and Blake Duckers, plan to kick the group into gear next semester. The group aims to view films and discuss aspects of cinematography and social
relevance. Aside from viewing and discussing films, members of the society hope to make student-produced films in the future. The film society had some miscommunication with the company that was helping finance the films. An email from the Trinity University Film Society’s
founders clarified the reason for the delay in activities this year. “The difficulty comes in the fact that each of these films will average about $250 to show,” Duckers and Woods wrote to students who had signed up to join the organization at the student involvement fair in August.
by Sarah Davis CAMPUS PULSE REPORTER
photo by Jordan Leeper The Houston Passport Agency was on hand in Coates to give travel safety tips.
emphasizes the importance of International Education Week for Trinity since it has not been celebrated in recent years. “It is in many ways our responsibility to educate ourselves and each other about cultures different from our own and about events taking place around the world
that could impact humanity as a whole,” Herzog said. “International Education Week serves as a platform to share and celebrate the powerful impact of education around the world as well as to promote international understanding and build international ties.”
Confusion over the timeline for funding requests hampered the organization’s plan for paying for these films. “I believed that you applied on a monthly basis for university funding. I had been told that was the case, and that assumption was false,” Duckers and Woods wrote. “To receive university funding, an
organization has to submit a budget for each event six weeks in advance. Not an unreasonable requirement, but a difficult one to work around when we were approved in mid-September and found out about the six weeks requirement in October.”
Trinity University Film Society goes on hiatus
Sumner speaks about online dating Recently, Erin Sumner, an assistant professor in the department of human communication, received media attention for her contributions to research on online dating. She was featured on Channel 4 news on Nov. 7, and the study has been publicized in the Huffington Post and the San Antonio Express-News. Sumner and her colleagues studied the ideal
amount of time online daters should wait to meet each other in person. “We looked at whether or not the amount of time you waited to meet up mattered,” Sumner said. “The key result was that after about two or three weeks, there was actually a negative outcome when people waited too long.” Sumner said that the researchers theorize that this happens because when
daters wait too long to meet in person, they develop high expectations for their partner that may be unrealistic and are disappointed if the partner does not live up to these expectations. The researchers plan to continue the study in the future by looking at long-term results of online dating.
by Julia Elmore
Students have chance to win volunteer award In the coming weeks, Trinity students will have the opportunity to be selected for the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their hours of community service either as an individual or in groups. Awards vary depending on the number of hours a student or group spends volunteering, and recipients of the award receive several prizes,
including a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States. Edwin Blanton, coordinator for community service and engagement, is the university’s primary staff member involved in the application process for the award. Blanton encourages students to log their volunteer hours in order to qualify for eligibility.
“Students can log their volunteer hours on GiveGab. com,” Blanton said. The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a nationwide award program, in which Trinity is participating for the first time this year. Trinity faculty and staff encourage volunteering. see PRESIDENT’S page 22
by Julia Elmore
understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use TRINITY ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access UNIVERSITY evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understandUNDERGRADUATE access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand Trinity University’s Coates Library is proud to present the sixth annual access evaluate use ethically createResearch understand Undergraduate Student Awardsaccess program.evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use This program recognizes undergraduate whocreate exhibit outstanding ethically create understand access evaluate usestudents ethically understand access achievement in the use of libraryaccess and information sources demonstrate evaluate use ethically create understand evaluate useand ethically create understand information-literate research behaviors and skills. access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access AWARDS evaluate use ethically create Oneunderstand award of $1000access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically access evaluate use ethically create Twocreate awards understand of $500 awards of $100create understand access evaluate use understand access evaluateTwo use ethically awardevaluate of $250 for ause first-year studentcreate understand access ethically create understandOne access ethically evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand DEADLINE access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create Februarycreate 6, 2015understand access evaluate use understand access evaluate use ethically ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically APPLICATIONS & MORE INFO create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create http://lib.trinity.edu/lib2/usra.php understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use bharris@trinity.edu ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use ethically create understand access evaluate use
information literacy
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theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
Pulse Reflections Program focuses on college experience The Reflections Program is a voluntary, non-credit program open to all firstyear students to provide a time and space for thinking about life’s biggest questions. The program meets once a week for 90 minutes for the first three weeks of the spring semester in groups of 12 to 20 facilitated by a faculty member, staff member and sophomore
President’s Service Award • continued from page 21 “We encourage volunteering at Trinity because it has been proven that adults who volunteer are happier and more civically engaged,” Blanton said. “Students that volunteer now will most likely volunteer as adults and will be happier and more productive.” The applications are evaluated in December, so students or groups wishing to apply should be sure their hours are updated and accurate on GiveGab.com.
campus
student who has gone through the program. Special projects coordinator for academic affairs and Reflections Program director Lisa Jasinski explains what the program is meant to do. “Having conversations about who you are and where you come from, what you value and how you take those things forward—that’s exactly what we want you to do in firstyear experience. Students
get a sense of confidence and direction of where they are going. They get the most out of the personal dimension of their lives—a much better sense of who they are and what they value,” Jasinski said. The program seeks to create a non-threatening relaxed environment to engage in group and individual activities designed to help students maximize their time at Trinity and get to know
their priorities. One activity includes making a college bucket list then cutting it down to only a few items to make the best use of their four years at Trinity. “Trinity is a busy place and everyone gets so wrapped up in being busy that we just want to make it a more authentic place. Just carving out a little quiet space and time to get back to your roots is really powerful. There’s something
really nice about coming together as a community to do that,” Jasinski said. The program is in its third year on campus and has since expanded due to a $50,000 grant earned last year. The application deadline is Dec. 15 and first years can apply at http:// tinyurl.com/applySP15.
by Sarah Davis
The trinitonian editorial staff is hiring: - a sports reporter -a copy editor
by Julia Elmore
graphic by Samantha Skory; compiled by Kenneth Caruthers
contact aguerre1@trinity.edu for more information!
The Year That Was
In 2014’s final roundtable, A&E reflects upon the year that was.
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A&E
arts and entertainment
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graphic by Samantha Skory
For my last A&E article ever (yikes!), I decided to write about my favorite comedy show of all time: “Community.” This show is seriously so dear to me. I typically don’t like sitcoms much. Sure, they’re good for bingeing, and they offer the occasional opportunity to guffaw or chuckle aloud, but most of the ones I’ve watched are pretty bland. “Community” is anything but. Set at Greendale Community college, the show begins with a collection of semi-familiar stereotypes: the sweet, overweight black lady; the type-A white girl; the racist old guy; the black guy who’s a stupid jock; the socially inept Arab; the
hip, edgy white girl; and the charming, handsome, witty lead guy. What a random, ragtag bunch, brought together by a difficult Spanish class! “Community” showed promise early on. It was a sweet, honest look at what failure means—and how to redefine it. It mocked the idea of love while singing praises to its potential. It was silly and perhaps overly witty and very charming. It supported viewing the world in a different way; sarcasm can feel sustaining, but in the end it is baseless without real joy and earnestness. So it’s safe to say I was hooked early on. The show managed to embrace both my sarcastic tendencies and my secret optimism, so I avidly kept watching (especially since “The Office” was really sucky at this point). Then, they did something crazy. Something
extraordinary. “Community” began to test the boundaries of what is possible in the medium of television. As season one was winding down, we were given “Celebrity Pharmacology,” an episode about a chicken-finger smuggling ring—but done with the air of the classic gangster film “Goodfellas.” The music, the cuts, the voiceover—it was blatant. Then a few episodes later, “Modern Warfare,” a paintballthemed episode that paid homage to action films like “Rambo,” “Terminator” and “Die Hard,” aired to stunned and gleeful viewers. “Community” was now officially on the map as one of TV’s weirdest and smartest shows. But it never lost its earnestness. And see, that’s the kicker with “Community”: it doesn’t mock things, at least not often (with the exception
of “Glee,” which is so derided there’s even a themed episode about it). It’s a show that pays homage to a film or film genre, a specific TV show or a game (in the case of the “Dungeons & Dragons” episode). For a fan of popular culture, this show has impressed me beyond belief. Their nonthemed episodes are good, too—the writing is witty and sarcastic, but it’s ultimately optimistic no matter the backdrop. But “Community” does best when it so carefully and precisely pulls off an episode that is funny and completely referential. It simultaneously pays homage to something well-established and famous while offering something original and new and often beautiful. Everything is taken seriously, yet at the same time nothing is.
Examples of episodes include a pillow war set in a Ken Burns Civil War documentary, a mashup of “My Dinner with Andre” and “Pulp Fiction,” a “Zodiac”-style thriller about someone called the Asscrack Bandit, a G.I. Joe cartoon, an “Apollo 13” tribute about a KFC space simulator, a zombie apocalypse set to the tunes of ABBA, a full-blown “Law & Order” tribute about a smashed yam and so many more. “Community” is for those of us who are often described as “off-beat,” “quirky” or “unique.” Just like the characters of “Community,” all we want is to find someone who understands us and accepts us as we are in all our nerdish glory. In the end, I think maybe that’s why I love “Community” so much: I feel like it understands me.
In my humble opinion, the sappiest writer on the staff is me. I will talk about my feelings and cry a lot if anyone disagrees. My track record shows that I have a penchant for being sappy and sentimental about the most random things like click bait articles or video games. The winter holiday is pretty much the equivalent of a soft, fuzzy puppy for me. The winter holiday should be renamed to sappy and sentimental… holiday. That doesn’t quite roll off the tongue, but you get the point. A bright, happy refuge from the darkest, coldest nights. You drink warm eggnog while
eating amazing food with all your friends and families. You give and receive gifts that show your appreciation and love. What could be sappier than that? It is just way too easy. Too many stories end in redeeming arcs and happy life lessons. Conflict only exists to give characters an obstacle to overcome. This year, I want to rub coal all over myself and embrace the dark and cold aspects of this holiday season. I’ll start by talking about my favorite anti-holiday films. Without, these films are either kind of silly, kind of creepy or kind of just plain dumb. The best one, “Gremlins,” is all three. I remember watching it as a kid and never even realizing that it was set during the holidays. I was too terrified
of these cute, adorable, mischievous creatures that multiply with water and turn into monsters when they eat after midnight. There were hundreds of Gremlins by the end of the movie and although the heroes manage to kill all the evil Gremlins, Billy doesn’t get to keep the one good pet—take that, Billy! “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is a modern take on a noir story with Iron Man as an unlikely detective who has to uncover a bunch of lies, witness a bunch of murders, fight off hench and become best friends with gay Val Kilmer (who is amazing). It is a really funny movie set in the holiday season but, for all its humour, it is not a very happy movie. I love this movie but, wow, it gets dark.
In “Trading Places,” Dan Aykroyd plays a successful broker who becomes homeless after his life gets yanked from him and given to a homeless man. This movie showcases the Eddie Murphy from the era of good Eddie Murphy movies. In the film, Dan Aykroyd is framed as a thief, an adulterer and a drug dealer. All his assets are frozen and he gets fired from his job and pushed away by his fiancee—all due to a dollar bet between two rich brothers. It’s one of the worst things you could do to a person next to forcing someone to watch Eddie Murphy’s last five movies. “Home Alone 2” disturbed me as a kid. One, having parents as dumb and careless as his seemed awful. You left the same kid twice in a row?
Secondly, the idea of being trapped in New York by myself while being chased by two criminals was terrifying. If I starred in the movie, I would have probably been grabbed by those goons in the first five minutes and spent the rest of the movie being tortured. Instead, Kevin McCallister decides to torture/humiliate/ basically murder Joe Pesci and Not Joe Pesci for two hours. I watched the French film “A Christmas Tale” in high school and was quite scarred. I remember just staring at the credits at the end thinking, “What the hell did I just watch?” Here are some highlights: incest, cancer, alcoholism and awful family relationships. Those French really know how to make a Christmas movie.
Big screen Grinches: Movies that hate on the holidays
theTrinitonian
24 DEC.05.2014
A&E
Thinking about X-Wings and lightsaber shapes
graphic by Samantha Skory In this picture, Han Solo and Chewbacca, piloting the famed Milennium Falcon, fly towards “The Force Awakens.” The rogue and the wookie will both be featured in the new film, as will the spaceship.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The time when you get a break from my pretentious rants about movies, musicals and movie musicals. But before you go, dear reader, I thought it might be nice to inform you of a little indie film headed your way next year. It’s called “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and a trailer hit the Internet last week, recieving a muted response and some mild acclaim. I jest, of course. “The Force Awakens” is the most anticipated new arrival since the Royal Baby, and Star Wars fans (who need a catchy nickname like the Trekkies have) have been delighting in and/or bitching about it for well over a week now. At this late date, allow me to add my voice to the mix.
First of all, The Good: practical effects are back. Director J.J. Abrams claimed from the outset that this “Star Wars” would dial down on the CGI, and instead achieve its various wonderments primarily through the use of models, miniatures, and stunt work. If that shot of X-Wings winging their way across the water confirms anything, it’s that Abrams has made good on that claim and officially committed to giving this film a grounded, more realistic look than most of today’s blockbusters. Part of what made the original “Star Wars” films so enchanting was the way that they used practical effects to make outlandish creations feel like tangible realities. Part of what sunk the prequel series was the way it used computer-generated effects to make incredible scenarios seem sterile and fake. As this trailer shows us, J.J. Abrams is
leading a charge back towards the glory of the originals. He’s made the “Star Wars” universe something you once again feel like you can reach out and touch. Furthermore, the trailer nails that distinctive “Star Wars” tone. I was worried that Abrams would muck this up; his “Star Trek” films, although perfectly entertaining action operas, lack much of what comprises the traditional “Star Trek” tone. It would seem he hasn’t made the same mistake this time. When “Star Wars” works at its definitive best, it does so by blending three venerable genres: the “Jaws”era blockbuster, the Homeric epic and the delectably cheesy sci-fi/adventure B movie. In this trailer, the opening shot of John Boyega provides the B movie. The shot of the hooded figure trudging through the forest gives us the epic. And the shot of the Millennium
Falcon making its triumphant return gives us that distinctive blockbustery tingle. Visually and narratively, Abrams isn’t just making this universe one we can touch; he’s making it one we can recognize. So yes, my overall reaction is positive. But there’s still stuff I’m worried about, because I waste my days worrying about these sort of things. Foremostly, I’m worried about the dialogue. In the prequels, George Lucas proved that he was to the English language what carbonite is to Han Solo. The lines were portentous to the point of hilarity. To me, that seems the case here as well. I still think that screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan (who wrote “The Empire Strikes Back”) will do right by this story, but the trailer’s voiceover, with its mouthbreathing ramblings about light and dark, makes me a little worried.
My other big concern takes the form of a question: why are they keeping Luke, Leia and Han from us? It could be because they’re saving them for some future Big Reveal. Or it could be because they’re all so old that all their scenes take place at an outer space IHOP. After “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” all this bring-back-the-oldactors stuff makes me nervous. As for that much-parodied lightsaber, it looks a bit impractical, but I won’t knock it till I see it in combat. Overall, this trailer is a cause for cautious optimism and a signifier that Abrams IS moving us away from the prequels and MIGHT be taking us somewhere beautiful and new. Finally, since we’re on the topic, I can’t resist bidding a “Star Wars” related farewell to my Trinitonian colleagues who are leaving this semester: “The Force will be with you. Always.”
As a native Texan, I find that there are fewer things more fickle than the weather. One weekend prepares you to think that we will finally have a “winter” of something under 50 degrees, and on Monday we are right back to a solid 80. When we do have those days that warrant real pants and a coat, every building on campus becomes a furnace. This makes for a very uncomfortable transition from popsicle to steamed student. Plus, when the season pretends to change, our wardrobes follow accordingly. Dressing acceptably on a daily basis can be a struggle. At
least during finals, there’s this unspoken rule that allows us to let our wardrobe guard down; workout clothes become the standard for everyone. While this is the most comfortable choice for spending hours inside the library, when you have to walk to and from your dorm, bracing the cold can be almost frightening because running tights are only so warm. So, how to go about dressing appropriately for finals and the Trinity building versus the Texas weather phenomenon? First things first: this is plainly obvious, but it is worth noting that layers are key. In a city with almost year-round warm temperatures, it’s easy to forget that there are other wearable
materials outside of cotton. If you prefer to stay super toasty, you should invest in fleecelined anything. This style of tights is popular and can be purchased at most retail stores. And no one has to know that even though they look like normal pants, they actually feel like pajamas. The top half of your body will probably get too warm with a fleece lined shirt, and jackets of this material tend to be almost exclusively of the athletic style. So, if you would rather not have that look, I recommend wearing sleeveless shirts beneath a long sleeve T-shirt. You can peel the top shirt off as you stumble into your boiling hot classroom, most likely five minutes late because you
stopped at Einstein’s for that steaming cup of cafe mocha. As far as winter accessories, scarves can make or break your winter experience. Use them and the walk to lower campus won’t feel like a punishment. Don’t use them, and be prepared to keep the chill with you until you have a second cup of coffee. Again, this reasoning is totally obvious, but it’s also easy to forget that scarves exist for a reason. Another item that will save your weary brain from being frozen is a knitted headband. These things work miracles in the cold weather. They keep your head warm, which keeps the rest of you warm (*gasp*—science!). Thankfully, headbands come in a variety
of styles, so if you aren’t into knitted wear, you can find these in fur, fleece or cotton. When you approach the almost alarmingly warm buildings, you can just whip it off and experience a quick cold breeze before entering, and all is well. If you are too lazy or too cheap to buy these items, you can at least accessorize with a steaming beverage of your choice to keep your hands warm. Please consider this advice and please do not make the rest of us uncomfortable by being “that guy” who wears his thinnest shorts in 30-degree temperatures. We will all be shivering for you. Anyway, best of luck with finals, and may the weather be ever in your favor.
by Mason Walker A&E EDITOR
Dressing for the mess of a Texas winter
A&E
theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
arts and entertainment
25
Roundtable:
High of the year: Lupita Nyong’o winning Best
Supporting Actress at this year’s Academy Awards and being an all-around amazing person. She is a fresh face on the Hollywood scene, and I appreciate her friendly and sincere approach to advocating for different beauty ideals in this industry. She also had exceptional taste in formal wear at each awards event.
Low of the year: Kim Kardashian’s extremely
exposed PAPER magazine cover. There’s a difference between tasteful or meaningful exposure and gratuitous nudity. Like most of her stunts, this one was executed for baseless Internet sensationalism, and in my opinion it really didn’t have a purpose beyond that. Sofia Villarreal, A&E Columnist
Highs of the year: Pleasant surprises. The Oscars
actually got something right and handed an award to Lupita Nyong’o. Lana Del Rey, who I hadn’t liked much in the past, finally put out a damn good album to prove that there’s an adept mind behind all the moodiness. And Jason Robert Brown, a musical theatre composer whose work I’ve LOVED in the past, managed—against all odds—to turn the sappy novel “The Bridges Of Madison County” into a moving, melodious stage show.
Lows of the year: “Bridges” closed early on
Broadway. “Interstellar” didn’t fulfill its promise. And, as the Bill Cosby debacle has shown, our entertainment media still can’t seem to fulfill their most basic duties and obligations. Mason Walker, A&E Editor
Highs And Lows of
2014
High of the year: “Words of Radiance” is the high of my
highs in 2014. WoR is the second book in “The Stormlight Archive” series. It is a thing of beauty—all 1000 pages. I love how wide and deep his worlds are—almost nothing rivals his world building. WoR is packed with so many moments that I couldn’t help but squeal.
Lows of the year: I almost picked “They Came Together” because I literally fell asleep in a movie with such a funny cast. But my low of 2014 would have to be something else with a funny cast: “Saturday Night Live.” I know it’s cool to hate that show but I have mad respect for what they do. A lot of the new cast is really funny but they just seem so underused. John Mendiola, A&E Writer
High of the year: “12 Years a Slave” wins Best Picture. A more deserved award was never won.
Low of the year: “Bachelor in Paradise.” This show, a spin-off of an already ridiculous show, featured failed contestants of “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette.” Their challenge? To fall in love with another contestant, because if they didn’t, they’d have to leave “paradise”— which is a misnomer for a place filled with booze, drama, fire ants, betrayal, very hot but dumb people and more booze. But true confession: I enjoyed every minute of it. So maybe this is actually a high? Monica Clifford, A&E Writer
graphics by Samantha Skory
QUOTES FOR THE NEW YEAR “Last year’s words belong to last year’s language And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” T.S. Eliot “Well it’s a new year With it comes more than new fears Met a young man who was in tears, he asked me “What induces us to stay here?” I said, “I don’t know much and I’m not lying But I think you just have to keep on trying.” First Aid Kit, “New Year’s Eve”
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Swim falls in fourth meet of season The men and women swimmers lose to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps theTrinitonian Page 27 DEC.05.2014
Sports
Men’s basketball searches for first win The Tigers are winless after the beginning five games of the season Page 28
Both soccer teams knocked out of NCAA playoffs Men’s season ends with loss to Wheaton (Ill.) in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championship after defeating Loras College by Sarah Farrell SPORTS REPORTER
file photo Head coach Lance Key with the players during a practice. The Tigers ended their season on Nov. 22.
Tigers finish season with 22-1-1 record overll after falling to Thomas Moore University in the third round of the NCAA playoffs by Alyssa Tayrien SPORTS REPORTER
Trinity University went up against 9th ranked Thomas Moore in the third round of the NCAA DIII playoffs on Nov. 22. The Tigers traveled to Pittsburgh, Penn. hoping to continue their quest for the first women’s soccer title in school history. After finishing second in the nation during the 2013 season, the prospects seemed all but certain. Trinity (5 shots) and Thomas Moore (1 shot) managed few shots on goal or scoring chances throughout the game’s entirety. After 90 minutes of physical play, the game remained tied at 0-0 and the teams headed into overtime. The strong defensive effort continued for both sides in overtime, despite promising attacks from the Tigers. The game would remain scoreless in the first overtime and force a second extra period. After 100 minutes, the Thomas Moore Saints managed their first shot on goal, which proved to be the decisive score. In the 8th minute of the second overtime, Thomas Moore’s Emily Sanker blasted a rebound shot into the back of the net off an assist from Erika LaRosa. The goal ended the game and Trinity’s season in the process. Junior Kim Polasek said, “The season didn’t end the way any of us had envisioned, but things don’t always go as planned. [The loss has] been tough to swallow and accept, but that difficulty is exactly what drives us forward and makes us work harder.” The Tiger’s first loss of the season (22-1-1) marked the end of Emily Jorgens’s and Kelsey Falcone’s distinguished careers. Both were selected as Capital One Academic All-Americans, with
The Tigers got revenge on Nov. 21 against the No. 7 Loras College Duhawks (Iowa) for a loss they suffered last season in the Elite Eight. This year, the team turned the tables and beat Loras 2-1 after falling to them by the same score last year. Loras went up early in the first half and held their lead through halftime. “Second half was a great performance,” said assistant coach Edward Cartee. “We didn’t change very much from a tactical point of view, but I think the mentality changed a little bit and everyone just came out extremely focused on executing their roles.” Coming out of the half, sophomore midfielder Zacharias Edholm scored the equalizer two minutes into the second half after he stole the ball inside the box. Only 12 minutes later, sophomore midfielder Goncalo Santana scored the game winner; it came from a pass across the face of the goal from Edholm. “It was good to get the win for coach McGinlay. He always tells us that no team in the nation goes 2-0 against Trinity,” said senior forward Johnny Lawson. On Nov. 22, they fell in a close match to the host school, No. 8 Wheaton College (Ill.) 2-1 in an Elite Eight matchup. The Tigers went up after three minutes when a shot from Lawson from found the back of the net.
Lawson had an impressive senior season, leading the team with 18 goals, along with eight assists, for a team high 44 total points. The Trinity offense struggled the rest of the game. They were outscored in total shots 18-13, and earned just three corner kicks to Wheaton’s seven. “Their team was way stronger than us—it is something that we definitely need to work on in the future,” said senior midfielder Victor Araujo. “We had good players that were getting off the ball too easy, and that can’t happen.” The Thunder tied the game just before the half from a header off of a set piece, and got the game winner halfway through the second half. Trinity was unable to respond to the late goal and fell 2-1 once again in the Elite Eight. “It’s a tough pill to swallow to say that we lost in the Elite Eight for the second year in a row, but we lost to a very good team and sometimes that is just the way it goes,” Lawson said. Senior goalkeeper Matt Cardone played the full 90 minutes for the Tigers and recorded seven saves in the match. This season he had a .63 goal against average, allowing only 14 goals in 25 games and recording 14 shutouts this season. The Tigers finished with an impressive 24-2-0 record this season, tying a school high for number of wins that was set in 2003. In 2003, Trinity went all the way and captured the Division III National Championship. “It was very tough to see the seniors’s career end, but if you’re not going to win it all you would at least like to bow out to another team that you respect,” Cartee said. “It [Trinity] was a great team, and I hope that they will always be remembered as such—they deserve to be.”
Jorgens taking home her second consecutive Academic All-American of the Year award. On top of her many accolades, Emily Jorgens broke Trinity women’s soccer record for goals (59) and points (206) in a career this season. “Although we are all disappointed about Saturday’s game, I am proud of the work and energy the entire team put into this season, I have thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the women’s soccer team and I wish I could continue to benefit from the environment. However, I am excited to see what the program accomplishes in the future and I am proud to have been a part of its growth,” Jorgens said. Each senior was also named to the All-SCAC First Team, and Falcone’s team leading 20 goals netted her the SCAC Offensive Player of the Year award. Senior Kelsey Falcone said, “Honestly, the loss felt horrible. We didn’t achieve our goal, and I’m no longer a soccer player; those are two very negative realities. That being said, I’ve learned not to define a season based on the final result. It’s amazing how much we’ve grown as a team and how much love we have for each other.” Off-the-field success was strongly emphasized by 11th-year head coach Lance Key throughout the year, and the hard work didn’t go unnoticed. The Trinity’s women’s soccer team earned the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Team Academic Award for the 20132014 season with a 3.43 grade point average. The Tiger’s three-time winning Capital One Academic All-American Awards and Academic All-American of the Year in Jorgens was a testament to dedication and hard work on and off the field. Polasek commented on the graduating seniors saying, “It’s tough to see these seniors move on, as they’ve done so much for this team, but we have so many young and talented players that are continuing to grow and that’s definitely file photo something to look forward to.” The Tigers scrimmage during a practice. They ended with a season record of 24-2 overall.
theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
Sports
27
Swimming team loses to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
Tigers narrowly fall to C-M-S at the Palo Alto Aquatic Center in their fourth meet of the season by Alyssa Tayrien SPORTS REPORTER
As the swimming team dives into deeper competition, they find themselves just short of first place. On Nov. 21-22, the swimming and diving teams travelled to Palo Alto College Aquatic center to face Claremont-Mudd-Scripps College (Calif.) for the fourth meet of the season. The diving team’s preformed well, with second and third place honors awarded to Trinity divers Mollie Patzke and Sarah Mrkonich. Claiming first place in the high board competition on Friday was first year Dani Freund, who won the SCAC Diver of the Week award. Freund posted a score of 287.25. The women’s swimming team brought six individual wins along with some losses. Among the winners were first year Thea Hesson, who took first on the 400 individual medley in 4:48.11; junior Becca Bond who swam the 200-yard backstroke in
2:22.38; and senior Kelly Holton who won the 100 breast stroke in 1:07.12. Additionally, senior Lydia Jones performed well on the 22nd. Taking first in the 50-yard freestyle (23.89 seconds), 100 freestyle (52.07) and 200 freestyle (1:54.95), Jones reached personal goals for the season thus far. “I am both surprised and excited about my swims the other weekend,” said Jones. “I honestly was not expecting to perform like that until February, so I am using those results to help set bigger goals for the next couple of months.” For the men’s team, junior Andrew Thiesse represented the Tigers on the leaderboard by taking first in the 500yard freestyle in 4:40.39. Following his teammate was senior Stephen Culberson, who placed in the 100 freestyle in 46.57 seconds and the 50 freestyle with a time of 21.07 seconds. Culberson also took part in winning the 200-yard freestyle relay team, along with Isaac Johnson, Adam Thomas, and Alek Barba . They finished in 1:24.35. “The season has been solid so far...Claremont is a really good team and they probably put in larger training up to this point, which we will pick up right after Christmas.
Then we’ll be expecting to better compete against teams of their caliber,” Culberson said. Despite the efforts of Thiesse and Culberson, the men’s team finished with a score of 105, compared to Claremont’s 217. The women finished similarly to the men with a 178-150 loss. However, the team sees the results as a minor setback, which they can overcome in the coming months. “I’m excited to see the direction [the team] is headed in. With half of the members in the first-year class, this season could’ve gone many different ways, but I’m glad to say that both returning and new members have really stepped up and exceeded expectations,” Jones said. “With conference championships in February and NCAAs in March, there is still much time left and I can’t wait to watch as everyone improves.” The team will work during the winter break to improve for the upcoming meets. The season continues on Dec. 6 when the team participates in the University of Texas Collegiate Invitational at Austin, Texas. The team will begin the 2015 season the State University of New YorkFredonia on Jan. 15-16 at Hixon Natatorium.
28 theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
Sports
Men’s basketball winless in opening five games The Tigers are still searching for their first victory heading into the sixth game of the season by Tyler Caldwell SPORTS REPORTER
The Trinity men’s basketball team lost two close matches in the SCIAC Classic. The men came up just short against Claremont-MuddScripps College (Calif.) on Nov. 21 against PomonaPitzer College (Calif.) the following day. Trinity played an exhibition game against St. Edward’s University (Texas) on Nov. 25 that they also lost. The Tigers also took on Concordia University (Texas) Dec. 1 on the road, where they lost 81-55. In the first game of the SCIAC Classic, Trinity lost 64-54 to Claremont-MuddScripps. The Tigers shot 39.2 percent from the field, 36.4 percent from beyond the arc and 42.9 percent from the free throw line. Sophomore forward A.J. Pulliam led the team with 14 points in 32 minutes, while senior guard Jimmy Clark led in rebounds with six. The following day, the Tigers took on the PomonaPitzer Sagehens. Trinity went into the half ahead 32-27, but then struggled to maintain the lead in the second half, falling to the Sagehens 63-59. In this game, the team shot 37.7 percent from the field, sank 28.6 percent of three-point shots, and dominated from the free throw line, making 13 of 16 foul shots. The game was relatively even the entire time, but Pomona-Pitzer generated more second-chance points by coming down with ten more rebounds than the Tigers. Trinity’s starters, led by Clark, took charge on the court, combining for 54 of the team’s 59 points. Despite coming up short in these two games, Trinity gained invaluable
experience as they continue to prepare for conference play. “This year we have a lot of potential and talent in the underclassmen and a strong group of older guys who can set the pace for our games and lead us,” Pulliam said. “If we can match this with a winning mindset and work out our mental kinks, I think we could be a very strong team throughout the remainder of the season.” On Nov. 25, the men faced St. Edward’s in an exhibition game. The Tigers fell short in this performance, losing to the Hilltoppers 77-60 on the road. Although the game does not count against Trinity’s record, the men gained quality reps from it as they look toward their upcoming matchups. On Dec. 1, Trinity headed to Concordia. The men struggled with three-point shots, shooting 27.3 percent, and had 22 turnovers. Pulliam and Matt Selling continued their consistenct shooting, but it was not enough to overcome such a large deficit. “We haven’t played a conference opponent yet but I am confident that we will be at the top of our conference again this season once conference play begins,” said sophomore guard Khambrel Roach. “As of right now, we are all learning from each game and I’m sure we will pick up [the] pace soon.” The Tigers’ next games are Dec. 5-6 as part of the Lopata Classic in Missouri, where they will take on Emory University (Ga.) tonight, and will play Washington University (Mo.) in St. Louis tomorrow. “I’m excited about this team [and] our potential for getting better. We need to figure out our identity, and we need to start getting some consistency of both effort and performance from our key guys,” said head coach Pat Cunningham. “Once this happens I think we have a chance to improve dramatically and compete in every game we play,”
photos courtesy of Trinity Athletics Khambrel Roach goes for a lay up (left). AJ Pulliam gets ready to shoot the ball (top right). Craig Saltarelli jumps with the ball (bottom right). The Tigers lost to Mary Hardin-Baylor 78-51.
theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
Sports
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Women’s basketball earn first two wins after beating Hardin-Simmons and Concordia away The Tiger women are now 2-2 on the season overall by Sarah Farrell SPORTS REPORTER
On Nov. 22, the Trinity women’s basketball team went to Abilene, Texas and earned their first win of the season, scoring 62-57 over the previously unbeaten Hardin-Simmons University Cowgirls. “It’s a relief—coming off of those two losses wasn’t too fun—so we were ready to get the win,” said junior forward/center Anecia Richardson. “We see that we are capable of still being a really good team and the first weekend was just a fluke. It just showed us that we still needed to work hard to be a good team.” Trinity held a slight 29-27 lead in the game at halftime. With 15:46 left in the game, however, the Cowgirls tied the score at 35. The Tigers then went on a 20-10 run that gave them a 55-45 lead with six minutes remaining in the second half. With just 15 seconds to go in the game, HardinSimmons had cut the lead to 59-57. Junior guard Caitlin Barrett went to the line to shoot free throws and made one of two. Senior guard Lauren Splawn made a key
rebound on the missed free throw that all but sealed the win for the Tigers. She then drew a foul and sank both of her free throws to give the Tigers the 62-57 advantage. “I thought the biggest thing that we did is we stayed steady throughout the game,” said head coach Cameron Hill. “We kind of played with the idea that they are going to make some runs, we are going to make some runs, but as long as we stay composed and execute our stuff we are going to be in position to win the game.” Despite shooting only 33.3 percent from the field as a team, the Tigers were able to capitalize on 23 Cowgirls turnovers and convert them into 25 points. “We didn’t have very good passing in the first weekend, so we focused a lot on that in practice—making sure to get the ball in the paint and getting it out so the guards could get good shots, then getting it in at a good angle so that the post could also have good shots,” Richardson said. Richardson led the team in scoring with 22 points. She was 7-11 from the field and went 8-8 from the free throw line.Splawn finished with 16 points, nine rebounds and four steals, including the final rebound and points of the game that sealed the victory for the Tigers.Barrett finished with
15 points, going 5-10 from the field. “We have got five players in every possession that are capable of scoring the ball,” Hill said. “I think we did a good job of reading the defense and moving the ball against their rotations, and players were ready to make plays when they caught the ball.” On Dec. 1, the team traveled to Austin and defeated the Concordia University Tornados 81-59. The Tigers never trailed in the game and led 41-29 at the half. Concordia got into foul trouble early in the second half and sent many Tigers to the line to shoot free throws
throughout the half. The Tigers shot 84 percent from the line in the game, which gave them many easy points. Richardson led all scorers in the game with 25 points, seven rebounds and was 7-7 from the field. Junior guard Elizabeth Balido was close behind with 15 points, shooting 60 percent from the field. She also recorded seven rebounds and two steals, which led to four points from layups. Today, on Dec. 5, the Tigers take on Chapman University in Orange, California, and tomorrow, Dec. 6 they play the University of the Redlands in Redlands, California.
Women’s Basketball Nov. 15 vs. George Fox 40-63 loss Nov. 16 vs. Linfield 52-66 loss Nov. 22 vs. Hardin-Simmons 62-57 win Dec. 1 vs. Concordia (Tex.) 81-59 win
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 7:30 p.m., Laurie Auditorium
Christmas
Concert Featuring the combined talents of nearly 200 of the University’s singers and instrumentalists
/TrinityUniversity /@Trinity_U #TUChristmas
FREE and open to the public. Seating is on a first come, first seated basis. www.trinity.edu
30 theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
Sports
Giancarlo Stanton signs record-breaking deal
Stanton and the Marlins create largest deal in MLB history for 13-years that is worth $325 million by Tyler Caldwell
SPORTS REPORTER
On Monday, Nov. 17, a record-breaking contract was negotiated between the Miami Marlins and outfielder Giancarlo Stanton. Stanton is a 25-year-old stud, already one of the faces of baseball. He has the fourth-most home runs through his age-24 season, is an all-star outfielder, and finished second in National League MVP votes this past year. Stanton is one of the best baseball players in the game today, and with his new contract, he will average $151,321 per game for the next 13 years. Baseball contracts are quickly increase in value. Clayton Kershaw was recently re-signed for seven years at $215 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers; Robinson Cano signed as a free agent with the Seattle Mariners for $210 million over 10 years; Albert Pujols agreed to a $240 million 10year contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
The main argument defending such lucrative salaries is that it recognizes these athletes as sone of the best in their sport. “They’re the ones who bring in all the revenue. The only reason they wouldn’t be worth the money is if they would dip into the owner’s profit margin,” said sophomore pitcher Brendan Meyer. “The big names that are making all the money are the ones who bring people to the stadium and are who people want to see. If they’re performing at the highest level and they’re one of the greatest in the game, I think they deserve as much money as the salary cap allows.” While these superstars help increase attendance, the state of Florida has often been criticized as a poor MLB location. In 2013, Tampa and Miami had two of the three worst attendance rates (1,510,000 and 1,586,000, respectively). The Marlins built a brand new stadium in 2012 that seats 36,742 fans. When Marlins Park first opened for the 2012 season, attendance jumped to 2,219,000 for the whole season. Since then, attendance has dipped once again as the appeal of the new park began to wear off.
“I don’t think Stanton’s contract will translate into increased game attendance, but I think it will help with media coverage and generate greater interest in the Marlins,” said sophomore catcher Robbie Kellerman. Furthermore, MLB attendance as a whole has been declining over the past decade as well. Making matters worse, baseball television viewing is down to 101,668,000 viewers compared to 108,550,000 in 2012. With the Marlins tied for the 24th favorite MLB team out of 30, the team doesn’t seem to have a lot of things going its way. Traditionally, the Marlins are known for maintaining a low-budget team, choosing to let rising stars walk due to financial restrictions, making Stanton’s contract even more surprising. Stanton is one of the most entertaining players to watch, but baseball is a team sport, and now the struggling Marlins may be locked up with one player. “If [Stanton] is really good, he’s getting a hit 33 percent of the time, and if you’ve got nobody to punch him home or nobody on base ahead of him, then what’s the point?” said Jacob Tingle, assistant professor of the
practice. “He is arguably the best right fielder on the planet, so you’ve got him locked up, but what have you done in terms of having enough capital to go out and get other free agents or to lock in some great players coming up through your farm system who are ready for their second contract? Are you going to be able to lock them in, since you have so much money tied up in this one player?” Since 2003, the average salary has increased from $2.37 million to $3.21 million. These megadeals with Stanton, Kershaw, Pujols and Cano are outliers in the MLB. However, these athletes are competing in a sport that once dominated the nation as “America’s pastime” and is now quickly losing its popularity. If sport truly is entertainment, baseball is suffering, as indicated by the decline in both game attendance as well as television viewership. Are these lucrative contract deals an attempt to spark interest in baseball, or do baseball club owners lack control of spending large amounts of money and risk the possibility of running the game straight into the ground?
Community Service Hours
Logged in GiveGab so far this year
TUVAC 984hrs. l l a H E P O H . s r h 3 41
All community service hours must be placed in GiveGab by Dec. 15 Top organizations
Top volunteers so far:
Avantika Krishna Lea Watson
Sigma Theta Tau 365hrs. Alpha Chi Lambda 264hrs.
Carson Marek Emily Hall Elina Wolinski
Get recognized by President Obama for your community service! Remember if it's not in GiveGab, it doesn't count! GiveGab is provided for all students by
ck. Give Ba
TUVAC
Sports Upcoming Events
Dec. 6 Women’s Basketball vs. Redlands at 5 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Washingotn (Mo.) at 8 p.m. Dec. 18 Men’s Basketball vs. Whitworth at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 Women’s Basketball vs Northpark at 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Wheaton (Ill.) at 5 p.m.
MAKE THE SWITCH TO
31
RADIO
Dec. 5 Women’s Basketball vs. Chapman at 5 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Emory at 6 p.m.
theTrinitonian DEC.05.2014
NEWS INSIGHT HUMOR BUSINESS HISTORY EVENTS KSTX, a Texas Public Radio station, provides eye-opening programming covering a variety of News and Views topics with a twist of entertainment. From news to humor, from business to history, KSTX has South Texas covered. So, if you think you know radio, think again. KSTX is more than just radio. It’s Think Radio.
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DEC.05.2014 32 theTrinitonian
photos by Eva Littman Students and visitors admire art in the art exhiibit at Trinity University (top left). A professor uses Skype during a class (bottom left). Jacqueline Golden shows off her artwork (right).