Saluting Texas State Trailblazers P12 Former Bobcats Make It to the NFL P58 Contents Fall 2014
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vol. 45 no. 3 | Fall 2014 | Saluting Texas State Trailblazers p12 Former Bobcats make it to the NFL p58 contents Fall 2014 vol 45 no 3 | fall 2014 Texas State University PRESIDENT Dr. Denise M. Trauth VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT p. Dr. Barbara Breier Happy Campers ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR The Autism Summer Camp in San Marcos has been a special place Kim Gannon for youngsters and Texas State students for several years. The HILLVIEWS STAFF camp encourages activities and social interaction. EDITOR 3 Matt Flores WIDE VIEWS CLASS VIEWS MANAGING EDITOR Julie Cooper 6 Bobcat Build 50 Class Notes ART DIRECTION A day of pride through Kelly King-Green service to the community 52 Sarah Ackerley DESIGNERS Artist-educator paints murals p. Harrison Albrecht | Justin Dietert in African schools Blain Hefner | César Limón News & Notes Roxanne Sides What’s new and MARKETING DIRECTOR notable on campus James Ortiz Dan Eggers Former Bobcat track 8 PHOTOGRAPHERS star blazes new trails FEATURE Chandler Prude | Stephanie Schulz as coach 16 54 CONTRIBUTORS Michael Agresta Innovation and Exploration Melisa Aguilar-Rehm | Jayme Blaschke Anastasia Cisneros-Lunsford | Tony Cantú 12 Common Experience 14 The givers Founded in 1899 as a normal school to train teachers, Texas State is Natalie Chandler | Alex Dominguez Exploring Democracy’s Corporate donations and charting a new course today to become a national research institution. Ashley Festa | David Flores Promise: From what they mean 56 Bowl Games Raúl A. Flores | Dan R. Goddard The university is commanding national attention with professors Laura Heinauer | Bryan Kirk Bobcats have more chances segregation to Jennifer Rodriguez | Cindy Tumiel integration at bowl invitations and students working side by side on cutting-edge research projects. Science and engineering have moved to the forefront. 58 Rookies THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM BOARD OF REGENTS Look who’s making their marks ABOUT: Hillviews is produced in the NFL Dr. Jaime R. Garza, CHAIRMAN | SAN ANTONIO by the University Advancement Rossanna Salazar, VICE CHAIRMAN | AUSTIN division. We’d love to hear from 62 From the Collection Charlie Amato, SAN ANTONIO you. Send us your comments Kevin J. Lilly, HOUSTON Big Demand for about the articles in this issue, Ron Mitchell, HORSESHOE BAY STEM Graduates or send story suggestions. Email David Montagne, BEAUMONT [email protected]; fax Vernon Reaser III, BELLAIRE to (512) 245-3817; or mail to William F. Scott, NEDERLAND Hillviews, Texas State University, Donna Williams, ARLINGTON 601 University Drive, San Anna Sandoval, STUDENT REGENT | ALPINE Dr. Brian McCall, CHANCELLOR Marcos, TX 78666-4613. TXSTATE.EDU 1 (from the president’s desk) views Dear Friends, (wide) We started off this academic year with news that would make other universities envious: NASA awarded Texas State a $15 million grant to train math and science teachers and develop new curricula that could Happy campers be replicated in schools across the country. It was the largest grant in the university’s history. Children with autism enjoy summer fun in San Marcos by Jennifer Rodriguez NASA chose Texas State for this grant not only for its outstanding faculty, but because the university’s diverse student body fit well with the space agency’s goal of reaching more minorities in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields. I used my annual convocation address to announce our good fortune, but also to illustrate something else about our university − that it has turned a significant corner in its progress and that it is in a position to become a major research university. Over the past several years, Texas State has been enhancing its research activities and in 2012 it became the state’s eighth Emerging Research University, a designation reserved for those institutions that have the potential to become National Research Universities, or those which have the most extensive research capabilities. In today’s world − and in Texas in particular − National Research Universities are important because they bring us new knowledge, they are exceptional generators of economic activity, and they provide outstanding learning experiences for students who need advanced skills to be successful in tomorrow’s sophisticated workforce. Texas needs more of these research universities because it has fewer of them than other states with large populations. It’s an ambitious plan to become one of these top-tier institutions, but we believe we can achieve that status. I am optimistic about this because of how far this institution has progressed in such a relatively short time. Case in point: Texas State’s research expenditures were third-highest among all Emerging Research Universities from fiscal 2009-2013. Besides the NASA grant, this issue of Hillviews highlights the innovation and exploration taking place across a variety of disciplines at Texas State. Among other projects, our researchers are investigating better ways to diagnose deadly illnesses, promoting energy efficiency in software creations, and using intelligent robots in assembly systems. Also, our graduates are opening doors for more young women in science and engineering. Of course, we highlight other activities of interest to the university community, including a summer camp for children with autism, a special event that honored the five African American women who helped integrate Texas State, and profiles of two Bobcat football players who are making their mark in the NFL. We are proud of the impact that Texas State is having on our community and our state, and hope that you are, too. Sincerely, “Each child is different, even if on the same spectrum. You have to learn as you go. What if a child doesn’t want to put on a nametag, do group activities or screams? This provides an opportunity for Denise M. Trauth our students to learn important lessons in real life.” – Ting Liu, Department of Health and Human Performance 2 FALL 2014 TXSTATE.EDU 3 (wide)views work with the children. University student activity participation may also have an When I was studying that’s how I got to know counselors get the opportunity to earn impact in moderating the symptomology this population during my doctorate. My area internship hours, course credit or of autism,” says Liu. “Children really have is in motor development. I always liked to volunteer hours. a good time and our counselors like the work with children. When I got the job at “Each child is different, even if on the camp activities, too.” Texas State, I knew this was my passion.” same spectrum,” says Liu. “You have to learn Liu appreciates the trust that parents put Improvements made as you go. What if a child doesn’t want to put in her and her team. In turn, parents such as Liu says the camp is important because on a nametag, do group activities or screams? Simcoe appreciate how well the team works this population is so underserved. “During This provides an opportunity for our students with them. the school year, kids go to life skills classes and to learn important lessons in real life.” “Dr. Liu is amazing. I know it takes a general P.E. Many children with autism have “We don’t need to advertise now,” says lot to do something like this – for kids who problems with lights, noise and whistles,” says Liu. “Other than San Marcos, some people have autism or not – organizing, finding Liu. “It’s too much – noise, light, heat – so they come from San Antonio, Austin, Buda and counselors,” says Simcoe. “It’s pretty intense don’t engage or get active.” Kyle. We’re focusing on the areas that kids stuff plus a roomful of kids with autism. Not Liu can point to some improvements she really need help on. Kids with autism like everyone can do this job and the (counselors) has seen in the campers: a child who can now go routine.” Activities include hip hop dance, she finds are awesome.” to the bathroom unattended; and a 9-year-old yoga, swimming, arts and crafts, drawing, Simcoe also appreciates that Liu didn’t who learned to read a book created just for him. blocks, Legos and group activities to get the want Ryker medicated at camp by explaining: She says that many parents report their kids socializing. It’s the same routine every “We want him to be who he is here at camp.” children improve their attention spans. These morning. On Monday and Wednesday, “I see these people for four weeks each stories are gratifying for the counselors and Liu. there’s more gym time with dance, yoga, year,” says Simcoe. “It’s like they’re your Liu says the best part of the camp is the scooters, bikes, trampolines and other summer family – they are very open and children. “I really love the 12 to 15 children equipment, and on Tuesday and Thursday, communicative, even sending pictures during that always come back,” she says. “They keep there’s swimming. The camp costs $110 per the day. It’s like dropping him with family. I coming back and I see them grow every year.” camper per session, but additional funds are don’t feel like I have to worry about my child She also loves the parents and both she and required. Funding has come from – not just safety. the counselors work hard to communicate organizations such as the San Marcos Lions “I know he’s not going to get picked on It was a normal pregnancy throughout the She keeps in touch with special education “It’s amazing to see someone so pure at heart with each family. They find out the goal for Club, donations and internal research funds. and that the counselors are unconditionally nine months. So when her baby son made his teachers throughout the school year and the who doesn’t know how to judge or be racist.