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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION www.nhc.noaa.gov www.ready.gov OPINIONS PG. 2 NEWS PG. 3 A&E PG. 7 S PORTS PG. 13 T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S - P A N A M E R I C A N www.utpa.edu/hurricane 1-866-967-2626 or (956) 292-SAFE (7233) www.utpa.edu/police Statewide Road Conditions call toll free (800) 452-9292 http://www.southtexasredcross.org/ Hidalgo Emergency Management (956) 318-2615 or (956) 289-7887 T ACADEMIC T ADMINISTRATIVE T LOCAL YEARS Dryer
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Hurricane Ike is likely to have asignificant impact on a large portionof the Texas coast. With a possibilityof effects impacting UTPA, universityofficials are preparing the campus.
Yesterday e-mails were sent out tostudents, faculty and staff regardingthe hurricane.
A message from the Office ofUniversity Relations said the univer-sity is closely monitoring the hurri-cane.
“With the possibility of heavyrains and other weather conditionsfrom the storm, UTPA administratorsare taking precautionary measures toensure the safety of the campus andcommunity of students, faculty andstaff,” the message said.
Director of Physical Plant OscarVillarreal said administrators had metall day Wednesday.
“We’ve been doing our standardhurricane defense procedures, likechecking generators, checking
drainage areas and checking roofs,”Villarreal said. “Every storm is differ-ent, so we have to be patient andwatch the storm.”
The Crisis Management Team, theorganization that makes recommenda-tions to President Blandina Cardenasin crisis moments, will continue tomeet as long as Ike poses a threat tothe area.
Villarreal said that in addition tomeeting with the departments thatmake up the Crisis ManagementTeam, the university is working fromlocal emergency management offi-cials with the City of Edinburg andHidalgo County.
University officials urged theUTPA community to stay tuned tolocal media for updates and to checkthe school’s Web site for notifications.
If classes are canceled or the cam-pus is closed, a message will be sentout to the UTPA community from thePresident’s Office or the Office ofUniversity Relations via e-mail,Broncnotes, and the university’s web-site, www.utpa.edu.
The Department of MaterialsManagement, which oversees all pur-chasing for The University of Texas-Pan American, has a new director ofmaterials management, Norma Dryer.
Dryer became director two weeksago after the previous director,Frances Rios, was promoted to assis-tant vice president for business affairsand director of human resources.
The department makes sure that allorders, from new furniture, computersand other purchase requests for alluniversity departments are executedsmoothly.
“We process requisitions from
departments whenthey want to pur-chase items,” shesaid. “It could begoods or servicesfor the university.”
Items purchasedthrough the depart-ment have to totalmore than $5,000.
Purchases that are restricted fromthe small purchase order guide can beordered through this department.
Dryer’s other responsibilitiesinclude advising university depart-ments how to complete lease agree-ments, rentals and revenue contracts.
“A department can ask for assis-tance for setting up a contract like for
a vending machine, that’s when wehelp,” she said.
If a professor requires equipmentfor a research project and it requiresparticular equipment [computer,chemistry equipment] the job of theprocessor is to request a quote fromthe supplier.
Once the quote has been requested,the department gets the requisitionand attaches information needed forthe buyer.
The buyer’s job is to review speci-fications and approve the request aftervendors agree to terms and conditions.
Dryer holds a bachelor’s degree inchemical engineering from theUniversidad de las Americas and amasters of science degree in industrial
engineering from Texas A&M-Kingsville.
She also holds an international rec-ognized certification program andobtained a Certified PurchasingManager (C.P.M) from the Institutefor Supply Management.
The UT System Board of Regentsrequires that anyone who processespurchases for the state must be certi-fied.
There are three types of certifica-tions: state nationwide certificationand international certification accord-ing to Dryer.
She had 18 months to compete thecertification and had she not done so,the office could not continue to pur-chase for the university.
After working at the maquiladorsin Mexico, Dryer was employed byUTPA as a procurement supervisor;she was in this position for four years.
She then became the contractscoordinator and was in charge of cre-ating procedures and training for thedepartment.
After Rios left in December 2007,Dryer was appointed as interim direc-tor.
She held dual responsibilities asdirector and contracts coordinatorbefore the official announcement ofthe position.
Dryer brings nine years of experi-ence to the position and hopes to con-tinue the same practices as well asfacilitate new projects with vendors.
PAN AMERICANTHE
YEARS65 T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S - P A N A M E R I C A N
SINCE 1943 September 11, 2008Volume 65, No. 3
� LOCAL
By Brian SilvaTHE PAN AMERICAN
INDEX OPINIONS PG. 2 NEWS PG. 3 A&E PG. 7 SPORTS PG. 13
UTPA prepares for Ike Chemistrymajor selectedfor forum
Materials management names new director� ADMINISTRATIVE
By Adriana AcostaTHE PAN AMERICAN
Most of 22-year-old RobertRodriguez’s day has been spent inScience Lab Room 3.420. As he worksdiligently in the lab, one does not ques-tion why the senior chemistry majorhas been chosen to present his researchin October at the Minority TraineeResearch Forum for his study in antibi-otics and anti-cancer medicine.
Rodriguez’s research in antibioticsand anti-cancer medicine focuses onhow Beta-lactam antibiotics, a ringstructure used in restraining bacterialcell-wall creation, can be used toattack cancer cells without affectinghealthy cells in the human body.
“Each step is a challenge, once youget past that challenge, your next stepis another challenge,” the Universityof Texas-Pan American student saidabout his daily routine. “I spend abouteight hours a day in that room, it takesa few months just to get passed some-thing.”
Twelve students across the countrywere selected through a grant spon-sored by the National Institute ofHealth. Most selectees have conduct-
By J.R. OrtegaTHE PAN AMERICAN
� ACADEMIC
SEE CHEMISTRY || PAGE 11
Dryer
University implements protocolahead of Hurricane Ike’s landfall
Remembering September 11, 2001; See Page 2
Rio Grande ValleyHurricane
Emergency Contacts
UNIVERSITY HURRICANE INFORMATIONUNIVERSITY HURRICANE INFORMATION
www.utpa.edu/hurricane1-866-967-2626 or (956) 292-SAFE (7233)www.utpa.edu/police
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATIONLOCAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
Statewide Road Conditions call toll free (800) 452-9292http://www.southtexasredcross.org/Hidalgo Emergency Management(956) 318-2615 or (956) 289-7887
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATIONFEDERAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATIONwww.nhc.noaa.govwww.ready.gov
After attending the University ofTexas-Pan American for two yearsnow, the major issue that arisesevery year is the parking situation.
I have heard students complain-ing about how they have to arrivehours before their classes start inorder to park.
For some, this extra time is help-ful to get in some extra study timebut for those who work or have totake care of their children prior tocoming to class it can be extremelystressful.
Some only have a few minutesto get from the parking lot at thebaseball stadium to their class andhave to fight the other students whowants the same parking space asthey do.
Then, they walk into class lateand the professor either becomesaggravated or does not let the stu-dent enter the class because he/shehave started lecturing.
The university has seen anincrease in the number of individuals
attending over the past decade.According to the article, “UTPAspring enrollment increases by morethan six percent,” written in 2005 byMelissa C. Rodriguez, Public AffairsSpecialist, said “enrollment at UTPan American is expected to be29,451” (Rodriguez) in 2015.
If we are having parking prob-lems now, how are we going to dealwith an increase in the number ofstudents in the future? Since we havelimited space to spread outward whynotspread upward.
According to Jason Robbins, aformer student of both UTPA andTexas State University, he found aloft parking lot to be helpful.
He did not mind paying the dailyfees to park in the facility because itallowed him to get to class on time.
We need to take action now so wecan be ready for the future of thisinstitution.
Chelsea LyssyJunior
1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539Phone: (956) 381-2541
Fax: (956) 316-7122www.utpa.edu/dept/panamerican
Sept. 11, 2008
The Pan American is the official stu-dent newspaper of The University ofTexas-Pan American. Views presentedare those of the writers and do not nec-essarily reflect those of the paper oruniversity.
EDITOR IN CHIEF
J.R. Ortega / [email protected]
NEWS EDITOR
Abigail Muniz / [email protected]
A&E EDITOR
Laura Garcia / [email protected]
SPORTS EDITORS
Ramiro Paez / [email protected] Garza / [email protected]
PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
Roxy Solis / [email protected]
DESIGN EDITOR
Roy Bazan / [email protected]
COPY EDITOR
Adriana Acosta / [email protected]
The Pan American accepts letters of300 words or less from students, staff andfaculty regarding recent newspapercontent, campus concerns or currentevents. The Pan American reserves theright to edit submissions for grammar andlength. The Pan American cannot publishanonymous letters or submissionscontaining hate speech or gratuitouspersonal attacks. Please send all storyideas to [email protected].
Individuals with disabilitieswishing to acquire this publication in analternative format or needing assistanceto attend any event listed can contact ThePan American for more details.
**Delivery**Thursday at noon
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
REPORTERS, DESIGNERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Alvaro Balderas Russen VelaIsaac Garcia Andrielle FigueroaOnydia Garza Ben BrionesRick Gamez Ana VillaurrutiaPedro Perez IV
ADVISER
Dr. Greg Selber --- [email protected]
SECRETARY
Anita Reyes --- [email protected]
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Samantha Quintana --- [email protected]
THE PAN AMERICAN September 11, 2008Page 2
V 65, No. 3
UTPA Generations: The SeriesWatch for Bronc history lessons intermittently
throughout the semester
Aug. 25 - IntroductionSept. 4 - ‘20s & ‘30s Sept. 25 - ‘40s & ‘50sOct. 16 - ‘60s & ‘70s Nov. 6 - ‘80s & ‘90sDec. 3 - 2000 & Beyond
REMEMBER - Gabriel Cabrera, a 21-year-old junior mechanicalengineering major, signs a Remember 9/11 poster made available in theStudent Union.
Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN
� LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
A recent article published by ThePan American spoke of some newadditions to the police department toensure our safety. My concern, how-ever, is about the safety of the stu-dents wallets.
The new T3’s were estimated tocost about 9,000 each, but whereexactly is the money for these chari-ots coming from? It is an importantpart of the story that I think was leftout.
Though I see the need for gettingto the scene of the crime before the
criminal gets away scot-free, someof the concerns students have voicedwere about what else the police areusing these machines for. (i.e. goingthrough parking lots and handing outtickets, and finding other ways tosuck our pockets dry).
All sarcasm aside, where did themoney for these things come from?
Cassie ReyesSenior
Sometimes it feels like only yester-day; the day the nation’s security andcomfort zone was encroached upon.
The images we have seen on televi-sion – whether we believe so or not –have been branded into the memoriesof all those whom bare witness to theday America was woken up from theAmerican Dream.
Has the day of Sept. 11 becomenothing more but a date? Though ithas only been seven years, it seems asthough the images have been shownso often that the nation has growncold toward the day.
The day of remembrance is slowlybeginning to remind me of PearlHarbor, it is still commemorated but itseems to slowly be forgotten. Did our
nation really change for the better orhas society become numb to theevents of that day?
This week The University ofTexas-Pan American Student Unionhad a poster board where studentscould write down their thoughts about9/11.
I can’t help but feel that sometimesstudents are signing it without muchfeeling other than basic respect.
Having r espect is one thing, butreally feeling solemn about 9/11 ismuch different.
The ones that may feel that way notjust on 9/11 but every day are proba-bly those directly affected; familymembers, friends and those who wit-nessed the terrorist attack first hand.
The American people have growncontent with expecting the unexpected.
Seven years goneBy J.R. OrtegaTHE PAN AMERICAN
“Border regulations and security, I get inter-viewed so much more, and stopped at thebridge for no reason, my profile just sucks,I’m born in Venezuela but I have Egyptianstamps on my passport.”
“I have an uncle in the army and he’s goingto Iraq, so that’s really impacted us too,because we don’t get to see him that much.”
How did September 11 have animpact on your life?
Juan Torne, mechanical engineering sophomore
Ashley Arsola, business freshman
THE PAN AMERICAN Page 3September 11, 2008
New committee set to plan Spirit WeekThis year during Spirit Week in
November students at the Universityof Texas-Pan American will enjoyevents organized by a committee com-posed of various departments at theuniversity.
The organization of events used to
be headed by the Office of the Dean ofStudents, before it was changed thissummer to a committee headed by achair from the Office of StudentDevelopment.
Some of the departments and stu-dents organizations included in thecommittee are the Office of StudentDevelopment, Leadership Academy,
Student Union, University ProgramBoard, Wellness and RecreationalSports Center, Greek Council.
“It’s going to have more, I think,variety because it’s not just one personthinking of all the events, it’s going tobe various people,” said JorgeZamora, program coordinator at theOSD and Spirit Week committee
chair. “Each department or each area is
responsible for a certain activity dur-ing the week and they’re going to usetheir ideas, their uniqueness to makethat event the best that they possiblycan.
Some of the anticipated features forthis year’s action, set for Nov. 3-Nov.
7, are the Spirit Walk and a car-deco-rating event. Organizers are also hop-ing to incorporate games with athletesand have radio remotes at the events.
“And of course the traditionalMidnight Madness Tailgate partywhich UPB is going to be pretty muchheading up, so there’s going to be a
� CAMPUS
SEE SPIRIT || PAGE 12
By Nayelly BarriosTHE PAN AMERICAN
The college sophomore is muchlike the middle child of college stu-dents, and has long had to face chal-lenges that as freshmen, they may nothave encountered. The possibilityof changing majors, whether theyshould study abroad, or looking aheadon their degree plan, are all instancesin which a sophomore might needguidance.
An annual conference was initiatedto guide students early in their secondyear and inform them on the manyresources offered at The University ofTexas-Pan American.
The conference, SophomoreOpportunities and Resources, Upwardand Onward, will be held Sept. 12from 12:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
SOAR was designed with theneeds of the sophomore student inmind, Noelia Hernandez, one of thecoordinators of the conference said. A
committee of different departmentsacross the university is in charge of it.
“It’s a collaborative effort,”Hernandez said.
The Sophomore AcademicMentoring Program at UTPA, a peer-mentoring program in which juniorsand seniors mentor 17 sophomoreprotégés within their college, firststarted in Spring 2007 and is under theUniversity Retention AcademicProgram and like SOAR, its objective
Different cultures around theworld have always been interesting tosome people, and especially now withglobalization and such diversity in theUnited States, there’s an opportunityto learn something new from some-one new. Travel is another optionwhen it comes to seeking difference.
At The University of Texas-PanAmerican, students seem to be onboard with this trend, with the secondlargest number of college studentsparticipating in international pro-grams in the state after TheUniversity of Texas Austin. Travelingto another place has become a regularoccurrence for UTPA students in thepast decade or so. The university out-reach began with a 1995 program thatsent 15 students to Puebla, Mexico, tostudy abroad. Twelve years later in2006-2007, there were 430 studentsgoing elsewhere for study, to coun-tries all over the world.
Study abroadprogram topssecond in state
� PROGRAMS
SOAR prepares sophomores By Abigail MunizTHE PAN AMERICAN
SEE SOAR || PAGE 12
SEE PROGRAM || PAGE 12
� ACADEMIC
By Abby FloresTHE PAN AMERICAN
For Carlos Caro, taking Theory inAnthropology was easier the secondtime, because this time he could com-plete the work in the comfort of hisown room.
“I’d be in my room in pajamas andI’d get my work done,” said Caro, asenior social studies composite major.
Caro has chosen to take onlinecourses instead of traditional in classcourses. Online courses have beenoffered at the University of Texas-PanAmerican since 1995, and their popu-larity has steadily increased. Todaythere are about 80 courses offeredonline, including a number of upper-division ones.
More online classesoffered, worries arise
� TECHNOLOGY
By Ana VillaurrutiaTHE PAN AMERICAN
SEE ONLINE || PAGE 12
SEENANDCAPTURED
MEET SUE - University maintanence crews worked all day Thursday to help assemble Sue the T.Rex, the most complete and preserved dinosaurever excavated. Sue will be on display beginning Sept. 22.
Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN
Dates to Know:16 de Septiembre FestivalSept. 16, 20085 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.Quad Area
Bachelor’s Graduation Application Deadline Sept. 15, 20088 a.m. to 5 p.m.Payments and Collections
ADVERTISEMENTS September 11, 2008Page 4
ADVERTISEMENTS Page 5September 11, 2008
ADVERTISEMENTS September 11, 2008Page 6
� CAMPUS QUALITY
Page 7September 11, 2008
Want to spread love and positivityacross The University of Texas-PanAmerican? Look no further, theworldwide organization Free Hugsrecently began a UTPA chapter thatmay be for you.
Victor Ituarte, a 21-year-old adver-tising and public relations major,started the campus version of the FreeHug movement in 2007, however itonly became a temporary campusorganization in January this year.
“The whole movement started inAustralia back in 2004, with this manwho calls himself Juan Mann,” Ituarteexplained.
Mann, according to the official his-tory found on www.freehugscam-paign.org, felt lonely and wantedcomfort after moving from London,England back to his hometown inSydney, Australia. He wrote up a signthat simply read: “Free Hugs” andstood on the busiest pedestrian walk-way in Sydney.
At first no one acknowledged him,and then one woman tapped him onhis shoulder and explained she hadjust lost her dog that morning and itwas the one-year anniversary of thedeath of her only daughter.
All she wanted was a hug; once theyparted, she had a smile on her face.
Ituarte said he gets a little choked
up every time he hears the story.“I get emotional because she is
obviously going through a hard timeand what if Juan Mann wasn’tthere?” he questioned.
In 2007, the UTPA Free Hugseffort was comprised of volunteersand their friends. Ituarte said heknew there would be people whodid not want a hug, but he also foundthere were actually many people whostopped to give them, people from alldifferent walks of life.
Students on campus are starting tobecome familiar with the UTPA hug-gers.
“If a guy was holding the sign,maybe. If a girl was holding the sign Iwould be more inclined to receive ahug,” Aldo Ceja, a 22-year-old psy-chology major said. “If I really need-ed a hug though, of course I wouldtake one.”
Simon Chrisco Alexander, 24-year-old graphic design major said menmight show signs of machismo.
“Yeah, I would give Victor a hug; Ithink I already gave him one,”Alexander said. “Guys would proba-bly want to do it, but wouldn’tbecause their friends would think theyare gay. I think hugs can be incrediblypowerful, honestly.”
From the girls’ point of view,Lorena Balli, a 21-year-old biologymajor, believes that guys would bemore reluctant to receive hugs than
girls. “Gi r l s
would probably go in for hugs,” shesaid. “Because girls are more senti-mental then guys. Guys are more hes-itant because they are thinking ‘I can’thug, I’m a dude.”
Now that the group is an officialorganization there are rules to being ahugger on campus. A student has tosign a “promise” that they will followthe rules, Ituarte stated.
For example: No lifting whilehugging, due to physical conditions,unless you know them personally,keep hugs short, have good hygiene,and offer hugs with open arms.Huggers must smile and spread theinformation on a movement that hasspread to over 40 countries. It is alsocrucial to not respond to any nega-tive feedback purposely given; ifthere are questions asked, justrespond without attitude. Some maysee it as giving hugs; in reality it is a
responsibility and representation ofthe group.
Ituarte wants Free Hugs to gohand-in-hand with other groups soin the upcoming semester, he willbe working with the Association ofVegan and Vegetarian Awareness,
the Psychology club and the BlackStudent Association. Ituarte also
extends an invitation to any organiza-tion that would like to have jointevents with Free Hugs.
“Doing something positive mightmake all the difference in the world,”Ituarte said. “If we live in a world thatcan turn negativity into somethingcontagious, why not push somethingpositive in the system.”
By Andrielle FigueroaTHE PAN AMERICAN
Courtesy of Free Hugs Campaign
TAKE ONE - Senior volleyball player Deanna Schneyer offers freehugs to students walking by. Look for hugs today in the Student Union.
Art exhibitions are always a sightto see. The exhibitions from the artistthemselves can be taunting, beautifulor just downright weird, but stillenjoyable to discuss and debate about.
The Rio Grande Valley has seen itsshare of art exhibitions such as theTorture Instruments Through the Agesat the International Museum of Art &Science (IMAS) in McAllen. TheTorture exhibition, which started Feb.9, will finally end its reign of terror inDecember. But in truth, art lovers ofthe Valley will probably enjoy theSweet Dreams and Nightmares exhib-it at the Harlingen Arts and HeritageMuseum, due to the originality of itsyoung artist.
San Benito native Lisette Chavez,who now resides in Harlingen, has
brought her exhibition to the public ofHarlingen for the first time, and saidshe hopes her work will be seen byinterested patrons Valleywide. Herexhibition started Aug. 26 and willend Nov. 8.
“I am a visual artist who enjoysworking via mixed media on paper,”said Chavez. The 26-year-old alsoexpressed that her pieces are primari-ly figurative and serve as an insightinto her observations based onhuman life.
Chavez explained that mixedmedia is a visual art, which refers toan artwork in which more than onemedium is employed. She also statedthat a work on canvas that combinespaint, ink, and a form of collagecould properly be called a mixedmedia project.
“Sometimes I draw with color pen-cils or pens, sometimes I use acrylic
paints and spray paints, said Chavezexcitedly. “I like to use a combinationof materials and most recently I’vebegun to use fabric and lace.”
Chavez, a 2003 Incarnate WordUniversity graduate, received herbachelor’s degree in art. When askedwhy she chose the title Sweet Dreamsand Nightmares, for her exhibit,Chavez replied the pieces of art shecreated are about how life in generalcan be bitter and sweet.
“My work covers the spectrum ofthe human condition, both life anddeath; beginnings and endings,”Chavez said. “It is a metaphor for thedisintegration of our morals and thefrailty of human life. Most important-ly, it is a self-investigation of my pastexperiences, thoughts and dreams.”Chavez said she realized that adultsare confronted with good and evil,and when choosing between the two
they have the opportunity to becomea blessing to those around them or acurse on the world.
“The loss of morals and family val-ues throughout our culture, especiallywithin my generation, is most obviouswhen the immoral choice is made.”
One mixed media Chavez hasshowcased which explains her art isthat of a fetus of a baby surroundedby guns and weapons which Chavezso brilliantly titled Some BabiesNever Stop Crying suggesting to theviolence which small children arebrought up in, in the Rio GrandeValley, and especially in Mexico.
Chavez explained that her inspira-tion for the exhibition was brought onby her Mexican heritage, which rein-forced her beliefs through such cele-brations as Dia De Los Muertos.
“Death is perceived as transitional,rather than as an end,” she explained.
“I examine relationships amonghuman beings and the various charac-ters that each person plays withinsociety. In an effort to conform, onebecomes a puppet, wearing multiplemasks—one for each situation.”
Some of Chavez’s work in theexhibition includes a young womandressed in a pink ruffled dress, whichrepresents a girl’s innocence gettinglost in the woods. The image issomewhat frightening because theyoung girl has the appearance of askeleton and all around her are dark,villainous trees. One could tie thetwo themes together as a young girlgetting lost, and losing her inno-cence. Chavez explained that herwork is dark, but also colorfulbecause it explores the days of inno-cence, and then the descent intomadness and chaos, hence the title of
Chavez presents Sweet Dreams and Nightmares� LOCAL ARTS
By Russen VelaTHE PAN AMERICAN
THE PAN AMERICAN
Push positivity with Free Hugs
SEE EXHIBIT || PAGE 10
Dates to Know:Free Hugs
Sept. 11Look for hugs in the Quad, Student Union, tree cir-cle, library and SBSC building from noon to 1 p.m.
Student film auditions: The L.G.M. Project
Sept. 185 p.m. to 7 p.m.COAS Rm. 107
The sweat beaded off local vendors in the glaring sun asthey diligently set up merchant booths next to AmbrosiaCoffee Shop for Friday’s ArtWalk. But it was all worth it,as they geared up for the very first AfterWalk, enjoying artand music into the night.
For those who don’t know, the event is held on the firstFriday of every month, in the Main Street Arts District ofdowntown McAllen, which runs from Expressway 83 toHackberry Avenue. Local artists, vendors and musiciansgather to feature their work and to network. The showattracts a diverse crowd of people from all walks of life thatshare an appreciation for the arts. The AfterWalk is an off-shoot of the original ArtWalk concept.
Nick Anzaldua, 22, from Granjeno, and owner of AmbrosiaCoffee Shop on 610 North Main, came up with the AfterWalkidea when he noticed that people didn’t have a place to goafter the ArtWalk ended. Anzaldua thought it would be a per-fect opportunity for the community to continue celebrating,buying, appreciating, and listening to live acts.
“It’s pretty cool, we’re staying open later than usual andvendors can keep selling their goods,” he said. “People canstop by and listen to a few bands that will be playing.”
Vendors at the artist market, who connected to AmbrosiaCoffee Shop, were all thrilled to stay, keep selling and net-working.
Art-N-Soul vendor Nikki Villarreal, 27, senior sculpturemajor at UTPA, and Paul Alvarez, a 20-year-old sophomoreart major, created Art-N-Soul to make and sell art theydescribe as hands-on and unique. Some of their itemsinclude paintings, handmade bags, earrings, pins, pendantsand rings, much of it with a Dia de los Muertos theme.
“ I just love the colorfulness of Mexican folk art; it’s myculture and I really got into the theme after my grandmoth-er passed away,” explained Villarreal.
Villarreal and Alvarez arrived at 5 p.m. outside ofAmbrosia Coffee Shop to set up their table on Friday. Bothhad been up until 2 in the morning the night before puttingthe finishing touches on their work.
“If all goes well, hopefully the AfterWalk will continue,it’s really a great chance for people to come and socialize,have a great time and buy arts and crafts,” Villarreal said.
They have been selling at the ArtWalk since April andbelieve that the event is great for Art-N-Soul; they usuallypocket about $200 every time, and note that staying openlater is a boost.
Craft shopping during the AfterWalk at the merchant tablesnext to Ambrosia was 18-year-old Sasha Rodriguez from SanJuan, a freshman nursing major at South Texas College.Rodriguez spent $6 on a jewelry box that was shaped like a
star and hand crafted with purple and black stripes.“It’s unique and something that you don’t see very
often,” she said. One booth down from Art-N-Soul, was 21-year-old
Monika Cavasos from McAllen. Her Monikapolitan booth,with handmade and vintage crafts, reflecting past times infashion of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, had many teenage girlslined up, ready to buy Cavazos’ crafts.
“A lot of what I sell is for girls; cute earrings and bags,”said Cavazos, who also explained that this was her first timeattending the ArtWalk; she enjoyed the atmosphere.
“I’m staying all night for the AfterWalk and also lookingforward to coming and vending at the art-walks moreoften,” she said.
As the large crowds dwindled after 10 p.m., people start-ed gathering at Ambrosia Coffee Shop, right as theAfterWalk got under way.
Waiting nearby as musicians prepared to take the stagewas 23-year-old Sara Martinez, a recent UTPA film gradu-ate from Edinburg.
Martinez, who heard of the AfterWalk through MySpaceand word of mouth, was in the company of friends.
“The AfterWalk is a great thing, for people not ready tostop having fun, plus the music is great,” said Martinez.
As the crowd gathered, the lights dimmed and the open-ing act took the stage at Ambrosia Coffee Shop.
Bradley Wilkinson, 25, from McAllen and Austin, whowas vending during the ArtWalk and the AfterWalk, tooktime off to open the night.
Armed with only his acoustic guitar and a microphone,Wilkinson entertained a medium sized crowd, eager to con-tinue celebrating.
Rock band Kafe kept the entertainment going with songsboth in English and Spanish as the crowds clapped along.Also performing was Hope for the Stars, an ambient andinstrumental band and Audio Hallucinogen, an acoustic andelectronica band from Mission.
Ambient music is characterized by quiet and repetitiveinstrumental melodies and electronica and relies on theheavy use of synthesizers.
The AfterWalk at Ambrosia stayed open until 1:30 ameven though Anzadlua expected it to end at midnight.
“Everybody wins. Ambrosia stays open and makes a lit-tle extra cash and so do the vendors. People seem to be hav-ing a great time, so why stop the fun,” said Anzaldua
The next ArtWalk will be held Friday, Oct. 3, andAnzaldua is positive that the AfterWalk will continue sothat artists, vendors and musicians will gather at AmbrosiaCoffee Shop to continue the celebration.
“ Instead of breaking your head over where to hang outor what to do after the ArtWalk, we’ve got you covered withmusic, art and celebration,” he said.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT September 11, 2008Page 8 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 9September 11, 2008
Photos by Isaac Garcia Design by Rick Gamez
By Isaac GarciaTHE PAN AMERICAN
Cafe Ambrosia hosts AfterWalk
The sweat beaded off local vendors in the glaring sun asthey diligently set up merchant booths next to AmbrosiaCoffee Shop for Friday’s ArtWalk. But it was all worth it,as they geared up for the very first AfterWalk, enjoying artand music into the night.
For those who don’t know, the event is held on the firstFriday of every month, in the Main Street Arts District ofdowntown McAllen, which runs from Expressway 83 toHackberry Avenue. Local artists, vendors and musiciansgather to feature their work and to network. The showattracts a diverse crowd of people from all walks of life thatshare an appreciation for the arts. The AfterWalk is an off-shoot of the original ArtWalk concept.
Nick Anzaldua, 22, from Granjeno, and owner of AmbrosiaCoffee Shop on 610 North Main, came up with the AfterWalkidea when he noticed that people didn’t have a place to goafter the ArtWalk ended. Anzaldua thought it would be a per-fect opportunity for the community to continue celebrating,buying, appreciating, and listening to live acts.
“It’s pretty cool, we’re staying open later than usual andvendors can keep selling their goods,” he said. “People canstop by and listen to a few bands that will be playing.”
Vendors at the artist market, who connected to AmbrosiaCoffee Shop, were all thrilled to stay, keep selling and net-working.
Art-N-Soul vendor Nikki Villarreal, 27, senior sculpturemajor at UTPA, and Paul Alvarez, a 20-year-old sophomoreart major, created Art-N-Soul to make and sell art theydescribe as hands-on and unique. Some of their itemsinclude paintings, handmade bags, earrings, pins, pendantsand rings, much of it with a Dia de los Muertos theme.
“ I just love the colorfulness of Mexican folk art; it’s myculture and I really got into the theme after my grandmoth-er passed away,” explained Villarreal.
Villarreal and Alvarez arrived at 5 p.m. outside ofAmbrosia Coffee Shop to set up their table on Friday. Bothhad been up until 2 in the morning the night before puttingthe finishing touches on their work.
“If all goes well, hopefully the AfterWalk will continue,it’s really a great chance for people to come and socialize,have a great time and buy arts and crafts,” Villarreal said.
They have been selling at the ArtWalk since April andbelieve that the event is great for Art-N-Soul; they usuallypocket about $200 every time, and note that staying openlater is a boost.
Craft shopping during the AfterWalk at the merchant tablesnext to Ambrosia was 18-year-old Sasha Rodriguez from SanJuan, a freshman nursing major at South Texas College.Rodriguez spent $6 on a jewelry box that was shaped like a
star and hand crafted with purple and black stripes.“It’s unique and something that you don’t see very
often,” she said. One booth down from Art-N-Soul, was 21-year-old
Monika Cavasos from McAllen. Her Monikapolitan booth,with handmade and vintage crafts, reflecting past times infashion of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, had many teenage girlslined up, ready to buy Cavazos’ crafts.
“A lot of what I sell is for girls; cute earrings and bags,”said Cavazos, who also explained that this was her first timeattending the ArtWalk; she enjoyed the atmosphere.
“I’m staying all night for the AfterWalk and also lookingforward to coming and vending at the art-walks moreoften,” she said.
As the large crowds dwindled after 10 p.m., people start-ed gathering at Ambrosia Coffee Shop, right as theAfterWalk got under way.
Waiting nearby as musicians prepared to take the stagewas 23-year-old Sara Martinez, a recent UTPA film gradu-ate from Edinburg.
Martinez, who heard of the AfterWalk through MySpaceand word of mouth, was in the company of friends.
“The AfterWalk is a great thing, for people not ready tostop having fun, plus the music is great,” said Martinez.
As the crowd gathered, the lights dimmed and the open-ing act took the stage at Ambrosia Coffee Shop.
Bradley Wilkinson, 25, from McAllen and Austin, whowas vending during the ArtWalk and the AfterWalk, tooktime off to open the night.
Armed with only his acoustic guitar and a microphone,Wilkinson entertained a medium sized crowd, eager to con-tinue celebrating.
Rock band Kafe kept the entertainment going with songsboth in English and Spanish as the crowds clapped along.Also performing was Hope for the Stars, an ambient andinstrumental band and Audio Hallucinogen, an acoustic andelectronica band from Mission.
Ambient music is characterized by quiet and repetitiveinstrumental melodies and electronica and relies on theheavy use of synthesizers.
The AfterWalk at Ambrosia stayed open until 1:30 ameven though Anzadlua expected it to end at midnight.
“Everybody wins. Ambrosia stays open and makes a lit-tle extra cash and so do the vendors. People seem to be hav-ing a great time, so why stop the fun,” said Anzaldua
The next ArtWalk will be held Friday, Oct. 3, andAnzaldua is positive that the AfterWalk will continue sothat artists, vendors and musicians will gather at AmbrosiaCoffee Shop to continue the celebration.
“ Instead of breaking your head over where to hang outor what to do after the ArtWalk, we’ve got you covered withmusic, art and celebration,” he said.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT September 11, 2008Page 8 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 9September 11, 2008
Photos by Isaac Garcia Design by Rick Gamez
By Isaac GarciaTHE PAN AMERICAN
Cafe Ambrosia hosts AfterWalk
� TECH NEWS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT September 11, 2008Page 10
her exhibition Sweet Dreams andNightmares.
Harlingen Museum curator RamiroRodriguez was excited about havingChavez showcase her work at the Artsand Heritage Museum. The museumwhich was built in 1968 got amakeover in 1991, and now acts asboth a museum and art gallery.
“We work to promote and encour-age interest in all aspects of the arts,”said Rodriguez. “Lisette is a talentedartist, and we have mailed out invita-tions to our museum members and putup posters announcing the exhibitthroughout the Valley so we anticipatea successful run for Lisette’s SweetDreams & Nightmares exhibit.”
Rodriguez also explained that he
expects a good turnout of people tocome and view the work.
“We anticipate a turnout of about70 people for Lisette Chavez’s recep-tion,” said Rodriguez. “We alsoexpect anywhere from 500 to 600people coming through for theremainder of her exhibit.”
Sarah Chavez, not a relative of theartist, was enthusiastic about the show.
“I love the mix media shows,” saidChavez, a sophomore art major. TheEdinburg native also suggested thatsince she is exploring her own creativ-ity with mix media, she might checkout the exhibit in Harlingen. “I amcurious to see it,” Chavez said. “Thereason why I love mix media isbecause there are no rules, you can
just be creative, and put things togeth-er which to some people don’t makesense, but they make sense to you,plus the images I have seen onLisette’s Web site are indeed originaland unique.”
Chavez has showcased manyexhibitions in the Rio Grande Valley,as well as Mexico. She also enjoystaking photographs and suggestedthat the art of photography might beher next exhibition. Her previousexhibitions have been at UTPA in2005 with her exhibition El Deseo demi Corazon and Whistling in theDark in the Semmes Gallery at SanAntonio in 2007.
Having shown her work manytimes, Lisette says she never gets
nervous when she exhibits in hernew hometown of Harlingen or inthe RGV.
“As an artist, you should exhibitas much as possible,” she stressed. “Ihope that more events, such as theone I’m participating in, presentthemselves, so that artists here in theValley have more venues to showtheir work.” Lisette Chavez’s exhibi-tion runs through September to Nov.8. Her exhibition can be seen at theHarlingen Arts and HeritageMuseum on 2425 Boxwood St. Thetimes for the exhibit are Tuesdaysthrough Saturdays from 10 a.m to 4p.m and Sunday’s from 1 p.m. to 4p.m. The museum is closed onMondays.
When one truly yearns to learn theFrench language, one must journey toFrance. When one truly yearns tolearn the Norwegian language, onemust journey to Norway. Likewise,when one truly yearns to learn theHTML language, one simply mustjourney to the Café Ambrosia.
Tony Navarra, a Web site designerfrom McAllen, is offering a free classon how to build your own Web site onSept. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at theCafé Ambrosia located at 610 N. MainSt. in McAllen.
HTML, or HyperText MarkupLanguage, is the main language usedto create Web sites. Web pages writ-ten in HTML code easily combinetext, pictures, sounds and links all inone place.
Because HTML files are plain textfiles, they can easily be composed on
any computer and simply uploaded toa Web site, making Navarra’s free twohour course simple for any beginner.
Navarra, a Valley transplant origi-nally from the San Francisco Bayarea, has been working in the Webindustry for the last 10 years but onlyrecently began to design Web sites onhis own locally.
“I’ve been designing Web sites forindividuals or organizations - com-panies, churches, clubs - so that theycan create a presence on the Web,”he said.
While the idea of creating anentire Web site in two hours mayseem daunting to most, Navarra saidhe confidently believes that it iscompletely do-able even for a com-plete beginner.
“If you can open Microsoft Wordand type a letter, you can do this,” hesaid. “In the last few years, the toolsand software to create Web sites hasbecome more freely available and is
easier to use.”In fact, Navarra said the software
he will be using in the class Sept. 16 isso customizable, that anyone can cre-ate a sophisticated looking site in notime, complete with forums, calendarand even a blog.
Shirley Rickett of Alamo, a writer,learned first-hand just how simplehaving your own Web site can be.Navarra helped her build her own,http://www.swrickettpoetry.com, tohelp expose her writing to a largeraudience.
“It’s just a matter of filling thingsin,” Rickett said. “After the Web sitewas up, I just input my biography,upcoming events, my publishing his-tory and some of my poems.”
The online exposure has helped togenerate publicity for her poetry and herforthcoming book, Dinner in Oslo.
Rickett said that before she had herown Web site, she was only familiarwith basic computer tasks. With
Navarra’s help, she has come to real-ize how simple it can actually be.
Darline Gracia, 21, a graphicdesign major from Weslaco, is consid-ering taking the free course herself.
“I do a variety of art in differentmediums,” she explained. “Havingmy own Web site would be a greatway to get my work out there. Beingable to create a complete Web site injust two hours sounds awesome.”
Navarra added that he hopes tooffer courses like this in the future.
“This is the way we are going,” hesaid, referring to the Web. “There arelots of individuals or organizations thatcould use a community building tool.I’ve helped everyone from small busi-nesses looking for exposure to WinterTexans wanting to make a family treeget, to their own Web site.”
To reserve a spot or for more infor-mation about this free design class,contact Tony Navarra at (956) 279-0880.
Webmaster shares skills in craftBrenda, Dylan, Kelly, Donna,
David and Brandon. All of thesenames may ring familiar to those whogrew up with Beverly Hills 90210 inthe late ‘90s.
The show was all love, sex and,drugs, all in a high school setting andlater on in college, where the plotsthickened.
Today’s generation will get a tasteof the Brenda-Dylan-Kelly love trian-gle taken to the extreme. Parents,teachers and counselors are throwninto the mix as well.
Lives are turned upside down forthe new Walsh clan, now the Wilsons,and an eccentric grandmother whosettles into Beverly Hills, as oldflames are rekindled and old woundsare opened once again.
With the return of Jenny Garth(Kelly Taylor) and Shannen Doherty(Brenda Walsh), it puts another spinon things as we wait to see whethertime really has healed all, or if anoth-er catfight is on the verge of erupting.
Surely most of us B.H alums aretoo old to be entangled in the lives ofrich, bratty, promiscuous teens, butlet’s just chalk it up to another guiltypleasure. Oh, Mr. Spelling would beso proud.
By Marco CarbajalTHE PAN AMERICAN
By Laura GarciaTHE PAN AMERICAN
EXHIBIT continued from Page 7
Cardinal - Carlos SepulvedaHistory Graduate
Playmaker - Eric EspinozaGraphic design major
True
Long, long ago, there were two
who loved true.
Oh, not Adam nor Eve,
Though, God loves them too.
God gave them a second chance
which she blew,
When she decided to marry
number two.
She remains blue.
� CALENDAR OF EVENTS
� TV CORNER
“90210”
Music Departement
Valley Symphony OrchestraThursday, Oct. 2 Where: UTPA Fine Arts
Auditorium When: 8 p.m. Cost: $25-$45(music majors free)
UTPA ChoirTuesday Oct. 7 Where: Fine Arts AuditoriumWhen: 8 p.m. Cost: free
Theatre Department
She Loves MeOct. 8-12 Wed. to Sat. 8 p.m.Sunday Matinee 2 p.m.Mainstage
The Piper and the RatsOct. 16-19 Thursday to Saturday 7 p.m.Sunday Matinee 2 p.m.
Design by Rick Gamez
NEWS Page 11 September 11, 2008
ed biomedical research and are fromtop-notch college and universities likeUC Berkeley, Yale and Harvard; how-ever Rodriguez has managed to breakthat mold.
“I was surprised I got it,” he said.“I applied because I had confidence. Iwas confident that I had a chance.”
At the five-day forum, which willtake place in Florida, Rodriguez willbe giving a 20-minute formal presen-tation in front of several Ph.Ds, MDsand students. He added that he willreceive a plaque for his presentationand that the mainaccomplishment isbeing selected.
Despite thedaunting undertak-ing, Rodriguezfeels confident inthe research.
“I’ve done a fewother presentationsand I’ve gotten useto it, and I’ve gotten comfortableabout it,” he said.
Bimal Banik, a professor in thechemistry department and also thePresident’s Endowed Professor in theCollege of Science and Engineering,works closely with Rodriguez. He for-warded the e-mail to Rodriguezbecause he felt he had the drive.
Professor Banik recommendedRodriguez for the award.
“I have lots of undergraduates butI sent it to Robert with hopes hewould do it,” Banik said. “After two,
three months, he has been selected.”Banik, a former UT M.D.
Anderson Cancer Center professor,has been working on the beta-lactamand anticancer research since 1995.
The goal of the research is not tofind a cure for cancer, Rodriguez said,but to find ways to better understandand treat it.
“Most people are just developingtreatment, not really a cure,” he said.“I don’t know if there is anyway toprevent it. A lot of people (scientists)are just focusing on once you already
have cancer.”R o d r i g u e z ’ s
passion for the sci-ences germinatedin high school.Rodriguez, whoatended ScienceAcademy, saidwhen he came toUTPA he decidedto take a different
route and declared English as a major.But shortly after his freshman year, herealized the sciences were his calling.
“I didn’t see myself being excellentin English but I saw myself beingexcellent in chemistry,” he said. Headded the lack of research in Englishis what made him realize his desire.
Though he spends most of hisdays, including weekends, in the labo-ratory, Rodriguez notes that his inter-est in the subject keeps him going.
“What I think is interesting is howit works,” he said. “How you can
make something that can change thehuman body by putting (it) into ahuman body,” he explained.
Rodriguez has been in Banik’sorganic chemistry lectures for the pasttwo years and was selected by Banikto serve as lab manager.
“I need a manager who can workwith me closely,” Banik said. “Heinforms me what is going on in thelaboratory on a regular basis.”
Rodriguez said that working withBanik, who holds six U.S. patents forthe development of new anticancerdrugs and antibiotics, is something henever expected.
Banik has also trained more than100 bachelors, masters and doctoraland nine post-doctoral students fromdifferent countries.
Banik’s experience in cancerresearch has given Rodriguez assur-ance.
“I’ve been his students and he’salso my mentor,” he said. “He teachesme how to think at a higher level.”
Rodriguez is scheduled to graduatein May 2009, however he is unsurewhat university he wants to continuehis education at.
He hopes to pursue a career in thepharmaceutical industry and is keep-ing his eye on The University ofTexas-Health Science Center in SanAntonio.
“It makes me think that Pan Amwill have a good future,” Rodriguezsaid. “There is a possibility for PanAm to have a good future.
CHEMISTRY continued from Page 1
WEIRD SCIENCE - Robert Rodriguez, a 22-year-old chemistrymajor, works diligently in the chemistry lab. Rodriguez is one of 12 stu-dents across the country selected to present his anti-cancer research.
Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN
“Each step is a challenge,once you get past that chal-lenge, your next step isanother challenge.”
Robert Rodriguez Chemisty major
NEWS September 11, 2008Page 12
variety of events going on at that time,as well,” Zamora said.
Spirit Week has been a part of theuniversity community for eight yearsand its main purpose is to stir Broncpride and get ready for the basketballseason.
“We encourage students to keep aneye out for the advertisement thatshould be coming out very soon, andcome out and join us and participatewith the different events that are goingon during the week,” Zamora said.
“That’s one thing that our dean ofstudents is trying to do to get morestudent involvement, so they can get
the total experience here at theUniversity of Texas-Pan American.
That’s the big thing, gettinginvolved, becoming part of the univer-sity and knowing the traditions as wellas making new traditions.”
Junior graphic design majorMonica Salazar agrees that SpiritWeek will gain from having an organ-izing committee.
“I believe Spirit Week will be a lotbetter if many people organize it…itvaries, you get many ideas you justdon’t get one, you get many opinions,you have variations. I believe it willbe a lot better.”
ONLINE continued from Page 3
“It was surprising, they usuallydon’t offer upper-division classesonline,” said the La Joya native. “Itwas so easy.”
Some courses are given complete-ly online, and some called hybridcourses may spend part of the weekor semester in cyberspace and theother in class. Jane Lemaster, execu-tive director of the Center forDistance Learning at UTPA, believesthere is a sizable amount of studentstaking an interest in this new way oftaking class.
“This is where it is these days,”said Lemaster. “So many of our stu-
dents have jobs or live far away.” As the country rapidly converts their
televisions and music players to digital,a boom in online courses has also hap-pened. In the 2006 fall term 3.5 millionstudents were registered for at least oneof these courses, a 10 percent increasefrom the year before, and a staggering52 percent increase since 2004.
The CDL is currently applying foran AT&T grant that Lemaster saidcould expand access to online coursesvia phones and electronic deviceswith Internet.
So the continued move to cyber-space is on, but what do students real-
ly get? Early crit-icism of the trendpointed to thefact that manytimes, studentsare not goodenough at beingself-starters. Thismeans procrasti-nation, always acampus bugaboo,is not automatically alleviated by thenew technique, and sometimes madeworse.
Still, Alcione Ostorga, educationprofessor, has been teaching online
courses for the pastfive years. Shebelieves they canengage students whohave trouble partici-pating in a face-to-face class.
“Some studentsare quiet because theyhave to think abouttheir answers, in an
online course you can have time tothink.”
Then there is the criticism thatwithout the hands-on, human ele-ment, online courses can become
boring or ineffective. Though Caroaced his online course, he admitted tonot learning as much as he shouldhave, and he explained that “classwork” consisted of summarizingreadings and commenting on otherclass member’s work.
“I didn’t learn much, all we didwas summarize what we read, so Ididn’t feel like I absorbed the infor-mation.”
“We didn’t meet every week andsometimes they don’t have accessonline so they had to come to campuswhich was inconvenient for somepeople,” said Ostorga.
was to target sophomore retentionrates. Unlike SOAR, which is a con-ference, SAM runs throughout thecourse of the school year.
“A lot of the times, there’s a lot offocus on our freshmen becausethey’re coming in, they’re new to theuniversity,” she said. “Same with theseniors, they’re leaving the nest.”
The two-year retention percentagefor the 2004 cohort, was 53.8 percent.
The retention rate for the 2005cohort was 59.3 percent, according tothe Office of Undergraduate Studies.
Established in 2007, SOAR’s pur-pose is to provide students withimportant information that will helpthem successfully complete their sec-ond year.
“Students are starting to thinkabout ‘what’s my next step?’ We fig-ured this could be a way to help themget going,” Hernnadez said.
UTPA is not the only university inTexas targeting sophomore collegestudents. Trinity University in SanAntonio has created a formal programthis year called Sophomore College,to help students avoid a second-yearslump.
It is also geared toward increasingretention rates.
The Chronicle of Higher Educationpublished an article in 2006 statingthat while 80.6 percent of freshmenwho enrolled in 2003 at 440 four-year
institutions across the United States,only 70.7 percent of those remainedenrolled as juniors at the same institu-tion.
“When students go into their soph-omore year, they’re transitioning to apoint where they have to make deci-sions, and they feel the pressure,”Hernandez said. “What we wanted tooffer is a chance for these students toask questions.”
This year, the conference is alsogetting support from local compa-nies.
Besides gift certificates from vari-ous places including Barnes andNoble, Wendy’s, and Moonbeans, toname a few, a study abroad scholar-ship will also be awarded in a raffle.
The conference will run in ses-sions, and students will have a chanceto choose from 21 sessions includingInternships, Safe Campus Living, andExercise and Nutrition.
Clarissa Farias, a sophomore psy-chology major, said she wants toattend the conference.
The McAllen native works part-time at La Villa Elementary as a tutor,and is sure about her major but hasquestions regarding what she shoulddo after graduation.
“I think it’d be beneficial, becauseafter I finish my first four years, Idon’t know what I’m going to do,”she said.
Responsible for the sheepherdingof students to points beyond theValley is the Office of InternationalPrograms, which promotes academicprograms, non-credit cultural pro-grams abroad and international eventson campus. One of the events beingheld this semester is InternationalWeek, which will be Nov. 17-21. Inthis annual event, cultural diversity isstressed.
WORLDWIDE TRAVELThe UT System has set a goal to
increase international activities, urg-ing member schools to seek tobecome more globally oriented.
The state of Texas ranks fourth inthe country with approximately10,000 students studying abroad.While OIP focused on studyingabroad, they also want to encourageforeign students to visit, in the old-fashioned exchange program model.
In the 2005-2006 academic schoolyear, Texas ranked third with approxi-mately 47,000 international studentsfrom different countries. In 2004-2005, UTPA had a total of 6,600 for-eign students in town at one time oranother.
So UTPA is busy hosting interna-tional students. But the study abroadprogram remains highly popular aswell. The effort has branched out fromthe ’95 Pueblatrip to includemultiple destina-tions, places likeChina, Spain,France, Mexicoand Canada,among others.The most populardestination hasbeen Salamanca,Spain, where local students can takeadvantage of their Spanish skills.
In June, several UTPA studentsvisited Rabat, Morocco, for a month,to study classes in Arabic languageclasses, the economy of Morocco,plus offerings in art, culture, law, andpolitics of that North African nation.
The reports from the student bodyare encouraging, as most people who
travel abroad, mainly spring the sum-mer, relate a life-changing experience.
“It has definitely been one of thehighlights of my life,” said EstrellaMedina, a junior double majoring inmathematics and electrical engineer-ing. Students fear the reality of leav-ing the country and experiencing awhole new culture. I was a littleapprehensive when I learned wewould be learning this now in demandlanguage, Arabic. It was a little chal-lenging.”
Students arefinding that oncethey take the leapinto the unknown,their zest for travelincreases, for vari-ous reasons.
“I can honestlysay I would do thisall over again in aheartbeat,” theMission nativesaid. “This trip hasmade me moreopen-minded... I definitely recom-mend the Cultural ImmersionProgram to other students.”
FUNDING ISSUESWanting to get some diversity is
one thing, but traveling across theworld isn’t cheap. In June 2007, U.S.
House ofRepresentat ivespassed a bill toestablish theSenator PaulSimon StudyA b r o a dFoundation, whichaims to makestudying abroadmore affordable
for students. Beginning in 2008, $80million were available to the founda-tion.
Communication senior JanetAlvarado lived in Florence, Italy, forthe fall semester of 2007, andMorocco the following summer.
“Even though the programs can beexpensive, there is no excuse becauseof the availability of funds,” Alvarado
said. “I’m in debt, but it’s definitelyworth it.”
Partly due to the Simon initiative,scholarships, financial aid, loans andeven sponsors can help students payfor the programs.
With finances taken care of, it’sonly a matter of getting prepared withenough time. The success of interna-tional programs at UTPA has beengood because of the variety of coursesoffered, the promotions employees
repeat throughoutthe year, andaffordable pack-ages in compari-son to some otheruniversities.
To apply stu-dents must beofficially admit-ted at UTPA, haveno holds withpayments and col-lections, a mini-mum GPA of 2.0for undergradu-
ates and a minimum GPA of 3.0 forgraduate students.
Further information regardinginternational programs can be foundat the Office of InternationalPrograms located in COAS 125, 956-316-7012 or at their web site:http://www.panam.edu/dept/interna-tionalprograms.
PROGRAM continued from Page 3
SPIRIT continued from Page 3
SOAR continued from Page 3
“I’d be in my room in mypajamas and I’d get mywork done.”
Carlos CaroSenior
“It has definitely beenone of the highlights ofmy life...”
Estrella MedinaJunior
“This trip has made memore open minded... Idefinitely recommendthe Cultural ImmersionProgram to other stu-dents.”
Estrella MedinaJunior
� TIDBIT
Nov. 3 - Nov. 7
*Spirit Walk
*Car-Decorating Event
*Midnight MadnessTailgate Party
When a University of Texas Pan-American head coach tells the Broncfaithful to anticipate major things out ofa team, some folks believe, other don’t.
But Ofelia Lopez, UTPA men’s andwomen’s golf coach, is convinced apromising season looms for the menand wants to let fans know Bronc golfwill be back on the map.
“I see tremendous improvementfrom last year to this year. This yearwe have a strong team who is hungryto win,” said Lopez, in her second sea-son. “They’ve came back stronger,more dedicated and more coachable.With their talent, I know that anygiven time they’re able to go andshoot lights out. We are a force to bereckoned with.”
With such high praise comes equal-ly lofty expectations, and the Broncsbegan their pursuit toward a bannerseason Monday and Tuesday at theNebraska Fairway Club Invitational,with a decent performance. The men
shot a team score of 599, earning thema tie for seventh place among a field of12 schools.
But there was some glory, as Lopezpredicted, as senior Shane Pearcelocked up first place with an individ-ual two-round score of 139 (68-71),while Oregon native ArmenKirakossian finished in eighth afterposting a score of 147.
PREVIEWThe men are confident heading into
the 2008-2009 season knowing that amore experienced Lopez returns to leadthem. And optimism is swirling aroundthe squad after significant progress insummer practices. Lopez believes thathaving four different coaches over thepast five years has taken a toll on theprogram, and that the players showed itlast year. With the exception of win-ning the Jack Brown MemorialTournament in February, the Broncsfinished with a sub-par season, oftenfalling short in the final rounds of tour-naments after good early starts.
But since last year’s transition isover, Lopez says 2008 will allow forgreater opportunities to succeed.Everyone is one the same page as thecampaign gets going.
“Last year was a growing yearbecause they had to get accustomednot only to having a woman as theirhead coach but also getting comfort-able to my philosophy which is topractice the short game a lot,” shesaid. “This year we’re looking to putthe program back where it once was.From practice to scheduling, everystep we’ve taken so far is taking uscloser to where we want to be.”
And expectations are simple: winthe Sky Conference tournament andNational Minority College GolfChampionship, where UTPA finishedin third last year.
“I don’t see them not being able toreach their goals,” said Lopez. “Theway they’ve been playing and the waythey came back this year has been great.Three or four guys have been shootingunder par every time they tee up. The
team motto is to win every single tour-nament and I think it’s not out of reachwith the talent that they have.”
With the exception of the graduatedKyle Tudi, the Broncs return last year’sentire roster with Pearce leading theway. Last season at the JBMT, Pearcetied Luis Arechiga’s 1997 record forlowest single-round score (65) in UTPAhistory. Along with Carrollton (Texas)native Pearce, the men will form a for-midable squad with Kirakossian, soph-omores A.J. Gonzalez and Tim Acaster,and two newcomers in Salmon Cain ofMexico and Adam Kostrich of Canada.
Pearce said he was ready to beginthe new campaign and expects noth-ing but good results from his team andhimself.
“I expect for us to give good per-formances and am excited to see whatwe can put together this year,” he said.“As far as numbers go, last year wasmy best year since I‘ve been here. Allsummer I’ve been anticipating thestart of this year with the hope of start-ing off where I left off.”
Manny Mantrana was officiallynamed the new head baseball coachfor The University of Texas-PanAmerican Monday morning at a newsconference held at the UniversityBallroom. Mantrana, behind his richwinning tradition at Saint ThomasUniversity, will try to restore a pro-gram that went 120-206 in its last sixyears under former coach WillieGawlik. During his 12-year reign atSt. Thomas, Mantrana led the Bobcatsto the post-season nine times, includ-ing three College World Seriesappearances. The Florida native tooksome time to chat with The PanAmerican’s Pedro Perez about hisnewly-acquired position and somepersonal interests.
The Pan American: How do youfeel about being a Bronc now?
Mantrana: Very excited and verygrateful, not only to UTPA but to Godfor giving me the opportunity to behere. I’m looking forward to theopportunity. I’m excited, happy andgetting ready to get it going.
PA: With all your previous suc-cess, what made you come to SouthTexas? What made you start lookingfor another job?
Mantrana: It’s funny, I really was-n’t looking for a job. Where I camefrom, it was a great place. I was therefor 12 years. I had a great relationshipwith my president, my athletic direc-tor, my vice president. It wasn’t like Iwas looking for another job.Everything just seemed to fall into theright place, primarily our daughter,who is starting high school. Since
she’s starting a new school it was per-fect because whereever she goes she’sgoing to have to start a new school andmeet new friends. If this same jobwould have been open next year Iwould never have gotten it and Iwould have never applied. Why?Because she’s already started highschool and I would have wanted her tofinish there. So everything fell into asfar as with family, with baseball.
PA: What do you feel you canbring to the Bronc baseball program?
Mantrana: Well, what we’re look-ing to do is a three-pronged deal.Obviously on the field, I know wehave to be competitive and we have towin. That’s college athletics. In theclassroom we’ve got to help our kidsgraduate. They’re here, they’re stu-dent-athletes, and students are first.They have to go to class and they haveto graduate. And finally the thirdaspect is getting us involved with thecommunity and the communityinvolved with us, as far as going togames and making it exciting on thefield, but also fun for the families withpromotions and games and things thatthey want to bring the family to. So inessence, it’s about winning on thefield, graduating our players, and get-ting involved with the community.
PA: Attendance is pretty low. It’slow at most athletic events at the uni-versity. Do you believe you canimprove attendance numbers?
Mantrana: That’s my vision for theprogram but obviously, No. 1, you haveto win. Winning cures a lot of things.That itself is going to help attendance.But you make it to where the games areentertaining. Where the families can
come out and have fun and where theydon’t have to sit there for three hours,watching a ball be thrown back andforth. If you make the games entertain-ing, yes, I definitely think the atten-dance can and will go up.
PA: What is your favorite MLBteam?
Mantrana: To tell you the truth, Idon’t like the Marlins and I’m fromFlorida. I’ll watch some games but Idon’t really have one (favorite team).I’ll just watch games to watch it. Butit’s not the Marlins. I know too muchabout the Marlins and what goes on sothe politically correct answer wouldbe Houston or the Rangers.
PA: What about the NFL? Do youfollow it?
Mantrana: I like the Dolphinseven though we stunk last year. It’sgoing to be one full room with DallasCowboys and here comes the baseballguy with a Dolphins shirt. Hope Idon’t get beat up wearing a Dolphinjersey or hat.
� BASEBALL
Mantrana speaks about future expectations
SPORTS Page 13September 11, 2008
By Pedro Perez IVTHE PAN AMERICAN
By Alvaro BalderasTHE PAN AMERICAN
Broncs’ season under way, Pearce ready to lead pack� MEN’S GOLF
LET’S PLAY BALL - New head baseball coach Manny Mantranacomes in as the most successful coach in Saint Thomas baseball histo-ry and hopes to carry over the winning tradition at UTPA.
Men’s GolfSchedule
Sept. 27 America Sky Men's Golf Conference Boston, Mass.
Oct. 12 SHSU Invitational Hunstville
Oct. 26 2008 Sam Hall Intercollegiate Hattiesburg, Miss.
Oct. 16 Schreiner Spring Classic San Antonio
April 3 Centenary College Shreveport, La.
April 13 ASU Classic Jonesboro, Ark.
Onydia Garza/THE PAN AMERICAN
Manny MantranaPosition: Head Coach (1st season)
� Spent 12 seasons as the headcoach/hitting coach at STU � Handled the pitching staff foreight years. � Led the baseball program intoseveral Florida Sun ConferenceTournament championshipsand three appearances in theCollege World Series.
ADVERTISEMENTS September 11, 2008Page 14
Valley natives share home feeling on court
Flag football league boasts high student involvement
� FEATURE
� INTRAMURAL
SPORTS Page 15 September 11, 2008
GRIDIRON GRAB - (From left)Fabian Trevino and NicholasChampion duke it out for the ballduring Wednesday night’s action.
Traveling to road games can befun, but it gets old after awhile, espe-cially at UTPA, where the volleyballteam seems like a traveling circus attimes. For a program that plays themajority of its games away fromEdinburg, staying home to play issomething special, something three ofthe unit’s members in particular lookforward to, because family and friendsare in the stands cheering.
When McAllen native RebeccaToddy has her parents watching at theField House, she feels an adrenalinerush and yet also relaxed.
“I feel I can play comfortably, it’s a
calming excitement, said Toddy, a jun-ior who attended McAllen Memorial.
The same goes for CassandraTrevino and Ytszel Trinidad, twoother Lady Broncs women’s volley-ball players born and raised in the RioGrande Valley.
When a home game rolls around,having family and friends in atten-dance can bring joy and excitement.Trevino, a sophomore who starred atEdinburg High, has lived in the Valleyall of her life and says being a part ofthe Lady Broncs is exciting.
“I grew up going to all the volley-ball camps,” said the Edinburg nativesaid. “I also knew it would be a goodfeeling to know my parents would
always be here.”This season, of the 22 scheduled
games, eight will be played at theField House, including a tournamentSept. 5-6; last year there were just fourgames with home court advantage.
Even though the players’ parentsattend as many away games as possi-ble, Trinidad says the level of comfortplaying in town is higher because sheknows no matter what, her parents arethere supporting her.
“Its better then playing away,” saidthe senior kinesiology major fromMercedes.
Trinidad’s mom is proud of herdaughter and says when the LadyBroncs compete at home, the family
joins in the spirit by wearing theschool colors and painting their hairorange and green.
“She never gives up on the ball andplays with commitment, mentaltoughness, dedication, and above allwith passion,” the mother said.
Trevino’s parents are no different,saying they feel blessed when sheplays home games.
“We thank God every day for that.Especially since her grandparents arealso able to attend,” said Trevino’smom, Norma.
Toddy says Field House games areeasier because there is less confusionas to game-day routine.
“We know where the lockers are,the gym and what time we have to behere,” she added, “At away gameswe have to figure out where every-thing else is.”
Having home games also makesschool work a lot simpler becauseplayers don’t have to do as much tocatch up with homework. On roadtrips, the coaching staff assigns them astudy hall time where they must com-plete homework.
Each player says attending UTPAwas always their first choice.Trinidad, who has played four seasonswith the Lady Broncs, says she haswanted to attend the university sincehigh school.
“My high school volleyball coachinspired me to play here and the uni-versity is closer to home,” she noted.
Trevino, who has been with theLady Broncs for two seasons, madethe decision to play for UTPA whenshe heard a new coaching staff led byHead Coach Angela Hubbard hadarrived on campus.
“I knew I had to come speak tothem, this is a place where I’ve alwaysbeen comfortable,” she said.
The Edinburg native attendedmany volleyball camps as a youthand says she knew it would be a goodfeeling for her parents to be able tosee her play.
Toddy originally did not have plansto compete on the college level, butended up with a four-year scholarshipand has been solid at the libero position.
“I was not planning to continuesports in college,” she said, “But myhigh school coach encouraged me andI was able to walk on the team.”
Hubbard says she noticed a slightchange in the way the team plays athome.
“There is always excitement play-ing at home and there is always moreanxiety because you are playing infront of friends and family,” she said.
“Their attitude is a little moreexcited for the home game then theaway games.”
Larry Toddy says going to homegames is at the top of his priority. “Ijust wish there were more homegames because I love watching you allplay, no mater the outcome.”
Last week, the Lady Broncs fin-ished 2-1 in a UTPA tri-match againstPrairie View A&M and TCU. They arescheduled to play Oklahoma in theSFA Tournament in Nacogdoches onSaturday, September 13.
For now, the three native LadyBroncs will continue to enjoy the feel-ing they have when at home.
They will also continue to commu-nicate on and off the court. “That’show we keep each other motivated,”said Trinidad.
By Adriana AcostaTHE PAN AMERICAN
Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICANHOME SWEET HOME - (From left) Rebecca Toddy, Cassandra Trevino and Ytszel Trinidad are three locals onthe Lady Bronc volleyball team that share the unique Rio Grande Valley experience.
There might not be a collegiatefootball team at The University ofTexas-Pan American, but everySeptember students enroll to partici-pate in the semester’s most popularintramural sport, flag football.
The fall season kicked off its tour-nament last night as Tuesday gameswere canceled due to inclementweather. A Monday-Thursday sched-ule is slated to begin next week andrun until October. Game times are 7, 8and 9 p.m. on the practice fields locat-ed behind the Wellness RecreationSports Complex.
The flag football league, run by theWRSC, has become the university’ssanctuary for students wishing toengage in a finesse sport that features14 players trying to remove flags fromtheir opponents’ waist-belt.
UTPA intramural assistant directorArt Cabrera says the league postsgreat turnouts every fall and spring
semesters, especially among formerhigh school football athletes.
“You got a lot of players that comeout of high school that may not havecontinued their football career, so theyplay in intramurals,” said Cabrera.“It’s a very popular sport. It’s not allabout power but rather more finesseand speed. They (students) tend tocome out more for flag football thansome of the other sports. We still getour numbers from them but flag foot-ball just seems to be the more popularsport.”
Cabrera, a 20-year veteran ofUTPA intramurals, says the leagueaverages anywhere from 25 to 28teams every fall semester and aboutfive fewer overall in the spring. Thereason for the dip is because each fallteam has an added possible bonus, theopportunity to advance to regional andnational tournaments if it can claimthe university league title.
But the road to that glorious recog-nition is hard to ride, especially with
the Stallions standing in the way. TheStallions, in the process of renamingthemselves the Border Jumpers, havedominated UTPA league play in recentyears and scored a major coup whenthey claimed the 2007 NationalIntramural Recreation SportsAssociation championship with their27-20 victory over the University ofNorth Carolina-Charlotte.
Cabrera says the win, among othersuccesses, has propelled UTPA intra-murals to an elite level.
“I think we’ve come a long way,”said Cabrera. “We’ve always beenvery competitive in regionals andnationals. Our women’s basketballteam was regional runner-up in 2005and our men’s basketball team in 2001was regional runner-up. I think thatjust says a lot. We do have the talentdown here and they can competeagainst the bigger schools.”
Although victory is sweet anddesired, the game can also fostergreater student development.
“It’s a great way for the universityto give us a chance to do what welove,” said Lalo Garcia, a member ofthe Kappa Sigma football team. “Itgives us an opportunity to go out thereand live our dream a little longer. Youhave a better experience and havemany things to gain from it. It’s agreat thing overall.”
The league is comprised of coedmen’s divisions, with the winner ofthe men’s competition awarded a tripto the regional tournament, funded bythe WRSC. Any other team is allowedto travel to the regional and nationaltournaments, but they must fund theirown finances.
By Ramiro PaezTHE PAN AMERICAN
Onydia Garza/THE PAN AMERICAN
WRSC Entry Due Dates
Beach Volleyball (c) Sept. 12
Soccer (m,w) Sept. 26
6-on-6 Volleyball (m,w,c) Oct. 3
Softball (m,w,c) Oct. 10
QuotesFromTheStands
� VOLLEYBALL
Editor’s Picks
Monday 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Los FresnosFalcons
MercedesTigers
�COLLEGE FOOTBALL
�NFL
Ohio StateBuckeyes
USC Trojans
PhiladelphiaEagles
DallasCowboys
�HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Saturday 7 p.m. (ABC)
Thursday 7 p.m.
@
@
@
THE PAN AMERICAN September 11, 2008 Page 16
Photos By Onydia Garza
“They’re always a topteam. I think the injury isgoing to hurt the team alot. Tom Brady is thebackbone, the leader andwithout leadership youcan’t do much.”
Rey CasarezOn Tom Brady’s injurySeniorEnglish major
“The Cowboys lookedpretty productive onoffense but they hadsome flaws in the passdefense. They need towork more on that. Otherthan that, they just needto stay healthy and keepplaying hard.”
Kevin GarciaOn the Dallas CowboysJuniorKinesiology major
Dates to Know:Texas A&M Invitational
Men’s cross countrySept. 13, 2008Time: TBA
We’ve all heard that infamousphrase, ‘There’s no place like home.’And that’s exactly what TheUniversity of Texas-Pan American’svolleyball team felt last weekend. TheLady Broncs, coming off a tough per-formance at the San Marcos tourna-ment one week ago, hosted their firsthome games of the season, hosting atri-match at the Field House wherethey posted a 2-1 record againstPrairie View A&M and TexasChristian University.
UTPA 3, Prairie View 0The action opened Friday as
PVAM stepped on to the court in theirfirst match against UTPA. The LadyBroncs were able to put away PVAMin three easy but error-plagued sets;they finished with 12 errors.
“We’re still making too manyerrors,” Coach Angela Hubbard saidof the team’s performance. “We justneed to cut them down and that’s whatwe need to work on.”
UTPA won the first set 25-18, scor-ing 12 kills on 39 attempts. In the sec-ond set the Lady Broncs showed nomercy, winning 25-10 behind 12 killson 39 attempts with a .276 hitting per-centage. Finally in the third set PVAMseemed to gain composure but fellshort as the Lady Broncs sealed theirofficial first home victory 25-22.
“We tried some new lineups andwe let some people get in the game,”Hubbard said. “I thought the girls han-dled the change pretty well.”
UTPA 3, Prairie View 0The Lady Broncs faced the Lady
Panthers for a second time the follow-ing day and posted a 3-0 sweep.
PVAM was plagued by errors,committing 27 throughout the match,compared to the Lady Broncs’ seven.UTPA kept the momentum going,recording 36 kills and 68 total attacksas a team.
“We played really well againstPrairie View,” said Hubbard. “Weplayed much better than we did onFriday and we improved from that.”
Sophomore Danielle Reed had fivekills, while teammate Ytszel Trinidadrecorded double digits in digs with 11.Middle blocker Deanna Schneyerrecorded six kills with two digs andthree total blocks.
TCU 3, UTPA 0For their second match of the day,
the women faced the unbeaten LadyHorned Frogs and came up short, 3-0,as TCU’s offense was too much forthe Green and Orange.
The momentum slipped from thehome team’s grip early in the game,leading the Lady Broncs to call a time-out as TCU quickly took the lead enroute to a 25-12 first-set victory.
“I’m disappointed with (the gameagainst) TCU,” said Hubbard. “We’restill making errors that we need to cutout and I’m just trying to get them tobeat the teams that are hard to beat.”
With UTPA down 19-13 in the sec-ond set, things grew worse for thewomen when Schneyer was injuredand didn’t return for the rest of thegame. TCU took advantage of theinjury and went on a 5-2 run to claimthe set.
To begin the third set, the strugglescontinued when the Lady Broncs werepenalized a point for being tardy afterthe second-set break. Still, they heldtheir own during set but down thestretch TCU sealed its sixth win of theseason with a 25-21 victory.
“It was a good tournament,”Hubbard concluded. “We appreciatePrairie View and TCU for coming andI just hope we can learn from the mis-takes we made and just move on.”
The Lady Broncs will resumeaction Saturday when they travel toNacogdoches for the Stephen F.Austin Tournament; they’ll square offagainst Oklahoma and Stephen F.Austin.
By Pedro Perez IVTHE PAN AMERICAN
