November 21, 2002

PAGE 16

S PORTS

HORSE RACING

PLEADED GUILTY : One of three men who was involved in last month’s Breeders’ Cup scandal pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering. Twenty-nineyear-old Chris Harn of Newark, Del., was a computer programmer at Autotote which was the company that processed the computerized bets on races such as the Breeders’ Cup. According to Harn, he manipulated bets that won as much as $100,000 on earlier races and also manipulated computerized bets worth $3 million. Harn’s sentencing is set for Feb. 19 while his two partners were due back in court on Dec. 11.

MLB

WALKER IS TRADED:

Former National League MVP Larry Walker will head to Arizona in a five-player trade.

Walker, 35, who hit .338 with 26 homers and 104 RBI, will bring a much needed bat to the Diamondbacks.

The Colorado Rockies picked up third baseman Matt Williams, first baseman Erubiel Durazo, outfielder David Dellucci and reliever Bret Prinz.

Williams and Walker will have to waive their no-trade clauses for the deal to happen.

■ SPIRIT Breakdown . . .15 ■ Adopt-a-school . . . . . . .15 ■ Cervantes Feature . . . 14

Island tourney ushers in era of local hoops

South Padre Island Roundball Invitational will be Friday-Sunday at the SPI Convention Center

Photos by Matt Lynch/The Pan American

SETTING UP: The hardwood for this weekend’s SPI tournament cost $10,000 and should be ready by Friday.

By BRIAN CARR The Pan American The Broncs’ latest basketball season opens this weekend with a two-game double shot of stiff competition, on the island and on television, to boot.

Both New Mexico State University (NMSU) and Tulsa University are traveling to nearby South Padre Island Convention Center to compete against the Broncs in a three-team, three-day tournament. Each team will play a pair of games with NMSU and UTPA opening the tournament Friday evening, NMSU and Tulsa picking up their game Saturday afternoon and UTPA finishing the tournament against Tulsa (the Associated Press’ 25th ranked team) Sunday.

But even with the one-day break between games the Broncs are the heavy underdogs of the tournament.

Last year the Broncs defeated the NMSU Aggies 100-86 late in the season, but without last year’s leading scorer Mire Chatman, who scored 44 points in his 37 minutes of play, it’s unsure if UTPA can duplicate the defeat. Likewise, the Aggies are without their top scorer Eric Channing, who was 12-17 from the floor, picking up 33 points in that matchup.

The Broncs haven’t played Tulsa since the 1974-75 season – during the Abe Lemons era. It was the Broncs who walked away with a narrow margin victory of 76-70. If the Broncs are able to recreate that kind of success it would most assuredly be considered an upset, and gain national attention. In order for the Broncs to come up with that kind of win they will have to rely strongly on the element of surprise, score early and fast, and maintain intensity throughout the entire game.

“Both these teams are top notch,” said junior guard Allen Holcomb, whose 22-point output lead the Broncs to their 83-75 victory against Houston Quest last Sunday. “All we

have to do is come out and play hard. We’ve got nothing to lose.”

Unfortunately for the Broncs the toughest game of their season is coming at a time when their roster is affected.

Junior transfer Chris Fagan (Trinidad State) will miss both games with a stress fracture to his right foot, senior returning forward Andrius Sakalys is out for the season with a torn ACL, and senior guard Tomas Sitnikovas might miss the game with a strained ankle.

Without these three players, all of which are six-foot-five or taller, head coach Bob Hoffman only has 12 weapons to choose from. And without these three powerhouses the Broncs are limited to the amount of traffic they can keep out of the lanes.

In last Sunday’s preseason exhibition game against Houston Quest UTPA ran the kind of defensive and offensive plays that should be expected in these two upcoming games. Running a man-to-man configuration in the defensive zone the Broncs were able to discourage a lot of layups and jumpers in the first half of the game, but unfortunately the Broncs left their perimeter wide open and allowed 51.7 percent completion from their three-point line.

Offensively the Broncs seemed much more fluid than in their first outing against Monterrey Tech, with junior guards Allen Holcomb and Prince Thompson finding ways to split the defense through the lanes for high percentage shots. For Thompson it was his first and only outing with the Broncs. He hit all of five of his shots from the floor, and picked up 12 points in just 17 minutes. He is the only Bronc shooting 100 percent from the floor. Holcomb, who was 10-of-16 from the floor, made good on all six of his second half attempts and

VOICE

What is the most difficult aspect of final exams?

Page 4

LOCAL ■ FEES HIKE

Two Hidalgo County cross-border bridges will raise the toll price by a quarter from $1.50 to $1.75 starting on Jan. 1.The HidalgoReynosa and PharrReynosa international bridges hope to raise enough money to spend on other bridge and border projects.

According to George Ramon, director of the Hidalgo Int’l.

Bridge, the extra money should come to about $1.5 million a year.

LOCAL walked away from the game as UTPA’s scoring leader.

The outcome against Houston Quest had been predicted to be much more in the Broncs favor, but the Quest were far better than they had been in the past. And the intensity of center Matthew White and guard Jerimiah Gambrell fueled Houston, and kept the lead changing hands throughout the game. White, who tied Holcomb with 22 points for the day, gave the Quest their final lead of the game when he hit a three pointer with 6:02 left in the first half. But forward Delvis Diaz and guard Eric Montalvo, who had been quiet offensively, both had flurries late in the second half, and the unexpected points gave the Broncs their unchallenged lead.

But the Aggies and Golden Hurricanes are not as easily silenced as Houston Quest. If the Broncs have any chance of walking away with victories they will have to convert on more shots. It is especially important for the team to win in what is its first semi-home tournament. A big crowd is expected on the island for a tourney that will be televised regionally on FoxSportsnet (cable 63).

“We want to be more consistent in offensive output,” Hoffman said. “If somebody is on a roll we’re going to keep going to that guy in hopes that we can get something out of it.”

Fortunately for Hoffman freshman Derrick East, who looked nervous in his first ever Division I appearance,

overcame nerves and came up with some clutch shots to help the Broncs succeed last weekend. East, who is the tallest member of the Broncs at 6foot-8 will have to once again be a surprising force off the bench if there is to be any chance at Bronc victory this weekend.

“East is a freshman,” said Hoffman.

“Every time out will be a new experience for him.”

Also key to a successful Bronc outing will be the consistency of senior guard Kevin Mitchell’s threepoint attempts. Mitchell who was 4of-8 from the outside in the exhibition game against Monterrey Tech , was held to 1-of-6 in their game against Quest. If Mitchell is cold from the perimeter in these two upcoming games there is little chance for victory.

The same is true for sophomore guard Eric Montalvo, who put up a blistering 22 points in the team’s first outing, but didn’t get going until the last five minutes of the Houston Quest game. Without multiple scoring threats the Broncs will be doomed to failure.

BRIAN CARR

For an in-depth breakdown of each team, see page 15

THURSDAY

Campus

■ SUSPECT DIES

The Edinburg man who is responsible for a five-hour standoff Tuesday evening died at McAllen Medical Center yesterday. Francisco Javier Sanchez shot himself in the head at his Edinburg home and died while he was on life-support.

Investigators are seeking a suspect who was involved in various convenience stores robberies in Weslaco and Pharr.

A surveillance video was released that showed both Sanchez and the second suspect in robbery attempts Tuesday. The second suspect faces robbery and attempted murder charges once he’s captured.

Two More Weeks!

November 21, 2002

An Inside Look: News ............................................2 A & E............................................7 ■ Sports ........................................16 ■ ■

T h e S t u d e n t N e w s p a p e r o f T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f Te x a s - P a n A m e r i c a n

Butts down: Smokeout

By CLARISSA MARTINEZ The Pan American Attention smokers: the American Cancer Society is asking you to put down your pack for 24 hours.

The time is here again for the Great American Smokeout, a nationally recognized event that challenges people to stop using tobacco and tries to raise awareness about the many effective ways to leave the habit.

Today marks the 26th version of the effort to help smokers quit cigarettes for at least one day.

The American Cancer Society reports that people tend to quit smoking on this day more than any other day of the year.

For people thinking about quitting, the Great American Smokeout offers public support and a feeling of camaraderie with others who are giving up cigarettes for the day. Statistics from the Society shows that many people never pick up a cigarette after the Smokeout, especially if they have planned to participate in the day in advance.

The event grew out of a 1971 event in Randolph, Mass., in which Arthur P. Mullaney asked people to give up cigarettes for a day and donate the money they would have spent on cigarettes to a high school scholarship fund.

In 1974, Lynn R. Smith, editor of the Monticello (Minn.) Times, spearheaded the state's first DDay, or Don't Smoke Day. The idea caught on, and on Nov. 18, 1976, the California division of the American Cancer Society succeeded in getting nearly 1 million smokers to quit for the day. The first national Great American Smokeout was held a year later.

Though the event has been mildly popular around college campuses, some students at the University of Texas-Pan American seem to be thinking twice about taking part in the Great American Smokeout.

“I’ve been smoking for about five years around a pack a day,” said Angela Lopez a freshman English major. “It doesn’t really

matter to me what people say, I know that it isn’t healthy but maybe I’ll stop some day.”

David Cordova, a freshman majoring in computer information systems, said he lost a family member to lung cancer.

“Honestly I think it’s a really bad habit that’s hard to quit. My relative died of lung cancer so I don’t understand how people can smoke knowing how it hurts your health.”

According to the American Lung Association, an estimated 154,900 people will die of lung cancer during 2002, accounting for 28 percent of all cancer deaths.

The most important cause of lung cancer in the US is cigarette smoking. It is estimated that 87 percent of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. From 1995 to 1999, an average of 124,813 Americans (80,571 males and 44,242 females) died of smoking attributable lung cancer annually.

Smoking-attributable annual lung cancer death rates range from a high in Kentucky of 121.4 per 100,000 to a low in Utah of 38.7 per 100,000.

In Texas, kids annually smoke more than 15 million packs of cigarettes worth $39 million, according to survey results released by the Texas Department of Health.

Laura Perez, a freshman education major, said she began smoking young since she was around family members and friends who smoked.

“No one really tells me that I should quit smoking or that it’s bad for me, but I know about all of the problems smoking brings,” Perez said. “I do quit before the year is over, though.”

Freshman biology major Joe Ochoa said he doesn’t smoke but knows many people who do.

“Smoking just isn’t good for your health. I heard that every cigarette takes seven minutes off a person’s life,” Ochoa said.

“On the other hand, I don’t think it’s my place to tell my friends that they shouldn’t smoke. They don’t tell me what to do, so I don’t tell them, it’s their life and their decision.”

Arianna Vazquez/The Pan American

OVER EASY— This fossilized reptile egg found locally is being analyzed by the physics and geology department. There will be a Fossil Day next year to pronounce findings.

Valley’s Muslims seek understanding

By JENNIFER TAPIA The Pan American Since the recent war on terrorism, Muslims in the United States have at times been worried about a backlash because Muslims are at the root of many of the acts. The vast majority of them are not doing anything wrong, they say, and are law-abiding American citizens or recent immigrants.

Several Muslims who are now living in the Rio Grande Valley are finding it easier to interact here with others. They have been able to outdistance the occasional slur or sideward glance.

In fact, Mohammed Farooqui, chair of the biology department at the University of Texas-Pan American, says some Valley natives have offered their assistance during this time of trouble. He adds that

the Muslim population is growing rapidly in the Valley.

“In 1994 that I know of, there was four families here,” said Farooqui. “Now we have 200 families here.”

Farooqui who is also president of the Islamic Society of South Texas, says the organization helps Muslim families gather together for prayer.

He adds that this organization was established in 1997 for the purpose of educating Muslims and other people on the Islam religion.

“For non-Muslims we have them come to our meetings too,” said Farooqui. “It is also word of mouth, we like to tell people about our religion.”

The organization also plans to establish a school for the children. Meanwhile, Farooqui says, they have Sunday school

See MUSLIMS page 4

2002

NEWS

Professor has activist roots

By AMELIA GARCIA The Pan American Celebrating 50 years 1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican 51th Year – No. 13

Editor Matt Lynch mlynch@panam.edu

News Editor Belinda Reyes beberay25@aol.com

A & E Editor Ashley Brooks Magrew2@hotmail.com

Sports Editor Mike Gonzalez mgonzalez40@panam.edu

Graphics Editor Gabriel O. Hernandez gabo296@hotmail.com

Copy Editors Sunayna Mahtani Layout Designers Ashley Brooks Mike Gonzalez Gabriel O. Hernandez Reporters Hilda Barrientes Brian Carr Amelia Garcia Dulce Gonzalez Clarissa Martinez Nikki Ramirez Jennifer Tapia Celeste Y. Tello Cesar Trevino Arianna Vazquez Advertising Dagoberto Perez Circulation Jesus M. Gonzalez Advertising Coordinator Juanita Sanchez Adviser Dr. Greg Selber

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 university.

Letters policy The Pan American gladly accepts letters from students, staff and faculty regarding newspaper content or current issues.

The Pan American reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. Please limit submission length to 300 words. The Pan American cannot publish anonymous letters, or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks.

Letters are printed at the discretion of the editor and must include the writer’s name, class/title and phone number.

Readers with disabilities may request an alternative format of this publication at The Pan American business office.

For special assistance to attend any event listed in this publication, contact the coordinator of the event at least one week prior to the advertised date.

It was 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. preached non-violence and the Civil Rights Movement was under way. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The Vietnam War was in its early years and an estimated 16,500 United States servicemen were in Vietnam.

Against this backdrop of traumatic events, protests and marches against the war were held around the country. Among the protesters at a march on campus at the University of CaliforniaBerkley was a blonde six-year old girl. It was the beginning of her life as an activist. The girl grew up to be Dr. Lee Davinroy, professor of American literature at the University of Texas-Pan American.

“People were protesting against the war and it looked like fun,” said Davinroy, explaining why she marched at the young age of six. “I didn't have a political conscious yet.”

DAVINROY THE HIPPIE Since then she has marched and protested numerous times about different issues such as the Vietnam War and discrimination against gays. The last march she participated in was in 2000 in South Carolina.

“The state of Carolina still had the Confederate flag flying over the statehouse,” said Davinroy.

“There were 40,000 of us that marched to the capitol. It was beautiful. About five to six months later the flag came down.”

As a hippie she also had less productive moments such as streaking days. Streaking was a big craze in the 1970s. It consisted of a large crowd taking off their clothes and running around campus as fast as possible.

“At the time I had an ankle cast on my leg, but that didn’t stop

me,” said Davinroy. “There was nothing sexual about the act. It was more childish and funny. I was a streaker until I was caught by the campus police. Of course I only got caught because of the cast.”

DAVINROY THE FEMINIST Davinroy defines a feminist as anyone, male or female, who believes that the inequality between men and women needs to change.

“A feminist sees the world organized by gender differences and sees those differences as inequalities,” she said.

“Consequently men have more power.”

Davinroy believes that women should get the same opportunities as men, but she does not believe that there should be two different standards so that women can obtain those opportunities.

“Women and men are biologically different and our bodies do influence our social roles,” Davinroy said. “Men cannot have children. That is our miracle. However, neither men nor women come wired with specified traits. Men are not necessarily born more aggressive and women are not born with a cleaning gene.”

Davinroy along with other professors is currently working on creating a Women’s Studies program at UTPA for the next fall semester. They are proposing to the UTPA Faculty Curriculum Committee that the program begin with a minor and then build up.

The minor would consist of three sociology courses and three crosslisted courses. Many current faculty and existing courses will be used for the program.

“Women’s Studies is an academic inquiry that puts women and their experiences at the center of the investigation,” said Davinroy. “The name is

misleading because it does not just focus on women. It focuses on how race, class, gender and sexuality work in the lives of individuals and in society. About 60 percent of the school’s population is made up of females and the university has a history of high female attendance and female graduates. The program is long overdue.”

DAVINROY THE STUDENT Davinroy graduated early from high school because she simply did not like it, she says. Upon returning at age 14 from South Africa, where she spent a year, she found she did not fit in with her friends anymore and decided to graduate early.

“All my friends spend their attention, energy, and time on drinking and having sex,” said Davinroy. “I wasn’t ready for that.

High school is so hierarchal and so judgmental. I didn’t like the fact that people were so mean. I knew college would give me more freedom.”

At the age of 16 Davinroy began at Penn State University where she attended for three years and then took a vacation.

“I went on Spring Break and didn’t come back for seventeen years,” Davinroy said. “It was a long fun Spring Break.”

In 1994 she received her bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. She went on to earn her master’s from The University of Utah in 1996 and in August she received her Ph.d from the University of South California.

DAVINROY THE PROF This is Davinroy’s first semester at UTPA. She teaches American literature through the year 1900 with a special focus on women writers, especially Emily Dickinson. Previously she taught

at The University of Utah and The University of Carolina. She said she chose UTPA because of the warm climate, but mainly because it is a university on the rise.

“I have arthritis so the climate was a major draw,” said Davinroy.

“However, the main reason I came here was because this school is growing, changing, and very dynamic. It is a great opportunity for someone to make a difference.

I chose this job very deliberately. I came here because I wanted to.”

The only other place Davinroy ever worked was at the RitzCarlton Hotel where she started at the age of 17. She began as a cocktail waitress, but realized that the bartenders had more power and more fun so she then became one of the first female bartenders in Fort Lauderdale.

“The bartenders had three feet of space between them and the customers. As a cocktail waitress you have to be among the customers and you have to wait for the bartenders to make the drinks.”

Davinroy said. “The bartenders had more control and I like control. After all I am the oldest sister. I know exactly how everyone should live their lives and I’m happy to tell them.”

In 1992 Davinroy suffered a knee injury and it was then that she decided to become a professor.

Her other two choices were a zoo keeper or an environmental lawyer.

“Teaching was the best choice for me,” said Davinroy. “I love teaching. It is the most fun job I can imagine. Students are so interesting and so smart and so generous with themselves. It will never grow old because I will always be doing a wonderful thing with amazing young people.”

Davinroy is happy at UTPA and plans to continue teaching here.

“I hope ya’ll like me because I’m planning on staying,” said Davinroy.

Congressional interns sought

By ARIANNA VAZQUEZ The Pan American U.S. Congressman Ruben Hinojosa is recruiting interns for the Congressional Internship Program in the 2003 Spring semester. The University of Texas-Pan American Career Placement Services is encouraging all majors to send a resume to apply.

Certain qualifications are needed to apply, such as having at least 60 completed semester hours and at least a 2.0 GPA. Two positions are available, one paid and one volunteer

position. The job will be flexible with the students schedule.

Skills needed for the positions are as follows: excellent oral and written communication skills, knowledge of office computer applications, and temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant and professional manner.

According to Intern Coordinator Lisa Montes, the office primarily targets students who are looking forward to a career in political science.

“During the internship the [students] are educated by the congressman with anything that has to do with Congress [itself],” Montes said.

Those students hired will be able to perform various tasks such as, conducting research and accompanying the congressman to special events.

The Congressional Internship Program has been advertised for several semesters at UTPA. Six Valley-area students have been accepted to participate in the program.

Career Placement Specialist Lourdes Servantes stated that

the internship is a good experience, because students will be able to take what they learn in classes and put it into practice.

“It is a very good position because it puts them in touch with the real world environment,” Servantes said.

“Especially if they are interested in politics, this would be a baby step toward that.”

For more information on submitting a resume go to the Cooperative Education Office Rm. 125. Call 381-2781 or susiea@panam.edu.

Breaking it down: Local tourney New Mexico State Aggies Out of the two teams the Broncs are facing this weekend the NMSU Aggies have the most similar story.

The Sunbelt Conference stronghold, is picked to finish second in their conference behind University of Louisiana Lafayette, but it will be interesting to see if head coach Lou Henson can lead his team towards their lofty expectations.

The Aggies are returning four starters from last season, but lost key offensive force Eric Channing to graduation in the off season. Channing led the team in points averaged per game and three-point percentage.

The only other real threat from the perimeter is forward Kelsey Crooks who averaged 44 percent from three-point range.

Both senior center Chris Jackson and junior forward James Moore will be returning this season, however, and will add strong offensive presence for the Aggies.

Jackson and Moore both had double digit point averages last season, and both were nominated to the second team all conference for the Sun Belt this preseason.

Thus far the Aggies came up with two exhibition wins, blowing away the Houston Superstars 110-67, and narrowly defeating the Marathon All-Stars 85-80.

Guards Allen Haynes, Will Morris and forward James Felder, all picked up 15 points against the Marathon All-Stars, but the defense allowed 81 shots to be taken, and had shooting from the Marathon All-Stars been more consistent the Aggies could have easily lost.

The Pan American handicaps the visiting teams participating in the SPIRIT this weekend

By BRIAN CARR The Pan American

SPIRIT Schedule FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

UTPA vs. NM State, 8 p.m.

NM State vs. Tulsa, 4 p.m.

UTPA vs. Tulsa, noon (televised on FOX Cable 63)

Page 15

Tulsa Golden Hurricanes

Tulsa’s 27-7 record, their advancement to the second round of the NCAA tournament, and the fact that they are returning four of their starters has earned the Golden Hurricanes the 25 spot on the AP college basketball poll. But Tulsa lost forward Gregg Harrington who was second in average points per game at 13, trailing only Kevin Johnson who averaged 14.5 each outing and shot better than 57 percent from the floor.

Other returning force’s on the team’s roster are Dante Swanson, who averaged 11.6 points per game and shot an impressive 49 percent from three point range. And the team is drastically aided by the height of forward Kevin Johnson, center/forward Aliou Keita, forward Marqus Ledoux, and forward Anthony Price - who are all 6-8. And Tulsa has three other players who are 6-6 or taller.

Tulsa will be coming into the South Padre Island Tournament with two exhibition victories to their credit. The Golden Hurricanes massacred both Makesure Sports and the Dominican Republic National, beating both teams by more than 25 points, scoring better than 100 points in both outings, and showing little signs of weakness against either team.

Against the Dominican Republic National, Tulsa had six players score in the double digits, and shot better than 50 percent from the floor.

Tulsa has all the size, strength, speed, talent, and experience to walk away from the South Padre Island Invitational unscathed. They have a deep bench who can score, they have a great group of starters, and they have the national ranking to prove it. But that doesn’t mean they will have an easy time with either team.

Athletes dedicate volunteer time to local schools Adopt-A-School program allows players to give back to Edinburg

By MIKE GONZALEZ The Pan American Every child needs a mentor at some point in life, and now almost every Edinburg child has someone to look up to.

Approaching its fifth year, the Adopt-ASchool Program is designed for the University of Texas-Pan American student athletes to give grade school students in the Edinburg Independent School District a chance to communicate and interact with someone who has already been in their shoes.

Athletes visit elementary schools and discuss topics with students that include staying in school and away from drugs, and setting personal goals.

Dr. Gloria Agado, the principal at Cano/Gonzalez Elementary School, has no doubt that college students make a difference in the young childrens’ lives.

“I think its important for UTPA students to having to prove his ability to everyone by maintaining his grades and being able to volunteer,” Agado said. “You can [gain] so participate in extracurricular activities. much by helping others.”

“One thing I learned is you have to work Each athletic program participates at schools across the city of Edinburg including on your grades to play basketball,” Montalvo said.

Cano/Gonzalez, He knows Canterbury, De La Villa, recruiters rarely Escandon, Freddy visit the Valley, and Gonzalez, Jefferson Lee, The purpose of the tried to motivate the San Carlos, Travis, and program is to give kids to keep Zavala Elementary working hard and Schools. something back to never give up.

Men’s basketball player the community and “A lot of people Eric Montalvo spoke in think there’s not a front of middle school interact with the lot of good players kids last spring, and feels children of Edinburg down here,” his contribution made a Montalvo said, who difference in their lives.

School District disagrees. “So I just “When they [kids] first - Craig Pintens, UTPA Coordinator told them to keep saw me they had no of Athletic Marketing their head up.” expression on their face, While some may but when I left they were not like the big brother role, Montalvo all smiling,” Montalvo said. enjoyed the thought of younger kids looking Montalvo, a La Joya native, knows the up to him. struggles of growing up in the Valley.

“It’s good because I know it’s hard,” he According to Montalvo, he preached to the said. “I just try to be positive about life and middle school kids about his hardships of

“

“

November 21

■ AmeriCorps . . . . . . . 3 ■ Study Abroad . . . . . . 3 ■ Tech Skills . . . . . . . . 5

sports

November 21, 2002

school.”

Today, grade school students are under a lot more pressure to do well in their studies, and Agado believes the Adopt-A-School Program will grow larger in the future and make a bigger contribution to children in the Valley.

“I hope it does make the impact that it can in helping elementary children,” Agado said.

This program also enables the children to visit UTPA’s campus, and to attend Bronc and Lady Bronc practices, as well as some home games.

Coordinator of Athletic Marketing Craig Pintens is in his first year with the program and is pleased to be part of the project the athletic program has developed.

“The purpose of the program is to give something back to the community and interact with the children of Edinburg School District,” Pintens said.

According to him, the Adopt-A-School Program has had full support from everyone involved.

“We’ve had positive feedback from all parties including the university and school district,” he concluded.

sports

November 21, 2002

Page 14

November 21, 2002

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 3

AmeriCorps has Newfound histories campus impact Conference on Spanish influence in Texas boasted three prominent speakers

Mike Gonzalez / The Pan American

Hometown hero: Cervantes stays put

TAKING FLIGHT: Junior Hugo Cervantes practices his timing on the steeplechase this week. The event combines running, hurdles and water jumps in one of the most grueling competitions.

Weslaco product is one of area’s young talents who chose to compete in the Valley

By MIKE GONZALEZ The Pan American For many athletes, leaving home is the most difficult thing to do when they graduate from high school. But with the athletic program going on the rise, leaving home doesn’t have to be an option.

The UTPA cross country track & field team have themselves a local product from Weslaco High School who hopes to take the program to a higher level. Twenty-year-old Hugo Cervantes is a junior at UTPA and is in his second year with the program. Assistant coach Doug Molnar is a big fan of Valley runners , and he believes Cervantes brings a good work ethic and dedication to UTPA. “I’m really impressed with his leadership abilities and the guys [runners] really respect him,” Molnar said. “He’s a strong runner, he

runs with confidence and he’s a joy to coach.”

According to Cervantes, his teammates listen when he gives advice and feels his teaching ability is what makes the runners respond to him.

“I bring motivation to the team,” Cervantes said. “People look at me because I teach.”

Motivation is a must for Cervantes, who plans to major in kinesiology, and hopes to someday become a cross country track & field head coach back in his hometown of Weslaco.

“I want to go back to Weslaco because that’s my town,” Cervantes said.

According to Cervantes, his junior high coach inspired him to run after a basketball practice and the rest is history.

“I started running in the seventh grade,”

Cervantes said. “My coach inspired me to run and I was winning.”

After junior high, Cervantes went on to be a big asset to the Weslaco track dynasty under head coach Jimmy Platt, and has fond memories of Cervantes.

“He had a tremendous work habit,” Platt said. “I don’t ever remember him not doing what I asked him to do. He was a pleasure to teach and he’s the type you let your daughter date.”

Cervantes started his collegiate career at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi where his stay was short-lived. With the help of friends from his hometown, now Cervantes finds himself in a program where he can contribute using his talents.

“I was having trouble in Corpus [Christi], and friends from Weslaco inspired me to come here.”

The track program knows the potential Cervantes brings to UTPA. He was named the most valuable player in his senior at Weslaco, and was a winner of the Bobby

Lackey Award. While Cervantes achievements are well known at Weslaco, he anticipates doing more for the Broncs.

“I always look back in the high school years, but I want to do better here,” Cervantes said.

The cross country season is coming to an end, Cervantes has a lot to look forward to.

He will be competing in the 3000-meter steeple chase barrier and the 1500-meter run and will also contribute in the 5000- and 8000-meter run as well.

While cross country is known for running in circles, it’s track and field that Cervantes believes brings the best out of him.

“I like track because I like the speed of it,” Cervantes said.

Cervantes is one of many Valley runners who’s attended UTPA on scholarship, and Molar is confident more runners will stay here for college.

“It’s essential to bring Valley runners here,” Molnar said. “We have a slogan in our office, ‘No one leaves the Valley.’”

Keating again seeking stellar run Runner heads to NCAA Championships in Indiana Monday

By CELESTE Y. TELLO The Pan American

Mike Gonzalez / The Pan American

LAST RUN: Westly Keating works out Wednesday.

There could be no better way for cross country runner Westly Keating to finish the season than at the NCAA Championships in Terra Haute, IN. Nov. 25.

Keating qualified for the championships after a thirdplace finish at the regional championship last weekend.

Keating was the only member of the UTPA cross country teams to qualify for the upcoming meet. He knew the race would be tough going in.

“It was the regional meet, there was four big schools there and some really good runners,”

Keating said. “I know the Arkansas kids ran their varsity and they’re pretty tough...most of them made All-American last year.”

Keating surpassed his own goals at the meet and was able to outrun the competitors that he singled out.

“I beat all the guys I wanted to beat and I did better than I expected,” he said. “My goal was just to get top five.”

Keating zeroed in on the runners from Arkansas as his toughest competition and tried to pace himself with them in the race. He admitted the strategy had an impact on the flow of the race.

“I wanted to run with them in the front pack, we went out a little too fast and it kind of killed the rhythm of the race,” he said.

Keating completed the first mile in 4:32, and after that the pack began to fall apart.

“After the first mile people started to fall out of the pack and we just battled the whole race,” he said.

Coach Doug Molnar said Keating did as well as everyone expected.

“Last week, Westly ran a tremendous race. He got out early and got with the leaders,” Molnar said. “He just really ran like we expected him to run...we expected him to finish top five,

he finished top three.”

Even though he was able to outdo himself at the regional meet, Keating has set yet another realistic goal for himself at the championship. He hopes to get into the top 20 and be named an All-American.

“This is a really big race, there’s going to be 300 runners and I’m hoping to get top 20,” he said. “The top 25 get AllAmerican.”

In the NCAA Championship, the first 25 Americans to finish get an All-American title and the first 25 of any other nationalities to finish also receive titles.

See CROSS COUNTRY page 13

A smart group at the University of Texas-Pan American is getting creative in paying for school, and learning something in the process.

Several UTPA students and high school students have joined the AmeriCorps organization to help pay for college expenses.

Barbara Storz, an AmeriCorp supervisor in the Hidalgo County area, says that the national program was passed in October 1993, and signed into law by former President Bill Clinton. The South Texas AmeriCorp Initiative (STACI) is a federal partnership with Texas Cooperative Initiative.

Storz says that this program gives people the chance to learn job skills and gives them assistance in furthering their education or training. At the same time, they serve their community in a number of ways. She added that the Rio Grande Valley addresses issues that are associated with colonias and the natural and neighborhood environment.

“The Valley specializes in environmental education,” said Storz. “They go through a training to work as teaching partners in schools.”

According to Storz AmeriCorp members participate in a variety of community services including mentoring, beach and highway cleanups, and teach the importance of the environment in area schools.

Heather Alaniz, a senior biology major at UTPA, says that she likes to teach environmental awareness to kids.

“I once had to teach a group kids in a colonia how to create and plant a vegetable garden,” said Alaniz. “It is great because they learn what it is like to eat the vegetables that they

themselves have grown.”

Alaniz added that she has met a lot of people while teaching at various schools and has made many job references for when she graduates.

“I have had to teach at several schools on water and environmental issues,” said Alaniz.

“It has given me the chance to met new people.”

According to Storz, in order to be an AmeriCorp member, people must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid Texas driver’s license and reliable transportation. They also must have a high school diploma or a GED and have the desire to improve the environment and serve the community.

Storz added that Americorp offers a living allowance of 9,600 to full-time members and an education award of 4,725.

Part-time members also receive a living allowance of $5,082 and an education award of $2,363. Members must complete a whole year of service to receive the education award.

“We are interviewing at this time and orientation will be held on December 9,” said Storz.

Daniel Sherrill, a former member of AmeriCorp, said the organization gives members the chance to serve their community and in return they get a scholarship to go to school.

“Instead of getting any part-time job you have the opportunity to help out in homeless shelters and other types of community service,” said Sherrill. “In the end you get rewarded with a scholarship that you can use at any university.”

Alaniz will not join AmeriCorp next semester but says that it is a great organization to join.

“Go for it. There are no regrets instead of getting loans you get school paid for,” Alaniz said. “It is a great experience and you meet a lot of new people.”

this event that was created to help students learn.”

The main focus of the conference was The students of The University of to highlight the heritage of the students Texas-Pan American were recently given present. The speakers wanted the the opportunity to go back in history and students to learn that their Mexican experience the origins of Texas. heritage evolved into a hybrid of Texan The Center for Latin-American Studies and Spanish influence. in conjunction with the Department of “We are talking about a heritage that Modern Languages and Literature, was started in Spain,” Tijerina said. “Our responsible for giving students the chance heritage goes all the way [back] to the to learn about the development of Spanish Middle Ages in Spain.”

Texas at a conference titled “A The speakers also wanted to instill Revisionist Look at Spanish Texas 1519pride in the students. They wanted them 1821.” to feel proud of their The conference Mexican heritage, and featured three key told students how speakers who spoke many of their last We are talking before a full names were given to auditorium at the them because their about a heritage university’s Media Spanish ancestors won that started in Theater Nov. 14. wars.

Spain. Our heritage The speakers “A lot of the last came from different names were created goes all the way parts of Texas. Dr. because of battles they [back] to the Middle Félix Almaraz is a won,” Tijerina said. professor of history “After they won the Ages in Spain at The University of battle they were given - Dr. Andres Tijerina, Texas-San Antonio, the name of the site of ACC Professor of History Dr. Andrés Tijerina the battle.” is a professor of In closing the history at Austin conference the Community College, and Dr. Harriet D. speakers reminded the students of how Joseph is a professor of history at The important their heritage was. They asked University of Texas-Brownsville. the students present to always show pride Theses notable professors have an in their background. A heritage that extensive background in history research evolved into Texas after many years of and were very excited to share it with the sacrifice. students.

“I want you to know that to be Texas “I was very honored to be invited,” proud is to be Tejano proud,” Tijerina Joseph said. “I enjoyed participating in said.

This year, UTPA students have traveled as a group to programs in France, Canada, Spain, and Mexico. Different courses were offered in Spanish, political science, business, communications, and French.

Different professors at UTPA are going to be participating in several of the group study abroad programs in the 2003 summer sessions. Art historian and UTPA professor Richard Phillips is one of several faculty members who will be attending one of the programs and believes students should strive to participate in the study abroad programs offered.

“When you study abroad, you gain new perspectives on how cultures do things differently than the cultures to which we are accustomed,” Phillips said. “While at the same time you come back more cosmopolitan, [and] a citizen of the world.”

The Office of International Programs is trying to broaden its study abroad programs as explained by economics professor Gokce Soydemir. They do this by asking international professors like him from Turkey, China, and South East Asia to assist in starting programs where they come from.

“The purpose is to bring greater international visibility and recognition to UTPA as well as [the students] better understanding of the cultural similarities and differences of the nations they get to visit,” Soydemir stated.

Obtaining credit hours and getting out of the country are not the only things studying abroad provides students. Professor of philosophy Kenneth Buckman said the sheer power of

exposure to other cultures is perhaps one of the most immediate and direct ways to become educated about others and about oneself.

“There is a peculiar heightening of one’s intellectual awareness and the physical senses by becoming a stranger in someone else’s land,” Buckman said. “This is the process of education itself.”

Several faculty members that are going to be participating in one or two of the summer programs have had hands-on experience with traveling abroad because they were students who participated in an abroad program themselves and like Phillips said, without study abroad he would not have had his career. “ I spent ten straight months in Mexico and became the fluent Spanish speaker and writer I am today,” Phillips commented. “In Mexico my favorite classes were on the history of Mexican art, [and] that experienced enabled me eventually to make my career shift toward art history, which is now my professional field."

Other UTPA professors have had the opportunity to live and share their traveling experiences with their children. McLemore commented that he took his children to different parts of the world and now they are recognizing how travel is enriching their formal classroom education.

“Travel and living in other cultures expands the individual’s sphere of ignorance through which he or she learns what they do not know, and thereby become wise and thereby happier," concluded McLemore, who was awarded a Fulbright to travel to India two summers ago. He

By DULCE GONZALEZ The Pan American

“

“

By HILDA BARRIENTES The Pan American

Student travels offer opportunity for growth

By ARIANNA VAZQUEZ The Pan American

Feel like leaving the Valley and exploring the world? The University of Texas-Pan American Office of International Programs give the students currently enrolled in the university the opportunity to do just that by traveling to different places around the world and gaining credit hours.

The International Studies Program has helped hundred’s of students study abroad. The university holds an agreement with different foreign institutions and is capable of placing students in the foreign university of their choice.

Several destinations are at hand, such as, Spain, Germany, France, Mexico, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, and many more.

Students have the chance to travel to different parts of the world and are able to do it with an affordable cost, according to communications professor George McLemore.

“International travel is one of the single most important educational opportunities of which college students should avail themselves,” McLemore said. “They should ‘get off the front porch’ and find out what is going on beyond.

UTPA is making it affordable for students to travel and study abroad and many students, wisely, are taking advantage of it.”

Students may travel by group or as individuals. Individual study abroad opportunities are available any semester the student wishes to attend. Group programs are only administered during the summer sessions.

will accompany at least 60 students to Greece and Turkey next summer, with a group of his communication colleagues, Like Phillips pointed out, students would not only be gaining three to six credit hours each summer program, but also finish university requirements in a shorter amount of time. For example, the communication group can choose from photojournalism, intercultural comm, and feature/travel writing, three-hour courses back in the States.

“The wonderful flexibility and opportunities study abroad provides UTPA [is that] the average student can choose to take ART 1301 for a whole 16-week semester in a UTPA classroom, or get it over with in less than two weeks in Guadalajara where the classroom will be the actual art works themselves," Phillips explained.

To apply to the various study programs being offered, students need to go to the International Program office in CAS 125 and fill out a Student Profile sheet. In that sheet the student will write down their personal information as well as their destination and the classes they would like to take. Students may also apply for financial aid and scholarships that are available if needed.

According to Buckman studying abroad can be an experience of a lifetime and the programs offered at UTPA are great opportunities.

“As an educator, this journey will offer me extraordinary possibilities for instruction that I have not had at hand before," he said. "This trip is about education, imagination, cultural experiences, fantasy, magic, and the romance of travel."

THE PAN AMERICAN

November 21, 2002

Campus VO I C E

What is the most difficult aspect of final exams?

Gloria Proa Accounting Sophomore Comprehensive exams are the tests I have the hardest time preparing for.

Joe Villarreal Economics Junior The hardest part is studying for many other exams that come one right after the other. Then there are research papers and presentations that are due at the same time.

Jennifer Sikes Undecided Sophomore Probably studying for comprehensive exams are the hardest to study for. I can’t remember the stuff I studied 3 months ago.

MUSLIM

Page 4 continued from page 1

for children and five daily prayers at the center.

However, other Muslims who are residing in the Valley, say they don’t belong to any organization and manage to get around well. Tanzeer Ahmed, a communication major at UTPA, says one does not need to be involved in a particular organization to be close to their religion.

“The religion starts within you,” said Ahmed. “What you believe in is in your heart.”

And in their heart says Ahmed, is peace and discipline. She says these acts of terrorism are not part of their religion, but mainly political issues.

Ahmed, who is originally from Bangladesh and has been living in the Valley for two years, says the culture here is hardly different from hers. However, admits that her son has been losing some of his values since their arrival.

“It has had an effect on him,” said Ahmed. “But we try to teach him to respect both cultures.”

To help UTPA Muslim students stay in touch with their culture, Farooqui says he wants to establish a student organization for them. With the organization, he plans to further the education on the Islam religion.

“We have been thinking about it for awhile,” says Farooqui. “The students have to come together to do it, I will help

them of course.”

In honor of their culture and religion, the Muslims are currently celebrating Ramadan, a period of fasting and prayer.

Ahmed says this holiday of fasting helps them discipline themselves.

“If we can go by fasting for one month, then we know we are able to discipline ourselves,” said Ahmed. “It will give you practice for a whole year.”

After the Ramadan holiday, Farooqui says the organization will hold the Eid-ulFitr festival. At the festival, Farooqui plans to have social, education, and religious activities.

“The festival will be on December 6th, the day after Ramadan ends,” said Farooqui. “It is one of the two major festivals of the year.”

Although she is not part of the organization, Ahmed plans to attend the festival with her family. At the gathering, she says most families bring a pot luck to share with others.

“The last time when we came, we didn’t know anybody,” said Ahmed. “But we like to meet everybody that is there.”

With these festivals and gatherings, Ahmed says there is not many activities in the valley that Muslims can participate in.

She adds that her husband and son sometimes attend the prayers at the center.

“The Valley is a nice place to be,” said Ahmed. “But hardly anything goes on here.”

Sports

November 21, 2002

Page 13

SPORTS CLIPBOARD Broncs sign two The men’s basketball program wasted no time for next season and signed Patrick Andrepont, a 6-5 guard. He’s a standout from LaGrange High School in Lake Charles, LA. In his junior year, Andrepont averaged 21 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, the baseball program signed Zach Smith outfielder/firstbaseman from Sanger High School. In only 23 games last year, Smith hit .509 with 23 RBI’s.

Lady Broncs hit road The Lady Bronc volleyball team will travel to San Luis Obispo, CA where they will play Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo Tuesday.

After that, UTPA will conclude the

season and compete against Long Beach State, San Jose State and UC-Irvine in the Baden Thanksgiving Tournament.

The team had five players that earned Division I All-Independent team honors.

Junior outside hitter Winker Cruz was named Most Valuable Offensive Player and first team All-Independent.

Junior outside hitter Jaclyn Muszynski was named first team All-Independent, while freshman middle blocker Stephanie Redd and freshman setter Katie Burke were named to the Freshman All-Independent team.

Sophomore outside hitter Cathi Netemeyer was named second team AllIndependent and was awarded Newcomer of the Year. Muszynski leads UTPA with 3.72 kills and 2.84 digs a game.

CROSS COUNTRY Keating was the first American to finish at the regional meet, he came in after a European runner and a runner from Africa.

The championship race will offer Keating more than just tough competition, the weather conditions will be far from what Valley natives are accustomed to.

“It’s going to be tough weather conditions, it’s supposed to be about 34 degrees and snowing,” Molnar said. “That’s going to make it interesting.”

Molnar said the weather conditions should have minimal effects on Keating’s performance.

continued from page 14

“The way Westly runs and his capabilities and attitude...I’m sure that’s going to be no problem,” he said.

So far, Keating has not talked out a strategy with Molnar because they will not be able to inspect the course until Saturday.

“The course, we won’t get a chance to see until Saturday, then we’ll get a better chance to plan out some race strategy,” Molnar said.

Strategy aside, Keating has one solid goal for the meet at Indiana State University in Terre Haute...to earn a title.

“I just want to make All-American,” he said.

Staff Swami Records

Mike Gonzalez Sports Editor

Mike Gonzalez: 95-64-1, .597 Greg Selber: 89-70-

1,..559 Celeste Y. Tello: 9267-1, .578 Matt Lynch: 9267-1, .578

Atlanta at Carolina I don’t anticipate the Falcons having any problems this week. I think it’s time for Carolina to start thinking about next year.

Falcons by 13

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Falcons

Falcons

Falcons

The Steelers are back where they started the year, having Kordell Stewart as their starting quarterback. Here’s a chance for him to prove he should never have been benched.

Steelers by 10

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Steelers

Steelers

Steelers

Detroit at Chicago The Lions upset the Bears earlier in the year. If Joey Harrington takes care of the ball, the Lions will win again.

LIons by 6

Matt

Celeste

Greg

LIons

Lions

Bears

Minnesota at New England Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper bounced back from his embarrassing performance a week earlier. The Patriots will take care of business.

Patriots by 10 Patriots

Celeste

Rams by 7

The hardest part is cramming for everything.

Celeste

Rams

Rams

Greg Rams

Matt

Celeste

Broncos

Broncos

Greg Broncos

Buffalo at N.Y. Jets Once again, the battle in the AFC East will come down to the last couple of games.

Bills by 10

Matt

Celeste Jets

Greg Jets

Cleveland at New Orleans I think the Browns will hang around on this one.

Saints by 3

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Saints

Saints

Saints

Jacksonville at Dallas For the first time since the Cowboys were 1-15, I can honestly say the organization has hit rock bottom.

Cowboys by 1

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Cowboys

Jaguars

Cowboys

San Diego at Miami The Chargers are proving that they can come from behind and win a game.

Chargers by 10

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Chargers

Dolphins

Dolphins

Tennessee at Baltimore So I was wrong about Tennessee’s winning streak. The streak should extend Sunday.

Titans by 10

Matt

Ravens

Celeste Titans

Greg

Ravens

Oakland at Arizona

The Chiefs should be able to run the ball all afternoon against a bad Seahawk defense.

Chiefs by 14

The Raiders are back to themselves again after losing four in a row.

Raiders by 14

Matt

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Raiders

Raiders

Raiders

Celeste

Greg

Chiefs

Chiefs

Green Bay at Tampa Bay

I’d say just the pressure to pass the test and to come out of that class with a good grade is tough.

Adviser

Kansas City at Seattle

Chiefs

Jorge Gonzalez Political Science Sophomore

Dr. Greg Selber

Reporter

Patriots

It’s a must win for both teams.

Matt

Celeste Tello

Editor

Greg

Patriots

St. Louis at Washington

Johnny Feelo Undeclared Freshman

Matt Lynch

Bills

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh

Matt

Staff Swamis

This could be a preview of a playoff game in January. I like the Bucs at home.

Bucs by 6

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Packers

Packers

Bucs

Indianapolis at Denver The Colts are starting to play like most predicted earlier in the season. Another test will be given to them in Denver.

Colts by 7

N.Y. Giants at Houston This is a game the Giants are supposed to win.

Giants by13

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Texans

Texans

Giants

Philadelphia at San Francisco Former Mission quarterback Koy Detmer will start on Monday for the Eagles.

Niners by 17

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Niners

Niners

Niners

November 21, 2002

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 12

November 21, 2002

Being computer literate is no longer a possibility when looking for employment: in today’s technology-driven world, computer knowledge is a requirement in almost every related field.

According to an article from the Sacramento Bee in the Sept. 12 issue of The Monitor, career opportunities in the federal government are just a click away. However, they stated that while computer skills are a vital component of government job qualifications and lack of Net know-how might render an individual an unqualified candidate.

Barbara Vielma, an English professor at the University of Texas-Pan American, believes computer skills are almost mandatory, not only in the initial online job search, but in the application process as well as in the actual job, not only for a government position but for all positions.

“The more advanced computer skills will almost guarantee a job if the student ‘sells’ this skill to the potential employer as an added benefit,” Vielma said.

However, the importance of computer skills goes beyond just being able to use the Internet when looking for a job.

“Students need to become familiar with all aspects of using a computer,” said Lourdes Servantes, placement specialist at the Career Placement Services. “They need to be able to know how to use search engines such as Google and Yahoo [and] also be familiar with programs such as Word, Excel and they should have an email address.”

Servantes said that an individual will still find a job no matter what their computer skills

Join the team!

Campus and Education ■ Science, Environment & Health ■ Politics and Government ■ Arts and Leisure ■ Business and Technology ■ Photography Volunteer and paid positions are available.

Reporters will gain valuable experience to carry over into any career. All majors accepted.

■

APPLY NOW AT CAS 170!

Or CALL (956) 381-2546.

Page 5

Web skills now necessary Shary event

By SUNAYNA MAHTANI The Pan American

UTPA’s award-winning student newspaper, The Pan American, seeks enthusiastic students to report the following:

THE PAN AMERICAN

are, but there is a better chance of finding the desired job with the skills.

“You will also be a more effective and efficient employee if you are comfortable using a computer,” Servantes said.

Ten UTPA students were randomly surveyed on their use of online services to search for a job. All of them have at some point used the Internet to look for a job and most have done so with great ease. Most suggested that since they have basic computer skills, they only use the method once or twice a month.

“The students that I have worked with at UTPA are very tech-savvy, they can check email and surf the net really well, Servantes said. “But they just do not think about looking for a job online. Our office has an Online Resume Service, where we post a majority of the positions our office receives. The number of students registered and actually using the site is less than one percent of the total student body. Many students still inquire the old way by coming into the office and waiting in line.”

The reason students rarely use the Net to search for a job might be due to the difficulties encountered when navigating a website.

Some of the difficulties these 10 surveyed students encountered when navigating a website include: - lack of better information of job duties aaaiand salary - broken links - applications not always available to print - lack of feedback - loss of the personal connection.

Servantes said that navigating most employment websites only requires knowledge of some type of internet software, either Internet Explorer or Netscape, and when applying for a position it is essential to be able

to upload a resume on to the site or to be able to copy and paste it.

“Every web site is different and students should read any instructions the site offers and follow them exactly,” Servantes said. “Do not try to take short cuts. [Even though the site] are fairly easy, but students should not try to log on to one between class breaks or when they are pressed for time. [Students] should set aside at least an hour to look over the site, complete any questions and upload their resume. They should visit a site first and look over any information that relates to them.”

Although Servantes said that looking for a job online is fairly easy and gives students an opportunity to look for a job just about anywhere in the world, especially with companies that don’t normally recruit in the area, there are limitations to looking for a job online.

“Unlike a job fair, where you can talk to and see a company representative, it is very hard to try and separate yourself from the thousands of other people applying with the same company,” Servantes said. “Also since you are not able to speak to a person when you apply any mistake you make on your resume or your profile could cause you to not pass the initial scan, [which is required by many companies who use the internet as a screening tool for resumes.]”

Some of the general employment web sites include jobweb.com, jobsquare.com, monster.com, campuscareercenter.com, and usajobs.com, and USAjobs.opm.gov.

Servantes said that there are also web sites for specific majors and professional organizations like marketingpower.com, for marketing majors; shpe.org, for engineering majors; nursingworld.org, for nursing majors and journalismjobs.com, for journalism jobs.

By DULCE GONZALEZ The Pan American As the holidays get closer the spirit of Christmas can be felt throughout the Valley.

At the Shary Estate, Christmas has already come to life and taken a form of its own. Christmas has become an important holiday at the estate, as every year during Christmas it is opened to the public for a tour organized by the International Women’s Board of the University of Texas-Pan American.

Christmas was always an important holiday for the SharyShivers family and the women of the IWB want to keep that tradition alive.

The tour features various Christmas trees that are placed inside the Shary mansion. According to Yvonne Anderson, president of the IWB, every tree is decorated with the utmost care and has a theme of its own.

“We are very proud to see how our mansion is looking,” Anderson said. “Many of the ornaments on our trees are hand made by the members of the International Women’s Board of UTPA.” This year the tour will feature a patriotic tree, a citrus tree, and a Mexican tree among many others. The tour’s main attraction will be the “Diamond Jubilee,” which commemorates the university’s diamond anniversary.

“We are very happy to be part of the university’s 75th Anniversary,” Anderson said.

The women of the IWB take pride in their tours because of the history the tours offer the community. According to Norma Woolsey, vice president of the IWB, the tours give people an insight to the mansion and the Shary-Shivers family.

“The tours give you the history and the background of the Shary-Shivers families,” Woolsey said. “We will give you a room by room description of the mansion and its decorations.”

The 4th annual Shary Holidays Home Tours will take place Nov. 23 and 24 at the Shary Estate. There are several shows each day with each one lasting approximately an hour.

Children under the age of eight will not be admitted. For more information please call the IWB at 381-3361.

November 21, 2002

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 6

November 21, 2002

Arts & Entertainment

Page 11

November 21, 2002

Arts & Entertainment

Page 10

The

CULTURE CLUB What students like to read, listen to and surf.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 7

Around Town

Ruben Gutierrez Senior international Business Movie: “Remember the Titans” Book: The Bible Website: yahoo.com

Santos Salinas Freshman Political Science CD: “Great Milenko” by ICP Movie: “Leaving Las Vegas” Book: “Brown: The Last Discovery of America” by Richard Rodriguez

Vintage Style Show and Luncheon Nov. 21 Place: Shary Estates Event: The International Women’s Board presents a show which will feature vintage styles from the 1920s to the present.

Phone: (956) 381-3665

■ Culture Club. . . . . . 10

Photos by Gabriel O. Hernandez

Exhibit features student works “Palette Diaries,” the new art exhibit in the University Gallery, features work from four Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates.

An artist reception for Lisa Carlisle, Omer Garcia III, Victoria Hidalgo and Diana Ortiz is scheduled for tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. Those interested will have the opportunity to meet the artists.

The exhibit runs through Dec. 8. The gallery, located in the Communication Arts and Sciences Building, is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on holidays. Admission is free.

Medieval Faire and Shining Knights Festival Nov. 23, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Event: Presented by the Hidalgo County Historical Museum and the Society for Creative Anachronisms, the festival will feature swordfighting, medieval combats, dancing, music and food from the days of yore.

Phone: (956) 383-6911 Foreign Film Dec. 6, 7 p.m.

Place: STCC Pecan Campus Auditorium, Building D-103, Event: The STCC Foreign Film Association will present “Wilde.”

Call: Deborah Pattillo at (956) 618-8348

■ Music . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

(Above) - “An American childhood: When they all turn their backs on you it’s OK to scream” by Omer Garcia III. Acrylic on canvas.

(Right) “Restrained” by Lisa Carlisle.

Acrylic on canvas.

Rio Grande Valley Ballet Dec. 12-15 Place: McAllen Civic Center Event: The Rio Grande Valley Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker.”

Phone: (956) 682-2721

Steve Rios Sophomore Art CD: “Aenima” by Tool Movie: “Pink Floyd: The Wall” Book: “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding

Monica’s Angels Day Dec. 14 Place: North Broadway Hardware Store Event: Performances from groups like the McHi singers and Rowe High School’s Razzmatazz will highlight a number of acts during Monica’s Angels Day. Phone: (956) 682-2020

(Top Right) - “Angel of Mine” by Victoria Hidalgo. Oil on canvas.

(Above) - “Situation #3” by Lisa Carlisle. Acrylic on canvas.

Arts & Entertainment

November 21, 2002

Page 8

Arts & Entertainment

November 21, 2002

Page 9

MUSIC CALENDAR OF EVENTS, ’02-’03 NOVEMBER ■ 22 - UTPA Choir concert, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 26 - UTPA Band, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 13 - Valley Symphony Orchestra, San Juan del Valley Shrine, 8 p.m.

JANUARY ■ 18-19 - UTPA Mariachi/Salsa, Fine Arts Auditorium, 2 p.m.

FEBRUARY ■ 7 - Valley Symphony Orchestra, McAllen Civic Center, 8 p.m.

■ 8-9 - UTPA Mariachi, Fine Arts Auditorium, 2 p.m.

MARCH ■ 4 - UTPA Choir - Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 25 - UTPA Band, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 27 - Valley Symphony Orchestra, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

APRIL ■ 6 - Faculty Artist Chris Gassler, trombone, Fine Arts Auditorium, 2 p.m.

■ 8 - UTPA Jazz Ensemble, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 15 - UTPA Latin Salsa, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

UTPA music department prepares for variety of performances, concerts

By CESAR TREVINO The Pan American

The University of Texas-Pan American music department is closing out the 2002 Fall semester with a series of concerts. Taking the stage in the upcoming concerts are the men and women choruses, the UTPA choir, and the UTPA band. For music majors, concerts and rehearsals are the norm, but for audience members, attending the concerts is a way for them to see the product of both the educators and the talents of the young musicians.

"It's a lot of hard work, but if you enjoy singing or playing an instrument, it's worth it," said Joe Martinez, a freshman music major.

The students spend much of their time in rehearsals and practices preparing for their concerts to give the audiences a great show, no matter how big or small the crowd, the effort put in, is all for the performance. "I feel that people gain a wonderful experience from listening to beautiful music, especially the kind that they do not hear quite as often," said Esperanza

with the orchestra, Medina, a senior in which also has many the choir.

[I enjoy] the of the same elements "The involvement but contains more of the audience in look on stringed instruments one's performance people’s faces such as violins, cellos, is vital for the when I say I’m and upright bass. performer," said The band is Amando Galarza, a a singer. I love focusing on bringing a junior music major. seeing their more uplifting side of “Having an smiles, and the band to its audience to play audience this year. for, gives your hearing ‘Oh Canty shared that he music greater wow.’ wants to bring the importance and traditional John Philip helps make it more - Joe Martinez, music major Sousa marches to life. enjoyable."

"You can't have a "We're (the band with out it [a UTPA band) putting Sousa March]," Canty said. on a show which will feature But aside from this, the band important American composers, all with be playing a variety of pieces are important for their "colorful" music, according to genre, and will include variations Canty, by putting a group of six on 'America,' a salute to the onmusicians in the orchestra pit to going patriotism in our country," said Dean Canty, the director of the give some of the pieces an echoed sound. The UTPA band will be UTPA band. holding its concert in the Fine Arts The band consists of an entire "wind ensemble," meaning they are Auditorium Nov. 26, at 8 p.m.

The UTPA Choir's concert will all wind-oriented instruments, such definitely be different from the as flute, clarinets, trumpets, and band’s. Though the students in the including a percussion line. The choir use their vocal stylings as UTPA band is not to be confused

“

■ 22 - Men’s and Women’s Chorus, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 24 - Valley Symphony Orchestra, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 27 - Trombone/Tuba Choir, Fine Arts Auditorium, 3 p.m.

■ 29 - UTPA Choir, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 30 - Chamber Orchestra, Fine Arts Auditorium, 7 p.m.

MAY ■ 1 - Valley Symphony Orchestra, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 3 - String Studio Recital, Recital Hall, 1 p.m.

■ 6 - Low Brass Studio Class Recital, Recital Hall, 6 p.m.

The Men’s and Women’s Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Vivian Munn, will perform Dec. 3 in the Fine Arts Auditorium at 8 p.m.

their instruments, they will still be accompanied by two pianists and a brass octet. The theme is Christmas Cantata, a 20th-century movement of two songs," said Dr. Christopher Munn, director of the UTPA choir.

"One of the pieces is a Latin Christmas story from the Bible, and the other is a French/German piece which integrates the two languages with two Christmas Carols." The UTPA choir concert is scheduled for Nov. 22, at 8 p.m. also in the Fine Arts Auditorium.

In a previous interview, Dr. Vivian Munn, shared some insight on the construct of the men's and women's chorale.

"Each year a group has to start over with a new group of students," commented Munn, the director of the chorus concert. The group meets once a week, and practices about 90 minutes per rehearsal, which can be expected from an educational stand point. The group is made of students who can read music, and have experience from high school choir classes. "About half the

students are music majors, while the other half are from different majors," added Munn. The UTPA Men's and Women's Chorus concert will be held on Dec. 3, in the Fine Arts Auditorium at 8 p.m.

Though the groups are different, they share the similarity in that they must rely on students to get their jobs done. And as Munn stated, every year a group has to start fresh with old and new faces,

“

The best part would probably be the learning of so many things that make up our world of music as we hear it today.

It is truly interesting and a worthwhile experience.

- Amando Galarza, music major

“

■ 3 - Men’s and Women’s Chorus, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

“

DECEMBER -

and get all the members to function as a group.

"It [The best part] is an experience for one to interact with other students and to be a part of a great ensemble. I would have to say being able to express my passion of music through singing and performing is great, I get to enjoy what I love and what I am studying for," Medina said. "[I enjoy] the look on people's faces when I say I'm a singer. I love seeing their smiles, and hearing 'Oh wow,'" Martinez said.

"Every concert seems to be getting better and more interesting. The music our choir director, Munn, chooses has always been creative, unique, and educating," Medina said.

"The best part would probably be the learning of so many things that make up our world of music as we hear it today. It is truly interesting and a worthwhile experience," Galarza said.

The Salsa/Latin Ensemble was formed last fall. The ensemble will perform Jan. 18-19 in the Fine Arts Auditorium.

Arts & Entertainment

November 21, 2002

Page 8

Arts & Entertainment

November 21, 2002

Page 9

MUSIC CALENDAR OF EVENTS, ’02-’03 NOVEMBER ■ 22 - UTPA Choir concert, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 26 - UTPA Band, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 13 - Valley Symphony Orchestra, San Juan del Valley Shrine, 8 p.m.

JANUARY ■ 18-19 - UTPA Mariachi/Salsa, Fine Arts Auditorium, 2 p.m.

FEBRUARY ■ 7 - Valley Symphony Orchestra, McAllen Civic Center, 8 p.m.

■ 8-9 - UTPA Mariachi, Fine Arts Auditorium, 2 p.m.

MARCH ■ 4 - UTPA Choir - Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 25 - UTPA Band, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 27 - Valley Symphony Orchestra, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

APRIL ■ 6 - Faculty Artist Chris Gassler, trombone, Fine Arts Auditorium, 2 p.m.

■ 8 - UTPA Jazz Ensemble, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 15 - UTPA Latin Salsa, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

UTPA music department prepares for variety of performances, concerts

By CESAR TREVINO The Pan American

The University of Texas-Pan American music department is closing out the 2002 Fall semester with a series of concerts. Taking the stage in the upcoming concerts are the men and women choruses, the UTPA choir, and the UTPA band. For music majors, concerts and rehearsals are the norm, but for audience members, attending the concerts is a way for them to see the product of both the educators and the talents of the young musicians.

"It's a lot of hard work, but if you enjoy singing or playing an instrument, it's worth it," said Joe Martinez, a freshman music major.

The students spend much of their time in rehearsals and practices preparing for their concerts to give the audiences a great show, no matter how big or small the crowd, the effort put in, is all for the performance. "I feel that people gain a wonderful experience from listening to beautiful music, especially the kind that they do not hear quite as often," said Esperanza

with the orchestra, Medina, a senior in which also has many the choir.

[I enjoy] the of the same elements "The involvement but contains more of the audience in look on stringed instruments one's performance people’s faces such as violins, cellos, is vital for the when I say I’m and upright bass. performer," said The band is Amando Galarza, a a singer. I love focusing on bringing a junior music major. seeing their more uplifting side of “Having an smiles, and the band to its audience to play audience this year. for, gives your hearing ‘Oh Canty shared that he music greater wow.’ wants to bring the importance and traditional John Philip helps make it more - Joe Martinez, music major Sousa marches to life. enjoyable."

"You can't have a "We're (the band with out it [a UTPA band) putting Sousa March]," Canty said. on a show which will feature But aside from this, the band important American composers, all with be playing a variety of pieces are important for their "colorful" music, according to genre, and will include variations Canty, by putting a group of six on 'America,' a salute to the onmusicians in the orchestra pit to going patriotism in our country," said Dean Canty, the director of the give some of the pieces an echoed sound. The UTPA band will be UTPA band. holding its concert in the Fine Arts The band consists of an entire "wind ensemble," meaning they are Auditorium Nov. 26, at 8 p.m.

The UTPA Choir's concert will all wind-oriented instruments, such definitely be different from the as flute, clarinets, trumpets, and band’s. Though the students in the including a percussion line. The choir use their vocal stylings as UTPA band is not to be confused

“

■ 22 - Men’s and Women’s Chorus, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 24 - Valley Symphony Orchestra, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 27 - Trombone/Tuba Choir, Fine Arts Auditorium, 3 p.m.

■ 29 - UTPA Choir, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 30 - Chamber Orchestra, Fine Arts Auditorium, 7 p.m.

MAY ■ 1 - Valley Symphony Orchestra, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

■ 3 - String Studio Recital, Recital Hall, 1 p.m.

■ 6 - Low Brass Studio Class Recital, Recital Hall, 6 p.m.

The Men’s and Women’s Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Vivian Munn, will perform Dec. 3 in the Fine Arts Auditorium at 8 p.m.

their instruments, they will still be accompanied by two pianists and a brass octet. The theme is Christmas Cantata, a 20th-century movement of two songs," said Dr. Christopher Munn, director of the UTPA choir.

"One of the pieces is a Latin Christmas story from the Bible, and the other is a French/German piece which integrates the two languages with two Christmas Carols." The UTPA choir concert is scheduled for Nov. 22, at 8 p.m. also in the Fine Arts Auditorium.

In a previous interview, Dr. Vivian Munn, shared some insight on the construct of the men's and women's chorale.

"Each year a group has to start over with a new group of students," commented Munn, the director of the chorus concert. The group meets once a week, and practices about 90 minutes per rehearsal, which can be expected from an educational stand point. The group is made of students who can read music, and have experience from high school choir classes. "About half the

students are music majors, while the other half are from different majors," added Munn. The UTPA Men's and Women's Chorus concert will be held on Dec. 3, in the Fine Arts Auditorium at 8 p.m.

Though the groups are different, they share the similarity in that they must rely on students to get their jobs done. And as Munn stated, every year a group has to start fresh with old and new faces,

“

The best part would probably be the learning of so many things that make up our world of music as we hear it today.

It is truly interesting and a worthwhile experience.

- Amando Galarza, music major

“

■ 3 - Men’s and Women’s Chorus, Fine Arts Auditorium, 8 p.m.

“

DECEMBER -

and get all the members to function as a group.

"It [The best part] is an experience for one to interact with other students and to be a part of a great ensemble. I would have to say being able to express my passion of music through singing and performing is great, I get to enjoy what I love and what I am studying for," Medina said. "[I enjoy] the look on people's faces when I say I'm a singer. I love seeing their smiles, and hearing 'Oh wow,'" Martinez said.

"Every concert seems to be getting better and more interesting. The music our choir director, Munn, chooses has always been creative, unique, and educating," Medina said.

"The best part would probably be the learning of so many things that make up our world of music as we hear it today. It is truly interesting and a worthwhile experience," Galarza said.

The Salsa/Latin Ensemble was formed last fall. The ensemble will perform Jan. 18-19 in the Fine Arts Auditorium.

November 21, 2002

Arts & Entertainment

Page 10

The

CULTURE CLUB What students like to read, listen to and surf.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 7

Around Town

Ruben Gutierrez Senior international Business Movie: “Remember the Titans” Book: The Bible Website: yahoo.com

Santos Salinas Freshman Political Science CD: “Great Milenko” by ICP Movie: “Leaving Las Vegas” Book: “Brown: The Last Discovery of America” by Richard Rodriguez

Vintage Style Show and Luncheon Nov. 21 Place: Shary Estates Event: The International Women’s Board presents a show which will feature vintage styles from the 1920s to the present.

Phone: (956) 381-3665

■ Culture Club. . . . . . 10

Photos by Gabriel O. Hernandez

Exhibit features student works “Palette Diaries,” the new art exhibit in the University Gallery, features work from four Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates.

An artist reception for Lisa Carlisle, Omer Garcia III, Victoria Hidalgo and Diana Ortiz is scheduled for tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. Those interested will have the opportunity to meet the artists.

The exhibit runs through Dec. 8. The gallery, located in the Communication Arts and Sciences Building, is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on holidays. Admission is free.

Medieval Faire and Shining Knights Festival Nov. 23, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Event: Presented by the Hidalgo County Historical Museum and the Society for Creative Anachronisms, the festival will feature swordfighting, medieval combats, dancing, music and food from the days of yore.

Phone: (956) 383-6911 Foreign Film Dec. 6, 7 p.m.

Place: STCC Pecan Campus Auditorium, Building D-103, Event: The STCC Foreign Film Association will present “Wilde.”

Call: Deborah Pattillo at (956) 618-8348

■ Music . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

(Above) - “An American childhood: When they all turn their backs on you it’s OK to scream” by Omer Garcia III. Acrylic on canvas.

(Right) “Restrained” by Lisa Carlisle.

Acrylic on canvas.

Rio Grande Valley Ballet Dec. 12-15 Place: McAllen Civic Center Event: The Rio Grande Valley Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker.”

Phone: (956) 682-2721

Steve Rios Sophomore Art CD: “Aenima” by Tool Movie: “Pink Floyd: The Wall” Book: “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding

Monica’s Angels Day Dec. 14 Place: North Broadway Hardware Store Event: Performances from groups like the McHi singers and Rowe High School’s Razzmatazz will highlight a number of acts during Monica’s Angels Day. Phone: (956) 682-2020

(Top Right) - “Angel of Mine” by Victoria Hidalgo. Oil on canvas.

(Above) - “Situation #3” by Lisa Carlisle. Acrylic on canvas.

November 21, 2002

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 6

November 21, 2002

Arts & Entertainment

Page 11

November 21, 2002

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 12

November 21, 2002

Being computer literate is no longer a possibility when looking for employment: in today’s technology-driven world, computer knowledge is a requirement in almost every related field.

According to an article from the Sacramento Bee in the Sept. 12 issue of The Monitor, career opportunities in the federal government are just a click away. However, they stated that while computer skills are a vital component of government job qualifications and lack of Net know-how might render an individual an unqualified candidate.

Barbara Vielma, an English professor at the University of Texas-Pan American, believes computer skills are almost mandatory, not only in the initial online job search, but in the application process as well as in the actual job, not only for a government position but for all positions.

“The more advanced computer skills will almost guarantee a job if the student ‘sells’ this skill to the potential employer as an added benefit,” Vielma said.

However, the importance of computer skills goes beyond just being able to use the Internet when looking for a job.

“Students need to become familiar with all aspects of using a computer,” said Lourdes Servantes, placement specialist at the Career Placement Services. “They need to be able to know how to use search engines such as Google and Yahoo [and] also be familiar with programs such as Word, Excel and they should have an email address.”

Servantes said that an individual will still find a job no matter what their computer skills

Join the team!

Campus and Education ■ Science, Environment & Health ■ Politics and Government ■ Arts and Leisure ■ Business and Technology ■ Photography Volunteer and paid positions are available.

Reporters will gain valuable experience to carry over into any career. All majors accepted.

■

APPLY NOW AT CAS 170!

Or CALL (956) 381-2546.

Page 5

Web skills now necessary Shary event

By SUNAYNA MAHTANI The Pan American

UTPA’s award-winning student newspaper, The Pan American, seeks enthusiastic students to report the following:

THE PAN AMERICAN

are, but there is a better chance of finding the desired job with the skills.

“You will also be a more effective and efficient employee if you are comfortable using a computer,” Servantes said.

Ten UTPA students were randomly surveyed on their use of online services to search for a job. All of them have at some point used the Internet to look for a job and most have done so with great ease. Most suggested that since they have basic computer skills, they only use the method once or twice a month.

“The students that I have worked with at UTPA are very tech-savvy, they can check email and surf the net really well, Servantes said. “But they just do not think about looking for a job online. Our office has an Online Resume Service, where we post a majority of the positions our office receives. The number of students registered and actually using the site is less than one percent of the total student body. Many students still inquire the old way by coming into the office and waiting in line.”

The reason students rarely use the Net to search for a job might be due to the difficulties encountered when navigating a website.

Some of the difficulties these 10 surveyed students encountered when navigating a website include: - lack of better information of job duties aaaiand salary - broken links - applications not always available to print - lack of feedback - loss of the personal connection.

Servantes said that navigating most employment websites only requires knowledge of some type of internet software, either Internet Explorer or Netscape, and when applying for a position it is essential to be able

to upload a resume on to the site or to be able to copy and paste it.

“Every web site is different and students should read any instructions the site offers and follow them exactly,” Servantes said. “Do not try to take short cuts. [Even though the site] are fairly easy, but students should not try to log on to one between class breaks or when they are pressed for time. [Students] should set aside at least an hour to look over the site, complete any questions and upload their resume. They should visit a site first and look over any information that relates to them.”

Although Servantes said that looking for a job online is fairly easy and gives students an opportunity to look for a job just about anywhere in the world, especially with companies that don’t normally recruit in the area, there are limitations to looking for a job online.

“Unlike a job fair, where you can talk to and see a company representative, it is very hard to try and separate yourself from the thousands of other people applying with the same company,” Servantes said. “Also since you are not able to speak to a person when you apply any mistake you make on your resume or your profile could cause you to not pass the initial scan, [which is required by many companies who use the internet as a screening tool for resumes.]”

Some of the general employment web sites include jobweb.com, jobsquare.com, monster.com, campuscareercenter.com, and usajobs.com, and USAjobs.opm.gov.

Servantes said that there are also web sites for specific majors and professional organizations like marketingpower.com, for marketing majors; shpe.org, for engineering majors; nursingworld.org, for nursing majors and journalismjobs.com, for journalism jobs.

By DULCE GONZALEZ The Pan American As the holidays get closer the spirit of Christmas can be felt throughout the Valley.

At the Shary Estate, Christmas has already come to life and taken a form of its own. Christmas has become an important holiday at the estate, as every year during Christmas it is opened to the public for a tour organized by the International Women’s Board of the University of Texas-Pan American.

Christmas was always an important holiday for the SharyShivers family and the women of the IWB want to keep that tradition alive.

The tour features various Christmas trees that are placed inside the Shary mansion. According to Yvonne Anderson, president of the IWB, every tree is decorated with the utmost care and has a theme of its own.

“We are very proud to see how our mansion is looking,” Anderson said. “Many of the ornaments on our trees are hand made by the members of the International Women’s Board of UTPA.” This year the tour will feature a patriotic tree, a citrus tree, and a Mexican tree among many others. The tour’s main attraction will be the “Diamond Jubilee,” which commemorates the university’s diamond anniversary.

“We are very happy to be part of the university’s 75th Anniversary,” Anderson said.

The women of the IWB take pride in their tours because of the history the tours offer the community. According to Norma Woolsey, vice president of the IWB, the tours give people an insight to the mansion and the Shary-Shivers family.

“The tours give you the history and the background of the Shary-Shivers families,” Woolsey said. “We will give you a room by room description of the mansion and its decorations.”

The 4th annual Shary Holidays Home Tours will take place Nov. 23 and 24 at the Shary Estate. There are several shows each day with each one lasting approximately an hour.

Children under the age of eight will not be admitted. For more information please call the IWB at 381-3361.

THE PAN AMERICAN

November 21, 2002

Campus VO I C E

What is the most difficult aspect of final exams?

Gloria Proa Accounting Sophomore Comprehensive exams are the tests I have the hardest time preparing for.

Joe Villarreal Economics Junior The hardest part is studying for many other exams that come one right after the other. Then there are research papers and presentations that are due at the same time.

Jennifer Sikes Undecided Sophomore Probably studying for comprehensive exams are the hardest to study for. I can’t remember the stuff I studied 3 months ago.

MUSLIM

Page 4 continued from page 1

for children and five daily prayers at the center.

However, other Muslims who are residing in the Valley, say they don’t belong to any organization and manage to get around well. Tanzeer Ahmed, a communication major at UTPA, says one does not need to be involved in a particular organization to be close to their religion.

“The religion starts within you,” said Ahmed. “What you believe in is in your heart.”

And in their heart says Ahmed, is peace and discipline. She says these acts of terrorism are not part of their religion, but mainly political issues.

Ahmed, who is originally from Bangladesh and has been living in the Valley for two years, says the culture here is hardly different from hers. However, admits that her son has been losing some of his values since their arrival.

“It has had an effect on him,” said Ahmed. “But we try to teach him to respect both cultures.”

To help UTPA Muslim students stay in touch with their culture, Farooqui says he wants to establish a student organization for them. With the organization, he plans to further the education on the Islam religion.

“We have been thinking about it for awhile,” says Farooqui. “The students have to come together to do it, I will help

them of course.”

In honor of their culture and religion, the Muslims are currently celebrating Ramadan, a period of fasting and prayer.

Ahmed says this holiday of fasting helps them discipline themselves.

“If we can go by fasting for one month, then we know we are able to discipline ourselves,” said Ahmed. “It will give you practice for a whole year.”

After the Ramadan holiday, Farooqui says the organization will hold the Eid-ulFitr festival. At the festival, Farooqui plans to have social, education, and religious activities.

“The festival will be on December 6th, the day after Ramadan ends,” said Farooqui. “It is one of the two major festivals of the year.”

Although she is not part of the organization, Ahmed plans to attend the festival with her family. At the gathering, she says most families bring a pot luck to share with others.

“The last time when we came, we didn’t know anybody,” said Ahmed. “But we like to meet everybody that is there.”

With these festivals and gatherings, Ahmed says there is not many activities in the valley that Muslims can participate in.

She adds that her husband and son sometimes attend the prayers at the center.

“The Valley is a nice place to be,” said Ahmed. “But hardly anything goes on here.”

Sports

November 21, 2002

Page 13

SPORTS CLIPBOARD Broncs sign two The men’s basketball program wasted no time for next season and signed Patrick Andrepont, a 6-5 guard. He’s a standout from LaGrange High School in Lake Charles, LA. In his junior year, Andrepont averaged 21 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, the baseball program signed Zach Smith outfielder/firstbaseman from Sanger High School. In only 23 games last year, Smith hit .509 with 23 RBI’s.

Lady Broncs hit road The Lady Bronc volleyball team will travel to San Luis Obispo, CA where they will play Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo Tuesday.

After that, UTPA will conclude the

season and compete against Long Beach State, San Jose State and UC-Irvine in the Baden Thanksgiving Tournament.

The team had five players that earned Division I All-Independent team honors.

Junior outside hitter Winker Cruz was named Most Valuable Offensive Player and first team All-Independent.

Junior outside hitter Jaclyn Muszynski was named first team All-Independent, while freshman middle blocker Stephanie Redd and freshman setter Katie Burke were named to the Freshman All-Independent team.

Sophomore outside hitter Cathi Netemeyer was named second team AllIndependent and was awarded Newcomer of the Year. Muszynski leads UTPA with 3.72 kills and 2.84 digs a game.

CROSS COUNTRY Keating was the first American to finish at the regional meet, he came in after a European runner and a runner from Africa.

The championship race will offer Keating more than just tough competition, the weather conditions will be far from what Valley natives are accustomed to.

“It’s going to be tough weather conditions, it’s supposed to be about 34 degrees and snowing,” Molnar said. “That’s going to make it interesting.”

Molnar said the weather conditions should have minimal effects on Keating’s performance.

continued from page 14

“The way Westly runs and his capabilities and attitude...I’m sure that’s going to be no problem,” he said.

So far, Keating has not talked out a strategy with Molnar because they will not be able to inspect the course until Saturday.

“The course, we won’t get a chance to see until Saturday, then we’ll get a better chance to plan out some race strategy,” Molnar said.

Strategy aside, Keating has one solid goal for the meet at Indiana State University in Terre Haute...to earn a title.

“I just want to make All-American,” he said.

Staff Swami Records

Mike Gonzalez Sports Editor

Mike Gonzalez: 95-64-1, .597 Greg Selber: 89-70-

1,..559 Celeste Y. Tello: 9267-1, .578 Matt Lynch: 9267-1, .578

Atlanta at Carolina I don’t anticipate the Falcons having any problems this week. I think it’s time for Carolina to start thinking about next year.

Falcons by 13

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Falcons

Falcons

Falcons

The Steelers are back where they started the year, having Kordell Stewart as their starting quarterback. Here’s a chance for him to prove he should never have been benched.

Steelers by 10

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Steelers

Steelers

Steelers

Detroit at Chicago The Lions upset the Bears earlier in the year. If Joey Harrington takes care of the ball, the Lions will win again.

LIons by 6

Matt

Celeste

Greg

LIons

Lions

Bears

Minnesota at New England Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper bounced back from his embarrassing performance a week earlier. The Patriots will take care of business.

Patriots by 10 Patriots

Celeste

Rams by 7

The hardest part is cramming for everything.

Celeste

Rams

Rams

Greg Rams

Matt

Celeste

Broncos

Broncos

Greg Broncos

Buffalo at N.Y. Jets Once again, the battle in the AFC East will come down to the last couple of games.

Bills by 10

Matt

Celeste Jets

Greg Jets

Cleveland at New Orleans I think the Browns will hang around on this one.

Saints by 3

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Saints

Saints

Saints

Jacksonville at Dallas For the first time since the Cowboys were 1-15, I can honestly say the organization has hit rock bottom.

Cowboys by 1

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Cowboys

Jaguars

Cowboys

San Diego at Miami The Chargers are proving that they can come from behind and win a game.

Chargers by 10

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Chargers

Dolphins

Dolphins

Tennessee at Baltimore So I was wrong about Tennessee’s winning streak. The streak should extend Sunday.

Titans by 10

Matt

Ravens

Celeste Titans

Greg

Ravens

Oakland at Arizona

The Chiefs should be able to run the ball all afternoon against a bad Seahawk defense.

Chiefs by 14

The Raiders are back to themselves again after losing four in a row.

Raiders by 14

Matt

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Raiders

Raiders

Raiders

Celeste

Greg

Chiefs

Chiefs

Green Bay at Tampa Bay

I’d say just the pressure to pass the test and to come out of that class with a good grade is tough.

Adviser

Kansas City at Seattle

Chiefs

Jorge Gonzalez Political Science Sophomore

Dr. Greg Selber

Reporter

Patriots

It’s a must win for both teams.

Matt

Celeste Tello

Editor

Greg

Patriots

St. Louis at Washington

Johnny Feelo Undeclared Freshman

Matt Lynch

Bills

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh

Matt

Staff Swamis

This could be a preview of a playoff game in January. I like the Bucs at home.

Bucs by 6

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Packers

Packers

Bucs

Indianapolis at Denver The Colts are starting to play like most predicted earlier in the season. Another test will be given to them in Denver.

Colts by 7

N.Y. Giants at Houston This is a game the Giants are supposed to win.

Giants by13

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Texans

Texans

Giants

Philadelphia at San Francisco Former Mission quarterback Koy Detmer will start on Monday for the Eagles.

Niners by 17

Matt

Celeste

Greg

Niners

Niners

Niners

sports

November 21, 2002

Page 14

November 21, 2002

THE PAN AMERICAN

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AmeriCorps has Newfound histories campus impact Conference on Spanish influence in Texas boasted three prominent speakers

Mike Gonzalez / The Pan American

Hometown hero: Cervantes stays put

TAKING FLIGHT: Junior Hugo Cervantes practices his timing on the steeplechase this week. The event combines running, hurdles and water jumps in one of the most grueling competitions.

Weslaco product is one of area’s young talents who chose to compete in the Valley

By MIKE GONZALEZ The Pan American For many athletes, leaving home is the most difficult thing to do when they graduate from high school. But with the athletic program going on the rise, leaving home doesn’t have to be an option.

The UTPA cross country track & field team have themselves a local product from Weslaco High School who hopes to take the program to a higher level. Twenty-year-old Hugo Cervantes is a junior at UTPA and is in his second year with the program. Assistant coach Doug Molnar is a big fan of Valley runners , and he believes Cervantes brings a good work ethic and dedication to UTPA. “I’m really impressed with his leadership abilities and the guys [runners] really respect him,” Molnar said. “He’s a strong runner, he

runs with confidence and he’s a joy to coach.”

According to Cervantes, his teammates listen when he gives advice and feels his teaching ability is what makes the runners respond to him.

“I bring motivation to the team,” Cervantes said. “People look at me because I teach.”

Motivation is a must for Cervantes, who plans to major in kinesiology, and hopes to someday become a cross country track & field head coach back in his hometown of Weslaco.

“I want to go back to Weslaco because that’s my town,” Cervantes said.

According to Cervantes, his junior high coach inspired him to run after a basketball practice and the rest is history.

“I started running in the seventh grade,”

Cervantes said. “My coach inspired me to run and I was winning.”

After junior high, Cervantes went on to be a big asset to the Weslaco track dynasty under head coach Jimmy Platt, and has fond memories of Cervantes.

“He had a tremendous work habit,” Platt said. “I don’t ever remember him not doing what I asked him to do. He was a pleasure to teach and he’s the type you let your daughter date.”

Cervantes started his collegiate career at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi where his stay was short-lived. With the help of friends from his hometown, now Cervantes finds himself in a program where he can contribute using his talents.

“I was having trouble in Corpus [Christi], and friends from Weslaco inspired me to come here.”

The track program knows the potential Cervantes brings to UTPA. He was named the most valuable player in his senior at Weslaco, and was a winner of the Bobby

Lackey Award. While Cervantes achievements are well known at Weslaco, he anticipates doing more for the Broncs.

“I always look back in the high school years, but I want to do better here,” Cervantes said.

The cross country season is coming to an end, Cervantes has a lot to look forward to.

He will be competing in the 3000-meter steeple chase barrier and the 1500-meter run and will also contribute in the 5000- and 8000-meter run as well.

While cross country is known for running in circles, it’s track and field that Cervantes believes brings the best out of him.

“I like track because I like the speed of it,” Cervantes said.

Cervantes is one of many Valley runners who’s attended UTPA on scholarship, and Molar is confident more runners will stay here for college.

“It’s essential to bring Valley runners here,” Molnar said. “We have a slogan in our office, ‘No one leaves the Valley.’”

Keating again seeking stellar run Runner heads to NCAA Championships in Indiana Monday

By CELESTE Y. TELLO The Pan American

Mike Gonzalez / The Pan American

LAST RUN: Westly Keating works out Wednesday.

There could be no better way for cross country runner Westly Keating to finish the season than at the NCAA Championships in Terra Haute, IN. Nov. 25.

Keating qualified for the championships after a thirdplace finish at the regional championship last weekend.

Keating was the only member of the UTPA cross country teams to qualify for the upcoming meet. He knew the race would be tough going in.

“It was the regional meet, there was four big schools there and some really good runners,”

Keating said. “I know the Arkansas kids ran their varsity and they’re pretty tough...most of them made All-American last year.”

Keating surpassed his own goals at the meet and was able to outrun the competitors that he singled out.

“I beat all the guys I wanted to beat and I did better than I expected,” he said. “My goal was just to get top five.”

Keating zeroed in on the runners from Arkansas as his toughest competition and tried to pace himself with them in the race. He admitted the strategy had an impact on the flow of the race.

“I wanted to run with them in the front pack, we went out a little too fast and it kind of killed the rhythm of the race,” he said.

Keating completed the first mile in 4:32, and after that the pack began to fall apart.

“After the first mile people started to fall out of the pack and we just battled the whole race,” he said.

Coach Doug Molnar said Keating did as well as everyone expected.

“Last week, Westly ran a tremendous race. He got out early and got with the leaders,” Molnar said. “He just really ran like we expected him to run...we expected him to finish top five,

he finished top three.”

Even though he was able to outdo himself at the regional meet, Keating has set yet another realistic goal for himself at the championship. He hopes to get into the top 20 and be named an All-American.

“This is a really big race, there’s going to be 300 runners and I’m hoping to get top 20,” he said. “The top 25 get AllAmerican.”

In the NCAA Championship, the first 25 Americans to finish get an All-American title and the first 25 of any other nationalities to finish also receive titles.

See CROSS COUNTRY page 13

A smart group at the University of Texas-Pan American is getting creative in paying for school, and learning something in the process.

Several UTPA students and high school students have joined the AmeriCorps organization to help pay for college expenses.

Barbara Storz, an AmeriCorp supervisor in the Hidalgo County area, says that the national program was passed in October 1993, and signed into law by former President Bill Clinton. The South Texas AmeriCorp Initiative (STACI) is a federal partnership with Texas Cooperative Initiative.

Storz says that this program gives people the chance to learn job skills and gives them assistance in furthering their education or training. At the same time, they serve their community in a number of ways. She added that the Rio Grande Valley addresses issues that are associated with colonias and the natural and neighborhood environment.

“The Valley specializes in environmental education,” said Storz. “They go through a training to work as teaching partners in schools.”

According to Storz AmeriCorp members participate in a variety of community services including mentoring, beach and highway cleanups, and teach the importance of the environment in area schools.

Heather Alaniz, a senior biology major at UTPA, says that she likes to teach environmental awareness to kids.

“I once had to teach a group kids in a colonia how to create and plant a vegetable garden,” said Alaniz. “It is great because they learn what it is like to eat the vegetables that they

themselves have grown.”

Alaniz added that she has met a lot of people while teaching at various schools and has made many job references for when she graduates.

“I have had to teach at several schools on water and environmental issues,” said Alaniz.

“It has given me the chance to met new people.”

According to Storz, in order to be an AmeriCorp member, people must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid Texas driver’s license and reliable transportation. They also must have a high school diploma or a GED and have the desire to improve the environment and serve the community.

Storz added that Americorp offers a living allowance of 9,600 to full-time members and an education award of 4,725.

Part-time members also receive a living allowance of $5,082 and an education award of $2,363. Members must complete a whole year of service to receive the education award.

“We are interviewing at this time and orientation will be held on December 9,” said Storz.

Daniel Sherrill, a former member of AmeriCorp, said the organization gives members the chance to serve their community and in return they get a scholarship to go to school.

“Instead of getting any part-time job you have the opportunity to help out in homeless shelters and other types of community service,” said Sherrill. “In the end you get rewarded with a scholarship that you can use at any university.”

Alaniz will not join AmeriCorp next semester but says that it is a great organization to join.

“Go for it. There are no regrets instead of getting loans you get school paid for,” Alaniz said. “It is a great experience and you meet a lot of new people.”

this event that was created to help students learn.”

The main focus of the conference was The students of The University of to highlight the heritage of the students Texas-Pan American were recently given present. The speakers wanted the the opportunity to go back in history and students to learn that their Mexican experience the origins of Texas. heritage evolved into a hybrid of Texan The Center for Latin-American Studies and Spanish influence. in conjunction with the Department of “We are talking about a heritage that Modern Languages and Literature, was started in Spain,” Tijerina said. “Our responsible for giving students the chance heritage goes all the way [back] to the to learn about the development of Spanish Middle Ages in Spain.”

Texas at a conference titled “A The speakers also wanted to instill Revisionist Look at Spanish Texas 1519pride in the students. They wanted them 1821.” to feel proud of their The conference Mexican heritage, and featured three key told students how speakers who spoke many of their last We are talking before a full names were given to auditorium at the them because their about a heritage university’s Media Spanish ancestors won that started in Theater Nov. 14. wars.

Spain. Our heritage The speakers “A lot of the last came from different names were created goes all the way parts of Texas. Dr. because of battles they [back] to the Middle Félix Almaraz is a won,” Tijerina said. professor of history “After they won the Ages in Spain at The University of battle they were given - Dr. Andres Tijerina, Texas-San Antonio, the name of the site of ACC Professor of History Dr. Andrés Tijerina the battle.” is a professor of In closing the history at Austin conference the Community College, and Dr. Harriet D. speakers reminded the students of how Joseph is a professor of history at The important their heritage was. They asked University of Texas-Brownsville. the students present to always show pride Theses notable professors have an in their background. A heritage that extensive background in history research evolved into Texas after many years of and were very excited to share it with the sacrifice. students.

“I want you to know that to be Texas “I was very honored to be invited,” proud is to be Tejano proud,” Tijerina Joseph said. “I enjoyed participating in said.

This year, UTPA students have traveled as a group to programs in France, Canada, Spain, and Mexico. Different courses were offered in Spanish, political science, business, communications, and French.

Different professors at UTPA are going to be participating in several of the group study abroad programs in the 2003 summer sessions. Art historian and UTPA professor Richard Phillips is one of several faculty members who will be attending one of the programs and believes students should strive to participate in the study abroad programs offered.

“When you study abroad, you gain new perspectives on how cultures do things differently than the cultures to which we are accustomed,” Phillips said. “While at the same time you come back more cosmopolitan, [and] a citizen of the world.”

The Office of International Programs is trying to broaden its study abroad programs as explained by economics professor Gokce Soydemir. They do this by asking international professors like him from Turkey, China, and South East Asia to assist in starting programs where they come from.

“The purpose is to bring greater international visibility and recognition to UTPA as well as [the students] better understanding of the cultural similarities and differences of the nations they get to visit,” Soydemir stated.

Obtaining credit hours and getting out of the country are not the only things studying abroad provides students. Professor of philosophy Kenneth Buckman said the sheer power of

exposure to other cultures is perhaps one of the most immediate and direct ways to become educated about others and about oneself.

“There is a peculiar heightening of one’s intellectual awareness and the physical senses by becoming a stranger in someone else’s land,” Buckman said. “This is the process of education itself.”

Several faculty members that are going to be participating in one or two of the summer programs have had hands-on experience with traveling abroad because they were students who participated in an abroad program themselves and like Phillips said, without study abroad he would not have had his career. “ I spent ten straight months in Mexico and became the fluent Spanish speaker and writer I am today,” Phillips commented. “In Mexico my favorite classes were on the history of Mexican art, [and] that experienced enabled me eventually to make my career shift toward art history, which is now my professional field."

Other UTPA professors have had the opportunity to live and share their traveling experiences with their children. McLemore commented that he took his children to different parts of the world and now they are recognizing how travel is enriching their formal classroom education.

“Travel and living in other cultures expands the individual’s sphere of ignorance through which he or she learns what they do not know, and thereby become wise and thereby happier," concluded McLemore, who was awarded a Fulbright to travel to India two summers ago. He

By DULCE GONZALEZ The Pan American

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By HILDA BARRIENTES The Pan American

Student travels offer opportunity for growth

By ARIANNA VAZQUEZ The Pan American

Feel like leaving the Valley and exploring the world? The University of Texas-Pan American Office of International Programs give the students currently enrolled in the university the opportunity to do just that by traveling to different places around the world and gaining credit hours.

The International Studies Program has helped hundred’s of students study abroad. The university holds an agreement with different foreign institutions and is capable of placing students in the foreign university of their choice.

Several destinations are at hand, such as, Spain, Germany, France, Mexico, Costa Rica, Greece, Turkey, Italy, and many more.

Students have the chance to travel to different parts of the world and are able to do it with an affordable cost, according to communications professor George McLemore.

“International travel is one of the single most important educational opportunities of which college students should avail themselves,” McLemore said. “They should ‘get off the front porch’ and find out what is going on beyond.

UTPA is making it affordable for students to travel and study abroad and many students, wisely, are taking advantage of it.”

Students may travel by group or as individuals. Individual study abroad opportunities are available any semester the student wishes to attend. Group programs are only administered during the summer sessions.

will accompany at least 60 students to Greece and Turkey next summer, with a group of his communication colleagues, Like Phillips pointed out, students would not only be gaining three to six credit hours each summer program, but also finish university requirements in a shorter amount of time. For example, the communication group can choose from photojournalism, intercultural comm, and feature/travel writing, three-hour courses back in the States.

“The wonderful flexibility and opportunities study abroad provides UTPA [is that] the average student can choose to take ART 1301 for a whole 16-week semester in a UTPA classroom, or get it over with in less than two weeks in Guadalajara where the classroom will be the actual art works themselves," Phillips explained.

To apply to the various study programs being offered, students need to go to the International Program office in CAS 125 and fill out a Student Profile sheet. In that sheet the student will write down their personal information as well as their destination and the classes they would like to take. Students may also apply for financial aid and scholarships that are available if needed.

According to Buckman studying abroad can be an experience of a lifetime and the programs offered at UTPA are great opportunities.

“As an educator, this journey will offer me extraordinary possibilities for instruction that I have not had at hand before," he said. "This trip is about education, imagination, cultural experiences, fantasy, magic, and the romance of travel."

2002

NEWS

Professor has activist roots

By AMELIA GARCIA The Pan American Celebrating 50 years 1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican 51th Year – No. 13

Editor Matt Lynch mlynch@panam.edu

News Editor Belinda Reyes beberay25@aol.com

A & E Editor Ashley Brooks Magrew2@hotmail.com

Sports Editor Mike Gonzalez mgonzalez40@panam.edu

Graphics Editor Gabriel O. Hernandez gabo296@hotmail.com

Copy Editors Sunayna Mahtani Layout Designers Ashley Brooks Mike Gonzalez Gabriel O. Hernandez Reporters Hilda Barrientes Brian Carr Amelia Garcia Dulce Gonzalez Clarissa Martinez Nikki Ramirez Jennifer Tapia Celeste Y. Tello Cesar Trevino Arianna Vazquez Advertising Dagoberto Perez Circulation Jesus M. Gonzalez Advertising Coordinator Juanita Sanchez Adviser Dr. Greg Selber

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 university.

Letters policy The Pan American gladly accepts letters from students, staff and faculty regarding newspaper content or current issues.

The Pan American reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. Please limit submission length to 300 words. The Pan American cannot publish anonymous letters, or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks.

Letters are printed at the discretion of the editor and must include the writer’s name, class/title and phone number.

Readers with disabilities may request an alternative format of this publication at The Pan American business office.

For special assistance to attend any event listed in this publication, contact the coordinator of the event at least one week prior to the advertised date.

It was 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. preached non-violence and the Civil Rights Movement was under way. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The Vietnam War was in its early years and an estimated 16,500 United States servicemen were in Vietnam.

Against this backdrop of traumatic events, protests and marches against the war were held around the country. Among the protesters at a march on campus at the University of CaliforniaBerkley was a blonde six-year old girl. It was the beginning of her life as an activist. The girl grew up to be Dr. Lee Davinroy, professor of American literature at the University of Texas-Pan American.

“People were protesting against the war and it looked like fun,” said Davinroy, explaining why she marched at the young age of six. “I didn't have a political conscious yet.”

DAVINROY THE HIPPIE Since then she has marched and protested numerous times about different issues such as the Vietnam War and discrimination against gays. The last march she participated in was in 2000 in South Carolina.

“The state of Carolina still had the Confederate flag flying over the statehouse,” said Davinroy.

“There were 40,000 of us that marched to the capitol. It was beautiful. About five to six months later the flag came down.”

As a hippie she also had less productive moments such as streaking days. Streaking was a big craze in the 1970s. It consisted of a large crowd taking off their clothes and running around campus as fast as possible.

“At the time I had an ankle cast on my leg, but that didn’t stop

me,” said Davinroy. “There was nothing sexual about the act. It was more childish and funny. I was a streaker until I was caught by the campus police. Of course I only got caught because of the cast.”

DAVINROY THE FEMINIST Davinroy defines a feminist as anyone, male or female, who believes that the inequality between men and women needs to change.

“A feminist sees the world organized by gender differences and sees those differences as inequalities,” she said.

“Consequently men have more power.”

Davinroy believes that women should get the same opportunities as men, but she does not believe that there should be two different standards so that women can obtain those opportunities.

“Women and men are biologically different and our bodies do influence our social roles,” Davinroy said. “Men cannot have children. That is our miracle. However, neither men nor women come wired with specified traits. Men are not necessarily born more aggressive and women are not born with a cleaning gene.”

Davinroy along with other professors is currently working on creating a Women’s Studies program at UTPA for the next fall semester. They are proposing to the UTPA Faculty Curriculum Committee that the program begin with a minor and then build up.

The minor would consist of three sociology courses and three crosslisted courses. Many current faculty and existing courses will be used for the program.

“Women’s Studies is an academic inquiry that puts women and their experiences at the center of the investigation,” said Davinroy. “The name is

misleading because it does not just focus on women. It focuses on how race, class, gender and sexuality work in the lives of individuals and in society. About 60 percent of the school’s population is made up of females and the university has a history of high female attendance and female graduates. The program is long overdue.”

DAVINROY THE STUDENT Davinroy graduated early from high school because she simply did not like it, she says. Upon returning at age 14 from South Africa, where she spent a year, she found she did not fit in with her friends anymore and decided to graduate early.

“All my friends spend their attention, energy, and time on drinking and having sex,” said Davinroy. “I wasn’t ready for that.

High school is so hierarchal and so judgmental. I didn’t like the fact that people were so mean. I knew college would give me more freedom.”

At the age of 16 Davinroy began at Penn State University where she attended for three years and then took a vacation.

“I went on Spring Break and didn’t come back for seventeen years,” Davinroy said. “It was a long fun Spring Break.”

In 1994 she received her bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. She went on to earn her master’s from The University of Utah in 1996 and in August she received her Ph.d from the University of South California.

DAVINROY THE PROF This is Davinroy’s first semester at UTPA. She teaches American literature through the year 1900 with a special focus on women writers, especially Emily Dickinson. Previously she taught

at The University of Utah and The University of Carolina. She said she chose UTPA because of the warm climate, but mainly because it is a university on the rise.

“I have arthritis so the climate was a major draw,” said Davinroy.

“However, the main reason I came here was because this school is growing, changing, and very dynamic. It is a great opportunity for someone to make a difference.

I chose this job very deliberately. I came here because I wanted to.”

The only other place Davinroy ever worked was at the RitzCarlton Hotel where she started at the age of 17. She began as a cocktail waitress, but realized that the bartenders had more power and more fun so she then became one of the first female bartenders in Fort Lauderdale.

“The bartenders had three feet of space between them and the customers. As a cocktail waitress you have to be among the customers and you have to wait for the bartenders to make the drinks.”

Davinroy said. “The bartenders had more control and I like control. After all I am the oldest sister. I know exactly how everyone should live their lives and I’m happy to tell them.”

In 1992 Davinroy suffered a knee injury and it was then that she decided to become a professor.

Her other two choices were a zoo keeper or an environmental lawyer.

“Teaching was the best choice for me,” said Davinroy. “I love teaching. It is the most fun job I can imagine. Students are so interesting and so smart and so generous with themselves. It will never grow old because I will always be doing a wonderful thing with amazing young people.”

Davinroy is happy at UTPA and plans to continue teaching here.

“I hope ya’ll like me because I’m planning on staying,” said Davinroy.

Congressional interns sought

By ARIANNA VAZQUEZ The Pan American U.S. Congressman Ruben Hinojosa is recruiting interns for the Congressional Internship Program in the 2003 Spring semester. The University of Texas-Pan American Career Placement Services is encouraging all majors to send a resume to apply.

Certain qualifications are needed to apply, such as having at least 60 completed semester hours and at least a 2.0 GPA. Two positions are available, one paid and one volunteer

position. The job will be flexible with the students schedule.

Skills needed for the positions are as follows: excellent oral and written communication skills, knowledge of office computer applications, and temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant and professional manner.

According to Intern Coordinator Lisa Montes, the office primarily targets students who are looking forward to a career in political science.

“During the internship the [students] are educated by the congressman with anything that has to do with Congress [itself],” Montes said.

Those students hired will be able to perform various tasks such as, conducting research and accompanying the congressman to special events.

The Congressional Internship Program has been advertised for several semesters at UTPA. Six Valley-area students have been accepted to participate in the program.

Career Placement Specialist Lourdes Servantes stated that

the internship is a good experience, because students will be able to take what they learn in classes and put it into practice.

“It is a very good position because it puts them in touch with the real world environment,” Servantes said.

“Especially if they are interested in politics, this would be a baby step toward that.”

For more information on submitting a resume go to the Cooperative Education Office Rm. 125. Call 381-2781 or susiea@panam.edu.

Breaking it down: Local tourney New Mexico State Aggies Out of the two teams the Broncs are facing this weekend the NMSU Aggies have the most similar story.

The Sunbelt Conference stronghold, is picked to finish second in their conference behind University of Louisiana Lafayette, but it will be interesting to see if head coach Lou Henson can lead his team towards their lofty expectations.

The Aggies are returning four starters from last season, but lost key offensive force Eric Channing to graduation in the off season. Channing led the team in points averaged per game and three-point percentage.

The only other real threat from the perimeter is forward Kelsey Crooks who averaged 44 percent from three-point range.

Both senior center Chris Jackson and junior forward James Moore will be returning this season, however, and will add strong offensive presence for the Aggies.

Jackson and Moore both had double digit point averages last season, and both were nominated to the second team all conference for the Sun Belt this preseason.

Thus far the Aggies came up with two exhibition wins, blowing away the Houston Superstars 110-67, and narrowly defeating the Marathon All-Stars 85-80.

Guards Allen Haynes, Will Morris and forward James Felder, all picked up 15 points against the Marathon All-Stars, but the defense allowed 81 shots to be taken, and had shooting from the Marathon All-Stars been more consistent the Aggies could have easily lost.

The Pan American handicaps the visiting teams participating in the SPIRIT this weekend

By BRIAN CARR The Pan American

SPIRIT Schedule FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

UTPA vs. NM State, 8 p.m.

NM State vs. Tulsa, 4 p.m.

UTPA vs. Tulsa, noon (televised on FOX Cable 63)

Page 15

Tulsa Golden Hurricanes

Tulsa’s 27-7 record, their advancement to the second round of the NCAA tournament, and the fact that they are returning four of their starters has earned the Golden Hurricanes the 25 spot on the AP college basketball poll. But Tulsa lost forward Gregg Harrington who was second in average points per game at 13, trailing only Kevin Johnson who averaged 14.5 each outing and shot better than 57 percent from the floor.

Other returning force’s on the team’s roster are Dante Swanson, who averaged 11.6 points per game and shot an impressive 49 percent from three point range. And the team is drastically aided by the height of forward Kevin Johnson, center/forward Aliou Keita, forward Marqus Ledoux, and forward Anthony Price - who are all 6-8. And Tulsa has three other players who are 6-6 or taller.

Tulsa will be coming into the South Padre Island Tournament with two exhibition victories to their credit. The Golden Hurricanes massacred both Makesure Sports and the Dominican Republic National, beating both teams by more than 25 points, scoring better than 100 points in both outings, and showing little signs of weakness against either team.

Against the Dominican Republic National, Tulsa had six players score in the double digits, and shot better than 50 percent from the floor.

Tulsa has all the size, strength, speed, talent, and experience to walk away from the South Padre Island Invitational unscathed. They have a deep bench who can score, they have a great group of starters, and they have the national ranking to prove it. But that doesn’t mean they will have an easy time with either team.

Athletes dedicate volunteer time to local schools Adopt-A-School program allows players to give back to Edinburg

By MIKE GONZALEZ The Pan American Every child needs a mentor at some point in life, and now almost every Edinburg child has someone to look up to.

Approaching its fifth year, the Adopt-ASchool Program is designed for the University of Texas-Pan American student athletes to give grade school students in the Edinburg Independent School District a chance to communicate and interact with someone who has already been in their shoes.

Athletes visit elementary schools and discuss topics with students that include staying in school and away from drugs, and setting personal goals.

Dr. Gloria Agado, the principal at Cano/Gonzalez Elementary School, has no doubt that college students make a difference in the young childrens’ lives.

“I think its important for UTPA students to having to prove his ability to everyone by maintaining his grades and being able to volunteer,” Agado said. “You can [gain] so participate in extracurricular activities. much by helping others.”

“One thing I learned is you have to work Each athletic program participates at schools across the city of Edinburg including on your grades to play basketball,” Montalvo said.

Cano/Gonzalez, He knows Canterbury, De La Villa, recruiters rarely Escandon, Freddy visit the Valley, and Gonzalez, Jefferson Lee, The purpose of the tried to motivate the San Carlos, Travis, and program is to give kids to keep Zavala Elementary working hard and Schools. something back to never give up.

Men’s basketball player the community and “A lot of people Eric Montalvo spoke in think there’s not a front of middle school interact with the lot of good players kids last spring, and feels children of Edinburg down here,” his contribution made a Montalvo said, who difference in their lives.

School District disagrees. “So I just “When they [kids] first - Craig Pintens, UTPA Coordinator told them to keep saw me they had no of Athletic Marketing their head up.” expression on their face, While some may but when I left they were not like the big brother role, Montalvo all smiling,” Montalvo said. enjoyed the thought of younger kids looking Montalvo, a La Joya native, knows the up to him. struggles of growing up in the Valley.

“It’s good because I know it’s hard,” he According to Montalvo, he preached to the said. “I just try to be positive about life and middle school kids about his hardships of

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November 21

■ AmeriCorps . . . . . . . 3 ■ Study Abroad . . . . . . 3 ■ Tech Skills . . . . . . . . 5

sports

November 21, 2002

school.”

Today, grade school students are under a lot more pressure to do well in their studies, and Agado believes the Adopt-A-School Program will grow larger in the future and make a bigger contribution to children in the Valley.

“I hope it does make the impact that it can in helping elementary children,” Agado said.

This program also enables the children to visit UTPA’s campus, and to attend Bronc and Lady Bronc practices, as well as some home games.

Coordinator of Athletic Marketing Craig Pintens is in his first year with the program and is pleased to be part of the project the athletic program has developed.

“The purpose of the program is to give something back to the community and interact with the children of Edinburg School District,” Pintens said.

According to him, the Adopt-A-School Program has had full support from everyone involved.

“We’ve had positive feedback from all parties including the university and school district,” he concluded.

PAGE 16

S PORTS

HORSE RACING

PLEADED GUILTY : One of three men who was involved in last month’s Breeders’ Cup scandal pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering. Twenty-nineyear-old Chris Harn of Newark, Del., was a computer programmer at Autotote which was the company that processed the computerized bets on races such as the Breeders’ Cup. According to Harn, he manipulated bets that won as much as $100,000 on earlier races and also manipulated computerized bets worth $3 million. Harn’s sentencing is set for Feb. 19 while his two partners were due back in court on Dec. 11.

MLB

WALKER IS TRADED:

Former National League MVP Larry Walker will head to Arizona in a five-player trade.

Walker, 35, who hit .338 with 26 homers and 104 RBI, will bring a much needed bat to the Diamondbacks.

The Colorado Rockies picked up third baseman Matt Williams, first baseman Erubiel Durazo, outfielder David Dellucci and reliever Bret Prinz.

Williams and Walker will have to waive their no-trade clauses for the deal to happen.

■ SPIRIT Breakdown . . .15 ■ Adopt-a-school . . . . . . .15 ■ Cervantes Feature . . . 14

Island tourney ushers in era of local hoops

South Padre Island Roundball Invitational will be Friday-Sunday at the SPI Convention Center

Photos by Matt Lynch/The Pan American

SETTING UP: The hardwood for this weekend’s SPI tournament cost $10,000 and should be ready by Friday.

By BRIAN CARR The Pan American The Broncs’ latest basketball season opens this weekend with a two-game double shot of stiff competition, on the island and on television, to boot.

Both New Mexico State University (NMSU) and Tulsa University are traveling to nearby South Padre Island Convention Center to compete against the Broncs in a three-team, three-day tournament. Each team will play a pair of games with NMSU and UTPA opening the tournament Friday evening, NMSU and Tulsa picking up their game Saturday afternoon and UTPA finishing the tournament against Tulsa (the Associated Press’ 25th ranked team) Sunday.

But even with the one-day break between games the Broncs are the heavy underdogs of the tournament.

Last year the Broncs defeated the NMSU Aggies 100-86 late in the season, but without last year’s leading scorer Mire Chatman, who scored 44 points in his 37 minutes of play, it’s unsure if UTPA can duplicate the defeat. Likewise, the Aggies are without their top scorer Eric Channing, who was 12-17 from the floor, picking up 33 points in that matchup.

The Broncs haven’t played Tulsa since the 1974-75 season – during the Abe Lemons era. It was the Broncs who walked away with a narrow margin victory of 76-70. If the Broncs are able to recreate that kind of success it would most assuredly be considered an upset, and gain national attention. In order for the Broncs to come up with that kind of win they will have to rely strongly on the element of surprise, score early and fast, and maintain intensity throughout the entire game.

“Both these teams are top notch,” said junior guard Allen Holcomb, whose 22-point output lead the Broncs to their 83-75 victory against Houston Quest last Sunday. “All we

have to do is come out and play hard. We’ve got nothing to lose.”

Unfortunately for the Broncs the toughest game of their season is coming at a time when their roster is affected.

Junior transfer Chris Fagan (Trinidad State) will miss both games with a stress fracture to his right foot, senior returning forward Andrius Sakalys is out for the season with a torn ACL, and senior guard Tomas Sitnikovas might miss the game with a strained ankle.

Without these three players, all of which are six-foot-five or taller, head coach Bob Hoffman only has 12 weapons to choose from. And without these three powerhouses the Broncs are limited to the amount of traffic they can keep out of the lanes.

In last Sunday’s preseason exhibition game against Houston Quest UTPA ran the kind of defensive and offensive plays that should be expected in these two upcoming games. Running a man-to-man configuration in the defensive zone the Broncs were able to discourage a lot of layups and jumpers in the first half of the game, but unfortunately the Broncs left their perimeter wide open and allowed 51.7 percent completion from their three-point line.

Offensively the Broncs seemed much more fluid than in their first outing against Monterrey Tech, with junior guards Allen Holcomb and Prince Thompson finding ways to split the defense through the lanes for high percentage shots. For Thompson it was his first and only outing with the Broncs. He hit all of five of his shots from the floor, and picked up 12 points in just 17 minutes. He is the only Bronc shooting 100 percent from the floor. Holcomb, who was 10-of-16 from the floor, made good on all six of his second half attempts and

VOICE

What is the most difficult aspect of final exams?

Page 4

LOCAL ■ FEES HIKE

Two Hidalgo County cross-border bridges will raise the toll price by a quarter from $1.50 to $1.75 starting on Jan. 1.The HidalgoReynosa and PharrReynosa international bridges hope to raise enough money to spend on other bridge and border projects.

According to George Ramon, director of the Hidalgo Int’l.

Bridge, the extra money should come to about $1.5 million a year.

LOCAL walked away from the game as UTPA’s scoring leader.

The outcome against Houston Quest had been predicted to be much more in the Broncs favor, but the Quest were far better than they had been in the past. And the intensity of center Matthew White and guard Jerimiah Gambrell fueled Houston, and kept the lead changing hands throughout the game. White, who tied Holcomb with 22 points for the day, gave the Quest their final lead of the game when he hit a three pointer with 6:02 left in the first half. But forward Delvis Diaz and guard Eric Montalvo, who had been quiet offensively, both had flurries late in the second half, and the unexpected points gave the Broncs their unchallenged lead.

But the Aggies and Golden Hurricanes are not as easily silenced as Houston Quest. If the Broncs have any chance of walking away with victories they will have to convert on more shots. It is especially important for the team to win in what is its first semi-home tournament. A big crowd is expected on the island for a tourney that will be televised regionally on FoxSportsnet (cable 63).

“We want to be more consistent in offensive output,” Hoffman said. “If somebody is on a roll we’re going to keep going to that guy in hopes that we can get something out of it.”

Fortunately for Hoffman freshman Derrick East, who looked nervous in his first ever Division I appearance,

overcame nerves and came up with some clutch shots to help the Broncs succeed last weekend. East, who is the tallest member of the Broncs at 6foot-8 will have to once again be a surprising force off the bench if there is to be any chance at Bronc victory this weekend.

“East is a freshman,” said Hoffman.

“Every time out will be a new experience for him.”

Also key to a successful Bronc outing will be the consistency of senior guard Kevin Mitchell’s threepoint attempts. Mitchell who was 4of-8 from the outside in the exhibition game against Monterrey Tech , was held to 1-of-6 in their game against Quest. If Mitchell is cold from the perimeter in these two upcoming games there is little chance for victory.

The same is true for sophomore guard Eric Montalvo, who put up a blistering 22 points in the team’s first outing, but didn’t get going until the last five minutes of the Houston Quest game. Without multiple scoring threats the Broncs will be doomed to failure.

BRIAN CARR

For an in-depth breakdown of each team, see page 15

THURSDAY

Campus

■ SUSPECT DIES

The Edinburg man who is responsible for a five-hour standoff Tuesday evening died at McAllen Medical Center yesterday. Francisco Javier Sanchez shot himself in the head at his Edinburg home and died while he was on life-support.

Investigators are seeking a suspect who was involved in various convenience stores robberies in Weslaco and Pharr.

A surveillance video was released that showed both Sanchez and the second suspect in robbery attempts Tuesday. The second suspect faces robbery and attempted murder charges once he’s captured.

Two More Weeks!

November 21, 2002

An Inside Look: News ............................................2 A & E............................................7 ■ Sports ........................................16 ■ ■

T h e S t u d e n t N e w s p a p e r o f T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f Te x a s - P a n A m e r i c a n

Butts down: Smokeout

By CLARISSA MARTINEZ The Pan American Attention smokers: the American Cancer Society is asking you to put down your pack for 24 hours.

The time is here again for the Great American Smokeout, a nationally recognized event that challenges people to stop using tobacco and tries to raise awareness about the many effective ways to leave the habit.

Today marks the 26th version of the effort to help smokers quit cigarettes for at least one day.

The American Cancer Society reports that people tend to quit smoking on this day more than any other day of the year.

For people thinking about quitting, the Great American Smokeout offers public support and a feeling of camaraderie with others who are giving up cigarettes for the day. Statistics from the Society shows that many people never pick up a cigarette after the Smokeout, especially if they have planned to participate in the day in advance.

The event grew out of a 1971 event in Randolph, Mass., in which Arthur P. Mullaney asked people to give up cigarettes for a day and donate the money they would have spent on cigarettes to a high school scholarship fund.

In 1974, Lynn R. Smith, editor of the Monticello (Minn.) Times, spearheaded the state's first DDay, or Don't Smoke Day. The idea caught on, and on Nov. 18, 1976, the California division of the American Cancer Society succeeded in getting nearly 1 million smokers to quit for the day. The first national Great American Smokeout was held a year later.

Though the event has been mildly popular around college campuses, some students at the University of Texas-Pan American seem to be thinking twice about taking part in the Great American Smokeout.

“I’ve been smoking for about five years around a pack a day,” said Angela Lopez a freshman English major. “It doesn’t really

matter to me what people say, I know that it isn’t healthy but maybe I’ll stop some day.”

David Cordova, a freshman majoring in computer information systems, said he lost a family member to lung cancer.

“Honestly I think it’s a really bad habit that’s hard to quit. My relative died of lung cancer so I don’t understand how people can smoke knowing how it hurts your health.”

According to the American Lung Association, an estimated 154,900 people will die of lung cancer during 2002, accounting for 28 percent of all cancer deaths.

The most important cause of lung cancer in the US is cigarette smoking. It is estimated that 87 percent of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. From 1995 to 1999, an average of 124,813 Americans (80,571 males and 44,242 females) died of smoking attributable lung cancer annually.

Smoking-attributable annual lung cancer death rates range from a high in Kentucky of 121.4 per 100,000 to a low in Utah of 38.7 per 100,000.

In Texas, kids annually smoke more than 15 million packs of cigarettes worth $39 million, according to survey results released by the Texas Department of Health.

Laura Perez, a freshman education major, said she began smoking young since she was around family members and friends who smoked.

“No one really tells me that I should quit smoking or that it’s bad for me, but I know about all of the problems smoking brings,” Perez said. “I do quit before the year is over, though.”

Freshman biology major Joe Ochoa said he doesn’t smoke but knows many people who do.

“Smoking just isn’t good for your health. I heard that every cigarette takes seven minutes off a person’s life,” Ochoa said.

“On the other hand, I don’t think it’s my place to tell my friends that they shouldn’t smoke. They don’t tell me what to do, so I don’t tell them, it’s their life and their decision.”

Arianna Vazquez/The Pan American

OVER EASY— This fossilized reptile egg found locally is being analyzed by the physics and geology department. There will be a Fossil Day next year to pronounce findings.

Valley’s Muslims seek understanding

By JENNIFER TAPIA The Pan American Since the recent war on terrorism, Muslims in the United States have at times been worried about a backlash because Muslims are at the root of many of the acts. The vast majority of them are not doing anything wrong, they say, and are law-abiding American citizens or recent immigrants.

Several Muslims who are now living in the Rio Grande Valley are finding it easier to interact here with others. They have been able to outdistance the occasional slur or sideward glance.

In fact, Mohammed Farooqui, chair of the biology department at the University of Texas-Pan American, says some Valley natives have offered their assistance during this time of trouble. He adds that

the Muslim population is growing rapidly in the Valley.

“In 1994 that I know of, there was four families here,” said Farooqui. “Now we have 200 families here.”

Farooqui who is also president of the Islamic Society of South Texas, says the organization helps Muslim families gather together for prayer.

He adds that this organization was established in 1997 for the purpose of educating Muslims and other people on the Islam religion.

“For non-Muslims we have them come to our meetings too,” said Farooqui. “It is also word of mouth, we like to tell people about our religion.”

The organization also plans to establish a school for the children. Meanwhile, Farooqui says, they have Sunday school

See MUSLIMS page 4