Vol. 86 Issue 14 • Single copies free • Feb. 27, 2012 • 210-486-1773 • theranger.org
This week KSYM up for award Campus radio station KSYMFM 90.1 is one of the top 25 stations nominated for the “College Radio Woodie” award. The mtvU Woodie Awards showcase music aimed towards college students across the United States. The awards ceremony is March 15 during the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin and is open to SXSW badge holders. Station program director Charlie Castleman said students should vote for KSYM because the station reflects the diversity of the college community. “Anything you can think of, we have it,” he said. Listeners can stream the station at ksym.org. Voting ends at 11 a.m. today, and the top 10 college stations will be announced Tuesday. To vote, visit blog.ratemyprofessors.com/ collegeradiowoodie. For more information, call the station at 210-486-1373. Faith Duarte
View video of BB gun range at the Rodeo and read the trustee responsibilities at www.theranger.org
NYT best-seller speaks at Trinity New York Times best-selling author Chuck Klosterman will deliver “Life Through the Prism of Pop Culture” at 7 p.m. today in Ruth Taylor Recital Hall in Room 114 of Dicke/Smith Building at Trinity University. He will discuss the effect pop culture has on human perception. Klosterman, author of “Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs,” has written for the A.V. Club website and publications including Spin magazine, The Washington Post and The Guardian. He is a contributing editor for Grantland.com. The event is free and open to the public. A reception will follow the lecture. For more information, call 210-999-8187. Faith Duarte
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Palo Alto President Ana “Cha” Guzman reports at Tuesday’s board meeting that the college’s child care center also offers Head Start classes. Guzman’s retirement was pulled from the
agenda because the board chair said her post-retirement request violated district policy on receiving retirement incentives. Carmen Sanjuan
No plans for new retirement incentives While district officials say there are no plans for future retirement When The Ranger spoke to them in October regarding taking incentive programs for faculty and staff, four college presidents are retirement incentives, presidents gave the same answers. eligible for a 50 percent retirement incentive. In a phone interview Thursday, Linda Boyer-Owens, associate PAC president’s retirement tabled vice chancellor of human resources, said the district does not plan another round of retirement incentive programs. The Alamo Colleges board of trustees removed an item concernShe said the district will begin looking at budget strategies for ing the retirement of Dr. Ana “Cha” Guzman, president of Palo Alto fiscal year 2012-13 but does not know when the planning will begin. College, from the agenda of its regular meeting Tuesday. Boyer-Owens said the last round of retirees left the district Jan. 4. Gary Beitzel, District 8 trustee and board chair, said the board After the appearance in Tuesday’s board agen- pulled the item because Guzman requested to stay at Palo Alto until By JOSHUA da of her intent to retire by Palo Alto College’s Jan. 6, six months after her effective retirement date Aug. 31, in an FECHTER president, the other presidents in the district unspecified position. He said this violated board policy. weighed in once more with their At a special meeting Oct. 5, the board voted 8-0 jfechter @student. own decisions. to allow college presidents to take advantage of a alamo.edu “As long as In a phone interview Monday, 50 percent retirement incentive if they make their I feel like I’m President Robert Zeigler said he has no plans to election by Feb. 28, 2013, six months before the end contributing and retire. He became college president in 2002 after of their two-year contracts on Aug. 31, 2013. other people serving as interim president and executive vice A retiree cannot apply for a full-time job in the make it feel like president during two searches for a new president. district for two years after retirement. “All we did I’m contributing, Zeigler was also a student and faculty member of was go by the policy,” Beitzel said Tuesday. it makes it hard this college. He said if Guzman continued working at Palo to leave.” In a phone interview Tuesday, Dr. Eric Reno, Alto after her retirement, the board would have president of Northeast Lakeview College, said he to create a new position. Beitzel said Guzman will Dr. Jackie had no plans to retire. He joined the district in have to resubmit her retirement election if her Claunch, August 2004 to oversee establishing and building his plans change. Northwest Vista college, which began offering classes in 2007. Guzman said she still plans to retire but will president Dr. Jackie Claunch, president of Northwest Vista rethink her options and bring her decision to the College, said at the meeting that she does not know board at the March 20 meeting. She said she and if she will take advantage of the incentive. Chancellor Bruce Leslie discussed a position for her “As long as I feel like I’m contributing and other people make it but did not specify the nature of the position. feel like I’m contributing, it makes it hard to leave,” Claunch said. “There are lots of things that need to be done at PAC,” Guzman said. She became the college president in 1998. “I’m disappointed that the board did not give me special consideration.” Dr. Adena Loston, president of St. Philip’s College, said at the Leslie did not attend the meeting. Adriana Contreras, deputy to meeting that she is ineligible for the retirement incentive program. the chancellor, said Leslie was on vacation. Loston became president in spring 2007. Guzman has been president of the South Side college since 2001.
Jackie Claunch
Robert Zeigler
Eric Reno
Adena Loston
No incumbents have filed for re-election on May 12 ballot Applications are available in the chancellor’s office at 201 W. Sheridan. The Alamo Colleges board of trustees unanimously approved holding an election for three trustees May 12 at their regular meeting Tuesday. Seats held by District 5 trustee Roberto Zárate, District 6 trustee Gene Sprague By JOSHUA and District 7 trustee Blakely FECHTER Fernandez are up for grabs. Board liaison Sandra Mora jfechter @student. said Wednesday she has not alamo.edu received applications from sitting trustees. In a phone interview Wednesday, Sprague said he will submit his application within a few days. Zárate and Fernandez did not return calls
be in conjunction with other municipalities and school districts. or emails by press time. Applications can be filed for a place on the ballot Mora said Yvonne Katz filed in District 7 and as 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. through March 5 at of Wednesday, she was the only applithe office of the chancellor/board liaicant. Mora said The Ranger must subson, at 201 W. Sheridan. Applications For more mit an Open Records request to obtain are available there. information, call Katz’s application. Katz could not be To view board responsibilities, board liaison reached by deadline. go to www.alamo.edu, click “Board Sandra Mora at Only the residents in District 5, 6 of Trustees” under “About Us,” then 210-485-0030. and 7 will be allowed to cast ballots. “Board Policies” and see B.5.1 board If necessary, a runoff election will be responsibilities. June 16. Residents can mail applications to 201 W. According to the minute order, conducting the Sheridan, office of the chancellor/board liaison, elections will cost the district $622,046.61. It will San Antonio, TX 78204.
People
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Calendar For coverage in Calendar, call 210-486-1773 or email sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance. Today Exhibit: “Darwin: How One Man’s Theory Turned the World on Its Head” in Kathleen and Curtis Gunn Gallery at Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. $6-8 with a $5 surcharge. Continues through Sept. 3. Call 210-357-1910. SAC Deadline: Proposals accepted for April 5 Student Activity Fee Committee Meeting. Continues through March 22. Call 210-486-0125. SAC Deadline: Applications accepted to graduate and participate in commencement May 12. Continues through March 9. Call 210-486-0342. SAC Deadline: Applications accepted for Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Visit www.iie.org/gilman. SAC Meeting: Glee Club 2 p.m.4 p.m. in faculty and staff lounge of Loftin. Continues 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Thursday. For more information, call 210-486-0126. Tuesday SAC Transfer: University of Texas at San Antonio 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. on first floor of Chance. Continues 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m. by appointment in transfer center in Room 117 of early college program. Call 210-486-0864. SAC Recital: Jazz Ensemble 12:15 p.m.1:15 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Call 210-486-0255. Event: Science, technology, engineering and math fair 5 p.m. at Memorial High School, 1918 N.W. 34th. Call 210-4860125. Event: “Black-Jew Dialogues” performed by Ron Jones and Larry Jay Tish sponsored by Trinity Diversity Connection 7 p.m.-9 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium at Trinity University. Call 210-999-7547.
Thursday SAC Recital: Latin Jazz Combo 2 p.m.3 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Call 210-486-0255. SAC Event: Stress management discussion 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Room 105 of the empowerment center, 703 Howard. Continues Thursdays. Reservations limited. Call 210-486-0455. SAC Meeting: Students United for the DREAM Act 4 p.m. in Room 103 of Gonzales. Continues Thursdays. Call 210-683-5879.
Director of public relations Deborah Martin gestures to the song “Y.M.C.A.” Thursday in President Robert Zeigler’s conference room during a going-away party. Martin is leaving her position at this college to join the YMCA of Greater San Antonio as senior vice president of mission advancement. “It’s not goodbye; it’s see you later,” Martin said. Riley Stephens
Lecture: “Written in the Stars: Andy Warhol and the Cult of Celebrity” by Justin Spring 7 p.m. in Chiego Lecture Hall of McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. Call 210-824-5368. Friday SAC Meeting: Onstage Drama Club noon-1 p.m. in McCreless theater. Continues Fridays. Call 210-486-0492. Sunday Recital: Symphonic wind ensemble concert 3 p.m.-5 p.m. in Room 114 of Dicke/Smith at Trinity University. Call 210-999-8260. March 5 SAC Meeting: Student Government Association noon-1 p.m. in health promotions office in Room 150 of Loftin. Call 210486-0125. Lecture: Dr. Richard Talbert sponsored by Southwest Texas Archaeological Society and classical studies department 7:30 p.m.-8:45 p.m. in Room 126 of Chapman at Trinity University. Call 210999-7653. March 6 SAC Event: Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony 7 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Call 210-486-0668.
Wednesday
Deaf rapper Sean Forbes performs Feb. 18 during The Perfect Imperfection tour in the auditorium of McAllister. Forbes is the founder of D-PAN, the Deaf Professional Arts Network, a nonprofit organization composed of music industry professionals and deaf artists who strive to make music culture accessible to the hearing-impaired. Ingrid Wilgen
March 8 SAC Transfer: University of the Incarnate Word 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-4860864. SAC Transfer: Texas State UniversitySan Marcos 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. by appointment in transfer center Room 117 of early college program. Call 210486-0864. SAC Meeting: Psychology Club 2 p.m. in Room 502 of Moody. Continues Wednesdays. Call 210-486-1258. SAC Meeting: Black Student Alliance 2:30 p.m. in Room 400D of Moody. Continues Wednesdays. Call 210-4467159.
SAC Event: “Cancer Prevention and Women” workshop sponsored by services for women and nontraditional students and UT Health Science Center 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at the empowerment center, 703 Howard. Call 210-486-0455. March 10 SAC Event: Healthy Body/Healthy Home fair sponsored by continuing education training network 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Oppenheimer. Call 210-486-1428. Event: Luminaria: Arts Night in San Antonio 7 p.m.-1 a.m. at HemisFair Park, 200 S. Alamo. Call 210-212-4999. March 12
SAC Meeting: Gay and Lesbian Association 3 p.m. in faculty and staff lounge of Loftin. Continues Wednesdays. Call 210-486-0673.
Spring Break: Classes dismissed through March 18. Colleges closed March 15-18.
Network analyst Robert Puente, left, and nursing sophomore Jacob De La Garza, right, receive ash on their foreheads from Bishop Oscar Cantu and seminarian Taylor Elzner during Ash Wednesday services in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Riley Stephens
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Feb. 27, 2012
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SAFC meeting set despite quorum dispute Ethics officer calls actions of Feb. 2 activity fee committee meeting invalid. So there is no confusion in the future, administrators have asked for a ruling on the definition of a quorum for Student Activity Fee Committee meetings. By FAITH Dr. Adelina DUARTE Silva, vice chancellor for student fduarte3 @student. success, will clarify alamo.edu wording on district procedure F.2.3.1, Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of student affairs, said in a phone interview Monday. However, Silva could not say when that will be.
Scholarships PTK bonanza More than $37 million is waiting for Phi Theta Kappa members at more than 700 four-year colleges and universities. Applications are available at www. ptk.org. In addition, area universities, such as University of Texas at San Antonio, the University of the Incarnate Word and Texas Lutheran in Seguin are looking for PTK members, who will be automatically accepted.
In its Feb. 2 meeting, the Student Activity Fee Committee conducted business with two student members, nursing sophomore Daniel Having and Student Government Association commissioner Michael Martinez; SGA President Jacob Wong, who served as a voting alternate; and student life Director Jorge Posadas, who serves as nonvoting chair of the committee. On Monday, Silva told The Ranger she was seeking legal interpretation of the procedure, which says, “For the purpose of this committee, a quorum consists of any combination of
members with a plurality of student members present.” Although Silva did not specify a date for completion of the clarification process, she said it possibly could be done by the March 1 Student Activity Fee Committee meeting. Posadas maintains the three members present at the meeting constituted a quorum for the ninemember committee, despite the absence of three student members and two faculty members. Two positions for faculty or staff members remain vacant. “In terms of the law, there’s no violation,” Posadas said in a Feb. 14 interview. In a telephone interview Feb.
13, President Robert Zeigler said he understood the procedure required the presence of faculty and students. “It sounds like there needs to be both,” he said. In a phone interview Feb. 14, Eddie Cruz, ethics and compliance officer for the district, told The Ranger a quorum exists if a minimum of three student members and two faculty members are present. Cruz said decisions made at committee meetings are invalid if they meet without a quorum. “We didn’t have an official quorum at the meeting,” Zeigler told The Ranger Feb. 20. Vela told The Ranger that he
understood a total of five members constitutes a quorum as long as a student majority exists. He said there must be a combination of three student members and two faculty or staff members, or four students and one faculty or staff member. The next Student Activity Fee Committee meeting is 4 p.m. March 1 in the health promotions office in Room 150 of Loftin Student Center. The next training for completing a proposal is 10 a.m. March 5 in the craft room of Loftin. March 22 is the deadline for the April meeting. For more information, call the office of student life at 210-486-0125.
UIW will give a scholarship for $8,000 a year for PTK members. UTSA will award $2,500, and Texas Lutheran, the largest supporter of the PTK Honor Society will give $10,000. Other scholarships for the spring include the Frank Lanza Memorial Scholarship, Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise scholarship and GEICO Business Student Scholarship. Frank Lanza Scholarship is a new scholarship for majors in nursing, respiratory care and emergency medical services. This scholarship is only available to PTK students enrolled in a community college.
Twenty students will receive $2,500 each. Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise is awarding up to 180 scholarships of $1,000 to PTK community college students of any major. The GEICO Business Student Scholarship is awarded to the top two scoring business majors. Students qualified for the CocaCola Leaders of Promise Scholarship qualify for a $1,000 GEICO Business Student Scholarship. Applications are accepted through April 2 and again in the fall, Oct. 1-Dec. 1. For more information about the
scholarships, call Mena at 210-4861136 or go to www.ptk.org. Jennifer Luna
In addition, applicants need two letters of recommendation. Education must be the applicant’s career choice. They must be enrolled here this semester and next fall, have a 2.5 minimum GPA, not have completed a college degree, and have earned 12 or more hours college hours. TAPP has awarded more than $2,000 in scholarships in the past eight years. “You don’t have to be a club member,” Bernal said. For more information, visit www. tappatsac.blogspot.com. Jennifer Luna
TAPP Students seeking a career in education are encouraged to participate in the Teaching Academy Peers Program scholarship competition. The deadline is noon March 7. Pick up an application from English Professor Mary Ann Bernal in Room 209B of Gonzales Hall or the department in Room 123 of Gonzales Hall. The application can be submitted via email to tappatsac@gmail.com.
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MESA stops zombies In a competition where one of the objectives was to stop zombies, SAC excelled. Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement, or MESA, members competed in the Texas A&M Regional By OSITA Engineering Conference in College Station Feb. OMESIETE 11. sac-ranger@alamo.edu Two of three teams from this college placed second and third out of 22 teams. Astronomy Professor Alfred Alaniz and 12 students from this college attended the conference. Students of the Society of Women Engineers competed as well but did not place. Three teams total represented this college. Mexican American Engineers and Scientists Team 2 placed second and MAES Team 1 placed third. All three teams fall under the MESA umbrella. MESA is a club that any STEM major can join to obtain tutoring or any type of help with schoolwork. The University of Houston placed first. In 2010, this college did not place, but in 2011, this college placed fourth. This college was the only two-year institution competing in the conference. The Texas A&M Student Engineering Council invited each team in the competition. Teams began their construction at 9 a.m. Feb. 11 at Zachary Engineering Center and received three tasks they had to complete by 1 p.m. The theme of the competition was “Zombie Apocalypse.” The first task, titled Meteor Shower, required building a device that sheltered an egg from a tennis ball and a deflated basketball that were dropped from three separate heights. MAES
Team 2 produced a shelter of a cut-up mousetrap, clothespins, popsicle sticks and duct tape and covered it with bubble wrap. The second task, titled Zombie Attack, was to build a device that stopped zombies, who were A&M Texas students dressed as zombies walking, running and crawling toward the groups. MAES Team 2’s device consisted of a ruler, straw, pencil, latch from a mousetrap, duct tape and fired broken popsicle pieces. The third task, titled Medicine Drop, was to construct a shelter to protect when the egg was catapulted. Rafael Angdrita, bioengineering major, said, “We used all our remaining materials for this. We wrapped the egg in a plastic bag stuffed it with cotton balls and added straws, bubble wraps, ping pong balls, clothes pins, blown up balloons and a plastic bag.” Both MAES teams’ guns stopped seven out of the 10 attacking zombies. The zombies were stopped whenever they were hit with a projectile from a gun. Both teams that placed catapulted an egg more then 12 meters without breaking. Ten teams could place, and each individual member received a prize. First-place winners received an Amazon Kindle, second-place winners received a universal stereo that had iPod attachments and third place received Nerf guns. Additional prizes of DVDs and posters were also distributed. “It was a good chance to apply these principles that we’ve been learning,” mathematics sophomore Carina Mata said. “It was a friendly competition with an interesting theme.” For more information about MESA, contact Adel Gutierrez at 210-486-1825.
Computer science sophomore Cameron Girgus introduces himself to Japanese Club members at a meeting Feb. 10 in Room 106 of the academic instruction center. Ivie Okungbowa
Japanese Club president steps up President plans fundraiser to fund trip to Japan for members. By IVIE OKUNGBOWA
Computer science sophomore Cameron Girgus was elected Japanese Club president at a
annual Japanese Speech Contest Feb. 4 at this college. Shupp will be going to statewide compesac-ranger@alamo.edu tition March 10 at Herring Hall Auditorium at Rice University in Houston. Feb. 10 club meeting. English freshman Justin Borrego was Girgus has taken JAPN 1411, Elementary chosen to be treasurer of the Japanese Club. Japanese 1, and JAPN 1412, Elementary He said he plans to suggest club fundJapanese 2. raisers such as Kingy-Sukui, a game played He said he has participated as a volunduring Japanese festivals. teer but officially became Players try to scoop a member and president gold fish from a tank “Club members Feb. 10. with a ping pong-shaped will speak Japanese, He also plans to join paddle that has a paper experience the with other Japanese center. The player has to culture and discover groups, such as the scoop a goldfish without similarities and have Japanese Circle at the breaking the paper. the experience of University of Texas at San The player with an not being American, Antonio. intact paddle wins a goldbut being human.” As a part of his misfish. sion, Girgus said he plans Kawabe said the club’s Cameron Girgus, to encourage classmates last funds were spent on Japanese Club and students to join the cooking equipment in fall president Japanese Club. 2011 for fundraiser events The club is posting flisuch as Ocktoberfest. ers on bulletin boards around campus. For the Rodeo Roundup in Loftin, memBy joining, he said, “Club members will bers painted names in Japanese characters speak Japanese, experience the culture and and asked for donations. discover similarities and have the experiThe Maid Café, which allows the club to ence of not being American, but being take orders and serve students at tables in human.” the Fiesta Room, could be a fundraiser. In developing ideas with club members, Last semester, the Maid Café was canGirgus is planning a fundraiser to help fund celed because of a lack of volunteers. a trip to Japan for club members. Liberal arts sophomore Jay Trejo was Full-time Adjunct Yuko Kawabe said the elected secretary and visual arts sophomore Japanese Club hosts fundraisers to help stuSara Casas is historian. She documents club dents cover costs while in Japan. events by taking pictures. Liberal arts freshman Joshua Shupp was Meetings are every other Friday. The next elected vice president. meeting is March 9 in Room 106 of the acaShupp won first place in the College and demic instruction center. For more informaAdult Free Speech Division 5 at the 23rd tion, call 210-414-1357.
Biology sophomores Aly Klein and Chris Martin speak to Virginia McCaleb, CIMA Hospice volunteer coordinator, about volunteer opportunities Feb. 16 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Martin said he was inspired to pursue cancer research by a friend with brain cancer. Ingrid Wilgen
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Trustees approve 4-day week The Alamo Colleges board of trustees unanimously approved a four-day work week during summer sessions at the regular meeting Tuesday. The colleges will operate on four-day weeks June 4 to July 27. By JOSHUA The district used a fourFECHTER day week in summer 2010 and summer 2011. jfechter @student. According to the minalamo.edu ute order, the district saved $144,311 in utility expenses during summer 2010 and $199,194 in utility expenses during summer 2011 as a result of moving to a four-day week. The minute order states the district will save an estimated $200,000 in utility expenses. The board also unanimously approved an amendment to district policy D.4.6, Workplace Violence, stating that all employees who observe or have cause to suspect child abuse or neglect, sexual abuse of minors or criminal acts against minors on district property must report that information to the Alamo Colleges Police Department without delay. According to the minute order, the amendment was proposed in response to recent events at Pennsylvania State University regarding the abuse of minors. In other business, the board unanimously approved the appointment of Diane Beechinor, science chair at Northeast Lakeview College, to dean of arts and sciences effective March 1. Beechinor said she has worked at Northeast Lakeview since 2006. Before 2006, she worked as a biology professor at Palo Alto College. Currently, Northeast Lakeview does not have a dean of arts and sciences. The board also approved the appointment of five full-time faculty members at Northwest Vista College: education adjunct Elsa O’Campo; sociology Instructor Miriam Thompson; Viviane Marioneaux, digital media program coordinator; 3D animation Coordinator Qi Wang; and Howard Marquise, advanced water treatment instructor. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled March 20 in Room 101 of Killen Center at 201 W. Sheridan.
Architecture sophomore Patricia Sanchez asks Josten’s sales representative Barbara Mullen if her high school ring can be exchanged for a college ring during a graduation event Tuesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. She learned she would have to buy a new one. Riley Stephens
Fiesta celebrates graduation The college’s Graduation Committee established Graduation Fiesta as a way to provide information on the procedures for graduating. The event was offered last week in the Fiesta Room of By ROBERT Loftin Student Center. MEDINA “Not many students rmedina116@student. showed up,” said Dr. alamo.edu Jessica Howard, vice president of student affairs. March 9 is the deadline for a student to apply for spring graduation. Commencement will be at 10 a.m. May 12 at Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston. Any student missing the March 9 deadline will have to wait until next spring to walk the stage.
The ceremony is also open to students who graduated in December. Those who plan to graduate in the summer may also apply to participate in the ceremony. Students who did attend the fiesta also learned what steps they need to take to earn an associate degree. “A lot of students don’t know that you have to start the process by going online and submitting an application,” said Joe Jacques, assistant director of admissions. “Other students don’t know that that’s not the last part of the process: That’s just the beginning.” “As a result of what we did in the spring last year, we had a record number of graduates. The fall this year continued that momentum,”
Jacques said. “We awarded over 770 diplomas in the fall for graduates, and we’re hoping that momentum is only going to continue. And this, we hope will help to keep that going.” Representatives in attendance were from St. Mary’s University, Texas A&M UniversitySan Antonio, Our Lady of the Lake, University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of the Incarnate Word. They explained the steps necessary to transfer to their respective institutions. “We have information about admissions, financial aid and scholarship opportunities,” said Cheryl Hollenshead, associate director of undergraduate admission at St. Mary’s University.
Board rejects position on auditor selection committee Trustee recalls a 2002 criminal episode in board history. The Alamo Colleges board rejected a recommendation to include a member of the Audit, Budget and Finance Committee in the district’s external auditor selection process at its regular meetBy JOSHUA ing Tuesday. FECHTER At a Feb. 7 meeting, Jfechter @student. the commitalamo.edu tee approved a motion to amend their charter to allow the committee to review and approve the process for acquiring external audit services; review and approve the external audit services request for proposals and related documents; and allow the committee chair to appoint a nonvoting member of the Audit, Budget and Finance Committee to the external audit services selection committee. The nonvoting member would have access to the proposals submitted, attend committee meetings and observe presentations of interviews of the proposing firms. District 7 trustee Blakely
Fernandez said participating in the selection process is part of the board’s fiduciary responsibilities. “That’s a direct obligation of the board of trustees on behalf of the public,” she said. She said the external audit process is a board function, not staff. “To have staff select the external auditor and participate in the interviews solely opens up opportunities at a time we don’t have this level of professional staff where they could intentionally choose audit firms that are going to ask easier questions.” She said by letting both staff and trustees participate in the selection process, the board could be sure the process went well. District 1 trustee Joe Alderete said he has not served on a board where the audit committee was not involved in selecting an external auditor. District 9 trustee James Rindfuss said the board, not staff, approves the external auditor. Rindfuss said he worried about how trustees would influence the selection process.
“I find that generally when you district,” Rindfuss said Tuesday. put a board member in with the staff District 3 trustee Anna on a situation such as procurement, Bustamante said the board is no lonit has a chilling effect any time the ger engaging in that type of behavior. board member indicates a kind of a Rindfuss said the board should preference,” he said. guard against “It’s opening Rindfuss said he has similar behavior. the door in a seen trustees become District 5 way I feel very too involved in protrustee Roberto curement. In 2002, Zárate said one of uncomfortable three former trustees the reasons he ran with.” were indicted. for the board was Dr. Gene District 5 trustee because trustees Sprague, Jesse Gonzales was were too involved District 6 trustee charged for accepting a in procurement, $5,000 bribe from archireferring to the tect Louis Cruz and served 16 months 2002 indictments. He said he did of a 12-year sentence. not support allowing a trustee to be District 2 trustee Donald McClure, involved in the selection process. now deceased, was sentenced to District 6 trustee Gene Sprague one year deferred adjudication after said if trustees became involved in pleading no contest to interfering the process, they would exert influwith a public servant. ence whether they voted or not. District 4 Robert “Tinker” “They’re going to be asked for Gonzalez was charged with a misde- their opinion, very likely, outside that meanor count of conspiring to com- committee,” he said. mit abuse of office. He was sentenced Sprague said he would feel comto one year probation, a $500 fine fortable if the board approved the and community service. measure with current trustees in “That ended in disaster for this place, but that approving the mea-
sure would allow future trustees who may not have good intentions to influence the process. “It’s opening the door in a way I feel very uncomfortable with,” he said. Dr. Federico Zaragoza, vice chancellor of economic and workforce development, said Chancellor Bruce Leslie advised the board not to place a trustee on the selection committee. Leslie, who was on vacation, did not attend. Zaragoza sat in his place. Sprague, Rindfuss, Zárate, District 8 trustee Gary Beitzel and District 2 trustee Denver McClendon voted to approve the charter without the clause allowing board involvement in the selection process. Fernandez, Bustamante and Alderete voted against it. District 4 trustee Marcelo Casillas abstained. Casillas said he understood Fernandez’s position but also said the board has had problems with involvement in procurement in the past. He said he was undecided on the topic. The full board will meet March 20 in Room 101 of Killen Center at 201 W. Sheridan.
Prem
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“Texas Women: kick off the 2012 Wo a.m. March 8 in Roo “We decided to especially issues that art Professor Marlee President Robert will be provided. Hoover will then ing 20 years of wom of women’s rights. Artist Julia Barb Golden Ass: Perform The performance views and testimoni and Mexico border. From 10:50 a.m.– Christie WoodwardKathy Armstrong, Pl and exhibitions coor
Preparation key to auditions Job interviews, performance auditions, college applications, political campaigns, networking: Everything in life is an audition. No one gets away without at least a moment in the spotlight for some By SYLVIA reason. MILLAN Feb. 6-8, the fine arts conducted sac-ranger@alamo.edu department auditions for the upcoming production of “A View from the Bridge” by Arthur Miller, directed by theater Instructor Charles Falcon. Forty students auditioned for 16 roles during those two days. Falcon called back 20 students for the third and final day of auditions. The production premieres 7:30 p.m. April 5 and continues April 5-7 and 12-14, with a final matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. April 15. Admission is $10 for general admission, and $2 for Alamo College ID carriers. The play revolves around Eddie Carbone, a Brooklyn longshoreman who is unhappily married to Beatrice and unconsciously in love with his niece Catherine, who the couple raised from childhood. The play, which also was produced as a film and opera as well as a stage production, heavily influenced Elia Kazan’s “On the Waterfront.” Actors interested in landing a role in the production, prepared to “wow” in the audition. Theater sophomore Anthony Diaz received a callback after his audition for “A View from the Bridge.” He participated in drama competitions throughout high school. Diaz offered these tips for auditioning: • Do some research on the material you are about to audition. • Rehearse until you feel the material is at its best. • Record yourself to hear and see yourself perform. • Dress appropriately for the audition. • Always find your confidence or be able to put yourself in that place in your mind where you can relax. • Be prepared with another piece to show as well. • Never chew gum while auditioning. • Don’t give up. “The most important thing is to have fun,” Diaz said. Students do not have to be theater majors to audition. “Read the play you are auditioning for and just go for it,” Falcon said. “It’s more than a role; it’s a fun educational experience.” Future auditions for theater productions or musical performances will be posted on the fine arts website at www.alamo.edu/sac/FineArts/ Calendar/ or bulletin boards around the college. Theater Chair Jeff Hunt said the next audition will be in August for the first of two fall productions. For more information, call the fine arts department at 210-486-0255.
Giant paint brushes mark the visual arts center as a stop on the Tobin Hill art walk. Riley Stephens
Library joins second Friday Tobin Hill art walk The library in Moody Learning Center will be part of the monthly Tobin Hill “Art on the Hill” art walk. The art walk is every second Friday of the month to promote area studios and galleries. The art walk, 6 p.m.–10 p.m. March 9, starts at the visual arts center at 950 Lewis St., continues east to Josephine Street, southwest on Euclid Avenue, then north on North St. Mary’s Street. A complimentary shuttle will be available with stops at each gallery. On March 9, the library will host a reception from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. on the third floor for artist Chet Graham, whose work is displayed in the library in Moody Learning Center.
Graham’s exhibit, “Formulation = Chet Graham” is on display throughout the semester on the third floor of the library. Appelin-Williams’ exhibit, “Shifting Views: The Art of Bernice A. Appelin-Williams,” will be on display on the second and fourth floors of the library until Wednesday. Her exhibit was part of the college’s observation of Black History Month. Jazz’n’Theory, a student band, will perform. The events are open to the public, and refreshments will be provided. For more information, call Librarian Eileen Oliver at 210-486-0577 or go to www.tobinarts.com. Rebecca Salinas
20 acts in ASL talent show set for March 3 The American Sign Language and interpreter training department is preparing for its sixth annual talent show. The event will showcase acts from students and faculty of the department. About 20 acts will perform songs and skits, department Chair Lauri
Metcalf, said. The talent show is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 3 in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. A silent auction precedes the show at 6 p.m. There is no fee to attend the show; however, the department suggests a
$10 donation as a contribution to the department’s scholarship fund. The department raised more than $6,000 with last year’s talent show, Metcalf said. For more information, contact the department at 210-486-1106. Silvia Millan
Mortuary trip set for New
Cemeteries, a funeral home and Mardi G
Students on a 2003 trip visited St. Louis Cemetery where voodoo queen Marie Laveau is buried. File photo
The mortuary science department plans its annual trip to New Orleans trip March 9-11. New Orleans’ mysticism and religious traditions have created an immense respect for the dead. This respect goes back to a culture that explained death and natural disasters with black magic and Santeria, an Afro-Cuban religion based on Yoruba beliefs traditions combined with Catholic elements, according to the BBC. Registration for the trip is limited to 50 students, who will visit landmarks in the city and surrounding areas related to the mortuary science program, giving students a new approach to the field. Professor Francisco Solis said although to some, the study of the dead may seem dull, this is a trip that mortuary science students look forward to as an enriching and entertaining experience. “We always have so much fun,” he said.
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men’s History symposium looks at health
Laws, Health, and Survival” will omen’s History Symposium at 9:25 om 120 of visual arts. o tackle some heavy duty issues, t affect women right here in Texas,” en Hoover said. t Zeigler will speak, and breakfast
set the tone for the event by recallmen’s history and discussing issues
bosa Landois will perform “The mance and Artistic Research.” e mixes dialogue based on interials about prostitution on the U.S.
–12:05 p.m., government Professor -Kaupert will introduce speakers lanned Parenthood board member rdinator for the Southwest School
of Art, and Mara Posada, strategic communications manager at Planned Parenthood, who will speak on “Moving Forward: Standing Strong for Women’s Health Care.” “People Identify Planned Parenthood as an abortion clinic, and it’s not, and to reduce funding for it hurts women in general,” Hoover said. Lunch will be provided in the last half hour, and students will be able to interact with the speakers. Art Professor Debra Schafter will introduce Bettina Langrebe, artist and conservator, who will present “Beaten With a Hammer,” from 12:15 p.m. -1:30 p.m. She will speak on her study and exhibit on the murder of women in Juarez. “Last year, we were looking at history, but this year were looking at what’s happening now,” art Professor Rebecca Dietz said. For more information, call the office of student life 210-486-0125. Janeka Porter
Women’s march theme is ‘Leading the Rebirth’ The San Antonio International Women’s Day March and Rally has historically addressed a wide range of issues from violence against women to reproductive choice. This year, the theme for the 22nd annual march is women “Leading the Rebirth.” “We march to continue the work that has to be done with dealing with all the issues we face today as women,” said Rosalynn Warren, member of the San Antonio International Women’s Day March planning committee. The committee, a community-based group, will host the International Women’s Day March and Rally beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Grand Hyatt Hotel at Bowie and Market streets.
The march will end with a rally at Plaza del Zacate at Milam Park, 501 W. Commerce St., south of Christus Santa Rosa Hospital. “This is an opportunity for women to come together in solidarity,” Warren said. Last year, the theme was “Sin Fronteras Mujeres Marcharan Por Paz, Justicia y Solidaridad,” which translates as “without borders women will march for peace, justice and solidarity.” More than 1,000 people marched in 2011. “Women’s issues are all issues,” Warren said. For more information, go to www.sawomenwillmarch.org or call the Esperanza Center at 210228-0201. Janeka Porter
Dinner in style takes center stage The sold-out production includes a five-course meal.
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The OnStage Drama Club and the office of student life will present “Almost, Maine” during their second annual dinner theater at 7 p.m. March 2 in the Loftin Student Center. Seats are sold out. The play, by John Cariani and, directed by Paula Rodriguez, will follow a five-course meal prepared by French chef, Federick Danzoy who trained in Bordeaux, France. Danzoy is direct manager of Selrico Services, which has the contract to provide food in Loftin. He has worked across the country including at Horseshoe Country Club, L’Etoile restaurant, and La Traviata in Austin. The menu for the evening: Seafood bisque bouillabaisse style (shrimp, scallops, squid and clams in a creamy tomato base) served with garlic toast points and aioli. Vinaigrette frisée with cranberries, candied pecans, bacon and topped with goat cheese in puffy pastry. Margarita style shrimp ceviche with mango and sweet peppers, peppadews. Rosemary roasted prime rib served with roasted fingerling potatoes and squash medley Lavender honey infused crème brulée and coffee. The topper is a romantic comedy, in the fictional town of Almost, Maine, where the residents fall in and out of love. For more information, call the fine arts department at 210486-0255. Silvia Millan
Orleans
Gras World are among destinations.
Attendees are staying at La Quinta Inn & Suites n the French Quarter near downtown New Orleans. Also, students will visit the above ground tomb emetery locally referred as “cities of the dead,” hisorical cemeteries and funeral homes, and the San rancisco Plantation, which was the most lucrative ugar cane plantation field in North America in the arly 1800s. Students will also go to Mardi Gras World where hey will see floats that have graced Mardi Gras arades. Lunch and dinner will be provided. Registration costs $335 per person, which ncludes all of the above. As of Wednesday, two ots were available. For more information, call Chair Felix Gonzales, t 210-486-1135 or email at fgonzales@alamo.edu. Carlas Aranguren
Mortuary science students visited Mardi Gras World to examine costumes, customs and parade floats in this 2003 photo. File photo
Vol. 86 Issue 11 • Single copies free • Feb. 11, 2012 • 210-486-1773 • theranger.org
Editorial
8 • The Ranger
Feb. 27, 2012
www.theranger.org/opinion
Editor Joshua Fechter Managing Editor Alma Linda Manzanares News Editor Faith Duarte Sections Editor Jennifer M. Ytuarte Photo Editor Ingrid Wilgen Photo Team Janell Arnold, Victoria Drumming, Nicole Henry, Eloy Hilburn, Alberto Penuelaz, Christopher Perez, Felipe Perez Jr., Troy Renteria, Cecilia Tornel, Donna Quintana Multimedia Editor J. Almendarez Video Team Dee Dixon, Valerie Salazar, Carmen Sanjuan, Riley Stephens Illustrator Alexandra Nelipa, Juan Carlos Campos Staff Writers Carla Aranguren, Jennifer Coronado, Melissa Gonzales, Kirk Hanes, Jennifer Luna, Rachel McKee, Alicia Millan, Silvia Millan, Ivie Okungbowa, Osita Omesiete, Diana Palomo, Darrell Payne, Janeka Porter, Rebecca Salinas, Matthew Schiffmacher Web Editors Jacob Beltran Robert Medina ©2012 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 Mondays 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.
Juan Carlos Campos
Ratio dilutes service To reach a faculty ratio of 50 percent fulltime to 50 percent part-time at this college, district officials requested names of the most recently hired faculty members in preparation for transferring them to other Alamo Colleges. In “Chancellor considers transferring faculty” in the Feb. 6 issue, The Ranger reported on a plan to exile a group of faculty members hired specifically for needs in departments at this college. Last in, first out, period. While Chancellor Bruce Leslie must officially approve the transfers, he said he has not read any “validated literature” suggesting an adjunct faculty majority has a negative impact on students. You have to have evidence — not a lack thereof — to make an informed decision. Adjuncts, or “freeway fliers,” often teach at multiple campuses, spending the minimum required time at each. Considering the paltry pay, they can’t be blamed; they have bills to pay, too. More time spent commuting between campuses in town (and not uncommonly, out of
town) equates to less time with students. For an effective, well-rounded education, students need a diverse, available faculty outside as well as inside the classroom. Full-time faculty members are required to offer 10 office hours a week. They provide continuity, character and integrity to the college. Imagine a majority adjunct faculty trying to sort through the assorted “glitches” that have plagued registration, transcripts and financial aid in the last two years. They wouldn’t have the time or the knowledge to assist students. One of the targeted, English Instructor Richard Farias, is an adviser to the Gay and Lesbian Association and coordinates Coming Out Week and helps with Hispanic Heritage Month in the fall at this college. His level of involvement and service to students doesn’t happen often with adjuncts. Students pay tuition hoping for the best professors, so shouldn’t we make sure, at the very least, professors are available to them on campus?
Openness vital check This country is founded on the idea of checks and balances. However trendy it sounds, transparency is one of those checks. When decision-making entities conduct their business within view of the public, they are forced to be accountable for their actions. When institutions and people discuss concerns and take actions openly, it allows all people, not only journalists, to have access to information directly affecting them. A free flow of Information is the key to invoking change. Here’s the rub: When does the average person have time to gather facts, conduct interviews with officials and gather reactions from people about changes or lack thereof? The undebatable answer is that the average person does not have time to do those things because of work, family, friends, traffic, sleep and countless other demands of life. If the average person dedicated the time necessary to gathering that information, it would become a full-time job. There are people who devote that much time to the task; those people are called
journalists. Their duty is to be the public’s representative and report back on the doings of government, business, nonprofits, religion, industry, entertainment and sports. Contrary to what people believe, journalists are not out to “get” anyone. And despite the inclusion of editorials, we are not driven by the need to tell others what to think. Journalists discover the facts, seek truth and present information from all sides. The sole purpose is to inform. Journalists leave the letter writing, picketing, applause and complacent shrugs to the reader; however, when there is not accessibility to information or interviews, the censored perspective remains untold. This does not deprive journalists of the ability to write a story. Instead, it deprives the public of the ability to make well-informed choices. When people reply with “no comment” or refuse to provide requested information, they are not holding out on a journalist, they are holding out on the public.
Feb. 27, 2012
Editorial
The Ranger • 9
www.theranger.org/opinion
SGA needs to focus on student needs Many college issues con- time faculty to adjuncts, likely cern students and faculty necessitating more transfers. alike. For many years, stuWith so much decisiondents have complained about making that doesn’t serve a poorly lit campus. Crimes, students well, it seems including assaults, occur on the Student Government and around the campus, and Association would be focused the inadequate lighting has on representing the interests not been improved beyond of students.Officers focus on replacing a few broken bulbs. blaming The Ranger — for The absence simply reporting of a clinic where on SGA activities SGA meets the students can get first three Mondays of — and now they every month noon-1 nonemergenrefuse interviews p.m. in in Room 150 cy assistance is with The Ranger. of Loftin. For more another concern, SGA meminformation, call 210especially for speber Lizzie Allen, 486-0125. cial needs stuPsychology Club dents. The health president and center was shut leaving education and psychology 23,000 students without help sophomore, was quoted in a for minor emergencies. November article headlined During Sweet Treats with “Student leaders detail event SGA, many opinions and con- plans, complaints about The cerns, including the ones list- Ranger,” saying, “They are ed above, were voiced. putting such a negative spin What is being done with on things, and all it’s doing is the information, and where creating division, and all of are the attempts to seek a us in here are trying to create resolution? that community that we love Among the problems are about SAC.” motorcycle parking, transHow does refusing to speak parency at all levels and the to reporters of the college spectre of increased student news media help to develop a activity fees. sense of community? The chancellor proposes If Student Government moving teachers around like President Jacob Wong, a psychess pieces. Meanwhile, chology sophomore, claims to class sections keep getting be the “voice of the student,” cut, creating a greater hard- why not take up their grievship in reaching the district’s ances and set aside the petty coveted 50-50 ratio of full- behavior?
Ranger transforming In our technology-driven world, it has been said the newspaper is dying. Its demise has been predicted repeatedly for decades with the introduction of radio, TV, videotape and high-speed streaming Internet. The future of journalism may lie in the hands of Facebook and Twitter rather than in print. CNN reported 61 percent of Americans said they get their news online, according to a survey by the Pew Internet and American Life Project. Because newspapers have been willing to provide content free online, consumers have been unwilling to pay for access. This stalemate has resulted in a gloomy climate littered with death-watch websites and led to the closure of print stalwarts. In 2009, the Seattle PostIntelligencer stilled its presses and began to publish online only. Two years earlier, the Cincinnati Post launched its online-only version kypost. com. Newsrooms across the country experienced waves of layoffs.
While circulation, ad revenues and employment numbers have declined, advancements in technology have opened new possibilities for the denizens of newsrooms. The news media alone have risen in the public’s trust this year, according to the 2012 Edelman Trust Barometer, a global survey of trust levels in government, business, nongovernmental organizations and the media. The Ranger, too, is transforming: a new look, new design, new possibilities. The Ranger increased the page size, allowing for more content and bigger photos. Stories in the print edition of the newspaper often tip to the theranger.org to engage the reader with extra material, such as videos, slideshows, audio clips and stories. New stories are posted almost everyday, and visitors can stream video content, featuring glimpses into college life from boxing practice to the rodeo. With the evolution in technology, newspapers aren’t dying: They’re transforming into news organizations that compete on all fronts in all media via the Internet.
A middle ground we’ve never known Growing up, I attended church each Saturday with my grandmother, and in high school, I enrolled in a Catholic private school. I was taught the basic rules of Catholic relationships and that only a man and woman could truly marry, share God’s love and have sex. My second semester of college, however, I was assigned as a beginning reporter for The Ranger to cover the Gay and Lesbian Association. As any good reporter does, I put my bias and opinion aside and covered the group without any hesitation, and as I did, I learned more insight into a world I had been taught Viewpoint by was forbidden. JACOB BELTRAN I saw love and compasjbeltran24@student. sion for one another much alamo.edu like what I’ve seen in many healthy heterosexual relationships. I couldn’t believe how passionate the members of GALA were, and, most of all, the kindness they showed to everyone they dealt with. When I covered their meetings, they were a welcoming family, not afraid to answer any questions I had and willing to give me more information than I could think to ask as a new reporter. Instead of being angry with people who did not accept them, they were steadfast in their ways and not quick to attack those who may not have been so nice to them, a quality many people seem to lack.
But aside from being a reporter, as a Catholic, I can’t rightly approve of the homosexual lifestyle, which the church considers a sin. Many churches, true to the teachings of Catholicism, are opposed to homosexuality. Though I have many friends who are not Catholic, but devout in their own religion, they have said that gays will go to hell because their lifestyle is unholy. I would prefer to think that God has mercy, but the foundations of many religions say their deities don’t. After seeing both views on the homosexual lifestyle, I’ve found that there is no middle ground, no compromise in plain view, and certainly not one that we can reach within our lifetime. Neither side will budge on this issue. But from having seen the love and kindness from the other side, I can’t help but feel compassion for their struggle. This may not be a recorded war, but the similarities are evident. We are soldiers on each side of the issue of defining marriage, but instead of being spiteful, we must show compassion for each other. Where there is no compromise, compassion must take its place. If we can’t come to an agreement about allowing gay marriage or some other compromise, we must still respect each other’s way of life and keep our judgments to ourselves. We’ll hold on to our sides for now, and until a compromise appears on the horizon, we’ll need to be as friendly to one another as humanly possible. Take it from me, it’s possible.
Commitment to marriage brings conflict It was dark at the Bexar County courthouse when I went to look for a fellow reporter who needed a ride. Valentine’s Day was ending. I sat with the motor running, scanning the dimly lit crowd on the courthouse stairs. Homosexual couples were committing themselves to one another in the dark, a commitment that the state of Texas does not recognize. Viewpoint by Couples embraced with INGRID WILGEN raw emotion. Tears of comicobham@student.alamo. passion welled within me. edu I loved them all; courageous human beings fighting for rights marriage affords.
I am conflicted. As a person who tries to be Torah observant, my standards for life come from the Word of God. Scripture forbids homosexuality. Marriage, defined from the first pages of Genesis, is an institution formed between one man and one woman. For me, there can be no compromise. His Torah has been a lamp unto my feet, and it has never failed me. His definition is clear. Yet, remembering the beautiful raw emotions on the courthouse stairs moves me days later beyond measure. I pray every day that I learn to love as God loves. He loves us all, but that love does not mean he accepts all our choices. I hope one day these couples can share a civil union affording them the rights they want, leaving God’s definition of marriage intact.
News
10 • The Ranger
Feb. 27, 2012
www.theranger.org
Complaints may end tradition
GREEHEY DEGREE-COMPLETION SCHOLARSHIP Our Lady of the Lake University offers a degreecompletion scholarship for first-generation college students who are studying business at one of the Alamo College campuses. Eligible students who transfer to OLLU will receive a scholarship that covers half of tuition costs. Features of the William E. Greehey Scholars Program: • Scholarship covers up to half of tuition costs • Complete a Bachelor of Arts in Management in two years • Attend classes held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings Students applying for the William E. Greehey Scholars Program must: • Have an associate’s degree in Business from an Alamo College or hold at least 60 hours • Be at least 23 years old • Be one of the first in the family to attend college Learn more Call: 210-431-3961 Email: transfer@ollusa.edu
411 S.W. 24th Street San Antonio, TX 78207 210-434-6711 www.ollusa.edu
After a silent protest of Texas marriage laws by samesex couples and straight allies on Feb. 14, attendees Julie Pousson and By JENNIFER Shari Kubik M. YTUARTE spoke before Bexar County jytuarte8 @student. Commissioalamo.edu ners Court Tuesday to propose opening the Valentine’s Day free wedding ceremonies to other Bexar County officiates through a lottery system. The Rev. Joe Sullivan, psychology professor who began the mass wedding tradition, agreed to write a viewpoint for this paper during a phone interview Feb. 17 but recanted Feb. 20 and has since refused to answer follow-up questions about the event. Pousson and members of the Direct Action Network of San Antonio, organized an equal rights protest before a midnight mass wedding at the courthouse on Feb. 14. The group walked from Milam Park to the courthouse steps, and the same-sex couples mingled among other couples. Eleven same-sex couples participated in the ring and vows exchange, a yearly tradition. However, before the ceremony could begin, Sullivan asked for every couple to display their marriage license and asked non-license holders to join the crowd and move away from the ceremony. Pousson and Kubik spoke during the citizens-to-be-heard
portion of the meeting. Pousson said County Judge Nelson Wolff said Sullivan’s behavior did not represent San Antonio. Pousson said Wolff called the pastor’s comments “reprehensible.” She said they both promised to investigate the county’s relationship with the pastor and end his sole control of the event. Joe Engel, computer science junior at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and his partner, architecture freshman Aaron Morrison, were one of the most prominent couples that night. They hugged and kissed each other in response to Sullivan’s requests for the samesex couples to step down. Sullivan repeated, “Only couples with a license will be acknowledged, so please get off the stairs.” The same-sex couples faced almost 10 minutes of warnings from Sullivan, including an open request for police intervention. “It seemed like everyone else in the crowd and on the steps were in support of us,” Engel said. “One of the other couples tapped us on the shoulder and said, ‘You shouldn’t move.’” Engel said he laughed when Sullivan said their actions were illegal. “We knew we were within our boundaries of where we should be and weren’t disrupting anything,” he said. “I spoke with my partner a couple days beforehand and we knew
Aaron Morrison kisses Joe Engel during a mass wedding ceremony Feb. 14. Jennifer M. Ytuarte we were going to stand our ground.” Pousson said, during last year’s ceremony, Sullivan openly acknowledged the same-sex couples and said the ceremony is not legal and would mean nothing to them. Engel said Sullivan was Christian-centric and told the couples to make sure they were the same religion to avoid conflict. Sullivan also told the brides to wake up and bake at night if their husbands ask, and told the men to buy the wife a new car if it is her wish. Engel wasn’t sure how comfortable couples of other religious traditions felt during Sullivan’s speech about marriage duties. “I don’t know about the rest of the crowd, but the male in one of our same sex-couples was Jewish,” Engel said. After the event, Engel said he read an article about the wedding in The Current. “He (Sullivan) called us animalistic, he said we were licking and fondling our partners and he blew it way out of proportion. We were kissing.” Engel said, “Society is accepting. It just seems to be the religious figureheads that have not accepted change.”
Food pantry an obligation, professor says Economics Professor Susan Spencer said at the first Hot Potato lecture of the semester that running the college’s food pantry is her way of fulfilling an obligation to help others. The lecture was By ALMA LINDA Tuesday at the Methodist MANZANARES Student Center. The pantry, located at amanzanares6 @student.alamo.edu 602 W. French Place, is a service learning project for Phi Theta Kappa, the college honor society, and provides groceries for students, faculty and staff with a district-issued ID noon-3 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. “The topic of hunger is near and dear to my heart because I seem to have a natural affinity for it,” Spencer said. “All of us have within us something that draws us to put our passions in.” Spencer said as a child, she attended a religious school that taught her the concepts of giving back, love, support and community. She grew up in a low-income family but never considered herself poor, she said. “I always had food,” Spencer said. “I never had a chance to understand the depth of hurt and damage that the definition of hunger, in terms of lacking of food, could do to a person, their being, their soul.” Spencer said she gets embarrassed when she tells herself she is doing a good deed by running the food bank because it’s an easy way out. “You need to have a little more depth of understanding of what’s happening and how can we really make a difference and what is our individual obligation,” she said. She said she was embarrassed because it
took her so long to notice the problem of hunger in college students. Spencer asked James Ma, criminal justice and sociology sophomore, if he had a talent that could help those who are in need. He said he often visits a homeless man down the street from his house. “Every time I see him, I drop by and make sure he’s all right, make sure he’s feeling OK, and I give him $2 here and there,” Ma said. Spencer said Ma had the talent for caring. As a college student, Spencer focused on her studies and did not give back as much as the college students do now, she said. “I had blinders on; it’s embarrassing,” Spencer said. “College students today give so much more.” With the pantry, Spencer said she knows her students are getting nourished. “Hunger diminishes people from being all that they can be,” she said. Spencer said biology Professor Ellen Brennan, who teaches nutrition courses at this college, helps at the pantry to make sure the pantry is providing the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. “If you need food, you come, and we’ll share what we have,” Spencer said. The next Hot Potato, “Should a Candidate’s Religious Affiliation or Beliefs Matter in an Election?” presented by government Professor Asslan Khaligh and the Rev. John Feagins, Methodist Student Center director, will be 12:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap Place. For more information, call 210-733-1441.
Pulse
Feb. 27, 2012
The Ranger • 11
www.theranger.org
Cipriano Pineda, retired Navy aircraft mechanic, greases the right-side bottom bracket, a steel bearing which allows the crank arm and pedal to rotate, during a Viva Verde! bike building session Feb. 6 in the facilities shed of Palo Alto College. The group met again Sunday and if needed, will schedule another session to finish the fleet. Jennifer M. Ytuarte
Claiming your lane Bicycle riders must follow the same traffic laws as motorists, the bicycle and pedestrian transportation planner from the San Antonio and Bexar Metropolitan Planning Organization said By SILVIA at two workshops at MILLAN Palo Alto College. The Go Green! sac-ranger@alamo.edu Viva Verde! Committee at Palo Alto College offered the workshops on Feb. 20 and Thursday to educate motorists and cyclists about sharing the road. “A bicycle is a legal vehicle on the road,” guest speaker Lydia Kelly said as she explained that every cyclist must follow the same laws as motorists. “We are required to obey all the same rules,” she continued. “Like a motorist, we have to ride with
traffic, not against traffic … as well as stop at stop signs, stop at stop lights and signal our intentions,” Kelly said. Kelly gave examples of laws that cars and bikes share — not hugging the curb, distance between vehicles, lights and signals. “Claim your lane,” she said. “We are allowed to claim the entire lane as long as we don’t impede traffic.” She explained claiming lanes makes the cyclist and motorist safe. Kelly touched on scenarios that can affect bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians sharing the road. “If the road is small, always wait and make eye contact to the others and let them know for them to go first. It can save your life,” she said. Kelly shared a video with her audience
that reinforced her speech, showing the precautions cyclists, motorists and pedestrians take when they are on the road. The audience received free helmets and brochures with maps of San Antonio’s bikefriendly streets and sites like Palo Alto. The Go Green! Viva Verde! Committee is sponsoring a bike share program for the South Side college. Kelly would like to become involved with other Alamo Colleges and universities around the city to inform students about going green through cycling. For more information, call communications Professor Denise Richter at 210-4863237 or e-mail drichter@alamo.edu. To contact Kelly or the San Antonio and Bexar Metropolitan Planning Organization, call 210-230-6911 or e-mail kell@sanetroplan.org.
Steve Sikes of Service King Collision Repair chooses a seat post from boxes of parts while Michael Tejeda, art teacher at Dwight Middle School, looks for a crank arm to fit his chain set during a bike-building session Feb. 6 at Palo Alto College. Jennifer M. Ytuarte
Last Chance Forever shares bird’s-eye view The center rehabilitates injured birds back to the wild. Though his animals perform on command, don’t confuse them with pets; these creatures are expert hunters who can live without petting. In fact, you could lose a finger — about By JENNIFER the size of much of their prey — if you CORONADO are foolish enough to attempt it. The birds of prey John Karger, execsac-ranger@alamo.edu utive director of Last Chance Forever, presented are in recovery from injuries ranging from broken wings or legs to gunshot wounds. Feb. 11 at the 63rd San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Karger showed a variety of birds of prey and described their various natural talents. This was the second year the center presented the bird lecture on the grounds of Freeman Coliseum. Assisting Karger were Anthony Pace, a rehab wrapper, and Kelly
Rayner, the educational director of Last Chance Forever. Karger said hurt birds are usually brought in for care by individuals. “Our goal is to rehabilitate the birds and put them back into the wild,” Karger said. He founded the center in 1978 and has delivered more than 400 presentations in Texas and Minnesota. View VIDEO The center is a nonOF THE BIRDS profit, tax-exempt organiOF PREY at zation, and donations to www.theranger.org the center help send birds back into the wild. Karger said the center has a success rate of returning into the wild 65 percent to 80 percent of the birds they care for. “Birds don’t live long on their own,” Karger said. “They live longer in captivity.” Donations can be made online at www.lastchanceforever.org. For more information, call the center at 210-449-4080 or visit the website.
News
12 • The Ranger
Feb. 27, 2012
www.theranger.org
Run raises domestic violence awareness One year after the death of nursing student Kristine Meza, she is still remembered by many. Meza, 25, was shot to death Feb. 11, 2011, in a murder-suicide perpetrated by her ex-boyfriend Nicholas “Rocky” By MELISSA Maldonado. GONZALES In the pouring rain, more than 300 parsac-ranger@alamo.edu ticipants on Feb. 18 attended the first “Stop The Silence, End The Violence” 5K Run/Walk. Registration began at 7 a.m. and the 3.2mile run/walk started at 8:05 a.m. at McAllister Park. Despite the thunderstorms and heavy rain that continued through the early morning hours, the volunteers of the Kristine Meza Foundation were not discouraged. International studies freshman José Gonzalez said he lost a relative to a similar domestic violence situation. He said he chose to participate because “it’s a good cause and I like to run.” Gonzalez said the rain was not a factor in his decision to run, and two family members accompanied him in support of the cause. He said he heard about the run in his SPCH 1318, Interpersonal Speech, where Jessica Meza, a speech sophomore, announced the event. Jessica Meza is a sister of Kristine Meza and helped organize the event. She said she was amazed at the turnout despite the weather. Jacob Garcia, a San Antonio police officer and three-year veteran, participated in the race. He advised anyone who feels they may be in an abusive relationship to get out as soon as possible. He said victims should not think they are alone in the decision-making process and should take advantage of advice from those who care about them. He said “a lot of times, people call us just to have us over at their house if they are having problems, just to talk.” Marta Pelaez, president of the Battered Women’s and Children’s Shelter, spoke before the race about how big the problem of domestic violence is in San Antonio and how important it is to take it seriously. Pelaez said the problem is directly related to a combination of factors: education, economic levels and individual cultural influences. She said last year, 40,628 people received services through her agency, which Saturday housed 178 people and is
Speech communication sophomore Alexandria Meza runs to the finish line holding hands with her sister Brianna Meza, sixth grader at Barbara Bush Middle School, during the first “Stop the Silence, End the Violence” run in honor of their sister, domestic abuse victim Kristine Meza at McAllister Park Feb. 18. Photos by Jennifer M. Ytuarte the largest single shelter in Texas. The race commenced with the singing of the national anthem, a short prayer and the release of dozens of purple balloons into the sky. Jessica Meza said, “The balloons were a symbol that represented all the lives that have been lost because of this. It’s nonsense to have to take someone’s life out of anger or control.” A part of the proceeds will be donated to the Battered Women’s and Children’s Shelter. The foundation is setting up a scholarship in the name of Kristine Meza for any students of the Alamo Colleges and could be available as early as fall 2013. Nursing sophomores Naomi Clifton and Tori
View video of 5k Run and read the Kristine MEZA STORY at www.theranger.org
HOW TO PREVENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Recognize and know the signs of family and domestic violence. If the signs apply to you, admit the problem. Talk to someone. Seek help. Do not remain silent. Do not remain in a situation that exposes you or your children to danger. If the signs apply to a close friend, get them to talk to you about their problem and seek help. There are people who can help you, regardless of your circumstances. Most services are free. You must take the first step: Seek help. San Antonio Police Department Victims Advocacy
UIW biology junior Hillary Hendry passes Cansten Hansen and Adrian Rodriguez. Hendry and Rodriguez placed third in the women’s and men’s divisions and were among 382 participants. ,McCorquodale were on site offering first aid services to the participants on behalf of the nursing program. McCorquodale donated the materials out of her own pocket. She said this was the first event to use their services, but they plan to continue offering first aid for future events. Kristine Meza was a nursing student and started in the same class as McCorquodale, who wanted to show support. She said, “We were happy to come out and do the very thing Kristine was going to school for.” The students were able to put their first aid skills to use and treated basic injuries, such as skinned knees. Clifton advised students to go to the empowerment center on campus if they need help getting out of an abusive relationship. Esmeralda Murua, a sociology major at UTSA and intern for the Battered Women’s and Children’s Shelter, was at the race and offered information about becoming a volunteer for the shelter. She said she enjoys helping the shelter because she is getting experience working with children who are victims of domestic violence. She said the shelter always needs volunteers, and anyone older than 18 is welcome to apply. All participants received a long-sleeved shirt, a purple drawstring backpack and refreshments. When the race was over, Jessica Meza said, “Before my sister passed, I had never dealt with this. I had no idea what it meant and
Nursing sophomores Tori McCorquodale and Naomi Clifton apply a bandage to Vanessa Saldana’s knee. Saldana, sophomore at Northwest Vista, scraped her knee in a fall along the route. how much it affects a person or a human spirit. A lot of women have been motivated to leave an abusive relationship by hearing Kristine Meza’s story. It’s a blessing to know we can reach out to women we have never met.” For assistance with domestic violence, call San Antonio Police Department Victims Advocacy at 210-207-2141 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or visit www.sanantonio.gov/sapd/victims.asp. For volunteer opportunities with the local shelter, call 210-930-3669.