TheSouthTexan.com Texas A &M University-Kingsville Award-Winning Student Publication Monday, March 7, 2022
CAREER FAIR P. 2
@thesouthtexan
Vol. 96, Issue 9
Dedication to education celebration A golden anniversary Makaylah Chavez | Managing Editor managing.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Texas A&M University Kingsville (TAMUK) commemorates a milestone this year as its Founda-
tion achieves 50 years of giving. Celebrating 50 years of work and growth is not something the foundation is taking lightly. The Foundation has reflected on its journey in helping support the university and its students. “It shows the stability of the university and the donors supporting the
university. The university is almost 100 years old and for half that time we’ve had a foundation to support it. This sets the university up to be even stronger in the next century and continue to get better, serve more students and do great things here in Kingsville,” Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Foundation CEO
Brad Walker said. The Foundation was created in 1972 as the Texas A&I Development Foundation and is a non-profit organization established for one purpose only: to accept gifts for the university. The foundation works hand-in-hand with the university and serves as the fundraising arm to grow the overall support
of TAMUK which ultimately impacts students. They work with donors and hold funds until it is time to pass them over to the university so they can allocate them. One of those donors is David Deanda, president of Lone Star National Bank headquartered in McAllen, Texas, and alumnus of Texas A&I University.
Deanda runs the largest minority-owned independent bank in the nation and serves as a board member on the Board of Trustees and investment committee of the TAMUK Foundation. “I decided that after receiving a great education and looking back as to where it all started, it See Anniversary, Pg 7
All it takes is a little Faith From dreams to dancing to donations Makaylah Chavez | Managing Editor
Family and friends at benefit for Officer Benys.
Remembering Benys
managing.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Fa it h Esc a m i l la, A&M-Kingsville junior animal science major and executive director of Dance Marathon has shown her leadership on campus through Fraternity and Sorority Life. She pushes herself to not just stay active and involved, but to challenge those around her to do the same. Dance Marathon is a cause to raise funds and provide emotional support and awareness for Driscoll Children’s Hos-
Dance Marathon’s Executive Board reveals last year’s total with confetti.
pital’s pediatric patients and families. As director, Escamilla’s responsibilities include but are not limited to overseeing administration coordination, managing the Dance Marathon Executive Team and committees, oversee-
Submitted Photo
Faith Escamilla pictured at last year’s Dance Marathon event.
Online
Beat
Do you not subscribe to thesouthtexan.com? Catch up on exclusive stories about our campus and community when you sign up for our newsletter. Here’s a sneak peak of what you missed online.
Have you seen our new media channel?
Subscribe to the Javelina Media Experience on Youtube today to see more content.
Submitted Photo
ing preparation details, and primarily serving as a liaison to Corpus Christi Driscoll Children’s Hospital, the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) and the TAMUK community. Dance Marathon will take place on April 23. All registered dancers are encouraged to attend. Students can support the cause by visiting TAMUK’s Dance Marathon’s Instagram page @ TAMUKDM and donating through the link in the bio. “My main role in this position is to encourage my board and ultimately create an event where kids can be kids,” Escamilla said. CMN is a non-profit organization that raises funds and awareness for
Submitted Photo
more than 170 pediatric hospitals in North America. Driscoll Children’s Hospital works with CMN through Dance Marathon with 100 percent of the funds raised through the event staying in and around the area to support local children. “The best thing about this organization is that it is local. There are actually some students here that had to use Driscoll hospital so they really support it because they might be someone or know someone who used some of the fundings from this event, so it’s really well known in the fraternity and sorority life. Other universities do it and we wanted to try it here and it was a See Dreams, Pg 7
Benefit hosted to help family of fallen officer Sarah Reyna
|
Campus Editor campus.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Music and chatter from family, friends and colleagues of fallen officer Senior Patrolman Sherman Otto Benys Sr. filled the J K Northway Exposition on Saturday, Feb. 26. Nine volunteer musicians and bands performed a variety of music including country, Tejano and other genres as part of the Kingsville Police Department Former Officers and Employees Association (KPDFOEA) fundraiser to raise money for the Benys family. “This event is an opportunity for us, as former officers, to be there for the family, especially in their time of need,” KPDFOEA
Treasurer Tony Gonzalez said. “They’re going to still have a lot of expenses, even after Sherman’s death and we just wanted to give them that sense of financial stability.” Benys was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 4 while responding to a domestic violence call. He passed away three days later in the hospital from the injuries he sustained. “When officer Benys was killed, our organization was compelled to do something,” KPDFOEA President Joe Muñoz said. “We raised $55,000 when he first passed, but we felt we should do more because that amount nowadays is not enough to continue with funeral preparations.” Out of the money raised that night, everything will go to Benys’ wife and their three children. Benys had plans to also create a See Benys, Pg 7
The end is just the beginning UPD Chief Garza retires
Rae Martinez
|
Entertainment Editor entertainment.editor@thesouthtexan.com
University Chief of Police Felipe Garza has retired after almost 12 years of service at the university. Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) hosted a celebration Feb. 28 to congratulate Chief Garza on his retirement. The event started off with speeches given by Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Relationships Brad Walker as well the Director of Student Health and Wellness Jo Elda Castillo-Alaniz and Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer Jacob Flournoy. All three shared an-
ecdotes of their favorite memories with Chief Garza and wished him the best on the next chapter of his life. Shortly afterward, Chief Garza was presented with a certificate and closed the event by giving a speech about what it meant to work at the university as Chief of Police. Garza began working for the university in April 2010. Before that, he was Chief of Police at Texas A&M International University in Laredo for nine years. Before that, he had worked for the City of Kingsville for 25 years. He said his retirement had been in the works. “Actually, I had wanted to retire about this time last year, but with the pandemic going on, I was asked to stay another six months, so I did,” Garza said. “Then, after that, I was asked to stay a little longer, so I said, ‘well, six more months. This time
Rae Martinez
Pictured (L-R) Jacob Flournoy, Chief Garza, Julian Cavazos Jr. and Ricardo Torres at Garza’s celebration.
really, I mean six more months,’ so this is it today.” Garza explained the University Police Department (UPD) was in need of changes when he first arrived. Over the years, Garza has managed to transform UPD into a place that is more suitable for students, faculty and staff at the university, he
said. “It was my goal to hire experienced officers that we didn’t need to train from the ground up and come in with experience so that they know how to handle things,” Garza said. “That’s what police officers are for the most part, they’re problem solvers. So, when somebody has a problem, we know
how to help them in one aspect or another.” Garza’s efforts did not go unnoticed. His co-workers say Garza went out of his way to make sure everyone was safe. Chief of Police for the Kingsville Police Department Ricardo Torres said he has worked with Garza See Garza, Pg 7
2
Campus
March 7 , 2022
Career Services, at your service The future is one conversation away
Rae Martinez | Entertainment Editor entertainment.editor@thesouthtexan.com
It is never too late to start thinking about the future, and Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) is making sure students have a plan. TAMUK hosted its annual Javelina Career Expo Wednesday, March 1. The career fair, hosted by Career Services, is an event at which students have the opportunity to network by meeting with employers representing different companies. This year, 26 employers came to the university in an attempt to connect with students. “This is a good op-
portunity for students to find out about part-time jobs, full-time jobs and internships,” Director of Career Services and Corporate Relations Ralph Leal said. Leal explained that the university has a system that allows it to connect with over 120,000 employers. All the employers are invited to campus to meet with students. “We love communicating with our students and building that relationship with our universities,” Talent Acquisition Specialist at Enterprise Holdings Emily Briones said. “We love recruiting here, too. We have a bunch of students now working for Enterprise. It’s a great university, we’re excited to be here.” The Javelina Career Expo was the first in-person expo since February 2020. Leal explains that
students in attendance were encouraged to dress to impress, bring copies of their resumés and network with the employers present by exchanging information with them. “I looked forward to meeting with some of the internships that I have applied for but did not hear back from,” senior Tara Lopez said. “They did talk to me and reassured me that they would look into why I did not get called back or why I did not get an interview and told me that they would help me and take another look at my resumé.” Lopez said it is important that TAMUK hosts events like these on campus to help students get their foot in the door with internships and future jobs. Students are encouraged to not shy away
Restless rodeo roping
thesouthtexan.com
Courtsy of Tammy Alcala
Danyelle Green speaking to an emplooyer at the Career Expo.
from companies that may not seem like a fit for them on the surface. “I always encourage students to not let the name or industry of the company prevent them from having a conversation with them because if they are able to have
some good knowledge when it comes to knowing how to work with people, understanding the business process, seeing bigger pictures or being able to communicate a vision, you are going to stand out to a lot of different employers,”
Leal said. There will be a virtual career fair on April 6 that will feature employers from all over the world. For more information, visit the Career Services office in College Hall, Room 122 or at www.tamuk.edu/careerservices.
Rounding up students with roping round robin
Makaylah Chavez | Managing Editor managing.editor@thesouthtexan.com
The night of Feb. 11 was one that was marked in the books, litMakaylah Chavez erally. Texas A&M Univer- Students practice roping before the competition. sity-Kingsville’s (TA- was a lengthy process club had to scout a good MUK) rodeo team host- that included a steer place on campus that ed a dummy roping head roping dummy, had good lighting at round robin event at a book to mark times night, get banners made Mesquite Grove during down and an endless in advance and find a which students could amount of ropes. “We good day that worked participate to win a have the headers and for the majority around prize at the end of the the heelers. On the head testing to successfully night. Registration was side they go with every host the round robin. five dollars for a chance heeler, and on the heel The event was a fundto take turns being a side they go with every raiser and registration header and a heeler at header, so it’s a really fees will go toward imlong process but each provements of the fathe all-night event. one goes to the other cilities to maintain and side every time,” senior accomplish the upkeep. President Jordan Stepan “We want to paint explained. the arena silver, get plyVisit The Prizes for the event wood and fix the arena South Texan included two insulat- floor and overall, just website for the multi- ed Kodi tumblers, one upgrade and make it for both the header and look nice to bring more heeler, customized with people in,” Herrera media experience. a TAMUK rodeo cham- said. The event lasted a few “I’m looking forward pion header and chamhours until the champito seeing some unfamil- pion heeler sticker. There is a rodeo club on header and heeler iar faces. This is a lot less intimidating than some- and a rodeo team. The were announced. Stuthing out in the rodeo team competes for the dents were seen practicgrounds, so it brought school and the club does ing beforehand, laughmore people out. I’m not. There are also mem- ing and overall having a already having a good bers who are part of the good time and meeting new people. time with it,” senior ro- club and not the team. “I rodeo, but not for “You don’t have to deo team member and round robin participant the school. My bud- have a horse, you don’t dies and I choose local have to know how to Joshua Guerra said. The event had a large ropings to compete in. rope, you don’t have to turnout, including stu- We have members who know anything as long dents who were new compete in the college as you want to learn, to roping and those rodeo districts and they’ll teach you. If who were experienced. members who don’t you want to learn or if There were also many compete at all,” Guerra you just want to go and hang out there’s always students who went to said. Stepan explained why people there,” Herrera watch but did not sign up to participate. The the hosted event was said. The rodeo organizarodeo team hopes that important for the orgation plans to have many after this event, during nization. “This is a perfect ex- more events like this in which students could learn the basics of rop- ample of how members the future. The club is ing, those who were who aren’t as involved open to all students no interested in trying will can get involved by matter their major, clascoming to events like sification or agricultural sign up next time. “The purpose of the this where they can experience. TAMUK’s event was to bring more learn how to rope, be rodeo team holds meetpeople to the team if around livestock and ings the first Tuesday of they want to but main- just learn the basics of every month. Students can join both ly to hang out and have rodeo.” The planning for the the rodeo team and club students see what it’s all about,” sophomore Vice full night of roping took through the collegiate President Ricky Herrera about three weeks and link online or by conit took a few days prior tacting Stepan at jordan. said. The round robin itself to the event to solidify stepan@students.tamuk. everything. The rodeo edu.
Multimedia
Rae Martinez
A Welcome to Engineers Week banner outside the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering.
Engineers Week kick-off builds a crowd Students design a path to success Rae Martinez | Entertainment Editor entertainment.editor@thesouthtexan.com
The College of Engineering at Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) held a week-long event in honor of Engineers Week (E-Week). College as well as high school and middle school students had the opportunity to attend all events. “Engineers Week is a time to celebrate everyone that paved the way for different programs that we have available. We celebrate the pioneers of engineering and everything that came before and what is available now,” Outreach Coordinator for the College of Engineering Dr. Cynthia Alvarado-Stinson said. “This is the time to celebrate and encourage everyone to try something new, especially with how technology is now.” The College of Engineering began the week with Engineering KickOff on Monday, Feb. 21 at the Engineering Complex. Students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to stop by to enjoy free food and drinks and learn more about the programs offered. E-Week continued with a Showcase of Engineering Organizations on Tuesday at the
Engineering Complex. Twelve organizations including the American Academy of Drilling Machinery, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers and more volunteered to share information to students, faculty and staff in attendance. On Wednesday, Feb. 23, the College of Engineering held an open house. This event was open to the public and everyone in attendance got to experience what the student organizations had to offer and learn about engineering programs, meet faculty and discuss their project demos, the Javelina Engineering Student Success Center and Engineering Scholarships. E-week wrapped up with Introduce a Girl to Engineer Day on Thursday, Feb. 24, at the Memorial Student Union Ballrooms. This event, created for high school and middle school students featured guest speaker and alumnus Jina Fuentes. In addition to Fuentes, students got to hear from Alumnus Mike Howard about “Delivering Positive Energy.” E-week ended with the Engineers Week Competition Friday, Feb. 25 at the Student Recreation Center. Close to 120 middle school and high school students worked in teams and got to learn the main aspects TAMUK students and faculty follow as engineers. Each team received a bag with mini-
mal materials and were given the instruction to build a fast-moving propeller car. “The number one thing I expect students to take from these activities is that any engineer needs to work in teams. There is no small project that cannot be completed if you are not working with teams. If they work in teams, they will certainly accomplish so many things no matter what major or what career they follow,” Dean of the College of Engineering and Professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Dr. Heidi A. Taboada said. Because the goal of Engineers Week is to call attention to the contributions that engineers make to society, Taboada mentioned this event is put on every year, and different schools from areas close by are invited in hopes that interest in engineering is sparked when they try hands-on experiments. “This week middle school and high school kids come to campus to look around, socialize and see what to expect in the future when they go to college. It was important that they do things like this because lot of kids are lacking that kind of experience,” Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Associate Professor Dr. Chung Lueung said. “Once they get into university, they will realize it’s completely different. This will be a good hands-on experience.”
Entertainment
March 7, 2022 thesouthtexan.com
3
Review: New model-off-duty look is the best new trend Stylish street style
MakaylahChavez| Managing Editor
Managing.editor@thesouthtexan. com
With the growing presence of social media, the term “basic” as a reference to clothing is not something you wish to be referred to as or associated with. However, with inspiration from some big names in big city streets, having your outfit being called basic should not be a fear of yours any longer. Thanks to Fashion Week and the genius stylists and designers behind celebrities’ runway to everyday looks,
the new model-off-duty trend will save any fashion disaster before it occurs. Model off-duty streetwear is simply what it is called. It is a fashion statement piece put together by either the model’s stylist or the model themselves that is worn out in the big city when they are off the clock. What’s so great about these outfits is that there is no one way to dress them. They range anywhere from fierce blazers paired with denim jeans and heels, patterned pant suits topped with a leather jacket to large trench coats matched with a cap and a pair of sunglasses. The goal of model-off-duty streetwear is to make simple outfits
composed of everyday closet items look elevated and eye-catching. It’s good to invest in clothing because it’s a way to express yourself in front of others and with models like Gigi and Bella Hadid, it is proven that streetwear fashion can sometimes be the most iconic and unique looks. Some of the greatest city street looks that everybody can pull off contain the two most fundamental items in anyone’s closet: a tee shirt and denim jeans. The tee shirt can be any color with any design, pattern or art on it and the denim jeans can be whatever style you prefer, whether that’s skinny, straight or mom jeans. Having these two items can take you so far
in the world of fashion. Once you pick a shirt and some bottoms, all you need to find yourself is a cute baseball cap, any pair of open or closed toed heels, a simple pair of sunglasses and the cherry on top of the entire fit, a blazer. Although model-off-duty wear has endless possibilities, the majority of looks we drool over contain some sort of jacket. Blazers are the best type of jacket because they can be worn in both sophisticated and casual settings. In the context of streetwear, both settings are equally important to look absolutely stunning in. After evaluating different street outfits, the main thing you should takeaway is that a single accessory can take some-
Screenshot from @Zendaya on Instagram.
thing so simple and turn it into something so effortlessly chic. Model-off-duty style is
in people, so try to keep up. The models might be off the clock, but fashion never is.
Review: A Netflix mind-twisting fraud scandal New York Magazine Fraud Scandal of 2018 Emeri Drewry|Senior Reporter
Screenshot from @Remiwolf on Instagram.
Review: Remi Wolf takes music to a whole new level New album, Juno, is worthy of high
ErikEstrtada|Digital Editor
Digital.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Juno is the debut album of Remi Wolf, a small Indie Pop artist who finds herself embarking on an all-new journey and setting her presence with her solo career. If you find yourself in a bad mood, wanting something to pump you up, or just like music that sounds good, I highly recommend listening to her album. I discovered Remi through the streaming app, Tik Tok and have been in love with her ever since. The kind of music Remi makes is Very Pop but does not lack any blues, soul, funk, or R&B. She creates a kind of music that caters to many audiences and does let down when it comes to raising the roof of any occasion. The first time I sat and listened, I played “Liquor Store,” the lead single on the debut album. The song began with a strong guitar riff and a good beat which instantly caught my complete attention. The single alone completely captivated me, it sounded like nothing I had ever heard before. Another song I found myself completely in love with is “Sexy Villain,” the song is an-
other single from the album and consists of Remi showing her rapping skills and putting her creative talent in making beautiful melodies and hooks on display. After exploring Juno, I decided to look into Remi’s other music and discovered more amazing songs like “WOO!” and “Photo ID.” Her range is undeniable. Remi Wolf is not afraid to explore and go beyond expectations when it comes to making music. When listening to her album you kind of just want to get up and dance to the electrifying rhythms of every song. When driving and having her music playing in the background you feel like you’re driving 200 miles per hour and everyone else is going 10. Deciding to listen to her music was like entering an old wardrobe only to discover a magical place on the other side. I find myself completely empowered listening to her music, it is an intoxicating feeling being completely overcome with joy while listening to this album. Juno is a completely different musical art that no other artist of my knowledge has successfully done. I cannot wait to see what else Remi Wolf comes out with and the things she will surely accomplish. Like I said before, I highly recommend listening to her album.
The investigative journalism we see on TV is completely true — except for the parts that are completely made up. Inventing Anna was a Netflix series released on February 11, 2022. The producer, Shonda Rhimes, tells the story of journalist Vivian Kent as she investigates the case of Anna Delvey (Sorokin), the Instagram-legendary heiress who stole the hearts and money of New York elites. The nine-episode series has ranked Top 10 for two weeks in a row.
This series was inspired by the true story of 2018 New York Magazine investigation by Jessica Pressler, who dove into the life of Delvey and examined how she scammed her way to the top of New York society and business while pretending to have a fortune of $60 million. The series shows the viewers several lessons. It shed light on how everyone uses everyone else in the line of work to get what they want, especially lawyers and journalists. A con artist can become successful by making themselves whatever people perceive them to be, by flaunting their appearance of wealth everywhere. Also, women’s successes today can be harder to achieve than a man.
The series includes traveling, court appearances, interviews and it showcases how Delvey manipulates individuals to fraudulently take their money. My opinion can target a few different highlights of the series. First, the characters, each of them executes their own personality and story behind the incident of Anna Delvey. Second, the scenery,
it shows many different countries and bodies of land (The Hamptons, Ibiza and fancy New York hotels) throughout the series. Thirdly, the mind twist captures each aspect of every individual’s story and leads you to think what the truth is and what is a lie. Overall, I believe this series is a must watch for any drama or crime solving guro.
you. Travel. Whether it is by yourself or with your loved ones, the list of places you can travel to is endless. You can go to the beach, go camping, go to national parks and hike, visit odd attractions this country has to offer, go to museums anywhere. There is no better time to go to the places you have always wanted to visit. Try new restaurants. If there is one thing everyone loves, it is food. Break up with Chili’s and go to that ramen restaurant you have been eyeing every time you drive to Corpus Christi. Who knows? This could be your new favorite place to eat.
Take your loved ones with you or your friends, snap a picture to remember the flavor, or post it on social media. Maybe being a foodie is your calling. Note that you do not have to spend money to have a good spring break. If you do not wish to leave a dent in your bank account, that is no problem at all. You can stay home, and watch movies or binge watch new TV shows, create your own water park in your back yard, have a game night with your friends and family, read books and more. You can have fun anywhere you are when you are with the right people.
You can also use this time to spring clean. Revamp your wardrobe, donate or sell the clothes and shoes you do not want anymore. Rearrange your bedroom and living room. Deep clean your entire house and get rid of what no longer brings you joy. You are not obligated to be productive during spring break. If you wish to, you can simply do nothing. Light a candle, lay in bed and relax, you deserve it. However you choose to spend your spring break is completely up to you. Make the most of this time, make it a memorable one and make sure to stay safe.
Screenshot from streaming app Netflix.
How to Adult: Spring Break
Adventure is out there
RaeMartinez|Entertainment Editor
Entertainment.editor @thesouthtexan.com
Spring break is near, and if you are a college student, this is the perfect time to relax, unwind and have an enjoyable time. There are so many ways you can spend your spring break. You have a whole week for yourself, the world is your oyster, you can even enjoy some over the break. Still don’t know what to do? Well, we have some suggestions for
News
4
!
March 7, 2022 thesouthtexan.com
SPORTS
March 7, 2022 thesouthtexan.com
5
Records shattered at LSC Indoor Championships Hernandez, 4x400 relay set new record ChristopherOlivarez| Contributing Writer
The Javelina Track and Field program broke school records and placed fourth overall at the 2022 Lone Star Conference (LSC) Indoor Track and Field Championships held Feb. 26. “I think individually we did very well, had a lot of PRs (personal records) and everyone that went pretty much got a personal best or a lifetime best and it was about as well as we could have done,” Track and Field Head Coach
Ryan Dall said. Sophomore Katryna Hernandez was a record breaker at the conference with a throw of 14.63 meters. Her- Katryna Hernadez n a n d e z p l a c e d second in the shotput overall and earned a silver medal in the women’s division. “It feels good, but nothing feels different. I’m still me and I’m still trying to throw farther and fix my technique and seeing where this leads me for the outdoor season,” Hernandez said. “I felt prepared,
DJ Delancy, center, your new LSC Shot Put champion.
excited and ready. I’ve been working on this during the entire indoor season and going into conference I felt like I would peak and that everything would fall into place.” On the track, the Javelina men earned second place and placed tenth on the Division 2 performance list during the 4x400 meter relay. Sophomore Michael Samihamba, who was the anchor for the 4x4 relay team, finished at 3:13.45 breaking the second school record of the day. “I believe our goal is to be the national champs again. We want to do better than we have been doing these last couple of seasons, and I believe
Beach volleyball sweep TAMUK Invitational
if all goes right, we have the group and the talent to make that happen this season,” Samihamba said. As the indoor season wraps up, Coach Dall and his athletes hope to continue the momentum into the Outdoor Track and Field season set to begin Monday, March 7. “I feel pretty confident with what we are doing and the way we are training. Outdoor is usually a better season for us because we practice outdoors, and the athletes enjoy it…I think we can improve everywhere. I don’t think there is anyone that competed indoor that is maxed out. I think everyone can be better,” Dall said.
Javelina Athletics
Third straight year team starts 4-0 DylanSanchez| Sports Editor Sports.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Head Coach Tanya Allen and the 2022 Beach Volleyball team kicked off the season with the TAMUK Invitational. The Javelinas beat all opponents during a cold front to start off the spring season at 4-0. “We’ve gone through a lot of different obstacles throughout offseason and still actively dealing with the pandemic, the uncertainty of it all but seeing all of the hard work pay off with a 4-0 start is a great feeling, and I’m so proud of everyone and proud to be a part of this team,” senior Roxanne Morris, who is currently in her third season, said. This marks the fourth time in program history and the third straight year the team starts the season 4-0. For freshman Madelyn Wallace, she could not ask for a better start to her collegiate career. “I am excited to be able to finally compete at the collegiate level because I have been working towards playing volleyball in college since I first started playing beach in La Verni,” Wallace said.
“It’s really cool that I am finally playing in my first year of college beach volleyball, especially under Coach Tanya because she is an amazing coach on the beach.” The first matches of the weekend of Feb. 25 started with the Javelinas sweeping the Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders and finished with a come-from-behind victory over the Colorado Mesa Mavericks, after falling behind two matches to start. The second day of the two-day event was another sweep to start the day against the Missouri Baptist Spartans and ended with a down-tothe wire 3-2 victory over the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, capping off the weekend for the Javelinas. “We are going for the national championship, but we must take every practice and every game on first, and this season will be everything we worked for,” Morris said. The Javelinas traveled last weekend to the Tiger Beach Challenge in Louisiana. “I am pleased with our start - any wins are great wins. But I know there are many things we need to improve on,” Allen said. “We have a very tough weekend ahead of us and we have spent a lot of time on broadening our offense a little bit. The more diverse our offense is, the more effective we will be.”
Javelinas To Canada Simon Fraser,
new addition to the LSC ZenaDesouza-George| Contributing Writer
This upcoming 2022 Fall season, the Javelina football team will get the chance to travel to Canada to compete against their new Lone Star Conference (LSC) opponent Simon Fraser University. Last fall the Javelinas started ranked seventh in the LSC out of eight and ended the Fall season 3-4 in conference and 5-5 for overall play leaving them at fifth ending the Fall 2021 football season. Javelinas Defensive Coordinator Coach Jonathan Petty said he, the team and Head Coach Mike Salinas are enthused for the season, especially traveling to Canada. “It’s going to be a fun experience for us. I know a lot of our guys haven’t really played teams in the pacific Northwest,” Petty’ said. “As a staff we feel good about being able to add three more opponents to our conference. We’re excited and looking forward to getting a chance to play those guys. I think it’s cool to go and play someone else in a different region of the world.” The team is ready and eager for the Fall season and spring practice to
start. “We feel well prepared, and I feel like the coaches have a plan set for us to be well prepared leading up to the spring and fall camp” player Rodd Hudson III said. “The camaraderie that we have right now is great and everyone is coming together as we should outside of workouts.” Off-season workouts have been going well for the Javelinas, players
said, noting that every individual is doing their part to get ready for a successful season. “I feel like the workouts and conditioning have been going really well. Coach Salinas and Coach Caleb Allen have some new workouts for us that’ll hopefully get us right for next fall,” player Ezrah Thibodeaux said. “I feel like the team is looking a lot better and we’re moving better as a team.”
Javelina Athletics
Quarterback Wade Freeman on a read option play.
Forum
6
March 7, 2022
thesouthtexan.com
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.” Our Opinion
Journalism in Jeopardy at A&M On Feb. 10 The Battalion, Texas A&M University College Station’s student-operated newspaper, was informed that it would no longer be allowed to produce print editions effective immediately. The decision was made by A&M President Katherine Banks who did not consult with student leadership or faculty advisers at The Battalion before making the decision to create an online only newspaper. The newspaper was to also be shifted under a new journalism department. The Battalion is a student organization exclusively funded on money raised through advertising, not by the university. Banks has said the university would fund student wages moving forward because of the lack of advertising revenue. This raises too many questions as to why President Banks wants The Battalion, which has a 129-year history, to cease publishing if it costs the university no money.
My art is not a crime
When people hear the word graffiti, they almost instantly associate it with a negative connotation. This is because graffiti has long been a topic for debate, with factors such as the location of the graffiti Makaylah Chavez and the Managing content of Editor the art. It is understandable that people do not want their property marked without consent, but there is an easy solution to allow artists to freely express themselves while showcasing their work publicly: give them a place to do so. Graffiti is a type of art, usually spray painted, that can publicly be dis-
played on walls or other public surfaces. Graffiti can contain images or written words to convey social messages that usually symbolize or represent something far more than what people view as just “scribbles.” Graffiti should only be considered vandalism if it is done at a place that has not given consent to the artists to create their work or if the message or content of the message is vulgar and inappropriate. It should not be considered vandalism if artists choose to paint at abandoned locations because there is nobody in charge who can give or not give permission for them to create their work. There should be certain areas around the city where artists are allowed
to freely access and make use of to produce their masterpiece. This would encourage artists to paint in legal locations without fear of repercussions instead of illegally painting an area that they did not have authorization to do so in. Graffiti itself is beautiful and generally brings life to dull areas. It’s thought provoking, artistic, striking and can convey socio-political messages. On top of that it requires a lot of skill. Here at TAMUK, all the buildings are brown and unflattering. It would be an interesting idea to allow our talented art students to show off their talent by allowing them to graffiti one wall per building. Think about it. If we paint one of the dull looking walls on
each building, specifically tailored to that building’s theme, our campus will thrive with life. The music building can have one wall painted with music notes and instruments, communication with journals and TV’s, science with test tubes, engineering with calculators and the list goes on. That would really make our campus stand out amongst other A&M branches and other universities around the country. As the saying goes, art inspires, and if students see a beautiful piece of art tailored to their major right before they step into class, their inspiration to excel in the classroom goes off the charts, thus benefiting the university as a whole.
After the outpouring of support The Battalion received, a committee is now in place to help chart The Battalion’s path and the new journalism department, which is as it should be. Forcing these demands on The Battalion is a violation of the First Amendment and should not be tolerated. As student journalists at a university within the A&M system, this is concerning behavior. If the largest school in the A&M System and the largest school in the state of Texas can bar a student-operated organization from producing newspapers, any university can. Our university can. A&M College Station is muzzling students whose role it is to keep the university accountable. We will not stand and watch as fellow student journalists are silenced. We are angry. Print media may feel like a dying art in an age in which the internet and current generations are consumed by virtual content, but print media is not dead. The role of journalists is needed now more than ever. When questioned, President Banks admitted to not knowing why printing as a journalist is important, indicating she does not have the knowledge to make decisions for The Battalion. This was not a bid to help students. This was an act of politics
Are chemicals in your cookware? Are PFOA (PFAS) chemicals in your everyday household items? If you say no, think again. If you d o n ’ t k n o w w h a t PFOA is and why it is important continEmeri ue reading Drewry Senior this article. Reporter So, what is PFOA? P F O A stands for perfluorooctanoic acid and is part of a man-made class of chemicals called perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). Perfluorooctanoate or PFOA is in most nonstick cooking and baking pans. PFOA and PFOS are the two PFAS that have been the most extensively produced and
used over years. PFAS can be found in household products, food packaging and water. They are found in several different aspects of someone’s daily life. For example, household products that when used or disposed of can lead to the exposure of PFAS. Common products are non-stick cookware, stain-resistant apparel, textiles, leather or carpets and paper and/ or packaging materials. PFAS are also found in food packaging and you can be exposed to small amounts by ingesting food that has been contaminated. Common food packaging items are packaged in material containing PFAS, processed with equipment that used PFAS and food grown in
contaminated PFAS water or soil. PFAS is widespread and global, most people around the world have detectable amounts of PFAS in their blood. PFOA and PFOS are no longer manufactured in the U.S. nevertheless they are still produced in other regions around the world and may continue to be imported into the U.S. Health developments that can occur from exposure are: liver and thyroid disease, high cholesterol, impaired response to vaccines, asthma, lowered fertility rates and high blood pressure in pregnant women. Elevated risks of testicular and kidney cancer have been found in highly exposed people. The International
Agency for Research on Cancer classifies PFOA, a heavily used and well-studied PFAS chemical, as a possible carcinogen for cancer. Today, the EPA is now taking steps to regulate PFOA and PFOS, but it is still the job of the people to research and investigate what we buy for our homes and what we consume. I think that PFOA chemicals should be recalled from being used by any company as they can cause serious health issues to an individual exposed. If your cookware or household items contain any part of the PFAS family, it is up to you to determine if you are willing to throw away any items that can affect you and your family’s health.
and an attack on student journalists. The Battalion, we as student journalist stand with you in this fight.
Makaylah Chavez
Emeri Drewry
Managing Editor
Senior Reporter
managing.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Sarah Reyna Campus Editor
Nicole Perez Morris Adviser
campus.editor@thesouthtexan.com
nicole.morris@thesouthtexan.com
The South Texan is a student
Dylan Sanchez
publication produced by Texas A&M
Sports Editor
University- Kingsville students. The views, opinions and commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas A&M University system. The
sports.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Rae Martinez
South Texan uses student fees in part
Entertainment Editor
to publish. The South Texan is part of
entertainment.editor@thesouthtexan.com
the Art, Communications, and Theatre Department (ACT) and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA).
STAFF Ronni Reyna Editor-in-Chief chief.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Erik Estrada Digital Editor digital.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Aryssa Enriquez Marketing Manager marketing.manager@thesouthtexan.com
Advertising For advertising inquiries, e-mail The South Texan at advertising.manager @thesouthtexan.com or call (361) 593-4370.
Letters to the Editor Letters must be typed, signed and include a phone number. Letters considered for publication must be 300 words or fewer. Letters may be emailed to chief.editor@thesouthtexan.com The South Texan, Manning Hall 165, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas 78363
News
March 7, 2022 thesouthtexan.com
7 From Benys, Pg 1
From Dreams, Pg 1
huge success and we saw the benefit from it,” Dance Marathon Advisor and Director of Student Engagement and Campus Life Erin McClure said. Alongside Escamilla, fourth year Dance Marathon participant and Director of Family and Hospital Relations Clarissa Benavides plays an important role in organizing the event on campus. Benavides remains in contact with Driscoll Children’s Hospital advisers and connects with Miracle Families in the local area to raise funds. “I enjoyed my time at Ronni Reyna TAMUK because I have Last years Dance Marathon participants in a circle surrounding the Executive Board to close the event. had Faith as my righthand partner in a lot of the projects that we work on. ing that self-awareness of She has learned to take and find something they Faith’s passion for Dance when to lead and when her past and learn from are invested in, that they Marathon and changing to follow is what allows it and take her leadership are passionate for and that kid’s health is the driv- others to grow, including role and go with it,” Mc- they can support. ing force this year as she yourself,” Escamilla said. Clure said. Dance Marathon is works as the Executive Serving on the board The Director’s Board about emphasizing that Director,” Benavides said. and seeing first-hand hopes for the event to kids’ health cannot wait. This is Escamilla’s sec- patients fight battles that continue to grow on cam- The event strikes hope ond year serving on the they shouldn’t have to pus in future years. They and ultimately, inspires board. Her main reason fight gives Escamilla a encourage all student or- Faith. Students can get for involvement was be- sense of gratitude for her ganizations, community involved with the organicause of the passion her own health. Dance Mara- members and local busi- zation by joining a comalumni sisters expressed thon has given Escamilla nesses to help join the mittee or by registering for the cause. Her Theta a passion to advocate for fight against childhood for the event itself. Phi Alpha Women’s Fra- the fight against pediatric illness. “I encourage others to ternity sisters’ advocative illnesses. “Every year, we want to do the same by getting efforts and push for the “As a leader, you have be able to raise more than involved. Joining a comevent inspired Escamilla’s to know how to have peo- the past year. Faith keeps mittee, attending an inforcall to action to continue ple follow you. You have us motivated to keep ask- mational, and attending the legacy. to be able to change your ing for donations, telling the event is what sparks “Being a leader to me leadership style according people about our cause that passion for causes. means knowing when to to some of your followers and remembering that Roles, like mine, aren’t step up and when to step to keep your ethics, mor- this event is not about us, easy, but knowing that the back. When positions als and values but also but about the kids,” Bena- work is hard and that you need to be filled, usually figure out what’s the best vides said. have a board that shares I’m the first to volunteer or way to lead everybody Dance Marathon is just the same passion is what apply; however, I cannot differently. I think that one of the many oppor- makes these positions always be the front line to Faith has grown into be- tunities on campus for worth filling,” Escamilla every organization. Hav- ing a really good leader. students to get involved said.
From Anniversary, Pg 1
was time to give back to a great university. I hope to be able to help lead and influence others to achieve their individual goals and never underestimate the power of an education,” Deanda said. The Board of Trustees are all volunteers who give their time and expertise and are responsible for making sure the funds they manage are invested toward organizational goals and objectives that match those of the university. The goal is to continue making campus a better place for students to receive the best education possible. The Foundation is independent from the university, meaning that funds donated can be targeted toward specific students and programs that donors choose to support. “It starts with the donor having a strong interest or love for something about this university that they want to support, and they decide to support it with their gifts. We are fortunate enough to have several people who do this,” Walker said. Recently, the Foundation finished its With You, Without Limits campaign which amassed more than 6,000 donors making gifts and raising more than $114 million in funds over an
eight-year period. This campaign showed there are many people and organizations who want to give money to support students. Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s previous longtime standing Chief of Staff Randy Hughes had the opportunity to watch the Foundation grow and reach many milestones throughout the past few years. “There are far too many accomplishments that have been Foundation related, but to me the most obvious is the growth from a foundation that started with less than $1 million to assets now in excess of $120 million,” Hughes said. The 50-year celebration shows that the organization has been able to adapt to quickly changing times, both socially and economically, thanks to the leaders of the Foundation. “Leadership in an organization is very critical to the success of a group and the leadership team in our foundation is strong, committed and always focused on doing what’s right for the university,” Deanda said. State funds support the basics of a university, but gifts and philanthropy provide the extra funding to different aspects and students in the university. “There are three major components for the Foundation’s continued
Screenshot of https://www.javelinagiving.org.
growth: Donors, a dedicated Foundation Board and a top-notch development office within the university structure. I am truly proud of the TAMUK Foundation and what they do on a daily basis to help students, faculty and programs,” Hughes said. By becoming a member of the Alumni Association, members can keep in touch with the university’s graduates and receive updates on how alumni are personally doing and progressing in their individual careers. Any type of gift that comes in to support the university is intended to help give students a better experience at TAMUK. “I’m very proud of our growth but I’m most proud of the trustees that are serving on the board, the type of people that they are and that they make themselves available to the university the way they do. These are some phenomenally successful people who have great stories to tell and all of them are connected to this university. I’m proud of that,” Walker said. The Foundation hopes that every student at TAMUK graduates, has a great experience while at the university and wants to support the university as an alumns. For more information and how to donate visit https://www.javelinagiving. org/
non-profit organization to help police departments around the area and families of fallen officers. The family has taken steps to begin the organization, but the process is ongoing. “I want to be able to be the support for someone if this event were to happen again,” Vicki Benys said. “[the non-profit] will be used to help with whatever [Kingsville Police Department] needs and to help fill in the gaps that we didn’t get for fallen officers’ families.” Benys also voiced her
From Garza, Pg 1
for a while and his goals have been to always keep the students and faculty safe. “I think he’s going to be sorely missed because of all the changes he made when he was here. He had to in order to progress the police department here and it happened. He’s made a more
thankfulness for support the family has received since her husband’s passing. “[His death] has been hard, but we just take one day at a time and stay busy,” Benys said. “We have received tremendous support from the community and his brothers and sisters in blue.” Although this was the first music benefit hosted to raise money for the family, Benys does hope this can become an annual event, especially since the City of Kingsville declared Nov. 4 as Sherman Benys Day. professional department overall. He made changes that really helped the university grow. So yeah, he will be sorely missed when he leaves,” Kingsville Police Department Bureau Commander Julian Cavazos Jr. said. Garza plans to travel the world with his wife. Interview’s for Garza’s replacement are underway.
Jacob Flourny and Chief Garza shake hands.
Rae Martinez
News
8
March 7, 2022 thesouthtexan.com
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-KINGSVILLE® UNIVERSITY HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE
Current Students:
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus for Fall 2022. We still have availability if you want to live on campus for Fall 2022-Spring 2023. Scan code to see our online brochure:
FALL 2022 - SPRING 2023 PRICES: MARTIN HALL
LYNCH HALL
$2,300 per semester
$2,500 per semester
LUCIO HALL & MESQUITE VILLAGE WEST $3,200 or $3,400 per semester
NO PRICE INCREASE AMENITIES:
• • • • • •
Barbecue and Picnic areas Exterior card access system Game tables Ice machines & Vending Machines Intramural teams Lounges with living rooms and TVs
• • • • •
Planned residence hall activities Live On Professional staff members Resident/Community Advisor staff Smoke-free buildings Student leadership opportunities
• Living-learning Communities
Email: residencelife@tamuk.edu | Phone: 361-593-3419 Lucio Hall, Office 119, Kingsville, TX 78363-8202