The Rambler

WEDNESDAY April 27, 2011

Vol. 94 • No. 12

www.therambler.org

The Rambler The voice of Texas Wesleyan University students since 1917

Fort Worth Zoo offers volunteer opportunities to students.

Rams slide into another series win against Shreveport Pilots.

Community, page 8

Sports, page 10

Van Noy elected new president Bradden Van Noy, newly elected student body president, sat down with The Rambler’s Editor-in-Chief Shauna Banks, to answer a few questions about his plans for the 2011-2012 academic year at Texas Wesleyan.

SB: What is the first issue you would like to tackle as president, and why?

Van Noy: First I will push to have students more informed and involved across the board. I believe if we can accomplish this our many goals will be much more easily obtained. For example if we unite as a student body on issues such as getting security cameras on campus, we will be more easily heard. One voice is easy to tune out but many voices can overcome any roadblock. This position is not about what I want done, it is about what we can do together.

SB: What is your mission as student body president?

Meisa Keivani Najafabadi | Rambler Staff Left: (from left) Eric Welch, junior kinesiology major, talks with Nathan Van Noy, newly elected SGA President, Bradden Van Noy and Julie Hutson, senior political science major and chief justice for the SGA, during Van Noy’s outside campaigning April 19 in front of the Eunice and James L. West Library.

Above: Lauren Jones, sophomore education major, joins in campaigning for presidential opponent Justin Mikulencak during the first day of voting April 19 in front of the Brown-Lupton Student Center.

Van Noy won the two-day election with a 152-112 count. Elections for representatives, including Mr. and Ms. Wesleyan will take place April 27-28 in the West Library and SUB.

Van Noy: My mission as student body president is to make sure all the students’ voices are heard. As president I will dedicate myself to bettering this campus in any way possible. It is my duty to lead the students of this great University, and I will do so with honor and integrity.

SB: What do you think helped you win this election?

Van Noy: First and foremost, it was the people that I surrounded myself with. I could not have done it without them, and for that I must say thank you. Secondly, it was my willingness to work.

I told myself that when the voting booths closed I would have no regrets; if I were to lose, it would not have been because of anything I had not done.

Fortunately the students made their voice heard, and as president I will carry over that willingness to work, and work hard, to my position as president.

SB: What do you think of concealed carry on campus?

Van Noy: This is an issue that I am

very passionate about, and something I am a strong proponent of.

Those citizens who take the time to learn to properly handle firearms and lawfully obtain a license to carry are not the people who would go on a rampage.

There are some very disturbed people out there who would commit atrocities like Virginia Tech and care nothing of obtaining a license to conceal carry.

If something like this were to happen again, I believe lives can be saved if just one person is legally carrying.

SB: What do you think of the orga-

nization approval process? Are there any changes you would make to it?

Van Noy: Currently our organization approval process works but it can be improved.

We need to put more emphasis on making sure the proposed organizations packet is correct before they are heard in front of the student government body.

If there is an issue with a proposed organizations’ paperwork, we simply need to inform them to fix it and come back.

SB: How do you think attendance can be improved at athletic events at Texas Wesleyan?

Van Noy: Students cannot attend athletic events if they do not know about them.

Those students who live on campus generally attend more athletic events than commuters, and my team and I have many ideas to help improve this.

One such idea is the improvement of media outlets such as Rambler TV and SGA media.

This will have two major benefits: first, it will keep students informed on what’s going on across campus, second, if we can show our students what our athletes have accomplished, I believe they will have a great deal more interest in attending events.

SB: What do you hope to continue that our previous president started?

Van Noy: There are many things that I would like to continue into my presidency.

Some things Heath has pushed for are providing students with funding to study abroad, helping academic teams travel, SGA Media and keeping stringent records of our meetings, and I believe these are all things we must continue in order to better Texas Wesleyan.

Heath Scott has done an awesome job as the 89th President of SGA, and it is not my job to tear down the work of past presidents, but to build on it.

IT development director saves life in West Library Rachel Peel

rlpeel@mail.txwes.edu

At just under five feet tall, Kendra Ketchum, IT development director, didn’t hesitate to offer her assistance in the basement of the Eunice and James L. West library April 1, where she saved the life of a student who had collapsed.

Ketchum began that Friday like any other morning at her computer, working until she heard a commotion in the hallway. It was April Fool’s Day, so she thought it was a prank of some kind until two students ran down the hall toward her office.

“Immediately, I could see the panic in their eyes,” Ketchum said.

“I jumped out of my chair, and at that particular moment my military training came into play.”

Ketchum went into the classroom and there was a student face down in a pool of blood.

“It was extremely scary,” Ketchum said. “I couldn’t tell if he was breathing or if he had any vital signs.”

Ketchum immediately cleared the room and started the medical field training she had received in the Navy.

“I reached down and took his pulse,” Ketchum said. “Thankfully he had a heart-rate, and I started assessing him. I didn’t want to move him until I could ensure that I could turn him over.”

Ketchum turned the student over and he started gasping for air. She said he was in pretty bad shape, but when she rolled him over it cleared his airway. The student was unconscious for about seven minutes.

“While I was taking care of him as a patient, I was also barking out orders,” Ketchum said. “This is the part when you can multi-task, but you don’t realize you’re doing it.”

Ketchum immediately posted

people out at the street to guide the ambulance to where the patient was.

She had three people run out into the street; each posted at a different location to make sure the ambulance knew where to go.

“At that point I was checking his vitals with my watch, and I saw a couple of bystanders who were very concerned,” Ketchum said. “But I didn’t want someone else to fall out from seeing the blood or anything, so I cleared the room again.”

After a co-worker came in to help clear the room, Ketchum shut the blinds and made sure no one else would faint from the sight of blood.

Ketchum said she was ready to do CPR if she had to.

“At that point you don’t even think about it; it’s just immediate,” Ketchum said. “All my military field medical training came back to me.”

The emergency medical services crew showed up and came in, Ket-

chum stepped back and gave her report.

“At that last minute there, right when EMS showed up, his eyes started looking around—he wanted to move,” Ketchum said. “But I didn’t know the extent of his injuries.”

Melody Bell Fowler, director of student support programs and services, met Ketchum about a year ago when Ketchum came to Wesleyan.

Fowler invited her to a meeting to discuss some of the changes to be made to Ram Mail and other online issues.

“She’s very, very efficient and professional,” Fowler said. “She is a very good asset for the IT department here at Wesleyan.”

One of the patient’s classmates, Mary Lindsey, witnessed the entire event.

Lindsey said she was nervous, because she thought it was a heart attack and wondered if there were any

defibrillators available on campus.

Lindsey said the student, who wishes to remain anonymous, had a history of seizures, and was hospitalized in ICU for nine days after the incident. Lindsey said the student is back on campus now and seems to be feeling better.

Ketchum came to Wesleyan about a year ago from Bowling Green State University, in Bowling Green, Ohio, where she had been in higher education since May of 2000. Prior to that she was in the Navy, worked in healthcare and actually worked the last few years in the military, where her passion for IT systems came into play.

Ketchum was a Licensed Practical Nurse in the Navy, and moved through into paramedic before switching over to systems. Her son, Christian, is currently a freshman at Wesleyan and lives on campus in West Village.

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Sports

April 27, 2011

The Rambler | www.therambler.org

Rams seal 2-1 series win against Shreveport, finish No. 3 in RRAC Erika Ferrell

“We are looking to continue our hot

erferrell@tmail.xwes.edu

streak throughout the rest of the season.

It’s time for some serious ball.”

Eliana Mijangos

emmijangos@mail.txwes.edu

The Rams baseball team took action April 25 as they faced the nation’s No. 5 Louisiana State University-Shreveport in a double header. The Rams won game one, 5-1, lost the second game 11-3, but bounced back to take the second game 4-2 sealing a 2-1 series final.

“We played good this weekend versus LSUShreveport but we have to play even better in the tournament,” Christian Soberanes, junior short stop, said. “Pitching, defense and offense will all be important from now on.”

Game one was all about Derek Vaughn as the sophomore pitcher scattered six hits accross 7.2 innings.

Justin Snider, junior catcher and third base, brought in a runner to score the first run of the game off a two base hit.

Eric Epperson, senior outfielder, went 3-4 with a double and a run scored in the win.

The Rams started behind in game two allowing the Pilots’ first six hitters to score. The Pilots’ rally started from a single

by Manny Estrada before Chase Wentz doubled on a ball that was just fair over

Derek Vaugh

sophomore pitcher

the third base bag. The next batter grounded to third, and the Rams could have gotten an easy out, but a bad throw led Estrada to score the game’s first run. The rally ended with the Pilots’ up 6-1.

Capitalizing on Shreveport errors, the Rams scored two runs off of a single from Soberanes and Epperson. The Pilots answered the Rams with a pair of doubles in the third and fourth innings that were followed by a home run from Estrada. The Rams would go on to score once more but fell short to the Pilots 11-3 in game one.

In game two, both teams remained scoreless for three innings.

By the top of the fourth, the Pilots led off scores with a sac fly from Broadnax.

The Rams scored a quick four runs and were able to hold the Pilots to only two runs the rest of the game sealing their 4-2 win.

“As a team, we have been playing fundamentally sound offensively and de-

fensively,” Vaughn said.

“We are looking to continue our hot streak throughout the rest of the season.

It’s time for some serious ball.”

The Rams will be in action again April 29 as they travel to LSU-Shreveport to participate in the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament.

“This next week before the conference tournament will be all about making sure that everything is clicking and in sync and that everyone is healthy,” sophomore pitcher Jacob Lyons said.

The Rams finished third in conference play. To see more Ram baseball updates check out Rambler TV.

Meisa Keivani Najafabadi | Rambler Staff Top: Christian Soberanes, junior short stop, slides safe to second base in Saturday’s double header against the Red River Athletic Conference No. 1, Louisiana State University Shreveport.

The Rams won the series 2-1, finishing game three with a 4-2 win.

Bottom: Joseph Lassiter, junior second base and out fielder, hustles to his base hoping to stop Shreveport’s runner from getting a steal. The Rams will travel to LSU- Shreveport to take part in the RRAC conference tournament April 29.

Pictured from left to right: Joaquin Feliciano, Gabrielle Frolov, Zuhair Inayat, Elrick Lounds

The DFW Mud Run to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Yeah.

We’re everywhere.

But start here: www.therambler.org

Students & Staff from the Morton Fitness Center Participated in the Fort Worth Mud Run on April 10.

They finished with an Unofficial time

2 hours, 44 minutes & 07 seconds

The Rambler

The Voice of Texas Wesleyan University Students Since 1917

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April 27, 2011

Opinion

The Rambler | www.therambler.org

Phones in class should be student’s choice

torture” is an uncommon occurrence during classes these Shauna Banks days.

Editor-In-Chief Just this past week, two felsbbanks@mail.txwes.edu low classmates came to me and said they’d been told by their professor to drop their phones in a box on their way into the classroom.

Slipping into near unconsciousSay what? ness from the sheer boredom of I had instant flashbacks to high straight lecture or a group presen- school, when the seemingly giant tation gone bad, you start to won- flip phones were all the rage, and der what your friends two class- phones were a huge no-no. rooms away are doing.

Of course, that didn’t stop us Have they been subjected to the from bringing them to school. same fate?

As time went by, my teachers It’s also been more than 15 minutes accepted that we lived in an era since you last checked Facebook. of advancing technology and deSomething serious could have cided to just ask students to leave happened since then. their phones in a designated box Someone could have reached a or area before class started. new level in Farmville.

The difference between then Someone could be engaged. and now though is—now we’re all Anything! adults; and then, we weren’t payEyeing the professor, you yawn ing thousands of dollars to actuand casually slip your smartphone ally go to school. out of the pocket it’s made a disYes, texting in class can definitetinct impression in, and actually ly be distracting at times. think the professor can’t tell you’re Some would also call it disretyping a mile a minute on it as you spectful to whoever’s talking or stare down into your own lap… attempting to command attention.

Sound familiar?

However, having paid so much I can’t say the urge to text, re- money to actually take these spond to emails and update my classes, I do not think texting Facebook status to “This class is or silently using phones during

class is something that should be banned.

We all have free will, and we should be permitted to exercise it.

It may not be the responsible choice, but if a student would rather respond to an email or text a friend instead of listening to an endless lecture, I think he or she should be able to.

It’s no different than the students who bring laptops and pretend to take notes, while actually instant messaging with a friend in another building.

There is always someone who is busy with their phone or computer during a lecture.

But the choice goes both ways.

When students are caught up in texting, professors should not be expected to repeat things that have been missed, and are at full liberty to lower a class participation grade.

There are also other more technical and legal reasons this phonein-a-box idea doesn’t seem so well crafted for college students in my eyes.

First, what if after a sea of other phones have been dumped into the box, you drop your brand spanking new iPhone into the mix and end up with a cracked screen or giant scuff mark?

Who’s going to pay for the repairs or replacement?

Does that come out of all the tuition we’ve paid the university?

Doubtful.

Second, we’re not all made of money.

Even with all the honorable people we have at Wesleyan, having a phone stolen that costs more than $400 a pop is not completely out of the realm of possibility.

There’s another thing our tuition dollars won’t pay for.

In the end, the decision should be up to the student.

If we become so engrossed in texting or updating Facebook that the entire class can hear the furious typing, the professor should also have the right to ask us to leave.

Reverting back to silly high school methods is not the answer.

Electronic distraction in class deprives students of education interesting than others.

Sometimes the lecture is Barry Grubbs boring or redundant.

Opinion editor I do not think that is an exbgrubbs@mail.txwes.edu cuse to check out and go to our mobile devices for stimulation.

I hear those who say, “We pay a lot of money to atWhat are we really doing here tend college” or “This is not high at Texas Wesleyan? That is a good school. We are adults.” question.

Honestly, those people are seDepending on your perspec- cretly making my point for me. tive, the answer could vary from If you are concerned about the getting an education to serving a high cost of your education, make sentence. an effort to get the most out of it.

We are all scheduled to attend There will be plenty of time to four to six classes every week on shop for shoes online and post various days, and some are more pictures of your weekend fling at

the beach after you graduate.

I think we all have a better chance to leave the college experience with a chance to succeed if we pay attention to the instructors and put our best work forward.

The people I see complaining about scoring a 59 on an exam are the same ones who spend their time in class texting under the table and chatting about the last episode of whatever random reality show they wasted their time watching last night.

Okay, I am a non-traditional student.

All that means is I cannot relate to the 19-year-old sophomore whose parents pay tuition, room

LETTER TO THE EDITOR After Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson appeared on our campus three weeks ago, I began to ask questions about what I could do to help those in need.

Hearing all that Gandhi did made me question what our goals are as far as helping others, and if a global approach to giving is appropriate.

I began to do some research and realized despite our economic troubles, America is still the most prosperous nation on earth.

We should use our economic advantage to help those nations in dire situations.

The nation of Ethiopia is ranked by the World Bank as the 11th poorest nation on earth, yet their struggles and the struggles of most third world nations are off America’s radar.

Americans often push global issues to the side; justifying this by stating we can’t solve all the world’s problems.

Those who make such claims are correct, but America can do more.

As I listened to Arun Gandhi, I realized that his grandfather’s fight took years, and

the results often took decades to be seen (such as his work regarding education).

Knowing that massive change is not possible overnight, America should provide those in nations such as Ethiopia with a powerful tool that is guaranteed to change the status quo, but takes time to take effect: educational opportunities.

Whether it’s building schools, buying books or sending teachers, the opportunity exists to change the world for the better.

Just attending a speech by a peace activist is not enough to make concrete change in this world, taking what the speaker said and acting upon it does.

I challenge myself, and those reading this to find a way to give back to your global community.

Personally, I am going to use my inspiration by Arun Gandhi to provide books for children in Ethiopia, but the opportunities are abundant for us to make a difference.

Note from the editor:

Shauna Banks, editor-in-chief Barry Grubbs, opinion editor Eliana Mijangos, sports editor Meisa Keivani Najafabadi, photo editor Stephanie Mejia arts & entertainment editor Jonathan Resendez, multimedia editor Erica Estrada, graphic designer/cartoonist Wendy Moore, faculty adviser Dr. Kay Colley, faculty liaison

ing our students into academic vegetables.

It is ironic to say the least.

Instructors at the high school level as well as those in our colleges are at a tremendous disadvantage.

They are outnumbered for one thing, but that is only part of the problem.

The whole education experience works only if the majority of people engaged in it are focused on a good outcome for the student.

Until students decide to set aside their technological distractions and focus on the task at hand in the classroom, higher education is going in the wrong direction fast.

What do you think about Cell phones in the classroom?

“Its really distracting to whoever is talking, and it’s just really disrespectful.”

- Ashlie Sivley, freshman,religion “We’re not in high school anymore. We should be able to use our phones if we choose to.”

- Taylor Pokluda, senior, exercise science “I think phones should be allowed in class. If you’re grown up you should be able to have them.”

- Chris Arocha, junior, exercise science “They are a distraction to the teachers as well as the students.”

- Christian Akin, junior, history

Garry Jones

Letters to the editor are an important way for readers to provide feedback to the staff at The Rambler. Input from our readers is valuable, and we appreciate the submissions we received this semester. They add our reader’s true perspective to Wesleyan’s newspaper.

We hope our readers will continue to share their thoughts with us through their letters and we look forward to serving the Wesleyan community when we return in the fall.

Thanks again for helping us to make the Rambler “your voice” on Wesleyan’s campus.

The Rambler

and board so their child can make the slightest attempt at getting an education.

At most we spend four hours a day in the classroom, on average.

I do not think it is too much to ask the average student to sit quietly, pretend to be interested and possibly learn something without immersing themselves in Facebook, Twitter, email and a host of other mega time-wasting activities.

Let’s face it—our civilization made it to the age of all of these technological wonders because the last generation of students paid attention in class and became smart—smart enough to invent the very technology that is turn-

“We are not afraid to follow the truth ... wherever it may lead.”

— Thomas Jefferson

Address all correspondence to: Texas Wesleyan University

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“Some people use them for different aspects of class, like in case you have to look something up.”

- Daniel Milliman, freshman, undecided “I think it should be up to the professor’s discretion.”

- Erin Bethany, junior, math

Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, Associated Collegiate Press, Student Press Law Center, College Media Advisers and College Newspaper Business and Advertising Managers.

Opinions expressed in The Rambler are those of the individual authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas Wesleyan community as a whole.

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Please send all news briefs to twurambler@yahoo.com. Submissions due by noon Friday to see brief in the following week’s issue.

Letters to the editor: The Rambler, a weekly publication, welcomes all letters. All submissions must have a full printed name, phone number and signature. While every consider-

ation is made to publish letters, publication is limited by time and space.

The editors reserve the right to edit all submissions for space, grammar, clarity and style.

Letters to the editor may be subject to response from editors and students on the opinion page.

3 News Rams remember lost family member

The Rambler | www.therambler.org

April 27, 2011

the funding for the new Jack and Jo Willa Morton Fitness Center last year. That’s over 70 years of great service to Wesleyan.”

Canty said she recalls how enthusiastic Glick was about the direction the university is going in with its growing campus and new programs.

“She contributed to so many of the programs that we’ve started at Wesleyan during the past several years,” Canty said. “The new doctorate in nurse anesthesia program, programs in the School of Business and counseling programs—it meant so much to her to see the university expand, and she wanted to contribute.”

Dr. Jane Moore, professor of mathematics, said she recalls there were times when Glick took in international students who did not have a place to live.

“She really loved Wesleyan,

Daniel McGary

dmcgary@mail.txwes.edu

Marie Moser Glick was a great friend of Texas Wesleyan and its students for as long as anyone can remember.

Glick, who died April 11 at age 103, had been a part of the Wesleyan community since 1938.

That was when she married Dr. Walter Glick, dean of the School of Education at the time. They moved into a two-story brick house right off campus, now Glick House.

Glick’s service to the university spanned several generations of students, faculty and administrators.

“She really loved Wesleyan, and contributed so much to it during her long life,” said Joan Canty, vice president of advancement. “She donated money to help students pay their tuition way back in the 1930s, and she contributed to

and she would do everything she could to help students,” Moore said. “She funded a lot of scholarships; she helped a lot of people finish their degrees, who otherwise might not have.

It was very important to her that people who began work on their degrees stayed and finished them.”

Dr. Sandra Hart, professor of business, said she recalls Glick’s love of traveling and Wesleyan international student programs.

“She really believed in helping foreign exchange student programs and helping international students,” Hart said.

“She helped fund global study programs, like the Irish exchange program, and trips for students to study in Mexico.”

Glick not only helped countless students during their time at Wesleyan, she also honored their accomplishments after they left.

“She gave some of the bricks in front of the library with the names of students she knew, as well as some faculty members,” Moore said. “She left her mark on the university in so many ways.”

Her contributions to the university include the twostory brick house where she lived until 1988 when she turned 80.

At that time, she donated the house to the university.

In 2008, the house was renovated and became the Glick House Community Counseling Center.

The Glick House has since become a part of the Wesleyan community, providing office space and patient counseling rooms, as well as a place to train graduate students in the counseling program.

For more information about The Glick House and the services it offers, visit www.txwes.edu.

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Marie Moser Glick (1908 - 2011)

Summer plans call for penguins, Taco Cabana see my family,” Dent said. “We are going to Six Flags, water parks.”

After Atlanta, Dent and her family will continue on to Florida.

“We are going to Orlando to visit all the theme parks like Universal and Wet and Wild,” Dent said. “With the parks, my cousin who is fifteen, plays basketball and her team is traveling to Orlando for a big girls’ tournament. I am excited to see her play.”

Paxton Davies, a senior history major, has a different approach this summer.

Emma Fradette

ekfradette@mail.txwes.edu

As the school year at Texas Wesleyan comes to an end, students are busy working on final projects, papers and counting down the days until summer officially begins.

Plans for June, July and August are also piling up.

Raquel Dent, freshman biology major, said she plans to travel at the end of June.

“I am going to Atlanta, Georgia to

“I have an undeniable love for animals,” Davies said. “I also love being outdoors, mainly the frontier.”

After he graduates this May, Davies said he plans on making some money before he leaves for Alaska.

He has accepted an internship with Bering Land Bridge Nation Preserve, where he plans to work with penguins.

“I anticipate by the end of the summer, I will be operating a fledgling penguin service across the globe, and if that doesn’t work out, I hope I

get into law school,” Davies said.

Octavia Mullins, junior business major, said she has a jam-packed summer.

“I am working at Taco Cabana this summer, weeknights and most of the weekends,” Mullins said. “I am also taking two summer classes to keep ahead of my schooling.”

Although her summer seems busy with all work and no play, Mullins said she will take a break at the end of May to go to New Orleans.

“Some friends of mine are going

with me to Bourbon Street in New Orleans to just have some fun before all the work starts,” Mullins said.

“Although the last weeks of school can get difficult with last minute assignments, the summer is only a few weeks away.”

With finals coming up in the next two weeks, summer plans are still in the works for some students.

Those still looking for ideas, including plans for staycations that won’t break the bank, can visit www.chowhound.com’s discussion section.

New online feature offered to help Students slip into summer students register for future classes Jillian Jones

E-Advising was one of the components of a Title III grant of nearly $2 million, awarded to the university in 2007.

Multiple training sessions for faculty members of each school at Wesleyan have been held.

Advising Specialist April May said students and faculty are now knowledgeable when speaking with each other.

“It is our goal to make sure the faculty understand everything so that they can help you,” May said.

Training workshops have been available for students every Wednesday following Spring Break, and will continue next fall.

Deborah Roark, director of grants and research and Title III specialist, said eadvising was one of many components Wesleyan used the Title III grant money for. Roark said the cost of e-advising was more than $26,000.

Roark said Wesleyan believes the e-advising tool is adding an advantage to the Wesleyan Signature Experience.

“It helps students, it helps faculty and it helps the institutional administration plan for courses that we need,” Roark said. “The

Thomas Lagomichos

tlagomichos@mail.txwes.edu

An evolving online feature, E-Advising is now available to all Wesleyan students.

The function, which works through student’s RamLink accounts, allows students to plan for classes two semesters in advance.

All students, except liberal studies majors, are required to use e-advising for class registration but personal interaction with advisers is maintained.

Meghan Foster, Title III Instructional Technologist said e-advising allows students to plan out their courses and what semester they want to take those courses.

“You can actually create a full road map of where you are now all the way to graduation and that’s the advantage of e-advising,” Foster said. “One of the reasons why you [students] come to Wesleyan is because it’s a small school. You get to have that day-to-day interaction with faculty members in ways that you can’t get at other schools or universities.”

The School of Business was the first to pilot E-Advising a year and a half ago.

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Job/ Intern Seeker’s Database

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Services Available: CareerLink

Wesleyan’s On-line job board!

Major/Career Guidance Computerized Job

Searches

To test the new E-advising feature and plan for future courses, scan the barcode below with your smartphone and log in to your RamLink account. E-advising is accessed through the student tab main menu.

Career Services

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whole Title III grant was about strengthening the university to make us stronger, to make us better, to make us move into this 21st century and move forward and it’s one of those tools.”

“I’ve never used E-advising before but it seems like it could be useful for planning ahead,” said Michael Dieu Merci, freshman biochemistry major.

Students can access training videos on the Texas Wesleyan website at www. txwes.edu/titleiii/E-Advising.htm.

Employer’s Database

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FREE

Located in Brown Lupton North Wing Monday-Friday 8:00am-7:00pm 817.531.6512 smata@txwes.edu rfisk@txwes.edu

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Mock Interview

FREE Resume Writing & Critiquing Resume Posting

FRE FREE E E E R F http://www.txwes.edu/careerservices/index.htm

jhjones@mail.txwes.edu

On the last day of classes, the annual Slip n’ Slide pre-celebration of summer will bring some fun into the stressful time before finals.

Slip Into Summer, an annual event hosted by Student Life, is set for 11 a.m.

-2 p.m. May 3, in the lawn area behind the Eunice and James L. West Library.

Students can channel their inner child by slipping down a large slide, flying down on inflatables and participating in the Hawaiian racing lane.

The slide will start at the base of the library and extend all the way to Dora Robert’s Café.

“I’ve been to all the previous Slip n’ Slide events and they are always so much fun,” said Amy Craddock, senior

psychology major.

Student Life is also providing free food and a live band for students to enjoy.

Baron Yarborough, junior business management major and assistant coordinator of student life activities, said the Slip Into Summer event reminds students college is not about making life difficult; it also provides students with a fun study break.

The live music will be the newest addition to the event.

“I’ve been in charge of this event for three years, and we try to add something each year to keep things exciting,” said Michael Chaney, coordinator of student activities, volunteerism and organizations.

Chaney said Slip Into Summer is free and all of the Wesleyan community is invited to join in the fun.

Scan the barcode with your smartphone and follow us on Facebook. Keep us updated with your summertime adventures and trips throughout May, June and August before next fall, when the next print edition of The Rambler hits stands.

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April 27, 2011

The Rambler | www.therambler.org

President Lincoln visits Wesleyan Keorah Strain

kcstrain@mail.txwes.edu

Faculty and students at Texas Wesleyan have taken time out to acknowledge President Abraham Lincoln’s impact on the United States.

Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, a Man for All Times, a national traveling exhibition that examines Lincoln’s life, accomplishments and legacy, opened April 13 in the Eunice and James L. West Library, and will continue until May 7.

“I enjoy the fact that we have an exhibit at Wesleyan for Abraham Lincoln,” said Christina Daniel, sophomore liberal studies major. “He was a great leader of our country and it’s nice to know we are sharing his accomplishments through this exhibit for students to learn and take from.”

Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, associate professor of history, proposed the Lincoln exhibit to Sherri Parker, coordinator of library services.

Along with other staff, Alexander and Parker planned for the exhibit to visit Wesleyan, presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

The second floor of the library is currently home to the exhibit and open to the Wesleyan comMelissa Bates | Rambler Staff munity to view for free.

Texas Wesleyan professors and Board of Trustee members gathered for a reception at the Abraham Lincoln exhibit in the Eunice and James L. West “The exhibit on Abraham Lin- library on April 14. The national traveling exhibition, Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man For All Times will continue until May 7. coln was very informative and I feel very privileged to be able to of slavery and the establishment April 14. During this reception, “Lincoln was a man before his other presidents, he was the first have such an exhibit at Wesley- of the Emancipation Proclama- trustees were able to see pan- time and he was the president to change history, which is why an,” said Alyssa Delgado, fresh- tion, which plays an important els, newspaper articles, journals, that helped the American cul- this exhibit is important and we man business management ma- role in American history.” books and magazines discussing ture get through a hard time,” want to educate our students and jor. “Abraham Lincoln was very A reception was held for the Abraham Lincoln’s achievements said Sherri Mata, director of ca- faculty of how important history influential with the abolishment Texas Wesleyan Board of Trustees and personal life. reer services. “Amongst many really is.”

DuPriest delivers strong musical performance Jane Howl

jahowl@mail.txwes.edu

Amanda DuPriest, senior music education major, performed her senior recital on March 23 in Martin Hall.

I think DuPriest is a very talented woman. She is a singer, pianist, conductor and instrumentalist. She has also composed many pieces of music throughout her years of music study.

As I walked into Martin Hall, the lights were down low. You could see the exquisite crown molding in the light. Light was gleaming off the brass chandeliers—a beautiful feature of Martin Hall.

Almost every seat was full—including the balcony. The audience waited with great anticipation as DuPriest came on stage.

The first half of the program had a very classical feel. She came up on stage wearing a lovely green, for-

mal dress. DuPriest showed off one of her many talents by first singing a German piece called An Die Musick

by Franz Schubert (17971828).

DuPriest had clear, beautiful diction while performing the piece. She then dazzled the audience when she played a piano piece by Beethoven.

Her fingers moved gracefully across the piano keys and had a lovely flow of movement as she played.

The next section of the program included a duet with her sister, Kelsey. They performed For God from the hit musical, Wicked.

This performance was very emotional. The two sisters sang together about the bond they share with each other.

DuPriest then performed a French piece, and had the mark of a true performer.

While she sang in a foreign language, DuPriest

conveyed six different moods with her expression.

Even though we could not understand the words, we could understand every emotional expression on her face.

The second portion of the recital had a fun, lighthearted feel. DuPriest changed into a glittering silver and black dress. She walked on-stage with her talented and long-time friend, Katreeva Phillips.

The two performed What is This Feeling from Wicked.

They sang with feeling, expression and individually contrasting emotions.

After they finished the song, the audience roared with applause and laughter.

The final piece of DuPriest’s performance was The Spirit of Adventure from the movie Up by Michael Giacchino. DuPriest included her friends and family while she sang the last song of the evening.

Before Amanda came back on-stage for her last performance, Katreeva Phillips walked out smiling coyly and holding a bright yellow balloon. This was the signal for Amanda’s family and friends to let go of the balloons they were

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Amy Yvonne Weeks | Courtesy Photo Amanda DuPriest (right) a senior music and education major, performed a duet with her sister Kelsey (center) at her senior recital on March 23 in Martin Hall.

hiding into the open performance hall.

All of Amanda’s family and friends had the balloons tied to their wrist.

Amanda came out with a blue balloon tied to her wrist.

As I turned to look at the audience, I saw a sea of yellow, pink and blue balloons

friends and family.

I knew the concert was going to be good, but it completely surpassed my expectations. Every song she sang was perfect. Her piano piece was wonderful.

DuPriest put a lot of time and effort into this concert and came through with flying colors.

Texas Wesleyan University

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The Department of Music

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Senior Recital

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Robert Friesenhahn, trumpet Keith Critcher, piano April 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Martin Hall

Guitar Fort Worth: Classical Series

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floating in the air. DuPriest sang this song with joy, conveying her hopes, aspirations and dreams to the audience.

After the last song, the audience sprang out of their seats and gave Amanda a standing ovation.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Amanda hugged her

Gala Concert wiailey and Christopher Davis, guitars April 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Martin Hall

Faculty Recital

Maria Harman, flute Jose Cubela, piano Julie McCoy, soprano May 1 at 3:00 p.m.

Martin Hall For more information, visit http://www.txwes.edu/music/music/index.htm or call 817-531-4992

Religious Life at Texas Wesleyan University Chapel: Live music with brief time of worship Tuesdays at 12:15 in PUMC Chapel Free lunch after on PUMC 3rd Floor – Room 312

Common Meal:

Free lunch and discussion/dialogue Thursdays at 12:15 in PUMC Chapel PUMC 3rd Floor – Room 312 “Faith seeking understanding” – ALL are welcome!

For info: http://www.txwes.edu/religiouslife/index.htm

The Rambler | www.therambler.org

Arts & Entertainment

April 27, 2011

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Past student holds book signing Melissa Bates

mdbates@mail.txwes.edu

Alumni were treated to events and entertainment for Texas Wesleyan’s annual Alumni Weekend April 14 to 16.

As part of Alumni Weekend, author E. Travis Cox held a book signing April 16 outside of Lou’s Place.

Cox has attended Wesleyan off and on for more than 30 years but never received a degree.

“I played junior varsity basketball and I ran track here,” Cox said. “I lack about nine hours to graduate, truthfully.”

Cox said he came to Wesleyan in the ’70s and the last time he took classes was between 2004 and 2005.

Cox also said he would like to finish his degree but is not sure if the classes he lacks can be done online since he now lives and owns a business in Montana.

He said he decided not to finish his degree because he needed a full-time job and because of the move to Montana.

“I bought Riverside Cottages up in Montana,” Cox said. “We own quite a few

cottages on the Yellowstone River.”

Cox said he wrote his first book, The Candle Maker’s Son, in his spare time. He said he had the idea in his head for many years but had never pursued writing it.

“I wrote this as a lark and it just caught on,” Cox said.

Since the book became so popular not long after publishing it, he said he is currently working on the second book of a three-part series.

Cox said he and his wife bought Riverside Cottages when they moved to Gardiner, Mo., which is a vacationing spot for people who visit Yellowstone National Park.

Gina Phillips, director of development and alumni relations, said she decided to bring Cox to Wesleyan during Alumni Weekend after she heard about him from Dr. Jeffrey DeLotto, Melissa Bates | Rambler Staff professor of English.

Author, E. Travis Cox, a past Wesleyan student, held a book signing for his first book “The Candle Maker’s Son” April “He was going to be in 16 outside of Lou’s Place during Wesleyan’s annual Alumni Weekend. town already for a signing on the north side and ing about him from Dr. De- leyan graduate, retired pas- had not heard of Cox or his and my wife loves to read I thought it’d be great, Lotto, but Phillips also said tor of Polytechnic United book, The Candle Maker’s mysteries so I bought it for since he has attended our she is looking forward to Methodist Church and Son, before the book sign- her,” Leach said. school,” Phillips said. reading The Candle Maker’s member of the Texas Wes- ing, but decided to buy it.

For more information Phillips said she had not Son. leyan alumni association “I purchased the book about Cox’s book visit heard of Cox prior to hearFrank Leach, a 1953 Wes- board of directors, said he because it was a mystery www.etraviscox.com.

Fortuna’s sizzles with flavor RESTAURANT REVIEW

SHOW REVIEW

Stephanie Mejia

Jordan Twine

smejia@mail.txwes.edu

If you’re in the mood for an authentic Italian meal then look no further than Fortuna’s Italian Restaurant.

The restaurant lies in west Fort Worth and is located at 5837 Camp Bowie Blvd.

Fortuna’s walls feature murals of the countryside and dangling grapes on part of its ceiling. The restaurant has an intimate, café vibe because of its dim lighting and Italian music.

As soon as you are seated you are greeted with a basket of warm, homemade bread rolls and a side of oil, vinegar and herb dressing.

The bread is nicely toasted and the dressing gives it the perfect touch of seasoning.

By the time the waiter comes to take your order you will most likely be full because of the bread, but you will not be able to resist ordering something from the menu.

Fortuna serves everything you would expect from an Italian restaurant.

Appetizers include fried calamari, stuffed mushrooms, grilled

Dance show sheds light on real talent jetwine@mail.txwes.edu

portobello and fried cheese for $6. Fortuna also offers salads that range in price from $4 to $5.95.

Fortuna’s dinner menu features a variety of pasta dishes to choose from including fettuccine alfredo, linguine, baked lasagna, baked manicotti and of course spaghetti. These dishes range in price from $7.50 to $10.

Ready to try something new, I decided to order the baked manicotti instead of ordering spaghetti like I usually do at other Italian restaurants.

The baked manicotti was even better than I expected.

The pasta shells were filled and covered with mozzarella cheese

and marinara sauce. The marinara sauce had just the right amount of herbs to give the manicotti a spicy kick. The baked manicotti costs $7.95.

Those who are not too full after the main dish and bread rolls can satisfy their sweet tooth with a dessert.

Fortuna’s dessert options include New York style cheesecake for $4 and tiramisu for $5.

Whatever you order at Fortuna’s Italian Restaurant you are sure be satisfied by the flavors.

Fortuna’s is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Friday and Saturday.

Need a clue on where to look?

Get help researching your paper at the West Library’s Reference Desk.

Laurieann Gibson, choreographer to the stars, has allowed cameras into her fast-paced, dance-driven and glamorous life in reality show The Dance Scene 9:30 p.m.

Sundays on E! Laurieann leads a pack of dancers who are just as driven as she is and won’t stop for anything while trying to make their dreams come true.

With executive producer Ryan Seacrest at the helm, the show puts the spotlight on the ups and downs of the industry, as well as addressing some of the dancers personal battles.

Gibson is a very wellknown choreographer. She exclusively works with Lady Gaga and has a catalogue of celebrities she has worked with.

This isn’t her first reality show, though. Gibson was also on Making the Band for three seasons as creative director for the new acts signed to Bad Boy records.

90 Years of Leadership

2010

1920 Contact Us at

Eunice and James L. West Library

Texas Wesleyan University

Services Available: Monday-Thursday 8 am - 8 pm Friday & Saturday 8:30 am - 5 pm Sunday 1 pm - 8 pm or e-mail: reference@txwes.edu

It’s no surprise she would have her own show given her popularity, and in the show you can tell she’s bigtime.

The season opened with auditions for a huge show with Katy Perry and Keri Hilson as headlining divas.

Gibson is pretty cut-throat so it’s entertaining to watch her delegate.

It’s also refreshing to watch a reality show that’s not about finding love or following some heiress. This show has a little more substance and anyone with dreams of being a dancer will probably love it because it incorporates a lot of dancing.

The show moves fast because it’s only 30 minutes per episode. Other than the show feeling short, I have no complaints.

The cast or the “Boom Kack” crew is a dynamic group of characters so the show has a lot of personality. It also has tons of glitz and glamour but does exemplify how important work ethic, sacrifice and paying your dues are all essential in achieving success.

Finally, a reality show that has a decent message and stands out in terms of quality TV.

Phone: 817-531-7550 Email: stugov@txwes.edu

Visit us at

OC Hall 202 and 204

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April 27, 2011

The Rambler | www.therambler.org

Four retiring Rams say goodbye

Melissa Bates

mdbates@mail.txwes.edu

After a combined total service of 100 years, three Wesleyan professors and one staff member are retiring at the end of this semester.

From 1:30 to 3 p.m. April 27 in Lou’s Place, the office of the provost will host a reception for Dr. Sue Passmore, professor of education, Dr. Thomas Klaasen, professor of economics and finance, and Dr. John Shampton, professor of business administration and business law.

The Armstrong Mabee Business Center will host a reception to honor Klaasen, Shampton and Merlene McCord, academic coordinator from 2 to 2:30 p.m. May 2.

Passmore came to Wesleyan when she was 27 years old.

She turned 70 in March.

Passmore is one of many faculty members who have taken advantage of a program Wesleyan started in fall 2008, the Phased Retirement Option.

Passmore, a member of the PRO committee, said they came up with the idea so faculty would not have to retire abruptly.

“If you’ve taught, like I’ve taught for 43 years—just to suddenly quit teaching—we all thought that was kind of an emotional thing that it’d be

better if you phased it,” Passmore said.

Passmore said she and her husband are raising their granddaughter, Lauren, so she thought 70 would be a good time to retire.

Passmore said what she will miss most is the connection with students, not only in the Wesleyan classroom, but also in the classrooms her students teach in.

“It’s really interesting to teach them then go out and actually see them do it,” Passmore said. “That’s really where the rubber meets the road, a lot of the teachers we place our student teachers with are people I’ve taught.”

Dr. Allen Henderson, provost, senior vice president and professor of psychology, has known Passmore since he came to Wesleyan 32 years ago.

“Literally, I can’t tell you, there’s got to be thousands of students who are out there now who she’s touched their lives as a teacher who are now teaching,” Henderson said.

Klassen also took advantage of PRO. Klaasen, 71, has been at Wesleyan for 22 years. He said the first thing to attract him to Wesleyan was the size.

“I went to a small school and my first teaching job was in a small school and I just

“From my students, I think I’ve gotten a good lesson in listening, in trying to understand what their viewpoint is because it’s generally valid,” Shampton said.

Shampton said he is the mayor of the town he lives in, Valley Mills, Texas.

“The commute is not all that bad but it is time consuming” Shampton said. “It really is one of the reasons why I decided that when my wife retired, I would go along with her.”

Dr. Hector Quintanilla, dean of the school of business administration, has known Klaasen and Shampton since he came to Wesleyan 15 years ago.

“They’ve both been part of the leadership in the school,” Quintanilla said. “They truly are the role models for our newer faculty members and even faculty such as myself.”

McCord, 66, said she came Communications Department | Courtesy to Wesleyan as an adjunct proAbove Left: Dr. Sue Passmore, professor of education. fessor in 1995. She said she Above Right: Dr. Thomas Klaasen, professor of economics originally taught keyboarding and finance. Below Left: Dr. John Shampton, professor of then taught management inbusiness administration and business law. Below Right: formation systems.

Merlene McCord, academic coordinator.

McCord has been the academic coordinator for the like that atmosphere where Wesleyan by way of the Tex- school of business adminyou know the students and as Wesleyan School of Law istration for the past three you know other faculty,” in 1990. years.

Klaasen said.

Shampton said his stu“They sort of created this job Shampton, 65 said he has dents taught him patience, for me,” McCord said. “I’m a taught since 1971. which is not a virtue in the liaison between the school of Shampton said he came to legal profession. business and the registrar.”

McCord said she taught at Tarrant County College prior to coming to Wesleyan.

“I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was in the fourth grade,” she said. “Prior to the academic coordinator staff position, I taught for about 38 years and I loved every minute of it.”

McCord also said she and her husband will celebrate their 41st anniversary in August.

“We have two sons and six grandsons,” McCord said.

“The seventh grandson is on the way.”

McCord was also attracted

by Wesleyan’s small size.

“I love teaching so the students and the smaller classes where you can really get acquainted with the students, I enjoyed that,” McCord said.

McCord said years ago she and her husband did the math to find out when she could retire and found out she would have to wait until 2011.

“I thought that was so far away then opened my eyes and here’s 2011,” McCord said. McCord said her postretirement plans include a trip to California to see their new grandson.

“I will also spend more time doing my bible study,” McCord said.

She said she plans to continue her volunteer work at Women’s Choice Resource Center, located in Fort Worth.

alumni—alumni who have graduated within 10 years.

Phillips said she hopes the young alumni group continues to grow and continues to come to AW. “We love to celebrate and visit,” Phillips said. “It’s a time of reconnecting, talking, sharing and having fun.”

Frank Leach, who graduated in 1953, said he attends AW because he never got to do anything when he was a student due to work.

“I come back so I can do things you’re supposed to do as a student,” Leach said.

Leach said what he loves most about AW is getting to see everybody he used to go to school with.

Leach said he feels Wesleyan polished him into the man he is today.

“I was fairly rough-hewn in background and such, and I feel like this school really molded me in the sense of becoming a better scholar, a better person, more socially adept and that sort of thing,” Leach said.

Leach said he was a firstgeneration college student.

Jeri Boulware Johnston, who graduated in 1967, said her favorite Wesleyan memories are the musicals. John-

sional world and gives you the background you need to go ahead and pursue your dreams.”

Brenton Flowers, junior criminal justice major and student worker for the alumni office, helped to set up for all the events and drove the golf cart to transport people across campus.

“I think alumni weekend is great because it gives the opportunity for the alumni to come back and see how much the campus has changed and improved and at the same time get to meet current students,” Flowers said.

Flowers said he thinks current students should be involved in AW to help the alumni office and to make connections with alumni.

Flowers said he thinks current students will be interested in AW events once they graduate.

“You get to come back and show your pride in the school you attended,” Flowers said. “Alumni get to voice their opinion on what they want to see improved and to help see it come to fruition.”

Alumni return for AW memories every year in April.

Alumni treated to weekend of Wesleyan memories Melissa Bates

mdbates@mail.txwes.edu

Melissa Bates | Rambler Staff Above Clockwise: Frank Leach ‘53, Bob Johnston and his wife, Jeri ‘67, Mara Escobar Romero ‘67 and Barbara Leach attended a gathering of 1950s and 60s graduates on April 16. Below: A magician was one of many attractions at the Alumni Weekend barbecue on April 16.

Wesleyan alumni returned for a weekend of memories, fun and food.

April 14 to 16 was Alumni Weekend, where Wesleyan alumni enjoyed a variety of events and get-togethers.

Gina Phillips, director of development and alumni relations, said alumni discussed how Wesleyan is in their hearts. Phillips said AW is about reconnecting with old friends and remembering time spent at Wesleyan.

“I think it’s an important part of the Wesleyan experience,” Phillips said. “When you’re here as a student, you have great experiences; you bond with people, and [students] need to know that bond can continue.”

Phillips said AW attendance has reached as high as 180, which was for this year’s weekend.

“That’s why we’re getting better and better because more and more people are coming back,” Phillips said.

Phillips said there is a stronger contingency of alumni from the ‘60s but they have several young

ston said she was a speech and drama major and had parts in several plays and musicals.

“I was in musicals and plays the whole time I was here and it was just really wonderful,” Johnston said.

“As a freshman, you could be in plays here; if you went to a big school, you might be a junior or senior before you got parts and were actually on-stage but here, you could just move right into it.”

Johnston said she is a founding member of ENCORE, the Theatre Wesleyan alumni group.

“We’ve been able to get people from a lot of the decades from the ‘60s on to join our group and we’ve done some shows together and it’s been a lot of fun,” Johnston said.

Johnston said another thing she loved about Wesleyan is the education she received.

“Even though it’s not the biggest school or the one everyone’s heard of, you get a very personal touch, you get an excellent education,” Johnston said. “As you go into your profession, everything that happens with you here stands up in the profes-

The Coffee X Spot

7 Campus Scott leaves legacy for years to come

The Rambler | www.therambler.org

Shauna Banks

sbbanks@mail.txwes.edu

As the clock soars past midnight, his eyelids grow heavier with each passing second—but he presses on, determined to finish the day’s ‘to-do’ list.

He soon realizes his work may never truly be done, and decides to take a break for those few precious hours of sleep, knowing that tomorrow is a new day. Tomorrow he will continue his journey as the student government president.

Heath Scott, current student body president and political science major, graduates this May, leaving office April 27 after a two-year term serving the Texas Wesleyan community.

“I’ve learned to manage my time a little better, and that you can’t do everything every single day,” Scott said.

“There are some things you will be able to do and some things you won’t be able to.

The day is only 24 hours and you have to sleep.”

Scott said he thinks his biggest accomplishment as president has been to completely overhaul and restructure the entire government from the ground up, finally giving the student body a government that represents them and governs on their behalf.

“It’s been an honor to work with Heath,” Brenton Flowers, SGA representative said.

“He has taken SGA and totally redone it, and it’s been better than what it was.”

During his presidency, Scott said he has been instrumental in getting a bill of rights added to the Texas

April 27, 2011

Wesleyan Student Handbook, and brought the ram statue to the area outside the BrownLupton Student Center.

Scott said he also helped with some of the upgrades to the residence halls, which included LCD televisions, Play Station 3’s and Xboxes for the lobbies.

“He’s actually taken it so seriously and put so much time and effort into it, and laid the foundation for what SGA should be for the years to come,” Flowers said.

Just this spring, Scott signed the study abroad bill, which has awarded $7,500 in scholarship monies to students planning to study abroad this spring and summer.

Dr. Carol Johnson-Gerendas, faculty adviser of SGA, said she thinks Scott is a strong advocate for students and has been a pressing voice to administration for them.

“He’s really in touch with the roots of Wesleyan and student government at Wesleyan, and stays grounded in that,” Johnson-Gerendas said. “But he also brings it forward and has organized and updated the organization so that it has a really professional presence on campus, and is also respected and viable.”

One of the biggest changes this semester has been the resurrection and revamping of the SGA’s part in the judicial process for students.

After more than a decade of faculty and administration handling student citation appeals, and with some persistence on Scott’s part, students now have the option to go through the process with their own peers as the judge.

“I just feel strongly about student rights and representation,” Scott said. “To my core I believe that a student understands their fellow students a lot better than a faculty or staff member can.”

A strong supporter of school spirit and new organizations, Scott approved 17 student organizations throughout his term, and founded the Blue Cru, a group of students formed to show their support at Ram sporting events.

Born in East Texas, Scott has traveled all over the state, but plans to stay here after he graduates, with the possibility of working in the state legislature.

Pati Alexander, vice president of enrollment and student services, said Scott has been the best president in terms of number of projects accomplished and dollars spent on the general student population.

“Heath has been wonderful to work with,” Alexander said. “He works hard, has a ‘to-do’ list a mile long and makes sure that most of it gets accomplished. In my opinion he’s brought dignity and respect back to the SGA.” Scott said he enjoys traveling, reading and playing golf in his spare time. Although not at Wesleyan, he plans to pursue a graduate degree in public administration or public policy.

“I’ve told Health many times that he is leaving a legacy that will remain for years,” Alexander said “This university is going to miss him but wishes him well as he begins a new chapter in his life.”

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the students... to ss re d d a l a s fin SGA President’

Fellow Students, By the time you read these words I will no longer be your president; time has undoubtedly flown by. It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years since I first took the oath of office. Along the way I have learned many valuable lessons. I’ve been blessed beyond measure. I’ve experienced many ups and downs. I fully believe though that each day I walked into my office was another day of progress for this university, and for you, the students. Every decision I made in these past couple of years I made it because I felt it was best for the student body as a whole. Thankfully, I was surrounded by many faculty and staff members who wanted nothing more than to see the students of this university succeed. We truly are a family.

As I close I want you to know that you have a strong dynamic leader coming in, Mr. Bradden Van Noy. I can’t think of a better person to continue the fight on behalf of the student body. I wish him the best and I wish you the best. Good luck and God Bless. Thanks for the memories.

Sincerely, 89th President, Student Government Association

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Community

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Spellbinders eliminate fear of speaking Rachel Peel

rlpeel@mail.txwes.edu

One of the most important things a person has to do in his/ her academic and professional career is public speaking.

Open to the community in and around Wesleyan, the Texas Wesleyan Spellbinders Club, a branch of Toastmasters International, teaches members how to speak in public.

The group meets on Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. in the Polytechnic United Methodist Church, room 122.

The Spellbinders were founded in 2004 by Steven Heller, a then visiting professor of business. Joe Brown, profes-

sor of theatre and speech and director of freshman studies, was also a faculty sponsor at Wesleyan in 2004.

Judy Perez, Division C governor for district 25 of Toastmasters, joined the Spellbinders in February 2004 when she was a senior at Wesleyan. She is one of the charter members of the organization, and the creator of the name Texas Wesleyan Spellbinders.

“I began to brainstorm and took out my thesaurus and started looking at words for auditory and speaking, and I found spellbinding,” Perez said.

“If you are speaking so well that people are entranced by your words, what an interest-

ing name.”

Perez graduated from Wesleyan with her bachelors of business administration in 2004, and then stayed another two years to receive her master’s of business administration in 2007.

David Martin, District 25 governor of Toastmasters, said the Wesleyan Spellbinders is a sub-group of the organization called Toastmasters International.

Toastmasters International is a worldwide organization devoted to public speaking.

It was founded by Ralph Smedley in October 1924 in California.

“Communications is obvi-

sees it as a great way for students to enrich their own lives while giving back to the community.

“It’s a really great thing for a student to do, either volunteering or being in an internship,” Chaney said. “There’s so much to learn by working at the Fort Worth Zoo, not only about animals, but also about ecology, wildlife conservation and our planet. These things simply cannot be experienced in a conventional classroom.”

Chaney said the zoo’s many programs can help boost student’s careers.

“Having grown up in the Fort Worth area, I know that having done volunteer work or an internship at the zoo will look great on a resume,” Chaney said. “It’s also a way for students to make contacts that can be very helpful in finding entry level jobs in a lot of fields.”

Students who wish to volunteer can apply at the zoo’s

human resources department at any time. Volunteers assist zoo staff in many tasks and can look forward to working with different animals.

“We have volunteers helping our staff in teaching at our summer zoo camps for kids, our Wild Wonders Outreach program, and a lot of other programs we do in the summer,” Remeka Owens, public relations manager, said. “Students can learn a lot by simply volunteering, and we’ve actually had a few instances where students started out as volunteers and ended up getting jobs at the zoo.”

Getting a summer internship is somewhat difficult, there are only 10 internships awarded annually. Interested students will have to wait until next year, because the deadline for applications cuts off April 1 each year.

Laura Klopfer, who heads the volunteer and visitor education programs at the Washington

ously something everybody in the world needs to be better at,” Martin said. “You communicate in your work life; you communicate in your home life, personally and at a one-onone level, and in big groups.”

In Wesleyan’s district, District 25, there are more than 144 sub-groups. The district goes as far north as Waxahachie, as far south as Waco and as far east as the 35 east corridor.

“What Toastmasters is really all about is to make worldwide communication a reality,” Martin said.

Not only is Martin a member of the organization at Texas Wesleyan, but he also received

his master’s of business administration from Wesleyan. Martin oversees all the education programs in the district, with 2,700 members currently.

Aldean “Al” Pearson, vice president of membership, said Toastmasters is open to all faculty, staff, students and members of the surrounding community.

Pearson said Toastmasters is for people who want to increase their ability to communicate, not actually become a public speaker, and it is for people who want to associate themselves with Toastmasters International.

“A lot of times people look at Toastmasters as ‘Oh, that’s for

people who want to be public speakers,’” Pearson said. “However, that is so far from what Toastmasters actually is about.”

To join Toastmasters International there is a yearly fee of $20.

Toastmasters has two tracks; one teaches people how to increase their ability to communicate, and another teaches the participants about leadership.

The communication track helps the participant become a better communicator in every aspect of his life, whether it is a boss, a spouse or a friend.

“A lot of times, the leader can be a great leader, but not a good communicator,” Pearson said.

Fort Worth Zoo offers student volunteer opportunities Daniel McGary

dmcgary@mail.txwes.edu

For students who want to work with animals, learn about wildlife and build their resumes, opportunities are available at the Fort Worth Zoo. Fort Worth is home to a world-class zoo that has been ranked as one of the top five zoos in the nation by both the Los Angeles Times and USA Today.

In addition, it has been named the number one attraction in the Dallas-FortWorth Metroplex by Zagat Survey U.S. Family Travel Guide.

It is currently offering college students opportunities to take their learning experience outside classroom. Opportunities include: visiting, volunteering and applying for one of the Zoos summer internship programs.

Michael Chaney, Wesleyan’s coordinator of student activities and volunteering, said he

The Rambler Now Accepting Applications For All Fall Rambler Staff Positions Applications are available at O. C. Hall 107 For a Complete Job Description, Visit www.therambler.org

Rachel Peel | Rambler Staff The Fort Worth Zoo is currently looking for students who enjoy the outdoors and working with animals to volunteer for various programs during the summer break.

D.C. based Smithsonian Institute‘s Zoological department, said zoo internship programs are almost always career based.

“Zoo internships are awarded to college students whose major field of study matches the work that they want to do at the zoo,” Klopfer said. “It’s usually somewhat competitive,

and only a few are awarded each year.”

Dr. Angela Roberts, assistant professor of biology, said Wesleyan’s biology programs do not presently include any zoology courses.

“Since we are a small university, we don’t have as varied a curriculum in some fields as

the larger universities, which is unfortunate,” Roberts said.

Dr. Mary Ann Clark, professor of biology, is hopeful zoology courses are added to the biology degree plan in the near future.

“We’re hoping to be putting some zoology courses back,” Clark said.

A Letter from the Morton Fitness Center: The purpose of this letter is to thank the Wesleyan Family for all of the support, honest feedback and patience that you had this semester with me and my young staff. I also want to use this letter as a forum to enlighten some of you on the results of the 300+ surveys that we received back, address some of your concerns but also what to expect in the future here at the Morton Fitness Center.

The Morton Fitness Center is the first of its kind here on this campus. I appreciate some of you understanding that everything isn’t going to be perfect straight out the gates. As you know we’ve only been open a little over four months so figuring out what works for the Wesleyan Family is still a work in progress.

My staff consists of 8 student workers who work very hard and they take pride in where they work which is why it pleases me to see it reflected in the survey responses. With a 4=Excellent and a 1=poor, a “Professional Staff”, “Cleanliness”, and “Communication” all averaged about a 3.7.

Current Group Fitness Classes and Class scheduled ranked lowest with a 3.5. On the issue of a new opening time 57% wanted it to remain at 7am, 25% move to 6am, 10% move to 5:30am, and 8% wanted to see the Morton Center open at 6:30am.

We’re Everywhere!

For More Information, ContactDr. Kay L. Colley at kcolley@txwes.edu

The Voice of Texas Wesleyan University Students Since 1917

The future is bright for the Morton Fitness as we strive to continue to give you a clean, functional facility with friendly and professional staff. In response of the surveys we will be changing the operational hours for the summer as a test to see if all those who wanted the facility open earlier will actually use the facility. We are also looking to having more of a presence online with our very own website. We will also be adding more Yoga, Body Pump, and Zumba classes as well as the ever popular massage days for the upcoming fall semester.

Thank You AAron Whaley Director of Morton Fitness Center

The Rambler | www.therambler.org

Sports

April 27, 2011

|

9

Ram track runs to fourth in RRAC Emma Fradette

ekfradette@mail.txwes.edu

The Texas Wesleyan men and women’s track and field teams ran April 22-23 at Trinity Valley High School.

The men’s track and field team finished the meet with 56 points, placing fifth in the 2011 Red River Conference Championship. Sophomore runner Taylor Gill won the 1500 meter event by himself with a time of 4:16.42.

When it came to the two distance runs, 1500m and the 3000m, the Rams finished third out of eight. Ju-

nior sprinter Christopher Smith finished his 200m run in just 22.82 seconds and his 400m sprint in 51.52.

Lady Ram track did its fair share of winning as well. They finished second in the Red River Conference Championship with this being Wesleyan’s first year having a competitive track program.

“Second place is not as bad as it may seem,” R’relle Duncan, freshman hurdles said.

“All it means is that from here, all we can do is get better. We did the best we can do, and we are blessed to

have made it to where we stand.”

Duncan finished second place this weekend in the 100m hurdles. Sophomore distance runners Jessica Rivera and Lauri Gutierrez finished second and third in the 10,000m run Friday. They also placed first and second in the 1500m, 3000m, and 5000m runs.

“I’m proud of the girls and the team,” Duncan said.

“Without them, we would not have made it this far. All we can do is leave it on the track and that is what we did, and for that we are blessed.”

Table tennis racks in 6 national titles in 1 year

Rachel Peel

rlpeel@mail.txwes.edu

On April 21, the Texas Wesleyan table tennis team met with their fans in the Carter Conference Center in the Brown Lupton Campus Center to celebrate taking home both team titles and a total of six out of seven national championships this year.

The Rams have won all eight Coed Team National Championships since they have been a part of this competition. Texas Wesleyan has won the last 47 out of 66 championships since the team began in 2002. That is more than 70 percent of all national titles in the past 10 years.

“We did great, better than we expected. We really didn’t dream this year that we

“The competition is getting tougher ev-

ery year, and we are trying to raise our standards higher than the other teams.”

Oliviu Vasilca

Junior, business information systems major would come back with six titles,” said Jasna Rather, table tennis coach. “The competition is extremely strong, and we were thinking maybe one or two titles, but six is very pleasing to our results.”

For the second straight year the coed title came down between Wesleyan and Lindenwood University.

The Rams won 3-2.

“We are getting better and better every year,” said Oliviu Vasilca, junior business information systems major.

“The competition is getting tougher every year, and we

are trying to raise our standards higher than the other teams are, to try and stay on top.”

The women’s final came down to Lindenwood as well, with the Lady Rams taking the match 3-1.

“I think we did a fantastic job,” said Tina Chen, senior education major. “This year’s competition is way stronger than last year.”

Chen said fortunately a lot of the new members are good players, so it has made the competition even this year.

Let’s

Go

R a m s RAAC!

Show your Support Texas Wesleyan Baseball battle it out in Shreveport

Texas Wesleyan Softball ram it out in Farmers Branch

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