Amarillo College's News Source Since 1930 Volume 92, Special Edition
acranger.com
August 23, 2021
Philanthropist gives AC $15 million donation By RAYGAN LOPEZ Editor-In-Chief
During the summer of 2021 Amarillo College received a $15 million gift from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott. Over these past fcw months Scott has been gifting billions of dollars to nonprofits and charities which includes many colleges and universities. This gift represents the hard work, dedication and efforts from both faculty and students. “It is the largest gift in the history of the college and one of the largest in the history of our community,” Dr. Russell LoweryHart, President of Amarillo college said. “The gift affirms the incredible work we’ve done for accelerated learning, social services and a culture of caring,” he said. Lowery-Hart believes that everyone’s accomplishments at AC are commendable but is now becoming acknowledged at a national level.“Our college has emerged as a national leader in student success and this gift will enable us to help and serve our community even more profoundly,” Lowery-Hart said. “This gift will affirm to other philanthropists that Amarillo College is deserving and I hope this gift leads to many more,”he said. AC is still undecided as to where the $15 million gift will be used. However, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Joe Bill Sherrod said at least $2 million will allow for the launch of the “No Excuses” plan. Sherrod also mentioned the rest of the money will go into an endowment for future use. “Money that gets endowed would be money you would put into an investment,” Sherrod said. This donation will be used to aid current and future faculty, staff and students. “The gift will be at the discretion of the president and the board of regents to determine how that money gets used,” Sherrod said. “I think we will impact our faculty but also program enhancement. These are the kind of things that we may use a little bit from that $2 million that’s expendable versus the endowment money in which you don’t spend,” Sherrod said. Not only will this help in advancing the college but also the community. According to officials, the goal is to eradicate the cycle of poverty. “I think it is honoring the work of Amarillo College today and preparing for the future but we are setting aside some money to help our current students,” Cara Crowley, vice president of strategic initiatives said. “That is always our drive here as a college to really help every student achieve their educational dream because we know that is how you change your community and that is exactly who AC is,” she said. The unanticipated gift from Scott was a shock to the college, however, the gift will help AC address the rising poverty rates in Amarillo through education. Philanthropy that is at its highest level will breed more philanthropy for the next generations. “This gift is really for our entire community,” Lowery-Hart said. “Amarillo College is just the steward of the money and we will leverage it to remove even more barriers for our students and deepen our work within the community. It is the biggest day in the 91 year history of the college and we are just getting started,” he said.
Despite Delta, classes will meet in person President recommends masks, vaccinations
By RUTH MARTINEZ Editor-In-Chief
Amarillo College is welcoming students back to campus with 100% capacity classrooms and a mask-optional atmosphere for the fall semester. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Delta Variant spreads faster than earlier forms of COVID. “The vaccines are proven to be safe, effective and the benefits far outweigh any negligible risks,” Media Director, Sadie Newsome said. ”In addition to dramatically decreasing the likelihood of contracting the virus at all, the vaccine also protects the few vaccinated people who do end up getting the virus
RAYGAN LOPEZ | The Ranger
The CDC recommends using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. They also suggest rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds, covering all surface areas.
from the most severe and dangerous health outcomes,” Newsome said There will be a continuation of monitoring positive COVID-19 rates on campus and also a quarantine process. “If a student who was present in an on-campus class in the last 10 days tests positive for COVID, the entire class will quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure—regardless of individuals’ vaccination status,” Newsome said. “During that time, the class will be held in a tech-supported virtual environment,” she said. Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, the President of Amarillo College said the trust he has for his faculty and students to be responsible during this pandemic remains strong with hopes in the ability to
stay open. “I remain very, very concerned about the Delta Variant as it savages or community,” Lowery-Hart said. “The CDC research is so clear - if you are vaccinated and wear a mask, you are protected from the variant.” There are multiple locations that offer vaccinations for those who want to be prepared for the new school year. AC will also be hosting vaccination clinics on campus for the first two weeks of the fall 2021 semester. Initially, Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order on March 10, 2021, lifting the mask mandate and eliminating restrictions on public institutions and businesses.
Continued on Page 4
August 23, 2021
Letters from the editors This upcoming school year will be filled with many adventures for "The Ranger" to capture. Before becoming the co-editor-in-chief, I was a columnist, reporter, page editor and a college student. But most importantly, I am only human. My goal is to help students express themselves and to help them to be seen, heard and valued. I want to inform, entertain, inspire and freeze moments in time forever. Amarillo College is a home away from home for me and I hope "The Ranger" can help students feel
connected to those around them. The college newspaper is filled with news, culture, student opinions, future events and many other things happening on campus and in the world. "The Ranger" can also be found online, which allows readers to contribute their ideas, opinions and become involved. I highly encourage students to engage in school activities. Join a club, go to all the campus events you can and READ THE COLLEGE NEWSPAPER online and in print. Since 1930, the overall goal of
This is a new beginning for Amarillo College since the start of the pandemic. As one of your new co-editor-in-chiefs, this year will bring new achievements and hope for everyone. I have prepared for this day since my sophomore year in high school with the goal of keeping all readers informed. In high school, I had an internship at a news station, and I gained insight into how the media works. I have learned the history and the impact of journalists and I’m proud to be a young journalist myself.
RUTH MARTINEZ
"The Ranger" is to serve students. The media plays an important role in today's society. Books, music, movies, videos, television, podcasts, social media and the news outlets alter our perceptions, opinions and even personalities. The world is changing every day. Everything is linked together like a chain reaction. "The Ranger" is now a link in your chain and we hope you feel welcomed to the Badger family. I hope you have a fun and successful school year.
I have been with "The Ranger" in multiple positions for the past four semesters. I will be graduating in December with experience and confidence. I am honored to be in this position. I cannot wait to guide and help my colleagues to better serve the campus. "The Ranger" will continue to serve the students and faculty not only in print but online as well. We will keep our social media activity going. One of my goals is to start distributing newspapers out in the
RAYGAN LOPEZ Mass Media
community, inside businesses and other schools as well. Morning Buzz will be back on starting with our first issue since the campus is now open 100%. In case you are new to campus or have forgotten what Morning Buzz is, it's where "The Ranger" staff hands out the newest issue of the paper, as well as free coffee and doughnuts. I am excited to have this opportunity back on campus. Remember to wash your hands often, get vaccinated and have a wonderful year here.
Mass Media
Meet some of the staff:
What are some tips on how to survive the first week of classes?
"Personally introduce yourself to your instructors. So if you're struggling in their class later in the semester, they might be more willing to help you out if they know who you are."
"Time management! Be prepared to do your work and submit everything early, that way you can prepare yourself for quizzes and exams."
— SHAWN MCREA
— ARINE GARIN
Photography major design manager, page one editor, photographer
Nursing major videographer, reporter, photographer
"Make sure to stay ahead, study, and talk to your instructor. The better your relationships are with your instructors and peers, the better you will do. Make friends, find mentors, and get involved!
"Look around, take it all in and just breathe. Make at least one friend, so you're not as nervous to go to class. This is the first day of a new beginning." — BAILEY TROUBLEFIELD
— NICK BANDY
Graphic Design major page six editor, graphic designer, photographer
Mass Media major promotional director, editorial writer
"Make sure you're prepared mentally and make sure you're healthy. Don't stress too much about school, it takes a minute to settle in. Make sure you have coffee breaks, naps, and personal time." — ISAAC GALVAN
Graphic Design major graphic designer
"If you ever get anxious, find something that'll help you unwind, it helps with your self esteem and calms you down. Always be respectful." — TRE BYERS
Mass Media major student speak reporter, videographer
https://acranger.com
Ranger the
AMARILLO COLLEGE NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1930
online Come join Amarillo College's student-run newspaper. We're looking for writers, page editors, photographers, artists, graphic designers and videographers. No experience needed.
Student Media exists to serve you — the students. The Ranger staff urges you to get involved by submitting ideas, photos, videos at therangereditor@gmail.com. The Ranger is an independent student publication. Material published in the Ranger does not necessarily reflect the views of Amarillo College administrators or employees.
Contact Maddisun Fowler at mfowler@actx.edu for an application.
August 23, 2021
Letter from the AC president
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Badger Family, We are back! I joyously welcome you back to Amarillo College, in person, on any campus for which you engage. These past 18 months have been incredibly difficult personally, educationally, socially, and professionally. Yet, you persevered. You proved nothing would stand in your way. The fact that YOU are here, back in your classrooms, labs, organizations, clinicals – while still managing COVID safety protocols as necessary – should fill you with confidence in yourselves and in this college. As you migrate back on our campuses, I encourage you to meet your faculty, engage with tutoring, get involved in student organizations, and use the Advocacy and Resource Center for any financial barriers. Your faculty are central to your success and they care deeply about you. Using our tutoring centers is the greatest predictor of your graduation. Getting involved not only helps you build your network, it helps you succeed. And, Amarillo College is committed to removing any life barrier you may face. These are important choices to ensure your success.
These choices may still be complicated by new and variant COVID-19 pressures – but we have all proven to successfully navigate anything a pandemic can inflict on us. Yet, the pandemic did not and will not change the choices successful students make. Amarillo College is a great institution – one of the Top Five colleges in the entire country. You are learning in a great place with great people. Our faculty and staff care deeply about you. We want you to learn, build your skills, and prepare to transfer to your university or find your dream job. COVID-19 didn’t change any of that – even if it changed how you, and we, worked together to learn. Just as we did these past 18 months, we will continue to do everything we can to help you, educate you, and love you. With your brilliance, hard work, and potential combined with AC’s deep commitment to your progress, we will all have a great, safe, healthy, and fun year – together, in person. Welcome back! Much love,
Russell Lowery-Hart
Letter from the SGA president Hello Badgers! I am Carmen Nava, and I am excited and honored to serve as your sudent body president at Amarillo College. I am happy to welcome each and every one of you to the 2021-2022 academic year. This will be my second year here at Amarillo College, where I will get my first degree in criminal justice. I am more than thankful to be the president and serve the student body. I am thrilled to welcome everyone this coming semester. AC is known for having successful students and caring for everyone but there’s more that this great college has to offer. AC is here to help build connections and leadership skills, bringing those things that are able to be used later in life. Keeping this in mind, coming to a community college can be beneficial for many reasons. It may be a small community but it is one that cares for every student that goes here. I encourage everyone to find something they are passionate about and bring that to AC. College is a time to remember forever, that is why I look forward to you getting involved any way possible. Make new friends, get to know your professors and join a club. Take advantage of everything that AC has to offer. There are many opportunities to branch out and make college another memory to carry on as you move forward. AC is looking for students just like you, to take on those leadership roles and make a difference in the community. Being in a new environment can be difficult at first, and we understand. There will be many challenges when coming to college. Keep in mind that the staff as well as myself are here for you. There is never an issue that cannot be talked about. I am always here on campus, you may see me
SHAWN MCCREA | The Ranger
around, I am more than happy to get to know you. I suggest getting to know everyone here in the student life office and dive into some type of club or organization that is offered to you. This summer was interesting as I was building more leadership skills to make sure I am ready for this year. I am ecstatic to have everyone back on campus and kick off the new year. You all have a plan and I encourage you to take it head on and make the most of it here with the help of AC. I can’t wait to see everyone. Welcome to the family Badgers,
Carmen Nava
August 23, 2021
PARKING 101: BRANDON RAINS
basketball coach
AMANDA BLACK
volleyball coach
Put me in, coach; athletics to return to AC fall 2022
HOW TO AVOID GETTING A TICKET ON CAMPUS 1
By ARINE GARIN Staff Reporter
Athletics are returning to Amarillo College for the first time since the 1980s. Officials say this will provide opportunities for students and athletes attending AC. Women’s volleyball, men’s baseball and men's and women's cross-country are the three sports set to begin in the fall of 2022. Over the summer, the college hired two coaches, bringing the program one step closer to reality. Mark White, executive vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, said he is ready for sports to return to AC. “I’m pretty excited that we can attract a lot of local talent to our college that might have gone to other places,” White said. “What we will require of our student athletes is to complete and compete.” White stressed the importance of the student athletes completing school.“We want them to get a certificate, to get an associate degree or transfer to a four year college. That’s what we want for all our students,” he said. Scholarship opportunities will be available to full-time student athletes and they are expected to maintain their academic GPA. “There is certainly a
standard to remain eligible but we will set a GPA standard we believe best fits each team,” Amanda Black, the women’s volleyball coach, said. “I would like them to sit in the front two rows of classes, be leaders in the classroom by interacting as needed, have relationships with the faculty and staff and attend study hall hours we see fit as a team,” she said. Some students say they think bringing back the sports program is a good idea. “I’m excited that AC’s adding athletics and starting it next year, it sure brings a sense of normalcy to the community as COVID continues to be in our daily life,” Breanna Raney, a nursing major, said. “I’m really looking forward to the growth at Amarillo College," Black said. "I know athletics will add a special element to the college and community.” Sports facilities are being renovated. The Carter Fitness Center Will receive a $6 million makeover for a new volleyball court and bleachers. The baseball team will play and practice at Hodgetown. Cross-country is set to begin August 2022, volleyball will to begin September 2022 and baseball to begin non-conference in the fall of 2022 with conference games in March 2023.
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PARK WHOLLY WITHIN LINES DON'T BLOCK OTHER VEHICLES DON'T PARK IN ANY DRIVEWAYS DON'T PARK IN NO-PARKING ZONES DON'T PARK IN FIRE LANES PAY ATTENTION TO PARKING TIME LIMITS DON'T PARK IN RESERVED SPACES DON'T PARK IN DISABLED PARKING WITHOUT PLACARD DON'T BLOCK HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE HASH MARKS DO NOT LEAVE A VEHICLE UNATTENDED FOR MORE THAN 72 HOURS NOTIFY AC POLICE IF PARKED ON CAMPUS OVERNIGHT DON'T PARK WITHIN 30 FEET OF A STOP SIGN FINES DOUBLE IF NOT PAID WITHIN 7 DAYS
Information provided by Officer Morice Jackson
In-person classes return Continued from page 1 The 18-member COVID infection task force and the former faculty senate president, Amanda Chisum made the decision to resume in-person classes. The task force is made up of campus leaders whose main concern is keeping our campuses safe. “Medical experts are overwhelmingly recommending getting vaccinated," Tamara Clunis, Vice President of Academic Affairs said. "While vaccination is not a 100% guarantee against getting COVID-19 or a variant, it is still effective and may mitigate symptoms, preventing hospitalization
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and death. For students, the opportunity to complete courses and earn credits toward a credential is more likely if they do not get sick or really sick,” she said. COVID illuminated new and improved ways of engaging and educating students. Preference on how to take classes are available with academic advisors in the Student Service Center. Personal counseling is now available in-person or virtually, which is convenient for Hereford and Dumas students to get the help as needed. Vice President of Student
Affairs, Denese Skinner is in charge of student events and activities as well as making sure all safety protocols are being followed. Skinner is excited and eager to get back to in-person on campus. “The energy in the mall area between classes is infectious," Skinner said. "I look forward to seeing crowds of students at Student Life’s activities and seeing people enjoying a cup of coffee while they meet with friends in the Cafe." To stay updated on what’s going on with COVID on campus, visit https://www. actx.edu/COVID19.
August 23, 2021
FINE ARTS CALENDAR FALL I
FALL II
Auditions for “From Up Here” Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021 at 7 p.m. Location: Experimental Theatre
AC Choir Concert Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021 at 7 p.m. Location: Experimental Theatre
Suzuki Program Solo Recital Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Experiemental Theatre
Suzuki Program Solo Recital Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021 at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Location: Experimental Theatre
AC Piano Series “Dirty Thirty Fingers” by Jim Raschuer, Nathan Fryml and Bruce Lin Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 7-10, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 3 p.m. Location: TBD AC Theatre Fall I Production “From Up Here” Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Experimental Theatre
Suzuki Program Play-In Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Experimental Theatre AC Piano Series “Dances and Romances” Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021 at 3 p.m. Location: TBD AC Band Concert Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Experimental Theatre AC Chamber Orchestra Concert Friday, Nov. 19 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Experimental Theatre Master Chorale Mozart Requiem with ASO Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021 at 3 p.m. Location: TBD
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COLLEGE LINGO ACADEMIC ADVISER - ASSIGNED OFFICIAL WHO HELPS SCHEDULE CLASSES TO ENSURE A ROAD TO GRADUATION.
ADVOCACY AND RESOURCE CENTER (ARC) - THE CENTER IN THE WARE BUILDING THAT ELIMINATES BARRIERS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS.
AWARD LETTER - HOW MUCH FINANCIAL AID OR SCHOLARSHIPS YOU ARE RECEIVING.
CREDITS/ CREDIT HOURS - THE NUMBER OF HOURS ASSIGNED TO A CLASS. DUAL ENROLLMENT - STUDENTS ENROLLED CONCURRENTLY IN TW O DISTINCT ACADEMIC PROGRAMS OR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, SUCH AS HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE, ALSO CALLED DUAL CREDIT.
ENROLL – BECOME A STUDENT IN AN INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION. FAFSA - FREE APPLICATION FOR STUDENT AID THAT EVERY STUDENT SHOULD APPLY FOR EVERY YEAR.
FULL-TIME - A STUDENT ENROLLED IN 12 OR MORE HOURS A SEMESTER. GREENLIGHT - APPROVAL FOR ENTRY IN A CLASS.
HYBRID - A CLASS THAT IS HALF ONLINE AND HALF IN-PERSON. INTERNSHIP - A PAID OR UNPAID JOB IN A FIELD OR MAJOR THAT PROVIDES WORK EXPERIENCE.
MAJOR - WHAT A STUDENT SPECIALIZES IN WHILE ASPIRING TO A COLLEGE DEGREE.
OFFICE HOURS - A TIME WHERE STUDENTS CAN VISIT THEIR INSTRUCTOR IN THEIR OFFICE FOR QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS.
PART-TIME - A STUDENT ENROLLED IN LESS THAN 12 HOURS. PELL GRANT - FEDERAL GRANT ASSISTANCE FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
WHO
DEMONSTRATE FINANCIAL NEED AND HAVE NOT YET COMPLETED A BACHELOR’S DEGREE.
PTK - PHI THETA KAPPA HONOR SOCIETY BETA ETA CHAPTER OF AMARILLO COLLEGE.
RECOMMENDATION LETTER - A LETTER WRITTEN BY AN INSTRUCTOR OR MENTOR TO HELP A STUDENT WITH REFERENCES IN APPLICATIONS OF EITHER A CAREER OR SCHOLARSHIP.
REGISTER – SIGN UP FOR CLASSES. SCHOLARSHIP - A MONETARY AWARD FOR QUALIFIED STUDENTS WHO SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION. MULTIPLE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE AMARILLO COLLEGE FOUNDATION.
SGA - STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION REPRESENTS THE STUDENT BODY OF AMARILLO COLLEGE.
STUDENT WORKER- A STUDENT EMPLOYED BY THE COLLEGE IN A PART-TIME POSITION.
SYLLABUS - A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE STUDENT AND PROFESSOR THAT INCLUDES ASSIGNMENTS, COURSE POLICIES AND CALENDAR.
TRANSCRIPT - A PERMANENT RECORD OF COURSES RECEIVED.
ATTEMPTED AND GRADES
Suzuki Program Orchestras and Ensembles Concert Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 7:30 p.m. Location: Experimental Theatre AC Jazz Ensemble and Vocal Jazz Concert Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 at 7 p.m. Location: Experimental Theatre Suzuki Program Solo Recital Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Location: Experiemental Theatre AC Band Concert Sunday, Dec. 5 2021 at 4 p.m. Location: Experimental Theatre AC Choir Concert Thursday-Satuday, Dec. 9-11, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 3 p.m. Location: St. Andrews Episcopal Church Theatre AC Fall II Production “A Christmas Carol A Radio Drama” Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 Location: Experimental Theatre
August 23, 2021
Welcome
Week
Brought to you by Student Life
25 Wednesday, Aug. Badger Connect
Learn about student clubs and get involved with school organizations. Games.
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WSC Clock Tower
Noodles & Doodles
Pasta meal, noodle art and pool noodle monsters, oh my.
5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Byrd 2nd Floor Lobby
Thursday, Aug.
26
Free Daps
Free Daps is a freestyle rap and comedy group. Stop by and enjoy the show. Win a 55” T.V.
Monday, Aug.
Welcome Kickoff
23
Stop by the Clock Tower on your way to class, grab a FREE shirt and spin the wheel for prizes.
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. WSC Clock Tower
Scavenger Hunt
Download the Goosechase App, enter the game code and get to hunting. Prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
GAME CODE: VWWD5G
Tuesday, Aug. Badger Connect
24
Learn about student clubs and get involved with school organizations. Games.
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WSC Clock Tower
Playlist Bingo
Test your musical knowledge by recognizing artists and bands. Play for a chance to win big prizes like a laptop or a speaker.
7 p.m. - 8 p.m. WSC Clock Tower
11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WSC Clock Tower
Light It Up Glow Party Glow arcade, live DJ, mini golf an oxygen bar and door prizes.
8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. WSC Clock Tower