Sierra Holmes

Wittliff Collections presents ‘homegrown’ poster art of past

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A new exhibit at the Wittliff Collections in Alkek Library is bringing a glimpse of music and poster art history to Texas State students.

The Wittliff Collections is featuring the Homegrown: Austin Music Posters exhibit Jan. 12-July 3 to give students insight into the 1967-1982 music scene.

Katie Salzmann, lead archivist and curator, said the exhibit honors Texas-inspired vintage posters and the close-knit community of the Austin artists who created them.

“More than 140 vintage pieces from the Wittliff's archive—from Tom Wilmore and other generous donors—document this history and testify to Texas artists’ mastery of the poster form using hand drawings and creative print techniques,” Salzmann said.

Local tattoo shops offer community atmosphere

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The San Marcos community is diverse in terms of population, scenery and tattoo parlors.

Morgan Haberle, owner and artist at Classic Tattoo, has been practicing her craft since she was 19 years old.

“I love the character and creativity in San Marcos, and I am proud to be an (alumna) of Texas State University,” Haberle said. “I would never want to change the location, I love it here.”

Haberle said Classic Tattoo is unique because it is the type of shop parents can visit.

AnnaLisa Turner, former student at Texas State, said university alumni continue to give Classic Tattoo their business because of relationships developed with the staff.

University programs aid economically disadvantaged students

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Texas State was ranked 51st out of 539 schools by the Social Mobility Index (SMI), presented by Payscale and CollegeNET, for helping economically disadvantaged students succeed.

The Social Mobility Index was designed to help address the growing economic separation between rich and poor by acknowledging schools already providing pathways for mobility. The university has been commended for breaking barriers for students who would economically not be able to afford higher education.

“Our ranking of 51st in a measure that is intended to comparatively assess the role of our higher education system in providing a conduit for economic and social advancement seems, to me, like something we can celebrate,” said Robert Gratz, former special assistant to the president.

Community makes conservation efforts

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Popular environmentally friendly organizations on campus are no longer the only option for students who want to promote a “green” Texas State.

Recycling Services and Grounds Operations and other sustainable organizations like Bobcat Blend, Environmental Conservation Organization (ECO), Human Environmental Animal Team (H.E.A.T) and the City of San Marcos work together to keep the university and community environmentally responsible. A brand called “Bobcats Go Green” is a newcomer to the environmental community, said Jennell Rayos, interdisciplinary studies of sustainability graduate student.

University ranked 14th most veteran-friendly

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Texas State was recently ranked the 14th most veteran-friendly program on a list of 86 universities across the nation.

The university’s programs provide for veterans while maintaining a 55 percent graduation rate, giving Texas State a place of prominence in a list from the Military Times. The University’s Veterans Advisory Council, Veteran Affairs and the Veteran’s Alliance at Texas State (VATS) are among the programs offered. The programs have created a multifaceted collaboration for current and future veterans.

Texas State to run on Dunkin’

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Opening fall 2016, students will be able to use their meal plans on more than traditional food with the addition of Dunkin’ Donuts in Jones Dining Hall.

“Meal trades are going to be implemented throughout the plan for students,” said John Root, director of Auxiliary Services. “There is going to be an abundance of breakfast options.”

A definite price has yet to be determined, but students will see an increase in the cost of meal plan packages, he said.

“Dining hall plans will increase two to four percent, as it does every year.” Root said. “There has to be a compensation for the renovation of Jones.”

The dining hall renovation is long overdue, Root said.

Alumni involvement on increase

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University Advancement is experiencing a growth in activity, involvement and gifting from recently graduated alumni.

Annual reports have shown the alumni gift increase, said Barbara Breier, director of University Advancement. More than 70 percent of all donors in the 2014 family campaign were alumni. The majority of alumni contributed $25,000 to $50,000.

Fifty-five percent of faculty and staff gave to the family campaign, she said. This campaign’s percentage was the highest ever.

“Our largest single gift was $8 million from Patti Harrison for Texas State’s Performing Arts Center,” Breier said.

New Datazoa software at library helps students locate, track, use data

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As the university grows in population and renovation, the evolving campus has sought to increase its digital presence through open data.

Datazoa, a tool that makes it possible to access, analyze and visualize over three billion data series from around the world, was introduced in the Alkek Library Aug. 28 and is being piloted by the staff workers and librarians there. Students will be able to use the software to build graphs and charts from live data. Anyone with a university email address is able to register and access the new tool, said Jay Kemp Smith, CEO and chairman of Datazoa.

“This quality of data provides students with a transparent introduction to the world,” said Charles Allan, research instruction librarian.

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