January 19, 2010

Volume 66, No. 14

THE PAN AMERICAN

January 19, 2010

President Nelsen pushes building agenda with lawmakers

By Brian Silva The Pan American

With a rough legislative session coming in a year, Nelsen is faced with the tough task of pushing the university’s agenda, which includes new buildings in the science and business areas.

According to Nelsen, whose first day was Jan. 1, the Texas Higher Education

The university’s newly minted president, Robert Nelsen, is spending his first few days in office listening to various constituencies around campus. Meanwhile, he has and will continue to educate state legislators on issues facing the campus, primarily space problems.

Coordinating Board (THECB) has the campus at 100 percent in its capacity report. Nelsen said that 75 percent is considered a “full campus” according to the THECB formula, which takes into account the number of classrooms, offices, scheduling and space utilization.

“It’s overcrowded… about by a fourth,” Nelsen Robert Nelsen said. He went on to say

that in the short term, since it will be a while before UTPA has new space, the university is going to have to be innovatively intelligent about its space use.

“I’m going to get the word out that we need space,” he emphasized.

“I’m going to really push hard for that added space.”

With student enrollment increasing to 18,300 this year, the university

“It’s overcrowded...

I’m going to get the word out that we need space.”

Robert Nelsen UTPA, president

SEE NELSEN || PAGE 6

Governor announces $3.25 million tech grant

By Brian Silva The Pan American Earlier this month Gov. Rick Perry announced a series of emerging technologies grants, part of which will total $3.25 million for the university. The announcement by the governor was made on Jan. 5 at the ITT2 building with university, business and state leaders in attendance.

The goal of the UTPA portion of the grants is to advance and expand the university’s Rapid Response Manufacturing Center (RRMC), which would then aid the Texas economy by diversification and job growth. The RRMC assists companies in developing research and talent in the area of rapid response manufacturing.

The RRMC works with companies in developing fast efficient ways to produce.

Perry said the state will provide $3.25 million to the university from

the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (ETF) Research Superiority Acquisition Award. The university and a private company will match the grants as well, though the grants will not amount to as much as the state’s portion.

The companies donating to the grants were not specified.

According to university officials, Perry’s office said the grants would total about $9 million. However, that figure is unverified.

“In the business world competition is key,” Perry said. “These grants will do nothing but enhance the effectiveness of manufacturing… and will put the Valley and Texas on the radar of even more employers.”

UTPA President Robert Nelsen expressed the university’s appreciation for the award and reaffirmed the commitment toward developing advanced technology.

SEE GRANT || PAGE 6

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY - Governor Rick Perry, UTPA President Robert Nelsen, State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and State Rep. Armando Martinez look on as Miguel Gonzalez, associate dean of the College of Science and Engineering talks about the Rapid Response Manufacturing Center

Student government reaches out to students via more projects

By Roxann Garcia The Pan American Despite a budget crunch, the upcoming semester hopes to be promising and intuitive for Student Government Association.

“This semester we plan to take the initiative in promoting and planning activities,” said secretary of SGA Erika Perez. “We plan to re-group and think of more ways to better serve the student body.”

Page 2 - Big business might Commentary: My life as have packed their bags, but sales they never left associate

a

With the new semester returns most of the programs already established by the association. Ace the Test, which originally began in 2007, allows students to attain scantrons and other testing materials; Coffee Side Chat, another program started by SGA in fall of 2008, invites students to have a hot cup of coffee and comment on what is needed and desired by the student body.

Currently the budget for SGA is quickly diminishing, said president

Page 3 of - Jobs College Ed. after reacts to Texas graduation becoming scarce schools report

of SGA, Raghuveer Puntagutta, but the senate is cutting out certain components in order to better facilitate what is left.

“We aren’t dealing with the glamour side of planning these programs and activities. In other words, we’re spending less on decorations and invitations and more on food and other necessities,” Puttagunta said.

The goal is to hold more but smaller outreach programs. This is

Mariachi program Page 11 - Holiday gift celebrates guide 20th anniversary

part of an effort to step forward and become better aware of student needs.

“We’re trying to do more with less,” explained Puttagunta.

The association is split into three different areas of government much like the United States version.

The first is the executive offices, which include the president and vice-president. The second is the legislature, which includes all the senators, and the third part of the association is the judicial branch.

Broncs nd victory against Page 14 -fiQ&A with volleyball player Rebecca Toddy conference foes

Together, the groups work to administer the task of representing the student body, seeing to student needs and coming up with innovative ways to get people active on campus.

That’s where the special programs come on. Another activity returning this semester is a second leadership summit for the university. The senate has already begun brainstorming for the upcoming event.

“The Public Relations Committee

SEE SGA || PAGE 6

Pictures of President Robert Nelsen’s stay at Bronc Village

January 19, 2010

Vol 66, No. 14

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Commentary

January 19 , 2009

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Brian Silva / brian.silva2@gmail.com ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Roxann Garcia/ nevaeh09@msn.com MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Kristen Cabrera / kristenmichellecabrera@yahoo.com ARTS AND LIFE EDITOR

Andrielle Figuerroa / j27ig@yahoo.com PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Alma Hernandez / alma.e.hdz@gmail.com SPORTS EDITOR

Sara Hernandez/ sarahdzm@hotmail.com SENIOR DESIGNER

Roy Bazan / rbazanzz@utpa.edu ADVISER

Dr. Greg Selber / selberg@utpa.edu

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE

Anita Reyes / areyes18@utpa.edu

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Mariel Cantu/ spubs@utpa.edu

WEBMASTER

Jose Villarreal / josemvillarrealcs@gmail.com

**Delivery** Thursday at noon The Pan American is the official student newspaper of The University of Texas-Pan American. Views presented are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the paper or university.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Pan American accepts letters of 300 words or less from students, staff and faculty regarding recent newspaper content, campus concerns or current events. The Pan American reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. The Pan American cannot publish anonymous letters or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Please send all story ideas to thepanamerican@ gmail.com.

Individuals with disabilities wishing to acquire this publication in an alternative format or needing assistance to attend any event listed can contact The Pan American for more details.

Alexis Carranza / The Pan American

Sales associate’s grotesque experience Andrielle Figueroa A&L Editor

Finally, I have come to the point in my life where there is the big transition. Now that I am a semester away from graduating, the “grown up” jobs start appearing and it is time to say goodbye to the minimumwage slave job I had to get to put myself through college.

This month closed up my fourth year of being a sales associate at the local mall. After working there for nearly onefifth of my life I am thoroughly convinced that no other job could be worse than this one. I have had so many experiences; my co-workers were always a dream. They were the reason why I stayed for so long, but experiences with some customers will haunt us forever.

Fitting rooms = Restrooms There is something about working at the mall or any store for that matter that brings

a whole new appreciation to life. One day I knew I would be able to stick it to The Man, and finally do good work and get paid more than $6.50 for doing so. Eventually I would be able to walk away from it all and never look back.

One of my not very fond memories started on a day like any other. Every associate is placed in an area to manage. I was assigned to the fitting rooms; this requires putting away clothes and accessories that customers don’t want and cleaning mirrors and floors. The cleaner your area is the quicker you can get out of there. There was one fitting room that I had neglected for awhile; with it being a somewhat busy day I didn’t have time to look in to check for a mess.

When I opened it at the end of the day, I found this tiny white item that looked like paper scrunched up and stuck to the bar used to hold up hangers. At first

I thought, “oh its just a sticker from one of the jeans.” When I got closer to grab it and throw it away, I realized what it really was. At first I gasped in shock, then in disgust, then I just yelled (pardon my French) What the F@%$?!

Cleaning, helping customers, and being pleasant for eight hours straight that is what is on the job description. I work at a girl’s clothing store, which was created specifically for girls between the ages of 14 to 25.

I understand that at this time in your life you are going through “changes” as a young female. We are introduced to our “monthly gift” and are instructed how to take care of yourself at this time.

Now maybe some girls saw a different educational video at school in elementary but the video I saw did not advocate changing female toiletries in a clothing store fitting room.

Yes, “toiletries,” and the sad thing is this happened more then once. I won’t even dip into the stories where people would “make” in the store. I know what you are thinking, nobody under the age of 15 had these “bathroom accidents.”

Associates from all over the mall would even attest to this.

We all exchange stories, like they are battle scars from this ongoing war we have been in.

People underestimate what associates at the mall have to endure. Although this experience was horrifying I would advise anyone to try and work at a job like this at least once in their life.

It’s the perfect job to learn and motivate you to always strive for something better. This week I will be saying good-bye to my struggling college student job and hello to adulthood.

Good-bye pads in the fitting rooms, I won’t miss you.

January 19, 2010

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College of Ed. reacts to dismal effectiveness report

By Minerva Morato The Pan American According to a preliminary report by the National Council of Teacher Quality, a non-profit research group and advocacy group in Washington D.C., Texas schools of education are doing a meager job in training future teachers to be successful in the classroom.

But while this study has many college deans across the state criticizing its findings, the University of Texas-Pan American’s College of Education is satisfied with the commendations it has received from the council and the Texas Education Agency within the last year.

In late November, EducationNews. org, an online news source, reported that the council, a group focused on restructuring the teaching profession, had ranked education programs in Texas as weak, stating that “Texas’ schools generally are doing a poor job of training prospective teachers.”

Upon learning of the preliminary reports, Dr. Hector Ochoa, dean of the College of Education, was stunned and somewhat dismayed.

However, Ochoa realizes that this report is a general conclusion and that the council’s analysis does not necessarily reflect the competence of the teacher training program at UTPA, which he said is the only one in the state that met national standards in math and reading instruction for elementary and special education.

“What I have come to learn is that our college was one of the few, if not the only one in their initial findings, that met all the standards

for math and reading instruction, so I think I that was very good for us,” said Ochoa, who has been dean since June 2007. “But this group looked at paper, and that’s it. Overall, however, I do believe that we are doing very well, and the data that we have clearly indicates that we’re where we need to be.”

The evaluation, Ochoa added, was not comprehensive and therefore not wholly reliable as a measurement of the program’s quality, a notion many college deans across the state agree with and have clearly expressed by ignoring the council’s request for a reply. As one of the few deans to respond to the council’s findings, Ochoa submitted his 200-word rebuttal to the council last month.

“When I look at our past reviews, I am very confident that we are covering the knowledge and skills that are needed,” he said. “I can’t speak for any other colleges, but as the leader of this college, I have no doubt.”

In an article published in The Monitor on Jan. 10, Kate Walsh, president of the council, said that UTPA faired well compared to other universities but declined to comment on any specifics of the findings because the final report is not yet finalized. The study will only be released in March upon completion.

In the same article, Walsh also defended the council’s findings, stating that the group thoroughly reviewed each of the 67 college-based teacher training programs in Texas, focusing on standards of admissions, Web sites, class syllabi, course requirements and catalogs, the quality

of faculty, how effectively teachers with faculty. are prepared in math and reading “Our faculty members go out to and how well colleges track their the field-base with their students,” graduates in the field.

Ochoa said. “They have classes out Last April, however, the TEA there, and they go out and discuss evaluated college-based teacher those issues with them. The field-base training programs across the state. is very strong.”

After conducting a three-day audit Dr. Maria Reyes, education at UTPA centered on admissions professor at UTPA since fall 2006, requirements, curriculum, compliance agrees with the dean on the strengths with laws, collaboration with schools, of the program. With 20 years of retention rates, and more than 40 classroom experience from Eagle interviews with students, graduates, Pass High School to the University and faculty, the TEA awarded 10 of Alaska-Fairbanks, Reyes concurs commendations to the UTPA College, that the teacher training program is Ochoa said. highly effective in delivering quality “They audited our elementary, teachers to the Rio Grande Valley middle school, high school, bilingual community, elsewhere in the state, and special education curriculums,” and across the nation. he said. “They did a very thorough “When we have teacher fairs here analysis, and the college was on campus, we have school districts found to be in coming from all compliance with over the state “ Overall... I do believe that and from all all the standards, and that is a very over the nation we are doing very well, and tough review. For coming to hire the data we have clearly us to get that many our teachers,” acknowledgements, she said. “I indicates that weʼre where I think, is a believe it’s testament to the because we do we need to be. ” quality of education a very good job Hector Ochoa in preparing we provide here.”

College of Education, dean According to them.”

Ochoa, the teacher Although training program at UTPA, which both reports ultimately commend the graduates approximately 500 teachers teacher training program at UTPA, every year, surpasses the criteria set Ochoa is quick to acknowledge by the TEA. Upon admission into the that there is always opportunity for program, he said, students fulfill three improvement, whether it is resources times the field-based experience than available to students or programs of required by the TEA. The two Head study.

Start centers on campus also provide “Any college is lucky to have a students a live model of a classroom technology resource center, I just setting in which they work closely wish we could make it bigger,” he

said. “I also think that we don’t offer teacher certifications in all the available fields, and I think we need to look at expanding in new areas.

Students need to have more options in what they can teach.”

Reyes agrees with Walsh, the council’s president, that admission standards into the college should be raised, including the grade point average of applicants and students’ level of enthusiasm for the teaching profession. Furthermore, Reyes said, the teacher training program should mix additional science and mathematical instruction into its curriculum in order to better prepare them to educate future students.

“There’s always ways to improve the program,” she said. “We need to do more in science and math to prepare our teachers better. This is a weakness that is seen across the nation, and we really need to build it up.”

While any given study can vary in generating welcomed or scrutinized responses, every report underlines a chance for improvement, Ochoa said. Regardless of which study is referenced in questioning the quality of the university’s teacher training program, UTPA has proven to be one of the best universities in the state for teacher preparedness.

“I would be more than glad to demonstrate to anyone interested how we go about ensuring that we meet all the standards, not only from a knowledge-based, but from a skills-based perspective,” Ochoa said. “We’re preparing a teacher to transform the lives of children and have a positive impact on the lives of their students.”

Police Dept. offers interactive programs

MOVIN’ INSophomore Majo Camay, a member of the women’s golf team, carries her equipment as she moves in to her dorm at Unity Hall Sunday during Bronc Move-in.

By Ricardo Hinojosa The Pan American

More Bronc Move-In scenes on

PAGE 7

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

The University of Texas-Pan American is always trying to find new programs to engage their students and faculty with. The campus police department is no different as Roger Stearns; chief of police, has recognized the importance of his officers on campus in his first year at UTPA. Stearns arrived in April from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. where he served as a police major overseeing 60 commissioned officers assigned in three patrol precincts, including the university’s medical center.

He arrived with some ideas in mind; one is off and running with the other close behind: the Law Enforcement Explorers, which kicked off in August 2009, and the Citizens Police Academy Program, which is set to begin this semester.

Both programs are open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

“These programs are the foundation of other programs to come to the UTPA police department,” Stearns explained. “They will help transition into other groups and projects that will give our students and our department the ability to be recognized.”

The Explorer program is meant to attract students who want to pursue a degree in the field of law enforcement. It has 12 students actively enrolled to work in scenario-based training on domestic disturbance issues, accident investigations, and crime-scene investigations, among other areas.

Enrollees get more than just a degree; they get hands-on experience with the sort of issues that they will confront in the business.

“I want our students to have an advantage over other students from other universities,” Stearns said, adding that with this program, UTPA students who take part will have an advantage over others applying for the same position.

The Academy program primarily focuses on students who are not interested in going into law enforcement but want to volunteer with the UTPA Police Department, the goal is to make the campus a safer environment for students and staff.

Stearns and his staff feel they have pushed the department in the right direction. They have initiated the hiring process for new law enforcement officers to increase the police department’s numbers.

The department also has a strong emphasis on training and development, including attending leadership development classes.

Everyone in the department from supervisors to the support staff go to the workshops to gain experience and training in their respective job assignment.

Anyone interested in joining the police department programs is encouraged to contact the University Police Department at (956) 381-7151.

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NEWS

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NELSEN

GRANT

continued from Page 1 is in an even tighter bind for classrooms. Nelsen said the business sector also has very tight offices and is in more desperate need for office space than other areas.

One tactic president is already using to win over lawmakers is actually showing them what it is the university is asking for. He said several legislators have been toured around the campus.

Nelsen said that the university is actually starting to put together it’s revenue bond package together earlier than normal, simply because of the enhanced need and push.

Revenue bonds are the public loans the UT System takes out against the university’s tuition revenue, and they are often used to build whatever has been requested.

The university last expanded with the construction of the Wellness and Recreational Sports Complex, and is set to expand the Student Union if students approve of construction in a referendum later this spring.

The university currently has nearly $50 million in revenue bonds for a performing arts center that ended up not being built. The money is going primarily toward the renovation of the Fine Arts Complex and enhancement of the Fine Arts Theatre.

The project for a new performing arts center north of University Drive and west of Sugar road near the Region One Education Services Center fell through after additional funding was not received from the state because of the

January 19, 2010

continued from Page 1 university and country’s poor financial health.

According to Nelsen the university still owns the land in that area.

Nelsen has requested the university’s master plan, and actually plans to update it as soon as possible. He said that TAMUCC did this while he was there and that it is a good tool during infrastructure efforts.

The president pointed out that the university and City of Edinburg are in negotiations to clean out the drainage canal off Sugar Road near Unity Hall. He said it’s one step toward improving the overall infrastructure of the campus.

The university and city would split the cost of the drainage canal clearing.

“The award establishes UTPA as a major player and contributor to the economic future of Texas,” he said.

Perry also thanked State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and State Rep. Armando Martinez, who were present for the event, for working on the initiative.

At university functions over the past year Hinojosa and Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (D-Mercedes) made it known that they were actively seeking grants from the state and federal governments to develop the RRMC. Negotiations with the governor’s office on how to proceed have been going on for the past several years.

On Texas’ economic health, Perry touted the state economy’s resilience despite the

nation’s now two-year-old recession. He said the grants will ensure that UTPA’s teamwork and leadership in the emerging technologies field will make a global impact and leave a lasting effect on the state’s economy.

Miguel Gonzalez, principal investigator to the grant and associate dean for the College of Science and Engineering, said the grant allocates resources needed to achieve a superior level of research in an area of great competitive importance.

“We hope that we can establish the foundation and infrastructure that will support the regional endeavors to establish a worldclass hub for advanced manufacturing,” Gonzalez said.

SGA continued from Page 1 is searching for more political figures to better inform Pan Am students for the second summit,” mentioned Perez. “We also plan to schedule more town hall meetings in order to gain more input from the community. With these programs and activities, we are better able to reach out and get more students within our radar.”

Perez hopes that by working not only internally within SGA but also externally the organization will better connect students with the senate.

Puntagutta also spoke of plans to become more interactive with students this semester.

“SGA is hoping to acquire more time within the offices to better help students around campus,” he said. “I’m also pushing

for the senate to not only interact within the association but outside as well.”

SGA, continued Puttagunta, has a much more vigorous schedule this semester with the senate term ending in April. The group hopes to welcome more students onto committees as well as continue to address questions and concerns.

With a new president in Robert Nelsen, the university is faced with a new era of leadership, continued Puttagunta, and the SGA president hopes to set the baseline for what’s required in the future from his office.

“Since we’re representing the students we have to be knowledgeable in order to help,” Perez said. “And that means remembering who we are serving.”

January 19, 2010

NEWS

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Photos by Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN Design By Roy Bazan

Cindy MOVIN’ IN - Freshman Valerie Gloria gets a helping hand from her sister .

Sunday on Hall Unity to while moving in

MOVIN’ IN - Freshman Aaron Urbanus, a member of the Bronc basketball team utilizes a shopping cart to move his TV into his dorm at Unity Hall.

MOVIN’ IN - Sophomore Majo Camay and her sister Ale making one of many trips to Unity Hall during Bronc Move-In

moves MOVIN’ IN - John Jay Cantu, a sophomore communication disorder major er volunte a be into Unity Hall with help from his dad on Friday. Cantu came early to during Bronc Move-In on Sunday.

- Claudia MOVIN’ IN s, e Los Santo Gabriela D fer s n a tr ester a first-sem M& A s a x m Te student fro as, a little Kingsville h nity ving into U trouble mo . y afternoon Hall Sunda

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THE PAN AMERICAN

TV SHOWS THE BURIED LIFE – MTV MTV welcomes new series “The Buried Life” on Jan. 18 at 10pm. This isn’t your typical reality show with drunken stupors and the wonderful plot schemes that are offered by the Jersey Shore series. This product showcases four boys that have created a list of ‘100 things to do before you die’. While on their journey finishing their list they help people across the nation fulfill the things they would like to do on their own lists.

LOST – ABC After being “lost” for five seasons, these survivors are finally going to close up the last season with trying to get back to reality. This show seems completely out of whack, but ABC

promises the writers have it all planned out. The goal is for the group to go back in time before the plane crash even happens, but no one really knows what this season will bring. Tune in to the show to see how it all ends. The show will premiere on Feb. 2 8/7c.

WINTER OLYMPICS - NBC If you are wondering why your favorite TV shows aren’t slated to start until March or April you can blame it on the Winter Olympics. The Vancouver 2010 Olympics are right around the corner. The Olympic Cauldron will be lit on Feb. 12. Skiing, Ice Hockey and Luge pretty much all of the cold, awesome things we can’t do in the Valley.

THE RICKY GERVAIS SHOW – HBO Now who doesn’t love the Office, no one!

Ricky Gervais star and co-creator of the Office is hands-down one hilarious bloke. HBO created an animated series by using the original

January 19, 2010

audiobooks and podcasts of the Ricky Gervais Show. What started out as a radio show with Gervais and Stephen Merchant turned into a podcast with the third player, Karl Pilkington. In the 2006 Guiness Book of World Records their podcast was the most popular on the Internet.

The premiere of podcast turned cartoon is set for Feb. 19.

GLEE - FOX Glee is finishing off it’s first season (no thanks to American Idol) with a Golden Globe award in their hands for Best Television Series, Comedy or Musical. The series follows all of the dramatic stories that are intertwined with the high school glee club. The mid-season finale left us with knowledge of New Directions winning sectionals, Finn finding out about Quinn and Puck, and the kiss between Mr. Schuster and Ms. Pillsbury. The start of the second half of the season will open with an episode directed by cult TV god Joss Whedon in April.

January 19, 2010

FILMS THE WOLFMAN An old story resurrected with Benicio Del Toro as the leading actor can’t be too bad right? Set in the Victorian- Era Del Toro (Talbot) returns to his home land that he had left behind after his mothers death in search of his brother who has gone missing. There are stories of a mysterious creature around his hometown and to keep his lady love safe he must get to the beast before it gets to her. Anthony Hopkins and Emily Blunt are key players in this cast and the film is directed by Joe Johnston. The film is set to be released on Feb. 12. .

ALICE IN WONDERLAND Tim Burton puts his own spin on the Lewis Carroll tale, it is understood with Burton that audience members can expect a dark, ghoulish film. With stars like Johnny Depp,

THE PAN AMERICAN

Anne Hathaway and up and coming actress Mia Wasikowska as Alice we are sure in for a ride. The story covers a 17-year-old Alice who attends a party at a lavish home only to discover she is going to be proposed to in front of snooty socialites. Alice scampers off after finding out this news, and ends up following a rabbit down a hole and into a different world. The new world, Wonderland, has been wiped from her memory since her first visit at age 7. This film is set to release March 5.

IRON MAN 2 Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is moving into theatre’s once again and hopefully it is even better then the first. With the government breathing down Stark’s neck to give his advances on the armor suit to the military, Stark doesn’t want the Iron Man armor used for wrong.

Samuel L. Jackson, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Scarlett Johansson are all apart of this cast and Jon Favreau directs the film. Iron Man 2 will hit

theatres May 7.

THE TWILIGHT SAGA – ECLIPSE Yes!! The glittering vampire, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) is back with his ladylove Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart). In Eclipse audience members get to see the relationships that have grown between Bella and Edward as well as Bella and Jacob. While at war with vampire, Victoria, love is found and lost. Will Bella choose her translucent beau or will she run off with her beast of a friend? This film will be released on June 30.

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1 The seventh installment of the Harry Potter books will be split into two films. Directed by David Yates, the film will start Ron, Harry and Hermione’s journey in looking for the Horcruxes that hold pieces of Lord Voldemort’s soul. In exterminating these pieces Harry is closer to putting the Dark Lord to rest. The film’s release date is Nov. 19.

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January 19, 2010

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Mariachi program celebrates 20th anniversary

mariachi groups performed this past weekend at the Fine Arts Auditorium, with a little help from new friends. One Dahlia Guerra remembers selling of the accompanying groups was the chicken plates standing on a street three-year-old Veteran Middle School’s corner 20 years ago. Her goal was to Mariachi Juvenil De América from Rio raise money to build up the newborn Grande City, a program started by a mariachi program at The University UTPA alum from the mariachi program. of Texas-Pan “Last year American. At the by itself they time, the group won four first of five or six places in several “ The (UTPA) president at students made do competitions with black pants, and now we’re the time, Dr. Nevarez, one white button-up looking to make time saw me on the corner shirts, and red that five,” said ties Guerra had Eloy Garza, the selling chicken plates and snagged at a flea group’s director. market, but she The middlehe said, ʻDr. Guerra what wanted more for schoolers opened them. the concert are you doing!?ʼ I said, “The (UTPA) on Friday ʻIʼm raising money for a president at demonstrating the time, Dr. much prowess. mariachi.ʼ ” Nevarez, one Although a portion time saw me on of the applauding the corner selling audience was chicken plates clearly supportive and he said, ‘Dr. family members, Dahlia Guerra Guerra what are there’s no doubt College of Arts & Humanities, dean you doing!?’” the mini mariachi she recalled, would have laughing.

“I elicited a similar said, ‘I’m raising reaction from an money for a unbiased crowd. mariachi.’ And he said, ‘Look, I’ll Their leader has been around the give it to you. Just get off the street.’ music world, almost literally. Garza So he purchased a set of uniforms and toured with Spanish pop singer Luis instruments and we took off.”

Miguel for two years after graduating Now, Guerra, dean of the College from UTPA. of Arts and Humanities, can note with “That was an excellent experience pride that the program is celebrating its having to tour all over the United 20th year of existence as well as several States, Mexico, and South America,” accomplishments along the way. UTPA he said. “I don’t have words other than

By Victor Ituarte victorituarte@gmail.com

Conan’s last show will be on Jan. 22 while Leno takes his old spot back. Whose side are you on?

God sends an army of angels to begin the Apocalypse on Earth.

Directed by Scott Stewart, ‘Legion’ is an action thriller.

saying it was a good experience.”

Garza decided to channel what he learned from his travels into starting a mariachi group at the middle school.

“It was something I knew I had to offer. I knew that there was something more than teaching all that by giving experiences to the students and continue the tradition,” he explained.

Other groups that performed include the all-female Mariachi Femenil Xochitl, the all freshmen Mariachi Juvenil, and the mixed Mariachi Aztlan, illustrating the variety the program has to offer. It has come a long way from selling chicken plates, and over all the years, Guerra said the band’s greatest accomplishment is the number of quality students that left the program with a degree.

“I feel very gratified that, with scholarships from the mariachi program, they were able to complete their education,” she explained. “I’ve tried to take them to different parts of the United States (to perform). Many of these students have never left the Valley when they go off on a trip to Ottawa, Canada to Washington D.C. to Los Angeles to across the Midwest.

“These are experiences that opened up their eyes to the world.

These students met new cultures, new people, new music, and it just makes me very proud and very happy that these opportunities were provided through the mariachi program. I feel like someday when I’m dead and gone that I left something. That is one of my most favorite contributions to the university and to the Valley both and to the world.”

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

SING IT, SISTER - Karina Lopez of the Mariachi Aztlan performs at the Fine Arts Auditorium Friday evening.

Late Heath Ledger takes final bow in ‘Imaginarium’ FANTASY FILM - Ledger shares the role of Tony with actors Jude Law, Johnny Depp and Collin Farrell.

Missy drops her new album Block Party on Jan. 19. Her first single off the album is “Touch My Body.”

By Marc Solis marcmdavid@gmail.com

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones decided to stick with coach Wade Phillips. Tony Romo and team are excited about the decision.

A film that nearly suffered a disastrous end, “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” prevailed and made its way to U.S. theaters Jan. 8. The movie was saved by the talented abilities of a few well-known actors after one of its main stars suffered a tragic fate in 2008 during production.

Batman fans came to know him as the psychotically portrayed ‘Joker’ in “The Dark Knight,” but the world knew him

as Heath Ledger.

Ledger was handpicked by Terry Gilliam, writer and director of the new film, who masterminded the replacement of his character by creating certain adjustments in the story that would allow for other actors to finish his role, as the same character.

This type of fictional element provides a platform for what the director does best: fantasy.

“Imaginarium…” itself is a throwback to the great Gilliam films of past, such as “Monty Python and The Holy Grail,”

“Time Bandits,” and “Brazil.” Others would recognize his work in cult classics like “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” or “12 Monkeys.”

Gilliam’s recent effort spins a tale of fantasy and morality, set in the present day. It tells the story of Dr. Parnassus and his extraordinary “Imaginarium,” a travelling show where members of the audience get an opportunity to choose between the embrace of light or the entrenchment of darkness and gloom.

Gilliam wants the audience to understand infinite possibilities, but to realize that one may be tempted to go the easy way, leading to personal and eternal torment. With this lesson in mind, the director also provides the road to a realized vision that is hard; but in that journey one learns accomplishment.

Charlie Brenner, writer/director and theatre grad student at UTPA, seems very enthusiastic about checking it out.

“I have not had the chance to see it yet, but I am definitely looking forward to doing so,” he said. “There is a draw to watch the last of anything, especially

a film which supposedly had a profound emotional impact on the actor who passed away before finishing it.”

Brenner is among many moviegoers who are excited to see the outcome of the film, considering that three other actors were used to replace Ledger after his untimely demise.

“I thought it was great that Farrell, Law and Depp decided to help finish the film, especially since they are donating their entire salary to Ledger’s daughter,” he commented.

“It was a nice gesture, allowing Ledger’s last performance to be seen by his audience, which could’ve been lost if it weren’t for D e p p , L a w and Farrell.”

Gilliam had specifically looked to those three actors to finish the job because of their personal ties to Ledger himself. Their roles only elevate a story that orchestrates a tale of supreme fantasy, adding more depth to the overall experience. Then there is the Heath Factor.

With the young actor’s last film, the director hopes the audience sees his masterpiece as a final testament to one of the greatest performers of the last decade.

January 19, 2010

ARTS AND LIFE

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January 19, 2010

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January 19, 2010

Broncs find victory against conference foes

By Alvaro Balderas Alvaro_tx@msn.com Just when the University of Texas-Pan American men’s basketball season seemed to be a bust with their 1-16 start, the Bronc ballers appear to have gotten the ball rolling in the right direction at the perfect time.

Coming into the start of Great West Conference play Thursday and Saturday, the Broncs were on an 11 game losing streak but as far as the coaching staff was concerned the past several loses revealed and revived up the Bronc’s game.

“The road trip after the new years I thought we played well. Our defense started to come around in those games and that has carried over to now,” first-year Bronc coach Ryan Marks said.

BRONCS OUTPLAY COUGARS Saturday, the Broncs(3-16, 2-0 conference) defense helped snatch up a 63-42 win over the Chicago State Cougars (5-13, 0-2 conference) by holding them to 28 percent shooting from the field.

Although the Cougars man-handled the Broncs on the boards 39-24, 22 of which were offensive rebounds, the Broncs gripping defense helped generate an 18-4 second half run that stretched from the 12th minute to the second.

Junior power forward Matt Mierzycki shot 5-7 from the field and led all scorers with 16.

Sophomore Jared Maree had a solid outing with 12 points and six rebounds while freshman Aaron Urbanus continued to show improvement netting in 11.

When asked why they could not take advantage of their rebounding capabilities, Chicago State head coach Benjy Taylor said, “We’re real road weary right now and they just wanted it more. We have to figure out how to get our legs back under us. We just needed to play a little bit better basketball and we didn’t.”

Marks admits the win feels good but a point of emphasis in practice this week will be on rebounds.

FIRST STEP FORWARD The Broncs got the ball rolling Thursday as they picked up their first win in conference play against the NJIT Highlanders. In a game that saw six lead changes and eight ties, the Broncs attained a 66-53 win by outscoring the Highlanders 40-26 in the second half.

Austin native Urbanus helped spark the run by scoring all of his 13 points in the second half.

UTPA’s sixth man Mierzycki chipped in with 13 of his own while senior Luis Valera added 11 and eight rebounds.

“Mierzycki’s attitude has been infectious. One thing you know about Matt is he’s going to play as hard as he can every outing and when a guy comes out with that energy and enthusiasm a lot of good things are going to happen,” Marks noted.

Highlander’s Chris Flores kept his team in the game with a game-high 16 points.

TURN AROUND So what has seemingly turned the Bronc squad around? Besides their improvement on the defensive end, coach Marks believes the advent of the Great West Conference has boosted not only his team’s enthusiasm but also the student bodies.

“It gives everybody new life this time of year because students and fans get to share the conference race with the players. The value of being in the conference has really resonated as we’ve played these two games,” Marks said.

A change in the line-up and in the rotation has given the Bronc team a new look and option in style of play.

Marks’ decision of giving more playing time to newcomer Urbanus has created a small line-up he likes to use with juniors Nick Weiermiller and Julius Hearn accompanying him at key times during games.

Marks admits Urbanus’s solid outings have forced him to play him more.

Daniel Flores/THE PAN AMERICAN

UP IN THE AIR - Sophomore Jared Maree challenges NJIT’s defense on a lay up Thursday evening at UTPA’s conference game opener, which it won 66-53

Tennis ready for spring season

By Benny Salinas 9_benny_9@live.com)

After a mid-season coach shift, the men’s and women’s tennis programs are set to head into the spring season after a strong showing in the fall. Despite being without a head coach until mid-October, the team made its presence well known in every event.

“We have a really good group of kids on and off the court and I’m really excited about the spring,” said new coach Chris Taylor. “They’re all motivated and looking forward to competing as a team next season.”

The fall was certainly a success for the Broncs. On Oct.10 at the UTSA Invite, the Broncs made a considerably showing with wins by Brett Bernstein and Marcus Dornauf. At the Islander Open, held at A&M Corpus Christi on Oct.18, Andrea Salvetova made to the women’s singles finals while Aswin Vijayaragavan won the men’s singles final.

However, though fall tournaments

normally focus on individual competition, where the Broncs have proven themselves thoroughly, spring events concentrate on team performance. Its here that the Broncs need to become more than the sum of their parts, something that worries a team with a brand new head coach.

“I think our biggest weakness isn’t so much a problem with performance itself, but with the program as a whole,” Taylor said. “The players have had different people talking into their ears, giving them different advice and it’s had a negative effect.”

Taylor hopes, however, that by establishing a stable footing for his team those negative effects will be turned around.

“Every coach has a different philosophy on how to do things, but the players need consistent guidance,” he said.

“They’re still getting used to how I do things, but I’m in it for the long haul.”

Prior to his position at UTPA, Taylor led a successful team at California Baptist University for three years between 2006 and 2009, as the unit ended its seasons ranked 10th, then fifth and finally

fourth in the entire nation, including an appearance in the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Championships during the 2007-08 season.

Aside from a new coach, the Lady Broncs are also looking forward to their first conference tournament in April.

This is the first year they will compete in the Great West Conference.

“The girls are really excited about conference play, we all are,” Taylor said. “The entire team has been practicing during the break. The fact that we haven’t had a tournament since late October isn’t really a big factor. They’ve all been staying focused.”

That focus will be very important in the upcoming weeks. Jan. 23-25 the men’s team will make a three-day tour of Texas, with tournaments at Texas A&M, TCU in Fort Worth and SMU in Dallas. The women’s team will have action in Dallas Jan 22 against SMU and Stephen F. Austin. They will face off against SFA once again in Nacogdoches Jan. 29, and will play against Sam Houston in Huntsville after that.

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Baseball camp a success with collegiate prospects December 3, 2009

By Sally Gomez sgomezy2@broncs.utpa.edu It was not a good decade for the Pan Am baseball program, with nine consecutive losing seasons from 2001, and it’s been a long time since the Broncs had one of the most respected outfits in the country. Nevertheless, second-year coach Manny Mantrana hopes to turn the program around with a new season and new ideas.

Recruiting will play a big part in the planned resurgence, and a pair of camps held recently should help in that regard.

Athletes from Bay City, Houston, George West and Florida made their way to the area Dec. 19 and 20 to take part in UTPA’s 2009 baseball camp at Edinburg Baseball Stadium. The winter baseball camps aim for high school athletes wanting to pursue a college career. They help engage athletes into recruiting networks, bringing them to the university and showing them what UTPA has to offer.

The first camp took place Dec. 12-13. Feedback from the athletes and parents was great, but doing the camps wasn’t easy.

“It’s very hard work. The old coaching staff wouldn’t do much, engagement speaking, so it’s like starting from ground zero,” said Mantrana, who came from Florida to take over the Broncs last year; they were 14-41 in his debut season.

However, it didn’t seem that way for the athletes participating.

“It’s a great camp, one of the

best. I would definitely participate together.”

Although these camps are benin future camps,” said Brett Epperson, a senior outfielder at George eficial to aspiring athletes, they also help parents who have quesWest.

Epperson and his mother, Katy tions that aren’t baseball related.

Epperson traveled from George On the first day of each camp, West solely to attend UTPA’s win- there were questions and answers ter baseball camp. They picked the targeting academics, recruitment, Bronc camp out of a list of others and eligibility aspects, with the because Epperson’s high school parents involved. The upshot was that UTPA is looking for wellcoach had recommended UTPA. “I chose this camp because of rounded athletes who can make the baseball program. It’s awe- the grade in school.

Besides some,” said Epperson, who “It’s a great camp, one winter camps, summer ones added he is gunning for the of the best. I would defi- are held as well, targeting chilchance to come to the Valley nitely participate in fu- dren from ages 11-13. As Manand play ball trana continues next season. ture camps.” to build the The EpBrett Epperson persons noted senior at George Bronc brand, athletes that Mantrana’s West High School the aren’t the only camp stood out to them because of the direct ones leaving with satisfaction.

“This is the greatest camp I’ve engagement with coaches, as opposed to others they’ve seen where been to and I already have friends coaches just watch and scout from who have previously attended and will be coming back for future a distance.

“Other than the other baseball camps,” Katy Epperson said.

The turnout for the winter camps I’ve been to, this camp is very hands-on, especially with the baseball camps was promising and coaches at this level and status. brought athletes from many states, The athletes leave with a learning as the Broncs seek to do outreach experience and wanting more,” and snag good talent with which to rebuild.

Katy Epperson said.

“For what we’re trying to do, Mantrana commented that he likes to offer things for both ath- yes, I would say the turnout was very good,” Mantrana said. lete and parent at his camps.

For more information about “For parents and athletes, our seminars educate both parties,” future camps visit the Web site at he said. “Recruitment, academic, www.utpa.edu/athletics. and eligibility, everything’s tied up

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

EARLY BIRDS - High school students from different parts of the country got a head start to their collegiate career in December by attending the UTPA baseball camp.

January 19, 2010

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SPORTS

HIGH FIVE - The Lady Broncs thank the fans for their support Thursday evening after opening conference play with a win against NJIT.

Daniel Flores/THE PAN AMERICAN

STRETCH IT OUT - The UTPA baseball coaching staff hosted a camp in December with the purpose of introducing young faces to the university’s program.

AIR BALL - The UTPA Pep Band is one of the most loyal supporters of the UTPA basketball teams.

Besides getting people in the mood with their music, the members cheer for the Broncs and do their best to distract the opponent.

Daniel Flores/THE PAN AMERICAN

ON THE EDGE OF THE SEAT - The Broncs wait anxiously for their time to jump on the court as the team earns its first conference win.

By Alvaro Balderas Alvaro_tx@msn.com Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

January 19, 2010

16

Taking care of business

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

GOAL ON SIGHT - Maria Erlingsdottir shoots a free throw to give the Lady Broncs a three-point advantage Saturday afternoon against Chicago State at the UTPA Field House.

After struggling to find recognition between coaching staff and players, the Lady Broncs raise expectations for the program, starting conference play with a pair of victories.

By Sara Hernandez Sarahdzm@hotmail.com Conference play started on a high note for the Lady Broncs. The University of Texas-Pan American basketball team is on a four-game winning streak after a rough start to the season, after defeated New Jersey Tech and Chicago State last week at the UTPA Field House.

In fact, things seem to be coming together for the Lady Broncs (5-13), who after two months of struggling to find chemistry on the hardwood, are now getting accustomed to their coach’s style.

“I think everybody is starting to know what our coach wants, and we’re all in the same page,” freshman Bianca Torre said.

“We understand him a lot more and now we know what he really wants.”

And it shows. The communication

is noticeably better, and effective passing of the ball has also improved. This has become apparent in a structured, more fluid game, and Coach Denny Downing attributes the improvement to a better understanding between the players and the coaching staff.

“I think (the difference is) the transition of me getting to know them, them getting to know me and them understanding what we want to play,” said the first-year coach, who came from Texas A&m-Commerce to take over for DeAnn Craft last year.

UTPA kicked off the conference season for both the men and the women last week with doubleheaders Thursday and Saturday. The men also won their two first conference games against NJIT (66-53) and Chicago State (6342), playing after the women.

Freshman Torre got things going

for the Lady Broncs with a threepointer that marked the beginning of UTPA’s win 62-54 against NJIT Thursday evening. From there, the Highlanders trailed the whole way.

Junior Maria Erlingsdottir led the way with 16 points.

“We were having fun the whole time, we were playing good defense and offense, everything was good,” she said. “Everything came together.”

Saturday, UTPA worked its way up to victory, after giving up the first 11 points. They were able to come back quickly, tying things at 24-24 with 5:58 left in the first half, finishing the half up 32-30. The Lady Broncs came back refocused for the second half, and slowly took control of the game which led to a steady three-basket advantage throughout the latter stages of a 10-point win.

Torre, the number one scorer and assists player on the team this season, led the Lady Broncs with 19 points while active senior Rose Esther Jean got 16 and 11 rebounds. Rachel Hester was an asset on the defensive side with 11 rebounds while Erlingsdottir and Edinburg High ex Marah Guzman scored 13 points each.

These two wins mean a lot for the team, whose main focus is to win the Great West Conference Championship in March. For the next two months, UTPA will only face conference teams, which gives it the opportunity to make the grade after a subpar start.

Torre, the Valley superstar out of Harlingen South, is fired up for the stretch run.

“We came in, wanted to be undefeated in conference, did what we needed to do, we played our defense

… we hit shots and were playing as a team,” she said.

However, Downing mentioned that, although their current conference record is 2-0, the Lady Broncs are taking it one game at the time.

“I think we’re building confidence and we understand that this is only the first step of what we’re trying to do,” he said.

The Lady Broncs are in the midst of a rare break after the weekend of action, and will return to the Field House Jan. 28 to face North Dakota and maintain the momentum gained in this past two weeks. They will also have a home game against South Dakota Jan. 30 before heading to Orem, Utah, Jan. 4 to play Utah Valley.

“I think we started at a good time, I think we’re taking off at a good time,” Torre concluded.