Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

All content by Megan Strickland
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Whisper sister looks back on collecting data, friends

Megan Strickland May 3, 2013

Editor's note: A 30 column is a chance for departing permanent staff to say farewell and reflect on their time spent in The Daily Texan’s basement office. The term comes from the old typesetting...

Texas Exes continues legacy of funding scholarships, defending legislation separate from University

Megan Strickland May 1, 2013

Almost a century after a falling out with the administration spurred the University’s alumni association to become independent, its leadership says its autonomy is critical in allowing the organization...

LBJ Foundation contributes to school, library

Megan Strickland April 30, 2013

Editor’s Note: This is one story in a series of features on external UT foundations that will end Wednesday.  When former Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin was hired to a prominent position...

Communication foundation inactive after years of not turning profit

Megan Strickland April 29, 2013

Editor’s Note: This is one story in a series of features on external UT foundations running through Wednesday. When UT set out to offer students a way into Austin’s independent film...

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Changes could be on the horizon for UT fundraising foundations

Alexa Ura and Megan Strickland April 26, 2013

Read the University External Foundations Profiles to learn more about the history and financial figures of each foundation. Recent public battles over lack of oversight in the University...

Explosion at West production plant raises concerns about the safety of fertilizer production

Megan Strickland April 19, 2013

Fertilizer that fueled a blast at a plant in West that left eight to 10 dead and more than 100 injured, is usually safe and difficult to ignite unless proper safety measures are ignored or deliberate steps...

Path to University Lands success includes many failed ideas

Megan Strickland April 12, 2013

Sources of revenue on University Lands are well developed today and include successful business ventures in the energy, beverage and agriculture industries, but the pathway to creating that network of...

Drought, oil industry take a toll on University Lands ranchers

Megan Strickland April 12, 2013

Swaths of West Texas ranches dotted with cattle, sheep, rattlesnakes and cacti have never been much to look at, Sammy Hooper says with a laugh. Nevertheless, the 74-year-old rancher and his wife Mima...

University Lands, legislature and regulators mull water rules

Megan Strickland April 12, 2013

Deep below the dry dust surface of University Lands is groundwater that breathes life into the ranches, vineyards and oil wells that sit on top of it. University Lands has a long history of managing...

Health care law impacts hours for Co-op workers

Megan Strickland April 8, 2013

While the implementation of federal health care reform won’t be complete until 2014, workers at the University Co-op are already feeling the law’s effects — and not the way they may have...

New private loan company offers lower interest rates for students

Megan Strickland February 22, 2013

A new private loan company is set to lend more to UT students and alumni than the total amount of private loans the University’s financial aid office certified last academic year if the company is...

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UT work-study program shrinks as total number of student employees increases

Megan Strickland January 31, 2013

The start of the semester signals job-hunting season on the 40 Acres, and depending on what type of job students are looking for, the search may be more or less difficult than in previous years. Since...

Rising UT tuition, tricky loan rules lead to greater debt

Megan Strickland November 30, 2012

Tuition is due Jan. 4, and for 56 percent of undergraduate students at UT Austin, that means relying on financial aid to help cover their cost of attendance. Tom Melecki, director of the Office of...

University Co-ops revenue loss affects distribution of grants toward the University

University Co-op’s revenue loss affects distribution of grants toward the University

Megan Strickland November 16, 2012

Ailing merchandise and textbook sales caused total income for the University Co-operative Society, also known as the University Co-op, to fall approximately $7.6 million from 2009 to 2011. Michael...

Loans given to University Co-op CEO George Mitchell causes tax concerns

Megan Strickland November 16, 2012

Over the course of several years, the University Co-op made CEO and president George Mitchell a series of loans that amounted to $795,296. Co-op officials say the loans were appropriate, although...

Parking and Transportation Services utilizes available space on 40 Acres

Megan Strickland October 26, 2012

Fewer than 16,000 parking spots serve the 75,000 students, faculty and staff who make up the UT community, creating challenges for drivers and Parking and Transportation Services officials. Every...

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UT works to diversify enrollment in face of legal battle

Megan Strickland October 5, 2012

Enrollment data shows the University looks a lot more like the rest of the state than it used to, but UT still struggles to diversify the socioeconomic and racial backgrounds of UT students. On Oct. 10,...

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Crimes rates higher in East Riverside than in West Campus

Megan Strickland September 28, 2012

Editor’s Note: This is the third in a three-part series of stories examining the demographics of two neighborhoods where students live — West Campus and East Riverside. Click for part one and...

What’s all the HUB-bub?

Megan Strickland May 3, 2012

Although a commitment to a diverse campus has been at the forefront of discussion of inclusion at the University, another less-known program also works to make sure minorities are given equal opportunity...

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A history of racial controversy at The Daily Texan

Megan Strickland April 30, 2012

Editor’s note: This story is the fourth in a series exploring race, racism and diversity on the UT campus. In March, a racially offensive cartoon commenting on the media’s coverage of the...

University shifts orientation focus to academics

Megan Strickland April 3, 2012

With two months until the class of 2016 begins arriving on campus to register for their freshman classes, University officials announced Monday a significant shift toward focus on academics for undergraduate...

UT hired company accused of human rights violation

Megan Strickland March 22, 2012

Outsourcing labor for dining venues formerly run by Texas Athletics allowed the department to profit more than $3 million last year. But reports from human rights groups indicate an unseen human labor...

Daily Texan deficit raises concern

Megan Strickland March 7, 2012

With a March 19 budget deadline looming, The Daily Texan is operating on a six-figure projected deficit for a third year, joining college newspapers across the nation trying to find their place in a shrinking...

Texas Student Media Board of Trustees to resolve internal issues

Megan Strickland February 27, 2012

As the Texas Student Media Board of Trustees meets this morning to discuss specific issues regarding the circumstances surrounding the recent resignation of director Gary Borders, the organization also...

UT research team receives grant to expedite tuberculosis diagnosing

Megan Strickland January 19, 2012

A paper-based test that can diagnose drug-resistant tuberculosis rapidly is the goal a UT professor and his research team plan to pursue with the help of a recent grant. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation...

UT ranks high in affordability, according to report

Megan Strickland January 18, 2012

UT received high marks for affordability in an annual finance report. Despite fears of tuition hikes, UT may be a better value than the report suggests, officials said. For in-state student value, UT-Austin...

UT files response, asks Supreme Court to not review lawsuit

Megan Strickland December 7, 2011

 UT is filing a response today that asks the U.S. Supreme Court not to review a lawsuit challenging its consideration of race in the undergraduate admissions process, vice-president for legal affairs...

Remembrance held for DREAM Act supporter

Megan Strickland December 6, 2011

Journalism sophomore Hector Gaucin said many undocumented students at UT have felt the same despair as Joaquin Luna Jr., a high school senior who committed suicide Nov. 25. Luna suffered from what his...

School of Architecture ranked second in nation

Megan Strickland December 6, 2011

Competitive tuition and faculty accomplishments within the School of Architecture were likely factors in the school’s undergraduate program being ranked second in the nation for 2012. Budget cuts...

High school students offer solutions to community problems

Megan Strickland December 2, 2011

Future Longhorn Joe Ramos said the community service skills he learned through a state-wide competition at UT will be tools he brings onto campus as a freshman at the McCombs School of Business next year. The...

UT groups join forces to host AIDS day conference

Megan Strickland December 2, 2011

Only 23 percent of sexually active students at UT use condoms regularly, said Guli Fager, health education coordinator for University Health Services at the fifth annual World AIDS day conference at UT. The...

Students take a social study break

Megan Strickland November 30, 2011

With finals far from her thoughts, Charity Chukwu dodged a joust from Amber Olivas and rushed forward to knock her opponent from her pedestal. She paused, caught her breath and stood in victory as her...

Austinites rally to support Syrian, Egyptian protesters

Megan Strickland November 30, 2011

Cries of “Down, down Assad! Free, free Syria!” reverberated through the crowd as members of the Syrian and Egyptian communities in Austin led approximately 60 people in a rally at the Texas...

Austin ranks low as a city for technology jobs

Megan Strickland November 23, 2011

Austin ranked 32nd out of 51 U.S. cities in a recent Forbes magazine evaluation of the best cities for technology jobs. Mark Schill, vice president for research for the Praxis Strategy Group that compiled...

Family dedicates lacrosse center

Megan Strickland November 21, 2011

The dedication of Caven Lacrosse and Sports Center at Clark Field is the silver lining that emerged from tragedy, said former Board of Regents chairman Scott Caven Jr. At a dedication ceremony for the...

Alumnus discusses health disparities

Megan Strickland November 21, 2011

Every individual has the potential to change society and the conditions around them, but they are also subject to conditions that are placed upon them, said UT alumnus Brian Finch. Finch, who graduated...

No experience required to cook on ‘MasterChef’

Megan Strickland November 18, 2011

A passion for cooking is the only prerequisite for auditioning for the television series “MasterChef,” said casting director Holland Weathers. Weathers and her associates will hold a casting...

Cap Metro to discourage smoking near bus stops

Megan Strickland November 18, 2011

The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority will begin asking riders to keep any tobacco use at least 15 feet away from their bus stops beginning next month. New signage designating all 2700 of...

Texas policy beholden to short sessions

Megan Strickland November 16, 2011

Time constraints in Texas’ 140-day legislative session greatly affect what passes through every lawmaking session, including bills aimed at effectively redistricting and improving higher education,...

Students jarred by sexual assault attempt

Megan Strickland November 16, 2011

Some West Campus residents said they are taking extra precautions when walking home at night after felony charges were filed Monday against a man in the case of an attempted sexual assault perpetrated...

Everyone can be smart professor says

Megan Strickland November 11, 2011

The ability to succeed doesn’t necessarily depend on intelligence, but rather the ability to think and apply knowledge in a useful manner, said psychology professor Art Marksman. Markman’s...

FAB Gallery features UT alumnus’ work

Megan Strickland November 11, 2011

Taylor Winn, a 2011 graduate, said he may never again utilize the ceramics skills he built while working toward his degree in studio art, but he will continue to pursue painting large abstract expressionist...

Study says Americans approve use of nuclear weapons

Megan Strickland November 9, 2011

The American public is not likely to oppose public officials’ judgement in utilizing nuclear weapons according to research conducted by professors at Dartmouth and Stanford universities. Benjamin...

Friends recall life of architecture senior killed in hit-and-run

Megan Strickland November 9, 2011

Architecture senior Adam Conrad Grote, 22, died early Sunday morning after being struck by a motorist who fled the scene while Grote was on foot on Interstate Highway 35 near Riverside Drive. Grote, who...

String of Craigslist robberies puts campus police on alert

Megan Strickland November 4, 2011

In a string of armed robberies in West Campus, an unidentified man has targeted people selling iPhones on Craigslist, according to the Austin Police Department and the University Police Department. Four...

Bike trail renamed to honor former Austin mayor

Megan Strickland November 4, 2011

Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail was officially renamed Thursday to the Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail, after former Austin mayor and UT alumnus Roy Butler and his wife Ann. The couple played a pivotal...

Playboy curator shares unusual career

Megan Strickland November 2, 2011

Students should keep an open mind and be willing to think outside of the box when pursuing careers, said Aaron Baker, curator of the Playboy Collection. Baker spoke from experience at the Art in Practice...

Nano Science building dedicated to former UT president

Megan Strickland October 28, 2011

Former UT President Larry Faulkner said he hopes to spend the rest of his life as a member of UT faculty at the dedication ceremony Thursday for the Larry R. Faulkner Nanoscience and Technology Building,...

Texas Ventures Lab Exposition showcases innovative technologies

Megan Strickland October 28, 2011

Innovative technologies that promote more fuel efficient engines, prevent cancer, improve advertising platforms or just connect gaming systems were start-up ideas showcased at the third Texas Venture Labs...

Students raise concerns about parking, transportation

Megan Strickland October 26, 2011

Despite offering parking passes at significantly lower rates than rival universities, supporting the nation’s largest university bus system and increasing the number of bicycle racks on campus, there...

Black Family Day connects small UT African-American community

Megan Strickland October 24, 2011

African-American parents sometimes are concerned when their son or daughter arrives on the Forty Acres because the black population is so small, said Choquette Hamilton, director of the Multicultural Engagement...

LGBT community looks ahead to 2013 legislative session to push for equality bills

Megan Strickland October 21, 2011

Equality legislation for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community in Texas has rarely had much success, but now has a better chance of passing in the 2013 Texas legislative session based on progress...

Government must support climate change initiatives now, speaker notes

Megan Strickland October 21, 2011

Unless governments invest heavily in climate finance immediately, 600 million people could lose their homes, while governments lose $200 billion in assets in developing countries in the future, said Gevorg...

McCombs school claims best energy finance class

Megan Strickland October 19, 2011

Winning the second consecutive National Energy Finance Challenge for the McCombs School of Business proves that the school has one of the best energy finance courses in the country, said members of the...

Pulitzer winner Jennifer Egan didn’t expect prize

Megan Strickland October 14, 2011

Jennifer Egan said she never expected her novel, “A Visit from the Goon Squad,” to become a Pulitzer Prize-winning book. Egan thought it would remain a quick story she wrote as she progressed...

Author expounds on change in women’s societal roles since ’60s

Megan Strickland October 14, 2011

Over the course of a decade, changes in social opinion, contraception and the economy led to significant advances in women’s roles in society, said author and New York Times columnist Gail Collins. At...

Policy professor talks government security

Megan Strickland October 12, 2011

Balking recent trends of demanding transparency, Joshua Rovner, an associate professor of strategy and policy at the U.S. Naval War College, said intelligence entities should restrict access to secret...

Business school hosts forum to discuss tuition hike

Megan Strickland October 12, 2011

Many students in the Red McCombs School of Business said they support a tuition increase but have concerns about how much tuition rates go up and how increased funding will be spent within the University. A...

Perry’s campaign off-track but could bounce back

Megan Strickland October 7, 2011

Gov. Rick Perry’s campaign has faltered, but still has time to recover if he uses his charismatic personality to send out a powerful message, said three journalists at a panel hosted Thursday by...

Michael Ian Black doesn’t disappoint with comedy show at Texas Union

Megan Strickland October 7, 2011

Michael Ian Black delivered a stand-up comedy routine to thunderous applause at the Texas Union Ballroom on Thursday night as part of the Student Event Center’s Music and Entertainment Committee’s...

Austin Petroleum Extension Service expands to Houston

Megan Strickland October 5, 2011

As the price of oil took a nosedive in 1983 and 1984, many oil workers lost their jobs and did not return once the market recovered, said director of the Petroleum Extension Service at UT John Hoopingarner. With...

UT physics graduate student pleads not guilty to charges of espionage in Iran

Megan Strickland October 5, 2011

Physics graduate student Omid Kokabee pled not guilty to charges of communicating with a hostile government and receiving illegitimate funds on Tuesday in Iranian court, according to the Associated Press. Kokabee,...

French drawings on exhibit at Blanton Museum of Art

Megan Strickland September 30, 2011

Former Blanton Museum of Art curator Cheryl Snay spent four years reseraching and probing into the history and tiniest details of rare French drawings. Museum spokeswoman Kathleen Stimpert said because...

Local Kappa Alpha sued by national chapter for house, possessions

Megan Strickland September 28, 2011

The national Kappa Alpha fraternity organization filed a lawsuit against its former UT chapter, claiming the group owes the national organization hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets. The lawsuit...

Campus sees increased security one year after shooting

Megan Strickland September 28, 2011

The impact of Colton Tooley firing shots on 21st Street and his suicide in the Perry Casteñeda Library on Sept. 28, 2010, lasted longer than the days following the incident. A year later, the UT...

Lunch Break program debuts with screening of Warhol film

Megan Strickland September 23, 2011

A screening of “13 Most Beautiful... Songs for Andy Warhol’s Screen Tests” caused students to focus on minute details of behavior at the UT Visual Arts Center’s inaugural Lunch...

United Way jobs interest business majors

Megan Strickland September 21, 2011

Students crowded into the Texas Union Theatre Tuesday to listen as Brian Gallagher, CEO of United Way, spoke about the importance of mobilizing people and strengthening communities. United Way is a nonprofit...

US-India relationship could hinder China’s economic growth

Megan Strickland September 21, 2011

China may not become the political and economic superpower that many expected in the next two decades, due to developing relations between India and the United States, said Daniel Twining, Senior Fellow...

Elders still wiser, study shows

Megan Strickland September 21, 2011

Older people make better decisions than younger people overall, according to a new study released by psychologists at UT and Texas A&M University. Researchers led by Todd Maddox and David Schnyer,...

Professors, students support learning over efficiency

Megan Strickland September 16, 2011

Shifting toward educational efficiency means increased class sizes, cutting back on some courses and not giving students an opportunity to explore different fields, said professors and students at a discussion...

Turkey sets model for democracy despite cultural divides

Megan Strickland September 14, 2011

The Turkish nation’s rich history plays a huge part in its future as a leader of the Middle East, said Abdülhamit Bilici, Turkish journalist and general manager of Cihan News Agency in a discussion...

Richard Linklater inspired by slackers

Megan Strickland September 14, 2011

Director and filmmaker Richard Linklater and artist Mika Tajima contended that slackers aren’t apathetic or lazy, but are instead driven by a unique ideology that emphasizes enjoying life. They discussed...

Debt problem addressed in McCombs lecture series

Megan Strickland September 9, 2011

The United States is experiencing its worst recession since World War II, and education will play a key part in the recovery, McCombs School of Business senior lecturer John Doggett said Thursday. During...

Energy symposium sets goals for future fuel needs

Megan Strickland September 2, 2011

Students will have a new way to engage with energy experts after the UT Energy Symposium kicked off with a talk Thursday on the ways energy consumption has changed society. The symposium, a new guest...

Construction in West Campus causes traffic, inconvenience

Megan Strickland September 2, 2011

Students bobbed and weaved their way through a maze of traffic this week as construction in West Campus continued. Work is being done on Rio Grande Street, from its intersection with Martin Luther King...

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