Ranger AMARILLO COLLEGE’S NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1930
VOLUME 89 | SPECIAL EDITION
August 9, 2018
Greenhouse cultivates success
New facilities to house more programs and majors By SALVADOR GUTIERREZ Staff Reporter
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omething new has taken root at Amarillo College. This fall, the Washington Street Campus will open the doors of the new greenhouse, also known as the STEM Research Center. This facility will host classes for students enrolled in degree programs and certificates in horticulture, biochemistry, environmental science and sustainable resource management. “From a grant proposal to an actual structure standing and ready to serve generations of students, I could not be more
thrilled to be a part of the entire process,” Dr. Claudie Biggers, biology department chair, said. “The STEM Research Center will house multiple programs that will embrace a new research-infused approach to learning.” The seeds for the greenhouse were planted in 2017 with a $4.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. An advisory board made up of local industry experts contributed to the design of the new certificates and degrees, Biggers said. AC is joining forces with Texas Tech University to make it possible for
horticulture majors to transfer to Tech to complete online baccalaureate degrees in plant and soil science. “The greenhouse will be a tremendous asset that offers cutting-edge, hands-on research to greatly enhance our students’ classroom experiences,” Gerek Burford, greenhouse director, said. The horticulture certificate can be completed in two semesters and will prepare students to meet industry needs in areas such as pestcontrol, landscape architecture and plant breeding. For more information call (806) 371-5000.
A new way to ‘Thrive’ at AC
Scholarship program offers full ride to AISD students help of the scholarship. “The Thrive scholarship is a community-based scholarship that was put together through a partnership of local entities, which include the Amarillo Area Foundation, Amarillo College, Amarillo Economic Development Corporation and AISD,” said Austin. “Basically, what we’re trying to do here as a community is increase the college-going rate of our residents.”
covers whatever is left over. It is not too late to apply Editor-in-Chief for federal financial aid, or marillo area high scholarships through the school students now AC Foundation, said Kelly have a new way to Steelman, the director of pay for college: the Thrive financial aid. scholarship program. Students For students who need at all Amarillo Independent help navigating the world School District high schools of financial aid, the financial are eligible to receive the aid office on the second Thrive scholarship, as long floor of the student services as they maintain an overall center on the Washington average of 80 or better with no Street Campus has extended serious behavior issues. hours through the here are literally hundreds of local “There are statewide month of August. programs, but this is They will be open students who are going to be unique to Amarillo, and M o n d a y -T h u r s d a y we think it’s special,” enrolling at Amarillo College this fall who from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. said Bob Austin, vice will get to attend free of charge. We’ve and Friday from 8 president of enrollment a.m. - 5 p.m. management. “There never had that before. Previously, many are literally hundreds of AISD students attended local students who are with the help — Bob Austin, vice president of college going to be enrolling of the ACE scholarship at Amarillo College enrollment management program. The Amarillo this fall who will get Area Foundation and to attend free of charge. We’ve To get the scholarship, partners Amarillo Independent never had that before.” students are asked to apply School District, Amarillo The new scholarship for admission to AC, apply for College and West Texas A&M program covers the cost of financial aid and register for University began the program tuition, books and fees for 60 classes. in 1994 at Palo Duro High credit hours or three years at “Thrive is what we call a School. AC - whichever comes first. ‘last money in’ scholarship, so The program later expanded While students are we ask all students to apply to include Caprock High School, enrolled at AC, they don’t for admissions to AC, and for and eventually Tascosa High need to maintain a certain federal financial aid. They don’t School students from certain GPA or number of classes to necessarily have to qualify to elementary schools. The keep the scholarship. As long receive federal financial aid, but program covered tuition, fees as they are in good academic we ask all students to apply,” and books at AC and/or WT and financial standing, the Austin said. “As far as that goes, for students who met certain scholarship is there. it’s relatively simple.” criteria until it’s end earlier this The clock starts ticking A ‘last money in’ year. at the beginning of the scholarship means that the While it is no longer fall semester following Thrive scholarship is the last accepting new students, those high school graduation, so piece of financial aid to be who signed the ACE program students are encouraged applied to a student’s account. contract at the beginning of to enroll in classes right All other scholarships and last year can still keep their away and get as much as financial aid are applied scholarships, so long as they possible done with the first, and then Thrive meet the requirements. By STEVI BRESHEARS
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Illustration by STEVI BRESHEARS | The Ranger
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Opinion
2 | The Ranger August 9, 2018
President gives tips for college success
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ere at Amarillo College, every employee wants you to be successful! The fall is my favorite time of year on the AC campuses. Students are starting their college careers with high hopes, excitement about the transition and anxiety about the changes they are about to experience.
Returning students walk back into classes with a renewed commitment, wisdom about what it takes and a clearer path to graduation. Thank you for allowing the AC family to be a part of your journey. We know you are the future of our Amarillo community and we will do whatever it takes to love you to success. At May graduation, I usually walk the line of students and talk with them. I ask them for advice on how the college could have better served them. I ask them advice on your behalf as well, “What would you want your peers to know about finishing a degree?” Your peers this past May offered four thoughts that helped them find success.
According to recent Amarillo College graduates, Success is… Asking questions.
Every person who works at Amarillo College wants to help. Your graduating peers want to encourage you to reach out and ask — no matter what your concern or question or fear may be. One graduate admitted that she thought she was the only one who did not know what FASFA meant and kept reading “make sure to complete your FASFA” on our AC materials. Had she not asked, she would not have completed her financial aid application and received grants to help her pay for school. If you don’t understand something, chances are, hundreds of your peers do not either. So, when you ask, you help the college understand how to improve and serve you better.
Talking with professors and advisers.
Everyone here at Amarillo College wants you to be successful. Our faculty and advisers want to get to know you and help you. If you have questions about an assignment or course concept, go talk with your instructor. They will be thrilled you are interested enough to approach them. Faculty and advisers are also great people from whom to seek career advice. Reach out. Faculty and advisers will love you for it.
Having a plan.
Students who graduated said they had a clear plan for transferring to a specific university or an idea of the type of job they wanted to get. For those who did not know, they worked with advising and the career center to develop a plan within the first semester. Whether you will go for a bachelor’s degree or immediately enter the RUSSELL LOWERY-HART workforce, work with your adviser to build a plan RIGHT NOW. Do not wait. Having a plan now will ensure every course you take counts This college truly loves you, our toward your degree and transfer. students, and each other. We are grateful
Using all the free tutoring and support services.
Many classes won’t be about just memorizing information and taking a test. Our classes will stretch your abilities. When courses get overwhelming, confusing or you just want to prepare for the next test, use the free resources here — Writer’s Corner, Math Outreach Center, Science Enrichment Center, Peer tutoring. If “life issues” are creating barriers, use the Advocacy and Resource Center. The ARC is here to help you find the resources and support you need to stay in school and complete your degree.
you’ve chosen to join our family. Success is…Amarillo College. Success is…YOU! Go Badgers! Russell Lowery-Hart, President
Letter from the editor
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lot has changed since I last wrote a letter like this. At this time, last year, I was somewhat lost. I hadn’t picked a major and had no real direction in life, and I was sort of just going to school in hopes that something would happen. A lot can change in a year. I’ve found a home at Amarillo College that I wasn’t sure I ever would. It’s crazy to think that my first year here, I would just go to class and go home. I wasn’t really involved in anything, and I didn’t really enjoy my time here. All it took was one interview for that to completely change, and suddenly I was surrounded by people that share common goals and interests. I found something I love doing, and something I love studying. Now, I don’t want to leave. So, if there’s one piece of advice I can give you, it’s this: enjoy the time you have here while you have it. There’s a certain stigma that surrounds community college, and a lot of people feel embarrassed about not going straight to a university, but I wouldn’t recommend any other path. AC is smaller than a university, but there is an incredible amount of diversity here. People from all walks and stages of life are coming together for one common goal: to create a better future for themselves. It
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doesn’t matter if you’ve just graduated high school, if you’ve taken a few years off or if you’re further along in life — everyone is welcome here. Just because AC is smaller doesn’t mean there isn’t an abundance of opportunities. There are so many clubs, organizations and programs that everyone is sure to find something to get involved in. That’s my second piece of advice — to get involved. You never know what kind of opportunities you can stumble upon just by knowing the people you know. This may be starting to feel like some sort of strange ad for Amarillo College, but it isn’t. AC has truly shaped me as a person. I take every opportunity I can to talk about my experiences here, because I’ve had so many wonderful ones. I could go on and on about all the incredible things AC has to offer, but I think — and hope — that you’ll discover them all yourself.
Let’s make this year the best one yet. Stevi Breshears
Student Media exists to serve you — the students. The Ranger is an open forum where you can learn and talk about the things that matter to you. The Ranger staff urges you to get involved by submitting ideas, photos, writing, videos and telling us what you want covered. A public critique and meeting is open to the campus community on Fridays in PH 214 or you can reach us via email at therangereditor@gmail.com. The Ranger is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Association, Panhandle Press Association, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association. For a complete staff listing, visit us at acranger.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.
News
The Ranger | 3 August 9, 2018
SGA President eager for the year to come
CECILIA ALMANZA
Hey everyone, my name is Cecilia Almanza and I have the honor and privilege to serve as your Amarillo College Student Government Association President for the 20182019 academic year. This semester will be the start of my third year here at AC and I am excited to begin this journey representing my fellow Badgers. I would like to give a huge warm welcome to everyone as we start off a wonderful Fall semester. Student Government Association is a great organization that is designed to make your college experience amazing and provide you the opportunity to serve your fellow students and community and just get the all-around best college experience you could have. SGA is the biggest organization on campus and it is filled with a dedicated group of diverse students built to serve as the bridge between the students and the college. We provide entertainment, educational events, community service and strive to make changes the students would like to
see on campus. We love hearing about new ideas and having discussions on how to improve the lives of Amarillo College students—both on and off campus. I would personally like to invite you to come visit us in The Burrow located in the CUB basement. I also want to say how important it is to get involved. I once was a new student on campus who was terrified to engage with others, but my college experience became amazing once I stepped out of my comfort zone. I highly encourage all of you to get involved in any club that we offer on campus and participate in our campus wide activities. I guarantee you will not regret it. I look forward to meeting many of you and truly thank you for believing in me to lead our student body. I hope this year is the best year to come for all of you! Your SGA President, Cecilia Almanza
Events for Fall 2018 AUGUST 8/20 — Fall classes begin 8/28 — Board of Regents meeting SEPTEMBER 9/1 — Yellow City Sounds Music Festival 9/3 — Labor Day (college closed) 9/18 — ARC Resource Fair OCTOBER 10/2 — Last day to withdraw from first 8 week classes 10/10-10/11 — Finals (first 8 week classes) 10/15-10/19 — Fall Break 10/22 — Second 8 week classes begin
NOVEMBER 11/12 — Spring registration opens 11/20 — Last day to withdraw from 16 week classes 11/22-11/25 — Thanksgiving Holiday (college closed) DECEMBER 12/5 — Last day to withdraw from second 8 week classes 12/10-12/14 — Final exams 12/14 — Second 8 week classes end 12/14 — Fall commencement 12/19 — Christmas Break
Illustration by STEVI BRESHEARS | The Ranger
News
4 | The Ranger August 9, 2018
College Etiquette Guide:
How not to annoy your classmates
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By KEEGAN RIED and SALVADOR GUTIERREZ Staff Reporters
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Watch what you eat — We’re there to learn, not listen to you eat. Be careful with loud foods so you don’t annoy your classmates. Smelly foods are off limits. Be on time — No one wants to be interrupted by the sounds of your tardiness lumbering across the classroom to find a seat. There’s always a long line at Starbucks, Janice.
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Seats are not reserved — If your friend can’t get to class on time, don’t tell your more responsible classmates they can’t have the seat of their choosing just because your friend is running a few minutes behind. She should have started her makeup sooner.
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If nothing else, get your crap together for that group project — No one wants to carry your deadweight around because you can’t seem to turn your work in.
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For the love of all things good, take a shower before class — Smelly foods in the classroom are awful, but smelling the sweat you worked up at the club last night is the last thing we want to do.
Potty mouths aren’t welcome — Just because you learned to live as a sailor at an early age doesn’t mean the rest of us want to endure the incessant trash spewing from your lips.
Amarillo College TheatreAC Fall 2018 Season
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Be graceful with those who are different from you — You will encounter people of different cultures, races, abilities and disabilities, political backgrounds and religions. Be rude to them and you look like the jerk.
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Build up others — No one wants to see you come in like a wrecking ball being ridden by a naked Miley Cyrus destroying people’s self esteem. You never know when you may need their support in the future.
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Engage in class — Your professors are already being overworked and underpaid. Don’t make class time miserable by sitting there like a bump on a log with no personality.
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Go to school-sponsored activities — AC loves its students and works hard to provide fun activities throughout the year. Be there! If you don’t go, they will stop the fun stuff and you’ll be left sitting in your mom’s basement studying alone because there’s nothing left to do.
Illustration by KIM REID | The Ranger
Showtimes THE GOOD-NIGHT
ABIGAIL/1702
An original script by a current major that explores the conversations of a group of young people during a ‘major event.’ This production is entered into the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
In this tale of New England witchery, it is ten years after the harrowing and tragic events of the Salem witch trials. Abigail Williams—the lead accuser who sent twenty people to their doom as a young girl—now lives under an assumed name on the outskirts of Boston, quietly striving to atone for her sins. A debt will be paid—but first, Abigail must make peace with the woman she most wronged all the while a stranger pursues her…
by Jason Driver
October 4-6, 2018 at 7:30PM October 7, 2018 at 3:00PM
by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
December 6-8, 2018 at 7:30PM December 9, 2018 at 3:00PM
Amarillo College Music Department 2018 Fall Season
All concerts are free to the public unless otherwise noted ($) AUGUST
30th — AC Piano Series: Diego Caetano, piano featuring Angela Diel, voice at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater
SEPTEMBER
4th — AC Piano Series: Maria Garzon, piano at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater 13th — AC Piano Series: Dr. Cristina Capparelli, Masterclass at 2 p.m. and concert at 7:30p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater 25th — AC Suzuki Solo Recital at 7 p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater 29th — AC Piano Series: Lilian Centro de Musica at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater
OCTOBER
9th — AC Concert Choir Fall Concert at 6 p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater 11th — AC Piano Series: Dr. William Westney, Masterclass at 2 p.m. and concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater 13th — Amarillo Master Chorale Fall Concert 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater ($) 23rd — AC Suzuki Solo Recital 7 p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater
NOVEMBER
5th — AC Community Concert Band Fall Concert 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater 10th — AC Suzuki Program 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Barnes & Noble 13th — AC Piano Series: Agustin Muriago, piano 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater 18th — AC Chamber Orchestra with AC Suzuki Orchestras Fall Concert 3 p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater 20th — AC Suzuki Solo Recital 7 p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater 27th — AC Jazz Band and Vocal Jazz Fall Concert 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater
DECEMBER Illustration by CLAIRE EKAS | The Ranger
2nd — AC Concert Choir Lessons & Carols 4 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church 4th — AC Piano Series: Claudio Espejo, piano 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall Theater
Culture
The Ranger | 5 August 9, 2018
COUNSELING CENTER
FREE mental health counseling for all currently enrolled students.
WE CAN HELP WITH:
NURTURING YOUR MIND, BODY, AND SOUL
• • • •
Test Anxiety Time Management Academic Concerns Relationship Troubles • Transitions in Life
• • • • •
Anxiety Stress Depression Identity Exploration Post Traumatic Stress
Call to schedule an appointment:
806-371-5900 www.actx.edu/counseling Counseling Center
Counseling Center
* if you are in crisis, call the AC Police Dept. at 371-5911 or 911
Success is...
Success means something different to everyone at Amarillo College. What does success mean to you?
“Success is achieving your goals and never giving up,”
— Elizabeth Silva, photography major
“Success is looking at my life and the people in it and being ultimately happy,”
"Success to me is that feeling of fulfillment, it is not necessarily happiness. Feeling like you have satisfied your imagination and your ambitions,”
— William Adams, business major
“Success is just not quitting. Every time you quit, you fail,”
— Sondra Brumley, business administration major
— Tiffani Lully, criminal justice major
2018
6 | The Ranger August 9, 2018
Feature
FREE CONCERT to feature music
made in
AMARILLO By BLASS GUERRERO and CLAIRE EKAS Staff Reporters
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usic groups with Amarillo roots will take center stage this September. Panhandle PBS and FM90 will hold the second annual Yellow City Sounds Music Festival, Saturday, Sept. 1, at Memorial Park next to the Amarillo College Washington Street Campus. The event will bring family-friendly activities including, music, vendor booths, food trucks and more. This year’s theme will be “Music Made Here,” bringing many Amarillo bands together. The bands will include The Groobees, Mount Ivy, Krakt and others from a variety of genres. Some of these groups have not performed together for many years. “This year it’s going to be bigger than our first festival,” Chip Chandler, a PBS digital content producer, said. About 3,000 people attended the festival last year. All of the bands were started in Amarillo. The Groobees, a regional Americana band, will be reuniting for the first time since they broke up in 2001. “I think playing at Yellow City Sounds will give us the chance to thank some of the foks who helped us along in the very beginning,” Susan Gibson of The Groobees, said. Another Americana band that’s coming back is Turbine Toolshed, reuniting after their 2014 split. There will also be performances by Mount Ivy, an indie band; Comanche Moon, an Americana band and OddFellas, a rock band. Festival organizers expect a dozen local food trucks, including Cowboy Gelato Smokehouse, Pizza Nomad and Tacos Plaza. There will be more food options than last year, Chandler said. Along with the music performances and food, the music festival will host vendors and other booths along with Chick-Fil-A Kids’ Area activities with help from AC’s Teach Club, Amarillo Fire Department Smokehouse, Don Harrington Discovery Center and more. AC students and employees have a postive outlook on the impact the festival has on performers and concert-goers. “I believe festivals like these give local bands a chance to really show their talent and get their name out there so they can grow and do more,” Christopher Romo, a business administration major, said. “I think events like Yellow City Sounds helps give bands and artists an outlet,” Ariel Oviedo, a social work major, said. “The Yellow City Sounds Music Festival helps Panhandle PBS and FM90 bring music to the community. The event itself is free, which means the public can come and watch bands that they may have never seen before. This festival allows the bands to reach to new listeners,” Amy Hart, program director of FM90, said. Hart also noted that FM90 will feature music from the bands on upcoming shows, and will be doing live streams with each of them. The festival was made possible with help in part from a grant from the Texas Music Office. Additional support includes A-1 Rocket, the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council, Budweiser Distributing Co. of Amarillo, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum’s Pop Culture exhibition, Tarpley Music and other organizations. The Yellow City Sounds Music Festival will run from 2 to 10 p.m. and admission and activities are free. The event will be part of the ongoing celebration of the 30th anniversary of Panhandle PBS. For more information about the festival, call 806-371-5224.