The nominees are in
Candidates for the 2015 Homecoming Court are official
OB Garcia
News Briefs page 10
by CONNER TICHOTA editor in chief
Island University professor serves on U.S. Department of Education
Keeping with this year’s theme of “Now and Forever Islanders,” pictured above is the 2014 Homecoming Court.
by CONNER TICHOTA editor in chief
T
he nominees for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s 2015 Homecoming Court are in. There are a total of 27 candidates in the running for the titles of King, Queen, Duke or Duchess. In order to have applied for Homecoming Court, each candidate must be affiliated with an on-campus organization and have completed a certain number of credit hours effectively making them a junior or senior. Each candidate has a different reason for wanting to be on the Homecoming Court. For some like senior criminal justice major Ulises Avalos, it is part of upholding a tradition. “I want to be King because it’s al-
ways been a part of our fraternity tradition to participate in homecoming events,” Avalos said, “and it’s a good way to show school spirit.” Avalos is one of the four candidates running for King. He is representing the local chapter of Delta Chi Fraternity. “I chose this year to run because I got nominated by my fraternity brothers, so I wanted to keep our traditions going and not let them down,” Avalos said. “It’s also my last homecoming as an undergraduate so I wanted to go all out.” For other candidates, the tradition of homecoming holds a more sentimental value as senior bilingual education major Ana Escobedo pointed out. “I want to be homecoming queen
photo courtesy of TAMUCCFLICKR
because [it’s a way] to get to represent the University [positively],” Escobedo said, “and I get to love a school that has been my home away from home.” And yet still, for other candidates this is the opportunity to prove themselves. Senior political science and criminal justice major Jamie Bluntzer is running for Queen. She said she is not the type of person that would typically want to run for Homecoming Court, but her future career goals inspired her to go through with it. “Last semester I got heavily involved in some campaigning business and I loved it. So now I want to go into political law, so policies and stuff,” Bluntzer said. see COURT on page 6
New engineering program comes to university
Electrical Engineering to be added to degree plan in Fall 2015 by STERLIN KEMP news reporter
O
n Jan. 30, 2014, the Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi System Board of Regents approved a new Electrical Engineering degree program for the Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi campus. The approval is simply the initial step that will usher in the new program that is set to be available in the Fall of 2015. The new Electrical Engineering program will offer classes in a variety of engineering topics catered to the
field of electromagnetism. Some of the course work classes will include Thermodynamics, Programming for Scientist, Engineers and Mathematicians, Electrical circuits and many others. “Students can tailor their degree plan to include a secondary focus area such as in unmanned system, including unmanned aircraft systems, renewable or low carbon energy or technology entrepreneurship,” said Dr. L.D. Chen, Director of the School of Engineering and Computing Science at the Island University. “Students
INDEX NEWS 3-4 | Homecoming 6-9 | SPORTS 10-11 | ADS 12
will also have the opportunity to conduct research as an undergraduate research assistant, guided and mentored by faculty.” Due to great advancements in technology, electrical engineers have become increasingly in demand. Companies and government entities are in search of skilled workers in the field of electromagnetism who are properly trained and experienced in the development of sophisticated electrical equipment. see ENGINEERING on page 4
Dr. Guang Zeng was invited by the Department of Education’s Institute of Educational Sciences to serve on a panel which reviewed grant applications for 2015. Zeng is an associate professor of quantitative research methodology for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s department of educational leadership, curriculum and instruction.
Corpus Christi Idol auditions to be held this weekend The Island University’s department of Theatre and Dance will host the fifth annual Corpus Christi Idol and Junior Idol. Auditions are Feb. 20-22 at La Pamera Mall. Entry fee is $10 cash per person.
Islander softball finishes Islanders Invitational The Islanders softball finished out the Islander Invitational with four losses and a tie against the South Dakota Coyotes. For a complete recap visit goislander.com.
Find us on Facebook:
www.facebook/IslandWaves VOLUME 26, ISSUE 5
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02.19.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Marijuana: Is it really that bad? We are glad you asked! Top 5 Reasons to Stop Using Marijuana 1. It’s Illegal. Despite the fact that marijuana has been made legal in other states, it is still illegal in Texas. Current Texas law provides punishment of up to six months in jail and a $2000 ne for anyone convicted of possessing less than 2 ounces of marijuana. Can you afford that? 2. It’s a waste of money. The average price of one ounce of high-quality, illegal marijuana in Texas is about $330. If you were to use just HALF an ounce per month, you would waste $1,980 a year on marijuana alone. If you’re using marijuana to ease anxiety, treat depression or to sleep better, 4-5 workouts per week in the Dugan Wellness Center can help you manage those issues for FREE. 3. You can improve your academic performance. Marijuana effects brain development, and when used heavily by young people, its effects on thinking and memory may last a long time, or even be permanent. Are you still wondering why you just can’t seem to pull a passing grade on your Biology exam? 4. It is addictive. Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is an addictive drug. It is reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse that 9 percent of users become addicted to marijuana; this number increases among those who start using when they are young (about 1 in 6) and among people who use daily. 5. Your Future. Maybe you plan to move right to Colorado or Oregon right after you graduate. Even though marijuana is now legal in other states, most companies have not changed their no-drug policy and still refuse to hire candidates who test positive for marijuana. Don’t miss out on your dream job because you became addicted in college or have a possession charge on your record. It’s not worth it. If you are struggling with substance abuse, please visit the University Counseling Center in the Driftwood Building or call 361-825-2703. iadapt.tamucc.edu
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news
02.19.2015
ISLAND WAVES
a student publication of
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
island waves staff CONNER TICHOTA editor-in-chief
KELSEY FLORES copy editor
JUSTIN VU NGUYEN
advertising assistant
LUIS GOMEZ
advertising assistant
THI NGUYEN
layout assistant
KARA HERRERA layout assistant
JAMIE FINK news editor
STERLEN KEMP news reporter
TREY SEAL
entertainment reporter
JEREMY PAPE
sports reporter
ELI T. BERKE
photographer
MARK MARTINEZ
distribution manager
WENDY MOORE faculty adviser
AMY KOTULSKI staff adviser
JESSE DE LEON
graduate adviser
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students volunteer at Haven of Hope in San Antonio for Alternative Winter Break.
photo courtesy of TAMUCC.edu
Student volunteers help make a difference by Sterlen Kemp News reporter While many students at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will be enjoying sand and sun over the spring break, members of the Student Volunteer Connection organization, as well as other student volunteers, will be traveling to St. Louis, Missouri for their Alternative Spring Break event. During the trip which will be from March 14 through March 22, students will help and support, “Mission: St. Louis,” a non-profit organization that provides resources to under-privileged communities
in the St. Louis area. Students who choose to participate in the eight-day Alternative Spring Break trip, will have the opportunity to have hands-on community service experience, while having direct positive impact on a community that so desperately needs it. The focus of this program is to tackle issues of hunger and homelessness, specifically in urban communities. “The Alternative Spring Break program allows for student volunteers to dedicate their time toward a particular social issue, which in this case, is poverty and homelessness,”
photo courtesy of TAMUCC.edu
Students help serve food to the homeless, at Haven of Hope, during Alternative Winter Break.
“The goal is to educate, not only ourselves, but our peers about what is occurring in our community so that we can do something to better it” -Alex Puentes, Coordinator of Alternative Breaks
said Alex Puentes, Coordinator of Alternative Breaks at the Island University. “During our time, we will immerse ourselves in the community’s cultural environment, where we will learn about and better understand the community we are serving, while experiencing firsthand, the social issues that are faced.” Last semester, the Student Volunteer Connections went to San Antonio for their first weekend long Alternative Winter Break trip to reach out and serve the homeless communities in that area. The students visited, Haven for Hope, who “offers a place of hope and new beginnings” for those we have no place to call home. “The students of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi served at Haven for Hope by helping paint the women and family residential dormitories,” said Norene Casas, Development Coordinator for Haven of Hope. They also organized winter clothes donations and served dinner to the 787 residents currently living on campus.” The main goal of the Alternative Break program is to get students at the Island University active within their communities. The program stresses the importance of educating ones self about the issues and problems that many face around the country. The Student Volunteer Connections wants students to take the knowledge and
experience learned at events like this one and apply it to their communities, on campus and at home. “The importance of getting students at Texas A&MCorpus Christi active in the community, is so that they know their community and could potentially apply what they learn to their community,” Puentes said. “The goal is to educate, not only ourselves, but our peers about what is occurring in our community so that we can do something to better it.” Those who apply for the Alternative Spring Break event will have the opportunity of a lifetime by making a tangible difference in the lives of many St. Louis residents. The time and effort spent volunteering during the trip will go toward making a profound impact by working with at-risk youth, constructing home repairs, assisting and providing for the homeless and participating in community outreach. According to Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity, a nonpartisan resource that seeks to provide diverse perspectives on community issues, there are more than 10,000 people who live without a home in St. Louis, Missouri. If anyone is interested in participating in the Alternative Spring Break in St. Louis from March 14 through March 22, log on to svc.tamucc.edu and click on the “Alternative Break” link.
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ISLAND WAVES
ENGINEERING continued from page 1 “Students interested in electrical engineering can pursue this major not previously available,” Chen said. “Electrical engineering will add a new dimension to our educational and research programs much needed to address societal challenges, for example, in healthcare, energy and environmental stainability.” Engineers who operate with electronics have a tremendous amount of responsibility within our modern day society. Nearly everything is connected and held together by electrical components. Those who choose to study and work in the field of electrical engineering will have a significant impact on humanity and society alike. They can work and operate on radio frequencies, without which there are not cellular devices, television or even Wi-Fi. They can operate with networking, which connects the World Wide Web. They can even help to develop sustainable energy and power sources that will help to hopefully eliminate the damaging effects on our plant while creating a better and more sustainable form of energy.
Electrical Equipment in the Engineering Building at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. photo by STERLEN KEMP
African-American History Month Calendar of Events 01/22
01/24
MLK March 12pm Dugan Wellness Center
MLK Day of Service With Habitat for Humanity Register on OrgSync
01/29 3rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration 6pm Del Mar Richardson Performance Hall
02/02
02/10
AAHM Kick-Off 11:30am - 1:30pm UC Anchor Ballroom
Open Mic Night Spoken Word Artist Community Panel Discussion 6pm - 7:30pm 5pm 6pm Faculty Center Atrium UC Anchor Ballroom Location TBD
02/12
02/17
02/18
02/19
MGC Divine 9 6:30pm Location TBD
Juke Joint Information & Display Facebook Trivia 5pm Mary and Jeff Bell Library Mary and Jeff Bell Library UC Anchor Ballroom tamucc.libguides.com https://www.facebook.com/TAMUCCLibrary
Month of February
Month of February
aahm.tamucc.edu For more information, or to request disability related accommodations, please contact ICA at ica@tamucc.edu or (361) 825-2539
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campus
02.19.2015
ISLAND WAVES
Izzy’s Do’s and Dont’s for Tailgating by GERI LEMMONS contributing writer
Homecoming is approaching and along with homecoming activities comes tailgating. It is important to remember the do’s and don’ts of tailgating. These rules come from
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi website and other college football tailgating do’s and don’ts list. To find out more about homecoming go online to homecoming. tamucc.edu or contact student life at 825-2707.
Tailgating Do’s: 1. Do: Eat a lot of food. This is supposed to be a fun time for everyone, diets are not welcome this day. Everyone should come ready to indulge in great food. 2. Do: Drink a lot of water. It gets really hot outside and it is important to stay hydrated on a hot day. 3. Do: Show lots of spirit. This is a time to show islander pride 4. Do: Bring coolers to keep beverages nice and cold. 5. Do: Bring a chair to be comfortable 6. Do: If cooking, prepare food before hand as to spend more time eating and having fun. 7. Do: Bring a tent to avoid the sun. 8. Do: Wear sun screen to avoid getting sun burn. 9. Do: Be prepared to meet new people, both past and present Islanders. 10. Do: Have a lot of fun. Tailgating is a tradition and a fun one at that.
**********Meeting Notice**********
Tailgating Dont’s: 1. Don’t: Play music. This is a university rule and a rule that will be enforced. 2. Don’t: Play drinking games: this is another university rule and one that will be very important to follow. 3. Don’t: Go outside tailgating lines: everyone should have their own space and it is important to know where to go that day. 4. Don’t: Dump hot coal into the dumpster. This seems like an obvious rule but one that is still very important. 5. Don’t: Use stakes in no stakes zone. Important for anyone brining a tent. 6. Don’t: Leave any items overnight. Things can get stolen or broken and the university is not liable for what happens to them. 7. Don’t: Litter. It is important to clean and keep the parking lot clean. 8. Don’t: Be late: The activities will start and end on time so don’t to miss a second of the tailgating festivities.
2014-2015 Student Fee Advisory Committee Feb. 24, 2015 12:30 pm O’Connor Bldg. Room 328 AGENDA 1. Review of existing budgets for Student Service Fees 2. Associate Dean of Students 3. Judicial Affairs 4. Recreational Sports For more information contact Ann DeGaish, committee chair,
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ISLAND WAVES
KING
COURT continued from page 1 “And I hope to one day go on and do and work in the government here in Texas,” Bluntzer said. “So I thought, I’m going to have to get used to it at one point. People look at you differently when you’re in the front. I’m used to campaigning, but I’m not used to it being about me.” Each candidate is responsible for his or her own campaigning methods to garner the student votes. Bluntzer, for example said she is working on starting a Facebook page and creating flyers. Escabedo also said she will be using social media, such as Facebook and Instagram to campaign. “We’re working on making flyers and buttons for both us running for Duke and King, but besides that we’re trying to get it around by word of mouth,” Avalos said. “We love meeting new people and this is just another excuse to do so.” The winners and the official Homecoming Court will be announced on Feb. 28 during the Islander men’s basketball Homecoming game. For more information regarding Homecoming events and the Homecoming Court please visit
Ulises Avalos, Delta Chi, King, Criminal Justice
Michael Gandara, Sigma Phi Epsilon, King, Nursing
QUEEN Grace Brahler, Delta Delta Delta, Queen, Environmental Science
Kyle Hosek, Phi Delta Theta, King, Christian Reyes, ARMY ROTC IsMechanical Engineering lander Battalion Cadet Club, King, Kinesiology- Exercise Science
Ismar A. Mottu, Delta Sigma Pi, Queen, General Business
Janelle Romo, ARMY ROTC Islander Battalion Cadet Club, Queen, Nursing
Maria Rogers, Alpha Gamma Delta, Queen, Criminal Justice
Ana Escobedo, Student Foundation Association, Queen
Glyn Bowman, Zeta Tau Alpha, Queen, Environmental Science
Jamie Bluntzer, Campus Activities Latisha Hull, Student Government AsBoard, Queen, Political Science and sociation, Queen, Health Science Criminal Justice
Brody Hajebian, AED, Duke, Biomedical Science
DUKE
No Photo Jezzica Dimalanta, Gamma Phi Beta, Queen, Kinesiology with emphasis on Pre-PT
Alain Escobar, Delta Sigma Pi, Duke, Marketing
Wilson Wood, Beta Theta Pi, Duke, Nursing
Tyler Hensley, ARMY ROTC Islander Battalion Cadet Club, Duke, Mechanical Engineering technology Jeena Jimenez, Alpha Gamma Delta, Duchess, Theatre Arts Austin Blase, Delta Chi, Duke, Environmental Science
Vincent Verduzco, Campus Activities Board, Duke, Art
DUCHESS Mercedes Landry, Delta Sigma Pi, Duchess, Business Management
Noel Wong, Gamma Phi Beta, Duchess, Communication
Tiffany Hawkins, Delta Delta Delta, Duchess, Environmental Science
Tori Hines, Pre Dental Society, Duchess, Biomedical science Chrissy Boothe, Student Foundation Association, Duchess, Marketing
Anneliese Allgeyer, Zeta Tau Alpha, Duchess
Sierra Kunkel, ARMY ROTC Islander Battalion Cadet Club, Duchess, Accounting
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ISLAND WAVES
ALUMNI HOMECOMING PACKET PICK-UP & ISLAND CHALLENGE REGISTRATION Location: Woo Sung Lee Alumni Welcome Center 6129 Ennis Joslin Rad, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. ISLANDER ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING Location: TAMU-CC Campus: Center for Instruction (CI) 113 Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 28
Islanders Men’s Basketball vs. Sam Houston State Location: American Bank Center 1901 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Time: 7 p.m.
ISLANDER HOMECOMING HONORS BANQUET Location: University Center Anchor Ballroom. Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. ANCHOR DEDICATION CEREMONY Location: TAMU-CC Campus: Outdoors between University Center & Center for Sciences Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
ISLANDER ALUMNI HOMECOMING PARTY Location: American Bank Center Imperial Lounge Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
ISLANDERS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. SAM HOUSTON STATE Location: American Bank Center 1901 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX Time:12 noon
HOME COMING
ISLANDER HOMECOMING PARADE Location: Shoreline Blvd. Time: 4:30 p.m.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Friday, February 27
uiw.edu
SUCCESS. UIW graduate students enjoy flexible, interactive learning opportunities with a low faculty-to-graduate student ratio in the setting of a private liberal arts university. Find out more about our Graduate and Doctoral programs by attending our Information Night. 6:30 - 8 p.m. Feb. 25, 2015
FEBRUARY 19 - 22 WHATABURGER FIELD 361-561-HOOK | CCHOOKS.COM
(H-E-B School of Business programs only)
International Conference Center Auditorium 847 E. Hildebrand San Antonio, Texas 78212 Interested students can RSVP online at www.uiw.edu/gradstudiesrsvp or call (210) 829-6005.
OFFICE of RESEARCH & GRADUATE STUDIES
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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
T
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
E
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
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ISLAND WAVES
by AMBER QUAID managing editor
T
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.
sports 10 O.B. Garcia continues to serve university, community
02.19.2015
ISLAND WAVES
by JEREMY PAPE sports reporter
O
ctavio “O.B.” Garcia has spent most of his life doing his part to make Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and the community around it a better place. The San Diego, Texas native was part of the graduating class of 1954, when the university was known as the University of Corpus Christi. Garcia played basketball and baseball for the university. “When I played [sports], we were a small, independent school,” Garcia said. “We didn’t have a bus we traveled in private cars.” In basketball, Garcia played the guard and forward positions. He played outfielder in baseball, but served as a player-manager, meaning he was part of the coaching staff while also playing. Because he excelled in sports, Garcia found a way to finance his education. “My parents were fairly poor, and I got an academic scholarship, which got me through [college],” Garcia said. Garcia has continued to support the athletic programs at the university throughout his career, even when he was not attending or working at the university. Between graduation and his current position as teacher recruitment coordinator, Garcia has had a lengthy career in education. “It’s awesome [to have attended and now work for] the university,” Garcia said. After graduation, Garcia became a teacher, and went back to San Diego, Texas to teach high school and coach for five years. Afterwards, he
photo by Amber Quaid
O.B. Garcia’s shadow box is a miniaturized version of the one currently hanging in the Athletic Hall of Honor. It represents his memories of the university when it was known as University of Corpus Christi.
moved to Corpus. He taught for 34 years in Corpus Christi, eventually becoming an assistant principal and later a principal for the Corpus Christi Independent School District. Rachel Cox, who is currently director of Disability Services for the Island University, was a middle school student when Garcia was the principal. “He was serious about his work, but he was always understanding and compassionate with the students,” Cox said. “Any interactions I have had with him have been positive.” Having contributed to multiple university-related funds since his graduation, Garcia has helped to create the atmosphere students and faculty currently enjoy. There were 350 students at the university when Garcia graduated, and now there are more than 11,000. “Although the enrollment is [larger], I enjoy that our classes are still small enough that [a student] can still get a lot of individual attention from the professors,” Garcia said. Garcia said his experience as a student helped him shape the professional he became. “When I was here, I saw other people that needed some help, and they were helped by the professors,”
Garcia said. I’m so thankful that the university allowed me to stay.” Garcia is president of the National Alumni Association, a university
of what has happened in my life and in my career.” Garcia has also served as the Hurricane Disaster Chairman for
“My parents were fairly poor, and I got an academic scholarship, which got me through [college],” -O.B. Garcia, College of Education Coordinator
organization he and several others started. Garcia has worked part time for the university for the past 18 years. “I feel that if I’m going to be an alumni, I need to be a part of it,” he said. “I don’t just want to be saying ‘I’m an alumni’ and that’s it.” Garcia was inducted into the university’s Athletic Hall of Honor in 2008. “It wasn’t because I was a terrific ball player,” he said. “It was because
CCISD and Red Cross for 10 years. He volunteered for the Red Cross for 46 years, retiring last year. Garcia said he is especially proud of May 17, 1985, which is the day the city declared that day “O.B. Garcia Day.” Garcia said it has been an honor to serve the university and the community for so many years, but he considers his family is his greatest accomplishment.
photo by Amber Quaid
O.B. Garcia shows his support of the university and athletics all through his office.
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sports
02.19.2015
Islander softball has high hopes for 2015 season by JEREMY PAPE sports reporter
T
he Texas A&M-Corpus Christi softball season is underway. Led by coach Stephanie Hughes, who is in her fourth season as head coach, the team will look to capitalize on the maturity of last year’s new players. Last season, the team compiled a record of 16-36, posting a record of 11-15 in the Southland Conference. “Our newcomers really blossomed late and became key players in our lineup,” Hughes said. “We finished the year on a high note, and hopefully that will propel us into this season.” Now upperclassmen, last year’s newcomers are in the position to give advice to this year’s newcomers. “[The upperclassmen tell the other players] it’s a long season, and things can go well, and then [a player] can go into a slump,” Hughes said. “Sophomores Liz Carter [pitcher] and Brittney Morse [catcher] will both see significant playing time, and will anchor the middle of our lineup this season.” The youthful nature of the current roster means there are still areas that
Head Coach Stephanie Hughes gives out the signal against Wichita State in the season opener on Feb. 6 in Waco, Texas at the Gentleman Classic.
the team is working on sharpening up. “[The team is working on] making in-game adjustments at the plate during a game, and knowing when to really put a team away,” Hughes said. Hughes cited lack of playing time on the college level as one hurdle many of the players will have to overcome. He said the team still has some inexperience in its lineup, and haven’t had the success that he had hoped for early in the season. “They haven’t tasted that success yet, and don’t really know what it feels like,” Hughes said. “Once they do, they won’t look back.” The team has set its sights on the ultimate prize. “We want to be in the top three of the Southland Conference this season, and give ourselves a chance to compete for the conference championship in May,” Hughes said. “[For the season to be successful, we need] a conference championship. I don’t want to set the bar any lower than that.” In a city that is often windy, home teams in outdoor sports could have what could be seen as a competitive edge. “If anything, [the wind] helps us. Any field can have wind, but we have it daily,” Hughes said. “It is something that we work on on a day-to-day basis, and we do pop-up communication drills each day. It is a definite home field advantage”. Hughes said she cares for her players as more than just athletes. “I will always care about my players more as people than I ever will as an athlete. I have based my whole career on that philosophy,” Hughes said. “Athletes, especially females, will play hard for [a coach] if they really know [they] care about them. The players know they can talk to us about anything, not just softball.” From a fundamental standpoint, there is one piece of advice that Hughes received that she always uses to guide her team. “[I try to] be as clear and concise on what [I] expect with the team,” she said. “[I] am honest with them, and make sure they know I care.” Assistant coach Keith Stein said that much of the way Hughes has impacted the team lies within the way she established the team’s culture. “[Hughes] has brought in a bunch of student athletes who fit the type of culture we are building here, which includes high standards on and off the field,” Stein said. The team will next travel to Houston, Texas, as they take on the University of New Mexico as part of the Houston Hilton Plaza Classic on Feb. 20.
ISLAND WAVES
Sophomore Liz Carter faced the No. 10/11 Baylor Bears in the Gentlemen Classic on Feb. 7 in Waco Texas.
Photos courtesy of GO ISLANDERS
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02.19.2015
ISLAND WAVES
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ACHIEVE PARTNERS
Homecoming 2015
To learn more or become an Achieve Partner please visit achievepartnership.tamucc.edu