September 11, 2008

Remembering September 11, 2001; See Page 2 YEARS

THE

PAN

65

Volume 65, No. 3

AMERICAN T H E

U N I V E R S I T Y

O F

T E X A S - PA N

September 11, 2008

SINCE 1943

T LOCAL

T ACADEMIC

UTPA prepares for Ike University implements protocol ahead of Hurricane Ike’s landfall

By Brian Silva THE PAN AMERICAN Hurricane Ike is likely to have a significant impact on a large portion of the Texas coast. With a possibility of effects impacting UTPA, university officials are preparing the campus.

Yesterday e-mails were sent out to students, faculty and staff regarding the hurricane.

A message from the Office of University Relations said the university is closely monitoring the hurricane.

“With the possibility of heavy rains and other weather conditions from the storm, UTPA administrators are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the campus and community of students, faculty and staff,” the message said.

Director of Physical Plant Oscar Villarreal said administrators had met all day Wednesday.

“We’ve been doing our standard hurricane defense procedures, like checking generators, checking

A M E R I C A N

drainage areas and checking roofs,” Villarreal said. “Every storm is different, so we have to be patient and watch the storm.”

The Crisis Management Team, the organization that makes recommendations to President Blandina Cardenas in crisis moments, will continue to meet as long as Ike poses a threat to the area.

Villarreal said that in addition to meeting with the departments that make up the Crisis Management Team, the university is working from local emergency management officials with the City of Edinburg and Hidalgo County.

University officials urged the UTPA community to stay tuned to local media for updates and to check the school’s Web site for notifications.

If classes are canceled or the campus is closed, a message will be sent out to the UTPA community from the President’s Office or the Office of University Relations via e-mail, Broncnotes, and the university’s website, www.utpa.edu.

Rio Grande Valley Hurricane Emergency Contacts UNIVERSITY HURRICANE INFORMATION www.utpa.edu/hurricane 1-866-967-2626 or (956) 292-SAFE (7233) www.utpa.edu/police LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION Statewide Road Conditions call toll free (800) 452-9292 http://www.southtexasredcross.org/ Hidalgo Emergency Management (956) 318-2615 or (956) 289-7887 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION www.nhc.noaa.gov www.ready.gov

Chemistry major selected for forum

By J.R. Ortega THE PAN AMERICAN Most of 22-year-old Robert Rodriguez’s day has been spent in Science Lab Room 3.420. As he works diligently in the lab, one does not question why the senior chemistry major has been chosen to present his research in October at the Minority Trainee Research Forum for his study in antibiotics and anti-cancer medicine.

Rodriguez’s research in antibiotics and anti-cancer medicine focuses on how Beta-lactam antibiotics, a ring structure used in restraining bacterial cell-wall creation, can be used to attack cancer cells without affecting healthy cells in the human body.

“Each step is a challenge, once you get past that challenge, your next step is another challenge,” the University of Texas-Pan American student said about his daily routine. “I spend about eight hours a day in that room, it takes a few months just to get passed something.”

Twelve students across the country were selected through a grant sponsored by the National Institute of Health. Most selectees have conduct-

SEE CHEMISTRY || PAGE 11

T ADMINISTRATIVE

Materials management names new director

By Adriana Acosta THE PAN AMERICAN The Department of Materials Management, which oversees all purchasing for The University of TexasPan American, has a new director of materials management, Norma Dryer.

Dryer became director two weeks ago after the previous director, Frances Rios, was promoted to assistant vice president for business affairs and director of human resources.

The department makes sure that all orders, from new furniture, computers and other purchase requests for all university departments are executed smoothly.

“We process requisitions from

INDEX

departments when they want to purchase items,” she said. “It could be goods or services for the university.”

Items purchased through the department have to total Dryer more than $5,000.

Purchases that are restricted from the small purchase order guide can be ordered through this department.

Dryer’s other responsibilities include advising university departments how to complete lease agreements, rentals and revenue contracts.

“A department can ask for assistance for setting up a contract like for

OPINIONS

PG. 2

a vending machine, that’s when we help,” she said.

If a professor requires equipment for a research project and it requires particular equipment [computer, chemistry equipment] the job of the processor is to request a quote from the supplier.

Once the quote has been requested, the department gets the requisition and attaches information needed for the buyer.

The buyer’s job is to review specifications and approve the request after vendors agree to terms and conditions.

Dryer holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Universidad de las Americas and a masters of science degree in industrial

NEWS

PG. 3

engineering from Texas A&MKingsville.

She also holds an international recognized certification program and obtained a Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M) from the Institute for Supply Management.

The UT System Board of Regents requires that anyone who processes purchases for the state must be certified.

There are three types of certifications: state nationwide certification and international certification according to Dryer.

She had 18 months to compete the certification and had she not done so, the office could not continue to purchase for the university.

A&E

PG. 7

After working at the maquiladors in Mexico, Dryer was employed by UTPA as a procurement supervisor; she was in this position for four years.

She then became the contracts coordinator and was in charge of creating procedures and training for the department.

After Rios left in December 2007, Dryer was appointed as interim director.

She held dual responsibilities as director and contracts coordinator before the official announcement of the position.

Dryer brings nine years of experience to the position and hopes to continue the same practices as well as facilitate new projects with vendors.

SPORTS

PG. 13

UTPA Generations: The Series Watch for Bronc history lessons intermittently throughout the semester Aug. 25 - Introduction Sept. 4 - ‘20s & ‘30s Sept. 25 - ‘40s & ‘50s Oct. 16 - ‘60s & ‘70s Nov. 6 - ‘80s & ‘90s Dec. 3 - 2000 & Beyond

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September 11, 2008

THE PAN AMERICAN

Sept. 11, 2008

V 65, No. 3

Seven years gone

By J.R. Ortega THE PAN AMERICAN

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 www.utpa.edu/dept/panamerican

EDITOR IN CHIEF J.R. Ortega / ortega.e.jr@gmail.com NEWS EDITOR Abigail Muniz / abby.muniz@yahoo.com A&E EDITOR Laura Garcia / laurad500@hotmail.com SPORTS EDITORS Ramiro Paez / ramiropaez@aol.com Gregorio Garza / the_nataku@yahoo.com PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Roxy Solis / roxysolis34@yahoo.com DESIGN EDITOR Roy Bazan / rbazanzz@yahoo.com

Sometimes it feels like only yesterday; the day the nation’s security and comfort zone was encroached upon.

The images we have seen on television – whether we believe so or not – have been branded into the memories of all those whom bare witness to the day America was woken up from the American Dream.

Has the day of Sept. 11 become nothing more but a date? Though it has only been seven years, it seems as though the images have been shown so often that the nation has grown cold toward the day.

The day of remembrance is slowly beginning to remind me of Pearl Harbor, it is still commemorated but it seems to slowly be forgotten. Did our

nation really change for the better or has society become numb to the events of that day?

This week The University of Texas-Pan American Student Union had a poster board where students could write down their thoughts about 9/11.

I can’t help but feel that sometimes students are signing it without much feeling other than basic respect.

Having respect is one thing, but really feeling solemn about 9/11 is much different.

The ones that may feel that way not just on 9/11 but every day are probably those directly affected; family members, friends and those who witnessed the terrorist attack first hand.

The American people have grown content with expecting the unexpected.

COPY EDITOR Adriana Acosta / acostaa@hotmail.com REPORTERS, DESIGNERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Alvaro Balderas Russen Vela Isaac Garcia Andrielle Figueroa Onydia Garza Ben Briones Rick Gamez Ana Villaurrutia Pedro Perez IV ADVISER

Dr. Greg Selber --- selberg@utpa.edu SECRETARY

Anita Reyes --- areyes18@utpa.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER Samantha Quintana --- spubs@utpa.edu

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

After attending the University of Texas-Pan American for two years now, the major issue that arises every year is the parking situation.

I have heard students complaining about how they have to arrive hours before their classes start in order to park.

For some, this extra time is helpful to get in some extra study time but for those who work or have to take care of their children prior to coming to class it can be extremely stressful.

Some only have a few minutes to get from the parking lot at the baseball stadium to their class and have to fight the other students who wants the same parking space as they do.

Then, they walk into class late and the professor either becomes aggravated or does not let the student enter the class because he/she have started lecturing.

The university has seen an increase in the number of individuals

attending over the past decade.

According to the article, “UTPA spring enrollment increases by more than six percent,” written in 2005 by Melissa C. Rodriguez, Public Affairs Specialist, said “enrollment at UT Pan American is expected to be 29,451” (Rodriguez) in 2015.

If we are having parking problems now, how are we going to deal with an increase in the number of students in the future? Since we have limited space to spread outward why notspread upward.

According to Jason Robbins, a former student of both UTPA and Texas State University, he found a loft parking lot to be helpful.

He did not mind paying the daily fees to park in the facility because it allowed him to get to class on time.

We need to take action now so we can be ready for the future of this institution.

A recent article published by The Pan American spoke of some new additions to the police department to ensure our safety. My concern, however, is about the safety of the students wallets.

The new T3’s were estimated to cost about 9,000 each, but where exactly is the money for these chariots coming from? It is an important part of the story that I think was left out.

Though I see the need for getting to the scene of the crime before the

criminal gets away scot-free, some of the concerns students have voiced were about what else the police are using these machines for. (i.e. going through parking lots and handing out tickets, and finding other ways to suck our pockets dry).

All sarcasm aside, where did the money for these things come from?

Chelsea Lyssy Junior

Cassie Reyes Senior

How did September 11 have an impact on your life?

Juan Torne, mechanical engineering sophomore

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

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

T LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

“Border regulations and security, I get interviewed so much more, and stopped at the bridge for no reason, my profile just sucks, I’m born in Venezuela but I have Egyptian stamps on my passport.”

Ashley Arsola, business freshman Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

REMEMBER - Gabriel Cabrera, a 21-year-old junior mechanical engineering major, signs a Remember 9/11 poster made available in the Student Union.

“I have an uncle in the army and he’s going to Iraq, so that’s really impacted us too, because we don’t get to see him that much.”

Dates to Know:

September 11, 2008

16 de Septiembre Festival

Bachelor’s Graduation Application Deadline

Sept. 16, 2008 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Quad Area

Sept. 15, 2008 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Payments and Collections Page 3

THE PAN AMERICAN

T CAMPUS

New committee set to plan Spirit Week

By Nayelly Barrios THE PAN AMERICAN This year during Spirit Week in November students at the University of Texas-Pan American will enjoy events organized by a committee composed of various departments at the university.

The organization of events used to

be headed by the Office of the Dean of Students, before it was changed this summer to a committee headed by a chair from the Office of Student Development.

Some of the departments and students organizations included in the committee are the Office of Student Development, Leadership Academy,

Student Union, University Program Board, Wellness and Recreational Sports Center, Greek Council.

“It’s going to have more, I think, variety because it’s not just one person thinking of all the events, it’s going to be various people,” said Jorge Zamora, program coordinator at the OSD and Spirit Week committee

chair.

“Each department or each area is responsible for a certain activity during the week and they’re going to use their ideas, their uniqueness to make that event the best that they possibly can.

Some of the anticipated features for this year’s action, set for Nov. 3-Nov.

SEENANDCAPTURED

7, are the Spirit Walk and a car-decorating event. Organizers are also hoping to incorporate games with athletes and have radio remotes at the events.

“And of course the traditional Midnight Madness Tailgate party which UPB is going to be pretty much heading up, so there’s going to be a

SEE SPIRIT || PAGE 12

T PROGRAMS

Study abroad program tops second in state

By Abby Flores THE PAN AMERICAN

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

MEET SUE - University maintanence crews worked all day Thursday to help assemble Sue the T.Rex, the most complete and preserved dinosaur ever excavated. Sue will be on display beginning Sept. 22.

T TECHNOLOGY

Different cultures around the world have always been interesting to some people, and especially now with globalization and such diversity in the United States, there’s an opportunity to learn something new from someone new. Travel is another option when it comes to seeking difference.

At The University of Texas-Pan American, students seem to be on board with this trend, with the second largest number of college students participating in international programs in the state after The University of Texas Austin. Traveling to another place has become a regular occurrence for UTPA students in the past decade or so. The university outreach began with a 1995 program that sent 15 students to Puebla, Mexico, to study abroad. Twelve years later in 2006-2007, there were 430 students going elsewhere for study, to countries all over the world.

SEE PROGRAM || PAGE 12

T ACADEMIC

More online classes SOAR prepares sophomores offered, worries arise

By Abigail Muniz THE PAN AMERICAN

By Ana Villaurrutia THE PAN AMERICAN For Carlos Caro, taking Theory in Anthropology was easier the second time, because this time he could complete the work in the comfort of his own room.

“I’d be in my room in pajamas and I’d get my work done,” said Caro, a senior social studies composite major.

Caro has chosen to take online courses instead of traditional in class courses. Online courses have been offered at the University of Texas-Pan American since 1995, and their popularity has steadily increased. Today there are about 80 courses offered online, including a number of upperdivision ones.

SEE ONLINE || PAGE 12

The college sophomore is much like the middle child of college students, and has long had to face challenges that as freshmen, they may not have encountered. The possibility of changing majors, whether they should study abroad, or looking ahead on their degree plan, are all instances in which a sophomore might need guidance.

An annual conference was initiated to guide students early in their second year and inform them on the many resources offered at The University of Texas-Pan American.

The conference, Sophomore Opportunities and Resources, Upward and Onward, will be held Sept. 12 from 12:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

SOAR was designed with the needs of the sophomore student in mind, Noelia Hernandez, one of the coordinators of the conference said. A

committee of different departments across the university is in charge of it.

“It’s a collaborative effort,” Hernandez said.

The Sophomore Academic Mentoring Program at UTPA, a peermentoring program in which juniors and seniors mentor 17 sophomore protégés within their college, first started in Spring 2007 and is under the University Retention Academic Program and like SOAR, its objective

SEE SOAR || PAGE 12

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September 11, 2008

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September 11, 2008

Dates to Know: Free Hugs

Student film auditions: The L.G.M. Project

Sept. 11 Look for hugs in the Quad, Student Union, tree circle, library and SBSC building from noon to 1 p.m.

Sept. 18 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

COAS Rm. 107

September 11, 2008

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THE PAN AMERICAN

T CAMPUS QUALITY

Push positivity

By Andrielle Figueroa THE PAN AMERICAN Want to spread love and positivity across The University of Texas-Pan American? Look no further, the worldwide organization Free Hugs recently began a UTPA chapter that may be for you.

Victor Ituarte, a 21-year-old advertising and public relations major, started the campus version of the Free Hug movement in 2007, however it only became a temporary campus organization in January this year.

“The whole movement started in Australia back in 2004, with this man who calls himself Juan Mann,” Ituarte explained.

Mann, according to the official history found on www.freehugscampaign.org, felt lonely and wanted comfort after moving from London, England back to his hometown in Sydney, Australia. He wrote up a sign that simply read: “Free Hugs” and stood on the busiest pedestrian walkway in Sydney.

At first no one acknowledged him, and then one woman tapped him on his shoulder and explained she had just lost her dog that morning and it was the one-year anniversary of the death of her only daughter.

All she wanted was a hug; once they parted, she had a smile on her face.

Ituarte said he gets a little choked

up every time he hears the story.

“I get emotional because she is obviously going through a hard time and what if Juan Mann wasn’t there?” he questioned.

In 2007, the UTPA Free Hugs effort was comprised of volunteers and their friends. Ituarte said he knew there would be people who did not want a hug, but he also found there were actually many people who stopped to give them, people from all different walks of life.

Students on campus are starting to become familiar with the UTPA huggers.

“If a guy was holding the sign, maybe. If a girl was holding the sign I would be more inclined to receive a hug,” Aldo Ceja, a 22-year-old psychology major said. “If I really needed a hug though, of course I would take one.”

Simon Chrisco Alexander, 24-yearold graphic design major said men might show signs of machismo.

“Yeah, I would give Victor a hug; I think I already gave him one,” Alexander said. “Guys would probably want to do it, but wouldn’t because their friends would think they are gay. I think hugs can be incredibly powerful, honestly.”

From the girls’ point of view, Lorena Balli, a 21-year-old biology major, believes that guys would be more reluctant to receive hugs than

with Free Hugs responsibility and representation of the group.

Ituarte wants Free Hugs to go hand-in-hand with other groups so in the upcoming semester, he will be working with the Association of Vegan and Vegetarian Awareness, the Psychology club and the Black Student Association. Ituarte also

girls.

“Girls would probably go in for hugs,” she said. “Because girls are more sentimental then guys. Guys are more hesitant because they are thinking ‘I can’t hug, I’m a dude.”

Now that the group is an official organization there are rules to being a hugger on campus. A student has to sign a “promise” that they will follow the rules, Ituarte stated.

For example: No lifting while hugging, due to physical conditions, unless you know them personally, keep hugs short, have good hygiene, and offer hugs with open arms.

Huggers must smile and spread the information on a movement that has spread to over 40 countries. It is also crucial to not respond to any negative feedback purposely given; if there are questions asked, just respond without attitude. Some may see it as giving hugs; in reality it is a

extends an invitation to any organization that would like to have joint events with Free Hugs.

“Doing something positive might make all the difference in the world,” Ituarte said. “If we live in a world that can turn negativity into something contagious, why not push something positive in the system.”

Courtesy of Free Hugs Campaign

TAKE ONE - Senior volleyball player Deanna Schneyer offers free hugs to students walking by. Look for hugs today in the Student Union.

T LOCAL ARTS

Chavez presents Sweet Dreams and Nightmares

By Russen Vela THE PAN AMERICAN Art exhibitions are always a sight to see. The exhibitions from the artist themselves can be taunting, beautiful or just downright weird, but still enjoyable to discuss and debate about.

The Rio Grande Valley has seen its share of art exhibitions such as the Torture Instruments Through the Ages at the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) in McAllen. The Torture exhibition, which started Feb. 9, will finally end its reign of terror in December. But in truth, art lovers of the Valley will probably enjoy the Sweet Dreams and Nightmares exhibit at the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum, due to the originality of its young artist.

San Benito native Lisette Chavez, who now resides in Harlingen, has

brought her exhibition to the public of Harlingen for the first time, and said she hopes her work will be seen by interested patrons Valleywide. Her exhibition started Aug. 26 and will end Nov. 8.

“I am a visual artist who enjoys working via mixed media on paper,” said Chavez. The 26-year-old also expressed that her pieces are primarily figurative and serve as an insight into her observations based on human life.

Chavez explained that mixed media is a visual art, which refers to an artwork in which more than one medium is employed. She also stated that a work on canvas that combines paint, ink, and a form of collage could properly be called a mixed media project.

“Sometimes I draw with color pencils or pens, sometimes I use acrylic

paints and spray paints, said Chavez excitedly. “I like to use a combination of materials and most recently I’ve begun to use fabric and lace.”

Chavez, a 2003 Incarnate Word University graduate, received her bachelor’s degree in art. When asked why she chose the title Sweet Dreams and Nightmares, for her exhibit, Chavez replied the pieces of art she created are about how life in general can be bitter and sweet.

“My work covers the spectrum of the human condition, both life and death; beginnings and endings,” Chavez said. “It is a metaphor for the disintegration of our morals and the frailty of human life. Most importantly, it is a self-investigation of my past experiences, thoughts and dreams.”

Chavez said she realized that adults are confronted with good and evil, and when choosing between the two

they have the opportunity to become a blessing to those around them or a curse on the world.

“The loss of morals and family values throughout our culture, especially within my generation, is most obvious when the immoral choice is made.”

One mixed media Chavez has showcased which explains her art is that of a fetus of a baby surrounded by guns and weapons which Chavez so brilliantly titled Some Babies Never Stop Crying suggesting to the violence which small children are brought up in, in the Rio Grande Valley, and especially in Mexico.

Chavez explained that her inspiration for the exhibition was brought on by her Mexican heritage, which reinforced her beliefs through such celebrations as Dia De Los Muertos.

“Death is perceived as transitional, rather than as an end,” she explained.

“I examine relationships among human beings and the various characters that each person plays within society. In an effort to conform, one becomes a puppet, wearing multiple masks—one for each situation.”

Some of Chavez’s work in the exhibition includes a young woman dressed in a pink ruffled dress, which represents a girl’s innocence getting lost in the woods. The image is somewhat frightening because the young girl has the appearance of a skeleton and all around her are dark, villainous trees. One could tie the two themes together as a young girl getting lost, and losing her innocence. Chavez explained that her work is dark, but also colorful because it explores the days of innocence, and then the descent into madness and chaos, hence the title of

SEE EXHIBIT || PAGE 10

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September 11, 2008

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Photos by Isaac Garcia

Design by Rick Gamez

September 11, 2008

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Cafe Ambrosia hosts AfterWalk

By Isaac Garcia THE PAN AMERICAN The sweat beaded off local vendors in the glaring sun as they diligently set up merchant booths next to Ambrosia Coffee Shop for Friday’s ArtWalk. But it was all worth it, as they geared up for the very first AfterWalk, enjoying art and music into the night.

For those who don’t know, the event is held on the first Friday of every month, in the Main Street Arts District of downtown McAllen, which runs from Expressway 83 to Hackberry Avenue. Local artists, vendors and musicians gather to feature their work and to network. The show attracts a diverse crowd of people from all walks of life that share an appreciation for the arts. The AfterWalk is an offshoot of the original ArtWalk concept.

Nick Anzaldua, 22, from Granjeno, and owner of Ambrosia Coffee Shop on 610 North Main, came up with the AfterWalk idea when he noticed that people didn’t have a place to go after the ArtWalk ended. Anzaldua thought it would be a perfect opportunity for the community to continue celebrating, buying, appreciating, and listening to live acts.

“It’s pretty cool, we’re staying open later than usual and vendors can keep selling their goods,” he said. “People can stop by and listen to a few bands that will be playing.”

Vendors at the artist market, who connected to Ambrosia Coffee Shop, were all thrilled to stay, keep selling and networking.

Art-N-Soul vendor Nikki Villarreal, 27, senior sculpture major at UTPA, and Paul Alvarez, a 20-year-old sophomore art major, created Art-N-Soul to make and sell art they describe as hands-on and unique. Some of their items include paintings, handmade bags, earrings, pins, pendants and rings, much of it with a Dia de los Muertos theme. “ I just love the colorfulness of Mexican folk art; it’s my culture and I really got into the theme after my grandmother passed away,” explained Villarreal.

Villarreal and Alvarez arrived at 5 p.m. outside of Ambrosia Coffee Shop to set up their table on Friday. Both had been up until 2 in the morning the night before putting the finishing touches on their work.

“If all goes well, hopefully the AfterWalk will continue, it’s really a great chance for people to come and socialize, have a great time and buy arts and crafts,” Villarreal said.

They have been selling at the ArtWalk since April and believe that the event is great for Art-N-Soul; they usually pocket about $200 every time, and note that staying open later is a boost.

Craft shopping during the AfterWalk at the merchant tables next to Ambrosia was 18-year-old Sasha Rodriguez from San Juan, a freshman nursing major at South Texas College.

Rodriguez spent $6 on a jewelry box that was shaped like a

star and hand crafted with purple and black stripes.

“It’s unique and something that you don’t see very often,” she said.

One booth down from Art-N-Soul, was 21-year-old Monika Cavasos from McAllen. Her Monikapolitan booth, with handmade and vintage crafts, reflecting past times in fashion of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, had many teenage girls lined up, ready to buy Cavazos’ crafts.

“A lot of what I sell is for girls; cute earrings and bags,” said Cavazos, who also explained that this was her first time attending the ArtWalk; she enjoyed the atmosphere.

“I’m staying all night for the AfterWalk and also looking forward to coming and vending at the art-walks more often,” she said.

As the large crowds dwindled after 10 p.m., people started gathering at Ambrosia Coffee Shop, right as the AfterWalk got under way.

Waiting nearby as musicians prepared to take the stage was 23-year-old Sara Martinez, a recent UTPA film graduate from Edinburg.

Martinez, who heard of the AfterWalk through MySpace and word of mouth, was in the company of friends.

“The AfterWalk is a great thing, for people not ready to stop having fun, plus the music is great,” said Martinez.

As the crowd gathered, the lights dimmed and the opening act took the stage at Ambrosia Coffee Shop.

Bradley Wilkinson, 25, from McAllen and Austin, who was vending during the ArtWalk and the AfterWalk, took time off to open the night.

Armed with only his acoustic guitar and a microphone, Wilkinson entertained a medium sized crowd, eager to continue celebrating.

Rock band Kafe kept the entertainment going with songs both in English and Spanish as the crowds clapped along.

Also performing was Hope for the Stars, an ambient and instrumental band and Audio Hallucinogen, an acoustic and electronica band from Mission.

Ambient music is characterized by quiet and repetitive instrumental melodies and electronica and relies on the heavy use of synthesizers.

The AfterWalk at Ambrosia stayed open until 1:30 am even though Anzadlua expected it to end at midnight.

“Everybody wins. Ambrosia stays open and makes a little extra cash and so do the vendors. People seem to be having a great time, so why stop the fun,” said Anzaldua The next ArtWalk will be held Friday, Oct. 3, and Anzaldua is positive that the AfterWalk will continue so that artists, vendors and musicians will gather at Ambrosia Coffee Shop to continue the celebration. “ Instead of breaking your head over where to hang out or what to do after the ArtWalk, we’ve got you covered with music, art and celebration,” he said.

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September 11, 2008

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Photos by Isaac Garcia

Design by Rick Gamez

September 11, 2008

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Cafe Ambrosia hosts AfterWalk

By Isaac Garcia THE PAN AMERICAN The sweat beaded off local vendors in the glaring sun as they diligently set up merchant booths next to Ambrosia Coffee Shop for Friday’s ArtWalk. But it was all worth it, as they geared up for the very first AfterWalk, enjoying art and music into the night.

For those who don’t know, the event is held on the first Friday of every month, in the Main Street Arts District of downtown McAllen, which runs from Expressway 83 to Hackberry Avenue. Local artists, vendors and musicians gather to feature their work and to network. The show attracts a diverse crowd of people from all walks of life that share an appreciation for the arts. The AfterWalk is an offshoot of the original ArtWalk concept.

Nick Anzaldua, 22, from Granjeno, and owner of Ambrosia Coffee Shop on 610 North Main, came up with the AfterWalk idea when he noticed that people didn’t have a place to go after the ArtWalk ended. Anzaldua thought it would be a perfect opportunity for the community to continue celebrating, buying, appreciating, and listening to live acts.

“It’s pretty cool, we’re staying open later than usual and vendors can keep selling their goods,” he said. “People can stop by and listen to a few bands that will be playing.”

Vendors at the artist market, who connected to Ambrosia Coffee Shop, were all thrilled to stay, keep selling and networking.

Art-N-Soul vendor Nikki Villarreal, 27, senior sculpture major at UTPA, and Paul Alvarez, a 20-year-old sophomore art major, created Art-N-Soul to make and sell art they describe as hands-on and unique. Some of their items include paintings, handmade bags, earrings, pins, pendants and rings, much of it with a Dia de los Muertos theme. “ I just love the colorfulness of Mexican folk art; it’s my culture and I really got into the theme after my grandmother passed away,” explained Villarreal.

Villarreal and Alvarez arrived at 5 p.m. outside of Ambrosia Coffee Shop to set up their table on Friday. Both had been up until 2 in the morning the night before putting the finishing touches on their work.

“If all goes well, hopefully the AfterWalk will continue, it’s really a great chance for people to come and socialize, have a great time and buy arts and crafts,” Villarreal said.

They have been selling at the ArtWalk since April and believe that the event is great for Art-N-Soul; they usually pocket about $200 every time, and note that staying open later is a boost.

Craft shopping during the AfterWalk at the merchant tables next to Ambrosia was 18-year-old Sasha Rodriguez from San Juan, a freshman nursing major at South Texas College.

Rodriguez spent $6 on a jewelry box that was shaped like a

star and hand crafted with purple and black stripes.

“It’s unique and something that you don’t see very often,” she said.

One booth down from Art-N-Soul, was 21-year-old Monika Cavasos from McAllen. Her Monikapolitan booth, with handmade and vintage crafts, reflecting past times in fashion of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, had many teenage girls lined up, ready to buy Cavazos’ crafts.

“A lot of what I sell is for girls; cute earrings and bags,” said Cavazos, who also explained that this was her first time attending the ArtWalk; she enjoyed the atmosphere.

“I’m staying all night for the AfterWalk and also looking forward to coming and vending at the art-walks more often,” she said.

As the large crowds dwindled after 10 p.m., people started gathering at Ambrosia Coffee Shop, right as the AfterWalk got under way.

Waiting nearby as musicians prepared to take the stage was 23-year-old Sara Martinez, a recent UTPA film graduate from Edinburg.

Martinez, who heard of the AfterWalk through MySpace and word of mouth, was in the company of friends.

“The AfterWalk is a great thing, for people not ready to stop having fun, plus the music is great,” said Martinez.

As the crowd gathered, the lights dimmed and the opening act took the stage at Ambrosia Coffee Shop.

Bradley Wilkinson, 25, from McAllen and Austin, who was vending during the ArtWalk and the AfterWalk, took time off to open the night.

Armed with only his acoustic guitar and a microphone, Wilkinson entertained a medium sized crowd, eager to continue celebrating.

Rock band Kafe kept the entertainment going with songs both in English and Spanish as the crowds clapped along.

Also performing was Hope for the Stars, an ambient and instrumental band and Audio Hallucinogen, an acoustic and electronica band from Mission.

Ambient music is characterized by quiet and repetitive instrumental melodies and electronica and relies on the heavy use of synthesizers.

The AfterWalk at Ambrosia stayed open until 1:30 am even though Anzadlua expected it to end at midnight.

“Everybody wins. Ambrosia stays open and makes a little extra cash and so do the vendors. People seem to be having a great time, so why stop the fun,” said Anzaldua The next ArtWalk will be held Friday, Oct. 3, and Anzaldua is positive that the AfterWalk will continue so that artists, vendors and musicians will gather at Ambrosia Coffee Shop to continue the celebration. “ Instead of breaking your head over where to hang out or what to do after the ArtWalk, we’ve got you covered with music, art and celebration,” he said.

Page 9

Page 10

September 11, 2008

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

T TECH NEWS

T TV CORNER

Webmaster shares skills in craft

By Marco Carbajal THE PAN AMERICAN When one truly yearns to learn the French language, one must journey to France. When one truly yearns to learn the Norwegian language, one must journey to Norway. Likewise, when one truly yearns to learn the HTML language, one simply must journey to the Café Ambrosia.

Tony Navarra, a Web site designer from McAllen, is offering a free class on how to build your own Web site on Sept. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Café Ambrosia located at 610 N. Main St. in McAllen.

HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is the main language used to create Web sites. Web pages written in HTML code easily combine text, pictures, sounds and links all in one place.

Because HTML files are plain text files, they can easily be composed on

any computer and simply uploaded to a Web site, making Navarra’s free two hour course simple for any beginner.

Navarra, a Valley transplant originally from the San Francisco Bay area, has been working in the Web industry for the last 10 years but only recently began to design Web sites on his own locally.

“I’ve been designing Web sites for individuals or organizations - companies, churches, clubs - so that they can create a presence on the Web,” he said.

While the idea of creating an entire Web site in two hours may seem daunting to most, Navarra said he confidently believes that it is completely do-able even for a complete beginner.

“If you can open Microsoft Word and type a letter, you can do this,” he said. “In the last few years, the tools and software to create Web sites has become more freely available and is

easier to use.”

In fact, Navarra said the software he will be using in the class Sept. 16 is so customizable, that anyone can create a sophisticated looking site in no time, complete with forums, calendar and even a blog.

Shirley Rickett of Alamo, a writer, learned first-hand just how simple having your own Web site can be.

Navarra helped her build her own, http://www.swrickettpoetry.com, to help expose her writing to a larger audience.

“It’s just a matter of filling things in,” Rickett said. “After the Web site was up, I just input my biography, upcoming events, my publishing history and some of my poems.”

The online exposure has helped to generate publicity for her poetry and her forthcoming book, Dinner in Oslo.

Rickett said that before she had her own Web site, she was only familiar with basic computer tasks. With

Navarra’s help, she has come to realize how simple it can actually be.

Darline Gracia, 21, a graphic design major from Weslaco, is considering taking the free course herself.

“I do a variety of art in different mediums,” she explained. “Having my own Web site would be a great way to get my work out there. Being able to create a complete Web site in just two hours sounds awesome.”

Navarra added that he hopes to offer courses like this in the future.

“This is the way we are going,” he said, referring to the Web. “There are lots of individuals or organizations that could use a community building tool.

I’ve helped everyone from small businesses looking for exposure to Winter Texans wanting to make a family tree get, to their own Web site.”

To reserve a spot or for more information about this free design class, contact Tony Navarra at (956) 2790880.

just be creative, and put things together which to some people don’t make sense, but they make sense to you, plus the images I have seen on Lisette’s Web site are indeed original and unique.”

Chavez has showcased many exhibitions in the Rio Grande Valley, as well as Mexico. She also enjoys taking photographs and suggested that the art of photography might be her next exhibition. Her previous exhibitions have been at UTPA in 2005 with her exhibition El Deseo de mi Corazon and Whistling in the Dark in the Semmes Gallery at San Antonio in 2007.

Having shown her work many times, Lisette says she never gets

nervous when she exhibits in her new hometown of Harlingen or in the RGV. “As an artist, you should exhibit as much as possible,” she stressed. “I hope that more events, such as the one I’m participating in, present themselves, so that artists here in the Valley have more venues to show their work.” Lisette Chavez’s exhibition runs through September to Nov. 8. Her exhibition can be seen at the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum on 2425 Boxwood St. The times for the exhibit are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m to 4 p.m and Sunday’s from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays.

EXHIBIT continued from Page 7 her exhibition Sweet Dreams and Nightmares.

Harlingen Museum curator Ramiro Rodriguez was excited about having Chavez showcase her work at the Arts and Heritage Museum. The museum which was built in 1968 got a makeover in 1991, and now acts as both a museum and art gallery.

“We work to promote and encourage interest in all aspects of the arts,” said Rodriguez. “Lisette is a talented artist, and we have mailed out invitations to our museum members and put up posters announcing the exhibit throughout the Valley so we anticipate a successful run for Lisette’s Sweet Dreams & Nightmares exhibit.”

Rodriguez also explained that he

expects a good turnout of people to come and view the work.

“We anticipate a turnout of about 70 people for Lisette Chavez’s reception,” said Rodriguez. “We also expect anywhere from 500 to 600 people coming through for the remainder of her exhibit.”

Sarah Chavez, not a relative of the artist, was enthusiastic about the show.

“I love the mix media shows,” said Chavez, a sophomore art major. The Edinburg native also suggested that since she is exploring her own creativity with mix media, she might check out the exhibit in Harlingen. “I am curious to see it,” Chavez said. “The reason why I love mix media is because there are no rules, you can

By Laura Garcia THE PAN AMERICAN

“90210” Brenda, Dylan, Kelly, Donna, David and Brandon. All of these names may ring familiar to those who grew up with Beverly Hills 90210 in the late ‘90s.

The show was all love, sex and, drugs, all in a high school setting and later on in college, where the plots thickened.

Today’s generation will get a taste of the Brenda-Dylan-Kelly love triangle taken to the extreme. Parents, teachers and counselors are thrown into the mix as well.

Lives are turned upside down for the new Walsh clan, now the Wilsons, and an eccentric grandmother who settles into Beverly Hills, as old flames are rekindled and old wounds are opened once again.

With the return of Jenny Garth (Kelly Taylor) and Shannen Doherty (Brenda Walsh), it puts another spin on things as we wait to see whether time really has healed all, or if another catfight is on the verge of erupting.

Surely most of us B.H alums are too old to be entangled in the lives of rich, bratty, promiscuous teens, but let’s just chalk it up to another guilty pleasure. Oh, Mr. Spelling would be so proud.

T CALENDAR OF EVENTS Music Departement Valley Symphony Orchestra Thursday, Oct. 2 Where: UTPA Fine Arts Auditorium When: 8 p.m. Cost: $25-$45 (music majors free)

UTPA Choir Tuesday Oct. 7 Where: Fine Arts Auditorium When: 8 p.m. Cost: free

Theatre Department

Tr ue

Cardinal - Carlos Sepulveda History Graduate Playmaker - Eric Espinoza Graphic design major Design by Rick Gamez

ere we re t wo Lo ng , long ag o, th tr wh o loved ue .

Eve, Oh, no t Ad am no r th em to o. es lov d Go , gh Th ou co nd ch an ce se a Go d gave th em w, ble e sh wh ich to ma rr y Whe n sh e de cided . numb er t wo Sh e re ma ins blue.

She Loves Me Oct. 8-12 Wed. to Sat. 8 p.m.

Sunday Matinee 2 p.m.

Mainstage

The Piper and the Rats Oct. 16-19 Thursday to Saturday 7 p.m.

Sunday Matinee 2 p.m.

September 11, 2008

NEWS

Page 11

CHEMISTRY continued from Page 1

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

WEIRD SCIENCE - Robert Rodriguez, a 22-year-old chemistry major, works diligently in the chemistry lab. Rodriguez is one of 12 students across the country selected to present his anti-cancer research.

ed biomedical research and are from three months, he has been selected.” top-notch college and universities like Banik, a former UT M.D. UC Berkeley, Yale and Harvard; how- Anderson Cancer Center professor, ever Rodriguez has managed to break has been working on the beta-lactam that mold. and anticancer research since 1995.

“I was surprised I got it,” he said.

The goal of the research is not to “I applied because I had confidence. I find a cure for cancer, Rodriguez said, was confident that I had a chance.” but to find ways to better understand At the five-day forum, which will and treat it. take place in Florida, Rodriguez will “Most people are just developing be giving a 20-minute formal presen- treatment, not really a cure,” he said. tation in front of several Ph.Ds, MDs “I don’t know if there is anyway to and students. He added that he will prevent it. A lot of people (scientists) receive a plaque for his presentation are just focusing on once you already and that the main have cancer.” accomplishment is R o d r i g u e z ’s “Each step is a challenge, passion being selected. for the sciDespite the once you get past that chal- ences germinated daunting undertak- lenge, your next step is in high school. ing, Rodriguez another challenge.” Rodriguez, who feels confident in atended Science the research.

Academy, said “I’ve done a few Robert Rodriguez when he came to other presentations Chemisty major UTPA he decided and I’ve gotten use to take a different to it, and I’ve gotten comfortable route and declared English as a major. about it,” he said.

But shortly after his freshman year, he Bimal Banik, a professor in the realized the sciences were his calling. chemistry department and also the “I didn’t see myself being excellent President’s Endowed Professor in the in English but I saw myself being College of Science and Engineering, excellent in chemistry,” he said. He works closely with Rodriguez. He for- added the lack of research in English warded the e-mail to Rodriguez is what made him realize his desire. because he felt he had the drive.

Though he spends most of his Professor Banik recommended days, including weekends, in the laboRodriguez for the award. ratory, Rodriguez notes that his inter“I have lots of undergraduates but est in the subject keeps him going.

I sent it to Robert with hopes he “What I think is interesting is how would do it,” Banik said. “After two, it works,” he said. “How you can

make something that can change the human body by putting (it) into a human body,” he explained.

Rodriguez has been in Banik’s organic chemistry lectures for the past two years and was selected by Banik to serve as lab manager.

“I need a manager who can work with me closely,” Banik said. “He informs me what is going on in the laboratory on a regular basis.”

Rodriguez said that working with Banik, who holds six U.S. patents for the development of new anticancer drugs and antibiotics, is something he never expected.

Banik has also trained more than 100 bachelors, masters and doctoral and nine post-doctoral students from different countries.

Banik’s experience in cancer research has given Rodriguez assurance.

“I’ve been his students and he’s also my mentor,” he said. “He teaches me how to think at a higher level.”

Rodriguez is scheduled to graduate in May 2009, however he is unsure what university he wants to continue his education at.

He hopes to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry and is keeping his eye on The University of Texas-Health Science Center in San Antonio.

“It makes me think that Pan Am will have a good future,” Rodriguez said. “There is a possibility for Pan Am to have a good future.

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September 11, 2008

NEWS

ONLINE continued from Page 3 “It was surprising, they usually don’t offer upper-division classes online,” said the La Joya native. “It was so easy.”

Some courses are given completely online, and some called hybrid courses may spend part of the week or semester in cyberspace and the other in class. Jane Lemaster, executive director of the Center for Distance Learning at UTPA, believes there is a sizable amount of students taking an interest in this new way of taking class.

“This is where it is these days,” said Lemaster. “So many of our stu-

dents have jobs or live far away.”

As the country rapidly converts their televisions and music players to digital, a boom in online courses has also happened. In the 2006 fall term 3.5 million students were registered for at least one of these courses, a 10 percent increase from the year before, and a staggering 52 percent increase since 2004.

The CDL is currently applying for an AT&T grant that Lemaster said could expand access to online courses via phones and electronic devices with Internet.

So the continued move to cyberspace is on, but what do students real-

ly get? Early critcourses for the past icism of the trend five years. She pointed to the “I’d be in my room in my believes they can fact that many pajamas and I’d get my engage students who times, students trouble particiwork done.” have are not good pating in a face-toenough at being face class. self-starters. This Carlos Caro “Some students are quiet because they means procrasti- Senior nation, always a have to think about campus bugaboo, their answers, in an is not automatically alleviated by the online course you can have time to new technique, and sometimes made think.” worse.

Then there is the criticism that Still, Alcione Ostorga, education without the hands-on, human eleprofessor, has been teaching online ment, online courses can become

boring or ineffective. Though Caro aced his online course, he admitted to not learning as much as he should have, and he explained that “class work” consisted of summarizing readings and commenting on other class member’s work.

“I didn’t learn much, all we did was summarize what we read, so I didn’t feel like I absorbed the information.”

“We didn’t meet every week and sometimes they don’t have access online so they had to come to campus which was inconvenient for some people,” said Ostorga.

SOAR continued from Page 3

PROGRAM continued from Page 3

travel abroad, mainly spring the sum- said. “I’m in debt, but it’s definitely was to target sophomore retention rates. Unlike SOAR, which is a conmer, relate a life-changing experience. worth it.”

Partly due to the Simon initiative, ference, SAM runs throughout the “It has definitely been one of the highlights of my life,” said Estrella scholarships, financial aid, loans and course of the school year.

“A lot of the times, there’s a lot of Medina, a junior double majoring in even sponsors can help students pay focus on our freshmen because mathematics and electrical engineer- for the programs.

With finances taken care of, it’s they’re coming in, they’re new to the ing. Students fear the reality of leaving the country and experiencing a only a matter of getting prepared with university,” she said. “Same with the whole new culture. I was a little enough time. The success of interna- seniors, they’re leaving the nest.”

The two-year retention percentage apprehensive when I learned we tional programs at UTPA has been would be learning this now in demand good because of the variety of courses for the 2004 cohort, was 53.8 percent.

The retention rate for the 2005 language, Arabic. It was a little chal- offered, the promotions employees cohort was 59.3 percent, according to repeat throughout lenging.”

WORLDWIDE TRAVEL the Office of Undergraduate Studies. the year, and Students are The UT System has set a goal to Established in 2007, SOAR’s purincrease international activities, urg- finding that once “This trip has made me affordable packing member schools to seek to they take the leap more open minded... I ages in compari- pose is to provide students with son to some other important information that will help into the unknown, become more globally oriented. definitely recommend them successfully complete their secuniversities.

The state of Texas ranks fourth in their zest for travel To apply stu- ond year. the country with approximately increases, for vari- the Cultural Immersion “Students are starting to think 10,000 students studying abroad. ous reasons.

Program to other stu- dents must be about ‘what’s my next step?’ We figofficially admit“I can honestly While OIP focused on studying dents.” ured this could be a way to help them ted at UTPA, have abroad, they also want to encourage say I would do this get going,” Hernnadez said. no holds with foreign students to visit, in the old- all over again in a UTPA is not the only university in payments and colheartbeat,” the Estrella Medina fashioned exchange program model.

Texas targeting sophomore college lections, a mininative Junior In the 2005-2006 academic school Mission students. Trinity University in San mum GPA of 2.0 year, Texas ranked third with approxi- said. “This trip has Antonio has created a formal program for undergradumately 47,000 international students made me more this year called Sophomore College, from different countries. In 2004- open-minded... I definitely recom- ates and a minimum GPA of 3.0 for to help students avoid a second-year 2005, UTPA had a total of 6,600 for- mend the Cultural Immersion graduate students. slump.

Further information regarding eign students in town at one time or Program to other students.”

It is also geared toward increasing international programs can be found retention rates. another. at the Office of International FUNDING ISSUES So UTPA is busy hosting internaThe Chronicle of Higher Education Wanting to get some diversity is Programs located in COAS 125, 956- published an article in 2006 stating tional students. But the study abroad program remains highly popular as one thing, but traveling across the 316-7012 or at their web site: that while 80.6 percent of freshmen well. The effort has branched out from world isn’t cheap. In June 2007, U.S. http://www.panam.edu/dept/interna- who enrolled in 2003 at 440 four-year House of tionalprograms. the ’95 Puebla Representatives trip to include multiple destina“It has definitely been passed a bill to the tions, places like continued from Page 3 one of the highlights of establish Senator Paul China, Spain, my life...” variety of events going on at that time, the total experience here at the Simon Study France, Mexico as well,” Zamora said.

University of Texas-Pan American.

A b r o a d and Canada, Spirit Week has been a part of the That’s the big thing, getting Foundation, which among others.

Estrella Medina university community for eight years involved, becoming part of the univeraims to make The most popular Junior and its main purpose is to stir Bronc sity and knowing the traditions as well studying abroad destination has pride and get ready for the basketball as making new traditions.” more affordable been Salamanca, season.

Junior graphic design major Spain, where local students can take for students. Beginning in 2008, $80 “We encourage students to keep an Monica Salazar agrees that Spirit million were available to the foundaadvantage of their Spanish skills. eye out for the advertisement that Week will gain from having an organIn June, several UTPA students tion. should be coming out very soon, and izing committee.

Communication senior Janet visited Rabat, Morocco, for a month, come out and join us and participate “I believe Spirit Week will be a lot to study classes in Arabic language Alvarado lived in Florence, Italy, for with the different events that are going better if many people organize it…it classes, the economy of Morocco, the fall semester of 2007, and on during the week,” Zamora said. varies, you get many ideas you just plus offerings in art, culture, law, and Morocco the following summer.

“That’s one thing that our dean of don’t get one, you get many opinions, “Even though the programs can be politics of that North African nation. students is trying to do to get more you have variations. I believe it will The reports from the student body expensive, there is no excuse because student involvement, so they can get be a lot better.” are encouraging, as most people who of the availability of funds,” Alvarado Responsible for the sheepherding of students to points beyond the Valley is the Office of International Programs, which promotes academic programs, non-credit cultural programs abroad and international events on campus. One of the events being held this semester is International Week, which will be Nov. 17-21. In this annual event, cultural diversity is stressed.

SPIRIT

institutions across the United States, only 70.7 percent of those remained enrolled as juniors at the same institution.

“When students go into their sophomore year, they’re transitioning to a point where they have to make decisions, and they feel the pressure,” Hernandez said. “What we wanted to offer is a chance for these students to ask questions.”

This year, the conference is also getting support from local companies.

Besides gift certificates from various places including Barnes and Noble, Wendy’s, and Moonbeans, to name a few, a study abroad scholarship will also be awarded in a raffle.

The conference will run in sessions, and students will have a chance to choose from 21 sessions including Internships, Safe Campus Living, and Exercise and Nutrition.

Clarissa Farias, a sophomore psychology major, said she wants to attend the conference.

The McAllen native works parttime at La Villa Elementary as a tutor, and is sure about her major but has questions regarding what she should do after graduation.

“I think it’d be beneficial, because after I finish my first four years, I don’t know what I’m going to do,” she said.

TIDBIT Nov. 3 - Nov. 7 *Spirit Walk

*Car-Decorating Event *Midnight Madness Tailgate Party

September 11, 2008

Page 13

SPORTS

T BASEBALL

Mantrana speaks about future expectations

By Pedro Perez IV THE PAN AMERICAN

Onydia Garza/THE PAN AMERICAN

LET’S PLAY BALL - New head baseball coach Manny Mantrana comes in as the most successful coach in Saint Thomas baseball history and hopes to carry over the winning tradition at UTPA.

Manny Mantrana was officially named the new head baseball coach for The University of Texas-Pan American Monday morning at a news conference held at the University Ballroom. Mantrana, behind his rich winning tradition at Saint Thomas University, will try to restore a program that went 120-206 in its last six years under former coach Willie Gawlik. During his 12-year reign at St. Thomas, Mantrana led the Bobcats to the post-season nine times, including three College World Series appearances. The Florida native took some time to chat with The Pan American’s Pedro Perez about his newly-acquired position and some personal interests.

The Pan American: How do you feel about being a Bronc now?

Mantrana: Very excited and very grateful, not only to UTPA but to God for giving me the opportunity to be here. I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I’m excited, happy and getting ready to get it going.

PA: With all your previous success, what made you come to South Texas? What made you start looking for another job?

Mantrana: It’s funny, I really wasn’t looking for a job. Where I came from, it was a great place. I was there for 12 years. I had a great relationship with my president, my athletic director, my vice president. It wasn’t like I was looking for another job.

Everything just seemed to fall into the right place, primarily our daughter, who is starting high school. Since

she’s starting a new school it was perfect because whereever she goes she’s going to have to start a new school and meet new friends. If this same job would have been open next year I would never have gotten it and I would have never applied. Why? Because she’s already started high school and I would have wanted her to finish there. So everything fell into as far as with family, with baseball.

PA: What do you feel you can bring to the Bronc baseball program?

Mantrana: Well, what we’re looking to do is a three-pronged deal.

Obviously on the field, I know we have to be competitive and we have to win. That’s college athletics. In the classroom we’ve got to help our kids graduate. They’re here, they’re student-athletes, and students are first.

They have to go to class and they have to graduate. And finally the third aspect is getting us involved with the community and the community involved with us, as far as going to games and making it exciting on the field, but also fun for the families with promotions and games and things that they want to bring the family to. So in essence, it’s about winning on the field, graduating our players, and getting involved with the community.

PA: Attendance is pretty low. It’s low at most athletic events at the university. Do you believe you can improve attendance numbers?

Mantrana: That’s my vision for the program but obviously, No. 1, you have to win. Winning cures a lot of things.

That itself is going to help attendance.

But you make it to where the games are entertaining. Where the families can

come out and have fun and where they don’t have to sit there for three hours, watching a ball be thrown back and forth. If you make the games entertaining, yes, I definitely think the attendance can and will go up.

PA: What is your favorite MLB team?

Mantrana: To tell you the truth, I don’t like the Marlins and I’m from Florida. I’ll watch some games but I don’t really have one (favorite team).

I’ll just watch games to watch it. But it’s not the Marlins. I know too much about the Marlins and what goes on so the politically correct answer would be Houston or the Rangers.

PA: What about the NFL? Do you follow it?

Mantrana: I like the Dolphins even though we stunk last year. It’s going to be one full room with Dallas Cowboys and here comes the baseball guy with a Dolphins shirt. Hope I don’t get beat up wearing a Dolphin jersey or hat.

Manny Mantrana Position: Head Coach (1st season)

T Spent 12 seasons as the head coach/hitting coach at STU T Handled the pitching staff for eight years.

T Led the baseball program into several Florida Sun Conference Tournament championships and three appearances in the College World Series.

T MEN’S GOLF

Broncs’ season under way, Pearce ready to lead pack

By Alvaro Balderas THE PAN AMERICAN When a University of Texas PanAmerican head coach tells the Bronc faithful to anticipate major things out of a team, some folks believe, other don’t.

But Ofelia Lopez, UTPA men’s and women’s golf coach, is convinced a promising season looms for the men and wants to let fans know Bronc golf will be back on the map.

“I see tremendous improvement from last year to this year. This year we have a strong team who is hungry to win,” said Lopez, in her second season. “They’ve came back stronger, more dedicated and more coachable.

With their talent, I know that any given time they’re able to go and shoot lights out. We are a force to be reckoned with.”

With such high praise comes equally lofty expectations, and the Broncs began their pursuit toward a banner season Monday and Tuesday at the Nebraska Fairway Club Invitational, with a decent performance. The men

shot a team score of 599, earning them a tie for seventh place among a field of 12 schools.

But there was some glory, as Lopez predicted, as senior Shane Pearce locked up first place with an individual two-round score of 139 (68-71), while Oregon native Armen Kirakossian finished in eighth after posting a score of 147.

PREVIEW The men are confident heading into the 2008-2009 season knowing that a more experienced Lopez returns to lead them. And optimism is swirling around the squad after significant progress in summer practices. Lopez believes that having four different coaches over the past five years has taken a toll on the program, and that the players showed it last year. With the exception of winning the Jack Brown Memorial Tournament in February, the Broncs finished with a sub-par season, often falling short in the final rounds of tournaments after good early starts.

But since last year’s transition is over, Lopez says 2008 will allow for greater opportunities to succeed.

Everyone is one the same page as the campaign gets going.

“Last year was a growing year because they had to get accustomed not only to having a woman as their head coach but also getting comfortable to my philosophy which is to practice the short game a lot,” she said. “This year we’re looking to put the program back where it once was.

From practice to scheduling, every step we’ve taken so far is taking us closer to where we want to be.”

And expectations are simple: win the Sky Conference tournament and National Minority College Golf Championship, where UTPA finished in third last year.

“I don’t see them not being able to reach their goals,” said Lopez. “The way they’ve been playing and the way they came back this year has been great.

Three or four guys have been shooting under par every time they tee up. The

team motto is to win every single tournament and I think it’s not out of reach with the talent that they have.”

With the exception of the graduated Kyle Tudi, the Broncs return last year’s entire roster with Pearce leading the way. Last season at the JBMT, Pearce tied Luis Arechiga’s 1997 record for lowest single-round score (65) in UTPA history. Along with Carrollton (Texas) native Pearce, the men will form a formidable squad with Kirakossian, sophomores A.J. Gonzalez and Tim Acaster, and two newcomers in Salmon Cain of Mexico and Adam Kostrich of Canada.

Pearce said he was ready to begin the new campaign and expects nothing but good results from his team and himself.

“I expect for us to give good performances and am excited to see what we can put together this year,” he said.

“As far as numbers go, last year was my best year since I‘ve been here. All summer I’ve been anticipating the start of this year with the hope of starting off where I left off.”

Men’s Golf Schedule Sept. 27 America Sky Men's Golf Conference Boston, Mass.

Oct. 12 SHSU Invitational Hunstville Oct. 26 2008 Sam Hall Intercollegiate Hattiesburg, Miss.

Oct. 16 Schreiner Spring Classic San Antonio April 3 Centenary College Shreveport, La. April 13 ASU Classic Jonesboro, Ark.

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September 11, 2008

September 11, 2008

Page 15

SPORTS

T FEATURE

Valley natives share home feeling on court

By Adriana Acosta THE PAN AMERICAN Traveling to road games can be fun, but it gets old after awhile, especially at UTPA, where the volleyball team seems like a traveling circus at times. For a program that plays the majority of its games away from Edinburg, staying home to play is something special, something three of the unit’s members in particular look forward to, because family and friends are in the stands cheering.

When McAllen native Rebecca Toddy has her parents watching at the Field House, she feels an adrenaline rush and yet also relaxed.

“I feel I can play comfortably, it’s a

calming excitement, said Toddy, a junior who attended McAllen Memorial.

The same goes for Cassandra Trevino and Ytszel Trinidad, two other Lady Broncs women’s volleyball players born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley.

When a home game rolls around, having family and friends in attendance can bring joy and excitement.

Trevino, a sophomore who starred at Edinburg High, has lived in the Valley all of her life and says being a part of the Lady Broncs is exciting.

“I grew up going to all the volleyball camps,” said the Edinburg native said. “I also knew it would be a good feeling to know my parents would

always be here.”

This season, of the 22 scheduled games, eight will be played at the Field House, including a tournament Sept. 5-6; last year there were just four games with home court advantage.

Even though the players’ parents attend as many away games as possible, Trinidad says the level of comfort playing in town is higher because she knows no matter what, her parents are there supporting her.

“Its better then playing away,” said the senior kinesiology major from Mercedes.

Trinidad’s mom is proud of her daughter and says when the Lady Broncs compete at home, the family

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

HOME SWEET HOME - (From left) Rebecca Toddy, Cassandra Trevino and Ytszel Trinidad are three locals on the Lady Bronc volleyball team that share the unique Rio Grande Valley experience.

joins in the spirit by wearing the school colors and painting their hair orange and green.

“She never gives up on the ball and plays with commitment, mental toughness, dedication, and above all with passion,” the mother said.

Trevino’s parents are no different, saying they feel blessed when she plays home games.

“We thank God every day for that.

Especially since her grandparents are also able to attend,” said Trevino’s mom, Norma.

Toddy says Field House games are easier because there is less confusion as to game-day routine.

“We know where the lockers are, the gym and what time we have to be here,” she added, “At away games we have to figure out where everything else is.”

Having home games also makes school work a lot simpler because players don’t have to do as much to catch up with homework. On road trips, the coaching staff assigns them a study hall time where they must complete homework.

Each player says attending UTPA was always their first choice.

Trinidad, who has played four seasons with the Lady Broncs, says she has wanted to attend the university since high school.

“My high school volleyball coach inspired me to play here and the university is closer to home,” she noted.

Trevino, who has been with the Lady Broncs for two seasons, made the decision to play for UTPA when she heard a new coaching staff led by Head Coach Angela Hubbard had arrived on campus.

“I knew I had to come speak to them, this is a place where I’ve always been comfortable,” she said.

The Edinburg native attended many volleyball camps as a youth and says she knew it would be a good feeling for her parents to be able to see her play.

Toddy originally did not have plans to compete on the college level, but ended up with a four-year scholarship and has been solid at the libero position.

“I was not planning to continue sports in college,” she said, “But my high school coach encouraged me and I was able to walk on the team.”

Hubbard says she noticed a slight change in the way the team plays at home.

“There is always excitement playing at home and there is always more anxiety because you are playing in front of friends and family,” she said.

“Their attitude is a little more excited for the home game then the away games.”

Larry Toddy says going to home games is at the top of his priority. “I just wish there were more home games because I love watching you all play, no mater the outcome.”

Last week, the Lady Broncs finished 2-1 in a UTPA tri-match against Prairie View A&M and TCU. They are scheduled to play Oklahoma in the SFA Tournament in Nacogdoches on Saturday, September 13.

For now, the three native Lady Broncs will continue to enjoy the feeling they have when at home.

They will also continue to communicate on and off the court. “That’s how we keep each other motivated,” said Trinidad.

T INTRAMURAL

Flag football league boasts high student involvement

By Ramiro Paez THE PAN AMERICAN There might not be a collegiate football team at The University of Texas-Pan American, but every September students enroll to participate in the semester’s most popular intramural sport, flag football.

The fall season kicked off its tournament last night as Tuesday games were canceled due to inclement weather. A Monday-Thursday schedule is slated to begin next week and run until October. Game times are 7, 8 and 9 p.m. on the practice fields located behind the Wellness Recreation Sports Complex.

The flag football league, run by the WRSC, has become the university’s sanctuary for students wishing to engage in a finesse sport that features 14 players trying to remove flags from their opponents’ waist-belt.

UTPA intramural assistant director Art Cabrera says the league posts great turnouts every fall and spring

semesters, especially among former high school football athletes.

“You got a lot of players that come out of high school that may not have continued their football career, so they play in intramurals,” said Cabrera.

“It’s a very popular sport. It’s not all about power but rather more finesse and speed. They (students) tend to come out more for flag football than some of the other sports. We still get our numbers from them but flag football just seems to be the more popular sport.”

Cabrera, a 20-year veteran of UTPA intramurals, says the league averages anywhere from 25 to 28 teams every fall semester and about five fewer overall in the spring. The reason for the dip is because each fall team has an added possible bonus, the opportunity to advance to regional and national tournaments if it can claim the university league title.

But the road to that glorious recognition is hard to ride, especially with

the Stallions standing in the way. The Stallions, in the process of renaming themselves the Border Jumpers, have dominated UTPA league play in recent years and scored a major coup when they claimed the 2007 National Intramural Recreation Sports Association championship with their 27-20 victory over the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

Cabrera says the win, among other successes, has propelled UTPA intramurals to an elite level.

“I think we’ve come a long way,” said Cabrera. “We’ve always been very competitive in regionals and nationals. Our women’s basketball team was regional runner-up in 2005 and our men’s basketball team in 2001 was regional runner-up. I think that just says a lot. We do have the talent down here and they can compete against the bigger schools.”

Although victory is sweet and desired, the game can also foster greater student development.

“It’s a great way for the university to give us a chance to do what we love,” said Lalo Garcia, a member of the Kappa Sigma football team. “It gives us an opportunity to go out there and live our dream a little longer. You have a better experience and have many things to gain from it. It’s a great thing overall.”

The league is comprised of coed men’s divisions, with the winner of the men’s competition awarded a trip to the regional tournament, funded by the WRSC. Any other team is allowed to travel to the regional and national tournaments, but they must fund their own finances.

WRSC Entry Due Dates Beach Volleyball (c)

Sept. 12

Soccer (m,w)

Sept. 26

6-on-6 Volleyball (m,w,c) Oct. 3 Softball (m,w,c)

Oct. 10

Onydia Garza/THE PAN AMERICAN

GRIDIRON GRAB - (From left) Fabian Trevino and Nicholas Champion duke it out for the ball during Wednesday night’s action.

Dates to Know: Texas A&M Invitational Men’s cross country Sept. 13, 2008 Time: TBA Page 16

September 11, 2008

THE PAN AMERICAN

T VOLLEYBALL

QuotesFrom TheStands “They’re always a top team. I think the injury is going to hurt the team a lot. Tom Brady is the backbone, the leader and without leadership you can’t do much.”

By Pedro Perez IV THE PAN AMERICAN We’ve all heard that infamous phrase, ‘There’s no place like home.’

And that’s exactly what The University of Texas-Pan American’s volleyball team felt last weekend. The Lady Broncs, coming off a tough performance at the San Marcos tournament one week ago, hosted their first home games of the season, hosting a tri-match at the Field House where they posted a 2-1 record against Prairie View A&M and Texas Christian University.

UTPA 3, Prairie View 0 The action opened Friday as PVAM stepped on to the court in their first match against UTPA. The Lady Broncs were able to put away PVAM in three easy but error-plagued sets; they finished with 12 errors.

“We’re still making too many errors,” Coach Angela Hubbard said of the team’s performance. “We just need to cut them down and that’s what we need to work on.”

UTPA won the first set 25-18, scoring 12 kills on 39 attempts. In the second set the Lady Broncs showed no mercy, winning 25-10 behind 12 kills on 39 attempts with a .276 hitting percentage. Finally in the third set PVAM seemed to gain composure but fell short as the Lady Broncs sealed their official first home victory 25-22.

“We tried some new lineups and we let some people get in the game,” Hubbard said. “I thought the girls handled the change pretty well.”

UTPA 3, Prairie View 0 The Lady Broncs faced the Lady Panthers for a second time the following day and posted a 3-0 sweep.

PVAM was plagued by errors, committing 27 throughout the match, compared to the Lady Broncs’ seven.

UTPA kept the momentum going, recording 36 kills and 68 total attacks as a team.

“We played really well against Prairie View,” said Hubbard. “We played much better than we did on Friday and we improved from that.”

Sophomore Danielle Reed had five kills, while teammate Ytszel Trinidad recorded double digits in digs with 11.

Middle blocker Deanna Schneyer recorded six kills with two digs and three total blocks.

TCU 3, UTPA 0 For their second match of the day, the women faced the unbeaten Lady Horned Frogs and came up short, 3-0, as TCU’s offense was too much for the Green and Orange.

The momentum slipped from the home team’s grip early in the game, leading the Lady Broncs to call a timeout as TCU quickly took the lead en route to a 25-12 first-set victory.

“I’m disappointed with (the game against) TCU,” said Hubbard. “We’re still making errors that we need to cut out and I’m just trying to get them to beat the teams that are hard to beat.”

With UTPA down 19-13 in the second set, things grew worse for the women when Schneyer was injured and didn’t return for the rest of the game. TCU took advantage of the injury and went on a 5-2 run to claim the set.

To begin the third set, the struggles continued when the Lady Broncs were penalized a point for being tardy after the second-set break. Still, they held their own during set but down the stretch TCU sealed its sixth win of the season with a 25-21 victory.

“It was a good tournament,” Hubbard concluded. “We appreciate Prairie View and TCU for coming and I just hope we can learn from the mistakes we made and just move on.”

The Lady Broncs will resume action Saturday when they travel to Nacogdoches for the Stephen F. Austin Tournament; they’ll square off against Oklahoma and Stephen F. Austin.

Photos By Onydia Garza

Rey Casarez On Tom Brady’s injury Senior English major

“The Cowboys looked pretty productive on offense but they had some flaws in the pass defense. They need to work more on that. Other than that, they just need to stay healthy and keep playing hard.”

Kevin Garcia On the Dallas Cowboys Junior Kinesiology major

Editor’s Picks HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Los Fresnos @ Falcons

Mercedes Tigers

Thursday 7 p.m.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Ohio State Buckeyes

@

USC Trojans

Saturday 7 p.m. (ABC)

NFL

Philadelphia @ Dallas Eagles Cowboys Monday 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)