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
Claire Lawrence

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief

Claire is a senior Communication major with a minor in Journalism continuing to dedicate her time growing and learning as a student journalist. Claire has been with Hilltop Views for three years. This is her second year as Editor-in-Chief. Previously, she served as a Staff Writer and as News Editor. Outside of St. Edward’s, Claire plays bass in Austin-local band “Losers.” Though she is graduating soon, she hopes to leave her mark in the newsroom and inspire other students to get involved with their campus paper.

All content by Claire Lawrence
Claire Lawrence, Hilltop Views Editor-in-Chief, sits outside of the Hilltop Views office.

FAREWELL: The last deadline

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
August 19, 2024
A vote of no confidence against university president Montserrat Fuentes took place last week with a 61% majority. The Board of Trustees has since responded to this vote reaffirming their confidence in President Fuentes' leadership.

Tenured, tenure-track faculty vote no confidence in university president

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
April 24, 2024
The crash occurred on 2751 W. Texas 21, a two-laned country road in Bastrop, as the kids and teachers were coming back from a field trip to the zoo. The bus was hit head on by a cement truck that swerved out of its respective lane and into the opposite lane the bus was traveling in.

OPINION: All school buses should have seat belts

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
April 1, 2024
Students gather on the university Seal with signs displaying call to actions. Students dance around to pop music in rainbow attire as they await the results of today's Faculty Senate meeting.

Faculty Senate moves for no confidence in St. Edward’s University president

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
March 1, 2024
Associate Professor of Social Work Adam McCormick, Ph.D, speaks to students at the protest on Feb. 27 outside of Ragsdale. Students protested for nearly eight hours on the university’s Seal in response to the Pride flag being removed from the campus coffee shop last semester.

Successive student-led protest calls for no confidence vote by faculty

Claire Lawrence and Hailey Womack
February 29, 2024
A Gofundme to raise money for an art instillation garnered over $550. Some of the money is being put toward the instillation while the remaining amount is getting donated to a local LGBTQ+ organization for queer youths.

Students to host Pride flag art installation

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
February 26, 2024
Students at St. Edward's University are taking matters into their own hands about the change in LGBTQ+ representation across campus. An anonymously-run student petition is calling for the reinstallation of the Pride flag that once hung from the rafters in the campus coffeehouse.

Students voice LGBTQ+ representation concerns, advocate for change

Chloe Almendarez and Claire Lawrence
February 21, 2024
The Office of Student Belonging and Inclusive Excellence at St. Edward’s University works to organize a variety of events and programs on campus. They also help advise and support a number of student organizations, such as Monarchs on the Hilltop and Latinx Student Leaders Organization.

Students express concerns over Senate Bill 17 in the midst of diversity, equity, inclusion bans across Texas institutes

Lynn Jafarzadeh and Claire Lawrence
February 5, 2024
In the past, students have advocated for the inclusion of an American Sign Language on campus. There have also been efforts to reignite an ASL club. The inclusion of EDUC 3399 in the spring is the first ASL course to be offered.

University introduces first American Sign Language class as special topics course

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
December 7, 2023
St. Edward's students in Hunt Hall cheer as they witness President Fuentes on the livestream receive the Seal from Washington D.C.

University receives distinguished certification for success as Hispanic Serving Institute

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
September 29, 2023
"GUTS" marks Olivia Rodrigo's sophomore album that takes listener's on a journey through self-hatred, bad love and the troubles of growing up in fame.

REVIEW: Olivia Rodrigo’s sophomore album cultivates relatability for all listeners

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
September 19, 2023
The Literature, Writing and Rhetoric department features some of the few professors across campus who aren't afraid to go out in style.

[Photo] The Department of Literature, Writing and Rhetoric displays unique fashion styles

Bruno Echt Fusaro, Reporter
September 12, 2023
Past students in the field.

Federal funding finances new NEXTGEN experiential learning program

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
August 30, 2023
The HCC operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. with emergency hotlines available 24/7.

Q&A: Breaking down services offered by the Health and Counseling Center with on-campus clinicians

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
April 12, 2023
The Creative Industry Expo had many fun things to view and interact with, but it felt like one of the only entertaining thing the festival had to offer as someone who is under 21.

OPINION: SXSW was as creative as it sounds but felt unfulfilling due to badge and age restrictions

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
March 22, 2023
REVIEW: Recent analog horror film touches on the deepest of childhood fears but falls short on expectations

REVIEW: Recent analog horror film touches on the deepest of childhood fears but falls short on expectations

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
March 1, 2023
Lone Star Conference recognizes NCAA student-athletes with high GPAs

Lone Star Conference recognizes NCAA student-athletes with high GPAs

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
February 21, 2023
Many graduating seniors are concerned about current commencement plans and are calling for changes.

Seniors express concerns about current graduation plans, call for better accessibility

Lola Claire and Claire Lawrence
February 15, 2023
Members of St. Edward's Student Government Association, like President Ella Ochoa (right), stand with university President Montserrat Fuentes at a next-day breakfast celebration.

Recent resolution recognizes “St. Edward’s University Day”, marks continuation of university’s five-year plan

Claire Lawrence and Nina Martinez
February 14, 2023
Early voting ends Nov. 4 and election day is Nov. 8. The recreation center is open for voting every day until 6 p.m.

A Hilltoppers guide to Travis County Elections

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
November 2, 2022
Beto hosts rally downtown to promote Texas Governor campaign

Beto hosts rally downtown to promote Texas Governor campaign

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
September 9, 2022
Hilltoppers, dressed in white, go against the Newman Jets in their first game of the season, taking home a massive win.

GAME DAY: Womens soccer dominates first home game

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
August 25, 2022
Doyle Hall recieved it's official renaming to Equity Hall with the replacement of new signage located near the front entrance. Equity Hall will soon become home to the Office of Equity and Employee Relations.

SEU Leadership renames Doyle Hall as part of Strategic Plan 2027

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2022
Legal response from the university was given May 4 after Rob Penders filed a wrongful termination lawsuit earlier this year.

University responds to wrongful termination lawsuit

Claire Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
May 18, 2022
Womack began learning sign language at a young age. She has continued to learn through ASL courses offered in high school as well as with Austin Community College.

Advocacy for inclusion of American Sign Language course continues through student-led online petition

Claire Lawrence, News Editor
April 19, 2022
The Department of Language, Literature and Culture's Annual Award Ceremony was held yesterday afternoon where many friends and family members gathered to help honor students.

Students honored at award ceremony for linguistic excellence

Claire Lawrence, News Editor
April 12, 2022
Rob Penders is suing St. Edward's University for wrongful termination. The lawsuit follows his termination in December.

Former baseball coach sues university

Claire Lawrence, News Editor
March 31, 2022
President Fuentes stands before the crowd during her presidential address. Fuentes is making history by becoming the first Hispanic president at St. Edward's University.

A time for change: University inaugurates first Hispanic president, makes history

Claire Lawrence, News Editor
February 26, 2022
Three rooms on each floor in the north wing of St. André Apartments were affected by a water leak caused by a burst coil on the roof. Students were relocated to Teresa Hall until further notice.

Water leaks in North St. André Apartments, affected residents relocate to Teresa Hall

Elle Bent and Claire Lawrence
February 4, 2022
Omicron Is fast moving, but perhaps less severe, early reports suggest. Researchers in South Africa, where the variant is spreading quickly, say it may cause less serious Covid cases than other forms of the virus, but it is unclear whether that will hold true.

New COVID-19 variant increases fear of the unknown, creating new questions

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
December 13, 2021
Despite the pandemic, Austin Texas is attracting more corporate jobs and remote workers than ever before, lured by lower costs and lower taxes.

New Netflix reality show takes place in Austin, showcases adult life in the pandemic

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
November 30, 2021
Local band, The Avocados dropped new album "¡Ensalada!" Nov. 13. They performed at the Far Out Lounge (above) to celebrate.

Local band brings Austinites together with new album full of good vibes

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
November 17, 2021
Members of St. Edward's Latinx Student Leaders Organization (LSLO) pose for a group photo in front of Main Building. Their sugar skull event also took place in front of Main Building.

University clubs, organizations find ways to promote cultural diversity on campus

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
November 2, 2021
Netflix's "You" has released its third season. "You" is a psychological thriller based upon the books by Caroline Kepnes.

Review: Third season of “You” upholds thriller TV show standards, expectations

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
October 28, 2021
“With COVID we weren’t able to do much, so we are happy to be back,” senior and CABRA Co-Editor Jaelyn Velaro said. “We have lots of clothes so it’s nice to be able to give back. It’s also a great opportunity for us to try and sell our magazine and get our voices out.”

University fashion magazine raises funds with recent popup shop

Claire Lawrence, Reporter
October 26, 2021
Students Evan Autin and Ian Clennan performed together for University Programming Board and Resident Life’s “Musicians on the Lawn” last Monday. Clennan played the drums while Autin was lead vocals and guitar.

Students jam out to “Musicians on the Lawn” hosted by UPB and Reslife

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
October 18, 2021
Founded in 2002, Austin City Limits Festival has only ever been cancelled twice in history. Once in 2013 due to heavy rain, and again in 2020 because of COVID-19.

Austin City Limits Music Festival returns with loose COVID-19 protocols

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
October 12, 2021
On Sept. 24, The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation to protect abortion services against growing Republican-backed state restrictions, including a Texas law that imposes a near-total ban on abortion.

Latest abortion bill passes in House, opens new Democratic outlooks

Claire Lawrence, Reporter
October 7, 2021
The Mary Moody Northen Theatre's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was directed by Robert Tolaro. The show ran from the weekend of Sept. 23 to the weekend of Oct. 3.

Live, in-person theatre returns for Mary Moody Northen Theatre with latest production

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
October 6, 2021
Kacey Musgraves performing at Austin City Limits in 2019.

Kacey Musgraves’ new album showcases ups, downs of divorce in limelight

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
September 23, 2021
Even though they have been attending school for a year now, sophomores return to campus feeling like freshman because being in-person is brand new to them.

Opinion: A sophomore’s experience on-campus after freshman year stuck indoors

Claire Lawrence, Reporter
September 23, 2021
At the beginning of September, the FDA approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19. Since FDA approval, vaccination rates have slowly begun to increase.

FDA approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19, vaccination rates slowly begin to increase

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
September 13, 2021
New laws effective Sept. 1 influence issues including Abortion, Body-Word Cameras, Medical Marijuana etc.

New, controversial laws stir up mixed feelings among Texans

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
September 9, 2021
"Star-crossed" is a single released by country singer Kacey Musgraves. The song is part of her fourth studio album, set to release Sept. 10.

Kacey Musgraves reaches for the sky with latest single

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
September 8, 2021
St. Edward's University picture from East Hall after the historic winter storm.

OPINION: Historic winter storm affected all Texans, especially the vulnerable

Claire Lawrence
March 5, 2021
All performances were socially distant and would take place after the sun went down, allowing for lights and specials to be seen on both the actors and the set.

MMNT produces in-person play festival despite ongoing pandemic

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
November 28, 2020
Iriwn first became involved in 5SOS in late 2011. 'Superbloom' was released on Oct. 23.

5 Seconds of Summer band member releases debut solo album

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
November 7, 2020
Many opponents of Proposition A argue that the government should not raise taxes during a pandemic.

New, popular propositions cause divide in voter opinions

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
November 4, 2020
Professor Jena Heath in the White House Press Briefing Room in 2000. Jena Heath is an associate professor in the School of Arts and Humanities at St. Edward's University.

Journalism professor reflects on past election coverage, offers retrospective view on today’s reporting

Claire Lawrence, Reporter
October 20, 2020
Barrett's nomination is highly disputed due to its close proximity to the 2020 presidential elections.

New supreme court nomination heightens liberal fear of conservative court

Claire Lawrence, Reporter
October 10, 2020
While the original film received positive reviews, the sequel was met with mostly negative ones. It has been confirmed by the director that a third film will happen in audiences want it.

Horror movie sequel offers new plot twists, meets expectations

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
October 9, 2020
St. Edward's has implemented multiple stickers in elevators and buildings to promote social distancing. Other measures like required face masks, have been set in place.

St. Edward’s administration makes substantial changes to spring semester due to COVID-19

Sierra Rozen and Claire Lawrence
October 6, 2020
Loosening COVID restrictions invite risk to our community

Loosening COVID restrictions invite risk to our community

Claire Lawrence, Reporter
October 2, 2020
A close up of the iconic Emmy Awards statue. The show only garnered 6.1 million viewers, a drop from last years 6.9 million viewers.

Emmys 2020: Unique or unnecessary?

Claire Lawrence, Staff Writer
September 24, 2020
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