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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 Sonia Garcia
Sonia Garcia holds a newspaper, fall 2017, with her first Star byline. (Courtesy of Sonia Garcia)

The 100th byline: Saying farewell in too many words

Sonia Garcia
May 17, 2020
The DACA Task Force sits in a panel discussion, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, at Texas State. After recommendation from the DACA Task Force to include a campus resource for immigrant students, it has come to life with the Monarch Center for Immigrant Students.

Newly implemented Monarch Center brings resources to immigrant students

Sonia Garcia
May 7, 2020
Texas State and Chartwells are providing free to-go lunches at Harris Dining Hall for Texas State faculty and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Free to-go lunches feed faculty and staff during pandemic

Sonia Garcia
April 30, 2020
The stairs to Alkek Library sit unoccupied, Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at Texas State. On a normal day, Alkek’s stairs serve as the ultimate fitness test for students walking to and from classes.

Employee union, students call for action during COVID-19 pandemic

Sonia Garcia
April 14, 2020
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra will be making an announcement on a stay-at-home order for Hays County with a curfew.

Hays County to issue a stay-in-place order

Sonia Garcia
March 25, 2020
The City of Austin announced an order of cancellation of major Austin festival South by Southwest 2020 in the wake of coronavirus concerns.

SXSW canceled

Sonia Garcia
March 10, 2020
A petition was started on organization site, Change, to cancel classes for two weeks due to coronavirus concerns.

Students start petition to close campus after learning of the self-quarantine of Texas State students and professor

Sonia Garcia
March 9, 2020
sxsw

SXSW canceled amid coronavirus concerns

Sonia Garcia
March 6, 2020
Photo Courtesy of the City of San Marcos

One dead in hit and run, police searching for driver

Sonia Garcia
March 2, 2020
Along with flavored popcorn and sodas, Over the Moon has a customizable candy bar, allowing customers to fill a bag with all the gummies, chocolates and peppermints they desire. Over the Moon is located off of Highway 80 near the Walmart shopping center. Photo credit: Rebecca Harrell

Sweet and savory pop into San Marcos

Sonia Garcia
February 18, 2020
Texas State has cancelled a planned summer 2020 education abroad trip to China announced Jan. 30.

Education abroad trip for summer 2020 is canceled due to coronavirus outbreak

Sonia Garcia
January 31, 2020
Star file photo

Victim of I-35 fatality identified

Sonia Garcia
December 26, 2019
Star file photo

Auto-pedestrian collision results in one fatality

Sonia Garcia
December 23, 2019
Star file photo - Round Rock Campus

Suspect with gun on Round Rock campus identified

Sonia Garcia
December 9, 2019
A burned Tiki Shaved Ice & Ice Cream Truck sits in a parking lot, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, after an explosion on Chestnut Street. The San Marcos Fire Department is investigating the explosion.

Fire department investigates explosion on Chestnut Street

Sonia Garcia
November 14, 2019
Garret Jordan, on the left, stands next to his fire truck at the San Marcos Fire Department on Hutchison st. Friday, July 22.

Propane explosion closes North LBJ Drive

Sonia Garcia
November 14, 2019
Daniel James Deluca

Former Texas State student arrested twice for sexual assault

Sonia Garcia
November 1, 2019
Ameerah McBride socializing with faculty and staff at the welcoming reception for her new position as Chief Diversity Officer June 15.

Title IX coordinator resigns

Sonia Garcia
October 23, 2019
Courtesy of Hays County Election siteSample Ballot

Know before you go

Sonia Garcia
October 16, 2019
Star file photo

Arrest made for indecent exposure

Sonia Garcia
October 15, 2019
Star file photo

Police search for hit and run suspect

Sonia Garcia
October 14, 2019
Star file photo

UPD searches for indecently exposed man

Sonia Garcia
October 10, 2019
162 occupants of the Vie Lofts apartments in San Marcos evacuated the building Sept. 20 due to safety concerns.

Vie Lofts evacuation order lifted

Sonia Garcia
September 27, 2019
Star file photo

UPD searching for sexual assault suspect

Sonia Garcia
September 26, 2019
Photo courtesy of the City of San Marcos

One shot in overnight shooting on Mill Street

Sonia Garcia
September 25, 2019
Star file photo

Reported shooting near Bobcat Village

Sonia Garcia
September 25, 2019
Senior outside hitter Cheyenne Huskey swings her arm back to hit the ball as she jump serves to the UTSA defense in the Sept. 19 game.

Volleyball crushes UTSA to kick off home tournament

Sonia Garcia
September 19, 2019
Interim Director of Public Safety Chase Stop, Interim Police Chief Bob Klett, Interim Assistant City Manager Stephanie Reyes

Leadership changes become effective in San Marcos

Sonia Garcia
September 12, 2019
Brihana Landrum, Texas State alumna, is getting an endowed scholarship in her name with efforts from the community.

Endowment honors legacy of student

Sonia Garcia
September 9, 2019
Star file photo

Motorcycle accident results in one fatality

Sonia Garcia
September 7, 2019
A crosswalk in Akihabara, a buzzing shopping hub famed for its electronics retailers, ranging from tiny stalls to vast department stores.

Photo Gallery: Best of #TravelWithTheStar

Jaden Edison, Jakob Rodriguez, Sonia Garcia, and
August 29, 2019
Kristy Stark, director of communications for the City of San Marcos, introduced the speakers at the press conference addressing the reward for the Iconic Village apartment fire on Aug. 2.

City officials raise reward for Iconic Village fire to $110,000

Sonia Garcia
August 2, 2019
Fire officials and an ATF special agent announce at a Nov. 30 press conference that the July 20 Iconic Village Fire was intentionally set. Photo by Carrington J. Tatum

Iconic Village: Families find strength one year later

Sonia Garcia
July 10, 2019
McKenzie Godeaux, communication disorders junior, walks into the JC Kellam Administration Building, home of the Title IX office.

Deputy Title IX Coordinator is appointed

Sonia Garcia
June 23, 2019
Photo Courtesy of Float Fest

Float Fest announces cancellation of 2019 festival

Sonia Garcia
June 23, 2019
kitties_VR_October 31, 2017

Infected cats get transported to Austin

Sonia Garcia
June 17, 2019
Photo Courtesy of the City of San Marcos

Suspected drunk driver hits SMPD officer

Sonia Garcia
May 19, 2019
Star file photo

SMPD investigates sexual assault at gunpoint

Sonia Garcia
April 26, 2019
Float Fest crowd growing larger near sundown Saturday, July 21, 2018 Photo by Victor Rodriguez

Float Fest is back on, following venue change

Sonia Garcia
April 25, 2019
#TamponClubTXST provides free tampons and pads in women’s restrooms throughout the Texas State campus March 29. This community supply can be found in Old Main.Photo by Ali Mumbach

Students push for free menstrual hygiene products on campus

Sonia Garcia
April 2, 2019
Brihana Landrum graduated in Spring 2018.Photo courtesy of Mary Landrum

Brihana Landrum, a tragic loss for all

Sonia Garcia
March 12, 2019
Editor-in-Chief Carrington Tatum is the first black editor-in-chief.Photo by Chinedu Chukuka

Black students lead student body towards inclusiveness

Sonia Garcia
February 27, 2019
Dr. Sean Justice and his students worked with families on Feb. 17 to use computer science in an artistic way. Photo By Sonia Garcia

Future teachers integrate technology into art classes with new program

Sonia Garcia
February 26, 2019
Courtesy of the city of San Marcos

SMCISD teacher arrested for alleged inappropriate relationship with student

Sonia Garcia
February 23, 2019
Santi’s Tacos serves the same street tacos everyone knows and loves in their new restaurant. Photo By Sonia Garcia

Santi’s Tacos moves from food truck to dine in experience

Sonia Garcia
February 19, 2019
Ace Pepper, Jan. 25, plays his Gibson in the green room of his store that showcases various amplifiers. Photo By Clayton Keeling

JAMS music strikes a chord

Sonia Garcia
February 5, 2019
Andy Heatwole enjoys taking photos during storms in San Marcos. Photo Courtesy Andy Heatwole

Photographer captures the best of San Marcos

Sonia Garcia
January 23, 2019
Fattys Vape Shop is one of many vape shops in San Marcos that carries JUUL. Photo By Sonia Garcia

Vaping trend continues to grow on college campuses

Sonia Garcia
January 23, 2019
Oct. 27, Cody Huffman and Nahara Franklin pose with the 2017 Homecoming King and Queen. Photo Courtesy of Brooke Adams

Huffman and Franklin take the crowns

Sonia Garcia
November 4, 2018
File Photo

Sugar babies

Sonia Garcia
October 30, 2018
Jones Dining Hall has students eating every day between classes and studying. Photo By Sonia Garcia

Routes for understanding and seeking help for an eating disorder

Sonia Garcia
October 10, 2018
Arianna Richards takes the order of David Garza. Photo By Sonia Garcia

BB’s Chicago Cuisine fries up success

Sonia Garcia
October 3, 2018
Michael Hannon led a workshop at the Price Center over calligraphy in May. This month he led two more workshops in paper engineering and poetry. Photo Courtesy of Clay DeStafano

Alumnus assists artistic growth

Sonia Garcia
October 2, 2018
During the Fall and Spring semesters, Holy Yoga is hosted by UCM in the chapel. Photo Courtesy of Sara Turner

Holy Yoga takes Sewell Park

Sonia Garcia
October 2, 2018
Students attend Bobcats CARE Aug. 24, a job and student organization fair.Photo By Jaden Edison

Students find success at Career Fairs

Sonia Garcia
September 18, 2018
Alba Melgar lived in El Salvador until the Salvadoran Civil War in the 1980s. Photo courtesy of Alba Melgar

Professor triumphs despite hardships

Sonia Garcia
September 17, 2018
Community members place flowers on 9/11 memorial in front of city hall after remembrance ceremony.Photo bySonia Garcia | Life & Arts reporter

9/11 survivor shares story during remembrance ceremony

Sonia Garcia
September 11, 2018
KIDZ NxT DOOR rejoices after a successful performance. Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth Gonzales

Campus dance crew returns for second year

Sonia Garcia
August 19, 2018
Gianna Yanelli will be performing in Mean Girls on Broadway everyday but Monday until the end of the year.Photo Courtesy of Gianna Yanelli

Alumna joins Mean Girls on Broadway

Sonia Garcia
August 18, 2018
After a successful five days of camp, the girls are feeling confident and ready to go after a career in aviation. Photo courtesy of Liz Duca

Women guide girls in flight, breaking gender norms

Sonia Garcia
August 18, 2018
Star file photo.

Community steps in to assist fire victims

Sonia Garcia
August 1, 2018
Robert Guerra, concrete industry management sophomore, attempts to take the quaffle from Ethan Hultgren, excersice and sports science junior on Sept 8 at Lion’s Club field.Photo by:Lesly De Leon | Staff Photographer

Team USA brings home the quidditch championship

Sonia Garcia
July 13, 2018
Photo courtesy of Christopher Paul Cardoza

Women get rough in Roller Derby

Sonia Garcia
July 13, 2018
Photo courtesy of the Texas State Model Arab League.

Students represent Lebanon at NUMAL

Sonia Garcia
June 27, 2018
File photo.

San Marcos celebrates Pride Month

Sonia Garcia
June 21, 2018
Photo courtesy of Brent Green.

Poetry slams in San Marcos

Sonia Garcia
June 13, 2018
How a professor became special assistant for inclusion and diversity

How a professor became special assistant for inclusion and diversity

Sonia Garcia
June 11, 2018
Star File Photo.

How to: Having a healthy summer lifestyle

Sonia Garcia
June 10, 2018
Photo courtesy of Tara Spies Smith.

Alkek finds a home on alumnus’ arm

Sonia Garcia
May 30, 2018
Photo courtesy of Katheryn White.

Organizations offer local volunteer opportunities

Sonia Garcia
May 22, 2018
Photo courtesy of Rachel Johnson

Mayo Clinic accepts Texas State student for the first time

Sonia Garcia
May 14, 2018
J Cole performs on the main stage to close out the 2018 JMBLYA music festival.Photo by Victor Rodriguez | Photographer

JMBLYA music festival hits Austin

Sonia Garcia
May 6, 2018
Image courtesy of JMBLYA

JMBLYA comes to in Austin this weekend

Sonia Garcia
May 4, 2018
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Rodriguez

Students work to give local resident wheelchair ramp after multiple surguries

Sonia Garcia
May 4, 2018
Taylor Melian, biology senior, takes her graduation photos. Photo by Sonia Garcia | Lifestyle Reporter

Facing uncertainty after graduation

Sonia Garcia
April 29, 2018
Payton Morey, marketing sophomore, making a latte at Summer Moon. Photo by Sonia Garcia | Lifestyle Reporter

Humans of San Marcos: Payton Morey

Sonia Garcia
April 21, 2018
The Back2Life concert got students from sitting down to dancing and crowding around the stage. Photo by Sonia Garcia | Lifestyle Reporter

Students dance before finals at River Fest

Sonia Garcia
April 20, 2018
The Student Recovery Alliance meets weekly on Thursdays to support each other in living a sober, healthy life. Photo of Elyse Greenmyre.

Resources offer support for alcoholism

Sonia Garcia
April 18, 2018
The Texas State Fashion Show took place at Cuauhtemoc Hall on April 14. Photo by Sonia Garcia | Lifestyle Reporter

Fashion Week struts through San Marcos

Sonia Garcia
April 15, 2018
A file photo of Kobe in San Marcos, a restaurant located at 210 Springtown Way.

Best Asian restaurant: Kobe

Sonia Garcia
April 11, 2018
Semih Aslan, associate professor of engineering, conducts research on solar panels with his students. Photo Courtesy Semih Aslan

Engineering department collaborates with major companies

Sonia Garcia
April 4, 2018
Autumn Dorrough, Texas State alumnus, works at Dos Gatos Kolaches and has her own photography practice full time. Photo by Sonia Garcia | Lifestyle Reporter

Humans of San Marcos: Autumn Dorrough

Sonia Garcia
March 24, 2018
Travis and Melony LaCoss stand on Mount Whitney on their hike up the Pacific Crest Trail. Courtesy of Travis LaCoss

Couple begins five month hike

Sonia Garcia
March 23, 2018
Dress rehearsal for Zu’s Earth took place the Friday before Spring Break. Photo courtesy of Jessica Graham.

Thesis project turns into live production

Sonia Garcia
March 22, 2018
Students hit the dance floor at Bobcat PRIDE’s Second Chance Prom without any worries of being judged. Photo by Sonia Garcia | Lifestyle Reporter

LBGTQ+ students get a second chance at prom

Sonia Garcia
March 21, 2018
Conceptual routes Of Emerald Crown Development

Geography students research to develop trails

Sonia Garcia
March 6, 2018
Texas State recreation students lead Miller Middle School students through activities on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the P.O.S.T. after school program. Photo by Sonia Garcia | Lifestyle Reporter

Recreation students gain hands on experience

Sonia Garcia
March 1, 2018
Bobcat Bounty is a new student food pantry that opened Feb. 1 and is located in FCS 187. Distributions take place 5-7 p.m. on Thursdays. Photo by Josh Mends | Staff Photographer

Students tackle food insecurity

Sonia Garcia
February 22, 2018
Faylita Hicks opens up the show by congratulating Evan Ferguson on his, “It Starts With Youth” solo art exhibit. Photo by Sonia Garcia | Lifestyle Reporter

Capturing youth

Sonia Garcia
February 18, 2018
David Mars, owner of Vagabond, has had his shop open for 16 years . Photo by Sonia Garcia | Lifestyle Reporter

Humans of San Marcos: David Mars

Sonia Garcia
February 17, 2018
Ronald A. Johnson talks about why he chose to teach history as a career. He also talks about his experience as being one of the few black professors on campus. Photo by Elza Taurins | Staff Photographer

African-American associate professor inspires students

Sonia Garcia
February 16, 2018
Heat Bootcamp will open its San Marcos location in late February and from now till then 10 percent of the proceeds will go to the Hays-Cardwell Women’s Center. Photo courtesy of Heat Bootcamp.

Trainers give community a helping hand

Sonia Garcia
February 12, 2018
Charles Rivers, business management junior, and Arianna Richards, exercise and sports science junior, are owners of BB’s Chicago Style Foods. Currently they sell fried chicken wings and fries with their own special mild sauce. Photo by Sonia Garcia | Lifestyle Reporter

A home-style taste of Chicago

Sonia Garcia
February 4, 2018
David Ross, shop mechanic, works on bikes in the The Hub to save for his travel destinations. Photo by Sonia Garcia | Lifestyle Reporter

Humans of San Marcos: David Ross

Sonia Garcia
February 2, 2018

Four friends adjust to a fit lifestyle

Sonia Garcia
December 4, 2017

Spanish Intercambino brings students together practicing English

Sonia Garcia
November 23, 2017
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