Vol. 100, No. 6 - 08/22/2012

The debut of the newly renovated Diamondback Café is the highlight of a summer full of construction for the University, which took on several simultaneous projects that will have a visible impact to the campus.

According to Rebeckah Day, vice president of administration and finance, the University committed itself to at least seven large projects over the summer.

“With the exception of the Outdoor Sports Complex, which will not be complete until May 2013, the projects are substantially on

schedule,” Day said.As with any construction projects, there are

significant costs involved with undertaking several projects at once.

“The projects have a combined cost of approximately $30 million, and the funding has been planned and approved, prior to the start of construction,” Day said. “Projects are funded through a combination of donor gifts, grants and University support. Aramark is funding the cafeteria renovation, Chick-fil-A, POD on the Quad (convenience store) and Starbucks.”

Dear St. Mary’s University Family,

Welcome to campus! I hope that your summer has been an enjoyable one and that you are energized to take advantage of the many opportunities that await you this semester.

If you are a returning student, I expect you are looking forward to your classes, catching up with old friends, and settling back into university life. For

those of you who are new to St. Mary’s, I extend a special welcome. As a relative newcomer myself, I know you have many questions and perhaps even feel a bit of trepidation. But remember, everyone here is eager to make your experience an enriching and fulfilling one.

I believe most of us choose to be at St. Mary’s because it is a community of faith. Together, we aspire to live our mission. As educators, we challenge you to excel academically. Also of great importance to us as a Catholic and Marianist institution is your formation in faith. Our wish is that you take what you learn at St. Mary’s – in the classroom, through

your service to community, and in your daily interactions with others – out into the world to live purposeful lives and make valuable contributions for the common good.

So, thank you for being here. I look forward to meeting you during the semester, whether it be in the hallway of St. Louis Hall (it looks terrific, doesn’t it?), on the Quad, or at a sports or social event. I want you to feel as welcome on campus as I do!

Thomas M. Mengler, J.D.President

see CAMPUS page 2

Dining Programpage 5

Vol. 100 Issue 6 August 22, 2012

A St . Mary ’ s Univer s i ty Pub l i ca t ion S ince 1925

www.stmurattlernews.com

New semester brings new changes

BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION

Construction progresses on campusAlex EakinsNEWS EDITOR

The grand opening for the Starbucks located in the library commons is scheduled for Sept. 4. w Photo by Adriana Avila

According to Day, it is not uncommon for the University to undertake construction projects over the summer. What makes these projects unique is that each is being worked on simultaneously; this burdens the whole community, such as through road closures.

Director of Learning Assistance Barbara Biasiolli has worked at the University for 25 years and claims the she has “never seen this much construction at one time.”

“It’s a headache, but we get to enjoy the benefits and not drag things out forever,” Biasiolli said. “It’s a bold move for St. Mary’s.”

Dean of Students Timothy Bessler said that he is “very optimistic” about the upcoming changes, despite the inconvenience of adaptation to change over time.

“It’s critical that we hear from the

students,” Bessler said. “I’m realistic that there will be suggestions and critiques that we will be able to resolve.”

Freshman biology major Lisa Wong recognizes the construction as necessary for the betterment of the University.

“The campus construction is a necessary evil, because, while it is bothersome to get to some buildings such as the library and Treadaway, the campus will have some amazing new additions,” Wong said.

Given that students and caffeine go hand and hand, the opening of Starbucks inside the Cotrell Learning Commons of Blume Library is an attractive prospect to some students.

“I’m a coffee maniac,” Wong said, “and Starbucks is definitely my choice.”

Chick-fil-A, St. Louis, Garni Hall,

the Cafeteria and the conversion of Java City have been completed, while the sports complex and Starbucks are still under construction.

Starbucks and the Cotrell Learning Commons are scheduled to open Sept. 4.

The sports complex, which has been a complex project according to Bessler, is scheduled for completion in May 2013.

2«news www.stmurattlernews.com

Campus receives face lift Cont. from PG. #1

Summer Construction

ProjectsRenovation of St. Louis: Complete

Upgrades to Garni Hall: Complete

Renovation of the Café: Complete

Addition of Chick-fil-A: Complete

Conversion of Java City: Complete

Addition of Sports Complex: TBC

Addition of Starbucks: TBC

Contact UsContact UsThe RattlerSt. Mary’s UniversityOne Camino Santa Maria Box 83San Antonio, Texas 78228Office: (210) 436-3401Visit Us: University Center Room 258Email: [email protected]: www.stmurattlernews.com

Upcoming Events:

Mounds of dirt pile up at the athletics complex site as construction continues. w Photo by Adriana Avila

What is on

the roof of

St. Louis

Hall?

BURNINGQUESTION

“The wrought iron ‘rail’ on

the roof of St. Louis Hall was

removed decades ago. The rail

was replaced in the preservation

project of St. Louis Hall.”

Gina FarrellDirector of Media Relations

Snake ShakeFriday Aug. 24, 6 p.m.; Chaminade FieldHead over to Chaminade Field to “shake your snake” at the annual welcome back dance.

The New Student RetreatFriday-Saturday Aug. 24-25Calling all freshman and transfer students! Join University Ministry for this on-campus retreat, meeting new friends and learning about the St. Mary’s tradition.

Continuing the HeritageSaturday Aug. 25, 7:30 a.m.; Pecan GroveStar the year off by helping our community! Then head over to the Mahalo Swim Party to cool off.

All Greek Council Freshamn BarbequeThursday Aug. 30, 7 p.m.; The OutbackCome meet represnetatives for all the Greek affiliates at St. Mary’s while eating some good ol’ barbeque.

Starbucks construction continues in the bottom floor of the Blume Library. w Photo by Adriana Avila Compiled by Alex Eakins

Compiled by Ashley Snipes

Ch i c k -fil-A didn’t invent the a n t i - g a y sentiment, just the corporate a n t i - g a y

image.The great Chick-fil-A

debate began when CEO Don Cathy supported his company’s anti-gay stance in a Baptist Press interview. Cathy stated, “We are very much supportive of the family—the biblical definition of the family unit.” He later stated during a radio show that he was appalled this generation had the “…audacity to define what marriage is about.”

For the St. Mary’s community, Chick-fil-A opening on-campus can potentially bring the debate to our front door.

The debate took a

turn for the outrageous when the mayors of Boston, Chicago and San Francisco stated that they would use their powers to deny business permits to Chick-fil-A restaurants. The mayors

quickly

retracted their statements after the press pointed out that using mayoral power to discriminate against any particular business would be illegal. The mayors’ threats are not only unethical, but also presumptuous in their aim to speak for all citizens.

Meanwhile, Mike Huckabee, the former

Arkansas governor, urged anti-gay supporters to eat at

the restaurant on Aug. 1—deeming it National

Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day. In order to counter Huckabee, gay marriage supporters created National Marriage Equality Day on Aug. 7 at Starbucks.

With two additions to our campus taking the lead on opposing sides of the same issue, should we expect conservative students to flock to Chick-fil-A and liberals

to hang out at Starbucks?Those who can avoid

patronizing businesses unsupportive of their personal beliefs should be congratulated for using purchasing power to promote political values. For the others who hold a strong opinion, but want to enjoy waffle fries and passion tea lemonade without others assuming they think a certain way, it’s their liberty to choose based on it’s taste and the quality of the product.

Even if the name Don Cathy makes you cringe, and his words make you seethe, the frankness of Chick-fil-A’s CEO supports the power to choose—kind of like how the Chick-fil-A debate began over the freedom to choose a marriage partner regardless of gender. In the end, the only plate you need to worry about is the one right in front of you.

commentary»3www.stmurattlernews.com

Will national debate hurt campus Chick-fil-A?

EmilyArtalejo

Romney’s addition counters healthcare debate

As this semester begins, the stresses of returning to campus make it easy for students to become distracted by logistics. We must not forget the true reason we’ve all come back to this place.

Despite the fact that the purpose of college is to help prepare us for our future careers, the four or more years we spend here can potentially mean more. College is a safe haven for branching out, so we must seize every opportunity sent our way. We can meet people from all around Texas, the United States and the world. We should engage with diverse individuals to broaden our horizons, develop new ideas and build connections to better understand each other and ourselves. In the end, the experiences we have during our college years have a lasting impact on who we are as contributing members of society.

Returning students should remember that attending this university is more than just attending classes, eating at the Caf and sleeping in the library. Join organizations, volunteer at events, meet as many people as possible, attend athletic games, do everything to the fullest and make every moment count.

Welcome back, Rattlers.

As November nears, presidential candidates Barack Obama and Mitt Romney must roll up their sleeves and hitch up their pants as they trudge knee

deep in the sludge that has become the 2012 election campaign. Over the summer, America saw two crucial campaign milestones: Mitt Romney’s selection of Paul Ryan as his vice presidential running mate and the Supreme Court ruling over the Affordable Care Act. With Ryan’s selection as vice presidential running mate, Romney’s campaign finally has an

anti-Obamacare proposal.In the past, Romney has skated

around the issue, perhaps to avoid drawing comparisons between similar health care legislation he pioneered as governor of Massachusetts. Romney’s vague but vehement opposition of Obamacare is a convenient way to sweet talk the far right.

On the other hand, Ryan’s budget reform plan, dubbed “Ryan budget,” opposes Obama’s health care with direct policy, rather than whispered promises. By choosing Ryan as his vice presidential running mate, Romney bowed down to the Tea Party’s demands.

But Ryan has created just as

many problems for Romney as he has for Obama. While Ryan is a pillar of extreme conservatism, his selection only appeals to the far right, alienating just about everyone else. Ryan may end up costing Romney a lot of independent and moderate voters. The Obama campaign can now avoid debating tedious points of the health care issue and focus on attacking Ryan’s extreme policies, and Romney will have to reign in Ryan’s potentially polarizing beliefs.

That leaves the bulk of the election results to other factors, and, sadly, it will probably come down to which candidate can sling mud harder and faster.

Staff Editorial

Seize opportunities

StandardsThe Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University. The publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Assosiated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy.The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, the Columbia Scholastic Press Assoiation, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

Letters to the Editor PolicyThe Rattler welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should not exceed 500 words and must include writer’s name, classification, major and telephone number.Editors reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar, spelling, and content.For more information, call the newsroom at (210) 436-3401.

Editor-in-ChiefNick Canedo

Managing EditorAmanda Cano

Layout/Design EditorCarla Rodriguez

Copy EditorAshley Snipes

Web EditorJuan Casas

Photo EditorFelix Arroyo

Assistant Photo EditorAdriana Avila

News EditorAlex Eakins

Commentary EditorBriana Perez

Features EditorArturo Osteguin Jr.

Entertainment EditorStella Khury

Faculty AdviserBrother Dennis Bautista,S.M., Ph.D.

Editorial Staff

AlexEakins

Graphic by Juan Casas

Layout and design by Carla Rodriguez w Compiled by Ashley Snipes OODF

Diamondback Café Monday - friday:7 a.m. to 9 p.m.saturday - sunday:10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

REVOLUTION

RESIDENT MEAL PLAN- PLAN #1: RATTLER ALL ACCESS 7

Unlimited entries, 7 days a week, into the

all-you-care-to-eat dining facility.

Includes 250 Dining Dollars. Cost per semester: $1,786.- PLAN #2: RATTLER ALL ACCESS 5

Unlimited entries, 5 days a week, into the

all-you-care-to-eat dining facility.

Includes 300 Dining Dollars.

Cost per semester: $1,569.

COMMUTER AND FACULTY/STAFF DINING PLAN

- PLAN #1: VALUE PLAN 55

Best value if you eat 2-3 meals on campus a week.

55 all-you-care-to-eat meals each semester ($5 per meal).

125 Dining Dollars. Cost per semester: $400 + tax.- PLAN #2: VALUE PLAN 25 Good value if you eat 1-2 meals on campus a week.

25 all-you-care-to-eat meals each semester ($6 per meal).

150 Dining Dollars. Cost per semester: $300 + tax. - PLAN #3: DINING DOLLAR PLAN

The perfect plan if you never know where you'll be eating next!

5 all-you-care-to-eat guest passes.

375 Dining Dollars. Cost per semester: $375 + tax.

Structured to suit schedule and budget, the plan works on a declining balance

system, as well as a limited amount of all-you-care-to-eat meals, giving

maximum flexibility. Each dining plan can be used at any dining location on

campus. The total purchase is subtracted from the declining balance account like

a debit card. Eat as much as you want, when you want it.

pod monday - thursday:

7 a.m. to 8 p.m.friday:

7 a.m. to 5 p.m. saturday:

closedsunday:

3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

starbucksmonday - thursday:7 a.m. to midnight

friday:7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

saturday:closed

Sunday:11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

chick-fil-amonday - thursday:11 a.m. to midnight

friday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

saturday: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

sunday: closed

6«features www.stmurattlernews.com

“Not having a good breakfast. My mom use to make my breakfast. Not cool.”

Cesar ChavezFreshman, Accounting

“Not knowing many people. I’m shy.”

Andres GonzalezFreshman, Environmental Science

“Meeting new people. I came from a graduating class of nine.”

Sara NsarFreshman, Business Management

lCE BREAKER

What is your biggest fear transitioning from high school to college?

“Living by myself. But more than anything, the fear of the unknown that awaits me.”

Victoria RodriguezFreshman, Undeclared

“Being away from my family.”

John KangFreshman, Biology

“Falling off the bed because they’re pretty high.”

Sergio Avila Freshman, Psychology

Q :

PHOTO POL L

Within two weeks of its release on May 4, “The Avengers” smashed through box-office records and raked in $700 million worldwide. It came as no surprise, then, that Walt Disney Co. gave the green light in the same month on what it calls “Phase 2” of the Marvel super-hero franchise, which includes a sequel to “The Avengers.”

Before the Avengers can assemble once more, Marvel announced a long line up of super hero movies that will lead to the second Avengers’ storyline. Kicking off Phase 2, “Iron Man 3” and “Thor: Dark World” will open in 2013, followed in 2014 by “Captain America: Winter Soldier,”

as well as newcomers “Guardians of the Galaxy” and Edgar Wright’s pet project, “Ant-Man,” which were officially announced at the San Diego Comic-Con to the pleasant surprise of fans.

F o l l o w i n g M a r v e l ’ s tendency to pick fresh faces to helm their movies, indie director James Gunn has been allegedly selected for “Guardians of the Galaxy,” according to Hollywood Reporter.com.

For those that have been waiting

for “The Black Panther,” the wait may be longer due to filming

location issues. Marvel Studios co-president Louis D’Esposito

acknowledged the difficulty of creating

Wa k and a — t he world from the African A m e r i c a n comic. For the shooting of other

Marvel Comics a d a p t a t i o n s ,

like “Iron Man 3,” Los Angeles and

New York required no mythical make up, said

D’Esposito. While Thor’s Asgard was

successfully recreated and “Guardians of the Galaxy,” which D’Esposito even called “Marvel in space,” received the green light, producers still seem unwilling to create the fictional yet conventional country of Wakanda in the African continent.

Actor Robert Downey Jr. recognized fans as the driving force for picking which project goes into production (a sign of changing standards).

The popularity and success of the Marvel movie franchise helped raise Walt Disney’s Co. shares by 31 percent in the third quarter of 2012, making it ever more likely for fans to get their heart’s desire in the form of one’s favorite super-heroes transitioning to the big screen some day.

entertainment»7www.stmurattlernews.com

Summer box office stunners snag sequels from studios

A v e n g e r s A s s e m b l e ! . . . a g a i n

Stela KhuryENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Steven Soderbergh’s “Magic Mike” opened on what would turn out to be a glorious weekend for R-rated movies. “Magic Mike” earned a respective $39 million on its opening weekend, thanks to a successful marketing campaign. And for those who left craving more of the scantily clad cast, Channing Tatum announced to Glamour U.K. in early July that a “Magic Mike” sequel was a possibility.

“Yes, yes and yes!” Tatum posted through Twitter. “We’re working on the concept now. We want to flip the script and make it bigger.”

Meanwhile, Tatum’s “Magic Mike” co-star Joe Manganiello speculated on the possibility of the next installment being a prequel.

“We’re actually talking about the possibility of doing the prequel, because if you do the sequel, then you lose Mike [Tatum’s character],” Manganiello reasoned to Hollywood.com.

The only one who remains tight lipped on the matter is the final link in the chain—director Steven Soderbergh. However, “Magic Mike” fans need not fear; Warner Bros. is likely to be tempted to proceed any way possible with a movie capable of making $112 million on a meager $7 million budget.

Surprising audiences and critics alike, “The Amazing Spider-Man” proved to be more than just a reboot. Whether it was Andrew Garfield’s endearing Peter Parker, the quality supporting cast or a balanced screenplay for yet another super-hero origin story, “The Amazing Spider-Man” hit its stride while raking in $650 million worldwide, according to the L.A. Times. These quality box-office numbers reassured Sony and the studio that renewing the Spider-Man film

rights was a smart move. Sony hopes Marc Webb will be able to

build the world he envisioned for the new Spidey trilogy, much like

Christopher Nolan did with the Batman franchise. “Star Trek” writers Alex Kurzman and Roberto

Orci are currently writing the screenplay for the next

installment, while Webb is still attempting to negotiate out of a contract with Fox Searchlight that currently prevents him from committing to the two last installments. “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” is currently slated

for release on May 2, 2014.

Seth MacFarlane’s debut as a live-action director was met with positive reviews and impressive box-office results, opening $54 million—the highest ever for an original R-rated comedy. What’s more, “Ted” went on to reach an estimated $200 million domestic gross, only $70 million behind “The Hangover.” MacFarlane told fans at the San Diego Comic-Con that he would be “open to making Ted 2.” With astounding commercial success for Universal Studios and a willing director working in its favor, “Ted 2” may only need to find a little room in MacFarlane’s astoundingly busy schedule to go into production.

$112 million in dollar bills

The age of R-rated comedies

Spidey’s back!

The Revenge of the XenomorphRidley Scott’s “Alien” left an enduring acid blood

stain in the film industry almost 33 years ago. “Prometheus,” in turn, made $300 million on a $130 million budget despite a mediocre 65 out of a 100 rating on Metacritic. Ultimately, it achieved the unthinkable: rescuing the “Alien” franchise from extinction. Scott has already accepted to direct a sequel and is currently looking for new writers to bring back Michael Fassbender and Noomi Rapace’s characters to the screen, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The sequel to “Prometheus” is currently slated for a 2015 release.

Source:

BuyCostume.com

Graphic by Juan Casas

Stela KhuryENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

8«sports www.stmurattlernews.com

After their third straight South Central Regional tournament berth, the Rattlers baseball team won the regional championship this summer and clinched their first trip to the NCAA Division II College World Series since their national championship run in 2001. Standouts on the team included National

Pitcher of the Year and All-American Carl O’Neal, First Base Golden Glove Winner Tyler Migl and the Houston Astros 31st round selection, catcher M.P. Cokins. While the Rattlers trip to the World Series lasted only three games, the team ended the season with 49 wins, the second most in program history.

The world watched as the best athletes assembled in London for two weeks to compete in the XXX Olympiad this month. The United States won the most medals, receiving 104 medals, 46 of which were gold. Michael Phelps took home four gold and six total medals, making him the most decorated athlete in Olympic history for his collection of 22 medals. The host country had their best showing since 1908, as Great Britain won an impressive 65 medals, including 29 gold. Of note, Usain Bolt, Mo Farah, Serena Williams, Ryan Lochte and the US Women’s Gymnastic team were all among the gold medal winners across the pond.

Athletes shine at London games

LeBron James finally silenced all of his doubters when on June 21 he led the Miami Heat to their second NBA title, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games. Ending their season second in the Eastern Conference, the Heat defeated the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers making it to the conference Finals to play against the Boston Celtics. Down 3-2, James had incredible performances in the next two games—scoring 45 and 31 points—to make it to his third NBA finals. In the finals, James averaged 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists during the series, including a triple-double in the series clinching game. To top it all off, James added the Finals MVP to his regular season MVP title.

James clinches titles, Heat win

<<<SUMMERSource: zaptoit.com

Nick Canedo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Source: images.nonexiste.net

Once pitched to recruits as “the cleanest collegiate football program in the nation,” Penn State’s reputation became forever tarnished after the biggest scandal in sports history rocked its institution. On June 22, a jury convicted Jerry Sandusky, former Penn State Defensive Coordinator, of 45 counts of sexual abuse against young boys over a 15-year period, including an incident in the Penn State locker room witnessed by former assistant coach Mike McQueary. Former FBI director Louis Freeh released the results of his investigation, called “The Freeh Report,” on July 12, concluding that four

former top ranking school officials had knowledge of the allegations as early as 1998; President Graham Spanier, Vice President Gary Schultz, Athletic Director Tim Curley and legendary Head Football Coach Joe Paterno participated in the cover up. A statue of Paterno outside Penn State’s football stadium was removed on July 22, one day before the NCAA handed down some of the harshest sanctions ever put against a program, including a five-year probation, four-year postseason ban, 112 vacated wins, a $60 million fine and the loss of 40 football scholarships.

NCAA sanctions program

Could you fil l this space?The Rattler is now hiring for Sports Editor and Advertising Manager. For more information, contact us at (210) 436-3401 or at [email protected].

REPLAYRattlers regional champs

Photo by Felix Arroyo