March 11, 2010 by UTRGV Student Media

Volume 66, No. 21

THE PAN AMERICAN

March 11, 2010

TV star Longoria spices upcoming FESTIBA bill By Brian Silva The Pan American Television star and South Texas native Eva Longoria Parker will speak in the evening portion of Community Day on March 27 as part of the Festival of International Books and Arts (FESTIBA). The 34-year-old former model will push forward FESTIBA’s message of literacy and Mexican-American culture.

Longoria, who is a graduate of Texas A&M Kingsville, is said to be working on her master’s degree and taking a course in Hispanic Studies. Dahlia Guerra, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, said the actress’s visit is a wonderful opportunity for the university community because of Longoria’s heritage and success. “I think it’s something exciting for our community,” the co-chair for FESTIBA said. “We all have it in us to

strive and succeed.” Guerra said the central theme of FESTIBA is the impact of the impact of the Mexican Revolution on the region’s literature and art. The event is primarily funded through a $100,000 grant by the National Endowment for the Arts, with other funding coming from several other nonproﬁt organizations and local sponsors. Guerra said the university is in a unique position to explore the subject of revolutionary art and literature,

because of the area’s cultural heritage. She also pointed out the university is a hub of such art and literature. “We’re going to present to the community that UTPA is a center of art, culture and literacy,” Guerra said. As part of FESTIBA, the university will host a Congressional Roundtable on Hispanic Literacy to explore literacy issues in South Texas. Panelists include U.S. Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (D-Mercedes), U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-Penn.),

U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo), UTPA President Robert Nelsen, author Peter H. Reynolds, Salvadoran novelist Manlio Argueta, and Carol Rasco from Reading is Fundamental. Other events during the week will focus on childhood literacy and showcases of faculty and student research and work in the areas of arts and humanities. “There’s going to be something for everyone at this festival,” Guerra said.

UTPA smoking rules addressed in HOP By Alejandra Martinez The Pan American

In order to protect the campus community from second-hand smoke, The University of Texas-Pan American has revised its smoking policy in the Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP). The policy was originally approved in October 1990 by The University of Texas Board of Regents with the aim of creating a healthier environment for the whole campus. However, the policy wasn’t clear on a few key points. An upgrade was introduced by Richard Costello, director of Environmental Health and Safety at UTPA, about three years ago and was ﬁnally approved last month. The updated rule identiﬁes the

areas of campus where smoking is prohibited. Places designated as nonsmoking areas include the inside of all buildings, all university vehicles, outdoor areas within 25 feet of a building entrance, and near any airintake unit such as an open window or any other place that could impact the air quality of the building. Other areas include stairways, courtyards, and seating areas for athletic events such as the UTPA tennis court and Edinburg Baseball Stadium, among others. “If we do have a bench or an area where people smoke and we get complaints from the building occupants, we’ll evaluate the complaint and if we have to, we will move that area,” Costello said. “All the decisions are going to be made for all the non-

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Freddie Martinez /THE PAN AMERICAN

SMOKING ACES - Biryat Chiu smoking outside the entrance of the library on March 9. UTPA has recently updated its smoking policy instructing smokers to stay 25 feet away from most building entrances.

Waving the flag: Bronc soldier displaying school spirit in Iraq By Naxiely Lopez The Pan American U.S. Army Specialist Christopher Wheat proudly flies The University of Texas-Pan American flag from a building in Iraq, where he is serving as a combat medic in hopes of healing hearts and minds. The 28-year-old received his undergraduate degree from UTPA in Rehabilitation Services in 2008 and was working on a master’s in rehabilitation counseling before his second deployment sent him to

Page 2 - Big business might Commentary: Learning to have packed their bags, but report on left Mexican violence they never

Iraq. Wheat, who first joined the Texas National Guard in 2002, says he has always enjoyed his service in the military and the sense of community and family one can find in such a close-knit group of people. “I learned many things from my first deployment,” said the Mission native, who has traveled with the military to Japan, Kosovo, and now Iraq. “I’ve learned from the people around me, and at times, from my own self.” Wheat says he choose rehab as a field of study largely because of his

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moves world

continued desire to work with and help fellow service members both on and off the battleﬁeld. “This was only more compounded when I would see fellow soldiers, friends, and loved ones return from deployments or combat who were faced with the difﬁcult, if not daunting, task of readjusting to life beyond the experiences they faced while away from home,” he said. “Things that an outsider looking in could never experience.” According to the College of Health Sciences and Human Services,

rehabilitative services grads provide needed support to people with disabilities including those with physical, mental, emotional, and/or addiction issues. “We work with them to ﬁnd their strengths,” said assistant professor Charlene Blankenship. “We look at preferences, and from there we help them determine what type of career or training they need.” Blankenship, who was one of Wheat’s professors before he was deployed, says that not all of the people they help are born with disabilities.

Some are injured while working, others while serving overseas. Either way, it is their duty to help maximize employability, independence, and integration into the workplace and community for all clients. Blankenship, who has been with the university since 2004, says people with degrees in rehab services usually become counselors, but can work in other areas such as case management, job development and placing, independent living, addictions

Foxy to perform Page 11 -Shazam Holiday gift guide

of volleyball wins PageA 14week - Q&Afull with player Rebecca Toddy for Bronc sports

Check the newspaper Web site for Spring Break news

March 17 in Mission

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March 11, 2010

Mexican violence alerts take root in new media Roxann Garcia News Editor

Residing so close to the U.S. and Mexican border has had its advantages and disadvantages. Benefits may include the low cost of medicine and good, wholesome Mexican tacos. Now, however, those positives are being overshadowed by the violence that has erupted since 2006 when Mexican authorities declared war on the drug cartels. More than 16,000 people have died in Mexico since and the number is still rising. Recent headlines are evidence enough of the hostility erupting in the area, but this week, the U.S. Department of State renewed a travel alert for all citizens and residents near the border. Drug cartels and associated criminal elements have retaliated violently against individuals who speak out against them or whom they otherwise view as a threat to their organization. This was cited in the recent “Don’t go to Mexico” alert. My main focus with all this animosity occurring so close to home is that reports are becoming increasingly vague. This is most definitely true with the Mexican media. Now, who wouldn’t keep their mouth shut with all the violence occurring

Vol 66, No. 21

toward news outlets? It’s called selfcensorship, done for self-preservation. This is a touchy subject and understandably so. Journalists have a job to be done, should this mean risking one’s life? I believe something has to be done. Standing on this side of the border makes it easy for me to say these things, of course. But even if I were on the opposite side, I would realize that there are other outlets that even the cartels are unable to stop. Believe it or not, Twitter is making an impact on the way news is reiterated to others in Mexico; reports of brazen gun battles throughout Reynosa surfaced almost minuteby-minute in the past several weeks, way ahead of the traditional media. Tweeters have created @ Reynosafollow for those following or reportedly caught up in the violence, to allow them to exchange details. Residents have asked for advice on when it was safe to come out. Others highlighted specific streets that were especially dangerous. My main point here is no matter the situation, doesn’t the public have a right to know? Why should we allow ourselves to be scared off with our tails between our legs? Getting creative with technology may be the answer.

March 11, 2010

Anthony Salinas / The Pan American

Cherish those who selflessly serve Brian Silva Editor in Chief

Editor in Chief

Brian Silva / brian.silva2@gmail.com News Editor

Roxann Garcia/ nevaeh09@msn.com Online Editor

Kristen Cabrera / kristenmichellecabrera@yahoo.com Arts and Life Editor

Andrielle Figueroa / j27ig@yahoo.com Sports Editor

Sara Hernandez/ sarahdzm@hotmail.com Photography Editor

Alma Hernandez / alma.e.hdz@gmail.com Senior Designer

Roy Bazan / rbazanzz@yahoo.com Adviser

Dr. Greg Selber / selberg@utpa.edu

Administrative Associate

Anita Reyes / areyes18@utpa.edu

Advertising Manager

Mariel Cantu/ spubs@utpa.edu

Webmaster

Jose Villarreal / josemvillarrealcs@gmail.com

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

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

letters to the editor The Pan American accepts letters of 300 words or less from students, staff and faculty regarding recent newspaper content, campus concerns or current events. The Pan American reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. The Pan American cannot publish anonymous letters or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Please send all story ideas to thepanamerican@ gmail.com. Individuals with disabilities wishing to acquire this publication in an alternative format or needing assistance to attend any event listed can contact The Pan American for more details.

While the world may be filled with selfish thoughts and actions, there are still some who remain steadfast and practice selfless giving. A commitment to service is of the highest honor. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer, member of the military, serve on a government board or commission, or volunteer with a nonprofit, selflessly giving to the community should be a priority. At the age of 15, I was a bit of a troublesome kid. I simply argued too much. But, a teacher noticed local politics sometimes filtered into my insatiable need to justify everything, and suggested I apply for an open position as Youth Representative on a youth commission in my city. To my surprise, I got it. My first few meetings I was shy and reclusive. Because I was surrounded by community leaders from all sectors of service, I was a little intimidated. However, one, Vicky Alexander, a House Nurse at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus, approached me after a meeting, talked to me about my passions and offered a ride to meetings since we both lived on the

same side of town. A few months after I arrived she became chair, and was quite an ambitious leader. The car rides several days a month turned into mentoring sessions. We worked on countless initiatives, through which she taught me the value of generosity and leadership. She and her husband Stuart, a lieutenant with the Corpus police, were extraordinary people who lived their lives around service. In fact, it was her defense of police officers, and Stuart, that got her onto the policymaking scene. One day she was so upset with a decision by the police chief, Henry Garrett, she boldly told him to his face she disagreed. Garrett, who would soon retire, run for election and win a spot on the city council (and later be elected mayor), encouraged her to channel her passions into the city’s commissions and boards. The Alexanders’ commitment to advocating for youth was a light of inspiration to many, myself included. One year ago today tragedy struck when Stuart was killed in the line of duty. A week ago his killer was given the death penalty after having been convicted of capital murder. The officer gave the ultimate

sacrifice in selfless service to his community. Vicky gave her best friend. The Alexanders gave so much of themselves, and there should be more of that type of person in the world. I am grateful for their enduring support, mentorship and the nurturing of my will to achieve. Mine was just one life among many they influenced. She changed lives not only through her initiatives while on commission and boards, but also through her personal charity, clothing and feeding underprivileged children who visited the hospital. The world owes a debt of gratitude to people like Vicky and Stuart. There are others out there who serve in such vital capacities. If you know a student, faculty or staff members who give of themselves through such service, let them know they’re appreciated. Selfless giving comes in all forms, from defending one’s community and country to defending the underprivileged on a committee or board. The value of service is something all can share and be a part of. Those who hold steadfast to such a commitment should be cherished as heroes of their communities.

March 11, 2010

New ﬂag ceremony instituted By Roxann Garcia The Pan American

The University of Texas-Pan American hopes to begin a new tradition in conjunction with the Military Science Department. Every first Thursday of the month after labs, cadets along with their military professors will lower the U.S. flag at the flagpole outside of Student Services at 4:30 p.m. No one knows with absolute certainty who designed the first stars and stripes or who made it, but speculation leads to two sources; Congressman Francis Hopkinson seems to have created the design while some historians note Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, made the first flag. “What we’re trying to do is establish what every other military post does,” Col. Christopher B. Rivers said, assistant professor of military science. “We want to start this new tradition in hopes that we can encourage bystanders to participate and learn what it means.” During flag detail, soldiers arrive at 6 a.m. to perform duties at “Reveille,” which sounds at 6:30 a.m. signifying the beginning of the workday. When they come back at 4:30 p.m. to return the flag to its case, “Retreat” is played on the bugle to signal the end of the duty day. The detail lasts an entire

month. “It would be nice to continue this day in and day out but the fact of the matter is we just can’t do that,” Rivers commented. “We just don’t see our cadets every single day; some have classes every other day.” Once the flag is being raised in the morning, cadets are expected to stand at attention on the first note of “Reveille” and salute. In the evening “Retreat” is played prior to “To the Colors” (“Colors” refer to the flag of the United States). Upon hearing the first note of “Retreat,” cadets then come to the position of attention and face the flag. When in a formation or a group, the senior soldier present will call the group to “Attention” and then “Parade, Rest” at the first note of “Retreat.” That soldier will then call the group to “Attention” and “Present, Arms” at the first note of “To the Colors” and then “Order, Arms” at the conclusion. When in civilian clothing, the only change is to place the right hand over the heart instead of saluting. Vehicles in motion are expected to stop and for those inside a car or on a motorcycle, they should dismount and salute, Rivers said. “This is something, I feel, we should really start implementing here because of how much our ROTC has grown,” Rivers noted. “We have

now extended our program to UTBrownsville as well.” The idea was originally proposed before Rivers’ tenure at UTPA began but did not gain steam at the time. Recently when the tradition was again proposed to the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services John Edwards, the plan seemed to resonate. Edwards, known among his colleagues as the “Idea Man,” has conceptualized and implemented numerous new programs at UTPA since coming to the university in August 2000. With his guidance and leadership, UTPA has added a Student Leadership Program, Child Development Center, Wellness and Recreation Sports Center, and an on-campus Veterans Services Center. The department is currently looking into adding ammunition to the ceremony. It is definitely a priority for the cadets to be able to do so, Rivers noted. “However, it is a process. We can’t just buy ammunition from a gun store; it just doesn’t work that way,” the colonel said. “There is a process that we as a university must go through in order to do so.” Nonetheless, the cadets along with their military professors will began to implement the new tradition every first Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m.

UTPA experts elucidate science behind recent earthquake spate By Pamela Morales The Pan American Within the last three months, immense magnitude earthquakes have been recorded: Haiti, 7.0 of the Richter scale on Jan. 12, and Chile, 8.8 of the Richter scale on Feb. 27. Both earthquakes caused devastating physical and emotional damages to the villages and cities around the epicenter. Though, the earthquake in Chile made another historic mark, the 24-hour day will now be shorten by a microsecond. According to Dr. Nicolas Pereyra, a professor in the department of physics and geology who joined UTPA in 2007, the magnitude of the earthquake was massive but the effect of shifting of the rotation isn’t alarming and shouldn’t be taken as a red alert of any kind. “We won’t notice the effect,” he said, “until a thousand of years down the road, at most.” This accumulative effect will

take a microsecond a day from now on, which will eventually cause a new way of setting time. “It’s like a spinning top,” Pereyra said. “Something touches it as it spins and it will affect the rotation rate but the earthquake in Chile was relativity small.” Why the earthquake happened is explained by Dr. Juan Gonzalez, who joined the physics and geology department in September 2009. He said unlike Haiti where two plates (land or ocean ﬂoor) collide side-toside, Chile suffered an earthquake due to subduction, one plate going under another plate. But no one can really explain what happens while such a phenomenon occurs unless it’s someone with firsthand experience. Although UTPA is thousands of miles away from Chile, a pen pal was kind enough to share her “surrealistic” two-minute horror. Nicole Constanza Gomez Fuenzalida, a university student at

La Universidad de Concepcion, was asleep when she felt the ﬂoor move intensely back and forth at 3:34 a.m. “It’s an unexplainable feeling,” Fuenzalida said. “You could hear the sound of (glass) cups breaking and things falling and moving from (the furniture).” Fuenzalida’s family and most of Chile are taught to be prepared for an earthquake but instead of looking for ways to fully protect themselves, all they thought was to get out of the house. The aftermath caused lack of access to water and destroyed hospitals and churches. People become desperate and began stealing around the most affected regions such as Maule and Bio Bio. Although Fuenzalida is lucky enough to regain electricity, much of the country still lacks electricity and water. “Again, I’m thankful for your interest and prayers,” Fuenzalida wrote in Facebook message. “Thank you.”

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

RETREAT - ROTC cadets began a new tradition in lowering the ﬂag on March 4. The university hopes to continue the ceremony every ﬁrst Thursday of the month.

Latest Chat enlightens By Lupe A. Flores The Pan American During a Student Government Association meeting three weeks ago at The University of Texas-Pan American, College of Science and Engineering senator Eliza Sebastian proposed to the University and Community Affairs Committee to turn left- over funds used from the upcoming Coffee-side Chat into small monetary incentives for senators with the most student input. The concept was quickly dismissed when it was presented to the Senate, but the decision brought no worries. According to senators like freshman Rigoberto Gutierrez, 18, there is no need for incentives of such kind; usually, the drive to reach out comes from within. “I agree with it not passing because that is our job,” said Gutierrez, senator for the University Program Board. “We sign up for it without a reward and it’s our duty.” During the second and ﬁnal Coffeeside Chat for the academic year Tuesday, senators were bustling outside the Union hoping to gather student input about suggestions and concerns. Esther G. Herrera, senator for the College of Social and Behavioral

Sciences, said that the main concern she saw among students was the parking conundrum. “It is an issue that administration has been working on for years… and students need to understand that it is going to take a while [to accommodate space for efﬁcient parking for all],” she said. Sebastian, a senior biology major who is also chair of the UCA, reiterated how parking is a problem present in universities across the United States. The idea of building a parking garage on campus, which many students like, would increase parkingpermit costs from $250.00 to $500.00. Despite student eagerness to alleviate problems ﬁnding spaces, most would probably be reluctant to pay the highcost purchasing fees. Victoria Gomez, a senior rehabilitation services major from Pharr, said she understood “a parking garage is out of the question.” However, she was not hesitant to voice a solution. “They can buy the [for sale] houses near campus and turn the land into parking,” said the 21-year-old, who attended the chat. “Our school is 90

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March 11, 2010

NEWS

SOLDIER

continued from Page 1 counseling, vocational assessment, private practice, job skills training, and special education. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a publication compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for rehab counselors are in strong demand. And the growth of UTPA’s program has followed apace. “In the past five years, our undergraduate program has grown from about 60 to 70 students, to close to 400,” Blankenship said. She also said there was a need to form a student organization to help teach persons with disabilities on campus to advocate for themselves, and added that Wheat was involved in the process of coming up with one. The organization is called The Council for Students with Disabilities, but Wheat refuses to allow himself too much credit. “I was simply there when the movement was first making waves,” he said. “I helped band and create the ideals and foundation that CSD stands for.” The organization’s motto is to seek positive change that will benefit both UTPA students with disabilities and their supporting communities. The real credit, he says, should be

differently, even if you can’t.” “It’s always hard to see and know that a fellow soldier is fighting their own personal war inside themselves, MILITARY DUTY Wheat is currently a combat but even harder when you know medic, but says he wears many hats. there is little you can do to help,” “To say I am simply the medic or Wheat said. “When you are thought Doc would be an understatement,” to heal the wounded, it is humbling and frustrating he said. “I am when faced with Doc to some, the Behavioral “ It’s always hard to see an injury that runs deeper than the Health Advocate to others, and and know that a fellow physical.” W h e a t ’ s instructor to some soldier is facing their desire to help more.” overcome He is also a own personal war inside others their disabilities medical adviser perhaps came currently assisting themselves. ” from overcoming the Iraqi Army own. He was medical section in Christopher Wheat his born a premature both setting up and UTPA soldier in Iraq fraternal twin and running a clinic, had to undergo heart as well as training surgery. As a child, eight people. He says he works with mental issues Wheat was placed in special education classes throughout elementary and just as much as with the physical. Wheat remembers a lesson he middle school, and still suffers from learned from a colleague on his moderate dyslexia and Attention Deﬁcit deployment, who said to him, Hyperactivity Disorder. “I have always enjoyed defying “You’re not just a medic. You’re Doc to these people. They come to what others believe to be my limits,” you thinking you can cure cancer, he said. “Even my own thoughts as and by God, don’t ever let Joe know to just how far I can make it in life, given to Elizabeth Hinojosa, a rehab colleague of his and the creator.

SMOKING

continued from Page 1 smokers that might be impacted.” According to Costello, one of the smoking areas that complies with the 25-foot rule is right outside the library. However, if enough people complain about cigarette smoke, that safe haven for smokers might be moved, with non-smoking signs going up there. Costello is confident that people will comply with the non-smoking signs and respect the designated areas. “This is not designed to be an abrasive policy,” he said. “I don’t think you’re going to see a situation where we’re going to be placing people under arrest whenever they decide to light up.” The idea to fine smokers who didn’t comply with the policy was thought about at

some point, but didn’t fly, said the director. “What we don’t want on this campus is to create an environment of fear, we’re hoping that when we put up the signs, people will comply with the policy,” he added. Statistics say that 85 out of 100 people who die of lung cancer are smokers. A cigarette has over 20 different chemicals in it that cause cancer, not to mention emitting levels of radiation. “Second-hand smoking is a proven human carcinogen,” Costello noted. “Nowadays it’s difﬁcult for me to believe that anyone who smokes a cigarette doesn’t know that. There’s no reason why people who don’t smoke should be exposed to that.”

whether it is in physical endurance or my own educational abilities.” SOURCE OF PRIDE Wheat, who was enrolled in two of Blankenship’s classes, Job Placement and Assessment and Vocational Evaluation, e-mailed her a photograph in January that still makes her smile. It was a picture of a UTPA flag waving over a building in Iraq with a single line that read, “Thought you might like this.” “I e-mailed him back asking if I could share his picture, and he said yes. So I passed it down to the dean, and somehow it made its way around Pan Am,” Blankenship said, adding that the picture was printed, framed, and now hangs in the department. Wheat says he asked his parents to purchase a flag from the University Bookstore and mail it to him because he is proud to be a UTPA alumnus. He says he’s had different reactions from people about the flag. Some have asked what UTPA stands for, while others simply give him thumbs-up in recognition. “I think it says a lot about the university,” Blankenship said. “It says that we are a big family, and that there is a connection

that is built between alumni the university. And I think Christopher definitely has connection to this school, and very proud of that.”

and that that I’m

FUTURE Wheat hopes to come back to school as soon as his deployment is over and plans to finish his master’s within two semesters after his return. He adds that higher education is of great importance to his family, and teases about being in an educational race with his twin sister, who also graduated from UTPA. She has a degree in education and master’s in library science. “She works as the reference librarian at UTB,” he said, and jokingly added, “feel free to hiss.” His parents like to remind him that he has yet to catch up with her in attaining a graduate degree, and he says they are anxious to see who will be the ﬁrst to start and ﬁnish their Ph.D. Wheat hopes he can continue to help his fellow servicemen and women by some day working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a job Blankenship believes is perfect for him.

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continued from Page 3 percent commuter and that seems like a solution that they haven’t done anything about.” Other concerns written down and addressed to senators were issues with the printing quota, an ongoing trouble with Wi-Fi connection, as well as the lack of school spirit. As for the latter, Herrera said, “students want more events at the quad and around campus.” Sebastian mentioned that some suggested changes are currently being studied. “Some students [want] to extend the shuttle bus hours, which actually we are currently working on,” she said. On an over-sized Post-it pad headlined “Make Your Voice Heard,” an anonymous student wrote, “More hours at the library.” Not necessarily addressing the anonymous writer, Sebastian added that the SGA took surveys to get feedback on a 24-hour library. “It’s a long-term plan that we are looking at,” she said. “If it happens then the ﬁrst ﬂoor of the library will be open for 24 hours for the students to use.” The theme of the event seemed to be selflessness, as the senators repeatedly said that the incentive

idea that failed does not bother them in the least; they are in this organization for the positive effects it has on students. Janet Zallar, a senior biology major from Edinburg, said before she was involved in student government, there was not much to do in her spare time. “Once I became a senator, I began ﬁlling my time with important, meaningful duties. Now, I’m good,” she said. Regarding the rejected incentives for senators weeks ago, Zallar said she would not accept any form of recompense. “Knowing what I am doing is enough for me,” said the 22-year-old. “We are student representatives… our job is we are here to represent the student body, with nothing in return.” One of her colleagues reiterated that point. “When we become senators, we need to take initiatives upon ourselves,” said Erica Perez, a counseling and guidance graduate student, SGA secretary, and senator at large. “We have an end-of-the-year banquet and give a senator-of-the-year award. That’s when our senators get recognized for their excellence.”

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

WHEEL OF FORTUNE - Khushbu Raval (left), a biochemistry freshman, and Richard Garza, a criminal justice junior, watch as Orly Villarreal spins the wheel for a prize at the SGA Coffee-Side Chat Tuesday.

THE PAN AMERICAN

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March 11, 2010

THE PAN AMERICAN

March 11, 2010

Monday 1:10 - 3:10 pm “Contemporary Border Writers and the Mexican Revolution.” Location: Student Union Theater

Tuesday

Wednesday

1:10 - 2:25 pm “New Voices of El Valle” Gallery Readings Location: BUSA 111

1:10 - 2:25 pm “Roundtable of UTPA Mexican American Studies” Location: COAS 250

1 pm Location: Clark Gallery Opening Reception: Wednesday, March 24th, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

March 22-27 Art Exhibit: “Journey of the Contemporary Mexican Print” Speaker: Reynaldo Santiago Guest Artist: Maestro Alejandro Alvarado Carreño

Wednesday March 2010 Exhibit: “Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats” Location: UTPA Visitors Center

Location: University Gallery

Thursday

Friday

March 25-26 XXI International Spanish Symposium: “Celebrating the Artistic Representations of the Mexican Revolution - 1910”

March 8-31 Library Presentation: “Famous Films about the Mexican Revolution Movie Poster Exhibit” from the Agrasanchez Film Archive

Location: Education Building Borderlands Room 3.204

Location: UTPA Library Lobby and First Floor Art Gallery

2:00 - 4:00 pm “Ten Minute Play Festival” Location: FIAC 103

4 pm

9 am

9:00 - 10:00 am “Border Music: Conflict, Resistance and Identity” Location: Fine Arts Auditorium 9:45 - 10:35 am “Within the Skin: A Look at the Humanity in Gothic and Science Fiction” Location: COAS 253

10:00 - 12:00 pm “Border Music: Conflict, Resistance and Identity” Location: FIAC 103

10:30 - 11:50 am “Strumming Rhythms: Variations of the Guitar Associated with Folk and Popular Genres in Latin America and the Different Patterns Performed in the Mexican Vihuela” Location: FIAC 103

4:00 - 6:00 pm “The White Man’s Burden...” Location: EDCC 1.102

4:00 - 5:30 pm “Darfur Crisis and Genocide” Location: SBS 101

4:30 - 6:00 pm “Women’s Studies Minor Roundtable” Location: COAS 146

4:30 - 7:00 pm “Literature and Creative Writing Showcase” Location: SBS 111

12:00 - 1:30 pm Big Read: Sun, Stone & Shadows Location: Student Union Theater (Reception follows)

12:00 - 1:00 pm “Breaking Down Borders: Express Your Culture” Open Mic Location:Library Courtyard West

12:00 - 1:00 pm Book Talk: Audiotopia. Music, Race, and America Location: FIAC 103

6 pm 7 pm

12:00 - 3:00 pm “Open Studio Tours” by the Department of Communication Location: Radio/TV Studios

12:00 - 1:00 pm HAUSER LECTURE: “It’s all in the Communication; Using Humor to Achieve Better Health” Speaker: Melissa Bekelja Wanzer Location: Jeffers Theatre (Reception follows)

4:30 - 7:00 pm “Communication Faculty Research Spotlight” Location: COAS 351

Community Festival Main Stage Entertainment Begins!

4:30 - 5:30 pm “Immigrant Responses to Anti-Mexican Sentiments During the Time of the Revolution” Location: HSHW 1.138

4:00 - 10:00 pm Book Fair by Follett with a build-abook activity, a famous children’s book character, and more activities

4:30 - 7:00 pm “Democracy and Revolution” Location: Museum of South Texas History

4:00 pm and every half hour The Art of Light show Location: Library Media Theater

5:45 - 7:00 pm “Ceative Writing and Social Action Presentation and Workshop” Location: COAS 186

5:00 pm Harvesting the Voice of the Migrant: Cosecha Voices:UTPA migrant students share their testimonies and digital stories about growing up in a migrant framworker family. Location: Student Union Theater

5:00 pm Puppet shows (“The Tongue Cut Sparrow” and “The Elephant’s Child”) Location: Book Fair by Follett at the HPII Building

6:00 - 8:00 pm FESTIBA Opening Reception Remarks by UTPA and City officials Location: UTPA Visitors Center

6:00 - 7:00 pm Guest Artist Performance by Felicia Moye, Violinist Location: FIAC 103

6:00 - 9:00 pm Exhibit: “Virtues” Presenter: Donna Sweigart Location: Clark Gallery

6:00 - 9:00 pm Mariachi Vocal Competition Location: Fine Arts Auditorium Open to the public, free admission

6:00 - 7:00 pm Performance by Mariachi Vargas Location: FESTIBA Main Stage

6:00 - 7:00 pm “The Impact of the Mexican Revolution on Spanish in the United States” Location: HSHW 1.404

7:00 pm NEH Lecture on “Mexico: The Underestimated Revolution of 1910” Location: Museum of South Texas History

7:10 pm NEH Presentation on “Film Viewing and Commentary on Women Revolutionaries” Location: SBS 111

7:00 - 9:00 pm Guest Artist Performance: Violin Master Class by Felicia Moye Location: FIAC 103

7:30 - 9:00 pm UTPA Distinguished Speaker Series Speaker: Luís Alberto Urrea Location: Fine Arts Auditorium

7:00 - 10:00 pm Student & Faculty Presentation: “Ten Minute Play Festival” Location: FIAC 103

6:00 pm Puppet shows (“The Tongue Cut Sparrow” and “The Elephant’s Child”) Location: Book Fair by Follett at the HPII Building 7:00 pm NEH Lecture on “The American Revolution as a Civil War” Location: Museum of South Texas History

7:00 - 7:15 pm Q&A with Eva Longoria Parker Location: FESTIBA Main Stage Open to the general public

8 pm

12:00 - 1:10 pm “Interpersonal Relationships and Human Communication” Location: COAS 351

12:00 - 1:00 pm Faculty Presentation: “An Introduction to the Basic Aspects of Flash Animation” Location: ACAS 2.126

4:30 - 5:30 pm “The Mexican Revolution and the Literary Production of US Hispanics” Location: COAS 172

5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. “Dusting off the Years: Protecting your Precious Documents” Location: SBS 109

11:45 am - 12:45 pm “Poesia Fronteriza” Location: COAS 254

12:00 - 1:30 pm Sylvia M. Domínguez Distinguished Lecturer Series: NEH Lecture:“Celebrating the Literature of the Mexican Revolution” Location: Library Media Theater (Reception follows)

2:30 - 4:00 pm “Writers’ Bloc Presents: Con La Pluma en la Mano (With a Pen in Hand)” Location: SBS 105

3:00 - 5:00 pm “The Decline of Positivism and the Mexican Revolution” Location: Museum of South Texas History

5 pm

10:30 am - 12:00 pm “Repression or Revolution:The Female Vampire Past and Present” Location: COAS 255

2:00 pm “Mexican Revolution’s Impact on European 20th Century” and Sergio Leone’s Once Upon A time…The Revolution (1971) Location: Student Union Theater

8:00 - 9:00 pm Performance by Mariachi Vargas Location: FESTIBA Main Stage Open to the general public

9 pm

10 am 11 am

10:30 - 12:00 pm NEH Art History Symposium: “The Impact of the Mexican Revolution on Mexican and Latin American Art and Cultural Politics” Location: FIAC 103

12:00 - 1:00 pm Student Presentation: “Hauser Presentational Speaking Contest” Location: University Gallery

12 pm

10:45 - 11:35 am “Gender and the Mexican Revolution” Location: COAS 254

2:00 - 4:00 pm “Ten Minute Play Festival” Location: FIAC 103

3:15 - 5:00 pm “The Virgen de Guadalupe: Religion, Resistance, and the Arts” Location: Student Union Theater

10:00 - 11:00 am UTPA Library Presentation: “Coffee House Reading” with Stella Pope Duarte Location: Library Faculty Lounge 10:40 - 12:00 pm “Revolutions in the Middle East” Location: UTPA Ballroom

1:30 - 2:30pm Student & Faculty Presentation: “Mouthfeel Press Poetry Reading featuring Katherine Hoerth” Location: SBS 105

2:30 - 4:00 pm “The Mexican Revolution as Experienced by the Artists” Location: Fine Arts Auditorium

3 pm

9:00 am - 2:00 pm Mariachi Middle School and High School Group Competition Location: Fine Arts Auditorium $5 admission fee

9:10 - 10:25 am “Race, Violence, and Ethnicity in the US-Mexican Borderlands” Location: BUSA 113

1:00 - 1:30 pm “Little Louie” Reading/Book Signing Location: SBS 105

2:30 - 4:00 pm Student & Faculty Dramatic Lecture Presentation: “Ruinas” Location: Student Union Theater

7:30 am - 8:00 pm COAH/PACE Student Conference Location: UTPA Ballroom 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Conference: “Global Peace Through Grassroots Islamic Organization? Exploring the Gülen Movement” Location: UTPA Ballroom

1:10 - 2:30 pm “Blood Lust: Undergraduate Scholars Bite into the Literary Vampire” Location: COAS 254

Saturday

1:10 - 2:30 pm “Revolution in the Rear-view: Perspectives on China’s 20th Century” Location: SCIE 2.104

Saturday

Opening: March 23, 6:00 pm

Friday

1:10 - 2:25 pm Student & Faculty Presentation: “Poetry & Prose of Witness and Experience” Location: COAS 184

2 pm

March 22-27 Art Exhibit: “Virtues” Artist: Donna Mason Sweigart

Tuesday

8 am

7 am

All Week

Monday

Thursday

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9:00 - 10:00 pm Performance by Alacranes Musical Location: FESTIBA Main Stage Open to the general public

NEH Lectures & Presentations

Student & Faculty Presentations