THE UPDATE College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts Newsletter Summer 2016
The Best of Both Worlds THE STARS A New Spin on an
ANCIENT
The Mayo Review Welcomes
Tim Seibles
STORY
A WORD FROM THE DEAN
FEATURES
You may have caught a glimpse of a picture of your very respectable dean holding, rather awkwardly, a football next to Coach Colby Carthel holding, bemusedly, a copy of Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations. “What is going on?” You may have wondered. “Have they lost their marbles?” Let us explain. This is partnership between the Athletics department and Academic Affairs, the division of the university in which
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The Best of Both Worlds
the academic colleges fall: each college gets recognized at one of the football home games. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize some of our alumni, faculty,
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and staff. It will also be a great time: we are planning the first-ever CHSSA tailgate, with excellent food and drink. It
The Magic of Theatre
will be a great opportunity to cheer on the Lions, to meet old friends and maybe make new ones, but above all to rekindle your relationship with A&M-Commerce, or old ET, as the case may be. We left the best for last: you are all the dean’s guests! A
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The Mayo Review Welcomes Tim Seibles
simple email to chssa@tamuc.edu will get you two tickets for absolutely free. What if you want to bring more friends? Just have them email us as well.
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One last thing, in case you have not heard of our Low-Cost Textbook Initiative, the college launched a
Shooting for The Stars
program in the spring to try and stem the prodigious rise in textbooks costs we have seen. Each teacher who elects to participate pledges to keep the cost of textbooks in their class under $25. In order to identify the classes that are
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From Commerce to Qatar
part of the Low-Cost Textbook Initiative, we came up with a little blue piggy bank logo. A contest on Facebook picked the name “Awesome” for our piggy (as in “the Low-Cost
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Textbook Initiative is awesome”). We are now running another contest: if the post in which we announce the
Honors Day Luncheon
initiative gets shared more than 1000 times, I will kiss a pig, live and at the tailgate. We promise not to roast the pig after I kiss it, so feel free to bring the kids…
Sal Attardo
Dean, College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts
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A Match made in Commerce
Editorial Content by Anna Hilman Design by Tatiana Chamorro
The Update is the newsletter of the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts.
POLITICAL SCIENCE
The Best of Both Worlds
“
This is the beginning of a new era
”
Jim Chester
Jeff Martin left, Jim Chester right
“I don’t want my life to be about or, I
got me to A&M-Commerce was the
want it to be about and,” said alumnus
convenience and the access, but the
Jim Chester. “I don’t want to be a
affordability made it happen.” He
good father or a good lawyer or a good
received the university’s Blue and
entrepreneur. Technology and talent
Gold Scholarship and immediately got
and the times have come together, and
involved in the community, pledging
if you’re willing to see it and make a
Sigma Chi his first semester. “When I
move, you can succeed,” he continued.
got involved in the campus,” Chester
“I can be the best father I can be and
recalled, “all of a sudden Sulphur
a really good lawyer and a really good
Springs, which is fifteen miles away,
entrepreneur and a professor at Baylor
might as well have been fifteen
Law School and a writer, and all those
hundred miles away—aside from the
things that my career and mind will
fact that I could go home every other
need to be satisfied.”
week and get my laundry done.”
He continued, “I didn’t come from
Chester began to consider the
word “and” as a valuable component of
a family of college graduates, so I
his future during his time at East Texas
didn’t really have a plan for my first
State University, now A&M-Commerce.
semester.” Shortly thereafter, Dr.
A Sulphur Springs native, he was the
Adams of the economics department,
first of his family to graduate from
who supervised current economics
college. Chester explained that, “what
faculty member Dr. Funderburk as his
Texas A&M University-Commerce
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practice law independently were limited. One could set up a private space, sublease at a law firm, work from home, or go to an executive suite, all of
“Along with the subject matter of the course, we were taught how to think, how to process, how to tackle a problem” first honors student, invited Chester to be
which Chester at one time or another tried. While
his last. “I was so honored by the fact that a
each space had its positive and negative aspects,
successful professor would pick a guy like
they were unable to offer both a professional
me, see potential in me, and recruit me to
image and networking opportunities in one space,
the Honors Program, an accomplishment
resulting in his return to a firm.
on which I still look back with pride,”
In 2013, when Chester sought to practice
said Chester. While pursuing a degree in
independently again, he found that a lot had
economics, Chester also became interested
changed. “Technology had gotten better and the
in political science and decided to pursue
business industries were much more likely to hire
a double major. “They’re both approaching
an independent lawyer. It was easier in 2013 to
the same problems—political science and
launch my own practice and be successful than
economics—just from different directions. I
it was in 2003,” he said. “Everything had gotten
was fascinated with both sides and did not
better except for one aspect—where I worked.”
want to have to choose one over the other, so
Chester applied the tools he learned at A&M-
I incorporated both into my degree.” Chester
Commerce to the problems he faced during his
graduated from A&M-Commerce magna
own experience practicing law independently.
cum laude in 1994.
“Along with the subject matter of the course, we
After graduation, Chester set out to pursue
were taught how to think, how to process, how to
his goal of becoming both a lawyer and an
tackle a problem,” he explained. In response to
entrepreneur. He began practicing law in
the evolving times and the needs of independent
Texas in 1997 and founded an independent
lawyers, he and his business partner, Jeff Martin,
practice in 2003. However, during that time
tackled the problem at hand and launched their
the options for finding a space in which to
Dallas-based company, VENUE, in 2015.
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College of Humanities, Social Sciences, & Arts Newsletter
Chester and Martin originally sought to create a tech incubator, but quickly realized the need for a co-working environment specific to legal services. They designed VENUE as a space where attorneys can work in a professional setting, host clients and events, receive business management training, and network with other attorneys. “The law firm business model of yesterday is broken,” said Chester. “Your typical law firm model is like flowers that have been sitting in a vase a little too long. You can change out the water all you want; you can spruce them up, but the fact is they’ve already been cut from the ground. It’s just a matter of time. So what we’re doing is replanting. We’re planting in a different kind of soil. This model isn’t just something that we think is cool for Dallas; we’re thinking it’s going to be the way a lot of lawyers practice from now on—this is the beginning of a new era.” As VENUE continues to grow, Chester and Martin evolve their model based on feedback from their members in order to ensure that they also have the freedom to practice independently and pursue their passions. For more information on VENUE visit attorneyvenue.com
Texas A&M University-Commerce
tamuc.edu
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THEATER
Ramon Esquivel’s “Luna” brought laughter
“This play was an opportunity to serve our growing
and whimsy to The University Playhouse in a
Hispanic culture in the community and university,”
production directed by Associate Professor of
said Dr. Klypchak. The play featured acrobatic
Acting and Directing, Dr. Carrie Klypchak. “Luna”
scenes, playful costumes, magical set design, and
features the experiences of Soledad, the daughter
fun audience interaction. “The opportunity to be
of migrant farm workers and her magical
a part of “Luna” with such an amazing group of
friendship with the moon, Luna. The play teaches
people was one of the greatest experiences of my
wonderful lessons about family, friendship and
life,” said theatre student Halee Rice.
courage to audiences both young and young at heart.
A NEW SPIN ON AN ANCIENT STORY In her directorial debut at A&M-Commerce, Dr. Rebecca Worley directed Sarah Ruhl’s “Eurydice” this spring. An adaptation of the Greek Orpheus myth, the play shifts the traditional perspective and focuses on the experiences of Orpheus’ wife, Eurydice. Dedicating the work to her late father, Ruhl wrote the adaptation as a way to experience one last conversation with him. “The play is about love and loss and mourning, which makes it a very universal story,” explained Dr. Worley. Britney Noland, who played Eurydice, was immediately drawn to her character. “I had never connected to a character as strongly as I connected with Eurydice,” she said. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to build this beautiful world with Dr. Worley.” The stylized production was rich with poetic language and featured a complex set design. “It is very important that we expose our students to a variety of styles,” said Dr. Worley. Gabrielle Dickson, who played the strong and contemptuous Loud Stone, explained that, “As an actor, the chance to work on such an abstract drama is invaluable.” 6
College of Humanities, Social Sciences, & Arts Newsletter
LITERATURE & LANGUAGES
DR. FREDERICK LUIS ALDAMA VISITS CAMPUS As the third installment of the lecture series
Dr. Aldama is the founder and director of the OSU
supported by the grant, Latino Americans: 500 Years
mentoring program, Latino and Latin American
of History, A&M-Commerce recently hosted Dr.
Space for Enrichment and Research (LASER),
Frederick Luis Aldama, one of the most influential
which was selected as a 2015 Bright Spot in
scholars on Latino Americans in popular culture.
Hispanic Education by the White House Initiative
In his upbeat and entertaining lecture, “Muy Pop!:
on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. He is also
Meditations on Film, Television, Comics and Latino/a
the founder and co-director of the Humanities and
Popular Culture in the 21st Century,” Dr. Aldama
Cognitive Sciences High School Summer Institute in
discussed the Latino presence in contemporary
which students critically explore the ways in which
film, television, music, comic books, merchandise,
brain sciences and humanities intersect. Dr. Aldama
and many other platforms. “Hispanic pop culture is
has authored, co-authored, and edited over 22 books,
everywhere,” Dr. Aldama explained. “The imagination
including Graphic Borders: Latino Comic Books
allows for the infinite re-imagination of possibilities.
Past, Present, and Future, which he co-authored
Our job as scholars involves opening doors and
with A&M-Commerce Interim Associate Dean of the
providing students and the next generation with the
College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts,
conceptual tools to examine larger concepts.”
Dr. Christopher Gonzalez.
English Professor at Ohio State University (OSU), Texas A&M University-Commerce
tamuc.edu
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The Mayo Review Welcomes
TIM SEIBLES
“
Seibles is such an engaging performer of his own poetry
”
Dr. Salvatore Attardo
The Department of Literature and Languages recently celebrated the launch of the 51st edition of The Mayo Review. This year, The Mayo Review had the honor of welcoming Poet Laureate of Virginia, Tim Seibles, to host the event. Considered by Martin Espada as “one of America’s foremost African-American poets,” the opportunity to host such a significant voice was an extraordinary honor for A&M-Commerce. A recipient of the Theodore Roethke Memorial Poetry Prize and 2012 National Book Award nominee, Seibles read works from his most recent collection, Fast Animal, to a captivated audience. “Seibles is such an engaging performer of his own poetry,” said Dean of the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts, Dr. Salvatore Attardo. After his reading, Seibles took questions from a full audience where he shared entertaining and invaluable anecdotes about his life and his work. To conclude the eventful evening, Seibles remained to sign his books and engage with students and guests. “The opportunity to attend a reading of such an influential poet was an incredible experience for A&M-Commerce students,” said English PhD student and Prose Editor, Victoria Schultz. The following day, Seibles led a creative writing workshop in which he shared personal experiences and gave feedback to student writers. “Seibles provided invaluable feedback at his workshop,” said journal co-editor Tawnya Smith. “To learn from and share experiences with Seibles was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
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College of Humanities, Social Sciences, & Arts Newsletter
LITERATURE & LANGUAGES
This year was an exciting year of firsts for The Mayo Review. For the first time in its history, this edition of the journal featured original non-English poetry. “This was a great year to be a part of The Mayo Review team,” said Smith. “We worked hard to create an issue that was unique, new, and inspiring.” In order to honor her parents and celebrate the hard work put forth by student writers, Mary Cimarolli established The Katie and Tice Gammill Creative Writing Scholarship, which was awarded to three A&M-Commerce student contributors. “Before going back to school, creative writing was a big part of my life,” said scholarship recipient and journal contributor Megan Opperman. “This scholarship and The Mayo Review encouraged me to pursue my passion throughout my graduate career.” The Mayo Review editorial board consists of A&M-Commerce graduate and undergraduate students, and accepts a wide-range of submissions in order to encourage exceptional and diverse works in all genres. “Having my photographs recognized for publication was an incredible honor, not only in the sense that my hard work paid off, but also that the story I wish to convey through my work now has an avenue to reach the public,” said photography contributor Jonathan Zananiri. English PhD student and poetry contributor Apryl Lewis celebrated the accomplishment of one of her lifelong goals at the journal’s launch. “The support I received from my family, friends, and The Department of Literature and Languages, especially Dr. Kathryn Jacobs, has instilled in me a desire to continue writing poetry and prose,” said Lewis. “Thanks to the The Mayo Review, I have fulfilled one of my lifelong dreams of becoming a published author!” To learn more about The Mayo Review, please visit tamuc.edu/mayoreview
Texas A&M University-Commerce
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THE STARS
“
Age doesn’t really mean anything. It’s about drive and talent. Sean Berry
”
“Being a young photographer is difficult, but when it comes down to it, age doesn’t really mean anything. It’s about drive and talent,” said Dallas Stars photographer, Sean Berry, who got his start at A&M-Commerce. Throughout his career, Berry has been featured in publications, such as Rolling Stone, USA Today, and Newsweek, has worked with a diverse range of clients, from Ben Carson to Wiz Khalifa, and has traveled the globe capturing remarkable images. After graduating from A&M-Commerce in 2011, Berry dedicated himself entirely to his work. He found his passion while working on his personal pieces in between professional opportunities. “That’s when I became interested in shooting sports,” Berry noted. “I grew up playing sports—I wasn’t good, but I played them, kind of—and realized that that’s what I’m passionate about.” While he was a student at A&M-Commerce, Berry earned a New York-based internship with Atlantic Records where he gained experience shooting album and magazine covers, well-known artist portraits, and live performances. During this time, he worked with top professionals in the industry who challenged and advanced his work. After his internship, Berry returned to Commerce to finish his degree. “One of my favorite photographers, Mark Seliger, who has greatly
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College of Humanities, Social Sciences, & Arts Newsletter
ART
inspired me, got his degree from A&M-Commerce,”
the right place at the right time and accepting work
explained Berry. “I knew it would be a good fit for me
as it comes your way.”
and a great place to begin my career.”
“My first week as the photographer for the Dallas Stars was one of the craziest weeks in
“It has everything to do with being in the right place at the right time and accepting work as it comes your way.”
my professional career. In five days, I became a new photographer,” said Berry. Among his first photoshoots with the Dallas Stars, Berry experienced foggy lenses, set changes, and limited
Working collaboratively in the field of photography
time frames in which to work. However, Berry
helped Berry expand his career in incredible, yet
met these instances not as challenges, but as
unexpected ways. “As a favor to a friend, I accepted
opportunities to grow. “I’m a huge hockey fan. I love
a newborn photo shoot, which is not exactly in the
shooting hockey. In one instance, I got to shoot in
realm of sports photography,” he explained. “But
the rafters, which was horrifying—I am very afraid
from that one job I was able to get an interview with
of heights—but the pictures we got up there were
the Dallas Stars. It has everything to do with being in
absolutely incredible!”
For more information visit seanberryphotography.com
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POLITICAL SCIENCE FROM COMMERCE TO QATAR Kaylin Taylor, a senior in the Political Science Department and Honors College student, recently earned the Qatar Exchange Fellowship and the opportunity to represent A&M-Commerce in the Middle East. The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations hosts the highly competitive fellowship and awards this opportunity to 10 students who have demonstrated an interest in studying the Middle East during their academic careers. “Ever since participating in my first Model Arab League conference, I’ve had a strong desire to study the Middle East,” said Taylor. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to solidify this desire.” During the trip, Taylor and her peers received hands-on experience with various government ministries and many educational aspects of Qatari life and culture. “This was a unique experience that I owe to both the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations and The College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts,” said Taylor.
ALL DEPARTMENTS
2016 HONORS DAY LUNCHEON The College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts recently hosted the 2016 Honors Day Luncheon to recognize student excellence from each department as well as the individuals who support our students and help make their success possible. The event provides the opportunity for students, faculty, and supporters from across the college to spend time together and celebrate success. 12
College of Humanities, Social Sciences, & Arts Newsletter
SOCIOLOGY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE A MATCH MADE IN COMMERCE “I passed the test with an A!” exclaimed Jimitri
better.” The couple began working on homework
Green, as he held six-month-old Jimitri Jr. in his
for their criminal justice classes in the library on a
arms. Jimitri took his final exam for Vincent Hunter’s
regular basis, and the rest was history. “We became
correctional systems class at a Dallas hospital
best friends because of school, and the more time
delivery room while his wife, Ruby Whetstone Green,
we spent together, the closer we became,” she said.
was in labor with their son. “I informed Professor
“We started dating in 2014, married six months
Hunter that our baby was due the same day as the
later, and then welcomed Jimitri Jr. into the world
final exam, and he was extremely accommodating,”
in December 2015. Once I got to A&M-Commerce, I
said Jimitri. “When I actually called the day of the
completely fell in love—in more ways than one!”
exam to tell him we were in labor, he said he would bring my exam to the hospital. I thought he was joking, but he showed up, and I finished my class in the delivery room. It was amazing.”
“Once I got to A&M-Commerce, I completely fell in love—in more ways than one!” Ruby and Jimitri fell in love during their time in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at A&M-Commerce. They both have a passion for helping others, which is what drew them to pursue the same field. “All my life, my mom told me that I should be a lawyer. I have started the journey towards my goal here and will continue on to law school after graduation,” said Jimitri. “I just want to help everybody with everything—I think I’m superwoman,” said Ruby. “When I started taking criminal justice classes, everything felt like it was meant to be.” The couple first met in the student center when Jimitri participated in a fundraiser that Ruby helped organize for The National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc. “After that, we started seeing each other all over campus. When I found out that we were both criminal justice majors, I asked Jimitri if he would like to work on homework together, but really I used that as an excuse to get to know him
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“
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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Need tickets for the football game? CHSSA@tamuc.edu