October 15, 2009

Volume 66, No. 7

THE PAN AMERICAN

Regents: Nelsen is finalist

By Brian Silva Brian.silva2@gmail.com

-COMING SOONABU GHRAIB DETAILS -VIDEO OF LEAD INVESTIGATOR OF ABU GHRAIB ABUSES SPEAKING AT THE STUDENT UNION THEATRE.

-COMING SOONSPIRIT RALLY -ONLINE STORY RECAPPING THE EVENTS ON TUESDAY.

-COMING SOONMIDNIGHT MADNESS PRESS BOX EDITION -VIDEO

OF SPORTS EDITORS BRINGING COVERAGE FROM MIDNIGHT MADNESS OCT. 17

INDEX

October 15, 2009

If all goes as planned, the university’s next president will be Robert Nelsen.

On Monday the University of Texas System Board of Regents named Nelsen as the sole finalist for the job during a special called meeting in Austin.

Regent Janiece Longoria motioned, and Vice Chairman Paul Foster seconded, to place him as sole finalist for the position that has been open for nine months. Both Regents were members of the presidential search committee. Regents voted unanimously to place Nelsen as sole contender out of a pool of four.

Nelsen is currently the associate vice provost of academic affairs at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He has served in that capacity for the past year after holding the same spot at the University of Texas-Dallas.

His wife, Jody, is the vice president of finance and administration for TAMUCC. During his day-visit to the university several weeks ago Nelsen mentioned that his wife would spend most of her time in Corpus Christi at TAMUCC, but would come down for three days out of the week, if he were selected.

UT System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa spoke to the importance of the appointment in a statement released by System shortly after the meeting concluded.

“UT-Pan American has a very important role to play in the South Texas region and it deserves leadership that can make the most of its potential,” Cigarroa said. “I believe Dr. Nelsen has the leadership abilities and strong academic record to help move the institution to new heights.”

During the meeting, the Regents interviewed the four remaining candidates behind closed doors. The other three were: Jeremy Brown, president of Edinboro University in Pennsylvania; Carlos Vargas-Aburto, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania; and Waded Cruzado, provost and executive vice president at New Mexico State.

In the statement by System, Longoria commented about the quality of the sole finalist.

“We are confident Dr. Nelsen has the mix of skills that will make him the right fit to push UT-Pan American to the next level of excellence,” she said.

According to Texas Education Code, Regents must wait 21 days before officially appointing him. The next scheduled Regent meeting will take place on Nov. 11 and 12, beyond the time set by

OPINION PG. 2

state law.

Nelsen may visit the campus before a vote is taken by the Regents, to officially name him as the next permanent president.

However, there will be no second official visit by Nelsen to campus, according to Anthony De Bruyn, System director of public affairs. University officials have said that there are no current plans to bring him on to campus until the appointment.

But some have noted that Nelsen will be in Austin early next week and will receive his orders from System then. De Bruyn said the next official System visit will be when Cigarroa, Vice Chancellor David Pryor, and a Regent come down to introduce him to the university community.

Before the vote was taken, Regents chair James Huffines personally thanked interim president Charles Sorber, who was present for the meeting, for his service during the transition period.

“We’re very thankful for your many years of service,” Huffines said. Sorber and his wife Linda, who was also present, received a standing ovation from the Regents.

The university has been in a search for a new permanent president since Jan. 30 when Blandina “Bambi” Cardenas retired from the top post. Since then Charles Sorber has served as the university’s interim president.

REACTION The naming of Nelsen as the sole finalist came as a surprise to many in the university who were expecting two different names.

Some hope Nelsen will visit the campus a second time during the next 21 days to provide explanations to some unanswered questions. Raghuveer Puttagunta, president of the Student Government Association, wants to meet with Nelsen again.

“I would appreciate another meeting with him, and I know students would like to meet with him again as well,” Puttagunta said. “I would like to see what the different aspects of his vision for the university are.”

The junior biology major said he wants further explanation of his plans and vision for programs, academics, and facility growth. He also would like to know what Nelsen has in mind for academic growth.

Puttagunta said that Nelsen’s 18 years in the UT System at UTD was a factor in his selection.

“He has a wide breadth of knowledge when it comes to working with the UT

NEWS PG. 3

Daniel Flores/The Pan American

FINALIST - Presidential finalist Robert Nelsen answers questions from faculty and students at an open forum in the Student Union Sept.

“A challenge is an opportunity” -Robert Nelsen System,” he said. The other three candidates had no experience with the UT System.

Puttagunta said that it is hard to make a sound judgment on a person up for a position of this caliber after only one meeting.

“It is very crucial that Dr. Nelsen meet with students before the 21 days are up,” he said. “We need student involvement.”

Puttagunta stressed and reiterated that Nelsen should make another visit to

ARTS & LIFE PG. 10

campus.

“If there isn’t enough student feedback, how can the Board of Regents make an adequate decision?” he said.

“No matter whether you agree or disagree with the way the presidential search is going, or whether you approve or disapprove of Nelsen as the sole candidate… everyone needs to ensure that their voice is heard.”

Puttagunta concluded that no student should feel like they don’t have a say.

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Page 2

THE PAN AMERICAN

Opinion

Letter to the Editor Dear Mr. Silva While visiting one of my favorite coffee shops, I happened to pick up a copy of the September 17th edition of the Pan American paper. On page six there was a bold headline “Young Democrats defy “teabaggers” in health care debate”.

The article stated that the Young Democrats and Students for Peace had a meeting dubbed “Don’t Get Tea-bagged: The Truth about Health Care Reform” in which they wanted to “entice” members of the Tea Party into an open debate on the issue.

We would like to make two suggestions to these groups. First drop the double-entendre with the gamer slang. It’s not clever just crass and it demeans your credibility. Second, the next time you would like to engage us in open debate try actually inviting us.

If we had known about this event we would have gladly participated.

We feel sorry for the students who attended wanting to hear an honest exchange of ideas. We seriously

Vol 66, No. 7

doubt they got it.

To all the students on campus, we urge you ask hard questions and demand real answers. Become informed. Read the constitution-it’s an amazing document.

The more the federal government has overstepped its constitutional restraints the deeper in debt it has plunged this country trampling your rights in the process. Our dept is at an alarming level and payment is coming due very soon. It will fall hardest on those of you who are lucky enough to find a job after graduation. Believe or not The Tea Party is actually fighting for your futures.

We would be happy to speak or engage in legitimate debate with any group on campus on health care or other topics. Just email us at mtp@ rgvtp.comwith the details.

Sincerely, Glen B. Hagenbach President, McAllen Tea Party, Inc.

October 15 , 2009

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 EDITOR IN CHIEF Brian Silva / basilva1@utpa.edu ASSISTANT EDITOR Ana Villaurrutia / alvillaurru@utpa.edu VIDEO EDITOR Naxiely Lopez / naxiely@myway.com ONLINE EDITOR Kristen Cabrera / kristenmichellecabrera@yahoo.com ASSISTANT VIDEO EDITOR Victor Ituarte / victor.ituarte@gmail.com A&L EDITOR Isaac Garcia / izek_el@yahoo.com ASSISTANT A&L EDITOR Andrielle Figuerroa / j27ig@yahoo.com SPORTS EDITOR Kevin Stich/ k.stich@gmail.com ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Sara Hernandez/ sarahdzm@hotmail.com DESIGN EDITOR Gregorio Garza / ggarzaz26@utpa.edu SENIOR DESIGNER Roy Bazan / rbazanzz@utpa.edu ADVISER Dr. Greg Selber / selberg@utpa.edu ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE Anita Reyes / areyes18@utpa.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER Mariel Cantu/ spubs@utpa.edu WEBMASTER Jose Villarreal / josemvillarrealcs@gmail.com

October 15 , 2009

**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.

Anthony Salinas/ The Pan American

LGBT needs support for rights Brian Silva Editor in Chief On Monday, at 12:53 a.m., 11 years ago, Matthew Shepard died of injuries sustained after a viscous attack of hatred.

Matthew was beaten to death because he was gay.

Today his memory lives on and many fight for him and all those who are victims of hate crimes. But they also fight for why he lived; the freedom to be happy. Through the history of America the country has continuously fought for the establishment of new freedoms.

The expulsion of hatred and the ushering in of equality are enduring causes.

This weekend President Obama addressed the Human Rights Campaign, the leading organization that fights for gay rights. He provided sound calls for equality that most in the gay community lauded. However, he provided no timetables for action, which is a necessity.

The LGBT community places its trust in Obama to move forward with civil rights, but its members must make sure he provides action to go with the words.

The day after Obama’s speech, a rally with thousands of people was held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to ensure that national leaders hear the rising voice and push for the civil rights of the LGBT community.

It is indeed a fight for civil rights, and nothing less. The gay community is one of the last minorities to have to battle for full recognition.

But this is not just a campaign for

the gay community to wage; it should be engaged in by straight people as well. Gay people are your brothers, sisters, co-workers, friends, aunts, uncles, classmates, and cousins. They exist universally in every society across the world.

It is a tough life, growing up different than everyone. You’re told you should act one way, but then you feel a natural contradiction.

The ridicule gays face when growing up is grotesque and immensely taxing, and it takes an incredibly strong person to endure it. LGBT people not only face verbal ridicule, but also physical threat, and at that a physical threat that can lead to death as in the case of Matthew Shepard: to come out takes an unbelievable amount of courage, and it is something to be respected.

The other week I walked through the Student Union and I saw a presentation by the Gay/Straight Alliance.

The members held their heads high and offered welcoming smiles. Gay or straight, they joined together in the effort, and that partnership is something to be proud of. It’s crucial to progress of LGBT and the fight for civil rights.

A few months ago I was in the airport about to head to Dallas. It so happened that Judy Shepard was waiting to get on the same plane. My deep appreciation for her efforts made me want to say hello, and thank her. However, I was rather shy. A professor I was traveling with grabbed me and took me to her. It was such a simple thing, but it was such a deeply meaningful measure of support from her. It is a moment that I will carry for the rest of my life, and I am very appreciative of her providing me with that

opportunity.

Gays need support like that from their peers, siblings, parents, and coworkers alike.

To those who would say that civil rights for gays defies the will of God: to end slavery defied His will, to give women rights was blasphemous, to allow whites and blacks to marry was not His will.

In the mid-20th century a white woman was interviewed in regard to the education of Mexican immigrants.

“If the Mexican children were supposed to receive an education, then God would have made them white,” she said.

God has always been invoked by those wishing to keep oppressing minorities. However, throughout history the U.S. Constitution has prevailed.

That’s why it would take a Constitutional amendment to ban marriage between same-sex couples. The Constitution does not allow for laws banning civil rights. If the Defense of Marriage Act were to go before the Supreme Court, it would be ruled unconstitutional; thus the need to amend the Constitution.

Obama must end Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Gay people will fight for this country no less than their straight comrades. If they are willing to die for the USA, then that is an act to be admired, not punished.

Gays are not some extremist group, as some conservatives have said. The LGBT community is a natural part of this society and must be embraced, not feared or ridiculed.

Everyone knows a gay person.

Show them you care. Offer them your support. They need it.

Dates to Know: Distinguished Speaker Steve Wozniak Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m.

Fine Arts Auditorium October 15, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

Pre Veterinary Society Meets Oct. 26, 12:45 p.m.

College of Sci/Engineering Building, Room 2.342 Page 3

Clinton to address university on leadership

By Brian Silva Brian.silva2@gmail.com Former President Bill Clinton will visit the campus next Thursday to deliver remarks about his ongoing initiatives at an event to take place at 6:45 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium.

Clinton, the forty-second president of the United States from 1993-2000, will speak to the university community about his projects, including his Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), an organization that spearheads efforts to address problems around the world in the areas of health, education, poverty, energy, peace and human rights.

The topic of the speech is said to be ‘making a difference in the world.’

After Clinton’s term as president, he began the William J. Clinton Foundation, which stresses the commitment of world leaders, as well as students, to address such global challenges.

The event, sponsored by the Student Government Association and Student Union, is free and open to the public.

However, priority seating will be given to students, faculty and staff with UTPA ID. Doors open around 5:30 p.m.

Clinton will also attend a Democratic fundraiser held by local developer Alonzo Cantu, a member of the UTPA Foundation.

The event had been rumored to be in the works after Cantu announced it several weeks ago at another fundraiser.

However, university officials apparently only began negotiations within the past couple of weeks. Still, the highly influential Cantu was the catalyst behind the effort to bring Clinton to UTPA. Interim President Charles Sorber spoke of his excitement about the event in a statement released by the university Tuesday.

“We are excited to welcome President Clinton to speak here at UTPA about his Foundation’s initiatives to help solve some of the world’s most challenging problems,” Sorber said. “Students

who hear his message hopefully will understand how they can become global ambassadors and make a positive impact on the world.”

Cantu, who owns Cantu Construction and Development, said in the statement that he is happy that Clinton has generously agreed to provide students with his ideas.

“Our Rio Grande Valley students will be the next generation of leaders, who will need to turn ideas into action to solve problems we face now and in the future,” Cantu said.

The university asks that anyone planning on attending not bring backpacks, briefcases, purses, camera bags or any-

thing similar, because of security reasons.

Raghuveer Puttagunta, president of the Student Government Association, also expressed elation for the Clinton speaking engagement.

“For him to arrange time for the education of students and university community says something,” he said. “I’m very appreciative for the efforts made by Alonzo Cantu and the Clinton Foundation.”

Puttagunta said the Student Union is handling most of the manpower side of the logistics, while SGA has played more of a minor role in planning for logistics.

“It is really a gracious gift of former president Clinton to come speak to us, and to do it free of cost,” he said.

Army general discusses ethics

‘Humanitarian trip’ set for Cuba

By Yngrid Fuentes Htebazile1209@hotmail.com American relations with Cuba have lagged since Fidel Castro took over in 1959, but the political science department at The University of Texas-Pan American is aiming to do its part to improve that.

Over the last two years hurricane seasons, which ended with hurricane Ike and hurricane Paloma has left Cuba in need for some extra help in dealing with the cost of these natural disasters. Therefore, a trip is being held at UTPA in an effort to help Cubans through this rough path, students are required to bring supplies such as toiletries, non-prescription pharmaceuticals and the like, this is why the trip is being made as humanitarian.

A small number of students will travel to the country, either in December or January 2010.

The trip started as a project by political science professor Jessica Lavariega who wanted to give students the lifechanging experience of helping people and immersing themselves into the life of another country.

“This is one way of exposing students to a very different kind of government, society and culture,” Lavariega said.

“This is a chance for students to formulate their own opinion about Cuba.”

To make this trip possible Lavariega went to Global Exchange, an international human rights organization that focuses on social, environmental and economic issues around the world.

Involving students opens the possibility for a better relationship between the United States and Cuba. For over four decades there has been no diplomatic relations be-

tween the two countries, mainly due to the embargo imposed in 1960, which restricted commerce and trade with Cuba.

To sign up for the trip, students need to meet with Lavariega so she can guide them through the application process after making sure they are able to travel.

Only a small subgroup of 10 undergraduates will be able to travel because trips to Cuba are subject to several licenses and permissions, such as the Institutional Travel License, required from the federal government to study abroad in Cuba. In this case 10 provisional licenses were given to UTPA undergraduate students to visit the island nation under a “humanitarian license” which is easier to acquire.

For graduate students it’s easier; they don’t need to travel on a humanitarian license, they can do it on a research license, which has fewer restrictions.

“Maybe down the road, in a few years from now it will be easier to get to Cuba than it is now,” said Yvonne Quintanilla, international programs director.

This trip required a long process of permission, licenses and forms.

Proposed travel dates are Dec. 13 to Dec. 23, or Dec. 30 to Jan. 10 2010.

The itinerary includes visiting Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Catedral, the capital in Havana and Universidad de Havana among other sites, so travelers can see where novelist Ernest Hemingway hung out, and the ship that Castro used to launch the Cuban Revolution in 1959.

It is not required that travelers be registered for class at UTPA, the trip is open for faculty, staff, students and community members.

For more information about the trip contact Lavariega at (956) 381-8993.

Alma Hernandez/The Pan American

EXPERIENCED - Maj. Gen. George R. Fay speaks about Abu Ghraib and army values at the Student Union Theater Tuesday as the first speaker for UTPA’s Global Leadership Speaker Series.

Fay lectures on army values, Abu Ghraib

By Ana Villaurrutia A.villaurru@gmail.com It was not long ago that Maj. Gen. George R. Fay was in the midst of one of the United States’ biggest international scandals. As the lead investigating officer for the Army on the abuses of detainees at Abu Ghraib, he learned much about the importance of ethics and making decisions. Monday he

brought that story and his expertise to The University of Texas-Pan American.

Fay spoke at the Student Union Theater to an audience of about 50 to kick off the Global Leadership Speaker Series, an annual event sponsored by the Integrated Global Knowledge and Understanding Collaboration program on campus.

Fay has 38 years of experience in the U.S. Army and Reserves. He is now the executive vice president of Worldwide Property and Casualty Claims for the financial corporation CNA. In the reserves, Fay worked as an insurance salesman, which helped him correlate army leadership with civilian leadership roles.

“Every one of you students will be faced with one time in your career when you’re going to have to make an ethical choice,” he said. “Think about this presentation when you make it, it’s your responsibility,” The Abu Ghraib scandal hit in 2004, after Iraq gave way to looting after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime and overcrowding became a problem at the prison. The Baghdad prison complex-turned U.S. military prison held as many as 50,000 prisoners who had committed different classes of crimes.

Well-publicized pictures of prisoner abuses quickly became nightly icons for media, causing worldwide anger and contributing both to Amer-

See FAY || Page 6

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October 15, 2009

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NEWS

October 15, 2009

IT department initiates wider wireless services

By Roxann Garcia Nevaeh09@msn.com The IT Department is currently creating different methods of bringing information technology services to students, faculty and staff at UTPA. The division recently implemented three different programs in an effort to meet with the high demand for wireless upgrades.

“This is part of a larger initiative in taking the services to the students,” said Anne Toal, the technology assessment officer for Information Technology.

“We’re getting out there and improving our infrastructure.”

The first effort begins with wireless upgrades for the entire institution. The university recently expanded its bandwidth up to 5 times faster this year, continued Toal, increasing from 54 to 300 megabytes. The upgrades were completed and installed for fall 2009 and cost the university between $400,00 to $500,000.

“Students are viewing videos, some are logging into blackboard,” noted the IT officer. “We’re discovering that students are eating up bandwidth by receiving this media from a variety of sources, therefore we are better preparing ourselves to meet this demand.”

The newly added upgrades are cam-

pus-wide, commented Toal, and avail- ested in using it. able outside as well at areas like the “It’s as easy as clicking start and north end of the quad located in the cen- stop, that kind of deal. We did not want ter of campus. faculty and staff to learn anything new The second effort began with another or add more to their workload in inteprogram the univergrating this into sity implemented this their teaching proyear, Tegrity Lecture This is just part of a larger cess,” said Kumar Capture. This proRaman, director of gram allows profes- initiative in taking the services Internet Services. sors to videotape to the students. We’re getting Surveys that their lectures, post other universities them online and have out there and improving our have conducted them accessible for indicated that softstudents who were infrastructure. ware like this helps either tardy, absent, students underor would like to view stand the material it again. better, continued Tegrity Lecture Anne Toal Raman, because Capture is a collabor- IT tech. assessment officer students can slow ative project between down the lecture or two services within the IT Department. speed up playbacks. Other universities Internet and Video services teamed up who use similar programs include Uniwith the center for Online Teaching and versity of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Technology, who operates blackboard Southmost College and the University and online learning services, to capture of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. and post the lectures for students.

“Usage shows that right before exThe university handled the purchas- ams or finals, students flock to the proing process over the summer and went gram to review the material or listen to live with the program at the beginning a complicated topic again,” said Raman. of fall semester. The university equipped The software captures power-points, smart classrooms with the software and voice and visual feedback. It bundles it set up microphones while offering basic up into a video file and is then available training for professors who were inter- through Blackboard for the student. The

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video can be viewed in multiple formats such as podcasts or even downloaded into a portable device, noted the director. The software also automatically creates key points every time there is a significant change.

“That way when the student logs on to view a three hour lecture, you can playback in parts instead of viewing the whole thing,” said Raman.

The university currently has 23 professors using the software, explained Raman. Tegrity provided the university with the software, equipment and training to run the program. The university has signed a three-year contract with the program costing $64,000 for the first year.

“We think this will be tremendously beneficial to students because it has a variety of uses. For someone who missed part of class due to traffic or for those who just missed class for whatever reason or at the end of the semester you would like to just review past lectures,” continued Toal. “We feel having a better wireless infrastructure will better facilitate those needs.”

VirtualLab is the third program in which the university hopes to bring IT services to the students. Students who have laptops and computers with a high speed connection can begin using the software installed on campus computers

onto their machines with VirtualLab. “The university started the program in fall of 2009 with the hope that it will help reduce transportation fees and services,” said the Assistant Director for Computer Support Services Richard Rodriguez.

Once the program is loaded onto the laptop, students can access the software that is initially only offered on campus computers. Software included are nursing programs, engineering, and statistical analysis, continued Rodriguez. Currently the university has a pilot version of the software, to test out until the end of the semester, and only allows 100 students and faculty at a time. The university purchased the program at $120,000.

“The software also allows you to keep the drives and programs that are within your computer onto the virtual lab. Once you log off, it all evaporates as if it was never there,” explained Toal. “The department is currently working on saving that information onto the virtual lab and making it your own that way when you log on, you log onto your virtual lab and loading becomes faster and easier.”

With the virtual labs available, students can benefit from no interference.

The program will allow the software to be offered to students at all times. This means that the virtual labs will not be subject to closures during holiday hours.

Learning studio brings technology to students

Faculty, staff health pushed in class

By Alejandra Martinez Al_ex16@hotmail.com

Faculty and staff at The University of Texas-Pan American are starting their week in a whole new and more active way by doing a different kind of work than the one they conduct in the classroom. UTPA employees now can pursue a healthier lifestyle by participating in “Motivational Mondays,” a program that promotes health education among university employees and motivates them to get in better shape.

The group meets every Monday and Wednesday at the Health and Physical Education II building, room 116 from noon to 1 p.m. Cesar Quintanilla, health education coordinator, is in charge of helping faculty and staff get their workout done.

The class also has the help of Isaac Guerra, a certified personal trainer, who is also a student in the university and an intern in the program, and he along with Quintanilla is in charge of conducting fitness assessments on the participants.

After the fitness assessments are done, faculty and staff proceed to do their work out, this can be either individual or in groups, they will choose the part of their body they want to work on that day and both Quintanilla and Guerra will assess them. Wednesdays are exclusive for working out, if someone hasn’t had their fitness assessment done, they will have to wait until the following Monday. However if someone has already undergone their fitness assessment, they don’t need to do it every week. They can choose how often they want to monitor their progress.

The workshop developed during the summer with a series of lectures on health and nutrition for faculty and staff. After the summer, they thought it was time to put that knowledge to practice and actually do some physical

gather information and translate it into graphs that can be viewed in power point presentations; movable white boards; In order to give students a space to movable furniture; a document camera practice presentations and conduct group and projector. collaborations, the Division of InformaStudents will also be able to check out tion Technology has built a new learning laptops at the lab, two Mac and 24 PCs, studio at the Academic Services Build- for three hours; they cannot be taken out ing, Room 2.112. of the building. The room also has acThe room is exclusively for students cess to wireless printing; this will allow and student organizations use. The idea students to print out material from their was to have a place that has the technol- laptops. ogy that can accommodate to students’ Construction for the room ended a couneeds for presentations and other work ple of weeks after the semester started but “I really don’t think there are many some inquiries have already been made. other areas that offer this type of collabAccording to Rodriguez, there has orative environment,” explained Richard been good feedback from students who Rodriguez, assistant director of Computer have used it. However, he said more adSupport Services. “I vertising must to be believe that this area done via e-mail and hope that student Bronc Notes. So far has a much stronger We emphasis on the use have used organizations and students in students of technology for stuthe room mainly as a dent success.” general begin reserving it...Its study area.

The equipment “We hope that was purchased by truly up to them to determine student organizaCSS during the tions and students summer using the its use. in general begin IT access fee, and reserving it and uscost about $51,000 ing it to its full poincluding the room tential,” Rodriguez Richard Rodriguez remodeling and fursaid. “This room Assistant director niture. was designed for use The features of Computer Support Services by students and it is the learning studio truly up to them to include: a presentation podium with determine its use.”

A/V controls similar to the ones located The room is open Monday through Friin regular classrooms, a 58-inch Mobile day from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday from 8 Smart Board, this is a movable monitor a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to with a touch screen that allows student to midnight. Students can use the room durmake presentations without the use of a ing these hours if it is not reserved. projector; wireless airliner tablets allows Large groups can reserve the lab at students to use the smart board from their one time for two hours. For more inforseats; a wireless polling system, this lets mation students can call the computing students in large groups use clickers to lab scheduling office at (956) 318-5343.

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By Alejandra Martinez Al_ex16@hotmail.com

activity.

The program is allowed a budget to “The main goal is to have all staff provide participating faculty and staff and faculty improve their health be- with water and snacks, and to organize cause if more employees workout and raffles of fitness equipment to keep peoare healthy, the less they’re going to ple motivated to keep attending class. be sick and they’re going to use their “Motivational Mondays” also wants insurance less for medications for dia- to encourage faculty and staff to use betes, blood pressure and cholesterol,” their Blue Cross Blue Shields insurance.

Quintanilla said.

Although this is a benefit faculty and Right now there are about 20 to 30 staff receive just by being employees at people in the group, says Quintanilla, the university, many of them don’t take but the intention is advantage of it. to keep it growing.

This feature allows The majority of the The main goal is to have all staff them to log in into participants are staff their account and members from the and faculty improve their health earn “blue points,” library, and some can be used because if more employees which faculty, mostly from to purchase fitness the kinesiology de- workout and are healthy, equipment, plus partment. gift cards from “It’s great, but if pressure and cholesterol. stores like Walwe have more, that’s Mart and Target. the whole intention, Another goal to get more people the program is active, to get them Cesar Quintanilla looking to achieve motivated to go work HPE health educ. coordinator is to lower the out,” he said. “Monamount of insurday is the best day to get motivation.” ance claims among university employThe program stems from an initiative ees. by the UT System Wellness Task Force.

If faculty and staff exercise more The UT System is creating such pro- and eat healthier, they’ll be less likely grams through the Office of Employee to get sick and thus have to make use of Benefits’ program Living Well: Make their insurance. it a Priority with the purpose of getting “Maybe you have someone with diafaculty and staff to become more active. betes and you want that person to get off Quintanilla was assigned to get the the medication and get them to workout program going at UTPA by Vice Presi- instead, and get them some nutrition indent for Enrollment and Student Servic- formation,” Quintanilla explained. es John Edwards. Edwards was asked Quintanilla says he’d like to continby Human Resources to assign someone ue this program in the spring semester. with experience in physical education He plans to create a survey to get feedto take charge of the project. back on what participants would like to “I’m the health educator for students achieve. only, but I got assigned to staff and facHe also says that he would like to ulty, so actually this program was given have a similar program for students in to me to get it going,” Quintanilla ex- the Wellness and Recreational Sports plained. “And now I’m in touch with Complex. However nothing has been UT System’s wellness programs.” discussed on the subject yet.

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October 15, 2009

NEWS

Page 7

FAY continued from Page 3 ica’s lagging image across the globe and increased anti-war sentiment at home.

Fay was the former assistant deputy chief of staff of intelligence at the Headquarters of the Department of Army in Washington, D.C when he was made lead investigator. From April to September 2004, he would begin investigating the interrogation tactics at Abu Ghraib in a report called ‘’Investigation of the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility and 205th Military Intelligence Brigade.”

His speech Monday was divided into two parts, first educating the audience on making ethical choices and reinforcing a philosophy of keeping “army values,” and then speaking about the abuses and problems that led to the Abu Ghraib debacle. He noted that there was a shortfall of personnel and many inexperienced workers.

Fay also stressed that anyone person could have made the ethical decision during the course of the abuses.

“Any one individual at any point in time could have changed history but that didn’t happen,” he commented.

“The Abu Ghraib scandal caused Al Qaeda worldwide to gain a heck of a lot of recruits, and how many more Americans died because of it? No one can answer that.”

Rehab major Katy Hammerstrom said she enjoyed the presentation but felt Fay should have focused more on the scandal rather than the ethics presentation.

“I thought it was good but I wish he had spent more time on Abu Ghraib, I was a little confused by the beginning of the speech,” said the 22-year old senior from McAllen referring to the beginning of the address about army ethics.

IGKNU will be hosting more speakers having to do with global leadership. For more information contact Nick Weimer, special project coordinator for the College of Behavioral Sciences at (956) 318-5342.

Alma Hernandez/The Pan American

ATTENTION - UTPA students listen to Maj. Gen. George R. Fay Monday as he discusses military ethics and the prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib in the Student Union Theater.

Spirit Week celebrates Bronc Pride through Friday

Tammy Ayala/The Pan American

STEPPIN’ OUT - (Above) The Blazers dance team performed in the Ballroom Oct. 13 as part of UTPA’s spirit pep rally. (Right) Amy Ann Davila, a criminal justice sophomore, paints cars in the University Center parking lot Oct. 12 as part of Spirit Week.

Thursday is Crazy Hat Day, a comedian will perform in the Student Union, and Spirit Week will wrap up on Friday with Midnight Madness in the Field House from 9:30 p.m. to midnight.

Daniel Flores/The Pan American

Page 8

THE PAN AMERICAN

October 15, 2009

Story By: Isaac Garcia • Layout By: Roy Bazan

1963

Book was awarded the Caldecott Medal

“Where The Wild Things Are” picture book is 1964 released written by Maurice Sendak

1973

Jonze and Eggers complete screen play 2006

Book was adapted as an animated short directed by Gene Deitch

2005

Filming began under Warner Bros. in Australia

October 15, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 9

Something Wild This Way Comes

Joseph Ryan Senior Pre-dental major

For those who almost cried during the trailer of “Where The Wild Things Are” as the Arcade Fire’s “Funeral” played in the background, they can now see the film in its entirety and decide if the buzz around it is deserved.

The long-awaited release of the live-action film “Where The Wild Things Are” is finally here. The picture, which has been in development since 2000, is set for release Oct. 16.

The feature is an adaptation of the 1963 10-sentence classic written by Maurice Sendak and the movie follows the mischievous adventures of Max (Max Records) after he is angered by the visitation of his mother’s (Catherine Keener) boyfriend (Mark Ruffalo). Max begins to slowly detach himself from reality. Later he is sent to his room after biting his mother; instead he runs away and sails to an island inhabited by imaginary monsters called the Wild Things.

“Where The Wild Things Are” currently holds a 68-percent fresh rating on a scale of zero to 100 on the Web site RottenTomatoes.com. The site’s main function is to allow people to access reviews from critics all over the United States. The general consensus is that the film is an artistic triumph, but may bore children. The Associated Press believes it is gorgeous while the New Yorker says that kids will be in bewilderment as to why the creatures are extremely unhappy.

The University of Texas-Pan Americans film buff, director and lecturer David Carren, wishes the film well but is skeptical

“I remember the book when I was young; my mom used to read it to me. I’ll go see the movie when it gets cheaper-- I’m not in any hurry.”

Test footage leaked onto the Internet to mixed reviews

2008

about its success.

“From what I’ve read, they are taking a really risky and radical approach to the film,” Carren said. “It can go either way— it might catch fire because of its boldness or people might be alienated because of its dark tones.”

Spike Jonze (“Being John Malkovich,” “Adaptation”) was handpicked by Sendak to direct the film. As it was originally set to release under Universal Pictures, Jonze and the company couldn’t come to an agreement for the direction of the film. Warner Bros. later acquired rights to it.

Mixed reviews aside, the film is looking to be a triple threat.

Screenwriter/author Dave Eggers released a book titled “The Wild Things” on Oct. 1. The new novel, which is longer than 10 sentences, was inspired by the script that Eggers and Jonze wrote for the film and the beloved picture book written by Sendak.

Also, Karen O, the front woman for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, recorded the entire soundtrack for the film under the name Karen O And The Kids. Consisting of 14 indie tracks, the album is layered with audio from the film and Karen O and company singing along to what feel like children’s songs. The soundtrack debuted at number 36 on the Billboard Hot 200 Charts.

“Where The Wild Things Are” is rated PG and will be in theaters starting tomorrow, but Cinemark Tinseltown in Mission will be holding a midnight screening tonight.

2009 Sept. 29

Yeah Yeah Yeah’s front woman Karen O records soundtrack for the film

Screen writer and author Eggers releases novel “The Wild Things,” loosely based on Sendak’s book

2009 Oct. 1

Tanner Putnam Freshman Pre-med major “I liked the song playing in the trailer and the CGI looks good. I’ll probably go see it when it comes out.”

Sonia Leija Senior journalism major “It was one of my favorite books when I was a kid.

I’m really curious as to how they made a movie out of a 10-sentence book.”

Deziree Ortiz Senior sociology major “I want to take my little sister to see the movie-- I remember how I felt when I was a kid-- my imagination felt limitless.”

2009 Oct. 16

“Where The Wild Things Are,” live action film released

Cinemark Tinseltown USA Midnight showing

Dates to Know: ALTAR Cruzando Today, noon to 7 p.m.

UTPA IT building Page 10

ARTS & LIFE

Fashion Show Oct. 22, 9 p.m.

Martini’s, Pharr

October 15, 2009

Bride-to-be loses 14k gold engagement ring, offers reward

By Rebecca Ward rnward@broncs.utpa.edu A gold ring, encrusted with diamonds and covered in charcoal dust, lay beside a sink in the Academic Services Building (ASB). That was the last time Liliana Cano, the ring’s owner, saw it.

On Sept. 28, Cano, 27, had just finished a project with charcoal.

“My hands were entirely black,” she said. “I had to go and do some work in the ASB for another class, and I needed to wash my hands…I took off my ring first.”

Cano recalled that while she was drying her hands, she saw another girl enter the bathroom. She was temporarily distracted and left without the ring.

“I have a tendency to play with the ring,” Cano stated, adding that as she felt for the ring on her finger, she noticed that it was missing. “I immediately ran down the stairs…to the bathroom, opened the door, it was gone.”

As soon as she realized the ring was gone, Cano called to report it lost or stolen to campus police and the ASB office.

“I asked all the teachers, upstairs and downstairs,” she recalled. “All said no,

they had not seen a ring, nor a student that might have found one.

But Cano was not finished: she immediately got permission to put up flyers about the ring around campus.

She estimates that she printed and posted more than 50 flyers around campus, but the next day noticed that some had been taken down. When she asked the administration office of the ASB, they told her custodians had taken them down. “I understand that they would take down the ones in the bathroom where I left the ring, but not the ones on the bulletin boards outside the classrooms,” she said.

Not deterred by their actions, however, she reprinted the flyers and put them up again.

While there is no way to tell who picked up the ring, Cano said that she remembers there only having been one other person in the restroom at the time she left.

“I’ve been going to the [ASB] office every single day to see if that girl has turned it in,” she said.

The subsequent phone call Cano said she made to her fiancé was a difficult one.

“That was the deepest, longest silence was only with the ring for four months,” I’ve ever heard on the other end of the she said. phone,” she said.

“I don’t know if I lost it or they stole Cano sat on a bench in the outdoor it. I always say I lost it the moment I left corridor of the Fine Arts Complex, it on the sink and they stole it the moment fidgeting with her bare finger as she they found it and didn’t turn it in.” described her ring.

Ironically, “I don’t want to I don’t know if I lost it or however, she does know. I just don’t not want revenge on want to know,” Cano they stole it. I always say I whoever took it. said when asked “If they were about the number of lost it the moment I left it to return it,” she carats of diamonds “I would just on the sink and they stole it said. the ring. She said the say thank you. I ring was 14k gold the moment they found it and wouldn’t even hate with four princessthem or anything, I cut diamonds on the didn’t turn it in. would just say thank top, and four more you for returning it. running down each That’s all I want, side. While she just [to get] the admitted that she Liliana Cano ring back… I don’t did not want to find UTPA student care about anything out from her fiancé else.” how much the ring Still, there seems was worth because she would have felt to be come confusion in the search worse, a ring like hers sold by jewelers process. Campus police said they have such as Helzberg or Zales retails for not found a ring, nor has any student upwards of $3,000. come forward to return one. Office “I just got engaged this summer, so I Roy Arce of the University Police

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Department said that there was no record of a report made by Cano. There was also no record of a ring being reported stolen on Sept. 28.

“We don’t have anything in our system. No lost property card. Nothing like that,” he said.

Cano was shocked to hear that campus police had no record of her report, exclaiming, “I made a report that day!”

After finding out that there was no report on file, she decided to call the department. Campus PD asked for a case number. Unable to produce one, Cano told them she had only made the report over the phone and was not given a case number.

“I talked to them and they just took the report [finally]…and said they will investigate who I spoke to that day and why they didn’t do their job the way they were supposed to.”

For now, Cano just hopes that someone will see the flyers and feel a sense of guilt and obligation to give it back. She is offering a reward for the return of the ring and welcomes any information regarding its whereabouts.

Cano can be reached at 369-5019.

Blogger spins the tunes, becomes indie’s go-to guy

By Veronica Gonzalez vdgonzalezz@gmail.com From major music information sites to small-time ones, music blogs have been gaining momentum ever since the entertainment business exploded on the Internet. With Web sites such as Blogger and WordPress, anyone can have a place on the Web in an instant. Some go into the blogging world looking to expand and make their voice a permanent source of info, like Stereogum or Pitchfork. Others are content with sharing their thoughts within a circle of friends.

Andy Sanchez, a 20-year-old TV/ theatre/film major from Weslaco, never imagined he would be dubbed the go-to guy for what’s new in the indie music scene. But after a trip to South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin back in March, Sanchez felt the urge to continue on the “musical high” and start a blog.

“I’ve frequented a few [music blogs] in the past few years. I find them very helpful when looking for new music,” Sanchez said. “It got to the point where I was up to date with the blogs, and one month I gave it a go. I think the first post I did was small, on Akron/Family…I really took to them. And it’s just grown from there.”

While his blog, ‘hailing the photon gods’ is not a religious cult command, you could say Sanchez pays tribute—to the eclectic indie and folk artists of the day, like Akron/Family.

“Usually it comes from recommendations or stuff I see on other blogs. I’ll see a band mentioned in a footnote somewhere, I’ll look them up,”

the photon-god hailer said. “Some bands “So my music rotation isn’t as don’t hit me as some others do, but when abrasive, maybe because I’m growing one does I put the song on repeat…to the old. Every now and then I’ll reminisce point to where I learn the lyrics in like 20 and go back and listen to what I used minutes. Whenever something happens to,” Sanchez said, laughing. “I like to like that, then yeah, I want to tell people think I listen to things from all spectrums about this. People have to know, it’s of music. I like to listen to instrumental almost like an imperative of some sort.” music from time to time, and even then There is no it branches off real meaning into different behind the stuff.” blog name, but T h e Sanchez wanted Bowerbirds, to be up to par Explosions in with some of the Sky and the sites he Sigur Ros. regularly visits.

These are only ‘Hailing the a few of the photon gods’ bands Sanchez seemed farhas come to fetched enough, truly appreciate S a n c h e z on his journey explained, just to find new and in case his site inspiring music. did get any “There are attention. bands who take The Weslaco it up a notch, or native’s music down a notch, fascination depending started out with on how you classic rock look at it. and grew more Andy Sanchez Sun, they play intense when he drone music. became a fan of BLOG ABOUT THIS - TV/film major No real rhythm the metal band, Andy Sanchez has a movie script in the or beats,” the HIM. Sanchez works. The unemployed student spends excited musicdescribes these most of his time blogging online. lover said. “Then as his “naïve there’s stuff days.” Not too long after that, he that’s orchestrated, like Sigur Ros from discovered indie music and recently the Iceland. They bring in timpani and 20-year-old has become absorbed with strings and sometimes they have horns. folk music.

It’s really magical.”

HOURS OF PLAY While most students rush off to work, practice, etc., after class and late into the night, Sanchez sits and devotes his time to hours of musical adventures. The thrill of finding new music keeps him dedicated and at the edge of his seat.

“It requires several hours a day, because you have to listen to music and digest it. You can’t just go out on a whim and throw up on the keyboard,” Sanchez said. “You actually have to pay attention to what you’re doing. It takes patience.”

Music never gets old. There’s always something new going on. A few weeks ago, Vampire Weekend’s new song release kept Sanchez on the verge of bursting.

“There’s been a lot of buzz about it.

As soon as I got the email, I thought, ‘I have to put this on the blog as soon as possible!’” I had just gotten out of class and plugged in. It’s kind of exciting getting the scoop!”

Fellow blogger Trae Valdez, senior graphic design major, has known Sanchez since grade school, but they never really talked until college. The 22-year-old started his blog not too long after Sanchez. His blog focuses not only on music, but anything that catches his attention. His favorite thing about blogging is sharing ideas and receiving feedback on his opinions.

“I think music blogs are becoming so popular because it’s becoming an easier way of sharing thoughts and opinions on music as well as sharing the actual music,” Valdez said. “You go to see what that person has to say about bands or songs. It opens your ears to a lot of new things you might never have known to exist.”

Valdez admits he has a difference of

opinion with Sanchez every now and then, but always respects what he has to say. Sanchez is one of the few people the graphic design major likes to talk music with.

When Sanchez isn’t wide-eyed online or falling asleep to the soothing rhythms of Sigur Ros, he’s busy thinking about film. The music blogger has had a chance to direct, write and produce through his practicum class, and other friends’ projects.

He hasn’t decided on what genre of film to concentrate on, but lately Sanchez has been drawn to the more dramatic, thought provoking aspects. He may not write the next “Epic Movie,” but Sanchez won’t object.

“If I’m inspired by something, it’s usually a piece of music or a thought.

I like to think. Every now and then something will come in and for some reason it won’t get out of my head and I’ll add to it and realize ‘Hey! There’s a story to this,’” Sanchez said. “So I figured I should have some place to collect my thoughts. I already had the music blog so I opened up another blog on my account.”

While the upkeep for the music blog is a must, Sanchez doesn’t feel the need to update his film blog (Cinesaurproductions.wordpress.com) as often. Only when his film progress calls for it.

Sanchez doesn’t know what’s exactly ahead for his blog. He does hope to move to Austin or New York City for film school next year. For now, he’s content writing for anyone wanting to indulge in new sounds at hailingthephotongods. wordpress.com.

October 15, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 11

Students For Peace march on campus against war

Alma Hernandez/The Pan American ALL YOU NEED IS PEACE - David Cortez and Rodrigo Garcia, members of the Students For Peace club lead a march through the covered walkways on Oct. 8 in protest of the Afghanistan War. Student interested in marching against the war can join the STP group on Oct. 18 at Archer Park.

By Andrielle Figueroa j27ig@yahoo.com A motivated band of The University of Texas-Pan American students and professors took to the university’s covered walkways Oct. 8 in a march for peace. The members of the campus organization Students for Peace organized the event to protest the war in Afghanistan, which is now almost a decade old.

With Oct. 7 marking the eight-year anniversary of the war that began in 2001 after 9-11, Students for Peace wanted to establish that despite the fact that the conflict has dropped from the headlines in recent months, they are not taking the war lightly. Miki Ehimika, a 20-year-old political science major, has been a member of the organization since the group began three years ago. He explained the day’s activities.

“It started out as the practice of first, education, sitting there and talking about what do you agree with and where do you stand?” Ehimika said. “Then we focused on the action, it’s good to bring

awareness to issues of peace and justice his presidency in September. that people are not aware of.”

As with any organization, there Their march for peace began at the have been high and low points. Cortez, steps of the Social Behavioral Sciences a history and political science major, building, proceeding explained the debate through the covered that came up when It’s a war that we are losing, SFP collaborated walkways around the school and the a war that we are going to with the Young Student Union.

Democrats and held Though it was a lose, and a war that we cannot a “Don’t Get Teasmall group, the goal bagged: The Truth was to work toward win. The sooner we get out, about Health Care participation in an Reform” meeting upcoming anti-war the sooner we can stop the Sept. 10. protest march to “We took some loss of life. be held Oct. 18 at flack early this 4 p.m. beginning semester for having at Archer Park in a forum on health McAllen and ending Samuel Freeman care and the fact at the city’s Federal Political science professor I as president Building on north expressed my Main Street. opinion that I SFP has a new president, David believe in national health care and the Cortez, and he is excited to see interest single-payer option,” the 26-year-old in the group from the UTPA student stated. “People took offense to the body. Cortez has currently received 175 fact that we, as a non-partisan peace messages and counting from people organization, was getting involved in asking for information since he started what they believe to be a partisan issue.”

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Along with the topic of health care, the group worries over the number of lives being lost in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. As of this week, over 7,000 Americans have died overseas, and many thousands of others from the countries where the conflicts rage.

Many of the American dead were students.

“We hope that people on campus take notice of the fact that we have veterans on campus who have fulfilled their duty and are close to graduating now,” Cortez said. “These eight years that we have spent pouring blood and treasure into that country…we don’t have anything to show for it.”

On Nov. 5 the group will hold a forum on the human cost of war, including lives lost and veteran sacrifices, in the SBSC, Room 101. The speakers will include a wife of an active duty soldier, an Afghanistan War veteran, plus Vietnam War veteran Samuel Freeman, a political science professor at UTPA. Freeman, also the faculty adviser for Students for Peace, explained how important the group is for spreading

awareness about the ongoing conflicts, and compared the current resistance to his experiences during the 1960s.

“The key groups in the resistance of that war (Vietnam) were students in our colleges and universities who were very quick to begin to organize against the war and to take various kinds of public actions against it,” Freeman said.

After the Vietnam War began and extended for over 20 years, Freeman said that anti-war protests from students helped veterans and the country as well.

“We saw the students and all of the work that they have been doing with the Vietnam veterans, beginning to mobilize a very large anti-war movement that reached into all segments of American society,” Freeman recalled.

The professor said that young people can take matters into their own hands and have their voices heard on campus and across the country.

“It’s a war that we are losing, a war that we are going to lose, and a war that we cannot win,” he insisted. “The sooner we get out, the sooner we can stop the loss of life.”

Page 12

ARTS AND LIFE

October 15, 2009

UTPA students get a feel for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Nadia Tamez-Robledo ntamezrob@broncs.utpa.edu Boobs. Ta-tas. Lady lumps. Sweater puppies. They go by many names, and several organizations across campus are taking up the cause of a health issue specific to them during Breast Cancer Awareness Month during October.

Both the Student Union and the volleyball team recently participated in events designed to raise awareness of the issue. The Union held a night of information Oct. 8 while the UTPA Lady Bronc Volleyball Team raised money for breast cancer research during their Oct. 8 and Saturday-night games.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 62,000 cases of early-stage breast cancer and more than 192,000 cases of more advanced cases of the disease will be diagnosed in 2009.

Though the risk of breast cancer is greatest for women over the age of 40, according to data from the National Cancer Institute, Physician Assistant Patti Koo of Student Health Services said learning how to conduct self-breast exams will help college-age women detect any potential abnormalities later in life.

“It’s important because they know what their normal is,” she said. “They’re getting comfortable with it so when that risk age comes in their 50s to 70s, they’re going to be so used to doing it every month that it’s just part of their health routine, like taking their calcium and taking their vitamin.”

In order to avoid confusing normal lumps in breast tissue with something more serious, Koo said that self-exams

should be done one week after a women’s Although cases of breast cancer in menstrual cycle due to increased young women are rare, according to Koo, tenderness in the tissue before that time. she said those with family histories of the “[Some women] start to do it at home disease should get screened regularly, because they hear that they’re supposed especially if their mothers or several to do it, and then they get scared and they members of their immediate family were stop,” Koo said of women who aren’t used diagnosed. to performing monthly exams. “They feel the lumps, which are normal, and they THINK PINK get a little nervous, and they think, ‘Oh, Freshmen Jennifer Hernandez and I don’t want to do that.’ Number one, it Nancy Chapa, both of Rio Grande City, makes them uncomfortable with their attended the Student Union’s “Think body, and number Pink”-themed Ladies two, they’re not At our age we’re still young Night Oct. 8. Held going to screen for once a semester, what they need to and we don’t really think that this time the event screen for.” took on the role of In the event that can affect us, but in reality providing breast a woman goes to cancer awareness it’s something that we should information the Student Health in Services clinic with always have in the back of our addition to its usual concerns about food, games and something she feels mind. giveaways. in her breast tissue, Eighteen-year-old heath-care providers Hernandez said that can perform she began educating a screening to Cindy Mata herself about breast determine whether Student Union assistant director cancer after her the student is in need mother and aunt were of a mammogram or diagnosed with it. should return for a follow-up. They also “I have a higher risk [because] my show students what to look for in the family members have it,” she said. future.

“Having to go through all that with my “If you feel something and feels kind mom was hard, so that’s how I became of long and cord-like, that’s normal. If more aware.” it feels like a [single symmetrical ball], According to The National Women’s that’s something to bring to our attention,” Health Information Center, breast cancer Koo explained. “It’s probably still OK. is “the leading cause of cancer death We can probably recheck a breast exam in among Hispanic/Latina women.” two months, but if you feel lumps all over, Chapa, whose grandmother passed that’s just your normal breast tissue.” away from the malady in 2005, wants to

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stay informed about the disease and share the information with her mother.

“Growing up without her makes me realize we need to be…more aware of what’s going on,” she said. “[At these events], I get to hear other people’s stories and learn about being careful for myself.”

Student Union Assistant Director Cindy Mata said that combining an evening of entertainment with instructive programming is one way she hopes students will walk away with valuable information.

“At our age we’re still young and we don’t really think that can affect us, but ng that we should in reality it’s something ck of our mind,” always have in the back she said. “Most of uss know someone gh cancer or breast who has gone through cancer, and I think if we’re educated about elp spread the word.” it as Latinas, we can help DIG PINK ronc Volleyball The Lady Bronc eness as well Team raised awareness approximately $550 when they participated in the nationwide Dig Pink campaign during their games against The University of North Dakota andd The outh University of South Dakota last week.

“We’re not just athletes or students, we’re also interested in our community,” said Deanna Schneyer, a 22-yearold graduate assistant who is pursuing her master’s degreee in business administration.

Sponsors pledged to donate money for every dig, which is a defensive move that “allows you to control the ball and set it up for a better offensive attack,” Schneyer said.

The money will be donated to the SideOut Foundation, a non-profit group that has organized Dig Pink each October since 2004.

“We always try to push our girls to remember that there’s more than just playing volleyball or doing athletics and getting your degree,” Schneyer said. “It’s more about helping your community, getting to know your c o m m u n i t y, and getting involved.”

October 15, 2009

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Page 13

Date to Know: Volleyball

Chicago State Oct. 17, 8 p.m.

Chicago, Ill. Page 14

Cross Country

Chili Pepper CC Festival Oct. 17 Fayetteville, Ark. October 15, 2009

SPORTS

Elkins Lake Fall Men’s Golf Classic cut short Weather puts a damper on UTPA men’s and women’s performances

By Alvaro Balderas Alvaro_tx@msn.com

junior A.J. Gonzalez ended in 42nd with a 155.

Perhaps the Broncs leader and its most formidable player Armen Kirakossian, Keven’s older brother, had a rough outing, finishing in 33rd place with a score of 151. It was his lowest finish of the year.

“I played really bad. I can’t put my finger on it. It’s golf,” said Kirakossian, senior business major from Portland, Ore. The Broncs return to the fairways on Oct. 25 at Missouri City for the Husky Invitational hosted by Houston Baptist University.

The University of Texas-Pan American’s golf teams could not get the ball rolling as they did not finish their final rounds due to weather conditions in their respective tournaments Monday and Tuesday.

WOMEN Eager to improve on last week’s The cancellation of the third and final middling sixth place finish at the Mis- round left the Lady Broncs hungry to imsion Inn Collegiate Classic, the UTPA prove their ninth-place, two-round finish men’s golf team was unable to get a full at the Lady Red Wolf Classic in Jonesassessment of their game Monday at the boro Country Club in Jonesboro, Ark. Elkins Lake Fall Men’s Golf Classic The Lady Broncs dug themselves in due to heavy rain. a hole in the first round by shooting an The men did see some room for en- abysmal 333, which put them 40 strokes thusiasm, scoring 289 in the first round out of the lead. Even though they showed and 298 in the second for a fifth-place considerable improvement in the second finish in the second tournament of their round, by then it was too late. fall season. Bronc coach Santiago Lar“I’m pleased but not that pleased. We rea has pinpointed couldn’t go out and his team’s faults but get the job done in I think they weren’t ready is certain that with the first round. We a little bit of time to win but instead afraid to were going through and focus the road the motions and to success is just play bad. I think sometimes were trying too hard around the corner. sometimes,” said “First round we put too much pressure on Ofelia Lopez, direcwe played really tor of men and womgood but unfortu- ourselves in the first round and en’s golf, and third nately we couldn’t year women’s head play like that in that’s something that needs to coach. “I think they the second. We weren’t ready to win change. need to learn how but instead were to adapt quickly to afraid to play bad. I new conditions and think sometimes we environments ev- Ofelia Lopez put too much presery week, which is Director of men’s/women’s golf sure on ourselves in where I think we’re the first round and struggling,” Larrea said. “The team is that’s something we need to change.” improving little by little even though Junior San Antonio native Haley the newcomers need more experience. Hocott led the Lady Broncs in eighth The only way to get it is with playing place with a consistent 153. and making mistakes. What we need “When you want something so bad to work on is to try and cut out those it kind of falters and goes the opposite mistakes.” way. I can’t say they didn’t play hard Freshman business major Kevin Ki- because they did,” Lopez said. “Haley rakossian had the best outing for the stepped it up playing positive and hard Broncs, shooting 140 for a fourth-place for every stroke. She had that mentality finish in the abbreviated match. Shoot- that no one was going o beat her and ing four strokes behind the leader the that’s something I have to put in the rest Tualatin, Ore., native kept pace with the of the girls.” field in the first round, shooting a solid Senior Mission native Rebecca De 69 in the second round.

Leon came in 40th with a score of 164 “I’m really proud of Kevin. He had a (85-79). Sophomores Majo Camey and great performance in Orlando and came Sarah Kothny finished with strokes back with a better one this week,” Lar- apart as the Guatemalan Camey posted rea noted. “Hopefully he can keep brin- a 165 and Kothny (Kingwood) a 166. ing it and keeps getting better and better Arkansas State won the tournament every week.” with a score of 612.

Mission native Brandon Reyna finThe Lady Broncs’ next tournament ished the tourney with a score of 149, will be at home as they host the UTPA earning him a tie for 24th place. Fresh- Golf Classic on Nov. 2 at Los Lagos man Edinburg Bobcat ex Adam Haley Golf Course in Edinburg came in 35th after shooting 154, while

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Search is over; tennis coach chosen

By Kevin Stich K.stich@gmail.com After months of a coaching position stalemate, the University of Texas-Pan American men and women’s tennis teams finally have a new coach. Tuesday Chris Taylor, previously the head coach of the California Baptist University teams (2006-2009), was welcomed as the newest member of the UTPA athletics family.

The newly appointed coach will look to play catch-up as the teams have already commenced their season with two tournaments. He looks to bring some stability to a program that has had three coaches in the past four seasons, the last being Chris Gill, who did not reapply for the position.

“I think one of the things I can bring is building a program from the ground up,” Taylor said. “As for expectations this year, on my behalf and on the kids’ behalf, I think the big thing is just going to be consistency... From meeting with the (team), there is a very strong sense of team and a strong sense of unity amongst them. That’s definitely something we’re going to try and build off of.”

He arrives after the Cal Baptist athletic department made the decision this past June to end both the men and women’s tennis programs. However, Taylor’s teams, which competed in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), were among the top units in the country in the 2008-2009 season.

A Texas native, Taylor played three seasons for Vanguard University from 2002-2004, where he had a successful career as a player, including two appearances at the NAIA National Tournament. He is also certified by the United States Pro-

fessional Tennis Association (USPTA).

But apparently the clincher for his hire was not necessarily what was on paper, but rather his integrity – something that has become a focus in the UTPA athletic department recently.

“We were trying to find someone who serves our student-athletes, had some head coaching experience, and really had some character in their background,” athletic director Chris King said. “When we came to a final decision, Chris Taylor stood out based on his character -- the fact that he turned that program around in a very short period of time.”

The Lancers men’s team finished last season ranked fourth in the nation while the women’s unit gained a spot in the NAIA tournament.

The Broncs season so far isn’t anything to scoff at, as the women won the Islander Open singles final, defeating Laredo Community College and the men made a strong showing at last weekend’s UTSA Invite. Taylor talked about how difficult it is to perform well without a head coach.

“I think it just speaks to the kids’ willingness to perform and willingness to compete. They’re willing to step up and get it done in less than ideal circumstances,” he said. “I certainly hope that once we’ve improved the situation with a coach in there on a consistent basis, we’ll even better results, more consistent results.”

Taylor officially starts Monday, but will be attending the women’s ITA Southwest Regional Tournament hosted by Baylor University, held in Waco. He was hired just in time to prep the teams for the regional tournament hosted by Texas A&M University in College Station Oct. 24.

“As

for expectations this year, on my behalf and on the kids’ behalf, I think the big thing is just going to be consistency... From meeting with the (team) there is a very strong sense of team and a strong sense of unity amongst them.”

Chris Taylor Newly appointed tennis coach

Volleyball: off-the-court issues for Lady Broncs

By Kevin Stich K.stich@gmail.com As if the University of Texas-Pan American women’s volleyball team needed any more distractions this season, it had to deal with at least one more.

First-year transfer Kameo Peña was picked up by the UTPA Police Department in the wee hours of the morning Sept. 24 for being under the influence of alcohol.

It’s a damper on an already disappointing season for the Lady Broncs.

The UTPA athletic department has said that it will not comment on the explicit details of the event, but head coach Angela Hubbard does enforce a strict policy on student-athlete alcohol consumption.

Peña, a red shirt freshman, withdrew from classes after the incident and returned to her home in New Mexico. She faces a $260 fine, and a hearing scheduled for Oct. 24 according to the Edinburg Municipal Court.

“The things that she did on her personal time, although I don’t condone it and it was very unacceptable, that’s something that happened to her in her personal life, and what I can say is that she is no longer on the team,” Hubbard

said. “I have rules and if you break the rules there are consequences… You break them once and we sit down and have a conversation. You break them twice and we have to renegotiate your position on the team at that point.”

Hubbard noted that all volleyball players sign a team contract before the season starts, stating that they agree to the rules their coach and the department have set for them, and also discouraging extracurricular activities like consuming alcohol. She stressed that the contract is a way of upholding the integrity of the program, as well as protecting the interest of the athletes.

But Hubbard and company are trying to remain optimistic in spite of the occurrence, continuing to move forward with their goals.

“We have these rules in place for the betterment of the team, not because I want to be a drill sergeant, but because these are the ways we’re going to be successful,” she explained. “Every coach is different; we all have our expectations as far as drinking (alcohol) goes. I don’t want to speak for anyone else, but on the teams that I’ve been on and the teams I’ve coached and been an assistant coach as well as a head coach, and also

as a player, it’s pretty much the same rule across the board. Alcohol doesn’t do anything but inhibit your ability to perform at your maximum potential.”

Hubbard recruited the 6-foot-1-inch Peña from the University of New Mexico, where she redshirted her freshman campaign. She was brought in as an asset at the middle blocker position; however, the budding player aggravated a tear in her knee cartilage at the end of preseason, and was on injured reserve for the start of the 2009-2010 regular campaign in August.

The new boss of the department was not in the loop for the action, but commented on what went down.

“We have a student-athlete code of conduct, and it’s probably something we need to get in to a little more detail down the road where have a process set up when situations like this arise,” new athletic director Chris King said. “We have character coaches on staff and we expect them to recruit good character students.

We want them to be well-rounded, not just athletes, but do well in academics and in the community.”

Lady Broncs will press forward with their season, facing Utah Valley Thursday in Orem, Utah.

October 15, 2009

SPORTS

Page 15

Cross country steps it up; finishes well at HBU/Puma Invitational Despite bad weather Lady Broncs keep up

By Benny Salinas Bsalinas.@broncs.utpa.edu The Lady Bronc cross country team made a solid appearance this weekend at the HBU/Puma Invitational in Houston despite unfavorable weather and a missing veteran runner. They faced off against Houston Baptist, Rice and Texas Southern, earning two top-ten finishes and placing third overall.

“We ran much, much better this time than we did last time,” head coach Dave Hartman said. “The whole team stepped it up and ran on an entirely different level.”

Prior to this meet, the team participated in the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islander Splash on Sep. 25, where they finished seventh, 11 points behind this

weekend’s top team, Houston Baptist.

“We really kept up with Houston this weekend,” Hartman said proudly.

“We finished 11 points behind them this weekend without Diana, just like we did last time when he had the entire team running.”

The team’s only veteran runner, Diana Galloso, was unable to compete because of an operation she underwent on Oct. 8 to have tonsils removed. This was a significant absence to a team made up almost entirely of freshmen.

A missing veteran wasn’t the only thing working against the Broncs last weekend. Thunderstorms pushed the meet back from Friday, Oct. 9 to Saturday and forced the runners to compete in wet conditions, resulting in considerably slower times for the entire competition.

“The conditions were pretty sloppy and muddy, which slowed everyone down and offset the shorter 4K distance we had this time,” Hartman explained. “Longer, drier conditions are generally better for us because we have

a lot of speed on our team, although Fayetteville, Ark., for the Chili Pepper I’m not making excuses, everyone has Cross Country Festival, which attracts to run under the same conditions.” many of the nation’s best teams, inThe rainy weather wasn’t much of a cluding Iowa State, Mississippi State, factor for UTPA’s top runner, freshman and many colleges across Texas.

Judith Chumba. The Kenyan national, “This is a really big meet, with who’d been the Lady Broncs’ top run- big teams from all over the country. ner at the Islander Splash, finished in Arkansas’ team will be there, and third place with a time of 15:54.3, less they’re one of the best teams in the than 10 seconds benation,” Hartman hind winner Raquel We ran much, much better said. “It’ll really Tidwell of Houston be an eye-opening this time than we did last time. experience. We’ll Baptist.

“Judith had an definitely be testexcellent race. She The whole team stepped it up ed. I just hope we kept up with the top and ran on an entirely different won’t be too overrunner for almost whelmed.” the entire race until level.

Right now, she fell behind near learning experiencthe end,” Hartman es are crucial for said. “It can be rethe Lady Broncs. ally hard for any Dave Hartman “It’s such a refreshman to get Cross country head coach building year,” the adjusted, especially coach concluded. one from a different country. But this “Our team is made up almost entirely race I really think she started coming of freshmen. But we’re getting there. into her own.”

They’ll be growing a lot this year. It’s On Oct. 17 the team will head to an exciting time right now.”

“

”

SCHEDULE Sept. 12 Texas A&M Invitational College Station Cancelled Brazos Valley Open College Station 4th Sept. 25 Islander Splash Corpus Christi TBA Oct. 17 Chili Pepper Cross Country Festival Fayetteville, AR Oct. 31 Great West Conference Championship Bronx, NY Nov. 14 NCAA South Central Regional Championship Waco Nov. 23 NCAA Championship Terre Haute, IN

Bronc Sports Tracker Volleyball - Oct. 8 North Dakota (L) 3-0 25-18, 26-24, 25-14 -Oct. 10 South Dakota (L) 3-0 25-20, 25-21, 25-23

Men’s Golf

Women’s Golf

Elkins Lake Fall Men’s Golf Classic

Men’s Tennis

Lady Red Wolf Classic

UTSA Invite - Singles (Finals)

Texas-Pan American - Fifth place

Texas-Pan American - Ninth place

Kevin Kirakossian - T 4th Brandon Reyna - T 24th Armen Kirakossian - 33th Adam Haley - 35th A.J. Gonzalez - 42nd

Haley Hocott - T 8th Rebecca DeLeon - T 40th Armen Kirakossian - 45th Adam Haley -T 46th

(140) (149) (151) (154) (155)

(153) (164) (165) (166)

Aswin Vijayaragavan (L) 6, 5-7, 6-3.

Nirvick Mohiuta (L) 6-3 ,6-4 Brett Bernstein (W) 6-2, 6-3 Beau Bernstein (L) 6-4, 7-6 Marcus Dornauf (W) 6-3, 6-0

Editor’s Pick NY Giants (5-0) at New Orleans (4-0) Noon on Fox Prediction: 24-17 Giants

Page 16

October 15, 2009

SPORTS

Lady Broncs promote breast cancer awareness joining the Dig Pink campaign

By Sara Hernandez Sarahdzm@hotmail.com The temperature in the UTPA Field House rose as the pink-clad crowd jumped off their seats shouting cheers of excitement that interrupted the “Let’s go Broncs” chant. Near the end of the third set Saturday evening, the Lady Broncs were in danger of falling 3-0 against the South Dakota Coyotes.

The University of Texas-Pan American volleyball team scored point number 23 on a kill by Rita Gonzalez, which put them one point from tying the score at 24; unfortunately, South Dakota managed to kill the last attack of the night and put an end to the thrilling duel.

The Lady Broncs had a special reason to give their best. The program joined the Dig Pink movement, organized by the Side-Out Foundation, which coordinates collegiate and high school volleyball events during October of each year to raise funds for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Across the nation, 826 high school and college teams are participating in the Dig Pink campaign this year.

Head coach Angela Hubbard mentioned the relevance that this event had for the Lady Broncs, who like to take advantage of the exposure they get as studentathletes to make the community aware of a disease that affects a great number of women. Supporters had the option of donating either a flat rate of $5 or 25 cents per each of the 57 digs completed.

“As athletes we get a lot of things and it’s good for us to give back,” she said.

“Being women, we’re definitely affected by these sorts of things so it’s important for us to support the cause and make sure that we are aware of the causes and the things that happen.”

Kaitlin Vasquez said that participating in Dig Pink gave the team a motivation to share their passion for volleyball at the same time they make an impact on other people.

“It’s good for the community to put thought into it and for us to help in other ways than just playing volleyball; helping the school to help with other community needs and people across campus,” the junior Lady Bronc said. “It’s also a way of making people more aware of the fact that this (breast cancer) really is something that goes on.”

Freshman Sara Davis added that the

cause had made her see the game in a different perspective.

“It makes me feel like… we’re playing for our team but we’re also playing for other people,” she said. “It gives me a bigger reason to play.”

UTPA celebrated two matches as part of the rally; fans were encouraged to wear pink in support of the foundation. The team, which wore pink warmup shirts, faced North Dakota and lost 3-0 Thursday, the Sioux didn’t give way for the Lady Broncs to win the first set, which finished 24-19. UTPA gave tough competition in the second, but fell short at the end and lost it by two.

The third set wasn’t a struggle for North Dakota, which dominated UTPA 25-14.

Although the Lady Broncs fell against South Dakota, Saturday’s match gave a show of effort and motivation on a meaningful occasion for the team.

South Dakota took the first game 2520 despite UTPA steady’s start, in which it led with a six-point (7-1) advantage.

The second set brought a similar situation and ended 25-21, but the third set concluded with the aforementioned and breath-taking 25-23 decision in favor of the Coyotes.

“We know we can be better than that, we know our potential, but sometimes we don’t come together as a team,” middle blocker Davis said.

With only four wins against 14 setbacks this season, Hubbard said that the group has struggled to find an effective offense, but has been focusing on mending these deficiencies. She thinks that time will bring results.

“It’s the same sad story that I’ve been saying, we play great defense and we’re making too many errors offensively,” Hubbard said. “We are working on it and at some point we are going to find a way to make the change.”

The players mentioned that fighting is also one of the keys they have been working on. Vasquez’s concluding words fit perfectly with the way the Lady Broncs are confronting the team situation, and equally well for the courage that breast cancer patients may adopt to face the disease.

“We all fought a good game, but still lost,” Vasquez said. “We have to learn how to keep fighting until the end, and not just give up…keep fighting.”

Photos by Hector J. Garcia