THE RANGER A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
Vol. 84 Issue 19
Single copies free
March 26, 2010
Don’t fall for media’s ideal
BODIES
FOUR-DAY WEEK APPROVED 4 CAFETERIA CLEANS UP 9 IN THE RING 23
The Ranger
2 • March 26, 2010
Officials Chancellor: Dr. Bruce H. Leslie 201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. B, San Antonio, TX 78204-1429 Work: 485-0020 Fax: 208-8149 E-mail: bleslie@alamo.edu District 1: Dr. Bernard Weiner 929 Manor Drive, Ste. 7, San Antonio, TX 78228 Work: 735-9151 E-mail: bweinermd@satx.rr.com District 2: Denver McClendon 3811 Willowwood Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78219 Work: 281-9141 E-mail: denvermcclendon@satx.rr.com
The Ranger Editor Laura Garcia Managing Editor Zahra Farah News Editor Vanessa M. Sanchez Calendar Editor Riley Stephens
District 3: Anna U. Bustamante 511 Ware Blvd., San Antonio TX 78221 Work: 882-1603 Fax: 927-4557 E-mail: abustamante20@alamo.edu
Photographers Tyler K. Cleveland, Rennie Murrell, Alison Wadley
District 4: Marcelo S. Casillas 115 Wainwright, San Antonio, TX 78211 Home: 922-6815 Fax: 923-3167 E-mail: mcasillas19@alamo.edu
Photo Team Scott Aranda, Scott J. Bajeck, Jennifer Charo, Sarah Janes, James Lazo, Marisa N. Montano, Julysa Sosa, Robert Stofa
District 5: Roberto Zárate 4103 Buffalo Bayou, San Antonio, TX 78251 E-mail: rzarate11@alamo.edu District 6: Dr. Gene Sprague 14722 Iron Horse Way, Helotes, TX 78023 Work: 567-5544 Fax: 520-9185 E-mail: sprague@uthscsa.edu District 7: Blakely Latham Fernandez 755 E. Mulberry, Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78212 Phone: 244-8879 E-mail: bfernandez35@alamo.edu District 8: Gary Beitzel 15403 Forest Mist, San Antonio, TX 78232 Home: 496-5857 E-mail: gbeitzel@alamo.edu District 9: James A. Rindfuss 109 Laburnum, San Antonio, TX 78209 Home: 828-4630 Work: 375-2555 Home Fax: 832-8292 Office Fax: 375-0301 E-mail: jrindfuss@alamo.edu
Presidents San Antonio College, Dr. Robert E. Zeigler 486-0959, rzeigler@alamo.edu Northeast Lakeview College, Dr. Eric Reno 486-5484, ereno@alamo.edu Northwest Vista College, Dr. Jacqueline Claunch 486-4900, jclaunch@alamo.edu Palo Alto College, Dr. Ana M. “Cha” Guzman 486-3960, aguzman@alamo.edu St. Philip’s College, Dr. Adena W. Loston 486-2900, aloston@alamo.edu
Illustrator Juan Carlos Campos Staff Writers Ximena Victoria Alvarez, Jacob Beltran, Michelle E. Gaitan, Joshua Sanchez Guerrero, Steffany Gutierrez, John P. Kline, Alexandria Maxwell, Melody Mendoza, Celeste J. Nentwig, Victoria G. Ortiz, Amanda M. Rios, Brandy A. Santos, Michelle L. Tymrak, Reagan White Production Manager Jason B. Hogan Web Editor D.A. James Circulation Stephanie Rodriguez ©2010 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, the student newspaper at San Antonio College, is a laboratory project of the journalism classes in the Department of Media Communications, published Fridays except during summer, holidays and examinations. News contributions accepted by telephone (486-1773), by fax (486-1789), by e-mail (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available upon request by phone (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, the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Associated Press.
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 782124299. Letters also may be brought to the newspaper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student Center, e-mailed to sac-ranger@alamo. edu or faxed to 486-1789. Letters must be signed and must include the writer’s printed name, classification, major, Social Security number or college identification number and telephone number. For more information, call 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.
The Ranger • Vol. 84 • Issue 19
March 26, 2010 • 3
The RangeR
A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
2 Policies and officials
15 Premiere
4 Blotter
By John P. Kline
5 News
By Alexandria Maxwell
New Vistas film festival ‘Dinah Was!’ at SPC
Four-day summer weeks By Laura Garcia
16 Fall tuition hiked
6 People
By Laura Garcia Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
7 EMS training
By Brandy M. Santos Photos by Julysa Sosa
17 InTV updated programming
8 Three names taken off district election ballot
By Celeste J. Nentwig
By Laura Garcia
Cartoon Paging Dr. Reno, Stand with GALA, Beware of pickpockets, Viewpoint Bataan march remembrance
9 Cafeteria cleans up Story and photos by Riley Stephens
10 Staff questions four-day week By Zahra Farah
11 Injured veteran receives new home By Michelle Gaitan
12 Premiere GLBT groups want district policy changed By Jacob Beltran and Laura Garcia Photos by Alison Wadley
13 Students volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Photos by Sarah Janes
14 Calendar
Meet the DJ
18 Editorials
Online @ theranger.org People slideshow Luminaria slideshow Complete Blotter Complete Calendar Pizza with the president Cleaning in works for McAllister graffiti Workshop helps vets reintegrate after war Justifiable killing at Hot Potato
21 Media’s perception of body image harmful By Victoria G. Ortiz Cover photo by Alison Wadley
22 NLC career, transfer fair By Celeste J. Nentwig
23 Pulse Students train for boxing By Riley Stephens Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
24 ‘Amadeus’ play opens Thursday By Alexandria Maxwell Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
www.theranger.org
Go to www.theranger.org for news and information.
Blotter
4 • March 26, 2010
Tyler K. Cleveland
The Ranger Carpenter Charlie Moss attempts to remove graffiti Tuesday from the west side of McAllister. Pressure washing and using a graffiti removal product were insufficient. The wall will have to be painted.
www.theranger.org Go online for complete blotter and graffiti story.
Vehicles burglaries double in February in district BY VANESSA M. SANCHEZ The number of vehicle burglaries in January more than doubled in February, according to the district’s department of public safety monthly 2010 Clery Act Activity Report released March 1. In January, 12 vehicle burglaries were reported at district colleges. In February, 29 were reported. The federal Clery Act was established in 1989 and requires higher education institutions to make public campus crime information. In January, five cars were stolen and in February, there were two. “Districtwide, in the month of January, we had the amount of property stolen, including vehicles, (totaling to) $55,728 worth of stolen property,” Sgt. Ben Peña said Wednesday. Of that total, $38,965 was the value of reported stolen vehicles. In February, the value of property stolen was $16,814, and the value of stolen vehi-
SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE March 3 — A student reported that he was robbed of personal property at approximately 8:45 p.m. in the courtyard area between Chance and Moody by three individuals. An individual reported being injured in a basketball game. An individual reported a suspicious male in the area. Male not located. An individual reported an
cles was $31,000. March totals are incomplete, he said. So far, however, vehicle burglaries have resulted in the theft of items valued at $6,481. One vehicle valued at $11,365 has been reported stolen this month. This semester, property valued at $121,388 has been stolen from district-owned property, he said, noting this can change hourly. “Property crimes are normally crimes of opportunity,” he said, so when thieves see they have an opportunity to burglarize a vehicle, they most likely will. To prevent car theft, Peña said, the No. 1 thing to do is avoid parking in a secluded area. Some people like to park in alleys because it may be quicker to get to where they need to go but there is power in numbers, he said, and if someone is breaking into a vehicle, or even looking in windows of other vehicles in a parking lot as opposed to an alley, others are more likely to
unknown male touching him in an offensive manner. An individual reported a male skateboarding on campus. March 4 — An individual reported a personal vehicle being burglarized. An individual reported a suspicious female in the area. Female not located. An individual reported falling down a flight of stairs and being injured. EMS treated individual.
see and report it. Make sure all items of value are out of sight, is rule No. 2. Peña said if someone sees an object of value and no one is around, that invites a person to break in. If objects are out of sight, a thief might break in anyway but take longer to look for something to take allowing more time for others to see the suspect and, again, report it to the police. Rule No. 3 is to make sure the vehicle is locked. If a vehicle is unlocked, someone else can easily enter and passersby would think it was that person’s car. When a car is locked, a burglar has to either break a window or enter through the door after breaking it, which is more obvious and takes longer for someone to enter. This gives more time for the person to be seen by others and report it. To report vehicle burglaries or any crime on campus, call campus police at 485-0099.
An individual reported found property. Property placed in property locker. An individual reported found property. Property placed in property locker. March 5 — An individual reported a female slapping a male. Male refused to file charges. An officer assisted another agency off campus for a vehicle accident. An individual reported criminal mischief in Lot 13. No suspects
located. An individual reported a disturbance in Lot 26. No suspects located. March 6 — An individual reported damage to property. No suspects located. An individual reported suspicious persons. Suspects located. March 7 — An individual reported a male stuck in the elevator in the parking garage. Fire department rescued him.
The Ranger
March 26, 2010 • 5
College plans for limited four-day summer weeks By Laura Garcia The board of trustees unanimously approved a four-day workweek on Tuesday during the regular board meeting without discussion. District 7 trustee Blakely Latham Fernandez was out of town. The chancellor recommended a four-day summer week at last week’s Audit, Budget and Finance Committee meeting, citing cost-savings and fulfilling the governor’s request to plan for a possible 5 percent cut in state funding. This committee approved the change despite this college’s objections to the converting from a six-day workweek to a four-day workweek during the summer. Objections center on the feasibility and efficacy of the change to effect a cost savings. The college summer schedule was released online Monday, but will have to be changed to reflect a Monday-Thursday class schedule. The schedule was pulled from the college Web site and the print order was canceled before any print copies were published, said Dr. Jessica
Howard, vice president of academic affairs. Registration will still begin on April 13, but students won’t get a look at the class times yet because chairs are working on the revised schedule now. “We are not going to see a huge savings on this,” said President Robert Zeigler in a telephone interview Monday. In his Thursday morning appearance on KSYM, he said the savings could be as little as $20,000 to $30,000. He said that the plan so far is to convert to a limited four-day week for credit classes by consolidating classes into a few buildings. The college savings would be small because many of the buildings are linked by air conditioning systems. Continuing education classes would continue classes through Saturdays and programs like College For Kids would continue on Fridays. He said schedules for the library in Moody Learning Center and auditorium in McAllister Fine Arts Center would be unaffected. At the committee meeting March 16, Diane Snyder, vice chancellor for finance and admin-
istration, said the district would save an estimated $300,000-$500,000 in reduced water and electricity usage as well as restricting overtime work and temporary workers. Employees will work 10-hour days between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursdays beginning June 7 and ending July 30 with only certain buildings open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The college returns to a full schedule Aug. 2. Fall classes begin Aug. 24. Administrators are determining what to do with classified staff schedules in departments that will close on Friday. On Tuesday, Zeigler said that in August some of the staff would go back to a five-day schedule, but classes would continue on four days. The only board member that seemed to have an objection during the committee meeting was Fernandez. Fernandez asked if Palo Alto College employees, who have implemented the four-day schedule since 2003, had problems finding child care for 10-hour workdays. For agendas, log on to www.alamo.edu.
6 • March 26, 2010
People
The Ranger
Brandy A. Santos
Scott J. Bajek
Looking ahead: Theater freshman Angela Barrera discusses her future with numerologist Linni Ai Faye-Aufenberg at the Psychic Fair Wednesday in Loftin. Robert Stofa
Art up in the air: Mobile Art Gallery showcases up and coming artists who wouldn’t have the opportunity to show off their work. Former student Oscar Alvarado paints in front of a moving crowd near HemisFair Park March 16. Luminaria is in its third year on South Alamo between Market and Durango.
Graduation deliberations: Education sophomore Mathew Mendez speaks with Dr. Jonathan Lee, chair of history and humanities, about graduating during a pep rally Wednesday in Loftin to promote applying for graduation.
Alison Wadley
Tutoring services: English tutor David Tober gives on-the-spot tutoring to psychology sophomore Shaun Smith Tuesday in the English lab on the first floor of Gonzales. Smith was working on a synopsis of President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address for his government class. The English lab is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday. Tutoring is available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Students must schedule appointments 24 hours in advance. To schedule an appointment, call 485-1616.
The Ranger
March 26, 2010 • 7
Students get real-life training in EMS Academy Photos by Julysa Sosa
EMS students go through mock emergency sessions that portray real-life crises. By Brandy a. SantoS Many people involved in a life-threatening accident hope to see the flashing lights of an ambulance because the first responders could save their lives. San Antonio College offers hands-on first responder experience for those interested in the fast-paced career at the EMS Academy in the nursing and allied health complex. “The mind-set is life and death; you need to know your stuff,” said EMS Academy Program Director Wynn B. Gordy. Requirements to enter the EMS Academy include an 18-year-old minimum, background check, current immunizations and a high school diploma or general educational diploma, or GED. Students must be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, for one year, and also maintain hepatitis B vaccinations and negative TB tests for one year. The academy has been around for eight years and grows each year with 100 to 200 applications each academy year. The academy has trained many successful students for emergency medical services to move on to careers as fire department paramedics plus working for private agencies. Basic EMS freshman Quinton Light said, “Be ready. Know your stuff before you start the program. Always read and stay current with assignments. It will help you in the long run.” Once applicants complete all of the above, they can enter the EMS program starting with Basic, which includes 176 hours of classroom time, lectures, reading, assignments, test, quizzes and finals, hands-on clinicians. From Basic to Intermediate is Phase 1 of three; the following phases are dedicated to paramedic training, which is more detailed. Students must dedicate personal time to complete eight hours of hospital or emergency room training, six hours of ambulance ridealong and 10 patient transportation runs. After Basic, students continue into Intermediate, which entails 192 hours of classroom time, 24 hours of hospital or emergency room training, 60 hours ambulance ride-along, 15 patient transportation runs and 12 intrave-
EMS freshman Priscilla Hernandez is stabilized onto a backboard as part of a basic skills test Monday in nursing and allied health. Basic level EMS students performed their first hands-on training during class. nous, or IV, withdrawals. The last phase is EMS Paramedic, which includes 780 hours of classroom time, 32 hours of hospital or emergency room training, 160 hours ambulance ride-along, 25 patient transportation runs, 35 IV withdrawals and 30 electrocardiogram, or EKG, interruptions. Each phase is a semester and includes passing the national and state registry. Once completed, most if not all of a students’ personal time is dedicated to training and preparing for the next phase. During training, students get the chance to work on SimMan and SimBaby, which are computerized mannequins that can scream and cry out in pain. It helps students understand the process of CPR. The SimBaby tests students on infant CPR and airway restriction. Students go through mock training working out of a real ambulance parked behind the building. They practice loading and unloading patients without dropping them. The students learn to give important information to nurses on the way to the emergency room. Once in a hospital room, the students test their skills on SimMan or SimBaby. Their actions are televised to a classroom across the hall for instructors and other stu-
EMS freshman Christopher Johnson bandages Miles Sanchez during a skills test. Johnson invented stories of how Sanchez was injured throughout the procedure. dents to watch and learn from each other. “Our goal for the students is a combination of three: classroom teaching, clinical training and field work,” Gordy said. Once they have completed Basic, Intermediate or Paramedic, they are able to test for the National Registered Examination. Basic EMS freshman Richelle Carey said, “Getting my EMS certification will help me be prepared for becoming a registered nurse in the Army.” Being in this setting gives Carey the experience to better deal with trauma and the unknowns that happen on the streets or the battlefield. For more information, call Gordy 486-0418.
The Ranger
8 • March 26, 2010
Board election down to 7 candidates for two seats By Laura Garcia An election for District 2 and 3 trustees was canceled Tuesday at the regular board meeting because incumbents Denver McClendon, who chairs the board, and trustee Anna Bustamante drew no opposition for the May 8 vote. The board declared the election of McClendon and Bustamante Tuesday as authorized in the election code with unanimous approval from trustees. District election administrator Erik Dahler announced at the March 16 committee meetings that one candidate dropped from the District 7 race. Richard Knight, District 1 candidate Tyler Ingraham’s campaign treasurer, withdrew his name from the ballot, leaving two other San Antonio College students to run against incumbent Blakely Latham Fernandez. The two candidates running for the unexpired two-year term are David A. Whitley, general manager of San Antonio Air Conditioning; and David Allen Rodriguez, political science sophomore.
Fernandez, a local attorney for TRPSA law firm, was appointed to the District 7 position in November. One of the four District 1 candidates running for a full six-year term includes Rowland Martin, who works in this college’s office of evening, weekend and distance education. Retired Vice President Thomas Hoy, who worked at this college 32 years, is also vying for the District 1 seat. Hoy spoke during the Jan. 12 public forum opposing single accreditation, citing his experience in Title 3 grants. District 1 candidate Tyler Christopher Ingraham, former student at this college, has spoken during the citizens-to-be-heard portion of the board meetings opposing current district administration and board practices. He is a political science junior at St. Mary’s University. Former San Antonio City Councilman Joe V. Alderete Jr. is also seeking the District 1 position. Alderete is chairman of Earth Day and serves on the West Side YMCA board. The District 1 seat is open because trustee Bernard Weiner chose not to seek re-election.
Student Government Association at this college is planning a debate for 7 p.m. April 28 in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. SGA President Julianne Cantu said it would be beneficial to give the community an opportunity to see the candidates. Cantu said SGA will make plans this week for the debate, including inviting candidates and finding a moderator for the event. Early voting is April 26-May 4. For a list of early voting sites are on the district Web site at www.alamo.edu/district/board/election/documents/votingsites.pdf. A run-off election, if necessary, will be June 12. To find out what district you are in, check the Bexar County Elections Web site at http://apps. bexar.org/webapps/html/elstrinq02.asp. Voters must be 18 at the time of the election and have registered by April 8. The district’s Web site for trustee elections is at www.alamo.edu/district/board/election/default. htm. For questions, contact at 485-0050 or e-mail at edahler@alamo.edu.
The Ranger
March 26, 2010 • 9
Food service makes changes after inspection A negative inspection requires company to seek healthier habits. Story and photoS by riley StephenS Fresh Taste Foods, owned by Selrico Inc., has made changes to its kitchen in Loftin Student Center to comply with a health inspection conducted March 9. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District took a total of 24 demerits in the inspection. This is not a 100-point scale as previously reported. The inspection pages have been posted on the wall in the back, near an area used to make wraps and pizza. One item listed on the inspection was to provide working thermometers in all coolers, and that change has occurred, Frederick Danzoy, district manager of food services, said Tuesday. “Anything that keeps something cold has to have a thermometer in it,” he said. An ice-scoop holder was installed on the side of an ice machine, and
a broken sink in the back of the kitchen was fixed, so that it now can be used for washing hands. “Signs were placed on all sinks used for washing hands,” Danzoy said. A designated spot has been set aside for dented cans of food. “That way, we get credit from the vendor, but they don’t sit back here, while we wait for them to issue the credit,” Danzoy said. On March 16, Sarah Sanchez, one of the Fresh Taste managers, received a ServSafe food protection manager certification that was required by the health inspector. Danzoy has served as district manager of food services since Nov. 5, 2009. “It’s not required for the health department to make a follow appointment, but I am making an appointment for the health department to come back and reinspect They do not come back automatically,” Danzoy said Wednesday. “They will be back probably next week. I want them to come back so as to say zero demerits.”
Frederick Danzoy, district manager of food services, demonstrates repairs made to a broken sink Tuesday in the cafeteria kitchen.
Above: The sink used for dish washing, which was improperly used for hand washing, now is used strictly for dishes, Danzoy said. An ice scoop holder was added after the inspection.
Left: A dented can sits isolated on a shelf reserved in the cafeteria Tuesday to make sure it is not used.
10 • March 26, 2010
The Ranger
Staff Council voices concerns about four-day weeks By Zahra Farah Staff Council President Geraldo Guerra and Unified Staff Council met with Chancellor Bruce Leslie at district offices Tuesday to discuss the amount of flexibility staff members have pertaining to four-day summer workweeks and tuition increases. Unified Staff Council’s main concern is if staff could transition smoothly into four-day summer workweeks. That meeting, set for 4 p.m. Tuesday, was discussed at the Staff Council meeting at 2:30 p.m. Guerra said the chancellor had asked Unified Staff Council to discuss four-day workweeks and tuition rates at their March 13 meeting; the council then developed a list of questions on the two issues. One of the council’s questions was how would the district accommodate staff using childcare services, who would have problems dropping off their child early and picking them up late on a four-day work schedule.
Guerra said Wednesday the chancellor told secretary, at 5:27 p.m. Monday notified chairs the council that employees who can accommoand academic unit assistants they must change date a four-day workweek would do so. Staffers’ their departments’ class schedules to fit a foursituations are still being addressed. day workweek. Changes must be completed by Guerra said the chancellor would answer today before their offices close. their concerns and others by providing a “freAt the Staff Council meeting Tuesday, memquently asked questions” docubers briefly discussed tuition ment, overseen by Diane Snyder, increases for fall 2010. The board vice chancellor for finance and of trustees Tuesday night approved administration. Guerra was not a tuition increase for out-of-state given a deadline, but was told the students by $3.50 per credit hour, document would be ready in a few and non-Texas students will see weeks. an increase of $11 per credit hour. Guerra said Unified Staff In a Wednesday afternoon www.theranger.org Council was told colleges could interview, Snyder said the district Go online to read the continue to accommodate groups decides tuition rates for fall regcomplete story. who are contracted out, such as istration in March. This gives the those who have rented Candler district enough time to gather data Physical Education Center and the auditori- and see if tuition should be raised. ums in McCreless Hall and McAlister Fine Arts During the Staff Council meeting, Rachel Center, but by summer 2011 all colleges would Zamarripa, continuing education records and completely switch to four-day workweeks. report tech, asked Guerra if staff and faculty An e-mail sent by Nick Benedetto, profes- would get their 2 percent raise if tuition is sional and technical education administrative increased.
The Ranger
March 26, 2010 • 11
Injured veteran wins new Houston home Liberal arts student credits public administration professor with helping vets fit in on campus.
he was dying of thirst. Reyes suffered a perforated right ear drum. “It was like having my head By Michelle e. Gaitan under water,” he said. He remembers lying Three years, 10 months and eight days. on the ground face up That’s how long Sgt. Alexander Reyes spent staring at the sky, not callserving his country in the U.S. Army until his ing out for a medic but Elizabeth and medical retirement. calling out to God. Alexander Reyes Another three years have brought recovery His sergeant would and retraining after he was injured in the explo- always say “get right with sion of an IED, or improvised explosive device. Jesus,” and he credits his faith with helping him To help his recovery along, a group of through the ordeal. Houston home builders presented him with a He said he recalls “asking God to remember huge surprise. me” and to put my name down in the book of The Miami native enlisted in the Army in heaven. August 2005 and was part of the 3rd Stryker Reyes also suffered injuries to both legs and Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. his right arm. Reyes, now 24, was deployed to Baghdad in Reyes was sent to Brooke Army Medical June 2006 and served as a 240B, or machine, Center because of the extent of his wounds, then gunman. was transferred to Warm Springs Rehabilitation On March 9, in Hospital. He spent Courtesy 2007, Reyes almost about five months in lost his life while conrecovery in the hosducting a foot patrol pital and another six in Baghdad. months in out-patient Along a dirt road care. flanked by two creeks While enlisted, in the marsh farmhe got acquainted lands of Southern with his future wife Baghdad, Reyes, his Elizabeth on MySpace. team and Iraqi solElizabeth, also from diers were attacked. Army Sgt. Alexander Reyes, now retired, poses in front of Miami, attended the A buried IED his Stryker vehicle in Baghdad in 2007. same church as Reyes exploded as the soldid, but it took cyberdiers patrolled during an ongoing mission to space to get them together. They have been locate possible insurgent hideouts and training married for almost two years. camps. Elizabeth Reyes said her husband has always Surrounded by water and marshland, they had a positive attitude and tries to make everyhad to leave their Stryker vehicles behind and one laugh. persist with a vigorous march, Reyes said. This is the characteristic public administraAbout 20 minutes later, they were attacked. tion Professor Sylvia DeLeon said she admires. A buried IED exploded where he and a comHe would go back to serving in Iraq in a New rade were walking, he said. York-minute, she said. Reyes remembers well the attack that almost Reyes shares a mutual admiration for cost him his life and those of his team members. DeLeon. He said the professor helps by lisHe remembers being thrown into the air as if tening to him even if she doesn’t understand doing cartwheels and realizing something hapeverything. pened and that it wasn’t good. DeLeon wants to start a vet group here Reyes tried to pick himself up off the ground where there are others to relate to and fit in but couldn’t. with, he said. “It makes us feel like we belong.” His body wasn’t responding and he felt as if The feelings of being left behind or not fit-
“It’s a hand up, not a handout ... to start the next chapter in their lives.” Daniel Vargas executive director Bay Area Builders Association
ting in with his peers is a challenge, a challenge that he says DeLeon is helping vets overcome. It’s because of his strong desire to better himself and his positive attitude that Reyes was chosen by the Bay Area Builders Association to receive a new home in the Houston area. After being informed about what the association was doing for vets by former case manager Jan Stanberry, Reyes submitted an application. The association is dedicated to providing a home to “wounded American war heros” to help them succeed in their challenges in life. “It’s a hand up, not a handout … to start the next chapter in their lives,” said Daniel Vargas, executive director of Bay Area Builders Association. This is an “investment in a family,” he said. Started in 2005 by owner Dan Wallrath, the association has given away eight homes valued at $1.2 million and the company’s cost is $100,000. Called in for a second interview back in early February, the association surprised Reyes and his wife with a new home in Houston. He said he remembered going to see the house, walking around it, looking at it, but still not knowing it was to be their new home. Then they saw a sign that read “Future House of Sgt. Reyes and Family.” He said they were stunned. Reyes’ new home is valued at $250,000$300,000. The liberal arts major is trying to get back on his feet so he can continue to move forward. “March 9 marks the day that changed my life forever. Every day, I try to remember, try to make sense of it … I appreciate life more now,” he said. To view the CNN clip, visit CNN Heroes at www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/index. html.
Prem
12 • The Ranger
GLBT groups want district policy change Chair restricts comments during citizens-to-be-heard session Tuesday night at board meeting. By JacoB Beltran and laura Garcia The Gay and Lesbian Association of this college asked Alamo Community College District trustees Tuesday to expand the district’s anti-discrimination policies to include protection for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students and employees. “Sexual orientation is noticeably absent,” said Richard Anthony Leyba, radio-television-film sophomore, who represented GALA during the citizens-to-be-heard portion of the regular board meeting. Leyba presented trustees the district equal employment opportunity statement and compared it with other universities and Fortune 500 companies, stating that the district is out of alignment. The district EEO statement reads, “The Alamo Colleges do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability with respect to access, employment programs, or services.” Alicia “Ethan” Palmer, history and social science sophomore at Northwest Vista, said she has been a “target and punching bag for discrimination” because of her 54-day transgender experiment as Ethan. Palmer is president of Outspoken, the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered group from Northwest Vista College. “NVC strives on its core value of diversity. To believe in such a core value means to stand by it and defend the value without any regard of prejudice,” Palmer said. Robert Pohl, campaign manager for District 1 candidate Tyler Ingraham, came to the podium to show solidarity with GALA. Denver McClendon, board chair and District 2 trustee, told the audience only one representative from a
group is allowed to speak. Board policy states that “delegations of five or more persons shall appoint one person to present their views before the board.” Enforcing the rule prevented Kevin Abrams, deaf support specialist sophomore at this college, from speaking on behalf of gays who also are deaf. Dr. Gene Sprague, District 6 trustee, told The Ranger after the meeting, “(Being) deaf isn’t the issue; that’s already covered in the anti-discriminatory policy.” Abrams said Wednesday that by refusing to hear his remarks, trustees are losing a good perspective of the issue. “I will go to the next meeting to deliver my speech,” he said An exception was made, however, for Richard Farias, English instructor and faculty adviser for GALA, because he represents gay faculty members. Farias also requested changing the EEO statement, admitting that his request might be selfish, but that he must lead by example for his students. The English instructor said he’s a hard worker and an asset to this college and simply asks for alignment with other major workplaces. Although Farias said his current department chair and administrators are accepting of his sexual orientation, he wants to make sure his “dream job” won’t someday be in jeopardy. Sprague said, “I don’t object to it. I can see their point so we’ll just make it a little clearer.” For a change in policy, an item must go to the board’s Policy and Long-Range Planning Committee, which then recommends it to the board for consideration, he said. For more information on GALA, call 486-0673 or e-mail galaofsac@ gmail.com.
Photos by Alison Wadley
Richard Anthony Leyba, radio-television-film sophomore, reads an article in the San Antonio Express-News “Change urged in anti-bias policies” during a GALA meeting Wednesday. Members of the group addressed trustees Tuesday.
GALA members meet Wednesday and discuss Tuesday’s call for adding sexual orientation to the district’s anti-discrimination policy. The club meets at 2 p.m. Wednesdays in Room 612 of Moody.
miere
March 26, 2010 • 13 Photos by Sarah Janes
Snappy homemakers Student volunteers make quick work of building housing near Palo Alto College with Habitat for Humanity. Right, biology sophomore Michael Garza grabs lunch March 18 at a table provided by Dr. Alice Johnson, dean of learning resources, left, and her division. Other students from this college lined up behind Garza to get lunch after working all morning. Out of about 100 homes to be built by Habitat for Humanity in San Antonio this year, 16 are finished and ready for move-in.
Above, students and faculty from this college work at the Habitat for Humanity “Alternative Spring Break.” This house was started March 17 and completed March 19. It was among houses built in a neighborhood near Palo Alto College. Business management sophomore Erica Torrez said, “College students are willing to give up their time to have an opportunity to help out our community.”
Left, Leah Kniffen, a junior at Oklahoma Christian, Savannah McMillon, 12, and Shelby McMillon, 15, drove from Edmond, Okla., to help build houses. They agreed that although the mud made the job more difficult, helping people was more important than their shoes.
Calendar
14 • March 26, 2010
Meet the KSYM DJs What is your DJ and real name? Davo. My real name is David O’Rourke. What’s your show and when does it air? “The Radio Lab” Thursdays from 7 p.m.-9 pm. What kind of music is on your show? Indie, classic and new alternative, new wave, art and experimental rock, some electronica, and post punk. What is the funniest thing that has happened while on air? When I was a new DJ, I once forgot to turn the microphone off when the music started playing. Anyone listening could hear me talking out loud to myself. What got you interested in radio? David O’Rourke Since puberty, people told me I had a voice for radio. After wasting two years at Northwest Vista not knowing what to do with my future, I discovered the RTF program here at SAC. So transferring to SAC and learning about the technical side of television, film and radio — all while becoming a DJ — seemed like too good of an opportunity to ignore. Coming to this school is the best decision I’ve ever made. What underground/local band do you enjoy? Girl in a Coma. Not only are they a talented band from San Antonio, they’re getting national attention. What would people be surprised to know about you? My biggest passion lies in film and video. I am quite the movie nerd. What is your favorite about being on air? Being in control of the airwaves and sharing great music that won’t be heard on commercial stations. What has been your favorite moment so far from your show? Getting phone calls on the request line from friends and family that I haven’t spoken to in months/years. What new CD will listeners hear on your show and what’s so good about it? The new Gorillaz album, Plastic Beach. It’s the same alternative band we’ve known for nearly a decade dishing out some funky new tracks that combine hip-hop, soul and electronica in a fashion that only Gorillaz can pull off.
For coverage call 486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance. Today
The Ranger Wednesday
April 10
SAC Meeting: Psychology Club 2 p.m. -3 p.m. in Room 606 of Moody. Continues Wednesdays. Call 486-0125.
Event: Racquetball tournament 9 a.m. racquetball courts in Candler. $5 donation. Call 486-1029. April 11
SAC Mass: Mass and meal 12:15 p.m. at the Catholic Student Center. Call 486-0125. SAC Event: Virtual reality gaming 1 p.m.-3 p.m. in the Cyber Café of Loftin. Continues Fridays. Call 486-0125. NLC Meeting: Gay and Straight Alliance Club 1 p.m. in Room 208 of the student commons. Continues Fridays. Call 486-5234. NVC Performance: Repertory dance ensemble with high school dance students 2:30-3:30 p.m. in Palmetto Theater. Call 486-4810. SAC Event: Cheshyre Cheese Club’s Open Mic Coffee Night 6:30 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 4860668. Monday NLC Event: Blood Drive 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the flagpole circle. Continues Friday. Call 486-5404. Tuesday SAC Meeting: Astronomy Club 12:30–1:30 p.m. in Room 142 of Chance. Call 486-0125. SAC Meeting: Campus Crusade for Christ 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. in the Craft Room of Loftin. Continues Tuesdays. Call 381-0991. SAC Meeting Cheshyre Cheese Club. 3:15 p.m. Room 127 of Gonzales. Continues Wednesday. Call 486-0125.
March 31 NLC Event: 2010 Frappe College Tour Sponsored by McDonald’s 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at the flagpole circle. Call 486-5404.
Event: Flashy cars, classic cars, lowriders and live music 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Mateo Camargo Park. Centro Cultural Aztlan. Call 432-1896. April 12
April 1 PAC Event: Horticulture Club plant sale 9 a.m.–5 p.m in the greenhouse. Call 486-3073. NVC Deadline: Environmental photography contest deadline. Call 486-4842. April 2 SAC Closing: Good Friday and Easter holiday. Continues through April 4.
SAC Deadline: Last day to withdraw for spring. SAC Performance: Guitar ensemble 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0494. Event: “The 20th Century: A View from the Middle East” by author Rashid Khalidi at 7:30 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium at Trinity. Call 999-8406 April 20 SAC Deadline: Last day to withdraw for Flex 2.
April 6 April 22 SAC Concert: Honors recital 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0494. April 7
PAC Event: PacFest 2010 11 a.m.9 p.m. Call 486-3125. April 23 SAC Closing: Battle of Flowers holiday. Weekend classes will meet.
SAC Event: Spa Day 10 a.m.1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0125.
April 25
Lecture: Condoleeza Rice 7:30 p.m. in Laurie auditorium
Event: “Numbers, Decoys and Objects” at the McNay. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Free family day. Call 8051768.
April 8 April 26 Performance: “The Art of Dance” by Regional Dance America/ Southwest Festival of 2010 7:30 p.m. in Municipal Auditorium $25 Continues April 9 & 10. Call 4086970.
SPC Event: Jazz band concert. 7 p.m. Watson Call 486-2205.
March 26, 2010 • 15
The Ranger
‘Dinah Was!’ presents life story of blues queen By AlexAndriA MAxwell “Dinah Was!” a musical play about the struggles and successes of the self-proclaimed queen of the blues, Dinah Washington, opens April 9 at St. Philip’s College for six performances. Directed by Vincent Hardy, the coordinator of theater productions at St. Philip’s, the play is described as a musical play, not a musical. “The main difference is that a musical is dependent on the music and lyrics to move the show as much as the script (and) dialogue,” said Nina McGrath, St. Philip’s director of fine arts. “A musical play is dependent on the script, with songs interspersed.” Washington “could take the melody in her hand, hold it like an egg, crack it open, fry it, let it sizzle,
reconstruct it, put the egg back in the box and back in the refrigerator and you would’ve still understood every single syllable,” music producer Quincy Jones wrote in his autobiography. Washington received a Grammy Award in 1959 for her song, “What a Difference a Day Makes.” As an African-American woman of the 1950s, Washington broke out of the rhythm-and-blues genre and ventured successfully into pop. But along with her success came many struggles. “There seems to be a pattern with famous people,” Hardy said. “One might have great financial success but somehow missed it in their personal lives. Dinah was married and divorced six times and turned to pills that eventually lead to her accidental suicide overdose in 1963.”
Playing Dinah Washington is Michelle Burnet, an accounting clerk in the continuing education department at St. Philip’s. “Michelle is a very good singer. I find her to be a very talented actor with great instincts,” Hardy said. The script calls for nine characters, but Hardy cast five actors instead. Aside from the lead, the actors portray several roles. Burnet’s fellow cast members include Glen Scallion, a former St. Philip’s student, performing the roles of Chase and the Boss. Carolyn Jones, a former student at this college, executes the roles of Mae, Mamma Jones and Violet. Duane Herman, a St. Philip’s sophomore majoring in applied sciences in networking maintenance specialization, presents the roles of
Spinelli and Sam Greenblat. Davis Buse, a St. Philip’s liberal arts sophomore, brings the roles of Rollie and Frick to the stage. Performances will be at 8 p.m. April 9, 10, 16 and 17, and 2:30 p.m. April 11 and 18, in the Watson Fine Arts Center Theater at St. Philip’s, 1801 Martin Luther King Drive. General admission is $10; all ACCD students and employees are $5 with ID. San Antonio Theater Collation members, seniors and military are $5. High school students are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at the box office in the Watson Fine Arts Center one hour prior to performances. Due to its graphic content and language, the show is intended for a mature audience. For information, call McGrath at 486-2704.
New Vistas in Media to offer festival scholarship By John P. Kline An assemblage of young, local digital designers, artists and filmmakers will meet April 17 to showcase and celebrate each other’s work – and compete for prizes. New Vistas in Media is a free, public festival and art competition sponsored by Northwest Vista College’s digital video and cinema production department. The 12th annual event will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Palmetto Center for the Arts at Northwest Vista. Submissions were accepted from local high school and community college students in two categories: video production and media arts. The video production category includes narratives, documentaries and an alternative group for commercials, animations and broadcasts.
Media arts includes digital art, Web design, and Web applications or Web-based games. Nominated works will be presented. Two best-in-show awardwinners will receive $1,000 in scholarships, and the best in each category will receive $500. “Nobody who wins should get less than $500,” Manual Navarro Jr., festival director and coordinator of occupational programs, said Feb. 26. About 35 entries were submitted for last year’s competition with almost $2,500 in scholarships awarded, and 136 submissions were received this year with $5,000 collected for scholarship prizes, Navarro said. Award-winning local filmmaker Pablo Veliz will be a featured guest judge and will be conducting forums throughout the day. For more information, call 4864405.
The Ranger
16 • March 26, 2010
Fall students to see tuition increase Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
Board decision affects parking permits, citations and application fees.
to a per credit rate of $300. Some of the nonrefundable fee changes include a $4 increase in the parking permit fee, which By Laura Garcia would make the full-year permit $25 and parking citations up to $15 A tuition increase was approved instead of the current $12 fee. Tuesday by the Alamo Community Snyder said her team interCollege District board of trustees viewed groups for potential fee for out-of-district and out-of-state increases and let those departstudents. ments decide. All students may face a tuition The application fee for foreign increase in spring 2011, but it’s too students will increase from $15 to early to tell. $100. Out-of-district students can Carol Fimmen, district director expect an increase of $3.50 per of international programs, said the credit hour and non-Texas students one-time $100 fee will help fund can expect an a longer orienincrease of $11 tation period District expects $600,000 per credit hour and upcoming in revenue for tuition increases alone. effective next program events fall. as well as proFor example, out-of-district stumote retention and graduation dents will pay $1,423 for a 12-hour rates for international students. course load and fees instead of the The GED testing fee will current cost of $1,381. increase from $65 to $98. The approved increase affects CLEP, or the college level exam6,300 students and would bring in ination program, correspondence an estimated $600,000 in revenue exams are increased from $10 to for the district. $20. Diane Snyder, vice chancellor Library fines remain for finance and administration, unchanged at 10 cents per day for said international and students in one late book and 50 cents per day Bexar County will not see a change for late reserve books. in tuition for fall 2010. The fee for the installment payShe said this increase was to ment plan is also unchanged and follow through with an approved remains at $25 per semester with a two-year plan from March 2009 $10 late payment fee. that would make out-of-district General fees, auditing and stucosts twice the amount of in-disdent activity fees are not affected trict and out-of-state costs four by the change. times the in-district rate. After the Tuesday board meetThis recommendation was ing, Snyder said the administramade at the Audit, Budget and tion plans to defer a decision Finance Committee meeting on seeking an in-district tuition March 16. increase for spring 2011 until after During that meeting, trustees the 2010-11 operating budget has questioned whether internationbeen finalized. al student tuition also could be Snyder added that they plan to raised. reassess whether there is a need to International student tuition raise tuition in the fall after the tax was raised in August from a flat rates settle. rate of $3,500 for one to 18 hours The district should know by
Chancellor Bruce Leslie addresses the board during the trustees meeting Tuesday, in Killen. Leslie explained that possible in-district and international student tuition increases would be deferred until the fall to take effect in spring 2011.
Diane Snyder, vice chancellor for finance and administration, speaks about budget projections during an Audit, Budget and Finance Committee meeting March 16 at Killen. Aug. 31 what the tax revenue and state appropriations are for this fiscal year. She recommended moving to a spring cycle for changes, although the district’s fiscal year is Sept. 1-Aug. 31. In other news, trustees increased the amount awarded to GCA Service Group for extending custodial services to Chance Academic Center at San Antonio College and for new buildings added to other colleges in the district. There was an increase of 15 full-
time contract housekeepers this fiscal year and the contract is for $495,881.82. John Strybos, associate vice chancellor of facilities, said the increase is needed to cover an increase in square footage. According to the board packet, Strybos states that the use of contracted custodial services saves the district an estimated 15 percent per year compared to the cost of in-house personnel. For more information and to watch video recordings of the meetings, go to www.alamo.edu.
The Ranger
March 26, 2010 • 17
$100,000 from city funds public access channel InTV station manager is taking suggestions for additional programming. By Celeste J. NeNtwig The newly renamed creative multimedia department will receive $100,000 of city revenues to fund inTV, the city’s public access channel that this college operates. Though the city and the former media services department has had a public access station since 1978, the purposes of the channel evolved, and in 2006, as a result of Texas Senate Bill 5 releasing cable companies from providing access, the city asked the college to take over operations. Barbara Knotts, chair of the creative multimedia department and station manager, said that this was when the name, inTV, along with its logo, was chosen. Assistant station manager Sean Ryan worked on the handbook. Prior to this, the primary purpose of the channel was to broadcast telecourses for colleges and universities throughout the city, which was done by this college while the programming was scheduled by UTSA. With technology rapidly progressing, the Internet took over distance learning, and the station had to come up with new programming ideas; so they began airing commencements for district colleges and UTSA. With only donations from the Higher Education Council of San Antonio and dwindling college resources, Knotts knew more money would be necessary to operate at the level of public and government access channels. “I have been working with the city for (the past) three years to get financial support for updated equipment and new programming,” she said. With the funds finally granted, new programming and marketing plans are under way. “In the next couple of months, we will be looking to get new programs up and running, and begin a marketing campaign to promote the station,” she said. Slogans will be developed from the station name, inTV, and the logo. “Starting in the fall, a full inTV campaign will present ‘in’ words or phrases describing the education field,” she said. “Creating a new name and designing a new logo reflect the diversity
and ‘in’clusiveness of the stakeholders.” New programming will include multicultural, physical and mental health-oriented material as well as programming for children. District 1 City Councilwoman Mary Alice Cisneros made a special request that there be at least one children’s program specifically to teach English as a second language. “That program will be aired on either Saturday or Sunday mornings,” Knotts said. “We are also checking with other departments to see if they have any supplemental programming that they would like to be made available.” Knotts will be attending the 32nd annual National Media Market convention Oct. 24-28 in Kansas City, Mo. According to www.nmm.net, the nonprofit organization brings together content providers and professionals involved in the use of media in teaching and learning. This four-day event will host 55 educational media vendors with previews of new releases, products and services. Knotts said she has attended the conference the last couple of years to browse and chose new programming. In addition to the new programming, inTV will air graduation ceremonies for this college, St. Philip’s College and UTSA, although this college’s will not be live as it was in 2009.
Further editing will be needed and broadcast dates will be delayed, Knotts said, but the broadcast dates, set up by Ryan, will be printed in the commencement program. “We have a partnership with the radio-television-film (program), and they will tape ceremonies,” she said. “We are scouting for locations to record and planning on-site interviews with parents and students.” Markene Bennett, radio-television-film coordinator, said they help provide the manpower for inTV when they need it while giving students a chance to gain field experience. The goal of this partnership is to get students more involved in broadcasting and cable-casting. This opportunity is offered to RTF students currently or previously enrolled in a production course, but if students show promise, they will be given a chance, Bennett said. The station has a lot planned for the additional funds and results should be apparent by this fall. For more information about inTV or to suggest programming, call Knotts at 486-0593 or e-mail her at bknotts@alamo.edu, or for more about the RTF program, call Bennett at 4861363 or e-mail lbennett@alamo.edu.
18 • March 26, 2010
Editorial
The Ranger Juan Carlos Campos
Calling Dr. Reno: Pick up the telephone Dr. Eric Reno, Northeast Lakeview College president, has submitted two letters to the editor requesting corrections and contesting the accuracy of Ranger articles. Reno argues via e-mail that he has provided valid information, which contradicts the articles, but when called, he was unable to speak to The Ranger. Reno writes that Faculty Senate Chair Jeff Hunt must have been misquoted in the Feb. 5 article, “Senate discusses two-fer trustee policy.” Hunt said, “… all the colleges’ presidents refused to sign the draft (memorandum of commitment.)” Reno suggested a quick survey of all college presidents would show that’s not the case. When called, Reno chose not to participate in the “quick survey.” Saying it’s a misquote does not make it so. Besides which, it’s petty bickering. The real question is: Did Reno agree to sign the draft? As he’s not willing to engage in dialogue with The Ranger, we have no
Call The Ranger at 486-1776. way to verify it. For the record, if any of the college presidents did agree to sign, Hunt may have misspoken, not been misquoted. In Feb. 25’s article, “NLC credits transfer to UTSA, not health centers,” Reno argued that NLC credits do transfer to UT Health Science Center and all other state higher education institutions. He claims Dr. Beth Lewis, Northeast Lakeview vice president of academic affairs, told The Ranger so on two occasions. This time, neither he nor Lewis returned calls. The Ranger interviewed administrators from UT Health Science Center and the University of Texas at San Antonio. Lewis’ solution seemed suspect: She said credits could be transferred to one of the other colleges that are already accredited before being passed on to the transfer university. If Reno believes the reporter got
the story wrong, he should offer proof of the transferability of those credits. If he has none, he is libeling officials at those institutions as well as The Ranger. Reno wrote that he regrets having to write two letters, but “when there are issues of personal integrity and potential damage to the educational aspirations of students, I feel that I must respond.” He argues reporters should have followed up with information provided and then issued a correction. Phone calls to his office would not have changed anything, he wrote. Only, he didn’t provide any information. Dashing off e-mails while refusing to answer questions is not playing fair, Dr. Reno. Instead of hiding behind e-mail, pick up the telephone to answer some questions and send over the documentation to prove us wrong. Then we’ll correct any erroneous information. If not, The Ranger continues to stand by its reporting.
The Ranger
Opinion
March 26, 2010 • 19
Show picketers some love, tolerance
AP Photo/Ed Andrieski
Hate crimes are atro- definitions of hate crimes. cious. GALA won’t stand for The heinous torture and it, and you shouldn’t either. murder also affected some Members of this college’s people’s feeling toward the Gay and Lesbian Alliance GLBT community. heard that congregants of The play, directed by a church in Victor Treviño, AP Photo/Michael S. Green Kansas plan to is based on life picket a stage in Laramie, adaptation of Wyo., in the “The Laramie year after Project” preS h e p a r d ’s sented by murder. Our Lady GALA and of the Lake The Alliance University. are doing the Anti-gay protesters express their views GALA is at the funeral of Matthew Shepard at right thing by joining forces St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Oct. 16, standing up with the OLLU 1998, in Casper, Wyo. for what they gay, lesbian, believe in. bisexual and transgendered Their silent protest of group, The Alliance, to pro- Westboro Baptist Church’s test the protesters Saturday picket is exactly how people night before the perfor- should react to hateful outmance. of-towners. Let the hateThe play concerns the mongers know how we feel vicious murder of 21-year- about their propaganda and old Matthew Shepard. In divisive practices. 1998, he was kidnapped, Imagine what good could beaten into a coma, tied to be accomplished with the a fence and left for dead money they spend just to by two young men. Shepard demonstrate their hatred. was discovered 18 hours If people of “different” later and rushed to a hospi- orientations weren’t afraid tal, but died five days later. of having to confront this In his death, he shamed kind of intolerance, they government into changing could be open and every-
Jerry Switzer, right, wipes away tears and hugs Cathy Renna on a first anniversary visit to the fence in Laramie, Wyo., where Matthew Shepard was beaten to death.
one would find more gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people in their social circles. If you self-identify with this group, stand up for yourself, and even if you don’t, then stand up anyway. Someone you already know will be grateful. Nobody deserves to be shunned for who they are. Maybe picketing is not
for you, but you can show support by buying a ticket. “The Laramie Project” in Thiry Auditorium at the Lake is at 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday with the final showing at 2 p.m. Sunday. General admission is $10, OLLU students are free and other student tickets are $5. Let’s demonstrate to this Kansas church how peaceful tolerance can be.
Hang on to your belongings or someone else will Students on campus can’t be trusted, based on the results of a March 5 Psychology Club experiment. The Psychology Club designed a social behavior experiment to measure trustworthiness. They left a wallet on the ground with a note inside asking to please return it to the club at a nearby booth for a reward of Frito pie. Some students returned the wallet; some ignored it or kicked it from the pink chalk circle around it.
But some simply took the wallet. Some of them ran from the area. On Jan. 25, a backpack was stolen in the middle of the day from the campus bookstore in Loftin Student Center. The owner was in view, a camera recorded the theft and plenty of people were around. It is a perfect example of what can happen if students don’t keep their valuables close. Asking a person sitting next to you to watch your things while you step
away might be the easy thing to do, but smart students know better. Carrying a bag full of books, laptop, folders, notebooks, snacks, MP3 player, phone, wallet, pens, pencils, highlighters and a flash drive is a burden, but a thief won’t mind the weight as he runs away with your backpack. This college is full of crime, just like any other public environment. That is why students should always watch their backpacks and other possessions on campus.
20 • March 26, 2010
Viewpoint
The Ranger
Bataan memorial tests Army wife’s resolve I could hardly breathe. My lungs felt like someone was squeezing them shut. Viewpoint by I’m not sure Brandy A. Santos I can make it, I thought to myself. I’m so tired, my legs hurt and I’m sick of being in the sun. But then I hear a soft voice say, “You can make it. Just keep moving.” I look around but see no one. The sun is getting to me or I’m dehydrated, but I know I heard that voice so I keep moving. As I head over to the first-aid station, an older gentleman walks past, but slows down and smiles. He said, “Don’t worry. You can make it. Just think of the soldiers before you. This march is to remem-
ber them and what they stood for.” I smiled and thanked him. I turned to grab some water and then saw the gentleman was more than 20 feet ahead of me with no sign of slowing down. On April 9, 1942, tens of thousands of American and Filipino forces were surrendered to the Japanese, who marched them for six days over 80 miles through scorching heat and malaria-infested Philippine jungles. Thousands died on the march of dehydration, exhaustion and injuries. Those who fell behind were executed. Survivors lived in a prisoner of war camp. Since 1989, a 26.2 mile memorial march has been sponsored by the ROTC program of New Mexico State University. White Sands Missile Range and the New Mexico
National Guard joined in 1992 and the event is now at the missile range. More than 5,000 march. Back in 2002, I kept a steady pace, stopping to thank veterans and soldiers for their sacrifices. At four hours, I had to slow down to catch my breath. I headed for the first-aid station, but before I got there, a soldier with artificial legs jogged past. “Oh, hell no! I know I can do it. Stop being a baby!” The sun grew ever more grueling. The hardest part was walking in the sand. My Army ROTC training didn’t matter; the sand was the challenger. I listened to stories of sadness, joy and heroes. My heart ached for the sadness. I cried with fellow marchers and cheered along when a soldier recovering from war wounds passed.
More than seven hours into the march, my legs cramp up. The pain so bad, I fell to my knees. A first-aid responder ran over to check my vitals. I told him I had 5 more miles and the look he gave me was “you’re out of your crazy mind.” In the last mile, I felt my legs cramp up again. I could see the finish line. With every step, I cried in pain. I was roughly 20 feet away. I thought I can’t make it, but I heard that voice again. There stood the gentleman who encouraged me earlier. He met my gaze. When I got to the finish line, I fell down and cried until I was out of breath. To this day, I thank my new friend for getting me to the finish line. I like to believe he was a soldier from the past to help us remember why we march.
The Ranger
March 26, 2010 • 21 Alison Wadley
Advanced-level dancers like Jordan Skruhak, a graphic design sophomore, in Georgeanne Simpson’s Ballet 2 class practice under the instruction of Annette Flores Tuesday in Candler.
Media images defeat average-proportioned body types BY VICTORIA G. ORTIZ Today, young men and women have a wide spectrum of identities to try on and body types abound. But on popular television reality shows like “The Hills,” “America’s Next Top Model” and “The Bachelor” and in double-page spreads of magazines such as Glamour, Lucky, Allure and Self, young people face an endless vortex of images to emulate. The problem for young Americans in identity crisis is the narrow spectrum those media images have traditionally fallen into. The Conde Nast-owned publications listed above choose models who represent an ideal that is seldom encountered in dayto-day life: tall, slender, often blond, buxom and beautiful. Further enhancing those images are the mostly dreamy settings. So it’s not a surprise that when it comes to physical appearance, many choose to emulate the barrage of mass media images. But that choice may not be healthy — physically or mentally — in a country that last year, the Los Angeles Times reported the average American woman was a size 14. The focus on body image has evolved through time and raises an argument over what is considered healthy. From the defining corsets of the early Victorian era to the slim fashions of the 1920s flappers and the loose, flowing style of the hippies in the 1960s and ’70s to the less-is-more trend of the early ’90’s, style has
changed dramatically in western history. tive connotations because of the proliferaThe same goes for most of the world’s tion of serious illnesses such as bulimia, cultures. anorexia and substance abuse for weight The Pai Dong Karen or long-neck tribe loss or body building. place brass rings around the necks of young The U.S. Department of Agriculture girls beginning at age 6 in hopes of elongat- stresses the importance of healthy food ing their necks to meet tribal esthetics. choices and maintaining a healthy weight. The feet of women in some parts of China The Web site www.mypyramid.gov is were bound to keep them small, suiting a bursting with information about added sugsocietal preference. ars in processed foods, physical activity and American men wear long neck ties and the healthiest food choices for children as fitted blazers in corporate careers, a strange young as 2 years old. choice in many parts of the world. Billimek offered advice to parents with Dr. Thomas E. Billimek, psychology chair, young children about practicing their own said, “It is possible to raise a young woman advice. or man with a healthy perception of themSaying candy and soda is unhealthy, but selves in today’s society.” actually eliminating the two from dietary Some key elements are socialization, choices will influence children more strongbeing aware of what realistic proportions ly. are, and having a supportive He also stressed the imporfamily or group of friends to tance of moving away from the reinforce positive thinking. computer screen to encourage It’s important to have a physical activity. mental filter to discern realisDancers and actors are typitic results from the photos editcally the people splashed across ed in a magazine studio, said the covers of our favorite magaBillimek, who has raised teens zines and framed in large cases www.theranger.org Go online for an extended of his own. at movie theatres. version of story. Learning healthy eating Billimek said having a habits from birth is a good place healthy perspective about popto start. ular culture personalities is a good way to “It used to be that a fat baby was a healthy keep self-esteem high. baby, but now, we know an overweight baby Visit www.theranger.org to read more is really an overweight child.” about dancing students’ perspective on body An emphasis on body image carries nega- image, weight management and nutrition.
22 • March 26, 2010
The Ranger
NLC offers open transfer, career fairs College offers career prep workshops in advance of April 15 fair. By Celeste J. NeNtwig Northeast Lakeview will be buzzing with information and visitors Wednesday. The college is hosting two of three upcoming events, the Spring Transfer Fair and Career Fair Prep Workshop. The Spring 2010 Career Fair is planned April 15. All are open and free to all district students, as well as community members. The transfer fair, sponsored by the office of student services, is 9 a.m. to noon in the opportunity mall of the student commons building. Admissions representatives from 20 universities will be there to offer general information on scholarships, grants, financial aid and transfer requirements.
Phillip Hicks, education skills specialist, said The workshops are sponsored by the office they may not have information concerning of student development, leadership and activiplans for specific majors, but the representaties and will prepare district students, commutives will provide a guide on how to obtain that nity members, staff and faculty for the Spring information. 2010 Career Fair scheduled for April 15. All the local universities except Trinity will There will be a presentation by Shirley be in attendance, as well as Morris, education skills many from other cities and specialist in career services, Spring Transfer Fair 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday states. and Blanca Balle-Muniz, job in opportunity mall The out-of-town guest placement program specialof student commons list includes Sam Houston ist. State, Texas Tech and Baylor Morris said the presenuniversities, Texas A&M-College Station, Jarvis tation will address etiquette, including having Christian College and the University of North rĂŠsumĂŠs on hand and dressing appropriately. Texas. The career fair will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Most of the universities have written transfer opportunity mall in student commons. agreements with the district colleges, and the For more information about the career fair ones that do not have articulation agreements and prep workshop, call the office of student do accept credits, Hicks said. development, leadership and activities at 486The Career Fair Prep Workshops are 5404. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to noon and 6:30 p.m. to For more information on the transfer fair, 7:30 p.m. in Room 220 in student commons. call the office of student services at 486-5447.
The Ranger
Pulse
March 26, 2010 • 23
Boxers to jump into the ring April 9 in mall Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
By Riley StephenS Twenty-four students will compete in a boxing match April 9 in the mall in a ring to be provided by the South Texas Amateur Boxing Association. Four females and 20 male students have signed up for the boxing event and are training at two local gyms. “We were waiting to see if we were going to be OK legally if one of the kids got hurt,” Carrie Hernandez, student life activities specialist, said Tuesday. “We were waiting for the event to be legalized so that students’ health could be covered, and San Antonio College would not be liable.” Students have been divided into two teams: red and blue. They have been training at San Fernando Gym (red team) and Luna’s Boxing 4 Fitness Community Center (blue team), Hernandez said. The students train every day for two hours. “It’s pretty intense… they tell us to work on our speed punches,” marketing sophomore Joseph Ramirez, who trains at San Fernando Gym, said Wednesday. “They encourage us. They ask us to run at least 30 minutes at our own time,” he said. Ramirez said he decided to participate in the boxing event to find out more about himself. All students participating in the event have been registered with United States Amateur Boxing, Hernandez said. “Students who participate will get a passbook, and all their wins and losses will be recorded in it,” Hernandez said. San Antonio College has a membership as San Antonio Boxing Club with United States Amateur Boxing, Inc. According to the U. S. Amateur Boxing membership application, to become a club the cost is
Horacio Peña, uncle of psychology sophomore Andrew Rohn, is training a team of boxers, including marketing sophomore Joseph Ramirez, who Rohn fights in the rink Tuesday at San Fernando Gym, 319 W. Travis. The team is training for a campus event April 9.
Marketing sophomore Joseph Ramirez boxes with psychology sophomore Andrew Rohn during training Tuesday at San Fernando Gym. Rohn, who began boxing only several weeks ago, said he wanted something fun to do with extra time. The team practices every weekday for two hours.
$225.00. Eight boxing officials from the South Texas Amateur Boxing Association will bring in the ring, set it up and tear it down They also will provide headgear, gloves, tape and gauze, as well as a doctor who will weigh-in the competitors. Report time for the boxers will be 8 a.m. and weigh-in will be at 9 a.m. The event will start at 11 a.m. “I think we’re going to have a big crowd,” Hernandez said. “The
bouts will be three rounds; one minute for the girls and two minutes for the guys.” Horticulture freshman Carlos de Jesus, who trains at Luna’s gym, said Wednesday, “This boxing event is not a slugfest … they’re really teaching us the proper techniques.” Criminal justice sophomore Juan Ramos, who also trains at Luna’s, said Wednesday, “They are really hands-on. There are about five coaches, and they each train
differently. “None of us really know who we’re going to fight until the day of the event, and that just makes me want to cover all aspects,” Ramos said. Student life Director Jorge Posadas said student life has spent $5,210 on the boxing event. That sum paid for doctors, judges, coaches, insurance, a boxing ring and training for 24 students for 30 days. President Robert Zeigler initially said Wednesday that he did not know whether the event had been approved; later in the day, he said the event was “a go.”
The Ranger
24 • March 26, 2010
Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
Theater sophomore Ryan Gonzales, playing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, rehearses with the cast of “Amadeus” Tuesday in the auditorium of McAllister.
‘Amadeus’ brings classical rivalry to stage By AlexAndriA MAxwell The stage in McAllister Fine Arts Center has been transformed into a 1800s Venetian court for “Amadeus,” which opens Thursday, directed by theater and speech communication Instructor Ronald Watson. “Amadeus” is a tragedy loosely based on the lives of composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. The play portrays veteran composer Salieri as a villain outraged with jealousy over the immediate success of young Mozart. Sometimes described as a child prodigy, “at 4, Mozart was playing short pieces; at five, composing,” according to biography.com. Salieri, on the other hand, struggled in his attempts at becoming a great composer, even making a deal with God to ensure his success. To Salieri, Mozart’s triumphs were God’s way of mocking him. Throughout the show, Salieri comes up with schemes to destroy Mozart while deviously befriending him. Peter Shaffer wrote the play in 1979, and he adapted the theatrical play into a screen- Theater Instructor play in 1984. The movie version directs “Amadeus.” nabbed the Oscar for best picture in 1984. Watson said many people may come to the stage play expecting to see what they saw in the movie. But what they will find is that the play is told in a different way while using the same
Theater sophomores Esteban Reyna and Brittany Ortiz.
Theater sophomores Michael Muenchow and Reyna.
characters. Watson prefers the play to the film, saying the film is biographical while the play is told more from the minds of its central characters. In the play, Salieri’s character is portrayed in a more diabolical and devious light. “In this play, you want to hate the main character but you love him at the same time,” said Heather Taylor, theater sophomore, who portrays the cook in the production. The show requires a large cast and “is almost too big for Ronald Watson the stage,” Watson said. So big that instead of using backdrops, the crew set up projection screens. The screens will broadcast a series of locations throughout Vienna, said Debra Coates, theater and speech communication technical director. “This play is going to be something for the
eyes,” said Lupe Zapata, theater sophomore, who plays a valet. “Every character wears an elaborate wig, and the costumes were executed extremely well.” Watson has directed the play three times previously, but this is the first time using students. “Something I really love about Ronnie is that he does a great job of internalizing your character. Speaking or not, you have a signature movement or facial expression. Although you are not talking, people are still watching,” Zapata said. “Amadeus” is the second theatrical production of the semester for the department. The first was “The Boys in the Band.” Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. April 1-3 and April 7-10, and 2:30 p.m. April 11, in the auditorium of McAllister. Admission is free for college and district students and employees with ID. General admission is $10 and all other students are $8. Tickets are available at the box office 30 minutes before show time. For more information, call 486-0494.