October Issue 2013

October 2013

Celebrating the BIG 40 with ACC Student TV Star

p. 5

ACC all Grown Up

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District Tour

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CONTENTS

7

Birthday Bash

10

11

New Campus

Elgin Eats

On the Record

5

Kaleidoscope

12

Infographic

8

Student Voice

14

Reviews

11

Frugal Finds

15

On the Cover: ACC culinary arts students show off their skills at the college’s 40th birthday celebration held Sept. 17 at the Highland Mall. Photo Editor Keri Gabriele captured the moment.

On the Web theaccent.org

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Audio: Hear from empolyee who registered ACC’s first student 40 years ago.

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Video: See our interview with student who won role on HGTV show.

The Student Voice of ACC

Accent is Austin Community College’s award-winning, student-run publication. We operate a digital-first publishing model. Content is edited and posted directly to the website. We also print a tabloid-style magazine. In Fall 2013, we’ll distribute an October Issue, November Issue and a Winter Issue.

Editorial Team

Design Team

Carizma Barrera, Campus Editor Keri Gabriele, Photo Editor Justin Hobby, Multimedia Editor Michael Sismilich, Audio Editor

Leilani Alers, Design Editor Kimberly Hancock, Design Editor Emily Barker, Graphic Designer Stephanie Garrison, Layout Designer

Reporters Glenn Fraser Devorah Feldman Lucas Horner Njera Keith May-Jacqueline Patterson

Online Team Kimberly Hancock, Online Editor

Photographers Business Team

Chase Hoeppner Cecilia Soto Adrienne Sparks

Era Sundar

Interim Student Media Adviser

To Place an Ad accent@austincc.edu

To Contribute

theaccent.org/openings

To Submit a Story Idea, Comment or Correction editor@austincc.edu

Follow Us Facebook facebook.com/accentnewspaper Twitter twitter.com/theaccent

Contact Us Accent Austin Community College 4400 College Park Drive, Room 2107 Round Rock, Texas 78665 Phone: 512.223.0122

Spotlight

Inez Escamilla Justin Hobby

Multimedia Editor

A

fter graduating high school early, Inez Escamilla wasn’t sure what to study in college.

ACC gave her the options and skills to earn a spot on the Home and Garden Television show “Brother Vs. Brother.” The show stars Drew and Jonathan Scott, who lead two teams of experts in a home renovation showdown. Escamilla discussed her experience with Accent.

ACCENT: What made you decide to try out for the show?

ESCAMILLA: I was surfing Craigslist and saw an ad for an audition. I drove down to Houston early the following morning. I think I was eighth in line, so being early is always good. I got a call back that afternoon for a second interview on camera, then I was flown to New York for the last round of interviews.

ACCENT: What was that process like?

ESCAMILLA: It was really nerve racking in front of the NBC and HGTV producers, but it turned out well because I got the job.

Next thing I knew, I was flying to Los Angeles in January, and we shot from January to February.

ACCENT: What was it like being on the show?

ESCAMILLA: “Brother Vs. Brother” was a life-changing experience.

It helped me realize my value by being considered one of the top ten in America and being around great landscape designers, architects and interior designers.

ACCENT: How did ACC prepare you for an opportunity like “Brother Vs. Brother?”

ESCAMILLA: I got my foundation from ACC. I took small business classes at ACC, and when I needed to learn a computer program I would register for that. I’ve taken everything from personal training and building construction to welding and art. It was really helpful when I got on HGTV, because I was well rounded. I knew how to do tile, welding, lighting and wiring.

“I got my foundation from ACC.” Justin Hobby, Multimedia Editor

ACCENT: What was the best part of being on the show?

ESCAMILLA: When Jonathan Scott said I was the biggest team player.

ACCENT: What was the worst part of being on the show?

ESCAMILLA: Being rushed. I like to put a lot of quality into my work, and it takes time. Everyday we had strict deadlines to meet but not enough time to do them in, to realistically turn around someone’s remodel with quality.

ACCENT: What are you working on now?

ESCAMILLA: I shot a commercial for Stellar Energy Solutions, and we are working on the pilot for a travel show to pitch to the networks.

I also work at a gym called Sharp End Athletics. We specialize in sports-specific training and family wellness. We also do rehabilitation work and are hoping to team up with the Wounded Warrior Project.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been condensed and edited October 2013 | 5

Campus Closeup Keri Gabriele Photo Editor

LIVING TIME LINE — Past and present members of ACC’s board of trustees enjoy a walk down memory lane during the college’s 40th birthday gala Sept. 17 at Highland Mall.

ICONIC — First ACC president Dr. Thomas Hatfield, and Dr. Richard Rhodes.

6 | ACCENT

FIRST ALUMNI — Paul Duffy, ACC graduate of 1974, shares his memories of ACC with the crowd at the 40th birthday celebration.

PEP TALK — Board of trustee member Dr. Barbara Mink and Dr. Richard Rhodes.

Campus Closeup

ACC , P , P B D I ST R I C T

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“I believe ACC was put here to give every man a chance at the same quality education as the University of Texas.” — Charles White, Culinary Student

Carizma Barrera

of their classmates, prepared and served the food and desserts provided at the 40th birthday celebration.

With over 35 years in the catering hat’s the perfect birthday business, White is in his final year gift for the college that has at ACC. He said he chose to return everything — a birthday party to school to stay up-to-date with the in its very own shopping mall. newest techniques.

On Sept. 17, the ACC District “ACC has given me the opportunity community celebrated the college’s 40th to apply myself,” White said. “I believe birthday at the Highland Mall, which ACC was put here to give every man a is soon to become the ACC Highland chance at the same quality education as Learning Center. Over 200 business the University of Texas.” and community representatives joined Norris said ACC has given her students, faculty and staff to remember confidence and reassurance that she is in the past, celebrate the present and look the right field. toward the future.

In addition to the food, music and “Back when I started at ACC we professional workshops, the ACC didn’t have computers,” Linda Morrison, community got a glimpse of the college’s director of center operations said. future during the birthday bash.

“We had no facilities, and basically no Holding the celebration at the equipment.”

Highland Mall showcased many aspects Morrison, an ACC employee for 40 of ACC’s master plan. The first phase of years, remembers when ACC depended the Highland Mall project will include on the Austin Independent School the nation’s largest Math Emporium, District for classrooms and supplies. science and learning labs and swing “We even shared the same board of space for classrooms as other campuses trustees back then,” she said. undergo renovation.

Morrison started her career with The Highland Mall was Austin’s first ACC as an administrative assistant to indoor mall, however business declined the registrar and registered the college’s over the years and the area lost much first student in 1973. Over the years she of the vibrancy it enjoyed during its has taken several continuing education heyday. ACC’s plans includes measures classes to keep up with frequent and meant to revitalize the area. rapid advances in technology. She has RedLeaf Properties, a real estate seen ACC grow from a single campus to investment and development company, nine campuses serving an area of more plans to redevelop more than 40 acres of than 7,000 square miles. existing mall parking lots into a mixed“I could write a book about it,” Paul use space. Residential, hospitality, retail Duffy, a recently retired ACC professor and office spaces are being designed and counselor, said jokingly. along with green space for a park.

Duffy was a part of ACC’s first Bryan Kaminski, a representative graduating class on May 15, 1974. Fifteen of RedLeaf, said once ACC attracts a students received associate degrees that projected 6,000 students to the area, day — a far cry from the more than 2,000 businesses will want to build there. degrees ACC awarded for the 2011-2012 Although the realization of these academic year. plans may be decades away, Linda Although few in number, those first Morrison predicts ACC will be degrees were meaningful. nationally known for the Highland “My relationship with ACC has been Learning Center. such an important time of my life,” Duffy “There’s just not a lot of colleges that said. “What I got from the early days at have bought a mall — we have a whole ACC was a unique and immeasurable mall,” Morrison said. “People will want experience.” to come here to see what we have and When Duffy attended ACC in the go back to their schools to see what they 70s, the college only offered 30 academic can implement. It’s going to be state-ofprograms. It now offers over 200 fields of the-art.” study from nursing to culinary arts.

Audio Editor Michael Sismilich Culinary arts students Charles White contributed to the reporting of this and Michelle Norris, along with several article Campus Editor

W

October 2013 | 7

HAPPY 40 TIME LINE September 17, 1973 ACC OPENS RIDGEVIEW CAMPUS

C

E

L

TH

B

E 24,174

May 15, 1974 ACC’S FIRST GRADUATING CLASS

September 1975 RIO GRANDE CAMPUS OPENS December 1978 ACC RECEIVES FULL ACCREDITATION

19,141

56%

44%

March 1, 1982 ACC APPOINTS FIRST BOARD OF TRUSTEES March 15, 1986 AUSTIN VOTERS APPROVE TAX TO FUND ACC

Associates of Sciences

August 1, 1991 ACC OPENS CYPRESS CREEK CAMPUS May 5, 2003 AUSTIN VOTERS APPROVE TAX INCREASE TO FUND ACC March 27, 2013 GROUND BREAKING AT HIGHLAND LEARNING CENTER. CLASSES TO START FALL 2014

15

90

3 Associates of Arts in Teaching

Associates of Applied Sciences SOURCE: ACC Fact Book 2012-2013

21

Associates of Arts

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B

BIRTHDAY R

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FUN FACTS 150,182

23% FULL TIME

77% PART TIME

50,745

VISION STATEMENT

$272,000,000

The Austin Community College District will be recognized as the prefered gateway to higher education and training and will be the catalyst for social equality, economic development, and personal growth

Created by: Emily Barker - Graphic Designer

News Briefs

Keri Gabriele, Photo Editor

Cecelia Soto, Photographer

ATTENTION PLEASE — The audience listens attentively at Literary Coffee House.

The event was held Sept. 16.

Writing Out Loud Devorah Feldman Reporter

T

he dinner crowd at Austin Java coffee shop appeared to be enjoying their meals.

However, a table of ACC creative writing students seemed nervous and excited.

They were about to participate in the open mic portion of ACC’s Literary Coffee House on Sept. 16 near the Rio Grande Campus.

Literary Coffee House is a monthly event where students interact with other writers.

“I’m not sure what to expect. This is my first time here,” Alexander Dickerhoof said. “It’s nerves — I might not read tonight, but I think these things are awesome. I get to hear others’ styles and see them acting out their work.”

Dickerhoof ’s classmate Kalee Espitia was also nervous. Like Dickerhoof, this event would mark the first time sharing her work with a live audience.

“I haven’t decided if I’m going to read tonight because of my fear of reading in front of people,” Espitia said. “I’ve only written for silent audiences, such as online forums.”

Literary Coffee House participants

10 | ACCENT

perform to an average of 35 to 50 people and sometimes to standingroom-only crowds of 75 people.

Event coordinator and creative writing professor John Herndon has described the motivation behind the event as follows: “We wanted a venue for our students to perform their work in public so they could interact with other students, professors, and their community of writer peers. Public performance is an integral part of any writer’s life today.”

The event begins with a featured reader (a faculty member, community member, or Texas writer) who shares an original work. Then the mic is opened to the audience.

Participants of various ages and levels of experience share poetry, memoirs, and excerpts from screenplays and novels.

Alexander Dickerhoof chose not to perform for the Sept. 16 event.

However, Kalee Espitia shared an original poem.

After presenting her work, Espitia returned to her seat grinning and visibly relaxed.

“It feels nice,” she said. “I think I’ll want to read again.”

Carizma Barrera, Campus Editor

Now Open

ACC celebrated the grand opening of the Elgin Campus on Aug. 29. The college will offer two new degree plans specifically designed for the Elgin location. The Sustainable Agricultural Entrepreneurship program focuses on how to move food from ground to table efficiently. The Veterinary Technician program offers an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology and a Veterinary Assistant certificate.

Rio Grande Theater

Carizma Barrera, Campus Editor

ACC presents “Reasons to be Pretty” Oct. 25 through Nov. 3 at the Rio Grande Campus theater. Written by Broadway playwright Neil LaBute, the ACC production is directed by drama professor Marla Dean. The play focuses on society’s obsession with physical appearance and “is not for the weak of heart,” Dean said. “As it has an adult theme throughout.” Student tickets are $8 and general admission is $10. Proceeds fund scholarships for drama majors.

SGA Today Jon-Paul LaTier, the new president of the Student Government Association, called for greater participation.

“We highly encourage students to become involved in the student

Riverbat Bash

Lucas Horner, Reporter government. It is how their opinion is heard,” LaTier said at the Sept.

16 SGA meeting. “I want them to know they can be a part of SGA and make a difference in their lives and in the

lives of students who come after them.”

SGA meetings are open to the public and are held every other Friday at Highland Business Center from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Keri Gabriele, Photo Editor

The Alpha Gamma Pi Students gathered information and checked out booths from local vendors during the Sept. 4 Riverbat Bash at South Austin Campus.

Various departments set up tables to answer questions, and local businesses offered discounts and services.

Student Life hosted face painting and a disc jockey. The organization also provided pizza free of charge for students who visited 10 or more booths.

Reviews > Entertainment

> Elgin Community

Photo courtesy of Relativity Media

Keri Gabriele, Photo Editor

BIG SCREEN — Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Scarlett Johansson share a moment as Jon and Barb in “Don Jon.”

plates.

Movie Review: Film Plays Nice with Naughty Theme

College Eats: Food Choices in and Around Elgin

Glenn Fraser

Keri Gabriele Photo Editor

Contributor

“Don Jon” is Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s film-writing and directorial debut. He also stars as the main character, Jon, a bartender with a reputation among his friends as a real ladies’ man. Jon’s main passion is internet pornography, but his whole world is shaken up when he encounters the girl of his dreams — a solid 10 named Barb — played by Scarlett Johansson.

“Don Jon” is a coming-of-age tale of sorts. The film shows Jon struggling to adjust his life to become a better man for Barb, even if that means giving up the seductress that is online porn.

Most of the film’s scenarios are geared toward comedy, and the majority of its characters resemble any number of Jersey-themed, reality-TVshow stars — minus the spray tans.

Tony Danza does an exceptional job of portraying Jon’s outspoken, hotblooded, Italian-American father.

QUICK AND FRIENDLY — Las Salsas Grill services rice and beans with their combo

The film stumbles, however, in its portrayal of Jon’s interactions with Esther, an older woman he meets in college. At first their relationship feels like a jarring change of pace from the rest of the movie, but as the sub-plot develops, it begins to merge with the main story.

Esther, played by Julianne Moore, is a welcome presence in the film as one of the few normal people outside of Jon’s social bubble.

Although pornography frames the main theme of this R-rated film, nothing overly graphic is shown.

Still, “Don Jon” is not a date flick.

Gordon-Levitt proves himself to be more-than-capable behind the camera even though the drama feels forced at times. Ultimately, the film is a romantic comedy at heart — at least it’s as romantic as a love-triangle between a man, a woman and porn can be.

Food choices near Elgin Campus are sparse.

However those with transportation and time to travel can take advantage of the many options just beyond campus.

For students heading to Elgin from Austin, several taco trucks can be found along the way.

Manor, about half way between Austin and Elgin, has its share of local barbecue and TexMex joints.

Las Salsas Grill serves breakfast all day, and the salsa served with tortilla chips has a nice kick without melting your mouth. Rice and refried beans come with the combo plates, but the beans are a little thin.

The staff is quick and friendly, and nothing on the menu is over $10.

Once in Elgin, the Sausage Capital of Texas, barbecue is readily available.

Southside Market and Meyer’s BBQ are two well-known barbecue restaurants.

The Southside Market has an extensive menu which includes barbecued turkey and mutton. The restaurant also serves Blue Bell ice cream to complement its hearty fare.

Meyer’s BBQ also provides an extensive menu and offers drivethru service as well.

While both restaurants have similar local-style sausage — smoked on low heat for hours, leading to juicy insides with a nice crunch to the outside — the difference comes from the sauce.

Southside’s sauce is sweeter, while Meyer’s has a more peppery sauce.

Across from Meyer’s, Super Donut is available for breakfast items and next to that is Tex-Mex grill.

If students want to spread out and study, alone or in a group, the City Cafe in downtown Elgin has large, family tables and serves delicious pies and coffee.

For those who don’t have much time to venture off campus, a microwave is available in the student lounge.

While area development is in its beginning stages, an ACC culinary graduate might do well to set up a coffee shop or cafe in the strip mall being built near campus.

October 2013 | 11

Kaleidoscope

Austin Community College District Tour Keri Gabriele Photographer

ACC opened its doors in 1973 on the Ridgeview Campus. In the 40 years that followed, the college has grown to serve an area covering more than 7,000 square miles with nine campuses and two new facilities under construction.

Accent celebrated ACC’s 40th birthday with a district-wide, campus tour.

SOUTH AUSTIN (2006) — SAC offers university transfer degrees and core curriculum courses among its programs.

RIO GRANDE (1975) — RGC the college’s oldest campus. The building was home to Austin High School in the early 1900s.

RIVERSIDE (1984)— RVS was originally home to the Austin Country Club and was ACC’s first real estate purchase.

12 | ACCENT

EASTVIEW (1999) — EVC re-established ACC’s presence in east Austin after Ridgeview Campus was closed.

Kaleidoscope

NORTHRIDGE (1989)— NRG is

home to courses in a number of programs including visual communications and photography.

ELGIN (2013) — EGN offers two new programs of study that were specifically designed for this campus.

ROUND ROCK (2010) — RRC is ACC’s eighth campus. It opened its doors at full capacity to 5,000 students.

CYPRESS CREEK (1991) — CYP is home to a variety of workforce programs including real estate and criminal justice..

PINNACLE (1990) — PIN stands at 985 feet above sea level which is about 500 feet higher than downtown Austin.

October 2013 | 13

Student Voice

What changes have you noticed at ACC, and what do you wish for its future?

Adrienne Sparks Photographer

“It’s been steady in the photo department besides personnel changes.

I hope ACC keeps doing well and the photo program gets enrollment going.”— Macon Leiper

“The library is nicer. There are more computers and better service. But I feel like we have more students so it’s harder to park. I wish we had better transfer services for students.”— Van Le

“Classes and parking passes are more expensive, and it’s more difficult to find parking. I wish nothing but greatness for ACC and for it to be more recognized for how amazing it is, especially the art departments. Happy birthday ACC!” — Carrie Kuenzi

“Is nothing a valid answer? I see lots of lethargy. I’d like to see more resources for the library.”— Ken Morgan

14 | ACCENT

“Now there are parking lot carpool signs. ACC should fix the bathrooms faster!”— Vanessa Wheless

Frugal Finds for Students

Column

Automotive Services Carizma Barrera Campus Editor Paying for services can take a toll on student finances, but money-saving deals can often be found — even on college campuses. In each issue of Accent, I will explore a service provided by ACC students through their degree programs.

“I like that the instructors let us do the work ourselves,” Leticia Trujillo, a first year student in the auto tech department said. “They give us a task and will come to check up on us, but we use each other as our guides.”

The students providing the services practice the skills of their trade and gain experience, while the customers receive professional services at reduced rates.

While some services are not provided at ACC, other routine services may be cheaper when handled outside of the school setting. For example, coupons from local repair shops can reduce the cost of an oil change to less than $20. This price often includes the cost of oil and labor, which beats ACC’s $45 shop fee. But, for repairs that require more time, therefore higher labor costs, it may be cheaper to go through ACC.

Car repairs can be very expensive. Between parts and labor, one repair can cost hundreds of dollars, if not more. However, work done through ACC’s Automotive Technology Department can be a money-saving alternative to using a traditional mechanic.

“Students and the instructors are constantly learning the newest techniques to work on the cars that come in,” Senior Tech Lab Assistant Santiago “Tony” Roque said. “The students appreciate the opportunity to have hands on experience, and we have a lot of returning customers.”

Auto tech student Donald Campbell said, “As long as students support other students in their curriculums and courses, like the automotive, physical fitness, and culinary departments, that’s what makes ACC stronger.

It supports ACC and it keeps us learning.”

Customers save money because the department doesn’t charge labor fees. A shop fee of $45 is charged for each class that works on a vehicle. The fee helps pay for general supplies including paper towels, gloves and soap.

If a student had their fuel pump replaced, for example, and it took two classes to complete the job, the total price would be $90 (excluding the cost of the fuel pump). The labor charge alone on a fuel pump replacement can cost between $200 and $500 according to Cesar Bravo, a mechanic at Capitol Chevrolet. Over $100 in labor can be saved by getting the job done at ACC. When ACC automotive customers bring their own parts, they also save the 25 percent markup fee the college charges on the parts it orders. However,only new parts are accepted. This measure protects the students performing the repairs from liability — in case the used parts were to fail.

This hands-on approach of student-provided services is designed to strengthen lessons learned in the classroom.

Pari and his fellow students in the auto tech department learn how to handle steering and suspension issues, spark plug problems and engine light diagnostics. However, as with any class, there are limitations on what can be taught. Auto tech classes do not offer engine or transmission overhauls, vehicle inspection stickers, or catalytic converter replacements, because welding is not available to the students.

Photo by Carizma Barrera

Auto tech student Amir Pari has worked on his own car under the guidance of his professors.

“The instructors teaching me how to work on my car, has saved me thousands of dollars. But more importantly, it has taught me the skills to work on cars in the future.”

With students doing all the work, some may worry about the quality of the repairs and if any warranties apply. The auto tech program at ACC is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation. Lab assistant Roque said although warranties are not offered, if a part malfunctions within the semester it was fixed, the class will fix it at no charge. The $45 shop fee also covers parts that may be broken in the repair process.

DEMO — Professor David Chavez demonstrates engine repair for Edward Silva, Amir Pari, Albarto Laguna,and Mohamed Jawed.

October 2013 | 15