Author Archives: txstateu

Social Media Etiquette

Being Internet savvy
can have its perks

By Britney Munguia

Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are online tools that students should be using to their advantage, say two Texas State social media experts.

But students also need to remember to proceed with caution, say Kym Fox and Cindy Royal, who both are lecturers in the School of Mass Communication and Journalism. Continue reading

Happenings: MR Fest 2011

KTSW festival features
music, market and more

By Britney Munguia

The fourth annual MR Fest, sponsored by Texas State’s KTSW-FM, will be this Friday and Saturday.

Thirty-one bands will be playing at seven  locations across the San Marcos Square, including Texas Music Theater, Texas Skate, Valentino’s, Tantra, The Coffee Pot, Root Cellar and Triple Crown. Continue reading

Around Campus: Riverfest 2011

Riverferst offers free food,
musical performances and more

By Britney Munguia

Riverfest 2011

The 10th annual Riverfest will be Thursday at Sewell Park from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Brought to life in 2003 by the Student Association for Campus Activites, Riverfest gives students the opportunity to relax, come together and celebrate the springtime before finals begin.

This year’s lineup includes musical performances by DJ Trigga Mike, the Organics, Hip Hop Congress and the Ying Yang Twins. Comedian Ronnie Jordan will also be performing a stand-up act.

Aside from live music, there will be free pizza courtesy of Gumby’s, as well as food from various Texas State student organizations.

Vendors, including  Vitamin Water, Monster and Honest Tea, will be handing out free items.

Admission for Riverfest is free and open to all.

There is more information at the official SACA Facebook fan page.

Around Campus: Mystic Music Festival

Music event helps increase
awareness of local talent

By Britney Munguia

The third annual Mystic Music Festival will be Saturday at the LBJ Student Center Outdoor Amphitheater from 5 p.m. to midnight.

Created in 2008, Mystic Music Festival was brought to life with the intention to promote and encourage musical talent in San Marcos. Continue reading

Alumni Profiles: Chase Katz

For Bobcat Entrepreneur, Kolaches Fit College-Town Market

By Britney Munguia

Chase (left) and his brother Seth (right), owners of Dos Gatos

Chase Katz, a 2009 Texas State graduate, put his creative juices to work when he began researching the San Marcos market, looking to invest in a new business venture.

Conveniently located next door to Mochas & Javas, a popular study spot for students, Katz and his brother Seth opened Dos Gatos Kolaches on June 6, 2009. Continue reading

Texas State Faces: Spring Break Edition

What did you do over spring break?

Lacy Davis, sophomore

Lacy Davis, photography major, spent the majority of spring break in her hometown of New Braunfels. “I hung out with my family, and worked in the prime outlets at Hartmanns.”

Kirsti Smithwick, sophomore

 

 

“I worked for the first part of spring break, but got to enjoy SXSW and the free music later in the week,” said Kirsti Smithwick, education major. “My favorite performance was by Kevin DeVine.”

Josh Henfey, freshman

 

 

Josh Henfey, communication disorders major, enjoyed his spring break on South Padre Island. “We spent a lot of time at Coca-Cola beach, and I also watched a performance by Ghostland Observatory.”

Ashley Meeks, junior

 

“I went on a family vacation to Washington D.C.,” said Ashley Meeks, nutrition major.  “We visited the White House and went sightseeing. It was a good trip!”

Jamie Lahiere, sophomore

 

 

“I got to watch Wiz Khalifa and Trey film their new music video, ‘Gettin’ Paid’,” said management major Jamie Lahiere. “It was being filmed at a mansion in Westlake, a community in Austin, and it was really cool.”

Richard Furin, junior

 

“I went to Panama City, Florida for spring break. It was sunny all week, and we hung out at the beach mostly,” said Richard Furin, acting major.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick Wasn’t Irish?!

On March 17, people of all backgrounds will honor the Irish, celebrating with parades, feasts, green attire and good cheer. Originating in Ireland as a religious holiday, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a worldwide celebration.

Many people are not aware, however, that St. Patrick wasn’t actually Irish, but a Roman-Briton missionary born in England. He didn’t have an easy life; he was abducted by Irish brigands at the young age of 16 and sold into slavery. Escaping six years later, Patrick had the notion that he would preach Christianity to the Irish, and did exactly that for roughly 30 years.

He died on March 17, A.D. 461, which became recognized as St. Patrick’s Day.

A few facts about the green holiday:

♣ The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in New York City in 1762. Irish soldiers serving in the U.S. Revolutionary War marched to reconnect with their Irish roots.

♣ The color originally associated with St. Patrick’s Day was blue, but switched to green in the 19th century.

♣ More than 100 St. Patrick’s Day parades are held across the United States. New York City and Boston hold the largest celebrations.

♣ The Chicago River is dyed green for the occasion with a special dye that only lasts a few hours. Click here to watch a stop motion video of the transformation by Anthony Stewart.

♣ The shamrock, which was also called the “seamroy” by the Celts, was a sacred plant in ancient Ireland because it symbolized the rebirth of spring.

♣ The original Irish name for the leprechaun of folklore is “lobaircin,” meaning “small-bodied fellow.”

Bobcat Faces: Matt Kelly

What’s the perfect major? Psychology.

Matt Kelly

By Britney Munguia

Texas State University junior Matt Kelly believes he has chosen the perfect major: psychology.

Currently, Kelly is enrolled in philosophy, computer science, health psychology, and sensation and perception, classes that keep him busy throughout the week.

When he isn’t studying or doing extra credit assignments, Kelly says he enjoys spending time with friends and most importantly, relaxing.

Originally from Leander, Texas, Kelly chose Texas State because of its location, size and affordable tuition. Expecting to graduate in May 2012, Kelly says he is enjoying his time in San Marcos while it lasts.

SXSW 2011 Survival Guide

SXSW: Surviving the Madness

By Britney Munguia

For those of us staying in town and, unfortunately, not sun bathing on a cruise to Cozumel, I have the perfect vacation for you. SXSW, Austin’s annual music, film and interactive festival is truly a vacation in itself.

Thousands of people flock to the city to attend various events, meet-ups, presentations and more, which can be overwhelming at times. In order to survive the madness I’ve compiled a guide that will get you through the week…alive. Continue reading

Happenings: Old theater hosts new music

Texas Music Theater opening March 9 in San Marcos

Texas Music Theater in San Marcos

By Britney Munguia

Texas Music Theater, the newest music venue in town, is set to open March 9 on the historic downtown square in San Marcos.

The refurbished theater will be one of the sites for the fourth annual MR Fest, a music festival sponsored by KTSW, the Texas State radio station.

The Texas Music Theater will host various MR Fest musical performances April 29-30, including the headlining band, The Bright Light Social Hour.

Built in 1941 as the Plaza Theater, the building has been used for a variety of purposes over the years, including a movie theater, seafood restaurant and most recently, a hamburger joint called Gordo’s. Continue reading