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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 Carlene Ottah
The Mitchell Center, September 1995, in San Marcos. The Mitchell Center operated as an after school and summer reading program from 1995-2000 and included the Rearing Our Own to Succeed after-school program, which started in 1992. Photo courtesy of William Porterfield.

Community celebrates 30th anniversary of Mitchell Center

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
February 20, 2025
Public relations alumnus Jonathan Jones (Left) and advertising alumna Amy Jones (Right) post for their annual family photoshoot, Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, in Austin. Photo courtesy of Jessica Rockowitz.

Couples share how they met at Texas State

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
February 14, 2025
Local drag queen Calor performs at The Davenport, the new event will occur at Eden on Feb. 14. Photo courtesy of Christopher Paul Cardoza.

‘A Brunch of Drag’ returns to San Marcos

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
February 12, 2025
Texas State theater performance and production junior Dietrich Calhoun plays original music during George's Open Mic Night, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at the LBJ Student Center.

(Photo Gallery) – Star Snaps Jan. 19 – 25

Maya Contreras, Robert Stephanson, Laura Walker, Marisa Nunez, and Carlene Ottah
January 27, 2025
Artist Mathew Mazzotta's sculpture “LOCAL HABITAT,” Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, on top of Cibolo Hall.

Public art committee completes four new artworks on campus

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
January 23, 2025
Associate professor Hank Hehmsoth poses for a photo, Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at the Music Building. Photo courtesy of Texas State University.

Associate professor reflects on songs featured in compilation albums

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
January 8, 2025
San Marcos locals look around the new Books-A-Million, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, at the San Marcos Premium Outlets in Space 213.

Large bookstore opens in San Marcos

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
January 7, 2025
Children with First Class Dance Center pose after finishing a performance for Hometown Holidays, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at San Marcos Plaza Park.

Hometown Holidays expresses changes to local annual tradition

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
December 20, 2024
Monroe Hair Studio's storefront decorated for Merry on the Squarey's Window Decoration Contest, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, at The Square.

[Photo] San Marcos community welcomes new holiday tradition

Marcus Bracken, Life and Arts Contributor
December 12, 2024
Fashion merchandising junior Jalissa Urbina (Left) honors the project leaders on stage during the FMA Fashion Show, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at the Price Center.

FMA embraces creative freedom with fashion show

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
November 18, 2024
The Homecoming Service Project School Supply Drive donation bin, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in the Shirley R. Harris Student Lounge at the LBJ Student Center.

‘Roots of Texas State’: service project gives back to education

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
November 14, 2024
Amanda Rodriguez elected to City Council Place 6

Amanda Rodriguez elected to City Council Place 6

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
November 6, 2024
Interdisciplinary studies alumna Glynis Christine shows off the piano she painted, Friday, September 27, 2024, at George’s in the LBJ Student Center.

[Photo] Nontraditional alumna makes change through art

Chloe Rawlinson, Life and Arts Reporter
November 5, 2024
Animal science junior Jackee Corrigan (Left) and piano performance junior Arabella Abrera (Right) cross Aquarena Springs Drive to get to their bus stop, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, near the Riverside Ranch bus stop.

[Photo] TxDOT, SMTX talk pedestrian safety before Halloween

Candace Taggart, News Reporter
October 31, 2024
"Our Town" cast members sit and look downstage at program faculty and "Our Town" Stage Manager Eugene Lee, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at the Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre. The set features hanging mobiles of different props representing items mentioned in the play, such as sunflowers, stained glass, letters and heliotropes. Photo courtesy of Lauren Jurgemeyer.

Alumnus and Broadway veteran acts alongside students in TXST play

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
October 1, 2024
Texas State rugby member Cole Douglass celebrates victory over UTSA with his team, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at the West Campus Soccer Fields

(Photo Gallery) – Star Snaps Sept. 23-29

Khang Le, Carlene Ottah, Nathalie Yanez, and Mandalyn Lewallen
September 30, 2024
Psychology senior Alexis Haro (Left) and public relations junior Gabriella Jimenez (Right) look at their class rings, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, at the LBJ Ballroom. The two of them were friends since high school.

Three members of Grupo Folklorico Ocotochtli wearing vestido de listones (dress of ribons) pose for a selfie before dancing at Viva TXST on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, at the LBJ Student Center. Established in 1983, Grupo Folklorico Ocotochtli shares the culture of Mexico through dance.

(Photo Gallery) Star Snaps – Sept. 16-22

Katherine Rea, Allison Drinnon, Rosey Mendoza, Carlene Ottah, Khang Le, and Maya Contreras
September 23, 2024
Bo Moore and his band perform cover songs at the Tunes at Noon event on campus, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the LBJ Amphitheater.

(Photo Gallery) – Star Snaps Sept. 9-15

Katherine Rea, Meg Boles, Allison Drinnon, Kobe Arriaga, and Carlene Ottah
September 16, 2024
A playful dog, Kazuki, jumps in his kennel as he waits for his future owner, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, at the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter.

SMRAS helps more pets find homes during campaign

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
September 5, 2024
Entrepreneurs and members of the San Marcos community network at the Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, at Embassy Suites Conference Center.

Showcase leads schools to engage with community

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
August 26, 2024
Combat veteran and Texas State alumnus Heriberto Arambula discusses the healing power of storytelling and the importance of veterans being able to share their stories, Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Photo courtesy of University Libraries.

Preserving their stories: educational veteran program begins work

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
August 20, 2024
TXST Camerata bands non-music majors together to play music

TXST Camerata bands non-music majors together to play music

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
August 7, 2024
Advertising senior Kayla Jones (center right) poses for a photo alongside Calaboose President Jo Ann Parsons (left) and members of the Holt family (center left, right) after being recognized for receiving the Dr. Elvin Holt Professor Emeritus Calaboose Scholarship, Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the Cephas House in San Marcos.

Holt Scholarship continues contributions through lifelong passions

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
July 20, 2024
"He was an icon": San Marcos remembers local bird

“He was an icon”: San Marcos remembers local bird

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
July 8, 2024
Incoming transfer student Samantha Wray at her graduation, Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the Alamodome. Photo courtesy of Sydney Childress.

A new beginning: new students on choosing TXST

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
June 6, 2024
Wreaths to commemorate servicemen killed in action are placed at the Hays County Veterans Memorial during the 2024 Memorial Day Ceremony, Monday, May 27, 2024, near downtown San Marcos.

San Marcos looks back on Veterans Memorial

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
May 29, 2024
President of the Seaton Foundation Rachel Medina delivers inspiring closing remarks, Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the 10th Annual Internship Graduation Reception.

LiveOak celebrates a decade of cognitive disability care

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
May 18, 2024
"ZACH's crawling with Bobcats": students and alumni cross at nearby production

“ZACH’s crawling with Bobcats”: students and alumni cross at nearby production

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
May 12, 2024
Texas State alumni Danae Velasquez poses for her headshot, Monday, April 15, 2024, at Texas State.

[Photo] Texas State students discover community as influencers

Madelin Morales, Life and Arts Contributor
May 2, 2024
(From left to right) Criminal justice freshman Jazmine Ponce, radiation therapy freshman Ashley Burriz, criminal justice freshman Alyssa Dubuque, music freshman Loretta Wones and criminal justice junior Dalilah Gutierrezz gather to watch the eclipse at Sewell Park, Monday, April 8, 2024, at Texas State.

[Photo] (Photo Gallery) The eclipse experience at Texas State University

April 8, 2024
Lecturer Nick Lawson analyzes text from a play, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in the Department of Theatre and Dance.

[Photo] New series to give improved titles to nontenured faculty

Lesdy Hernandez, News Reporter
March 8, 2024
Jonnalys Soto receives her food from the line at Bobcat Quickie, Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, in San Marcos.

[Photo] From taco stand to ‘Downtown Legend’: The Bobcat Quickie story

Brianna Bordosky, Life and Arts Contributor
March 3, 2024
Assistant professor of English, Denae Dyck, poses with her book "Biblical Wisdom and the Victorian Literary Imagination", Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, in Flowers Hall.

Assistant professor to bridge literary and religious gap with book

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Reporter
February 28, 2024
Students eat their food under the Korean Culture Club Marketplace booth, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at The Quad.

Star Snaps – Feb. 19-25: This Week in San Marcos

Felix Menke, Meg Boles, Lucas Kraft, Mandalyn Lewallen, and Carlene Ottah
February 26, 2024
Healthcare administration junior Stephanie Guzman catches a free ride near campus, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in San Marcos.

[Photo] Downtown free electric cab service to discontinue

Candace Taggart, News Reporter
February 21, 2024
The entrance of Cheatham Street Warehouse welcomes guests with a large sign out front, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in San Marcos.

[Photo] Pieces of love in San Marcos: Date ideas for Valentine’s Day

Rhian Davis, Life and Arts Contributor
February 19, 2024
Psychology junior and peer mentor Aysia Banks offers assistance to fellow students Sunday, Jan. 17, 2024, outside Commons Dining Hall.

Peer Mentors reflect on growth for National Mentoring Month

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Reporter
January 25, 2024
Regents’ professor of English Cyrus Cassells poses for a birthday photo on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Casa Pelican in New Orleans.

Cyrus Cassells: a traveling poet inspiring himself and others

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Reporter
January 13, 2024
Hays County Food Bank volunteer Madelyn Parsons looks at jalapeno plants, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at the Hays County Food Bank.

[Photo] Meet Maddie: Criminal justice major turned sustainable gardener

Jacquelyn Burrer, Life and Arts Contributor
November 30, 2023
Tyler Wesley (left), actor for Roger Davis, and Riley Thornton (right), actor for Mark Cohen, rehearse a scene for "RENT", Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, at the Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre.

“Collage of memories”: RENT brings to TXST closure and connection

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Reporter
November 15, 2023
Academic adviser Claire Richardson (left) receives her access code from team leader Aart Millecam (back), Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 at the LBJ Student Center.

[Photo] First-time voters exercise their right at the polls

Lucciana Choueiry, News Reporter
November 7, 2023
Week of homecoming traditions to create a fun experience for campus community

Week of homecoming traditions to create a fun experience for campus community

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Reporter
October 24, 2023
Journalism sophomore Breanna Lopez looks at a large-scale installation of plastic cemetery flowers on the wall, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, at the "The Unsettlements: Moms" exhibition at Texas State Galleries.

“Linking the legacies”: Artist honors moms’ influences through exhibit at TXST

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Reporter
October 4, 2023
The Vibe founder Stephanie Ramirez-Pelletier poses in front of her hand painted murals while in the process of painting it, Monday, July 10, 2023, at The Vibe.

Sober-living founder’s inspiration revived through healing

Carlene Ottah, News Contributor
September 21, 2023
beat the heat info

Exertional heat strokes: Its signs, effects, recovery and avoidance

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Reporter
July 12, 2023
San Marcos Pickleball Club members host an Open Play session, Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Rio Vista Tennis Courts in San Marcos, Texas. 

“Everybody became cross-connected”: the growth of pickleball in San Marcos

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Reporter
June 24, 2023
Mike Thompson (right) poses with his ring and his wife Kendall Burleson at the annual Ring Day ceremony, April 28, 2023, at the Meadows Center.

TXST graduate rediscovers education through 13-year gap

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Reporter
May 8, 2023
Mural

ODS art showcase to break the status quo with “Disabled & Proud”

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Reporter
March 28, 2023
Bobcat Stream Team

Bobcat Stream Team connects students to certified water training

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Reporter
March 27, 2023
naturallyyou

Common Experience event opens up the discussion about identity

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Contributor
February 13, 2023
Runners participate in a dance contest during an afterparty for the Scallywompus San Marcos Half Marathon, Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, at the Tanger Outlets. 

Half-marathon to bring cheers and community to San Marcos

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Contributor
January 27, 2023
(left to right) Texas State University Rock Ensemble members Roy Carpenter, Chloe Helpinstill, Maximus Emperador, Sam Holschuh, Mel Wedige, Zach Sprauer, and Alex Mendoza play music for a benefit for the Hays-Caldwell Women's Center, Tuesday, March 31, 2022, at Industry.

Student ensemble rocks out through shared passion

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Contributor
December 26, 2022
PROCRASTINATION - 1

Alkek Library’s Long Night Against Procrastination facilitates student success

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Contributor
November 16, 2022
The 2022 Honors College ofrenda displays the Uvalde school shooting victims, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, at Lampasas Hall. The Honors College has centered its ofrendas around a theme or group each year since 2020.

Honors College spreads Día de los Muertos spirit across campus

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Contributor
November 1, 2022
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