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Volume 88 Issue 10 • Jan. 31, 2014
210-486-1773 • Single copies free
PENNY WISE IN THEORY It’s never too early to apply for FAFSA
ChemSpot open on a limited basis
Everyone should apply, scholarship director says.
Look for this science feature inside weekly.
Turn in your FAFSA as soon as possible because the sooner you apply, the sooner aid comes in. The priority deadline is March 1, and the deadline for online FAFSA applications is midnight June 30. Representatives from Café College will be here from 10 a.m.1 p.m. Saturday in Room 707 of Moody Learning Center to help students apply. They also provide oneon-one assistance 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through March 1 at Café College, 131 El Paso St. Members of VITA, or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, which provides free income tax filing for families earning less than $60,000 a year, will help prepare returns 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 22 at Café College. Students should file tax returns as soon as possible so they can send a copy with the application. Eyra Perez, director of the San Antonio Education Partnership, an organization that offers scholarships and runs Café College, however, said students can complete the FAFSA before they have filed. She suggested using the previous year’s returns to file early and submitting updated forms later. She said more than $800 million in financial aid was awarded to this city’s students this year. “Our advice to everybody is to fill it out,” including those who don’t think they qualify. If filling out a FAFSA without assistance, log onto www.pin.ed.gov to apply for a PIN number to sign the document. Dependents must also ask a parent to apply for a PIN. In addition to tax returns, applicants need W-2 forms and Social Security numbers. Those who are married must provide information for themselves and their spouse. Dependents must also provide parents’ Social Security numbers, date of marriage and birth, savings, investments and business assets. A Student Aid Report will be returned to the student in three days to three weeks if corrections or verifications are needed. Those who don’t qualify can apply for the TASFA, the Texas Application for State Financial Aid. Students must have sent in admissions applications before completing either FAFSA or TASFA. For information, call Café College at 210-207-4528.
Chemistry students will soon have a quiet spot to study and get tutoring with the ChemSpot. The spot is expected to open in Room 200 of the chemistry and geology building after human resources hires two tutors, Teanna Staggs, natural sciences chair, said. Staggs and geology Professor Anne Dietz were instrumental in creating the ChemSpot, chemistry Professor Krishnan Madappat said. Natural science students have access to the BioSpot, located in Room 350 of Chance Academic Center, which provides them with study materials and tutors. The ChemSpot will provide tutors, computers and learning materials for chemistry students, Madappat said. The room also is equipped with a chalkboard, white board and tables where students can study. Chemistry students have been asking for a quiet place to study for a number of semesters. They do not like studying at the desks in the corridor, chemistry Professor Usha Krishnan said. The room that will house the ChemSpot is the same room chemistry students have frequented for tutoring for the past two years. The space will no longer be shared with GIS, Roger Stanley, coordinator of chemistry, earth science and astronomy, said. The GIS program has been phased out over the last few years and is no longer accepting new students, Stanley said. Students currently pursuing that degree can still graduate, he said. Madappat will donate his Friday office hours, 9 a.m. to noon, until tutors are hired, he said. Call 210-486-0045.
Katherine Garcia
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Mind expanding Marketing freshman A.J. Perez and business sophomore Roy Reyes play a big game of chess between classes Tuesday in Loftin. The chess board and pieces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Riley Stephens
Board approves one text per course Books will be bought at registration as part of tuition. By Katherine Garcia
learning materials at the lowest possible cost to students.” The board of trustees approved Paying for texts at registration the chancellor’s proposal to require ensures every student has a texta common textbook in courses book on the first day of class, Leslie taught in multiple colleges during said. He said the instructional matethe Jan. 21 regular board meeting at rials proposal will be implemented Killen Center. in steps, but the board will try to The textbook will be used in enact the change as soon as fall. He courses across the district. Students said the board decides in March if will pay for instructhe change will be tional materials at ready. “When we identify registration. The first step the best, it should Trustees disis putting together go to all.” cussed the proposal a committee of Bruce Leslie, with Super Senate two people from Chancellor in a special meeting each of the Alamo Jan. 14. The Super Colleges to aid in Senate, composed the evaluation, of representatives of faculty senates said Dr. Robert Vela, vice president at district colleges, opposed it, argufor student and academic success. ing different textbooks at different President Robert Zeigler has chocolleges are necessary to innovative sen Larry Rosinbaum, business prolearning. fessor, and Said Fariabi, math chair, “When we identify the best, it as this college’s representatives. should go to all,” Chancellor Bruce They will help “to come up with Leslie said. a methodology to evaluate effecAccording to the minute order, tiveness of materials,” Vela said. the proposal will “provide the best “Both of them have been in leadkgarcia203@student.alamo.edu
’’
Textbooks or ebooks? Textbooks 68% (112) Ebooks 24% (40) No preference 8% (13) Survey of 165 students Jan. 27-29
ership roles in the college,” Zeigler said. Rosinbaum is a former chair of this college’s Faculty Senate, and Fariabi is the college’s 2013 nominee for Piper Professor. The best books will be decided by assessing the different levels of engagement and assistance they provide to students. If a textbook is deemed the best and there is no online equivalent, then that book will be chosen, said Ruth Dalrymple, associate vice chancellor for academic partnerships and initiatives. However, she said if an online textbook were deemed better for students, then the online textbook would be the one used throughout all Alamo Colleges. According to the proposal, students would then have the option to print a hard copy of the book for a minimum of $15.
Vehicles parked outside Tobin Lofts on Main subject to tickets By Adriana Ruiz
aruiz168@student.alamo.edu
Parking is not allowed on the west side of Main Avenue outside Tobin Lofts between Laurel and Evergreen streets, but that hasn’t stopped drivers from creating a hazardous bottleneck. Residents and other students are subject to ticketing by the city of San Antonio if they park anywhere on Main Avenue, said Laura Lopez, marketing director for Aguillan and Associates, the public relations firm representing Tobin Lofts and its developer NRP Group LLC. The leasing manager for Tobin Lofts, Rico Aviles, said although there is no sign, parking enforcement officers ticket cars there regularly. Parking fines are $35 if paid within 14 days and $45 after 14 days. Aviles said Tobin Lofts is warning residents about parking fines by posting fliers around the apartment complex.
Harrison Guthrie, student at the Culinary Institute of America and Tobin Loft resident, said he regularly parks on Main outside the lofts and has never received a ticket, but on many occasions has come close to being hit while exiting his car. A look north and south on Main show the 1400 block is the only one where anyone attempts to park. Guthrie said although it is a dangerous spot, he prefers to park there instead of parking in the college garage two blocks to the north. Residents of the student apartments are encouraged to park on the second floor of the college parking garage in spaces reserved for Tobin Loft residents. Melissa Aguillan, president of Aguillan and Associates, said residents of the lofts are allowed to park in the college’s parking garage with a parking permit that can be purchased through the Tobin Lofts leasing office.
Vanessa Torres, director of public relations at this college, said students living in the lofts may purchase a parking permit for $150 to guarantee a space in the garage. The fee is $200 for residents who are not students here. “We highly suggest that all residents purchase parking permits,” Torres said. Torres added all Alamo Colleges students pay a $25 campus access fee with tuition, and students have the option of a parking decal or VIA bus pass. Torres said residents who are also students and choose to get a parking decal for the semester may park in any student parking lots, although parking is not guaranteed. Student parking decals can be ordered through ACES. Bus passes are available with valid student ID at the business office in Room 201 of Fletcher Administration Center. For more information, visit www.alamo.edu/sac/parking-permits/
SAConnected
2 • Jan. 31, 2014
www.theranger.org/calendar
Fall First responders watch liberal arts sophomore Mackenzie Rudd as he recovers from falling Thursday in the Loftin cafeteria. Rudd said he tried to get to the cafeteria to buy something sweet because he was feeling light-headed. An unidentified student purchased Rudd a soda and called EMS. Riley Stephens
Register Computer information systems fresh-
Wheeee!
man Aaron Hernandez waits while volunteer deputy registrar Hartmaut Lau verifies his voter registration form is complete Tuesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Volunteers certified by the Bexar County Elections Office offered their services to help register students to vote. They plan to return in February but do not have a date set. The deadline to register before the primaries is Feb. 3. Riley Stephens
Early childhood education sophomore Shannan Smith spins on a gyroscope while holding a spinning wheel to demonstrate the force of a helicopter’s rotating propellers Wednesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin during the Organization Showcase. The Society of Physics Students provided the gyroscope and the wheel for demonstrations to attract students to their organization. The showcase was sponsored by the office of student life. Riley Stephens
TODAY SAT MON TUES WED THUR SAC Meeting: SAC Art Guild 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in visual arts. Call 210486-1042. UIW Event: Headwaters Coalition Volunteer Work Day 2 p.m.-5:30 p.m. in the Headwaters Sanctuary. Call Helen Ballew at 210-828-2224. Event: Texas Backgammon Championships 6 p.m. in the ballroom of the Menger Hotel, 204 Alamo Plaza. Bring your own board or borrow one. Call 210-7039304. Trinity Event: Trinity Tiger Basketball vs. University of Dallas at 6 p.m. in Sams Gymnasium. Free. Call 210-999-8222. Event: Dinner and ghost tour of the haunted Menger Hotel by Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours 7 p.m. at Menger Hotel, 204 Alamo Plaza. $56.95 per adult. $29.95 per child. Must RSVP by 3 p.m. Call 210-6381338 or visit http:// sistersgrimmghosttour. com/our-story.html.
Event: Water Olympics at 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 NW Military Hwy. Visit www.phil-
SUN hardbergerpark.org. Trinity Event: The Parker Chapel Recital Series with Robert Parkins 3 p.m.-4 p.m. in the Margarite B. Parker Chapel. Free. Call 210-999-7311. UTSA Event: Zumba lessons 5 p.m.-5:50 p.m. in recreation studio. Continues Sun-days. Membership fee is $30 a month and open to students, staff, alumni, $5 for their guests. Call 2 1 0 - 4 5 8 - 6725.
Event: Fitness in the Park Boot Camp 7 a.m.-8 a.m. at Phil Hardberger Park, behind the Urban Ecology Center, 8400 NW Military Hwy. Check www.philhardbergerpark.org. Event: Fitness in the park Learn and Burn class at 8 a.m.-9 a.m. at Phil Hardberger Park, near the Urban Ecology Center Classroom, 8400 NW Military Hwy, Visit www.philhardbergerpark.org. SAC Event: Rock the Vote Democracy Class and Voter Registration — Conversations in Civic Engagement 9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m. in Room 150 of Loftin. Call 210-486-0158. PAC Event: Entrepreneur Leadership Series featuring founder of Sales Performing Consulting, LLC Carlos Lopez noon-1 p.m. in Room 143 of Ozuna Library. RSVP before 9 a.m. To RSVP, call 210-486-3123 or email lhoffman4@ alamo.edu.
SAC Transfer: UTSA 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on first floor of Chance. SAC Transfer: Wayland 10 a.m.-noon on first floor of Chance. SAC Event: TED Talk Tuesdays! 10:30 a.m.11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.2 p.m. in the health promotions office in Room 150 of Loftin. Continues Tuesdays. Call 210-486-0158. SAMA Event: Gallery Talk: African-American Artists Confront Negative Stereotypes 6 p.m.-6:25 p.m. Free with museum admission. Call 210-9788100. NLC Event: “Created Equal” documentary 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Free admission. Call 210486-5646. Performance: “Death of a Salesman” 8 p.m. at the Classic Theatre of San Antonio at 1924 Fredericksburg. Box office opens at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 or $10 with a student ID. Order online at classictheatre.org. Call 210-5898450.
Event: Fitness in the Park Mommy and Me fitness at 9 a.m.-10 a.m. at the picnic tables at Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 NW Military Hwy free admission. Check www. philhardbergerpark.org. SAC Event: Belly dancing lessons sponsored by the office of student life 11 a.m.noon p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125. UIW Event: Institute of World Cultures presents 2014 Asian New Year Celebration 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Marian Hall Ballroom. SAC Meeting: Faculty Senate 3 p.m. in Room 120 of visual arts. Call 210-486-0347. NVC Event: Pool tournament noon in recreational fitness center. Call 210-4864612.
SAC Transfer: Texas State 9:30 a.m.-noon on first floor of Chance. SAC Transfer: OLLU 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on first floor of Chance. SAC Meeting: Student Activity Fee Committee at 3 p.m. in the president’s small conference room in Room 320 of Fletcher. Call 210-486-0975.
FRI SAC Transfer: Texas A&M University San Antonio 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Loftin.
Black History Month Feb. 3
McNay Event: Art Strolls Family Traditions for parents with children under 12 months old 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Meet in lobby. Free for members, $5 for non-members. RSVP by Feb. 6. Call 210805-1765.
SAC Event: Opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m9:30 a.m. in Fiesta Room in Loftin. Feb. 5 SAC Event: Voter registration 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the mall. Feb. 12
Event: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo 10 a.m.-midnight at the AT&T Center and Freeman Coliseum grounds at 3201 E. Houston. Tickets $10$27. Call 210-2255851 or see www.sarodeo.com. Event: Grand Hyatt “Must Love Pets” Tail Trivia Valentine’s Happy Hour at 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. Free admission and parking. Call 210569-6908.
SAMA Event: Thomas Sully’s Painted Performances 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Free with museum admission. Preview for museum members only. Free for members, $5 for public. Open to public Saturday. Call 210978-8100.
SAC Event: Buffalo Soldiers 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the mall. Feb. 14 SAC Event: Eighth annual “Dating Game” 11 a.m.-noon in first floor of Loftin. Feb. 18 SAC Event: Fourth annual “A Taste of Soul” 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Loftin. Feb. 20 SAC Festival: African Festival 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Feb. 25 SAC Event: 25th annual Read-in 11 a.m.12:05 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Feb. 27 SAC Performance: Michael Jackson impersonator 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0126
News
www.theranger.org/news
Jan. 31, 2014 • 3
Challenger Center ‘silver lining’ to tragedy Force behind Challenger Center stresses education. By M.J. Callahan
mcallahan7@student.alamo.edu
Dr. June Scobee-Rodgers, founding chair of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, joined about 100 people, including representatives of this college and members of her family in a private ceremony Tuesday to observe the 28th anniversary of the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger. The ceremony was not open to the public because of limited space in the gallery inside Scobee Education Center, which is still under construction. The center has been under construction since 2012, incorporating the original dome of the planetarium that was built in 1961. The center will open in April and the Challenger space science education portion of the building, including a flight simulator complete with a mission control, will open in early September. The name Scobee Education Center was approved Jan. 21 by
“numbing disbelief.” lesson, for the students who are still On Jan. 28,1986, NASA launched waiting for the teacher’s lessons from the Challenger STS-7 on it 10th misspace, this would be their silver linsion. A few seconds after lift-off, the ing from the dark cloud,” Scobeeshuttle exploded with six crew memRodgers said. bers on board; Commander Francis The families started the “Dick” Scobee, Ellison Onizuka, Challenger Center for Space Science Gregory Jarvis, Judith Education as their silResnik, Michael J. ver lining to not only Smith and Ronald honor their lost loved Visit McNair. ones but also the work theranger.org Unique to this they dedicated their for entire story. mission was Christa lives to. McAuliffe, a schoolThe Challenger teacher working on Center for Space transmitting lessons from space. Science Education focuses on Scobee-Rodgers recalled a time hands-on learning with the setup of when the crew came to her home Challenger Learning Centers around before one of their launches. Scobeethe world. Rodgers gave them a bookmark with The centers focus on strengththe phrase “to teach is to touch the ening the knowledge of science, future.” technology, engineering and math“Christa McAuliffe coined the ematics in children as young as prephrase ‘I teach. I touch the future,’” kindergarten. Another focus is for Scobee-Rodgers said. teachers bringing classes for innovaTwo months after the explosion, tive learning. the family members of the crew gathThe community is welcome to ered at the Scobee home to discuss get involved in their programs, David ways to continue the crew’s mission. Mrizek, vice president of college ser“For a teacher still waiting for a vices, said in an interview.
Dr. June Scobee-Rodgers smiles and gestures to audience members as they applaud Tuesday during a ceremony to honor the crew of the Challenger space shuttle in Scobee Education Center. Carlos Ferrand Alamo Colleges board of trustees. The name was changed from Scobee Planetarium and Challenger Center with the help of Scobee-Rodgers to make one name for the entire facility, Mrizek said. The Scobee Education Center here is a memorial in a way for the
six astronauts from Challenger 7 who gave their lives for everyone, President Robert Zeigler said. Their legacy lives on through the work of their families, he said. Scobee-Rodgers, widow of Commander Francis “Dick” Scobee, recalled the disaster as a day of
President announces retirement during convocation Read original story and staff reactions at theranger.org. By Katherine Garcia
kgarcia203@student.alamo.edu
President Robert Zeigler announced his retirement effective this summer at the end of convocation Jan. 14 in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. Zeigler, 75, and a former student of this college, said he started at this college as a history teacher in 1971, adding that since he was 21, he hasn’t been away from the college for more than 10 years. “I want to stop while I still love it,” he said. He said in a brief interview that he has no plans to pursue
STUDY
another career after leaving this college except spending time traveling with his wife. “My plan is not to have a plan,” he said in an interview after convocation, adding he won’t have to worry about schedules, meetings and deadlines. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else.” He said he wants to enjoy some free time while he remains in good health. He said he will continue to help in this college’s reaffirmation process required every five years by the accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. “If we’re not accredited, we’re pretty much toast,” Zeigler said.
President Robert Zeigler announces his retirement Jan. 14. Riley Stephens A quality enhancement plan, generally referred to as QEP, will be developed this spring and submitted in spring 2015. A certification
Book choice price vs. preference
By Katherine Garcia
kgarcia203@student.alamo.edu
The first decision before buying textbooks is ebook or textbook. Some students prefer ebooks because searching text is easier. Also, the text can be accessed through any computer. However, the text can only be accessed if there is a Wi-Fi connection nearby so a student can log into the website where the textbook is hosted. Although textbooks are heavier, you can read anywhere. Once a student knows the preferred medium, the search for the cheapest book begins. Students can bring their class schedules with complete section numbers to the college bookstore or nearby L&M Bookstore or Discount Textbooks, and an employee will find the correct book. The next question is whether to rent or buy the book. Retailers offer students the option of renting or buying textbooks. Marissa Romero, floor associate for Follett, this college’s bookstore, said students prefer used textbooks because they’re usually cheaper. Students can rent textbooks from the college bookstore, Romero said. The college bookstore doesn’t offer many
ebooks because most students come in to buy actual textbooks, she said. Romero said the main competition the bookstore faces are online booksellers and L&M Bookstore at 1716 N. Main Ave. Online sites like Amazon.com, half.com, chegg.com or textbook.com can offer cheaper options. The option to buy ebooks instead of a textbook is a decision that comes with owning a tablet or laptop. Ebooks are usually the less expensive option because electronic copies are easier to reproduce. Ebooks can be found online by typing in the name of the company that produces the book, signing up for access and paying using a credit card. Many times the access is for a certain number of days or as long as the semester. Should the student need to retake the course, the student will have to pay full price each time an access code is needed. Liberal arts freshman Kelsey Dean uses a textbook because it is cheaper, but she prefers ebooks. “I can see them better, and they’re less expensive,” she said, adding ebooks are easier to read using her reading glasses. She also said ebooks can still be highlighted on and include a dictionary.
report must be completed by Zeigler has served in adminMarch 2015. istrative roles since 1987. Representatives from the A former Faculty Senate accrediting commission will chair, Zeigler was tapped by visit the college in fall 2015 and then President Ruth Burgosreturn a decision by June 2016. Sasser as vice president in 1993. After serving in the U.S. When Burgos-Sasser left in Navy, Zeigler entered this col1996, Zeigler became interim lege in 1959, president until transferred and Vern Loland was NVC president earned bachhired and served also plans to elor’s and mas1998-2002. retire. See ter’s degrees in Zeigler was theranger.org. history and govgiven a choice by ernment from then Chancellor Sam Houston Robert Ramsay State University. to serve as interim president He earned a Ph.D. in histoduring a national search or ry from Texas Tech University apply for the president’s post. with dissertation work on He opted to stay put. labor unions and later was Zeigler followed Loland as given a reverse transfer degree president in summer 2002. from this college. His accomplishments in-
LIVING
clude championing a publicprivate partnership to build Tobin Lofts, the first residential facility at an Alamo College. It opened in the fall, and apartments available to faculty and staff along with a parking garage are still under construction. Zeigler also led the push to bring a Challenger Learning Center to this campus when Brooks Air Force based closed its original Southeast Side location. Zeigler said fundraising efforts from private sources had achieved about $4 million of the $5 million price tag. The president is also noted for his baking skills, often providing a rum cake for College Council meetings.
Big fun for little money
By T. L. Hupfer
thupfer@student.alamo.edu
Anyone who has been in college knows students are rarely rolling in extra dough so students on a tight budget may want to take advantage of free activities. Fortunately, this college provides an array of free activities for students with a college ID card. Loftin Student Center has pingpong tables, video games and chessboards for students to spend free time playing games. The office of student life also organizes events around campus such as Karaoke Mondays, TED Talk Tuesdays and the Wild West Rodeo Roundup Feb. 12. TED Talk Tuesdays are videos from TED. com, a nonprofit website that works to “bring together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers.” TED represents bringing together people from three worlds, technology, entertainment and design. The videos are 18 minutes or less and the topics vary. Their mission is to spread ideas. The Wild West Rodeo Roundup is one of the campuswide events the office of student life is organizing this semester.
While San Antonians are in a cowboy frame of mind with the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in progress, the roundup brings that spirit to campus. Some clubs and organizations will sell food and beverages, but most games and activities are free. If working out is your hobby, the fitness center in Loftin Student Center may be the place for you. It is open 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday. Students with a valid ID are allowed to use the equipment, which includes treadmills and weights. Baseball and soccer are a couple of the extramural sports this college has to offer along with some intramural events ranging from sports to videogames. If a student is looking for a club to meet like-minded students members of about 50 were at Wednesday’s Organization Showcase. Like stars? Join the Astronomy Club. Interested in Psychology? Head to the Psychology Club, which takes local field trips and volunteers around the community. For more information, check out the office of student life or www.orgsync.com.
Prem
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Asian Festival expects 10,000 By Adriana Ruiz and M.J. Callahan
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
In celebration of the Chinese New Year, the Institute of Texan Cultures invites everyone to attend the 27th annual Asian Festival 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. The event will feature traditional dance performances, shopping, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, lectures and martial arts demonstrations. The event also will feature a variety of authentic Japanese, Korean, Thai, Laotian and Philippine cuisine from 15 local vendors. “The event is an opportunity for people to socialize and experience Asian culture,” James Benavides,
senior communications specialist for the institute, said in an interview. The popular festival grew out of a festival at the San Antonio Museum of Art that began more than 25 years ago, he said. What they thought would be a small event at that time drew a large community, he said. So in 2000 the festival moved to the institute and now attracts about 10,000 people each year. Tickets are $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. For more information, visit www.texancultures. com.
Horse filled with adve The history, traditions behind Chinese New Year affect the world. By M.J. Callahan
mcallahan7@student.alamo.edu
Chinese legends dating back to the 12th century B.C. say the Jade Emperor was the ruler of heaven and Earth and hell. One legend says the emperor organized a race on his birthday for the ani-
mals on earth. The first 12 to cross the river were honored by assigning a year of the zodiac in the image of each. The first 12 animals in order are a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. The Chinese zodiac repeats every 12
years as a result. Throughout history, tales of the Jade Emperor have been passed down. The Jade Emperor’s gifts to the 12 animals of the race are still evident today. Many Chinese restaurants still use the Chinese Zodiac calender as a table decoration to entice customers to research which animal represents the year they were born. Every new year is represented by an animal and its traits, according to the legend of the Jade Emperor. This year is represented by the seventh animal to cross the river. It is the Year of the Horse. The Year of the Horse is said to bring high energy, unexpected travel or adventure. Another lesson for the Year of the Horse is that victory will come by avoiding procrastination. The Chinese New Year is aligned with the first new moon of the new year lasting until the full moon 15 days later. In China, it is a tradition to celebrate these 15 days focusing on family and tradition, all leading up to the lantern festival.
Many believe it is bad luck to have a large festival until the bad spirits are stopped or sent away, Benavides said. In China, every day holds significance. The first day the whole family goes to the oldest member’s house to strengthen the family. A San Antonio bank employee, Koay Khoon, whose parents are from China, goes with his family to visit his aunt, the oldest member in his family for the holidays. His aunt gives envelopes with money to the youth of the family. “It represents the wishes for good luck and personal growth for the year,” Khoon said. On the second day, it is tradition to find a picture of the year before and burn it while wishing for a more prosperous year. During the third and fourth days, family members show respect to their ancestors by visiting the graves of their ancestors. On the fifth day, people stay inside to be visited by Li Gui Zu, the god of wealth on his birthday. However, on the sixth day, everyone is encouraged to get out of the house and visit temples with their family and friends. In all areas, the seventh day, the human day, is the day to eat. The family enjoys food from their specific area or province of Asia. The eating continues
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enture into the eighth day with a family reunion that ends with a midnight prayer to the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor’s origin is told on the ninth day. It talks about him being the god of heaven, Earth and hell. The 10th through the 12th day is feasting with the family. The 13th day is the cleansing day. People diet and eat mustard greens to cleanse their bodies. The 14th day is focused on preparations for the lantern festival. On this day, lanterns are made in various bright colors. Using gold colors represents the full moon. On the 15th day, celebrations include loud noises, fireworks and brightly colored lanterns. These contribute to scaring away the bad spirits and guiding them to rest. There is one legend that tells about the evil spirits being guided back home by the lanterns. Others say the lanterns are a way to ask for the return of the light from the gods. Another legend says that the traditions are built out of fear to the wild beast Nien. It was said Nien appeared at the end of each year attacking villagers. It remains to be seen whether people who celebrate the Year of the Horse have more travel and unexpected adventure and avoid procrastination. As in any horoscope, the test of its validity is whether it comes to pass.
Orchestra, tea ceremony today By M.J. Callahan
mcallahan7@student.alamo.edu
If you walk into the student lounge area of Loftin Student Center today, be ready for a celebration. The office of student life, in honor of the Chinese New Year, arranged for entertainment for students 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Carrie Hernandez, senior specialist of student success, said. Performances by the Chinese
Orchestra of San Antonio and the Chinese Culture Performance Association of San Antonio will take place 11 a.m.-noon in the Fiesta Room. In honor of the New Year, a traditional Chinese tea ceremony will be performed, followed by the audience learning how to write their names in Chinese script. These events will be hosted
noon-1 p.m. by Adjunct Yaping Zhang, who teaches CHIN 1411, Elementary Chinese 1. During the performances, chef Michael Raslawsky from Selrico Services, which operates the cafeteria in Loftin, will prepare a special Chinese buffet in honor of the holiday. The menu and prices were not available. Call 210-486-0125.
Asian music, dance promise to wow By Adriana Ruiz
aruiz168@student.alamo.edu
The San Antonio Chinese Alliance and the Confucius Institute at UTSA plan a celebration of Chinese culture at the Chinese New Year Gala 3 p.m.5 p.m. Feb. 8 at the performing arts center at Palo Alto College, 1400 W. Villaret Blvd. The event will feature authentic Asian dance and musical performances by local and foreign artists. Nancy Du, a member of the Chinese Alliance, said most of the musical performers are professionals who practice year-round for this event.
Du said in the past they have invited performers from China to perform at the event. Susan Lien, vice president of the Chinese Alliance, recommends people go because every year the performances are different. Lien said in the past they have had more 500 attendees, but this year they can seat only 400 people in the theater. “We always have a full house,” Lien said. Organizers are asking for $5 donations for alliance members and $10 for non-members. For more information, call Du at 210-775-5758.
6 • Jan. 31, 2014
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Editor Mandy Derfler Managing Editor Katherine Garcia News Editor Cassandra Rodriguez Premiere Editor Adriana Ruiz Opinion Editor Bleah B. Patterson Social Media Editor T.L. Hupfer Web Editor Carlos Ferrand Web News Editor Neven Jones Staff Writers Kathya Anguiano, Manuel Bautista-Macias, Brandon Borrego, Brenda Carielo, Casey Coggins, Ian Coleman, Maria Duran, Mandi Flores, John D. French, Marina Garcia, Imani Gayden, R.T. Gonzalez, Marco Horta, Ty-Eshia Johnson, Derek Landis, Ansley Lewis, Jennifer Marroquin, Pam Paz, Jay Regalado, Juan A. Rodriguez, Dalton Sosa, Gia Spencer, Marie Sullins, J’son Tillmon, Patrick Turick Jr., Adrian Yancelson Photographers Daniel Carde, Riley Stephens Photo Team Nathan J. Fox, David Guel, Belinda Hernandez, Siobhan O’Donnell, Melissa Perreault, Paula Christine Schuler, Addison Simmons, Catharine Trevino, Eric M. Valdez, Roberto Villarreal Video Team Daniel Arguelles, Robbin Cresswell, Steven C. Price Illustrators Alexandra Nelipa, Franchesca Ruiz Production Assistant M.J. Callahan Alexandra Nelipa
Advertising Manager Patricia McGlamory ©2014 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212-4299. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. The Ranger news outlets, which serve the Alamo Community College District, are laboratory projects of journalism classes in the Department of Media Communications at San Antonio College. The Ranger is published Fridays except during summer, holidays and examinations. The Ranger Online is available at www.theranger.org. News contributions accepted by telephone (210-486-1773), by fax (210-486-9292), by email (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 of Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available upon request by phone (210-486-1765) or as a download at www.theranger.org. The Ranger is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and the Texas Community College Journalism Association. Guest Viewpoints: Faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to contribute guest viewpoints of up to 450 words. Writers should focus on campus or current events in a critical, persuasive or interpretative style. All viewpoints must be published with a photo portrait of the writer. Letters Policy: The Ranger invites readers to share views by writing letters to the editor. Space limitations force the paper to limit letters to two double-spaced, typewritten pages. Letters will be edited for spelling, style, grammar, libel and length. Editors reserve the right to deny publication of any letter. Letters should be mailed to The Ranger, Department of Media Communications, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio TX 78212-4299. Letters also may be brought to the newspaper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student Center, emailed to sac-ranger@alamo.edu or faxed to 210-486-9292. Letters must be signed and must include the printed name and telephone number. Students should include classification, major, campus and Banner ID. Employees should include title and telephone number. For more information, call 210-486-1773. Single Copy Policy: Members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue because of high production costs. Where available, additional copies may be purchased with prior approval for 50 cents each by contacting The Ranger business office. Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single-copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and subject to college discipline.
METAMEDIA
Awfully big shoes to fill After an intense semester producing this college’s student-run newspaper, all those involved with participating in The Ranger marathon are exhausted. Nine printed issues are pinned to the newsroom walls as the staff evaluates and reflects on their work when a phone rings. A voice says to please hold for President Robert Zeigler. The college president is calling to commend the Ranger editor on leading his staff in a job well done. This is the kind of leader Zeigler is. With his impending retirement effective this summer, many on campus are left wondering what kind of person will lead this college next. Zeigler championed students. His stewardship of shared governance extended down to the Student Government Association. Each month, Zeigler met with SGA to discuss items affecting students, and he would often address students directly in periodic open forums or over the airwaves each Thursday morning on 90.1 KSYM’S morning show, “The Sauce.” He is a champion of a free press and respects
the watchdog function of the news media. In February 2012, SGA presented a petition to Zeigler seeking an investigation of The Ranger and calling for an apology for printed mistakes and critical reporting. Zeigler stood up for this publication, saying a correction can be printed, and mistakes can be addressed through viewpoints and letters to the editor. “The newspaper is not going away and will not be censored,” he said in the March 12, 2012, publication of The Ranger. In November 2012, Zeigler again proved to be an advocate for the watchdog, telling members of the Student Activity Fee Committee to open meetings to the public. For the first time since the district began collecting $1 per semester hour in fall 2006, The Ranger could report on allocation of student fee funds. Many students at this college may have not had the pleasure of meeting this president, but Zeigler is a president for the student body. District will soon begin its search for his replacement, and students should keep a close eye on the process.
Social media more than 140-character tweets
Give everybody Memorial Day
In recent years, social media has become a common household topic and a way of getting to know what’s going on around the world. People have used sites like Facebook and Twitter to announce birthdays, marriages and deaths. News can now travel rapidly thanks to the Internet and the hashtag. A study on statisticbrain.com on Jan. 1 shows there were 645.75 million active registered Twitter users, and Facebook announced in September that it had 1.19 billion monthly active users. There were 6,151,203 tweets about the Boston Marathon bombing last spring. The Internet fueled speculation but also helped friends and family members find out quickly that loved ones were safe. But even televised events are discussed on high levels. On Sunday, there were more than 15 million tweets about the Grammy Awards. Celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Austin Mahone and model
Staff has traded its Memorial Day holiday for Monday-Wednesday of spring break week, giving all staff a paid full week off. The board of trustees approved the decision Jan. 21. Other holidays Staff Council suggested, gathered from staff across the district, were Good Friday and Battle of Flowers. The only other holiday in the spring semester is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. District 8 trustee Gary Beitzel was not wrong to be troubled at the suggestion of reporting to work on Memorial Day. Beitzel, along with so many others in a military city, retired from military service. He served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 40 years. Despite reservations about Memorial Day, he suggested staff work the Labor Day holiday in addition to Memorial Day to make the trade equal, which is a “slap in the face” to the American workforce. This is a perfect representation of how individuals place value on holidays. These days are all holidays because they represent the diverse people making up the melting pot of the United States and this district. Asking staff to trade an established holiday for spring break is politically incorrect. More
Kate Upton were all discovered on YouTube. One story that made headlines this month was when a Kentucky woman, Susann Stacy, reached out to family and friends for help after her husband beat her. She took a “selfie” as a call for help when her husband disconnected other means of communication. A friend saw her post and immediately called 911. In the past, people had to go out and protest or post fliers to make their views known. In the event of a national attack like 9/11, they had to trust the news to cover the story or hear about it from others probably via a land line. Social media changes all of this. It opens so many doors for people to speak out about an event, their social life, television shows or world events. Whatever it may be. If you have something to say, tweet it, post it to Facebook, submit it on YouTube. Just let it be known.
so, asking staff to rate these holidays to find a consensual sacrifice begs a moral dilemma. Memorial Day, a national holiday since 1971, is an observance in memory of those who died serving in the U.S. armed forces. Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Texas has recognized it since 1987. The Battle of Flowers holiday is “puro” San Antonio, a local tradition since 1914. It honors those who died at the Battle of the Alamo and the victory for Texas independence at San Jacinto. Since 1986, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, made a national holiday in 2000, has been celebrating the birthday of the man the day is named after and the civil rights movement he championed. San Antonio is recognized as host of the largest march in the U.S. Giving up any of these holidays is culturally insensitive considering the rich history of each event. Chancellor Bruce Leslie had it right when he suggested giving staff all previously approved holidays and spring break off. The board needs to revisit this decision and give staff their hard-earned holidays back.
Opinion
www.theranger.org/opinion
Jan. 31, 2014 • 7
Journalism put me in my place
Four-year, 108 attempted-hour quest for career path ends in newsroom
Mark Twain once said, “You That’s when I decided to become a journalist. can’t just turn on creativity like a I thought that it would be an easy way to live out faucet. You have to be in the right my days, writing to my heart’s content, a more reliable mood. What mood is that? Lastmethod of becoming published, and having people minute panic.” praise my ability to use the English language. I like to consider myself a relaSomehow I’d managed to completely forget about tively creative person. I can do most these things you hear so much in the movies called Viewpoint by Bleah B. creative projects with ease, save “deadlines.” I forgot that newspaper release dates singing, dancing, drawing, paintwere a little more set in stone than, say, a professor’s Patterson ing, sculpting, designing, playing due date for a term paper, and, in my procrastinatan instrument, ing state of mind, I thought all would bpatterson13@ student.alamo.edu or being able be well. Passion to put an outfit Needless to say, I jumped into my overwhelms together to save my life. first reporting class headfirst with all the procrastination OK, maybe I’m not the most enthusiasm of a child jumping into those in struggle creative person in the world, but ball pits at Chuck-E-Cheese’s. I’m OK with words. That’s when everything changed. for a college That “last-minute panic,” as I could no longer put off assignments student’s soul. Twain said, is a state I’m all too with strong coffee at Starbucks, doodling familiar with. Prone to procrastinain journals and playing Hipster. tion, I’m more likely to find a good book to read before No, I had lists to make, interviews, not only to getting to my assignments, to-do list, etc., on time. schedule, but to actually show up for. I had deadlines, In the seventh grade the only subject in which I not due dates, which you have to admit, does sound found interest switched from science (those closest to more threatening. me can take a second to laugh at that one) to English, Procrastination wasn’t something I could get away and any excuse I could make to write for pleasure. with, and my cohorts in the newsroom were going to Creative writing and journaling were my vices, hold me accountable. If I didn’t step up to the plate, I and I was convinced I would be the next child author, was going to lose their respect. write the next “Eragon” even. I had to learn, not only to take responsibility for my Since then I’ve become a master procrastinaown actions and admit when I had nothing to show tor, adept at eluding recommended study times and for my time, but to keep from making the same misdue dates, like it’s a game of dodge ball, and viewing takes. I had to learn to get out of the long-rooted habit appointments and schedules as merely suggestions, of putting things off until the last minute. things to be done as soon as I’ve finished reading the Passion, I believe, is the greatest weapon against next chapter. this nasty vice called procrastination. What I’ve “I’ll do it tomorrow” and “If I wait until after the learned, and am still learning, is that finding what weekend, I’ll have a clearer head” became not just you’re passionate about is the key to breaking a bad frequently used phrases, but mantras and mottos. habit. After spending a semester as an English major, There are so many opportunities to let a good leisurely writing papers and sometimes getting them thing go because you could “do it tomorrow.” in on time, I decided I didn’t want to be a teacher. In the same way, there are just as many opportuCasting all other pursuits aside to become a bestnities to make yourself get off the couch and get the selling novelist would be a long shot. job done.
Introductions on the first day of classes have never been at the top of my favorite thingsto-do list because for the past four Viewpoint years attending this by Adriana college, I considered Ruiz myself undecided. I started attendaruiz168@ student.alamo.edu ing classes here straight out of high school in the fall of 2008 without a clue as to what major I might want to pursue. I took advice from a counselor who recommended that I start with enrolling in basic classes while I figured out what degree plan I wanted to follow. Another counselor recommended I take classes I found interesting to see if they would spark an interest and become something I would like to pursue. Although I had no clue as to what I was doing, education has always been a priority so taking a semester off was never an option. In my pursuit of a career path, I made the mistake of taking classes that did not fall under a specific degree plan, and, as a result, I spent a lot of money and wasted a lot of time. For example, I really enjoyed ceramics so I spent three semesters learning how to throw on a wheel, glaze pottery and fire clay. I remember spending hours playing with a variety of clays and learning to sculpt while watching my creations come to life. Then I decided I really enjoyed phi-
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losophy, so I spent three semesters in philosophy classes. I enjoyed learning about the Socratic method, Plato’s allegory of the cave and Sarte’s theory on existentialism. I don’t regret any time I spent learning in all of these classes, but although I enjoyed the subjects, I knew they did not fit into a career field I wanted to pursue. I continued this pattern for years and eventually received an associate degree in liberal arts. I enjoyed the scenic route, but after 108 attempted hours, it was mindblowing to still not know what I wanted to do. Seeing my friends graduate with bachelor’s degrees and start their careers was difficult to watch. Although I was happy for them, seeing their success made me envious. Just as I was about ready to give up on college altogether, I decided to enroll in COMM 1316, News Photography 1, my introduction to the world of journalism. In this class, I was working as a team with other students enrolled in journalism classes. Every week, we all worked together to deliver the news and put out a weekly newspaper along with news online content. I never imagined I would end up having an interest in journalism, but after so many years in college, this was the first time I felt like I was a part of something bigger. Although my path has taken longer than I expected, I’m glad that I stuck around long enough to find something I can pour myself into and that will lead me into a career.
Pulse
8 • Jan. 31, 2014
Lost in the fire
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Tap me Liberal arts sophomore David Ramirez donates blood during the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center’s blood drive Tuesday in the mall. Ramirez said he donates blood because he thinks it is the right thing to do. The next on-campus blood drives will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 26-27 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 17-19. Daniel Carde
By M.J. Callahan
mcallahan7@student.alamo.edu
This college’s chapter of the Texas Nursing Student Association is seeking donations to help the family of nursing sophomore Leyda Suarez, whose family’s home burned to the ground Monday. President Nichole Evola Hunter is asking through her personal Facebook page for donations of money, clothing, hygiene products and household goods. No one was injured, although the family lost pets in the fire of the South Side home, Hunter said. “Anything is greatly appreciated,” Suarez said. Email tnsa.sanantoniocollege@ gmail.com and write “donations” in the subject line.
GYM SHORTS Wellness program increases morale Upcoming games Wednesday
Men’s basketball St. Philip’s at Northwest Vista at 8 p.m. at Huisache Hall Incarnate Word at Northeast Lakeview at 8 p.m. at Wellness Gym Southwest Texas at San Antonio at 8 p.m. at Gym 1 of Candler Physical Education Center Women’s basketball St. Philip’s at Northwest Vista 6 p.m. at Huisache Hall Southwest Texas at San Antonio 6 p.m. at Gym 1 of Candler Physical Education Center
Carlos Ferrand
Wellness coordinator heads two-year study to improve job satisfaction through exercise. By Bleah B. Patterson
bpatterson13@student.alamo.edu
This semester’s Employee Wellness Program marks the halfway point in a two-year study of the effect of regular exercise and healthier eating habits. As expected, participants in the first two semesters of the program reported increased morale, energy and job satisfaction, wellness Coordinator Chris Dillon said. The program is also predicted to decrease stress while providing faculty some much needed “me time,” Dillon said.
The program accepted its first 10 self-nominated participants in spring 2013 and will continue to take participants through spring 2015. In his recruitment email, Dillon suggested encouraging co-workers who might benefit. Participants are presented with a job satisfaction survey before and after the program. “Since the beginning of the program, every participant’s scores have gone up without fail, Dillon said, “They’ve never gone down or remained the same.” Dillon will perform a fitness assessment on participants to determine muscle index, strength and flexibility. Program sponsor Methodist Hospital will provide biometric screenings of glucose, cholesterol and body mass index at the beginning and end of the program.
Mandy Tyler, UTSA athletic dietician and former Spurs dietician, will be sponsoring the program, providing personalized meal plans based on participants’ eating preferences and biometric screening outcomes. Each participant must report to Dillon three times a week for a pre-planned, 30-minute exercise routine, which will be logged online to monitor participation. Supervisor permission was required for each individual chosen because participants will have to commit to a thrice-weekly, 30-minute circuit led by Dillon to improve overall health and energy. “We know that the program is working because we’re seeing results,” Dillon said. “As far as longterm results, we can’t say yet because the program is still in the infancy stage, but we have high hopes.”