Tuesday News Rundown (11-12-2014)

By Nestor Vazquez
News Web Editor

In celebration of Veterans Day, the Texas State Student Foundation and the Dean of Student’s Office hosted a special commemoration in the university’s quad. The event featured the Texas State Band, ROTC and keynote speaker and Texas State Alumnus Col. Ronald Win Burkett. University President Denise Trauth introduced Burkett to a crowd of veterans, faculty and students. He shared a very personal story of an event that happen that inspired his military service. Burkett said this special memory will forever serve as a reminder of his purpose for serving his country.

Before ending, Burkett expressed how grateful he was for living in a country that values peace and is willing to fight for it, and Veterans Day is just another way to show appreciation for “our brave men and women.” The veterans commemoration also recognized Milton Neilson as the recipient of the 2014 Veteran’s Alliance Above and Beyond award. The university concluded the event by firing a cannon and the band played the “Armed Forces Medley.”

Veteran friendly is what Texas State University is being labeled by MilitaryTimes. Texas State ranked number 14 among other four-year colleges and universities across the nation for their services to veteran students and their families. The rankings were based on university culture, academic quality, student support, financial aid and academic policies. Texas State offers its student veterans financial aid advising, personal counseling, job placements and efforts to bring awareness to students, faculty and staff about the presence of armed service veterans on campus.

The BBC is reporting that Craig Spencer, the first American doctor to be diagnosed with Ebola, was released today after a full recovery. Spencer was given an experimental drug and blood plasma from another Ebola patient who recovered from the disease.

Much colder temperatures are expected today through Friday with a possible freeze later this week. The National Weather Service says a strong cold front is bringing a drop in temperatures today, with 30-degree weather expected tomorrow morning. Friday morning, freezing temperatures of 28 to 32 degrees are expected, with slightly warmer temperatures over the weekend. San Marcos residents are encouraged to take precautions for pets and plants if a freeze warning is issued.