KTSW Blows Out Bookstore

Story by: Alyson Svec

Students can participate in a blowout before classes begin for the long semester.

Bookstore Blowout includes live music from local, acoustic bands along with free giveaways including CDs, shirts, posters, artist memorabilia and tickets for upcoming shows from KTSW, Texas State’s campus radio station.

Daniel Hughes, 27-year-old promotions director at KTSW, is in charge of managing this event.
“It gives you something to do and it provides entertainment for free,” Hughes said.

Bookstore Blowout is held all day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the first week during the long semesters and reaches between 2,000 to 5,000 people.

Lauren Mahoney, 19-year-old assistant music director at KTSW has been working the event for a couple years. She helped distribute giveaways and promote upcoming events to students.

“I loved the expression on students’ faces that seemed to scream, ‘Free stuff? Really? Wow, what a change of pace,’” Mahoney said. “Everybody seemed so appreciative of getting free CDs, posters, and other giveaways. I also enjoyed being able to recommend various CDs to people and expose them to new music.”

Previous musicians that performed at the University Bookstore during this event include: Joe Rice, David Booth, Victor Holk, Betsy Phillips and Colin Coby.

Each semester, different musicians come to entertain students as they do some last-minute shopping on books and supplies.

“I get so much joy discovering new music and all of the giveaways at the Bookstore Blowout are absolutely free,” Mahoney said. “It also helps the time go by faster when waiting in the huge long lines while buying books. Not to mention, listening to various artists performing in-store is always a great and somewhat positively unusual experience.”

Jessica Montez, 22-year-old advertising student, attended the Bookstore Blowout for the first time and said it was better than she expected.

“I got a few free CDs and other stuff. From what I recall it seemed like a lot of people waited to get their books then and people were buying a lot more things,” said Montez. “There were also a lot of people advertising things and giving away free samples. Overall, it was a good experience.”

Waterloo Records provided KTSW with hundreds of giveaways this spring.

The Bookstore Blowout is supported by the Texas Music Theater in San Marcos, a venue for Texas bands of all kinds, local and regional artists, to provide shows for the public.

“Because we are a non-profit organization, such contributions hold such significance to us,” Mahoney said.

Dan Schumacher, KTSW general manager, advises the Bookstore Blowout and other events the radio station hosts.

“A lot of my work has to deal with contracts and payments. The students are the ones who take care of everything, and they bounce ideas off me. They put a lot of effort into this program,” Schumacher said.

KTSW’s promotional efforts and funds from the Bookstore Blowout go to the station’s annual spring music festival, MR. Fest.

Multimedia Project Package: Texas State Dorms

Story, Video, Photos & Google Map By: Alyson Svec

College is a time for new beginnings and experiences. For students, living on campus is a way to begin their new journey.

Annie Schultz, English junior, believes there are certain experiences you can only have while living on campus.

“Living on campus brings about a sense of community and pride students living off campus can get separated from,” said Schultz.

Living on campus provides interacting socially within the community, being in close proximity to campus, such as the library, academic buildings and dining halls, and performing better academically. Classes are within walking distance, so there is no need to wake up earlier to catch a bus.

Although the thought of having privacy with your own room and bathroom sounds ideal, some transfer students and upperclassmen prefer living on campus rather than leasing an apartment.

Rena Iglehart, electronic media student, believes living on campus is about adapting and getting to know people.

“You don’t always have what you want. The air conditioner may not always work and you may have no hot water for a while. Everything is not going to be ideal like you see on TV. The real joys of living in the dorm are getting to meet new people. I think everyone should experience dorm life,” said Iglehart.

There are numerous housing options for students at Texas State University. Included is information for upcoming students about rates, the housing policy, deadlines and more.

The following interactive map lists the traditional style dorms and suites at Texas State University. Click on the link below to learn about dorm statistics, history about each and watch videos of students talking about why they like living in a dorm.



View Texas State Dorms larger map

Cashing In for College

Story & Photo by: Alyson Svec

Students at Texas State University are concerned about the rising costs of college tuition.

Public four-year colleges charge an average of $7,605 per year in tuition for in-state students, according to CollegeBoard. This total does not include housing, food, books or supplies.

Stacy Krupala, 22-year-old student is concerned about the rising costs of college and how this will affect her in the future.

“If it increases, I may not have the means or funds to afford college to further my education,” said Krupala.

Krupala started at a community college because it was more affordable and was in her hometown, so she did not have to drive far. She works and saves money by placing it in a special account for college spending.

Cody Lindemann has already been affected by tuition costs and does not want to see them rise.

“It will take longer for me and it will be harder to get my life settled and started,” said Lindemann.

Lindemann took a year off from school because he could not afford it. He worked full-time instead and attended the following year. Yet, he also feels that college is not meant for everyone, and there are other ways to make a living other than having an education.

21-year-old student, Jessica Montez, believes the cost of college will eventually affect her, but knows how important attending college is regardless of the cost.

“On a scale of one to five of importance, I would say a five. Everyone needs a higher education,” said Montez.

Montez deposits money in her savings and also applies for Financial Aid, which is the main contributor for her to pay for college.

Steven Levinson, 18-year-old student, does not apply for Financial Aid, but also believes in the importance of education and saved money by starting off at a community college.

“I was only going for basics and I was paying for it myself so it was the smartest thing to do,” said Levinson.

Although Levinson does not know how the college costs will affect him in the future, he continues to work and puts money in his savings.

Use the College Cost Calculator to get an estimate of future college tuition costs. Students differ on the ways to save and make money, but are all concerned about how their future education may be affected.