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The Student News Site of Texas State University

The University Star
The Student News Site of Texas State University

The University Star
The Student News Site of Texas State University

The University Star









All content by Brianna Benitez
updated flyer

UPDATE: Unconscious New York man is not Jason Landry

Brianna Benitez, Gabriella Ybarra, Nichaela Shaheen, and Sarah Hernandez
July 27, 2022
Brianna Benitez takes a photo outside the Plaza Hotel Friday, January 25, in New York City. 

Senior 30: The ‘superstar’ signs off

Brianna Benitez, Editor-in-Chief
April 28, 2022
AS6

Remembering Salyer: A son, brother, hero

Brianna Benitez, Editor-in-Chief
November 30, 2021
A Mochinut employee helps select a mochi donut for a customer, Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in San Marcos, Texas.

Owners behind local Asian restaurants find purpose in family

Brianna Benitez, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
Star file photo of Old Main

Faculty Senate reviews petition, voices fall semester concerns

Brianna Benitez, Editor-in-Chief
August 26, 2021
Pitaya sign and display, Saturday, March 21, 2021, at Pitaya.

Best Boutique: Pitaya (tie for 1st)

Brianna Benitez, Editor-in-Chief
May 4, 2021
Star file photo of San Marcos City Council Chamber. 

City Council approves committee rules and procedures

Brianna Benitez, News Editor
April 22, 2021
Star File Photo of San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District Administrative Offices.

SMCISD parents raise concerns over district response to racial slur incident

Brianna Benitez, News Editor
April 21, 2021
Winter storm stroller

City Council votes to extend utility freeze, provides funding to residents impacted by winter storm

Brianna Benitez, News Editor
March 17, 2021
Line Team Lead Sandra Herrera prepares a plate of food, Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, at Commons Dining Hall.

Staff Council extends scholarship application, thanks winter storm staff

Brianna Benitez, News Editor
March 9, 2021
Star file photo

City Council approves renewable energy program

Brianna Benitez, News Editor
March 3, 2021
Christopher Cardoza poses for a photo, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, by the Blanco River.

Community finds purpose in selfless service during winter storm

Brianna Benitez, News Editor
March 1, 2021
Daniella Dakota Rodriguez dances in a fancy shawl competition at the Indigenous Cultures Institute's Sacred Springs Powwow, Monday, Oct. 15, 2018, in San Marcos. 

City Council supports proposal for Indigenous culture center, hears ERCOT concerns

Brianna Benitez, News Editor
February 25, 2021
A person walks through the Quad, Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at Texas State.

Texas State to provide assistance to underrepresented transfer students

Brianna Benitez, News Editor
February 24, 2021
A San Marcos firefighter works to put out a flame on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, at a house fire located at 421 Lindsey St.

Emergency officials investigate house fire near Texas State

Jaden Edison and Brianna Benitez
February 22, 2021
Texas State general studies senior Nick Angeli pauses to look at the snow cover, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, in Purgatory Creek .

Cold, frustrated, hungry: How the winter storm left residents in the dark, searching for answers

Brianna Benitez, News Editor
February 19, 2021
(Bottom left to right) Student Government presidential candidates Andrew Gryce and Richard Vega answer moderator questions, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, at the Student Government Presidential Debate via Zoom.

Presidential candidates aim to unite campus, ‘pass the mic’ to underrepresented students

Brianna Benitez, News Editor
February 10, 2021
 

Staff Council receives employee support updates, expresses insurance coverage concerns

Brianna Benitez, News Editor
February 10, 2021
Hays County Historic Court House.

Commissioners Court permits application submission for rental assistance grant

Brianna Benitez, News Editor
January 12, 2021
Star file photo

City Council postpones rezoning of acres near Steen Road

Brianna Benitez, News Editor
December 16, 2020
A file photo of the San Marcos City Council meeting chamber.

City Council swears in Hughson, Gleason

Brianna Benitez, Life and Arts Editor
December 14, 2020
A file photo of a Texas State University sign.

Staff Council raises concerns over remote work agreements

Brianna Benitez, Life and Arts Editor
December 9, 2020

Language of the Unheard: Reproductive Rights

Aidan Bea, Valeria Torrealba, Haley Brand, and Brianna Benitez
November 30, 2020
A woman paddles down the crystal clear water of the river in San Marcos. 

San Marcos River Foundation protects, beautifies local environment

Brianna Benitez, Life and Arts Editor
November 13, 2020
First Lieutenant Anthony Ayala speaks to the audience during the Texas State Annual Veterans Day Commemoration Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at the Texas State University Performing Arts Center. Ayala was the keynote speaker of the ceremony.

Texas State honors veterans with annual ceremony

Brianna Benitez, Life and Arts Editor
November 11, 2020
Step Afrika! company members Pelham Warner and Robert Warnsley stepping to a traditional African American dance during a Diversity Week performance, Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, in Evans Auditorium at Texas State. (Abby Gutierrez)

Student Government moves from words to action in preparation for Diversity Week

Brianna Benitez, Life and Arts Editor
November 5, 2020
A student writes "First Gen! Be the Change!" on a small white board during a previous First-Gen Week event.

Texas State seeks to celebrate first-generation students through First-Gen Week

Brianna Benitez, Life and Arts Editor
November 4, 2020
Emmy-winning ABC News veteran and host of "What Would You Do?" John Quiñones has been announced as Common Experience’s featured speaker for the virtual LBJ Distinguished Lecture Series event. The event will take place Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. via Youtube Live.

ABC host John Quiñones to speak at LBJ Distinguished Lecture event

Brianna Benitez, Life and Arts Editor
October 29, 2020
U.S. Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez connects virtually with audience members Tuesday, Oct. 20, during Common Experience's Insight Series Event. The event gathered over 2,000 viewers, making it the fifth-highest attendance in Common Experience history.

Laurie Hernandez reflects on mental health, representation at virtual Common Experience event

Brianna Benitez, Life and Arts Editor
October 21, 2020
Festival goers walk through the light-filled bridge at the Sights & Sounds of Christmas festival December 2017.

Sights & Sounds cancels Santa’s Jingle Bell Run 5K, Kids K

Brianna Benitez, Life and Arts Editor
October 13, 2020
City of San Marcos members wrap a yellow ribbon around a tree in support of Veterans Day. This year, the City of San Marcos will host "Month of Service", a series of community service opportunities aimed to honor veterans in replacement of the annual Veterans Day Parade.

City of San Marcos implements “Month of Service” initiative to honor veterans

Brianna Benitez
October 5, 2020
U.S. Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez is set to become the youngest Common Experience speaker at just 20-years-old. Hernandez will present at this year's Common Experience Insight Series event Oct. 20 at 6 p.m.

Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez to speak at virtual Common Experience event

Brianna Benitez
October 5, 2020
Texas State Homecoming Queen Nakenya Minnieweather hugs President Denise Trauth, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, during halftime of Texas State's homecoming football game vs. South Alabama at Bobcat Stadium.

Texas State opens registration for homecoming activities

Brianna Benitez, Life and Arts Editor
October 1, 2020
A file photo of the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in 2019. The 2020 Ceremony was streamed on the City of San Marcos’ Facebook page.

‘Never forgetting’: San Marcos Fire Department hosts virtual 9/11 ceremony

Brianna Benitez
September 11, 2020
SLAC employee tutors students inside the SLAC Lab located on the fourth floor of Alkek Library at Texas State University. SLAC will operate both in an in-person and virtual learning space this fall. (Photo courtesy of SLAC)

Campus tutoring services adjust learning experience for fall

Brianna Benitez and Leanne Castro
August 24, 2020
A colorful mural painted along North LBJ Drive. The City of San Marcos Mural Arts Program is requesting artist submissions for a commissioned public mural located on 297 CM Allen Parkway near the Children’s Park.

City of San Marcos seeks mural art submissions

Brianna Benitez
July 28, 2020
Protesters, onlookers and students listen to statements made by student activists, Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at Texas State. On that day, hundreds of students fled to Texas State’s Quad area after four students of color were arrested following an on-campus political clash. On Friday, July 24, 2020, Texas State hosted part one of its Restorative Justice Town Hall series—a three-part initiative aimed at providing opportunities for discussions on race, trans-generational trauma, justice and law enforcement.

Texas State hosts part one of Restorative Justice Town Hall series

Brianna Benitez
July 25, 2020
Books lined up for front porch pick-up at the San Marcos Public Library. The library’s front porch pickup service is open 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday, as well as Sunday from 4-6 p.m. (Photo courtesy of San Marcos Public Library)

San Marcos Public Library revamps summer programs for an at-home experience

Brianna Benitez
July 6, 2020
A Dec. 2019 commencement ceremony for the McCoy College of Business.

Texas State announces schedule for virtual commencement

Brianna Benitez
June 30, 2020
(Front to back) TeraLynn Steele, Breana Miller and Najha Marshall hold their fists up, a gesture symbolic of unity and solidarity in black communities, while getting their photo taken, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, at the 36th Annual MLK Commemoration Celebration in the LBJ Ballroom.

Texas State recognizes Juneteenth through ‘Day of Reflection and Solidarity’

Ryan Scanlin and Brianna Benitez
June 19, 2020
(Left to right): Alex Banbury, Jonafa Banbury, Claudea Blythe and Mittie Miller stand with a “MLK Day” banner. These are four out of the five current DHA members. (Photo courtesy of Dunbar Heritage Association)

Remembering Juneteenth: Community preserves Black history in San Marcos

Brianna Benitez
June 19, 2020
A photo of English lecturer and Texas State alumnus Wade Martin. (Courtesy of the Department of English)

Local community remembers the legacy of English lecturer Wade Martin

Brianna Benitez
June 10, 2020
Gov. Abbott announces updates for the state April 17.

Gov. Abbott issues phase III of reopening Texas

Brianna Benitez
June 3, 2020
The Hays County Memorial Day ceremony usually takes place at the Hays County Veterans Memorial in San Marcos but was moved online due to precautions over the spread of COVID-19. (Rebecca Harrell)

San Marcos honors fallen soldiers through virtual Memorial Day ceremony

Brianna Benitez
May 25, 2020
Marketing graduate Ahkilah Armster smiles for graduation photos near Sewell Park at Texas State University. Armster plans to enroll in Texas State’s Marketing Research and Analysis master program. Photo courtesy of Ahkilah Armster

First-generation graduates persevere despite cancellation of in-person commencement

Brianna Benitez
May 25, 2020
A sign directs visitors to a native plant sell happening in the Discovery Center’s greenhouse, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, at the Monarch Fest.

San Marcos Discovery Center launches online plant sale

Brianna Benitez
May 24, 2020
patient entrance

Hays County Task Force concludes COVID-19 testing at nursing facilities

Brianna Benitez
May 22, 2020
Photo courtesy of Harlan ScottExterior of Industry before COVID-19 closure. Industry is located on 110 E Martin Luther King Dr. and re-opened for dine-in service Friday, May 8.

Local restaurants adapt to Abbott’s plan to reopen Texas

Brianna Benitez
May 8, 2020
Texas State Class of 2023 students smile for a photo in their Common Experience t-shirts, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, at Strahan Coliseum.

Common Experience reveals new theme for 2020-2021

Brianna Benitez
May 4, 2020
Gumby’s Pizza employee preparing pizzas, helping round up meal donations for Meals 4-One and All. As of April 29, Gumby’s Pizza has donated 580 meal vouchers which can be redeemed for a medium cheese or pepperoni pizza.

Restaurants give back to community through Meals 4-One and All program

Brianna Benitez
May 2, 2020
A bottle of Desert Door’s Texas Sotol sits beside a bottle of their in-house sanitizer inside the distillery. As of April 14, the distillery has donated 70,000 8 ounce bottles of sanitizer. Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Desert Door Distillery

Local distilleries supply community with hand sanitizer during COVID-19 pandemic

Brianna Benitez
April 22, 2020
Photo Courtesy of The City of San MarcosRed poppies were added to the wildflower remembrance garden, located at 1841 Airport Road, to honor the memories of soldiers who have given their lives fighting for their country.

Fallen soldiers commemorated with remembrance garden

Brianna Benitez
April 16, 2020
In efforts to spread joy during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lily Kren choreographed a dance to the song “Be OK” by Ingrid Michaelson and posted a video of it on her Instagram page.

Class performs acts of kindness lifting spirits during pandemic

Brianna Benitez
April 14, 2020
Best sweet shop: Rhea’s Ice Cream

Best Sweet Shop: Rhea’s Ice Cream

Brianna Benitez
April 13, 2020
San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter foster dog Ella cuddling alongside Christina Manley’s resident dog Franklin inside Manley’s home. Manley has been fostering Ella since Friday, March 27 and said Ella and Franklin get along well. Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Christina Manley

Local animal shelter leans on community support during COVID-19 closure

Brianna Benitez
April 6, 2020
Hayley McGaugh, studio art ceramics senior, working on a ceramic piece, July 22, 2019 at the ceramics studio in Joann Cole Mitte at Texas State University.

COVID-19 outbreak challenges Texas State art community’s success

Brianna Benitez
April 4, 2020
An online order pick-up sign hangs above the barista bar Thursday, March 19, 2020 at Mochas & Javas’ N LBJ Drive location. All Mochas & Javas locations are open for to-go and curbside pickup services. Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Mochas & Javas

Local businesses respond to the impact of COVID-19

Brianna Benitez
April 1, 2020
The electrical box depicts the face of a man Thursday, March 5, 2020, at the corner of Sessom Drive and N LBJ Drive. The Traffic Control Box Art project calls for three more decorated traffic control boxes along Ranch Road 12.

Colorful murals take over city traffic boxes

Brianna Benitez
March 17, 2020
Star Rundown Haley and Bri

(Video) Star Rundown: LBJ polling lines, colorful murals in San Marcos, Sun Belt conference game and more

Haley Brand and Brianna Benitez
March 12, 2020
Untitled design (1).JPG

Nine days of spring break activities

Laura Figi and Brianna Benitez
March 3, 2020
Student Volunteer Connection member Kenadee Fears decorates a coloring book for the Boys and Girls Club in the LBJ Student Center on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, at Texas State University. Photo credit: Brianna Benitez

Students design inclusive coloring books for youth

Brianna Benitez
March 3, 2020
Attendees participating in discussion at the “Negotiations: Dos and Don’ts” workshop inside Minifie Academic Atrium in McCoy Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 at Texas State University. The workshop provided attendees with tips on negotiating salary with potential employers. Photo credit: Brianna Benitez

McCoy College brings authenticity to Business Leadership Week 2020

Brianna Benitez
February 28, 2020
Texas State alumna, Maggie Bera (center) performing in Texas State’s production of “Spelling Bee” as Maggie Marcy Park, February 2016. Bera performed in “Spelling Bee” her junior year. Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Maggie Bera

Alumna takes center-stage in blogging and theater industry

Brianna Benitez
February 18, 2020
Syd Nyman, metalsmith senior, displaying their handmade skull shaped earring, “Drop Jaw” Monday, January 27, 2020 at Texas State University. To purchase this piece or request a commissioned piece contact Nyman on Instagram @sidnyman_. Photo credit: Brianna Benitez

Five tips for starting a side hustle

Brianna Benitez
February 5, 2020
CBD products testers on display on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at The Botanical Shoppe located at 171 S LBJ Dr. The products are said to be organic, vegan and GMO-free.

Understanding the effects of CBD

Brianna Benitez
January 29, 2020
Store front of Heartworks Co. Paper Bear located on 218 N LBJ Dr.

San Marcos business plans to close after 41 years

Brianna Benitez
January 29, 2020
Fish oil, vitamin D and calcium supplements. Photo credit: Brianna Benitez

Common misconceptions about vitamins

Brianna Benitez
January 21, 2020
Students from Texas State Dance Division performing during “The State of California v. Ezzard Charles Ellis” at ” ‘your truth has no place in this world’ ” performance Nov. 14. Photo credit: Brianna Benitez

Texas State students reveal their truth through the art of dance

Brianna Benitez
December 2, 2019
A sculpture on display at 218 Co-op Gallery’s “Tiny Art of Texas”

San Marcos gallery showcases artwork from Texas cities and towns

Brianna Benitez
November 19, 2019
“Spilled Milk” by Maddie Mondshine on display at the “Intuition” exhibit in the Gallery of Common Experience.

Local artist awakes ‘Intuition’ at The Gallery of Common Experience

Brianna Benitez
November 14, 2019
Guest speakers at the “Truth About Immigration” discussion event. Left to right: Yunuen Alvarado Bustos, Angelica Coronado, Mark Kinzler, Robert Painter and Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch.

Attorneys reveal the truth about immigration at Common Experience event

Brianna Benitez
November 13, 2019
Asia Samson performing in George’s in LBJ on Tuesday Oct. 29. Photo credit: Brianna Benitez

The Asia Project brings resilience to Diversity Week

Brianna Benitez
November 5, 2019
A calavera sits on display, Monday, Oct. 28, 2019, at the Día de los Muertos community altar in Lampasas Hall. [Photo by Jaden Edison]

Community honors the dead through Día de Los Muertos festivities

Brianna Benitez
October 29, 2019
SLAC tutors presenting reading and writing skills at Brilliant Bobcat’s workshop on October 8. Photo credit: Brianna Benitez

Five study habits to drop this semester

Brianna Benitez
October 22, 2019
Jacob Cleveland (left) and special guest, Paul Peralta (right), recording episode 15 of The San Mo Show. Photo credit: Brianna Benitez

Texas State student entertains and informs community via podcast

Brianna Benitez
October 8, 2019
Parade Marshals, Katinka Pinka and Lee Wallace, leading the parade down LBJ Drive. Photo credit: Brianna Benitez

San Marcos holds fourth-annual Downtown Mermaid Promenade

Brianna Benitez
October 3, 2019
Saba helping a student at her power yoga class Thursday, Sept. 18 at The Student Recreation Center. Photo credit: Brianna Benitez

Celebrating the benefits of yoga during national yoga month

Brianna Benitez
September 25, 2019
Bales at a pop-up shop in January 2019. Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Allee Bales

Student entrepreneur aims at putting authenticity in style

Brianna Benitez
September 17, 2019
Grupo Folklórico Ocotochtli performing at the “Soy Méxicano” show May 2019. Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Adriana Miranda

Student organization preserves Mexican culture through dance

Brianna Benitez
September 10, 2019
Jorrel Javier (center) performing as Grover during the national tour of The Lightning Thief. Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Jorrel Javier

Texas State alumnus prepares for Broadway debut

Brianna Benitez
September 3, 2019
Brooke Adams jumping into the San Marcos River with her sister Courtney Adams and their father Doug Adams after the May 2019 commencement ceremony. Photo credit: Photo Courtesy of Brooke Adams

Five Texas State traditions to anticipate

Brianna Benitez
August 30, 2019
Brooke Adams jumping into the San Marcos River with her sister Courtney Adams and their father Doug Adams after the May 2019 commencement ceremony. Photo credit: Photo Courtesy of Brooke Adams

Five Texas State traditions to anticipate

Brianna Benitez
August 27, 2019
Kaleigh Alverts with incoming freshmen and transfer students at Cat Camp 2019. Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Kaleigh Alverts

How to become a proud Bobcat

Brianna Benitez
August 27, 2019
Aspen Smith (right) with her classmates Lynda Hauxwell (left) and Daniella Dattalo (middle) at the Palamidi Castle in Nafplio, Greece.

Texas State students develop cultural awareness during study abroad trips

Brianna Benitez
August 15, 2019
Paddlers on a day time kayak tour at Spring Lake.

REI The Meadows Center teams up with REI Co-op for an informational outdoor experience

Brianna Benitez
August 6, 2019
Members of The Plant Biology Society potting plants. Photo courtesy of MacKenzie Pollock.

Student organization grows a passion for plants one seed at a time

Brianna Benitez
July 9, 2019
Recyclable tin cans and scrap metal at Green Guy Recycling. Photo courtesy of Green Guy Recycling.

City of San Marcos launches program to reduce residential move-out waste

Brianna Benitez
July 9, 2019
Vendors at a past San Marcos Metaphysical and Holistic Fair. Photo courtesy of Sheryl Martin.

Metaphysical and holistic community offers spiritual guidance at monthly fair

Brianna Benitez
June 26, 2019
Sutton performing at SXSW 2019. Photo courtesy of Naomi Sutton.

Texas State student strikes a chord in the music industry

Brianna Benitez
June 4, 2019
Helm and musician, Tiera Deniell, on set before filming episode three of The Arian Helm Show. Photo courtesy of Arian Helm.

Texas State student launches talk show on YouTube

Brianna Benitez
May 20, 2019
Ndubizu performing “I 2 I” from A Goofy Movie on Disney Night. Photo by Uché Ndubizu

Texas State alumnus reaches Top 10 on American Idol

Brianna Benitez
May 9, 2019
Baker cutting cinnamon rolls. Photo Courtesy of Delorean Wiley

Texas State student bakes up sustainability

Brianna Benitez
April 23, 2019
Janelle Cole, business senior, inspects texts about the ranching industry April 12 included in the Strong as an Acre of Garlic exhibit in JCM. Photo by Ali Mumbach

Texas State exhibition showcases the pride and skill of women ranchers

Brianna Benitez
April 16, 2019
Council opening a beehive at DreamWorks Bees. Photo Courtesy Kayla Werich

Student organization spreads environmental awareness through beekeeping

Brianna Benitez
April 11, 2019
Rivers modeling for Monroe. Photo courtesy Albert Monroe.

Student model gains popularity

Brianna Benitez
April 7, 2019
Star image

Be the Match seeks Bobcats to donate bone marrow

Brianna Benitez
April 7, 2019
Three-toed box turtle at Central Texas Rescue Center. Photo courtesy Krista McDermid

Local family creates safe haven for tortoises

Brianna Benitez
April 7, 2019
Rosa, March 7, speaking at his presentation. Photo By Brianna Benitez

Stanford professor discusses research on Latinx identities at Texas State

Brianna Benitez
March 12, 2019
Members of Medical Explorers at a refugee clinic in San Antonio hosted by the Christian Medical and Dental Association. Photo Courtesy of Nicole Sawtelle

Texas State partners with Hays County EMS

Brianna Benitez
March 5, 2019
A variety of non-perishable food items that can be donated. Photo By Brianna Benitez

Food insecurity remains a problem in the San Marcos area

Brianna Benitez
February 26, 2019
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