Vol. 86 Issue 1
Single copies free
Sept. 12, 2011
The Ranger A forum of free voices serving San Antonio College since 1926
NO HEALTH SERVICES 3 VEHICLE BURGLARIES UP 5 HISPANIC HERITAGE 11
WHAT OUR
CONSTITUTION ESTABLISHES PAGE 6
Calendar
2 • Sept. 12, 2010 For coverage in Calendar, call 210-486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance.
Today SAC Contest: Friends Don’t Let Friends Flunk video contest at Flunk Me Please on Facebook. Entries accepted through Oct. 1 with voting through Oct. 15. Call 210-486-1360. SAC Transfer: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864. SAC Event: Karaoke 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Continues Sept. 26. Call 210-486-0128. SAC Event: Weight room orientation 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Candler Physical Education Center. Continues daily through Thursday. Call 210-486-1025. SAC Meeting: Student Government Association noon-1 p.m. in faculty and staff lounge of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125. SAC Recital: Faculty Jazz Guitar 7:30 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Call 210486-0255.
The Ranger
SAC Transfer: University of the Incarnate Word 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864.
San Marcos 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in transfer center by appointment. Call 210-4860864.
SAC Transfer: Wayland Baptist University 10 a.m.-noon on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864.
SAC Event: Salsa dance lessons 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room in Loftin. Call 210-486-0128.
SAC Event: Punctuation Month 2 p.m.2:50 p.m. in the Writing Center Room 203 of Gonzales. Call 210-486-1433.
Sept. 20 SAC Event: “Jeopardy” 2 p.m.-4 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0126.
Thursday SAC Transfer: University of Texas at San Antonio 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. on first floor of Chance. Continues 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m. in transfer center by appointment. Call 210-486-0864. SAC Event: Study Abroad Fair 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Room 218 A/B of nursing complex. Call 210495-0076. SAC Meeting: Students United for the DREAM Act 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. in cafeteria of Loftin. Continues Thursdays. Call 210683-5879. Friday SAC Event: Coffee Open Mic Night 6 p.m.-9 p.m. in Loftin. Call 210-486-0125. Saturday
SAC Transfer: University of the Incarnate Word 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864. Sept. 21 SAC Transfer: Texas A&M UniversitySan Antonio 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in transfer center by appointment. Continues 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 23. Call 210-4860864. Sept. 22 SAC Event: Résumé writing workshop sponsored by student life 1 p.m.-3 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-4860126. SAC Event: Department of creative multimedia art reception 2 p.m.-4 p.m. on third floor of Moody. Call 210-486-0577. SAC Recital: Faculty Brass Recital 7:30 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Call 210486-0255.
0128. SAC Recital: Faculty Guitar 7:30 p.m. in auditorium of McAllister. Call 210486-0255. Sept. 27 SAC Transfer: St. Mary’s University 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864. SAC Transfer: University of the Incarnate Word 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864. SAC Event: “Choose a Major and Career You’ll Love” for 10 participants 4:30 p.m.-5:50 p.m. in Room 176 of Moody. Continues Tuesdays for eight weeks. Call 210-486-0378. Sept. 28 SAC Transfer: Texas A&M UniversitySan Antonio 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in transfer center by appointment. Continues 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 30. Call 210-4860864. SAC Transfer: University of Texas at San Antonio 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. on first floor of Chance. Continues 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m. in transfer center by appointment. Call 210-486-0864. SAC Event: Pizza with the President noon-1 p.m. in mall. Call 210-486-0125. Sept. 29
Tuesday SAC Transfer: St. Mary’s University 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864.
SAC Sports: Men’s soccer, Stephen F. Austin vs. SAC 3 p.m.-5 p.m. at Stars Complex, 5103 David Edwards. Call 210486-0126. Sept. 19
SAC Event: Kickball 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at San Pedro Springs Park. Call 210-4860126. Wednesday SAC Transfer: Texas A&M UniversitySan Antonio 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. by appointment in transfer center. Continues Thursday and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Friday. Call 210-486-0864.
SAC Event: Department of social sciences and humanities Constitution Day speakers 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 218 A/B of nursing complex. Call 210-486-0998. SAC Transfer: Dallas Baptist University 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864. SAC Transfer: Texas State University-
Sept. 23 SAC Movie: Outdoor movie “The Green Lantern” 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. in mall. Call 210-486-0125. Sept. 24 SAC Event: Student Leadership Retreat 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0125. Sept. 26 SAC Event: Model auditions 2 p.m.-5 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 486-
SAC Transfer: Concordia University 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864. SAC Transfer: Texas A&M University 1 p.m.-4 p.m. on first floor of Chance. Call 210-486-0864.
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 AC: Alamo Colleges
The Ranger
News
Sept. 12, 2011 • 3
Student life closes college health center Campus police will respond to emergencies. By J. Almendarez The minor treatments provided at the college health center helped countless students and employees deal with heat, headaches and injuries. On Aug. 8, those services ended. Jorge Posadas, director of student life, informed faculty and staff at this college in an Aug. 16 email that the health center in Room 119 of Chance Academic Center was moving to the first floor of Loftin Student Center and will no longer offer over-the-counter drugs or provide first aid services. The announcement drew immediate criticism from faculty who were concerned that such a large campus would be without first aid care and that disabled students would no longer have access to on-campus medical attention. Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of student affairs, said Aug. 24 that the health center now offers advice on health maintenance, disease prevention and self-care. He said the center’s efforts at providing services will consist of lectures and pamphlets endorsing disease prevention through information booths in the mall. Officers in the district department of public safety will respond to emergencies on campus and assess whether a situation warrants EMS services. For assistance, call 210-222-0911. Vela said officers were assigned the duty because they have emergency responder training. He also said ambulances do not have to transport students to a hospital. They provide first aid services, but he does not know the cost. According to the San Antonio Fire Department website, the non-transportation fee is $85. Transportation to a hospital requiring basic life support services is $495 and $12 per mile. The fees are subject to change Oct. 1. For more information, visit www.sanantonio.gov/ safd/emsbilling.asp?res=1920&ver=true#listing. Joe Curiel, deputy chief of administration of the district department of public safety, said Aug. 26 that Alamo Colleges officers are receiving no additional first aid training because of the policy change, but they receive first aid training at the San Antonio Police Department Training Academy. Potential officers must complete a 27-week program to graduate from the academy and
begin work with the department. Officer Joel Pope, a first aid and driving instructor at the academy, said officers undergo two days of training in basic first aid, totaling about 16 hours. He said officers learn CPR using standards set by the American Heart Association on their first day of training. Then they learn how to set splints, control bleeding and identify emergency situations such as diabetic comas on their second day. Pope also said officers learn “what not to do to further complicate things because they do not have advanced training.” Pope has been a police officer for 15 years and was an Emergency Medical Technician before becoming an officer. Students can refuse EMS services if an officer suggests it. Their refusal will be noted in the police report. Counselor Steve Samet did not agree with the decision to require officers with limited first aid training to respond to medical situations. “I feel it’s inappropriate and could do more harm than good,” he said. He was unsure whether officers are qualified to determine if EMS should be contacted and questioned what the procedure is for incidents that do not require EMS. Nursing sophomore Leticia Sandoval, a workstudy in the Peer Educators office in Room 120 of Chance Academic Center, said she has seen about 10 students a day seeking services from the closed center. The Peer Educators office is across the hall from the previous health center and next door to disability support services in Room 124. “I think the disabled students are most affected by it,” she said. “ I don’t think that they (administrators) care about what they need.” “We feel bad about it. We don’t want to cut services,” Vela said. However, he said the college made the decision because of cutbacks that were required to take place throughout the district. The district’s total operating expense budget for 2011-12 is $281,828,383, which is $3.1 million less than last year’s $284.9 million budget. The district has reduced expenses by 4 percent per contact hour in the past two years. Vela said the center was allotted $5,000 a semester in funding, not including RN or licensed vocational nurse salaries. He said the funds were no longer sufficient to keep the center provided with materials and
A sign on the door of the former health center in Room 119 of Chance alerts students and employees that the center is closed. The center began moving to Loftin Aug. 8 and will no longer offer first aid. Ingrid Wilgen staff. He said the district does not competitively pay LVNs or RNs, and the college struggles to replace employees at the center. President Robert Zeigler said LVN Josie Noriega retires Jan. 1 and will not be replaced. Secretary Mary Schlabig spoke on behalf of Posadas. He has no comment about the health center’s change of policies and would not consent to a face-to-face interview with The Ranger, requesting questions via email. The Ranger does not conduct interviews via email. Registered nurse Paula Daggett also responded to a request for an interview through email in which she wrote, “I prefer not to comment on the operation or the change of focus of the health center.” Public information officer Julie Cooper said she has not received a request from the office of student life to send a notification email to students using ACES. Neither the student life Facebook page nor OrgSync account mentioned the closure. The new health center is in the southeast corner of Loftin’s first floor in a space originally expected to house an annex of the college bookstore. Later, the space was to be an office for the Student Government Association, but was never used for that purpose. The new office is not equipped with a phone, and the room is not numbered.
4 • Sept. 12, 2011
People
The Ranger Business administration freshman Istaban Castro, English sophomore Joseph Martinez and human resource management freshman Sandra Nickleberry use the math lab’s online resources to complete assignments Sept. 2 in Room 124 of McCreless. Lab resources are available to students enrolled in math and physics courses. Valerie Salazar
Art freshman Brittany Miele sings her version of “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato for glee club tryouts Wednesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Students auditioned to fill 12-15 positions. Riley Stephens
Liberal arts sophomore Michael Smith performs tricks on his skateboard Wednesday in the mall. Smith said he loves to play hoops in his spare time. Ingrid Wilgen
Speech communication sophomores Leonard Herbeck and Jeremy Carrizales discuss an assignment Sept. 6 in the communication center lab in Room 205 in McAllister while waiting for their next class to start. Herbeck is the speech intern and assists students with their speeches or presentations. Students may use the center from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Students do not need to be enrolled in a speech class to use the lab. Celeste Kulla
The Ranger
News
Sept. 12, 2011 • 5
Vehicle burglaries up Increased motor vehicle burglaries should make students practice safety. By Alma Linda Manzanares The Alamo Colleges police department reported 13 incidents of vehicle burglaries in August — eight at this college, four at St. Philip’s College and one at Palo Alto College. This compares to seven reported in the district in August 2010, including five at this college, one at Palo Alto and one at St. Philip’s. Police Chief Don Adams said the burglaries at this college were reported in Lot 10 at Lewis Street and West Courtland Place, Lot 13 at West Dewey Place, Lot 16 east of Moody Learning Center, Lot 23 at Howard and Lewis streets, Lot
26 at Howard Street and West Park Avenue, the Park Place lot located at North Main Avenue and West Laurel Street and an off-campus parking lot located at 100 E. Locust. Two of the burglaries were reported at the Park Place lot. On Aug. 24, a crime prevention reminder was distributed through ACES email by the police department to faculty and students listing tips to reduce the chance of burglary. When parking on Alamo Colleges property, students should also take precautions when leaving or returning to a vehicle: • Always remove the ignition key, lock all doors and secure all windows. • Avoid leaving valuables in the vehicle that are in plain view. Lock valuables such as iPods, purses,
laptops and textbooks in the trunk. • When returning to a vehicle, students should have keys ready and check the backseat for anything out of the ordinary before entering the vehicle. Adams said police officers patrol the campus and parking lots throughout the day. Officers are on duty 24/7. Patrol officers will leave crime prevention reminders on students’ vehicles if their vehicles are or could be in danger of burglary, Adams said. Students need to be cognizant of their surroundings because an individual or multiple individuals are committing the burglaries, Adams said. To report any suspicious activity, call the Alamo Colleges police at 210-485-0099.
Alamo Colleges Officer Jesus Treviño gets information Sept. 6 about the burglary of photography sophomore Celeste Kulla’s car. Kulla found her passenger side rear window smashed in the campus parking garage. The thief stole a flowered lunch box. Ingrid Wilgen
Instructors issue W for dropped courses Students should consider six-drop rule and three-peat tuition. By Joshua Fechter After the Sept. 7 census date for 16-week classes that began Aug. 22, students must contact their instructor to drop a course. The instructor will then assign a grade of W in ACES. If students want to drop all courses, they must see a counselor who will explain the academic and financial consequences of that decision. Students must bring a drop slip to the admissions and records office with a counselor’s signature to process the all-course drop. J. Martin Ortega, director of enrollment services, said before dropping, students should keep in mind the state’s six-drop rule and three-peat tuition.
The six-drop rule prevents students from dropping more than six classes over the course of a bachelor’s degree. An exception is when a student withdraws from all classes in a semester. The third time a student attempts a course, tuition is charged at a rate of three times the cost of in-district tuition because the college is not reimbursed by the state after a second attempt at a course. Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of student affairs, said dropping a course can have stiff consequences on a student’s academic record and tuition. He said if students decide to drop a course, they should stay in contact with the instructor to make sure the Banner system for student records reflects the drop. Otherwise, they may stay on that instructor’s roll, which could result in being assigned a grade of F for
Admissions specialist Albert Vasquez tells Aida Askari-Sabi that her son, in person with verified ID, can discuss his academic record. Vasquez said 1,062 students spoke with the admissions office during the first week of classes. Jennifer M. Ytuarte the class. Courses dropped by 5 p.m. Sept. 7 will not show up on transcripts. State appropriations per student are based on enrollment at each college on the census date, the 12th day of classes in the fall
and spring semesters. Nov. 11 is the last day to withdraw from courses in the fall semester. For more information, call the office of admissions and records at 210-486-0700 or go to Room 216 at Fletcher Administration Center.
6 • Sept. 12, 2011
The Ranger
News
Criminal justice students plan Constitution Day lectures By David Espinoza The Criminal Justice Student Association is sponsoring lectures Sept. 16 in Room 218 of the nursing and allied health complex in observation of the 224th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. The event is free and open to the public. The Constitution was signed Sept. 17, 1787, by delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Robert L. Summers, professor of law at St. Mary’s University, is presenting the first lecture “International Law and the Constitution” 9 a.m.-9:50 a.m. Summers is also co-chair of international legal studies at St. Mary’s. Walter L. Paulissen, chief of the major crimes unit, San Antonio
division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Texas, is presenting the second lecture “The Living Constitution” 10 a.m.-10:50 a.m. James Harrington, founder and director of the Texas Civil Rights Project, will present “Civil Liberties and the Constitution” 11 a.m.11:50 a.m. Harrington said in an interview that the main point of his lecture is that civil liberties are not given, they must be won. “I want to emphasize the students’ role in organizing together and implementing the Constitution in our everyday lives,” Harrington said. He cited the civil rights movement as a prime example of mass organization changing the opinion of the courts. Antonio Almazan, immigra-
Music mixer By Matthew Taylor Royalties organization ASCAP and Grammy U are presenting a networking mixer for college students interested in the recording industry 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday in Room 101 of Longwith Radio, Television and Film Building. A panel of experts, including awardwinning composer Ricardo Garcia and Veronica R. Hernandez, president of the San Antonio chapter of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers, will talk about their experiences in the music recording industry. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers is an association of more than 410,000 U.S. composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers. The society licenses and distributes royalties for the nondramatic public performances of copyrighted works. Grammy U is a community of fulltime students pursuing careers in the recording industry. For more information, visit www.ascap.com and www. grammy365.com/grammy-u.
tion law attorney and partner in Rodriquez & Almazan Attorneys at Law, will present “Immigration & the Constitution” noon-12:50 p.m. Almazan said he plans to discuss the Obama administration’s recent decision to prioritize deportation on a case-by-case basis determined by factors such as education and military experience. Program Coordinator Tiffany
Cox, adviser to the club, said having multiple speakers in one event benefits students more than having events spread throughout the semester. “It’s a great opportunity for students to get updated with constitutional issues related to legal and criminal law,” she said. For more information, call Cox at 210-486-0835.
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The Ranger
News
Pool party idea drained By J. Armendarez A swimming pool party planned by the office of student life for Wednesday through Friday has been postponed to April. Although the event was not listed on the office’s website, President Robert Zeigler confirmed Thursday on “Speaking of SAC” on campus radio station KSYM 90.1 FM that the office had planned to temporarily install a 60,000-gallon pool in the mall west of Moody Learning Center. James Velten, KSYM DJ Hot Mustard, informed Zeigler that the office posted on its Facebook page that it was seeking a lifeguard and that he understood a fire truck would be needed to fill a 60,000-gallon pool, but Zeigler did not confirm that. He said he was unaware of those dates but had told the office in the past that the district’s department of enterprise risk management would have to review safety regulations for events involving a pool. Mike Legg, director of enterprise risk management, said student life had been emailed information about city safety requirements. The event, however, has been postponed because of extreme fires and drought in South Texas, student life Director Jorge Posadas told The Ranger Thursday. “Dr. Zeigler and Dr. (Robert) Vela (vice president of student affairs) felt that it was bad timing,” Posadas said.
Apollo DJ Jamie Sumaya
Specializes in all types of music. 210-324-3234
Sept. 12, 2011 • 7
Government section a hands-on approach By Brian Burdick Students looking to add some variety to their schedules should look no further than a new method of teaching GOVT 2301, American/ Texas: National and State. GOVT 2301 covers government at the national, state, and local levels and is a course that most students must take to fulfill core curriculum requirements for an Associate of Arts degree. A section taught by Professor Wanda Smith is being taught in a more interactive way than has been done in the past. She presented a proposal to Dr. Paul Wilson, social sciences and humanities chair, outlining the idea for a government class engaging kinetic learners. Wilson approved the proposal for a trial run this semester. He said the decision was made in the spirit of experimenting with methods of presentation to meet student needs. Smith describes this process as experiential learning in which students learn material through a more hands-on approach, rather than standard class lectures. Some of these experiences will include field trips to city council meetings, activities in the virtual
world of Second Life and interactive trivia games. During a City Hall visit, which includes sitting in on a session of the San Antonio City Council, students will get the chance to meet Mayor Julian Castro and City Manager Sheryl Sculley. In the virtual world of Second Life, students build a community and then run it using a democratic process. Students will also write and perform skits for their peers. “By teaching, we learn better,” said Smith, who also performs a one-woman skit for the class. The class meets 10:50 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursdays. Although this interactive class entails more activity than most government classes, it costs the same as other government classes, aside from the cost of parking during some field trips. With class enrollment at 29 in its first semester, the future is promising for the new, more interactive GOVT 2301, Smith said. She is hopeful spring classes will be offered more than once a week. Knowing how a democracy runs is important for students and when they’re not so removed from the process, it enables them to understand it better, Smith said.
CAREER TRAINING. MONEY FOR COLLEGE.
AND AN ENTIRE TEAM TO HELP YOU SUCCEED. 10886_ANG_TX_Ranger_7.5x2.5in.indd 1
8/25/11 11:43 AM
10 Years Afte
8 • The Ranger
9/11 impressed new journalists with big lessons Fabricated story taught skepticism
F
ormer Ranger editor Alison Beshur remembers Sept. 11 for the story and correction that followed a month and a half later. Beshur said The Ranger received a tip from the president’s secretary that education sophomore Christal Bell attributed absences in a speech class to her military recruitment efforts after both her brothers were killed in the attack on the Pentagon. Beshur interviewed Bell and pressed her for photos, even offering to pick them up. Bell skirted the request and offered to meet on campus but did not make deadline. The story ran on the front page of the Oct. 12, 2001, issue, without photos. “I was really naïve going into journalism,” Beshur said, during a phone interview Sept. 5. “I never thought someone would lie about that.” Beshur said she sympathized with Bell’s loss but regrets not factchecking more, “but the casualty list wasn’t published yet.” After the story ran, retired Maj. Pete Siegel emailed The Ranger that a brother’s attributed rank did not exist in the Air Force. According to the correction published in the Nov. 30, 2001, issue, while searching for the proper title, The Ranger learned that no Air Force nor Navy personnel died in the attack. Beshur confronted Bell, who admitted to fabricating the story. “I think the correction was longer than the story.” She said her story was used as a learning experience, and fact-checking was heavily stressed throughout the rest of the semester. She was editor in spring 2002. Her year at The Ranger prepared
her for a full-time newspaper job, Beshur said. She worked briefly as an editorial assistant at the San Antonio Express-News then as a reporter at the Brownsville Herald, Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Kerrville Daily Times. Since the birth of her son, she works part-time at USAA and occasionally freelances for the San Antonio Business Journal and San Antonio Magazine. “It wasn’t just because of this news event that was so important that people are still talking about it,” Beshur said. “It’s because of the guidance and dedication of (journalism faculty and staff ) Irene (Abrego), Trish (Buchhorn), Mr. (Chet) Hunt and Ms. (Marianne ) Odom.” Jennifer M. Ytuarte
Covering college reaction to 9/11
P
hotographer Eric Lyle Kayne was planning to report to the newsroom the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, like any other day on the student newspaper. As he prepared to leave his house, news of the first plane colliding into the north tower of the World Trade Center aired on TV. Shortly after Kayne arrived at this college, a second plane hit the south tower. “I remember (photo adviser) Tricia (Buchhorn) telling me to go top off the gas in my car,” Kayne said. “I have to be honest, I was very excited something big had happened,” Kayne said. As he prepared a Nikon F3 film camera, campus police began evacu-
A television placed on the balcony of Moody drew a crowd after classes we
ating students from classrooms. Kayne followed officers to each classroom. Later, Kayne and reporter Jacob Wesolick went to interview people lined up at the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center. “We went there because people came from all over to donate blood ... it wasn’t hard to find a SAC connection,” he said. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Kayne said he was honored to be one of the journalists documenting 9/11 and have his work published for an audience of thousands of students here.
Kayne still remembers images he captured that week: among them students crowded around a television set outdoors on the balcony of Moody and a student praying at the Catholic Student Center. From behind the camera to in front of the camera, local news stations interviewed Kayne asking how he handled the events of 9/11. “It’s horrible what happened, but whether I wanted it to happen or not, it happened,” he said. Kayne worked at The Ranger 2000-2001 and studied Photoshop, a digital photo editing software. Kayne said he discovered a pas-
er the Attacks
Sept. 12, 2011 • 9 Standard-Times, her camera is her shield. “I remember through the pictures I took, but not in the moment.” Esparza graduated from Texas State University-San Marcos in 2004 and has worked in San Angelo since. Jennifer M. Ytuarte
Respect grew for journalists
O
Go to www.ranger. org to see the original coverage of 9/11.
ere dismissed for the day Sept. 11, 2001, in the wake of the attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. File photo
sion for spot news that momentous day. Since his time at The Ranger, Kayne, a freelance photojournalist in Houston, has earned a master’s degree in photography from Ohio University. Jacob Beltran
Photographer saw fort secured
T
he daily parking fight was nonexistent as Ranger photographer Cynthia Esparza parked her truck next to Chance
Academic Center the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. On her way in, she faced a rush of vehicles headed in the opposite direction. The lot was almost empty, save for one vehicle that belonged to an elderly woman, who informed Esparza the campus was closed. “I ran across campus to the newsroom because I knew I’d have to cover something,” Esparza said. In the newsroom, a small TV continuously cycled through newsfeeds as Ranger staffers rushed to localize the attacks in prayer services, blood donations and heightened security. Esparza went to Fort Sam
Houston, where soldiers erected barricades and gated the formerly welcoming entrance at Grayson and North New Braunfels avenues. “It was strange since the (post) had always been open to the public.” The gates were closed permanently, as were other entrances. In October, Ranger staffers attended a Society of Professional Journalists meeting to listen to journalists of the San Antonio ExpressNews talk about their experiences at Ground Zero. “I felt grateful to hear their accounts,” Esparza said. She said, even now, when she photographs news for the San Angelo
n Sept. 11, 2011, when Ranger photographer Brook Freeman stepped on campus from San Pedro Avenue, he saw everyone leaving in a rush. “I knew I had to stay,” he said. He pushed against the tide of crying students and grim faces to get to the Ranger newsroom in Loftin Student Center. “No one knew what was going on,” Freeman said. Of all the stress the Ranger reporters faced that day, Freeman said, “I didn’t see anyone with anything less than grit.” The Ranger published four pages of news and photos that “wrapped around” the first issue of The Ranger for fall 2001. “I have more respect for the job reporters do and how fast they get it done.” Jennifer M. Ytuarte
Love it or hate it
R
eporter Robert J. Zertuche watched the twin towers collapse while at work. “I made a choice that day to quit my second job and work full-time reporting for The Ranger.” Zertuche earned an associate degree in journalism here. “The Ranger trains you really well, and you either love it or hate it, but either way you hone your craft,” Zertuche said. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication from Texas State University-San Marcos and is working on a thesis for a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Texas State. Jennifer M. Ytuarte
10 • Sept. 12, 2011
News
The Ranger
Moving up in down economy Upward Mobility provides tuition assistance to full-time employees. By Marc Cunningham Like many recent graduates, continuing education Coordinator Thermajean Jones is still looking for a job that will best allow her to apply her skills. In 2010, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Undergraduates learn the job market requires they pursue further education to stand out from the crowd of job seekers. “I have to get that master’s degree before I can even apply, and that’s heartbreaking,” said Jones, who is looking for a job teaching student development classes. She said her lack of a graduate degree would cause her to be passed over in favor of someone who has earned a master’s degree but doesn’t have her experience.
“I know lots of people use it; I just wish more people would complete it.” Thermajean Jones continuing education coordinator In an economy with shrinking budgets and fewer employee benefits, Alamo Colleges offers Upward Mobility, a tuition assistance program that provides up to $2,200 per year toward higher education for full-time faculty and staff. Employees with benefits and one full year of service who have completed the maximum transferable hours at an Alamo College within
the district and attend any college or university that offers certificates, undergraduate and graduate degrees may apply. Jones said she is grateful for the perk that will help her become upwardly mobile. As a health care major, she said each book costs up to $320. The Upward Mobility program covers books alone, but as Jones sees it, “You give me $15, isn’t that $15 more than I had before? Now you bought my books? Wooooo!” This December, she expects to complete a master’s degree at Texas A&M UniversitySan Antonio and is optimistic about future employment opportunities within the Alamo Colleges. Despite her enthusiasm, Jones said she had one complaint. “I know lots of people use it; I just wish more people would complete it.” For more information, visit http://alamo. edu/district/training/upward-mobility.aspx.
The Ranger
Premiere
Sept. 12, 2011 • 11
Phi Theta Kappa issues invitation, sets orientation PTK induction ceremony is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 29 in McAllister auditorium. By Diana Palomo
Students dance in the mall while Mariachi Azteca 90 performs as part of Hispanic Heritage Month in 2006. File photo
Campus events celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Speakers and events will focus on issues, culture and art. By Kirk Hanes Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of major cultural traditions. “It’s a focus on issues, culture and art in the Latin American community,” English Professor Patricia Portales said. Portales and English Professor Claudio San Miguel serve as co-chairs of the Hispanic Heritage Committee, which organizes events on campus for the national observation. Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 16, or Dieciséis de Septiembre when Mexican independence is celebrated, and ends Oct. 12, Columbus Day in the United States. Throughout Latin America, the day is known as Día de la Raza, or Day of the Race. On campus, the kickoff is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center with mariachis and opening remarks. Also on Sept. 15, Bertha Valdes will lecture on curanderos from 11 a.m.noon in Room 120 of the visual arts center. “Tex[t]-Mex” author Dr. William Nericcio, an English professor at San Diego State University, will speak on Mexican-American stereotypes in the media at 10:50 a.m. Sept. 22 in Room
218 of the nursing and allied health complex. A victim of human trafficking, author Theresa Flores, will talk about the abduction of women and children for servitude and sex work at noon Sept. 23 in Room 120 of the visual arts center. The Antojitos Festival, led by Fabian Cortez, special projects coordinator in student life, happens in the mall 9 a.m. -2 p.m. Sept. 28. Carrie Hernandez, student life specialist, said the festival will showcase low rider cars, and student clubs will be selling food. Esther Morales Liedecke will lead “The Art of Making Tortillas” 12:15 a.m.1:30 p.m. Sept. 28 in the craft room in Loftin. The celebration ends Oct. 14 with two events. OnStage Drama Club is set to perform a play at 10 a.m. in the theater in McCreless Hall. Tejano group “Little Joe y La Familia” performs at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. Portales said Hispanic Heritage Month has traditionally been built around a theme, but this year, the planners wanted to broaden the events on campus. She said the committee would like more students to help plan next year’s events. For more information, call Portales at 210-486-0681. To see a list of Hispanic heritage events, visit www. alamo.edu/sac/pr/default.htm.
Phi Theta Kappa, a two-year international honor society, gives students an opportunity for “fellowship, leadership, scholarship and service.” The society provides leadership training and community service while improving chances for scholarship opportunities at transfer institutions. In 1938, the Beta Nu chapter of the society was established at this college. The advisers of the honor society are English Professor Jane Focht-Hansen, mortuary science Professor Mary Mena, Counselor Jim Lucchelli and Counselor Julie Engel. Incoming members are required to be enrolled in a regionally accredited institution offering associate degrees and have a minimum of 12 hours of coursework earned toward the associate degree. They must be enrolled in at least six hours of academic coursework, achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and follow the moral standards of the society. Eligible students must meet all the requirements and contact advisers to participate in the ceremony at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. The $75 membership fees include international and regional dues, enrollment in the international community college registry and lifetime fee. Three orientation sessions — all in Room 241 of Nail Technical Center — have been scheduled to answer questions and distribute applications. The first session is 4 p.m.-5 p.m. today. The other two are 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 19 and 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Sept. 20. The deadline for applications and dues is noon Sept. 23. Students should bring an unofficial transcript, which can be printed from ACES. Meetings for members are at noon every Wednesday in Room 241 of Nail Technical Center. “I like to see the students grow and bring out their leadership abilities,” Mena said. For more information, call Mena at 210-486-1136 or Focht-Hansen at 210-486-0668.
12 • Sept. 12, 2011
Editorial
The Ranger
Alexandra Nelipa
Avoid drops; pay up
You’re on your own
Students still waiting for financial aid disbursements need to stop reacting and become proactive. Some 787 students missed the Aug. 25 pay deadline for late registration. It is the students’ responsibility to keep on top of tuition payments. Account balances and financial aid statuses can easily be checked through ACES so students know whether they stand in a danger zone. Tuition payment deadlines can be found on the college website under the tab Admissions and Records. The virtual business office is also available for setting up an installment plan or paying tuition in full. Students who failed to meet the June 1 priority deadline for financial aid applications should know they cannot count on their applications being processed before the fall semester. Students signed an acknowledgement receipt that informs them financial aid will not be available at the start of the semester. Classes begin the same time every year, so there’s no good reason for the melodrama. Avoid standing in lines or growing old on hold only to hear the same answers: Filing for financial aid early will help students avoid these problems in future semesters. Pay your tuition on time.
Did you get stuck in line at admissions, bursar or financial aid office? Most likely, you saw one of our staff members passing out The Ranger. Reading the summer edition of The Ranger is a great first step to learning the ins-and-outs of campus. It’s off the stands now, but you can log onto www.theranger. org for the entire issue. Information on paperwork, degree plans and the effect of dropped courses will answer questions you may not have thought to ask yet. Each of the Alamo Colleges offers unique programs. Don’t be afraid to enroll in courses at multiple campuses because you pay a single tuition. Remember to save all your receipts because programming errors and glitches may erase the record of your tuition payment. Don’t pick courses based on professor ratings online. Talk to previous students. Also, don’t drop courses thinking another professor will be easier. You will directly affect financial aid eligibility and waste one of only six drops the state allows during your entire undergraduate career. Follow a degree plan, meet with professors and stay informed by regularly checking your Alamo Colleges email. You’re in college now. It’s time to take responsibility for your life and your decisions. The first step is doing your research so let The Ranger assist you.
The Ranger
Viewpoint
Sept. 12, 2011 • 13
Recalling La Dolce Vita — in Italian “I was born in Germany, and my father is Italian. I moved here when I was 6 and forgot how to speak Italian and German. I want to remember.” These Viewpoint by Stefania Malacrida few lines are one of the answers I received from my students at the beginning of the semester, when I asked them to anonymously write why they enrolled in an Italian class. It is the third year that I have taught at this college, and it still surprises me that so many students — almost 90 this fall — want to learn Italian. It is not a major commercial idiom like Chinese or German, nor does it have the traditional charm or historical distinction of French. So what is the attraction? Well, most of the responses fell into the category of memory. Often, students in Italian classes are children of military families once stationed in Italy, or they served in the military themselves. At one time, they tasted La Dolce Vita — or the sweet life — walked the beautiful medieval cities and sampled the rich regional foods. Now they want to remember — in Italian. In general, Italian appears to be a “fun language,” which flatters me, considering that we Italians removed our nationalist pride since the end of World War II and its disastrous consequences. Italian is the language of gelato and wine, the language of fashion and architecture. Art majors want to better understand the Renaissance masters. Music majors want to hear “concerto,” “allegretto” or “adagio” as intended at the opera house La Scala. Sometimes, older students enroll whose grandparents, or even parents, came as immigrants to the United States in the ’20s and ’30s. Their effort
to learn Italian is part of a deeper search for a lost identity. Italian was their childhood language, but life’s urgencies and the need to integrate forced it into the background. Now, it is time to get all possible memories back, including linguistic ones: that lullaby Granny used to sing or those obscure words Mom and Dad said when they were angry. Students of Italian origin are the most motivated but also the most challenging to teach. They often discover the language they remember is not
proper Italian but one of many dialects heard across the peninsula. From my teaching experience, I know this discovery can be very painful. Full of hope, they present me with expressions I cannot possibly understand. It must be very disorienting to learn their family lan-
guage was not “correct” Italian. As the course continues, the frustration yields to a deep sense of gratitude. Students understand that dialects have their own dignity, and eventually, they accept the diversity of the families who faced the ocean and the huge effort of immigration to give their descendants a better future. Now, here are those descendants, learning Italian at this college and struggling with pronouns and conjugations to be able to capture the echo of sweet childhood memories. However, I have to admit not every student is so romantic. Half of the students wrote that they already know Spanish and think they can easily learn a third language with minimal effort, which is true to some extent. And one student wrote, “I am here because I registered late, and this was one of the only classes that was available.” Well, I can live with that. We all need to fit in somewhere and learning a new language is a great way to fit into the world.
14 • Sept. 12, 2011
Trustees District 1: Joe Alderete Jr. 1602 Hillcrest Drive San Antonio TX 78228 Cell: 210-863-9500 Home: 210-434-6967 E-mail: jvajr711@aol.com, jalderete21@alamo.edu District 2: Denver McClendon 3811 Willowwood Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78219 Work: 210-281-9141 E-mail: denvermcclendon@satx.rr.com, dmcclendon2@alamo.edu District 3: Anna U. Bustamante 511 Ware Blvd., San Antonio TX 78221 Work: 210-882-1609 Home: 210-921-2986 E-mail: abustamante20@alamo.edu District 4: Marcelo S. Casillas 115 Wainwright, San Antonio TX 78211 No telephone number provided Board of trustees liaison: 210-485-0030 E-mail: mcasillas19@alamo.edu District 5: Roberto Zárate 4103 Buffalo Bayou, San Antonio TX 78251 No telephone number provided E-mail: rzarate11@alamo.edu District 6: Dr. Gene Sprague 14722 Iron Horse Way Helotes TX 78023 Work: 210-567-4865 E-mail: sprague1@alamo.edu District 7: Blakely Latham Fernandez 3707 N. St. Mary Street San Antonio TX 78212 Work: 210-538-9935 E-mail: bfernandez35@alamo.edu, bfernandez@tuggeyllp.com 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 13315 Thessaly, Universal City, TX 78148 Home: 210-828-4630 Work: 210-375-2555 E-mail: jrindfuss@alamo.edu
Administrators Chancellor: Dr. Bruce H. Leslie 201 W. Sheridan, Bldg. B, San Antonio TX 78204-1429 Work: 210-485-0020 Fax: 210-486-9166 E-mail: bleslie@alamo.edu 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
Web Editor Jacob Beltran
Guest Viewpoints: Faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to contribute guest viewpoints of up to 450 words. Writers should focus on campus or current events in a critical, persuasive or interpretative style. All viewpoints must be published with a photo portrait of the writer. Letters Policy: The Ranger invites readers to share views by writing letters to the editor. Space limitations force the paper to limit letters to two double-spaced, typewritten pages. Letters will be edited for spelling, style, grammar, libel and length. Editors reserve the right to deny publication of any letter. Letters should be mailed to The Ranger, Department of Media Communications, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio TX 78212-4299. Letters also may be brought to the newspaper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student Center, emailed to sac-ranger@alamo. edu or faxed to 210-486-1789. 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.
©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 (210-486-9292), by email (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 of Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available upon request by phone (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.
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The Ranger Editor Jolene Almendarez News Editor Joshua Fechter Calendar/Opinion Editor Alma Linda Manzanares Photo Editor Ingrid Wilgen Photo Team Julianna Anaya, Rachael L. Emond, Casandra Gonzales, Celeste Kulla, Ivie Okungbowa, Valerie Marie Salazar, Katie Sheridan, Alex Solis, Riley Stephens Illustrators Juan Carlos Campos, Alexandra Nelipa, Fred Nockroes Staff Writers Brian Burdick, Sebastian Carter, Jennifer Coronado, Marc Cunningham, Faith Duarte, David Espinoza, Jennifer Flores, Sara Garza, Kirk Hanes, Stefania Malacrida, Hilary Martinez, Robert Medina, Diana Palomo, Matthew Taylor Multimedia Editor Jennifer M. Ytuarte Production Manager Melody Mendoza
The Ranger
Pulse
Sept. 12, 2011 • 15
Wellness contest encourages exercise By Jennifer Flores The Wellness Committee is promoting “Protect Your Corazón: Cardio Madness” for heart health. The program through Dec. 2, is open to faculty, staff and students. Chris Dillon, kinesiology instructor and wellness coordinator, said the reason for the program is to engage faculty and staff in exercise. “People neglect taking care of their heart,” he said. “The importance of cardio is to protect the heart against different diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, heart attacks or strokes.” He said the program is meant to
inspire people to develop exercise habits and requires participants to log 1,100 minutes of cardio activity, such as walking, running, jogging, biking, zumba and swimming, between 30-60 minutes at least three times a week. Participants completing the required minutes receive a “Protect Your Corazon” shirt. Those who exercise in Candler Physical Education Center during open gym hours should sign in and out to record their minutes. A box with cards to record minutes will be available in Room 111. Those participating off-campus must email minutes to Dillon by Friday each week at cdillon@alamo.edu. For more information, visit www. alamo.edu/sac/kine/bulletin.htm.
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Manuel Venegas practices tennis with Manolo Morales Sept. 1 on the tennis courts. Venegas and Morales are former students who plan to return in fall 2012. The tennis courts, when not reserved for classes, are open. Celeste Kulla
16 • Sept. 12, 2011
The Ranger
News
Food pantry settles into new home off-campus San Antonio Food Bank, United Way and individuals continue to support PTK food pantry. By Diana Palomo A food pantry sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa provides groceries for students and staff of the Alamo Colleges who may need help. Members of the two-year international honor society operate the pantry. In the summer, the pantry relocated to 602 W. French Place at San Pedro Avenue from the Catholic Student Center at 312 W. Courtland Place. Volunteers, led by economics Professor Susan Spencer, worked to remodel, paint and resurface the building. The nonprofit San Antonio Food Bank has served as a clearinghouse for cash and food donations, storing truckloads of food, produce and grocery products. The agency has supported the Phi Theta Kappa Food Pantry with food donations since its opening March 5, 2009. The donated products include canned goods, baby food, juice, soft drinks, dairy products, meat, fruits, vegetables, poultry and bread. Biology Professor Ellen Brennan, who teach-
Education sophomore Tania Lopez and engineering sophomore Rick De La Garza prepare bags of groceries to be distributed. Photos by Casandra Gonzales
The food pantry is open from noon3 p.m. Wednesdays and, when volunteers are available, noon-3 p.m. Tuesdays. es nutrition here, helps volunteers at the food pantry combine the right amount of protein, food and carbohydrates in prepackaged grocery bags. The food pantry is open noon–3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday for distribution. First-time visitors can be provided with food even if they are not part of the Alamo Colleges. When people visit the pantry, volunteers create a file that includes the number of family members and a record of food given to them. Children can receive a stuffed animal as a gift from the agency. Utensils are accepted only if they are in good condition and attractive. Three times a week, Spencer goes to the food
bank to pick up boxes of food for the pantry, purchasing products that cost the pantry on average 15 cents per pound. Produce is free. On Wednesday mornings, she picks up special orders. “We have been so blessed,” said Spencer, who is passionate about helping others. Last year, Phi Theta Kappa received a $5,000 grant from Pepsi to set up the pantry. The United Way distributes donations collected in an annual combined campaign. Between $1,000-$1,500 has come from donations earmarked for the pantry through United Way contributions. Also, donations can be made directly to the pantry with checks payable to the San Antonio Food Bank for deposit in account. Donations can be dropped off in Room 316 of Fletcher Administration Center or at the San Antonio Food Bank at 5200 Old Highway 90 W. For more information, call Spencer at 210486-0431 or email at sspencer@alamo.edu.
The Phi Theta Kappa food pantry at 602 W. French at San Pedro provides a variety of groceries available from donations.