From The Hill - An Update from President Denise M. Trauth - August 2008
In this issue

In the News

Here’s a look at some of the coverage Texas State, its programs and its people have received lately.

Dagoberto GlibA conversation with Gilb
Identitytheory.com ran an extensive interview with creative writing Professor Dagoberto Gilb. Gilb is the author of many critically acclaimed works, including The Last Known Residence of Mickey Acuna, The Magic of Blood, Woodcuts of Women and, most recently, The Flowers.

Read Robert Birnbaum’s conversation with Gilb.

Timing Caesar’s invasion
Texas State physics professors Don Olson and Russell Doescher are in the news again. The two are internationally renowned for their particular brand of “forensic astronomy” whereby they use the science of astronomy to solve a fascinating variety of historical puzzles and mysteries. Their latest adventure is the subject of a Texas State Stars story in this issue of From the Hill.

To recount, the pair examined the various historical records surrounding Julius Caesar’s invasion of Great Britain. By analyzing lunar phases and tidal conditions, they arrived at an accurate date and location of the invasion, something that had been discussed among historians for ages.

Their findings drew international media attention, particularly in the United Kingdom. Tim Radford of the Guardian of the UK wrote an outstanding column on the discovery, and you may read it here.

And, among many other media outlets, the BBC also gave the finding significant coverage here.

Olson and Doescher are frequent newsmakers. Among their many projects, they have used the science of astronomy to save Abraham Lincoln’s reputation for honesty, explain why so many Marines were killed during the Word War II invasion of Tarawa, discover what role a lunar phase played in the friendly fire death of Stonewall Jackson during the American Civil War and explain the mysterious red sky in Edouard Munch’s painting The Scream.

A little help between friends
Health Administration Professor Oren Renick plays senior baseball. Former major league baseball player Mario Ramos is trying to transition back into “civilian” life. The two have formed a friendship, each helping the other cope with challenges along the way. The pair made a presentation recently at the Baseball Hall of Fame, and MLB.com covered the story. We expect additional coverage in mainstream media soon. Read the story.

World champion
Texas State student Tom Fooshee has added an unusual accomplishment to his resume — he is the new world wakeboarding champion. Tom took first place recently in the pro men’s division of the Wakepark World Championship in the Philippines. Tom will be back in San Marcos to hit the books in the fall, but what an interesting — and successful — summer job he had. Congratulations, Tom! Read the story in the Austin American-Statesman.