Issue 2-16-17

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

TheSouthTexan

SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM

City Hall updated on Wilson plans

SGA VP resigns position; elections planned

Crystal Zamarron Editor-in-Chief @CrystalSoTex

At an every week committee meeting between President, Vice-President and Chairs, the Student Government Association had talked about a change in its executive board. Christina Williams resigned Monday morning from her vice president position. Williams is a senior majoring in Environmental Engineering from Austin. She has been involved in SGA since coming to the university. “It was something necessary I had to do in order to move forward faithfully. I love SGA and there was no conflict or negativity thrown into my decision to leave,” said Williams. The former SGA member will be replaced by Enzo Soza, previously senator pro tempore of SGA. Senator pro tempore always steps in when the vice president is absent or resigns. “I’m feeling a little nervous, I was shocked when I heard what happened and wasn’t really prepared for it,” said Soza, a history major. Last semester, Soza along with Christina Williams and Ethen Peña all ran for vice president. Williams won for this current semester. Plans for elections have not yet been announced. “Just moving forward, having an ear keen to the voice of the lord and whatever direction that takes me in. I don’t have all the answers, I just know who my rock is and where I can rest,” said Williams. “I have to step up and finish the session as strong as I can, which is only a few months so I believe I can do it. And hopefully I can pass the gavel to the next Vice-President who will continue to improve and help SGA,” said Soza. If you have any questions or comment contact SGA at tamukstudentgovernment@ gmail.com or (361) 593-3610.

VOLUME 91, ISSUE 16

Bobby Puentes Circulation Manager

Supporters gather to hear stories at community festival at the Kingsville Islamic center.

Photo by David Barrera

Kingsville community gathers together to show support, kindness, and faith for those seeking it Dakota Roberts Editorial Editor

N

ineteen days have gone by since the Victoria Islamic Center was set ablaze. Roughly two weeks after the incident, the experts employed at the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have concluded that this instance indeed is a case of arson. The tragic scene grabbed national headlines when investigators considered the timing; the occurrence happening mere hours after President Donald Trump implemented his national travel ban. While of course a time of tragedy in Victoria, the community has refused to let the incident polarize the people any further; instead taking the time to unify. Luckily for Kingsville, standing a meager two hours away from Victoria, our students have

decided to do the same. A night of revelry and feasting was held at the local Islamic Society; choosing to dub the evening as the South Texas Festival of Peace and Unity. The name reflected the neighborly atmosphere provided at the venue. Tours of the mosque were offered to guests and any question about the often-stereotyped religion of Islam was answered in a candid, helpful manner. A local girl scout troop arrived early and decorated the outside parking lot with messages of support and empathy. The event was organized by KDChi Alpha Delta, a Texas A&M UniversityKingsville sorority, and TAMUK’s International Student Association. However, the mosque’s congregation came out as the shining stars of the night, representing their religion with grace. Members of the church approached their guests with respect, answer-

ing any and all questions an outsider might have about their practices. Once the Sun had gone down and darkness covered the building, flood lights were placed and the banquet began. The food was a mixture of traditional, cultural food and local Domino’s pizza; something for everyone. After everyone had their fill, the final lesson was provided inside the mosque. Unknown to most, the mosque has been standing since the 1960s, holding a potluck every second Saturday of the month. Topics were tackled such as the separation of the sexes, the wearing of the Hijab, the five Pillars of Islam, and what Islam really means, both personally and literally. Sam Fugate, mayor of Kingsville, made a surprise visit to the event. Near the closing hours of the feast he got up to speak, “I know these are troubled times and

people question authority. I just want everyone to know, the City of Kingsville, and I represent the city of Kingsville… we are a sanctuary city for religion in this country.” Fugate continued, “The Muslim community here in Kingsville, you add to the quality of life of our city, and we welcome you as brothers and sisters; we are here for you. I promise that.” With bellies full and lessons learned, people slowly began to leave the mosque; perhaps more enlightened. The congregation wanted the community to know that their doors are always open to outsiders, and that if anyone had any questions they took it as their duty to answer it. The Kingsville Islamic community seeks to represent their faith through kindness and hospitality, a message that became absolutely clear by the end of the South Texas Festival of Peace and Unity.

Minds at Work

Writing center to students: Grow your voice with us Emmanuel Ibanez Contributing Writer

The voice of a writer is usually the hardest to bring out. It’s the aspect of writing that makes us show our emotional side through practice and individual experience that sets us apart from everyone else. It is that part of being vulnerable that the new director of the Writing Center, Dr. Steven Corbett assistant English professor, along with his staff aims to help students with.

“Twenty years of educational experience in writing centers, in the classroom and programs- my philosophy has been that: writing is a human intensive endeavor... we have to work towards growing our voice,” said Corbett. In such a small space, there are so many talented minds at play. The facility is always bustling with activity. There is always someone coming through door. Employees, staff and students are all greeted with a smile

Photo by Pablo Villanueva

Steven Corbett is seen here teaching his writing class. and helping hand. “I’ve been working here for a while, and it’s not usually this quiet- but everyone seems happy to work here... it’s a great place to have

people come in to relax and get some help,” said Hope Ramos, graduate writing consultant.

See Writing, page 6

A “conceptual” look into the future of the old Wilson building in the historic downtown district was presented to Kingsville City Hall. A spokesperson for Texas A&M University-Kingsville introduced plans for a new Engineering Innovation Center to city officials on Monday. A demolition and subsequent building of a research center at 231 E. Kleberg Ave. has been an idea since 2013. Chris Vera, the director of facilities, planning and construction for TAMUK, gave a brief presentation on plans the university has for a new building inside the downtown district. “We have a lot of issues dealing with building code. Main and existing systems inside the Wilson building aren’t up to code; a lot of it has to do with ADA compliance, asbestos and hazardous material issues,” Vera told the city commission. “Phase one” is to demolish the current Wilson building and “build a better shell of a building,” Vera said. “The existing conditions impede new building code standards,” he said. The new building will be built with the same redtinged brick as the rest of the historic district. The building itself is not historic, but lies in the heart of old downtown. Vera still wants the new building to blend and not be the “oddball” of the downtown area. Commissioner Al Garcia asked about parking for the new building. “A plan on Feb. 27 will be presented that has a very comprehensive parking analysis of downtown that will show where existing parking is along with proposed parking. Long term there is a plan to increase parking availability downtown; it may not be something that is right in front of the building, but none-the-less something that’s walkable,” said Jesus A. Garza, Kingsville city manager, who responded to Garcia’s question. Vera said the university is ready to hire a contractor and begin work. “We are absolutely close on moving forward and getting this project on the way,” he said. The city commission will still need to approve plans. The commission will vote on moving forward at a future meeting.


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Issue 2-16-17 by The South Texan - Issuu