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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
Texas State sophomore midfielder Helen Alormenu (10) jumps in the river to celebrate the first NCAA appearance since 2011, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at Sewell Park. This is the team's first and last Sunbelt Championship.

Star Snaps 11/3 – 11/10

Libby Allen, Abel Barcenas, Grace Darcy, Carlene Ottah, Ava Miller, Robert Stephenson, Laura Walker, Aiden Fritsche, and Ayden Oredson
November 10, 2025
An image of screenwriter Taylor Sheridan displayed at The Wittliff Collections, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at the Alkek Library. Some of the items included in the display were Sheridan's paper archives that he donated to the Wiffliff Collections.

Wittliff receives honorary alumnus’ materials as collection

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
November 4, 2025
The ofrenda at the Honors College, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Lampasas Hall. This year's ofrenda theme showcases the Aztec belief that departed souls return as butterflies and hummingbirds.

Honors College welcomes loved ones during Día de los Muertos

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
October 29, 2025
Lead guitarist of The Unlimited Stars Bre Mackenzie performs at the Frights and Sounds music festival, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Sean Patricks Irish Bar on The Square. The Unlimited Stars are a local Austin romantic goth band.

Spooky Snaps 10/20 – 10/24

Libby Allen, Ava Miller, Isabelle Cantu, Lauren Tourish, Abel Barcenas, Aiden Fritsche, Leslie Bello, and Carlene Ottah
October 27, 2025
Texas State volleyball team celebrates from the sidelines after watching their teammates score a point, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at Strahan Arena. Texas State won 3-0 against Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.

‘Rally at the Net’ hypes up volleyball game

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
October 8, 2025
An Oklahoma Feather Dancer participates in the dancer grand entry in full regalia at the Sacred Springs Powwow, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at the Meadows Center. The Oklahoma Feather Dance, also knows as the "Fancy Dance," is a popular dance at powwows.

Sacred Springs Powwow continues to guide people through culture

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
October 7, 2025
Indigenous Cultures Institute plans to return to roots with center

Indigenous Cultures Institute plans to return to roots with center

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
September 23, 2025
Concrete industry management freshman Santiago Garza swipes his BobcatCard to pay for a meal at Wing It, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at Jones Dining Center. Garza wishes there were more retail swipes but believes it's fair that the meal plan doesn't let him spend money here and he can use Dining Dollars.

Meal plans to offer more budget-friendly options

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
September 17, 2025
Former NYPD police officer James Eyster, who was in New York during 9/11, participates in the 9/11 stair climb, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, at the UFCU Stadium. Participants climbed more than 2,000 steps, symbolizing the 110 stories first responders and survivors had to descent at the World Trade Center.

Star Snaps – Sept. 9 – 14

Laura Walker, Maci Gambrell, Abel Barcenas, Libby Allen, Carlene Ottah, and Isabelle Cantu
September 15, 2025
Professor of practice Kym Fox featured at her retirement party, Friday, March 28, 2025, at University Camp in Wimberley, TX. Photo courtesy of Jessica James.

Friend and mentor: SJMC faculty remember Kym Fox

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
August 26, 2025
Flyswatters team members Jared Richter (Left) and Gage Smith (Right) paddle in the rapids, Friday, June 13, 2025, at Rio Vista Falls. Photo courtesy of Ashley Landis.

First-time rowers embark on uncharted waters at Texas Water Safari

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
July 25, 2025
juneteenth

San Marcos community expands on Juneteenth celebration

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
June 25, 2025
Incoming performance freshman Liz Melito poses for graduation pictures, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Prairie Creek. Photo courtesy of Juno Tinsley.

‘Right place to be’: how incoming freshmen found TXST

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
June 6, 2025
New Texas State graduates jump into the San Marcos River to celebrate together, Friday, May 9, 2025, at Sewell Park.

(Photo Gallery) – May in SMTX

Meg Boles, Laura Walker, and Carlene Ottah
June 2, 2025
Recent English graduate Dahlia Garcia (Right) jumps into the San Marcos River with her brother Daniel Garcia (Left), Friday, May 9, 2025, at Sewell Park. The River Jump is a Texas State tradition where recent graduates jump into the San Marcos River with their cap and gowns on to celebrate commencement.

(Photo Gallery) – TXST students celebrate graduation

Carlene Ottah, Multimedia Reporter
May 17, 2025
New cutline for the degree story: Matthew Jaimes' brothers Michael (Left Center) and Mark (Center Right) pose with his posthumous bachelor's degree in public relations with President Kelly Damphousse (Center), First Lady Beth Damphousse (Left) and Dean of Fine Arts and Communication John Fleming (Right), Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at Strahan Arena at the University Events Center.

Texas State offers posthumous degrees at commencement ceremonies

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
April 30, 2025
Americana band Loose Screws and Rusty Hearts performs at Earth Day San Marcos, Saturday, April 19th, 2025 at the Meadows Center

Birds, bees and butterflies

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
April 23, 2025
Bobcat Farm Club interns Matthew McGinnis (Left) and Peal Willet(Right) remove weeds from plants, Friday, April 18,2025, on Bobcat Farm at the Freeman Center Ranch

Student-run farm aims to grow past challenges

Carlene Ottah, Life and Arts Editor
April 21, 2025
Jacqueline Overby, co-founder and artistic director of MotherShip Studios, poses with friends in the San Marcos Film Lab’s photo booth during the San Marcos Studio Tour kickoff party, Friday, April 4, 2025 at Mothership Studios. MotherShip Studios is a studio space for local artists.

Star Snaps – March 30 – April 5

Diego Medel, Robin Brin, Robert Stephenson, Laura Walker, and Carlene Ottah
April 7, 2025
Communication studies sophomore Jazzalyn Perez (Left), health science junior Diego Herrera (Center) and pre-business junior Princess-Deja Sprauve

Star Snaps – March 23 – 29

Rhian Davis, Diego Medel, Isabelle Cantu, and Carlene Ottah
March 31, 2025
Rebecca Hudson aka Strawberry STOMPcake a member of the San Marcos River Rollers, roller-skates in the the Mistick Krewe of Okeanos Mardi Gras Parade, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in San Marcos. The San Marcos River Rollers are a local all female roller-derby team.

Star Snaps – Feb. 23 – March 1

Isabelle Cantu, Meg Boles, Katherine Rea, Diego Medel, Carlene Ottah, Maya Contreras, Allison Drinnon, and Laura Walker
March 3, 2025
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 Stephenson, 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
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