July 16, 2015 by UTRGV Student Media

UTPA in retrospect

A look at the University’s last year through photos

Page 14

Volume 71, No. 29

July 16, 2015

Supreme Court rules ‘pursuit of happiness’ for everyone

By Erika Landeros The Pan American The ongoing battle for equal rights ended June 26 after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality nationwide. Sammy Sanchez, an English major at UTPA and LGBT Club sergeant at arms, was one of many who thought the possibility of same-sex couples getting married in Texas was never going to be an option. The San Antonio native believed Texas would eventually allow same-sex marriage despite being known as a conservative state, but didn’t expect it to happen so soon. The 19-year-old commented on what the Supreme Court ruling means to him. “I am very excited when it comes to the passing of the law,” Sanchez said. “Some day, hopefully I will be able to walk down the path to marriage, because for so long I believed I

would never find the same happiness everyone else in the world was capable of experiencing. To finally have this freedom to live my life unquestioned, at least in this aspect, is indescribably liberating and empowering to say the least.” THE BEGINNING The movement for gay rights began on June 28, 1969. It is believed that the Stonewall Riots that day were the most important event that eventually led to the LGBT movement of recent times. The Riots were violent demonstrations by members of the gay community against a police raid in New York City outside the Stonewall Inn. The last few years of the 1960s were very controversial because of the many movements that were occurring, such as the Civil Rights movement and Women’s Liberation, among others.

Ortega’s Vegas

Editor writes blog on internship experience

For the last 46 years the LGBT community has fought for equality in the United States. Before the Supreme Court ruling 37 states had passed a law allowing same-sex marriage, Alabama being the most recent one Feb. 9. Fermin Arce, a biology major, thought it was time for the LGBT community across the country to have equal rights. “I think this law is a wonderful opportunity for the gay community to really expand and make a name for itself,” the 20-year-old said. “We’ve been fighting for this for a long time, since the Stonewall Riots. It’s a good thing that (marriage equality is) finally happening and that we get a chance to love who we love and be happy.” THE RULING The Supreme Court of the United States ruled that states cannot ban same-sex mar-

Gaming Blog

A weekly look at campus happenings

A look at summer’s hottest game

riage, by a 5-to-4 decision. According to NBC News the new law will “produce the most significant change in laws governing matrimony since the court struck down state bans on interracial marriage almost 50 years ago.” Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority. Each of the four opposing judges wrote their own dissent. “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family,” Justice Kennedy wrote on the opinion of the Court.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

ONLINE CONTENT

panamericanonline.com

opinion

July 16, 2015

The Pan American

‘We found love in a newsroom’

Saying ‘Goodbye’ to TPA for good

thepanamerican@gmail.com 1201 West University, ARHU 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 665-2541 Fax: (956) 665-7122

Editor-in-Chief: Andrew Vera

News Editors: Angela Cantu Erika Landeros

Sports Editor:

Marco Torres

Arts & Life Editor: Ena Capucion

Photography Editor: Jon Nutt

Design Editor:

Alicia Rangel

Multimedia Editor: Michael Aguilar

Social Media Editor: Nathaniel Mata

Copy Editor:

Andy De Llano

Adviser:

Dr. Greg Selber

Administrative Associate: Anita Reyes

Advertising Manager: Denise Garza

Webmaster: Sharath Kumar Aitha 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

Andrew Vera

Editor-in-Chief So many goodbyes are in order for this issue of The Pan American. Not only is this my last opinion for this publication, but the last opinion to ever be written for it. As our universities are being consumed by UTRGV, we all sit here and watch as everything we have known and loved slowly slips away. From the changing of names, to the changing of mascots, we have all watched through the process. And now is the time for change to finally happen. I thought long and hard about what I might write about. I could talk about what this paper has meant to me, or even about how a student newspaper can change and inspire students. But that would be a bunch of hot air. I’ve decided, instead, to talk about those who came before me. My first week of school some two years ago, I ran into my long-time friend Norma Gonzalez. She explained to me that she was the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and said I should apply to be a writer. I agreed and worked quickly on a resume and application. Norma introduced me to Susan Gonzalez, the news editor at the time and my soon-to-be boss. My attention to detail on my resume, Susan said much later, earned me the job instantly. I offered my volunteer services for any event I could, and wrote any story that Susan gave me. Along the way I met Lea Juarez, Norma’s co-editor-in-chief. Through family grief and heartache, Lea worked every day on the newspaper as if she was born to do it. I watched her in amazement, wondering if I could ever be that strong. I was amazed at the work that these young ladies did and wanted nothing more than to be as great as they were. Although three or four years their senior, I meshed with them

instantaneously. After saying goodbye to Norma and Lea as editors, Susan soon became the chief. A few months later Susan asked if I would be her co-editor. I accepted wholeheartedly. Through our nine months together as editors, she taught me more about journalism than any professor ever could have. Her dedication and no-nonsense attitude showed me how to be an adult, or as she would say “How to adult.” I speak of these young women as if they were only professional connections, indi-

We are saying goodbye to a name. We are saying goodbye to a logo and to a theme. But we will never say goodbye to each other. A merger may take away the tangible aspects of this paper, but does not have the power to destroy friendships and memories. viduals that guided me in my major and in my job, but they were much more than that. These girls became my best friends and my inspirations. Norma is now a sports reporter for a newspaper in Arizona. Susan is currently interning for a publication in Colorado. Lea is a reporter for a wonderful publication in the Mission area. Who better to have as inspiration than these remarkably brilliant young people? Through this rant, you might think ‘What do they have to do with TPA’s last issue?’ Well, they are very important in my goodbye. We are saying goodbye to a name. We are saying goodbye to a logo and a theme. But

The Pan American accepts letters of 300 words or less from students, staff and faculty regarding recent newspaper content, campus concerns or current events. We cannot publish anonymous letters or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Please send all letters to:

thepanamerican@ gmail.com

@yosef7.q

Vol. 71, No. 29

Summer 2 starts in a day and idk if I’m ready for that and the heat #utpa -@Abe2494

Tweet at and follow us @ThePanAmerican

we will never say goodbye to each other. A merger may take away the tangible aspects of this paper, but it does not have the power to destroy friendships and memories. Lastly, I would like to give one last shout out to Dr. Greg Selber: The man behind the curtain. He has served as the advisor of this publication for more than a decade, lending his knowledge to all of the aspiring journalists that made their way through this newsroom. His ideas and unorthodox approach to the paper have been shoved to the side during this whole merging process. His opinion for the future of a paper he loves so much was taken lightly, and that was a grave mistake. For his dedication and fervor, he deserves to be recognized. At first a little apprehensive to give me responsibilities around the office, he soon warmed up to my style of operating. He has taught me and countless others to continue “onward and upward” despite us falling short of our duties, or us misspelling words on the cover page. We know not what the future holds for any of us, at this point. I will move on quietly to graduate school to continue my education. Many of the other editors and reporters may get rehired for their positions with the new UTRGV newspaper. Some may not. Regardless of the outcome, we will always have The Pan American. When I get home I will see Lea. Next month I will see Susan again. Norma and I will meet again one day, there is no doubt. Selber will continue to inspire me in graduate school. We are never far. We are never alone. We found love in a newsroom.

INSTAGRAM

@diegoufctx

Bronc Alert would call and wake me up #utpa -@CrisBball3

Keep Calm and Buck On! Good luck on your first day of classes! #utrgv

-@BuckyB_UTRGV

blogs

July 16, 2015

Fast and colorful just the beginning of Rocket League By Nathaniel Mata The Pan American Ladies and gentleman, start your engines. The wait since the April beta, or free test-run of the game for players, that intrigued gamers is over. Rocket League, the video game that is best described as the love child of FIFA soccer game and Need for Speed with a healthy dose of cosmetic choices, released on PlayStation 4 and PC July 7. The title, developed by Psyonix, lets gamers choose their car, change the color and completely make it their own. Once the car specs are figured out the mechanics and rules are pretty soccer heavy. Try to score more goals than the opponent with a unique mix of driving skills, turbo boosts and aerial moves. The game is straightforward enough that players don’t have to be a sports or car fanatic to pick it up and have a good time. The first couple of tutorials get your feet off the ground and hooked quick. PS4 gamers who have an online membership are lucky enough to get this game as a free download for the month of July. Hundreds of thousands of users are get-

ting a look at the game and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. On Metacritic, a website that generates a cumulative review score from combining published reviews from top sites, the score for Rocket League is 85. This score ranks in the top 10 best received PlayStation 4 games of the quarter. One of my favorite aspects of the game is the ability to go to the garage and

make your car look different than pretty much every other car. There are 165 different unlockable items that players earn after completing matches. Items include decals for the car, tires, antenna toppers, hats and even the color of the flame that comes out of the exhaust when you accelerate. I just c a n ’ t speak enough about the simplicity of the game that allows gamers of all skill levels to pick up the controller and have a blast. I’ve spent time playing the game with my younger brother and girlfriend, both gamers with very different video game interests. Even my nineyear-old sister was drawn to the action and got her turn with Rocket League.

AND IF YOU WANT TO GET SERIOUS.. A huge plus for the game that may propel Rocket League to longevity is the July 10 announcement that the Electronic Sports League, the largest eSport organization in the world, has picked up the game. Making the new release an official eSport so quickly can allow competitive players to put their skills to test. ESL adds Rocket League to their list of approximately 30 titles they support. The growth of eSports around the world has happened before our eyes, as an estimated 205 million people either played or watched an eSport in 2014 according to ESPN. The same report also sees an increase from 1.3 to 3.7 billion hours of electronic sport viewing time from 2012 to 2014. The makers at Psyonix have themselves a hit game. I think that well after the month on PS+ the user base will continue to grow with gamers on PC and PS4 feeding into the frenzy with exciting battles that bring in huge prizes or just bragging rights with friends. Rocket League is about to blast off.

4 July 16, 2015 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 symbol of achievement toward the gay rights movement. Sanchez is proud of everyone who showed support. “I’m grateful for all the celebrities, companies and people of power showing their support for their rights and

“As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were.” According to CNN News, people in the Court’s public gallery smiled and some broke down in tears as Justice Kennedy announced the same-sex marriage ruling.

news

the rights of everyone,” the 19-yearold said. “It also shows (that) no matter what background or status, we have similar issues. It’s heartwarming to see how many people care, no matter who they are.”

THE SUPPORT When news broke out that samesex marriage was now legal nationwide, supporters began trending the hashtag “Love Wins” on every social media platform. Vice President of the United States Joe Biden took to Twitter to express his excitement towards the ruling. “All marriages at their root are about love,” Biden tweeted June 26. “In America, our laws now recognize that simple truth. #LoveWins today & we couldn’t be prouder.” Companies across the country showed their support by changing their main picture to include rainbows. Facebook allowed its users to add a rainbow overlay to their profile pictures. The White House was illuminated as a

THE OPPOSITION In Merriam Webster’s dictionary, homophobia is defined as the irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals, though that definition is disputed by conservatives. When news broke out that same-sex marriage was now legal nationwide, supporters as well as those opposed let their opinions be known. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement following the Supreme Court’s ruling. “The Supreme Court has abandoned its role as an impartial judicial arbiter and has become an unelected nine-member legislature,” Abbott said. “Five justices on the Supreme court have imposed on the entire country their personal views on an issue that the Constitution and the Court’s previous decisions reserve to the people of the States.” The Texas governor also let his Twitter followers know that he will keep fighting for Texans’ religious rights. “Marriage was defined by God,” Abbott tweeted to his 76,000 followers. “No man can redefine it. We will defend our religious liberties.”

UTPA renews collaboration with Chinese university Some UTRGV employees receive letter By Angela Cantu The Pan American

By Angela Cantu The Pan American

UTPA officials have renewed their collaboration with Hengyang Normal University (HYNU) in China. Ad Interim President Havidan Rodriguez, Professor Yong Lang and Professor Pamela Anderson-Mejias traveled to China to meet with the officials of HYNU. The continuing program will allow students and faculty from both universities to study and conduct on each other’s campuses. The program of six years has brought more than 20 professors to the valley. The program first started when they exchanged research and methods for teaching English as a second language. With Art and computer science faculty members traveling to HYNU to teach.

According to the UTPA website, Rodriguez said this was an emotional meeting, knowing that the program has been such a positive effect on both universities. He also said that the exchange program with Hengyang Normal will ensure that the faculty and students will have opportunities to interact with the different cultures, languages, methods of teaching and new perspectives of the world. Both universities are planning to bring students starting in the Fall of 2016. 10 students are expected to be joining the university next fall to study for a Master’s in English as a second language, and will have eight visiting professors.

GETTING TRUMPED By Angela Cantu The Pan American Donald Trump announced his candidacy for president on June 16, but most people will not remember him for starting his campaign. Instead, they’ll remember his remarks on Mexicans, made at the Trump Tower in New York. The noted business entrepreneur gave his views on immigration, stating, “I would build a great wall. And nobody builds walls better than me, believe me. And I’ll build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will have Mexico pay for that wall, mark my words.” Ever since the statements, Mexicans and Mexican-Americans from all over the country are protesting them. Due to the derogatory remarks, many people decided not to participate in the Miss USA pageant held July 12. Also, Mexican TV station Univision decided to cut all ties with Donald Trump and the Miss USA pageant.

People in the Rio Grande Valley especially are upset over the statement because it hits close to home. The border wall is to our south and Trump didn’t realize the repercussions of what he said. Raul Ramirez Jr., UTPA social studies and composite major, explains how he felt about Trump’s statement. “I thought his remark was inhumane,” the Donna native said. “Yes the border has been dangerous but you can’t judge all for the actions of others. Like, I’m not going to say all Arabs are terrorists because that’ll be bigoted of me and prejudice towards them. And that seems to be his only area of concern!” Juan Carlos Lopez, criminal justice major, expressed how he feels about the man called The Donald as a presidential candidate. “My personal opinion towards Trump as president is that I feel he isn’t a strong candi-

Those employees at UTPA and the University of Texas at Brownsville who did not get hired for UTRGV are going to be granted paid leave for one month. The faculty will start the paid leave from the end of the month to the end of August. The University sent a letter June 30 stating that those not hired would get paid administrative leave for one month. Employees getting the letter are not necessarily not going to get hired and still have until August 31 to receive and accept a job offer. Those accepting the job offer will be taken off of paid administrative leave. According to University spokesperson Pat-

rick Gonzales, about five percent of employees at UTPA and UTB had not been offered a position. A second letter sent on July 2 was sent to faculty from both universities stating they would know more about the transition process towards the end of the month and didn’t mention paid administrative leave.

Donald Trump bashes Mexican culture

date,” the 20-year-old said. “He lacks political experience, although his business mindset would help our nation gain income and maybe pull out the world debt, I think it’s not enough, as well as his presence and decision-making won’t represent our country as a whole.” The Donna native went on to explain his feelings about what Trump said. He feels that Trump will not be a good decision for president and that he wants someone experienced, strong and understanding to run the country. “(It) shows his lack in politics as well as his moral outlook on certain situations,” said Lopez, business management minor. “Placing problems and creating more on the people he is supposed to be supporting and helping because Mexican-Americans are still Americans and contribute to America equal as any other race or even more depending on the demographics of the area. Also it shows where his

focus is at and it’s not towards the major problems we are currently facing the border wall and Mexico violence is out of our hands and he shouldn’t put it as a primary.” Paul Ortega, 25, also had something to say about Trump the candidate, who placed first this week in the latest USA Today poll, with 17 percent among a crowded Republican field. “Donald Trump has always been a great entrepreneur and has always seen things on a business vision,” Ortega said. “But running to be next leader of country is something different. Running a country is nothing like running business. Donald has no experience or education when it comes to law, Congress, bills, and etc. I have always believed that our president or president candidate should stand with Israel.”

news news

July 16, 2015

Getting to know your student rights

Student Rights and Responsibilities offers assistance By Andrea E. Perez The Pan American

David Mariscal has been involved with the Dean of Students office at UTPA since December 2004. Currently the assistant director of Student Rights and Responsibilities, he states his affection for the job stems from his appreciation of working with students in an academic environment. The 62-year-old Mercedes native explained his job presents him with opportunities to mentor and guide students while they pursue their education. According to Mariscal, students don’t typically know about SRR, though they participate in student outreach tables and presentations around campus during various times during the semester. He added students may see the posters, flyers, brochures or even presentations about the organization, but don’t actually use the resource until it becomes relevant to their lives. The SRR team manages a diversity of issues and concerns that impact students and the community, ranging from but not limited to discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment, violent crimes, and city conduct code violations. According to the Student Rights and Responsibilities website, the mission is to fairly and reasonably implement, disseminate and interpret campus policies while protecting student rights, addressing student conduct, reinforcing standards of academic excellence and social

responsibilities by promoting educational and personal growth. The office of the Dean of Students guards the rights of students while ensuring all students receive the services and privileges available to them. As a branch of DoS, the group at SRR works with students who have concerns, complaints or require additional assistance in resolving conflict within the university. Through resources like Broncs Care Report It, Title IX and Sex Discrimination, Student Code of Conduct, Student Concern Intervention Team, filing a grievance and student advisement for concerns and complaints, SRR mediates in the situation. “Whether (students) are needing assistance in working with a difficult student, professor or staff member, we become a liaison between the student and professor in ensuring that the student has a fair chance,” Mariscal said. “Student Rights and Responsibilities helps students realize that as members of a learning community, we all share responsibility for that learning community and we are all doing our part to protect and respect the rights of all other students.” Mariscal explained that when a student claims their rights were affected, both sides of the story are investigated. If one party has committed malicious actions, they would be sanctioned or penalized accordingly. “If you are a student that is being aggrieved or having their rights violated by faculty, staff, a student or any member of the community, then this is a place where

you can recover some of that justice and fairness,” Marsical said. “It is difficult for you to recover that or educate the other person on how this impacts you and violates your rights, and that’s where we step in.” Though he has never personally used their services, Alberto Adame, a 21-yearold senior studying finance and economics is aware of the usefulness of them. He learned of the offered services through his involvement within the university and encourages friends and other students to use the resources. Adame is currently the Student Government Association President for UTRGV. “The great thing is that it is completely anonymous and at the same time, they’ll check out the situation in order to avoid future problems,” Adame said. During the 2013-2014 academic school year, the office of Student Rights and Responsibilities investigated 516 individual incident reports and 906 individual cases. Statistics for the 2014-2015 academic year have not been released. The office of Student Rights and Responsibilities is located in the University Center, Rm 315 next to the Student Academic Center. For more information, visit www.utpa.edu/srr, contact 665-5375 or email srr@utpa.edu. Members of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities respond to each incident report presented and work for the rights of students. All information is confidential. “In the end, the things that the peer educators teach you can probably help

you help a friend in a dangerous situation where a friend is being abused,” Adame said. “It’s never good to stay quiet. If something is going wrong, report it and try to find a solution with professional help offered by the university. It’s always useful.” Currently, the SRR team is working on prompting the Bystander Initiative where students and community members are trained to be active, engaged bystanders and not wait around to let some other person do something about it. According to Mariscal, students will take the leadership role and safely intervene in threatening situations. Mariscal states his job is both great and challenging. He believes there is a diversity of issues and concerns that impact students and the community everyday, which create new learning experiences for the SRR team.

arts & life

July 16, 2015

By Ena Capucion The Pan American

Class of 2015 face job uncertainty

When the financial crisis hit the U.S. in late 2007, the nation fell into a recession mainly because of the Lehman Brothers collapse after the investment bank filed for bankruptcy. The unemployment rate during the crisis for high school and graduate students averaged about 10 percent. While the country managed to recover in 2009, bringing the ratings down to about eight percent, recent graduate classes are still struggling to find jobs. A recession is defined as two or more quarters of falling gross domestic product. In other words, trade and industrial activity such as exports and imports are reduced. When the U.S. recovered in the sense of production, or gross domestic product, that didn’t necessarily mean the economy as a whole would get better. According to assistant professor James Boudreau, gross domestic product is only one measurement of overall macroeconomic health. Other factors that contribute to macroeconomics include the unemployment rate, national income and inflation levels. “There (are) plenty of people including economists that would say (GDP is) not the best measure because it doesn’t capture everything,” Boudreau said. “Another important measure would be the unemployment rate and the unemployment rate stayed stubbornly high for a long time after the recession officially ended in terms of GDP.” An article by the Economic Policy Institute released May 27 stated that high school and college graduates of the class of 2015 will still struggle with idle wages, unemployment and underemployment despite the crisis ending in 2009. Studies show that graduating in a bad economy could have long-term consequences such as earning less money for the next 10 to 15 years. Research associate Alyssa Davis of EPI acknowledged the fact that while the class of 2015 graduated in a better economy than the classes before them, the graduates will face similar obstacles that include not being able to further educate themselves or find employment. The EPI article included statistics on unemployment rates from recent years and

before the recession began in 2007. The current unemployment rate for college graduates is 7.2 percent and 10.5 percent for high school alumni. In 2007, respectively, the rates were 5.5 percent and 15.9 percent. In terms of underemployment, the 2007 rates were 9.6 percent for young college graduates and 26.8 percent for high school graduates. Currently the rates are 9.6 percent and 37 percent, respectively. “Graduating into a weak economy means that, through no fault of their own, the class of 2015 faces weaker job opportunities, lower wages and lower overall earnings,” said Kimball, another research associate from EPI. “Young workers might be a unique group, but the solution to these problems is not unique to them. The same policies that will improve tough job prospects and wages for young graduates are the ones needed to generate broad-based demand and wage growth for all workers.” While the EPI article successfully touches base with the statistics on current unemployment and underemployment rates, Boudreau has his own theory. His analysis on why recent graduates are struggling to find jobs runs deeper than the surface of unemployment and underemployment rates. About three or four generations back, the highest level of education was a high school degree. Beyond that, only the brighter, more determined and wealthier students continued to pursue college. For example, in 1937 only 15 percent of high school graduates pursued a college degree according to American politician James Hunt. Based on the 2014 Council of Economic Advisers, the more recent generations such as the Millennials and the Baby Boomers replaced the common high school degree with the common fouryear college degree with a graduating rate of 61 percent and 46 percent, respectively. “People with a high school degree would compete for jobs with other people that had a high school degree,” he said. “If you encourage everyone to go to college, you might still have the same number of people, but now all the people competing for these mid-level jobs all have undergrad-

uate degrees. So how do you stand out?” One way to prepare current and future graduates for a higher possibility of employment is to ensure they enter the workforce with a full set of skills for a specific job. One example where a designated skill set would increase the applicant’s chances is the technology field in Silicon Valley. “But the problem with that is it’s not an easy industry to get into,” Boudreau said. “You need very specific skills that what used to be the classic liberal arts education might not necessarily give you. So more and more it could be the case that if you want a job, you need to figure out what you need to specialize in earlier so you get those specific skills for that job.” However, the drawback is that not every 17- and 18-year-old knows what he or she wants to do in life. Boudreau knows the possibilities for students in their teens are endless. “When I was (that age) I never thought about what I wanted to do because there are so many possibilities and I wasn’t even aware of all of (them),” said Boudreau, who received his doctorate in economics from the University of Connecticut in 2009. “So the problem now is that it seems the new areas of the economy that are growing and providing increased production and potentially jobs … they’re not as easy to get with a more general background.” THE GRADUATES Since Miriam Suaste’s graduation this past May, she’s been pursuing her passion in broadcast journalism by continuously applying in places such as NBC Universal Telemundo 40. While her intentions are to remain in the Rio Grande Valley for a career, she is open-minded to relocating if an opportunity were to come her way. “I’ve been having many interviews, but haven’t gotten hired yet,” the 22-year-old said. “It is frustrating because it seems like I’ll never get a job, (so) it’s not as easy as it seems. It’s hard at times, but I know sooner or later the right job will come my way. … It’s only been a month since graduation.” The National Center for Education Statistics predict that approximately 1.86 mil-

lion students will graduate with a bachelor’s degree this year. With a 7.2 percent unemployment rate, about 133,920 of this year’s graduating class will be unemployed. However, Suaste encourages people not to look at statistics, but to keep their eyes on the prize. “People should never give up,” said the McAllen native. “I know it’s really hard at times because job hunting is a drag, but once the opportunity comes (our) way we should take it. Everything happens for a reason and if someone doesn’t hire us, then someone else will.” While graduates such as Suaste are still on the hunt, speech pathologist Eeman Khan managed to secure a job in San Antonio. She was a part of the speech pathology program UTPA offers and participated in an externship at the Brownsville Nursing Home and Kids Korner Autism Center. Like Suaste, Khan faced struggles after graduation. In order to officially become a licensed speech pathologist, she was required to undergo a clinical fellowship, similar to a doctor’s residency. “The job to do my clinical fellowship is where I had a tough time,” Khan said, who graduated with her masters in communication sciences and disorders in 2013. “It was hard to look for jobs in the Valley, especially with (speech language pathologists) being saturated all over the Valley. I worked at San Antonio Independent School District through a contracting company named Cobbs Pediatric Therapy Services.” Khan worked at Cobbs for an entire school year before deciding to come back to the RGV. Despite the year in San Antonio, it was still difficult for a speech pathologist like Khan to secure a job. “After I came back from (San Antonio) I was looking for jobs,” the 26-year-old said. “Literally going door to door, emailing and faxing resumes. … I took a break for six months to get married and came back (to the RGV) last month. Again I’m job-hunting, but San Antonio ISD offered me a position with them, so I decided to take that up. At least I know my job is secure and won’t have to stress over bills.”

arts & life

July 16, 2015

Economics professor continues to represent in Washington, D.C.

By Tabitha Trujillo The Pan American UTPA economic professor Maria Mora was recently nominated to serve her second term with the committee for The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2012, Mora was elected by an anonymous source to be reviewed for the committee. She was aware of the group after years of using BLS data that is given to the public, but was surprised when chosen. Without an application process, the BLS officials evaluate each person and about 20 people are accepted to join the committee and serve for three years. After her first term from 2012 to 2015, Mora was re-appointed in January to serve her second, which will end January 2018. In 1884, the BLS was formed to collect statistical data that was deemed important for the public. Now, one of its departments is the Data Users Advisory Committee, whose members are in charge of analyzing data on national inflation and unemployment rates. The committee meets twice a year in Washington, D.C., and the first for 2015 was held in June, with the second slated for November. The committee members do not receive compensation for their work, however they receive free travel expenses to their meetings. Although the 20 members live many miles apart from each other, they keep in constant communication, mainly through email. They share research, ideas and opinions on the data and surveys they receive, and sometimes make changes to wording in survey questions. “We use the data that the BLS gener-

By Ena Capucion The Pan American

ates. They run ideas by us,” said the UTPA vice provost fellow for faculty affairs. “They ask questions like, ‘If we change the wording for this data, do you believe that it will be effective?’ Sometimes we have discussions on cutting certain programs and how would we prioritize the database if they need to do budget cuts.” Mora also said the committee is best described as one doing work to see if the country is healthy financially. Members understand how important it is for the nation to be aware of unemployment rates and inflation, or an increase of currency supply that is relative to the number of people that use it. An example that the program looks at is whether wages have kept up with prices and if promotions are adjustable for the new lifestyle that come with changes, such as moving to a different city. The committee describes it as one of the main ways to see if the country is healthy financially. The Albuquerque native connects with her colleagues that use the database as well and even uses their viewpoints for insight. They discuss the unemployment rate that is released from the organization, such as the 5.3 percent decline in June 2015. Mora also looks over the data that the BLS sends through emails, and she listens to her colleagues’ perspectives on the survey information. Committee members are also responsible for being representatives of their area, providing info on financial aspects there. She feels as though she is the voice for the Rio Grande Valley. “I also think that a lot of the time our

area of the country is often ignored by the rest of the country, and certainly if you consider all the policy that is being done in Washington. We often don’t get invited to state our input,” said Mora, who received her doctorate in economics from Texas A&M University in 1996. “So I think that it is very important that we get a perspective of how people react to the statistics and surveys down here that are presented in the database.” Mora is currently one of the four members to serve in the committee from an academic profession, as opposed to the other members who work for government agencies, such as Associated General Contractors of America and National Retail Fed-

eration. The economics professor shares her work with the BLS with her UTPA students, which can be helpful for the students when taking the course. “I really enjoy that I can use some of this in the classroom because I teach a lot of the principles of macroeconomics and use the data from the BLS,” the professor said. The BLS committee member is honored to be a part of such an important program and excited to continue providing her assistance for the nation.

Requesting student input

With the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to debut this fall, UTPA has undergone changes on campus such as the branding of the Field House and name transitions on social media. As for the campus game room, a survey will be posted soon for students to share their ideas about what’s next. The game room was first located on the second floor of the University Center then relocated to the second floor of the Student Union in fall 2000. With basic billiards and pingpong tables, the game room was then renovated in March 2013 with additional equipment such as several Xbox One’s, PS3s and PS4s. When the rumor of the merger between UTPA and the University of Texas at Brownsville first surfaced December 2012, Mabel Cortina, program coordinator of the union, decided to wait for the dust to settle before considering a new game room and its branding, “I definitely want it to be in line with the Vaquero concept, but other than that I’m really trying to keep my own thoughts and opinions scaled back because I’m dying to see what the students have,” the 2008 UTPA graduate said. “I really want to see what ideas they have in terms of how the Vaquero concept converges with something like the game room.” The survey will be available this fall on the UTRGV website. For more information, contact Cortina at (956) 665-2266.

Page 8

July 16, 2015

boneless wings

(956) 631-WING (9464)

monday-tuesday

3721 W Pecan Blvd. I Mcallen, TX.

special

Valid untill August 30.

and Mexican Entrées

Combo

Includes: 1 leg, 1 thigh, 2 small sides, small drink, warm tortillas and fresh salsa Make it a breast & wing 2PC Combo for $1 more

Coupon valid at 2808 W. University Dr., Edinburg, TX 78539 and expires 9/30/2015. Cannot be combined with any other coupon or promotion. Limit one discount per coupon, one coupon per customer, per visit. Coupon may not be reproduced, copied, purchased, traded or sold. Internet distribution or resale strictly prohibited. Tax extra. No cash value. Valid at participating restaurants only. Coca-Cola is a registered trademark of the Coca-Cola Company. All rights reserved. © 2015 El Pollo Loco, Inc.

L&T

6195 B&W

6196

$ CLASSIC CHICKEN SALAD Combo

Includes small drink

6199

$ RANCHERO BURRITO University of Texas students – show your school ID at our Edinburg location and get 10% off your check! elpolloloco.com

Combo

Includes chips and small drink

6198

COUPON

At El Pollo Loco, we’re known for the fire-grilled chicken in our burritos, tostadas, bowls and salads. We marinate our chicken in an authentic recipe of fruit juices, garlic, herbs and spices. Then we fire-grill it by hand over an open flame throughout each day. Some say the lengths we go to are crazy. We say it’s Crazy You Can Taste.

2PC FIRE-GRILLED LEG & THIGH

COUPON

FIRE-GRILLED CHICKEN

July 16, 2015

El Bosque Apartments

1609 W. Schurior St. Edinburg, Texas 78541 956-383-8382 Amenities • • • • •

Spacious 1,2, & 3 Bedroom Floorplans Two Sparkling Pools New Cabana & Grill 24 Hour Emergency Maintenance 2 Laundry Facitis

• 2 Recident Clubhouse • Tennis Court • Basketball Court • Large Walk-in Closets • Pet Friendly

Leasing Now for Summer & Fall High Speed Internet & Expanded Cable!

W M onte

risto

St.

N Closner Blvd

Page 9

W S ch

unio

W U nive rs

ity S t

W U niv

r St

ersit

y St

arts & life

July 16, 2015

By Marissa Rodriguez The Pan American

The last UTPA theatre show

Every odd year since 1973, University students have produced and performed comedic plays for the Summer Theater Workshop, called Pan American Summer Stock, at the end of the Summer I session. This season, PASS presented Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig during the first week of July, and concluded with Wonder of the World by David Lindsay-Abaire from July 9-12. This year three of the Summer Theatre Workshop students produced their plays, one instructed by Peter Mikolasky and the other directed by Richard Garcia and the latter directed by Luis Moreno. It was no small feat considering that UTPA theatre usually produces one play every three or four months during full semesters. A cast of colorful characters lit up the Albert L. Jeffers theatre with the performance of Wonder of the World on Wednesday July 8, designated as Pan Am Night. It was the premiere night for the final play of the final Pan American Summer Stock season. The small audience more than made up for the empty seats scattered

throughout the Albert L. Jeffers theatre with enthusiasm and rapt attention. The main character, Cass Harris, has a husband that digests Barbie doll heads for kicks and a suicidal alcoholic for a sidekick, with R. Kelly’s “Bump ‘n’ Grind” marking the beginning of her journey to self-discovery. Cass is a woman on a mission to make up for all the time lost to her “two-faced, deviant” husband. She embarks on an adventure to Niagara Falls and stumbles into a series of increasingly absurd situations. Audience member and UTPA sophomore Cassandra Matamoros attended the play with no expectations but left with a new perspective on theatre. “I didn’t want to come, honestly, but I really loved the show and enjoyed myself,” Matamoros said. “You could really tell how much fun the cast was having and the efforts that they made.” Moon Over Buffalo, the first play of the summer, brought the PASS season its highest crowd turnout with around 130 people in attendance. The play takes place

in Buffalo in 1953 and revolves around the struggling marriage of two stage actors as they attempt one last shot at stardom. Both absurdist comedies made for a good farewell to the Pan American Summer Stock, which, despite time strictures, had a successful run made apparent by audience reception and the energy of the cast and crew. The whirlwind of rehearsals and the hard work definitely paid off, said featured actor Armando Gonzalez, who played the clumsy private investigator in Wonder of the World. The cast first set out to explore situations and develop their characters. “We got to know our characters more than we know us,” Gonzalez joked. “Sharing a stage with another show and the time limit was very interesting, but a learning experience that I am grateful I had the opportunity to be a part of.” Valerie Prince played the zany alcoholic, Lois, in Wonder of the World, her first stage performance at UTPA and claims that the hectic schedule with rehearsals and production was truly a bonding experience

for the cast. The Summer Theatre Workshop students are only given two days of technical and dress rehearsal with only a month of class sessions, which makes the production seem all the more impressive. “We had very little time, yet we managed,” Gonzalez said. “We had so much fun.” Prince agreed, crediting the work of directors and the commitment of cast and crew for the success of this final PASS season. “There (were) lots of laughs and focus, which is a great combination,” she said. After over 30 seasons of comedies, Moon Over Buffalo and Wonder of the World closed the final curtain for the Pan American Summer Stock. The Summer Theatre Workshop will be offered next year under the same course title, although the instructor has yet to be announced. More information about the future inception of PASS will become available as the UTRGV transition continues.

sports

Athletic department hires new head operating officer By Nathaniel Mata The Pan American The UTPA Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the hiring of Vince Volpe as deputy director of athletics and chief operating officer June 26. Volpe will serve as chief fundraiser for UTRGV, overseeing operations of development, business and ticket departments and all facility capital projects. He’ll also be the port administrator for Vaquero baseball, golf and tennis. Director of Athletics Chris King was the first to endorse Volpe in June, as he explained the importance of the hire. “He’s a proven fundraiser who will be an outstanding leader and resource for a young, energetic and talented staff,” King said. “He is regarded as one of the up-and-coming administrators and has established an impressive track record.” Volpe comes to Edinburg from Connecticut, bringing an array of experience in the athletic marketing/fundraising field. His resume includes time at the University of Kentucky, University of Missouri, Oral Roberts University in Tulsa and most recently, the University of Connecticut. At Missouri he was a member of the senior management team and oversaw all developments of the Tiger Scholarship Fund, which is responsible for more than $18 million in annual revenue creation. He was in charge of the university’s estimated 140 endowed scholarships totaling upward of $25 million. In his previous position at UConn, where he worked since 2012, Volpe directed capital fundraising, annual giving and other sources of revenue creation and strategic initiative for the Huskies. He worked directly with the men’s and

11 38 UTPA studentathletes earn Academic All-WAC Honors July 16, 2015

women’s tennis programs as sports supervisor. His work also extends to the community as he was a member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters as well as a food bank board of directors member while in Missouri. His own higher education took place at the University of Indiana where he earned a bachelor’s in sports management and a master’s in athletic administration. The 2002 graduate was a student-athlete with the baseball team and interned in athletic administration. He then became an associate instructor in the kinesiology department. Upon his hiring at UTRGV, positive feedback about his work surfaced from colleagues around the nation. “I have known (Volpe) for a long time from his time at the University of Missouri, where he made a tremendous difference,” said Jose Gutierrez, Mizzou National Campaign senior corporate executive at AT&T. “(He is) always helpful and hard working. Vince is constantly ready to take charge and his heart is always in the right place. I know that he, his wife Laura and their new baby will fit very nicely with the beautiful people of South Texas, where my family and I lived for almost a decade.” Praise also comes from those who know both King and Volpe. “Having worked alongside Vince Volpe on the leadership team at UConn, and knowing the breadth of Chris King’s influence from my days at the Southeastern Conference, they should complement each other very well to make a strong leadership team,” said Debbie Corum, University of Connecticut senior associate athletic director. “The future is bright at UTRGV.”

sports

July 16, 2015

UTRGV Baseball hires assistant coaches Brian Nelson and Jordon Banfield By Estefani Carrasquedo Photos by Omar Casas The Pan American The UTRGV Athletic Department has hired two new assistant coaches for its baseball team, Brian Nelson and Jordon Banfield. PITCHING The hiring of Nelson, volunteer assistant coach at Lamar University in Beaumont for the past two seasons, was announced June 29. His responsibilities will include recruiting and working with pitchers and catchers. Nelson attended the Air Force Academy where he played both baseball and football but had his career cut short by shoulder surgeries. After transferring to Texas A&M University he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports management. Shortly after, he received his master’s at Sam Houston State in business administration. “(Nelson) brings a tremendous amount of energy and passion for coaching and teaching to our program,” UTRGV Head Coach Manny Mantrana said. “He is a high-character individual and our players are going to learn a great deal from him on and off the field.” At the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor for his first collegiate stint, Nelson contributed with pitchers and catchers. In 2012 he helped direct American Baseball Coaches Association All-Region team member Chris Joshlin to the American Southwest Conference batting title. The Crusader catchers finish second in fewest stolen bases allowed in conference. Shortly after, Nelson moved to Brazos Christian High School, where he coached three All-State players and was a major aspect in the team’s runner-up finish in the 2013 Texas State Championship. Nelson worked with J.T Autrey, David Carver and Collin Chapman, all Major League Baseball Draft picks. Under Nelson, Autrey was 6-2 with a 3.59 ERA in 20 appearances while Carver dropped his ERA from 5.74 to 4.14. “I am excited, especially going into the UTRGV era, to be a part of Coach Mantrana’s staff,” Nelson said in June. “This program and the overall athletic department are heading in the right direction and I feel fortunate to be a part of it...I’m ready to get the hard work done and start winning ball games.”

to his new team. “I couldn’t be more excited by the opportunity that Coach Mantrana has given me to join his staff at a very exciting time for the program,” said Banfield, who was head of recruiting coordinator at the University of Illinois Springfield. “The facilities and support from administration along with the transition to UTRGV make it a tremendous time to get on board. Banfield was an All-State selection at Ann Arbor Greenhills High School and a member of the Ann Arbor Braves program that produced three major league baseball players.He received his bachelor’s from the University of Michigan in Sport Management will be in charge of assisting the hitters along with teaching base running and working with infielders. He will also help during recruiting. Before joining UTRGV, Banfield spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Illinois Springfield. There he was responsible for signing 32 new players to the 2014-15 roster. He helped lead the team to 22 wins with only three seniors. In his first season, the Prairie Stars finish with 28 wins and broke 20 school records. However, Banfield’s experiences go beyond that. He was previously head coach at Ann Arbor University in Michigan And has worked as a professional scout for the Texas Rangers. After producing 20 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I signees and multiple MLB draft picks, Banfield led the Travelers to 22 tournament victories and the first Michigan team to qualify for the Connie Mack World Series in back-to-back seasons. “(Banfield) is a great addition to our coaching staff,” Mantrana said. “He is a bright up-and-coming young coach who possesses a great work ethic and is a student of the game. He will be an outstanding recruiter and coach for our program.”

HITTING Banfield, whose hiring was announced July 8, also hopes to give a great contribution

S e a s o n o p e n e r i n H o u s t o n B a p t i s t To u r n a m e n t By Marco Torres The Pan American The UTRGV volleyball team is scheduled to have 28 games before the Western Athletic Conference Tournament, 10 at what is currently known as the Field House. The Vaqueros’ first match is at the Houston Baptist Tournament against Louisiana Tech University Aug. 28. They will then face Houston Baptist and Alcorn State University Aug. 29. Although the team has yet to be finalized a few members have been named. As of July 15 the roster had two freshmen, a sophomore, three juniors and one senior. The lone senior is fellow Bronc Haley Durham from Honolulu. She will be joined by five fellow Broncs from last season as of now. Currently no University of Texas at Brownsville players are listed. After the Aug. 29 matchup the Vaqueros will host three straight games, two as part of the University of Texas Rio Grande Val-

ley Tournament. Tournament action will be Sept. 4, against Incarnate Word at 11 a.m. and Southern University at 7 p.m. The Vaqueros will then spend the rest of September on the road and will participate in two tournaments. The first is the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Tournament which will include Mississippi Valley State, Texas Southern and the host, Texas A&M-CC. The second tournament is the Lamar University Tournament where the Vaqueros will face Lamar and Tulane. The last matchup of the month will be the WAC opener against New Mexico State Sept. 26. In his first year as head coach for UTRGV, Todd Lowery is ready for the challenge that lies ahead. “We put together a schedule to see if we can get some early season success with all the new faces,” said Lowery, who 205-14 (.936) at UTB, including a 37-0 record in 2013. “It’s also a schedule that’s hopefully going to

prepare us for what we’re going to see when it comes time to get into the conference.” The Vaqueros will spend October fighting against WAC opponents with the exception of a stray game against New Orleans. The final home game will be noon Nov. 7 against Bakersfield, which is scheduled to be Senior Day. The next two games of the season will be against Utah Valley and Seattle U, before the WAC Tournament. “We want to get out there and see what competition’s like in the WAC,” said Lowery, led UTB to a 34-5 record and the No. 2 ranking in the nation after reaching the national championship match. “We definitely want to move up the ranks in the conference and see where we land this first year and what kind of work we have to do after that.” The WAC Tournament begins Nov. 20 and ends two days later in Kansas City, Mo. The top six teams will attend with the exception of Grand Canyon as they are not yet postsea-

son eligible. Winner of the tournament will get an automatic bid to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament starting Dec. 4.

sports

U TRG V

July 16, 2015

s o c c e r

By Marco Torres Photos by Fernando Gracias The Pan American UTRGV announced that the women’s soccer team will open the regular season Aug. 21 against Incarnate Word at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex at 7 p.m. The men’s team will open its season in Houston Aug. 28 with a home matchup against Huston-Tillotson University. WOMEN’S The UTRGV Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the women’s team will have 19 matches, nine non-conference and 10 conference, before the Western Athletic Conference Tournament. Before the Aug. 21 game the team will play a friendly in San Antonio against Saint Mary’s University. Participants will include Southern University, South Carolina State University and Incarnate Word. “As we continue building the team, we continue building the schedule,” Vaqueros Coach Glad Bugariu said. “We’re playing three National Collegiate Athletic Association qualifiers this year, but the good news is we play two of them at home. Overall we have 11 home matches, meaning a lot of opportunities for the community to come see us play.” On Aug. 28 the Vaqueros will host 2014 NCAA Tournament participant Prairie View A&M University. The game is part of a single-admission doubleheader with the men in their regular season opener against HustonTillotson.

b e g i n s

The Vaqueros start off September with a two-game road trip as they take on Mississippi Valley State then Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Then the team has a second UTRGV Tournament, as it takes on the likes of South Dakota and 2014 NCAA Tournament participant Houston Baptist, Sept. 11-13. “We want to host these tournaments to allow teams from different parts of the country to come down and see the Valley while allowing our team to play against different styles,” Bugariu said. The team will remain a relatively young team but will have 13 players returning like, sophomore captain Hanna Spets, goalkeepers Erica Gonzalez and Haylee Oliver. The Vaqueros also bring in eight new players from various places like Canada, Norway, Sweden and the United States. The goal every year is to make it to the post season November will mark the start of the road to the championship, as the team will hopefully play in the WAC Tournament. The top six teams, not including Grand Canyon (postseason ineligible) advance to the tournament. The winner of the tournament will earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and try to do what Florida State University did last year and that’s win it all. “We spent the first year learning about the WAC, the opponents, the coaches and the environments, and we grew quite a bit as a team,” Bugariu said. “Now, in the second year, we have a chance to move up in the standings and maybe surprise some people come conference tournament time.”

l ate

MEN’S The UTRGV men’s soccer team is picking up where the 1997 season left off, as the new team tries to duplicate the victory posted by UTPA, 2-1 win over Centenary, Oct. 22, 1997, which was the last season in program records. The team will have seven freshmen, two sophomores and five juniors. Six of the newly formed teame are from overseas, mainly from Finland. There will be two relatives on the team as freshmen Ruhmayne and Ruhshayne Marrett join the Vaqueros from Kingston, Jamaica. Head Coach Paul Leese knows the season will be challenging but is optimistic for what awaits him and his players, who have brought the sport back to campus for the first time in nearly 20 years. “We are definitely excited to kick off this fall schedule and look forward to competing in the Western Athletic Conference against strong and established programs,” Leese said. “I attended the WAC Tournament last fall and was very impressed with level of play in our conference.” Before starting the season the Vaqueros will have friendlies against San Jacinto College in Houston Aug. 15 and versus Incarnate Word Aug. 23, at home. Then the team opens with single-admission doubleheader with the aforementioned women’s team Aug. 28. At the Rio Grande Valley Invitational Tournament Sept. 4-6, the Vaqueros will host Buffalo University and Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne. Another participant is Houston Baptist though the Vaqueros will not play against

A u g u s t the Huskies. After the tournament the team will spend most of September on the road with four games between Sept. 11-20. The first two will be on the East Coast and the other two on the West, then the men head back home to face Our Lady of the Lake University Sept. 26. “We have a challenging schedule for a first-year program and will have to learn quickly if we are to achieve success,” Leese said. “It will be grueling physically too as we compete coast to coast with matches against reputable teams such as UNC Greensboro and Cal State-Fullerton, two teams with significant NCAA Tournament experience.” The Vaqueros start their first season in the WAC with a two-game road trip to face Grand Canyon Oct. 2, then defending WAC champion UNLV Oct. 4. Five days later the squad will have a WAC home opener against Utah Valley; Seattle U is the foe two days later. The WAC Tournament for the men will run Nov. 12-15 in Kansas City, Mo. Top six teams advance with the exception of Grand Canyon and Incarnate Word, as they are not postseason eligible yet. The winner of the tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament as UNLV did. “We know our challenge will be to bring a new squad together in a very short amount of time,” Leese said. “But we are looking forward to it and cannot wait for preseason to arrive.”

July 16, 2015

UTPA’S FINAL YEAR The events that highlighted UTPA’s

photo

last year, fall 2014 - summer 2015

Adriana Gonzalez/ The Pan American

Students protesting UTRGV’s decision to make the Vaquero the universities mascot Nov. 11. Many UTPA students and almuni expressed their desire to maintain the Bronc as the mascot. A protest took place shortly after UTRGV president, Guy Bailey, announced his decision. Alicia Rangel/ The Pan American

America Ferrera visits UTPA for the universities Distinguished Speakers Series April 13. Ferrea spoek about DREAMers, the importance of latino voter turnout and how young adults have the ability to mold the world.

Jon Nutt/ The Pan American

Magddlena Hinjosa, Former UTPA Robert Nelsen and Kimberly Nelsen (left to right) pose for a photo at Nelsen’s farewell party Aug. 27. Robert Nelsen was the eighth president of UTPA holding the positon from January 2010 till August 2014. Jon Nutt/ The Pan American

A young girl plays with a replica of Leonardo Da Vinci’s printing press Sept. 30. The Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit was set up in the UTPA Vistor’s Center during the 2014 fall semester.

Alicia Rangel/ The Pan American

Jon Nutt/ The Pan American

UTPA’s cheer and dance team along with bucky throw up the bronc sign at the burning of the letters Oct. 17. UTPA’s traditional burning of the letters turned into an emotional night for many patrons as the was the universities last year as UTPA.

Dr. Martha A. Cantu, vice president for student affairs, (center) poses with a group of students at UTPA’s last homecoming parade Feb. 24. UTPA’s last homecoming ends saturday February 28 with a tailgate and mens basketball vs New Mexico State University.

July 16, 2015

Page 15

Page 16

July 16, 2015

STAND TALL. STAND PROUD. STAND ARMY STRONG. GOARMY.COM

For more info, visit us at 2625 North 23rd Street in McAllen, call Sgt. First Class Narciso Martinez at 877-211-6029 or text 956-204-7486.