5 | Arts & Life
7 | Sports
Peas on Earth
Vol. 58, Issue 2
Athlete of the Week
Est. 1981
August 28 - September 4, 2018
The Paisano
Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio Community /PaisanoOnline
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@PaisanoMedia
@ThePaisano
www.Paisano-Online.com
Rowdy where you want me Jesse McCartney performs for Roadrunner Days By Alejandro (AJ) Lopez Co-News Editor Students, faculty and alumni gathered at Six Flags Fiesta Texas for a night of fun and music to celebrate the kickoff of a new school year. Grammy nominated artist, Jesse McCartney, performed “Beautiful Soul” and other pop hits at Lone Star Lil’s Theater. Beginning at 3 p.m., students were offered free shuttle rides to Six Flags, which ran continuously throughout the event. For students who chose to drive, parking was free after 5 p.m. for event attendees. Regular park attendees were escorted out of Six Flags prior to the start of Jesse McCartney’s performance at 6 p.m., making the event exclusive to UTSA students, faculty and alumni. After the performance, attendees received a complimentary ticket only redeemable during the month of September. For the rest of the night, attendees were given exclusive ride time and access to the entire park until closing time at 11 p.m. “It was my first major event with UTSA and I loved it,” said Jeanine Vasquez, a senior biology major. “It was great that Six Flags was closed just for us because that meant shorter lines and it felt cool to be able to look around and know we all came from the same university.” This was the 23rd Howdy Rowdy Bash, an event originally designed to introduce the student body to student athletes. When
the UTSA football program began in 2011, Howdy Rowdy Bash became a part of Roadrunner Days. Barry McKinney, UTSA associate dean of students and director of student activities, commented on previous artists who have performed at the event. “Four years ago, when we had We the Kings perform, we decided having a concert was important in fostering an exceptional student experience,” McKinney said. “We have had Robert DeLong, an EDM artist, and Smallpools, an indie-pop band. We were excited to bring Jesse McCartney this year.” As a collaboration with Roadrunner Productions and the UTSA Roadrunner Days Committee, with the support of UTSA’s vice president for student affairs, Sam Gonzales, and vice president for strategic enrollment, Lisa Blazer, a night at Six Flags was added to the agenda. “The partnership between Six Flags Fiesta Texas and UTSA is unique to UTSA because their marketing director is a UTSA alumnus and worked to get this very special arrangement,” Jesse McCartney performs at Howdy Rowdy Bash at Six Flags. McKinney said. “We are currently the only university with our student population was, at nostalgic and reminded a lot of this type of partnership with Six that time, in his target market,” students of their childhood,” Flags Fiesta Texas.” McKinney said. “That’s what Palomo said. “It was nice seeing The UTSA Roadrunner Days makes him great. Students Jesse during my college experiCommittee obtained Jesse Mcremember him from when they ence.” Cartney as this year’s musical were growing up.” With over 3,500 students, facentertainer for the event. The Politics and law senior, ulty and alumni in attendance, committee wanted to bring Blanca Palomo, enjoyed her McKinney states the event was someone that connected with the time watching Jesse McCartney a success. student population. perform. Communication senior, Caro“Jesse McCartney’s greatest “The concert was very line Munoz, said the Howdy hits were in 2009 and 2010 and
Professor Hung and reserach team.
Photo courtesy of UTSA
The office for the Student Center of Community Engagemement and Inclusion.
Ricky Galindo/The Paisano
Status on the Dreamers Center
Plans promote continual improvement for student services By Heather Montoya Co-News Editor UTSA’s Dreamers Resource Center was opened for operations on Jan. 22 as part of one of President Eighmy’s initiatives
aimed toward improving inclusion on campus. The center, housed within the Student Center of Community Engagement and Inclusion (SCCEI), provides Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
students with resources needed to navigate through college life and information that is more relevant to them. The opening of the center occurred sooner than the university had initially anticipated due to
President Trump’s injunction resending DACA. President Eighmy wanted to ensure that the center would be available to help eligible students renew their DACA status. “Once President Trump was elected, we knew his spoken views on DACA, so we were preparing,” said Lydia Bueno, assistant dean of students and director of the SCCEI and the Student Leadership Center (SLC), in an interview in January. According to Courtney Balderas-Jacob, assistant director for the dreamers resource center, the center has had its intended effect. “Over the last several months, we have assisted numerous students in a variety of areas. Many of those students have come back to tell us how grateful they are for our support,” Balderas-Jacob said. “Through the dreamers center, they have learned how to navigate the university and they have developed a network of support within the university and throughout the community.” As assistant director for the center, Balderas-Jacob provides undocumented UTSA students with services ranging from legal referrals, emotional support, counselling services, peer mentoring and funding opportunities, as well as educational program-
Photo courtesy of UTSA
Rowdy Bash was a great event to start her final year at UTSA. “It was a unique experience to see Roadrunners take over the park,” Munoz said. “What a great way to start the fall semester! I look forward to attending future UTSA events and watching the university grow.”
ming for students, faculty and staff. “We have had exceedingly positive feedback and support from UTSA students, the San Antonio community and other educational and non-profit partners,” Balderas-Jacob said. The center aspires to continue helping UTSA DACA students complete this mission. “This Fall, the center will co-host an immigration symposium with RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services), other UTSA workshops and Ally training sessions for students, faculty and staff,” Balderas-Jacob said. “We will also continue to develop new partnerships with the community to grow awareness and increase our impact.” UTSA students are encouraged to take advantage of the resources provided by the center. “We want to make sure we reach all the students who would benefit from our services and provide them with the resources they need to be successful,” Balderas-Jacob said. For more information or to receive assistance, students may contact the Dreamers Resource Center through email at dreamers@utsa.edu, by phone at 210-458-7777 or by visiting the center at the SCCEI office, 2.01.04, in the Student Union.