News stories: Alumni speak about Latinos in the Workplace

By: Jaime Alemán

January 21, 2021

The World Languages and Cultures Department and the Organization of Hispanic Students will sponsor, Latin People in the Workforce, an event that will showcase seven Latin alumni from the university, all from different career fields. Each presenter will hold individual conferences on Zoom every Friday at 6 p.m., starting Feb. 5 through April 9.

During the event, each speaker will talk for 30-35 minutes and then there will be time for Q&A. Participants must write the questions on the Zoom chat and a moderator will read them to the presenter,” said Issac Nuñez, sponsor and spokesperson for the events in an email. Nuñez also said that the whole activity should last about an hour for each presenter, including the questions and the speech. All students can join and the events are not limited in size, since it will be held on Zoom.

“The presenters will talk about their hardships, motivations, struggles, and successes, as some of them are the first generation to go to college,” said Dr. Claudia Montoya, professor and director of World Languages and Cultures.

To showcase the diversity of the Hispanic world, there will be professionals from a number of fields such as law, medicine, music, mass media, and more. Each presenter will also share some knowledge about their respective professions, that will let the audience know where they are now after graduating.

There will be seven speakers to choose from and will allow for a variety for all interests. Montoya said, “If professors want to offer extra credit for attending, we can do that.” Montoya also said that as the presentations go, the sponsors holding the events, will send out flyers with a brief biography on each presenter to allow students to choose a favorite or just the presenters in their similar majors.”

Valentine Valograms from Fraternity Chapter TKE

By: Jaime Alemán

January 21, 2021

Members of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity will have $1 valograms starting Feb. 8-12, at the Sunwatcher Plaza to raise money for St. Jude’s Hospital and chapter operations. Rogelio Nunez, the president and philanthropy chair of TKE said, “the valogram is a little heart message that we are going to sale. You just write a nice note for either a friend or family member. They are only $1. You get a heart and a carnation with it.” The fraternity will also sell $2 raffle tickets for a chance to win a gift basket or a goodie bag with a carnation. They will also sell a package deal with everything, the note, the raffle ticket, and a goodie bag with a carnation. “The valograms started today and will be happening until Friday. We will be selling them every day this week,” Nunez said. Due to the potential of snow and dropping temperatures Nunez said they are trying to move the event inside, but so far its going to be at Sunwatcher Plaza. “I bought a valogram for all four of my family members. They are only a $1 and make a nice gesture for Valentine’s Day that will help make their day better. It’s also for a good cause. I really like the TKE fraternity and anything I can do to help them out, I try to do,” Enrique Olvera, freshman finance major said. Students and faculty are welcomed to purchase the valograms. “After leaving Einstein’s Bagels for my lunch break, I seen TKE set up and seen the valograms they were selling and thought of my loved ones. I bought a couple of them to help out and the carnation flower looked nice,” business office teller, Nick Rodriguez said. Some fraternities and sororities have not been doing fund-raisers because of COVID-19, but they are starting to get back to it, but with all the safety precautions in place. Our campus has quite of few fraternities, but only four are Interfraternity Council members. “TKE is one of the four IFC fraternities on campus. We love Valentine’s Day and raising money, so 20% of the revenue from the valograms is going to go straight to St. Judes, which is our philanthropy,” Nunez said. So before the week ends and Valentine’s Day sneaks up on you, go buy a valogram at Sundance Plaza for your significant other or your family members.

All Classes Canceled Again Due to Winter Storm

Jaime Alemán

January 30, 2021

The university cancelled all in-person and virtual/ hybrid classes through Thursday, Feb. 18 due to the deadly winter storm and power outages, according to a message from Director of Marketing and Public Information Julie Gaynor.

“Due to some students without power and the bad road conditions campus will remain closed Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 17-18. We are trying to reach out to off-campus students who have been left without power,” Gaynor said.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the flow of electric power on the Texas Interconnection system that supplies power to more than 25 million Texas customers—90% of the state’s electric load, declared its highest state of emergency in the aftermath of the winter storm that has engulfed the Lone Star State, leaving thousands without power.

Gaynor said, “It has us worried about students stuck in their apartments off-campus with no electricity or family nearby. The Legacy Multipurpose Room and the Clark Student Center are opened as warming stations for current students living off-campus and are without power.”

It has been unclear if the outages are from the rolling blackouts described by Oncor, the electric utility company, to drop power load through maintained controlled outages or poor grid conditions.

“Rolling blackouts, I think not. I have friends who have been without power this whole time, and here I am in an apartment with my son and its 40 degrees. We are freezing,” Mary Davis, computer science senior said.

Others have not experienced the power outages, but still feel the effects from the university closures that have turned into a small vacation from the stress of classes.

Music education student, Georgia Kirkpatrick said, “I live in the dorms and if we did have a blackout, I might have been asleep during that time, but I haven’t seen any. The internet has cut off once or twice, but it was back on within minutes.”

The dangerous road conditions have also directly affected the students on campus who have to go to work or pick up supplies from the grocery store.

“It’s kind of scary. Snow is beautiful, but at the same time it’s scary, because so many people have to travel during this weather with all the ice. Plus, no electricity for some, its stressful, to say the least,” Kirkpatrick said.

Students with power outages or housing issues can go to Mesquite Dining Hall for food and shelter during normal dining hours, according to MSU Texas social media.

Wichita Falls Mayor Stephen Santellana said on Facebook many non-profits are set up to help with overnight shelters and warmup stations, such as One Life Community Church, Hope Church, First Baptist Church, and Salvation Army.

Students and residents are encouraged to conserve energy as much as possible, according to Payless Power, an electricity provider. Ways people can conserve power and lower energy costs include turning down the thermostat to 68 degrees, keep lights off when not in room, and unplug appliances when not in room.

More COVID-19 federal money provides relief to Financial-Aid students

Jaime Alemán

April 12, 2021

The Financial Aid, and the Business Office will begin the process of distributing funds from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 grant to qualifying students on March 5.

“Qualifying students will receive money from $125 to $750 depending on the level of financial need. There is high-level, mid-level, and low-levels of financial need based on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid,” financial aid processor Frances Tasker said.

Full-time undergraduates who receive Pell Grants with an Expected Family Contribution of $0$5,771 will receive the full amount of $750.

Tasker said mid-level financial need students that have an EFC of $5,772$25,000 will receive $500, and low-level financial need students who have an EFC of more than $25,000 will receive $125.

Federal relief funds help manage unexpected expenses related to the coronavirus and help students continue their education despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nick Rodriguez, teller in the Business Office, said, “For faster payment processing, students are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit through Touchnet located in the MSU Texas portal. It is also important for students to update their mailing address in WebWorld so the check can be delivered to the correct mailing address.”

Despite an account balance in the Business Office, students will receive the funds from the grant. The CRRSA grant can be applied to the student’s account balance if they choose to do so.

Rodriguez said students with account balances will be their responsibility. Also, students will receive relief funds 3 to 5 business days after March 5 if you have set up direct deposit, or otherwise via check to your mailing address can take 7 to 10 business days.

Students not eligible to receive federal dollars can apply to the student emergency fund for relief from the pandemic or other emergencies such as the winter storm damages.

“The winter storm and ensuing negative impact financially on students because of whatever they may have experienced, could be something eligible for funding through the student emergency fund and there are ample funds for students to submit those applications,” said Matthew J. Park, the associate vice president and dean of students. pected financial burdens and students search for financial relief from all sources available.

“We are really happy and thankful because it is an entirely donor funded program so supporters of the university, community members, local organizations and foundations, even university faculty have contributed money to make the funds possible,” Park said.

The pandemic and the winter storm cause unex-

65th Annual Meeting for Credit Union comes with the famous “Best Raffle on Campus”

The university Credit Union Board of Directors and staff held the 65th annual meeting on March 5 to discuss the yearly audit, to give the Chairman’s Report for 2020, and to present future goals for its members.

Chairman of the Supervisory Committee, Crystal Tate said, “Our job is to go over the yearly audit that is done by the Credit Union Department of the State of Texas. According to the current audit, all prior examination findings were adequately resolved, which is good news. The Credit Union remains well-capitalized, loans underwritings are adequate and there is ample liquidity to meet loan demand and share withdrawals.”

The issues found during the audit refer to policy and customer procedure that require revision, and updating the employees with the new changes.

Tate said an issue that needed to be made is revisions to the Bank Secrecy Act policy and procedures under the area of customer due diligence to ensure compliance.

“I want to assure you that the employees at the Credit Union and the Board of Directors are working to take appropriate action to resolve all the findings identified during the audit. There was nothing serious or difficult to correct,” Tate said.

The Bank Secrecy Act is a U.S. law requiring financial institutions in the United States to assist U.S. government agencies in detecting and preventing money laundering, also known as the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act.

During the past year, the Board of Directors and Credit Union Management have examined avenues to increase loan revenue in order to decrease the use of reserve funds for Credit Union operating expenses.

Jonathan Price, treasurer and chair of the credit committee said the Chairman’s Report of 2020 shows 254 loans approved, a small decrease from the previous year of 258 loans approved, a 1.6% decrease.

“The pandemic rose with full intensity and everyone was challenged and our Credit Union was no exception. As a consequence of the pandemic, we’re in an economic crisis that has depressed interest rates at historical lows. Although there’s a silver lining to that, this is an excellent time to borrow money,” Price said.

Other financial institutions have hidden costs with robotic customer service, but the university Credit Union considers the member’s best interest because they are a partner.

Price said, “If you are in the market for a loan, ask us what we can do, think of us first. And more importantly, if you have friends or colleagues on campus that could benefit from us, don’t leave them out, let them know that we can be an asset to them.”

In today’s economy member loan activity is important to generating revenue for any financial institution. To increase income, the Credit Union is committed to expanding the university Credit Union’s membership pool.

“Our membership pool is made up of current MSU employees, students as well as grads, and family members. We are looking at bringing more of Vernon, we have expanded to Vernon and its usually Vernon faculty that we’re looking at. We are looking at the possibility of including students from Vernon also,” Chairman, Barbara DeBois said.

As of December 31, 2020, the Credit Union assets totaled $5,687,880.15.

Students For the First Time able to Get COVID-19 Vaccine on Campus

Working together to help achieve herd immunity in our community, the Vinson Health Center will host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic. It will begin April 8 at the Sikes Lake Center thanks to a collaboration with the Texas Military Department and the Texas Department of Emergency Management.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the TDEM and TMD to host these clinics as we work together toward achieving herd immunity,” Dr. Keith Williamson, medical director at Vinson Health Center, said in an email. The shipment our campus received supports our campus community, but also allows a chance to help the region reach the herd immunity goal. Clinics will start Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and continue each Tuesday and Thursday during the month of April while supplies last. “MSU Texas received plenty of Johnson & Johnson vaccines to last the month of April,” Director of Health in Wichita Falls, Lou Kreidler said. The on-campus vaccine clinic will be available to students and faculty with proper identification such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID. Everyone on campus is encouraged to participate to help summer travel become less risky when they return for Fall 2021. “The main reason I want to get vaccinated is because I want to be safe especially around my mother who has some health conditions. I’m also planning to travel this summer to visit family members in Mexico so getting vaccinated and keeping them safe is necessary,” spanish junior Edwin Miranda said. The Health Department maintains the effectiveness of the vaccine continues and has low risks and will help things get back to normal, but concerns about receiving the vaccine persist. Miranda said, “I do understand some of the concerns of not wanting to get vaccinated, however I believe you have to take that risk in order for the country to start back up again.”

Millions of people have received the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, but now there’s a new vaccine on the list. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for emergency use, making it the third vaccine available in the U.S, which is the vaccine that will be used at the vaccine clinic on campus.

Kreidler said the ultimate difference is the way the instructions are delivered in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine because it uses the more traditional virus-based technology. This approach attacks the spike protein. It uses a harmless virus that doesn’t make people sick. The harmless symptomless virus spreads in your body and releases the spike protein fragments. Just like the mRNA vaccine, the body reacts to the spike protein making your body fight any run in with the COVID-19 virus. The body sees foreign protein and produces an immune response, so when the real virus shows up, the spike protein gets attacked making the virus harmless. The public questions the side effects of all vaccines, but the vaccines are both effective and safe.

“I didn’t even know MSU was offering the vaccine but our professor just reminded us this morning,” Taylor Mendez, computer science senior, said. “I’m concerned about the side effects, but, I’m going to get it because I don’t want to be responsible for getting any of my family sick.”

Pain near the shot and soreness is standard and most people will feel achy and a little feverish. These side effects are signs your body is taking the task of a good immune response seriously.

Mendez said she is ready for life to return to “normal” and that will only happen if enough people get the vaccine to reach herd immunity.

Update: With only three known cases Johnson & Johnson pauses vaccine due to potential blood-clots

Vinson Health Center pauses Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses because of cases around the U.S. involving blood clots, but will continue tomorrow April 15 giving the Moderna vaccine at Sikes Lake Center.

“People can still go to Sike Lake Center on Tuesdays and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. but will receive the Moderna vaccine,” Elizabeth Lyn Doman, medical office coordinator, said.

The pause on J & J vaccine comes after reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of nine rare cases of blood clots in vaccinated individuals.

“I received my vaccine last Tuesday at Sikes Lake Center and it was the Johnson & Johnson. After reading about the pause of the vaccine because of blood clots in a few cases, I got nervous and started reading everything I could about what signs I should be looking for,” Taylor Mendez, computer science senior, said.

The CDC recommends looking for signs of severe headaches, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath that could be related to the J & J vaccine. If you are one who received this vaccine, the CDC advises to seek medical attention if experience any of these symptoms.

Mendez said, “I have not experienced any of the symptoms the CDC says to lookout for, but I am concerned.” She also said she believed MSU would give quality vaccines, but now doesn’t trust what doctors are saying.

The CDC still encourages to get vaccinated, but the growing number of people with concerns and fears about the vaccine continues to grow.

“After reading about the blood clots related to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine that I got at the Sikes lake, I began to get worried. I’m a fearful person about getting sick so my mind began to wander and I am still worried, but I try to stay positive,” Edwin Miranda, spanish junior, said.

The 9 rare cases involve women. The CDC is monitoring vaccine safety constantly to ensure the confidence in the population. “The fact that it involves only women with the blood clots, I have to keep myself updated with stuff about the symptoms in case I have them, I want to know and go see a doctor, Mendez said.