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Volume 90 Issue 15 • March 28, 2016
210-486-1773 • Single copies free
Vice president dies after long cancer battle Page 4
Follins files lawsuit against Alamo Colleges and AG Follins finalist for Fresno City college president search amid controversy. By Kyle R. Cotton
kcotton11@student.alamo.edu
Dr. Craig Follins, former president of Northeast Lakeview College, filed a lawsuit against the Alamo Colleges and Texas Attorney
General Ken Paxton. The lawsuit concerns Paxton’s decision that the documents the Ranger requested through the Texas Public Information Act — regarding Follins’ removal and reassign-
ment — need to be released. Follins also included the public information request from the San Antonio ExpressNews over his separation agreement with the district, which Paxton has yet to make a ruling on, as part of the lawsuit. Follins is contesting the rul-
ing, citing Texas Supreme Court precedents Billings v. Atkinson, 489 S.W.2d 858, 860 (Tex. 1973) and Industrial Foundation of the South v. Texas Industrial Accident Board, S.W.2d 668, 680 (Tex. 1976) Under those precedents the documents must contain intimate and embarrassing
facts, the publication of which would be objectionable to a reasonable person and is of no legitimate interest to the public in order not to be disclosed. Kelley Shannon, executive director of the freedom of information foundation of Texas said, “We strongly support open records. Citizens
have right to know about as to why a public official was removed.” Follins is seeking an injunction to prevent the release of the documents saying his reputation as a college administrator would be destroyed if the information is released,
See FOLLINS, Page 3
online now Listeners foot the bill for KSYM pledge drive
College looking to hire 20 faculty members for the fall
Trustees pull tuition increase from agenda Tobin Lofts developer proposes housing for veterans center. By Kyle R. Cotton
kcotton11@student.alamo.edu
Nursing freshman Caleb Galindo is assisted by nursing sophomores Chelsea Myers and Nicole Johnopolos under the supervision of nursing Instructor Dawn Veltre as they practice proper technique for moving a mobility-impaired patient from a bed into a wheelchair Wednesday during a Mobility Level 1 simulation lab in the nursing complex. Alison Graef
The Alamo Colleges trustees removed both the North Central Campus VIA park-and-ride lease agreement and the new tuition and fee schedule from Tuesday’s agenda of the regular board meeting. The proposed tuition increase, which the board will revisit March 28, was removed after District 2 trustee Denver McClendon, District 3 trustee Anna Bustamante and District 4 trustee Marcelo Casillas expressed concern that the tuition increase could discourage students from taking a full-course load. Diane Snyder, vice chancellor of finance and administration, said during the committee meeting March 8 and the regular board meeting Tuesday, her office is working on a proposal that would counteract
See TRUSTEES, Page 7
Department Human trafficking in the US is a hard truth restructuring finalized Head should lead heart when dealing with human trafficking situation, judge says. By Tim Hernandez
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The reorganization should benefit students in the long run, dean says. By Wally Perez
gperez239@student.alamo.edu
The final document regarding the reduction in chairs and reassignment of some departments was released March 10. The whole restructure is based on aligning departments within the AlamoInstitutes, while making sure they make sense to each institute. The institutes include business and entrepreneurship, creative and communication arts, advanced manufacturing and logistics, health and biosciences, public service and science and technology. Only five institutes are represented at this college. The restructure has been an ongoing task since December, and has undergone two proposals before the final draft was agreed upon by Vernell Walker, dean of professional and technical education, Conrad Krueger, dean of arts and sciences, Jothany Blackwood, vice president of academic success, and current chairs.
See DEPARTMENT, Page 3
We want to believe slavery no longer exists, and if it does, it does not exist here in the U.S., but that is a myth, said a Bexar County judge March 8 at the Methodist Student Center Hot Potato lecture. About 25 students listened to Judge Crystal Chandler, Bexar County Court-at-Law No. 13, and Rev. Ron Brown, Haven for Hope outreach coordinator, talk about human trafficking in Bexar County. Chandler said she was not aware human trafficking was occurring in the country until she read the book “Not for Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade and How We Can Fight It” by David Batstone. After reading the book, Chandler created a nonprofit, Chapter 61 Ministries, because there really was not enough attention being paid to human trafficking in the U.S. “We want to believe that it is happening internationally but not our own people trafficking our own women, boys and girls,” she said, “It is a stark reality that
human trafficking does exist here in the U.S.” According to information provided at www.humantrafficking. org for 2001 to 2005, it’s estimated that 14,500 to 17,500 people, primarily women and children, are trafficked to the U.S. annually. Chandler said the ministry started by focusing on the trucking industry. Through contact with truckers, she found herself at trucking conventions talking to truckers because as the ministry learned more, it realized a lot of trafficking is a mobile industry. The ministry educated the industry so truckers could be the eyes and ears where law enforcement could not be, she said. When first approached, the truckers response was to say they are not involved with smuggling, Chandler said. Chandler called this the second myth because smuggling and trafficking are not the same. Smuggling, when it involves people, is bringing someone across international borders will-
ingly and normally under a contractual agreement, Chandler said. Trafficking does not require the movement of a victim and though it can arise out of a smuggling operation, it does not require it. There are many instances where a person who is being trafficked is held and not allowed to leave a specific location. Chandler said trafficking is a crime committed when a person uses force, fraud or coercion to illegally gain profit from another person. When talking about trafficking, people think of sex trafficking but there is a large amount of labor trafficking occurring in the nation, too, Chandler said. When it comes to international victims, one of the myths surrounding trafficking is that the victims are poor, uneducated and arrived in the country illegally, she said. The latest study reveals 70 percent of victims entered the country legally, she said. Chandler said, Signal International and Global Horizons sought out individuals to employ, and targets usually paid the com-
pany $10,000 to $20,000 to be brought to the U.S. under a sponsored work visa with the hope of becoming a permanent resident. In reality, once they arrive in the U.S. and begin working, they are placed in horrific living circumstances and have money deducted from their paychecks to pay for housing. Brown talked about how to identify a victim and a captor. One individual will walk ahead and the person being trafficked will walk 20 to 30 feet behind the captor, Brown said. The captor is scouting ahead for someone to purchase the use of the victim of trafficking. “It’s almost like a puppy on a long leash. It’s hard to infiltrate it because you don’t know what he has; what he might be carrying or what you might be walking into,” Brown said. “So it’s very difficult to break that bond.” Brown said once you separate the two individuals, you might have a chance at recovering the victim, but it needs to be someone of the same sex. This is very true with female
See TRAFFICKING, Page 3
SAConnected
2 • March 28, 2016
www.theranger.org/calendar
Hot dog
Kassandra Zapata celebrates with family members as she is named winner in the San Antonio Qualifier of Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest March 19 at Sunset Station. Zapata won the women’s division by eating 11 hot dogs. She will join “Crazy Legs” Conti, the male division winner July 4 in Coney Island, New York, where they will compete in the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog eating contest hosted by Major League Eating. Read the story and see the slideshow at www.theranger.org. Brandon A. Edwards
Stop 22 Teaching sophomore Kayla Salwey plays with Neptune Tuesday in the mall. The Student Veterans of America teamed up with Z’s Rescue and Relocation to host a veteran suicide awareness event to recognize “Stop 22,” a movement that estimates 22 veterans commit suicide every day. The group intended to pair a dog with a veteran, free of cost, in the hopes they have a companion and help prevent suicide. For information on adopting from Z’s, visit www.zsanimalrescue.com. Vincent Reyna
Career fair UTSA communications graduate Sean Cole Bacal talks with Carol Hare Fox, local sales manager for Fox 19, about current job opportunities with the Victoria Television Group at the Texas Association of Broadcasters career fair Tuesday in Longwith. Alison Graef
Blocked
Above: Pre-nursing sophomore Sarah Delgado blocks psychology sophomore Elizabeth Sampayo’s blows Monday in Studio 113 of Candler. Students in the kickboxing class learn basic techniques such as blocking and basic punch combinations. Brandon A. Edwards
Labor movement
SAC Event: Cap and gown pickup 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room 208 of Fletcher. Visit www.alamo.edu/sac/graduation/. SAC Event: MexicanAmerican studies film screening: “The Head of Joaquin Murrieta: Lynching, Legends, and Love in the Wild West,” 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Room 218 of nursing complex. Email lramos175@alamo.edu.
wed
thur
PAC Event: Women in Texas Medicine Exhibit 8 a.m.-8 p.m. in Ozuna library. Call 210-4863557.
PAC Event: Texas A&M-San Antonio recruiters 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in student center. Call 210-486-3131.
Deadline: Spring 2016 Flex 2, last day to withdraw for a 70 percent refund.
PAC Event: Texas A&M-San Antonio recruiters 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in student center. Call 210-486-3131.
SAC Event: Stress Out Day 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the mall. Call 210-486-0128.
PAC Event: Our Lady of the Lake University recruiters 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in student center. Call 210-486-3131.
SAC Meeting: Student Government Association noon1 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0133.
SAC Meeting: Campus Crusade for Christ 12:15-1:15 p.m. Room 002 of Chance. Call 210-486-1233.
SAC Event: Rosary by the Catholic Student Association 12:15 p.m. in the Catholic Student Center. Email catholicstudentassociationsac@ gmail.com.
SAC Meeting: Student Social Work Association 12:30-1:30 p.m. in Room 650 of Moody. Email hernandezatexas@yahoo.com.
SAC Meeting: Cheshyre Cheese Club 1:30 p.m. in Room 203 of Gonzales. Call 210-486-1433. SAC Meeting: Society of Women Engineers 3-4 p.m. in Room 204 of Chance. Email ashleerose25@gmail.com.
SAC Event: National Society of Leadership and Success new member orientation 1-2 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Call 210-4860134. SAC Event: Bean Bag toss tournament by the office of student life 2-4 p.m. in game room of Loftin. Call 210-4860125. SAC Event: Speaker rebroadcast Janice Bryant Howroyd by National Society of Leadership and Success 2-4 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0134.
SAC Meeting: Students for Environmental Awareness 2 p.m. at Sinkin EcoCentro. Call 210-563-0447. PAC Event: Playdough party 5-7 p.m. at the children’s library on the first floor of Ozuna library. Call 210-4863570. SAC Basketball: Men’s tournament at St. Philip’s College. Time and opponent TBD. Call 210-486-0125. SAC Basketball: Women’s tournament at St. Philip’s College. Time and opponent TBD. Call 210-486-0125.
Illustrations by Estefania B. Alonso
today tues
SAC Event: Women’s Health Fair with vendors from across the city 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0998. SAC Event: Student symposium in art history with a presentation of selected student papers 10:50 a.m.-noon in Room 120 of visual arts. Reception follows the presentations. Call 210-486-1042. SAC Meeting: Future Teachers Organization 1:45 p.m. in Room 108 of Gonzales. Call 210-643-2165. SAC Meeting: Interclub Council 2-4 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Call 210-4860134. SAC Event: Seven-on-seven coed soccer league for those who registered 3-7 p.m. at Olmos Basin Park. Call 210486-0125. SAC Performance: “Harvey,” Mary Chase’s Pulitzer-winning comedy 7:30 p.m. until Saturday and April 7-9, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday and April 10 in McAllister auditorium. $5 with an Alamo Colleges ID, $8 with a senior, military or other college ID, and $10 general admission. Call 210486-0255.
Left: Emerita Linda Chavez-Thompson, AFL-CIO executive vice president, talks about the labor movement during Hot Potato Tuesday in the Methodist Student Center. Chavez-Thompson said the trade agreement, if passed, will send a lot of U.S. jobs to countries like Vietnam, where they would pay workers only 13 cents an hour. Read the story on www.theranger.org. Raffy Gubser
fri
sat
Deadline: Last day for faculty to nominate students for the Excellence in Writing award. There is no limit to the number of student nominations. The nomination form can be found at tinyurl.com/mm94lxo. The award ceremony will take place 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 13 in Room 218 of the nursing complex. Call 210-486-1433.
NVC Event: Vista Vista for students wishing to enroll for summer and fall 2016 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Visit www. alamo.edu/nvc/visitvista/ to submit a form for attendance.
PAC Event: 20th annual jazz festival with area junior high and high school jazz ensembles 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday in the performing arts center. Free and open to the public. Call 210-486-3227. SAC Meeting: Asian Pop Society 2-5 p.m. craft room of Loftin. Email apopofsac@ gmail.com.
SAC Event: National Society of Leadership and Success Training Day noon-2:45 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0134. SAC Meeting: National Society of Leadership and Success-Success Networking Team 2:45-4 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-4860134.
sun
Deadline: Last day to submit an application for the Alamo Colleges Foundation 2016/2017 scholarship. Visit www.alamo.edu/ sac/scholarships/ for information and criteria for applying. Call 210486-0963.
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SAC Event: Scholastic Book Fair 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the mall. Volunteers needed. Call 210486-0125. Continues until Friday. NVC Event: Two-day science conference 9 a.m. in the Lago Vista Room of the Cypress Campus Center. Continues noon April 5. Call 210-4864010. SAC Meeting: Student Government Association noon1 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0133. SAC Event: Rosary by the Catholic Student Association 12:15 p.m. in the Catholic Student Center. Email catholicstudentassociationsac@gmail. com. SAC Meeting: Cheshyre Cheese Club 1:30 p.m. in Room 203 of Gonzales. Call 210-486-1433. SAC Meeting: Society of Women Engineers 3-4 p.m. in Room 204 of Chance. Email ashleerose25@gmail.com. SAC Meeting: Club AMAR 3 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0601.
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For coverage in SAConnected, call 210-486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance. Visit theranger.org for more upcoming events.
News
www.theranger.org/news
March 28, 2016 • 3
NLC forgoes College increases number of courses student trustee assessed by more than 100 percent nomination Northeast Lakeview makes no selection for student rep on board. By Jerico Magallanes sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Ahead of the student trustee selection on April 26, one college has no eligible applicants. No students from Northeast Lakeview College — which has an enrollment of more than 5,100, according to its website — signed up for the nomination. Ryan Turner, Northeast Lakeview Student Government Association president, said NLC would not be submitting a trustee applicant. “We had put the word out there, we tabled, had signs on all the TVs. … We just couldn’t find anyone,” Turner said. With a lack of applicants, the college can nominate an active SGA member, but none of the interested members could fulfill the one-year commitment as student trustee. “No one was fit for the position,” Turner said. As for the candidates who are available for the time commitment, Turner said they were ultimately not interested and “at the end of the day, I can’t force them to apply.” This college’s SGA has selected Christopher Scoggins, banking and financial services freshman, as its applicant. The board of trustees will select a student trustee at its next meeting April 26.
FOLLINS from Page 1
This college will receive an answer for its continued accreditation mid-June.
to prepare a report based on the guidelines that SACSCOC asked this college to respond to, he said. According to the report, administrator By Wally Perez evaluations weren’t done in a timely manner, gperez239@student.alamo.edu which Rosenauer knew was a prior problem. This college has been working on “These were minor points that needed improvements in the past year during the fixes, faculty qualification and things like reaffirmation process of its accreditation, and that,” Rosenauer said. one improvement was a Student learning outlarge increase in courses comes were another area This wasn’t done just that have been assessed. of requested improvebecause a SACSCOC The report, in the ment. report was due; it was works since 2013-2014, Over the last three done because it’s the was submitted Feb. 25 to terms, there were vast right answer when the Southern Association improvements in how we look at learning of Colleges and School many courses were outcomes to see what Commission on Colleges. assessed, he said. students are learning In fall 2014, there were “There have been and achieving. 2,907 courses offered and assessments and learnDr. Kristine Clark, ing outcomes for a while, 1,220 were assessed, or chief of Integrated Planning 42 percent. In fall 2015, but they seemed lacklusand Performance Excellence there were 2,648 courses ter until now,” Rosenauer offered and 2,386 were said. assessed, or 90 percent. The commission will look over the report Dr. Johnnie Rosenauer, real estate profes- and submit its decision to President Robert sor and this college’s liaison to SACSCOC, has Vela mid-June on whether the college will be worked on two 10-year reports and a five-year reaccredited, he said. midterm review. Rosenauer is confident that the college Every 10 years a school is reaffirmed with will be reaffirmed saying, “it’s a solid report SACSCOC; this college’s next reaffirmation and nothing should stop the college from will become effective Sept. 1, he said. achieving reaffirmation.” About three years ago, this college began Dr. Kristine Clark, chief of Integrated
comment on the ongoing and he would become unemselection process, but appreciployable in such a position. ated any additional informaShannon said cases like this tion provided. are hard to predict once they go In Follins’ affidavit, to the courts and are left up a attached to the lawsuit, he said, judge or jury to decide. “Upon assuming my leadership Follins is one of duties, I perceived three finalists to be that many adminpresident of Fresno istrative employees City College in had become lackaFresno, California, daisical and indifwhich is part of State ferent to performing Center Community their duties. College District. “I perceived this Follins The Ranger asked situation as one of Dr. Paul Parnell, the issues I was hired chancellor of State Center to rectify at the college. Community College District, “I began to set performance whether Follins had made him goals for the employees. Their aware he was removed with response to my program was cause and of the PIA requests to accuse me of being insultregarding his removal. ing and abusive toward them.” Parnell said he could not “The administration of the
DEPARTMENT from Page 1 For example, journalism and radiotelevision broadcasting no longer report to the same chair under the reorganization, although their similarities prompted their being put together previously. “We took a long look at each department and did our best to make sure everything made sense,” Krueger said. RTB is now with computer information systems because RTB involves some technical work with computers, he said. Krueger said this was done to correspond to the institutes, and one of the major goals was so students would have advisers who specialized in the major they were interested in. “We hope having this specialized advising will help students and keep them on pace to graduate or transfer in a timely manner,” Krueger said. “We believe this new structure and advising will increase transfer rates in less time.” Students may come into college without proper advising and end up taking extra courses that aren’t necessary, he said.
’’
college, for reasons unrelated to my performance, decided to placate the complaining employees and asked me to resign from my position. Follins was removed from his position with cause on Oct. 29. “You have again violated expectations set for you and engaged in a pattern of unacceptable behavior,” Chancellor Bruce Leslie wrote in a notice of termination memorandum on Oct. 29 addressed to Follins. Follins was reassigned to special projects administrator, a position that previously did not exist, and put on administrative leave. In his new position, Follins is being paid the same salary as president of $205,387.03. Follins said in the future all
“I’m not against students taking extra classes if they’d like to, but we want students to not have to waste money or time here if we can help it,” Krueger said. Applicants interested in one of the 12 chair positions, had 10 days to submit an application by March 21. The positions were open to all faculty and 19 current chairs, with current chairs having first-pick on program coordinator positions if interested. Future chairs also will receive full release, with the ability to teach, but only after business hours or online. “We want to make sure chairs are accessible during business hours in case students need to see them; that’s why we’re limiting the time they can teach,” Krueger said. With all this in mind, there will not be any negative effect to fall class schedules and department coordinators and chairs are currently working on them, he said. There shouldn’t be any negative effects for students, as this was intended to improve the quality and help they receive, he said.
discussion of the case will go through his attorney Stephen E. Menn. The Ranger was unable to reach Menn for comment before deadline. Since Follins’ removal, the administration at Northeast Lakeview has had a successful candidacy visit from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges’ onsite team and is expected to be on the fast track to accreditation, interim president Thomas Cleary said. Northeast Lakeview had previously failed SACSCOC’s application process in 2007 and 2011. This was its first on-site visit since they started seeking accreditation.
TRAFFICKING from Page 1 victims because they have trust issues in regards to men. The fear factor is a big issue, Brown said. These young men and women of all ages are very afraid. They are usually quite a distance away from home, mostly from out of town and tend to be preyed on at the bus stations. There are individuals waiting to bring new victims in to their operations waiting for them there, said Brown. Chandler and Brown both stressed the importance of a concerned citizen not intervening directly should they become aware of a human trafficking situation. Citizens should not intervene because it could put the life of the victim at risk, Chandler said. They recommended contacting law enforcement so the situation can be dealt with properly. The next Hot Potato lecture, RAICES: A Response to Refugees, will be Tuesday in the center. For more information, call 210-7331441.
Planning and Performance Excellence, talked about the report during a College Council meeting March 8. After the final report was submitted, another was run, and although SACSCOC will see a 90 percent assessment rate, it’s actually up to 94 percent, she said. “We set a goal for 100 percent, we knew at the time that it was a very huge target for this college because of size and complexity, but to hit 94 percent, it’s well worth celebrating,” Clark said. Susan Espinoza, director of college and grants development, followed Clark’s statement saying that this college may be the only college or university in the country that measures this large of a sample. “This wasn’t done just because a SACSCOC report was due; it was done because it’s the right answer when we look at learning outcomes to see what students are learning and achieving,” Clark said. “This has laid the foundation for us to be in a place for the first time that we can really address the quality of that work in a way we haven’t been able to before,” Clark said. Now the IPPE department can identify gaps between what it is that users need to know, so they can approach the next planning cycle with a greater level of quality. Vela expressed gratitude and acknowledged Clark’s team as well as faculty and staff who made it possible.
Human Services seeks toiletries, cosmetics for Alpha House By Alexis D. Vega
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The Human Services Club will be hosting a cosmetics and toiletries drive, in honor of Women’s History Month. The Club is asking for donations of unopened and unused items, such as shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes and makeup. The donations will go to the residents of the Alpha Rehabilitation Home, which helps women who are struggling with drug and alcohol addictions. Alpha Home also helps students of the Alamo Colleges with student practicums in substance abuse counseling. Students gain experience in their field of study by performing volunteer work at the home. “Since they are mothers, daughters and sisters of the community, it would be nice for us to give and help them out,” Chris Lopez, Human Services Club member, said. Donation stations will be set up in Loftin Student Center and Moody Learning Center. Donations will be accepted through March 31. “All of these women have children and they come from bad economical backgrounds, so it’s good to help them,” Lopez said. M o n e y donations are also welcome. If you plan to donate money or need more information, call Lopez at Illustrations by Juan Carlos Campos 210-849-9038.
News
4 • March 28, 2016
Former President Robert Zeigler in a remembrance speech in the mall Tuesday says David Mrizek, vice president of college services, will live on through this college. “His spirit will live on throughout all the buildings he helped establish and the people who cared for him,” Zeigler said. Both Zeigler and President Robert Vela noted how appropriate it
www.theranger.org/news
was that the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center was on campus collecting donations as they helped save Mrizek’s life nine years ago after his first bout with mantle cell lymphoma. Mrizek died at 7:15 p.m. March 20. He had been fighting the disease on and off for more than a decade. Kyle R. Cotton
Vice president dies after long cancer battle
Dr. Kristine Clark, chief of integrated planning and performance excellence, is consoled by Dr. Jothany Blackwood, vice president of academic success, after the remembrance ceremony. Kyle R. Cotton
By Kyle R. Cotton
kcotton11@student.alamo.edu
The college community came to remember the life of David Mrizek, vice president of college services, Tuesday in the mall after his death March 20 from mantle cell lymphoma. He was 69. Mrizek was a highly visible faculty member and administrator at this college since joining the speech faculty in 1974. He moved to the administration as the budget officer in 1995 and was named a vice president in 2007. Mrizek was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma in 2006, but went into remission in 2007. He relapsed in May 2015 but went into remission again in October. President Robert Vela wrote in an email Monday to college employees, “It is with great sadness that I must inform the college community of the passing of one of SAC’s beloved and devoted leaders.” At the remembrance ceremony Tuesday during his opening statement Vela almost broke down into tears. “I’ve had a difficult time keeping it together since I heard the news,” Vela said. “I’ve leaned on David so much over the years, I don’t know what I will do without him.” “SAC is really a special place, and it’s people like David who really care that make it so special,” Vela said. Fine arts Chair Jeff Hunt, in an interview Monday, recalled Mrizek was faculty-centered when he was chair of the theater and speech department. “He always tried to see the faculty’s point of view whenever there was a discussion,” he said. Hunt said Mrizek was a strong advocate for the speech team, which he coached for five years. “He was an excellent public speaker and his students really admired him for that,” Hunt said. Hunt used to call Mrizek the ‘voice of San Antonio College’ because he was the
David Mrizek, vice president of college services, gives a campus tour on Employee Development Day in September 2009. File voice on the college’s answering machine explaining options for callers. Hunt said Mrizek’s dream job was vice president of college services because he got the opportunity to help shape the future of this college. Mrizek continued to teach a night class so he could stay engaged with students. When he was diagnosed in 2007, he had to give up that class for health reasons. “You could tell it hurt for him to give up that class,” Hunt said. “To have fought cancer like this over 10 years really shows the character of David Mrizek.” Mrizek was an avid biker, as he closed his emails, “I’d rather be biking.” Hunt said he used to ride his bicycle to campus and rode miles on the weekend. Mrizek also helped produce plays at this college in the 1980s. “It was always fun to have David in attendance at a pro-
duction,” Hunt said. “He had this laugh; it wasn’t boisterous, but rather it was almost like an embarrassed giggle that almost made the rest of us laugh that much harder.” Mrizek wasn’t afraid to tackle difficult issues such as strategic planning and budget shortfalls. “I remember, and this was 15-20 years ago, he would make staff think about strategic planning and trying to budget appropriately,” Hunt said. “I would bring this up to some of my colleagues in other departments, and they wouldn’t know what I was talking about.” During the remembrance ceremony, Hunt discussed how thankful he was for giving him advice while letting him find his own way. “I would always ask him for advice, and I appreciated that he would always let me find my own way, even though sometimes I just wanted him to tell me what he would do,”
Members of this college’s community remember the life of David Mrizek. President Robert Vela said people like Mrizek make this college a special place. Kyle R. Cotton Hunt said. Others agree his death is a loss to the college. Martha Castro, administrative assistant to the vice president of college services, in an interview Monday said, “This is a great loss not just for our division but for the entire college.” Theater Instructor Charles Falcon said Monday, “I will always be indebted to him for the support he has given, both to me and to our department. It is often said that the mea-
President Robert Vela catches himself about to cry in delivering opening remarks during a remembrance ceremony Tuesday for David Mrizek. Vela said he has had a difficult time maintaining his composure since he heard the news of Mrizek’s death at 7:15 p.m. March 20. Kyle R. Cotton
www.theranger.org/news
sure of a person is not in their wealth, in their accomplishments or in their degrees; the true measure of a person is in what they do for others and the way they impact lives positively. Mr. Mrizek was that kind of person, a true gentleman and humanitarian.” Former President Robert Zeigler in an interview Monday said he considered Mrizek a dear friend and someone who was passionate about what he does. “If you walk around SAC and look at the building and renovations around the campus, he was a big part of that.” Zeigler noted particularly Tobin Lofts and Scobee Education Center as two successful projects Mrizek was heavily involved. “He was one of those guys you could just trust with anything,” Zeigler said. “He was always compassionate and understanding. He was absolutely just a wonderful person.” Mrizek frequently gave historical tours around the campus during Employee Development Day. “He knew everything about the campus,” Zeigler said. “He could tell you about underground caverns around the campus, why a building was there or named a certain way.” “I treasure his friendship, and his death leaves a big void in my life,” Zeigler said. During the ceremony, Zeigler said, “His spirit will live on throughout all the buildings he helped establish and the people who cared for him.” Dr. Conrad Krueger, dean of arts and sciences, used to go fishing with both Zeigler and Mrizek, but was short on words given the recent loss. “He loved to fish, but sometimes I think he just enjoyed being out on the boat under the stars,” Krueger said in an interview Monday. Vela, who has been in contact with Mrizek’s family to get updates as they deal with their loss, said Tuesday night the ceremony is planned for sometime in early April. He will be cremated. Vela said he will provide the information as it becomes available.
News
March 28, 2016 • 5
David Mrizek acts like a pitcher in the rehearsal of the play “Hold on,” in the 1980s. Courtesy
Fine arts Chair Jeff Hunt remembers how much help David Mrizek was to him throughout his tenure. “I would always ask him for advice and I appreciated that he would always let me find my own way, even though sometimes I just wanted him to tell me what he would do,” Hunt said. Kyle R. Cotton
Falling waters
A custodian talks with math Chair Said Fariabi at 7 a.m. Thursday about a leak in the roof of McCreless. Rain water from Thursday’s early morning downpour poured into McCreless, down the stairwell and across the lobby to the south exit. Read the story on www.theranger.org. Wally Perez
6 • March 28, 2016
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Managing Editor Mandy Derfler Assistant Managing Editor – Features Wally Perez Staff Writers Tiffany Anne Bermea, R. Eguia, Rebecca Nicole Flores, Tim Hernandez, Melissa Luna, Hillary E. Ratcliff, C.J. Tavera, Alexis D. Vega Photographers Brandon A. Edwards, E. David Guel, Aly Miranda, Vince Reyna Photo Team Janell Arnold, Alison M. Graef, Raffy Gubser, Robert Limon, Ryann Palacios, Areana Rodriguez Multimedia Editor Jerico Magallanes Video Team Jose Arredondo, Alejandro Diaz, Katelynn Alexa Garcia, Jon Hernandez, Ty-Eshia Johnson Illustrators Estefania B. Alonso, Juan Carlos Campos Alexandra Nelipa Copy Editor Carlos Ferrand Distribution Manager Shelly Delgado
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©2016 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1819 N. Main Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212-3941. 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 by phone 210-4861765 or as a download at www.theranger.org. The Ranger is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and the Texas Community College Journalism Association. Guest Viewpoints: Faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to contribute guest viewpoints of up to 450 words. Writers should focus on campus or current events in a critical, persuasive or interpretative style. All viewpoints must be published with a photo portrait of the writer. Letters Policy: The Ranger invites readers to share views by writing letters to the editor. Space limitations force the paper to limit letters to two double-spaced, typewritten pages. Letters will be edited for spelling, style, grammar, libel and length. Editors reserve the right to deny publication of any letter. Letters should be emailed to sac-ranger@alamo. edu. Letters also may be brought to the newspaper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student Center, mailed to The Ranger, Department of Media Communications, San Antonio College, 1819 N. Main Ave., San Antonio TX 78212-3941 or faxed to 210-486-9292. Letters must be signed and must include the printed name and telephone number. Students should include classification, major, campus and Banner ID. Employees should include title and telephone number. For more information, call 210-486-1773. Single Copy Policy: Members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue because of high production costs. Where available, additional copies may be purchased with prior approval for 50 cents each by contacting The Ranger business office. Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single-copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and subject to college discipline.
Alexandra Nelipa
State broke it; now should fix it Legislature shouldn’t place developmental responsibility on colleges. For most of a student’s academic career prior to college, they are taught to score well on tests. Don’t blame teachers for teaching to a test. Students learn to answer test questions, but fail to be prepared for college. So it’s no wonder that a third of students who are not ready for college English and writing fail their first college-level class, and 16 percent of those who are not ready for college math fail their first college-level class. After years of cutting education budgets, the state of Texas expects colleges to spend valuable resources teaching
academic skills that should have been mastered in high school. Here’s an idea, how about making sure high school students, regardless of their background, are properly prepared before it becomes the college’s problem to fix? Obviously, a test is not the answer. Developmental courses should be for people who have come back to college after years away or students who didn’t finish high school. They should not be for such a large percentage of the entering student population. Today more than ever, a college
degree or trade school training is required if a student is to have any hope of success in life. Those handicapped by the state’s lowered standards are not prepared for the next stage of life. So why should student failure in these courses fall to the colleges to fix? It is the state’s failure to learn from its mistakes that has created such a need for these developmental courses. Restore funding, lose the standardized tests and institute a proper curriculum from which students emerge college ready. Then if we still need them, we can have a discussion about what to do about developmental courses.
Schools should pay for dual credit Now that House Bill 505 has removed the authority to regulate the number of dual credit hours students can take, as well as the locations offered, it’s time to carefully examine all the criticisms the program has received. Among those complaints are: • The college does not collect tuition for these students. • The college has no control over how dual-credit classes are taught. • There is no guarantee that students are receiving a college-level experience. • Some districts offer many opportunities for dual credit while others have few. Among new suggestions is the idea that students could pay a flat fee for a dual-credit course. That, however, will only exacerbate the social division already in place. The Alamo Colleges does not charge high school students — or their parents — to take dual-credit courses. So there doesn’t seem to be a financial downside for students if they don’t do well. Although they acquire a college transcript when they enter college, there’s no threat financially. If they fail to do well in the course, students don’t get credit, but they aren’t losing any money. Additionally, high schools use their teaching staff who are already being paid to teach.
The high schools should pay for these classes since they’re the ones offering it. You can’t expect the parents of these students to pay for the classes; there would most likely be a decline in enrollment as many would refuse to pay while others simply could not. And again, the gap between the haves and have-nots grows. Jo-Carol Fabianke, vice chancellor for academic success, said some high school teachers treat dual-credit classes like other high school classes, so why are we giving away college credit? The students may not actually be getting a college-level experience. These classes are already offered free of charge by the Alamo Colleges, but to also have them dumbed down seems like an insult to the students enrolled at the colleges who struggle to study while working to pay for school. To make sure they teach appropriately, the high school district would have to pay for extra training for their teachers. The districts most likely won’t be inclined to pay because it’s an extra expense. The high schools are the ones getting paid for the students taking these courses, not the colleges. The colleges are only paid for contact hours. High school teachers may not have the same experience as college
instructors at teaching a college-level course, and if high school districts want instructors with that knowledge, those high schools should have to pay for that specific dual-credit training as well. It doesn’t seem fair that these high school students can take these courses for free, while college students have to pay for them. Dual-credit students are supposed to receive a comparable experience, but that doesn’t seem to be case. The high school districts and teachers should take these classes seriously. If these students aren’t actually getting a college-level course, then when they eventually do end up attending college, they won’t be ready. We already are the beneficiaries of this particular problem in higher education. The district should reinstate restrictions and require training. If these dual credit classes are actually being treated like any other high school class, there needs to be discussion on what needs to be done to bring the quality of the course to the proper level. The college district should bring back the course limit for one, and the high school districts should foot the bill to get the instructors to take the class seriously. Maybe then so will the students and high school teachers.
News
www.theranger.org/news
March 28, 2016 • 7
Gamers literally bring their A game to campus For some, relaxing requires blowing things to bits and bytes. By Tim Hernandez
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
When it comes to relaxing between classes, some Northwest Vista College students take it to a new level. The NVC Gaming Club, founded by video game production freshman Jonathan Estrada and criminal justice freshman Ariel Velez, meets at Cypress Campus Center every two weeks Tuesday and Thursday to play games and share gaming experiences with fellow students. The gamers, as they refer to themselves, bring their own game consoles and flat-panel televisions to Cypress. Estrada said the club has existed for about two years.
“The first year, we failed because we were not aware of the school policies. Club members were posting up fliers and I was not aware of it,” Estrada said. “This year, we understand the school’s policy and have made a real effort to operate within those guidelines.” Velez said the group dabbles a little in “Dungeons and Dragons” but mostly focuses on console video games. Estrada began the club because the gaming community is big on campus. “It brought out the gamers at school. Many gamers are closet gamers,” Estrada said. Because he is the president of the club, the school library asked him to manage its Geek Week, which drew about 25 people. Estrada gave out prizes, and it helped to create a strong
bond among gamers at the college. Membership in the club is a simple affair. All you have to do is enjoy playing games. Video game production sophomore Matthew Strawn thought club membership was not for him because he thought there would be membership requirements that he could not live up to like mandatory attendance at meetings. “Our club is not a mandatory club. You don’t have to attend all the meetings. It’s about relaxing and taking a break between classes,” Estrada said. This passion for gaming began in childhood. “Playing the Nintendo Entertainment System when I was a little kid, I loved ‘Super Mario,’” Estrada said. “My
all-time favorite is ‘Mortal Kombat.’ I’ve played every version. I started playing ‘Halo’ and was amazed by how we’ve come from ‘Pong’ to 3-D graphics.” Velez said he loves gaming because of the adventures the characters take. They get to explore the game world and it makes him want to explore the real world. Strawn said he first picked up a video game controller when he was 4. His first game was “Super Smash Bros.” for Nintendo Entertainment 64. “Even as a child, I was an imaginative person. I like to let my mind take me places. It’s fun to immerse myself in fantasy and sci-fi worlds,” he said. Estrada and Strawn recognize the addictive nature of
gaming, and they have developed coping mechanisms to avoid allowing their favorite pastime to affect their grades. “I play in 30-minute sessions,” Estrada said. “If I have assignments to do, I work on that. I focus on getting most of the work done, then I’ll take a break and play for a bit. I know I have to balance school, work and gaming,” he said. He also has a girlfriend and likes to spend time with her, too. Estrada provided advice to other students who have had trouble balancing gaming time with school and other social activities. “Learn to take it in moderation. You have to manage your time,” Estrada said. “You came to school to learn and reach your goal.”
Strawn said gaming has affected his schoolwork in the past. “I’ve gotten much better at it since I started college,” he said, “Sometimes I pick up a new game that draws me in and away from school. When I realize it is impacting my grades, I unplug my systems and get back to schoolwork.” He said he cut his game time to about five hours a week, not a lot of gaming time for him. Strawn said he finds it funny that people complain about the amount of time gamers spend playing games because they tend to be people who spend lots of time watching television. For more information about the NVC Gaming Club, call Jonathan Estrada at 210461-8781.
TRUSTEES from Page 1 the increased cost past six credit hours. Snyder said she could not get into specifics of the proposal as they are still finalizing it for April, but did share possible ideas such as free summer classes and a point system for students taking a full course load. “We are still putting together the proposal, but we put forward the schedule first so that it would be in place for when registration for the fall opens up in April,” Snyder said. The board unanimously removed the item from the agenda with the understanding it would return at a special board meeting at 6 p.m. March 28 with additional information on the percentage of students who are full-time and part-time and the possible incentives for full-time students. Under the proposed revisions to the tuition and fee schedule, students would pay $83 percredit-hour for in-district tuition. After six credit hours, students would be paying more than they were under the current schedule. Snyder said this is to ensure that revenue stays the same as they move to this new schedule. She said the new schedule is more straightforward and satisfies what the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs wants with per-credit-hour pricing as opposed to charging one tuition for up to six credit hours. The VA came to a special agreement with the Alamo Colleges last summer when the VA pushed for the change. The board also pulled a park and ride VIA lease agreement, with the intention for it to return at a later date, at the request of John Strybos, associate vice chancellor of facilities, as negotiations are still ongoing. At the March 8 Building, Grounds and Sites Selection Committee meeting, District 9 trustee James Rindfuss brought up the idea of leveraging the agreement to get a bus stop out by Northeast Lakeview College. Strybos said the agreement just wasn’t ready. “That’s impossible. VIA can’t put a bus stop at Northeast Lakeview due to factors out of VIA’S control,” Strybos said. During citizens to be heard, The NRP Group, which previously developed Tobin Lofts, presented a proposal for housing called the Anthem as part of the Veterans Victory Center. Construction of the center is up for bid until 2 p.m. April 12. Sen. José Menéndez (D-San Antonio) originally wanted housing as part of the center, but President Robert Vela has had issues finding viable options. Under NRP’s proposal, the Alamo Colleges would have no cost and the development would be paid completely through $35 million in private funds.
Jo-Carol Fabianke, vice chancellor of academic success, listens to District 3 trustee Anna Bustamante during a discussion over a potential tuition increase at the board of trustees meeting March 22 at Killen Center. Bustamante voiced concern over the proposed $83 per credit hour, which she said was too high after calculating that students currently pay about $70 per credit hour for 15 hours, which costs $1,054 total. Wally Perez
Dan Markson, NRP Group senior vice president of development, talks about an unsolicited proposal,“The Anthem.” The proposal combines veterans and students in housing at the veterans center, which would cost the Alamo Colleges nothing. President Robert Vela has concerns over housing first-time college students with veterans and their families. Wally Perez
Dan Markson, NRP group senior vice president of development, said with the success of the Tobin Lofts, his firm is confident the NRP will be able to handle The Anthem project. Markson said since Tobin Lofts has been built, the increased foot-traffic has reduced crime in the area. “It used to be you were taking your life into your own hand if you cut through the side street to walk toward Main Street,” Markson said. The board also congratulated Northeast Lakeview College for its successful candidacy visit for accreditation. Dr. Thomas Cleary, interim president of Northeast Lakeview and vice chancellor for planning, performance, accreditation and information systems, said the on-site team visiting from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges recommended Northeast Lakeview expedite the process when candidacy is granted.
“Halfway through the visit — and this is how we knew it was going well — they suggested that we should expedite our process,” Cleary said. Cleary announced the SACSCOC accreditation on-site visit would be Feb. 6. In an interview after his presentation to the board, Cleary said he expects a draft report to be prepared before a new president is appointed at Northeast Lakeview at the end of the summer. “It’s not only possible to get this done quickly, it’s probable,” Cleary said. Chancellor Bruce Leslie was absent from the regular board meeting. Cleary, who is the acting chancellor in Leslie’s absence, said Leslie was out of town on business. Jo-Carol Fabianke, vice chancellor of academic success, filled in for the chancellor on the board. Each of the vice chancellors rotates moderating responsibilities during the scheduled trustee meetings in the chancellor’s absence.
Dr. Thomas Cleary, vice chancellor of planning, performance and information systems, talks about the accreditation process Northeast Lakeview is currently undergoing. Cleary said the recent report looked to be successful and he expects an on-site visit from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Feb. 6. If the college is approved in June 2017 their accreditation will be backtracked to Jan. 1, 2017. Wally Perez There would be 225 units with an expected five-year income of $1,940,503 to the Alamo Colleges. As the developer in a private-public partnership, NRP gets a share of the revenue for each of its projects. However, The Anthem would include housing for non-veteran students, which Vela is reluctant about because he wants the building to be totally dedicated to veterans. “You would have first-time-in-college students and veterans and their families under one roof, and I don’t think that would be a very good environment,” Vela said. Vela said he likes the proposal from the NRP Group, but he is exploring other options with private funds through USAA and governmental funds through U.S. Housing and Urban Development grants.
Feature
8 • March 28, 2016
www.theranger.org/news
Autism Awareness Month begins Friday Alamo Colleges student with autism helps club explain differences.
Bula, who today is considered high functioning, explained the root of the word autism is from the Greek “autos,” which means “self.” By R. Eguia Combined with the Greek suffix “ismos,” which sac-ranger@alamo.edu means action or state of being, it roughly transMariano Bula, a video game design sopholates to a state of being absorbed by one’s self. more at Northwest Vista College, struggled with Bula identifies with this definition because he his autism in grade school. likes to immerse himself in other worlds when “As a child, all you want is to be happy and he plays video games. He compares people with full of life, but it was challenging because I was autism to video game characters because they always placed in special education classes and are not afraid to be who they are. I just wanted to be with the regular kids. It was Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for not easy for me to accept my autism as a child,” Disease Control and Prevention identify about Bula said. one in 68 American children as on the autism When he began elementary school in Panama, spectrum — a tenfold increase in prevalence in 40 he was considered on the lower-functioning end years. Research shows this increase is only partly of the autism spectrum until he received training explained by improved diagnosis and awareness. and assistance that helped him take control. Bula said inspiration for video game concepts He has since grown to embrace his condition. comes from everything, and he enjoys taking “It is interesting because we classes outside of his major to are humans, just a different type keep him interested. It is interesting of human,” he said. “We have the He is enrolled in four coursbecause we are ability to think differently than es this semester and said being humans, just a normal people.” in college is a blessing because different type of Bula, 27, is one of 3 million there are so many experiences human. We have people in the U.S. and tens of that were inaccessible to him in the ability to think millions worldwide affected by high school, mainly being able differently than autism. to share a classroom with regular normal people. Autism Awareness Month students. Mariano Bula, is celebrated throughout He has attended the Alamo video game design April, including World Autism Colleges since he graduated from sophomore Awareness Day April 2. The Marshall High School in 2011. day was adopted by the United His main focus is making sure Nations in 2007 to illuminate autism as a growing his grades are up, and he emphasized the imporglobal health priority. tance of taking school seriously. Autism Spectrum Disorder and autism are He said he does not have a hard time speaking both general terms for a group of complex disorto classmates, especially those who harmonize ders of brain development. These disorders are with his own colorful personality. characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties Some students are immediately aware Bula in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal comis on the spectrum, while others are completely munication and repetitive behaviors. ignorant about autism, he said. People with autism are often referred to as One of his classmates became interested in “on the spectrum” because they can range from learning about autism after Bula explained his conhighly functioning to low functioning. dition to her after a speech class they had together.
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Mariano Bula, video game design sophomore, sits in his kitchen Wednesday. Bula attends Northwest Vista College, but participates in this college’s autism club, AMAR, which uses an initial from members Ann Marie Hessbrook and Mariano Bula; Avonte Oquendo, an autistic teenager who died in New York; and Michelle R. Garza, the club’s original adviser. Aly Miranda Business administration sophomore Ann Marie Hessbrook partnered with Bula in a public speaking class at this college. He inspired her to found Club AMAR. AMAR is an acronym for the names of Hessbrook, president and founder of the club; Bula; Avonte Oquendo; and Michelle R. Garza, the original club adviser. The club was established in spring 2014 after Hessbrook and Bula completed a speech presentation about Oquendo, a 14-year-old autistic boy who died after running away from his school, where he was not properly being watched. Oquendo’s story, which can be read in the March 30, 2014, issue of New York Magazine at nymag.com, provided insight on the dangers of wandering, a common problem among children with autism. Hessbrook said the club is making an impact by spreading awareness across campus and focusing on educating professors to create a non-discriminating environment for students with autism. Bula said professors understand what autism is and, in his experience, they have tried to treat him just as they would any other student, with respect. “I know I am not like other students and if I am having a hard time, I just ask questions. I know my professors will tell me how to do better,” Bula said. Honesty is the key to everything for Bula. He said it is very important people know he is on the spectrum, especially professors and classmates. “I am here to be a college student, and I am going to stay focused and serious.” Many of the friends Bula has made during his college experience are also on the spectrum and have linked him to outreach groups like the 500 Olmos Club, a local parent-led group that caters to families who have children with autism. Bula said this group is a second family to him because he is surrounded by people who have similar circumstances and understand his struggles. “People have to learn to love themselves, to be proud of themselves,” he said. “It used to make me upset until
I realized I could use it to do something great. People should embrace it and be happy with who they are no matter what.” In the 2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged under one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. Bula said it is sad to see a person with autism who is lower functioning because they don’t have as many opportunities as someone who is higher functioning, but he does not like it when people talk about autism negatively and does not agree there should be a cure. “This is not an epidemic,” he said. “Autism is not like cancer or AIDS. There is a positive side to autism.” After college, Bula sees himself involved in the video game industry. He is interested in creating entire worlds based on some form of mythology and focusing on building unique characters. He also sees himself working in autism activism. “There are so many other Mariano Bulas around, and I would love to be a voice for people out there who can’t have a voice for themselves,” he said. He said many people are overwhelmed about being on the spectrum and it’s very important for people to understand they are not alone. He will join Club AMAR at a walk for Any Baby Can next month to benefit families who have been affected by autism. There are many ways to spread awareness: wearing blue, posting on autism awareness hash tags and donating to local foundations dedicated to families affected by autism. Club AMAR will hand out blue ribbons adorned with puzzle pieces in the mall Thursday to kick off Autism Awareness Month. As new resources and technologies emerge, Bula is optimistic. “This is something I cannot c h a n g e,” he said. “I have to deal with this for the rest of my life, and I understand that I have the ability to do something great Juan Carlos Campos and magnificent.”