THE RANGER A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
Vol. 84, Issue 17
Single copies free
March 5, 2010
DENTAL SOLDIER 7 SUMMER 2 CUT? 5 WORKOUT TIME 23
Honorable Outlaw or
Outta Here?
The Ranger
2 • March 5, 2010
Officials Chancellor: Dr. Bruce H. Leslie 201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. B, San Antonio, TX 78204-1429 Work: 485-0020 Fax: 208-8149 E-mail: bleslie@alamo.edu District 1: Dr. Bernard Weiner 929 Manor Drive, Ste. 7, San Antonio, TX 78228 Work: 735-9151 E-mail: bweinermd@satx.rr.com District 2: Denver McClendon 3811 Willowwood Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78219 Work: 281-9141 E-mail: denvermcclendon@satx.rr.com
The Ranger Editor Laura Garcia Managing Editor Zahra Farah News Editor Vanessa M. Sanchez Calendar Editor Riley Stephens
District 3: Anna U. Bustamante 511 Ware Blvd., San Antonio TX 78221 Work: 882-1603 Fax: 927-4557 E-mail: abustamante20@alamo.edu
Photographers Tyler K. Cleveland, Rennie Murrell, Alison Wadley
District 4: Marcelo S. Casillas 115 Wainwright, San Antonio, TX 78211 Home: 922-6815 Fax: 923-3167 E-mail: mcasillas19@alamo.edu
Photo Team Scott Aranda, Scott J. Bajeck, Jennifer Charo, Sarah Janes, James Lazo, Marisa N. Montano, Julysa Sosa, Robert Stofa
District 5: Roberto Zárate 4103 Buffalo Bayou, San Antonio, TX 78251 E-mail: rzarate11@alamo.edu District 6: Dr. Gene Sprague 14722 Iron Horse Way, Helotes, TX 78023 Work: 567-5544 Fax: 520-9185 E-mail: sprague@uthscsa.edu District 7: Blakely Latham Fernandez 755 E. Mulberry, Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78212 Phone: 244-8879 E-mail: bfernandez35@alamo.edu District 8: Gary Beitzel 15403 Forest Mist, San Antonio, TX 78232 Home: 496-5857 E-mail: gbeitzel@alamo.edu District 9: James A. Rindfuss 109 Laburnum, San Antonio, TX 78209 Home: 828-4630 Work: 375-2555 Home Fax: 832-8292 Office Fax: 375-0301 E-mail: jrindfuss@alamo.edu
Presidents San Antonio College, Dr. Robert E. Zeigler 486-0959, rzeigler@alamo.edu Northeast Lakeview College, Dr. Eric Reno 486-5484, ereno@alamo.edu Northwest Vista College, Dr. Jacqueline Claunch 486-4900, jclaunch@alamo.edu Palo Alto College, Dr. Ana M. “Cha” Guzman 486-3960, aguzman@alamo.edu St. Philip’s College, Dr. Adena W. Loston 486-2900, aloston@alamo.edu
Illustrator Juan Carlos Campos Staff Writers Ximena Victoria Alvarez, Jacob Beltran, Michelle E. Gaitan, Joshua Sanchez Guerrero, Steffany Gutierrez, John P. Kline, Alexandria Maxwell, Melody Mendoza, Celeste J. Nentwig, Victoria G. Ortiz, Amanda M. Rios, Brandy A. Santos, Tamara Sayles, Michelle L. Tymrak, Reagan White Production Manager Jason B. Hogan Web Editor D.A. James Circulation Destiny Mata
©2010 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212-4299. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. The Ranger, the student newspaper at San Antonio College, is a laboratory project of the journalism classes in the Department of Media Communications, published Fridays except during summer, holidays and examinations. News contributions accepted by telephone (486-1773), by fax (486-1789), by e-mail (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available upon request by phone (486-1765) or as a download at www.theranger.org. The Ranger is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press, the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Associated Press.
Guest Viewpoints: Faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to contribute guest viewpoints of up to 450 words. Writers should focus on campus or current events in a critical, persuasive or interpretative style. All viewpoints must be published with a photo portrait of the writer. Letters Policy: The Ranger invites readers to share views by writing letters to the editor. Space limitations force the paper to limit letters to two double-spaced, typewritten pages. Letters will be edited for spelling, style, grammar, libel and length. Editors reserve the right to deny publication of any letter. Letters should be mailed to The Ranger, Department of Media Communications, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio TX 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 or college ID number and telephone number. For more information, call 486-1773. Single Copy Policy: Members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue because of high production costs. Where available, additional copies may be purchased with prior approval for 50 cents each by contacting The Ranger business office. Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and subject to college discipline.
The Ranger • Vol. 84 • Issue 17
March 5, 2010 • 3
The Ranger
A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
2 Policies and officials 4 Blotter 6 People 5 News
Wear graduation button, win an iPod or iPad By Zahra Farah Photo illustration by Alison Wadley
7 Deployed soldier sends gifts to classmates By Zahra Farah
8 Solomon dilemma By Zahra Farah Photo by Scott Aranda
9 What does it take to succeed in public office? By Laura Garcia
10 Administrators wary of possible Summer 2 cuts By Laura Garcia
16 Student dies unexpectedly By Vanessa M. Sanchez
Connor dies after full life at SAC
People slideshow
17 Student life director gunning for new mascot By Riley Stephens
18 Editorials
Bridge the gap, Give voters a choice, Support KSYM’s drive, Letters 21 Turkish Olympiad finds new competitors Speech students gain voices in workshops By Alexandria Maxwell
22 AT&T gives jobs, money to students
By Ximena Victoria Alvarez Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
Baseball at bat
12 Premiere
Pump iron for best spring-break body
‘Alice in Wonderland’ movie review By Laura Garcia
14 Calendar
15 Library renovation slow but online By Melody Mendoza Photo by Julysa Sosa
Baseball slideshow Psychologist to address test anxiety solutions SIFE out to win Business lab available Women’s history events Complete Blotter
By Reagan White
By Ximena Victoria Alvarez
Story and photos by Brandy A. Santos
Smut slideshow
By Vanessa M. Sanchez
11 Government class preps future senators
Trading Bibles for porn
Online @ theranger.org
Hot Potato speakers examine abortion, war, capital punishment Complete Calendar
23 Pulse Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
By Celeste J. Nentwig Photo by Rennie Murrell
24 Anime fans
dress up Con By Reagan White Photos by Julysa Sosa
www.theranger.org
Go to www.theranger.org for news and information.
Blotter
4 • March 5, 2010 SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE Feb. 20 — An individual reported criminal mischief. No suspects located. Feb. 22 — An individual reported suspicious activity. No suspects located. An individual reported burglary of vehicle. No suspects found. An individual reported her wallet missing. No further information. Feb. 24 — An individual reported suspicious activity off campus. Subjects located. All in order. An individual reported theft of an emblem from a vehicle in Lot 27. No suspects located. No further information. An individual reported theft in McCreless Hall. No suspects located. An individual reported injury at Nail. EMS transported male to BAMC. Feb. 25 — An individual reported burglary of vehicle. No suspects. An individual reported suspicious person in the parking garage. No suspects located. An individual reported a smell of burnt wire in the library. Officer turned a burner off and no further information. Feb. 26 — An officer reported individuals in violation of prior criminal trespass warnings. Individual transported to campus police office for further processing. An individual reported being threatened by another person on campus. An individual reported theft of vehicle. Incident occurred off
Alamo Colleges property. SAPD arrived and assumed control of scene. An individual reported suspicious person in McCreless. No further information. Feb. 28 — An individual reported a vehicle accident in Lot 26. Suspect arrested.
The Ranger
Feb. 24 — An individual reported damage to their vehicle in Lot 4. No suspects located. No further information. Feb. 25 — An individual reported a disturbance in the financial aid center desk. No further incident. Feb. 26 — An individual reported a suspicious person. No further incident.
PALO ALTO COLLEGE An individual Feb. 22 — An indireported burglary of www.theranger.org Go online to read the full vidual reported a susvehicle in Lot 8. No version of the blotter. picious person in the suspects located. convocation building. No further informaSuspect located. Everything found tion. to be OK. SOUTHWEST CAMPUS Feb. 23 — An individual reported suspicious person. Suspect locatFeb. 23 — An individual reported ed. No further information. criminal mischief to a vehicle in Lot 4. No suspects found. Feb. 24 — An individual reported a burning smell in the library. An individual reported burglary of Everything was found to be OK. vehicle. No suspects. No further information. An individual reported criminal Feb. 25 — An individual reported mischief in Building 3 parking lot. a disturbance in the portable No suspects. buildings. Suspects located. No further information. Feb. 27 — An individual reported theft of vehicle. No suspects. ST. PHILIP’S COLLEGE NORTHWEST VISTA COLLEGE Feb. 22 — An individual reported burglary of vehicle. No further Feb. 22 — An individual reported information. damage to district property. No suspects found. An individual reported a disturbance in learning resources. No An individual reported hurting suspects located. her ankle while dancing. No EMS needed. An individual reported criminal mischief in continuing education. An individual reported a suspiNo suspects found. cious person at the VIA bus stop. Incident was handled by VIA Feb. 23 — An individual reported security. being injured. EMS treated and released. An individual reported a district vehicle on fire in Lot 0. San An individual reported back pain. Antonio Fire Department was Individual was taken by parent to contacted and fire was put out. the doctor. Feb. 23 — An individual reported
a minor vehicle accident in Lot 0. No injuries. An individual reported a male who appeared to be sick. Male was OK. An individual reported suspicious person. No suspects found. An individual reported damage to personal property. Feb. 24 — An individual reported found property. Property placed in the property locker. Feb. 25 — An individual reported a disturbance in Cypress. An individual reported illness. EMS transported the individual to the hospital. An individual reported found property. Property placed in the property locker. An individual reported suspicious activity in the restroom in Redbud. No suspects located. Feb. 26 — An individual reported found property. Property placed in property locker. An individual reported injury in Mountain Laurel. Individual was transported by EMS to the hospital. NORTHEAST LAKEVIEW COLLEGE Feb. 22 — Individual reported their vehicle rolled out of place. No damage to vehicles. Feb. 22 — An individual reported damage to another person’s vehicle. An individual reported damage to a bench off campus. Incident handled by Judson ISD Police. Feb. 23 — An individual reported criminal mischief in Lot 6.
The Ranger
March 5, 2010 • 5
Graduation buttons enter students to win iPod, iPad Photo illustration by Alison Wadley
Students can graduate in May if they finish with two summer classes. By Zahra Farah The final graduation application deadline is March 26 in the departments. To make more students aware of the deadline, Dr. Jessica Howard, vice president of academic affairs, and the graduation team have come up with “Go Red — Go Ahead,” a theme to promote graduation this month. Every Wednesday and Thursday, students are encouraged to wear red and, most important, to wear a paper button, which either reads “Don’t just transfer, graduate,” or for spring graduates: “I’m graduating, are you?” “Students who wear buttons become a part of the graduation culture,” Howard said. This year’s graduation is a departure from community college tradition. Caps and gowns will be red in the May 1 commencement ceremony rather than the traditional blue worn by community college graduates. Howard said some students assumed that blue was the official school color, and there was some interest expressed on the graduation team in wearing school colors. It got confusing, Howard said. More confusing yet, the college colors were orange and white until the mid 1990s when sports teams began wearing black and red uniforms. Last year, the district imposed new logos on the five district colleges that designated colors to each college. This college’s new logo featured red and blue. For a final decision, the graduation team decided to get one
student to wear a blue gown and another student to wear a red gown to see which gown attracted more attention. Howard said more students asked about and were drawn to the red gown. “Every person who wasn’t an employee liked red, and Dr. Zeigler liked it,” she said, referring to the college president, Robert Zeigler. Students can download buttons at http://www.accd.edu/sac/ SACMain/sac.htm, the college homepage. If the graduation posse, consisting of Zeigler, Howard, various deans and student aides wearing red cap and gowns, spots stu-
dents with a “Don’t just transfer, graduate” button, their names will be entered in a drawing for an iPod. If students graduating this spring are seen wearing an “I’m graduating, are you?” button, the students are entered in a drawing to win an iPad, the new Apple product expected on the market this month. “The buttons do not have to be in color,” Howard said. The group will walk around campus and into classrooms from 11 a.m.–noon Wednesday and Thursday. Students can print graduation applications on the college homepage or go to any department chair’s
office and pick up an application. Then students can go to the department chair and ask the chair to fill out the “completed degree plan.” Afterward, the chair sends it to the office of admissions and records. Admissions and records mails the student a letter notifying the students when to pick up a cap and gown. Students get to keep the regalia. “For each graduation, caps and gowns cost about $8,000. It’s a free service we offer to students,” Joe Jacques, associate director of admissions and records, said. Students who have two courses left in their degree plan at the end of this spring can graduate and take the classes in the summer, Howard said. In the past, the general feeling was the sooner a person could transfer, the better and that they did not need a degree plan, Howard said. “This is not the best approach; it’s better for students to graduate,” Howard said. “Data shows students who graduate have a higher degree of success after transferring than those who don’t,” she said, adding that having a degree plan gives them direction. A student with 45 earned hours or more is sent a postcard and a personalized message on their phone from Zeigler, encouraging that student to see a counselor or adviser. About 3,600 postcards will be sent this semester. Because of the graduation team’s push to get more students walking the stage, the 2009 graduation rate rose by 12.5 percent over the 2007-08 academic year. Commencement is 10 a.m. May 1 at Municipal Auditorium, 100 Auditorium Circle. For more information, go to www.alamo.edu/sac/csd/grad.
6 • March 5, 2010
People
The Ranger
Rennie Murrell
Rennie Murrell
Candidates: Clayton Trotter, Republican candidate for U.S. Congress District 20, explains his political agenda and answers questions during a forum Feb. 25 in Longwith. Trotter faces Joseph “Jamie” Martinez in the April 13 runoff. Scott Aranda
Pledge drive:
Carlo Francia, Thursday evening DJ; Victoria Acevedo, music director and Friday evening DJ; and Renee Carta, Triple A music director, promote KSYM’s annual pledge drive Wednesday in Longwith. Call 486-KSYM to make a pledge.
One-year party: American Sign Language freshman Dawn Bowers serves a slice of cake to Randy Brown, Texas A&M-San Antonio student and English tutor, during the one-year anniversary of this college’s writing center Wednesday in Gonzales. Julysa Sosa
Alison Wadley
Veteran powers:
Charles Neill, readjustment counseling therapist, discusses the common problem behaviors for returning veterans, one being aggressive driving, and asks the audience, “How many of you are from San Antonio?” at the Combat Veterans’ Readjustment Workshop presented by the Public Administration Club Tuesday in Moody.
Boxing freshman: Architecture freshman Braulio Martinez and his opponent Ryan Karl fight Feb. 27 during the San Antonio Regional Golden Gloves. Martinez has been boxing for three years and practices for hours every day.
March 5, 2010 • 7
The Ranger
Courtesy photos
From Brad Smejkal’s online journal
“Hawaiian shaved ice to cool me off, waiting on my flight to Iraq from Kuwait.”
“These are all my roommates while in Kuwait … at least the tent has AC.”
“Day off, and today was fly fishing day ... They were small and more like bait, but last time I check(ed), I was in Iraq and fishing is fun no matter what. I was just happy to have been able to fish. Made my day and deployment so far.”
Deployed dental lab tech student keeps up with classmates By Zahra Farah
wrote. “I will pick up school where I left off and Nothing exciting, so it’s all just one big blur. continue with it. This is my duty, and I will do it “I’m glad we stopped here; it gave us all a First Lt. Brad Smejkal, 30, with the Texas as proudly as those next to me.” chance to get adjusted to the climate. It also lets National Guard, had his studies in the denHis classmates missed him. “We were disyour body get adjusted to the food and water. tal laboratory technology appointed to see him go,” “I bought Internet access for a week, but it’s program interrupted by a laboratory technician sophbeen down for four days. I got took for $12. O’ deployment to Iraq, but he omore Paul Reyna said. well, I tried.” found a way to keep in touch Tallant said, “When we Most of his journal entries explain highlights with his classmates. hear what he is doing in Iraq, of his day or things he has seen, such as a salt The 12-year member what he does makes him farmer, camel herds and the Euphrates River. In of the guard had earned a that better of a person.” one entry, he told the class to expect something bachelor’s degree in human Sophomore Tho Ha said, in a big box after the holidays. A package arrived development and family sci“He was like another instructhe first week of classes. Smejkal had sent each ences from the University tor.” of his classmates camouflage dental smocks of Texas at Austin before To keep in touch, with a special dental patch on them. “He bought “I moved into a tent with 40 other officers he enrolled in the program and this is my home for a few days until Smejkal started to write those uniforms out of his own pocket, and those at this college in 2008 with we complete some required training and journal entries and send scrubs weren’t cheap,” Swain said. Smocks for a class of 16 students who country briefings. This is my area of the tent. pictures to his class about nine people cost about $300. No need to unpack, no where to put it so live his daily activities in Iraq. “I seemed to bond quickly. “Most of all, I wanted them to look like a out of the bag.” “They hit it off instantly,” thought they would like to unified class. All other programs have certain Michael A. Swain, dental lab know how I was doing and scrubs, and I felt that we should have the same,” technician program coordinator, said. see just what I do on he said. “It lets everyTyler K. Cleveland A classmate, sophomore Bryce Tallant, said a day-to-day basis,” one on campus know the students consider themselves a family. he said. “I sent the that you are part of Smejkal wrote in an e-mail interview Feb. 19 journal to all my famthe program. I hope that they bonded because they were all striving ily and friends to keep that it leaves a lastfor the same goal of completing the program. everyone in the loop, ing impression on the “We had friendly competition of trying to one and to let them know future classes, and up each other to see who could make the best I was fine and no need they, too, unite as we appliances,” he said. “We all knew that learn- for them to worry.” did,” Smejkal said. Sophomore Tho Ha paints crowns on model teeth Jan. 13 ing from each other would make us all better Swain calls the wearing Smejkal’s gift from Iraq. Smejkal will comtechnicians.” journals a life line for plete the rest of the Then midway through the program last sum- someone so far away. “If you were going to be program next fall. He said he is sure they will mer, Smejkal learned he would deploy to Iraq 8,000 miles away from home, you want a record stay in touch because the “lab world” is small. as part of the medical logistics office in charge of something,” he said. “Staying in touch with “We will use each other down the road to of the 36th Sustainment Brigade. “Being in the someone is a life line.” answer questions we are having about a case. Army is something I decided when I was in high In his Aug. 18–29 journal entry, Smejkal writes Who knows, some of the classmates may end up school, and deploying is always an option,” he to his class, “Briefing and training in Kuwait. working together someday,” he said.
8 • March 5, 2010
The Ranger
Chancellor poses Solomon dilemma to faculty Scott Aranda
By Zahra Farah Chancellor Bruce Leslie wants faculty to choose between a raise for 2010–11 and a hike in tuition for students, Faculty Senate President Jeff Hunt told senate members Wednesday. This came from a Wednesday morning breakfast Leslie had with Mary Ellen Jacobs, Faculty Senate president of Palo Alto College, and Teanna Staggs, biology chair and chair of the District Council of Chairs. Hunt said Leslie brought up college administration, faculty and staff concerning whether or not they will get raises but said nothing about district officials being affected. District employees have not received a raise since September 2008, although trustees approved a 2 percent temporary salary “adjustment” that began Jan. 1 and ends Aug. 31. Political science Professor Christy Woodward-Kaupert said Hunt should ask dis- Dr. Jonathan Lee, chair of history and humanities, proposes trict if they, too, are not going to get their raise. meeting Wednesday in the nursing complex. English Chair Alexander Bernal said he would like to note that this is a false dilemma because district officials already think tuition the raise,” Hunt told The Ranger. will increase by 5 percent for students. In other business, Hunt reported on recHistory and humanities Chair Jonathan Lee ommendations by the Advising Committee on said faculty were not asked this question for improving advising students. 2009-10 and tuition was increased for students The committee consists of Hunt; Staggs; while faculty and staff did not get a raise. Ellen Marshall, chair of early childhood studies; Hunt said it was his understanding Gov. Rick Stella Lovato, chair of allied health; and unit Perry mandated all colleges to raise tuition by 5 assistants. percent. (He did not). They presented a model to col“We do not appreciate being lege President Robert Zeigler Feb. in competition with our students 25. whom we love,” Bernal said. “To Dr. Jessica Howard, vice presimake this kind of false dilemma, dent of academic affairs, appointpositioning faculty against the stued this committee to give ideas on dents is not a nice thing to do.” advising students. They mapped a Hunt said putting this in front process from the point a student www.theranger.org of Faculty Senate is a lose-lose situwalks in the door to the minute Read the complete story online. ation, and Leslie knows it. the student registers, Hunt said “This is another way of punishThursday in a phone interview. ing the faculty,” Hunt said. It took the advising team four meetings in a The senate brought up ways district could span of two months to figure out a plan, Hunt cut back on spending, such as having fewer said Thursday. districtwide committees and more people At the senate meeting, Hunt explained that teaching, having administration teach classes for many students, the process is confusing and or decreasing administration by one vice chanthey have to jump through too many hoops to cellor. register. The team looked for a simple model Senators discussed this further in an execu- that allows chairs of departments to advise tive session, after which Hunt reported their students. reaction was laughter. When they brought it to Howard, they were “It was a ridiculous ultimatum; we voted for told counseling and Robert Vela, vice president
updates to the college textbook policy at a Faculty Senate
of student affairs, were also working on a model and to wait to see what counseling’s model was like. “Counselors and Dr. Vela have never worked on a model,” Hunt said. Hunt believes it is time for the college to be held accountable and if that means faculty start advising students, it should be done. Issues that have been raised, because of limited advising is, students only receiving mandatory advisement when they first enroll at this college and students not having a degree plan by their sophomore year. They do not know if their model has been approved, but advising training sessions for faculty are on their way. “I think the teaching faculty are tired of waiting for the counselors to improve their system. It’s time to take some action,” he told The Ranger Thursday. In the meeting, Hunt was asked to talk to the district’s legal affairs office and to find out if faculty are legally liable for inaccurate advice. Also, senators voted to recommend an update of the 1994 college guidelines for textbook adoption as presented by Lee. The guidelines said textbooks selected for adoption must be approved by a majority of the tenure-track faculty who teach the courses or by a department committee.
March 5, 2010 • 9
The Ranger
“I think to be an effective candidate, you need to be sincere whatever your message is.”
“You don’t watch things happen; you make things happen.” Dr. Paul Wilson chair of economics and political science
Jeff Hunt theater and speech communication chair
Paul Wilson
Jeff Hunt
What does it take to succeed in office? Three say you need active listening, sincerity and desire to serve the community. By Laura Garcia Elected officials, such as district trustees, work long hours for no pay and are often the target of public criticism and scrutiny for decisions they make. So why would anyone want to serve and what personal qualities do good officials need? Monday is the last day for individuals to apply for the District 1, 2, 3 and 7 trustee positions for the Alamo Community College District. “It comes with the territory,” political science Chair Paul Wilson said in an interview Tuesday, referring to officials being a magnet for criticism. “I think you have to know that going in.” It’s probably a healthier environment where citizens criticize the people making decisions, he said. Wilson is familiar with the role of public officials because he served as mayor of Jourdanton in South Texas. He said that some people think they can use these positions as a launching pad for higher office but are disappointed to see that it’s usually not. In addition to public criticism, elected officials can be drawn into litigation. So would the ideal candidate be a resilient person who can stand constant criticism? Wilson said oddly enough, politics sometimes attracts thin-skinned people who find it difficult to bear criticism. Psychology Chair Thomas Billimek said generally it’s difficult for people to be criticized, especially when the attacks become personal. Typically, elected officials have a higher level of self-confidence and are better able to cope with pressure, he said.
“Leadership is not a fun thing.” Dr. Thomas Billimek psychology chair
“Leadership is not a fun thing,” Billimek said. He added running for office requires a great deal of preparation in reviewing the organization with Internet research, attending meetings, and talking to board members and constituents. The irony, Wilson said, is that some people run for public office for recognition from the community. One of the perks of being elected into a public position, Wilson said, is being able to see tangible changes such as buildings being built, but sometimes changes are less tangible. In his experience, he said serving was a really rewarding experience. “You don’t watch things happen; you make things happen,” Wilson said. He said elected officials tend to be more extroverted because they become involved in a social process. Wilson said that in the case of trustees, their first responsibility is to be caretakers of the public’s money. They need to ensure public funds are being wisely spent. Second, trustees have a responsibility to respond to their constituents. Wilson said that this may be easier in small towns, but he remembers actually going down to city hall and talking to all of the employees. Sometimes it’s difficult to separate the needs of the 10 percent of the community that calls in from the 90 percent that don’t, he said.
Wilson said that elected officials need to be prepared to make decisions that some people will be unhappy with. Jeff Hunt, theater and speech communication chair, agrees with Wilson that elected Thomas Billimek officials must be able to actively listen to their constituents. Wilson said it’s important for the elected official to actively listen and devote their full attention to what is being said. After that, they can gauge what would be an appropriate response. Hunt, who was elected Faculty Senate president, said that they shouldn’t just nod their heads. Also, elected officials should try to verify and make sure what they are hearing are real issues in the community they serve. Hunt said despite politicians’ motto “fake it till you make it,” he teaches his speech students to always be sincere and speak from the heart. “I think to be an effective candidate, you need to be sincere whatever your message is,” he said. He said the candidate should do research and see who votes historically and determine the basic demographics, interests and hobbies of the people who live in that community. Voters may be looking for commonality, Hunt said. “These days, people look for someone they can relate to,” he said. Wilson said that generally anyone interested in public office should know how to agreeably disagree and that there’s not just one right way to do anything.
To file for District 1, 2, 3 and 7 trustee positions, see the election clerk by 5 p.m. Monday in Room 8 of Building C at 201 W. Sheridan.
The Ranger
10 • March 5, 2010
Presidents plan for potential summer cuts Chancellor petitions Texas governor for district exemption. By Laura Garcia Summer 2 classes could be canceled if the district is required to cut 5 percent of its 2010-11 budget to comply with a request from the governor to plan for such a contingency. Or all of the colleges in the district may switch to a four-day summer workweek. Another possibility may be to increase class sizes again. These are all just ideas thrown on the table, but no decisions have been made yet, President Robert Zeigler said Tuesday. Gov. Rick Perry sent out a request to institutions of higher education asking for a plan to identify where 5 percent cuts in state funding could occur during the 2010-11 biennium without affecting direct services. His request sent out on Jan. 15 gave the
Strategies include moving to a four-day workweek, cutting Summer 2 courses or increasing class sizes.
Alamo Colleges one month to turn in a plan to the Legislative Budget Board and the Office of the Governor’s Budget, Planning and Policy division. Chancellor Bruce Leslie said during the Feb. 23 regular board meeting that district administrators think they can obtain substantial savings by going to a four-day workweek in the summer although this could affect some of the summer camps colleges offer. On Feb. 15 Leslie wrote a letter to Perry requesting an exemption from the potential cuts because the district may have to cap enrollment to achieve the 5 percent target. Leslie’s letter said this would “close the door”
on the district’s open-door admissions policy, which is “the very foundation of our existence.” “We are hoping that our message will be heard,” Leslie said during the meeting. Should the governor exempt the district, then some of the cost-saving measures like cutting Summer 2 courses for this fiscal year could be avoided. Palo Alto College has followed a four-day schedule in the summer months since 2003. Zeigler said a variety of strategies are being discussed but that a decision should be made by college presidents in the next few weeks to give ample time to students for planning. The presidents across the district will choose the option that has the least detrimental effect on students, he said. Dr. Jo-Carol Fabianke, associate vice chancellor for academic partnerships and initiatives, said she hadn’t heard any official discussion of Summer 2 being canceled but confirmed that the four-day workweek was an option.
The Ranger
March 5, 2010 • 11 Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
Natural science freshman Phillip Eyhorn addresses his group on the Dream of Future America policy during Dr. J. Philip Rogers’ government class Feb. 26. The policy, which is being debated today, suggests that illegal immigrants with a high school education should be awarded in-state tuition for college.
Hands-on senate identifies leaders of tomorrow By Ximena Victoria Alvarez The structure and functions of government can be learned in a typical lecture class, but one professor here takes a more personal approach. Dr. J. Philip Rogers, Stanford University graduate and political science professor, knows that students need a hands-on experience to fully engage in learning. GOVT 2302, American Government: Problems and Policies, gives them the opportunity to make over the U.S. Senate in their own image. Students play senators from each of the 50 states, identify themselves as Democrat or Republican and write a bill on a hot topic that the Senate in Washington, D.C., is debating. Students present the bill to the classroom senate just as is done in the U.S. Senate. Each student senator is assigned to serve on a committee, such as Education and Health, Justice and Environment, and Foreign Policy and Economy. Each committee has an assigned student chair, who decides the order of the bills to be presented on the floor of the full senate. A majority leader, a Democrat, and a minor-
Dr. J. Philip Rogers gives advice to the health care senate debate group during a class Feb. 26 in the academic instruction center. ity leader, a Republican, ensure parliamentary control. Since the Aug. 29 death of Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., President Barack Obama and the Senate have had difficulty in getting bills passed, especially those to do with health care reform and immigration. Political science sophomore David Rodriguez knows that illegal immigration is a problem but also strongly believes that the 23 million immigrants who enter this country “come over here for a better way of life.” Rodriguez, portraying a moderate Republican, said the immigration bill, known
as the DREAM Act for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, “needs to be more refined.” The DREAM Act, introduced March 26, would, if passed, grant eligible immigrants temporary residency status and even entitle them to apply for student loans and work-study jobs, but not Pell Grants. In answer to the Dream Act, Rodriguez authored the AMIGO Act, or American Mexican Interest in Government Order Act. He believes it will rescue foreign policy with Mexico to encourage more economic stability, government transparency and infrastructure in that country to reduce the volume of illegal immigration and illegal drug cartel activity. While natural science freshman Phillip Eyhorn, also chair of the majority party in the mock Senate, focuses on a bill on the detention policy in Guantanamo, he said he believes that finding a justified environment for the detainees is vital to have justice done. So what do students think of Rogers’ approach? “The simulation itself makes it more exciting,” Eyhorn said. “One can see where the class is going.”
Prem
12 • The Ranger
Atheist Agenda President Carlos Morales answers questions while Darrell Brietzke, Bradley Louis and Joe Engel add support Monday afternoon at UTSA during the “Smut for Smut” campaign.
‘Smut for Smut’ raises fuss at UTSA Story and Photo by Brandy A. Santos A mass of angry students, many with Bibles in hand, chanted, “You’re the devil.” Hundreds screamed, pointed and prayed, the sound resonating like a church bell on Sunday morning between buildings on the campus of the University of Texas at San Antonio Monday. The mass of students pressed ever closer to one student reading from the Bible, but the crowd stopped short at the sign above his head, “Smut for Smut.” The uproar was so great campus police stepped in to disperse the crowd and try to control its movement. Onlookers used cell phones to capture student reactions to the exchange of porn for Bibles and other religious texts and to police actions that drew booing. Computer science freshman Darrell Brietzke said, “I was disgusted with what I saw and had to represent the right side: God is love.” The “Smut for Smut” campaign — in its fourth year at UTSA — is mainly a publicity stunt for the Atheist Agenda, a campus organization. The group does not endorse pornography but uses it to highlight a conviction that religious texts are full of ludicrous ideas that overshadow common sense and the Bible includes erotic passages. “Smut for Smut” is controversial with students, most of whom were offended by the campaign. Marketing freshman Bradley Louis read verses
from the Bible that address negative statements, such as stoning women. During the reading, the crowd was loud and rude, calling club members sinners and the devil. Students threw crumpled paper, empty soda cans and torn-up promotional signs the Atheist Agenda posted and marched with. Atheist Agenda President Carlos Morales said, “Negative viewpoints that limit your thinking are very wrong, and being simple-minded is even worse. And we want the attention. How else will we get our message out?” International freshman Misha Yurscenko said, “You need to think for yourself, and trading in your religious texts for porn is the lesser of two evils.” About eight members of Atheist Agenda participated, distributing copies of Playboy, Penthouse, Hustler, Cheri and Lollipops purchased with donations and proceeds from fundraisers. On Monday, they traded about 10 magazines; Tuesday, eight; and Wednesday, five. In exchange, they collected 23 copies of the Bible, Quran and the Book of Mormon. The club gives the texts to shelters and churches. Magazines are rated zero to 5 by the industry with Playboy magazine, or soft porn, rating zero and “hard-core” porn scoring 5. The rating is based on the allusion of penetration versus the act of penetration. It depends on what kind of magazine the student wants. Morales said he wants to provide students with a more sensible outlook on the world. To steer clear of legal problems, the Atheist
Agenda stored the magazines in envelopes that were under the table out of site. The group was prepared for 100 takers over the three days. They had about four or five more exchanges than last year. Member Bradley Louis read verses from the Book of Solomon, long considered an erotic work. Before releasing a magazine, members check photo IDs to ensure students are 18 or older, and they tell recipients not to view the magazine on campus. The resentment toward the campus club went far beyond the student protesters. Called for information on the annual event, administrative assistant Carly Hogan of student activities said Feb. 25, “This event will be March 1-3, and that’s all I can say. I can’t say more. It’s not like I enjoy discussing this.” Student assistant Jaye Brison was disdainful. “They want a reaction. They are looking for attention. If you just ignore them, they will go away.” In a telephone interview club adviser Chris Dunn, physics and astronomy lecturer, said, “I don’t have anything to do with that. I’m just their adviser. They show up once a month to get paperwork signed. If you have any more questions, call the president.” And the dial-tone sounded. The Atheist Agenda meets at 5 p.m. every Monday in the Ash Room of the university center. For more information, call Morales at 744-7000 — while you can. He said the number will change to avoid hate messages.
miere
March 5, 2010 • 13 James Lazo
Alice In Wonderland
Anthropology Professor Elizabeth de la Portillo speaks on feminism in the visual arts center Tuesday during Women’s History Week. Portillo also promoted her book “They All Want Magic.” Robert Stofa
Women’s Day March Saturday The 20th San Antonio International Women’s Day March starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at Bowie and Market streets near the entrance to the Grand Hyatt. The Web site shows that numerous local organizations will hit the streets to show solidarity with women and social justice movements. The post-march rally will be at Plaza del Zacate (Milam Park), 501 W. Commercen St. For more information call 228-0201 or go to www.sawomenwillmarch.org.
State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte discusses growing up and what life is like for a woman in politics Monday in Loftin.
Director: Tim Burton Producers: Joe Roth, Richard D. Zanuck, Jennifer Todd Actors: Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway Rated: PG Plot: Alice, now 19, once again falls through a rabbit hole into the whimsical and dark wonderland from her childhood. This is not the 1951 Disney VHS you may remember, but don’t fret, all of the familiar characters are there in strikingly real animation. The visual graphics and special effects are wonderful and convincing. The storyline is surprisingly grown-up. Of course, there is a happy ending, but it’s not cheesy; Burton wouldn’t allow that. Depp naturally impresses as the Mad Hatter and would have stolen the show if it hadn’t been for Wasikowska’s refreshing take on Alice. She is not the typical beauty queen Hollywood loves but a strong heroine on a journey to self-discovery. It’s just as good as you thought it would be, and maybe even better. My recommendation: See it on the big screen right away in 3D. Laura Garcia
Rating: ✪✪✪✪✪ In theaters: Today This reviewer also enjoyed: “Across the Universe,” “Sliding Doors,” “Donnie Darko,” “Up”
The Ranger
14 • March 5, 2010 For coverage call 486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance. Today SAC Event: Financial aid specialists will be on campus to help submit FAFSA and TASFA applications. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the transfer center of Moody. Call 486-0337. NLC Meeting: Gay and Straight Alliance Club at 1 p.m. Continues every Friday. in room 208 of the student commons. Call 486-5234. SAC Event: Virtual reality gaming 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Continues Fridays in the Cyber Café of Loftin. Call 486-0125. Monday SAC Transfer: University of Texas San Antonio. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0869. SAC Event: All you ever needed to know about Windows 7 presented by the Association of Information Technology Professionals. 2 p.m. in room 218 of nursing complex. Call 486-1058. SAC Transfer: Our Lady of the Lake University. 4 p.m.-6 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0869. Trinity Concert: Trinity Symphony Orchestra 7:30 p.m. in Ruth Taylor Recital Hall, Trinity University. Call 999-8212. Tuesday SAC Transfer: A&M San Antonio 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Appointments from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 486-0869. SAC Transfer: University of Phoenix. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0869. SAC Transfer: Schreiner University. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on the first floor of Chance. Call 486-0869. SAC Meeting: Chesyre Cheese Club.
3:15 p.m. Room 127 of Gonzales. March 16 Continues Wednesday. Call 486-0125. Calendar ACCD Meeting: Alamo Colleges Board SAC Concert: Faculty recital 7:30 p.m. 6 p.m. in Killen Center, 201 W. Sheridan. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486Continues April 20 & May 18. Call 4850494. 0000.
April 1 SAC Performance: “Amadeus” 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Continues April 2-3 at 7:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. April 7-10. Free for district students and employees; $10 general admission; $8 all other students. Call 486-0494.
Wednesday
March 17
SAC Event: Information booth for veterans 9 a.m.-noon in Loftin. Call 486-0125.
SAC Event: Community job fair 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. in the empowerment center, 703 Howard. Visit www.alamo.edu/sac/ wc. or call 486-0455.
SAC Closing: College closed for Easter. Continues through April 4.
March 19
April 6
SAC Concert: Faculty recital 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 4860494.
SAC Conert: Honors Recital 7:30 p.m. auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0494
SAC Event: Casino Day sponsored by student life, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0125. Thursday SAC Event: President Robert Zeigler 7:30-8 a.m. on KSYM 90.1 FM. Continues Thursdays. Call 486-KSYM. SAC Event: Danielle Rominsk on sexual health. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Call 486-0125
April 11 March 22 SAC Deadline: Flex 2 census date. Last day to drop without a recorded grade of W.
www.theranger.org Complete calendar online.
March 12 Performance: Ides of Texas Playfest 8 p.m.-10 p.m. at the Overtime Theater, 1414 S. Alamo, Suite 103. Continues through March 27. Visit http://theovertimetheater.net or call 557-7562.
Event: Flashy cars, classic cars, lowriders, and live music. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Mateo Camargo Park. By Cento Cultural Aztlan. Call 432-1896. April 12
March 23
SAC Meeting: Astronomy Club 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. in Room 142 of Chance. Call 486-0125. SAC Meeting: Campus Crusade for Christ 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Continues Tuesdays. Call 381-0991.
Event: Fiesta Primavera at Market Square 10 p.m. at 14514 W. Commerce. Free admission. Continues March 13-14. Call 559-3961.
SAC Concert: Faculty recital 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 4860494.
March 13
March 24
Event: Dyeing the river green at 2 p.m. and St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 3 p.m. Visit www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com. or call 227-4262.
NVC Event: The biannual Major Mania 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Lago Vista of Cypress. Call 486-4126. March 31
March 15 SAC Closing: College closed for spring break. Continues through March 21. Administrative offices closed March 18-21.
April 2
SAC Event: Psychic Fair 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-0125.
SAC Performance: Guitar ensemble. 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister. Call 486-0494 SAC Deadline: Last day to withdraw for spring. April 20 SAC Deadline: Last day to withdraw for Flex 2. April 23 SAC Closing: Battle of Flowers holiday. Weekend classes will meet.
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
March 5, 2010 • 15 Julysa Sosa
What’s taking so long? By Melody Mendoza
included the library as a priority, but voters turned it down because The library’s newly renovated of major opposition to moving third floor is like Technicolor Oz health-related programs to a sepacompared to the black-and-white rate campus at the medical center, Kansas of its other floors. David Mrizek, vice president of That is how John college services, said. Deosdade, reference Deosdade said librarian, sees things, “resurrected” ideas and he wishes a wizfor the library were ard could grant the included in a reconlong overdue remodfigured bond package eling and expansion in November 2005. www.theranger.org that keeps getting The new bond On online for bumped from the package’s improvethe complete story. college’s priority list. ments for this college He said he does not speak for the included a new nursing and allied library staff. health building, parking garage The idea of a brand new library and renovation of Nail Technical and renovations date to 2004 and Center, nursing education building went before the voters in a failed and the library in Moody Learning bond election in February 2005. Center. The $450 million bond package Primarily because parking is
Hundreds of books are organized on tabletops and on the floor of the library on the second floor of Moody while renovations are being completed. such a major issue, the bond was approved. Of this bond, the library was promised $4.4 million to renovate the second, third, fourth and half of the fifth floor of Moody allocated to the library alone, Librarian
Ralph Domas said. Domas served on the library user group for planning the renovation. Five years later, the third floor is completely renovated, but improvements for the other floors continue to be on hold.
The Ranger
16 • March 5, 2010
Student dies of unknown cause
Connor spent life, career at SAC
By Vanessa M. Sanchez
By Vanessa M. Sanchez
Michael Menchaca wrote on his Facebook page. Arnold Menchaca, early eduHe said his brother was so cation sophomore, is popular he attended remembered as a kind, five high school proms. popular older brother. Everywhere his brothers He died at age 28 durMichael and Kevin went, ing the half-time show of people recognized them the XLIV Superbowl Feb. as “Arnold’s brothers.” 7 at his father’s house. After several years out His brother Michael of college and driving a Menchaca, a former stutaxi, Arnold Menchaca Arnold Menchaca dent here, said after playdecided to return to this ing football outside during college. half time, Arnold Menchaca went Arnold Menchaca was a big fan of inside for a break and then collapsed. the Cincinnati Bengals. A friend performed CPR for 15 Now, Michael Menchaca will minutes until paramedics arrived. have to find a way to honor his He later died at Brooke Army Medical brother’s last wish. Center. The results of an autopsy Arnold Menchaca wanted his have not been completed. ashes spread along the 50-yard “Arnold was the most positive line of the Paul Brown Stadium in influence I could ever ask for in life,” Cincinnati.
“She knew her stuff and was a good member of our department. Carol Connor is remembered If she disagreed with you about as a shy, private person who was something, she’d always let you well-liked by her peers, know, but she did it in Glenn Boswell, coma very nice way.” puter information sysRick Hopkins, tems professor, said. court-reporting instrThe CIS professor uctor, said he and died Dec. 27 at age 63. Connor chatted every She was a student time he saw her and at this college before gave her a hug. she was employed here “I loved her to Carol Connor in 1984. death, but she was In addition to her informavery quiet to most people,” he tion systems expertise, Connor said. had a master’s degree in music Hopkins said he recalls mainly and music production and was discussing department business an accomplished pianist, Boswell with Connor. said. She was small lady, some“People missed out on not what timid, and many of the male taking the time to talk to her,” faculty looked out for her, he said. Hopkins said. “I always liked Carol,” he said. Burial was private.
The Ranger
March 5, 2010 • 17
Director pushes for new college mascot File photo
By Riley Stephens A mascot could be selected this semester to represent this college, particularly as a character dressed up at athletic events. But the student life director doesn’t want it to be a ranger. During a Presidents Roundtable meeting Feb. 25, Tyler Archer, assistant coordinator of student leadership and activities, announced that the Student Government Association was changing the college mascot and each club would need to choose two designs. The designs would be reviewed in a meeting later in the semester, and the clubs would choose the top two for final vote, she said. “Student organizations are not changing the mascot but are creating one because the college dropped the ranger as a mascot before I began working here,” student life Director Jorge Posadas said in an interview Feb. 8. Posadas said that when he started work here in summer 2006, he “was specifically told by administration that the school doesn’t have a mascot. The ranger mascot is something from history,” he said. “The task to create a new mascot is because of our growth in the sports program and the need for students to increase school spirit.” “My understanding was historically the ranger, the Texas Rangers specifically, while they played an important role in our history in maintaining law and order in the West and the Southwest, their largest role is that they were a vigilante group and that their deeds and their actions were perhaps not in the best interest of the community that we currently serve,” Posadas said. “Because of that history, of course, I didn’t make this decision, but my assumption, when I look at the ranger … there’s trucks, there’s the rangers from the military, all
The Ranger mascot in Gym 1 with a letter jacket from swimming Instructor Rondi Wayland’s brother and 1950s tennis shirt from former Chair Bill Candler’s wife. The sweat suit jacket is from Candler for whom the center is named. All are orange and white. wonderful things, a great student the college administrators and the newspaper as a mascot. Because Student Government and that could of the specific makeup of our stu- take several weeks or months.” dents, it’s probably not the most There is artwork of a cowboy appropriate,” Posadas said. with the word “Rangers” sur“It may offend quite a few peo- rounding it in the floor of Gym 1 of ple; however, it’s not offending our Candler Physical Education Center. country, but at San Antonio College It cannot be confirmed if the maybe there might be a moment artwork is an actual mascot that of pause. You once represented know, again, it’s the school. The “While they played about cheering earliest yearbook an important role in on the sports that the artwork our history in mainteams and appears in is 1961. taining law and order school spirit,” “St u d e n t in the West and the Posadas said. Government was Southwest, their “We’re not not the one that largest role is that the Rangers. decided the masthey were a vigilante We don’t have cot needed to be a mascot,” he changed,” Student group.” said, noting he Government AssoJorge Posadas has instructciation President student life director ed students Julianne Cantu to cheer “Go, said Feb. 25. SAC” rather than cheering on The Posadas said Wednesday, “We Rangers as the teams have been asked Student Government if they referred to for years. Uniforms have had any ideas about a new masbeen change to eliminate Rangers. cot, and they said they thought we President Robert Zeigler isn’t so already had one.” sure the college needs a new mascot. Cantu said, “We do not have any “I told Student Government I wasn’t deadline. No one has approached interested in revisiting the whole the SGA and asked us for our opinmascot thing,” he said Feb. 18. ion. “I know that when the mascot On Wednesday, Zeigler said, “If change was brought up in previous we got a new design for a mascot, years, that SGA suggested changing it would first have to go through the mascot to a jackalope,” she said.
A jackalope is an imaginary animal that’s part jackrabbit and part antelope. Posadas said the mascot is going to be a live character, with a person wearing a costume. He said he hopes to have a mascot selected soon after spring break. Mascots have played a role in this college’s history, which began in 1925. The Junior Cowboy Club was established in 1931 to promote debating. In its first few years, the club was composed entirely of men. The club decided to choose two women as their mascot to represent them for the year at social events and outings, according to yearbook archives of 1931-1946. “The two girls that were chosen as mascots were thought to be the prettiest and most popular girls. They would represent the club for the year,” Jerome Weynand said Feb. 20. Weynand, a 1948 graduate of this college and former district administrator, is author of “San Antonio College: In the Beginning … 1925-1956,” a history of the college. “I can remember back to when I was a Marine with my buddies, and we would hate to see it changed; we loved the ranger as a mascot,” Weynand said. The college’s student newspaper, The Ranger, was established on March 25, 1926, six months after the college opened. The name of the paper evolved from the Junior Ranger, to Jaysee Ranger, and eventually to The Ranger. Posadas raised the mascot discussion in 2007. An article published in The Ranger on April 13, 2007, reported, “Student Government President Francesca DiTroia and student life Director Jorge Posadas approached President Robert Zeigler with the idea of changing the mascot during a student government meeting April 2.”
18 • March 5, 2010
Editorial
The Ranger Juan Carlos Campos
Enough already: Bridge communication gap Tyler K. Cleveland
Chancellor Bruce Leslie charging that the presidents of district Faculty Senates misrepresented him only proves that there is still a sizable communication gap within the district. In a Feb. 22 meeting with the Super Senate, Leslie charged the faculty’s elected leaders with using falsehoods, untruths and misrepresentations. Senate leaders maintain that they did their research and presented faculty only examples that could be proved with facts and documentation. Admitting a communication gap existed between district trustees and administrators with the college communities, the chancellor trav-
eled in the fall with trustees to each college for open forums in an attempt to close that gap. Apparently, those sessions were a waste of everyone’s time. Leslie may be offended that 90 percent of faculty voted against his leadership, but that does not mean he was misrepresented. Disturbingly, it has become a pattern the chancellor has fallen into whenever confronted with disagreeable facts. Is it any wonder the faculty voted no confidence? Leslie acts as if he does not hear faculty concerns and complaints, and trustees reward that behavior. Once more, employees
Chancellor Bruce Leslie watches as Chair Denver McClendon lowers the gavel in the unanimous decision against single accreditation of the five colleges Jan. 26 at Killen Center.
are treated with disrespect and are distracted from their primary responsibilities, the students. This district deserves bet-
ter leadership. Move on from the vote of no confidence. Focus on positive change for this district that will benefit students.
Corrections In “SPC soft money employees worry jobs in jeopardy” in the Feb. 26 issue, St. Philip’s College President Adena Williams Loston’s quote should have read, “The opportunity is to move core business operations off of
soft money to hard money.” In “Financial services career seminar Thursday” in the Feb. 26 issue, a speaker should have been identified as David Wallace.
Opinion
The Ranger
March 5, 2010 • 19
If you want change, consider filing by Monday District 1, 2, 3 and 7 on the Alamo Community College District board of trustees are up for election May 8. One would expect critics of the board to either run or nominate individuals as candidates so their views are represented. Instead, critics are apparently satisfied to sit on the sidelines. Board Chair and District 2 trustee Denver McClendon, District 3 trustee Anna Uriegas Bustamante and District 7 trustee Blakely Latham Fernandez remain unopposed.
District 1 trustee Bernard Weiner is not seeking reelection, and three candidates have filed in hopes of replacing him. They are former San Antonio City Councilman Joe Alderete Jr., former vice president of the college, Thomas Hoy, and former student here Tyler Ingraham. This past year, the board has stirred controversy with its examination of single accreditation and its unanimous support of a new three-year contract for Chancellor Bruce Leslie among other issues.
Faculty, staff and community members have come fired up to board meetings and voiced their opinions. Some delivered profound speeches, which brought standing ovations from the audience. But now when it’s time to challenge the status quo, no one is stepping forward to challenge incumbents. Why don’t critics of the board seek election to make sure their voices are heard? If no one takes the initiative, then do they have the right to complain? What message does it
send to the community and the board if three incumbents run unopposed? Monday is the deadline to file. Step up and get involved if you feel you are right for this position or encourage someone you trust to run. Information and applications are at http://www. alamo.edu/district/board/ election/default.htm. Early voting is April 26May 4, and the election is May 8. If necessary, the runoff election is June 12. If critics want to give voters a choice, time is running out.
Save music; donate some bucks to college radio Courtesy KSYM
Donate money to KSYM’s pledge drive in honor of 44 years of 90.1 FM history. The drive ends Sunday, so hurry and give what you can. This 16th annual drive helps KSYM keep its doors open and provide music and entertainment not found on commercial stations. The college provides minimal funding for this program that allows students to get real hands-on experience in the radio business. They learn how to run a daily or once weekly music or talk show by going live on air. And unless they are on staff, the DJs donate their time and energy. Imagine waking up early every morning just for the experience of being on the radio and doing what you love. Support these students with whatever you can. The drive is not just for big
companies or community members with deep pockets. You can help this program survive by pledging $35 and receive a KSYM T-shirt. You could pledge less and receive premium prizes such as donated restaurant gift cards. But even if $35 is beyond your budget, KSYM won’t say no to a couple of dollars. The program needs all they can get because licensing fees and equipment aren’t getting less expensive. What do you have to lose? This cause is great and everyone should come together to support one of this college’s most impressive programs. KSYM has won “Best Music Radio Station” in a competition run by The Current for years and
has helped many former students gain experience and a foot in the door. Call 486-5796 and show these students you care about them and pledge something. Anything.
20 • March 5, 2010
Letters Not lies, but fiction Editor: Regarding the article, “Chancellor questions faculty’s honesty” (The Ranger, Feb. 26), I don’t believe the chancellor is questioning the integrity of the full faculty but rather only those who authored the resolutions on which the vote of no confidence was based. Based on my reading of these resolutions, Dr. (Bruce) Leslie is 100 percent correct in doing so. In reviewing these charges, the chancellor has apparently done everything but steal Christmas, trap the Easter bunny and shoot Bambi. Taking the assertions at face value, I would have voted “no confidence” also. One small problem though, the “facts” aren’t quite factual. Upon a thorough review, the resolutions amounted to a fine piece of fiction which misled the full faculty and now serves only to stigmatize its authors. The chancellor consistently states that the faculty of the Alamo Colleges do a remarkable job. The data I collect reflects this – course completion rates, student success rates, student satisfaction and student engagement are all on the rise throughout this district. And while the full faculty are incredible, the Super Senate struggles with credibility. The chancellor outlined many of the assertions made against him with facts (and supporting documentation) in his clarification correspondence. This district is not “on the brink of financial insolvency,” the chancellor has not broken any personnel policies, we are in complete compliance with the standards set by our accreditors, the chancellor has effectively “jump
Letters
The Ranger
started” the Banner initiative, student engagement is not being “negatively influenced,” and on and on and on. When I asked some the faculty super senators about these issues, they responded that, “this is what we were told.” Well, Mark Sanford (governor of South Carolina) told his wife and constituents that he was hiking in the Appalachians. We all saw how that turned out – discredited and divorced. I also wrote these same individuals regarding their assertions that the district purchased “$800 VOIP phones” and spent “$60,000 on NLC’s accreditation application,” querying the source documentation. The response – silence. It would have been nice if the resolution authors actually took the time to do their homework, research these issues and get their facts straight. Isn’t this what they require of their students? Failing to do so diminishes their authenticity and effectiveness as a governing group. While I refuse to believe that these authors intentionally fabricated their claims, research has uncovered that their assertions were far more fiction than fact. For anyone who is in disagreement, please ask the authors to produce their documentation and evidence of veracity of these charges. Just don’t hold your breath while waiting for a response. By not doing their homework, this small cadre of authors have misrepresented the truth to their colleagues and constituents. Their formula of too much rhetoric combined with too little research has now effectively undermined their credibility and muted their voice. While it did result in great theater, we are now well beyond the shelf-life of this propaganda. In the end, as always, the truth emerges. The Alamo Colleges is a great district. We
have exceptional faculty and staff who are dedicated and genuinely care about serving students. We have metrics that show we are having a positive influence on our community. It is just so disheartening to have to deal with artificially created friction when we have so many real issues to attend to. My vote is for more productive communication and less posturing, more talking with each other rather than past each other and moving forward as a family rather than as factions. Dr. Tom Cleary Vice Chancellor of Planning, Performance and Information Systems
Credits do transfer Editor: In the Ranger’s Feb. 25 story “NLC credits transfer to UTSA, not health centers.” I will again correct the misinformation published concerning NLC accreditation. As long as NLC students complete the 42 credit NLC core curriculum, their credits will transfer to the UT Health Science Center, and all other state higher education institutions — a fact that the NLC VP of Academic Affairs shared with the reporter (on two different occasions). The story also states that credits will not transfer to Texas A&M. This also is not true, especially considering that Texas A&M-San Antonio is currently seeking accreditation as a new higher education institution. Dr. Eric Reno President, Northeast Lakeview College Editor’s note: The Ranger stands by its reporting. Reno, and Vice President Beth Lewis did not return calls from The Ranger.
Want to comment?
www.theranger.org
Log on to www.theranger.org for links to Faculty Senate resolutions and the chancellor’s response.
The Ranger
March 5, 2010 • 21
CE students to compete in Turkish Olympiad Multimedia/AccuNet
By Reagan White San Antonio students of the Turkish language are being challenged to compete in the annual San Antonio Cluster Turkish Olympiad Saturday. U.S. students will compete in the categories of Turkish cooking, poetry, singing and folk dancing from 1:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Harmony Science Academy, 8505 Lakeside Parkway. Continuing education student Kathi Frazier plans to take part in the Olympiad. She will compete in the cooking competition, held separately on March 13. “I haven’t decided exactly what to make, probably börek (a filled pastry),” she said Frazier makes up half of a Turkish language class that meets Tuesday nights in the Oppenheimer building. Both students in the class agree they wanted to take Turkish because of their Turkish friends. “I have friends who are Turkish, and I hope to travel there,” continuing education student Dave Strokes said. The tiny class is sponsored by the Raindrop Turkish House, an organization dedicated to sharing Turkish culture with Americans.
Fire of Anatolia, the best-known Turkish modern folk dance group, perform in their premiere of “Troy, With the Dance Language of Anatolia,” in Istanbul in 2008. “We will continue the classes even if they are only for three students,” director Ozgur Karakuzu said. A beginning Turkish course will be offered Monday nights starting March 8, and an intermediate class on Wednesday nights, starting March 10, both through continuing education. The goal of the Raindrop Turkish House is to act as a community center for those from Turkey or interested in Turkish language and culture. The organization hosts ESL classes, speech-
es, cooking classes and ladies’ coffee night. Frazier says the most important part about the coffee night is the conversation. “You just realize that women are the same everywhere,” she said. The instructor for the Turkish class, Meltem Yilmaz, a teacher at the Harmony Science Academy, moved from Turkey to San Antonio four years ago. She tries to immerse her students in Turkish culture. Yilmaz also coaches her students at the academy for the Turkish Olympiad. Students who place at the local event advance to Houston for a statewide contest. Winners of the state competition will be sent to Turkey to compete. Last year, one of Yilmaz’s high school students made it to the international competition in Turkey. Karakuzu said there is a growing community of Turkish people in Texas. Yilmaz agreed. “I know almost 50 families. We are getting bigger and bigger as a Turkish community.” For information on upcoming Turkish classes, call continuing education at 486-0413. For information on the Turkish Olympiad, call 377-1110.
Speech workshops get students talking Alison Wadley
By Alexandria Maxwell Workshops sponsored by the theater and speech communication department are designed to help students better understand the art of speech and to identify their own style of communication. The department has been hosting the workshops for about five years, speech Instructor Jolinda Ramsey said Friday. “The workshops are beneficial to speech students because they can learn about a certain speech topic with numerous instructors, getting a different viewpoint from what their professors lecture on during class,” Ramsey said. The workshops, which usually are facilitated by department faculty, typically attract 40 to 60 stu-
dents in various majors, Ramsey said. Because of the success of the speech workshops, two more workshops have been added this semester, for a total of seven, compared to last semester’s five. Wednesday’s speech workshop was somewhat different from previous workshops, however. Instead of being directed by professors or instructors, students majoring in speech communication served as facilitators. “Because we have such a great group of speech communication majors this semester, the department asked if any of the students would like to host one of the speech workshops,” Ramsey said. Five students volunteered. Julian Coronado, Jessica Gonzales,
Leonard Herbeck, Eboni Staten and Ashley Walker, who are all speech communication sophomores, hosted the first student-run workshop. Ramsey said students worked hard preparing for the event, including meeting off campus to develop plans for the workshop and that it was outstanding to hear students talk about doing what they are studying. “The student-hosted workshop was a really neat opportunity because it was the first time speech students got to host it,” Walker, one of the student hosts, said. Wednesday’s workshop looked at styles of conflict and communication, Gonzales, another of the students, said. The department’s final speech
Speech sophomore Eboni Staten discusses open communications Wednesday in Room 214 of McAllister. workshop of the spring semester will be 2 p.m.–3 p.m. Wednesday in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. The event is free and open to all students. The topic is “Say It With Style — Effective Delivery.” For information, call 486-0496.
The Ranger
22 • March 5, 2010
AT&T vows 10 percent student hiring in tech support center Tyler K. Cleveland
By Ximena Victoria Alvarez The AT&T U-Verse Technical Support Center training began Jan. 11, and sessions will continue through June. AT&T has agreed to hire 10 percent of the students the Alamo Colleges train. At this campus, electronic technology Instructor Brenda Clark’s class specializes in technical software. Customer service training is at Northwest Vista College. The class here has drawn a diverse collection of students with one goal: They are looking for new employment opportunities. Joshua Montevallos said he worked for a credit union but saw “U-Verse as an advantage for the city” and wanted to be part of it. Juanita Perez had worked for the
Workforce Investment Act but was laid off thanks to the weak economy and has been unemployed for six months. Jaime Monzun was a Web designer for the S.A. Current but because of the economy, he also had to look for more options, and the AT&T U-Verse Technical Support Center meant hope. Thermajean Jones, program coordinator of service, trade and industry in continuing education, said the partnership is open to unemployed individuals to give them a step up in attaining full-time employment with the telecommunications company. Though only 20 students are in this session, Randy Wood, technical trainer of Work Force Solutions, explained growth possibilities. “Currently, the technical support
Brenda Clark instructs her Home Technology Integration class Feb. 2 in the Oppenheimer Center. center cohort is a little more than 50 students for the orientations, but the classes will be limited to 40 and broken down into two cohorts of 20 each.” Students who are enrolled in the AT&T U-Verse Technical Support Center Program attend class 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. for 80 hours here and 80 hours at Northwest Vista. Tina Garza, former radiology student, said, “It takes patience and
diligence.” Ten Northwest Vista students and 10 students here are being trained. Clark stressed that in customer service, it’s always good to have knowledge of the technical aspect. AT&T needs only 200 trained for its call center, but not all students eventually enrolled in this program will work for AT&T, but those who don’t will be prepared for jobs at any telecommunications company such as Verizon, Time Warner Cable and Clear Channel. Continuing education will offer more four-week training sessions through June. The free program is funded by Texas Grant Solutions. “As long as there is a need, we will be there,” Woods said. For more information, contact Program Coordinator Thermajean Jones at 486-0417.
The Ranger
March 5, 2010 • 23
Sluggers score win over Roadrunners Photos by Tyler K. Cleveland
Kinesiology freshman Rico Espinoza pitches to education freshman Charlie DeLeon Sunday during the Rangers’ victory over UTSA.
Kinesiology freshman David Peterson runs home during the Rangers’ 12-8 win over UTSA Sunday at Northeast Independent School District baseball field, 619 Basse Road. Coach Sean Gallegos said the goal is to build a successful program. The Rangers will face the Dodgers, a team of the Men’s Senior Baseball League, at 10 a.m. Sunday at the University of the Incarnate Word.
Physical therapy freshman Clayton Henicke and kinesiology freshman Rico Espinoza cheer on their team during the Rangers’ victory Sunday.
Gym membership comes with paid tuition By Michelle L. Tymrak Students who love to work out don’t need to spend extra cash on pricey gym memberships when they already pay for one with their tuition. Students are entitled to use facilities during free hours in Candler Physical Education Center where kinesiology and dance classes meet. “The conditioning room is most popular,” Instructor Dawn Brooks said. Each facility is available at different times to accommodate classes. “We have to work around the classes,” Brooks said. The conditioning room is available 3:15 p.m.-4:45 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 4 p.m.-
For more information regarding recreational hours and rules, call the kinesiology department at 486-1010. 5 p.m. Tuesday, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, and 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Friday. Gym 1 is always closed to the public, but Gym 2 has at least an hour a day with open access. Try a pick-up game or practice free throws 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Friday. Basketballs are not provided so participants should bring their own. The weight room is open only to students enrolled in weight-training courses.
“The risk for injury is really high,” Brooks said, adding there is no guarantee that spotters will be present. The racquetball courts are available 1 p.m.3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Students must provide equipment, and “goggles are a must,” Brooks said. The pool is available 1 p.m.-3:45 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and 3 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. As well as having access to these areas of Candler, students soon will have access to the computer lab in the building 10 a.m.-noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
The Ranger
24 • March 5, 2010
Photos by Julysa Sosa
Angel Huerta, 13, dances to a Japanese pop song. Huerta said the dance style called “caramel” is popular on the Internet.
Travis Propp shows his character’s “three-sword” pose. It took Propp two weeks to complete his costume, and he dyed his hair green for the convention.
Anime fans drawn to Mizuumi-Con 3 By Reagan White
T
he mall of Our Lady of the Lake University campus was taken over by food stalls and a henna painting table, and the campus was crowded with costumed anime fans Saturday for MizuumiCon 3, sponsored by the OLLU Mizuumi club. Members of the Japanese club at this college helped set up at the event and then took advantage of the crowd to sell homemade Japanese food and raise money for club activities. Many of their customers were wearing handmade costumes of anime or video game characters. Sarah Pichardo, club vice president and international studies sophomore, was wearing red cat ears and a collar as she served fans. “They’ll see someone dressed up and be like, hey, I’m dressed up, too. It kind of gets them www.theranger.org comfortable,” she said. Go online for the complete story. Japanese club members stood behind the counter dicing cabbage and ham for yakisoba, a fried noodle dish, rolling rice balls, and cooking miso soup with a coffee maker. A club member was sent on frequent trips to replenish supplies. By 12:30 p.m., their stock of rice balls was gone. “We started with two big trays; now there is nothing left,” Pichardo said. Club president and education sophomore Robert Vidal said, “One of the members had to sacrifice her own rice ball for a hungry, crying customer.” At the end of the day, Vidal was pleased with their profits. “We made well over $950, a new sales record,” he said. “We were busy until the last second when we sold out of every single thing we had.”
A group of people “caramel” dances a routine to a Japanese pop song Saturday at the third annual Mizuumi-Con at Our Lady of the Lake University.
April Morgan, her sister Lauren Morgan and In Rivera walk to the food stands. The Morgan sisters dressed as characters from the anime series “Trigun” and Rivera dressed as Jet Black from “Cowboy Bebop.”
Art education freshman Tom Cruz paints a henna tattoo on education sophomore Audra Griffin. Griffin had “Japanese club” painted in Japanese on her left arm to represent the organization.