The Rambler, Vol. 100 No. 12 by The Rambler

The Rambler

The students’ voice since 1917

www.txwes.edu/rambler

April 30, 2008

NEWS BRIEFS Have a Great Summer The Rambler wishes all students, faculty and staff a great summer! The Rambler returns in the fall. Let it commence! The 2008 Texas Wesleyan graduation services are at 7 p.m. May 9 at the Will Rodgers Auditorium. Sheryl Kappus, president of Hill College, is the keynote speaker. Robing ceremonies is at 11 a.m. May 9 in the Polytechnic United Methodist Church.

News Briefs

Congrats! Congratulations to Dr. Mary Anne Clark, biology professor, was featured in Fort Worth, Texas magazine as one of the 14 “Brilliant Minds” in Tarrant County. National Police Week Texas Wesleyan University campus security celebrates National Police Week May 11-17, which honors fallen officers and allows the community to show their appreciation to officers that protect the property and lives of the community. Security will host a barbecue event for the Fort Worth police officers that patrol our campus and the surrounding neighborhoods from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. May 13 in the Baker Martin Pavilion. RSVP by May 2. Gimme some tee! The Texas Wesleyan Graduate School of Business will sponsor its second annual golf tournament May 19 at Woodhaven Country Club. The cost to play is $100 per four-man scramble, which includes all green fees, driving range, cart, lunch and other amenities. An individual or organization can sponsor a hole for $1000 and their team play for free. Volunteers are needed for various tournament activities. Register at 817-531-6500. Password Changes As part of the university’s transition to the Microsoft Active Directory, all student passwords will automatically be changed to the last six digits of their social security numbers on May 17. Students will be able to change their passwords starting May 20. It must be at least six characters long and TXWESLEYAN will be the new, single university domain. WebCt logins and posswords will not change. Call the IT help desk at 817-5314428 or e-mail helpdesk@txwes.edu for more information. Get Informed Now Get instant text message updates on Texas Wesleyan University events, exclusive contests and other fun stuff by joining the text message mob. Joining the group by sending a text to Student Activities at 66937. You will get a text back asking you to reply with a “Y” to join the group. Standard rates apply.

Vol. 100, No.12

Espinosa resigns as dean, will continue teaching dents majoring in the school’s program.” According to Espinosa, the size and mass of the school of arts and sciSTAFF WRITER ences is calling for an organizational change. After serving in the position of dean of the school of arts and sciences for “We do not know yet how the school of arts and sciences might be nearly five years, Dr. Miriam Espinosa is stepping down. restructured,” Kerr said. “During this coming interim year, we will look at “I’ll retire in about three years, so I decided to let someone else look at several possible models.” the organization of the school,” said Espinosa of her choice to step down. She is currently focusing on models with two specific values. The English professor who has taught and served at Wesleyan for 30 years “In order to serve the arts and science programs well, there needs to be will return to teaching in the summer and fall. She plans to run the 3PR pro- ‘parity’ and ‘equity’ within and across the university’s schools,” said Kerr, gram and work with student and parent orireferring to the ratio of administrative leadentation. ers to faculty and students within each of the According to Espinosa, there were more three undergraduate schools on campus. perks to the dean’s position than just having According to Kerr, her plans include a sweet corner office. improving communications within the “Helping the faculty through the Bass school and across campus and assisting facGrants, helping them improve programs, ulty with program reviews and strategic and do their departmental reviews has been plans. Conducting a needs assessment to rewarding,” said Espinosa. The Bass Grants examine the administrative operations and are monies awarded to professors to travel gathering information to best assess reorgaand present their research. The dean position nization needs are also top priorities. is mainly one that aids the faculty with “I will feel that I have been successful if reports, hiring and scheduling. the faculty and staff believe that their voices “The dean is an advocate for the faculty have been heard in important decision-makin both ends—with the administration and ing, they have received information in a the students,” said Espinosa. timely and effective manner, and they conDr. Marcel Kerr, associate professor of tinue to be excited about working at Texas psychology and psychology department Wesleyan and serving our students” said chair, was named interim dean. Kerr. “The position of dean is one of service Like Espinosa, Kerr will continue to teach and advocacy,” Kerr said. “To me the prione course a semester while serving as the mary role of a school dean is to provide facdean. Administration will search for a candiulty and staff the tools and information they date to fill the position, and Kerr will be free need to do their jobs and remove any impedto apply. iments to their progress.” “There are a lot of possibilities for rearAlso, she said, the school dean is the Miriam Espinosa recently resigned as the dean of the school of ranging the school, but it will be up to the primary advocate for the faculty and stu- arts and sciences after five years. She will continue to teach new dean,” said Espinosa.

COLLEEN BURNIE

English courses and has plans to run the 3PR program.

Fall to bring changes on campus SHAMEKA HYATT STAFF WRITER

Texas Wesleyan University will see more changes next year than just the incoming class of 2012. The fall 2008 semester will begin with a variety of academic and structural enhancements. In the academic arena, Wesleyan will rewire current curriculums, implement new programs and relocate faculty members. In the school of arts and sciences, for starters, the religion curriculum will be reconstructed in order to gear religion majors more toward “comparative religion,” which will allow students to study a wide array of religions. “There will be an expansion of the religion department to permit studying of more than just Christianity,” said University President Dr. Hal Jeffcoat. Christianity instruction will not be abandoned nor replaced, he clarified, but a broader range of religious studies will be available. This curriculum reconstruction will take up to three years. The graduate school of nurse anesthesia will implement a new doctoral program, allowing nurse anesthesia students with master’s degrees to obtain doctorates in nurse anesthesia practice. “We want to offer more advanced training in such fields as the very competitive nurse anesthesia,” said Jeffcoat. This program will primarily be available online. Wesleyan is also looking to establish student learning communities, which will allow students from “different walks of life,” according to Jeffcoat, to interact with one another academically by working in groups. Administration hopes these and other changes will improve education. “We want to prepare students to be life-long learners and the best in their desired careers,” said Provost Allen Henderson. Changes are also on the horizon for faculty. Dr. Miriam Espinosa is stepping down as dean of the school of arts and sciences and will step up to numerous faculty positions including being a professor of English and pre-professional classes, a lead adviser for freshmen and transfer students and an overseer of the dual-credit program, which allows seniors in high school to gain college credit before even entering into college.

Here we go

again

While many students are getting ready to graduate (see more on page 5), freshman kiniseology major Rachel Daniel and freshman biology major Nikki Massey register for classes with Ashley Milligan, assistant director of advising.

Dr. Marcel Kerr, chair of the psychology department, will serve as interim dean. The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning is being completed in the West Library and will enable faculty to learn how to better use technology and grasp techniques to better serve students. The center will make available computers and equipment to aid in making instructors more tech savvy and will also host faculty seminars. Henderson said Wesleyan will strive to enhance instruction quality for students via faculty members. “We want to continue to improve instruction,” he said. Wesleyan will also change on the surface. To provide a more interactive, engaging instructional experience in the classroom, four more “presentation technology” classes will be installed on the Wesleyan campus, thanks to the Title III and AT&T Excelerator grants. In these classrooms, smart boards will be present to bring visual liveliness to classroom instruction. The Wesleyan theater department will have a new scene shop. The old Joe Brown Scene Shop at the corner of East Rosedale and Wesleyan Street will be renovated and transformed into a community meeting facility and a cyber café. The new 5,000 square foot scene shop, which will be known as the Claudia Stepp Scene Shop, will be built at the southwest intersection of Binkley Avenue and Avenue C. Other construction plans include four faculty offices, a conference room and a serving area. Near Wesleyan, a private developer, Townsite Company, will be enhancing retail space in the 3000-3100 blocks of East Rosedale. “These are positive changes that will dramatically improve the appearance of that area of East Rosedale,” said Steve Roberts, associate vice president of administrative services and human resources. Additional retail services, Roberts said, will greatly benefit Wesleyan faculty, staff and students. Whether it be construction or curriculum, Jeffcoat said Wesleyan will become a more academically alive, better academic institution, giving students more opportunities and faculty more opportunities in regards of research. With this goal in mind, Wesleyan will continue to experience change as it seeks opportunities. “Universities are always experiencing constant evolution,” said Jeffcoat. “We will never be still; we want to be more responsive to opportunities.”

FULL TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS AND PAID SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR TWU SOPHOMORES! Scholarships include $4500-$5000 yearly stipend and $1200 per year for books. For more information contact: LTC ROD JOYCE 817-531-4273 rjoye@txwes.edu

ARMY ROTC. START STRONG.

Opinions

“Austrailia and New Zealand.”

Option 4- Travel. This is every college student’s dream summer, but unless your last name is Trump or Gates, the odds are pretty low that this is a realistic choice. So far, summer options for college students are looking surprisingly slim. When it comes to the independence the summer month’s have to offer, all of the options are really a matter of finances, and, in many cases, the lack thereof. If your debts are already accruing and you can’t afford summer classes, then the most practical option is to work. However, according to summerinternships.com, the most effective way for any college student to spend a summer vacation is by interning. Unfortunately a many internships are unpaid, but they do come with the handy bonus known as connections. According to Kathy McKimmie, contributer to Indiana Business Magazine, “paid or unpaid, credit or no credit, internships give college grads an edge.” The benefits are obvious: impressive resume, valid work experience, letters of recommendation from respected professionals, etc. But the downsides of having to pay for housing, food and transportation while working 40 hours per week and receiving no pay can seem incredibly daunting. Not to sound overtly pessimistic, but summer really isn’t looking too exciting for me. Maybe Hot Pockets and Bob Barker aren’t a bad idea after all. Ryan Authier is a junior psychology major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.

‘We will be attacked again,’ and I will not survive. Are bomb shelters really the way to go in our post-9/11 world?

live my life in a house. It has locks and a metal gate, not to mention bars on the windows and motion sensor lamps on each corner of the roof. Basically, it’s a fortress. Technically the “safest” house I’ve ever lived in, but I don’t believe all those things are required for me to feel safe.

According to bomb-shelter.net, radiation from a mass nuclear attack would clear after 30 days, so why would you want to stay underground longer? The simple answer: people. After a nuclear disaster, survivors above ground are left without safe land, food, water or air. “[People] become a threat in a major disaster. Supplies are limited, space is limited, oxygen is limited,” said Sharon Packer, vice president of Utah Shelter Systems.

“Traveling Europe.”

anything. Most of the shelters shown are appropriate for nuclear disasters as well as other terrorist attacks, natural disasters, chemical hysteria and many more. None of these people just decided to build a bomb shelter on a whim. They have all come to believe that they have no other choice if they intend to survive. Although the intended use of bomb shelters SHAWN R. is pretty straightforward, some even believe that POLING if enough people have bomb shelters, they will act as a deterBut for many peorent for nuclear war. ple, locks, bars, fences I’m not sure about that, but and gates just don’t cut it’s a very interesting assertion. it. After the 9/11 attacks In fact, although I don’t agree on the World Trade with most of the claims in the Center, something documentary, it got me thinking strange happened. The … bomb shelter industry What if they are right? I blew up, and now don’t want to live my life in bomb shelters are fear, which is what most of becoming more popular these people seem to do, but do then ever. I want to live blind to dangers Sure, that might that surround me? Living in sound like a stretch. America, I get the impression When I hear the phrase that the rest of the world doesn’t “bomb shelter,” I recall like us very much. Blast From the Past, In addition, crazy people featuring Alicia exist everywhere. Psychos, murSilverstone and derers and “terrorists” don’t Brendan Fraser. I don’t have a required ethnicity, reliactually know anyone gion, political association, occuwho owns a bomb shelpation, living situation, etc. If Photo by Gasten Schoonover ter. an attack is coming, how do we Polytechnic United Methodist Church’s fallout shelter My eyes were know where it’s coming from? opened to the concept when I viewed Buried in Because of this, a man simply known as In the recently cancelled TV-drama Jericho, the Backyard, a 2005 documentary currently in Andre not only built a shelter, but also built a a massive nuclear attack on America came from heavy rotation on the Independent Film Channel, security system for his house that is operated within our own government. which documents the little-known American from within the shelter. He can dispense smoke I don’t think the question we need to ask ourcraze of building bomb shelters. bombs and other projectile weapons through vac- selves if these people are indeed right in their Craze, they say? More like crazy, if you ask uum tubes (ala the bank drive-through) after assertions that this type of protection is necesme. locating the intruders via an elaborate set-up of sary. I think the more appropriate question is if The various bomb shelter owners intertrip wires and bells. any of these scenarios are possible. viewed in the documentary are very passionate At first listen, I thought these people were In my own home I keep fire extinguishers about their reasons for building shelters, one totally whacked in the head. For the people feajust in case of a fire, Tylenol in case of a claiming that “Russia still has the capability to tured in the documentary (who I’m sure are all headache, Fix-a-Flat in case of a flat tire, and destroy our entire country in 30 minutes,” and extreme cases), there is no question about the Raid in case of an insect infestation. Is building a another stating “we will be attacked again, and I fact that there will be another attack on the bomb shelter in case of a variety of possible diswill survive.” United States. Maybe not today, maybe not asters that much different? One man has set-up meant to hold one pertomorrow, maybe not while the original builder is Where will you be if it happens? son for 30 days, while one family built a shelter still alive, but they truly believe it’s coming. the size of small house that could support them In addition, they have really thought through Shawn R. Poling is a senior writing major and is the for three years. all possible scenarios and are truly prepared for news editor for The Rambler.

“Traveling the Middle East.”

Sandra Ayala Senior Spanish Major

n a matter of days, the school year will be over, and the many glorious opportunities summer provides will be knocking on your door. Unlike the splendor of the summers of yesteryear, which for me involved copious amounts of Hot Pockets and The Price is Right, these summers which entwine my college days force me to find something to do, but what? As May approaches, I am considering all of the options that face me, hopefully not too late:

Option 1- Live on campus and find a job. Seeing as how students have to not only pay for summer housing, but also take a certain amount of summer classes, this option is limited to a lucky few. As an RA, it is fortunately in my arsenal. Upsides include not having to move and the relatively cheap housing. The only downside is that there aren’t too many employees who are willing to pay inexperienced college students to work for them for four months. Option 2- Live on campus and take summer classes. Again, this would solidify any student’s chances of being approved for summer housing, but with no time to work and the low availability of summer scholarships, this idea would definitely require a hefty chunk of loans and, in the end, may not be worth it. Option 3- Go home. At this point in my life, this option is laughable. Though an option for most students, hauling a couch, television and computer 100 miles in Texas heat just doesn’t seem logical to me. Granted it would be nice to see all of the high school friends and enjoy mom’s cooking again, but it’s just not too pragmatic.

“Where would your dream vacation be?”

Carlos Chiu Junior International Business Major

RYAN AUTHIER

Henry Crider Jr. Junior International Business Major

April 30, 2008 3

Summer looms: what are you gonna do? “Europe.”

MoXu “Winston” Senior Graduate Business Student

The Rambler

Rambler Ratings

The Rambler Founded in 1917 as The Handout Harold G. Jeffcoat, Publisher Kelli Lamers, adviser Tiara Nugent, managing/college life editor Colleen Burnie, entertainment editor

Shawn R Poling, editor-in-chief Bryce Wilks, sports editor Skyla Claxton, advertising manager

Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. Opinions expressed in The Rambler are those of the individual author only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas Wesleyan community as a whole. Letters to the editor: The Rambler, a weekly publication, welcomes all letters. All submissions must have a full printed name, phone number and signature; however, confidentiality will be granted if requested. While every consideration 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 opinions page. "We are not afraid to follow the truth...wherever it may lead." -Thomas Jefferson Address all correspondence to: Texas Wesleyan University, The Rambler, 1201 Wesleyan St., Fort Worth, TX 76105. Newsroom: 531-7552 Advertising: 531-7582 Fax: 531-4878 E-mail: twurambler@yahoo.com

Thumbs up to biology professor Mary Ann Clark who is featured in Fort Worth, Texas magazine as one of 14 "Brilliant Minds" in Tarrant County.

Thumbs down to the broken copier machine on the first floor of the library.

Thumbs up to all Awards’ Day honorees.

Thumbs up to university Web master Bryan Daniel for aiding Web page-creating students.

College Life The future awaits. . .

April 30, 2008

The Rambler

Seniors reflect upon their pivotal educational era

COLLEEN BURNIE ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR The rush of emotions that accompany the sounds of Pomp and Circumstance at graduation ceremonies is unlike any other. The years, hours of studying, multiple assignments and relationships built have all lead to that moment when the tassel is moved to the other side of your cap and you shake the president’s hand. After speaking with a handful of the graduating seniors, here is what they had to say about their time here and the futures that await them.

How long have you been at Wesleyan? Ross Mullens, senior English major with a concentration in creative writing and minors in biblical studies and Spanish: Two years, I transferred from Weatherford College. Amanda Winkleman, senior art and English major: Three years. Teaira Little, senior English major with creative writing concentration: Four years. Tim Break, senior biology major and chemistry minor: Four years. Heather Zvidzai, senior international business major: Two years. Jimmy Juelg, senior biochemistry major: Five years. Eric Briggs, senior music and theater major: Seven years. Bobbi Price, senior liberal studies major with an education cluster: Two and a half years.

Rhetoric class. It was called “Women Wielding Words,” and it was extremely fun! Break: My favorite memory is my first day at classes and having two of my favorite professors, Dr. [Chitra] Chandrasekaran and Dr. [Kathy] Prater, for my first semester. Zividzai: All of my international classes were very interesting. I have also enjoyed meeting the people I have. Juelg: All of the funny errors that happened during lab that I will always keep with me. Briggs: My favorite class was Dr. [Hal] Jeffcoat’s philosophy class. My favorite memories are all of the late nights working in the theater and my favorite time was the

enjoyed my time here at Wesleyan, but I’m ready to move on. Zvidzai: I’m excited and relieved. A break is long overdue. Juelg: I’m excited to take the next step in my life. It’s always nice to complete what you’ve started. Briggs: I have mixed feelings about graduating. It is hard to leave, with all of the memories and relationships I have developed over the last seven years, and, at the same time, I am excited to get out in the world and apply what I have been learning. Price: I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I am pleased I finally reached a goal that I have always wanted.

I’m graduating . . . underwater.

What are your plans for the future?

Mullens: My plan is to begin seminary in August toward a master of divinity degree in youth min2008 has been an amazing year for senior istry or evangelism Brooke McNabb. This chemistry major with the recreational dive minor will be graduatand to help out with ing with a 3.98 GPA. Active on the softball my church’s youth team and in Baptist Student Ministries, presiministry program by dent of the scuba club, a Ram Camp counteaching, going to selor and a resident assistant last semester, youth camp and her time at Wesleyan has been a memorable playing guitar. After time in her life. So why not graduate in a graduation, I will memorable way? begin searching for a McNabb is the fourth Wesleyan student to youth minister posigraduate under water with a special water tion in a church ceremony. She must enter the water in full dive gear, swim finless from one end of the (hopefully) in west pool to the other, and then her instructors Fort Worth. In will fin her. McNabb has traveled with the August, I’m going to scuba class to Balmorea, Cozumel, Honduras Ireland with my parand Blue Lagoon and interned in the ents for a week to Cayman Islands. check out my herUpon graduating, McNabb is aiming to be itage. a coach and teacher. She wants to later Winkleman: I plan implement a water awareness program for Spectators are welcome to watch Brooke McNabb graduate under water at 1 p.m. to travel and make high school students, she said, to give them a May 9 at the pool in the Sid Richardson Gym. lots of money. skill that can follow them through life and Photo and story by Kristen Potter give them the joy it has given her. Little: I intend to work in the summer last year that Tim Ishii was here; the jazz band, the people and begin a graduate program in the fall in English studies. What is your favorite memory of Wesleyan? and the experiences that year. My education is far from over. Mullens: Getting to know people in general, making Price: For me it wasn’t just being a student, but workBreak: I am going to graduate school at UNT Health the friends that I’ve gained and having fun with them. My ing with the faculty and students as the assistant to the dean Science Center to get my PhD in microbiology and favorite classes have been those taught by Dr. [Ron] for the school of education. immunology. I want to work in infectious disease. Ballard—we always had interesting conversations and disZvidzai: I want to do my masters. cussions. How do you feel about graduating? Juelg: I’m going to take a few years off from school and Winkleman: My favorite memory is hanging out in the Mullens: I’m glad that it’s finally here, and I’m looking work for Alcon here in Fort Worth. After a few years I’m Boyd house listening to music, munching on stale candy, forward to the future unfolding. going to head back to medical school. waiting for my demanding ceramics class to start and just Winkleman: I am beyond excited! It has been a long Briggs: I plan to take a few desperately needed years off wasting time with friends. My favorite class was humaniroad. I never thought I would actually get here. school to work before going to graduate school to pursue ties; I really enjoyed the combination of music, art literature Little: I’m excited about graduating but not ready to my [master’s] in design. and history. leave Wesleyan. It has encouraged my love of writing and Price: I hope to start my last career as a teacher in the fall. Little: My favorite memory was presenting at the 2006 provided me with a boost of confidence. University College Day with the rest of the Women’s Break: I am excited to finally be graduating. I really

Need a summer job? We can’t help you. twu

But we have great jobs for next fall. writing-advertising-design-photography The Rambler

www.txwes.edu/rambler

Get me out of here!

Tough teacher teaches simple life lesson I

t’s been a long and entertaining five years (blasted foreign language requirements!). You gave me a chance to go to college, a privilege I thought I would never have, and I thank you, Texas Wesleyan. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the amazing faculty, administration and curriculum (blasted foreign language requirements!) you have to offer. I will never forget T-Dub! But alas, it’s time to get the heck out of here! I’m not sure where I’m going to go from here or what I’m going to do, but I’m more than ready to go in my own direction and form my own life. That being said, now that I only have mere days left of my college career, it’s time to SHAWN R. reflect on how I survived my time here. POLING Back in 2003 I stepped on the Texas Wesleyan campus for the very first time, amazed that I could actually get into college. What I didn’t realize is that, although TWU was giving me a chance at a higher education, they weren’t just going to give me good grades. That brings me to someone I find truly inspiring, English prof Dr. Linda Carroll, who I credit with saving my academic career. Back in my freshman year, during which I still held on dearly to my high-school-slacker ways, I signed up for a little course called Survey of American Literature, taught by Carroll herself. Originally, the class went on like any other, giving me the impression I could squeak by with minimal effort. Then one day, something terrible happened. As Dr. Carroll went around the table, asking us questions about the prior night’s reading, she discovered that not one student had read the story in its entirety. One girl even admitted to “skimming” the story, which, by the way, makes you look retarded. As you would expect from any professor, Dr. Carroll was upset and walked out of class. By the next day, the entire English department was abuzz with excitement and gossip. Two fellow professors even stopped me on separate occasions to confirm the incident. Years later, I still hear about it. To put it lightly, I was traumatized. I even considered dropping out all together, but eventually, the incident had a profoundly different outcome on me. The very next class day, I had already read a week ahead, and not only in that class! Since then, I tried to take a course with Dr. Carroll every semester. Her classes are the most challenging I have ever taken, the syllabi are incredibly demanding, and the look she gives you when you aren’t prepared is liken to being run over, twice, slowly, by an 18-wheeler. What I learned from her is that college is not the time to play games. We are here for no one else but ourselves, and the only person we hurt by slacking off is ourselves. It’s the same argument you hear throughout elementary and high school, but in college, it finally makes sense. So as you make your way through the experience that is college, take it easy, have some fun and use your time wisely. And don’t forget about those pesky foreign language requirements! Shawn R. Poling is a senior writing major and is the editor-in-chief for The Rambler.

Sports

The Rambler

Quick Quotes “I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games; 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Michael Jordan

Log on to: www.ramsports.net for the latest game information and profiles of your favorite Wesleyan Teams and Athletes

Summer Sports 5/3 Kentucky Derby @ Churchill Downs 5/8 - 5/11 PGA Player’s Championship @ TPC Sawgrass 5/17 Preakness Stakes @ Pimlico Race Course 5/25 Indianapolis 500 @ Indianapolis Motor Speedway 5/25 - 6/8 Tennis French Open @ Paris 5/28 - 6/6 NHL Stanley Cup Finals @ TBA 6/5 - 6/19 NBA Finals @ TBA 6/7 Belmont Stakes @ Belmont Park 6/12 - 6/15 PGA U.S. Open @ Torrey Pines 6/14 - 6/24 Div. 1 College World Series @ Omaha, Nebraska 6/23 - 7/6 Wimbledon Championships @ All England Lawn Tennis Club 7/4 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest @ Coney Island 7/5 - 7/27 Tour de France starting @ Brest, France 7/15 MLB All-Star Game @ Yankee Stadium 7/17 - 7/20 PGA British Open @ Royal Birkdale Golf Club 7/27 Arena Bowl XXII @ New Orleans Arena 8/1 Summer X Games @ Los Angeles 8/7 - 8/10 PGA Championship @ Oakland Hills Country Club 8/8 - 8/24 Summer Olympic Games @ Beijing

Red River Recap A look back at Wesleyan teams and athletes who factored in conference, regional and national bouts a summer stay in Beijing for the 2008 Games. Although not all of the teams are quite finished playSTAFF WRITER ing, the rest of the season for the spring teams are all Looking back on the past year’s athletic achieve- looking rather optimistic. The varsity baseball team is ment, one could call it a success. Despite only winning currently riding high in the Red River Athletic one official title, the athletics department enjoyed suc- Conference with a 14-1 conference record, relying heavcess. All of Wesleyan’s nine varsity level sports teams ily on the arms of senior pitchers Hayden Lackey and had winning conference records and show no signs of Aaron Wimpee and the bats of Butch Ballez and Antoine Cole, who are both hitting over .400 on the season. slowing down in the years to come. The most notable team from the fall semester was Ranked 19th in the nation, the Rams are preparing for the RRAC Tournament which begins this week. Playing the same game but with a much larger, brightly colored ball is the women’s softball team who is also preparing for their RRAC Tournament. With a 17-7 conference record, the Lady Rams are a third seed in the tournament and are relying heavily on young freshman and sophomore pitchers Ashley Tarrant (81 total strikeouts) and Ashley Oldham (3.61 ERA). Last but not least are the unsung heroes of the Wesleyan Sports world, the golf team. Coming Photo courtesy of Hayden Lackey off of a fourth place finish in the regional tourSenior side-winding hurler Hayden Lackey was named male athlete of the year and was nament, the fellas are honorable-mention All-American in 2007. At the end of the regular season, Lackey had set a new school record for career pitching appearances with an even 100. ranked ninth in the nation and are headed to women’s volleyball, which finished the season with an the national tournament in Indiana in mid-May. Leading undefeated 10-0 record in conference play. Led by grad- the team are newcomers Armando Villareal, who won the uating seniors Sandra Ayala, Erinn Miller, Ashley Mock RRAC Individual award, Paco Saracho (third in RRAC) and Liz Meng, the team progressed to the third round of and Stuart Martin (sixth). The team is hopeful heading to the NAIA Region VI tournament, losing to conference Indiana and should fare well on the fairways. All in all it has been a very optimistic year for rivals UT Brownsville. Freshman Evoni Darling, who led the team in assists last season, will be a key returner as Wesleyan sports. As our school continues to garner a reputation for academia, so too will our athletics. In the first the ladies head into next year. Also competing early in the academic year are the event of the 2008-2009 season, the women’s volleyball men’s and women’s soccer teams who finished confer- team faces Dallas Baptist University Aug. 15. ence play 4-2-1 and 5-1-1, respectively. The men’s team, which was put out in the regional tournament, looks solid defensively with returners Jorge Pineda, Ekene Onuoha, Jaime Saenz and goalkeepers Joakim “Sven” Soederbaum and Toby Rochau. While there is some strength lacking in the attacking midfield and forward positions, the Rams will be looking to newcomers Cameron Stapleton and Kevin Rauch, as well as others, to fill in. As for the women’s team, the biggest gap that needs to be filled for the upcoming season is in the midfield. Senior Loren Clark, who led the team in most every attacking statistic, will be graduating. When it comes to winter sports, our students headed indoors to escape the cold and watch both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, which were on fire for their respective seasons. The men’s team, which finished conference play at 12-4 with an appearance in the NAIA National Tournament, will likely see similar results next season with a majority of their starting roster returning. All-American standout Dane “the flyin’ Slovenian” Dmitrovic, who ranked No. 9 in the nation in rebounds, will be returning for his junior year and will likely anchor the Rams as they pursue another national tournament appearance. On the Lady Rams’ side of the court, the story is quite similar, as stats leaders Kim Gatlin and Brittany Turner (ranked 13th in rebounding in the nation) will both be returning for their senior seasons. The pride and joy of Texas Wesleyan, the table tennis team, won the NCTTA National Championship yet again this year, increasing their streak to five years in a row. In Photo courtesy of athletic office the team’s seven-year history, they have won 33 of 45 Women’s goal keeper Brittany O’Brien is one of possible collegiate titles. Of the teams on campus, the Wesleyan’s most decorated athletes. Last season she table tennis team is the only one who can claim to have earned NAIA All-Region VI honors for her performance, Olympic caliber athletes, including Mark Kazinski, who which produced 91 saves. O’Brien was also named first competed in Greece in 2004 and is currently training for team All-Conference and second team All-Region.

RYAN AUTHIER

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April 23, 2007 5

Awards run Rampant The Athletic Department celebrated the outstanding achievements of its student-athletes April 23. With three teams still in competition, the Rams have won three conference championships and four national titles. They boast two AllAmericans, and nearly 40 percent of their athletes have posted GPA’s of 3.0 or higher. Men’s Soccer Coaches’ Award – Jaime Saenz 3-D Award – Joakim Soderbaum MVP – Jorge Pineda Women’s Soccer Coaches’ Award – Allie Heafner, Sarah Wilson 3-D Award – Aubrey Rice, Stefanie Blowers MVP – Brittany O’Brien Cheerleading: Coaches’ Award – E’lyn Taylor 3-D Award – Nikkina Robinson MVP – Candace Curry Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Award – Aaron Scott 3-D Award – Fred Eshon MVP – Team Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Award – Brittany Davanport, Brittany Turner 3-D Award – Moneke Smallwood, Andria Mitchell MVP – Kim Gatlin JV Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Award – D.C. Ruth 3-D Award – Heath Scott MVP – Tristan Dixson Table Tennis Coaches’ Award – Ines Perhoc 3-D Award – Aldis Presley MVP – Ines Perhoc Athletic Training Golden Crutch Award – Jayson Rachuig (baseball) Coaches’ Award – Joakim Soderbaum 3-D Award – Melissa Tyce MVP – Crystal Carrizales Softball Coaches’ Award – Lindsay Molinar, Tara Martinez 3-D Award – Brooke McNabb MVP – Elizabeth Brady, Ariel Raley Baseball Coaches’ Award – Brad Henderson 3-D Award – Antoine Cole MVP – Brandon Frazier Volleyball Coaches’ Award – Erinn Miller 3-D Award – Erinn Miller MVP – Liz Meng Men’s Golf Coaches’ Award – Armando Villarreal 3-D Award – Mitch Hendon MVP – Mitch Hendon The O.D. and Maurice Bounds Scholar-Athlete Award Brooke McNabb (softball) Joakim Soderbaum (men’s soccer) The Gene and Ann Burge Sportsmanship Award Erinn Miller (volleyball) Ryan Ragsdale (baseball) Champions of Character team and individual awards Men’s golf team - Mitch Hendon The Ram Mentor Award David Parise The Ram Administrator Award Josh Lacy

Entertainment

6 April 30, 2008

The Rambler

Simpson Sings Again Ashlee’s third album makes ‘80s fresh

shlee Simpson is back with a new album, and I bet you aren’t excited. Why? Well, because of that whole SNL lip-synching drama. Admit it, that’s the first place your mind goes whenever her name is mentioned. Get over it already! In the wake of the “scandal” fellow singers Kelly Clarkson and Gretchen Wilson admitted that they also lip-synch occasionally, claiming that it’s impossible for musical artists to sing live and loud multiple times a day. I’ll admit she handled it badly, running off stage and blaming her “acid reflex,” but she put out 2004’s top sellSHAWN R. ing album. You all own it, so show some respect. Now she’s back on the scene with Bittersweet World. I had my POLING doubts when I learned that Simpson went straight for the wallet and paid for power-producers Timbaland and Pharell Williams, who are infesting American radio with hundreds of tracks that all sound the same. Once-original songstress Nelly Furtado went the Timbaland route with her no-brainer album Loose, and we were left with an album of formula club tracks completely void of her distinct flavor present on former albums Whoa, Nelly! and Folklore. But after listening to Bittersweet World, I was pleasantly surprised. The first single, Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya), produced by Timbaland, sounds nothing like the boring, bass-infested jams he’s known for. Instead, we are treated to an ‘80s throwback that could easily go along with Olivia Newton John’s Physical video (can’t you just see her kicking?). Rule Breaker and Ragdoll are also right out of the ‘80s, featuring a bad girl/punk attitude reminiscent of Pat Benetar, while Boys and Hot Stuff blend some classic ‘80s elements with the rhythm of ‘70s disco numbers. Although it’s a major change of pace for Timbaland and Williams, they both manage to pull off blending their fierce musical tastes with retro sounds. As for Ashlee, you’ve gotta give the girl some props. Her voice is Marlboro-Red rough, and when misused, sounds like a dying cat. In her two prior albums, she was clearly trying to prove she could stand up against her sister’s raw vocal power, then trying to prove that she could rise above the lip-synching scandal. On Bittersweet World, she truly sounds better than ever. More specifically, it sounds like she’s having fun. Each track has its own flavor, and better yet, they are all satisfying. Each song is catchy, features a variety of beats and instruments, and just begs to be sung along to (loudly!). On top of that, Simpson has some of the most quotable lyrics of recent memory. Where else would you hear the words “I’ve got a monkey on my back/he helpin’ me get it off/helpin’ me get it off” (Murder), “You ain’t got no problems/you don’t want no beef” (Rule Breaker), or my personal favorite: “Everybody look what I can do/I can put my leg up all the way/can she do it can she do it/piece of cake” (Hot Stuff). Even if America can’t rise above their screwball attempt to make an example out of Ashlee Simpson (no lip-synching in America!), especially when there are much more obvious targets (I’m talking to you, Ms. Spears), Bittersweet World is truly worth a listen.

Poets Perform The editorial board of Texas Wesleyan’s international literary magazine Aries hosted the annual spring poetry reading during free period April 24 in the University Club. The event, entitled “Day and Night, Darkness and Light” encouraged faculty, staff and students to present poetry, both original and previously published, songs and spoken word that fit the theme.

Wednesday On Campus:

LOOK

* Dead Day

Thursday On Campus:

* Awards Day: Martin Hall, 12:15 p.m.

* Methodist Student Movement meeting: Poly UMC, noon, free lunch served

* Baptist Student Ministry: Sid Richardson Building, noon, free lunch served

* Final Exams Begin

Friday On Campus

Shawn R. Poling is a senior writing major and is the editor-in-chief for The Rambler.

* Gay Straight Alliance meeting: B17 basement of the library, 12:15 p.m.

To submit an event for the calender, e-mail twurambler@yahoo.com.

Saturday On Campus:

Sunday Off Campus:

Monday Off Campus:

* Transfer Orientation: loca- * Karaoke: Riscky's tion TBD, 8 a.m. Barbecue, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

* Michael Cote: Trail Dust Steak House, 6:30 p.m.

Off Campus:

* Mayfest 2008: Trinity Park, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

* The Foreigner: Artisan Center Theater, 7:30 p.m.

* Kirk Franklin: Bass Hall's 10th Anniversary Week, 2 p.m.

* Open Mic: The Rig Steak House, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

* Highlander/Wesleyan Jazz Fest: Martin Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday Off Campus:

* Dinner & A Movie: Ferre Ristorante & Bar, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m ($25.95) * Final Exams End

Photo courtesy of google images

Simpson’s third album “Bittersweet World” is a fresh throw-back to the ‘80s.

Wednesday

THE

WEEKS AHEAD

Off Campus:

Thursday On Campus:

* Chess Club: Hurst Public Library, 4 p.m. * Fort Worth Landmarks in the 1950s: Watercolors by Bror Utter: Amon Carter Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday On Campus

* Ricki Derek & his Big * Robing Ceremony: Band: Scat Jazz Lounge, 9 Polytechnic United p.m. Methodist Church Sanctuary, 11 a.m. * J.R. Satery / Maurice Davis: The Aardvark, 10 * Graduation: Will Rogers p.m. Coliseum, 7 p.m.

To submit an event for the calender, e-mail twurambler@yahoo.com.

Saturday Off Campus:

* Rahr & Sons Brewery Free Tour and Tasting: Rahr & Sons Brewery, 1 p.m to 3 p.m.

Sunday Off Campus:

Monday On Campus:

* May term classes begin: * Mother's Day Brunch: Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine, Historic Campus, all day. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

* Target Family Fun Days: * Charlie And The Chocolate Amon Carter Museum, 1 Factory: Casa Manana, 7 p.m. to 4 p.m. p.m.

Tuesday Off Campus:

* Dinner & A Movie: Ferre Ristorante & Bar, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m ($25.95) * Indiana Jones: The Adventure Collection and The Great Debater