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Volume 89 Issue 15 • April 6, 2015
210-486-1773 • Single copies free
NVC student ‘dukes’ it out Fiesta Especial adds to the diversity of Fiesta San Antonio. Page 6
Basketball championship
online now Page 12
Think like an entrepreneur every day, expert says
Laptops and cameras available for checkout up to two weeks
Inmates are building up on success Bexar County jail and Alamo Colleges provide inmates with 40 credits of customer service training. By Te Keyshia Johnson
more year left before release. Male and female classes are separate. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Raquel Perez, Alamo Colleges’ Office and Alamo Colleges are corporate liaison, said the partnering to give inmates a secprogram is the brainchild of ond chance at success. Chancellor Bruce Leslie and The sheriff’s office and district Sheriff Susan Pamerleau. volunteers will provide a com“(They) had a conversation munity service-training program that they wanted to partner and where inmates learn the imporwork together to be able to benetance of customfit the inmates,” er service in the Perez said. Employment is workplace. “That’s how it very important for “Employment started, with the our individuals is very imporsheriff and the who have been tant for our indichancellor.” incarcerated. viduals who have Inmates who Aida Negron, participate from been incarcerjail programs manager ated,” jail pro8 a.m. to 5 p.m. grams manager Monday through Aida Negron said. “Sustaining Friday throughout the year will and maintaining a job to provide receive a 40-credit-hour certififor their families simplifies a way cate, Perez said. to be a part of their community; Alamo Community College basically to sustain life for proDistrict provides three instrucviding for themselves and their tors who voluntarily teach the families.” inmates about customer service The one-year program began ethics. its first class Feb. 23, for male and “Critical elements of customer See INMATES, Page 9 female inmates who have one sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Loftin cook Thomas Mejia smokes a cigarette Monday at Dewey and Belknap on his day off. Mejia said it’s nice to take a smoking break and talk to friends. “Everyone is stressed out from class so it’s nice to come here to relax,” he said. Neven Jones
Methodists gain support from police, administration with smokers’ corner President and chancellor will explore alternatives to pilot area, Vela says. By Kyle R. Cotton
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
After years of handling loitering smokers solo, the Methodist Student Center recently got campus police,
the college president and the district chancellor in its corner. The center has been dealing with smokers’ corner since this college implemented its non-smoking policy in 2005. Center leaders say they have had little help from this college in dealing with the smokers who gather near the
Interviews for student trustee set for April 7 New trustee will serve a one-year term. By Aaron Martinez
amartinez1628@student.alamo.edu
Nominees for the student trustee will be interviewed during a special board meeting at 6 p.m. April 7 in Room 101 of Killen Center. This college’s candidate, liberal arts sophomore Jami Keeton, will be up against four other nominees from the other four district colleges. Each college’s Student Government Association chose one nominee. “I am very anxious for the meeting,” Keeton said. “All of us have been candidates for a month or so, so it’s time to know (the decision.)” The nominees will be interviewed separately, then after all five nominees are interviewed, the nominees will watch the board pick the student trustee and alternate student trustee. All students are encouraged to go, Keeton said. The SGA officers from this college will attend in support of Keeton and the other nominees. Northeast Lakeview is in the process of establishing an SGA, but has delegates in place of officers for now. The student trustee will serve a one-year term from May 1 to April 30, 2016, and will receive a scholarship of $300 per semester. The board also will choose an alternate trustee in the same meeting, who will not receive a scholarship but will shadow the student trustee and attend all meetings. The student trustee will not be able to vote during board meetings or attend executive sessions.
building at Belknap and Dewey. However, in the last few months, smokers’ corner has emerged as a burning issue, with the Student Government Association, the Human Services Club and President Robert Vela all trying to help with the situation or find a possible solution.
See SMOKERS, Page 9
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Others make moonshine, Enactus project makes fuel Enactus and Juicer Heroes create alcohol fuel out of leftover pulp. By Travis Doyle
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Business management sophomore Claire Marshall and the owners of Juicer Heroes, an organic juice bar, have found a way to distill leftover pulp to power the building. The business creates enough pulp every week to make about 100 gallons of alcohol fuel; about 15 gallons powers a generator for the building. This pulp fuel is one of three projects the Enactus Club is entering to compete with 350-400 other colleges April 14-16 at the U.S. National Expo in St. Louis, Mo. The other two projects are a venture with Unilever to make an aquaponics system out of the greenhouse on the grounds of Koehler Cultural Center and a project with WalMart’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Project to help women in the workplace through a series of workshops. A total of eight people will attend the conference. The three project leads for
See ENACTUS, Page 9
Claire Marshall, business management sophomore and vice president of the Enactus Club, prepares Super Green raw juice Wednesday at Juicer Heroes. The juice consists of kale, spinach, collard greens, parsley, Swiss chard, cilantro and lemon. Leftover pulp is distilled into alcohol and used to power the building. Pam Paz
SAConnected
2 • April 6, 2015
www.theranger.org/calendar
Perfect pitch Above: Joel Luna, applied science of radiology sophomore, sings “When We Were Young” by The Killers during karaoke March 30 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. About 50 people attended the event, including a group of eighth-grade students from the San Antonio School of Inquiry and Creativity. Pam Paz
Joustin’ it
Left: International studies freshman Quintin McClary and history freshman Wesley Steinmetz exchange blows on an inflatable jousting mat between classes during Stress Out Day, sponsored by student life in the mall. Steinmetz said there’s “nothing like beating the crap out of your friends” to alleviate stress. E. David Guel
Helping out Louis Lopez, Habitat for Humanity staff member and former radio-television-broadcasting student at this college, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman John Hatton of Dallas, prepare a buzzsaw to cut floor boards for a house they are building in the 1000 block of Julia Ross March 28. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that advocates “adequate housing for all” by building low-cost yet efficient homes for those in financial need. For more information, contact Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio at 210-223-5203. Tyrin Bradley
today tues
UTSA Event: HIV testing 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Retama Galleria of university center. Call 210458-5021. SAC Meeting: Student Government Association noon1 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Continues April 13. Call 210486-0835. PAC Event: Financial Literacy: Repaying Student Loans 11 a.m.-noon in Room 130 of student center. Call 210-486-3125. UTSA Concert: Student soprano concert 5 p.m. at music recital hall. Call 210458-5329. Trinity Event: Mayoral forum 6 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium. Call 210-9998117.
Informing
Kalena Gutierrez, nursing sophomore and Texas Nursing Student Association president, and Melanie Rodriguez, nursing sophomore and TNSA volunteer coordinator, speak with prenursing freshman Kailene Ybarra March 31 in the mall. Gutierrez and Rodriguez sold T-shirts and baked goods to benefit this college’s chapter of TNSA. Jack Jackson
wed
thur
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SAC Event: Health and Wellness Expo 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Gyms 1 and 2 of Candler. Call 210-486-1010
Event: Second Thursday 6-9 p.m. at McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels. Call 210-824-5368.
NLC Event: Dodgeball tournament 2-4 p.m. on campus green. Call 210-486-5404.
Event: “Game of Thrones” lunch 3:30 p.m. at Thousand Oaks Library, 4618 Thousand Oaks. Call 210-207-9190.
NLC Film: “Tender Mercies” 6:30-8:30 p.m. in performing arts center. Call 210-4865404.
NLC Event: Career and Summer Job Fair 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in opportunity mall of student commons. Call 210486-5612.
NLC Film: “The Equalizer” 6-8 p.m. on campus green. Call 210-486-5404.
PAC Event: Basketball challenge 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in fitness center. Call 210-486-3125.
UTSA Event: Sexual assault film and discussion 6-9 p.m. in Retama Galleria of university center. Call 210-485-4120.
SAC Event: Pizza with the President noon-1:30 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0835.
SAC Play: “Cyrano de Bergerac” 7:30 p.m. in McAllister Auditorium. Continues through April 19, 7:30 p.m. ThursdaySaturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission $5 with Alamo Colleges ID or high school; $8 for other colleges, military and senior citizens; $10 for general public. Call 210-486-0255.
PAC Lecture: Representatives from Discount Tire 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Room 101 of student center. Call 210486-3125.
Trinity Lecture: “Save Our History for Our Future” by Carolyn Peterson 7:30 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium. Call 207749-5181.
Trinity Lecture: “My Journey to Freedom” by Joseph Han 5:10 p.m. in Room 437 of center for the sciences and innovation. Call 210-999-7011. so lon A . UTSA Concert: Flute ensemB ia ble 7:30 p.m. at music recital fan e t s yE hall. Call 210-458-5684. sb n o ati str lI lu
UTSA Concert: Jazz pop 7:30 p.m. in music recital hall. Call 210-458-5684. NVC Play: “Women and Men: Short Plays About Both” 8 p.m. in Palmetto. $3 with student ID. Call 210486-4824.
UTSA Event: Faculty debate on human rights and U.N. 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Room 1.102 of university center. Call 210705-3030. SAC Film: “Strange Magic” 7:30 p.m. in mall. Call 210486-0125. SPC Play: “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” 8 p.m. in the theater of Watson. Continues through April 19, 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission $10 for general public; $5 with Alamo Colleges students and employees, seniors and San Antonio Theater Coalition members; free for high school students. Call 210-486-2205.
Concert: Pulled Under, Truth, Enchant, Snakeway, Bloodhound and Reverse at Nestas, 122 Nogalitos. $6. Call 210-354-3399.
sun
mon
PAC Event: Financial Literacy: In Financial Trouble 11 a.m.-noon in Room 130 of student center. Call 210486-3125. SAC Event: Performance Showcase 7:30-8:30 p.m. in McAllister Auditorium. Call 210-486-0269.
PAC Event: National Library Week children’s story time and crafts 3-5 p.m. in Room 201 of Ozuna. Call 210-486-3555. Trinity Concert: Jazz Ensemble 3 p.m. in Ruth Taylor Recital Hall. Call 210-9998212.
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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
April 6, 2015 • 3
Faculty Senate member discusses New York conference with trustees April 16 special board meeting location is decided. By Cynthia M. Herrera
cherrera151@student.alamo.edu
During the April 1 Faculty Senate meeting, Amy Whitworth, chair of the language philosophy and culture department, told of a New York conference she attended with three trustees and the Faculty Senate president. Whitworth said that during the Governance Leadership Institute, a threeday conference in New York, trustees received training for effective, efficient meetings and education. The conference stated employees should have more interaction with students to show that they’re cared for. “If a custodian says ‘hello’ that’s enough,” Whitworth said of improving employee interaction. Whitworth said there were approximately 25 to 30 trust-
Amy Whitworth, language, philosophy and culture chair, expresses concerns to Faculty Senate about the lack of advisers for the number of students April 1 in the visual arts center. E. David Guel ees from across the nation, six of them from Texas. District trustees Clint Kingsbery, Joe Alderete and Yvonne Katz were in attendance and three trustees from Houston Community College. On the second day of the conference, trustees did not
stay for the workshop on “what trustees need to know in order run an effective board meeting,” Whitworth said. “Boards across the nation are not interested in what faculties are doing,” she said. During the New York con-
Students in INRW courses progressing at higher rate Passing, failing and dropout rates influence state funding. By Sabrina Griffith sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Districtwide students placed in English classes below college level are beginning to show improvement because of remedial reading and writing courses, Mike Burton, English, reading and education department chair, said. Colleges in the district began offering INRW 0305, integrated reading and writing, and INRW 0420, integrated reading and writing, in fall of 2013. They replaced three English and two reading developmental courses. Burton said in an interview Feb. 5 that when students take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment or State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness and their score is below college level, they are required to take a refresher. After taking the eight-hour refresher course, the students take another test to determine whether they can place higher than the placement warranted by the TSIA or STAAR. The English program also added ENGL 1301+, Ready Set Go in spring of 2012 “for students who are just below college level,” Burton said. In this college alone, an estimated 1,520 students have taken integrated courses since spring of 2014. Of the students in the district placed in INRW 0305, the course for students who score lower than high school level, 49 percent placed out of the course, and 51 percent did not after taking the eight-hour refresher course. Of the 49 percent who moved up, 35 percent moved to INRW 0420, 11 percent moved up to ENGL 1301+, Ready Set Go, and 3 percent moved to ENGL 1301, Composition 1. ENGL 1301 is the first college-level English course.
Of the students who placed in INRW 0420 and took the refresher, 37 percent moved up in placement. Out of that 37 percent, 26 percent moved to Ready Set Go and 11 moved up to ENGL 1301. INRW 0420 is for students who score at the high school level. This course starts off as a one-hour INRW 0420 course for the first four weeks and once students pass this part, they move on to a three-hour ENGL 1301, Composition 1, for the remaining 12 weeks, Burton said. These students are not required to take the refresher course because they are already taking an INRW course and going into ENGL 1301. He said there is pressure to pass students because a portion of funding from the state Legislature is based on the Student Success Initiative. The Student Success Initiative is the overall percentages of passing, failing and dropout rates, among other factors, that decide how much funding the college gets. Every college in the state competes for this funding, Burton said. He said the old developmental courses are not popular with the state Legislature because they required funding five developmental courses, instead of two INRW courses. Funding is the reason for this change, he said. “Student success is not the end.” “Ultimately, community college gives something that adds value to the community,” he said. When students come to community college for whatever reason, they soak in information, they broaden their horizons, they are exposed to ideas, they are empowered and they understand systems, and they are able to communicate ideas, Burton said. “Community colleges have always been open-entry,” he said. Open-entry gives students “open access” to education instead of “shunning” them into vocational education, he said.
ference, four presidents from community colleges around the country recommended the ratio of advisers to students should be one adviser to 160 students, Whitworth said. She said this college’s goal is one adviser to 350 students,
but the estimated number is one adviser to 800 students. In other news, the senate addressed results of the faculty survey sent out in March. Of the 316 faculty at this college who received the email, 159 answered the survey. According to the survey charts, when faculty were questioned if they are adequately involved in the decisions to develop, change and/or eliminate programs, 91 faculty answered strongly disagreed, 42 disagreed, 17 agreed, six did not know and two strongly agreed. When faculty were asked if there has been improvement in morale throughout the district because of the Covey initiatives, 119 faculty answered they strongly disagreed, 24 disagreed, nine did not know, five agreed and two, strongly agreed. For the complete survey, visit www.sacweb01. sac.alamo.edu/SAC/eBallot/ Results.aspx?userType=voter
&ballotID=72. An April 16 special board meeting will be 6 p.m. at this college in Room 218 in the nursing complex. The meeting was suggested by Alderete in March to let the colleges have a voice and a chance to speak. Dawn Elmore, Faculty Senate president, is organizing the meeting. Representatives from each college within the district will have 10 minutes to speak on certain issues that they feel need to be addressed. “It is to help board members understand what is important for each individual college,” said Lisa Black, professor of social work and sociology and vice president of Faculty Senate. During the meeting, this college’s Faculty Senate will present issues. Focuses from the other colleges are not known. The meeting is open to the public.
Welcome center eases registration A nearby technology store will sell tablets, phones and accessories. By Marco Horta
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The Tino and Millie Duran Welcome Center, located at 1533 N. Main Ave., will provide help with the admissions steps to attend this college. The welcome center is focused on assisting new students with enrolling and registering for their classes. Staff will help prospective students with questions about the college, submitting admissions applications and registration for classes. The center will provide Apple products including Macbooks and iPads, computers, seating and work tables. The welcome center is a onestop location for anyone interested in attending this college and becoming ready for registration, Director of Enrollment Martin Ortega said. “(It is) a front door to San Antonio College where, if and when a student is interested in attending San Antonio College, that will be their first step,” Ortega said. Current students have the The Tino and Millie Duran Welcome Center will assist new students with enrolloption of registering on their own ing and registering for classes. An opening date has not been set. E. David Guel (by current registration procedures) without the welcome center, but the first Saturday of the month, ing the mold in a creative way to are welcome to use the center to the same schedule as the admisprovide traditional admissions serregister for the sions office vices to students and the commucoming semesters. in Fletcher nity,” Ortega said. If and when Students curAdministration A technology store will eventua student is rently working at Center. ally open next to the center, Ortega interested in the admissions The wel- said. attending San office who qualify come center The store will sell tablets, Antonio College, for a federal workwill partner with phones and accessories besides that will be their study program and the office of providing support services. current admissions technology serThe technology store will be the first step. staff will work at vices to create first of its kind for this college, said Martin Ortega, the center. an interactive Ortega. director of enrollment The operating experience with He could not provide a date hours will be 8 virtual maps for when the technology store will a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and virtual tours of this college’s open. For more information, call Thursday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 7 campus. enrollment services at 210-486p.m. Tuesday; and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The center’s next step is “break- 0721.
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News
4 •April 6, 2015
www.theranger.org/news
Northwest Vista Math Trail to blaze through McNay Students solve math problems through the lens of art. By Matthew Reyna sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Northwest Vista College’s math and art departments will host the Northwest Vista Math Trail at 10 a.m. April 17 at the McNay Art Museum. NVC students must register by Friday to participate in the free event. The Math Trail is available only to NVC
Mortuary science sophomores Cecilia Lopez and John Adam Segura wrap Easter baskets for the Children’s Shelter March 25 in Room 234 of Nail. This was the department’s first year donating to the shelter, and they exceeded their goal of 60 baskets with 105. The baskets were delivered to the shelter March 26. Vanessa Frausto
students because it is funded directly by the
Mortuary science enlivens Easter for local kids in need
complete at the museum.
Students handcraft and donate baskets for children’s shelter.
could when we File reached out to them,” Lopez By Eddie Chozet said. sac-ranger@alamo.edu Mortuary At 7 years old, mortuary science sophoscience sophmore Miranda Gonzales discovered a passion omore John for putting a smile on a person’s face. Segura was also Gonzales and her brother-in-law would intrigued by the idea. go door-to-door to the roughest places in Fort He contacted Gonzales and recruited Smith, Ark., and invite the prostitutes and members of the Lift program, a program drug addicts to their Friday church service. through Sunset Funeral Home that takes wid“Every single Saturday we would go out owers out once a week to dine and help with with a bag of brochures and Little Debbie the grieving process. cakes and invite them, in hopes of helpVolunteers from all over campus, along ing these people change their life around,” with the Lift members, assembled a total of Gonzales said. 105 baskets. Today, her love of service has transpired The baskets consisted of crayons, coloring into organizing multiple charity drives – from books, healthful snacks, non-violent toys and orchestrating more than traditional Easter goodies. The mortuary $20,000 worth of donations The team was short for military families to handabout $100 in donated items, science crafting Easter baskets for a which came out of Gonzales’ department was San Antonio children’s shelter. and Lopez’s pocket. excited and willing This year, Gonzales and Volunteers delivered to help out any mortuary science sophomore Easter baskets to the shelter way they could Cecilia Lopez brainstormed March 26, for distribution when we reached the idea of donating Easter Easter Sunday. out to them. baskets to The Children’s “There are about 50 chilCecilia Lopez, Shelter at 2939 W. Woodlawn dren at the emergency shelmortuary science Ave., a location randomly ter right now and another sophomore selected by Gonzales. 40 at the residential treatIt all started last ment shelter for children Christmas, after a gift-wrapping event that who have been there a longer period of time,” mortuary science Instructor Mary Martin and Gonzales said. Lopez did in December; Lopez and Gonzales For Gonzales and Lopez, their efforts asked for the department’s help in assembling brightened a small group of souls in San and donating Easter baskets. Antonio, but will likely make a huge differ“The mortuary science department was ence in the children’s lives excited and willing to help out any way they “I love to volunteer,” Gonzales said.
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campus Student Activities Fund. The math department has arranged a variety of math-related tasks for students to
coordinator and event co-organizer Jimena Marin. The turnout is expected to be around 40 students, Zocchi said. This project is a collaboration between the campus’s math and art departments. It represents the first time the departments have worked together on this event, Marin said. The event will include a free lunch, goody bag and prizes. Zocchi said Jason’s Deli would most likely provide the meal. “Food is important,” Zocchi said. “We want to keep our students motivated.” For more information, call Zocchi at 210486-4328 or visit www.alamo.edu/nvc/ mcnaymathtrail.
“There will be teams of four solving faculty-created problems,” said Mary Zocchi, math adjunct and event organizer. Tasks listed on the event website include a comparison of folk and fine art, an assessment of appraisal values, a study of volume and surface area, experiments within color theory, and an investigation into the “natural beauty” of the golden ratio. The golden ratio is a rare concept studied in both the math and art worlds. “Our students will apply math in real-world situations — this time in an art setting,” Zocchi said. Zocchi described the McNay as the perfect location for the event.
“They are wonderful to work with and a museum that Alamo Colleges students have free admission to,” Zocchi said. “It is close by and gives students free access to the McNay art collection,” said art
Estefania B. Alonso
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News
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April 6, 2015 • 5
National Geographic photographer wants work to be useful Story and photos by Anthony B. Botello sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Annie Griffiths encourages people to follow their hearts to discover a niche.
nity when the sprinklers came on. She was doused in icy cold water, but she got her photo. Getting on the bus back to campus, wet and muddy but “As I cut my teeth on U.S. stohappy, she immediately changed her ries, I learned that if you can take a major to photography. picture in your own backyard and Griffith also described taking picreveal the true nature, then you’re tures of three women in the desert. ready to go somewhere,” National When she showed them the pictures, Geographic’s first woman photograthey began rolling around and laughpher said Monday at the University of ing. Griffith realized they had never Texas at San Antonio. seen pictures of themselves because Annie Griffiths was the perfect they did not have reflective surfaces grand finale of Women’s History in the desert. They did not really Month at UTSA, said Harriet Romo, know what they looked like, but recsociology professor and director of ognized each other’s jewelry. She the UTSA Mexico Center, as she introfelt an immediate impact that her duced Griffiths, whose presentation photography could make on those was titled “Changing the World, One around her. Photograph at a Time.” Griffiths described her calling to Romo said Griffiths “has been photography in a unique way. She around the world except to Antarctica, related a story of when she jumped and is working on how to get there.” out of her tent to take a picture of She credited Griffiths with working some horses with an excellent backas a photographer for Life magazine, ground and yelled out “Woo-hoo!” in having pictures in the Smithsonian in excitement for her great picture, and Washington, D.C., writing books availonly then noticed the cowboys who able on Amazon.com and preparing were behind her watching her. to receive the Heifer International At this point, she realized she was award, “celebrating in her underwear a person who acts and a T-shirt and as a citizen of the had forgotten to world representput on her pants. ing the hungry and Griffith said she poor.” wishes all students Romo also and faculty “find praised Griffiths, something to do saying she is folthat you’re so paslowing in the steps sionate about that of Dorothea Lange you forget to put National Geographic who took photos of your pants on.” photographer the poor during the “Photographs Great Depression. can communicate Griffiths said she originally wantand make people stop and think,” ed to be a writer, but discovered a Griffith said. love of photography after auditing a She showed pictures of irreversphotography class. Because someible environmental damage that held one hadn’t shown up, the professor more of an impact than a written asked if anyone wanted that spot description. and she raised her hand. On a class “I want my pictures to be beautiassignment, Griffiths lay on a golf ful, but I also want them to be usecourse waiting for a photo opportuful,” Griffiths said.
’’ Find something to do that you’re so passionate about that you forget to put your pants on. Annie Griffiths,
Photography sophomore Yuki Takahata of this college buys and gets signed his own copy of “Simply Beautiful Photographs,” a book by Annie Griffiths, at her presentation “Changing The World, One Photograph At A Time” Monday at UTSA.
She told the students, “You’ve never been needed more. Be useful.” Griffith first took pictures for Habitat for Humanity on the theme of “dignity of shelter,” showing people without homes in many countries and scenarios. She discovered her photos could make an impact and gain attention for certain causes. She usually supports women’s causes, finding that “the aid organizations backing females tended to pay it forward.” Griffiths says women invest 80 percent back into their families whereas men tend to invest only 30 to 40 percent. She also noted out of every aid dollar, women and children only see about 2 cents. She said the No. 1 killer of women in impoverished areas is not lack of
Annie Griffiths, the first female photographer for National Geographic, speaks at UTSA Monday. Griffiths says, “Photographs can communicate and make people think,” and she “hopes to take a photo so compelling that it would trick people into reading the caption, and the caption would trick you into reading the story.” clean water or childbirth but exposure to fumes from cooking fires, a solution that can be fixed by teaching women to use stoves instead of open fires or kerosene indoors. Griffiths founded and is the executive director of Ripple Effect Images, a nonprofit aid program in which photojournalists create awareness about the plight of poor girls and women by taking their photographs and sharing them with the world.
Freshman, former Army intelligence officer, writes book Veteran chose San Antonio as retirement city for its military medical facility and free flights for military personnel. By Richard Montemayor
rmontemayor15@student.alamo.edu
Liberal arts freshman Mark Wise, 61, who retired from the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel a decade ago, wrote his first book last year to honor his late mother. Wise said “Conversations with Blanchie” took a year and a half to write. The book addresses issues many people have about God, the afterlife and religion, Wise said. “The purpose of the book is to Wise make people think about these issues and not to answer questions,” he said. Wise said he’s not critical of religion in general or any specific religion. “I’m just discussing and throwing these topics out there so people can think about it, like who is God, is there more than one God, creation versus evolution and do we see our family, friends and pets,” he said. The subject of the afterlife has become a big issue right now with documentaries and movies dedicated to the topic, he said. “Even the Pope just recently talked about seeing your pets in heaven, and with (older) movies like ‘Heaven Can Wait’ … and with a documentary like ‘Finding Jesus’ that CNN pro-
duced, it has made aspects of religion popular right now,” Wise said. Published in July 2014 by Create Space, a publishing company for Amazon.com, the book is nonfiction under the subgenre of religion and spirituality. “It focuses around a couple that has been married for 71 years,” Wise said. “They have a daily routine every morning before they go to work of sitting in their park while drinking a cup of coffee and discussing all of these issues.” Halfway through the couple’s journey in the book, Blanchie dies but finds out she can still communicate with Bob while in heaven, so naturally their conversations gravitate toward finding the answers, Wise said. Wise said he based the character of Blanchie on his mother, while the setting of the story takes place in Wise’s hometown of San Luis Obispo, Calif., and is 90 percent autobiographical. Wise wrote the book because he wanted to put into words the 50 core religious questions that everyone has had — “regardless of their religion (or) the lack thereof,” he said. “And it coincided with my mother’s passing in 2011,” Wise said. “That forced me to write a
book that honored her while in the same time chore. I’m just trying to find somebody who can bringing out all of these issues.” assist me in pointing me in the right direction.” Three years after his mom died, he pubThe Post-9/11 GI Bill pays his college tuition. lished the book. “The VA pays for your tuition, books and Wise served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, gives you a monthly stipend, so it was a matter with 19 years in military intelligence stationed of getting a little extra income and taking some in Panama and three years as a social work officlasses that I wanted to take,” Wise said. cer at the military prison in Leavenworth, Kan. Wise is currently taking music theory, introHe retired in October 2005. duction to computers, digital photography and Wise said he picked San Antonio for retireSpanish 1. ment because of “the excellent medical care “My goal at this college is to get an associate at Joint Base San Antonio and also to be near in liberal arts,” Wise said. He already has one the Space-A flights that are operated out of associate degree, two bachelor’s degrees and a Lackland Air Force Base. I master’s degree in social am eligible to fly on those work from Our Lady of for free.” the Lake University. Space-A flights are for Wise has a daughany active or retired militer, 34, who lives in New tary personnel. Jersey and a son, 27, who If there is room availlives in New York City. able on the cargo plane, Before coming to this they can fly for free by college, Wise attended hopping from military Cochise College in Sierra liberal arts freshman base to military base. Vista, Ariz. Wise doesn’t know if Wise’s military trainhe’s going to write another book; he has ing has helped him out with getting an educato come up with a topic first, he said. For tion and writing his book. his next project he is planning on doing an “There is a lot of discipline involved in the audiobook. military,” he said. “I don’t know the word ‘pro“You can tell from the title, ‘Conversations crastinate’ because you can’t have that word with Blanchie,’ it really lends itself to creating in your vocabulary to be a member in the an audiobook,” he said. “Right now, it’s no easy military.”
’’ The purpose of the book is to make people think about these issues and not to answer questions. Mark Wise,
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6 • www.theranger.org/premiere
NVC student ‘dukes’ it out Fiesta Especial adds to the diversity of Fiesta. By Pam Paz
ppaz2@student.alamo.edu
Political science sophomore Miguel Castro of Northwest Vista College is not the average college student. Castro attends full-time, has a 3.15 GPA and serves as the vice president of the NVC Student Government Association and president of Project Dem, a student organization of Democrats. He helped organize NVC’S mayoral candidate forum and played a role in getting new elevators installed on campus. He is also a member of the San Antonio West Side Lions Club and is a board member of San Antonio Independent Living Services. He does all this despite having spina bifida and needing a wheelchair. Spina bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States and may cause mental, social or physical problems, according to the Spina Bifida Association. This year, Castro was named Duke to the Fiesta Especial Royal Court, a leadership and life skills development program for individuals with all types of disabilities, according to its website. “Just because I’m special needs or handicapped doesn’t mean that I can’t participate in events like this. There are lots of things I can do,” he said. Reaching Maximum Independence, Inc., a local nonprofit organization that works with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is one of the hosts and organizers of Fiesta Especial. Melanie Cawthon, outreach and
development vice president for RMI, said RMI provides residential, day and vocational programming as well as educational outreach programs targeting children and adults with disabilities. Fiesta Especial became an official Fiesta event in 2006, but RMI assumed responsibility for it in 2012. Since then, RMI added a royal court, a celebration day with a parade and 5K, she said. Cawthon said the court’s hierarchy is determined by the amount of funds the participants raise. Part of the funds are donated to programs that support adults and children with disabilities, and the other part stays with Fiesta Especial to underwrite the event for the next year. “Their positions are determined by how much they raise. They do campaigning to raise funds to serve on the court,” she said. Castro said his friend, Diana Neal, approached him about Fiesta Especial. She asked him to run with her for the court. He has known Neal since he was 4, and together they raised more than $12,000. Castro said Gordon Hartman, founder of Morgan’s Wonderland, donated $1,000 to his cause, organized fundraisers at Chick-fil-A and also created a Go Fund Me account. Castro raised $1,467, and he and Neal selected Kinetic Kids as the benefiting charity. Castro said they chose Kinetic Kids because they were involved with this group since they were kids Kinetic Kids provides health, recreational and educational services for special-needs children and their families. Castro said through Kinetic Kids,
Annual Funfest includes food, fun and prizes. By Melissa Luna
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Miguel Castro, Northwest Vista political science sophomore, is the 2015 duke for the royal court of Fiesta Especial, an official Fiesta event targeting adults with special needs. The royal court raises funds for organizations that support adults and children with special needs. Castro also serves as president of Project Dem and vice president of the Student Government Association. Pam Paz he has become more confident in his physical abilities. He enjoys basketball, tennis and bowling. In high school, Castro participated in Special Olympics and competed in track and field, basketball, bowling and tennis. Castro said he has had a great college experience so far. The transition from high school to college was rough at first, but since he is a social person, he has adjusted well, he said. He said he wants to be a steward for change, and his involvement with various organizations allows him to do this. Castro said his disability does not
hold him back. Castro plans on transferring to Texas A&M-San Antonio or College Station after he graduates from NVC. He wants to pursue a career in politics in San Antonio as an advocate for special-needs individuals and people of his generation. “I want to give back to the community,” he said. He plans on doing this by creating voting awareness.“It’s sad that our voter turnout has been so low the last few years, and I want people to know that their vote does count,” he said. For more information about Fiesta Especial, visit www.fiestaespecial.com.
Students, faculty and staff are invited to support clubs and organizations at the annual Funfest April 22, which is funded by the student activity fee. The event is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the mall, scheduled by the office of student life and Campus Activities Board during Fiesta San Antonio. “We will have the usual festival stuff like a DJ and a caricature artist,” Jacob-Aidan Martinez, coordinator of student success, said. “All the fun stuff.” Martinez is also this college’s Staff Council president. The Campus Activities Board will have a dunking tank, free Fiesta medals and prizes. “We will have a limited supply of 100 tank tops that we will hand out as prizes,” Martinez said. So far, 17 clubs and organizations have signed up to sell food and drinks. The Dance Club will sell fruit cups, and the Kinesiology Club will sell water. Both also will sell Fiesta Medals.
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April 6, 2015 • 7
PACfest offers a head start to Battle of Flowers Parade Palo Alto College also celebrates 30 years as a college as part of annual event. By Te Keyshia Johnson sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Alexandra Nelipa Students will have a chance to keep cool with raspas from the San Antonio College Boxing Club, root beer floats by the Catholic Student Association, sodas by the Asian Pop Society and paletas by the Psychology Club. For students with a sweet tooth, Club AMAR will sell baked goods. The Gay, Ally and Lesbian Association will sell cotton candy, and Anime Otaku will offer Japanese candy. Traditional Fiesta foods, such as corn on the cob, Frito pies, grilled hamburgers and grilled sausage wraps, also will be available. Phi Theta Kappa honor society will sell tamales, and Cru, Christian Campus Ministries, will sell pizza. Computer science freshman Rylee Eklund is the vice president of Cru on campus. “We are fairly small,” Eklund said. “Our presence hasn’t been very large. We’re hoping to increase that through events such as Funfest.” Funfest allows students to celebrate Fiesta safely and support clubs and organizations. Call Martinez at 210-486-0126 or visit www.orgsync.com/home/393.
Since the early 1990s, Palo Alto College has hosted PACfest the Thursday before the Battle of Flowers Parade, and this year is no different. PACfest, which is noon-10 p.m. April 23 in the campus central courtyard, will kick-start the celebration leading up to the parade. Jerry Arellano, Palo Alto College’s director of public relations, said PACfest became an official Fiesta event when it earned the Fiesta trademark in 2003. Admission to the non-alcoholic
family-friendly community event is $5 or free with an Alamo Colleges ID or for children ages 12 and under. Parking is free. The event will have many different performances from various bands, including Las Fenix at 6 p.m. and Erick y Su Grupo Massore at 8:30 p.m. There also will be performances by Chris Salinas & the Wild Grass Ready Revolution Electric Circus, Palo Alto’s Mariachi Conjunto and more. “We’re also going to have the awardwinning social media ally where folks can engage with the campus, and there will be a lot of cool items there,” Arellano said.
He said there’s going to be a game zone for children because the community college serves a lot of nontraditional students and families. Whataburger will sponsor the game zone 2-6 p.m. “If you have never been to PACfest before, you at least need to try it out this year,” Arellano said. The event will host its second annual Fiesta Grilldown, which is the only carne asada contest during Fiesta, Arellano said. There will be guest judges Blondie and Nugget from 94.1 FM’s morning show and producer Rossi Ramirez, Arellano said. He said students who want to enter must create a team of two. There will be 10 teams competing.
Students can go to the Palo Alto College Facebook page and upload a photo of their team, along with the reason they should be contestants in the Grilldown this year. The college also plans to end the festivities with a bang to recognize a special milestone. “This year Palo Alto College is celebrating their 30-year anniversary of providing post-secondary access to the surrounding community, and in commemorating that, we are going to celebrate the end of the night with a fireworks show,” Arellano said. For more information, call 210-486-3000 or visit www. alamo.edu/pac/pacfest. Richard Montemayor contributed to this story.
SPC to host Cultural Fest and Rib Cook-off Planners expect 5,000 to attend the 20th anniversary event. By Richard Montemayor and Karenna Reyna sac-ranger@alamo.edu
St. Philip’s College will host its 20th annual Cultural Fest and Rib Cook-off 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 23 at the college’s main campus. Kim Cleveland, sociology sophomore and Student Government Association president, said this is an official Fiesta event. “We will have Fiesta royalty, El Rey Feo along with his court and Queen of Soul with her court,” Cleveland said. The rib cook-off is the main event for the festival, and the public can participate in two categories that include beef and pork. Angela McPherson, student activities chair of
Culture Fest, said they have a local celebrity lineup of judges: Darnell White, principal of Sam Houston High School; Alan Warrick II, city councilman for District 2; and David Uminski, hotel management instructor, also this year’s River Walk Prince. McPherson is hoping for a major turnout this year. “This is our 20th year celebration so we expect to have at least 5,000 in attendance,” McPherson said. This event celebrates the heritage and culture of St. Philip’s College and San Antonio, Cleveland said. The live-music lineup for this year’s culture fest includes various genres of music by local artists, McPherson said. “Some of the live music that is scheduled to perform at this year’s festival include Los Conquistadores Mariachis, The Lipstick Junkies, a Blondie cover band and Villella, a soul rock band,”
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McPherson said. The festival includes games, rides, food booths, crafts and cultural information booths. St. Philip’s College is at 1801 Martin Luther King Drive. Admission and parking are free. Shuttle services also will be available from the college’s Southwest Campus, 800 Quintana Road, to the main campus every 30 minutes.
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Few people besides the smokers themselves are fond of the smokers’ corner, at Belknap and Dewey. They have their reasons. First off, there’s the fact that people now call it “smokers’ corner.” What’s next? The alcoholics’ corner? The binge eaters’ corner? Second, walking through or near the area is a health hazard in itself. The group produces secondhand smoke that wafts over to nearby buildings, such as McCreless Hall and Loftin Student Center. Lastly, there’s making the smokers’ corner the exception, not the rule. President Robert Vela is in talks with the chancellor to make a designated area like the smokers’ corner on this campus instead of near the Methodist Student Center, which is considered “off campus.” The effort is to prevent the inhabitants of smokers’ corner from getting run over; many of them sit on the curb with their legs in the street. But what about the safety and health of other students? What about the litter? Smokers know the health risks of smoking, and that’s OK, but they shouldn’t let their habits affect others who choose not to smoke or even those who smoke but do it only at home. Smokers can do it on their own time, in their own corner, elsewhere. They shouldn’t be allowed to do it on campus. College is for learning, not to waste time mingling and smoking. Offering a pilot exception doesn’t seemnecessary. Smokers trashed the northwest corner of the intersection before they were pushed to the northeast corner. Why would their behavior change now? Non-smokers on this campus shouldn’t have their health at risk from secondhand smoke. If you are going to have a smoke-free campus, make it smoke-free.
viewpoint online I’m my family’s exception to the rule Viewpoint by Pam Paz
ppaz2@student.alamo.edu
Teen pregnancy is still a problem but not on the rise. As a young girl, my mother aspired to be a crime scene investigator or prosecutor. However, by 17 she was a wife with three kids and a grandma by 33. She always said her children have been the greatest blessing of her life, and if she could change things, she wouldn’t. Both of my sisters were also teen moms. Of the four women in my immediate family, I am the only one who has no children. I may not be a mother, but I know what it’s like and know it’s not easy. Sleep deprivation, noise, poop and projectile vomit are all part of the territory. I’m thankful (and lucky) I did not get trapped in my family’s cycle of young motherhood, but I know that this is a cycle many young girls don’t escape. My eldest niece is now 14. She and my sister have open communication about everything, including sex. This was not the case in my house growing up. At first, I thought their openness with each other was really strange, but I realized more parents should be able to have open, two-way conversations with their children on this topic.
Read the complete viewpoint on theranger.org.
www.theranger.org/editorial
Estefania B. Alonso
Concealed guns good idea for emergencies Repealing bill would give power to the gunmen. On April 11, the Student Government Association will travel to a Dallas conference to oppose a bill passed by the Texas Senate March 20 that allows students with concealed handgun licenses to bring guns onto college campuses. In a March 23 meeting, SGA unanimously opposed the bill because it was not specific. The board of trustees also passed a districtwide initiative against the measure in spring 2013. But is opposition the best way to go? The bill is meant to protect people by arming them if needed. Repealing the bill is only going to protect a shooter, not the people inside classrooms who are unarmed. This bill won’t stop people who break the law from coming inside with a firearm anyway. This bill is meant to protect everyone from guns in the classroom, but it only makes it harder to stop someone with a gun and bad intentions. According to the Homeland Security government website on how to deal with an active shooter, the procedure in an event like this is to hide under desks and cover your head with your hands. Also, the door must be locked and furniture be placed to block the door so intruders can’t get in. The
class should remain quiet and call 9-1-1. What if there is no time to lock the door? And what if the gunman gets in anyway? In this case, the site lists throwing items, yelling at the shooter and acting aggressive toward them as a “last resort.” The Active Shooter training for faculty on Alamo Learn also reminds the group in that situation to all be singlemindedly focused on taking down the shooter if it comes to that. Two people were advised to spread out and take down the shooter. School shootings have become increasingly more common in the last few decades ever since the Columbine shooting April 20, 1999, when two teens shot and killed 13 people and wounded 20 others, before killing themselves. This will not go away, and the solution is not to say “No guns at all on campus.” Those words alone will not stop a crazy gunman from shooting up a school. Guns may seem scary and threatening, but they can save lives when used correctly. As long as those who are licensed to carry concealed handguns know how to properly use them defensively, community colleges will be a much safer place. Outlawing guns on campuses is not the answer. Allowing people to arm themselves in case of an emergency is. File
©2015 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 782124299. 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, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio TX 78212-4299 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.
Editorial No exceptions for smokers
8 • April 6, 2015
www.theranger.org/news
SMOKERS from Page 1 Vela brought the concerns over smokers’ corner to Chancellor Bruce Leslie March 30 to try and pilot a designated smoking area along Dewey Place. According to Vela, the pilot area is still up for discussion; however, they want to try alternatives first. “We’re going to try some things before we do anything,” Vela said. “We don’t want to send the wrong message to our students.” “We’re going to look at other universities to see how they handle smokers, educate our students on the dangers of smoking, reach out to our neighbors to see if they have any issues and take a more proactive approach,” Vela said. “We can’t lift the policy for just one college because it affects all five colleges.” SGA and the Human Services Club hosted a mediation session March 27 between campus police and the Methodist Student Center. Chris Lopez, SGA commissioner, Human Services Club president and human services freshman, was the mediator. “Smokers’ corner has been an issue I’ve been working with for a while, and through that I found out about a past unpleasant experience,” Lopez said. “I thought it would be a great idea to start a new relationship between our great neighbors so they could understand each other’s roles and concerns.” The unpleasant experience between the two groups involved two separate incidents where police officers from this college came into the center and yelled at the center’s leadership, who had called police to help disperse the smokers on their property. According to Brenda Meneses, administrative assistant at the center, the officers told them to stop harassing the smokers. Methodist leaders also have said they have seen some officers smoking on the corner. Meneses said the goal of the mediation was to help reestablish a relationship — which hadn’t been there for at least five years — between this college’s police and the Methodist Student Center. Meneses said the center had felt isolated from the campus since the incidents. “We have tried everything from talking to students, coffee every morning to help alleviate some of the smoking with just the coffee,” Meneses said. Other methods included playing loud music and talking to former President Robert Zeigler, but none of them went anywhere. “We did feel left alone with it even though the problem used to be SAC’s,” Meneses said. “Once they went smoke-free, those same problems became ours.” Deputy Chief Joe Pabon was the campus police’s representative at the mediation. “He was there to listen first to see what was the reason (for the lack of relationship between police and Methodist leadership) and to get to meet us since we hadn’t done that since he came on board,” Meneses said. “I did enjoy meeting with him; I believe he is sincere, and we will now have good communication with them.” Pabon said the meeting went well. “They told us some of their concerns and I feel we will have a better relationship going forward,” Pabon said. He said he was unaware of these incidents and had no knowledge campus police had used to smoke there. “I’ve only been here for a little over two years so I didn’t know about these incidents,” Pabon said. According to Pabon, he doesn’t know of any officers right now who smoke with students on the corner. He does know of a non-smoking officer who regularly talks to them. Meneses said their concerns are finally being listened to. “Every semester is different — students and faculty change — but it does seem like we are much closer to a resolution,” Meneses said. “Before it did feel like just us … but we finally feel like we’re close.” Meneses said, “(Pabon) has assured us that they are going to try and educate the students, because whatever Dr. Vela is going to do will take time.” On the possibility of a pilot area, Meneses said students would benefit from it. “Students can smoke without being harassed, without being asked to move and have a comfortable place,” Meneses said. “This is a community college; it’s not going to be smoke free,” Meneses said. “Each campus is different, and we need to look at SAC at a different level and address its individual problems.”
News Black box theater slated student Free food for body and soul for Tobin Lofts space April 6, 2015 • 9
101 By Priscilla Galarza sac-ranger@alamo.edu
A performance space could become a reality at Tobin Lofts. By Marco Horta
sac-ranger@alamo. edu
In sumCourtesy mer 2014, a planning committee made up of this college’s theater, dance, and music programs looked at a space space it at Tobin Lofts at 1415 N. Main (the college) Ave. to renovate an existing becomes more movie screening space into a visible,” Hunt said. black box theater. The planning committee, The black box theater will and facilities management be used for art shows, con- have met to discuss the poscerts, lectures, speech perfor- sible renovations of the space mances, dance performances available. and small-scale productions. After many possible floor “A multifaceted space for designs to find the best use of a variety of shows,” Jeff Hunt, the entire space, a black box chair of fine arts, said, also theater with a capacity of 75 adding that this space would people could be built, Hunt be beneficial to the commu- said. nity and students. After the planning com“If we start having perfor- mittee agrees on a final renomances in that corner in that vation plan, the cost to reno-
vate will be applied. At this time there is no estimated cost. Facilities management will then present the final plan to the board of trustees for approval of the renovation plan, but there is no date for the next meeting to discuss any further planning. No other Alamo Colleges campus has a black box theater like the one that would be built at Tobin Lofts.
INMATES from Page 1
in the workplace. service, business writing networks, getting Inmates shared their viewpoints on situaalong in the workplace and dealing with differ- tions they dealt with in past jobs. ent business etiquette,” Perez said. Zapata even shared her personal experiThe inmates are adapting well to the pro- ences with getting laid off and how she handled gram, Negron said. that situation. “We had excellent reviews,” she said. “We Zapata said this was the second class had them fill out evaluashe has taught, and she tion forms, and almost all already knows the names I love teaching them; of them said that they are of all 11 inmates. they have a hunger for very happy with the inforIn one interactive learning. They have mation and the content of assignment, the inmates the skills, but no one’s the class, and they felt that practiced how to deal with ever asked them to the certificate will help abruptly leaving a job demonstrate them. open doors for them when because of a family emerDelores Zapata, they are released into the gency. program manager for community.” Inmates had to write continuing education at PAC Delores Zapata, proa formal letter to their gram manager for conmanager informing them tinuing education at Palo Alto College, taught about the inconvenience. a community service training class March 18 As each inmate read their letter out loud, with 11 inmates. fellow inmates and Zapata clapped and shared During the training class, she covered for- encouraging words. mal and informal wear, professional critical “I love teaching them; they have a hunger letter reports and email etiquette. for learning,” Zapata said. “They have the skills, She engages with the inmates on a per- but no one’s ever asked them to demonstrate sonal level by sharing personal experiences them.”
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ENACTUS from Page 1 Enactus will present documents detailing their projects. This college’s Enactus team was also selected as one of the top teams in the 2014-15 Unilever Bright Future Project Partnership. Juicer Heroes, 15337 San Pedro Ave., was founded in 2012 by brothers Jason and Josh Taylor and their father Drew Taylor. Two “partner” stores opened in Frisco and Plano. Marshall started working at Juicer Heroes in 2014. Marshall said she and Drew Taylor had discussions about what to do with the pulp left over from fresh fruits and vegetables. This led Drew Taylor to research how to make alcohol fuel through methods similar to distilling moonshine. In December, Marshall received a grant through Sam’s Club Step Up for Small Business
Project Partnership. Distillation separates substances from liquid through evaporation and condensation. Juicer Heroes uses a distiller that mixes yeast water and the sugar in a fruit mash and also adds water — at a temperature of 90-105 degrees Fahrenheit — into a fermenter, a 35-gallon drum, where the mash remains for three to seven days in an area where the temperature must be kept between 70-90 degrees so the yeast can stay active. The yeast consumes the sugar, and the mash turns into a liquid wash. The wash is then pumped into a boiler and heated for about half an hour to raise it to boiling level. The blended alcohol and water rises as a gas from the pot, enters a copper column and condenses into a liquid ethanol, which then drips into a collection container. “Currently the distilled alco-
A college student is known for stretching a dollar. Bringing a brown bag lunch is an option to save on eating out; however, students can find free food on and around campus. The Catholic Stud- Estefa nia B. Alo nso ent Association beats even low restaurant prices by offering free lunches along with a ministry and activities at the Catholic Student Center, 312 Courtland Place, one block north of Loftin Student Center. Campus Minister Joseph Liedecke said the meals offered are as “cheap as you can get … it’s free”. The Catholic Student Center has Picnic and Parables at 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Parables are led by student leaders or sisters and brothers of the Catholic faith. Each Tuesday Liedecke prepares a meal. The center stocks the kitchen with donations and a small student budget funded by the Archdiocese of San Antonio. The center and kitchen are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday– Thursday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday. For more information, call (210) 736-9306. The Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap Place, also offers free food at Bible studies 1:15 p.m. -2:15 p.m. Wednesdays. The center also hosts Hot Potato presentations noon- 1 p.m. Tuesdays in which a speaker or a panel discussion covers current events, such as community organization, racism and legal viewpoints on same-sex marriage, said the Rev. Johnny Silva, center director. Hot baked potatoes and toppings are served afterward along with a chance to talk with the speaker. For more information, call 210-733-1441 or visit www.saumcm.org.
hol we produce is only 140 proof, 70 percent,” Marshall said. “We want the fuel to be 180 proof, 90 percent alcohol. To raise the percentage, we have to use more fruit-based pulp with a higher sugar percentage, 90 percent, in the mash.” Drew Taylor, an inventor with seven patents, is the chief executive officer of Elevate Life Wellness Center, a company that focuses on alternative approaches to health. “This is a huge milestone for us,” he said. “Maybe other places will be aware of how easy it is, the cost of it, the planet aspect of it that it burns clean. I have big dreams of this going pretty far.” It all began with an effort to be healthier. For a year, Jason Taylor was ill with heavy metal toxicity and sought medical help from multiple doctors. Then he discovered juicing. “It changed the way I felt and
what I was doing; I graduated college and started to sell my own, then I decided to open up and make a juice bar,” Jason said. “We want to provide a fresh, healthy alternative to other forms of fast food in a convenient form and to educate people about what they are putting in their body.” Juicer Heroes stays true to its mission, buying everything local and organic, he said. “When you look at the smoothie, it is all green and icky. You have no idea what you are drinking when you look at it,” Drew Taylor said. “Yet the body knows exactly what to do with the juiced fruit and how to process it. Once my sons decided they wanted this to be their business, they sold all their worldly possessions to open it.” Visit the Enactus Facebook page at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009104132051. Visit www.juicerheroes.com.
10 • April 6, 2015
Pulse
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Empowerment center to host sexual awareness march Administrators to don heels for sexual assault awareness. By Johann Spiess
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Cordero Maldonado, known as Spurs Jesus, was in the front line of the second Alamo Colleges Wellness 5K Run/Walk March 28 at Palo Alto. Read “More than 200 turn out for second wellness run at PAC” on www.theranger.org. Vanessa Frausto
Mud run director wants more participation Frosty beer, cold margaritas and food wait at finish line. By Melissa Luna
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Estefania B. Alonso
Students who enjoy getting muddy and running obstacles can register for the fifth annual Muddy Mayhem produced by local race director Derek Brehm. The race starts at 10 a.m. April 11 at 5418 Cacias Road. Registration is $55 for individuals and $200 for a team of four. With registration, participants will receive a chip-timer, moisture-wicking sport shirt, a finisher’s medal and free food after the race. With a valid ID, free cold beer and margaritas will be available for partici-
pants who are of legal drinking age. part of their grade. “I believe getting students out to “As the second-level class, events like this is such a great thing they need to do something because it takes peooutside of school, ple out of their usual something that workout mode. It will challenge gives them somethem,” Brooks said. thing more to work Estefania B. Alonso Muddy Mayhem toward,” Brehm said. benefits Team Red, White and Blue, Muddy Mayhem was first hosted www.teamrwb.org, a national nonby Brehm’s specialty running store profit organization. Athlete’s Foot, which is no longer open Their mission is to enrich the lives for business. of U.S. veterans by connecting them He asked local running store Run to their community through physical Wild Sports, 1900 Broadway, to help and social activity, according to the keep the event going. group’s website. Kinesiology Professor Dawn Brooks Students can register with the code is requiring her KINE 2179, Physical SAC for a discount on the event’s webConditioning 2, and KINE 2176, Cardio site, www.mudrunsanantonio.com. Boot Camp 2, class to participate as Email dbrehm1980@gmail.com.
To spread awareness about sexual assault, gender violence and rape, this college’s empowerment center and the Rape Crisis Center will host their first Walk a Mile in Her Shoes International Men’s March at 11 a.m. April 9 in the mall. During the march, which will actually be a third of a mile, participants will don high heels and march from the mall to the empowerment center, at 703 Howard St., counselor Christina Horton said. “The main goal of this event is to make students aware of the various resources they have available to them, including personal counselors on campus who can provide confidential counseling and assistance. As well as offcampus resources from the Rape Crisis Center and Family Justice Center,” she said. “The campus’s faculty is also showing a lot of support for the
event as several of them have agreed to participate and don heels,” Horton said. Some administrator participants include President Dr. Robert Vela; Dr. Conrad Krueger, dean of arts and sciences; Tim Rockey, dean of continuing education; and David Mrizek, vice president of college services. Several advocacy groups, including the Family Justice Center and the Peace Initiative, will be present at the march and will have tables set up to inform people about their resources and services, Horton said. After the march, food and drinks will be available at the empowerment center. Participants are encouraged to bring their own heels, but some shoes will be provided at the event. The event is open to both men and women who want to show support. Registration for the march is free and available to all students, employees and faculty at www. alamo.edu/sac/swans/events/. Call the empowerment center at 210-486-0455, or visit www. a l a m o. e d u / sac/swans.
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April 6, 2015 • 11
12 • April 6, 2015
Basketball championship
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YES!
Business sophomore Jared Anthony, center, celebrates after the final round of the Texas Collegiate Club Sports League tournament between the Victoria Pirates and Northwest Vista Wildcats March 28 in Huisache. The Wildcats defeated two-time consecutive champion Pirates 92-73 to win the 2015 TCCSL championship title. The team finished the season with a 16-0 record.
Champions The Northwest Vista Lady Wildcats receive a Texas Collegiate Club Sports League
Defense
Nursing sophomore Shalyse Garcia and business management freshman Jessica Sanchez of the Wildcats double-team Sonya Acuna, Victoria Pirates guard, during the final round. Garcia scored 23 points and was awarded TCCSL women’s Most Valuable Player.
championship trophy after the final round of the TCCSL tournament against the Victoria Lady Pirates March 28 in Huisache. The Wildcats upset back-to-back champion Pirates 63-55 in a finals rematch to win the 2015 TCCSL championship title. The team finished the season with a 13-3 record.
Score! Victoria Pirates guard Nic Bufford throws his hand up to celebrate a 3-pointer by the Lady Pirates in the final round. The 3-pointer tied the game between the Pirates and Wildcats at 50 in the final minutes of the second half.
Fouled out Ramaya Dean, Victoria Lady Pirates guard, argues against her fifth and final foul called with less than a minute remaining in regulation play during the final round. Dean pleaded she got “all ball” when grabbing a rebound with the score tied at 50. She fouled out with 9 points in the Pirates 63-55 loss.
Rebound Nursing sophomore Emerald Herrera fumbles a rebound over Pirate guard Sonya Acuna and forward Jill Runnels in the first half of the final round.
Photos by E. David Guel
Read “Victoria College eliminates the Rangers” and see more photos at theranger.org
It’s OK Above: Victoria Pirates guard Cristian Murrillo comforts guard Robbie Mejia in the last minutes of the final round.
Got it!
Right: Victoria Pirates guard Nic Bufford and forward Daniel Mathson leap for a rebound against criminal justice sophomore Alan Del Valle of the Wildcats in the first half.