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
Zemira Recio

Zemira Recio, Life and Arts Editor

Zemira is a junior and this is her first year being Life and Arts editor. Previously, she worked as a staff writer for two years. She is a political science major with a concentration in pre-law studies and American politics. When she is not writing or doing schoolwork, she enjoys reading, live music and exploring the city.

All content by Zemira Recio
A portrait of Caesar Chavez, civil rights activist and co-founder of the United Farm Workers union, hangs in the CAMP office. The portrait is made entirely out of letters that were written by past SEU CAMP students.

Helping CAMP students thrive in a higher education setting

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
May 24, 2025
Students and faculty hosted events during the week to prepare for the SWAD. They created signs to use at the rally that took place during SWAD.

Students, faculty join in with other Texas universities to take action for Social Work Advocacy Day

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
April 28, 2025
TWO promoted the Transgender Voices Read-In with various fliers displayed in the library’s main lobby. Each flier included recommendations for different genres of books and provided QR codes to access them digitally.

TWO read-in celebrates, brings awareness to experiences through works of literature for Transgender Day of Visibility

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
April 14, 2025
Hilltop Readers provided numerous options for “Blind Date with a Book.” Each book was creatively wrapped and decorated with a small description of the content, such as genre and number of pages.

Student organizations host on-campus market, raise funds for future projects

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
March 15, 2025
Head coach Andre Cook guides the team in a timeout called at the last home game of the season, a Battle of the Saints match against St. Mary’s University. On Feb. 26, the team secured a valuable win that not only allowed them to secure the 5th seed in the 2025 Lone Star Conference Playoffs, but also to continue to expand Coach Cook’s winning record.

Men’s Head Basketball Coach achieves 400th win, reflects on ongoing coaching career

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
March 3, 2025
Keke Palmer and SZA in “One of Them Days” directed by Lawrence Lamont.

REVIEW: If you’re ever having ‘One of Them Days,’ this film will definitely make it better

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
February 27, 2025
‘Divine Feminine’ portrays the typical dynamic of female college friendships through a spiritual perspective. The story’s purpose is meant to show the sanctity of female connection.

REVIEW: ‘Divine Feminine’ play encapsulates female friendships and the consequences of taking them for granted

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
February 24, 2025
Satsuki Ina uses her memoir “The Poet and the Silk Girl: A Memoir of Love, Imprisonment and Protest” to connect her family’s story of unjust discrimination during World War II to present-day attacks on migrants and birthright citizenship.

Guest speaker connects family’s past injustice to present-day migrant incarcerations

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
February 17, 2025
Local performers were invited to perform the lion dance, which is meant to bring forth good spirits to everyone in attendance going forward in the year.

Asian Student Association invites community to celebrate ‘Year of The Snake’

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
February 10, 2025
Demonstrators from the Party for Socialism and Liberation protest against President Donald Trump’s controversial and restrictive immigration policy in front of the State Capitol building in Austin, Texas on Inauguration Day.

[Photo] Trump’s belligerent rhetoric, bold agenda spells trouble for America’s global image

William Perrins, Reporter
February 4, 2025
“Nunsense,” directed by C. Patrick Gendusa, holds its opening performance at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 at Mary Moody Northen Theatre and will run until Feb. 23.

MMNT’s upcoming musical promises to be ‘Nun’believable

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
February 3, 2025
Students can find the Smartsheet form by typing in “name change” in the myHilltop search bar. The icon labeled “Student Chosen First Name Change Submission Form” takes students to the Smartsheet portal to fill it out.

Office of Student Belonging and Inclusive Excellence implements chosen name system for students

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
January 22, 2025
Participation in ESMOAS is part of the Model OAS (POLS4149) course offered in the fall with Rodrigo Nunes. The next conference will be held in fall 2025 at St. Thomas University, in Houston, Texas.

Students shine at mock multinational conference, taking home awards and teamwork spirit

Gabrielle Caumon and Zemira Recio
November 18, 2024
Alexi 8bit is welcomed as the opening act for the festival. She dazzled the audience with her indie pop music.

Second Groovy GOAT festival spotlights local musicians, organizations

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
November 14, 2024
One of the main movie posters promoting “Saturday Night” outside of the Violet Crown Cinema in Downtown Austin.

REVIEW: Biopic delves into how SNL’s critical acclaim arose from chaos

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
November 12, 2024
Beaded by Sandy, owned and operated by Junior Sandra Chapa, sells handmade beaded rings, bracelets and necklaces. Chapa’s small business is recurring and has made appearances at many on-campus markets and expos.

Homecoming debut vendor market showcases current students, alumni with small businesses

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
November 12, 2024
The 2024 Homecoming parade kicked off on Nov. 2, with multiple organizations on campus showcasing their school spirit.

Hilltopper community displays school spirit, pride at annual homecoming celebration

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
November 12, 2024
Monarchs on the Hilltop welcomes a diverse bunch of panelists to educate students on immigration using different lenses. Speaker testimonies varied from personal experiences to legal testimonies, all providing insight for the discussion.

Monarchs on the Hilltop hosts immigration panel in observance of ‘undocuweek’

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
November 3, 2024
Redefining Me(n) and SEU Pride partner together to host associate professor of social work Adam McCormick, Ph.D., for a lecture on “Transformative Masculinity: a Trauma Informed Approach to Authenticity.” He explained to students both his personal and professional experiences with seeing how much causes for trauma are deeply rooted in unhealthy masculinity. His trauma-informed approach to masculinity guided students through discussions on traumas, adverse experiences, and having empathy around awareness.

Redefining Me(n) and Pride host a lecture, foster discussion on transformative masculinity

Zemira Recio and Nik Machado
October 30, 2024
FX’s “English Teacher” centers around the comedic escapades of educators at a public high school in Austin, Texas. The show’s title card, a sky view of the iconic Congress Bridge, pays homage to the city.

REVIEW: FX sitcom ‘English Teacher’ shines spotlight on the diverse experiences of Texas educators

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
October 24, 2024
The Texas State Fair gave students the opportunity to experience the iconic symbols that pay homage to the Lone Star State. The fair’s mascot, the enormous Big Tex, greeted the students as they made their way through the fair.

Hilltoppers head over to the Texas State Fair thanks to UPB efforts

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
October 21, 2024
The Austin-local bookstore BookWoman hosted a pop-up shop inside Carter Auditorium for students. Gonzalez’s book, along with other selected books that are similar to her works, were featured at the pop-up and available for student purchase.

Visiting Writer Series welcomes first guest of the semester for poetry reading

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
October 16, 2024
Latinx on the Hilltop provided an art corner at the event to use in between and during speakers. Melissa Esqueda, Ph.D., creates expressive artwork using the paint and canvases that were included.

Latinx Voices Read-In celebrates diverse experiences, highlights hardships of the community

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
October 7, 2024
Each speaker brought a different perspective of expertise to the discussion. Panelist Bob Libel’s focus was on the importance of civil and human rights advocacy regarding the topic.

Panelists voice awareness, advocacy for immigration justice

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
October 3, 2024
Professors bring their academic expertise to discussion at a Q&A panel about diversity and democracy, led by Emma Woelk. The professors each provided a different perspective on the topic, varying from areas of study such as political science, women and gender studies and social work.

Faculty Q&A panel fosters conversation about diversity and democracy through different academic perspectives

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
September 23, 2024
Roan’s ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ gained her the status of a worldwide icon. With that fame, Roan has been open and vocal about setting important boundaries between herself and her fans for her safety.

OPINION: Chappell Roan backlash is indicative of misogyny in the industry, culture

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
September 19, 2024
Homer Huerta, an SEU alum who graduated in 1995, has worked at UPD for about 27 years- eight of them as UPD Chief.

UPD urges preventative measures regarding bike security to combat recent incidents of thievery

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
September 18, 2024
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short ‘n Sweet” is a fresh compilation of tracks that brings a new sense of variety to modern pop music. The uniqueness of the album is highlighted by Carpenter’s witty and charming nature.

REVIEW: Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet’ is unapologetically iconic, bold, charming

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
September 9, 2024
An ASL elective was offered for the first time this semester based on popular student interest. As the spring semester comes to an end, students provide personal feedback and insight about their experience taking the course.

Students provide feedback of newly-added American Sign Language elective

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
August 21, 2024
Taylor Swift double-releases 11th studio album on April 19. “The Tortured Poets Department” takes listeners on Swift’s personal journey dealing with the plethora of emotions that come with heartbreak and acceptance.

REVIEW: Taylor Swift takes listeners through the grueling stages of love, loss in double-release album

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
April 23, 2024
Residents at Basil Moreau Hall hang several flags in the building’s main lobby. Each flag represents different racial, ethnic and social identities that students are a part of.

New task force, student-led efforts make pathway for symbols of inclusivity on campus

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
April 16, 2024
Student Involvement provided students and attendees with free Hillfest t-shirts while supplies lasted. The shirts were available in a “first come, first serve” basis for guests. Students who completed the pre-registration challenges throughout the week were guaranteed a shirt.

Hilltoppers join in on Family Weekend festivities at annual Hillfest celebration

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
April 11, 2024
CAMP and Chicanx/Latinx Studies welcomed Saúl Sánchez, Ph.D., to talk to students about his book, describe his experience as a former migrant worker, as well as discuss themes about education, family and adversity. The conversation is hosted in observance of National Farmworker Awareness Week.

Chicanx/Latinx studies collaborates with CAMP to welcome guest author for conversation in observation of National Farmworker Awareness Week

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
April 6, 2024
New Max docuseries “Quiet On Set” highlights the dark aspects behind the sets of popular Nickelodeon TV shows. Former child actors and Nickelodeon employees come forth and speak about the abuse and toxicity they endured during their time working on set.

OPINION: Documentary exposes Nickelodeon, sheds light on the disappointing lack of protection for child stars

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
April 3, 2024
Junior Sydney Smith runs in the first day of the meet at Texas State University. This is Smith's third year on the team and the years of experience have helped her improve as an athlete. During the meet at Texas Southern University, she placed second in the mile event and set a personal best.

SEU Track & Field athletes speak on meet performance, progress, outlook amidst ongoing season

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
April 1, 2024
Texas’ strict anti-immigration bill, Senate Bill 4, challenges the future of migrants and undocumented people in the state. Controversy surrounding the bill going into effect has caused tensions in ongoing court hearings.

OPINION: Dear Texas, strict immigration policies aren’t the answer

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
March 27, 2024
Students and campus organizations collaborate to put on the Annual Ballroom Extravaganza. The event allows student performers to unleash their creativity in the form of drag and ballroom culture.

Organizations and student performers collaborate to host Annual Ballroom Extravaganza

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
March 27, 2024
Local women-owned and women-supporting small businesses gathered on Ragsdale Lawn to display the unique products they had to offer and sell to students. The market was hosted by the Office of Student Belonging and Inclusive Excellence in observation of Women’s History Month.

Annual expo showcases local women-led small businesses in celebration of Women’s History Month

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
March 18, 2024
At the forefront of Austin City Hall, hundreds of protestors flocked as part of the Palestinian Youth Movement's 'March 2nd Millions March for Palestine' call to action. Multiple speakers took the steps across the span of a few hours, then the protest marched through downtown toward the Capitol.

Protesters gather at Austin City Hall to rally, march for ceasefire in Gaza

Hailey Womack and Zemira Recio
March 6, 2024
Kingsley Ben-Adir plays the late Reggae musician, Bob Marley, in the latest biopic “Bob Marley: One Love.” The film, produced by members of Marley’s family, depicts the trials and tribulations that were faced in Marley’s career as a growing musician.

REVIEW: “Bob Marley: One Love” exhibits how music became a powerful weapon amidst political unrest, violence

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
March 4, 2024
Student organizations team up to provide accessible early voting options for students. They provided shuttles to transport students to and from early voting locations that are off-campus. Shuttle dates are Feb. 21, Feb. 27 and Mar. 1.

Student Government Association, Bridge, FLIP team up to provide transportation to off-campus early voting sites for student voters

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
February 26, 2024
Student clubs and organizations gathered on Ragsdale Lawn to host sales and fundraisers pertaining to Valentine’s Day. Among the items that were sold included flowers, greeting cards and a variety of treats and candy.

Hilltoppers “spread the love” as students, clubs partake in activities to celebrate Valentine’s Day across campus

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
February 19, 2024
People around Austin flocked to South Congress to attend the 17th annual Jo’s Chili Cook-Off. The competition hosted many different teams from across the city and showcased their culinary talents.

Jo’s 17th Annual Charity Chili Cook-Off Spices Up South Congress

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
February 5, 2024
“Means Girls” is a modern revival based on the original 2004 film and 2018 Broadway musical. Bebe Wood (left), Reneé Rapp (middle), and Avantika Vandanapu (right) reprise the roles of the film’s “it” girls, the Plastics.

REVIEW: Despite quirks, “Mean Girls” movie-musical dazzles, shines in its modern remake of the iconic film

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
January 29, 2024
Sweet Memes is in full wing with their over-the-top seasonal decorations for the upcoming holiday season.

Eat, Pray, Love: Decadent South Congress confectionery presents tasty delights to please all the senses

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
November 25, 2023
Lyft introduced a new feature “Women+ Connect” last September that has recently expanded to more cities. The feature allows riders to request female and nonbinary drivers for preference. It is also encouraging more women and nonbinary people to become Lyft drivers.

OPINION: Lyft’s new “Women+ Connect” feature is the safe travel option that women, nonbinary people have always needed

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
November 22, 2023
“1989 (Taylor’s Version)” becomes Taylor Swift’s fourth re-released album. The album joins “Fearless (Taylor’s Version),” “Red (Taylor’s Version)” and “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” as Swift continues efforts to regain rights to her music in ownership battle with Scooter Braun.

“1989 (Taylor’s Version)” REVIEW: Swift brings back a fresh, stylish take of her original album

Zemira Recio, Staff Reporter
November 9, 2023
Office of Student Involvement and Student Volunteers work together to make the second annual haunted house a success amongst students. Efforts for the haunted house included scary makeup, over-the-top acting, and horrifying decorations to set the mood.

Student involvement, student volunteers host second annual homecoming haunted house

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
October 30, 2023
Professor Alex Barron, Ph.D, introduces speakers Alison Kafer and Emily Shryock. They both discuss various topics and share personal experiences regarding disability justice, activism and education.

University invites guest speakers for “New Directions in Disability Justice” discussion, offers Q&A panel

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
October 24, 2023
One booth features jewelry from Cosmic Chaos Jewelry, a small, local business that produces dazzling and whimsical earrings, necklaces, bracelets and hair clips.

Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion hosts Queer Expo as one of many activities for Queer Week on campus

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
October 24, 2023
OPINION: Swift-Kelce romance is the unlikely love story we never knew we needed, despite opposition

OPINION: Swift-Kelce romance is the unlikely love story we never knew we needed, despite opposition

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
October 19, 2023
Thousands gather at Zilker Park for the opening day of Austin City Limits.

OPINION: My Austin City Limits music festival opening day experience as a first-time attendee

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
October 17, 2023
The books that were chosen to be showcased are amongst the most banned children’s books in the state.

Munday Library hosts story time event showcasing banned children’s books

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
October 10, 2023
Students and board members meet for Pride Game Night, an effort to kick-off the next semester of SEU Pride on the hilltop.

SEU Pride hosts first event of the semester

Zemira Recio, Staff Writer
October 4, 2023
REVIEW: “Blue Beetle” provides just the right amount of heart, humor, representation to leave viewers hopeful about upcoming DC projects

REVIEW: “Blue Beetle” provides just the right amount of heart, humor, representation to leave viewers hopeful about upcoming DC projects

Zemira Recio, Reporter
September 18, 2023
According to students, a big part of the new coffeehouse adjustment is experiencing longer wait times than previous years.

Campus coffeehouse rebrands to “We Proudly Serve” Starbucks

Zemira Recio, Reporter
September 13, 2023
Load More Stories