The Student News Site of St. Edward's University

Hilltop Views
The Student News Site of St. Edward's University

Hilltop Views
The Student News Site of St. Edward's University

Hilltop Views
Featured Stories
Maintaining the legacy of the Brothers of Holy Cross through education, service, memory
Maintaining the legacy of the Brothers of Holy Cross through education, service, memory
Anna Pratts, Editor-in-Chief • April 30, 2026

Being a Holy Cross institution is a foundational pillar of St. Edward’s University’s identity. Founded by Rev. Edward Sorin in 1885, the...

News
St. Edward’s University names Matthew Shank as interim president
St. Edward’s University names Matthew Shank as interim president
Dalia Zamora, Managing Editor • May 14, 2026
A new transit option has arrived on St. Edward’s with CapMetro’s BikeShare system that features a 23 dock station.
St. Edward’s partners with CapMetro for new eco-friendly transit option
Jeremiah Dimas, Viewpoints Editor • May 14, 2026
The bees used in the St. Edward's University Bee Lab under Matthew Steffenson. The lab focuses on studying Colony Collapse Disorder, an environmental phenomenon when bees in a healthy colony disappear. The reasons behind it are still a mystery and widely discussed in scientific communities, but Steffenson brings in students over the summer to study the potential reasons for it.
‘They are essential to nearly every ecosystem on Earth’: Pollinator conservation thrives at both local, national levels
Anna Pratts, Editor-in-Chief • May 4, 2026
A living witness to nearly 300 years of campus history, Sorin Oak provides shade and sanctuary for St. Edward’s University students during the “Rooting of the Ring” ceremony. Having survived a fire, tornadoes and extreme freezes, the oak remains a central touchstone for student life and university tradition.
The 260-year resilience of Sorin Oak is the anchor of the hilltop
Dalia Zamora, Managing Editor • April 30, 2026
From left to right, Wild Basin’s founding seven: Margaret Hessin, Lucille Stegman, Flora “Esther” McCormick, Janet Poage, Flo Macklin, Martha Hudson and Willa Mae Hardesty at the Early Access Trail Opening in 1995. The women who blazed the trail before the trail was even open.
Wild Basin celebrates 50 years of community, conservation, connection
Mia Aguirre, Staff Writer • April 30, 2026
Sports
Current head coach Brian Young and associate head coach Corey Miller stand on the sidelines of Lewis-Chen Family field for the spring season.
‘Golden blueprint’ guides St. Edward’s men’s soccer rebuild after COVID-19 disruption
Michaela Fallon, Sports Editor • May 21, 2026
Head coach Andre Cook circa March 2021, coaching the Hilltoppers to a second round win in the Lone Star Conference tournament against the Texas A&M University–Kingsville Javelinas in Canyon, Texas.
Authenticity, honesty anchors men’s basketball program through COVID-19 challenges
Michaela Fallon, Sports Editor • May 21, 2026
Head coach J.J. Riehl circa November 2018, coaching the Hilltoppers to win over Kutztown University at home.
How ‘one team, one family, one love’ became symbol of resilience, togetherness for women’s basketball program
Michaela Fallon, Sports Editor • May 21, 2026
GT World Challenge introduced a unique motor racing spectacle to Austin with another adrenaline-fueled weekend at Circuit of the Americas. This time, it was about finesse, tactics and stamina. With the engines revving up and preparations taking place for the practice session, teams positioned themselves along the pit lane. This series comprises numerous GT3 vehicles from various brands globally. It highlights both superb engineering and exceptional driving ability. The paddock atmosphere resembled a top-level sports car racing environment, with chaos in the pits and intense competition on the track. With the grid forming itself against the backdrop of dark clouds, COTA demonstrated once more its reputation as a challenging and iconic venue for international motor racing events.
From practice to podium: A weekend inside GT Racing at COTA
DeQuan Carter, Reporter • May 21, 2026
Shortly after being hired, Nuno Gourgel coached his first women's soccer spring game. He knows that by bringing student athletes to St. Edward's, he's able to them "great education, great location and a great experience." To him, one of the most unique and attractive aspects of St. Edward's is the "unbelievable" view from the Lewis-Chen Family Field.
‘Respect, confidence, trust’: Nuno Gourgel arrives at the hilltop with a clear vision for women’s soccer program
Anna Pratts, Editor-in-Chief • May 4, 2026
TribFest 2026
Life And Arts
The entrance on the Ramen Tatsu-ya located on 1234 S Lamar Blvd. The popular restaurant chain is a local Austin business, with its first location opening in 2012. Their mission was to bring real ramen to Austin, creating an experience that reminds you of your roots through authentic food.
Find balance at Café Crème and Ramen Tatsu-ya
Carlota Dávila, Reporter • April 4, 2026

In between the struggle of memorizing endless definitions and racing against the clock in a test, stress has become my companion. Good food,...

A traditional Mardi Gras mask displaying the classic green, gold and purple holiday colors. Along with the potluck portion of the event, students were given the traditional masks and had the opportunity to decorate their own objects and masks.
Department of Language and Culture hosts annual Mardi Gras celebration
Jaela Mitchell, Reporter • April 4, 2026
After a gathering at the St. Edward's University Seal, members of the Trans Wellness Organization and PRIDE gathered at Meadows Coffeehouse alongside faculty members Lionel Lopez, Alexandra Barron and Natalie Beck Aguilera. The Pride flag currently at the coffee shop was reinstalled on March 4, 2024 and student leaders from TWO and PRIDE have since organized annual celebrations to remember the protests and what brought the community together.
Student leaders, faculty celebrate the two year anniversary of reinstallation of the Pride flag
Anna Pratts, Editor-in-Chief • March 15, 2026
During the Snoopy Painting Night, co-President of LSLO Monica Rodriguez discusses executive matters of the organization while Peanut’s cartoon episode plays in the background.
LSLO shows resilience, empowerment through community
Ethan Everman, Reporter • March 4, 2026
Decorative Background
Viewpoints
FAREWELL: After seeing it all and doing it all, it’s now time to say goodbye
FAREWELL: After seeing it all and doing it all, it’s now time to say goodbye
Anna Pratts, Editor-in-Chief • May 18, 2026

Dear Hilltop Views’ readers and Hilltopper community, I would be lying if I said it didn’t feel wrong to write this letter. For the past...

Max Hoelker sits on Main Building sign on his final days on the Hilltop.
FAREWELL: Copy editor goes boom, says bye
Max Hoelker, Copy Editor • May 18, 2026
I was scared of what the future after graduation would hold, like many in my shoes. But, by understanding what my professional priorities and expectations were and by relying on the resources I had available, I was able to make a decision about my path. Here's the guide I wish I had when I was applying to graduate school, before I had the chance of choosing where I was going to go after the hilltop.
ADVICE COLUMN: Applying to grad school can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be
Anna Pratts, Editor-in-Chief • May 17, 2026
GUEST COLUMN: Veteran voices finding purpose on campus
GUEST COLUMN: Veteran voices finding purpose on campus
Amberly Russell, Collaborator • May 15, 2026
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