The Ranger A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
Vol. 84 Issue 8
Single copies free
Nov. 6, 2009
Veterans Day
DROP OR NOT 4 PARKING UPDATE 6 STD WARNING 7
2 • Nov. 6, 2009
Murder trial postponed, not yet rescheduled By Vanessa M. Sanchez The trial of former part-time Northeast Lakeview College librarian Alan Godin, set to begin Oct. 30, was postponed. Godin remains in custody at the Bexar County Detention Center in lieu of a $250,000 bond on a charge of first-degree murder. John Combery, Godin’s attorney, did not return calls to The Ranger. As of Nov. 5, no date had been set for the trial in the 187th District Court. Donald Devin Zimmerman was at work Oct. 20, 2008, in the Albertsons facility on Pat Booker Road when Godin walked into the library and fired repeatedly at Zimmerman, witnesses said. Zimmerman was the only casualty.
The Ranger
Blotter San Antonio College
age to a personal vehicle.
Oct. 26 – An individual reported a suspicious person.
Oct. 28 – An individual reported receiving unwanted text messages.
An individual reported being stuck in an elevator. SAFD advised and assisted with getting the individual out.
www.theranger.org Complete blotter online.
An individual reported another person yelling obscenities at them in the parking lot.
An individual reported feeling ill. EMS treated.
Oct. 29 – An officer reported a suspicious person.
An individual reported a suspicious male in the area.
An individual reported a suspicious person.
Oct. 27 – An individual reported found property. Item placed in property locker.
An individual reported a vehicle rolled out of its parking space causing a traffic hazard. Vehicle was moved back into parking space.
An individual reported dam-
A patrol officer reported graffiti in a men’s restroom. A faculty member reported a disturbance in a classroom in McCreless. No further incident. An individual reported damage to a personal vehicle. An individual reported a malfunctioning parking meter. Facilities division advised.
Contact Info Emergency 222-0911 General DPS 485-0099 Weather Line 485-0189
The Ranger • Vol. 84 • Issue 8
Nov. 6, 2009 • 3
The Ranger
A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
2 Blotter 2 News
Murder trial postponed By Vanessa M. Sanchez
8 National Park Service wants you By Sharon Hensley
9 Local filmmaker
4 Holiday card contest winner
By Henry A. Chavarria Photo by Deborah Harrison
By Laura Garcia
10 Calendar
Drop deadline Nov. 13 By Henry A. Chavarria
5 Military enrollment grows, many services offered By Vanessa M. Sanchez
U.S. flag regulations By Trey Randolph Cover and story photos by Deborah Harrison
6 Parking alternatives that won’t get you towed By Laura Garcia
7 Sexual health warning By Tyler K. Cleveland
8 Premiere Talent for technology
Only online @ theranger.org
11 Faculty Senate
By Vanessa M. Sanchez Photo by Henriette Mutegwaraba
“What, in all that is holy, were you thinking?” Dr. Dorothy Haecker, professor of philosophy at Palo Alto College, questioning the trustees’ decision to change the district’s name.
12 Editorial
Cartoon Pitch timer Hire Pam Tyler ’Tis the season for giving
Palo Alto College forum People slideshow
14 People
Día de los Muertos slideshow
15 Pulse Walkers on campus
Halloween slideshow
By Emilio Davila
16 Backpage Library offers new look and services By Steven L. Moya Photos by Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle and Jerry Cantú
Board to discuss budget at retreat Volunteers needed for senior learning center Pizza with the president
By Laura Garcia Photo by Henriette Mutegwaraba
www.theranger.org
The Ranger
4 • Nov. 6, 2009
Sophomore wins card contest Time to offers $500 for animated decide on Districtholiday e-card design. fall drops
Monica Monzon
By Laura Garcia
By Henry Chavarria With the end of classes four, short weeks away, students should start looking at their grades and talking to instructors before deciding whether they can go the distance. If a class is threatening the gradepoint average, dropping it by the Nov. 13 deadline sounds like a good idea. On the other hand, students have to consider the six-drop rule and the threepeat rule. Since fall 2005, Alamo Colleges will charge out-of-state tuition rates to students registering a third time for the same course. The state Legislature also limited students who enrolled beginning in fall 2007 to a total of six course drops during their undergraduate career, including courses dropped at another institution. “The courses you drop will follow you through your college career, even if you transfer to a four-year university,” counseling intake supervisor Marylou Argumedo said. “This is why we require new students with fewer than 15 credit hours to attend group advising before they can enroll for the following semester,” she said. Students who need to withdraw from all of their classes because of extenuating circumstances may be exempted from the drop limit after meeting with a counselor and securing proper documentation. According to the San Antonio College Bulletin, students must obtain a notice of drop form from the instructor and submit the signed form to the admissions and records office for processing. Students are responsible for following up and confirming that requests to withdraw from classes have been processed. The deadline to withdraw from fall semester classes with a W is by 5 p.m. Nov. 13. For more information, call the counseling center at 486-0333.
One lucky student picked up a $500 scholarship from this college for creating a holiday card chosen as an invitation to the president’s annual holiday luncheon. The winner is fine arts sophomore Monica Monzon. The gathering will be from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 4 in Koehler Cultural Center and is open to all employees. Administrators traditionally act as servers. There were a total of 22 entries that were judged by a team of administrators, including President Robert Zeigler. If you missed that deadline, you still have a chance to enter the district’s holiday e-card contest and possibly score $500. The district invites current students to design an animated e-card to be sent electronically to with your full name, college, major, telephone hundreds of leaders in business, community, col- number and the best way for the district to conleges and universities and other partners and tact you. supporters of the college district. Irizarry said entries can be an animated video The e-mailed holiday card must be original made in Adobe After Effects or Photoshop just work and submitted by midnight as long as it’s a SWF file. He said Dec. 7. last year about eight entries were Sally Espinoza, administrative submitted. secretary in the chancellor’s office, To see what the district selectsaid they have all day Dec.7 until it’s ed last year, go to alamo.edu/ due that night. ecard/2008 to see the winning entry Chancellor Bruce Leslie, board and other submissions. www.theranger.org Chair Denver McClendon and The winning individual or stuGo online to view last trustees will judge the contest, and dent team will receive a $500 check year’s district holiday ecard submissions. the winner will be notified by Dec. from the ACCD Foundation at the 10. Dec. 15 board meeting. Five finalists Adriana Contreras, deputy to the chancellor, will receive gift cards to the district’s bookstores; said that students should “just be as creative as two valued at $100 and three at $50. they can be” and to stick with a San Antonio holiContreras said they opted for a check rather day theme. than a scholarship because it will be around The e-card must also contain the names of all Christmas time, and students won’t have to wait five colleges. Contreras said not to forget to add for the money. nice music. This is the third year of the contest and in a Last year’s card was designed by Northwest memo, Contreras said the purpose of the contest Vista College student Bart Herrera and can be is to save money and promote the creativity and seen online at www.accd.edu/ecard. talent of the district’s students. Other specifications: must be submitted as a SWF file, be a maximum of 45 seconds, no more than 560 kilobytes, and measure 640 x For technical questions, call Mike Irizarry at 485-0041 480 pixels. or Adriana Contreras at 485-0020. E-mail the finished product to district webmaster Mike Irizarry at mirizarry@alamo.edu
The Ranger
Nov. 6, 2009 • 5
Military, veteran student numbers grow Deborah Harrison
By Vanessa M. Sanchez The Alamo Colleges have a growing population of veterans and military students. In August, Board Chairman Denver McClendon announced: “We are one of the 50 top community colleges chosen by the military to take courses in. I’m very proud of that fact.” Jerardo Gonzalez of the district’s office of institutional research and effectiveness, said there are roughly 843 active-duty military students registered at one of the five colleges of the district. Though preliminary, there should not be much of a difference once certified, he said. In addition, the veterans affairs office on this campus assists about 1,400 veterans in cashing in their G.I. Bill benefits. History sophomore Jack Mandabille, a workstudy student in veterans affairs, said there are many enrolled through the Hazelwood Act available for veterans who enlisted outside of Texas. Mandabille said this is the largest number of veterans to be enrolled in college since World War II. He credits that to Chapter 33 incentives in the Post 9-11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, which went into effect Aug. 1, 2008. In addition to full tuition, Chapter 33 provides veterans with $1,240 per month for housing and a book stipend. Gloria Gonzales, senior secretary in the veterans affairs office, said “there has been a tremendous increase” in veterans returning to Deborah Harrison
For more information, vist the veterans affairs office on the first floor of Moody. college. She said there are a variety of chapters available to veterans, but they all cover tuition and are aimed at helping veterans get an education and a job. “That’s the whole purpose of the G.I. Bill, to help them get a job out in the world,” Gonzales said. “If you’re a vet or a dependent and entitled to receive benefits, use them wisely, but use them.” Beneficiaries also are allowed to use these benefits, and Gonzales encourages everyone who is eligible to take advantage of the opportunities. “Don’t let it go to waste.” Mandabille, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years and left as a corporal, said he attends this college because he is “very new to the area and a couple of my friends recommended it.” He said, “I think it does a very good job helping veterans. This community, in its
Fly flag proudly, but follow U.S. Code By Trey Randolph
Damaged flags should be replaced and disposed of properly by burning. Many military organizations, such as veteran groups or ROTC and Junior ROTC offer this service.
own, is very friendly to veterans.” San Antonio was once home to five Air Force installations and an Army post, Fort Sam Houston, established in 1876 and now home to the Army Medical Command, 5th U.S. Army, U.S. Army South and Brooke Army Medical Center. With its multiple medical facilities, Fort Sam Houston calls itself the largest and most important medical facility in the world. The city also played a significant role in development of aviation and the U.S. Air Force. With so many resources, the city is a favored military retirement center. In addition to the veteran benefits, military spouses are eligible for the career advancement account, or CAA, which will pay up to $6,000. Steven Sparks, continuing education’s director of operations, said, “This program takes the financial burden out of the way.” Sparks said the program began here in September, but he has “spoken with counselors and they anticipate this being a long-term” program. He said the district is “in tune with trying to meet with needs and military bases.” He added, “The Alamo Colleges provide the most flexibility for students regarding training and meeting students’ needs. We’re geared up because of our resources to meet the demand of the community. We’re also so affordable. We’ve become the provider of choice and I’m very proud of it.”
The U.S. flag has long stood as a symbol of freedom and democracy, and Veterans Day is a chance to fly the flag in honor of those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, was created to “honor the heroes we have lost, and rededicate ourselves to the next generation of veterans by supporting our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen as they return home from duty,” President Barack Obama wrote Oct. 30. Flying the flag requires respecting the rules. Title 4, Chapter 1 of the U.S. Code details rules and regula-
tions for the nation’s flag. “It is the Psychology Chair Thomas universal custom to display the flag Billimek was a member of the Army only from sunrise to Reserves for 37 years, sunset on buildings and and said his last comon stationary flag staffs mand was garrison in the open,” the flag support. Billimek was code states. “However, in charge of mobilizing when a patriotic effect Guard and Reserves to is desired, the flag may deploy after Sept. 11, www.theranger.org be displayed 24 hours a 2001. Go online to read day if properly illumi“The flag is a symbol an extended version. nated during the hours of our nation and of the of darkness.” principles that we hold sacred,” he James Demasi, coordinator of said. “So to honor the flag is to honor veterans affairs on this campus, the nation and the many people who said, “There’s this certain feeing you served their nation, especially those have inside when the flag is done who gave their lives to defend the correctly.” Constitution of the United States.”
The Ranger
6 • Nov. 6, 2009
Some parking questions answered By Laura Garcia Parking is still an issue on this campus. The peak times, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., have not changed from last year but enrollment has. The director of admissions and records, J. Martin Ortega, said enrollment of students being served by this college is 22,096. This number does not include the 2,131 that attend Northeast Lakeview College but receive credit through this college. Ortega said that an estimate of the heaviest traffic timeslot of on-campus students is at about 11 a.m. but that it is only slightly heavier than the 8 a.m.-11 a.m. time period. In a September Academic Council meeting, discussion of shuttles as a solution came up. During construction of the parking garage, the college offered shuttles to off-campus lots. But Tim Rockey, dean of continuing education training network and also in charge of parking, said the shuttles are cost-prohibitive. Also in that same meeting, complaints were
aired about motorcycles parking in vehicle safe environment, but with the amount of conspots in the parking garage. struction, it makes it tough. Rockey said motorcycles are not allowed to “We also don’t want to put the students in park in vehicle parking with the exception of jeopardy. We are trying to improve and update larger motorcycles. Owners of the larger motor- for the students,” Vela said. “It’s like a Catch-22.” cycles can pay for a vehicle parkRockey said as the remodeling pass that allows parking in any ing is finished, more parking will lot or the garage. become available. The vehicle parking permit, “Parking is going to be a chala window cling, is $21 while the lenge probably until next fall,” he motorcycle permit, a sticker, is $10 said, adding district colleges parkafter a $21 permit has been puring pressure is the same at other www.theranger.org chased. Because of the reduced district colleges. Go online for more on the parking update. price, he said, motorcyclists are The district is “enjoying record not to park in vehicle spots. enrollment” but has less parking Motorcycle parking is located east of Moody for the additional students. He advises students and west of the academic instruction center. and faculty not to park in the visitor parking Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of student because the meters accept money for only an affairs, said, “The earlier you come for classes, hour and a half at a time. the better.” He noted that when a student gets to Rockey said the best thing students can do is school at 7:40 a.m. for an 8 a.m. class, it makes it to use public transportation. “very difficult” to find parking. For questions about parking, call Rockey at Vela said the college is trying to provide a 486-0926.
Check out the
Department of Media Communications Where Creativity and Technology Meet
/Programs in Digital Design Journalism Music Business Photography Radio-Television-Broadcasting
/Student Media KSYM Radio The Ranger/The Ranger Online For more information, contact: Marianne Odom, Chair Department of Media Communications Loftin Student Center 204 Department: 210-486-1765 Office: 210-486-1786 Fax: 210-486-1789 E-mail: modom@alamo.edu
Nov. 6, 2009 • 7
The Ranger
Sexual health talk highlights need but draws few STDs infect 19 million Americans each year. By Tyler K. Cleveland It’s worth it to wait until marriage, knowing the potential consequences of the human tendency for “uncontrollable decision-making with the opposite sex,” an educator said Oct. 29 in a program on sexual health in Loftin Student Center. William Sandburg, senior male health educator for the University Health System, and Diana Lowe, a registered nurse with the University Health Science Center sex education program, addressed the main goals of sexual education: to provide information on preventing unwanted pregnancy
and disease, so people can assess transmitted diseases, Sandburg that information to foster social said. responsibility. With people having sex at a “Sex is not a recreational activyounger age and getting married ity,” Lowe said. older, there’s a greater length of Sandburg and Lowe spoke to time for having multiple partan audience of 12 ners, heightening students in the craft risk for spreading or room, most studying contracting an STD, or tuned out of the according to a 2006 presentation, with periodical by the only three students Journal of Adolescent actively participatHealth cited in the ing, two from the Peer speakers’ PowerPoint www.theranger.org Go online for the Educators program. presentation. extended version That kind of turn“There’s no way of of this story. out reflects how the knowing how many information that people, especially STDs are out there today,” Lowe college students, need to know said, adding countless variations often goes unheard and results in infect approximately 19 million unwanted pregnancy or contrib- people in the United States per utes to an epidemic of sexually year.
The three types of STDs include viruses, bacteria and parasitic infections. Human papilloma virus, herpes, HIV and AIDS are the most common, incurable viruses treated by medication, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Protozoa cause trichomoniasis, the most common STD, accounting for nearly half of infections. More than 8,000 new cases of chlamydia and 2,000 of gonorrhea, bacterial infections that can be treated with antibiotics, occur in San Antonio each year, according to 2008 reports by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. Lowe stated that more than half of all sexually active people will have an STD by age 24, and most won’t realize they are infected.
Prem
8 • The Ranger
Henriette Mutegwaraba
Will perform for projector By Laura Garcia “SAC has talent” and is willing to prove it in front of a live audience. Faculty and staff are putting together acts for a talent show at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. This talent display follows a student show Nov. 13 sponsored by the office of student life in the Fiesta Room in Loftin. Details of the faculty-staff acts are being kept quiet by most of the performers. Kinesiology and dance Chair Bill Richardson wouldn’t offer much more than a comedian’s name. About 15 acts have signed up so far with talents varying from dance and comedy to a music video. Among them is a mystery professor who will solve a Rubik’s cube in less than two minutes and another entry performing music from the film “Slumdog Millionaire.” Each act is about two to five minutes long. Departments preparing acts for the show include astronomy, music, math, counseling and the writing center. Dr. Jessica Howard, vice president of academic affairs, said that each act enters a drawing for one of three $2,000 projectors. Howard said if the three winning departments do not need the projector, the money can be used for equivalent technology. There will be a silent auction that night in
Pre-med sophomore Tony Santana performs a song for talent show tryouts Monday in the Fiesta Room in Loftin. The talent show sponsored by student life is scheduled for Nov. 13. the lobby of McAllister for gift baskets valued at $50. Howard said 19 departments have already committed to donating baskets. Opening bids are $15. “Anyone who is there can bid on the basket,” Howard said. The highest bidder can use the themed basket as a holiday gift. “It’s about raising money, raising morale and having some fun as we go into the holiday period,” she said. “It’s a bonding experience.” The idea originally came about by the director of information and communication technologies, Usha Venkat, during a summer meeting. She took the idea to Howard and Faculty Senate President Jeff Hunt. Student Life Director Jorge Posada also helped in the initial planning. Venkat said they thought it was a great idea, especially because of budget cuts. She said when she first came to the college, she learned that “it’s pretty obvious” the classrooms are poorly equipped with technology.
“It does impede teaching without the proper tools,” Venkat said. The doors will open at about 6:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. start. Children younger than 12 and students with a college ID get free admission. Advance tickets are on sale for $10 and military and seniors for $8. Call 486-0856 for tickets. Admission is $12 at the door. After the event, which should last just over an hour, student life will sponsor a reception. “It should be a ton of fun,” Howard said. “We really want a lot of people to attend.” Announcement of the event was sent to friends of the college and retirees. Student Government Association is helping to advertise the show. President Robert Zeigler has also agreed to perform, but no word on what the act will be except that Howard said it will be safe. She added that Zeigler said he will be the “bouncer” for the event. “There’s really nothing funnier than seeing your professor doing something that takes them out of their comfort zone,” she said.
National Park Service wants you to be ProRanger An information session for a new ProRanger program is Thursday. By Sharon Hensley Students who think they would enjoy an outdoor career complete with benefits may be interested in learning about the National Park Service ProRanger Program. Information sessions for the program will be at 10 a.m., noon and 5:30
p.m. Thursday in Room 218 of the nursing and allied health complex. The service is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior and is responsible for staffing 391 national parks, which collectively receive more than 275 million visitors each year. Through a partnership with this college, the park service will offer students an opportunity to complete a two-year, academic and internship-
based intake program. Frank Francis, director of the law enforcement academy, said, “It involves degree-seeking students who upon graduation will be eligible to work full time for the NPS.” A position for an on-campus representative employed by the park service is open. Francis said the program is scheduled to start in the spring semester
but may be delayed if the position has not been filled. Applicants to the program must be enrolled full time. For complete program eligibility information, visit http://www.alamo. edu/sac/ce/park/index.html. The site also details requirements for participation in the program. For more information on the National Park Service, visit http:// www.nps.gov/index.htm.
miere
Nov. 6, 2009 • 9 Photos by Deborah Harrison
Short film connects heartbreak, insomnia
Photographer Jason Ucab is positioning his camera while media communications sophomore Jaime Sanchez directs “Night Mind,” a film about insomnia Nov. 3.
By Henry A. Chavarria
we have a daughter together,” Sanchez said, “The thoughts that ran through my head took over my life. “Until this day, there are times when I Media communications sophomore Jamie Sanchez began shooting cannot sleep for up to four days,” he said. his short film submission, “Night Mind,” Tuesday for the Luminaria Arts Sanchez has been divorced from his ex-wife for two years and is happy Night celebration in March. to see his daughter on the weekends. The six-minute film was shot in eight hours in a one-bedroom apart“I wanted to make this film because I went through many emotions ment in the Sage Crossing complex, 3431 Oakdale. during the divorce, and despite my ex-wife’s actions, I took it like a man The film is being produced by AV Productions, a and still treated her like every man should treat the local company founded by producer Abraham Valdez mother of his child. For more information, about a year ago. “Shooting the film has given me a sense of closure visit www.luminariasa.org The two roles are Ricky, a pushover husband played to the past and an opportunity to share my story with by Steve Dominguez, 26, and Penelope, his unfaithful my peers and colleagues,” Sanchez said. wife, played by Sylvia Soto, 28. His last film, “There was a Love Affair,” was last year’s runner-up for Sanchez directed the film based on his personal struggles with adul- the Film Festival hosted by the radio-television-film program and was tery, heartbreak and insomnia. screened during freshman orientation in Chance Academic Center last “When I first found out my wife had cheated on me, I was hurt because summer. Night in San Antonio is March 10 at Alamo Plaza. Media communications sophomore Jaime Sanchez (back right) directs “Night Mind,” a film about insomnia, while Jason Ucab (front right) talks about positioning to actor Sylvia Soto.
Calendar
10 • Nov. 6, 2009 For coverage call 486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance. Today District Event: Alamo Colleges Capital Improvement Plan Celebration 3:45 p.m.7 p.m. at Pearl Stable, 312 Pearl. Call 486-0883. SAC Event: Astronomy Club information booth 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. at Scobee. Call 486-0063. SAC Event: Cheshyre Cheese Club coffee and open mic night 6:30 p.m. in the round of Loftin. Call 486-0125. Saturday Community Event: San Antonio’s Fittest Games 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Alamo CrossFit, 14381 Blanco. $25 registration benefits the Wounded Warrior Project. Call 279-9259. Sunday SAC Event: Student Art Guild “Media Jam” featuring artists of all types collaborating 7 p.m. at 2317 McCullough. Call 386-2084.
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864.
The Ranger
SAC Event: Sociology Open House 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Room 303 of Chance. Call 486-1319.
López sponsored by the Teaching Academy Program Peers 1 p.m. in Room 120 of visual arts. Call 486-0665. SAC Event: Spa Day 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the mall. Call 486-0125.
SAC Event: Court reporting information session 6:15 p.m.-8 p.m. in Room 202 of Nail. Call 486-0531.
SPC Event: Turkey “Taste off” 11:30 a.m. at Central Market, 4821 Broadway. Call 486-2315.
SAC Transfer: Schreiner University 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864.
SAC Meeting: Astronomy Club noon-1 p.m. in Room 101 of nursing education. Call 486-0125.
SAC Transfer: St. Mary’s University 4 p.m.-6 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864.
SAC Meeting: Cheshyre Cheese Club 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Room 127 of Gonzales. Call 486-0125.
SAC Meeting: Campus Crusade for Christ noon-1 p.m. in the Craft Room of Loftin. Call 486-1233.
SAC Meeting: Psychology Club 2 p.m.-3 p.m. in Room 606 of Moody. Call 4860125.
SAC Event: United Methodist Student Movement “Hot Potato” 12:15 p.m. in Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap. Continues Tuesdays. Call 733-1441.
SAC Meeting: Gay and Lesbian Association 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in Rooms 612-613 of Moody. Call 486-0125.
www.theranger.org Complete calendar online.
SAC Concert: Mariachi Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0255.
SAC Meeting: SACNAS 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in Room 144 of Chance. Call
Wednesday
SAC Transfer: Texas A&M University 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864.
SAC Transfer: Our Lady of the Lake University 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864.
Thursday
SAC Meeting: Mexican-American Engineers and Scientists 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. in Room 144 of Chance. Call 4860125.
SAC Event: Meet the Majors 9 a.m.noon in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0125. SAC Transfer: Texas Tech University 9:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0864.
SAC Lecture: “Pattern and Drought” by Adrian Esparza 10:50 a.m. in Room 120 of visual arts. Call 486-1042.
SAC Transfer: University of the Incarnate Word 4 p.m.-6 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Continues 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday. Call 4860864. SAC Event: Discussion with author Diana
SAC Event: Women4Women Relationship Retreat 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in Room 105 of the empowerment center. Call 486-0455. SAC Tourney: Racquetball benefiting kinesiology scholarships 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the racquetball courts, $5. Call 486-1029. Nov. 15 McNay Lecture: “Restituting the Goudstikker Collection” 2 p.m. in Chiego. Call 824-5368. Nov. 16 SAC Meeting: Mexican-American Engineers and Scientists 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. in Room 144 of Chance. Call 4860125. SAC Concert: Guitar ensemble 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0255. Nov. 17
SAC Event: United Methodist Student Movement Bible study with free lunch at 12:10 p.m. Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap. Call 733-1441.
Tuesday SAC Transfer: Texas Lutheran University
SAC Event: Dance Dance Revolution 1 p.m.-4 p.m. in the game room of Loftin. Call 486-0125.
486-0125.
Monday
SAC Worship: United Methodist Student Movement worship services, 11 a.m.-noon in Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap. Continues Mondays. Call 733-1441.
SAC Event: Outdoor movie “Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince” 7:20 p.m.-10 p.m. in the mall. Call 486-0125.
Nov. 14
SAC Meeting: American Institute of Architecture Students 4 p.m.-5 p.m. in Room 251 of Chance. Call 486-0125.
SAC Event: Karaoke 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0125.
Nov. 13
SAC Concert: Latin Jazz combo 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0255.
Nov. 18
SAC Concert: Wind Ensemble 2 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 4860255.
Calendar Legend SAC: San Antonio College NVC: Northwest Vista College SPC: St. Philip’s College SWC: South West Campus PAC: Palo Alto College NLC: Northeast Lakeview College
The Ranger
Nov. 6, 2009 • 11 Henriette Mutegwaraba
District manager Elizabeth Gray explains plans for the college bookstore at the Faculty Senate meeting Wednesday.
Bookstore process, released time allocation discussed By Vanessa M. Sanchez
because during that week, the store is busier and more time is Faculty Senate focused needed to research lower costing on problems with the college books. bookstore and consideration Gray said, “We want to give of released time for faculty the money back to our stuWednesday. dents.” Bookstore manShe added about ager Amy Turpin 18 percent to 20 and district manpercent of this colager Elizabeth Gray lege’s students purwere guest speakers. chase from the onTurpin explained campus bookstore, the reason behind but to bring in more www.theranger.org some confusion in students, they have Go online for more on the Faculty Senate meeting. this semester’s book instituted a guarpurchasing. antee that gives 50 Only “61 percent of orders percent of the total cost of a book were in that were supposed to be back to the students who sell in by Oct. 16,” she said. back their books. Gray answered questions Turpin said the guarantee about lower textbook prices, say- works when a student makes a ing it is important for managers purchase of any book. The store to receive information from facwill place a sticker indicating that ulty as soon as possible. when the book is sold back, the “The key,” Turpin said, “is to student will receive that portion get them in before finals week,” back.
12 • Nov. 6, 2009
Editorial
The Ranger Juan Carlos Campos
SAC Psychic Fair
The Ranger
Editor Jason B. Hogan Managing Editor Vanessa M. Sanchez Calendar Editor Henry A. Chavarria Photo Editor Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle Photographers Leda Garcia, Destiny Mata Photographers Andrea Branch, Antonio Cabriales, Jerry Cantú, Sarah Day, Jessica Garcia, Deborah Harrison, Daniel Leal, Henrietta Mutegwaraba Production Manager Laura Garcia Newsroom Assistant Zahra Farah Illustrator Juan Carlos Campos Staff Writers Mario Anguiano, Tyler K. Cleveland, Emilio Davila, Lorraine Gomez, Sharon Hensley, Steven L. Moya, Trey Randolph Web Editor/Circulation Regis L. Roberts ©2009 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 (486-1765). 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 doublespaced, 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, 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 and telephone number. For more information, call 486-1773. Single Copy Policy: Because of high production costs, members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue. 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
Opinion
McLaughlin out? Hire Pam Tyler James McLaughlin, vice chancellor for finance and administration, retires Dec. 31. That means someone will need to fill in and clean up the mess he’s leaving behind. The chancellor praises his financial expertise, experience and leadership. Let’s just forget that we are in a $14.6 million deficit with thousands being cut from student services and faculty payroll to overcome the shortage. How is that fiscal financial responsibility? Clearly, it is not. One inspiring woman proved last week that a few thrifty measures make a big difference. Meet Pamela Tyler, district coordinator of donor relations. She planned an appreciation event with the assistance of consultants from the ACCD Foundation and development staff from the five colleges. She invited major donors like Boeing, Toyota and Valero Energy Corp. to the Koehler Cultural Center to show them how their gifts are benefiting the district. She was able to find local business donations, which cut the event budget by two-thirds. The party favors included tickets to a theater production here and Scobee planetarium and chocolate bark prepared by
the St. Philip’s culinary arts department. She said they chose these gifts to show donors what their money supports. She said using the strengths of students, faculty and staff means more than a paperweight emblazoned with a design that donors will probably never use. We have someone in this district who actually appreciates what the students and faculty offer? Hire Tyler for McLaughlin’s soon-to-be vacant post. She seems to have a knack for saving and a go-getter attitude. Save the $100,000 for yet another national search. Tyler, whose job is seeking donations to the district, knows just how hard money is to come by; of course, she doesn’t waste it. Visit The Ranger online to compare her tale of planning a donor appreciation event with the reasoning John Strybos, associate vice chancellor for facilities operations and construction management, uses for doing exactly the opposite for the CIP celebration this afternoon at Pearl Stable. Reasonable lab hours, available faculty and staff and low tuition — that’s all students want and need. Maybe someone like Tyler can make that happen.
’Tis the season for giving The holidays are coming, bringing an annual season of good will and giving. On campus, numerous charity events allow students, faculty and staff to participate in food drives to provide a little cheer for those who won’t have what most of us take for granted. Phi Theta Kappa, the college’s honor society, sponsored a hunger banquet Thursday evening to demonstrate the wealth of living in the United States and not growing up hungry every day. The club also sponsored a “Pack the Prius” Thanksgiving food drive for the college food pantry housed at the Catholic Student Center. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, people brought sacks of nonperishables to drop off on the mall. Thanks to the society’s efforts, any one in need could even pick up a sack. The best part about charity events is that
no one has to feel ashamed. There comes a time when everyone meets adversity, and it can be too much for one person to handle. The Cheshyre Cheese Club is conducting a memorial food drive through Nov. 24. Last year, the club collected more than 400 pounds of food. Look for boxes in campus buildings. Every little bit helps. Set a goal for weekly donations, but make sure it’s attainable. A can of vegetables averages about 49 cents. The average 20-ounce soft drink bottle costs $1.49. Sacrificing one bottle per week would buy three cans of vegetables. And remember, you don’t have to wait to donate until the season of giving. San Antonio Food Bank collects food for thousands of families every month. No one should have to prepare themselves for a season of hunger and desperation.
Nov. 6, 2009 • 13
Time to pitch timer District employees in campus forums have been limited to a closely monitored three minutes to address trustees. Perhaps faculty and staff should be grateful. A year ago, the chancellor and board chairman tried telling them they were not eligible to speak under citizens-to-be-heard. Faculty issues aren’t the board’s business, Denver McClendon said at the time. Nothing seems to have changed — with the exception of the mounting frustration of elected leaders ignoring employee complaints, concerns and cautions. Everyone can understand the need to keep meetings from dragging on, but when these meetings are specifically to address problems in communication, everyone should have a chance to speak without the repeated interruptions of a timer. This isn’t a game in which a timer increases the excitement among players; these are people’s lives and livelihoods. If the board must stick to timed comments, let them live by their own rule. If the chairman has more than three minutes of information to share, one of the other trustees will have to yield time. Let’s see how well you can express yourselves under such a constraint. Better yet, simply listen and respect employees’ thoughts based on their expertise and experience.
14 • Nov. 6, 2009
The Ranger
People Leda Garcia
Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle
Drawing by design:
Professor Joaquin Escamilla helps architecture freshman Anne Elizabeth Chacon with a drawing Tuesday outside Gonzales.
Deborah Harrison
For an iPod:
Gold star:
American Sign Language sophomore Leslie Quintanilla and fire science sophomore Xavier Vara, dressed as Adam and Eve, win the most creative costume category Oct. 30 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. The contest also consisted of categories for female, male and scariest costume. Winners collected iPod Shuffles.
Media technician Grace Gillen of Media Services in MLC won Employee of the Month for November. Gillen provides services for teleconferencing at this college.
www.theranger.org Go online for more Halloween and Day of the Dead photos.
The Ranger
Pulse
Walking groups step out to park, neighborhood By Emilio Davila One way to take advantage of cooler temperatures is to take a brisk stroll on and around this campus with newly organized walkers groups. Kinesiology Chair Bill Richardson gave walkers in four groups who met Monday east of Candler Physical Education Center a few tips on how to fully prepare for starting a walking regimen. His remarks were aimed at participants in the new SAC Walkers program, sponsored by the Wellness Committee. Walking should be approached like any other physical exercise, Richardson said. Good shoes as well as stretching can help performance and ensure a better workout.
Walking makes use of some of the body’s large muscle groups and promotes blood flow and increased heart rate, which help develop cardio endurance. A good walking pace may burn only six calories a minute compared to nearly twice that for runners, but since many chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer can be controlled to an extent by regular exercise, it’s important to consider adding any form of exercise, Richardson said. Dawn Brooks, chair of the Wellness Committee, solicited input from faculty and staff and received more than 50 responses. Walkers meet at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in the mall east of Candler, although times and routes are up
to the walkers. Excess body fat is a cause for many health problems, and walking is considered “primarily a cardio exercise and calorie-burning exercise,” Richardson said. “People get hung up on miles. Really, minutes is what we’re after,” Richardson said. “A brisk pace can get you 3 miles in 45 minutes.” A well-balanced exercise plan consists of some form of exercise at least four days a week for a minimum of 30 consecutive minutes, he said. People in walking groups tend to be motivated to keep regular exercise schedules. To access the committee’s Web site, visit http://sacguide.libguides.com/Wellness. For more information on SAC Walkers, call Brooks at 486-1023.
Nov. 6, 2009 • 15 Leda Garcia
Head shot: Education sophomore Jorge Reyes heads the ball from a corner kick Saturday after Abilene Christian College forfeited the match. The next game is a repeat match Nov. 15 in Abilene.
The Ranger
16 • Nov. 6, 2009
Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle
Jerry Cantú
Liberal arts sophomore Delilah Jacobson and photography sophomore Sandra Choukairik use the new study rooms on the third floor of the library to study math Oct. 29.
Library puts on a new look and service
The front desk of the library’s third floor features a modern design and has ample space for copying machines.
By Steven L. Moya The newly remodeled third floor of the library has opened to students looking for a place to read or study and offering numerous tables, individual kiosks and group study rooms. Geology sophomore Kelly Castellanos said, “I really like the new look. There is much more space and easy access for my laptop and personal belongings.” Most study tables are located along the perimeter of the library, which allows natural light to fill the area from nearby windows. Individual kiosks are available with electrical outlet access. Six group study rooms may be reserved at the circulation desk with a valid student ID. Other supplies such as dry-erase markers and erasers also may be checked out. The study rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis and
are available for three-hour sessions. “There are more places to sit, and it is a very quiet place to study,” psychology sophomore Violet Hernandez said. There are numerous tables that can accommodate at least four students. Most tables are within reach of electrical outlets for notebook computers or other electronic devices. The renovation took about four months to complete, with work starting at the end of June, said circulation Librarian Ralph E. Domas. “We have received outstanding feedback from students,” Domas said. “From lighting to the color scheme, students are very pleased with the remodeling.” President Robert Zeigler said at the Oct. 28 Faculty Senate meeting that library renovations were “not as extensive as the original plan,” which was developed as part of the $450 million 2005 bond election.
Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle
The newly remodeled library provides good lighting. After renovating three buildings, plans for the library were scaled back to only one floor. Additional library renovations will be done as more money becomes available, Zeigler said. For more information, call the library office at 486-0559. Priscilla Reyna-Ovalle
The remodeled library’s third floor has plenty of tables and natural lighting for a better studying environment.