The Paisano
presents the grand opening of
The Paisano Media Arts Center September 13, 2014
2
The Building
Moving in and making history... When business mogul and philanthropist Red McCombs thinks of UTSA, he may call to mind the university’s football team, the increasing number of new degree plans, the quest for Tier I status or the expanding physical campus. But he may also think about The Paisano, the independent student newspaper that has served the UTSA community for 33 years. McCombs has confidence in the future of this unique independent newspaper—the only one of its kind in the University of Texas system. So much confidence, in fact, that he has endowed the newsroom in The Paisano’s new home—the Paisano Media Center—with a gift of $100,000. McCombs will officially open the center on September 13 at 10:30 a.m. with a ribbon cutting. Following the ceremony, tours and refreshments will be available. The 3,000 square-foot Paisano Media Arts Center is located at 14526 Roadrunner Way, across the street from the UTSA Main Campus. It includes editorial and business offices, a conference room, a screened veranda
and an education center for the Paisano Educational Trust’s collaborative middle school writing program. The complex also contains approximately 600 square feet of rental space. Viridian Development Solutions/ Timothy B. Cone, AIA, a local designbuild firm, constructed the project. Security Service Federal Credit Union provides financing. “Viridian is very excited to be a part of the development team for the Paisano Media Arts Center. We were striving to design and build a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility that will serve the needs of the newspaper staff with minimum environmental impact,” said Cone. The project is the result of a twoyear collaboration. During the fall of 2011, 15 senior UTSA architecture students in Professor Rick Lewis’ Systems Studio accepted the challenge of designing the new Paisano headquarters. The students worked cooperatively to create a functional operations program, to conduct proposed building site analysis and to determine spatial qualities needed for the newspaper’s operations, Lewis explained.
The challenge was to go beyond imagining a functional structure built on a tight budget to creating an architecturally relevant media center that would be easy to maintain and affordable to operate. After reviewing the students’ individual design proposals, Paisano staff, alumni and board members selected a winning design. This model was used during initial fundraising efforts. “On the heels of early successes in raising development funds, design refinements were hammered out during the summer of 2012 leading to the project being picked up in the fall semester of 2012 by a team of seven architectural graduate students during their Technical Studio sequence of studies,” said Lewis. “Intent on creating a sound preliminary set of construction documents for the project, the students were organized as if acting as a small professional office,” said Lewis. “In just a matter of weeks of dedicated
team work, students’ drawings became the basis for beginning the process of attracting a licensed architectural professional to carry the project forward in the critical stage of integrating engi-
...since 1981
neering drawings, ensuring life safety integrities and finalizing budget goals.” Design in hand, Paisano editors visited McCombs to introduce him to the Paisano’s mission, to share their vision of the future and to ask for his support. McCombs’ decision to gift the newsroom was influenced by the publication’s quality. During the meeting, McCombs described the Paisano’s newspaper and magazine as “first class.” His gift provided an energetic kick-start to the project. “I am excited about my gift for The Paisano Media Arts Center. I understand my gift will be identified as the sponsor of the endowed newsroom. This excites me because I would Continued on page 9
3
History
The Paisano:
Starting from Scratch Thirty-three years and 7,128 homemade brownies ago, Diane Abdo became the Faculty Adviser to The Paisano, the independent student newspaper serving the UTSA community. In the fall of 1980, Diane was approached by a handful of students who expressed an interest in publishing a “gripe sheet” about UTSA. Diane told the students that she would only be associated with a legitimate newspaper. The students resigned themselves to establishing a legitimate newspaper under Diane’s tutelage. The Paisano was born on a kitchen table and published its first issue in January of 1981. Diane lives by the late Shirley Chisolm’s philosophy that “service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” When her colleague, Prof. Steven Kellman, heard that Diane was recently honored with the President’s Distinguished Service Award, he remarked that if Diane’s service could be converted to mortgage payments, she would own the place! Teaching, coaching, advising and counseling are the norm for any teacher. By sharing her personal experiences in writing, journalism, real estate, advertising, business, law, advocacy and general life skills, Diane encourages her students in the classroom and the students on The Paisano to achieve more than they think they can. Like all the students who work on The Paisano, Diane is a volunteer, receiving no compensation and no course release time for her efforts as the adviser. Patience, perseverance, planning and pluck are the qualities which define Diane’s work ethic and motivation
and underscore The Paisano’s success and longevity. The Paisano was expected to fail as had all UTSA student newspapers before 1981. Taking on the challenge of establishing a student-run, self-supporting, off-campus, totally indepen-
to do. She follows her own advice. About 20 years ago, a former Paisano editor criticized Diane for having a “dangerous passion” for the newspaper. Diane was flattered and embraced the accusation. A few years ago, Diane recognized
dent collegiate newspaper—only one of 12 in the nation and the only one in Texas—takes some courage when an adviser has no guarantee of continued employment, no campus journalism department and no official or administrative support for the undertaking. Yet, the paper has never missed a deadline in 33 years. Diane tells her students to follow their passion and do what they love
that The Paisano’s dilapidated rental space would probably be demolished for student housing or other more lucrative purposes. Diane identified a tract of land near the campus, negotiated a deal with the owner and guided the purchase of the land to ensure The Paisano’s future. Diane then collaborated with Prof. Rick Lewis of the UTSA Architecture Department to have Prof. Lewis’ stu-
dents design the Paisano Media Arts Center. A further collaboration with Tim Cone, a UTSA graduate and local architect, resulted in the construction of the new Center. Part of the mission of The Paisano is to provide effective communication training and to develop entrepreneurial skills. Under Diane’s leadership, The Paisano’s editors have collaborated with a local charter school, KIPP Aspire Academy, and with UTSA’s Writing Program to give middle school students a real-world writing experience by producing their own newspaper. The KIPP Archer, a middle school newspaper, is in its third year of publication. These young students have seen improvements of nearly 15 percentage points higher than their peers in writing examinations. Writing with a purpose and seeing your name in print is enormously motivating. Those who know Diane’s Lebanese roots also know that she believes in the power of “breaking bread.” Diane routinely provides a home-cooked meal for the newspaper’s editors when they meet to plan the semester’s publications. There is something special about sharing food over a common table—even if it is just homemade brownies. Good food is also a strong motivator for college students. However, there is no proof to The Paisano rumor that some editors have delayed their graduation to enjoy another dinner at Diane’s home. One accomplishment for which Diane is most proud has nothing to do with her many personal accoContinued on page 9
4
Donors
Patrons of The Paisano:
The donors who helped make our dream a reality
Red McCombs Red McCombs has held many titles throughout his life: father, husband, football player, businessman and perhaps the most apt—leader. A fixture in the community and international business mogul, the McCombs name has become synonymous with hard work and entrepreneurial success. Born from humble beginnings in Spur, Texas, McCombs was intrigued by business from an early age. “It always fascinated me. I didn’t have anybody in my family to advise me, so I had to figure it out for myself,” said McCombs. Both of McCombs’ grandfathers worked as sharecroppers, and his father was an auto mechanic. While McCombs may not have had an interest in becoming a mechanic like his father, he would later continue the auto legacy by becoming the owner of one of the largest automotive dealer-
Roger Treviño Roger Treviño grew up surrounded by family, and with family came business. Having grown up in constant contact with two business owners, his aunt and uncle, Treviño was immersed in business culture from a young age. However, he did not begin his career as a businessman. Following his high school graduation, Treviño attended Texas State University where he graduated with a bachelors degree in law enforcement. “I worked on and off
ships in the nation. Always looking to expand, McCombs cofounded media giant Clear Channel Communications, Inc. in 1972 with Lowry Mays of the Mays Foundation. Today, Clear Channel has more than 1,200 radio and 41 TV stations nationally and facilitates advertising in 60 countries. McCombs’ other business pursuits include a real estate company, Koontz McCombs, as well as oil and gas exploration company McCombs Energy. “I like different types of business, and I always have,” said McCombs. “To me, it’s just as exciting today as it was in the past.” As someone who has experienced success in many facets of his life, McCombs’ definition of success is humble. “I think success is you being pleased with what you have done— whatever that is—and what difference that has made.” McCombs has certainly made a
for a while, and that’s when I thought to create Twang,” said Treviño. “I knew there was a market for that little product.” Today, Twang is a nationally recognized vendor of premium beverage salts; yet, the story of the company’s origin was humble. According to Treviño, he created the first batch of salts in his garage with his wife and two eldest children. Treviño believes that the Continued on page 5
difference through his generous donations. The University of Texas at Austin famously changed the name of their business school to the Red McCombs School of Business after he donated $50 million to the program. When asked why he felt motivated to donate to others, McCombs attributed his generosity to the example set by his parents. “Although my parents never had a lot of financial advantages, they really loved the people around them and wanted to assist them. I was raised in an atmosphere where you share with those who have less.” A recipient of McCombs’ generosity, The Paisano independent student newspaper takes pride in producing a product that both informs and facilitates discussion among the University of Texas at San Antonio community. “You’re producing one of the best
college newspapers that I’ve ever seen. I’m very proud of The Paisano. I think it’s attractive. I think it’s interesting. You learn a lot from it, and not every school does that.” Words: Sarah Gibbens
Donors
5 David Noll From an early age, David Noll understood the value of hard work. Born and raised in San Antonio, Noll was instilled with strong values and principles that would help him accomplish his goals later in life. “My uncle, Rick Noll, and my father, Larry Noll, are both attorneys,” explained Noll. “They had a very strong influence in my upbringing. I knew at a very early age —probably by the 8th grade — that I was going to be an attorney. What was left to figure out was how I was going to do it. And, with guidance from my aunt and uncle, Diane Abdo and Rick Noll— and with a little luck—I made it.” In addition to having strong ideals and principles, Noll was motivated to realize accomplishments. Now a suc-
Carol Lafferty Scott Carol Ann Lafferty (Scott), a longtime educator and friend to The Paisano, was truly one in a million. Lafferty dedicated over 30 years of her life to teaching and mentorship. From teaching at the high school level to being in the corps of Professional Girl Scouts and a National Honor Society sponsor at The Colony High School, Lafferty loved to give the gift of education. Despite never being a journalist, Lafferty enjoyed reading student newspapers and was impressed that The Paisano was purely volunteer-based. In May 2013, Lafferty generously
Continued from page 4
key to his success was hard work and the ability to identify opportunity — two qualities he sees in the journalists of The Paisano. “I believe in music and different
donated to The Paisano to help fund The Paisano
Media Arts Center. Unfortunately, Lafferty passed away on Dec. 12, 2013, losing her battle with cancer. In her honor, The Paisano named The Lafferty Family Education Center in her name, which will be used for The Paisano mentor program with KIPP Aspire Academy. The program helps teach middle school students journalism and writing techniques, as well as publish their own newspaper. The Paisano will always remember Lafferty as the spirited and influential soul that has touched all of the past,
kinds of education,” said Treviño. “The Healy-Murphy Center for atrisk high school students—Twang likes to support that. We were one of the first to support Trinity University’s jazz radio.
cessful attorney, Noll is a testament to the value of hard work and an embodiment of dedication. “In a word, ‘accomplishment’ on all levels and in all aspects of life, inspires me,” said Noll. “I’ve always believed that luck is the residue of hard work and I was taught growing up that ‘good things come to those who wait.’ So, in line with these principles, I very much appreciate people who set goals and work to accomplish them, no matter how great or small.” Despite all his success, Noll has not lost sight of his roots. Noll has generously donated to The Paisano — positively affecting the lives of the journalistic scholars producing the paper every week. “My donation to The Paisano is a small way I can repay my aunt and uncle for all they’ve done to help me,”
said Noll. “ If I can give back to them through The Paisano and help to make meaningful change — and accomplishment — then that is very satisfying to me.” For the collegiate scholars working at The Paisano, Noll provides substantiation that with hard work and perseverance positive change can occur in one’s life. Noll is proof that dreams do come true, no matter the circumstance. “Chase your dreams,” says Noll. “Remember, the only person who can ever hold you back in life is you. Don’t hold yourself back. Have the courage to chase your dreams. I’m living proof that dreams can come true. They can be accomplished.” Words: Jakob Lopez
present and future lives at The Paisano. Lafferty’s brother, Michael Lafferty, describes her best: “Words that come to mind when I think of my sister are learning, compassion, sharing, challenging and a dedicated educator. We hear so much about people who ‘Made a Difference.’ She was truly one of those people.” Words: Jade Cuevas
“When I had the opportunity to contribute to The Paisano, I did so because it’s not biased — it’s just good, honest reporting. I admire all the kids who went through that program,” said Treviño. “I am just
so happy that I’ve been able to play a small part.” Words: Lorenzo Garcia
6
History
CRASH COURSE: The Paisano
The condensed guide to an otherwise extensive history 1979
1983 The Paisano leases office space in an abandoned shopping center bakery across from UTSA’s main campus.
UTSA memorandum requires all student publications to be independent entities. The university policy prohibits UTSA from providing any support to student publications.
1980
The Paisano Educational Trust is established as a 501(c)3 non-profit entity.
1981
October: Student group forms to launch campus newspaper, The Paisano, meaning roadrunner or friend.
January: First issue of The Paisano is published. The tabloid-size publication distributes twice monthly on Tuesday.
2005 Paisano loses its lease when the shopping center is sold to a California investor. Tenancy is month to month.
1989
2000 The Paisano earns Gold Medalist distinction from Columbia Scholastic Press.
1999 The Paisano Educational Trust awards $6,500 in scholarships to UTSA students.
1992 The Paisano purchases its first Macintosh computer and begins weekly publication; first color photo runs.
1991
The Paisano celebrates its 10th anniversary. Former editors contribute seed money for a scholarship fund.
2005 The Paisano is named Best College Newspaper by the SA Current.
2005 The Paisano establishes its online edition.
2009
2011
The Paisano Educational Trust awards $13,000 in scholarships to UTSA students.
The Paisano partners with the UTSA Writing Program to establish an outreach writing program for middle school students.
2011 2006 The Paisano Educational Trust awards $20,000 in scholarships to UTSA students.
2007 The Paisano Educaitonal Trust buys a 2/3-acre tract on Roadrunner Way for its permanent location and begins planning a capital campaign.
Spring: The Carver Academy Cougar is published through the Paisano/UTSA Writing Program middle school outreach writing program.
History
7
2014 April: The Paisano staff produces its first issue at the new Paisano Media Arts Center.
2013 Construction begins on The Paisano Media Arts Center at 14526 Roadrunner Way.
2012 UTSA graduate students in Professor Lewis’ Technical Studio program refine the design.
2013 The Paisano moves from its lease space when the shopping center is sold and demolished. Paisano operations move to Silverado shopping center.
2011 Senior UTSA architecture students in Professor Rick Lewis’ System Studio class submit design proposals for The Paisano Media Arts Center.
2011 Paisano staff, alumni, and board members select the winning design concept.
2012 The Paisano/UTSA Writing Program middle school outreach writing program collaborates with KIPP Academy to produce The Archer.
2012 Red McCombs provides a $100,000 gift to the campaign to endow the Red and Charline McCombs newsroom.
8
Mark Wittig Like many parents, John Wittig worked hard to raise his nine children and give them the best possible foundation he could. Through his dedication and hard work, he was able to provide all of his children with a private school education. But building a business while raising nine children was not an easy task. Wittig, however, made it work. Through innovative thinking, he built an idea into a successful business. In September of 1972, John’s son, Mark, took over the family business—Wittigs Office Interiors. Wittigs works closely with each
Donors customer and develops a workplace solution that helps create the perfect environment while maximizing worker production. Using research and knowledge learned over the years, Wittigs creates a facility that provides efficiency, implementing ergonomics and top-quality design. Wittigs not only provides a unique design perspective but also makes sure that every project runs on time and on budget so that customers have less to worry about. By partnering with Haworth, the industry leader in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) solutions, Wittigs is able to provide greener and more economical products. Wittigs has Recycling programs for
paper and computers and also works with leading architecture and design teams to design new buildings and rehabilitate old ones. But it is not all business for Wittigs. Mark Wittig proudly serves on many boards and is well connected with the community. “It’s all about the community,” Wittig said. “If what we can provide helps (the community), I’m happy to help out.” Wittigs Office Interiors generously gifted all of the furniture and workstations in the Paisano Media Arts Center. Words: Kate Kramer
Security Service Federal Credit Union “One of Security Service Federal Credit Union’s (SSFCU) long-standing strategic corporate goals is community service,” said John Worthington, Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer of SSFCU. “The credit union is dedicated to and continually supports non-profit, educational and other deserving institutions and causes in the San Antonio community.” Its senior managers serve on numer-
ous non-profit boards, the SSFCU Volunteer Corps assists at fundraising and other community events throughout the year and the company provides worthy organizations with in-kind services, monetary donations and sponsorships. All UTSA students, faculty and staff and UTSA Alumni Association members are eligible to join Security Service. Through that connection, SSFCU supports numerous UTSA
organizations, departments and activities, including the development of tomorrow’s professional writers and entrepreneurs through the Paisano Educational Trust. SSFCU is dedicated to serving its members and the San Antonio community. “Because of the loyalty and support of our members and
Steves & Sons
of exterior and interior doors, Steves & Sons makes it possible to easily find a match and works with customers to enhance their home or office space. Quality craftsmanship is not the only specialty of Steves & Sons—community involvement is too. By incorporating recycled materials and building durable products, Steves & Sons continues to develop environmental respect and responsibility. The company is also quick to lend a helping hand and has paired up with local organizations like San Antonio Can High School, a second chance school, to provide quality products.
“Any way we can help our community, we do,” said Tres Steves of Steves & Sons. Regardless of where Edward Steves may have imagined his company going, he is sure to be proud of where his family has taken the company. Steves & Sons is leaving a legacy of craftsmanship and community through continued respect of the environment while building top-quality doors. Steves & Sons generously gifted all of the doors in the Paisano Media Arts Center.
When Edward Steves founded his company—now Steves & Sons—in 1866, he had no way of knowing where the company would end up in the years to come. Six generations later, the Steves family continues to proudly produce quality doors while supporting the environment and community the best way they can. As the second-oldest family-owned company in San Antonio, Steves & Sons produces top-quality doors. With more than 300,000 variations,
Words: Kate Kramer
the community, the credit union has grown to become the largest in San Antonio and Texas,” said Worthington. “Security Service is proud to give back to the community every day and to be recognized as one of the city’s leading corporate citizens.” Words: SSFCU
Donors
Mays Family Foundation A pillar of stewardship in San Antonio since its founding, Founded on principles of stewardship, community, and service, the Mays Family Foundation has demonstrated its dedication to community service, education and enrichment. Texas businessman and
Clear Channel Communications Inc. founder L. Lowry Mays and his wife Peggy Pitman Mays established the Mays Family Foundation in 2004. For the past decade, Mays Family Foundation has provided significant contributions, promoting community growth
Lifshutz Family Foundation
9 and enrichment in San Antonio and other areas across the United States. Continuing its legacy of community and academic advancement, the Mays Family Foundation gifted $25,000 to The Paisano Independent Student Newspaper. These funds endowed the Mays Family Foundation Breezeway at the Paisano Media Arts Center.
“As a family deeply involved in giving back to both the cities they love and to organizations that affect the quality of life in our communities and across the U.S., the Mays are happy to provide support to The Paisano’,” a representative from the foundation said.
recalls that “We have had a long association—and good relationship—with The Paisano, since its inception and are very pleased that it is coming fully into its own with the opening of the new building.” Donors like The Lifshutz Family Foundation have helped The Paisano
afford a state-of-the-art building. Lifshutz added, “We send our very best wishes as The Paisano takes this very important step over the threshold of its new digs.”
Words: Mia Cabello
The Lifshutz Family Foundation has supported The Paisano for its entire journey. Back when the newspaper was housed in the shopping center across from University Oaks, the
Lifshutz Family was the landlord. The Lifshutz Family Foundation sold the land on which the new building currently sits and gave a donation to make the blueprint a reality. James Lifshutz
Continued from page 2
Paisano will have my support as they continue on the path of excellence.” UTSA’s Handbook of Operating Procedures requires all student publications to be independent. One
of approximately 12 independent college newspapers in the country, The Paisano is self-sustaining through advertising revenue. The Paisano Educational Trust, 501 (c)(3) entity is the
publisher of The Paisano. The Trust awards approximately $20,000 annually to UTSA students.
in Teaching, a Minnie Stevens Piper finalist nomination and Advisor of the Year. But, she is most proud that The Paisano awards more than $20,000 in scholarships to UTSA students each year.
From the kitchen table to desktop publishing to its own free-standing building, The Paisano has come a long way. Diane, The Paisano editors and staff are working toward new goals: more outreach programs,
additional computers, larger student scholarships, an endowment fund and maybe even a radio station. They’ll get there—one brownie at a time.
love to be identified with what I think is one of the best college publications I have ever seen. In any event, The Continued from page 3
lades. Diane has received the President’s Distinguished Service Award, The University of Texas Board of Regents Outstanding Teacher Award, the President’s Award for Excellence
Grand opening sponsors
Words: Beth Marshall
Words: Diane Abdo
Words: Rick Noll
10
Reflection on KIPP Kierra Jones is the eighth grade Newspaper Class teacher at KIPP Aspire. She will begin Harvard Law School Fall 2015. I teach at KIPP Aspire Academy, a middle school in San Antonio. At KIPP there is a network-wide drive to provide our students a quality education, which they often lack at their home campuses. As a first year teacher, I was surprised by many things. The most unnerving among them was that my
Paisano Board of Trustees: Steven Kellman Cristina Besosa Diane Abdo
Paisano Advisory Board: Steven Kellman Jack Himelblau Sandy Norman Stefanie Arias Diane Abdo
Special thanks to: Tommy Hopkins Nathan Lambrecht John White Corey Franco Ronald Martinez
students were uncomfortable with thinking critically. So much of their education was rote memorization, preoccupation with standardized tests and an unhealthy focus on “the right answer.” These were not the academic concerns I wanted my students to be preoccupied with. I heard “But, am I right?” almost every class and soon simply stopped telling them if they were correct. My newspaper class was the first group of students that I really saw start to ap-
Mentor program preciate how much they didn’t know about the world around them and how much they could learn. Through exposure to various news sources, my newspaper students started challenging everything. They asked more questions than they answered and were never satisfied. The newspaper class became the most rewarding part of my job. Seeing these 13-year-olds care— truly care—about things other than themselves was astonishing. It made me feel that taking time off from law school to teach was the best thing I could have done. Words: Kierra Jones
Capital Campaign Committee (Alumni Board): Stefanie Arias: Feature writer, San Antonio Express-News Kim Workman: Publications director, San Antonio Bar Association Tricia McElligott: Coordinator, University of Texas Medical Branch Lauren Bohnert Conklin: Marketing director, Singing Water Vineyards Jessica Elizarraras: Food and Nightlife editor, San Antonio Current Katy Schmader: Creative Coordinator, Eaton Fine Art Tiffany House: Bexar Concrete Tiffany Colunga Leal: Chief Civil Prosecutor, Comal County
In memoriam:
Linda Koehler
Joey Teague (right)
Special thanks to San Antonio Press for sponsoring this special issue
Grand opening sponsors
Follow our truck! @PrimoPassoPizzeria
WACHA CRAVING? Get your
Wacha-Bites at the Block SA
www.sa
14530 Roadrunner Way
s.com cake cup
wee t
Park Oaks Shopping Center
Close to Big Lots and The Egg & I
TuesThu 10-6:3 rs 0 Friday 10-5:0 0 Satur da 10-4:0 y 0
Grand Opening Program 10:00 a.m. - Welcome Reception 10:30 a.m. - Welcome Remarks 10:35 a.m. - Business mogul and philanthropist Red McCombs 10:40 a.m. - State Representative Mike Villareal District 123 10:45 a.m. - Councilman Ron Nirenberg District 8 10:50 a.m. - Justice Sandee Bryan Marion, 4th Court of Appeals 10:55 a.m. - Professor Rick Lewis, UTSA College of Architecture 11:00 a.m. - Kierra Jones, KIPP Aspire 11:05 a.m. -Donor Recognition and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 11:10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Building tour, refreshments and afternoon reception