Experiential Learning Gaining Tractions at Trinity University

By Samantha Luzader

Two years into its establishment, The Center for Experiential Learning and Student Success has done a lot.

So what exactly is experiential learning? Dr. Jacob Tingle, the director, said experiential learning is “learning by doing,” which includes learning outside the traditional classroom setting, such as internships, service learning and undergraduate research.

Before the center opened, Career Services was the main resource on campus for students looking for guidance in their job or internship searches, according to Twyla Hough, the director of Career Services. Unlike most other small liberal arts schools, Trinity did not have an internship coordinator on staff before the Center of Experiential Learning was founded.

RETRACTED: B-Cycle Too Expensive for Trinity Students

This story has been retracted due to inaccuracy. Trinity students can actually obtain a free day pass to use the B-cycle service, as stated in the following segment from an email sent by SGA to the student body in February. The Roar apologizes for the mis-guiding information and inaccuracy in the previously published story. We strive for professional journalism with accuracy and fairness and do all we can to live up to that standard.

"B-Cycle is a bike-sharing system with stations located throughout San Antonio's urban core. After paying a fee, people can check out bikes and return them to any station in B-Cycle's rapidly-expanding network. Here is a map of B-Cycle's current locations.

The station will be located just outside McClean Residence Hall and is slated to include 7 bikes. As part of the agreement, 25 "Trini-Bikes" that feature our school's branding will also float around the B-Cycle network. In addition to the station itself, funding has been approved for 500 day passes, which SGA will distribute amongst the student body over the course of the semester." 

Bell Center Undergoes Multimillion Dollar Renovation

By Johnna Guillerman

In recent weeks, students walking up to the Bell Center have noticed many construction vehicles and custom fencing at the facility. Inside, the construction becomes even more apparent as entire sections of floors are closed, and workout centers are relocated to cramped classrooms.

The William H. Bell Athletic Center is undergoing a major renovation starting in December 2016, and will last till February 2018. The athletic department hopes to provide students with a “state of the art” athletic facility.

What many people don’t know is that planning for this renovation actually started more than 10 years ago. “Our architect, Marmon Mok, did the initial feasibility study back in 2007,” said Seth Asbury, the associate director of Athletics for Facilities and Event Management, who has worked with Trinity for 11 years.

Trinity Students React to the New Smoking Ban

By Katie Welch

For many Trinity students busy with classes and exams, the dangers of smoking may seem like the least of their concerns. However, the discussion about smoking has reemerged following the university’s announcement of a new policy that will ban smoking on campus.

The policy, which will start to take effect on August 1, 2017, prohibits the use of all tobacco products on campus, including public outdoor areas. The ban also includes electronic cigarettes and vaping. The ban applies to all Trinity students, faculty and staff.

The policy was first proposed several years ago by Health Services coordinator Jackie Bavilacqua. The lengthiness of its implementation is due to the in-depth research and surveys conducted by her office, Bavilacqua says.

Nick Santulli: President of Student Government Association

Nick Santulli (first right) with SGA members at the state capitol
Photo courtesy of SGA

By Andrea Acevedo

With a single Ron Nirenberg for Mayor sticker on his left shoulder and a cheering crowd to his side, Nick Santali stood nearby, carefully reading the results of the San Antonio mayoral election. Santulli is no stranger to political rallies or gatherings.

When Santulli, junior political science major and president of Trinity’s SGA, isn’t registering people to vote or lobbying at the Texas state capitol, he is working to get Trinity students involved in their community.

He joined SGA in hopes of making greater impacts in his community and with the desire to see those changes make a visible difference. “I craved more direct action and results,” he said.

Samsara Davalos Reyes: Shining a Light on Diversity at Trinity

By Katie Welch

Samsara Davalos Reyes standing proudly 

in front of the TDC Board in Coates.

Photo by Katie Welch

As TDC President Samsara Davalos Reyes grabs lunch at the Commons, she pauses to greet the employees, switching from English to rapid-fire Spanish. Her sunny personality and bright pink lipstick make the sophomore sociology major hard to miss.

“They’re so sweet here, aren’t they?” She says brightly as she walks away with her food in hand.

This is one thing that immediately stands out about Reyes— her optimism and desire to engage with others translates well to her role as president of the Trinity Diversity Connection. In a campus that features a primarily white student body, that engagement is especially crucial.

Trinitones and AcaBellas Sing End-of-Year Performance

By Emma Lucero

On Monday, the Trinitones and the AcaBellas, the male and female acapella groups at Trinity, ended this school year with a joint performance in Skyline.

The groups took turns performing their favorite pieces from the semester, including “Come On Eileen” performed by the Trinitones and "Electric Love" performed by the AcaBellas. 

Members of the groups and the audience shed tears as the groups performed songs dedicated to the seniors. The AcaBellas performed a sweet version of “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana to say farewell to the seniors. The performance ended with a joint performance of “Take On Me” by a-ha.