Around Campus: Common Experience 2012

Common Experience cultivates conversation on global connections

This map of Facebook friendships helped inspire the 2012 Common Experience theme “A Global Odyssey.”

By Callie Gordon ’12

In 2004, President Denise M. Trauth implemented a unique program to foster a campus-wide intellectual discussion. Eight years later, the Common Experience has become a unifying affair for Texas State students, staff, faculty and friends. This yearlong series of events, conferences, speakers and screenings is an opportunity for students to become more active in their educational experience.

“Early on, the vision was to connect entering students to a shared conversation,” Trauth writes on the Common Experience website, “but it quickly grew to include upper-level classes, student support services, campus activities, performing arts and the San Marcos schools and community.”

This year, the Common Experience addresses an increasingly relevant issue: globalization. The 2012-2012 Common Experience theme — A Global Odyssey: Exploring Our Connections to the Changing World — was created to foster the community’s examination of the many international relationships that affect our daily lives.

Alumni: Bobcats Who Rock

Texas State alumni are making a bang on the national stage

By Callie Gordon ’12

One of Texas State’s biggest points of pride is the diversity exhibited throughout our university. Our student body represents countries from around globe, and we have recently been recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Whether students come here to pursue success in the business and technology, to mold young minds as teachers, or to discover solutions to global problems, Texas State gives students the tools and knowledge they need to chase their biggest dreams. For some students, this dream involves taking center stage, performing for thousands, mic in hand. Here’s a list of alumni who have made it as professional musicians:

Alumni: Famous Bobcats

From White House to Hollywood, Bobcats are in good company

Charles Austin

By Callie Gordon, ’12 

It’s likely that before you ever shout the words “Eat ‘em up, Cats!” you know that Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th president of the United States, graduated from Texas State University. We’re proud of LBJ and the fact that he was the only U.S. president to graduate from a Texas university.

But as much as Texas State is proud of our most distinguished alumnus, it’s important to know that some other big names have also navigated the hills of campus. Many professional athletes, actors and internationally known musicians and writers claim Texas State as their alma mater.

Happenings: University Galleries Summer Exhibitions

Campus art galleries showcase wide variety of local, national talent

The exhibition “Homegrown” will feature works by  artists from Eye of the Dog Art Center in San Marcos.

By Callie Gordon ’12

At Texas State, you don’t have to walk far to see changes on campus. Look inside the Joann Cole Mitte Building, where Texas State’s School of Art and Design is housed, and you’ll see even more — the University Galleries at Texas State undergo a makeover each month when new art arrives to be shared with art lovers and students alike.

Mary Mikel Stump, the gallery director, wants a variety and breadth of work available to viewers. “If someone comes for one show, I want them to not have to wait long before they can come back and see something different,” she says.

The galleries, which are free and open to the public, feature art by students, alumni, local artists, and creators from around the country and the world. On Saturday, June 23, the University Galleries will hold an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. for their newest exhibitions, Homegrown and Swarm.

Alumni: First Year on the Job

Alumni share experiences, advice gleaned from first year on the job

By Callie Gordon ’12

Attending Texas State is a blend of getting an education, starting your career, and the growing up that happens along the way. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, you spend four years learning about the world, our country and yourself, as well as more facts about LBJ than the average person will ever know.

Although your classes and professors do their best to prepare you, the transition from college to career often comes with a few growing pains. Below, four recent graduates share what they’ve learned through their first year on the job.

What was the most challenging thing about transitioning from college to career?

Leigh Morgan

Leigh Morgan, Communication Design ’11 Marketing Coordinator at Anthony Travel @leighdotcom

In college, the proof of your hard work is often reflected in your grade at the end of the semester. Because of this, I have struggled to feel accomplished in my career, not because I’m doing a poor job, but because real-world success is less tangible than a grade.