September 8, 2011

Volume 68, No. 2

WWW.PANAMERICANONLINE.COM

September 8, 2011

Low-producing degree options to be cut

By Susan Gonzalez The Pan American As of Aug. 31, 2013, three University programs will be cut per the standards of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. These programs were considered low-producing and will not be admitting any more students: the non-accredited B.S. in computer science, the B.A.A.S. in applied arts and sciences and the clinical specialist option in the M.S.N. in nursing. However, deans, department chairs and professors in these departments are not mourning the loss of these programs. “Enrollment is close to the national average, we are doing quality research, we are producing quality graduates. Many of these graduates go on to get advanced degrees at tier one institutions,” said David Allen, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences. “It behooves a college that is growing and improving, as we are, to only offer accredited degree programs.” As for the B.A.A.S. in applied arts and sciences, Kristin Croyle, interim dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, also believes that this program is no longer beneficial to the college. “This degree has not really been a viable degree at UTPA for years,” Croyle said. “It was first put in place to assist students who had earned an associate’s degree with a large number of technical hours. However, as the curriculum at UTPA changed, it became prohibitively long for students to pursue the B.A.A.S. as we had it formulated. For some time, we have been advising students into other choices that end up being shorter and more efficient for them, such as the Bachelor of General Studies. I don’t believe that any students will be affected by this program deletion because we have been working hard to advise students away from the B.A.A.S. program for years.” Similar feelings were shared by Nursing Department chair and professor Carolina Huerta, who feels no loss in regard to the clinical specialist option being closed in the M.S.N. program.

SEE PROGRAMS || PAGE 3

ARTS GET $43M Erick Gonzalez / THE PAN AMERICAN

Construction for new ﬁne arts complex slated to begin in 2012

By Belinda Munoz The Pan American After some much needed revision, the University of Texas - Pan American has officially, finally, approved a plan to build a new Fine Arts Academic and Performance Complex. The project, to be funded by the UT System, will cost around $42.7 million to complete and will provide a new mid-size theater to accommodate approximately 1,000 audience members upon its completion in October 2014. The project was originally proposed in 2006 but never got off the ground for various reasons.

According to Martin Baylor, vice president for business affairs, it’s good to see the University moving forward with its plan. “It has been a long time,” Baylor said. “It has been a process and we are all very excited. Everyone’s really worked very hard to get the project to this point.” Demolition of UTPA’s existing auditorium and Fine Arts Annex will need to happen first to make way for the nearly 14,500 square feet of new construction that the new complex will bring. Baylor explained that the demolition and construction process will happen in phases, with the current auditorium expected to be

bowled over by October 2012. For Orlando Diaz, a 21-year-old senior pursuing a degree in music education, the idea of a new performance complex is vital to the future for UTPA students. “As a music student, I do think it is important to have the new complex for the future and current music students here at UTPA,” Diaz said. “We were in such a need for a new auditorium and complex since the one we currently have is not in good condition anymore. I also believe that the University is going to benefit from such a new complex. In one part, more students will enroll to study music here.” Diaz hopes that the new complex will

bring more practice space for music majors, as there are typically over 200 who now share six practice rooms that are infamous for not being soundproof. Baylor explained that there are numerous measures being taken in order to accommodate the need for added rehearsal space, including adding four rehearsals halls and updating the ventilation systems within Fine Arts Music Building B and C. Building B will be renovated to meet academic program requirements and its second floor will include faculty offices. Building C’s interior will be redone to become smaller practice rooms.

SEE ART || PAGE 3

Just can’t stay away

By Alma E. Hernandez The Pan American

Retired decision-makers return to teaching

Three former high-ranking officials at The University of Texas-Pan American have traded in their plush offices in the Student Services Building for a professor’s lectern. Miguel Nevarez served as vice president of student affairs for nine years followed

by a 23-year run as president of the University. He stepped down in 2004 after ushering in tremendous growth, including alliance with the UT System in 1989 that brought the school’s current name. But five years ago, he went back to his first love, teaching. A McAllen native, Nevarez fell in love with teaching while working as a substitute in the

McAllen school district. “You get into education because you want to teach. Somewhere along the way, I’m not going to say (that we) get sidetracked, but we get into administration, we get away from teaching and after a while that you’re outside of teaching, you wonder if you will still enjoy teaching,” Nevarez explained. “So you want to try

it out, and go back and see if you still enjoy it.” Nevarez said he prefers teaching to administration for a number of reasons. At UTPA he taught higher education law and finance. “First of all, I’m teaching something that I like and I enjoy doing,” he explained. “Here in higher learning we’re teaching either master’s or

doctoral students, and they’re more serious. They’re serious about their school, they’re selfmotivated, and so it’s a joy to teach them.” Nevarez pointed out many differences between administration and teaching, from different goals to the amount of student interaction.

SEE ADMIN || PAGE 3

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September 8, 2011 Vol. 68, No. 2

Opinion

THE PAN AMERICAN

A reflection on 9/11 By Reynaldo Leal Photo Editor It’s hard to imagine, but the children who were maybe 7 years old when the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 took place are fighting the same war I did after graduating from high school in 2002. Harder yet to realize is that the incoming freshmen I fight with every day for parking probably sent me a letter and colored drawing when I was in Iraq for the first time. “Dear Marine… please kill all the bad guys.” I now wonder if they even knew why we were at war. Did they even have the same sense of revenge that their elders had during those dark days? Did they see us thumping our chests and jerking our knees and think that was normal? Could they really blame a generation who had never felt what it was like to be attacked in the homeland for wanting revenge? The memories of Sept. 11 may be clear in the collective mind of the country, but we don’t think about it as much anymore. It’s like when a family member passes away brutally and unexpectedly. We dwell on the event incessantly for a time but, as years go

on, we tend to remember at five- and 10-year intervals. This does not make us less caring or less patriotic, just human. I for one remember the day like a dream, the kind that makes you sit up in bed in the middle of the night. It was a Tuesday morning, and I was sitting in my first period history class at Edinburg North. Mr. Dellis was going over the day’s lesson when the television in the corner of the room suddenly turned on. The sound of the news anchor’s voice filled the room before the image became completely clear on the screen. We all looked up at the television as the minutes passed, not really knowing what we were watching, and with no clue of why we were watching it. Were the images of the smoldering World Trade Center from a movie meant for another class? I sat in my desk, eyes wide and unflinching. The only sound in the room came from the television. It all became clear when the second plane came flying into frame and into the second tower. This was not an accident. We were being attacked. The days that followed Sept. 11 were filled with uncertainty and anger, but they also brought out the best in us all. We wanted to help without question

and love without shame. Flags flew high and the American spirit shown bright. It felt like a community revival that would never end. Sadly, we eventually fell into a painfully clichéd existence, narrated by Toby Keith songs, and moved forward to the beat of war drums. Thinking back on it in now, 10 years later, I realize that the way we reacted those first days and weeks was heroic, but the years that followed would be tragic. I sometimes ask myself, was the decade that followed a greater tragedy than 9/11 itself? This, of course, is a viewpoint that is purely fueled by hindsight and easy for someone who did not lose a loved one to collapsing buildings or fiery crashes to develop. Then again, the war I took part in makes me question whether we could have gone about things differently. Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the attacks, was eventually killed by a small team of Navy SEALs and

not by a brigade with hundreds of soldiers. I feel like we used a baseball bat by sending thousands of troops to Iraq and Afghanistan in our attempt to find terrorists, when the scalpel of Special Forces and intelligence could have been enough. The way I feel about the victims of the attacks, and the first responders who rushed to their aid, is only half of the equation when I look back on that day. I can’t help but think about the mismanaged decade that followed and where we stand as a country today. Sept. 11 will go down in history as a violent and horrible event perpetrated by a group of fanatical terrorists. We will look back on those days in awe of the heroic actions of some and wonder how an attack of that magnitude happened. But history will also judge the way we acted. Future generations, perhaps the children of 9/11, may be held accountable for the destruction we left behind on our path to justice.

Follow Reynaldo Leal @reylealphoto as he tweets live from Ground Zero Sunday, Sept. 11.

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 665-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 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.

CO-EDITORS IN CHIEF: Alma E. Hernandez alma.e.hdz@gmail.com Roxann Garcia roxx.gar11@gmail.com NEWS EDITOR: Karen Antonacci keantonacci@gmail.com SPANISH EDITOR: Saira Trevino sairatrev@gmail.com SPORTS EDITOR: Michael Saenz mike_s2208@yahoo.com ARTS & LIFE EDITOR: Nadia Tamez-Robledo ntamezrob@broncs.utpa.edu PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR: Reynaldo Leal reynaldo_lealjr@yahoo.com DESIGN EDITOR: Erick Gonzalez erick.dgr@gmail.com INTERIM MULTIMEDIA EDITOR: Veronique Medrano veroniquemedrano@gmail.com ADVISER: Dr. Greg Selber selberg@utpa.edu ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE: Anita Reyes areyes18@utpa.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER: Mariel Cantu spubs@utpa.edu WEBMASTERS: Jose Villarreal josemvillarrealcs@gmail.com Selvino Padilla selvinop3@gmail.com

Delivery:

Thursday at noon Letters to the Editor

Erick Gonzalez/THE PAN AMERICAN

The Pan American accepts letters of 300 words or less from students, staff and faculty regarding recent newspaper content, campus concerns or current events. We reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. We 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.

September 8, 2011

ART

PROGRAMS

continued from Page 1 According to Baylor, dance students will likely benefit from the new complex as well. “We have involved not only the music, but the dance folks, in all of the configurations for the building,” Baylor stated. For Elsa Santivanez, who is pursuing her certification in dance, performing in a newer, more spacious facility is definitely necessary in order to perform dances that involve a lot of running around involved. “The more space, the better. We always lack space for running around and practicing and costumes and all that,” she said. Also excited about the new performance complex is Rebekah Murphy, a sophomore pursuing her degree in dance performance. “Having a new facility would be more comfortable,” she said. “It will be a little bit safer because backstage, in general, can be kind of dangerous.” Undoubtedly for Murphy, one advantage that the new facility will bring is bigger audiences, a result that Murphy is hoping will allow her to become a more confident dancer. “Hopefully, art in the Valley is going to continue to grow,” she said. “The more people we have, the better because for people like me, who hope to dance professionally one day. We can’t have stage fright, so the more people in the audience, the better. It’s good practice. It’s really great experience that way.” In the meantime, the University will take all measures to relocate faculty and students working and studying around the Fine Arts Department so that classes will not be disturbed during the two years it will take to construct the complex. Upon its completion, the lobby of the performing center should also permit enough space for seated dinners for about 200 people, as well as offer amenities for guests such as restrooms and food concessions. It is Diaz’s hope that the new performance complex will deliver more attendance and excitement for fine art sponsored events among all students at UTPA. “I would hope to see more people being

continued from Page 1 involved in all the variety of concerts the music department offers year round,” he said. “You know, like recitals, choir or band concerts, Valley Symphony concerts and also all those other dance recitals and the many guest speakers the University invites.” PREPARATION To make way for the performance complex, UTPA has prepared a plan of action to relocate art and fine art-related classes currently dispersed between the Fine Arts Annex and Fine Arts Music Buildings B and C to the UTPA Academic Annex on Closner Road. To do this, UTPA will first need to finish $3.5 million of renovations to the former Haggar plant near Freddy Gonzalez and Hwy. 281 so that special programs currently housed in the academic annex, like community engagement, border health and gear up program etc., can be moved out from the Annex. Baylor estimates that services and special programs that operate from the Annex will need to be moved to Haggar by January so that renovations on the academic Annex can begin that spring. “We will probably spend another $3.5 million renovating the academic annex to convert it to art...We are going to try to leave as much of the existing internal structure as we can,” Baylor said. Once the renovations on the Annex are complete, all art faculty and art operations can be moved in for the fall 2012 semester. In addition, professors from the music department will have their offices relocated during the construction. “We are trying to take some of the dorm rooms from Troxel (Hall) and renovate them into faculty offices so that we can temporarily house the music faculty over there while we are actually doing the construction project,” he said. “That’s what we are really in right now, is a really tight timeframe to try and get the other buildings ready so that everything else can kick off with the project.”

“We have a flourishing M.S.N. program and will not feel any effect from this closure. In fact, this track option is being closed at the Nursing Department’s suggestion,” Huerta said. Such is the nature of the fastmoving world of academics as budget cutbacks during the past two years have made their impact on campus. While faculty and administrators have made their peace with the decisions, some students do not agree that fewer options are better for the student body. “With programs being cut, it makes me possibly look at other schools,” Rafael Lumba, a Junior majoring in nursing, said. “At the time, I will already probably be working, and I would be able to pay my own way through school. I could move to another college. There are programs in Dallas and Houston that have other master’s programs in nursing, so if UTPA didn’t offer a program I wanted, I could just as easily go to school over there and work at the same time.” Raciel Pinete, another junior nursing major, shares a similarly negative view of the situation. “There are certain people who can’t leave the Valley for financial reasons or other things,” Pinete said. “For example, if I wanted to follow that specific track option that is being phased out for the master’s in nursing, and I couldn’t leave the Valley. Suddenly, I don’t have the program I wanted to do, and I have no other way of pursuing the degree I want.” OTHERS IN DANGER? In addition to these programs, there were several others noted by THECB as low-producing. Among these were the B.S. in physics, the experiment psychology option in the M.A. in psychology program, the B.A. in dance, the B.A. in Mexican-American studies

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# of degrees awarded

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and the B.S. 6 in health. 5 H o w e v e r, t h e s e 4 programs 3 have not been officially cut 2 and were 1 granted a twoor 0 four-year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 extensions Year during which they need to BAAS Applied Arts & Sciences meet, and possibly exceed, the number of graduates THECB requires. BS Physics But students and professors in one particular program believe they do not MA Psychology Experimental belong on the list at all. Psychology “Due to an unintentional error, our dance majors that double majored BA Dance in dance and another academic BA Mexican program were not included in the total American Studies number of dance graduates,” assistant dance professor Dana Shackelford said. “Dance was recorded as a secondary Monica Garza/ THE PAN AMERICAN major for these two students and was therefore not included in the total account, like student feedback, to see number of majors that graduated in the who is employed after receiving their five-year audit period. degree, and faculty should also be taken “With the inclusion of these into consideration. For example, our students, we did indeed meet the quota dance program has amazing faculty and therefore should not have been members and we’re definitely learning considered a low-producing program. and they’re definitely preparing us. So We submitted this justification to the I think it’s fair, in a sense, but more Texas Higher Education Coordinating things should be taken into account as Board, but still have been put on a two- well.” year probation extension.” Being on the probationary list With errors like these, some is not the end for these programs, students believe other factors should and many of their students remain be considered by THECB before the optimistic about the outcome. entity cuts programs or places them on “We have a really good program, probation. and we continue to grow every year,” “I think it’s fair to say that numbers senior dance and anthropology major are a good indication,” senior dance Ciara Perez said. “I don’t have any fear major Tanya Miller said. “However, I for the program. I think it’s strong and think everything should be taken into only going to continue to get stronger.”

ADMIN

continued from Page 1 1967 and an administrator since 1978 “In administration, you at two different Texas universities. After don’t have that immediate 10 years in the UTPA administration, satisfaction. You do some work Edwards retired in December to take ,and you’re hoping that it’s in the spring off. He returned to the the best interests of students classroom this fall to do a freshman and faculty and staff, but you course in history, a subject in which he really don’t know,” he suggested. holds three degrees. “As president, the only time “It’s fun to be a teacher, it’s fun to I got good feedback was at teach, it’s fun to learn, and that’s what graduation and when we met you do when you teach,” Edwards with students, but it’s still not said. “And then you try to share what the same thing as being in the you learn with others. Teaching is classroom.” very important, administration is Along with the former very important too, but working with president is another pair of exstudents is generally why we all get into administrators now teaching. this business.” In 2000, Nevarez hired John Hired by Nevarez’ replacement, Edwards as Vice President for Blandina Cardenas, Paul Sale began enrollment and student services. Originally from the small East Alma E. Hernandez/ THE PAN AMERICAN his career at UTPA in 2006 as provost/ vice president of academic affairs. Texas town of Clarksville, ROUND TWO - John Edwards, former VP for Enrollment and Student When Cardenas left, Sale had about Edwards has been in higher Services for ten years, returns to the classroom this Fall. a year and a half to decide whether to education as a teacher since

serve as provost at another university or stay on in Edinburg in another capacity. Ultimately, Sale decided to stay in the Valley. “My experience in the Rio Grande Valley community is the best experience I’ve ever had,” he said. “We have great students here and those great students frequently are holding down the role of parent, holding down the role of worker and supporter of some household yet they still are able to achieve their dreams. You’ll find that no where else in this country. That’s what I learned in my first year of teaching, more than I even knew when I came in here.” As he begins his second year of teaching masters courses in special education after 15 years in administration, Sale said there might be differences in the job, but one important similarity. “You know, it’s a very different job being a professor and administrator, but the aim is the same,” he advised. “And that’s to make sure the students get a great education, so we all just have different parts in that.”

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September 8, 2011

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The University of Texas-Pan American

i s p l e a s e d t o p re s e n t

DR. MAYA ANGELOU Monday, October 24, 2011

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FINE ARTS AUDITORIUM, 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for UTPA students, faculty and staff with a valid UTPA ID. Doors will open to general public at 7:20 p.m. FREE ADMISSION. SEATING IS LIMITED. For more information or if special accommodations are needed, call (956) 665-7989.

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THE PAN AMERICAN

September 8, 2011

THE PAN AMERICAN

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Story by Nadia Tamez-Robledo On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, David Lee Elizondo was in a computer class at his Houston high school when hijackers flew a commercial airplane into the World Trade Center’s North Tower. “I was the guy who stuck a paperclip in the TV to get reception so we could see the news channel,” said the 25 year old, who now lives in Edinburg. More than 6,000 miles away on a U.S. Army base in Kosovo, Anthony Beltran was leaving a mechanics training class and, still dressed in grease-stained coveralls, headed to lunch with his classmates. They walked in as the mess hall television showed the South Tower fall. “We didn’t understand,” he said. “Is this real? Is this happening? Is this live? It just wasn’t clicking for a lot of us.” Twenty-nine minutes later, the North Tower collapsed. “We were on our feet in front of the TV, and it wasn’t much longer after that the threat level was raised and classes for that day were canceled,” Beltran recalled. “Everyone was in gear, weapons, and we were just forted. We pretty much held guard for many hours until Washington assessed the situation, and we got word that we could calm down.”

SHIPPING OUT

(L-R) Anthony Beltran, David Lee Elizondo

Paying the Price Freedom isn’t free, and neither is an education

In December 2002, Beltran was deployed for the first of two tours he would serve in Iraq. The combat mechanic performed demolition work to clear the way for military vehicles. Along with a specialized team, he and his unit de-mined fields riddled with hidden bombs. “There were explosives often and everywhere, so trying to find secure paths or those with least resistance was our objective, getting to Baghdad,” he said. “Not sleeping much, not showering, eating when we could – life was very drastic.” While Beltran didn’t have a say in his deployment, Elizondo volunteered to head out to the Middle East after joining the Air Force in 2005. He left the United States in July 2009 for a sevenmonth tour in Iraq, where he was assigned base securities duties at Joint Base Balad, 30 miles north of Baghdad. “I wanted to see how Iraq really was. I wanted to see their culture. I wanted to see first-hand the action,” he said. “A lot of people that were in my unit specifically were going, too, so I didn’t want

to be the only one left behind.” Design by Francisco Rodriguez Elizondo worked the graveyard shift patrolling the Photos by Reynaldo Leal base perimeter for any signs of an attack. He witnessed his first loss when a military helicopter crashed after enemy “I wanted to go to college,” he said. “I just fire took out an engine. Ten of the passengers sur- didn’t know how to go about it. There wasn’t monvived, but one was killed. ey for me to go.” “Right when they went over base, the helicopVeterans enter college with life experience ter lost it,” he said. “Traumatizing would be an ac- that is different from the typical freshman. Some curate word. I’d never been exposed to that before, have traveled the country or the world, learned a experiencing a war casualty.” trade, seen combat or have a spouse and children. The future for which Beltran’s military service The contrast can seem stark in the classroom, Eliwas preparing him was far from the then-21-year- zondo said. old’s mind. “It’s annoying seeing people not paying at“There wasn’t really a lot of talk about what tention,” he said. “Same thing with plagiarizing. we wanted to do years down the road, unlike to- You made the sacrifice serving your country, you day where I’m thinking about 10 years ahead of put forth effort, but yet you have these immature my life,” he said. “Back then, I was just happy to students next to you who don’t care. Sometimes get through the week. And if it wasn’t about trying maybe it was handed to them, so they take it difto get where we needed to be, it was reminiscing ferently than the way we look at it.” on the good ol’ things back in Texas.” Even readjusting to mundane tasks like It was simple things that Beltran missed – filling out forms, something usually done in food, driving, showering, soap – things he can the military by designated personnel, can feel have any time now. particularly burdensome. “I missed having choices,” he said. “Of course “I’ve heard of a few friends who just don’t you have your MREs, your ready-to-eat [meals], want to go to Pan Am because it’s so much paperbut every now and then you’d come across an Iraqi work to fill out just before you get to class,” Belwho was willing to sell you a goat burger. It’s like, tran said. “But then again, we have this instilled ‘Man, I haven’t had real meat in a while. Even if it’s go-go-go attitude. Some of us are able to do this not cow, it’s still something.’” and not look back.” Elizondo felt the stress of being far from famElizondo said financial assistance is a big issue ily and friends the most. While he could reach for veterans. Though many qualify for a housing them via email and telephone, the time between allowance, he said it’s often not enough for vetercalls was sometimes weeks. ans who are supporting families. “A the same time, you know you’re doing a “You have to consider food, utilities, expensgood job for them,” he said. “[They] go to school, es – it all adds up,” he said. “Some veterans live their daily routines, because of the sacrifice you paycheck by paycheck for their housing.”The vetwere making.” erans’ community on campus helped make the move to school easier for Elizondo, who is now a junior. He is an active member of the Veterans AN EDUCATION Student Organization and secretary for the UTPA Elizondo left Iraq last January and completed chapter of SALUTE, a national honor society for his time with the Air Force that March. He vis- military veterans. “It’s not like there’s a switch in the back of ited family he hadn’t seen in months or, in your head you can flip and automatically become some cases, years. While he didn’t have a plan for what to do next, it was a question he soon a college student,” he said. “I have a lot of peers that have helped me out transitioning to college.” began contemplating. Beltran, president of SALUTE, hopes to “Should I reenlist for another four years? earn a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and Should I look for another job?” the computer information systems major recalled thinking. “It open his own practice. He said time in the miliwas after two weeks of being on vacation that I tary was an integral part of getting to where he realized, ‘You know what? I think I’ll try college.’ is now. “Since I was pushed to those challenges, even It was a move that I do not regret.” Now a graduate student studying clinical to the point where I wasn’t sure I was going to psychology at The University of Texas-Pan Ameri- come back from Iraq, I feel like it granted me life, can, Beltran sees military service as a gateway and I’m not going to hesitate on what choices to make,” he said. “I’m here ready to act.” to education.

Visit www.panamericanonline.com for an extended version of this story.

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THE PAN AMERICAN

September 8, 2011

THE PAN AMERICAN

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Story by Nadia Tamez-Robledo On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, David Lee Elizondo was in a computer class at his Houston high school when hijackers flew a commercial airplane into the World Trade Center’s North Tower. “I was the guy who stuck a paperclip in the TV to get reception so we could see the news channel,” said the 25 year old, who now lives in Edinburg. More than 6,000 miles away on a U.S. Army base in Kosovo, Anthony Beltran was leaving a mechanics training class and, still dressed in grease-stained coveralls, headed to lunch with his classmates. They walked in as the mess hall television showed the South Tower fall. “We didn’t understand,” he said. “Is this real? Is this happening? Is this live? It just wasn’t clicking for a lot of us.” Twenty-nine minutes later, the North Tower collapsed. “We were on our feet in front of the TV, and it wasn’t much longer after that the threat level was raised and classes for that day were canceled,” Beltran recalled. “Everyone was in gear, weapons, and we were just forted. We pretty much held guard for many hours until Washington assessed the situation, and we got word that we could calm down.”

SHIPPING OUT

(L-R) Anthony Beltran, David Lee Elizondo

Paying the Price Freedom isn’t free, and neither is an education

In December 2002, Beltran was deployed for the first of two tours he would serve in Iraq. The combat mechanic performed demolition work to clear the way for military vehicles. Along with a specialized team, he and his unit de-mined fields riddled with hidden bombs. “There were explosives often and everywhere, so trying to find secure paths or those with least resistance was our objective, getting to Baghdad,” he said. “Not sleeping much, not showering, eating when we could – life was very drastic.” While Beltran didn’t have a say in his deployment, Elizondo volunteered to head out to the Middle East after joining the Air Force in 2005. He left the United States in July 2009 for a sevenmonth tour in Iraq, where he was assigned base securities duties at Joint Base Balad, 30 miles north of Baghdad. “I wanted to see how Iraq really was. I wanted to see their culture. I wanted to see first-hand the action,” he said. “A lot of people that were in my unit specifically were going, too, so I didn’t want

to be the only one left behind.” Design by Francisco Rodriguez Elizondo worked the graveyard shift patrolling the Photos by Reynaldo Leal base perimeter for any signs of an attack. He witnessed his first loss when a military helicopter crashed after enemy “I wanted to go to college,” he said. “I just fire took out an engine. Ten of the passengers sur- didn’t know how to go about it. There wasn’t monvived, but one was killed. ey for me to go.” “Right when they went over base, the helicopVeterans enter college with life experience ter lost it,” he said. “Traumatizing would be an ac- that is different from the typical freshman. Some curate word. I’d never been exposed to that before, have traveled the country or the world, learned a experiencing a war casualty.” trade, seen combat or have a spouse and children. The future for which Beltran’s military service The contrast can seem stark in the classroom, Eliwas preparing him was far from the then-21-year- zondo said. old’s mind. “It’s annoying seeing people not paying at“There wasn’t really a lot of talk about what tention,” he said. “Same thing with plagiarizing. we wanted to do years down the road, unlike to- You made the sacrifice serving your country, you day where I’m thinking about 10 years ahead of put forth effort, but yet you have these immature my life,” he said. “Back then, I was just happy to students next to you who don’t care. Sometimes get through the week. And if it wasn’t about trying maybe it was handed to them, so they take it difto get where we needed to be, it was reminiscing ferently than the way we look at it.” on the good ol’ things back in Texas.” Even readjusting to mundane tasks like It was simple things that Beltran missed – filling out forms, something usually done in food, driving, showering, soap – things he can the military by designated personnel, can feel have any time now. particularly burdensome. “I missed having choices,” he said. “Of course “I’ve heard of a few friends who just don’t you have your MREs, your ready-to-eat [meals], want to go to Pan Am because it’s so much paperbut every now and then you’d come across an Iraqi work to fill out just before you get to class,” Belwho was willing to sell you a goat burger. It’s like, tran said. “But then again, we have this instilled ‘Man, I haven’t had real meat in a while. Even if it’s go-go-go attitude. Some of us are able to do this not cow, it’s still something.’” and not look back.” Elizondo felt the stress of being far from famElizondo said financial assistance is a big issue ily and friends the most. While he could reach for veterans. Though many qualify for a housing them via email and telephone, the time between allowance, he said it’s often not enough for vetercalls was sometimes weeks. ans who are supporting families. “A the same time, you know you’re doing a “You have to consider food, utilities, expensgood job for them,” he said. “[They] go to school, es – it all adds up,” he said. “Some veterans live their daily routines, because of the sacrifice you paycheck by paycheck for their housing.”The vetwere making.” erans’ community on campus helped make the move to school easier for Elizondo, who is now a junior. He is an active member of the Veterans AN EDUCATION Student Organization and secretary for the UTPA Elizondo left Iraq last January and completed chapter of SALUTE, a national honor society for his time with the Air Force that March. He vis- military veterans. “It’s not like there’s a switch in the back of ited family he hadn’t seen in months or, in your head you can flip and automatically become some cases, years. While he didn’t have a plan for what to do next, it was a question he soon a college student,” he said. “I have a lot of peers that have helped me out transitioning to college.” began contemplating. Beltran, president of SALUTE, hopes to “Should I reenlist for another four years? earn a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and Should I look for another job?” the computer information systems major recalled thinking. “It open his own practice. He said time in the miliwas after two weeks of being on vacation that I tary was an integral part of getting to where he realized, ‘You know what? I think I’ll try college.’ is now. “Since I was pushed to those challenges, even It was a move that I do not regret.” Now a graduate student studying clinical to the point where I wasn’t sure I was going to psychology at The University of Texas-Pan Ameri- come back from Iraq, I feel like it granted me life, can, Beltran sees military service as a gateway and I’m not going to hesitate on what choices to make,” he said. “I’m here ready to act.” to education.

Visit www.panamericanonline.com for an extended version of this story.

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September 8, 2011

The Anatomy of Success

Fashion show to model proper job interview attire Art The Weslaco Museum will host a reception Friday for the opening of “More Than Black and White,” a multimedia exhibit by UTPA art professors M.C. Farris and Karen Sanders. The event begins at 6 p.m., and admission is free.

The finalists of the CineSol 36 Hour Film Race will screen their 10-minute films Sunday at the Texas State Technical College Cultural Arts Center in Harlingen. The event is from 3-7 p.m. Admission is $10. www.cinesol.com

By Sandy Davis The Pan American

came to interviews wearing tube tops and flip flops. He added that people need to dress as seriously as they want to be taken. After learning what to wear, some students ask where they can buy professional attire on a limited budget. Chapa

recommended shopping early and looking for sales at places like Dillard’s and Macy’s. “Start thinking about that one suit,” she said. “We are using Dress Barn for the women this year and Bealls for the men, but we have also gotten some great outfits at Target and Walmart.”

In the continued quest to get students ready for life after college, Career Services offers mock interviews as a way for students and alumni to prepare for the big day. Mark Vela, a social studies composite major from McAllen who has done several

By now most people in the university community have seen the eye-catching flyers for the Career Style Show: a silhouette of legs wearing peep-toe shoes. The show is coordinated by Career Services to highlight the do’s and don’ts of what to wear for a job interview and will be held at the University Ballroom Tuesday at noon. Susie Chapa, associate director of Career Services, said the show will feature local business professionals discussing the best way to appear professional. “You’ve got to look very conservative,” Chapa said. “We point out a lot of things, from the jewelry to colors to heels. All of these can be very drastic and need to be kept very conservative in an interview.” “Be conservative” is a lesson that Mike McKenna wishes more people would learn. While interviewing hundreds of applicants for the opening of the Love’s Truck David Zapata / The Pan American Stop in Edinburg, McKenna, wear this, not that - The Career Services style show will demonstrate how to dress an assistant manager from San appropriately for the workplace. The event will be held Tuesday at noon in the Antonio, said that some people University Ballroom.

mock interviews, vouched for the process. “It helped me remember how to respond to questions properly,” he said. “It gave me a new perspective for future interviews. The mock interview helps you learn from small mistakes.” The event is designed to teach concepts that will aid student job searches, including proper eye contact and how to answer questions, and will stress that people need to research companies they want to work for. Organizers say that the event will help students build valuable confidence after the practice interview. Career Services follows up the Style Show with a Career Expo, Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. in the Field House. This will give students the chance to speak with recruiters about specific career opportunities. For more information of all these events, contact Career Services at (956) 665-2243 or by visiting the second floor of the Student Services Building from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Art department honors late student with memorial exhibition By Dimitra Hernandez The Pan American

Cine El Rey in McAllen will host its weekly jam session Tuesday from 10 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Edinburg Market Days will take place at the Town Square (across from the Edinburg courthouse) Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors will offer up fresh produce, antiques and arts and crafts. Admission is free.

The Fine Arts Gallery has set the stage for the paintings and other artistic creations of artist Victor Alvarez. Alvarez, a former student from Edinburg, passed away last August from spinal muscular atrophy at age 23, leaving behind a collection of work. A reception for “VICTORious Art” will take place Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. to display his creations. Leila Hernandez, an associate professor of graphic design, took action and decided to host an exhibition on Alvarez’s art after being inspired by his ambition. “I think that it’s something we should celebrate to remember him and to remember his work,” Hernandez said. Hernandez had the privilege of teaching Alvarez in her typography class before he died. “It was the last class he took,” she recalled. “He was amazing. He would do twice as much as

everybody else. He never wanted to be treated differently. “He wanted to be treated equally, and he actually kicked everybody’s butt in class,” she added with a laugh. The reception will commemorate Alvarez’s strong spirit that inspired everyone he met with music, food and his art. “I was very happy and thankful that we were all able to put this together and on Thursday we’ll have a great celebration,” Hernandez said. “He touched a lot of people, he brought many people together and we were all honored to have met him.” A catalog of Alvarez’s work along with inspirational quotes he wrote over the years will go on sale at the reception. Alvarez became a noted public figure during his time in school, writing an occasional column for The Monitor and becoming known for his can-do attitude despite spending his days in a wheelchair. “He was a writer as well as an artist and we needed to combine

this in the catalog,” said Elizabeth Gearhart, his mother. “He talked about connections between art and ideas and the world. He would sit in his chair and, because he sat he thought so much, he would come up with these magnificent quotes.” Revenue from the catalog will be used to assist students at the University. “The catalog we designed has all his work,” Hernandez said. “This catalog well be there Thursday and all the proceeds will be for scholarships to help our students buy art supplies.” The reception will go until 9 p.m., and both Hernandez and Gearhart hope Alvarez’s art will leave guests with a message lasting infinitely longer. “I hope it inspires young people that are struggling to follow their dreams and never give up,” Gearhart said. “It was a part of his philosophy, and I hope that young people who see this will say, ‘Well, if Victor could do it, I could do it.’”

Reynaldo Leal/ The Pan American

victorious art - One of Victor Alvarez’s art pieces, “Twoface” is on display in the Fine Arts Gallery. The art exhibit opens Sept. 8 at 6 p.m.

September 8, 2011

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September 8, 2011

Programa de liderazgo estudiantil a ser recortado

Por Ale Román y Saira Treviño The Pan American

muchos líderes quienes han impactado positivamente a nuestra comunidad. Como estudiantes, este programa nos ha dado la oportunidad de incrementar nuestra habilidad como líderes y poder ser un buen ejemplo para las generaciones por venir,” informo José Patiño quien

Como ya se sabe la Universidad de Texas Pan-American es una llave para abrir puertas a un valioso futuro a cada estudiante. Es por eso que esta universidad cuenta con un programa llamado “Student Leadership Program” o Liderazgo Estudiantil. Tal programa ayuda a desarrollar y capaciar a lideres en todas las áreas necesarias para un mejor funcionamiento. Los estudiantes quienes forman parte de este programa practican y desarrollan diversas habilidades a través de talleres, reuniones y proyectos comunitarios en donde adquieren estrategias de liderazgo. Tales actividades ayudan a los miembros Johnathan Wilds /THE PAN AMERICAN del “SLP” a convertirse en personas exitosas. Según la Señora Dolores Villarreal, quien está encargada como Sub- ha sido miembro del Programa de directora del Liderazgo Estudiantil, Liderazgo Estudiantil por dos años y el verdadero propósito del programa estudia Ingeniería Mecánica. es para asegurar que la próxima Es importante mencionar que hay generación sea de líderes competentes ciertos requisitos para poder ser parte del para el estado. “Student Leadership Program,” ya que es “El programa del “SLP” ha creado un programa con cierta importancia en

la universidad y tiene una duración de cuatro años. Para poder formar parte del tal programa el estudiante debe mandar una solicitud durante su último año en la preparatoria o escuela superior. Al

mandar todos los requisitos requeridos por el programa seguirán con una entrevista, la cual determina si el estudiante es capaz de ser un “líder.” Ya en el programa el líder tendrá que mantener un promedio mínimo de

2.7. Tiene que asistir a cada una de las reuniones, que se toman acabo en diversas ocasiones, y a eventos del programa. También deben de participar en servicios sociales, organizar y hasta servir en un comité estudiantil de la universidad para demostrar que son líderes y poder aplicar lo aprendido, entre muchas otras actividades. Sin embargo, debido al estrés económico y recortes en los presupuestos del Estado de Texas, la universidad tuvo que tomar decisiones de recortar el financiamiento proveído, tanto como para estudiantes como para diversos programas. Entre uno de ellos estaba el programa del “Student Leadership Program.” De acuerdo con la Sra. Villarreal, el no poder conseguir los suficientes fondos para el programa del “SLP” 2011-2012, afectara solo a los nuevos estudiantes quienes quisieran formar parte del programa. Con eso en mente, se tomo la decisión de eliminar gradualmente el programa con el propósito de seguir adelante manteniendo a los líderes actuales. El día de hoy, el “SLP” está constituido con 40 miembros. Los cuales concluyeran hasta que se gradúen— serian tres años más incluyendo este año. Pues cada uno de los estudiantes actuales tiene como beneficio de obtener

una beca de $2,000. El cual, con menos fondos no se les es posible otorgar a nuevos estudiantes que quisieran formar parte de este programa. Además de lo mencionado, previamente los recortes en el programa no afectaran mucho a los estudiantes actuales pues solo se tendrá que recortar algunos eventos o reuniones que requieren gastos monetarios. “Es muy triste que la escuela vaya a recortar este programa porque realmente ha sido de gran ayuda para mi educación. Creo que hay muchos otros programas que deben de ser eliminados, pero no este,” comento un miembro del programa de Liderazgo Estudiantil quien prefiere quedarse en el anonimato. Para los nuevos estudiantes quienes deseen unirse a este programa no tendrán la oportunidad de participar en el este año debido a los recorte financieros. No obstante tendrán la oportunidad de tomar parte en otro programa, muy similar al “SLP,” llamado “Rising Stars.” Sin embargo cuyos estudiantes no recibirán una beca como los del actual “Student Leadership Program.” Con tantos recortes financieros muchos otros programas sufrirán las mismas reducciones como el “Student Leadership Program.” La única esperanza de poder mantener en pie tales asociaciones es que la crisis económica mejor pronto, sino la Universidad Pan-Americana no tendrá más lideres.

S.A.M.S. rompiendo las barreras del idioma

Por Mayra Godínez y Saira Treviño The Pan American

Tras años de estudios los doctores han dedicado sus vidas a la investigación del cuerpo humano. Se destacan por sus prácticas médicas y para descubrir soluciones a una vida más saludable. Sin embargo, a pesar de números años de preparación ellos aún no están capacitados para enfrentar un obstáculo: la barrera del idioma. En la Universidad de Texas PanAmerican los estudiantes de medicina que sueñan con algún día ser doctores tienen la posibilidad de terminar con el impedimento lingüístico. El “Student Association of Medical Spanish” o “S.A.M.S.”, por sus siglas en inglés, es una asociación que se enfoca en ayudar a futuros médicos del Valle a comunicarse con personas de habla hispana. “Todas nuestra juntas son totalmente en español, no se revuelve el inglés con el español o viceversa,” informo el presidente de S.A.M.S. José Villegas quien estudia “Pre-Medical Biology” con un “minor” en Liderazgo y Química. Combaten la barrera lingüística teniendo interpretaciones simultáneas tales

como las que enfrentaran con sus futuros pacientes. También traducen palabras del habla hispana antiguo a las de hoy en día. Es una organización que realmente les importa, como menciono José, el poder hablar correctamente el español para comunicarse con plenitud y darse a entender cómo debido. Tan solo tienen un año desde que se creó y ya está integrada por más de 42 miembros. A pesar de que S.A.M.S. no ha logrado formalizar requisitos de la universidad para ser aceptada y reconocida, han demostrado ser una agrupación que se ha desarrollado con éxito y rapidez. El poder impactar positivamente a su comunidad con servicios comunitarios es una de sus otras metas. De hecho, del 22 de Agosto del 2011 hasta el 27 del mismo mes, 13 miembros de S.A.M.S. partieron a Puerto Rico para realizar un servicio social a las personas de bajo recursos. “Queremos ayudar a todo el mundo,” comento José, “vendimos tacos, ayudamos aquí, ayudamos acá y hasta rifamos una bolas Coach para recaudar dinero para el viaje.” A pesar que tal actividad no se realizo con plenitud, a causa del Huracán Irene, si se logro ir como planeado. Viajaron a San Juan, Puerto Rico en

donde prepararon dramas para educar a niños pequeños a como lavarse los dientes y a los adultos les enseñaron a prepararse para un desastre natural, tal como el de Irene. En tan solo un año de existencia ya han organizado más de ocho eventos comunitarios y han presentado a importantes invitados a sus reuniones. Reconocidos doctores y miembros educativos asisten Maria Alanis/THE PAN AMERICAN a cuyas juntas EL IDIOMA DE LA MEDICINA - Jose Villegas, presidente de S.A.M.S, dandole la bienvenida “para diversificar a los integrantes de este grupo por el inicio del semester 2011- 2012. a los estudiantes a saber qué hacer con tantos reconocimientos e impactar a su página de FaceBook en SAMS UTPA o sus carreras medicas,” como menciono el comunidad con Juguetones, HESTEC, en la página de de la escuela en utpa.edu/ Presidente José Villegas. Carreras de 5 kilómetros, Día del Niño medicalspanish, o simplemente mandar un Poco a poco han adquirido el y muchos servicios más. El “Student correo electrónico a samsutpa@gmail.com. reconocimiento que tanto anhelan. De Association of Medical Spanish” solo espera Como menciono Heidi Arteaga, la exhecho hasta han logrado salir en revistas de ser reconocido por su universidad. vicepresidente de S.A.M.S., “el que no vive salud del Valle como “Healthy Valley.” Si te interesa ser parte del S.A.M.S. para servir no servir para vivir.” Mucha El S.A.M.S. ya ha logrado obtener puedes adquirir más información en su suerte para S.A.M.S.

September 8, 2011

Luis Serrano: Ready to lead men’s crosscountry team to victory

By Michael Saenz The Pan American The University of TexasPan American cross-country team may have lost leadership such as decorated runners Omar Doria and Wally Gonzalez to graduation, but that has certainly not dampened the expectations for this season. “We certainly have a lot of holes to fill on the men’s side, but we still want to win the conference title,” head coach Dave Hartman said. “We also want to finish in the top ten in regionals.”

Expectations such as those Great West Conference Indoor may be challenging to reach, Championship in the 5,000-meter especially when the current men’s run with a personal best mark of roster consists of five freshmen, four 15:28.32. He also got eighth in the sophomores conference in and only the 3,000-meter “Everyone is going run with a time three seniors. A n of 8:43.45. In to need to help out inexperienced the Bronc Buster team will make Invitational as being a leader, but it difficult for Serrano finished early success, sixth. at the same time we but second-year Hartman need to find that one runner Luis has confidence Serrano thinks in Serrano. guy who is going to the team will be “I believe just fine. that Luis lead the young guys “We lost (Serrano) is on this team. ” guys like Omar going to have and Wally, but a great season,” I think this Luis Serrano he said. “Luis year we can be had such a great stronger,” said freshman year Serrano, who, that we believe like those two, is from Edinburg the sky is the limit with him.” North. “Everyone is going to need Along with the goals that to help out as being a leader, but at Serrano has for this team, there the same time we need to find that are always personal goals. And one guy who is going to lead the with such a young team it is young guys on this team.” those personal goals that will In high school, Serrano was a begin to rub off on the rest of four-time regional and three-time the squad. state qualifier for the Cougars. “My personal goal is to be With the Broncs, he had a solid better than last year of course, but freshman season last year in also we have a team goal here, and both cross-country and track that is to win a conference title. At and field, finishing ninth at the the end of the day, I just want to

11

help the team to get success,” the sophomore said. “Right now I think that getting better is a little more important than winning at this point. We have a fairly young team, and winning will eventually come as long as we continue to get better both individually and as a team.” The season officially kicked off Sept. 2 at the RGV Classic at the Monte Cristo Golf Course in Edinburg. It was a warm-up meet that matched UTPA and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. “I think the team as a whole did pretty good on Friday at the RGV Classic considering that it was the first event for the year,” Serrano said. “Personally, I feel like I need a little more time to get where I need to be. In order to help my team like I want to, I need a few more events under my belt.” The saying goes “practice makes perfect,” but as Serrano and the rest of the men’s team know, practice may not make them perfect, but will certainly make them better. The men’s team will be back in action Sept 16 at the Ricardo Romo/Six Flags Fiesta Texas Classic in San Antonio.

Reynaldo Leal/THE PAN AMERICAN

Broncs’ momentum falls short in home opener

By Alex E. Peña The Pan American

The University of Texas-Pan American volleyball team needed any kind of momentum it could get during its home season debut against Texas Tech University Tuesday night at the UTPA Fieldhouse. Many expected the Broncs to just roll over against Tech, but the Broncs, needing only one point to win the first game, certainly carried a huge momentum wave to disprove non-believers. But after a timeout, the Big 12 Conference giants slipped from the Broncs’ chokehold and went on a 9-1 run to win the game 27-25. The Red Raiders won the remaining two games, 25-11 and 25-21, to sweep the Broncs. Call it luck or misfortune, but Broncs coach Brian Yale saw the firstgame collapse as a hangover. “We executed but we couldn’t get the ball on the floor,” Yale said. “That’s the big difference. We needed to learn how to finish those games. Because we didn’t finish, we came out with a little hangover in set two, but we’ll learn.” Texas Tech’s Don Flora called two timeouts in the first period, one with the Red Raiders down 7-3 and the

other with a 20-14 deficit. Not only did Tech regroup and score points after the timeouts, but they disrupted the Broncs’ momentum. As the Red Raiders drew closer to the Broncs, Yale also called a timeout. “Things were going well for us, but then we got a little rattled there, and I called the timeout at the end to break their momentum,” Yale said. There was no halt in Texas Tech’s momentum, and it won the set. Whatever luck UTPA (1-7) held throughout most of the first game turned into misfortune during the second game. “I felt like we were good throughout the (first) set, it’s just that we got timid,” said outside hitter Ijanae Holman, who recorded eight kills and nine digs. “We stopped hitting and stopped testing ourselves.” The hangover wilted the powerhitting and fast-moving Broncs, who little by little were overmatched by the bigger and more physical Red Raiders. Although UTPA opened the second game with a point, Tech rolled to a comfortable 21-10 lead en route to the 25-11 win. The Broncs started strong with a 12-7 third-set lead, but the visit-

ing Red Raiders proved to be too much again. “We were just trying to stay in the game and not freak out and just play like we had in the last 20 points of the first game,” Holman said. At the end, the loss stung a little less because of the huge home support of about 200 Bronc fans. “The gym has never been louder for UTPA volleyball,” junior middle blocker Norma Gonzalez/THE PAN AMERICAN Sarah Davis said. “Even after we SPIKED- Maria Kliefoth, freshman, spikes the ball during the Sept. 6 game lost, we still had a against the Red Raiders. The Bronc volleyball team dropped three straight cheer section, and games to Texas Tech and so far has won one match. it totally picked up the energy. The cassette to prepare for the Texas home game is Sept. 13 when they fans want to come A&M-Corpus Christi Tournament face off against the Islanders of Texas back, and we played well tonight.” UTPA must now change the starting Sept. 9. The Broncs’ next A&M-Corpus Christi.

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