Vol. 85 Issue 13
Single copies free
Feb. 14, 2011
THE RANGER A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
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Rope your perfect partner
2 • Feb. 14, 2011
The Ranger
The Ranger •
A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
Drama sophomore Wendy Olivares as Penelope, a demonic twin, rips the head off a doll while theater sophomore John Belcher, as Xavier Utterson, reacts Tuesday during rehearsals for “Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll and Hyde Play” in McCreless. Tyler K. Cleveland
This issue
3 News Committee opposes handgun bill before Legislature
Valentine’s Day makes romantic memories By Ranger staff
Love doesn’t have to be blind
12 Editorials Call, write, text legislators
13 Graduate now Treat adjuncts better
By Jennifer M. Ytuarte
By J. Almendarez
14 Officials & Policies
4
Holiday leaves emotional scars
16 Stock show raises
Students take budget concerns to the Capitol By Jennifer M. Ytuarte
6
Grassy knoll makeover
By Jacob Beltran
Graduate crashes during winter storm
9 Lovers’ day marks saint’s clubbing, stoning and beheading
10 Calendar
ranchers, scholarships
Does a Ranger as SAC mascot offend you? Online poll results No — 63 percent/38 votes Yes — 5 percent/3 votes Why would it? — 32 percent/19 votes
By Krystal Barcenez
Online College Council wary of assessment, opposes concealed handguns
services for disabled
By Melody Mendoza
Handguns on campus revived in Legislature
By J. Almendarez
By Megan Mares
11 Whitney curator of new
7 Health center closing
By Riley Stephens
College releases 500 transcripts on printer paper
By Jennifer M. Ytuarte
No more free performances
By Joshua Fechter
Consultants find, remove petroleum tanks from lot
VP suggests federal
By Jacob Beltran
strands disabled students By J. Almendarez
8 Premiere
media here Thursday
By Dana Lynn Traugott
Cover: Illustration by Juan Carlos Campos
The Ranger
News
Feb. 14, 2011 • 3
Committee opposes handgun bills before Legislature By Zahra Farah Legal Affairs Committee members Tuesday voted to recommend to the full board a resolution opposing pending legislation to allow concealed handguns on campus. The full board will consider the resolution at the next regular board meeting at 6 p.m. Feb. 22 in Room 101 of Killen Center at 201 W. Sheridan. The board meeting was postponed a week so trustees can attend a Community College National Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. Tuesday’s vote was 3-1 with District 8 trustee Gary Beitzel in opposition. Beitzel, who is also chairman of the board, was sitting in for District 4 trustee Marcelo S. Casillas, who was feeling ill. Members of this committee are Casillas, District 9 trustee James Rindfuss, District 7 trustee Blakley Fernandez and District 1 trustee Joe Alderete Jr. Chancellor Bruce Leslie was absent to attend a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation meeting in Washington, D.C. Dr. Robert Aguero, vice chancellor for academic success, sat in for Leslie. The resolution calls for opposing three proposed bills related to licensed concealed handguns on campuses, HB 86, SB 354 and HB 750. Another handgun bill in the Texas House of Representatives is HB 954, which relates to an employee’s transportation and storage of certain firearms or ammunition while on property owned or controlled by the employer. After the meetings, Beitzel said he voted against the resolution because he agrees someone with a concealed handgun license should have the right to carry a concealed weapon. He said it is up to the committee and in the end, the decision of the full board. In a Thursday interview, Beitzel said he does not carry a handgun, but he got a license about a year ago and practices target shooting at a gun range and has a gun for family protection. He said a requirement of getting a license is to “know how to shoot and clean your weapon.” “The law to carry a license is pretty thick,” Beitzel said. “It’s about 69 pages.” He said the restrictions on getting a license are tougher than running for office and that when he was in the Air Force, he had a security clearance, but it still took six months to get a concealed handgun license. The resolution further states that such legislation limits the number of Alamo Colleges’ parking lots because the district would have to provide employee-secured firearms storage. General counsel Retha Karnes said that the
Ashley Storm, general counsel and bill manager for Sen. Jeff Wentworth, speaks with students and faculty of this college Feb. 2 at Community College Day in Austin. Students express concerns about SB 354, which would allow concealed handguns on campus. Storm said the bill involves self-defense and the right to protect property. See story, Page 4. Jennifer M. Ytuarte Texas labor code states that employees who are licensed to carry would have to leave weapons in the car. If the car is on an employer’s parking lot, the employer has to provide either a lock box or designated parking lot for those employees. Alamo Colleges’ policy states only peace officers can carry handguns on campus. Chief Don Adams of district police said it’s best to oppose all legislation. He said if any of these bills pass and if there is a situation at the campus involving weapons, peace officers won’t stop to ask who is licensed to carry a handgun. Texas law states a “person who can legally possess a firearm may carry a handgun in motor vehicle (including a recreational vehicle with living quarters) that is owned by or under the lawful control of the person.” According to policy D.4.6 workplace violence, state law and college district prohibit the possession, carry or use of prohibited weapons including firearms, illegal knives and clubs on college district-owned or -controlled properties. Adams said if the bills in the Legislature pass, it would trump any district administrative policy. Beitzel asked if a citizen in a campus parking lot is allowed to carry a concealed handgun. Adams said yes, but if they point the gun at anyone, they are breaking the law. Also prohibited from obtaining a license is anyone with a charge of driving while intoxicated or threatening with a weapon, or who has been diagnosed by a psychiatrist with mental incompetence.
Adams said they can only use a weapon to protect themselves and others. Beitzel said it’s not like a student would come in and threaten a professor with a weapon for a better grade. Fernandez asked college presidents for their opinions. Dr. Jackie Claunch, Northwest Vista president, said she was not comfortable having students carry guns on campus. President Robert Zeigler said he was not comfortable with students, faculty and staff carrying weapons on campus. Dr. Eric Reno, Northeast Lakeview College president, said he would not work in an environment that allowed students and faculty to carry concealed handguns on campus. He reminded the board that two years ago at Northeast Lakeview, Librarian Alan Godin shot and killed fellow Librarian Donald “Devin” Zimmerman. Reno said concealed handguns wouldn’t have changed the outcome. After the shooting, Reno said the media asked if he would install metal detectors, and he said no. Dr. Ana “Cha” Guzman, Palo Alto College president, did not attend the meeting and Dr. Adena Loston, St. Philip’s College president, arrived after the discussion. Alderete asked Adams how police would remember which students have permits to carry a handguns. “It would virtually be impossible,” Adams replied. For more information, go to www.alamo.edu and click on Board of Trustees and then Agendas.
4 • Feb. 14, 2011
News
The Ranger
Anthropology sophomore Alice Yannuzzi speaks with State Rep. Joaquin Castro about pursuing a degree after she raised her children as a single parent and saw them graduate from college. Castro spoke Feb. 2 during Community College Day in Austin. Photos by Jennifer M. Ytuarte
Students take budget concerns to the Capitol By Jennifer M. Ytuarte A wind chill of 6 degrees and power failures greeted six students, two faculty members and a Ranger reporter Wednesday as they boarded a charter bus and headed to the Capitol in Austin for Community College Day. The Texas Association of Community Colleges, the Community College Association of Texas Trustees and the Texas Student Government Association sponsored the event. Eighty-five students from the Alamo Colleges participated the event: six from this campus, plus a Ranger reporter, 30 from St. Philip’s College, 32 from Northwest Vista College and 16 in a combined bus of Northeast Lakeview and Palo Alto colleges’ students. Of the 21,441 students currently enrolled at this college, 22 expressed interest, but only six boarded a bus early Feb. 2. Student life announced the free trip on ACES Jan. 25 inviting students to voice their concerns about proposed budget cuts to high-
er education. Leo Zuniga, associate vice chancellor of communications who coordinated the event, said, “These students were dedicated. They left between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. in the bitter cold.” Zuniga said, “They also braved wind gusts and below freezing wind chill during the opening speech on the Capitol steps.” Zuniga said the event was a success. “Students carried on active conversations with senators and representatives and were involved in the discussion process.” District funds covered the $983 Star Shuttle charter bus and $100 breakfast. Each student received apple juice, a water bottle, apple and muffin. Alamo Colleges students spoke directly with Sens. Judith Zaffirini and Jeff Wentworth as well as Reps. Mike Villarreal, Ruth Jones McClendon and Joe Farias. Steven Johnson with the Texas Association of Community Colleges said about 700-800 of
the original 1,400 registered students attended. They represented 30 of the 50 college districts in Texas. “Most districts have only one community college, so there was a huge turnout, even with the unbearably cold weather,” Johnson said. Snow in the Dallas metroplex and singledigit temperatures with up to a minus-12 degree wind chill in the Panhandle grounded most of northern Texas. Anthropology sophomore Alice Yannuzzi said she wanted to go to the Capitol and get information directly from bill authors. “I’m going to let the representatives know we are hard-working and determined to get an education,” Yannuzzi said. Nursing freshman Jessica Hernandez said she is concerned about cuts to elementary education. The preliminary House budget proposal, HB1, eliminates all prekindergarten funds. Students from Brazosport College, one of four community colleges proposed for the
The Ranger
News
Feb. 14, 2011 • 5
Representatives
Tyler Ingraham, aide for Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, speaks with students about finding alternative private funding for higher education Feb. 2 at Community College Day in Austin. Eighty-five Alamo Colleges students attended the event. chopping block in HB1, wore matching T-shirts that said, “Count on us, here to stay!” Other students passed out fliers and sported red stickers that read, “+20% students/-30% funding,” to remind legislators that while student enrollment has increased 20 percent, funding has been cut by 30 percent. A comparison of enrollment between fall 2009 and 2010 by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shows an enrollment growth of 66,590 students, or 9.83 percent, in community colleges, and 27,891 students, or 5.24 percent in public four-year institutions. According to the 2010-11 biennium, appropriations to higher education totaled $21.6 billion in all funds and $12.7 billion in general revenue. Public community colleges received a budget of $2.2 billion of general revenue appropriations. The 2010-11 budget does not include Gov. Rick Perry’s later mandated 10 percent cut. Johnson said the 2010-11 budget does not cover growth and HB1 cuts deeper into higher education, forcing Texas colleges and universities to patch together temporary solutions at students’ expense. Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, met hundreds of community college students at the Capitol’s southern steps. He emphasized the importance of student participation. “Today more than half of higher education takes place in community colleges,” Branch said. “We need your voices to be heard.” Of the 1.3 million students enrolled in fouryear universities, community and technical
colleges last fall, 743,979 — 53 percent — called community college home. The board cites data that shows 70 percent of first-time college students enroll at a community college. During lunch, Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, said, “The budget we see today is not what is going to pass in May, it is the worstcase scenario.” He said, “Just as there is an infrastructure for roads and highways, we need to build a support mechanism to make sure everyone has access to higher education.” Castro said tuition at public four-year universities has risen 75 percent since 2003. Cuts must be made, Castro said, but they will not be made at the expense of children. Deborah Martin, this college’s public relations director, asked David Clark, Wentworth’s legislative assistant, if the next budget options would tap the state’s $9.4 billion Rainy Day fund. “It’s pouring,” Martin said. Clark said HB1 is what legislators promised constituents: a balanced state budget with no tax increases and no rainy day funds. He said, “This budget crisis is a blessing and a curse.” Clark said it forces legislators to address previously overlooked spending. Clark said there are several ideas for tax increases, revisiting the gross receipts margin tax as well as a tax on tobacco. “The most likely idea is to use $4 billion to $5 billion from the Rainy Day fund to fill the gap.” Tyler Ingraham, a former student here
District 116 Trey Martinez Fischer Local: 210-737-7200 Austin: 512-463-0616 Trey.martinez.fischer@house.state.tx.us District 117 John V. Garza Austin: 512-463-0269 John.garza@house.state.tx.us District 118 Joe Farias Local: 210-923-0908 Austin: 512-463-0714 Joe.farias@house.state.tx.us District 119 Roland Gutierrez Local: 210-532-2758 Austin: 512-463-0452 Roland.gutierrez@house.state.tx.us District 120 Ruth McClendon Local: 210-225-2107 Austin: 512-463-0708 Ruth.mcclendon@house.state.tx.us District 121 Joe Straus Local: 210-828-4411 Austin: 512-463-1000 Joe.straus@house.state.tx.us District 122 Lyle Larson Local: 210-414-3536 Austin: 512-463-0646 Lyle.larson@house.state.tx.us District 123 Mike Villarreal Local: 210-734-8937 Austin: 512-463-0532 Mike.villarreal@house.state.tx.us District 124 Jose Menendez Local: 210-673-3579 Austin: 512-463-0634 Jose.menendez@house.state.tx.us District 125 Joaquin Castro Local: 210-684-6896 Austin: 512-463-0669 Joaquin.castro@house.state.tx.us
Senators District 19 Carlos Uresti Local: 210-932-2568 Austin: 512-463-0119 Carlos.uresti@senate.state.tx.us District 21 Judith Zaffirini Local: 210-657-0095 Austin: 512-463-0121 Judith.zaffirini@senate.state.tx.us District 25 Jeff Wentworth Local: 210-826-7800 Austin: 512-463-0125 eff.wentworth@senate.state.tx.us District 26 Leticia R. Van de Putte Local: 210-733-6604 Austin: 512-463-0126 Leticia.vandeputte@senate.state.tx.us
and an unsuccessful candidate for the Alamo Community College District board, works as an aid to Rep. Trey Martinez-Fischer, D-San Antonio. Ingraham said, “One vote can go a long way in the right situation.” He said, “You only have so much credence. Talk to your local representatives. They know what avenues to take to get your voice heard.” Local and Austin office phone numbers, as well as e-mail addresses for the included list of representatives and senators can be found in their member directory at www.house. state.tx.us/members/ and www.senate.state. tx.us/75r/Senate/senmem.htm.
News
6 • Feb. 14, 2011
The Ranger
Graduate crashes during winter storm By Megan Mares
Irrigation technician Alberto Gloria uses a tractor to make preparations to place limestone around the grassy knoll. Jacob Beltran
Grassy knoll makeover By Jacob Beltran Students often slip on mud or trip on branches when walking through the seating of the grassy knoll west of Moody Learning Center. Facilities Director David Ortega said limestone is being cut and will be placed along the west side of the knoll. As he cleared a barricade on the knoll Tuesday, irrigation technician Alberto Gloria said, “This will hopefully prevent people from walking through, tripping and act as a barrier to stop mud from getting on the walkway.” Gloria dug a moat using a tractor in preparation for limestone blocks to be placed as a border in harmony with the limestone already in place. “It will be noticeable at first,” Ortega said. “But after a couple years of weathering, it’ll blend in.” Ortega said the limestone, which costs $2,300, would add more places for students to sit in the mall. He said planning for the project began in November, was approved in December and landscapers began Sunday to avoid having to work with heavy equipment around students. The project is expected to be completed in a month.
Icy roads proved treacherous for many San Antonians late Feb. 3 when freezing drizzle and ice covered the area. Many aren’t trained to drive on icy roads because the area so seldom sees this weather. Nearly 500 vehicle accidents were reported with one resulting in a college graduate in two leg casts, unable to walk for six to eight weeks. At about 10 p.m., Monica Polendo was involved in a 20-car pile-up eastbound on Interstate 10 near Woodlawn Avenue and Fredericksburg Road. On the way home, weather conditions declined quickly with temperatures at 20 degrees and roads slick with freezing rain. The trip in her older Honda Civic usually took less than 15 minutes.
Hope. Joy. Love. Life!
The liberal arts graduate saw cars in front of her begin to collide. “As I hit my brakes, my car spun in a circle and hit a concrete barrier,” she said. Cars behind her continued to pile up, so Polendo jumped out of the car and ran to the shoulder of the elevated freeway lanes. “I was freaked out,” she said. “I didn’t want to get hit.” And so Polendo jumped. She landed 10 to 12 feet below on the access road. Unable to get up, she located her cell phone and called for help. Residents who saw the accident offered help and blankets. In about 15 minutes, two paramedics arrived and assisted her in walking to an ambulance where she waited for 30 minutes. Paramedics told her nothing was broken. She said she was wait-
ing for a friend to pick her up. As he approached the scene, Clayton Greenwell saw an elderly man trapped in an upside-down vehicle. He kicked in the window, shattering the glass, and pulled the man out unharmed before collecting Polendo. Two days later, she was still in extreme pain and began to doubt the paramedics’ assessment. Polendo was X-rayed, and a doctor told her the fibula in each of her legs was broken. She was unable to decide between cast colors and opted for one orange and one blue. When asked what happened, Polendo said she answered the doctor honestly. “I guess it’s better then being dead,” she was told. Despite her injuries, Polendo’s Honda sustained only a small scratch.
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The Ranger
News
Feb. 14, 2011 • 7
Health center closing strands disabled students By J. Almendarez Library science sophomore Loree Morgan has cerebral palsy. The brain disease affects muscle tone, which is her ability to resist movement. It directly causes her to struggle with balance, posture, and the position of her body. She depends on the college health center in Room 119 of Chance Academic Center to assist her throughout the day on campus. The nurses help her open the restroom door, are available to help her if she falls and allow her to rest in the office. When the center is closed, as it was Feb. 5 and 6, the services stop. The health center closed at 2 p.m. Monday when nurse Paula Daggett left ill. Tuesday, the center was closed all day because Daggett
was still out sick. “I have to find somebody to take me to the bathroom,” Morgan said. She said when she sometimes feels dizzy, she turns to the resting beds in the health center to nap. But when the center is closed, she said she rests in a corner of a computer lab next to the disability support services office. “It’s embarrassing,” she said. She and several other disabled students, said it feels like the center is closed more than it is open. Last semester, The Ranger reported this college is in compliance with the Texas Board of Nursing’s Interpretive Guideline for LVN Scope of Practice Section 301.353 and Rule 217.11(2). It requires “an LVN to practice under the supervision of a RN, advanced practice nurse, physician, podiatrist, dentist or physi-
cian assistant.” There she is available to answer In the guideline’s definition of questions or provide information supervision, it states, “However, for students, faculty and staff, direct (onsite or on-unit) supervi- Jackson said. sion is not required.” It goes on to However, she is unable to say that if an LVN can provide any medical contact an RN on the assistance to students, telephone or through including the daily other means, they will help many disabled be within the law. students need and that President Robert Noriega has been proZeigler said the colviding for the past 16 lege has been operatyears at this college ing since last semester Prior to the fall, under the assumption A federal program Noriega often staffed that a RN had to physi- can provide help to the health center disabled students. cally be present for an when Daggett was out. LVN to legally work in Several years ago, the the center. college health center had a staff of After being shown the state’s three, which allowed evening and definition of the word “supervised,” weekend hours. Zeigler said he would meet with Dr. Tuesday, Noriega was also proRobert Vela, vice president of stu- moting the center’s lecture “Sexual dent services, and Jorge Posadas, Health and Condom Awareness” director of student life, to discuss Feb. 9 in the craft room in Loftin, if the college can comply with that which was scheduled at the same interpretation of the word. time as student life’s Wild West “We will look into this further,” Rodeo Round-up in the mall. he said Wednesday. Vela said the college wants to While the code was enacted in protect Noriega from losing her 2006, it was not implemented at license, which under the current this campus until last semester. understanding of the guidelines Jeff Jackson, associate direc- is a potential consequence if she tor of student life, said the col- practices without the supervision lege complied with the law when of a certified RN. they found out it changed, but was DSS Chair Maria Gomez mirunsure why the change was not rored the feeling some disabled stunoticed sooner. dents have about the center being Vela confirmed that the col- closed nearly as much as it is open. lege did not find out about the She is concerned not only for change until last year. Neither he the well being of disabled students, nor Zeigler were able to explain but for everyone on campus who the delay. needs medical help or advice. The health center, overseen by She said without the health the office of student life, is now center, this campus will lack accesclosed whenever Dagget is unable sibility to medical information, to be at the office because of a adding that when the health center meeting, for lunch or when she is closed, people often go to DSS is sick. looking for a nurse. When the health center is The DSS office is next to the closed during regular hours of health center in Chance. operation, LVN Josie Noriega has For assistance with college serbeen instructed to report to the vices, call the DSS office at 210office of student life in Room 256 486-0020. The health center numof Loftin Student Center. ber is 210-486-1446.
8 • The Ranger
Valentine’s Day makes romantic memories
Prem
Love does not h Healthy relationships are possible and practical. By J. Almendarez
Read closely, romantic souls, and prepare to scorn, cynics. Maybe these recollections from The Ranger staff will spark an idea or two for your own 2011 Valentine’s Day. “Last year, my boyfriend picked me up for church like a regular Sunday. It was our first Valentine’s together, so I was expecting something good, but there were no flowers, no card, nothing. I was a little disappointed, but “love is patient.” When I got to church, I found a huge bouquet of flowers on the media/audio booth where I sit. At first, I thought they were just decoration, but when I finally sat down, I saw a picture of us with 1 Corinthians 13:4, which says, ‘Love is patient, love is kind,’ etc.” Journalism sophomore Melody Mendoza “My boyfriend always gives thoughtful gifts. One year for Valentine’s Day, he bought me a tape recorder because he knew I wouldn’t buy it for myself but that I would eventually need it for a reporting assignment. Someone who can support your goals is definitely ‘a keeper’ in my book.” Journalism sophomore Laura Garcia “My best Valentines Day experience was back in 2009, the best year of my life. I wanted to take my girlfriend to Olive Garden but I was so sick, I didn’t think I could do it, I still did though. She was so happy that we made it, even though we were waiting outside for almost an hour till we could get a seat. Eventually, we got in and as we sat down, we exchanged Valentines gifts. I gave her a bear that had her favorite picture of us in the center when we were in school together along with other things I can’t remember. She gave me a mix CD that I still listen to, and PS3 under shorts. It was a romantic time and I still remember the love in the air, even in the freezing wind that buffeted us outside, we simply held each other close to keep warm.” Journalism sophomore Jacob Beltran “Well to be honest I really don’t have a memorable Valentine’s Day moment. I don’t feel like I’m really missing out on anything. I just feel like my special someone has not come yet. I’m not sad or upset when this day comes around either. To be honest I make sure I get my mom a gift because she’s more into it than I am. When I do find that someone, I hope we don’t celebrate this day because it’s too commercial. I want my boyfriend to buy me flowers and chocolate in a random month like October. It would be more meaningful and more of a surprise.” Journalism sophomore Zahra Farah
Some sensations cling to you forever: the giddiness of lips pressed against lips and the first breathless “I love you.” And then there’s the nervous anticipation of meeting parents and realizing how serious this is getting. However, somewhere between sweaty palms and racing hearts, secrets may be lurking. In the beginning of a relationship, everyone is on their best behavior. Carolina Treviño, a counselor in the women’s center, said the signs of an unhealthy relationship are often evident immediately, but people often do not recognize them or simply choose to ignore them. She said the signs are most evident initially by the way a potential partner treats others. If they’re disrespectful, rude, lie or are abusive physically or emotionally with others, they will likely treat a partner similarly. Treviño said two main issues affect a student’s education: finances and relationships with others. An unhealthy relationship can affect one’s education because an abusive partner will often try to control or isolate by limiting, forbidding or manipulating. Contact with friends, family and other influential people is strictly regulated. Treviño said many people she counsels tell her that one of the primary reasons they stay in unhealthy relationships is because they have don’t want to be alone. She said people tell her their relationships give them a sense of support and companion-
ship, even if they’re unhappy. “It’s just really hard letting go,” Treviño said. Another reason people tell her they stay i unhealthy relationships is because they hav no financial means to change the situation. However, Treviño said an unhealthy rela tionship is not doomed to fail. “I think it ca change,” she said, but she was adamant in say ing it can only change if both partners want it t and commit to seeking outside help.
Holiday leaves emotional scar Others just can’t catch a break on the big day. Read these stories to make you grateful for a waxy chocolate heart and wilted carnation. “Every Valentine’s Day is just anotherday for me – nothing special.” Joshua Franklin mechanical engineering sophomore
“I’ve been broken up with on Valentine Day. I actually had a custom chocolate ros made for my boyfriend. While I was gettin ready for our date, he called me and said he been cheating on me for two months, and h didn’t think things would work out between us Muerta-Paz Guerr English sophomor
miere
Feb. 14, 2011 • 9
have to be blind
in ve
aan yto
Psychology Professor Stanley McCloy agreed, saying, “Love does not have the power to change people. That’s an illusion.” He said culture, religion and education will affect the kind of elements they bring into a relationship. “People carry their baggage with them into relationships,” he said. “The people from your past, all these people are inside of you.” While McCloy said there are no psychological secrets for assured happiness, he pinpointed genuine communication and Alexandra Nelipa good listening skills as the most crucial points of creating a satisfying relationship. He said the changing roles of men and women in this country are changing relationships and expectations. As this happens, he said, “Women and men should be able to interchange roles readily.” He said being flexible about gender roles can help to alleviate stress between partners because they will not feel trapped in expectations of what they should be doing. “The main thing is to feel like you have freedom in a relationship,” McCloy said.
Treviño said a combination of respect and communication can build other healthy relationship factors such as trust, compassion, compromise and commitment. “You have to have respect,” she emphasized. There are counseling resources on this campus, free to all students, faculty and staff. The empowerment center at Evergreen Street and Howard Avenue schedules appointments to assist women and nontraditional students. Call 210-486-0455. In the Balditt Counseling Complex on the first floor of Moody Learning Center, guidance counseling is available and is open to partners and children. Call 210-486-0333. McCloy said he sometimes refers people to Our Lady of the Lake University or St. Mary’s University for counseling because psychology and some sociology doctoral students must log hours treating patients under the supervision of a licensed professional.
If you need help The Community Counseling Center at Our Lady of the Lake University is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with walk-ins welcome from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening and Saturday appointments are available by request. Fees are based on financial status. For more information, call 210434-1054 The Family Life Center at St. Mary’s University is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center is open Saturday 9 a.m. to 1p.m. Fee based on financial status. For more information, call the Family Life Center, call 210-438-6411.
rs in star-crossed love stories
e’s se ng e’d he s.” ra re
“I dropped my phone in the toilet at my aunt’s house and had no way to call my girlfriend. When I showed up at her house with a giant teddy bear, her mom said she already went out. She broke up with me in the next couple of days.” Robert Sanchez film sophomore
“My girlfriend bought me a gourmet burger and I’m a vegan. I don’t know how she didn’t know, but when I told her she started crying.” Paul Andrew Milson economics sophomore Compiled by J. Almendarez and Megan Mares
Lovers’ day marks saint’s clubbing, stoning and beheading Valentine performed secret weddings after emperor outlawed marriage. Cut-out paper hearts, candy, flowers and other sentimental gifts are often exchanged on Feb. 14, a day for expressing romantic love. An enormous holiday for florists, chocolatiers, card companies, stuffed animals vendors, sex toy stores and chain pharmacies good for last-minute gifts, we rarely think about how the celebration came about. The legend of St. Valentine is not often told, but the tragic nature of the story was appealing enough to build folklore upon. The History Channel’s website says that Valentine was a priest who served around 270 A.D. in Rome. The legend says Roman Emperor Claudius II decided that unwed men made better soldiers than those with wives and families. He outlawed marriage because he needed more soldiers to expand his empire in the Pyrrhic War into modern-day Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Hertzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and part of Albania. Valentine, rejecting the injustice of the decree, continued to perform marriages. Couples flocked to small home gatherings and churches to secretly exchange vows of devotion. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. One version of the story says that Valentine incurred Claudius’ wrath when he tried to convert him to Christianity. He was beaten with clubs and stoned. When that didn’t kill him, Valentine was beheaded. One legend says, while awaiting his execution, Valentine restored the sight of his jailer’s blind daughter. Another legend says that on the eve of his death, he pinned a farewell note to the jailer’s daughter, signing it, “From your Valentine.” Our modern day Valentine’s Day is the anniversary of the saint’s death.
Calendar
10 • Feb. 14, 2011 For coverage in Calendar, call 210-486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance.
Today SAC Transfer: University of Texas at San Antonio 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Continues 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Feb
The Ranger
22. Call 210-486-0864.
Wednesday. Call 210-486-0222.
SAC Event: A Taste of Soul 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Loftin. Call 210-486-0589.
SPC Donation: Southwest Campus blood drive 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Call 210-486-2887.
SAC Dance: Chinese dance group 1 p.m.2 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210486-0125.
Tuesday
SAC Event: HIV testing 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in Room 119 of Chance. Continues
NLC Event: Painted plate party to create an African vase 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 136 in commons. Call 210-4865000. SAC Transfer: Schreiner University 1 p.m.3 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210486-0864. SAC Transfer: Our Lady of the Lake University 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864.
SAC Event: Martial arts performance 11 a.m.-noon in Loftin. Call 210-4860125. Event: Audrey Niffenegger, author of “The Time Traveler’s Wife” reading at 7 p.m. at Gemini Ink. Call 210-734-9673. Friday SAC Meeting: Kinesiology Club 3 p.m. in Room 126 in Candler. Call 210-5881936. SAC Event: Coffee and open mic night sponsored by Cheshyre Cheese Club 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. in Loftin. Call 210-4860125. Sunday
SAC Transfer: Texas State University-San Marcos 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. by appointment in transfer center. Continues 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 24. Call 210-486-0864. SAC Resource: Phi Theta Kappa Food Pantry noon-3 p.m. at the Catholic Student Center, 312 W. Courtland, Continues through Thursday. Call 210-486-0431. Wednesday SAC Meeting: Psychology Club 2 p.m. in Room 642 of Moody. 210-486-2887.
SPC Concert: San Antonio Youth Wind Ensemble with Albert Aguilar, resident conductor and Damon Gupton, guest conductor 2:30 p.m. in auditorium of Watson. Call 210-486-2887. Feb. 21 SAC Concert: Regency Jazz Band 11 a.m.1 p.m. in Loftin. Call 210-486-1035. SAC Transfer: Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864.
SAC Transfer: St. Mary’s University 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Continues Thursday. Call 210-486-0864.
Feb. 22
Thursday
SAC Audition: “SAC’s Got Talent” audition 2 p.m.-4 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125.
SAC Event: Celebration of Chinese New Year noon-1 p.m. in Loftin. Call 210-4860125. SAC Transfer: University of the Incarnate Word 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Continues Feb. 21. Call 210486-0864. SAC Event: “Meet the Pros” sponsored by media communications department and Association of Women in Communications 6 p.m.-8 p.m. in Room 120 of visual arts. $5. Reservations to karina.c.alderete@ gmail.com. Call 210-486-1765.
SAC Event: African-American Read-in Celebration of “The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” 10:50 a.m.12:05 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0661.
Calendar Legend SAC: San Antonio College NVC: Northwest Vista College SPC: St. Philip’s College SWC: Southwest Campus PAC: Palo Alto College NLC: Northeast Lakeview College
The Ranger
Whitney curator of new media here Thursday By Riley Stephens At the intersection of politics and society, digital media have set up shop. To give students insight, visual arts is presenting one of the leading experts on digital media. Christiane Paul, adjunct curator of new media arts at the Whitney Museum of American Art, will lecture at 7 p.m. Thursday in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. The free event is open to the public. She will address artwork that deals with political and social conditions. “Social media affect just about everything students do,” visual arts Professor Debra Schafter said, noting the website Facebook is just one example of digital media that students use. Paul is also director of the media studies graduate programs and associate professor of media studies at the New School in New York. She is the author of the textbook this college uses for ARTS 2348, Digital Art 1, a studio course that explores the potential of computer hardware and software media for visual, conceptual and practical uses in the visual arts. Paul earned a Ph.D. from Düsseldorf University in Germany. Schafter said Paul was invited in May by the visual arts department and student life. “She is interested in learning how new digital media interfaces with society and politics. We’re always looking for people who are leading the way in their field or at the forefront.” For more information, call Schafter 210-486-1042.
News
Feb.14, 2011 • 11
No more free performances By Dana Lynn Traugott
into the show, just to see the props is amazing,” Budget cuts force the department to print fewer The theater and speech communication depart- promotional posters, and playbills are now doublement now charges Alamo College ID holders $2 to sided sheets with no actor biographies or pictures. attend student productions. Hunt said there will no longer be summer producThe new fee began Feb. 3 with the opening of tion or weekend performances and a $5,000 stipend “Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll and Hyde Play” in the to give internships to students was canceled. At the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. same time, there is an increase in students and majors OnStage Drama Club adviser within the department. “Chemical Imbalance: Paula Rodriguez said producYoung drama fans are not the A Jekyll and Hyde Play” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday tions for the 2010-11 academic only ones losing. and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in year have been cut from five The music department did McCreless theater. to four shows. She said budget not distribute scholarships cuts have led to the end of free this year. The department usuadmission for students, faculty and staff. The depart- ally awards $200-$300 in scholarship funds but that ment traditionally charged a general admission fee amount has been reduced to only $100. to anyone without a district ID. Chair Jeff Hunt said The chair said that any donations from ticket sales this college is the only one of the Alamo Colleges that for concerts will go into scholarship funding. hasn’t charged admission. The cuts may have grounded the department’s If anyone knows this college’s plays, you know well-respected speech team as well. “each night is different,” said Wendy Olivares, a theater “It’s just not enough for all the places we need to sophomore and sound technician. “You find out a lot travel, so we have to make do with what we have. We of these things were made by hand. Even if you’re not find our way,” speech team Coach Jolinda Ramsey said.
Church of Christ Student Center 301 W. Dewey 736-6750 * Conversational English * Bible Studies - Women Wed. 1-2 pm - Life Group Tues. 7-8 pm - One on One Study * Food Pantry * 12 Step Accountability Grp.
* * * *
MW 1-2pm / TT 2-3 pm Bible Courses for Credit Friday Noon Lunch Professional Counseling Free Wi-Fi
12 • Feb. 14, 2011
Editorial
The Ranger
Alexandra Nelipa
Call, write, e-mail, text legislators Newsman Dan Rather told a packed auditorium Feb. 3 that one of the most effective ways to show patriotism is to question authority. If we don’t talk to our elected officials, who will? A proposed 10 percent budget cut followed a 5 percent cut the district is already experiencing. Lawmakers are struggling to end a revenue shortfall of at least $15 billion for the next two years. According to the Texas Legislative Primer, out of $20.4 billion dollars allocated toward higher education, 10.3 percent is appropriated to all community colleges and technical schools across Texas. Yet community colleges educate 80 percent of students in higher education. Faculty, staff and students must tell legislators how extreme cuts are affecting them. Cuts in hours with tutors, cuts in physical resources, cuts in possibilities. Contact with a representative is as simple as a call or e-mail. Remind legislators that it is impossible to maintain a quality education if we continue to lose funding. Tyler Ingraham, a former student here and an unsuccessful candidate for the Alamo Community College District board of trustees, now works as an assistant to Rep. Trey Martinez-Fischer, D-San Antonio.
Ingraham said formal letters are no longer necessary; representatives want to hear from individuals how problems are affecting them. As the cuts continue, community colleges are seeing enrollment increase more than ever. Most students within a community college are nontraditional students, first-generation college students or from low-income families. Tuition increases are becoming more and more of a deterrent. Society is meant to grow and improve but without education, there is no way to create a better tomorrow. The www.USA.gov website offers the e-mail addresses, phone numbers, and mailing addresses of our legislators, so act now. Feb. 2 was Community College Day at the Legislature, and students from this college district were given a chance to lobby legislators in Austin. Of the more than 21,441 students enrolled at this college, 22 made reservations, but only six boarded for Austin. Across the district’s five colleges — about 60,000 students — only 84 made the trip. One voice may not be heard, but when we join our voices, the chorus can make a difference.
The Ranger
Editorial
Feb. 14, 2011 • 13
Graduate now Treat adjuncts better Remember senior year in high school as you applied, wrote application essays, requested transcripts and followed up with colleges to find out where you were accepted? Well, it’s that time again. Administrators in full regalia crisscrossed the campus the first week of this month to promote graduation. Graduating can mean a smoother transition to a four-year college, and shows you can commit to a program and finish it. You will experience a great sense of accomplishment. We encourage students to follow a degree plan meeting the requirements of the transfer university. Often, it ends up taking longer, when you take random classes. Get a degree audit to see what you still need to graduate. If you are eligible to graduate, be sure to apply early. Even if you are six hours short, you can still walk the stage in May. If you are transferring, check application deadlines, submit applications, request transcripts now because they take time to be processed.
Effective communication does not exist within the Alamo Colleges. The root of every problem is an administration unwilling to participate in two-way communication with college administrators, faculty, staff or students. So there is no surprise in the district’s handling of adjunct pay. Adjuncts expect their first paycheck Feb. 15, a month into the spring semester, while fulltime faculty members will be collecting their third check. The explanation is because full-time faculty members report to work a week before classes start. Adjuncts also must prepare, so why are they treated differently? If trustees and district administrators really intend to main-
tain our reputation for quality education, they need to start treating adjuncts with a little more respect. The pay is insulting for the amount of work quality education requires. Many adjuncts teach in the evening without departmental support. Limited interaction with colleagues means fewer ties to the institution that can lead to loyalty, pride and dedication. The chancellor has set a goal to reduce the fulltime to part-time faculty ratio at the Alamo Colleges to 50-50. With adjuncts teaching 50 percent of sections, the colleges will begin to lose their individuality. No one should be surprised if our quality starts to fade as well. Achieving this ratio is easy. Achieving excellence isn’t.
14 • Feb. 14, 2011
Officials Chancellor: Dr. Bruce H. Leslie 201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. B, San Antonio TX 78204-1429 Work: 210-485-0020 Fax: 210-208-8149 E-mail: bleslie@alamo.edu District 1: Joe Alderete Jr. 1602 Hillcrest Drive, San Antonio TX 78228 Cell: 210-863-9500 E-mail: jvajr711@aol.com District 2: Denver McClendon 3811 Willowwood Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78219 Work: 210-281-9141 E-mail: denvermcclendon@satx.rr.com District 3: Anna U. Bustamante 511 Ware Blvd., San Antonio TX 78221 Work: 210-882-1609 Home: 210-921-2986 Fax: 210-927-4557 E-mail: abustamante20@alamo.edu District 4: Marcelo S. Casillas 115 Wainwright, San Antonio TX 78211 No number provided Fax: 210-923-3167 E-mail: mcasillas19@alamo.edu 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: 210-567-5544 Fax: 210-520-9185 E-mail: sprague@uthscsa.edu District 7: Blakely Latham Fernandez 755 E. Mulberry, Suite 200, San Antonio TX 78212 Work: 210-244-8879 E-mail: bfernandez35@alamo.edu District 8: Gary Beitzel 15403 Forest Mist, San Antonio TX 78232 Home: 210-496-5857 E-mail: gbeitzel@alamo.edu District 9: James A. Rindfuss 109 Laburnum, San Antonio TX 78209 Home: 210-828-4630 Work: 210-375-2555 Home Fax: 210-832-8292 Office Fax: 210-375-0301 E-mail: jrindfuss@alamo.edu
Presidents San Antonio College, Dr. Robert E. Zeigler 210-486-0959, rzeigler@alamo.edu Northeast Lakeview College, Dr. Eric Reno 210-486-5484, ereno@alamo.edu Northwest Vista College, Dr. Jacqueline Claunch 210-486-4900, jclaunch@alamo.edu Palo Alto College, Dr. Ana M. “Cha” Guzman 210-486-3960, aguzman@alamo.edu St. Philip’s College, Dr. Adena W. Loston 210-486-2900, aloston@alamo.edu
The Ranger
The Ranger Editor Zahra Farah
Managing Editor Melody Mendoza Sections Editor Megan Mares Photographers Tyler K. Cleveland, Alison Wadley Photo Team Felisia Almaraz, Carla Aranguren, Jake Ceballos, Adrian Fernandez, Victor A. Garcia, Marisa N. Montaño Garza, Jason B. Hogan, Julia Novikova, Chelsea Von Peacock, Abiel Rodriguez, JungKeun Song, Ingrid Wilgen Illustrators Juan Carlos Campos, Alexandra Nelipa Staff Writers J. Almendarez, Ximena Alvarez, Jacob Beltran, David Espinoza, Joshua Fechter, Mandy Kosub, Alma Linda Manzanares, Daniel Perales, James Anthony Salamé, Julysa Sosa, Riley Stephens, Dana Lynn Traugott, Valdemar Tejada, Jennifer M. Ytuarte Production Assistant Krystal Barcenez Web Editor Laura Garcia ©2011 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212-4299. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. The Ranger news outlets, which serve the Alamo Community College District, are laboratory projects of journalism classes in the Department of Media Communications at San Antonio College. The Ranger is published Mondays except during summer, holidays and examinations. The Ranger Online is available at www.theranger.org. News contributions accepted by telephone (210-486-1773), by fax (210-486-1789), by e-mail (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available upon request by phone (210486-1765) or as a download at www.theranger.org. The Ranger is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and the Texas Community College Journalism Association.
Guest Viewpoints: Faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to contribute guest viewpoints of up to 450 words. Writers should focus on campus or current events in a critical, persuasive or interpretative style. All viewpoints must be published with a photo portrait of the writer. Letters Policy: The Ranger invites readers to share views by writing letters to the editor. Space limitations force the paper to limit letters to two double-spaced, typewritten pages. Letters will be edited for spelling, style, grammar, libel and length. Editors reserve the right to deny publication of any letter. Letters should be mailed to The Ranger, Department of Media Communications, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio TX 78212-4299. Letters also may be brought to the newspaper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student Center, e-mailed to sac-ranger@alamo. edu or faxed to 210-486-1789. Letters must be signed and must include the printed name and telephone number. Students should include classification, major, campus and Banner ID. Employees should include title and telephone number. For more information, call 210-486-1773. Single Copy Policy: Members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue because of high production costs. Where available, additional copies may be purchased with prior approval for 50 cents each by contacting The Ranger business office. Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the singlecopy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and subject to college discipline.
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The Ranger
Feb.14, 2011 • 15
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16 • Feb. 14, 2011
The Ranger
News
Crowds gather around the food stands in the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo food court at the AT&T Center. Abiel Rodriguez
Stock show raises ranchers, scholarships Future Farmers of America gives youth early training. By Krystal Barcenez In the 1950s, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo was established for farmers and ranchers to buy and sell livestock and enter them in competition. Today, education has become a big part of the stock show’s mission, adding to the array of original events. In 1984, the San Antonio Livestock Exposition founded the SALE Scholarship Fund that awarded 15 four-year scholarships totaling $90,000 that year to students majoring in agricultural studies in Texas colleges, according to the stock show and rodeo’s website. It also says that last year, the rodeo committed to donating $8.5 million in scholarships, endowments, and grants, auctions, a calf scramble program and show premiums paid to youth. Ethan Lott, a junior at Martinsville High School, said, “I’ve competed since I was a freshman and have won a few scholarships doing this, and I just hope I keep winning them so all my hard work will pay off.” Lott has been a member of the Future Farmers of America since
his freshman year and is a thirdgeneration dairy show competitor. Lott has competed for eight years with his grandfather in the major stock shows in Houston, Fort Worth, and Stillwater, Okla. “I started competing with my grandpa, and won my first Division Grand Championship and decided to stick to it ever since,” Lott said. Wesley Morrell and his grandson have four competition cows — all raised on Morrell’s farm — that they show every year at four major stock shows. “It’s in our blood,” Morrell said, after Lott won Reserve Grand Champion Feb. 5. Stock show participants said many contestants come from winning families and have legacies in Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma. They said it is rare to see firstgeneration champions, especially if that champion is a girl. “I’ve competed since I was in fifth grade and I’ve liked it ever since,” Rebecca Barling, an Iola High School junior, said. Barling, 16, has won at least two events a year since she began showing. Both her parents are veterinarians so she is comfortable around animals. “I have two show heifers I compete with, and we have about 50 more commercial cattle at home,” Barling said. In 2010, Barling won Reserve
Iola High School junior Rebecca Barling, 16, brushes hay off of her heifer before competition Feb. 5. at the 2011 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Julia Novikova
“I just hope I keep winning them so all my hard work will pay off.” Ethan Lott dairy show competitor Division Champion and AllAround Division Championship and is an FFA member who competes in stock shows with her high school. “I like what I do, and I hope to have a lot of cows at my house when I get older, and maybe even my children, when I have them, will like it, too,” Barling said. Barling said she remembers at
first, there weren’t a lot of girls for her to compete with and she likes that more are participating today. She has won numerous scholarships competing in stock shows. “People think it’s cool; I’m a girl doing this,” Barling said. “I’m glad to see a lot more females joining now. I get a lot of positive feedback from people, and I like knowing I was cool since I was in fifth grade.”