When Dr. Susana Villanueva-Eguia Lis left her home in Mexico 20 years ago to study abroad in the U.S., she was not expecting to walk into a melting pot she would call home one day, nor a place where she would become an internationally-recognized Spanish poet.
What began as a fun way for Texas State alumna Jasmine Valadez to match her earrings and outfits at her job as a student teacher has now turned into a successful polymer clay earring business.
Far before ever stepping foot on a stage or picking up an instrument, Luis Parra found his love for music in his hometown of Valencia, Venezuela. Since then, Parra, 24, has been part of several bands, groups and music projects in San Marcos and Austin.
Joshua Castro knew he wanted to serve in the Peace Corps in third grade. His class had a pen pal in the Peace Corps who would tell them stories about the different ways they had to adapt to day-to-day life, which included living in a country that experienced extreme drought and learning to t…
Colorful artwork, spice-filled aromas along with the detailed stitching of Mexican influenced blouses represent the core of family pride and heritage that is found in locally-owned Hispanic businesses in San Marcos.
In 2010, Jennifer Foster passionately stood center stage at a talent show, under pink and blue iridescent lights, singing the timeless lyrics of Aretha Franklin’s and Carole King’s 'Natural Woman'.
A team of Texas State staff, students and alumni are hoping a new accelerated healing gel can become the next revolutionary creation to treat wounds. The peroxide-based gel called AccelGel was co-invented by Texas State graduate professor Gary Beall and Lamar University professor David Cocke…
It was a typical workday for Jonnie Wilson as a hospital cook in Lockhart, Texas, when someone said to her, “You’re too smart to be working here.” At only 22 years old, Wilson had just gotten out of an abusive marriage and was working multiple jobs, receiving food stamps and living in public…
Anita Natufe, like many others, joined TikTok as a way to watch funny videos and share them with her friends. Little did she know the app would take her hair business to new heights. Until last year, Natufe, a civil engineering sophomore at Texas State, only used Instagram, Twitter and Snapc…
Starting as a small group of female Texas State students in the late seventies, Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC) has since grown into a multi-county organization with a mission to establish a zero-tolerance policy for abuse of any kind. The HCWC believes in change—both its necessity and p…
A combination of modern retro style, original cocktails and martinis and Spanish influenced cuisine joins the downtown San Marcos bar scene at The Davenport—a quality, pet-friendly lounge. Originally from Houston, The Davenport, located on 194 S Guadalupe St., opened its first location almos…
A Texas State alumna is inspiring readers of all ages with engaging stories and colorful characters in both her adult novellas and middle-grade books. Diana López, an award-winning novelist who earned her master’s from Southwest Texas State in 1999, began her writing career while teaching at…
As COVID-19 continues to disproportionately impact the Latinx community, a Texas State alumnus and his wife have worked together to develop Ayuda—an errand service group that accommodates both Spanish and English speaking users. The at-risk reality Latinxs face due to COVID-19 is what origin…
Trevor Weinaug was shopping around for a leather belt in 2016 when he began to realize how pricey they could be. Instead of making an expensive decision he would have later regretted, his passion for trying new things motivated him to watch tutorials online and figure out how to create his o…
Less than a mile off IH-35 stands an agricultural establishment pivotal to Texas waters and wildlife. Built in 1949, A.E. Wood Fish Hatchery is responsible for spawning, hatching and raising numerous species of freshwater fish to upkeep its population within state waters. The hatchery is one…
Putt Pub, an 18-hole mini-golf course with cold drinks, food trucks, games, fire pits, and a seesaw is ready to take a swing at the San Marcos entertainment scene in just a matter of weeks. Reilly Hursley, a Texas State alumnus, came up with the idea of an adult playground devoted to putting…
With plenty of fabric and desire to serve her community, Texas State alumna Hillary Kotwal raises money for Bobcat Bounty through proceeds made from selling handmade cloth face masks. Kotwal, a stay-at-home mother of two and consulting dietician, graduated from Texas State in 2013 with a B.S…
Summer at the San Marcos Public Library usually consists of storytimes, crafts and puppet shows. While families cannot visit the library due to COVID-19, there are still opportunities for them to tap into their creativity through the library’s virtual programs. The library closed its doors t…
After lists of local Black-owned businesses circulated on social media, Black business owners noticed an increase in sales. While owners appreciate the recent attention, they also wonder why it took a worldwide movement for equality and justice to buy Black—and whether the support will conti…
Texas State alumnus Branndon Bargo and his brother Greg Bargo are taking their love for adventure to a new level with the new PBS show, “The Highpointers”. The show follows the brothers as they climb the highest geographical points in all 50 states—the first and only show of its kind. With r…
With displays of signature places and icons special to the city, the newly-installed street pole banners featuring artwork from local artist and San Marcos native Rene Perez are adding excitement and color to downtown San Marcos. There are four banners in total, each featuring a different pl…
In 2009, brothers Luke, Dane and Spencer Adamson sat in their Dallas garage blasting reggae-rock band Rebelution from an iPod, completing the final touches of their first custom made skateboards. The Adamson brothers’ newfound hobby in that garage would later transform into Adamson Brothers …
Protests have taken place across the nation following the killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd at the hands of police, with people speaking out against America’s racist roots and demanding justice for the murders of countless Black people. At the forefront of the protests is the Black…
A holiday locally known for barbecue cook-offs, 5K runs and beauty pageants is expected to look a little different this year due to COVID-19. However, the symbolism behind it still hits close to home for community members preserving Black history. Juneteenth is a remembrance of June 19, 1865…
Medical Explorer Post 4077 made history at Texas State this year when three of its members became the first students in the group’s 29 years to receive the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Students David Sharp, Christopher McDonald and Tori Howard received the prestigious award signed b…
Texas State students are amplifying their voices within their communities to end the killings of innocent Black people at the hands of police and support the Black Lives Matter movement. The deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have sparked outrage on social media, and students, such as…
Austin-based restaurant Kerbey Lane delayed opening its San Marcos location due to rising concerns of COVID-19. The popular chain restaurant established in 1980 was set to bring its famous 24/7 breakfast menu to 221 E Sessom Dr this summer. The San Marcos location would have been Kerbey Lane…
It was a cold December morning when Wade Martin showed up to the San Marcos Farmers’ Market with nothing but his trumpet. He looked down on the instrument he had not played in ages, looking for an opportunity to brush up on his skills. Martin walked up to the manager of the market, Kevin Adams,…
For many families and individuals, COVID-19 is not only a public health crisis but also a stressor about unemployment, financial struggles and overwhelming emotions that carry over into home life. To ensure families and individuals receive the proper resources and care to get through the cha…
Central Texans of all ages welcome summer with open arms after three months of business closures, remote delivery learning and shelter-in-place orders caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in March, many events and festivals scheduled for the summer were postponed or canceled due to concerns…
Temperatures are rising and local residents are becoming eager to cool down; however, summer in San Marcos is expected to look a little different this year as tube rental shops and tubers alike begin to navigate a tubing season during a global pandemic. After the City of San Marcos passed an…
Seasoned and student filmmakers alike wonder what the film industry will look like after the COVID-19 pandemic, with an alternative approach to film festivals and the newfound obstacle of limited cast and crew on set. Although the pandemic may have snatched the busiest season of the year fro…
Walking the stage at college graduation was something Ahkilah Armster anticipated her entire life. After finally arriving at Texas State, the day her name would echo through Strahan Coliseum and her family would be able to celebrate seemed inevitable. “It would’ve been a life-changing moment…
During a time of social distancing, the Discovery Center opened its first online native plant shop May 23 in an effort to connect individuals with nature while at home. A wide variety of plants such as trees, grasses, milkweed and herbs are available for purchase. Prices vary according to po…
After more than 30 years in the barbershop business, Mario Wiggins, owner of Mobettacutz Barbershop, said he never saw barbershops close the way COVID-19 forced them to after nonessential businesses shut down in March. Although the closure of local businesses brought trials and hardships, he…
Swapping ink for paint, a local tattoo artist paints pastel floral designs onto mailboxes to secure income and promote creativity while her tattoo shop remains closed due to COVID-19. After Gov. Greg Abbott originally ordered the closure of non-essential businesses, tattoo artist and owner o…
While San Marcos businesses were swarmed with customers following Gov. Greg Abbott’s May 1 executive order, some local museums decided to keep their doors shut and artifacts put away for the foreseeable future. Throughout a normal year, museums serve as locations for visitors to learn previo…
COVID-19 put a halt to in-person student events across the nation this semester, but the Student Association for Campus Activities (SACA) did not let the virus take away community spirit as they celebrated the wrap of another semester, through social media. SACA hosted the second annual Gail…
Restaurants are stepping up to the plate as they provide and distribute free meals to community organizations for families in need. Local restaurants have teamed up with Meals 4-One and All, a community initiative aimed at feeding the hungry throughout Hays County. The program was launched A…
The spotlight shines a little brighter than usual in remembrance of one of Texas State’s most illuminating stars, Shirley Knight. Knight, an award-winning actress and a frequent guest lecturer for Texas State’s musical theater department, passed away April 22 in San Marcos. Knight’s career s…
The wildlife roams and blooms more comfortably knowing San Marcos residents are nestled inside their homes, sending a reminder as to why it is important to celebrate the Earth even in a pandemic. Inspired by the activists of the early 1960s, Earth Day was established to start the Green Movem…
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, nurses have faced immeasurable stress and pressure with the overwhelming amount of patients and lack of protective gear. Nursing students and healthcare professionals alike are embarking on a new journey through a field that will forever be affected b…
Distilleries across Central Texas are raising a toast to those on the front line through the production and distribution of hand sanitizer in response to the nationwide shortage. With the closure of restaurants and bars, many local distilleries are experiencing a decline in business as tasti…
On the evening of April 18, Kiara Echevarría heard initial reports of a shooting involving San Marcos police officers at the Twin Lake Villas Apartments and hoped they were not true. “When they said officers were shot, I was kind of like, ‘I hope it’s none of the officers I know because I kn…
Ever since the world went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic, local bands and music producers are being hit hard due to lack of gigs still they remain optimistic for what will come next for the local music industry. Bars and restaurants have closed their doors for the foreseeable future, c…
Poppies and bluebonnets are blooming after Texas State’s men and women’s track team teamed up with Keep San Marcos Beautiful volunteers to plant a remembrance garden at the Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative AirForce Base. Community enhancement initiatives manager, Amy Kirwin said they …
In an effort to bring forth rays of positivity to those overwhelmed and impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19, students found a way to spread joy to others through the creative freedom of a class assignment. The assignment is known as “Spread Joy Not Coronavirus” and was created by Department…
Puppies, kittens, dogs and cats are feeling the love as the local community steps in to foster and adopt animals in response to the public closure of San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Once the shelter closed due to COVID-19, the demand for shelter…
Just a few weeks ago, it was business as usual for San Marcos. Local coffee shops were filled with students studying for midterms while restaurants and cafes brimmed with conversations and liveliness. Now, as the whole world shelters in self-isolation, small business owners are facing a new …
