THE UPDATE College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts Newsletter Fall 2016
CHSSA SCORES
WITH ALUMNI AT FOOTBALL GAME!
Bryan Felty:
NEVER GO BACK
MAKING A
DIFFERENCE
Liberal Studies
IS THE BOMB
A WORD FROM THE DEAN
FEATURES
This year will certainly go down in history
as one of great lows and great highs. Watching the Lions win their third consecutive title at the game in which the College was awarded a game ball to symbolize the collaboration with the Athletics
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division was certainly one of the highs, as was the tailgating experience.
Liberal Studies IS THE BOMB
As you can see on pages 12 and 13, our
tailgate event was a huge success, at least judging from the length of the line waiting to sample the
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brisket and pulled pork! A big thank you goes to all the CHSSA staff, and especially Tracy Rogers, who
BRYAN FELTY: Never go back
organized all this, and of course to our pit bosses, Chris Gonzalez and Mike Odom.
Next year we are planning an even bigger
event, for Homecoming, not only with food and
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Pact made with the blue devils
games but also with an art walk across the campus galleries, performances from the choir, raffles, and more. Tailgating CHSSA style is here to stay!
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This was the first time the College of
Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts held a tailgate
Canines, Coffee and Conversation: Oh My!
party, but was this in fact the first time ever? What about tailgating in the era of the College of Arts and Sciences? Or even before? We’d love to hear your stories about tailgating.
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Alumnus will never retire
In fact, we’d love to hear your stories, period.
If you have any success stories or memories you’d like to share, send us an email at chssa@tamuc.edu
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Encrypting a
LIFE
Sal Attardo
Dean, College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts
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CHSSA SCORES with Alumni at Football Game
Editorial Content by Anna Hilman and Erin Galope Design by Tatiana Chamorro
The Update is the newsletter of the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts.
LIBERAL STUDIES
Liberal Studies
IS THE BOMB
“
Liberal studies came at just the right time for me.
”
“I like new ideas that help me
feel challenged studying just one
interact and connect with the real
discipline.” Academic success coach
world,” said liberal studies alumna,
Dottie McIntyre urged Hernandez
Yessica Hernandez. “Liberal studies
to consult with Dr. Donna Dunbar-
came at just the right time for me.
Odom. Together, Hernandez and Dr.
I love art, but I also love technology
Dunbar-Odom customized a degree
and wanted to pursue a career in the
plan that focused on art, photography
music industry.” Hernandez was able
and communications. “The program
to combine her passions with a liberal
challenged my critical thinking and
studies degree and join the marketing
encouraged me to be innovative with
communication team at The Bomb
my skills,” stated Hernandez.
Factory. Located in historic Deep Ellum in downtown Dallas, The Bomb Factory is known to be a unique place to work. Transformed from an ammunitions facility, the building is now a music
“The program challenged my critical thinking and encouraged me to be innovative with my skills.”
venue in which performers such as Radiohead, Dave Matthews Band, and
Hernandez now works as a member for
The Ramones brought their talents to
one of the top 100 greatest American
Texas.
music venues. Working with The Bomb
“I always knew that I wanted
Factory’s marketing communications
to work in a creative environment,”
team provides Hernandez the
said Hernandez. “I had heard about
opportunity to work with incredible
the art program at A&M-Commerce
artists and contribute to fostering
and originally sought to pursue
a new live music experience in
an art degree. However, I did not
Deep Ellum.
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BRYAN FELTY: Never Go Back
“
Believe in making your own luck through hard work and talent.
”
“Working on a movie set is not as glamorous as it sounds,”
stated Bryan Felty when describing his work on Oliver Stone’s Oscar award-winning film “JFK.” As one of the prop assistants, he had to clean Kennedy’s limousine after each take. “We shot the scene three times. Dealing with movie blood is not the pretty side of working on films,” stated Felty.
Felty started attending East Texas State University (ETSU) in
the fall of 1984. “I’m a third generation ETSU graduate. My father, mother, grandfather and grandmother all graduated from East Texas State College and became teachers.” L.T. Felty, Bryan Felty’s grandfather, played running back for the Lions. Inherited from generations before him, Felty’s Lion Pride made the decision for him to attend ETSU an easy choice.
In a memory from his time at ETSU, Felty recalled, “In my
first meeting of the freshman leadership class, we had to introduce ourselves to the group. I said, ‘Hi, my name is Bryan Felty and I enjoy gory satanic horror films.’ You should have seen their jaws drop.” He was joking about the satanic part, but Felty knew that he wanted to be part of the movie industry, making magic.
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While majoring in illustration and design, his toughest
College of Humanities, Social Sciences, & Arts Newsletter
ART
but most rewarding class was Design 101 taken
director also conveys the vision of the production
his freshman year. “Professor Brian Boyd (now of
designer to the team, ensuring that the look of the
RBMM – a graphic design firm in Dallas) kicked my
film is accurate, on schedule and on budget. “I’m
butt pretty hard and that was a good thing,” stated
usually in the office by 6:30 a.m. and will walk up
Felty. Felty learned that it would take hard work
to 11 miles a day when on a studio lot, making sure
and perseverance to achieve the goals he had set
everything is on task,” stated Felty. “I did not just
for himself. “I remember working late nights on my
luck into this job. I believe in making your own luck
drawing table, busting out designs and discovering
through hard work and talent.”
coffee,” exclaimed Felty.
“Black Mass,” “Central Intelligence,” “Jack Reacher:
Upon graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor of
Working on films such as “Ted,” “Ted 2,”
Arts in illustration and design, Felty found himself
Never Go Back,” and “Patriots Day” (set to come out
working mainly on commercials and independent
in theaters January, 2017), he has collaborated with
films in Dallas and Houston. He then went on to earn
some A-list celebrities in the film industry such as
his Masters of Art in film production design from
Tom Cruise, Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron and
the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. Since
Dwayne Johnson. His current project, “Orville,” is a
his first job as a production assistant (entry-level
Seth McFarlane science fiction television series, set
position on a film crew), he managed to climb the
to air beginning September 2017.
Hollywood mountain to work nationwide as a feature
film art director. The art director is responsible for
I had taken business classes while I was attending
managing the film’s art department, which includes
ETSU. My advice to other students is to remember
set designers, graphic artists, props, construction
that art (any art – music, film, fine art, etc.) is a
and scenic departments. He is also responsible
business, and being knowledgeable in contracts and
for communicating with studio legal departments
legal matters will only help you when you graduate
regarding clearance of photos, artwork, etc. The art
and are facing the real world.”
Bryan Felty stated only one regret: “I wish
Texas A&M University-Commerce
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“
It is interesting to see students’ faces when music history becomes a reality for them.
”
6
LIONS IN AUSTRIA
Against the backdrop
and perform in Vienna and
of the Austrian Alps, the Texas
Salzburg while promoting
A&M University-Commerce Wind
A&M-Commerce. The 10-
Ensemble and Chorale performed
day trip included outings to
the Radetzky March, Austria’s
Vienna’s Central Cemetery—the
equivalent of the USA’s Stars and
composers’ cemetery includes
Stripes Forever, and several other
the resting place of great
pieces for directors, musicians
composers such as Beethoven
and the general public in Austria.
and Schubert; Schönbrunn
Under the direction of Dr. Randall
Palace, where Mozart played
Hooper, Mr. Phillip Clements
as a child for royalty; St.
and Mr. Allan Goodwin, the 112
Florian’s Abbey and Castle
students, nine graduate staff and
Neuschwanstein, inspiration for
four faculty members exposed
the architecture of the Magic
European audiences to the styles
Kingdom castle at Walt Disney
of contemporary American
World. “It is interesting to see
composers Aaron Copland, David
students’ faces when music
Maslanka and Frank Ticheli.
history becomes a reality for
them. It was very moving!”
The concert tour provided
an opportunity for students to
stated Wind Ensemble Director,
immerse themselves in music
Mr. Phillip Clements.
history, European culture
College of Humanities, Social Sciences, & Arts Newsletter
MUSIC
PACT MADE WITH THE
BLUE DEVILS
In the past, band directors would sit bored
out of their minds while their students had fun learning marching fundamentals and leadership skills at summer band camps. To liven up their experiences, Allan Goodwin, director of Summer Music Camps at Texas A&M University-Commerce brought in world-renowned Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps and System Blue Education.
“I’ve been texting all the directors in Arlington to let them know what they are missing!”
System Blue Education created a three-
day series of clinics where directors could learn hands-on the specifics to marching arts. They provided clinic participants access to the creativity and methodology that have helped the Blue Devils become 16-time Drum Corps International World Champions. “I love the workshops offered for the directors!” exclaimed Arlington band director, Jared Carlton. “I’ve been texting all the directors in Arlington letting them know what they are missing!” Directors from around the area were able to receive training from an international drum corps while also earning 18 hours of continuing professional education credits.
While the band directors were learning, the
kids were also enveloped in the Blue Devil’s system of leadership skills on the field. “When I saw that they were pairing up with the Blue Devils, I thought ‘how can I bring more of my kids here?!” stated 2011 A&M-Commerce alumnus Jonathan Gandy.
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RTV
Canines, Coffee and Conversation:
OH MY!
“
Imagine being in a coffee shop talking to patrons about anything and everything.
”
“‘Blacklands Café’ is a virtual coffee shop of the airwaves.
Each show features a conversation (as opposed to an interview) with a local or area person,” said Dr. John Mark Dempsey, associate professor of radio-television, Department of Literature and Languages. “The conversations can include, but are not limited to: books, food, movies, politics, pets, historical facts, banter on trivial matters, etc. Imagine being in a coffee shop talking to patrons about anything and everything.” At the Broadcast Education Association’s (BEA) annual Festival of Media Arts, Dr. Dempsey received the Best in Competition award in the FA4-LongForm Production category for his show, “Blacklands Café.”
Chosen from a field of 1,500 entries, representing over 175
colleges and universities, Dr. Dempsey’s program featured local veterinarian Dr. Karri McCreary’s discussion about how pets are living longer for many of the same reasons that people do. The informal conversation between guests draws listeners in, like eavesdropping on an adjacent conversation in a coffee shop.
As Dr. Dempsey said, “Radio has a great tradition of
localism and community service, and I think ‘Blacklands Café’ is very much in that tradition.” KETR has had a very illustrious history of winning awards going back to the 1970s, and Dr. Dempsey strives to keep this tradition going.
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College of Humanities, Social Sciences, & Arts Newsletter
MUSIC
ALUMNUS WILL NEVER RETIRE
Mr. Denny Whitley will never retire! While most
would be thinking of retiring after their 45th year of teaching, fall 2016 will mark the start of Mr. Whitley’s 46th year of teaching. “I tried to retire once, but I found myself right back the following fall. I don’t know what I would do if I stopped teaching music,” stated Whitley, 1971 graduate of East Texas State University.
“
I tried to retire once, but I found myself right back the following fall.
He received the 2016 Meritorious Award for Outstanding Commitment to Music Education this summer at the 69th Annual Texas Bandmasters Association Convention in San Antonio, Texas. The association recognizes those who have made a difference in the lives of band students in Texas. “I am so humbled and appreciative of this award from my colleagues. I feel so proud that I actually have been recognized in my profession that I have invested forty-five years in!” Denny Whitley stated. Whitley praises his ETSU band director, Dr. Neil Humfeld, and saxophone professor, Dr. James Deaton, for the exceptional education he received while at ETSU and states,
”
“the friendships I made while attending ETSU have lasted a lifetime.”
Hearing about the successes and
achievements of former students and mentees keeps Whitley inspired. Former student Anthony Austin and current reporter for First Coast News in Jacksonville, Florida, credits Whitley for believing in him. “He not only cared about making you a better musician, but a better person.” As long as there are students that need him, Whitley will never retire from the profession he loves!
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ART
ENCRYPTING A
LIFE
When looking at Rebeka Boling’s art exhibition, a
person is at first disturbed by the images, but then drawn into each pixel. “The images visually look misplaced,” Boling stated, “but the hours of labor producing these 16 images is a result of a new technique called glitch-text-edit. It produces a photograph unique to the subject’s personality.”
Glitch-text-edit is a timely process. Photographed
using a simple head or waist-up shot, the subjects are either facing the camera or at an angle, but all are in front of the same backdrop. Boling takes each image and reduces it down to a specific code. After asking a series of 15 questions to her subjects, she takes their answers and transforms them into a photographic format. The conversion scrambles the original image, creating a colorful set of glitches. Boling takes these glitches and layers them on top of the original image, so the image you see is the result of the person’s personality in a photograph. These photographs capture a variety of personas, including a fraternity brother and a scholar interested only in art.
Boling’s work was displayed in The Dean’s Gallery
as part of the Fall Art Walk which provides an opportunity for students to showcase their work while also getting to experience a gallery opening first-hand. 10
College of Humanities, Social Sciences, & Arts Newsletter
SOCIOLOGY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
“
A&MCommerce’s Masters in Applied Criminology proved to be a game changer for me!
”
Department of Criminal
“A lot of blood, sweat and tears
Justice and Sociology alumnus,
went into us walking the stage
Jimmy Womack, was recently
together. It was such a special
named Chief of Police for the City
day to share with the man who
of Lake Worth Police Department.
was by my side for all of it,” said
After joining the Navy out of high
Dr. Womack. “Most people thought
school, Womack was stationed
we were crazy, but the truth is
in New Orleans where he worked
we motivated each other,”
as an auxiliary security force
she explained.
member for base security and a drill instructor for a juvenile boot camp program. “I knew this was my calling in life because if felt
“I knew that this was my calling in life because if felt like I could make a difference”
like I could make a difference,” said Womack. Shortly after moving
back to Texas to pursue a career
the City of Lake Worth Police
in law enforcement, Womack
Department as assistant chief of
was hired by the Paris Police
police in June 2015 and became
Department and worked as a field
chief of police in February
training officer. “After working as
2016. Dedicating his efforts
a field training officer for a few
to developing and cultivating
years, I felt a need to do more. I
successful relationships between
started looking for a way to better
law enforcement agencies and
myself,” he said. “I searched for
the community, Womack stated,
a graduate program that would
“True leadership involves being
place a critical inspection into the
the thermostat and not the
criminal justice system, and after
thermometer; we can all read the
investigating several programs,
temperature, but it is much more
none seemed to have the depth
difficult to control it. We must
of A&M-Commerce’s Masters in
measure the issues and find a
Applied Criminology. I completed
way to adjust and control those
this program in 2014, and it proved
issues.” Womack strives to make a
to be game changer for me!”
positive difference by maintaining
internal and external transparency,
In 2014, Jimmy earned his
Jimmy Womack joined
master’s in applied criminology and
collaborating with the community,
his wife, Ashley Womack, earned
and emphasizing the problem-
her PhD in counseling; they walked
solving and public-service side
across the stage on the same day.
of policing.
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ALL DEPARTMENTS
CHSSA SCORES WITH ALUMNI AT FOOTBALL GAME!
“
We need to think hard on how we are going to top ourselves.
”
12
In collaboration with the athletics department of Texas
A&M University-Commerce University, Dean of the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts, Dr. Salvatore Attardo welcomed children of all ages to toss around blue stress footballs and play ladder golf at the last game of the regular 2016 season. The aroma of brisket and pork enticed families to enjoy a relaxing afternoon sampling the luscious meats prepared by pit bosses, Michael Odom, assistant professor of Art and Dr. Christopher Gonzalez, interim associate dean of CHSSA. The family oriented party was a much-needed break for many alumni. “Our alumni, faculty and student body were ready to cheer on our Lions to victory,” Dr. Attardo exclaimed. “We will need to think hard on how we are going to top ourselves next year.” The College is planning an even bigger party for homecoming next year, with booths from all the programs in the college, and of course more meats!
College of Humanities, Social Sciences, & Arts Newsletter
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13
“
Help Us Grow I’m not out
to change an organization for a day or a month. I’m out to change the lives
”
of as many people as possible.
-T. Boone Pickens
Texas A&M University-Commerce, formerly East Texas State University, has grown by 30% since 2008. This makes us one of the fastest growing universities in the country. The reasons are simple: our students are attracted by the quality of our academic programs, our small class sizes, the convenience of our multiple locations and online programs, and above all by the individual attention to the students which has earned us the nickname of the “university that cares.” The College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts is one of the key players enabling this growth. We offer 65% of the core curriculum for the whole university, as well as more than fifty graduate and undergraduate programs. You can help our students grow both academically and professionally by making a gift to the College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts. Your gift of any amount will impact our students’ lives. Giving is easy! Return the form below or make a gift on our secure website at www.tamuc.edu/give. Also, you can call Heather Himes at 903-468-8182.
THEATRE Dr. John Hanners Memorial Acting Scholarship Supports Acting Scholarships
POLITICAL SCIENCE Political Science Scholarship Endowment Supports Department Operations
Watashia Jayroe Acting Scholarship Supports Acting Scholarships
Political Science Excellence Fund Supports Department Scholarships
MUSIC Alumni & Friends Music Scholarship Supports Music Scholarships
HISTORY East Texas War & Memory Supports Operations of the Department of History
Piano Excellence Fund Supports Operations of Piano Program
History Excellence Fund Supports Operations
ART Art Excellence Fund Supports Art Department Operations
LITERATURE & LANGUAGES Fred Tarpley English Endowment Supports Tarpley Scholarship
Third Floor Photography Endowment Supports Department Scholarships
Mayo Review Excellence Fund Supports the Mayo Review Literary Magazine SOCIOLOGY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE Sociology Excellence Fund Supports Department Operations Criminal Justice Excellence Fund Supports Criminal Justice Scholarships
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College of Humanities, Social Sciences, & Arts Newsletter
“
”
It is today we must create the world of the future. —Eleanor Roosevelt
YES!
I would like to make a contribution to Texas A&M University-Commerce to help deserving students in the College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts. My gift will continue the university’s mission of changing lives. • I/we wish to give a gift of: ❍ $35 ❍ $50 ❍ $125 ❍ $________ (Make checks payable to: Texas A&M University-Commerce Foundation)
• I/we wish to make a pledge in the amount of $_________ ❍ One-year pledge ❍ Two-year pledge ❍ Three-year pledge Credit Card:
❍ Visa
❍ MasterCard
Account Number
Name
❍ Discover
❍ American Express
Expiration Date
Address
Security Code
City, State, Zip
Phone E-mail Please return to: Texas A&M University-Commerce Foundation, Office of Advancement Services, P.O. Box 3425, Commerce TX 75429-3425 - 903-886-5712. No gift is too small and every gift counts. Please contact our office for information regarding bank drafts and matching gifts - 903-886-5712.
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PO Box 3011 Commerce, TX 75429 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
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