The Rambler, Vol. 101 No. 9

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The Rambler

The students’ voice since 1917

Fort Worth, Texas

November 19, 2008

NEWS BRIEFS Baker Dedication The Maxine & Edward L. Baker Building dedication and ribbon cutting will be held at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 21.

Join President Dr. Hal Jeffcoat, Chaplain Dr. Gladys Childs and other dignitaries including Rep. Marc Veasey in the ceremonious event marking the completion of the renovated building at Rosedale and Wesleyan streets.

Dallas Stars Student Rush The Dallas Stars are offering a great deal for a hockey game. Students can purchase tickets online for the Nov. 20 game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Tickets are $10 for upper level and $25 for lower level seats. Student Rush 2009 also allows discounted tickets for any homegame to be purchased with a student ID one hour before any home game at the North Box Office.

Scholastic half-off sale The West Library will host the 50% off Scholastic book sale in the Orientation Room on the first floor. The sale is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. from now until Nov. 20 and will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the sale ends on Fri., Nov. 21.

The Menaechmus Twins Theatre Wesleyan continues its Roman comedy of mistaken identity. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2022. and at 2 p.m. Nov. 23 in the Thad Smotherman Theatre.

Another perspective Fulbright program connects domestic, international studies EUNICE NICHOLSON STAFF WRITER

Applications are now being accepted for a “life-changing experience.”

The Texas Wesleyan Fulbright Scholarship Program is open to both students and faculty who are interested in international teaching experience. The application process is open for the 2010-2011 school year.

“This is an incredible life-changing experience,” said Betsy Johnson, adviser for Wesleyan’s Fulbright program.

The program was established in 1946 and, according to the Fulbright scholarship Web site, is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars and professionals to participate in international graduate Courtesy of Twyla Miranda study, advanced research and teaching in elementary and secDr. Twyla Miranda, professor of education, teaches English to children at Panchayat Union ondary schools as well as universities worldwide.

School in Chennai, India.

The Fulbright scholarship program selects participants in part, for their leadership potential. One such participant was Texas teacher.

“All the children and the teachers were committed to activity-based Wesleyan’s Dr. Twyla Miranda, assistant professor of education.

In August, Miranda spent three weeks in India with eight other U.S. pro- learning – no sitting in chairs all day,” Miranda said. “Instead the children were in circles on the floor or singing in the room next door or making fessors.

“I applied for the Fulbright scholarship because its focus was on my learning maps with bright colors.”

“It was new learning for me,” said Miranda. interest, teacher education in India,” she said. “I had not traveled in India According to the Fulbright Web site, grants are available for U.S. citibut wanted to see it up close, so this was a perfect opportunity for me.” zens who are recent graduates, graduate students, faculty and younger proWhile in India, Miranda’s mission was to interview education officials, professors, teachers and researchers in order to compare the teaching pro- fessionals to study in other countries. It is also available for citizens of other countries to do graduate study in the United States. grams of India to those of the United States.

For more information about Texas Wesleyan’s Fulbright program, conMiranda said her favorite experiences included visiting schools in tact Betsy Johnson at ejohnson@txwes.edu or (817) 531-4965.

Delhi, Calcutta and Chennai in addition to the chances to observe and be a

Mathis exits after building the ARC MARTIN GARCIA NEWS EDITOR

“ … ‘for I am grieved that I have made them.’

But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” So goes the popular passage from Genesis 6.

Glynn Mathis found favor at Texas Wesleyan, his goodwill shepherding some students through his own ARC. Departing the university Nov. 14 after 10 years, the director of the Academic Resource Center and his programs gave direction to many who were otherwise somewhat lost undergraduate students.

“Mr. Mathis was one of the most helpful people at Wesleyan, and the students really appreciated his help and advice,” said Amanda Moten, freshman history major.

Mathis arguably leaves behind a legacy in the

ARC. What started as a basic center for academic tutoring and counsel in what is now the Bragan Special Collections center on the second floor of the West Library has transcended to a progressive center encouraging collegiate development in a space twice as big on the first floor.

See Mathis, page 2

City adopts a plan to alleviate homelessness on the east side and beyond BRYCE WILKS

The Fort Worth streets will shine at the city’s annual Parade of Lights, and Wesleyan will be a part of it. Wesleyan is sponsoring a float in the parade, which begins at 6 p.m. Nov. 28 in Sundance Square. The Wesleyan community is welcome and encouraged to participate in the float’s decoration. Interested volunteers or people who would like to ride on the float may contact David Martin at (817) 271-2757 or dmartin@scrtx.com or Amy Tate-Almy at aatalmy@hotmail.com.

SPORTS EDITOR

If you have not yet filled out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid for 2008-2009, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov or find a link at the office of financial aid’s Web page.

Photo by Deanna Kelley

Mathis says goodbye at his farewell reception Nov. 13.

If it wasn’t for practical limitations, the ARC could conceivably grow almost as large as Noah’s.

The center has advanced from a service with a couple of multi-subject tutors to one that has roughly 20 tutors, compiled equally of both students and faculty. It also includes several services beyond tutoring, including a freshman advising center.

Mathis began his Wesleyan tenure as a GST professor where he quickly learned how the program correlated and connected with the idea of a resource center. Soon enough, the foundation laid ground to a successful enterprise.

Mathis’ role in the ARC extended to other endeavors, not just student teaching and advising.

He attended numerous conferences to gather ideas to bring back to Wesleyan to shine a light on the

Leading her people home

Parade of Lights

FAFSA

Vol. 101, No. 11

Salvation Army. Union Gospel Mission.

Presbyterian Night Shelter. It’s that time of year when Wesleyan organizations, along with other schools and businesses, start thinking of them.

With spirited hearts, they’ll hold canned food drives, clothing drives and toy drives to benefit those in need.

With those very beneficiaries sharing Wesleyan’s east side of Fort Worth, this college campus is a perfect example of how the problem of homelessness is so very close but so very far away. For years these shelters have hosted the homeless population just up Lancaster. But now there’s a plan to see less of that.

A direction home This fall, the city of Fort Worth adopted Directions Home, a program aimed at making homelessness a rare, short-term and non-recurring instance in the city by 2018. Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief introduced the program at the nearby Salvation Army this summer, and despite an extremely tight budget year, the city council funded the plan this fall for the 2008-

2009 budget.

“We are literally entering a new era of collaboration and innovation on the issue of homelessness,” Moncrief said at the Salvation Army presentation.

Moncrief formed the Advisory Commission on Homelessness some months ago. Stories and statistics filled a report released by the commission to provide insight on the impact and scope of Finding your direction Volunteer opportunities to help the homeless are plentiful. They include making donations, landscaping, hosting children's parties, serving a meal, hosting chapel service or conducting an evening bingo game.

For information on volunteering individually or as a group, visit the following sites: Union Gospel Mission www.uniongospelmissiontc.org/volunteer.htm Presbyterian Night Shelter www.pns-tc.org/volunteer.html Salvation Army www.salvationarmydfw.org Click on "volunteer"

homelessness in Tarrant County.

More than 6,300 people experience homelessness in Tarrant County each year, according to the report. That’s approximately 4,000 at any given time.

Some 85 percent of homeless people in Tarrant County reside in Fort Worth, yet until recently, Fort Worth was the largest city in the country without a 10-year plan to end homelessness.

Money and attention has been focused on homelessness in the past, but prior to Directions Home, results were not apparent.

“More than $30 million was spent in 2007 responding to homelessness. But only a third of those dollars were spent on proactive responses like permanent supportive and transitional housing,” Moncrief said. “We have been spending more money to manage homelessness rather than ending it.”

Common misconceptions Before we can end it, rather than simply deal with it, there needs to be some understanding of the issue of homelessness.

We’ve all been confronted with homeless

See Home, page 2

Sports

Entertainment

Who is Tommy John? The surgery named after him is strengthening baseball players at Wesleyan and beyond. Page 5

Alumna and Emmy Award winner Tamlyn Wright shares her inspiration with students.

Page 6

November 19, 2008

News

The Rambler 2

Mathis, from page 1

Courtesy of city of Fort Worth

Mayor Mike Moncrief, left, greets homeless citizens at the Day Resource Center on Lancaster.

Home, from page 1 people from time to time at gas stations or on downtown street corners, and each person draws their own conclusions about how to treat the homeless. According to the commission’s report, there are many misconceptions about who is homeless and why.

For those who think that mostly men confront homelessness, according to the commission, women and children make up 61 percent of the homeless population in Tarrant County.

There is also sometimes the feeling that people only become homeless if they are lazy and refuse to work, choosing instead to live off other people and the government.

Conversely, a poll of Fort Worth’s shelter inhabitants indicated that 97 percent of them want to escape their living situations for a different life.

Through programs like Workforce Innovative Solutions to Homelessness (WISH), those hopes may become reality.

WISH is a program that equips homeless people with work skills, and connects them with job opportunities. The program just celebrated its third graduating class.

“To date, the WISH program has sent 235 individuals into the full-time workforce,” Moncrief said in August. “And the program has an 85 percent retention rate.”

A true partnership It is programs like WISH that are at the heart of the plan.

The main objectives of the plan include: an increased availability of permanent supportive housing; expanded opportunities in the workforce; strengthened ties between public, private and faith-based groups; and the continued advocacy for awareness and change in the public eye.

Case studies in other cities with similar programs show public and private partnerships are instrumental in making goals of the plan attainable.

“That includes people and organizations representing the faith-based community, the health care systems and our housing and service providers,” said Moncrief.

Residents of Portland, Ore., saw people sleeping on streets decline by more than 40 percent from January 2005 to January 2007.

Columbus, Ohio, reported a 44 percent decline in homeless families between 1997 and 2005 in their report, and the Minneapolis/St. Paul area of Minnesota watched 43 percent of children go from the streets to permanent housing when they responded to its city council’s plan to end homelessness.

Mathis, a graduate of Hardin Simmons University, earned his master’s degree in ARC and make it unique.

“Most centers are not multi-dimension- counseling at Texas Christian University al like the ARC,” Mathis said. “They tend and pursued a career in student developto specify in solely one academic element.” ment. Mathis served five years in the U.S. Wesleyan’s center, however, provides Army, retiring a captain, and commenced tutoring, academic advising, developmental his teaching duties at a U.S. Department of education, testing and a career center, keep- Defense school in Germany.

Mathis held several other positions in ing all aspects under the ARC’s umbrella.

Instead of following other schools’ routes, college administration and academic advisthe ARC keeps resources within proximity. ing before reaching Texas Wesleyan, but “There is no need to bounce around none made more sense to him than the from place to place to find the answers,” ARC. “My degree was geared more towards Mathis said. “We don’t sell that at Texas work like this,” he said.

Wesleyan.”

Mathis’ last scholThe whole center “Most centers are not multiarly presentation as direcbegan to take shape when dimensional like the ARC.” tor of the ARC occurred in he became director in October at the National – Glynn Mathis 1998. He conferred with Former Director of the College Learning Center Dr. Thom Chesney, a then Academic Resource Center Association’s annual conassistant professor of ference. In a presentation English at Wesleyan.

Chesney discussed the weaknesses of the entitled “The Rhythm and Blues of current program and influenced Mathis to Research and Learning,” Mathis arranged a create the movement that eventually devel- demonstration highlighting the effectiveness of a resource center like the ARC and oped the ARC into what it is today.

The secret to the ARC’s success was in what it can accomplish for a university with “working with the faculty,” Mathis said. mutual support amongst the administration “Once they embraced the ARC, they and staff.

Although this tune has strummed its embraced the program.” last chord, there are few blues left behind as The rest is history.

Imagine a curriculum geared towards a result of what Mathis has created with the retention and advancement at any other help of willing faculty and others. When school in the country. They might work, he asked about the ARC’s ability to stay afloat despite his departure, Mathis humbly said, but not as effectively. Why? “This is the only school where the fac- diminished his role.

“The focus on students speaks for ulty actually volunteers,” he said. “Just ask itself,” he said. “The [ARC’s] existence is around. You won’t find any other institution to serve the students; the paperwork comes where there exists the same willingness to second.” serve.”

A Bid to Cincinnati

Relief for the east The method to deal with poverty and homelessness was once to place housing and services for the poverty-stricken in one area, but the strategy is changing.

“Concentrating housing for low-income families in a single location can create an economic dead zone,” Moncrief told an audience at a Fort Worth Housing Authority event.

That is arguably what has taken place on East Lancaster. But the city began mixing in low-income housing with the tearing down of the Ripley Arnold complex downtown a few years ago, and Moncrief said it “worked brilliantly” and economic development began almost immediately.

“What’s more, the barriers were torn down and those families had the chance to make a new start in nicer, safer neighborhoods with access to employment, services and other amenities,” he said. “The decentralized, mixed-income model works. It’s a strategic change in thinking, and the city wholeheartedly supports this effort.”

With the scale of the problem, a limited amount of time and a struggling economy, executing the Fort Worth plan to end homelessness will be difficult, Moncrief said, and it demands cooperation from the public.

“This will not be easy,” Moncrief said. “Be that as it may, we stand committed to help every citizen of Tarrant County to find their own direction home.”

Courtesy of Ann Smith

The Texas Wesleyan Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl team competed in the Texas Regional Ethics meet Nov. 15, taking second place overall and earning the opportunity to compete in the National Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl in Ohio in March. The team cleaned the slate, going 3-0 with victories over St. Mary’s University, University of the Incarnate Word and Texas Lutheran University. The team is headed by Dr. Ron McManus, professor of religion. From left, Michael Smith, McManus, Martin Garcia, Justin Payne, Liz Cumpton and Daniel Smith.

Professors receive Sam Taylor Fellowship awards Granted through the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry of the United Methodist Church, five Wesleyan faculty members received Sam Taylor honors, funding continuing education and the development of profesors at Methodist-related Texas universities.

The awards received by Texas Wesleyan faculty totaled nearly $6,700.

Recipients: -Jay Brown -Lori Dieckmann -Rodney Erakovich -Stacia Neeley -Kimberly Webb -Staff report

Opinions A look in the mirror “Apple pie.”

“Triple crown -- a cranberry, strawberry and raspberry pie.”

T

he so-called new era has yet to begin, yet it’s never too early to prepare. The presidential transition has been fairly smooth thus far—indicative of a bipartisan effort. But now it’s time to start planning for the real deal.

The ads, the gimmicks and the lobbying are over (theoretically), and the real 21st century issues we face are right on our doorstep.

What the free world faces is a dose of an unseMARTIN cured, technology-driven society with dwindling beneGARCIA fits because of entitlements and dollar woes. Although I wholeheartedly agree that this is still the best place to live, there are still a lot of intangibles and unanswered questions. We’re going through a time that most of us haven’t faced before—one of job scarcity and economic trifles.

But I’m earnest in saying that I have blind faith in the prosperity of this country so long as it keeps its integrity, doesn’t neglect its history, and maintains a sense of national devotion.

Security in a hightech world Evidenced by the usage of numerous different multimedia outlets throughout the election, the country has moved to a different style of information transmittal. Technology has revolutionized the way we think and breathe, and by doing so, it also implies economic changes (coinciding with the new era).

However, the most important aspect to fear regarding the technological revolution is still security.

Dr. Andrew Krepinevich, executive director of the (United States) Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments says that “technology is the application of knowledge to the practical aims of human life.”

So we have reached a state with practical means of communication, but the same can be said about weapons and firearms. Though there is a foreseeable end, the country is still at war. We must find a way to bridge any deficiencies to gain the competitive advantage that the United States has

“What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dish?”

Chance Friend Freshman Business Major

Matthew Gassett Freshman Music Major

The Rambler

“Apple pie.”

enjoy using public transportation. It is good for our wallets and good for the environment. I also think it is a fun way to get around town, whether it’s to the bank or to the movies.

Currently, two buses – the No. 4 and the No. 9 – SETH link Texas Wesleyan NELSON University with downtown Fort Worth and numerous locations throughout the Metroplex. But there are problems involved: not enough room in the bus, always going a long route and sometimes the bus runs late. And let’s face it, this option is just not all that appealing to many.

That mindset may change in a few years.

The city of Fort Worth is currently involved in a streetcar study. As reported in the Oct. 22 issue of The Rambler, Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief recently told an audience at Texas Wesleyan that Rosedale and Lancaster are potential lines for streetcars.

While Fort Worth is also looking to add light rail throughout the city, streetcars would be the element of public transportation that make rail function. Rail stations would be located at major hubs like downtown, but streetcars would serve the community by making more frequent stops.

To have these considered near Wesleyan is a wonderful opportunity. Although I am new to the university this semester, I have noticed the changes being made to the old, abandoned retail strip across Rosedale with the lone Burge Hardware and a Boys and Girls Club, and it is looking worlds better.

“Turkey and ham.”

Antonio Wicker Freshman Music Major

Americans must take responsibility for economic dilemmas

against its adversaries.

In a world that’s now more than 50 percent urban with a string of countries harboring nukes, according to Krepinevich, the answer is to find a way to combine Eastern wisdom with Western technology.

“The 20th century was a European century; the 21st is Asian,” said Krepinevich.

Other countries’ weaknesses are still more worrisome than their strengths in comparison to ours, but we have to maintain a solid structure.

Paying our debt in a growing financial crisis A finger can be pointed in many directions to place blame on the current disaster most markets face. Instead of looking elsewhere, we need to look at the reflection in the mirror. Our own ambitious policy makers and company heads are the ones who were so wrapped up in the illusion making things look more valuable than what they really are. ENRON anyone?

The nation’s financial debt has reached its current state arguably because of American greed.

According to Stacy Hodges, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Southwest Securities, self-indulgence and hunger for more landed us where we are.

“We’re all in it to make money. Everyone wanted to make it—and a lot of it—now,” said Hodges.

Where does that leave us? Banks and brokerage firms must resort to dipping into federal funding to move forward.

There’s just no other way around it.

Dennis McCuistion, executive producer of McCuistion Television on PBS notes that “the fed was formed to keep credit and dollar crunches from happening.”

But with the dollar’s purchasing power descending right before our eyes, things continue to look gloomy. According to McCuistion, the crisis represents a case of acting on instinct and delivering—despite using unearned money. Thus, the illusion continues.

We must all analyze the dimensions of our living standards, focusing on consumption and choice, and realize the necessity of embracing technological importance, safety and a growing economy. Change is obligatory, and it starts with us.

Martin Garcia is a senior literature major and news editor for The Rambler.

Streetcars advantageous for students, economy I

Sandy Gonzales Sophomore Political Science Major

November 19, 2008 3

The area does not appear to have had signifiTransportation Secretary Mary Peters also cant changes in many years, but now it is getting noted that despite the falling gas prices, many its deserved attention. Combined with the efforts people have decided to stick with mass transit. of the university, area residents and the city, Therefore, Fort Worth should go full speed ahead Polytechnic Heights can experience a revival of with the streetcar plan. its heyday, and Not only is it a chance of bringing streetcars revival for the Polytechnic area, to this area could but residents of Fort Worth and sweeten the deal. the surrounding communities Streetcars will be drawn here as well. For could also bring us Wesleyan students, this can relief to the rest of mean a faster connection to the city. Moncrief downtown and beyond. After all, said that it is not a the line would then connect to viable option to the Intermodal Transportation simply construct Center, which can take you to more roads just to Dallas and soon to other parts of reduce the growthe Metroplex. ing congestion on Other lines proposed by Fort Worth highthe Central City Committee ways and roads. A include a 4-mile line to the January study by Cultural District, a 2.8-mile line the Fort Worth to the Stockyards and a 3.5-mile Central City line to the Medical District. All Committee, Transit four lines would converge Sub-Committee, downtown. predicts the city’s Students needing to get Courtesy of city of Fort Worth household populato these places of entertainment tion to near 850,000 residents by 2030 and the or work will be able to get there faster. cause of this congestion.

While constructing such a system will take Then there’s the gas issue. Although gas years of planning, financing and constructing, it prices are falling considerably, the study also is worth it. A streetcar system to serve areas like states that residents are re-thinking the mass tran- Poly will benefit not only our university, but the sit issue, most likely due to the rising gas prices. city of Fort Worth as a whole.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram recently reported that public transportation ridership is up 15 perSeth Nelson is a junior business major and is a staff writer for The Rambler. cent statewide and 6.2 percent nationwide.

Rambler Ratings

The Rambler Founded in 1917 as The Handout Harold G. Jeffcoat, Publisher Kelli Lamers, adviser Tiara Nugent,editor-in-chief Ryan Authier, entertainment editor Gasten Schoonover, photo editor

Martin Garcia, news editor Bryce Wilks, sports editor Ashely Oldham, advertising manager Rachel Horton, Web editor

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 the festive Chrsitmas decorations in the library.

Thumbs down to term papers.

They cause too much stress at the end of the semester.

Thumbs down to fun size candy bars. Who needs candy that small?

Thumbs up to the Dallas Cowboys for displaying swagger again in its Nov. 25 win.

College Life

4 November 19, 2008

The Rambler

Ethinic organizations add flare to Wesleyan culture DEANNA KELLEY STAFF WRITER

The majority is minority. Sounds contradictory, but according to Institutional Research, 63 percent of students at Texas Wesleyan are minority. Campus organizations are striving to reflect that diversity.

Fall enrollment numbers from Institutional Research report that 41 percent of Wesleyan’s student population is either black or Hispanic. Various groups host many opportunities for different cultures and backgrounds, such as the League of United Latin American Citizen and the Black Student Association.

A chapter of LULAC, a National Hispanic organization, was founded on campus in February.

Since then, LULAC members have participated in several community service efforts. The group held voter registration drives and hosted Constable Sergio De Leon of Fort Worth Precinct 9 who spoke about the importance of the Hispanic voice in the elections.

“We want to raise awareness that we can do something else than dropping out of school and care about the community,” junior Xenia Arechar said.

Last spring, LULAC won the Texas Wesleyan Leadership Award and New Organization Award. The group planned to hold a nacho sale recently to raise money for the Presbyterian Night Shelter and is selling tamales through Nov. 25.

The group is also planning its winter festival and has a goal of eventually providing scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen.

“LULAC is a way of uniting all Latinos as a way to come together and help out the community,” said its president, Nathaniel Gagnon.

LULAC started in 1929 in Corpus Christi because of the

harsh discrimination treatment Hispanics were receiving after the annexation of Texas.

The group is open to individuals of any race and holds meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month in room 202 of the Sid Richardson Building.

Another organization representing the diversity on campus is BSA. “BSA is an organization geared toward the AfricanAmerican community to bring not only diversity but culture to the Texas Wesleyan University campus as well as the community,” said Vice President Jeaneen Hall.

“The organization is not only open to all AfricanAmerican students but to anyone interested in community service, fun, unity, diversity, culture, fund-raisers and other campus activities as well as a business-professional environment.”

The group was absent from campus for some time, but was brought back to campus under the leadership of President Kenneth Jackson and Hall.

Hall said she was determined to see the group succeed before her upcoming graduation in May. “Too many students voiced their concerns and opinions about there not being enough diversity and activities for the African-American community on this campus,” she said. “I felt that this would be a great way for students to get involved in the campus life.”

BSA has a lot in store for the student body, such as hosting a Chocolate Poetry Night, bake sales, radio personalities and other events. Members said BSA is a fun and active community of people who are striving for the well-being of the community and the school reputation.

BSA meets every Thursday at 12:15 p.m. in room 206 of Photo by Deanna Kelley the Sid Richardson Building.

Members of the BSA convene on Thursday afternoons with sponsor Ashley Milligan (front).

GSA hosts events for awareness days SABA WHIPPLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Photo by Gasten Schoonover

It’s a burrito-ful life.

The Bilingual Student Education Organization sold burritos in front of the library Nov. 13., and a tamale sale continues through Nov. 28. Call (817) 266 - 2605 for orders or info.

The Gay Straight Alliance at Texas Wesleyan University is recognizing National Transgender Remembrance Day at 6 p.m. Nov. 20 in the Science Lecture Theater. The movie Transamerica with Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives) will be presented.

Food and drinks will be provided, along with information about the abuse and misunderstanding that transgendered people have been subjected to. GSA works to promote tolerance, diversity and understanding.

The group is also planning a presentation in the student union building for World Aids Day Dec. 1. Free HIV testing will be available, and Professor Joe Brown, faculty sponsor for GSA, will present statistics about HIV and AIDS at noon in the student center. Free pizza will be provided.

“I hope that with everything going on at the end of the semester we can find room to give this topic some focus,” said Brown. “More young people, Latino and African American women are being infected with HIV, and this would be a statistic this campus needs to aware of.”

For more information, contact Joe Brown at (817) 313-0993 or joeabrown@sbcglobal.net.

What happened to Wilma?

Network sites not to blame for national fall of the college yearbook A

decade after graduation, two college buddies pull out an old annual to arouse memories of the good ol’ days and laugh at fashion gone out of style.

Flipping through the pages reveals … a picture of Sonia taken yesterday? That’s what some think.

The Rambler recently printed an article (Vanished: College yearbook traTIARA dition retires on a national level due to NUGENT expense, disinterest, Nov. 5) that documented several people sharing their opinions with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on the nationwide decline of the college yearbook. Several people voiced the opinion that the yearbook’s departure from the printing press is due to a Facebook and Myspace takeover.

Really?

Networking sites exist to keep people up-to-date with the daily and/or weekly developments of life via status and blog updates. Photos are often published as well, but most reflect social doings and family gatherings.

Granted, there are Facebook and Myspace groups designed for specific campus organizations, but “membership” in any one of those groups indicates just that: membership. The affiliation shows up on your profile. End of thrills – what memorabilia.

Your recent induction into an honor society, the successful charity drive by your sorority or the excellent conference you attended with fellow Wesleyan delegates may be mentioned on your site the week it happens. However, no one will retrieve that post 30 years hence, I promise.

A yearbook converts paramount events, accomplishments and individuals into legacies valuable to not only alumni, but also to those outside the graduate circle.

I recently delved into a couple aged editions of Wesleyan’s Ram’s Horn. On the black and white pages I discovered an animated Wesleyan life in a way I never expected.

For instance … Willie the Ram hasn’t always been a

mythical Wesleyan mascot. In the 70s and early 80s, a warm and wooly Willie the Ram lived on campus with his companion Wilma and little Willie VII. The Ramrods, a spirit group created to support Wesleyan athletics, carried the responsibility for the care, feeding and exhibition of the fluffy mascot.

I also discovered, to my surprise, a beauty pageant. Yes, that’s right. Yearbooks dated to the 1970s displayed lovely ladies decked out (in flamboyant retro style, of course) for the annual Wesleyan Beauty Pageant.

Since a trip to New Orleans in February poses numerous obstacles to students, Wesleyan formerly brought Mardi Gras to Fort Worth via Poly Gras. The festivities doubled as a fund-raiser by featuring attractions such as dart-throwing contests, dessert walks, a dunking booth and balloon toss.

Food, dancing and music ranging from rock-n-roll to country topped off the event.

For several years, Renaissance Week gave Wesleyan an idea of life in the Shakespearean days. Faculty and students arrayed in historic British garb – including poofy breeches and tights for the men – strolled around the fair under colorful flags and balloons to the tune of a shrill trumpet.

Campus organizations hosted fund-raising booths specializing in fortune-telling and love potions while beard contests and armwrestling tried all adventurous spirits.

Some

students found out how rough punishment was in Hamlet’s day via confinement in the village stocks. Another highlight of the affair entailed a partial enactment of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew.

In ’82, Student Government Association officials recognized that amid the fluster of final exams, term papers and the demands of Christmas shopping, holiday spirit around campus was flickering. In effort to arouse jolly twinkles from dazed eyes, SGA announced the first annual Christmas Dance. Held at the Ridglea Country Club, the Christmas Dance was “designed to let everyone eat, drink and be merry.”

That same year, the campus Christmas tree lighting, a tradition still alive 26 years later, debuted.

Throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, numerous alumni joined with current student organizations for a week-long phon-athon. Over the years, volunteers generated hundreds of thousands of dollars for what was then known as Wesleyan College. In 1981 alone, over $90,000 was pledged to aid the advancement of Wesleyan’s facade, scholarships and other programs and costs.

In addition to the aforementioned activities, I also uncovered the Wesleyan Rodeo Club, “Howdy Week” and an ‘81 SGA-sponsored skiing trip in Colorado.

I’m not saying whether or not universities should revive the yearbooks. I fully understand the rising cost concerns while seeing the benefits of preserving the campus life. My plea simply asks people to recognize a domain networking sites have not and never can replace.

As to you nostalgic-loving students, my best advice is to pack your own camera to special campus events.

Capture your own memorabilia and then, for the heck of it… post it on Facebook.

Tiara Nugent is a senior writing major and is editor-inchief for The Rambler.

The Rambler

Quick Quotes “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

- Martin Luther King

Upcoming Events Nov. 19 6 p.m. JV Men’s Basketball @ Tyler Junior College Nov. 21 *3:30 p.m. JV Men’s Basketball vs. North Lake College *5:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma Christian University *7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma Baptist University Nov. 22 TBA Women’s Soccer @ California Baptist Nov. 25 6 p.m. Women’s Basketball @ Tarleton State University 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball @ Hillsdale University * denotes home game

Sports Briefs Francis sets record in Lady Rams victory Nov. 15 In her eighth season as women’s basketball head coach, Stacy Francis won her 106th game at Wesleyan In a 64-60 win against Philander Smith College. The win set a school record for coaching wins in a career. Senior center Britney Turner led the Rams with a career high 25 points.

Lady Rams picked third in preseason poll Nov. 14 The women’s basketball team was picked third by coaches in a preseason poll. The Lady Rams received one first place vote and 68 points overall.

Conference picks: 1. Langston University 2. Wiley College 3. Texas Wesleyan 4. Jarvis Christian College 5. Bacone College 6. Paul Quinn College 7. Huston-Tillotson University 8. Texas College 9. SW Assemblies of God University 10. University of the Southwest Baseball ranked No. 17 in preseason poll Nov. 12 After finishing last season ranked 25th in the nation, the 2009 Rams are predicted to shine in the NAIA, ranked No. 17 in the preseason poll. Last year’s team finished with a 42-16 record, losing only one game in conference play.

With the addition of former major leaguer Rusty Greer to the coaching staff, the Rams look to solidify their postion as a premier NAIA team in 2009.

-Ramsports.net

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

Sports Under the knife

November 19, 2008 5

How Tommy John surgery has created hope and lengthened careers of college and pro pitchers TRAVIS SPENCER CONTRIBUTING WRITER The setting: the pitcher’s mound on a very cold and windy day at the ball park during a game between two rival junior college teams. The cold furiously pounds the pitcher as he grits to throw his best fastball.

The highly-recruited prospect gets the batter down 0-2. He’s now confident in throwing his knee-buckling curveball to sit the hitter down, but a sharp pop is felt in his throwing elbow.

“It felt like a knife was stuck into my elbow,” said 23-year-old Seth Garrison, now a pitcher in the Boston Red Sox organization. “My whole arm felt on fire.”

Doctors call this a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) which demands full reconstruction.

To fans and baseball players, it is referred to as Tommy John surgery after the pitcher who famously introduced this surgery some 30 years ago into one of the most historic achievements in baseball and medical surgery today.

Recent numbers show that one out of every nine pitchers in the big leagues is a victim of that 5-inch scar located below the inner bone in the elbow, which goes along with a 85 percent full recovery rate .

“Basically I have a new arm, I’m throwing harder “I feel like my arm is stronger consistently now after surgery than I was before,” said now than before I had the surgery.

Texas Wesleyan junior ace pitcher Joey Evans. “It’s truly It’s a hard sensation to describe, amazing what these doctors can do.” but it’s like night and day.”

As unusual as it sounds, more and more professional – Brock Keith scouts look to players who have that 5-inch scar on their Wesleyan pitcher throwing elbows because of the success rate and velocity increase a new ligament creates.

Danny Wheat, a former big league trainer and head baseball trainer at Texas Christian University said he sees more Tommy John surgeries every year.

“It’s very prevalent in college pitchers,” he said. “Scouts these days look for players with a Tommy John scar.”

Tommy John surgery is a procedure in which the ligament in the elbow is replaced with a tendon from the forearm, knee, hamstring or the foot and woven in a figure eight pattern through the ulna bones, also known as the “funny bone.”

“At first I was scared because I had no idea what was going to happen, but all they did was take the tendon from my inner wrist and transplant it into my elbow,” said Chris Ellington, right-fielder at Texas Christian University who had the surgery in the summer before his freshman year of college.

This trend started more than 30 years ago, and orthopedic doctors think it grows today because a lot of pitchers who have had the surgery originally played a position such as shortstop or catcher and making the transition to the mound creates stress on a young arm.

“Since I was a shortstop all my life, I started pitching full time in college, and that put a lot more stress was put on my elbow,” Garrison said.

Garrison, who had the surgery in January 2007, made a full recovery despite a velocity drop due to a bone spur that had accumulated in the elbow over his period of rehab.

“When I found out I had a bone spur I panicked because Courtesy of Google Images I thought my season was over PitcherTommy John permanently damaged the ulnar collateral again,” he said. “Although ligament in his pitching arm while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1974. Later that same year, John underwent a revolu- bone spurs can happen in the elbow after surgery, all they tionary surgery that would come to be known by his name. Postdid was shave it down, and I surgery, John went on to earn 164 of his 288 career victories. was good to go.”

When taking the step to have this surgery, the elbow becomes stronger following the surgery with a great deal of credit to rehabilitation, which is very basic.

“As extensive as the surgery is, the rehab becomes fairly simple, but the first thing that must happen is full extension in the elbow,” said Danny Wheat, head baseball trainer at TCU. “Each player is given at least six weeks to obtain that goal before the doctors have to open the elbow back up and straighten it out.”

According to Wheat, the rehab for a Tommy John patient consists of primarily elbow extending exercises with weighted balls after the player is removed from the sling and full arm cast. This is coupled with daily electronic stimulation and ice therapy.

“It makes for an interesting year,” said Evans. “You have to stay mentally tough or nothing will get stronger.”

“It is crucial for the player to stay focused on his rehab and getting better,” Wheat said. “The mental part is the most important- you have to have the ability to stay positive and bounce back.”

Before the surgery, the orthopedic surgeon explains to patients the 85 percent chance of full recovery as compared to the 13 percent chance one could have of a full reconstruction of the shoulder.

As the surgery continues to grow popular, the pitchers love how they feel after the procedure.

“As far as the way my arm feels, it feels like it never happened,” said Brock Keith, a junior pitcher at Wesleyan. “I feel like my arm is stronger now than before I had the surgery. It’s a hard sensation to describe, but it’s like night and day.”

According to orthopedic doctors and scouts, the pitchers are lighting up the radar guns more and more after the surgery because of the increased build-up sustained during rehab.

Brian Allen, a local scout for the Detroit Tigers, has witnessed the change.

“I followed a kid throughout his high school career when he was 90-91 mph consistently, then he had Tommy John two years later in college, and just this last year I got him at 96 twice on my radar gun.”

The statistics don’t lie and neither does the scar, but is it worth all of the pain and suffering?

“I was so skeptical before I had the operation,” said the pro Garrison, “but now that I think about it, I wouldn’t be where I’m at without it.”

Texas Wesleyan Lady Rams

vs.

California Baptist Lancers The Lady Rams soccer team heads to Riverside, Calif. to take on Cal Baptist University Nov. 22 in the first round of the NAIA National Tournament.

Wesleyan holds a record of 11-6 on the season. At 6-1 in conference play they won their first conference regular season title. They then took wins over Texas

College and Northwood University on their way to the program’s third RRAC tournament championship.

Cal Baptist is 15-4-1 on the year.

Their 15 wins are a school record.

The team is making their second national tournament appearance, having made the field in 2003.

Awards highlight end of volleyball season

Courtesy of Jose Valdez

Wesleyan’s volleyball team saw its season come to an end after suffering a heartbreaking 3-2 loss in the semifinals to second seeded Wiley College.

The Rams finished third in the conference at 9-2 this season.

“We played our hearts out tonight,” head coach Christy Clawson said. “We have certainly come a long way this season. I’m proud of these girls, and I expect to have a great year with everyone coming back next season.”

The 2008 Rams featured no seniors and only three juniors.

Volleyball conference awards: Defensive Specialist of the Year: Katlynn Romig (above).

First team: Brittney Person Katlynn Romig Second team: Destiny Clemmons Evoni Darling Emily Millican Kristen Venhuizen -Ramsports.net

Entertainment

6 November 19, 2008

The Rambler

From Wesleyan to the Emmy’s

Alumna pockets her third Emmy Award 16 years after graduating from Texas Wesleyan CHUCK FAIN STAFF WRITER

Emmy award-winner Tamlyn Wright, a 1992 Wesleyan alumna, came to speak with Wesleyan theater students recently about her experiences working in the entertainment world. Wright has won three Emmys for her work on large-scale set design. Her most recent award was in 2007 for Outstanding Art Direction on the 79th annual Academy Awards.

“I had all the desire to be an actor,” Wright said of her beginnings at Wesleyan, “but unfortunately, none of the talent.”

Wright credits Joe Brown, professor of theater, for getting her on the right track through his encouragement to pursue the technical side of the art. Differed from her initial dream, but not discouraged, she soon found her niche with scene painting, set design and costuming. Once she found her calling, Wright quickly utilized her talents working with other local theaters like Casa Mañana, Stage West and, of course, Wesleyan productions.

“I had five or six shows designed by the time I graduated,” Wright said of her early career.

After graduation, Wright moved to Los Angeles and began attending the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where she earned a master’s in costume/set design.

Though Wright says the school was not particularly helpful at providing an “in” to the entertainment industry, the school regularly invited graduates to come and speak to the students. During these sessions, Wright would take note of the speaker, writing down their name and pertinent information. This practice would pay off big down the road.

She worked for an opera house in Los Angeles and put in two years at L.A. theaters.

Then Wright branched out to television. After working on the set of Babylon 5 for two and a half years, she moved to Saved by the Bell and other teen shows building weekly sets and drawing designs on the fly. She also worked at Universal Studios during the television off time, designing and building sets for their seasonal displays.

When Wright felt she had some experience under her belt, she broke out her list of alumni and began calling them for jobs. Through this method, she eventually came into contact with Roy Christopher, art designer for such shows as Fraiser, New Radio, Murphy Brown and several Academy Award-winning shows. Christopher hired her as his assistant art director and, from there, her career took flight.

Together with a fellow alumnus, she became involved with designing corporate events for companies such as Nike, Sony Pictures, Sony Playstation and Suzuki. Wright became the art director for the Academy Awards six times, as well as for two consecutive Grammy Awards.

She worked on the set of Charlie’s Angels, designed the 2003 and 2004 MTV Movie Awards set and the 2008 Scream Awards set.

Simply Googling her name will produce thousands of results and provide a complete list of her accomplishments.

With the help of Texas Wesleyan, Wright began a successful and promising career in the entertainment industry, doing a job she loves and receiving her due awards. Her presentation to the Texas Wesleyan theater students, which included pictures of some of her work, provided students with insight into the entertainment industry and aimed to inspire some to continue to reach for their dreams.

Aside from the tried and true adage, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” Wright left the stuCourtesy of Theatre Wesleyan dents with this advice: “Everything you do is expe- Wesleyan alumna Tamlyn Wright, class of 1992, has won rience, and all experience is three Emmy’s as well as three awards of excellence from the Art Directors Guild for her set design work. valuable.”

From getting coffee, to making faxes, to designing a set, everything builds on something, Wright told the students.

“Even mundane tasks contribute to the greater good,” she said.

Wesleyan’s own Roman twins

Music

Courtesy of Texas Wesleyan Music Department

Night

of the

The Wesleyan Chorale will present an evening of classical music Nov. 25 featuring Dixit Dominus by George Frideric Handel and “The Lord Nelson Mass,” Mass no. 3, by Franz Joseph Haydn. Dr. Jerome M. Bierschenk will conduct the performance. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Martin Hall. Admission is free.

A

Wednesday

L OOK

On Campus:

19

Thursday On Campus

20

Off Campus: *Coldplay: American Airlines Center, 7:30 p.m.

*The Menaechmus Twins: Thad Smotherman Theater, 7:30 p.m.

22

21

*The Menaechmus Twins: Thad Smotherman Theater, 7:30 p.m.

Weekly Movie Releases: Bolt; Twilight

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

On Campus:

On Campus

*Methodist Student *Baptist Student Movement: *Wesleyan Community Sid Richardson Building, noon, Movement: Poly UMC, noon, Center Dedication: Baker free lunch served free lunch served Building, 1:30 p.m.

AHEAD Saturday

Friday

Sunday On Campus:

23

*The Menaechmus Twins: Thad Smotherman Theater, 7:30 p.m.

*The Menaechmus Twins: Thad Smotherman Theater, 2 p.m.

Off Campus:

Off Campus:

Monday Off Campus:

24

*101 Years of Broadway: Bass Performance Hall, 8 p.m.

Tuesday On Campus:

25

*Wesleyan Chorale Concert: Martin Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Off Campus:

*Cory Morrow, Austin Collins, *Lone Star Christmas and Ice! Bobby Duncan: Granada exhibit: Gaylord Texan, 10 Theater, 8 p.m. a.m.

*Usher: House of Blues Dallas, 7 p.m.

Weekly DVD Releases: Fred Claus; Hancock; Meet Dave; Space Chimps

Photo by Max Marquez

Theatre Wesleyan’s fall production of the Roman comedy The Manaechmus Twins heads into its second week of performances Nov. 2023. Originally written by Titus Plautus and translated by Lionel Casson, the play revolves around a case of mistaken identity amongst a set of twins, played by senior theater majors Alfredo Martinez (left) and Michael Kreitzinger (right). The play is directed by theater chair Connie WhittLambert and will show at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20-22 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 23 at Thad Smotherman Theatre, located at 1205 Binkley St.

Live-In Nanny Needed!

Part-time nanny needed to help me look after my two year old son. * Free room and board plus wage * Will work around school schedule You can reach Julia at (817) 938-8181 or (940) 464-0702