Alumnus makes new path
THE GREAT HIP RACE
Graduate Mayra Zamora discusses journey into art world by AMBER QUAID managing editor
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rtist, alumni and first generation of her family to live in the United States, this is but the surface of Mayra Zamora. Her family was of limited means and they decided to leave Mexico and come to the United States so Zamora and her sibling could have a better future. They ended up in a small Texas town called Tivoli and that is where her education began and where she graduated from a class of nine. “I think growing up in a small town helped me become the person that I am,” Zamora said. Zamora had the same art teacher from kindergarten all the way through high school. Even when she did not have class with this teacher she would still go visit during lunch and after school to get ideas and opinions on her latest work. She said this art teacher inspired her and kept her doing artwork which lead to her receiving a scholarship to go to college. Zamora stayed at home drawing most of her childhood until she entered college where she discovered the many different forms of art. “When I was an undergrad I kind of lost my confidence, lost my way,” Zamora said. “I was finding my way and in college I was discovering the difference between an artist and a fine artist.” She finally found her way in an advanced art class with Joe Pena, assistant professor of art at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Once she developed her own style she became more inspired by the Calaveras or Day of the Dead skulls. She has paint-
Greeks host supply drive for local shelter by REED HORTON contributing writer
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photo courtesy of MAYRA ZAMORA
“El Whataburger” was commissioned by the Whataburger corporation for the company owner. The scan, seen here, was resold by Zamora during the Fiesta de la Flor festival.
ed many of these with ties to her and her family. She represents herself with the color purple to show strength and femininity. Her sister is represented with the color yellow and butterflies, which is her favorite animal. Her dad
is represented with the color blue and spider webs, because of his dream to be Spider-man when he was little and her mom is represented with the color turquoise to show where her strength and femininity came from. see ZAMORA on page 9
Pride Alliance comes to campus Students start new gay-straight alliance group by STERLEN KEMP news reporter
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n organization that focuses on the Gay-Straight alliance has been revived at Texas A&M University –Corpus Christi in the form of the Pride Alliance. The Pride Alliance hosted their first meeting at 7 p.m. on April 16 in Island Hall 160. The meeting described the mission and vision for the organization, aiming to provide a safe place for members of the LGBT community. “The purpose of the Pride Alliance is to create a safe place for all people who identify as LGBTQIA etc. or also known as MOGIA people,”
said Chauncey Brandom, founder and president of the Pride Alliance at the Island University. “This is a place for education for allies as well, learning to be a better activist.” The presence of a Gay-Straight Alliance has been inactive for the past few semesters. Many of the previous members graduated and moved on to others things, leaving an absence of an organization that is specialized for members of the LGBT community. “Having a safe place for LGBTQAI students is absolutely necessary,” said Jason Farr, Co-Advisor to the Pride Alliance and assistant professor in the English department at the Island University. “Speaking from personal experience, being able to talk to people
n April 2, Phi Delta Theta and Alpha Gamma Delta held an oncampus community service project on the East Lawn, collecting pet supplies and raising awareness for PALS, a local, no-kill animal shelter. Students were encouraged to leave supplies with the organizations on Thursday, but there will be collection boxes placed in the Faculty Center, Center for Sciences, Center for Instruction, and the Mary and Jeff Bell Library until April 8. Both organizations are proud to be involved with raising awareness and collecting much-needed goods for the animal shelter. Jonathon Le, junior and president of Phi Delta Theta, said the Islander community has an excellent opportunity to impact the Corpus Christi community by participating in this event. “PALS is an excellent mission, but regrettably does not have all the resources to accomplish its goals,” Le said. “As a Greek, it is humbling to be involved with furthering the mission of PALS and helping to save the lives of innocent pets.” Jeena Jimenez, junior and President of Alpha Gamma Delta, voiced a similar sentiment. see PALS on page 3
who are going through similar things is invaluable and empowering.” Many of the newly joined members expressed the need for inclusivity at the Island University. Discussions about educating the public about the LGBT community and how to create a united campus community were some of the topics tossed around. “The Pride Alliance was created out of a need to have a place of support and education here at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi,” according to the Pride Alliance’s website. “Therefore, the Pride Alliance’s argument is: the best activist is an educated one.”
INDEX OPINION 2 | NEWS 3 CAMPUS 5-8 | ENTERTAINMENT 9-12 | SPORTS 13-14
see PRIDE ALLIANCE on page 3
VOLUME 26, ISSUE 13
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ISLAND WAVES
ZAMORA continued from page 1 “You have to be your own critic and always question why,” Zamora said. Zamora graduated from Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2010 and a Masters of Science Secondary Education in 2014. She is also a certified teacher in Art for kinder to 12 grade. Currently she works at the Art Museum of South Texas where she shares her story of becoming an artist. She works other art events such as the Selena Festival and the Good Times Festival this past weekend. Zamora has done pieces upon request for the Blind Owls, a local Corpus Christi band that was invited to SXSW and also for the owner of Whataburger. “Thank you so much Mayra! My little brother loved your art. He took his time admiring it,” said Ceasar Quintanilla, Corpus Christi resident. She will have her first solo show on June 5 at Youga Yoga Studios located at 410 Starr St. in downtown Corpus Christi. This will be alongside the local Artwalk event. “I look forward to the adventure,” Zamora said. On May 7 she will have a show in Austin at the Belmont with other artists, designers, musicians as part of a RAWartists event. On July 3, Zamora will be part of a group exhibition at Produce gallery in downtown Corpus Christi. More information on Mayra Zamora is available at Mira.Mayra.Art on Facebook or by email at miramayraart@yahoo.com.
RIGHT: This piece, “La Virgen,” was done with acrylic on canvas and is 30 x 40 inches (or 3 1/2 feet by 4 feet 4 inches). This was one of many pieces that were done in the Loteria bingo style. There is a hidden code on the edges of her art work and have added meaning once deciphered. BELOW: Zamora poses in front of a piece she created of her favorite artist Frida Kahlo. Frida Kahlo was a Mexican self-portrait artist, who was married to Diego Rivera and is still admired as a feminist icon. The piece is 36 x 48 inches (or 3 by 4 feet) in size. photos courtesy of MAYRA ZAMORA
LEFT: This piece represents her mother and father, note the colors and attributes. This piece was entitled “Mis Padres.” The piece is 8 x 10 inches (or approximately the size of a piece of paper) in size and is done in oil on canvas. BELOW: “Las Hermanas Zamora” is a piece about Zamora and her sister and the bond they share. The colors chosen were to represent each indiviual and add a connect to the people in the painting. The piece is 24 x 24 inches (or 2 by 2 feet) in size and is done in oil on canvas.
Mayra Zamora’s Art: www.instagram.com/miramayraart www.zazzle.com/miramayraart www.etsy.com/shopMayraVivianaZamora www.pinterest.com/MiraMayraArt/ photo courtesy of MARCOS ORLANDO
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ISLAND WAVES
CINEMATHEQUE continued from page 1
photo by AMBER QUAID
Deborah Fullerton talks to the students about what the Art Museum of South Texas offers them.
The main Ping Pong Summer movie poster for 2014.
“We had an opportunity to have really tremendous film makers here and Michael Tully is certainly no exception,” Tyndall said. According to pingpongsummer. com, “Ping Pong Summer” is set in the year 1985. Rad Miracle (Marcello Conte) is a shy 13-yearold white kid who is obsessed with two things: ping pong and hip hop. During his family’s annual summer vacation to Ocean City, Maryland, Rad makes a new best friend, experiences his first real crush, becomes the target of rich local bullies, and finds an unexpected mentor in his outcast next door neighbor (Susan Sarandon). Ping Pong Summer is about that time in ones life when they are treated like an alien by everyone around them, even though they know deep down
photo courtesy of pingpongsummer.com
their as funky fresh as it gets. “My goal was to kind of insert my own,” Tully said, “I grew up in the ‘80s and I wanted to try to make a movie that felt like an artifact from the 80’s.” This movie was shot in 16 days in Maryland with a $1.5 million dollar budget. Tully grew up in Maryland and for one week every summer his family use to go visit Ocean City, this was the basis for the movie. The cast included child actors from the Maryland area as well as Francis Tully, naked man in the sink and Mary Ann Tully, naked man’s wife, who are Michael Tully’s reallife parents. Other cast members included Lea Thompson, award winner for her role in “Back to the Future,” as Rad Miracle’s mother and John Hannah, best known for his
photo by AMBER QUAID
Jacob, editing student, and his wife Terra Erwin enjoy the Q&A session with director Michael Tully.
photo courtesy of pingpongsummer.com
A movie clip of Susan Sarandon as the crazy next door neighbor defending Rad against the bullies.
roles in “The Mummy” and the TV series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” as Rad Miracle’s father. The most recognizable cast member is Oscar Award winner Susan Sarandon, who played the role of the crazy neighbor. “Ping Pong Summer” made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014. “It was fun to watch the ‘80s,” said Islander editing student, Ian Roe. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to get to see films with their filmmakers, hear from them, what it’s like to make these films, how they put the resources together and how they get the projects made,” said Dr. David Gurney, assistant professor and graduate coordinator for the Department of Communication & Media. “It was awesome getting to meet
a real Hollywood filmmaker,” said Islander editing student Jacob Erwin. The Art Museum of South Texas helped bring university students and Tully together for a night of film and getting to know the director. The Art Museum of South Texas is free to all university students, with ID, and this is one of many ways the museum connects with students. “Edward [Tyndall] has brought to the forefront this cornucopia of filmmakers that are doing really relevant things,” said Deborah Fullerton, curator of exhibitions at the Art Museum of South Texas. More information on South Texas Cinémathèque can be found on Facebook or by phone at 8252296. More information on Ping Pong Summer can be found at www.pingpongsummer.com.
Movie theater seating room showcasing the screen where Ping Pong Summer was shown and where Michael Tully talked to Texas A&M students and faculty.
photo by AMBER QUAID
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ISLAND WAVES
Play Review
by AMBER QUAID managing editor
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upercalifragilisticexpialidocious is the only way to describe the newest musical at the Harbor Playhouse. On July 10 the playhouse opened their stage to the Broadway musical “Mary Poppins.” This American musical fantasy brings the story of a household where the father is too busy for family due to his job, the wife has had a status in society change, and the kids are running wild around because of the lack of supervision. That is until there is a change in the wind and Mary Poppins comes along. “A carpetbag, a parrot head umbrella, and a change in the wind can only mean one thing, Mary Poppins,” said Emily Sarah Moore, director. “Mary teaches us that anything can happen if we just get out of our own way and that is what we have tried to do with this production.” The five time Oscar Award winning production of “Mary Poppins” has been turned into a Broadway musical and brought to the Harbor Playhouse stage. Through the direction of Emily Sarah Moore the show filled the house opening night. The show had some minor changes from the original book and movie edition to make it suitable for the stage but still kept all the magic and wonder of the original production.
“I love the way they sing, the whole choreography, the energy,” said San Antonio resident Alma Sherrill. The show consists of two acts and has a 15-minute intermission in between. In act I there are scenes such as “Jolly Holiday” and “A Spoonful of Sugar.” During the intermission there is a lounge to stretch ones legs and a concession stand to curb peoples thirst or appetite. In act II there are scenes such as “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” and “Step in Time.” Throughout the musical there is a man behind the scenes making sure all the music and performance go smoothly. This man is Eli Gonzalez and he making his music director debut with “Mary Poppins.” Gonzalez is a sophomore vo-
cal music major at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and has been involved at the Harbor Playhouse for the past five years. In addition to Gonzalez there is another university student in the production, Sabrina Salizar. She plays the role of Queen Victoria as well a as chimney sweep. The whole cast and crew consists of more than 60 people in total. “I feel so honored to have worked with this amazing cast and production team,” said Gonzalez of his directorial debut. “I was terrified when I started because I had never music directed on my own before. The amount of professionalism and patience they showed me made me feel like I was doing something
photos by Amber Quaid
TOP: The whole new Broadway experience of “Mary Poppins” are captured through excellent performance, costumes and choreography. LEFT: Bert (played by Peter Howard) adds an extra zing to the song “It’s a Jolly Holdiay” with an eyecatching suit and choreography. ABOVE: Mrs. Corry’s talk shop is full of conversation and leads into the Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious song and dance number. RIGHT: Mary Poppins (played by Lauren Moore) gives Jane Banks (played by Cara DeGaish) a spoonful of sugar during the musical number to help clean up the mess.
right. I felt right at home doing what I love. I am so proud of this production. I will never forget this experience.” The show will continue until Aug. 16 with performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday and Saturday performances start at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances begin at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be ordered in advance and are sold at the box office. “The show is incredible,” said Sherrill. The Harbor Playhouse,,annually, hasmore than 700 volunteers, actors, technicians and support staff that give their time.For more information go online to www.harborplayhouse.com or call them at 888-7469.
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04.09.2015
ISLAND WAVES
‘Final Causes’ marks finale of Contemporary Art Month
“Untitled,” a piece in the Vanitas series by Joe Meiser, was on display at KSpace in honor of Contemporary Art Month.
by AMBER QUAID managing editor
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ontemporary Art Month consumed the month of March and with that KSpace showcased many works of art not only in studio but also at businesses around Corpus Christi. Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi was included on this venture with the Weil Gallery and the Islander Art Gallery providing non-profit spaces for artwork display. The culmination of contemporary art month ended with KSpace having 3 art shows at once at their studio during the art walk. The final main show was Joe Meiser’s “Final Causes.” Contemporary Art Month was established in San Antonio and started in 1986 by the director of Southwest School of Art and Craft in what is now the Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum. Then in 2003 Contemporary art month became an independent project. In 2013, Corpus Christi joined the project and is now in its third year. Contemporary Art Month seeks to promote and raise the national profile of contemporary art and artists by organizing and facilitating a monthlong celebration of contemporary art, providing marketing support and by organizing and facilitating public education programs. KSpace showcased many artists throughout the month of March and ended on Joe Meiser’s work. Meiser’s works contain many images with Johnny 5, from the movie “Short Circuit,” within them. Though much of the younger crowd did not know who the robot was, the artwork still called to them. “I think it’s an interesting way to convey robots into artwork,”
said Hannah Grunwald, Texas A&M College Station art student. Others still saw Meiser’s artwork in a completely different way. “Reminds me of video games,” said Rudy Elizondo, Corpus Christi resident. “It’s something different.” “I think it’s about mortality,” said Amanda Sheppard, who is in charge of graphic design for KSpace. Most artwork has a message to the viewer, but it is up to the viewer to interpret what they see. Sometimes the art says the same thing to different people and sometimes it gets opposite views. “I use my artwork to examine philosophies of life and ideas about mortality that come from science, philosophy, and religion,” Meiser said in an artist statement, “often attempting to make sense of narratives that are in conflict.” Joe Meiser earned his BFA from Northern Kentucky University and his MFA at Ohio University. His main art preference is sculpture and installation art but over the last few years he has moved into doing virtual 3-D. He uses photorealistic images and videos, as well as physical sculptures to create his virtual 3-D forms. Meiser lives in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania and teaches courses on sculpture, digital sculpture and drawing at Bucknell University. “While my work addresses serious topics, it is also meant to be humorous,” Meiser said. “Humor helps overcome rigid ways of seeing and facilitates insight.” For more information about KSpace go online at kspacecontemporary.org, call them at 887-6834 or email them at info@kspacecontemporary.org. They are located at 415D Starr Street in downtown Corpus Christi and are
open from Wednesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. For more information about Joe Meiser visit at cargocollective.com/
photo by AMBER QUAID
joemeiser or email him at joemeiser@ gmail.com.
End of a journey Media production track holds student film showcase
photo by Amber Quaid
Honoring Master level
achievement by AMBER QUAID managing editor
photo by Amber Quaid
The four final directors for the student film showcase talk about their movies along side Professor Edward Tyndall.
by AMBER QUAID managing editor
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ach semester the Media Production Track Student Showcase offers students an opportunity to screen their coursework to live audiences in a theatrical environment. On May 15 at the South Texas Art Museum four directors, one editing 1 student and one professor gathered to present their works to more than 50 audience members. Selective inclusion in the showcase provides students with networking opportunities and serves as a portfolio-building event. “Most of them were having nervous breakdowns through it but they made it” Edward Tyndall, Assistant professor of media production,
said. “I think it went fantastic.” The four directors include, by order of presentation, Carlos Cooper who directed Ø (stands for minuscule), Albert Mendez who directed “Portraits of an Imaginary Lover”, Carlos Flores who directed Nefarious and Edward Montez who directed Lucid. Cooper’s film was a journey through the feelings and ideas of a girl for a moment in time. This one was more abstract than the other films but the emotional content was still there. “I was thinking about what it would be like to experience different things,” Cooper said about his film. “I love the diversity of all the films and I thought they were creative,” said Haley Haaker, a graduate student of the counseling program.
Mendez’s film was about an intimate look at two people who meet and how the audience picture what will happen next. Through intimate lighting he created a feeling to the film to add to the romantic ambiance. “I had red lighting on one side and used a black light on the other side of the couch to create the effect,” Mendez said. “Mine was based on this universal feeling, that I think that we all feel, where we see someone that we like but we don’t really act on it.” The film showed how one person can have feelings for another and how they picture their interactions to be but in the end it is all in our head with no actions taken. Next was see FILM on page 3
Paying for college is as easy as ROTC
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi held its bi-annual hooding ceremony on May 15 in the new University Center. There were three hooding ceremonies scheduled but due to weather conitions only two of the ceremonies were held. The two ceremonies that took place were the College of Education and the Master of Arts in English with the College of Science and Engineering having to reschedule. The College of Education had 11 Doctoral degree candidates with 46 Master’s degree candidates (ranging from counseling to kinesology to special education). The Master of Arts in English had five Master degree candidates. “I am glad to be standing here on the other side,” said master’s degree candidate Christina Hardegree. Hardegree coordinated the hooding ceremony for the English department and talked to the other candidates about SAGES and what the future holds for them. Other speakers at the hooding ceremonies included Dr. Paul Meyer, Vice Provost, Dean Dr. Arthur Hernandez, Dr. JoAnn Canales, Dr. Frank Lucido, Dr. Molly Engelhardt, Dr. Glenn Blalock, Dr. Cristina Kriklighter and Dr. Diana Cardenas. see MASTER on page 4
Leadership and learning to push oneself is the keys to success by GERI LEMMONS feature Reporter
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he ROTC program here at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is all about leadership and leaning to push one’s self in everything they do. It can pay for college tuition and give someone a lifetime worth of skills that they can take along with him or her through out their college experience. With many different opportunities to better oneself in this program along with scholarships and many other things, the ROTC program has
INDEX OPINION 2 | NEWS 3
so much to offer. The types of students they are looking for are students who are willing to go above average and strive to be better. They are great athletes and scholars and students with a high drive for success. Someone can also join the ROTC program as an elective their freshman and sophomore year without any oblation to join the army. People taking ROTC as an elective will be able to learn skills and figure out what they want to do and whether or not they want to join or not. They are looking for intelligent students who can think critically, are adaptable,
CAMPUS 4
and who have a desire to serve this great country. Bea Gamboa is a MS1 cadet here at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. This is her first semester in the ROTC program here at the school. She said that the reason why she decided to join ROTC was because she wanted to experience the opportunity that awaited her in the program here. “The hardest part was learning all the military terms when I had no experience or any close relatives that could help me. It has taught me the
ENTERTAINMENT 5 | SPORTS 6-7 |
see ROTC on page 3
VOLUME 26, ISSUE 16
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Deadlegs Entertainment presents the sounds of Corpus Christi by AMBER QUAID managing editor
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n 2014 a group of guys got together with their love of music to create Deadlegs Entertainment. This Corpus Christi based company searches for local and regional talent to perform at events to showcase their abilities. Their next event is Mar. 14 for a spring break event known as “Bass Break,” to be performed at the House of Rock located at 511 Starr Street. “We have had the opportunity to work with Deadlegs Entertainment a couple of times and we are looking forward to the upcoming Bass Break event on Mar. 14,” said Casey Lain, owner and manager of House of Rock. “‘Bass Break’ is a little different style of show than we host on a regular basis. We have always been interested in different types of live entertainment and art in general. ‘Bass Break’ will offer a unique experience that we are happy to be a part of.” Roger, his brother Eric Briones and a friend, Hunter Orrick, got together to create Deadlegs Entertainment as a way to bring the masses of Corpus together with local talent such as Ragyd and BENVY. “Keep business local,” Roger Briones, managing member of Deadlegs, said.
Deadlegs Entertainment created its name based on the idea that when someone goes to dance to music at a venue and they are having so much fun they dance all night and the next day their legs are dead, therefore Deadlegs was born. All three managing members of Deadlegs went to Ray High School with Roger and Hunter being Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students, giving them a local connection throughout their youth. This connection to the community is what gave them the idea for the company. “We wanted to combine our passion for music and help cultivate a good music experience and a good art experience here in Corpus Christi,” said Eric Briones, managing member of Deadlegs Entertainment, “because it is a beautiful city with so much potential.” The EDM or electronic dance music is a very popular form of music and Deadlegs wanted to bring it to Corpus in March. The headliner for the spring break event is PSYMBiONiC, out of Austin. Three of the four local Dj’s at the event are Ragyd, a University Alumni, and BENVY and GOLDSTEIN who are current Texas A&M students. All the Dj’s will be performing their own style of EDM. “I want to move the masses,” DJ
GOLDSTEIN said. “Even if you have heard this music, you haven’t heard it like this before.” Goldstein’s style is a little of everything, where BENVY focuses mainly on house music and Ragyd has more of a reggae tone. “I love doing this so much that I sometimes get behind on other things,” DJ BENVY said of producing his music. There is a little of something for everyone. The show will include a full laser light presentation and a live interactive art piece, a model. “We bring a presence to Corpus Christi where we felt there was an absence,” Briones said. Bringing together people who really love music is the goal of
Deadlegs Entertainment. “Even if you’re not into EDM, or if you’re apprehensive on the thought about it, just come out,” DJ GOLDSTEIN said, “because believe it or not EDM has influence from everywhere else and that why people like EDM.” GOLDSTEIN plays every Friday at the club Recess and BENVY plays every Friday at the Boathouse Bar and Grill. For more information on Deadlegs Entertainment go online to www.deadlegsentertainment. com and for House of Rock go online to www.texashouseofrock.com or call them at 882-7625.
photo courtesy of DeadLegs Entertainment
DeadLegs Entertainment managing members (left to right) Eric Briones, Hunter Orrick, Roger Briones.
photo courtesy of DeadLegs Entertainment photo courtesy of House of Rock
DJ BENVY putting on a show for a crowd at DLE Bass Headz during a Texas tour.
All rights reserved:
Visiting law professor explains copyright laws by AMBER QUAID managing editor
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opyright violation, visual arts and courtrooms, these three items were the basis of a lecture, “Appropriately Appropriated: A Primer on Visual Arts and the Law,” given by B. Courtney Doagoo, PhD candidate at the University of Ottawa. The Department of Art presented the guest lecturer on Feb.16 at 7 p.m. in the Center for Instruction. “Professor Doagoo will discuss the purpose of copyright as it applies to cultural producers and the visual arts,” said Laura Petican, Assistant Professor for the Department of Art and Gallery Director. “Copyright prevents the unauthorized use of works, yet very few creators actually know about the laws that affect them.” Doagoo has learned law in both Canada and the United States, obtaining her master’s degree in New York. Her current PhD focus, fashion norms and the law. Doagoo is currently the Editor in chief for the Center for Art Law. She has attended many roundtables and conferences. Doagoo has been teaching classes such as arts and the law, arts and cultural property law and arts and entertainment law. She states that her lecture is not intended to give legal advice but to make people “aware of these concepts and terms.” “You’ll hear it on the news and automatically go this pertains to copyright,” Doagoo said. This is not always the case however. There is a limitation known as fair use. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary fair use is defined as “a legal concept that allows the reproduction of copyrighted material for
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photo courtesy of JEAN-MARC CARISSE
Keeping with this year’s theme of “Now and Forever Islanders,” pictured above is the 2014 Home-
certain purposes without obtaining permission and without paying a fee or royalty. Purposes permitting the application of fair use generally include review, news reporting, teaching, or scholarly research.” Examples of fair use are basically
if one were using satire, or work independently created or using it for college classes. “A lot of people know the term copyright but aren’t too sure what it means,” Doagoo said. see COPYRIGHT on page 3
Program partners with SES to celebrate African American History month
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n Feb. 17, the Office of Student Success and Engagement partnered with the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (or TACHE) to host a community panel discussion in celebration of AfricanAmerican History Month. The panel discussed the aspects of race and education on a city, national and global scale. The community discussion panel comprised of three speakers: Dr. Bilaye Benibo, Sociology Professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Dr. LaTricia Johnson, a Texas board-
University hosts Spirit Team Youth Clinic by GERI LEMMONS features reporter
TACHE hosts annual discussion panel by STERLIN KEMP news reporter
page 9
certified Superintendent and educator in the public school system in Corpus Christi, and Sharon Lewis, a certified environmental and safety compliance officer who has spent 20 years in the Environmental Affairs department for the city of Corpus Christi. “We hope students will see the problems that are discussed on a national level pertaining to race, education, and environmental justice can be found right here in our community,” said Professor Andrea MontalvoHamid, who is an assistant professor of English and the interim president for the Island University’s TACHE Chapter. “This is not something out of
their reach, and I think it is important to bring this to light so they can see the effects of systematic, institutionalized racism.” Benibo explained the benefits of those who choose to pursue higher education. He said with statistical evidence, that those who go into college and obtain a bachelors degree will be more employable, more financially stable, and will often live longer than those we do not. “Education really does matter,” Benibo said. “There is every reason to be educated. Even the most bigoted person must agree that education is in the best interest of our nation.” see TACHE on page 3
INDEX NEWS 3-4 | CAMPUS 5-6 ENTERTAINMENT 7-9 | SPORTS 10-11 | FEATURES 12
n Feb. 14 the Islander spirit teams hosted a spirit youth clinic for grades K-12. At this event the participants were split into age groups and were taught cheers, chants and dances by the cheer and dance teams. After the clinic was over the participants had the opportunity to show off their new skills at the basketball game. This is the seventh year that they have hosted this clinic, but it is the first year that they are allowing high school to attend. The clinic serves as a fundraiser for the spirit teams to help them pay for feature expenses as the year progresses. This clinic brought in girls of all ages and they all were very excited to work so closely with the cheerleaders and the dancers helping out. When the clinic was over each of the participants put on their matching pink shirts and stood out with the spirit teams during the game. They stood there and cheered their hearts out as the game progressed. Whether it was holding up signs or holding the pompoms the participants were very excited to cheer not only for the girls basketball team but to cheer alongside their coaches for a day. Some sat on the cheerleader’s shoulders and some stunted during the game. They all showed off their skills in front of a crowd full of parents and loyal Islander fans. see CHEER CLINIC on page 6
Find us on Facebook:
www.facebook/IslandWaves VOLUME 26, ISSUE 6
Artwalk for all walks of life
Bringing life back to downtown Corpus Christi
Food Truck feature
see on page 6
Seinfeld rocks Corpus Christi by JESSE DE LEON graduate adviser
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by AMBER QUAID managing editor
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he first Friday of every month in Downtown Corpus Christi is invaded by artists of all calibers for the Corpus Christi Downtown Art Walk. From painters to craftsmen to musicians to food vendors, no two artists are alike. The Art Walk begins at La Retama Park filling the park and surrounding streets with artists and vendors from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. “I come to the art walk to get my art out there and to meet people interested in art,” Jessica Abshier, art walk vendor, said. The ArtWalk began in August
2010 and continues to hold monthly festivities with over 100 vendors and thousands of patrons. The Art Walk begins at 5:30 with all vendors set up and musical entertainment provided. There are also numerous food vendors available including individual stations with homemade food such as cheeses or jams, hot food vendors selling tacos or items on a stick, food trucks of all varieties and some that just have free coffee. Artwork ranging from mounted photos, to stickers, ceramic tiles, crafted items, signs, and TV show paintings of famous actors, to name a few, are part of what can be found
photo by AMBER QUAID
in the main area. There is also a tunnel that showcases individually recognized artists work. The tunnel was built in 1929 and reopened by the ArtWalk in 2012 as part of its second anniversary. However due to recent issues inside the tunnel, the tunnel will be closed only for a short time but should reopen soon.“We love that downtown is changing and bringing the community together, while supporting local businesses,” said local Corpus Christi resident, Sidero Gkantsinikoudis Fenner. The ArtWalk is part of the Downtown Management District or the see ARTWALK on page 3
erry Seinfeld needs no introduction. Really. He doesn’t. Perhaps that is why he just ran on stage from seemingly out of nowhere when he performed at the Selena Auditorium on Friday, July 24. His surprising arrival was met with a thunderous wave of cheering and applause as he grabbed the microphone off of its stand and said, “Calm down! It’s just me…not the other three!” That sly reference to his former television cohorts, as well as a passing mention of “that television show” were the only times he referred to his phenomenally successful sitcom. Instead, Seinfeld delivered his signature analysis of the mundane in that instantlyrecognizable deadpan voice that somehow makes it all even more hilarious. read more on Seinfeld at ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM
Third Coast National Juried Art Exhibit
Artists embrace stardom from competition wins by AMBER QUAID managing editor
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-Space held its ninth annual Third Coast National juried art exhibit on Aug. 7. There were 528 images submitted by 178 artists from all over the USA and a panel narrowed it down to 46 works of art by 35 artists. In the end the judges selected only five winners. INDEX OPINION 2 | NEWS 3
“This show always has the highest caliber of art and I just love being a part of it,” said Austin based artist Leslie Kell. “This year they took three of my pieces.” Kell was one of two artists selected to have three pieces entered into the exhibit. Kell has worked out of Austin for the last 25 years and considers her art style to be “Fine Art Collage and Mixed Media: Creating
CAMPUS 4
wow moments through the contemporary medium of digital art.” There were many artists on hand for opening night of the exhibit to meet and greet with patrons and Kell was one of these artists. There was also an artist from Houston, Lorena Morales who had one of her pieces Celeste in the exhibit. Celeste
ENTERTAINMENT 6 | S PORTS 7 | ADS 8
see K-SPACE on page 4
VOLUME 26, ISSUE 19
2
opinion
ISLAND WAVES
a student publication of
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
island waves staff
08.20.2015
The Freshman 15
AMBER QUAID
managing editor
JAMIE FINK web editor
KELSEY FLORES copy editor
JUSTIN NGUYEN
advertising assistant
LUIS GOMEZ
advertising assistant
THI NGUYEN
layout assistant
KARA HERRERA layout assistant
GERI LEMMONS
features reporter
VIVIEN SANCHEZ news reporter
WENDY MOORE faculty adviser
AMY KOTULSKI staff adviser
by GERI LEMMONS features reporter
A
fter ending my first year in college I realized that I ate a lot of fast food. JESSE DE LEON graduate adviser I would find myself eating the stuff for breakfast lunch and dinner and not even contact us realizing it. Eating healthy was something that 6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5783 I thought about but did not really do Corpus Christi, TX 78412 because I did not have the time and just wanted something quick and easy (361) 825-5862 when I came home from a long day of school. Restaurants likeWhataburger, write us a letter McDonalds, Sonic and many others The Island Waves were my go to places when I got out of accepts letters no class at 6:45 p.m. longer than 250 words. Letters are subject to I did not really have a meal plan editing. Send letters to because I did not live on campus and the editor via email at: therefore was not aware of what the editor@tamucc.edu. school had to offer when it came to types of food. I had a kitchen in my apartment about island waves but I was too lazy to make my own food. The Island Waves is After my first semester I came home a student-produced for Christmas break and was so happy publication at Texas about finally being able to eat home A&M University-Corpus cooked meals. Although my parents did Christi. The newspaper is printed weekly, except not say it, I know they noticed the weight during summer sesthat I put on from all that fast food that I sions. ate that first semester. Since A&M-Corpus I even noticed this when I was trying Christi has no journalto put on clothes that worked for me ism department, Island before I had left for college and now Waves is supported by student fees and they were fitting completely different. I advertising sales. decided when I come back to school I Any student or Universi- would change the way I eat and actually ty employee may submit learn how to be a healthier student. material for publicaIn my opinion it was my fault that tion consideration. To I did not pay attention when it came become a contributor, e-mail or call the Island to what I was putting in my body. My Waves editor. family is very conscious as to what they eat and what is good for a person’s body. They had made those decisions for me while I was living with them for 17 years. Now it was up to me and I had no clue IslandWaves what I was doing. When I was at home @IslandWavesToGo
if I wanted chips, ice cream or any other unhealthy thing, my parents had the brand that did not have as many carbs or sugar. When it came to fast food, my parents only ate it once a week, if that. It seems to me that a bunch of students go through the same problem that I did. Students are taught to study, go to bed early and make sure to go to class. However, when it comes to knowing what is good for us and our health it is a little harder. Now that I know what I know, I want
to make sure that what happened to me my first year of college will not happen again. I noticed that when I came home and started to eat better I had more energy and lost the weight I had gained in no time at all. My parents did a great job preparing me for what was next when it came to school. I was able to face and conquer all the challenges head on and it made me a better person at the end of the day. Now my goal is to not only be a good student but also to be a healthy one, too.
7 tips to avoid the Freshman 15 by KARA HERRERA layout assistant
1. Watch your alcohol intake: Slows down matabolism which eventually leads to weight gain. 2. Limit your sugar: You need to watch your sugar intake more than calories. 3. No more bread: If bread is an unavoidable option switch to whole grain. 4. Exercise: It is hard to find time to excercise when you are a full-time student, but even half an hour daily can help maintain a healthier lifestyle. 5. Eat your Breakfest: It’s the most important meal of the day, so do not skip out. 6. Stay away from stress: Stress = to weight gain. 7. Green tea is awesome: Burns fat, increases metabolism and is rich in antioxidants.
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news
08.20.2015
ISLAND WAVES
ARTWALK continued from page 1
Blind Owls performed music off of their new CD and a little from their old school set. The Blind Owls will be releasing their debut EP that has eight songs on Sept. 19 and will also be hosting a release party that night at the N.A.S.A. For information about the ArtWalk one can find it either online at www.artwalkcc.com, on their Facebook page, or even by phone at 361-882-2363.
photos by AMBER QUAID
Jennifer Abshier shows off some of her custom artwork to curious patrons during the Corpus Christi August Artwalk.
DMD that brings together the downtown community to share local art and connect businesses. According to the art walk and Art Center of Corpus Christi websites, “the DMD brings together 11 Galleries, 60 plus businesses, plus a chance to win free art, mixed in with talented artists, music and refreshments. Rides on the DTown tram are free with on board entertainment
to experience the true spirit of ArtWalk or take the RTA Art Walk Express to see the artistic influences beyond the central downtown area. There is free entry to Art Museum of South Texas, Museum of Science & History, and Asian Cultures Museum during the evening of the art walk.” Also on street parking is free after 6 p.m. “We’ve been going for
over a year,” said 14-year-old Corpus Christi resident, Sam Muilenburg, “it’s just something fun to do. We hang out, eat food and I buy stuff.” The ArtWalk also has varying live music that is played all night. Some musicians are part of the ArtWalk and some are just street vendors that show up to entertain during the festivities. During the August ArtWalk the
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campus
08.20.2015
ISLAND WAVES
KSPACE continued from page 1
is part of a larger series entitled “The Drama Series.” This series includes art pieces where each one has a title of a Latin America tele nóvela. Lorena Morales was born in Venezuela and has resided in the United States for the past 11 years. She uses the influences of nature from various locations in her artwork. “I show how one color relates to another color in the natural world,” Morales said. The exhibition was judged by three local judges, Deborah Fullerton Dunn, Curator of Exhibition at the Art Museum of South Texas, Rich Gere, Chair of the Department of Art at Texas A&M University-CC, and Ken Rosier, Chair of the Department of Art and Drama. The judges were selected based on their accomplishments, skills and understanding of art. According to the K-Space website, Fullerton-Dunn has been with the Art Museum of South Texas for 21 years serving as Education Outreach Coordinator, Curator of Education and Curator of Exhibitions where she has served for 10 years. During her tenure Fullerton-Dunn has overseen the curation and installation of more than 100 temporary and permanent collection exhibitions, juried shows and offsite exhibits. Fullerton-
State University, and University of Oklahoma. Ken teaches ceramics at Del Mar College. “I love the use of color and form in each of the pieces,” said Corpus Christi resident Jennifer Tamayo. “I enjoy the events KSpace puts together for the public.” The winners of the Third Coast National were: Best in Show“Bouy #30” by Bill Price, second place- “Primitive” by Phyllis Finley, third place- “untitled Scape/ Façade 2015” by Dennis Kemmerer, fourth placephotos by AMBER QUAID Artist Leslie Kell poses in front of her artwork for a patron that enjoys her work. “We Have Been Waiting for You” by Sean Lyman” Dunn holds a Bachelor of Fine Art Grant and a Hambidge Fellowship and fifth place- “Abby degree from Corpus Christi State at the Hambidge Center for Creative Rain” by Julie Carey. University and a Master of Art Arts and Sciences, Rabun Gap GA. The exhibition will be on degree in Digital Media. Rosier has been a practicing display from Aug. 7 until Sept. Gere’s work has appeared in ceramicist for more than 35 years. 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. KSpace more than 150 juried solo and He produces functional wheel work is located at 415D Starr Street in group exhibitions across the United and hand-formed raku objects. His downtown Corpus Christi. For States, Europe, Mexico and Asia. In work may be found in homes and more information about KSpace addition Gere has curated dozens institutional collections such as or the exhibit go online to http:// of exhibitions in the southeast and the Art Museum of South Texas, kspacecontemporary.org/ or call France. Gere taught at Tusculum University of North Texas, Arizona them by phone at 361-887-6834. College, Walters State and Virginia Intermont and Savannah College of Art and Design where he built the School of Fine Arts Print Media program. Recent honors include a City of Atlanta Individual Artist
Houston artist Lorena Morales takes a moment to view some of the featured artwork entitled ‘Thread and Stick.’
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entertainment
08.20.2015
ISLANDER ISLAND WAVES
CASINO NIGHT by JAMIE FINK web editor
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slander Athletics kicked off the 2015-2016 academic and athletic school year with their third annual Islander Athletic Fund Casino Night. Casino Night took place on Aug. 8, inside the newly renovated Anchor Ballroom with a sold out house of Islander staff, coaches, friends, supporters and alumni. “Casino Night allows a bunch of different groups of people to get together, relax, enjoy good food, and just have fun,” said Carol Wilson Islander Athletic Fund Board of Directors member. “It’s just a great addition to the rest of the fundraisers that we put on throughout the year.” During the event, patrons and guests were treated to a live auction, accompanied by a house full of silent auction items, a bid-board auction, a buffet diner catered by Russo’s New York Pizzeria, and finally a complete casino-style game floor. In an online article, Director of Athletics Scott Lazenby commented on the event saying, “Everyone I spoke with had an absolute blast with everything, from the auctions to the casino games to just socializing with our coaches, staff and fellow supporters.” The event raised nearly $40,000 for the Islander student athletes’ scholarships according to Lazenby. Each year, Casino Night also recognizes the person who is able to accumulate the most chips during the evening. This year, Islanders Basketball pep band director
Kenneth Iyescas took home the honors of Casino Night’s top gamer after winning 103,500 in chips. The Islander Athletic Fund (IAF) is the official fundraising organization of the A&M-Corpus Christi Athletic programs. All donations received are applied toward student-athlete tuition, room and board, textbook expenses and academic fees. It also helps these student athletes go out and continue to compete for championships. “Just to know that this many people support Islander Athletics that is special to the players, “ said Islander Tennis head coach Steve Moore. “That’s what makes you compete extra hard.” For more information about Islander Athletics or the Islander Athletic Fund, contact the IAF office by phone at 361-825-3237 or visit online at www.goislanders. com/IAF
PICTURED BELOW: Islander alumni and former Islander athlete O.B. Garcia participates in a round of Blackjack with friends and guests at the third annual Islander Athletic Fund Casino Night.
Live auctioneer Wes Hoskins, from 1st Community Bank encourages patrons to bid on a custom Islanders Igloo cooler. photos by JAMIE FINK
PICTURED ABOVE: Patrons test thier luck in a game of craps as they compete to receive the honor of Casino Night’s top gamer. PICTURED LEFT: Henry and Sylvia Lamb watch the ball go round and round as Izzy looks on in support. PICTURED BELOW: Izzy the Islander tries to help First Year Seminar professor Amy Carter win big during a game of craps.
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entertainment
08.20.2015
ISLAND WAVES
photo courtesy of deviantart.com
by JAMIE FINK web editor
A
fter nine years of working for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Nicole Kindzirsky’s love for food was just too strong to keep her on the island. So she packed up belongings and with her husband Roman by her side, she opened up her very own food truck in Corpus Christi. D’Lish Foods is more than just a food truck, it is changing the way people in Corpus Christi experience food. “The heart of every house I have ever been in has been the kitchen, whether my grandmothers, my mothers, or even my own, said D’Lish co-owner and executive chef Nicole Kindzirsky. “ When I moved to Corpus, I found that there is really a different standard for food and I really wanted to change that. Kindzirsky said she jokingly, yet seriously, told people how mediocre the food in Corpus was and couldn’t believe that the people here actually settled to eat it. “I really want people to say no to mediocre food,” Kindzirsky said. “So what my husband and I are doing is trying to put out a really great, restaurant quality product from our truck that shows people that they never have to settle for mediocre food.” The Kindzirsky’s have a combined restaurant experience of about 10 to 15 years, with Roman contributing 15 years of experience. Despite the lack of restaurant experience from Nicole, the Kindzirsky’s are accomplishing exactly what they sought out to do which was to help eliminate mediocre food from
Corpus Christi. D’Lish is spreading the passion that Kindzirskys has always had for food. D’Lish Foods Find them on Facebook at D’Lish Foods and on Instagram @ dlishfoodscc. Owner: Nicole & Roman Kindzirsky Food truck’s concept: “Our food truck is an Asian Fusion menu combined with fresh local food. We partner with the downtown farmers market and Grow Local South Texas. I team up with local farmers to give the closest grown product to my customers.” What do you want for the future of your food truck: “I can possibly see more than one food truck in my future. I think the thing that separates me from my competitors is that I don’t limit myself to my truck. We have several catering orders that we do every week. I just see myself going beyond the walls of my truck.” Do you offer dessert: “Not currently, but we are working on getting some desserts set up.” Do you use social media: “We use Facebook as our main source of communication to let our customers know where we are going to be and what kind of specials we might have for that week. We have also started using Instagram. In fact, we are doing an Instagram challenge, where we are asking our customers to take pictures of themselves with our food and then by using a hashtag and tagging us in the photo they are automatically entered and that enters them into a weekly contest to win a free appetizer.” How important are your customers: “Our customers are our lifeline, without them we have nothing.
Because we are so new, our customers are the ones who are spreading the word. They are helping push us to being even bigger and better.” What their fans have said: “They said our food is restaurant quality food that Corpus Christi has been missing. I’m bringing customers fresh, local food that chain restaurants and even some
photo by JAMIE FINK
local restaurants aren’t doing. I’m bringing people locally grown food that tastes great.” Best Seller or Most Popular item: “I would say our best seller is our Lumpia Shanghai, which is our Filipino egg rolls. We also always have rice bowls. We like to change up the protein and the vegetables that come with that to keep it fresh.”
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sports
08.20.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Behind the bleachers: An inside look at TAMUCC athletics Ask any athlete what his or her ultimate goal is when venturing into a new season and most of them ith each new school comes will say the same thing: to win a new goals and wishes. championship. But here at the Inevitably challenges will present Island University their priorities themselves and obstacles will have transcend the glory of winning a to be sumounted. A new school is championship. The coaches and staff a fresh start to strive to do things that train these students emphasize better than the year before. The same philosophies and same challenges apply to the athletic programs of Texas A&M University– Corpus Christi. The Department of Athletics has seen a major overhaul and growth over the last decade and a half. New practice and training facilities have emerged and the university continues to add sports to its athletics program. Beach volleyball (also known as sand volleyball) is an up-andcoming sport in the NCAA and is gaining popularity as more and more schools sponsor it. The team will be composed of some of the current members of the indoor volleyball team. Beach volleyball unlike indoor volleyball is played during the spring instead of the fall. New sand volleyball courts have been erected at the Dugan track stadium for training and competitions. Two of the major challenges that plague the Department of Athletics are insufficient space to construct future training facilities and a meager budget. “Probably the number one challenge of any athletic director, even when it’s at the big BCS schools is budget,” said Scott Lazenby, the Director of Athletics at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. “For us, we’re limited on what our budget is, based on fundraising and those types of things, so you have to be creative and you’ve got to have good staff to help you be creative with the limited budget you have.” The Department of Athletics would like to embark on new construction projects, such as the renovation of the basketball courts. This promotes the expansion and growth of not only their sports, but also the university as a whole. But in order to do that the funds need to be secured. “We’ve got some things on the back burner we’re working on, but nothing we’ve officially announced yet,” Lazenby said. “Eventually we need to get baseball and softball off the island and moved to the Momentum Campus because the university really needs that green space. It’s the last real green space, and they need it to expand, so that will eventually get moved over there, hopefully within the next two years. It’s a matter of fundraising.” by ISAAC PAGE contributing writer
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the importance of completing their education and promoting values and morals to these young collegiate athletes. “Our mission is to develop young people, see them graduate and send them back out into the world as productive citizens,” Lazenby said. “To me the winning of the
championships and playing is the number two goal, and the number one goal is getting the degree.” With each new school comes new goals and wishes. Inevitably challenges will present themselves. A new school is a fresh start to strive to do things better than the year before.
photo courtesy of TAMUCC.EDU
photo courtesy of TAMUCC.EDU
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Plan CC 2035 emerges The city’s 20-year development plan has finalized
photo by Amber Quaid
Open Mic Spotlights Local Talent by JESSE DE LEON graduate adviser
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photo courtesy of Plan CC
Mayor Nelda Martinez looks over the plans for the area affected by Plan CC 2035.
by AMBER QUAID managing editor
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orpus Christi is about to have a 20-year plan that changes the way downtown looks, feels and incorporates living space. The plan called Plan CC 2035 has detailed the improvements and changes that will take place in the downtown area for the public to review. June 15 was the last day to review and submit comments on the plan to have an answer given to the community before it was finalized. Throughout this year the city planning committee has held several open houses and public meetings to discuss the plan in detail, to have a Q&A session and to answer any questions that
they were unable to be answered in the previous meeting. “Does ‘growth’ in Plan CC mean development on vacant and agricultural land—also known as ‘greenfield development’--or redevelopment of vacant or underutilized sites in the older parts of the city?” Annika Gunning, city project manager, responded “Plan CC provides for balanced growth over 20 years through infill and redevelopment, greenfield development within the current city limits, and through planned development of selected areas for annexation. Plan CC envisions both the development of walkable, urban villages with diverse housing types and conventional single family subdivisions.” This question had numerous inqui-
ries and many Corpus Christi residents wanted to know about the green impact of the plan. There were also many questions as to how this would affect the college community and the youth of the city. “Do you think that there will be a youth voice for the next generation in raising the bar for education and developing the city?” “There are groups like the Young Professionals of the Coastal Bend that are already working to improve Corpus Christi,” Gunning said. “But it would be wonderful to see more young people active in efforts to improve educational achievement and create a more vibrant city.” see PLAN CC on page 3
Soccer camp in full swing for summer
ong before there were glitzy television showcases like American Idol and The Voice, there were the more down-to-earth gatherings held at countless coffee houses and live music venues across the country which were commonly known as “open mic nights.” These rather unassuming and more accessible opportunities to grab the spotlight were designed to give local singers, musicians and performers an opportunity to experience what it was like to face a live audience while getting more than a little attention. It is a longstanding tradition that is still practiced today at local venues like Corpus Christi’s House of Rock. The popular downtown venue enthusiastically welcomes fledgling singers and up-and-coming songwriters, as well as a wide variety of performance artists when it hosts its highly popular Open Mic Night every Tuesday evening. “We try to keep the local music scene alive and this is a great way to get everyone together,” said Stephanie Garcia, one of House of Rock’s managers, who also serves as the venue’s marketing and public relations representative. see MIC on page 5
Community, kids brought together through skills, hardwork by GERI LEMMONS feature Reporter
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his summer soccer is having a soccer camp for boys and girls ages 5-16 and 13-18 at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi at the Dr. Jack Dugan Family Soccer and Track Stadium. One of these camps will be held in June while another one will be held in July. The first camp will be June 9-12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The second
INDEX OPINION 2 | NEWS 3
camp will be July 13-16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the third summer that the Islander soccer team will be hosting these camps along with some clinics that provide help for prospective athletes who want to gain more skills in regards to soccer. Anne Houliston, the assistant women’s soccer coach, said that their camps provide a fun and safe environment where kids can learn and develop their soccer skills. It gives
CAMPUS 4
kids “the opportunity to interact and learn how to work within a team.” Using their players as coaches provides each child with a role model that they can aspire to be like. “It provides us the opportunity to work closely with kids in the community,” Houliston said. “It allows us to show off our beautiful campus and facilities to parents/participants. As we are growing as a program it is
ENTERTAINMENT 5 | SPORTS 7-8 |
see Soccer on page 7
VOLUME 26, ISSUE 17
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homecoming
02.19.2015
ISLAND WAVES
by AMBER QUAID managing editor
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exas A&M University-Corpus Christi opened its doors to the first freshman class in the Fall of 1994. Allowing this set of freshmen to pave the path for future generations. One of those freshmen is Stephanie Box, A&M-Corpus Christi’s University Housing officer. “The reintroduction in 1994 of freshmen and sophomores breathed new life into the University. It brought heightened vitality and a sense of renewal,” said Dr. Thomas H. Kreneck in his book entitled “Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: The Island University. Box graduated with Bachelor’s in History in 1998 and continued on at the University to graduate with her Master’s in Public Administration in 2000, making her a Texas A&MCorpus Christi two-time alumni. She is also certified to teach secondary education (Junior-High and High School). After graduating with her Bachelors, Box began to work on campus as a grad assistant and in 2000 became a full-time employee at the University. Box was the Assistant Director of Student Activities until 2011 and from 2011-2014 was the Director of the Honors Program. In 2015 Box is currently the new University Housing Officer. Box was a graduate of Katy High school and chose the University because of the opportunity to help shape and mold the freshman program. “(It’s) a great experience being in the first class and having a say in what happens and what goes on for years to come,” Box said. The first classes Box attended she noted how the teachers and students alike were adjusting to the freshmen college experience. The freshmen
had never been in an environment like this before and the teachers, having taught junior and senior level classes for many years, had to adjust to teaching freshmen. The big change that had to happen was less lecturing. “We didn’t want to listen to lectures, we want to be interactive,” Box said. Box became involved throughout the campus as an Island Ambassador, as part of C.A.B., volleyball club and reffing. Through these interactions the freshman class brought to the university 3-D interactive goggles, making the campus more freshmen friendly and a University Center fee. “Our class had voted to approve a UC fee,” Box said. “We might never have had or had a different UC if we never approved that.” Some differences between now and then that Box has seen is the
COMING HOME continue from page 8 in their most dapper outfits to play games such as Blackjack and Poker in a moneyless Casino. It’s a night that will be filled with fun and prizes. On the 26, the school puts on its annual “Lighting of the I” ceremony. A line of speakers from the “Student Government Association” to the Islander Basketball coaches come come out to hype the crowd in addition to telling the story behind the symbol before setting it ablaze in a beautiful spectacle. On the 27, the “Friday Fiesta,” an event sponsored by the SGA, invites students out for food and fun activities once more in the lead up to the homecoming parade and the big game. The biggest day of them all is Feb. 28, which sees the University kickoff the parade starting at People’s street before ending at the American Bank Center on Shoreline Blvd. Every year sees various student organizations on campus competing to outclass one another with extravagant floats. The parade is the oldest tradition of the Island University, having started way back when it was the University of Corpus Christi. For many years, the homecoming parade was an annual tradition for the UCC until
Hurricane Celia, a catastrophic storm that occurred in 1970 destroyed the campus, leaving it in a state of disrepair. The following year, the Texas state legislature passed a bill that established the campus as Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. It wasn’t until 2006 that the University finally revived the tradition that is now entering its ninth year. Assistant Director of the UC and Student Activities, Amy Kotulski reminisced on previous years. “There’s a lot of participation from the students,” Kotulski said. “One year, a team decorated a boat being towed by a car and this year the Corpus Christi fire and Sheriffs’ departments are participating so I’m definitely looking forward to it.” As another way of honoring its roots, the University is unveiling an anchor statue reminiscent of one that was present at the UCC. The student Alumni Association will be present with the plaque that used to adorn the old statue and will be unveiling a new one to take its place. At Noon on Saturday the “Lady Islanders” basketball team will play their homecoming match followed by the men’s team at 7p.m.
Stephanie Box
Photo by AMBER QUAID
Dugan Wellness Center and Camden housing, which she oversees, both were just a foundation with pipes sticking out on her first tour of the campus. Box also remembers the CASA building being the bookstore and cafeteria. An academic change that she noticed was the incorporation of undergraduate research which Box believes will help students who are planning on going for their Masters. Another change that happened has been the technology boom. Box recalls having her cell phone on campus as emergency use only and only some of the buildings having Internet. “Technology has changed how students connect to each other and how they find information,” Box said remembering how she had to
research by knowing exact URL’s as the Internet search was not available. The addition of athletics and Homecoming is a change that Box is currently involved with. She coordinates with Camden and the Momentum Village to encourage them to participate in the “Tipoff picnic” (Feb.23 at 10:30 a.m.) and works with the Homecoming committee. “That has been one of the great things of working here, I get to do things and provide services and programs that I never had,” Box said. “I get to do that for the students now.” To find out more about Stephanie Box email her at Stephanie.Box@ tamucc.edu or by phone at 361-8255855.
Say goodbye to Markwood
ASSASSINS REVIEW
Provost transfers to become president of another university by AMBER QUAID managing editor
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rovost no longer, Chris Markwood is leaving Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi to become President of Columbus State University in Georgia on June 1. Announced Apr. 20, Kelly Quintanilla will be the new interim provost, helping the transition between Markwood and the new provost to be seamless. “I am very thrilled that Dean Quintanilla was selected to be the interim provost,” Markwood said. “She will work well to make the transition as smooth as possible.” Quintanilla has accepted the position to be the interim provost and will continue to do so until a new provost is hired and made official. Major responsibilities of the Office of the Provost include: providing a challenging educational experience in a multicultural community for undergraduate and graduate students, supporting the academic colleges and the work they do, improving the university’s performance in building a diverse and successful faculty of scholars, supporting research and scholarly activity across the university, oversight and coordination of international activities and supporting collaborative educational efforts involving industry, the community and educational partners. “It is an honor to have this opportunity and privilege to serve the university,” Quintanilla said. Markwood has been with the university since March of 2011, where he served as provost and vice president of academic affairs. Four years later, after his child was grown to school age, he had an invitation to apply as president for Columbus State University this past December. This was the only job he applied for because it had all the criteria he was looking for in a position though he was not really
page 6
CSA raises funds for the disabled by STERLEN KEMP news reporter
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photo courtesy of TAMUCC.EDU
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Provost Chris Markwood.
looking. “When we [himself and his wife] began to look at a presidency we had been reminded of some things we prioritized as being very important,” Markwood said. “The type of community, the activities of the campus, the mission of the campus and everything really began to line up for us.” Throughout the interview process with Columbus state Markwood
said he felt at ease and as though he “was talking to friends.” This helped finalize the decision to move to a new school, even though it was not planned and not quite the timing he wanted. “We’re very excited but we’re sad to leave,” Markwood said. “We love Corpus.” see PROVOST on page 3
UC grand re-opening date is set
he Colombian Student Association at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is making a huge impact in the world and representing the Island University proudly. The Colombian Student Association or PorColombia - Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi hosted their fifth annual Help For Fun event. The event was created to help raise money to support a foundation that specializes in helping children and adults with a variety of genetic diseases in their home country. “This fundraising event, Help for Fun, is our fifth event,” said Natalia Chaves, president of the Colombian Student Association. “We are helping out a foundation of children with disabilities in Colombia.” PorColombia raised funds by selling a variety of Colombian inspired products. Some of the items sold by the members of the organizations were authentic Colombian coffee, hand-made bracelets, authentic Colombian candy and beautifully crafted bags inspired by the Colombian culture. Their sponsor, the Port of Corpus Christi, donated $500 to support their causes. see CSA FUNDRAISER on page 4
Ongoing construction on the University Center comes to an end by STERLEN KEMP news reporter
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exas A&M University–Corpus Christi’s University Center will soon be back in business. The Department of Student Engagement and Success will be hosting the grand re-opening of the University Center on Friday, May 1 at 10 a.m., outside of the Anchor Ballroom entrance turnaround driveway. During the ceremony, students will be given the opportunity to tour the new building along with give-
aways and free food that will be given to students during the tours. The Student Government Association’s office in suite 218 also will be giving away student commemorative T-shirts while supplies last. The University Center has been inoperable for a while now due to the obvious construction in and around the building. Expansion and renovation was needed to facilitate the increase in student population at the Island University. “The University Center was expanded and renovated due to the
growth of our campus enrollment,” said Dr. Don Albrecht, vice president for student engagement and success at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. “The original UC was built to accommodate an enrollment of 8,000 students; we exceeded 11,000 this past fall.” The University Center will be opening in phases with the majority of the facilities and departments in operation on the grand re-opening date, May 1.
INDEX OPINION 2 | NEWS 3-4 CAMPUS 5-6 ENTERTAINMENT 7-9 | SPORTS 10-11 |
see UC OPEN on page 3
VOLUME 26, ISSUE 14
12
features
03.26.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Farmers Market freshens local community Photo by AMBER QUAID
TOP LEFT: Golden Beets are one of the many fresh vegetable items offered at the market. TOP MIDDLE: Jars of handmade jellies in many different flavors and sizes made by Buddies Jam and Jelly. RIGHT: Mailan Cao, local Corpus Christi resident, looks through the vegetables to see what best fits with the fish she wants to buy. BOTTOM: These “cupcake” bath salts are all organic and made by Southern Beauty.
by Amber Quaid managing editor
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ome before nine, be ready to buy. The Corpus Christi Southside Farmers’ Market, located at the 5800 block of Everhart or The Market Shopping Center, is open from 9-11 a.m. every Saturday and offers locally grown food and handmade items. Items such as coffee, jellies, bath salts, soaps, herbs, fruits and vegetables of all kinds are sold at reasonable prices. Most vendors have unique items or flavors not found in grocery stores. “It’s not that much more expensive than the grocery store, sometimes it’s cheaper,” said Kingsville local Wes Watts while holding two bags of fresh fruits and vegetables. “Try a tomato, you’ll never want to buy a tomato from the grocery store again.” Coming early is key if one wants first dibs at certain items. The more unique and colorful items sell quickly but most vendors have a large selection of fruits and vegetables readily available the whole time the market is open. Items such as carrots, broccoli, kale, bok choi, lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, honey and eggs are available all day. If one likes coffee, there is fresh roasted, non-preserved coffee available. Herbs are sold fresh cut or a person can buy the whole plant and grow their own at home. There is also artwork, alpaca weavings, wood products and eco soap. Free samples, there are vendors who let people try before buying or let some take home free samples. People can visit their website for a list of items that will be available each Saturday.
“I love to share my art with the local community and I love to be a part of the local community,” said Amy Bowers, farmers’ market vendor. Bringing cash will aid people in their purchases, as most vendors do not have credit card machines. Though there are some vendors who do take plastic but cash is easiest. The prices are marked on most items and those that are not the vendor will voice the price, usually with a ‘if one buys two or more’ deal. People can ask any question they like and most vendors will be happy to answer. Some vendors will also make custom orders but people usually require payment first. “I believe in farmers’ markets and helping people learn about what people are making locally and growing,” Bowers said. “I like teaching people about local produce and what grows in what season.” The fruits and vegetables can change from weekend to weekend depending on what is growing that season but this means the items are fresh from the ground. Also the items are completely organic and have no preservatives or basically one has to eat or use these items right away, they cannot stay in a cupboard. “The food is way more fresh, its supporting local economies and it tastes better,” Watts said of the produce at the farmers’ market. For more information visit them online at www.farmersmarketcc. org or on Facebook as Corpus Christi Southside Farmers’ Market. To become a vendor of the farmers’ market contact Laura Bell at laurabellum@gmail.com.
Battle ball on Bay Lawn
Students, faculty participate in bubble soccer on Bay Hall Lawn
page 6
Sawing off the Horns by JEREMY PAPE sports reporter
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photo by AMBER QUAID
A face-off between Wang Xi and his opponent for control of the soccer ball. The bubbles caused the players to push and fight just to reach the ball.
by AMBER QUAID managing editor
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hristians in Action (CIA) offered bubble soccer to the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi campus on April 8 in front of Bay Hall. Bubble soccer, Loopy ball or battle ball is a new game that is becoming popular worldwide. This was a free event offered to any student, teacher or faculty member on the campus. “We wanted to bring a better option of student life to campus in the most fun way possible,” said Peyton Copeland, Master student in English
and campus minister at CIA. Both students and teachers alike got in on the action and played against each other. Before participants could play waiver forms had to be signed. One of the main reasons for the waivers is that knocking other players down is not only allowed in this game but is highly encouraged. Also the physics of the game causes both players to go flying in opposite directions when one player tries to knock down another. Most participants ended up on their backs, bubble
protected,or did a 360 roll back onto their feet. “I was lying on the ground and I saw someone running away and I thought wait a minute aren’t they on the same team,” said Nicholas McMillan, assistant professor of liberal arts. Bubble soccer is played much like the normal game of soccer but the players are inside an air filled plastic bubble with a hole cut out for the player. The teams were divided into six versus six and separated by colors, an orange team and a clear team. see BUBBLE SOCCER on page 4
Tunnel of Oppression back for fifth year
he Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders baseball team scored a huge victory on March 31, as they triumphed over the then-18th ranked University of Texas Longhorns. Having defeated larger schools such as University of Missouri and Purdue University, the Islanders knew they had the tools to succeed, but they still knew the game would be very difficult. Going into the contest, the Islanders had a record of 11-12. “Beating [those other schools] helped us believe we could beat Texas,” sophomore catcher Lukas Hermanson said. “We came out with the mindset that we had nothing to lose, so we just came out and played as hard as we could.” Head coach Scott Malone acknowledged the strength of the opponent was very high. “My confidence level going in wasn’t too high, just because we hadn’t been playing good baseball,” Malone said. see ISLANDER VICTORY on page 10
Islander Cultural Alliance works to promote unity, diversity by GERI LEMMONS features reporter
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he Islander Cultural Alliance is hosting the annual Tunnel of Oppression at the UC Anchor ballroom at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. This event will be held on Feb. 13-16 from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m. running all day long. This event is held as an interactive
exhibit made to educate students, staff and faculty about oppression and how it has effected people over many years. It is held to open people’s eyes to what oppression really is and how it still goes on even today. This event brings many forms of oppression to light from racism, sexism, stereotypes, religion, economic status, and many more. It is important to know about what
types there are and to know facts about history and how it is effecting people every day. Amy Kotulski, assistant director and host of the event, said the best part about this event is the fact that they are opening up people’s eyes to current things that are still happening in society. see OPPRESSION on page 3
INDEX OPINION 2 | NEWS 3 CAMPUS 4-6 ENTERTAINMENT 8-9 | SPORTS 10-11 | ADS 7,12
VOLUME 26, ISSUE 12
6
features
03.05.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Suicide is something to talk about by AMBER QUAID managing editor
communication means people are ready to talk but more so to listen. “It is a caring gesture to reach out to somebody,” Sharpe said. The quickest way for someone to say ‘No, I’m not suicidal or depressed’ would be to ask the person if he or she is thinking of suicide with a negative connotation. Which would imply a negative or closed off tone which suggests the person wants the answer to be no due to the uncomfortable nature or the inconvenience of the topic if the answer was yes. Open communication is the key. “Suicide is not something that is talked about a lot but it is the second leading cause of death for college students,” Sharpe said. A student of the University is offered services and training through the counseling center (free as it is part of the fees in the tuition costs). The counseling center is for students only; staff and faculty have other options through their
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uicide is one of the most preventable forms of death even though it is the number two cause of death in college students. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi held a QPR Suicide Training Class on Feb. 20 at the University Counseling Center. Friends, family and co-workers are often in the best position to recognize the early signs that someone may be depressed or at risk for suicide. The workshop helps the student, staff and/or faculty member to begin to recognize those signs. “Suicide prevention is everyone’s business,” Theresa Sharpe, PhD. licensed psychologist said. Sharpe is the associate director and clinical manager at the University Counseling Center and teaches the QPR training. QPR stands for question, persuade, refer. These are the steps that are taught in the training to help people get educated about suicide prevention. This training also teaches how to react to someone who is having suicidal or depressed thoughts and how to get them to seek help. “The goal is to train everyone to recognize the signs of depression, the signs of suicidality and then know how to speak to someone who is having suicidal thoughts,” Sharpe said, “And know how to encourage them to get connected with help.” Those who are having suicidal and/ or depressed thoughts will not seek out professional help but will turn to friends, family or even classmates. There are signs to notice such as loss of appetite or too much/too little sleep or a suddenly outgoing person wanting to be alone. These maybe signs of other issues too. However, because these can relate to other issues people tend to ignore the possibility of suicidal thoughts. “I think there can be a tendency, especially with people close to us, to tell ourselves ‘Oh, that person is just kind of going through a phase but they’re going to snap out of it’,” Sharpe said. When a person with suicidal thoughts or depression is ignored it
employment. If a student, faculty or staff believes a friend or family member maybe at risk they can go to the counseling center for a referral for help in the community. There is a Counseling and Training Clinic, located on campus at the Natural Resources Center, which is open to the public. The University Counseling Center is available online at counseling.tamucc. edu and allows online training for students and staff for the prevention of suicides as well as a self-evaluation. “Sometimes during training a person discovers the information pertains to them,” Sharpe said. There is a screening for mental health located on the website for those who wish to check anonymously about themselves. According to the National Institute of Mental Health in the last year one in 10 people in college are too depressed or down to function. “(Mental Health Screening) reveals information about oneself that you may not have known,” Kristen Ruggles, Master of English student, said, “or may have known but just needed conformation.” The next workshop is on Mar. 27 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Island Hall (room 163) and is free and open to all students, staff and faculty. Pre-registration is required by emailing Dr. Theresa Sharpe at theresa.sharpe@tamucc. edu or calling 825-2703. Training is also offered upon request for groups or classes. There is a suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
uiw.edu
reinforces the idea that to talk about it would be too much of a burden on another person. The most helpful tool is to be open to communication and listening. Asking if the person has been thinking about hurting themselves or wanting to die does not put the idea in a person’s head. Sharpe said that this leads to open communication. Open
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ACHIEVE PARTNER
SUCCESS. UIW graduate students experience flexible, interactive learning opportunities in the setting of a private liberal arts university. At UIW, our students can choose from more than 30 degree plans, including several doctoral programs. Interested students can learn more at uiw.edu/orgs or by calling (210) 829-6005.
To learn more or become an Achieve Partner please visit achievepartnership.tamucc.edu
OFFICE of RESEARCH & GRADUATE STUDIES
homecoming 8
02.19.2015
LISA PEREZ
ISLAND WAVES
then and now “The more engaged, involved and connected students are on campus the more successful they will be.” -Lisa Perez by AMBER QUAID managing editor
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exas A&M University-Corpus Christi saw the end of the twoyear school they once were in 1994, changing the name and functionality to what it now is. The journey of 21 years in the making is celebrated with this year’s Homecoming theme of Islanders Now and Forever. “In earlier days we dreamed of what now has come to pass. Now we dream of things yet to come,” said Bob Gammage, class of 1963, in Dr. Thomas H. Kreneck’s book “Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: The Island University.” The University of Corpus Christi joined the Texas A&M system in 1989 but it wasn’t until 1993 that they voted to change their name to Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. Then in the fall of 1994 they opened their doors to the first freshman class marking the start of the four-year college. Lisa Perez, the current Senior Executive for Student Life, has been part of this campus for more than 20 years and has seen many changes. One notable change for her was that there was a road on campus that let students drive from one side to the other and now students have to decide, first light or second. The campus had no housing while Perez attended, and the Moody Sustainers Field House was once the main Recreational Building. The CASA building was once the Student Center and Whataburger was the fast food on campus. Corpus Christi Hall, which is now administrative, used
to be all classrooms. Perez has seen many changes over the years, not only through student’s perspective but a faculty’s as well. Perez was part of the last class that graduated from the two-year school. She transferred over from Del Mar college where she began her college degree in 1991. She chose the University to stay close to family. “Why do I have to go off somewhere else when this institution offers just as much for me,” Perez said. In the spring of 1994 she obtained her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology with a minor in reading. She also had her certificate for teaching secondary education (Junior-High and High School). “My ultimate goal was to teach in higher education,” Perez said. Perez first started working for the University during her junior and senior years in the Intermural Office. After earning her bachelor’s degree she continued on to Texas State for her master’s and there she gained her experience working in higher education. She then moved back to Corpus Christi where she taught at schools such as Ray, Hamlin and Moody. “Still I had that love for higher ed. TAMUCC was still pulling on my heart,” Perez said. In 2000 she became the Assistant Director for Recreational Sports at the University but then in 2004 her husband received an opportunity to be in the restaurant business in Arizona and they moved. Perez said this gave her a different perspective on business, especially in dealing with contracts, which she would
not have had if this opportunity in Arizona had not come about. A year later family brought her and her husband back to Corpus. Perez came back to the university and this time she became the Director of the University Center and Student Activities. She retained this position from 2005 to 2013. In 2013 she was promoted to her current position of Senior Executive for Student Life. “I love working for the University,” Perez said. Currently Perez is involved in overseeing Homecoming and making sure students get involved. She is supported by a staff and a committee, made up of athletics, marketing, communication, staff council and students, which work as a team. “I definitely couldn’t do it without the great staff that I have. They are committed to helping our students
COMING HOME: by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter
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very year alumni and guests return to the island in honor of the university’s annual Homecoming tradition. A massive school-wide celebration that spreads into the city. As in previous years, the Island University is not holding back on the festivities. Starting on Feb. 23 with the “Tipoff Picnic”, an entire week of activities
photo by AMBER QUAID
Lisa Perez
learn and develop,” Perez said of the team. They help with the Camden “Tip-off picnic” (Feb. 23 at 10:30 a.m.), the student versus faculty basketball game (Feb.24 at 7:30 p.m.), the lighting of the eye and the Homecoming parade (Feb. 28 at 4:30 p.m.). “The more engaged, involved and connected students are on campus the more successful they will be,” Perez said. Perez adds to homecoming the knowledge of many years engaging in the University’s campus both as a student and as faculty. To find out more about Perez contact her by email at lisa.perez@tamucc.edu or by phone at 361-825-5200. “Go Islanders, Crush ‘em,” Perez said.
A look at Islander tradition
will be held to celebrate Texas A&M University –Corpus Christi and its long history, which includes the invitation for alumni to enjoy the celebration, hence the term “Homecoming”. The “Tipoff Picnic” starts the celebrations in a big way. The University brings the party to the Camden parking lot where there will be food, music, games and other activities for attendees to enjoy as they revel in their school spirit. “I’m excited about it, I’ve always
been more of a basketball fan than a football fan so it’ll be cool to check out,” Junior Finance major Anthony Aninashuan said. The following day, Feb. 24, the campus puts on a Students vs. Faculty basketball game. The event which has a self-explanatory name pits students vs. teachers to see who has the greater skills. On Feb. 25, “Islandercino” night invites students to come out continued on page 9