february 6, 2003
DESCRIPTION
Vol. 59 No. 18TRANSCRIPT
THURSDAYFebruary 6, 2003
An Inside Look:
■ News ............................................2■ A & E............................................7■ Sports ........................................16
T h e S t u d e n t N e w s p a p e r o f 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
Page 4
CCaammppuussVOICEDo you think
the USshould
continuemannedspace
exploration?
LOCAL
■ SettlementSouth TexasCommunity Collegeelected to avoid alengthy and costlylitigation battle againstex-teacher KathleenDahl, by settling outof court for theamount of $31,000The law suit wasbrought against STCCby Dahl, in regard tothe handling of hercontract renewalrequest, which wasdenied. Dahl willreceive $21,000 fromthe settlement, withher attorneys receiving$10,000 in fees. Spokespeople forS.T.C.C. maintain thatthe college personneldid nothing wrongregarding the non-renewal of Ms. Dahl’semployment at thecollege. The decision to settlethe case was reachedby the insurancecompany for SouthTexas CommunityCollege, its president,trustees and otheradministrators.
The UTPAAlumniAssociation will hostthe 2003 Fiesta PanAmericana Gala andAuction at theMcAllen CountryClub (615 WichitaAve.) on Feb. 15.Titled “An Evening ofRomance,” the galawill include live andsilent auctions and acocktail buffet. Ticketsare $40 per alumnimember or $50 fornon-members. Thosewanting to donateitems for the auctionsmay do so by contact-ing Grant in the Officeof Alumni Relations at(956) 381-2500.
Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American
REMEMBRANCE— A group of early arriving students watch the Student Union Theatre screen Tuesdayas the memorial service for the seven astronauts on shuttle Columbia is shown on CNN.
It was only a matter of time before theUniversity of Texas-Pan American felt theeffects of the state’s $9.9 billion deficit. Withenrollment on the rise and hopes of reachingthe goals of Closing the Gaps in 2015, thequestion now faced by the university is, howwill UTPA administrators handle the situation?
According to Juan Gonzalez, Assistant VicePresident for Business Affairs and also theschool’s budget director, last week the statehas asked UTPA to return seven percent of thegeneral revenue that has been appropriated toit from state funds.
Because of vague preliminary details fromthe state, it remains unclear which items maybe included or excluded from the basepercentage. However, the university has arough estimate of how much the seven percentactually is.
“My best guess at this point is around $4million, give or take a few hundred thousand,”Gonzalez said. “It is important to note that thepercent cut is actually greater because five-twelfths (5/12) of the fiscal year has alreadygone by. In other words, we are being asked toreturn 7 percent of the general revenueappropriated to us for the full year from whatwe have left for the remaining seven months.”
The budget cut takes place at the beginningof the spring semester but it is mandatory thatan entire year’s revenue is taken intoconsideration. Thus, deans across campus havetheir hands full trying to figure out how toreasonably cut their budgets to the degree thatthe state requires.
“The budget cut should not affect thecolleges in a drastic manner but there will besome pain,” Gonzalez said. “We will continuefilling vacant faculty positions and evenauthorize new faculty positions to help meetthe growing enrollment demand.”
Gonzalez continued that the greatest stingwill be felt in those areas not directly involvedin academics. For example, all vacant non-faculty positions will be frozen except for afew exceptions that have extraordinaryjustification and approval by the president.Travel for faculty involved in research andsome presentation of scholarly works will notbe affected by the cut, but non-critical travel -for instance, monies for faculty traveling toconferences - will be eliminated.
Although students will not be affecteddirectly to the budget cut, there are certainlong term actions that will be taken to helppay for the state deficit.
This fiscal year the university will return
Collegesplan futurebudget cutsBy CLARISSA MARTINEZThe Pan American
See BUDGET page 6
If retention rates meananything, freshmen may finallybe catching on at the Universityof Texas Pan-American. Thenumber for freshmen entering inthe fall of 2002 reached 88.7percent, and according to JohnEdwards, director of StudentEnrollment Services, solidacademic learning programs haveled to students sticking it out.
“We focus on collegepreparation to encouragestudents to be better prepared,”Edwards said. He added thatseveral programs are offered tohelp entering freshmen becomemore acquainted with collegelife. Such programs include, thesummer start programs,mentoring programs, theLearning Assistance Center, andstudent advising.
“When you break a populationup to teach and help them inwhat they need, it is a good wayto contribute to retention,”Edwards said.
Marta Lopez, assistant director
of the Learning AssistanceCenter, said the center offersseveral programs to help initiateretention.
“We are responsible for avariety of programs that assistthe retention of enteringfreshmen students,” Lopez said.
Lopez added that the LAC isresponsible for offering academicadvice for undeclared enteringfreshmen students, and alsooffers career counseling for thatparticular population. She saidthat her department also has aprogram called “learningcommunities.”
According to Lopez, in theselearning communities, enteringfreshmen take two courses withthe same class of students. Forexample, entering freshmenenroll in an English and historycourse along with otherfreshmen, giving them theopportunity to be together inboth classes. Officials believe theprogram allows students to bond
with each other and feel morecomfortable within the campuscommunity.
“The students do a lot better inthese courses,” Lopez said,adding that in the learningcommunities, the rate of studentswho have gotten a ‘C’ or betterhas reached 82.9 percent.”
According to JeanetteBroshears, director of StudentLife Transitions Services, the useof the summer start program is abig factor in the higher retentionrate.
“The program is like a headstart in college for enteringfreshmen,” Broshears said.
The summer start programtakes about 25 to 50 enteringfreshmen to stay at the residentshall during the second summersession. The program is a quickintroduction to English, historyand recreational sports, and alsoincludes guest speakers whocome and talk about college.This takes a whole summersession and the room and boardis paid for by the university.
“They participate in a lot of
By HILDA BARRIENTESThe Pan American
Retention on the rise
See RETENTION page 4
UTPA programs aidfreshmen
JUSTBRING
IT
CAMPUS
The University of Texas-PanAmerican men’s basketball teamromped on the SouthwestAssemblies of God 100-63 lastTuesday night at the Fieldhouse infront of 1,824 fans, putting togethera two-game winning streak andimproving to 7-17 on the season.
Pan Am shot 56 percent for thegame and four UTPA players scoredin double-digits en route to theoverwhelming victory over SAGU,now 10-11.
The Bronc scoring extravaganzawas spearheaded by team scoringleader Kevin Mitchell, who scored24 points.
Prince Thompson added 16 points,while Allen Holcomb notched 15and Derrick East chipped in with 11points.
The Lions charged out to an early9-3 lead, but the Broncs surged rightback to take an 11-9 advantage on anEast three-pointer with 13:22 left toplay in the first half.
Leading 19-17, UTPA went on a14-0 run to take a commanding 33-17 advantage over SAGU and closedout the first half of play with a 46-34 lead.
In the second half, the Broncswent on a 20-3 scoring rampage toincrease their lead to 66-43 andessentially put the game out of reachwith twelve minutes left to play.
After the impressive scoring-blitz,Pan Am went on to tally more pointsuntil hitting the century mark for thesecond time this season.
The last time the team racked up100 points was Dec. 16 in a 100-65win over Schreiner.
The win marked two in a row forBob Hoffman’s bunch. Last Saturday
night, the Broncs came back todefeat Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne59-54 at the Fieldhouse before ahometown crowd of 2,298.
The Mastodons led 45-39 with9:48 to play in the second half, butPan Am battled back to take a 48-46lead with 6:18 remaining in thegame on a pair of Holcomb layups.IPFW’s Jim Kessenich knotted thescore 50-50 with 3:34 left to play,but a two-point jumper bysophomore Eric Montalvo, and alayup and two free throws byHolcomb gave UTPA a six-point 56-50 advantage with 1:20 remainingon the clock.
The Mastodons cut the Broncs’lead 56-54, but Lithuanian TomasSitnikovas hit three of his last fourfree throws to seal UTPA’scomeback win.
The team will be back in actionFeb. 8, trying for a third straightwin, against Central Baptist at theFieldhouse at 7:30 p.m.
■ Intramurals . . . . . . . . . .15
■ Tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
■ Baseball Recap. . . . . .14
PAGE 16
SPORTS
Photos by Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American
PLAYIN D: Junior Delvis Diaz attempts to block a shot against SAGA during a Broncs’ win Tuesday night.
THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
Baseball - - - - vs. Lamar(dh)1 p.m.
vs. Lamar(dh)1 p.m. -
Track and Field - - Houston IndoorInvitational - - - -
Men’s basketball - - vs. Central Baptist
7:30 p.m. - vs. Savannah State7:30 p.m. - -
Women’s basketball - - at TAMUCC
3 p.m. - - - -Men’s tennis -
vs. Abilene Christian@Las Cruces,NM
10 a.m.
vs. NMSU@Las Cruces,NM
2 p.m.
vs. Tennesse Tech@Las Cruces,NM
10 a.m- - -
Women’s tennis -
vs. Texas El Paso@El Paso
10 a.m.
vs. NMSU@Las Cruces,NM
2 p.m.
vs. Tennesse Tech@Las Cruces,NM
10 a.m- - -
By ED CHRNKOThe Pan American
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Broncs pummel SAGU, hit century markUTPA defeats Southwest Assemblies of God 100-63, reaches 100-point mark for only second time
If students are looking for the opportunityto study abroad but don’t have the funds tofacilitate a change in scenery, there isfinancial assistance available.
According to Monica Alvarado, assistantdirector for the Financial Aid Department atthe University of Texas-Pan American, thereare funds such as Pell grants and loans thatnot many students know about. She said it’simportant for students to have initiative.
“The study abroad form can be picked uphere,” Alvarado said. “They have to start asearly as possible so they can submit anapplication.”
Alvarado says when a student usesfinancial aid, the only funds available will bethose left over from their annual Pell. If astudent lacks sufficient funds to cover thecost of the program, then they can startapplying for loans.
However, if one is not eligible to receive aloan or Pell grant, Maria Salazar, director forthe Center for International Studies at UTPA,said there are still scholarships available thatcan pay for programs. The Gillman StudyAbroad Scholarship also helps students payfor trips.
“Because of financial aid and the availablescholarships, students are able to go,”Salazar said. “The scholarships really helpout the students.”
There will be a numerous amount of studyabroad programs available this summer.According to Salazar, classes will be taughtin countries including Greece, Turkey,Mexico, Spain, China, and Germany.
Salazar said the summer program in Chinawill be rather different from the othersummer programs. During this trip, studentswill have the opportunity to perform ateaching internship.
“A professor from the university will beteaching English classes, the interns willthen be teaching English to Chinese
students,”Salazar said. “Itis going to bebasic Englishsuch asconversationstyle andlisteningskills.”
Since thestudents will bedoinginternships,Salazar saysthe programwill be veryinexpensive.Although aprice has notyet beendetermined,students mightend up payingonly for airfare.
The studyabroad programin Greece andTurkey will include several classes incommunication. George McLemore,communication professor at UTPA, will beteaching a class in photojournalism. He saidhe is looking forward for the programbecause it will offer students a chance toexperience different cultures.
“One of the most important experiences aperson can have as a college student is togain travel experience in other cultures andin other countries,” McLemore said. “Togain that experience while studying isincredible.”
Last summer, communication students hadto the opportunity to attend classes in Spain.Courses such as interculturalcommunications were offered, saidMcLemore, and students had a great time,and some of them forgot they were eventaking classes.
Bianca Carmona, a UTPA senior whowent to Spain last summer, said she had agreat time in many ways. She said theexperience gained was a benefit to hereducation because she got to know some ofthe different cultures from around the world.
“I was taking InterculturalCommunications, so I got to experience itwhile I was studying it,” Carmona said. “Itwas hands on experience while we weretouring the city. It was very different.”
Carmona added that although suchprograms may be out of a student’s budget,such programs are worth taking. She notedthat she was ineligible for financial aid orscholarships, but that loans paid for half ofthe tuition.
“There were people like me who didn’tget anything,” Carmona said. “I had to get aloan to go, but it was well worth it.”
1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539(956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122
http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican51th Year – No. 15
EditorMatt Lynch
Layout Designers
Ashley Brooks
Brian Carr
Gabriel O. Hernandez
Reporters
Hilda Barrientes
Amelia Garcia
Adrianna Martinez
Clarissa Martinez
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Photographer
Daniel Aguilar
Advertising
Dagoberto Perez
Advertising Coordinator
Juanita Sanchez
Adviser
Dr. Greg Selber
the PAN AMERICAN is theofficial studentnewspaper of TheUniversity ofTexas-PanAmerican. Views presentedare those of thewriters and do notnecessarily reflectthose of theuniversity.
The Pan Americangladly acceptsletters fromstudents, staff andfaculty regardingnewspaper contentor current issues.The Pan Americanreserves the rightto edit submissionsfor grammar andlength. Please limitsubmission lengthto 300 words. ThePan Americancannot publishanonymous letters,or submissionscontaining hatespeech orgratuitouspersonal attacks.Letters are printedat the discretion ofthe editor andmust include thewriter’s name,class/title andphone number.
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February 62 0 0 3
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Sports EditorBrian Carr
A & E EditorAshley Brooks
News EditorBelinda Reyes
Graphics EditorGabriel O.Hernandez
NEWS■ WebCT . . . . . . . . . . 3■ Columbia . . . . . . . . 4■ Research . . . . . . . . 5
To help with the need of child care forstudents who are parents while attending school,the plans are in the making for the creation of achild daycare facility at the University of TexasPan-American.
According to Samuel Smith, Director of theStudent Union and overseeing the planning ofthe daycare center, the goal is to have the facilityopen by 2004.
“The idea has been on and off among studentsfor years,” Smith said. “But it has to be self-supporting.”
Currently, the daycare committee has beengiven startup money. The money is being usedto run an advertisement to hire a quality daycaredirector to help plan and build a good facility.Smith said the person must also be certified andhave experience and the ability to bring on astaff and help train staff members.”
Though the daycare will be funded by federalgrants, Smith said that it will also be funded bythe students who make use of the new child carefacilities.
“We need to apply for grants and charge theusers,” Smith said. “We cannot tax those whoare not using the service.”
Sophomore Julissa Reyes, who does not haveany children agrees with Smith. She said that itwould be unfair to charge students who don’thave children a daycare fee.
“The daycare center is a great idea for singlemothers,” Reyes said. “It is even better forthose who don’t have kids because it will notcost them.”
Smith said that with the daycare center inplace, students who have children will be able toattend UTPA for longer hours and takeadvantage of the opportunities the university hasto offer.
“The students will able to take a full day ofclass and can drop in and visit with theirchildren,” Smith said.
Senior Melissa Mendoza-Moreno, and motherof a two-year-old little girl, said she wishes shehad the conviencence on an on-site daycare
center were available to her immediately, butsays it will benefit future parents that will go toschool knowing their children are safe and closeby.
“I always thought they should build a daycarebecause it is hard to find a good nanny and gooddaycare,” Moreno said.
Moreno is faced with the daily ritual ofwaking up at seven in the morning and gettingprepared for the day. A 9:30 a.m. Moreno headsfrom Sharyland to Palmview to pick up her littlegirl’s nanny. She then brings the nanny back toher house so the nanny can baby-sit her daughterwhile she is at school. During the day Moreno,is at school from 10:30 in the morning to 3:30 inthe afternoon. After school she goes home topick up the nanny and take her back home toPalmview.
“This is something that I go througheveryday,” Moreno said.
With the creation of a daycare center, Smithhopes to achieve a new level of closeness andconvenience for parent/students.
“We are taking a leap forward and need to seefor a couple of years,” Smith said. “We aredealings with a parent’s most prized possession.”
By HILDA BARRIENTESThe Pan American
Expecting? Daycare comingUTPA plans for
childcare facility
By JENNIFER TAPIAThe Pan American
Funds available to aid travel
Jennifer Tapia/The Pan American
HEADING ABROAD?— Carlos Cepeda (foreground) and Marvin Rodriguez(background) talk with assistant program adviser Ivonne Tovar Wednesdayabout whether going abroad this summer is feasible.
The University of Texas-Pan Americanbaseball team opened up the 2003 seasonwith a bang, literally.
The Broncs, led by first-year head coachWillie Gawlik, rolled over the SouthwestTexas State Bobcats, 11-3, in their inauguralgame at the Edinburg Baseball StadiumSaturday night, in front of a crowd of 3,604fans. The win was topped off with a fittingfireworks display.
UTPA went on to sweep the SchreinerMountaineers, 13-4 and 7-1, Sundayafternoon in a twinbill to start off the seasonwith a 3-0 record.
The last time the Broncs won their homeopener and started off the season with atleast three straight wins was 1996, when theteam finished 25-30 that season. Last seasonthe team was 15-38.
Pan Am started off a little shaky againstthe Bobcats when starting pitcher TravisParker walked three batters, resulting in anearly three-run lead for SWT off an error inthe top of the first inning.
The Broncs’ offense went to work almostright away on Bobcat pitcher BobbySawicki. In the second inning, UTPA cut theSWT lead to 3-2 when Sawicki led off theinning by hitting the first two batters hefaced. In the third inning, the Broncs taggedSawicki for an additional three runs to rackup a 5-3 lead that signaled the end ofSawicki’s night.
In the bottom of the seventh, Pan Amignited for six runs to post an 11-3 lead that
was never threatened by the Bobcats. Parkerwas credited with the win after pitching fivestrong innings and scattering a pair of hits.The Brownsville native struck out three,walked four and gave uponly one earned run.
"We had ashaky firstinning, butafterthatthey
settleddown, gotthe cobwebsout and after thatthey were tough,"said Gawlik.
On Sunday, the Broncs raced to a 2-0 in
the bottom of the first and increased theirtally to 4-1 in the fourth inning. TheMountaineers cut the home team’s lead to 5-4 in the top of the seventh inning, but UTPA
added two more runs in the bottom half ofthe inning and rallied for a six-run
eighth to put the game out ofreach, 13-4.
The win was creditedto junior Ben DiOrio,
who allowed onerun and scattered
six hits in fiveinnings. JuniorJohnny Gibsonwas awardedthe save afterpitching thefinal 3 2/3innings.
In thenightcap,the crowdof 1,634were treated
to anothersolid
performance bythe Bronc nine. The
Mountaineers held aslim 1-0 lead over Pan
Am after three innings,but the orange and green
came right back. Freshmancatcher Jarod Hickle cranked a two-
out, two-run home run inside the left fieldfoul pole to give the Broncs a 2-1 that they
never relinquished.UTPA went on to score five insurance runs
over the next two innings to secure theirthird straight win in two days, 7-1.
Rookie righthander Aaron Guerra ofEdinburg allowed one run on four hits tonotch his first victory of the season.Sophomore lefty Ricky Anderson cleaned upthe last inning to record his first save of theyoung season.
The Broncs scored 31 total runs andlittered the field with 36 hits that included apair of home runs while amassing a teamtotal .375 batting average in the assault ofSWT and Schreiner.
Mansfield standout Bruce Kennedy ledPan Am’s offensive onslaught by going 6-for-14 over a three-game span that includedthree doubles and a home run for seven RBI.
UTPA’s pitching did its part by building upa healthy 2.16 ERA after allowing only eightruns, six earned, and scattering 15 hitsdespite walking fifteen batters.
Among several firsts this past weekendwas the first Spanish broadcast of a Broncbaseball game. KGBT has signed up tobroadcast 10 home games over seven homedates.
Longtime announcer and program directorof KGBT AM and FM, Hugo De La Cruzcalled the play-by-play while ArmandoAlmazan did the color commentary alongwith former UTPA baseball standoutArmando Fuentes.
"The Broncs are a team with a lot ofbaseball history and tradition and we areproud to be able to broadcast the games,"said De La Cruz.
The University of Texas-Pan AmericanIntramural action kicked off late last monthwith three of the 11 events scheduled forthis semester.
Punt, Pass and Kick, Five-on-Fivebasketball, and coed four-on-four volleyballcompetitions are in the history books, butstill to come are such events asVolleypalooza, soccer and softball, leavingplenty opportunity for athletic wannabes toeither bask in the glory of defeating theirbackyard-superstar counterparts, or crumbleunder competitive pressure - watching astheir athletic self-worth further diminishes.
Art Cabrera, along with UTPAcheerleader head coach Charlie Casares, isresponsible for planning intramural eventsand has high expectations for this seasonsturnout.
“Last year we had about 1,200participants,” Cabrera said. “We’re lookingto either meet or beat that number.”
The next entry due date is Feb. 20 for themen’s, women’s and coed softballintramurals, which will begin play Feb. 24.
In the past there was an entry fee chargedto all those wishing to compete in theevents, but this year participation is theonly commerce accepted by the intramural
coordinators.“We have charged people entry fees in
the past,” Cabrera said. “But we didn’twant to do that this semester.”
According to Cabrera a portion ofstudent services fees are allotted toIntramurals to support the organization andchoreography of the events, and a certainnumber of Intramural events are sponsoredby non-university dollars throughsponsorships. Last semester’s three-on-three basketball competition, which washeld in conjunction with Midnight Madnessand gained sponsorship from Mr. Gatti’sPizza, is just oneexample of themarriage betweenoutside advertisersand Intramuralevents thatCabrera andCasares hope toarrange so as tostrengthen thequality of theirprogram.
“We have somestuff going onduring half time ofthe Broncs game[Saturday the 15thagainstTAMUCC],”Cabrera said.” Itshould give somestudents a chanceto win a fewthings.”
For the winners of Intramuralcompetition, state and even nationalcompetitions await as a reward.
“In the past we have had a few studentsgo on to state, and even a few went on tonationals,” Cabrera said.
But Cabrera is unsure of just how farback that past extends.
“I’ve done some research at the libraryand have found Intramural programs thatgo all the way back to the ‘50s,” Cabrerasaid. “It’s something I really want to findout because I would like to see if we havesome kind of anniversary coming up.”
The Fun Walk, which will be held April,8 and will mark the end of the Spring 2003Intramural semester, is expected to drawthe greatest number of participants.
“Basically the Fun Walk includesstudents, faculty, and staff and is a walkaround the UTPA grounds,” Cabrera said.“The event coincides with health andfitness, and we host the event to promotefitness.”
For all those who wish to participate inany of the intramural events planned forthis semester entry forms are available inapt. 2101 of the Bronc Village.
Broncs start season at unbeaten 3-0February 6, 2003 sports Page 15
Intramurals give students opportunity to
showcase ability
By ED CHRNKOThe Pan American
Baseball season gets under way with wins over Southwest Texas State, Schreiner
Intramurals underway; students show skill
By BRIAN CARRThe Pan American
Intramural Schedule
E-mail, shopping, entertainment, and research arejust a few of the uses of the Internet.
With just a touch of a button one can convenientlycatch up with their best friend, find out when a favoriteband is coming to town, take care of banking, or evenconduct a business deal. The information is limitlessand there are no national boundaries. The Internet putsthe world at one’s fingertips.
In the academic world, another on-line facetbecoming popular among professors at the Universityof Texas-Pan American is the software Web CourseTools.
According to Douglas Young, director of the Centerfor Distance Leaning (CDL), in Spring 2003 WebCT isa part of 239 courses, and approximately 25 of thoseare completely online. Altogether, the courses enrollapproximately 7,000 students. The numbers areastounding when compared to those from the Fall 1999semester, when only 35 students were using WebCT.
“The use of WebCT grows tremendously everysemester,” Young said. It makes it easier for students toget the courses they need. When they work they can’talways arrange their school schedules around theirwork schedules. It is a matter of convenience.”
WebCT can also be used to enhance traditionalcourses.
“WebCT allows for more interaction withprofessors,” Young said. “For example, in a musicappreciation class of 75 [students], it is very difficultfor students to communicate with their professors.WebCT allows for one-to-one interaction.”
In addition to its technological and course-enhancement features, WebCT can also beimplemented to offer exams, pretests, and quizzes.Notes, syllabi, and assignments can also be posted.Students can communicate with professors as well asfellow students.
UTPA assistant music professor Rick Davis usesWebCT for both his traditional and online MusicAppreciation courses to hold class discussions. Heplaces questions on WebCT and has each studentanswer.
“In every class there are always the leaders and theshy students. The democracy of WebCT mutes theleaders and inspires the more shy students,” Davissaid, “The shy folks become bold on WebCT and theyparticipate in the discussion too, when in the seatedclass they do not.”
He finds that using WebCT allows students toreceive more facts on music theater, which is what heconcentrates on teaching. The students who take thecourse completely online have multimedia access thatpermits them to receive even more information.
“In my class, I cover pieces from the ancient Greeksto Broadway,” Davis said. “They need to be able to seeand hear musical theater to appreciate it. WebCTallows for them to do this more than what I can showthem in the classroom. With the online course theyspend more time reading on their own and searchingthe Web so they cover more material.”
Davis said there are two myths about courses taughtcompletely online. It is thought that online coursestake less of the professor’s and students’ time, but hedisagrees.
“The majority of people in administration are underthe impression that online courses free up theprofessor’s time, but it actually takes up more time,”he said. “You have to correspond with students on aone-to-one basis instead of with the class as a whole atone time.”
Davis feels that students also have to spend moretime reading and understanding the material because aninstructor is unable to explain it to them verbally.
“If they’ve just gotten home at 11 p.m. after they eatdinner they can log on,” he said. “They don’t have toworry about being in class at a certain time. It does nottake less time; it is just when they have the timeavailable. The idea that it takes professors and studentsless time is an error.”
Davis said another misconception about coursestaught completely online is that they lessen interactionbetween professor and students.
“That is never going to happen,” he said. “Teacher-student interaction is just as, if not more, important inonline courses.”
Davis has found that students enjoy taking onlinecourses and using WebCT as part of traditional coursesbecause it meets different needs.
“There are a lot of students who are not on campusvery often throughout the day and WebCT gives themthe access they need,” he said. “Also, they can accessit at any time from almost anywhere. However,students who are computer-illiterate have tremendoustrouble with it.”
For those students who lack the knowledge or skillto get the most out of WebCT courses, Young said theCDL offers a live orientation to teach students how toutilize the plan to its fullest.
“We walk you through how to use the software,”Young said. “It only takes about half an hour to learneverything. It is easy stuff.”
Jeff Getchell, assistant director for the Center forDistance Learning, feels the orientation to WebCT isan important key in a student’s success with the course.
“Students who get orientated do really well, and areable to get more from the course,” Getchell said.“However, those who do not get properly orientated donot feel comfortable and this effects their learning.”
There is a help desk available by phone duringbusiness hours and online 24 hours a day for students.The phone number is (956)3812979 and the Web siteaddress is http://cdl.panam.edu.
Every student can get a free compact disc withtutorials on the latest software. The CDs are availableat the University Bookstore, library, and at the CDLlocated in room 2.124 in the Academic ServicesBuilding.
The center also offers services for faculty includefaculty development workshops, such as Introductionto WebCT, Teaching Online in Higher Educationavailable in English and Spanish and IntegratingFrontpage 2000.
The center also teaches professors how to transformtheir courses into Web-augmented courses orcompletely online ones. There is also an interactiverubric available to aid faculty in measuring theteaching effectiveness of online courses.
CDL also provides different types of new mediaservices to enhance faculty web courses, such asaudio/video production, streaming media andwebcasting, graphic design, and CD-ROM production.Laptops, cameras, and other productivity tools areavailable for checkout to faculty and staff.
Currently the Writing Center has a pilot programbeing used by Dr. Karen Taylor’s English 1301 class.Judy Davidson, Writing Center Director, said if allgoes well with the pilot program, the Writing Centerwill offer services by Fall 2003. The Online WritingLab (OWL) will be available during the weekend whenthe Writing Center is closed.
“If it works out, then the program will enablestudents to get mechanical assistance, organizationalassistance and general feedback,” Davidson said. “Weprefer the face-to-face assistance done by our trainedstudent tutors, but OWL will enable us to help thestudents when the Center is closed.”
The Writing Center is open to all students Mondays8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, andThursdays 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 1 pm.The CDL is working with the Writing Center to getOWL underway for all students.
“We hope that the OWL works out so that there willbe more help available to students,” Getchell said. “Weare very anxious to see how it is going to turn out.”
As for the future of WebCT, The CDL expects use ofthe system to increase rapidly. Davis said that the CDLis fundamental for providing online courses at UTPA.
“We are in a really wonderful position to have theCenter for Distance Learning to get courses onlinebecause it organizes the system and educates thefaculty and students. Other universities do not havesuch a thing,” he said.
February 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 3
Web help is accessibleBy AMELIA GARCIAThe Pan American
Bruce Friedman knows the difference between doing business andhelping people, and he’s trying to take that message of duality andrun with it.
The associate professor and chair of the Department of SocialWork arrived at the University of Texas-Pan American in Fall 2001.He has practiced social work and developed and directed programsaround the country and in Canada. In September 2001 he was electedtreasurer of the National Network of Social Work Managers.
According to the winter 2002 issue of Social Work Executive, thenetwork’s quarterly newsletter, the NNSWM is the only professionalorganization in America that dedicates itself to equipping managersto become “humanistic leaders.” It consists of 350 individuals andabout 20 institutions such as social work agencies, and organizations.
“Before 1985 there were a number of human service organizationsthat were being ran by businessmen, because not many socialworkers were going into administration,” Friedman said. “They wereindividuals who do not have the background to deal with humanservices. They are money people not human people.”
In 1985 the NNSWM was founded and in 1988 it wasincorporated in Washington, DC. In 1994 the Institute of the NationalNetwork for Social Work Managers was incorporated into thenetwork as a non-profit organization and serves as the educationaland research branch of the NNSWM, which Friedman is a part of.The network provides the certified social work manager credential tosocial workers. There are currently about 150 members who areCSWM’s.
“Our CSWM credential is continuing to gain prominence. Severaluniversities have expressed interest in how they might incorporatethe CSWM into their graduate programs,” said Mary Oldiges,CSWM and NNSWM President, in the winter 2002 issue of SocialWork Executive.
Friedman feels that the NNSWM has helped create social workmanagers who have leadership skills and understand human needs.
“The have a greater sensitivity,” Friedman said. “The network isimportant because it provides knowledge, skills, and ethical behavior.It has established social workers in the role of management.”
Friedman began his career in social work as a group worker in1974. He worked with children, adolescence, and families. Hedeveloped a family-life education program. After two years he beganto work on his master’s degree.
“They thought I was pretty good at it so they said, ‘you should goget your masters,’” Friedman said.
While attending the George Warren Brown School of Social Workin Washington University, he specialized in families and substanceabuse and received awards for programs he developed for retardedcitizens and Russian immigrants. In 1982 he directed one of the fivebest singles programs in the United States. Friedman has also workedwith single-parent, divorced, senior citizen, and Housing Authorityprograms, some of which he developed himself. In the late 1980s hemoved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada to become associate director of acommunity counseling center.
While teaching courses in different universities he worked on hisdissertation. titled “No Place Like Home,” about homeless shelters, awork which was supported by United Way. He has taught in severaluniversities, including Case Western Reserve University inCleveland, University of Akron, and Sacred Heart University inConnecticut. He currently is teaching the undergraduate social workcourse called “Integrative Seminar” and the graduate course“Advanced Field Practicum 2” at UTPA.
While living in the Valley Friedman has had to deal with culturedifferences. He said as an Anglo, he is now in the minority, as 85percent of the area is Hispanic. The veteran social worker has alsofound several key issues he feels should be addressed.
“There seems to be a substance-abuse problem. There is also a lotof domestic abuse, which is sometimes perceived as acceptablebecause of the culture and machismo,” Friedman said. “I havenoticed that there is not a high value on higher education here,” hesaid. “Then there is the border issue. There seems to be an attitudinaldifference in the way the U.S. deals with the Canada border and theMexico border. It probably has to do with the way the two placeswere settled.“
The UTPA Department of Social Work currently aids severalsocial work organizations and programs in Hidalgo County.
“There are agencies looking at the university for leadership andsoon we will work with Cameron County as well,” Friedman said.“There is a high need in the Valley. I always tell potential faculty thatif they feel they need to make a difference, this is the place.”
Social workis mixed bagBy AMELIA GARCIAThe Pan American
Practice this past week was grueling asthe coaches stepped up the pressure to getsome of our athletes to correct the mistakesmade at last week’s meet.
“Meets are used to see what you have toimprove on in practice to get better,” headcoach Doug Molnar said.
To me this week’s meet was different. Sam Houston State University reared its
ugly head and showed up in a blur oforange and white. The rest of thecompetition was as fierce as last week withone small addition - PRESSURE. We werelike gladiators walking into the coliseum -some of us would fall into despair, othersof us would ride into victory and glory.
I watched everyone with new eyes as thecompetition began. The ring was the sameand the track was the same, but to meeverything was different.
I couldn’t deal with the pressure, and I
cracked immediately. I scratched twothrows and the one throw I did get markedwas mediocre.
The rest of my teammates moved towardthe goal that not many people will everreach. In the field events, UTPA was theleader, and earned the dignity and honor ofplacing in the top spots.
Amy Moses once again came out thevictor in the women’s twenty-pound weightthrow. She threw the weight 59 feet 3 1/2inches, shattering her old school record intosmithereens. It was her personal best, butMoses fell a few feet shy of qualifying forNationals. She did, however, placed in theshot put competition with a throw of 41feet, 8 inches.
Deneb De Luna also had an outstandingperformance. She placed third in the weightthrow with a toss of 48 feet. She alsoplaced fourth in the shot put with a throwof 42 feet, 6 inches, marking her personalbest.
Patty Villarreal placed 10th in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 19:38.50, which isher personal best.
Newcomer Kathryn Waslen stunnedeveryone on the team with her debut race.She placed seventh in the 5,000-meter runwith a time of 19:00.20.
Margeaux McCarthy placed eighth in the800-meter run with a time of 2:20.21, andran a split of 59 seconds in the 4x400 meterrelay.
The men’s side had an exceptionallygood meet that resulted in several brokenschool records.
In the 35-pound throw a new victor wascrowned. Isaac Ybarra won the event witha toss of 56 feet, 10 inches, breaking aschool record in the process.
Robert Lopez placed second in theweight throw with a toss of 54 feet and J.C.Crosby placed sixth with a throw of 42feet, 5 inches. Crosby also came in eighthin the shot put with a throw of 47 feet, 41/2 inches.
Matt Clinton placed eighth in the longjump section “B” with a jump of 19 feet, 83/4 inches. He also ran a personal best inthe 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.5seconds. He vaulted 16 feet 3/4 inches tocomplete a solid all-around performance.
The real acknowledgments go to pole-vaulter Jeff Martial, who disintegrated hisold school record and replaced it with anew one. This school record vault allowedhim to place third overall, which was a bigimprovement from last week when hefinished sixth.
Westly Keating placed first in the 3,000-meter run. The All-American keepssurprising people, as he shattered our lastand final record with a time of 8:32.79.
Hugo Cervantes placed fourth in the3,000-meter run with a time of 8:49.13. Itwas quite an honor to see Hugo and Westlyrun, Every lap it seemed as if they weregetting faster and faster.
Most every athlete on our team eithermet or broke their personal records. Thismeet was very different. Butterflies floatedin and out of my stomach as I realized thatUTPA has potential to make nationals.
Pan Am left its mark Saturday because assoon as our team entered the trackeveryone was speaking our name. Thoughsome failed and others succeeded I learnedthat this life is interesting and love for asport will take you a long way.
As we made our way out of the coliseumand into the roads I finally realized how thegladiators felt. Opportunity comes and goesand you may succeed or fail, but your markwill always last forever.
• Jessica Olivarez is a sophomoreUTPA track and field athlete whoparticipates in the 20-pound weightthrow.
February 6, 2003 sports Page 14
Track athletes garner personal recordsA number of UTPA trackand field athletes scorepersonal bests at event
By JESSICA OLIVAREZThe Pan American
After stringing together a two-game winning streak a couple ofweeks ago, the University of Texas-Pan American women’s basketballteam has lost its last three games tofall to 4-18 on the season.
The Lady Bronc’s most recentloss was a 66-41 thrashing at thehands of the Louisiana-LafayetteRagin’ Cajuns, who were led byforward Charlotte Green (22points) and center Sarah Richey (15points). Louisiana-Lafayette made45.6 percent of their shots from thefield compared with UTPA’smiserable 26.8 percent.
Louisiana-Lafayette built up a26-13 halftime lead after outscoringPan Am, 14-2, in the last 10minutes of the half. Things didn’tget much better for the slumpingLady Broncs in the second half.The Ragin’ Cajuns strong-armedtheir way to a 44-22 lead onstrength of a 16-9 run with 11:18left in the game.
Richey hit a three-pointer with7:45 left to play and increased theRagin’ Cajuns impressive lead to29 points, 55-26.
Pan Am tried to make acomeback by outscoring thevisitors in the last portion of thegame 15-11, but it was a little too
late to make amends. The hole thatUTPA had dug themselves in towas too deep to climb out of andinevitably lost the game to theRagin’ Cajuns who improved to 5-14.
Senior Alex Gravel led the LadyBroncs with 10 points and fellowsenior Julie Porter nabbed sixrebounds in the losing battleagainst Louisiana-Lafayette.
Prior to Monday night’s loss,UTPA dropped a hard-foughtcontest to the Centenary Ladies,60-58, last Saturday afternoon inShreveport, La.
Although the Lady Broncsundertook an effort in the secondhalf to make a run at the lead, thecomeback fell short.
With 2:52 left to play, the LadyBroncs went to work. Houstonnative Naima Williams led the PanAm rally sinking three jumpersduring an 8-2 run that pulled PanAm within one point of the Ladies,59-58, with nine secondsremaining.
But that was all she wrote.Williams fouled Julie Danieles whohit one of her two free throws togive Centenary a 60-58 victory.
UTPA will next face archrivalTexas A&M-Corpus Christi on Feb.8 at 3 p.m. at the MemorialColiseum in Corpus Christi.
In the pair’s previous meetingthis season, the Lady Broncsdefeated the Lady Islanders 64-55on Jan. 25.
Williams led UTPA in scoring,racking up 21 points in 34 minutesof play.
After a week of solid practices, the Universityof Texas-Pan American men’s and women’s tennisteams are set to hit the road for a full weekend ofaction.
The Broncs head to La Cruces, NM to faceAbilene Christian on Friday, New Mexico StateUniversity on Saturday and Tennessee Tech onSunday. The Lady Broncs make a pit stop in ElPaso to face the Lady Miners Friday beforemeeting up with the Broncs in Las Cruces formatches against New Mexico State and TennesseeTech Saturday and Sunday.
Men
“Practice has gone well for the men,” said headtennis coach Todd Chapman. “We’ve beenworking a lot on doubles, knowing we’re goingagainst three very competitive teams thisweekend. The doubles point will be very crucial.”
The Abilene Christian Wildcats enter the matchat 2-1, including wins over Dallas BaptistUniversity and Howard Payne at the ACU Men’sIndoor Classic. The NMSU Aggies have yet toearn a win in spring competition, sufferingconsecutive losses to the University of Utah andBrigham Young University. The Tennessee TechGolden Eagles are 1-2 heading into the weekendaction.
Although all three teams enter the weekendwith mixed records, Chapman feels every matchwill come down to the wire.
“All three matches will be close. All ofNMSU’s early-season losses have been againstvery good teams,” he said. “NMSU is probably
stronger than the others, but Abilene Christian is atop Division-II program and will be a tough matchfor us also.”
Regardless of the competition his team willface, Chapman hopes to use the full weekend togauge his team’s progression.
“I’m looking forward to this weekend becausewe will play three good matches in three straightdays,” he said. “It will be good to see how werespond to tough matches and pressure situationsas a team. I’m looking forward to seeing wherewe are.”
Women
According Chapman, the Lady Broncs haveused the extra week of practice to brush up onmany aspects of team play.
“We’re just trying to get ready and work on abit of everything,” he said.
Although UTEP and NMSU enter matchesagainst the Lady Broncs with a combined recordof 1-3, both are solid Division I programs thatshould provide steep competition for the UTPA.Although tough losses can adversely impact ateam’s confidence, Chapman isn’t worried aboutlosing matches.
“I think there are more positives thannegatives,” he said. “I’m not a coach that willschedule matches based on the team I have.You’ve got to play good teams to get better. If youask so-called experts, we would be the underdogin a lot of our matches, but you can’t duckopponents or play an easy schedule if you want tobuild a good program.”
Chapman has set a goal for the Lady Broncs toplay well, regardless of how a match plays out.The first-year coach feels there is more tobuilding a program than tallying wins and losses.
“We want to go in and play better tennis thanwe have been and continue to improve,” he said.“Playing tough competition will prepare us forother matches we may have down the road. We’rejust focused on trying to play better and improve.”
Lady Broncs dropthird straight game
Women fall to 4-18after loss to
Louisiana-LafayetteBy ED CHRNKOThe Pan American
Tennis teams prepare forfull weekend of competition
Broncs face tough Division I foe NMSU, Lady
Broncs meet UTEPBy MATT LYNCHThe Pan American
February 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 4
Christian BarajasDieteticsSophomore
Yes, because man needs to continue withspace-related research.
Ernesto BandaArtSophomore
I believe so ... because there’s nopoint in quitting after failureespecially with something sounexplored as space.
Kevin ColemanPhysics/MathematicsJunior/Senior
Yes, because it is in our nature toalways look beyond the horizon. Todeny exploration is to deny a part ofour humanity.
Do you think the USshould continue manned
space exploration?
Frank SepulvedaPhysicsGraduate
Yes. They should continue manned spacemissions, however, NASA, seriouslyneeds to revamp their equipment;particularly the space shuttle itself.
VOICECCaammppuuss
Elizabeth OrtegaArtFreshman
No, because I think America should solvetheir troubles on Earth first
When the United States sent sevenastronauts into outer space on theColumbia space shuttle, citizens expectedand assumed the crew would return toEarth safely.
Tragically, on Saturday morningAmerica lost the Columbia as well as thoseon board during its reentry into Earth’satmosphere. As a shocked nation tries tocope with the trauma of the accident,students and staff at the University ofTexas-Pan American are grieving in theirown ways. In an effort to help studentsand faculty cope with the Columbiatragedy, the Student Union hosted amemorial service for the Columbia crew inthe Student Union Theatre duringTuesday’s activity period.
As those in attendance watched footageof the memorial at the Johnson SpaceCenter, some thought about the effect theColumbia disaster will have on the nationand the world.
“I’d like to think of the Student Unionas a place where the campus communitycan receive information that is affectingnot only their lives, but the countries aswell,” said Sam Smith, director of theStudent Union. “I consider this eventwe’re holding as an observation ofNASA’s memorial.”
When Smith first learned of theColumbia, it reminded him of theChallenger crash on Jan. 31, 1986, andbelieved others would draw the sameparallel.
Junior accounting major AmandaCordona agreed and also recalled whathappened nearly 20 years ago.
“I was in shock when I found out aboutthe accident. It seemed to be a repeat ofwhat happened in the ‘80s,” she said. “It’sreally sad that the people died, but they leda noble life.”
The shuttle crew included Col. RickHusband, Lt. Col. Michael Anderson,Cmdr. Laurel Clark, Capt. David Brown,Cmdr. William McCool, Dr. KalpanaChawla and Ilan Ramon, a colonel in theIsraeli Air Force.
Crystal Flores, a sophomore premedmajor, feels that this incident shouldincline NASA to reevaluate its programs.She thinks instead of sending humans on
every mission, NASA should considersending robots or machinery that would becapable of completing the tasks humanscurrently risk their lives to undertake.
“What exactly are we looking for? Theprice of sending humans into space is notonly expensive but dangerous as well,”Flores said. “I think it would be cheaperand safer if people don’t go to space unlessthey absolutely have to.”
To wit, NASA has instituted aninvestigation into the tragedy.
Smith feels that humans will always beinquisitive about discovering new thingsand shouldn’t stop researching.
“I’m still young enough to believe thatgoing into space is [important],” Smithsaid. “I consider it to be like Marco Pologoing to Asia whenever they go into space.It’s about exploring the unknown andtrying to understand things that are biggerthan us.”
Junior Gaby Perez, president of theUniversity Program Board, often attendsevents hosted by the Student Union.
“It saddens me to hear about tragedieslike this because I feel like we lost peoplewho made an important impact and havetouched society,” Perez said. “I am so gladthat we are having a memorial to knowthat we should continue with these projectsand send citizens to assist society and all.”
President George W. Bush spoke highlyof the seven astronauts during the televisedmemorial, personalizing them to give thenation the opportunity to understand whothese people were, and why they wouldrisk their lives in the pursuit of knowledgeand scientific discovery.
“Our whole nation was blessed to havesuch men and women serving in our spaceprogram,” Bush said. “Their loss is deeplyfelt, especially in this place where so manyof you called them friends, the people inNASA are being tested once again.”
Bush concluded his speech by reassuringthe public that the crew of the Columbiadid not die in vain.
“The final days of their own lives werespent looking down upon this earth, andnow, on every continent, in every land theycan see, the names of these astronauts [are]known and remembered,” he said. “Theywill always have an honored place in thememory of this country, and today, I offerthe respect and gratitude of the people ofthe United States.”
Union memorial assuages griefBy CLARISSA MARTINEZThe Pan American
activities,” Broshears said. “They are alsoassigned a mentor who stays with themthroughout there first year of college.”
Edwards also stated that all tutorialservices and the Writing Center contributeto the retention of entering freshmen.
“The Writing Center offers peer tutoringfor the beginning writer and advancedwriter,” said Judy Davidson, director ofthe University Writing Center. “It’s arelaxed, friendly environment and find thatthey come back over and over.”
The writing center does not have aspecial program designated for theretention of entering freshmen or allstudents, but Davidson said the center hasanother way of helping students.
“If a student is feeling frustrated about a
class, it is so easy for the student to justgive up,” Davidson said. “The writingcenter is there to help and can give thestudent the encouragement they need tostay in the class.”
There are several programs used by theuniversity to increase the probability thatentering students will continue theircollege careers and eventually graduate.Sometimes, these programs aresupplemented by one-time events targetedat students who have not yet becomestudents.
For example, a group of Valley highschool seniors will converge on thecampus Feb. 22 for a leadershipconference where columnist Molly Ivinswill be the keynote speaker.
RETENTION continued from page 1
February 6, 2003 Sports Page 13
Argentina Drops Mexico
Mexico lost to Argentina 1-0, inan international friendly Tuesdaynight at the Los Angeles MemorialColiseum that put a damper on thedebut of Mexico’s new head coachRicardo Antonio Lavolpe, who ishimself an Argentinian. Argentina’sGonzalo Rodriguez scored the lonegoal of the match in the 14thminute.Argentina will play against theUSA this Saturday in Miami. Thegame is to be held at 2:30 p.m.CST.
NHL RecordBroken
Twenty-two year-old DannyHeatley made history Sunday whenhe broke the record for being theyoungest player to ever score a hat-trick in an NHL All-Star game. Therecord, previously held by Wayne“The Great One” Gretzky, was best-ed by one day when Heatley pickedup his third goal of the game off ofa Olli Jokkinen pass 2:47 into thesecond period. Heatley went on to
net a fourth goal later in that sameperiod, and assisted on a Jokkinengoal in the third, giving him fivepoints for the game, and tying himwith the all-time single-game pointsscored in an All-Star game. Heatley,who plays for the AtlantaThrashers, was named Rookie ofthe Year last season, and is regardedas one of the best young players inthe game.
Correction
In the Jan. 30 issue of The PanAmerican, there was a typographi-cal error in regard to the pitcherwho started for the Broncs againstthe South West Texas Cougars onFeb. 1. Travis Parker, the only sen-ior pitcher on the Bronc squad, wasincorrectly referred to as TreyParker. Trey Parker is the name ofone of the creators of “South Park,”and “Baseketball.” And while TreyParker has a small and comicalaffiliation to the sport, he does notplay for UTPA. We sincerely apolo-gized to Travis Parker, and will bemore attentive to such details inforthcoming issues. NOTE: Travis Parker picked up hisfirst win of the season against SWT.
SPORTS CLIPBOARD
Reporters Reporters needed.needed.
The Pan American is looking for sportsand arts and entertainment reporters toaudition this semester for full-time andvolunteer positions throughout thespring and summer terms. For more information, contact sportseditor Brian Carr or A&E editor AshleyBrooks at 381-2546.
February 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 5February 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 12
With the complete mapping of the humangenome in the spring of 2000, new medicalknowledge and possibilities will soon beavailable.
Scientific researchers are working touncover the meaning of specific geneticsequences and genetic testing can alreadyreveal the predisposition to some diseases,such as breast cancer and Alzheimer’s. Geneticscience offers the hope of prevention,treatment, and cures, but the affect geneticinformation will have on society is unknown.
Do people really want to know theirpersonal genetic profiles? Do employers andinsurance companies have the right to know?How will loved ones react to informationabout one’s future questionable health?
These are some of the questions that will bethe center of tonight’s “Research Revolution:Science and the Shaping of Modern Life”session.
The Research Revolution is a six-partviewing and discussion series hosted by theUniversity of Texas-Pan American Library.The University Library is one of 50 librariesnationwide selected to host the program, whichis designed to encourage the understanding ofscientific discovery and technologicaltransformation in the 20th century.
All films and discussions will be held eachThursday from 7-9 p.m. in the UniversityLibrary’s Media Theater.
Robert Kargon from the Department ofHistory of Science, Medicine, and Technologyat John Hopkins University, wrote theintroduction to the Research Revolution. In it,
he explains that the goal-directed scientificresearch that began a century and a half agohas directly impacted everyday life.Thediscoveries have raised new questions andproblems.
“The film/discussion series, the ResearchRevolution, will provide a historicalperspective and contemporary context for thesecritically important scientific/social issues,”Kargon wrote.“Understanding thehistorical evolution andthe contemporarycharacter of theResearch Revolutionwill enable us as citizensto deal more effectivelywith the new choicesthat rapid scientificchange brings.”
The first session washeld Jan. 23 andfeatured the film, “I amBecome Death: TheyMade the Bomb,” whichdiscusses the atomicage. The second session was held Jan. 30 andfeatured the film, “Into the Body,” whichdiscussed robotics. Approximately 25 peopleattended each of the first two sessions.
“Our capacity is a lot higher, so we’rehoping that more students attend the nextsession,” John Asbell, reference librarian said.“These subjects are important for students tothink about. They will affect their lives at onepoint or another. They can discuss the issueswith Dr. Pearson and each other.”
Dr. Thomas Pearson, Associate Professor ofPhilosophy, will lead the discussions at each
session. He feels that the topics discussedthroughout the Research Revolution are ethicaland political issues that student’s should beeducated about.
“It is the world that your inheriting,” he said.“It will govern how your life goes. Thescientific knowledge that will soon beavailable is amazing and we need to know howto respond.”
“Our Genes, OurChoices: Who gets toknow?” running 57minutes, is tonight’sfeature presentation.Moderator ArthurMiller, a professor atHarvard Law School,leads the intense andoften humorousdiscussion about theproblems andquestions raised bygenetic information toa group of 13distinguished panelists.Among them are
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer,director of the Institute for Bioethics Mark A.Rothstein, professor of neuropsychology atColumbia University and president of theHereditary Disease Foundation Nancy C.Wexler.
Other participants are from the fields ofadoption, law, genetics, employment, mediaand medicine.
The next session will be Feb. 13 and willfeature the film, “The Gene Squad,” anddiscuss forensics. On Feb. 20, “What’s Upwith the Weather?” a film that covers the
affects of global warming, will be presented.The last session in the series will held Feb. 27and will discuss biodiversity. The featured filmwill be “Natural Connections.”
The Research Revolution has beenorganized by National Video Resources, a not-for-profit organization whose goal is topromote public awareness of and access toboth independently produced films and theAmerican Library Association, with a focus onlinking libraries and communities in an effortto make libraries cultural centers.
The project is being funded by the NationalScience Foundation, an independentgovernment agency responsible for promotingscience and engineering.
Locally, the UTPA Friends of the Library isalso funding the refreshments and publicity forthe Research Revolution. Friends of theLibrary was established in 1994 to promote theUniversity Library as a community resource.In the past, the organization has purchasedbooks, computers, and special collections andhas sponsored cultural programs and specialevents.
“The Research Revolution deals with someof the newest scientific advancements and theFriends of the Library likes being involved ingetting the latest information out to UTPAfaculty, staff, students, and the community,”said Virginia Haynie Gause, systems librarianand chair of Friends of the Library.
The Research Revolution sessions are freeand open to the community. Free parking isavailable in parking Lot A and Lot A6 by thenew Visitors Center, and refreshments will beprovided.
For more information about the ResearchRevolution and highlighted issues, log on to
Weekly research series continuingBy AMELIA GARCIAThe Pan American
Understanding thehistorical evolution and thecontemporary character ofthe Research Revolution willenable us as citizens to dealmore effectively with thenew choices that rapidscientific change brings. “
“
- Robert Kargon,Dept. of Science, Medicine & Technology
at John Hopkins University
February 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 6
seven percent of the general revenue to thestate, while next year it is likely that therewill be a 12.5-percent cut in generalrevenue equaling around $6.1 million.Gonzalez is one of the administrators inthe midst of developing plans regardingthe 2004 fiscal year budget, although nospecific decisions have been finalized.
A university official who wished toremain anonymous said that though theuniversity is prepared to deal with a budgetcut brought on by state overspending andthe weak economy, the drawbacks arelarge. Hopefully some of the drastic oneswill be avoided.
“We do not want to allow faculty, clerks,secretaries or work-study students to losetheir positions,” the administrator said.“There are some necessities that we aregoing to have to do without. Therenovation of buildings is going topostponed, computer and equipment willnot be updated, and some faculty membersmay not have the support to work on theirresearch. Some operating costs areplanning to be cut, which means thatthings like paper, storage area, or deskswill have to limited in the use by facultymembers.”
The most potentially outrageous, yetunlikely outcomes of the budget cutinclude the canceling of certain courses,causing students to remain undergraduatesfor a longer period of time, and even thepossibility of the cancellation of a summersession.
Dean John Emery of the College ofBusiness Administration feels that the planto cut summer school will not make muchsense due to the money the university canmake if the summer classes are scheduledin a proper manner.
“If we lose a summer session, that couldslow up students' progress towardgraduation,” Emery said. “We do not wantto see our students taking more time toearn their degrees.”
In addition, with the high numbers ofstudents attending the summer sessionmany students who could graduate in thesummer will be returning for the fallsemester. With budget constraints it willbe more difficult to accommodate thesestudents plus new students.
Emery is not a stranger to handlingbudget cuts, so as stressful as this one isgoing to be, he's prepared to handle it thebest way the college can expect.
“The cut for our college is in theneighborhood of around $450,000 so weare dealing with a large enough cut that itwill have some negative effects on thecollege,” Emery said. “We have been ableto absorb some of the cut due to positionsthat didn't get filled at the beginning of thebudget year, a retirement in January, and aresignation after the fall semester. Thecollege has not refilled those positions thusallowing us to use that money as part ofthe cut.”
With the budget crunch coming to theUT System, Chancellor Mark Yudof isallowing different universities in thesystem to handle the cut in different ways.Emery says that if the legislature approvesa pending bill, larger universities such asUT-Austin could handle the budget crisisby simply increasing the amount of tuitionand fees charged students.
“One proposal is just to keep raisingtuition. I don't like that approach but Ithink it is a reality we will have to dealwith.” he said. “When looking at ourstudents, they don't come from abackground that would allow them toabsorb large increases in tuition or fees.Texas as a state has low tuitions at its
public universities when compared tostates such as Indiana or Michigan.”
Students in states with higher per capitaincomes like Michigan and Indiana may bebetter able to handle tuition increases if abudget cut imposed. Their economic baseis growing slowly, resulting in fewerstudents seeking to enroll in college,unlike faster growing states Texas.
Gonzalez agrees that the economy hasaffected the nation, state and institutions ofhigher learning but feels the governor andstate leadership have rightfully called onall government agencies to help with thedeficit. He trusts that the leadership of theuniversity will be able to overcome thebudget situation.
“I actually feel quite proud thateveryone, from student organizations todepartments to individuals, sees this as acollective challenge,” he said. “I feel quiteconfident that our institution is well-prepared and will be able to weather thisfinancial storm.
“I am truly grateful that Dr. Nevárez hasbeen able to shape a strategy for thisinstitution that addresses such apparentlyopposing forces; Keeping the institutionaffordable while at the same time makingdramatic improvements in programs,infrastructure and in the quality of facultythat we have been able to attract andretain.”
Gonzalez feels that compared to someinstitutions that have been overly liberalwith their finances, UTPA is coming at thisfrom a position of strength thanks toNevárez.
“The university community will worktogether to meet the challenge and someday this will be behind us,” he said.
OTHER STRATEGIES FOR CRISISMANAGEMENT
As dean of the College of SocialBehavioral and Sciences, Homer Garciahas had his hands full with the task oftrying to determine where the college cancut at least $200,000 without affecting thedepartment drastically.
“It’s been a lot of work and a toughthing to do, but Dr. Nevárez has been veryopen to the opinions and suggestions of allthe administrators,” Garcia said. “I’vepersonally offered to give back some ofmy salary and teach classes for free if itallows at least that much money not to beremoved from the college.”
“I’m constantly thinking of ways to cutthe budget without letting anyone go,impacting the quality of the student’seducation and allow my faculty to continuewith their research,” he said. “I admire myfellow administrators and professors,people have been very corporative andshared concern for the university andmaking sacrifices to solve the problems.”
With the university growing at such afast rate the budget cut might have aneffect on the rising number, which toppedout at 14,200 this week, but Garciaconsiders it unlikely that the crisis willstop the enrollment increase.
“This region is one of the fastestgrowing places along with the Dallas andHouston areas, so it can’t help but grow.We just have to keep faith that it will keepup over this period of time. It’s possiblefor the next year or two to be slow ingrowth, but nether the less there will begrowth.”
“I hope students won’t lose faith,employees won’t panic, or that goodpeople will leave. We can make ends meet,there is no need for panic among people,and we will be able to keep our enrollmentup.”
BUDGET continued from page 1
In some ways, Greek organizations atUTPA are like those around the country, butare also somewhat different from those atother schools, especially when it comes tonumbers.
Raul Moreno, coordinator of StudentDevelopment, said that there are only 10official Greek organizations on campus. TheHonors Society and several businessorganizations employ letters of the Greekalphabet as identifiers for others to know theyare an organization.
“There are only a few Greek organizationsthat follow the Greek system,” he said. “Theother organizations may use Greek letters, butthey don’t follow the system.”
Fraternities and sororities following theGreek system at UTPA include: SigmaLambda Gamma, Kappa Delta Chi, DeltaZeta, The Tau Heta Epsilon, Delta Upsilon,Omega Delta Phi, Phi Kappa Theta, TauKappa Epsilon, Phi Sigma Kappa and SigmaLambda Beta.
The number of active sorority and fraternitymembers at UTPA varies dramatically fromsimilar organizations at UT-Austin and UT-Tyler.
With 14,300 students currently enrolled atUTPA, there are only 10 Greek organizations,four sororities and six fraternities. Each ofthese organizations averages anywhere fromeight to nine members for sororities and from18 to 22 members for fraternities.
At UT-Tyler, where the enrollment is atabout 4,250, there are no social Greekorganizations listed in the studentorganizations directory Those numbers aredramatically lower than the ones for UT-Austin, where the enrollment at the nation’slargest university exceeds 50,000 students.There there are 14 active social Greekorganizations, 10 fraternities and four aresocial sororities. There are dozens more othertypes of non-social Greek organizations.
Although there is some Greek activity atUTPA, the trend seems to have a strongerfollowing at universities with largerenrollments like UT-Austin. But that fact didnot stop a number of Greek organizations atUTPA from recruiting new members duringRush Week.
Steve Rios, president of Sigma LambdaBeta, is one of the brothers looking to recruitworthy pledges to join his fraternity.
“Our purpose is to attract people who havethe desire to be in an organization that isready to mold leaders and supports themindset of graduating from a university toenhance our culture and the world,” he said.
Sigma Lambda Beta, like many otherGreek organizations, places stringentrequirements on those looking to enterbrotherhood.
“The requirements to begin the journey intoour brotherhood are to be a full time studentwith a minimum GPA of 2.5,” Rios said.“Along with that, we require cultural andthree community service projects to beundertaken.”
Campus Greek scene part of national trendBy CELESTE Y. TELLOThe Pan American
February 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 11
CD: “The Kill You EP” by Darling VioletteMovie: “Good Will Hunting”Book: “Have Space Suit, Will Travel” by RobertHeinlein
CD: “Santo Pecado” by Ricardo ArjonaMovie: “My Best Friend’s Wedding”Book: “100 Years of Solitude” by Gabriel GarciaMarquez
CD: Facundo CabralMovie: “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark”Book: “The Labyrinth of Solitude” by Octavio Paz
Hazel HerreraJuniorArt/Physics
Josefina IbarraSophomoreDietetics
Reid EtheridgeSeniorMath
CULTURE CLUBWhat students like to read, listen to and surf.
The
■ Comedy Troupe . . 8-9
■ Student artwork. . . . . 9
■ Culture Club . . . . . . 11ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE 7
AroundTown
Viva Mexico SpringConcertFeb. 8 at 7 p.m.Place: La Joya PerformingArts Center, 604 CoyoteDrive in La Joya.Event: Students from theLa Joya IndependentSchool District presents aMexican Folkloric Danceconcert. Price: Tickets are $5.Phone: (956) 580-5161 or(956) 630-0016
Music ConcertsFeb. 8-9 at 2 p.m.Place: UTPA Fine ArtsAuditoriumEvent: The UTPA LatinSalsa Band and Mariachiwill perform tropical andsalsa musical piecestogether, joined by theUTPA Mariachi Feminil andthe Sol y Luna DanceClub.Phone: (956) 381-3471Price: $5 at the door.
Guerrero ViejoFeb. 10 at 2 p.m.Place: Weslaco BiculturalMuseum, 515 SouthKansas, WeslacoInfo: Glenn Housley, aphotographer andhistorian, will tell the storyof Guerrero Viejo, thehistoric Mexican bordercity which was covered bywater from Falcon Dam,and will also show rareslides from both beforeand after the watersdestroyed the city.Phone: (956) 968-9142Price: Donationsaccepted.
Fiesta EdinburgFeb. 22 from noon to 11p.m.Place: Edinburg MunicipalPark, Dolittle Road, southfrom 107Event: Live entertainmentwill include Grupo Controland La Costumbre, apetting zoo, climbing walland food and beveragebooths.Phone: (956) 383-4974
Alegria, no other term couldbe used for a dance performancelike this with so much color,drama, and excitement. It’s aSpanish term used forhappiness, joy and pride, butthis month’s performance willgive the word a grandermeaning.
“The whole thing is joyous,festive and colorful,” SilviaBriales said. Briales is one ofthe show’s veterans and is akinesiology/dance major, “eventhe audience is always veryexcited and eager to watch.”
The UTPA Folkloric DanceCompany performs this showtwice a year in attempt to tapthe culture that is verydominant here in the valley.
“It’s a way in which we areable to educate everyone aboutour school and culture throughdance and music,” said FrankMunoz, co-director of Alegria.
His wife, Mary Munoz isAlegria’s other director and hasseen many positive effects tothe show’s growth, “theprogram has grown so much,we have a waiting list. Somany people want to join.”
Freshman Alegria performer,Rebekah Quintero is one of thethree new comers toAlegria.“It’s an indescribablefeeling because you put incountless amounts of hours into
the show and performing the endresult is awesome,” Quintero said,“and with a show like Alegria,you can see how proud we are ofour heritage.”
Spanish major, Edgar Ibarrafans himself from the exhaustionof Tamaulipas Norte, a section ofthe show that requires a lot ofenergy.
“I like this show because it’s avery challenging show. We havea lot of new dancers with a lot ofnew pieces,” he said, “I put all Ihave in every rehearsal and I amvery confident performing in frontof an audience. It’s a great feelingwhen the audience [applauds] andtells you how amazing the showwas.”
Alegria features severalsections of Mexico and theirculture through dance andmusic.Its fun to watch andeducational at the same time,”Ibarra said.
“Norte is my favorite because itis very upbeat,” Quintero said,“every section is so exciting andyou realize how amazing anddifferent every part of Mexico is.”
Mary Munoz, co-director ofAlegria says that coming to showlike this is very important, “Idlove to see everybody come out tosee the show because it can be avery eye-opening experience,especially for someone whohasn’t been exposed to a showlike this.”
In past years, Alegria has beenvery popular with Winter Texans.
“We can always depend on theWinter Texans to come and enjoythe show,” Munoz said, “but Iwould definitely like to see moreValley people and students comeand enjoy it.”
A section of Alegria wasperformed at the AmericanCollege Dance Festival inHouston and received highregards to their focus on folkloricdancing.
“We had a very good response.This is the first time we were ableto take part in something like thisbecause we are just now offeringa dance major,” Frank Munozsaid, “We stole the show.”
ALEGRIA2002-03
WHEN: Feb. 14, 7p.m., Feb. 15-16, 2
p.m., Feb. 21, 7 p.m.,Feb. 22-23, 2 p.m.
WHERE: UTPA FineArts Auditorium
TICKETS: $8 inadvance, $10 at the
door.
From left to right,Rebekah Quintero,Erica Garcia and SaraSanchez.
Rebekah Quintero, of the UTPA Folkloric DanceCompany, practices for the upcoming shows.
Aaron Lozano/The Pan American
By AARON LOZANOThe Pan AmericanUTPA Folkloric Dance
Company prepares forannual performances
Alegria takes to stageAaron Lozano
The Pan American
February 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 10
By: Arianna VazquezTotal control of the oil industry and the desire for monetary power
are what may drag the United States to war with Iraq.Going to war with Iraq will not only devastate the country itself,
but the world. It will be a war that is not needed and will only hurt citizenswho do not deserve to suffer and in some occasions die in the line of duty.
According to Samuel Freeman, a UTPA political scienceprofessor, Bush and his administration has come nowhere close to makinga valid case in order to attack Iraq. He believes the American people havebeen told lies and what Secretary of State Colin Powell shows as evidenceof weapons of mass destruction in Iraq is not irrefutable proof. Thosepictures do not reveal or disprove anything.
Sept. 11 was an excuse for President Bush to start a conflict thatcould destroy American lives as well as hurt the U.S. economically. Itis not a matter of defending America's national security from terrorismanymore, but of obtaining the power, money, and strength to rule theworld. Like Freeman pointed out, Sept. 11 gave Bush in his mind ablank check to do whatever he wanted.
Who are we, the United States, to be disarming other nations—especially Iraq—when we gave them the weapons we so longfully
desire to get back? U.S. leaders should have thought of that in the firstplace, because we helped Saddam Hussein go to war with Iran and we
provided him with the equipment and weapons in the 1980s.Concerning the issue of oil, Freeman pointed out that Bush is the
puppet of the oil industry and will attack countries that deny the U.S. thechance to obtain it.
Therefore being the leader of one of the most important, if not themost important, nation in the world should let Bush know that the moneyand power oil might bring to the U.S. does not compare with the lives thatmight be lost because of his selfishness.
The American people who oppose the war have held rallies topromote peace, and let leaders know we oppose the war, but the rallieshave not been reported as they should. As Freeman commented, Bushshould be forced to listen to the American people. It is his duty to providefor the well-being and desire of all of the citizens of the United States. Heis in office to serve us, and if we get together he should listen.
Instead, the U.S. and its leaders are helping the citizens of thiscountry suffer more than they should. A war with Iraq is not the answer toa lot of problems and questions surrounding our country. The presidentand his people should think of other alternatives, or as Freemancommented, the war will be his check to implement global empire andturn the U.S. into a police state.
The United Nations and most U.S. allies have that mentality andhope that if given more time, UN weapon inspectors could help avoid war.But President Bush and his people do not want to wait and try to solve theproblems peacefully, and have said repeatedly that with or without allies,America will disarm Iraq using military force.
No soldier should be sent to nourish the ego of a president whothinks of power before considering the well-being of the American people.
By: Dägoberto PérezUnder any other circumstance, I would side with the
Democratic wave I normally ride with, but because I value my idealsand respect the nation that has given me so much, I must adamantlyside with the Elephants that now control our government.
Saddam Hussein would see the nation we call home crumble,destroyed and the people all around us dead. Anyone whofeels that Hussein does not represent a clear andpresent danger is not aware of the chaos andmisery he has inflicted on his very people, thevery people he is said to protect who aredying or have died at his hands.
So what’s to stop him from killingthe “Infidels” of America? United Nationsworkers who dilly-dally with pre-sanitizedfactories and pre-polished palaces are notgoing to find a smoking gun because that gunwas fired long ago and the smoke around it hasdisappeared and is no more.
During President Bush’s State of the UnionAddress, allegations were made and action against Hussein seemsjustifiable. Aside from the fact that he has not complied with the UN,aside from that fact that he has murdered his own people, and asidefrom the fact that he has vowed to destroy America, we must boot thedictator out of power because he is promoting the destruction ofAmerica to other Arab Nations.
Wednesday, Secretary of State Colin Powell presenteddeclassified evidence to the UN in hopes of getting the UN’s approvalfor military action against Iraq. Powell stated that Saddam had tieswith Usama bin Laden's terror network and was hiding weapons ofmass destruction. “These are not assertions” said Powell. “Saddamand his regime are busy doing all they possibly can to ensure [UN]inspectors succeed in finding absolutely nothing.”
In then end, Saddam would like nothing more than to see LadyLiberty crumble and our nation fall to its knees. We cannot allow himto do this. Sending America’s fighters will surely bring the very terrorhe would have us feel to his own back door.
The Iron Fist that Saddam Hussein wears must be burned andreduced to scraps. Then, and only then will the people of Iraq and therest of the world realize the evil that WAS Saddam Hussein.
AGAINSTAGAINSTFOR
“Thepurpose ofall war isultimately
peace” -Saint Augustine
February 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 9February 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 8
Get ready to laugh, because theaward-winning sketch comedyensemble The Latin ComedyProject will be visiting the RioGrande Valley to perform a seriesof sketches.
According to Luis Munoz,owner of Cine El Rey, the LCPwill be performing at his theaterFriday and Saturday night at 8p.m. Munoz said he is veryexcited and plans to have othercomedy shows like this everymonth.
"I think it is great," Munoz said."Everything that I have seen andheard from them is extremelyfunny."
Adrian Villegas, artistic directorLCP performer, said he is thrilledbecause this will be the first timethe show will be performed in theValley. Villegas, who has beenwith the LCP for five years, saidthe comedy troupe is lookingforward to the performancebecause of the type of audiencethe group will perform for.
"McAllen is a big thing for us,"
Villegas said. "We are excitedbecause the people who willattend the show are going to beour ideal audience."
The show will feature sketchessuch as a game show called"Desgraciados,” where two
married Latina women willdiscover how well they knowtheir spouses. Another sketch willre-enact the story of the Mexicanfolk tale "La Llorona." The sketchwill be in tune with The Knack’s"My Sharona."
"Some of the show will also bein film that we shot previously,"said Erica Saenz, LCP actress."The sketch will be bilingual andsome of it we are going to do inSpanish."
For some performers, this showwill be a welcome homeperformance. Saenz, who is aValley native, said she is alsoexcited to perform in McAllenbecause it will be her first timeperforming for a hometowncrowd.
Saenz, who was born in Pharrbut was raised in Edinburg, saidshe moved out of the Valley whenshe graduated from high school.She received a bachelor’s degreein theater from the University ofTexas at Austin.
"I now live in Los Angeles. Iam doing as many as productionsthat I can," Saenz said. "I love todo work for a show."
The LCP has performed showsthroughout the United States andCanada. According to Villegas,The LCP has performed in citiessuch as San Francisco andVancouver. He said although theyhad a diverse audience, writers of
the show were able to rephrasethe sketches so the audience couldunderstand.
"We knew we were going tohave different audience," saidVillegas. "If we used really heavySpanish sketches, then a lot of thehumor would have been lost."
The LCP, who is sponsored byAustin’s premier bilingual theatercompany Teatro Humanidad, hasreceived many positive reviews,including glowing pieces inEntertainment Weekly and TheAustin Chronicle.
Hector Saldana fromEntertainment Weekly said in hisreview, "The LCP is bestdescribed as a combination of old-school laughs with a touch of hip-hop edginess that brings a fresh,distinctly Tejano slant to a laughindustry so dominated by East andWest Coast types."
Tickets for the show go on saletoday at 10:30 a.m at the Cine ElRey. According to Munoz, thetheater seats a limited number ofaudience members, so purchasingtickets early may be a necessityfor those interested in seeing theshow.
We are excitedbecause the
people who willattend the showare going to be
our idealaudience. “
“
- Adrian Villegas,artistic director
STUDENTARTCORNERArt by sophomore nursing major Cameron Lacy
(Left) - “It was done withpastels. The inspirationbehind it was when I wasliving in Kansas City atornado hit. After thestorm, that is what thesky and the trees lookedlke.”
(Below) - “It is a drawingof my brother (Ben) whenhe was eight. It was alsodone with pastels.”
CINE EL REY
Location: 311 S. 17th St.,McAllen
Tickets: $15
Latino Comedy Project: 8p.m. Friday, Feb. 7-Saturday,Feb. 8
(Below) - Backrow,from left to right,Omar Gallaga, AdrianVillegas, PatriciaArredondo, MicalTrejo, Nick Walker,front row, left to right,Karinna Perez,Joaquin Villareal.
From left to right, Erica Saenz, Nick Walker, Mical Trejo.Latin Comedy Project/ Special to The Pan American
By JENNIFER TAPIAThe Pan American
Comedy troupe, comprised of several Valley natives,brings performances to local theater
February 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 9February 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 8
Get ready to laugh, because theaward-winning sketch comedyensemble The Latin ComedyProject will be visiting the RioGrande Valley to perform a seriesof sketches.
According to Luis Munoz,owner of Cine El Rey, the LCPwill be performing at his theaterFriday and Saturday night at 8p.m. Munoz said he is veryexcited and plans to have othercomedy shows like this everymonth.
"I think it is great," Munoz said."Everything that I have seen andheard from them is extremelyfunny."
Adrian Villegas, artistic directorLCP performer, said he is thrilledbecause this will be the first timethe show will be performed in theValley. Villegas, who has beenwith the LCP for five years, saidthe comedy troupe is lookingforward to the performancebecause of the type of audiencethe group will perform for.
"McAllen is a big thing for us,"
Villegas said. "We are excitedbecause the people who willattend the show are going to beour ideal audience."
The show will feature sketchessuch as a game show called"Desgraciados,” where two
married Latina women willdiscover how well they knowtheir spouses. Another sketch willre-enact the story of the Mexicanfolk tale "La Llorona." The sketchwill be in tune with The Knack’s"My Sharona."
"Some of the show will also bein film that we shot previously,"said Erica Saenz, LCP actress."The sketch will be bilingual andsome of it we are going to do inSpanish."
For some performers, this showwill be a welcome homeperformance. Saenz, who is aValley native, said she is alsoexcited to perform in McAllenbecause it will be her first timeperforming for a hometowncrowd.
Saenz, who was born in Pharrbut was raised in Edinburg, saidshe moved out of the Valley whenshe graduated from high school.She received a bachelor’s degreein theater from the University ofTexas at Austin.
"I now live in Los Angeles. Iam doing as many as productionsthat I can," Saenz said. "I love todo work for a show."
The LCP has performed showsthroughout the United States andCanada. According to Villegas,The LCP has performed in citiessuch as San Francisco andVancouver. He said although theyhad a diverse audience, writers of
the show were able to rephrasethe sketches so the audience couldunderstand.
"We knew we were going tohave different audience," saidVillegas. "If we used really heavySpanish sketches, then a lot of thehumor would have been lost."
The LCP, who is sponsored byAustin’s premier bilingual theatercompany Teatro Humanidad, hasreceived many positive reviews,including glowing pieces inEntertainment Weekly and TheAustin Chronicle.
Hector Saldana fromEntertainment Weekly said in hisreview, "The LCP is bestdescribed as a combination of old-school laughs with a touch of hip-hop edginess that brings a fresh,distinctly Tejano slant to a laughindustry so dominated by East andWest Coast types."
Tickets for the show go on saletoday at 10:30 a.m at the Cine ElRey. According to Munoz, thetheater seats a limited number ofaudience members, so purchasingtickets early may be a necessityfor those interested in seeing theshow.
We are excitedbecause the
people who willattend the showare going to be
our idealaudience. “
“
- Adrian Villegas,artistic director
STUDENTARTCORNERArt by sophomore nursing major Cameron Lacy
(Left) - “It was done withpastels. The inspirationbehind it was when I wasliving in Kansas City atornado hit. After thestorm, that is what thesky and the trees lookedlke.”
(Below) - “It is a drawingof my brother (Ben) whenhe was eight. It was alsodone with pastels.”
CINE EL REY
Location: 311 S. 17th St.,McAllen
Tickets: $15
Latino Comedy Project: 8p.m. Friday, Feb. 7-Saturday,Feb. 8
(Below) - Backrow,from left to right,Omar Gallaga, AdrianVillegas, PatriciaArredondo, MicalTrejo, Nick Walker,front row, left to right,Karinna Perez,Joaquin Villareal.
From left to right, Erica Saenz, Nick Walker, Mical Trejo.Latin Comedy Project/ Special to The Pan American
By JENNIFER TAPIAThe Pan American
Comedy troupe, comprised of several Valley natives,brings performances to local theater
■ Comedy Troupe . . 8-9
■ Student artwork. . . . . 9
■ Culture Club . . . . . . 11ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE 7
AroundTown
Viva Mexico SpringConcertFeb. 8 at 7 p.m.Place: La Joya PerformingArts Center, 604 CoyoteDrive in La Joya.Event: Students from theLa Joya IndependentSchool District presents aMexican Folkloric Danceconcert. Price: Tickets are $5.Phone: (956) 580-5161 or(956) 630-0016
Music ConcertsFeb. 8-9 at 2 p.m.Place: UTPA Fine ArtsAuditoriumEvent: The UTPA LatinSalsa Band and Mariachiwill perform tropical andsalsa musical piecestogether, joined by theUTPA Mariachi Feminil andthe Sol y Luna DanceClub.Phone: (956) 381-3471Price: $5 at the door.
Guerrero ViejoFeb. 10 at 2 p.m.Place: Weslaco BiculturalMuseum, 515 SouthKansas, WeslacoInfo: Glenn Housley, aphotographer andhistorian, will tell the storyof Guerrero Viejo, thehistoric Mexican bordercity which was covered bywater from Falcon Dam,and will also show rareslides from both beforeand after the watersdestroyed the city.Phone: (956) 968-9142Price: Donationsaccepted.
Fiesta EdinburgFeb. 22 from noon to 11p.m.Place: Edinburg MunicipalPark, Dolittle Road, southfrom 107Event: Live entertainmentwill include Grupo Controland La Costumbre, apetting zoo, climbing walland food and beveragebooths.Phone: (956) 383-4974
Alegria, no other term couldbe used for a dance performancelike this with so much color,drama, and excitement. It’s aSpanish term used forhappiness, joy and pride, butthis month’s performance willgive the word a grandermeaning.
“The whole thing is joyous,festive and colorful,” SilviaBriales said. Briales is one ofthe show’s veterans and is akinesiology/dance major, “eventhe audience is always veryexcited and eager to watch.”
The UTPA Folkloric DanceCompany performs this showtwice a year in attempt to tapthe culture that is verydominant here in the valley.
“It’s a way in which we areable to educate everyone aboutour school and culture throughdance and music,” said FrankMunoz, co-director of Alegria.
His wife, Mary Munoz isAlegria’s other director and hasseen many positive effects tothe show’s growth, “theprogram has grown so much,we have a waiting list. Somany people want to join.”
Freshman Alegria performer,Rebekah Quintero is one of thethree new comers toAlegria.“It’s an indescribablefeeling because you put incountless amounts of hours into
the show and performing the endresult is awesome,” Quintero said,“and with a show like Alegria,you can see how proud we are ofour heritage.”
Spanish major, Edgar Ibarrafans himself from the exhaustionof Tamaulipas Norte, a section ofthe show that requires a lot ofenergy.
“I like this show because it’s avery challenging show. We havea lot of new dancers with a lot ofnew pieces,” he said, “I put all Ihave in every rehearsal and I amvery confident performing in frontof an audience. It’s a great feelingwhen the audience [applauds] andtells you how amazing the showwas.”
Alegria features severalsections of Mexico and theirculture through dance andmusic.Its fun to watch andeducational at the same time,”Ibarra said.
“Norte is my favorite because itis very upbeat,” Quintero said,“every section is so exciting andyou realize how amazing anddifferent every part of Mexico is.”
Mary Munoz, co-director ofAlegria says that coming to showlike this is very important, “Idlove to see everybody come out tosee the show because it can be avery eye-opening experience,especially for someone whohasn’t been exposed to a showlike this.”
In past years, Alegria has beenvery popular with Winter Texans.
“We can always depend on theWinter Texans to come and enjoythe show,” Munoz said, “but Iwould definitely like to see moreValley people and students comeand enjoy it.”
A section of Alegria wasperformed at the AmericanCollege Dance Festival inHouston and received highregards to their focus on folkloricdancing.
“We had a very good response.This is the first time we were ableto take part in something like thisbecause we are just now offeringa dance major,” Frank Munozsaid, “We stole the show.”
ALEGRIA2002-03
WHEN: Feb. 14, 7p.m., Feb. 15-16, 2
p.m., Feb. 21, 7 p.m.,Feb. 22-23, 2 p.m.
WHERE: UTPA FineArts Auditorium
TICKETS: $8 inadvance, $10 at the
door.
From left to right,Rebekah Quintero,Erica Garcia and SaraSanchez.
Rebekah Quintero, of the UTPA Folkloric DanceCompany, practices for the upcoming shows.
Aaron Lozano/The Pan American
By AARON LOZANOThe Pan AmericanUTPA Folkloric Dance
Company prepares forannual performances
Alegria takes to stageAaron Lozano
The Pan American
February 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 10
By: Arianna VazquezTotal control of the oil industry and the desire for monetary power
are what may drag the United States to war with Iraq.Going to war with Iraq will not only devastate the country itself,
but the world. It will be a war that is not needed and will only hurt citizenswho do not deserve to suffer and in some occasions die in the line of duty.
According to Samuel Freeman, a UTPA political scienceprofessor, Bush and his administration has come nowhere close to makinga valid case in order to attack Iraq. He believes the American people havebeen told lies and what Secretary of State Colin Powell shows as evidenceof weapons of mass destruction in Iraq is not irrefutable proof. Thosepictures do not reveal or disprove anything.
Sept. 11 was an excuse for President Bush to start a conflict thatcould destroy American lives as well as hurt the U.S. economically. Itis not a matter of defending America's national security from terrorismanymore, but of obtaining the power, money, and strength to rule theworld. Like Freeman pointed out, Sept. 11 gave Bush in his mind ablank check to do whatever he wanted.
Who are we, the United States, to be disarming other nations—especially Iraq—when we gave them the weapons we so longfully
desire to get back? U.S. leaders should have thought of that in the firstplace, because we helped Saddam Hussein go to war with Iran and we
provided him with the equipment and weapons in the 1980s.Concerning the issue of oil, Freeman pointed out that Bush is the
puppet of the oil industry and will attack countries that deny the U.S. thechance to obtain it.
Therefore being the leader of one of the most important, if not themost important, nation in the world should let Bush know that the moneyand power oil might bring to the U.S. does not compare with the lives thatmight be lost because of his selfishness.
The American people who oppose the war have held rallies topromote peace, and let leaders know we oppose the war, but the rallieshave not been reported as they should. As Freeman commented, Bushshould be forced to listen to the American people. It is his duty to providefor the well-being and desire of all of the citizens of the United States. Heis in office to serve us, and if we get together he should listen.
Instead, the U.S. and its leaders are helping the citizens of thiscountry suffer more than they should. A war with Iraq is not the answer toa lot of problems and questions surrounding our country. The presidentand his people should think of other alternatives, or as Freemancommented, the war will be his check to implement global empire andturn the U.S. into a police state.
The United Nations and most U.S. allies have that mentality andhope that if given more time, UN weapon inspectors could help avoid war.But President Bush and his people do not want to wait and try to solve theproblems peacefully, and have said repeatedly that with or without allies,America will disarm Iraq using military force.
No soldier should be sent to nourish the ego of a president whothinks of power before considering the well-being of the American people.
By: Dägoberto PérezUnder any other circumstance, I would side with the
Democratic wave I normally ride with, but because I value my idealsand respect the nation that has given me so much, I must adamantlyside with the Elephants that now control our government.
Saddam Hussein would see the nation we call home crumble,destroyed and the people all around us dead. Anyone whofeels that Hussein does not represent a clear andpresent danger is not aware of the chaos andmisery he has inflicted on his very people, thevery people he is said to protect who aredying or have died at his hands.
So what’s to stop him from killingthe “Infidels” of America? United Nationsworkers who dilly-dally with pre-sanitizedfactories and pre-polished palaces are notgoing to find a smoking gun because that gunwas fired long ago and the smoke around it hasdisappeared and is no more.
During President Bush’s State of the UnionAddress, allegations were made and action against Hussein seemsjustifiable. Aside from the fact that he has not complied with the UN,aside from that fact that he has murdered his own people, and asidefrom the fact that he has vowed to destroy America, we must boot thedictator out of power because he is promoting the destruction ofAmerica to other Arab Nations.
Wednesday, Secretary of State Colin Powell presenteddeclassified evidence to the UN in hopes of getting the UN’s approvalfor military action against Iraq. Powell stated that Saddam had tieswith Usama bin Laden's terror network and was hiding weapons ofmass destruction. “These are not assertions” said Powell. “Saddamand his regime are busy doing all they possibly can to ensure [UN]inspectors succeed in finding absolutely nothing.”
In then end, Saddam would like nothing more than to see LadyLiberty crumble and our nation fall to its knees. We cannot allow himto do this. Sending America’s fighters will surely bring the very terrorhe would have us feel to his own back door.
The Iron Fist that Saddam Hussein wears must be burned andreduced to scraps. Then, and only then will the people of Iraq and therest of the world realize the evil that WAS Saddam Hussein.
AGAINSTAGAINSTFOR
“Thepurpose ofall war isultimately
peace” -Saint Augustine
February 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 6
seven percent of the general revenue to thestate, while next year it is likely that therewill be a 12.5-percent cut in generalrevenue equaling around $6.1 million.Gonzalez is one of the administrators inthe midst of developing plans regardingthe 2004 fiscal year budget, although nospecific decisions have been finalized.
A university official who wished toremain anonymous said that though theuniversity is prepared to deal with a budgetcut brought on by state overspending andthe weak economy, the drawbacks arelarge. Hopefully some of the drastic oneswill be avoided.
“We do not want to allow faculty, clerks,secretaries or work-study students to losetheir positions,” the administrator said.“There are some necessities that we aregoing to have to do without. Therenovation of buildings is going topostponed, computer and equipment willnot be updated, and some faculty membersmay not have the support to work on theirresearch. Some operating costs areplanning to be cut, which means thatthings like paper, storage area, or deskswill have to limited in the use by facultymembers.”
The most potentially outrageous, yetunlikely outcomes of the budget cutinclude the canceling of certain courses,causing students to remain undergraduatesfor a longer period of time, and even thepossibility of the cancellation of a summersession.
Dean John Emery of the College ofBusiness Administration feels that the planto cut summer school will not make muchsense due to the money the university canmake if the summer classes are scheduledin a proper manner.
“If we lose a summer session, that couldslow up students' progress towardgraduation,” Emery said. “We do not wantto see our students taking more time toearn their degrees.”
In addition, with the high numbers ofstudents attending the summer sessionmany students who could graduate in thesummer will be returning for the fallsemester. With budget constraints it willbe more difficult to accommodate thesestudents plus new students.
Emery is not a stranger to handlingbudget cuts, so as stressful as this one isgoing to be, he's prepared to handle it thebest way the college can expect.
“The cut for our college is in theneighborhood of around $450,000 so weare dealing with a large enough cut that itwill have some negative effects on thecollege,” Emery said. “We have been ableto absorb some of the cut due to positionsthat didn't get filled at the beginning of thebudget year, a retirement in January, and aresignation after the fall semester. Thecollege has not refilled those positions thusallowing us to use that money as part ofthe cut.”
With the budget crunch coming to theUT System, Chancellor Mark Yudof isallowing different universities in thesystem to handle the cut in different ways.Emery says that if the legislature approvesa pending bill, larger universities such asUT-Austin could handle the budget crisisby simply increasing the amount of tuitionand fees charged students.
“One proposal is just to keep raisingtuition. I don't like that approach but Ithink it is a reality we will have to dealwith.” he said. “When looking at ourstudents, they don't come from abackground that would allow them toabsorb large increases in tuition or fees.Texas as a state has low tuitions at its
public universities when compared tostates such as Indiana or Michigan.”
Students in states with higher per capitaincomes like Michigan and Indiana may bebetter able to handle tuition increases if abudget cut imposed. Their economic baseis growing slowly, resulting in fewerstudents seeking to enroll in college,unlike faster growing states Texas.
Gonzalez agrees that the economy hasaffected the nation, state and institutions ofhigher learning but feels the governor andstate leadership have rightfully called onall government agencies to help with thedeficit. He trusts that the leadership of theuniversity will be able to overcome thebudget situation.
“I actually feel quite proud thateveryone, from student organizations todepartments to individuals, sees this as acollective challenge,” he said. “I feel quiteconfident that our institution is well-prepared and will be able to weather thisfinancial storm.
“I am truly grateful that Dr. Nevárez hasbeen able to shape a strategy for thisinstitution that addresses such apparentlyopposing forces; Keeping the institutionaffordable while at the same time makingdramatic improvements in programs,infrastructure and in the quality of facultythat we have been able to attract andretain.”
Gonzalez feels that compared to someinstitutions that have been overly liberalwith their finances, UTPA is coming at thisfrom a position of strength thanks toNevárez.
“The university community will worktogether to meet the challenge and someday this will be behind us,” he said.
OTHER STRATEGIES FOR CRISISMANAGEMENT
As dean of the College of SocialBehavioral and Sciences, Homer Garciahas had his hands full with the task oftrying to determine where the college cancut at least $200,000 without affecting thedepartment drastically.
“It’s been a lot of work and a toughthing to do, but Dr. Nevárez has been veryopen to the opinions and suggestions of allthe administrators,” Garcia said. “I’vepersonally offered to give back some ofmy salary and teach classes for free if itallows at least that much money not to beremoved from the college.”
“I’m constantly thinking of ways to cutthe budget without letting anyone go,impacting the quality of the student’seducation and allow my faculty to continuewith their research,” he said. “I admire myfellow administrators and professors,people have been very corporative andshared concern for the university andmaking sacrifices to solve the problems.”
With the university growing at such afast rate the budget cut might have aneffect on the rising number, which toppedout at 14,200 this week, but Garciaconsiders it unlikely that the crisis willstop the enrollment increase.
“This region is one of the fastestgrowing places along with the Dallas andHouston areas, so it can’t help but grow.We just have to keep faith that it will keepup over this period of time. It’s possiblefor the next year or two to be slow ingrowth, but nether the less there will begrowth.”
“I hope students won’t lose faith,employees won’t panic, or that goodpeople will leave. We can make ends meet,there is no need for panic among people,and we will be able to keep our enrollmentup.”
BUDGET continued from page 1
In some ways, Greek organizations atUTPA are like those around the country, butare also somewhat different from those atother schools, especially when it comes tonumbers.
Raul Moreno, coordinator of StudentDevelopment, said that there are only 10official Greek organizations on campus. TheHonors Society and several businessorganizations employ letters of the Greekalphabet as identifiers for others to know theyare an organization.
“There are only a few Greek organizationsthat follow the Greek system,” he said. “Theother organizations may use Greek letters, butthey don’t follow the system.”
Fraternities and sororities following theGreek system at UTPA include: SigmaLambda Gamma, Kappa Delta Chi, DeltaZeta, The Tau Heta Epsilon, Delta Upsilon,Omega Delta Phi, Phi Kappa Theta, TauKappa Epsilon, Phi Sigma Kappa and SigmaLambda Beta.
The number of active sorority and fraternitymembers at UTPA varies dramatically fromsimilar organizations at UT-Austin and UT-Tyler.
With 14,300 students currently enrolled atUTPA, there are only 10 Greek organizations,four sororities and six fraternities. Each ofthese organizations averages anywhere fromeight to nine members for sororities and from18 to 22 members for fraternities.
At UT-Tyler, where the enrollment is atabout 4,250, there are no social Greekorganizations listed in the studentorganizations directory Those numbers aredramatically lower than the ones for UT-Austin, where the enrollment at the nation’slargest university exceeds 50,000 students.There there are 14 active social Greekorganizations, 10 fraternities and four aresocial sororities. There are dozens more othertypes of non-social Greek organizations.
Although there is some Greek activity atUTPA, the trend seems to have a strongerfollowing at universities with largerenrollments like UT-Austin. But that fact didnot stop a number of Greek organizations atUTPA from recruiting new members duringRush Week.
Steve Rios, president of Sigma LambdaBeta, is one of the brothers looking to recruitworthy pledges to join his fraternity.
“Our purpose is to attract people who havethe desire to be in an organization that isready to mold leaders and supports themindset of graduating from a university toenhance our culture and the world,” he said.
Sigma Lambda Beta, like many otherGreek organizations, places stringentrequirements on those looking to enterbrotherhood.
“The requirements to begin the journey intoour brotherhood are to be a full time studentwith a minimum GPA of 2.5,” Rios said.“Along with that, we require cultural andthree community service projects to beundertaken.”
Campus Greek scene part of national trendBy CELESTE Y. TELLOThe Pan American
February 6, 2003 Arts & Entertainment Page 11
CD: “The Kill You EP” by Darling VioletteMovie: “Good Will Hunting”Book: “Have Space Suit, Will Travel” by RobertHeinlein
CD: “Santo Pecado” by Ricardo ArjonaMovie: “My Best Friend’s Wedding”Book: “100 Years of Solitude” by Gabriel GarciaMarquez
CD: Facundo CabralMovie: “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark”Book: “The Labyrinth of Solitude” by Octavio Paz
Hazel HerreraJuniorArt/Physics
Josefina IbarraSophomoreDietetics
Reid EtheridgeSeniorMath
CULTURE CLUBWhat students like to read, listen to and surf.
The
February 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 5February 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 12
With the complete mapping of the humangenome in the spring of 2000, new medicalknowledge and possibilities will soon beavailable.
Scientific researchers are working touncover the meaning of specific geneticsequences and genetic testing can alreadyreveal the predisposition to some diseases,such as breast cancer and Alzheimer’s. Geneticscience offers the hope of prevention,treatment, and cures, but the affect geneticinformation will have on society is unknown.
Do people really want to know theirpersonal genetic profiles? Do employers andinsurance companies have the right to know?How will loved ones react to informationabout one’s future questionable health?
These are some of the questions that will bethe center of tonight’s “Research Revolution:Science and the Shaping of Modern Life”session.
The Research Revolution is a six-partviewing and discussion series hosted by theUniversity of Texas-Pan American Library.The University Library is one of 50 librariesnationwide selected to host the program, whichis designed to encourage the understanding ofscientific discovery and technologicaltransformation in the 20th century.
All films and discussions will be held eachThursday from 7-9 p.m. in the UniversityLibrary’s Media Theater.
Robert Kargon from the Department ofHistory of Science, Medicine, and Technologyat John Hopkins University, wrote theintroduction to the Research Revolution. In it,
he explains that the goal-directed scientificresearch that began a century and a half agohas directly impacted everyday life.Thediscoveries have raised new questions andproblems.
“The film/discussion series, the ResearchRevolution, will provide a historicalperspective and contemporary context for thesecritically important scientific/social issues,”Kargon wrote.“Understanding thehistorical evolution andthe contemporarycharacter of theResearch Revolutionwill enable us as citizensto deal more effectivelywith the new choicesthat rapid scientificchange brings.”
The first session washeld Jan. 23 andfeatured the film, “I amBecome Death: TheyMade the Bomb,” whichdiscusses the atomicage. The second session was held Jan. 30 andfeatured the film, “Into the Body,” whichdiscussed robotics. Approximately 25 peopleattended each of the first two sessions.
“Our capacity is a lot higher, so we’rehoping that more students attend the nextsession,” John Asbell, reference librarian said.“These subjects are important for students tothink about. They will affect their lives at onepoint or another. They can discuss the issueswith Dr. Pearson and each other.”
Dr. Thomas Pearson, Associate Professor ofPhilosophy, will lead the discussions at each
session. He feels that the topics discussedthroughout the Research Revolution are ethicaland political issues that student’s should beeducated about.
“It is the world that your inheriting,” he said.“It will govern how your life goes. Thescientific knowledge that will soon beavailable is amazing and we need to know howto respond.”
“Our Genes, OurChoices: Who gets toknow?” running 57minutes, is tonight’sfeature presentation.Moderator ArthurMiller, a professor atHarvard Law School,leads the intense andoften humorousdiscussion about theproblems andquestions raised bygenetic information toa group of 13distinguished panelists.Among them are
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer,director of the Institute for Bioethics Mark A.Rothstein, professor of neuropsychology atColumbia University and president of theHereditary Disease Foundation Nancy C.Wexler.
Other participants are from the fields ofadoption, law, genetics, employment, mediaand medicine.
The next session will be Feb. 13 and willfeature the film, “The Gene Squad,” anddiscuss forensics. On Feb. 20, “What’s Upwith the Weather?” a film that covers the
affects of global warming, will be presented.The last session in the series will held Feb. 27and will discuss biodiversity. The featured filmwill be “Natural Connections.”
The Research Revolution has beenorganized by National Video Resources, a not-for-profit organization whose goal is topromote public awareness of and access toboth independently produced films and theAmerican Library Association, with a focus onlinking libraries and communities in an effortto make libraries cultural centers.
The project is being funded by the NationalScience Foundation, an independentgovernment agency responsible for promotingscience and engineering.
Locally, the UTPA Friends of the Library isalso funding the refreshments and publicity forthe Research Revolution. Friends of theLibrary was established in 1994 to promote theUniversity Library as a community resource.In the past, the organization has purchasedbooks, computers, and special collections andhas sponsored cultural programs and specialevents.
“The Research Revolution deals with someof the newest scientific advancements and theFriends of the Library likes being involved ingetting the latest information out to UTPAfaculty, staff, students, and the community,”said Virginia Haynie Gause, systems librarianand chair of Friends of the Library.
The Research Revolution sessions are freeand open to the community. Free parking isavailable in parking Lot A and Lot A6 by thenew Visitors Center, and refreshments will beprovided.
For more information about the ResearchRevolution and highlighted issues, log on to
Weekly research series continuingBy AMELIA GARCIAThe Pan American
Understanding thehistorical evolution and thecontemporary character ofthe Research Revolution willenable us as citizens to dealmore effectively with thenew choices that rapidscientific change brings. “
“
- Robert Kargon,Dept. of Science, Medicine & Technology
at John Hopkins University
February 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 4
Christian BarajasDieteticsSophomore
Yes, because man needs to continue withspace-related research.
Ernesto BandaArtSophomore
I believe so ... because there’s nopoint in quitting after failureespecially with something sounexplored as space.
Kevin ColemanPhysics/MathematicsJunior/Senior
Yes, because it is in our nature toalways look beyond the horizon. Todeny exploration is to deny a part ofour humanity.
Do you think the USshould continue manned
space exploration?
Frank SepulvedaPhysicsGraduate
Yes. They should continue manned spacemissions, however, NASA, seriouslyneeds to revamp their equipment;particularly the space shuttle itself.
VOICECCaammppuuss
Elizabeth OrtegaArtFreshman
No, because I think America should solvetheir troubles on Earth first
When the United States sent sevenastronauts into outer space on theColumbia space shuttle, citizens expectedand assumed the crew would return toEarth safely.
Tragically, on Saturday morningAmerica lost the Columbia as well as thoseon board during its reentry into Earth’satmosphere. As a shocked nation tries tocope with the trauma of the accident,students and staff at the University ofTexas-Pan American are grieving in theirown ways. In an effort to help studentsand faculty cope with the Columbiatragedy, the Student Union hosted amemorial service for the Columbia crew inthe Student Union Theatre duringTuesday’s activity period.
As those in attendance watched footageof the memorial at the Johnson SpaceCenter, some thought about the effect theColumbia disaster will have on the nationand the world.
“I’d like to think of the Student Unionas a place where the campus communitycan receive information that is affectingnot only their lives, but the countries aswell,” said Sam Smith, director of theStudent Union. “I consider this eventwe’re holding as an observation ofNASA’s memorial.”
When Smith first learned of theColumbia, it reminded him of theChallenger crash on Jan. 31, 1986, andbelieved others would draw the sameparallel.
Junior accounting major AmandaCordona agreed and also recalled whathappened nearly 20 years ago.
“I was in shock when I found out aboutthe accident. It seemed to be a repeat ofwhat happened in the ‘80s,” she said. “It’sreally sad that the people died, but they leda noble life.”
The shuttle crew included Col. RickHusband, Lt. Col. Michael Anderson,Cmdr. Laurel Clark, Capt. David Brown,Cmdr. William McCool, Dr. KalpanaChawla and Ilan Ramon, a colonel in theIsraeli Air Force.
Crystal Flores, a sophomore premedmajor, feels that this incident shouldincline NASA to reevaluate its programs.She thinks instead of sending humans on
every mission, NASA should considersending robots or machinery that would becapable of completing the tasks humanscurrently risk their lives to undertake.
“What exactly are we looking for? Theprice of sending humans into space is notonly expensive but dangerous as well,”Flores said. “I think it would be cheaperand safer if people don’t go to space unlessthey absolutely have to.”
To wit, NASA has instituted aninvestigation into the tragedy.
Smith feels that humans will always beinquisitive about discovering new thingsand shouldn’t stop researching.
“I’m still young enough to believe thatgoing into space is [important],” Smithsaid. “I consider it to be like Marco Pologoing to Asia whenever they go into space.It’s about exploring the unknown andtrying to understand things that are biggerthan us.”
Junior Gaby Perez, president of theUniversity Program Board, often attendsevents hosted by the Student Union.
“It saddens me to hear about tragedieslike this because I feel like we lost peoplewho made an important impact and havetouched society,” Perez said. “I am so gladthat we are having a memorial to knowthat we should continue with these projectsand send citizens to assist society and all.”
President George W. Bush spoke highlyof the seven astronauts during the televisedmemorial, personalizing them to give thenation the opportunity to understand whothese people were, and why they wouldrisk their lives in the pursuit of knowledgeand scientific discovery.
“Our whole nation was blessed to havesuch men and women serving in our spaceprogram,” Bush said. “Their loss is deeplyfelt, especially in this place where so manyof you called them friends, the people inNASA are being tested once again.”
Bush concluded his speech by reassuringthe public that the crew of the Columbiadid not die in vain.
“The final days of their own lives werespent looking down upon this earth, andnow, on every continent, in every land theycan see, the names of these astronauts [are]known and remembered,” he said. “Theywill always have an honored place in thememory of this country, and today, I offerthe respect and gratitude of the people ofthe United States.”
Union memorial assuages griefBy CLARISSA MARTINEZThe Pan American
activities,” Broshears said. “They are alsoassigned a mentor who stays with themthroughout there first year of college.”
Edwards also stated that all tutorialservices and the Writing Center contributeto the retention of entering freshmen.
“The Writing Center offers peer tutoringfor the beginning writer and advancedwriter,” said Judy Davidson, director ofthe University Writing Center. “It’s arelaxed, friendly environment and find thatthey come back over and over.”
The writing center does not have aspecial program designated for theretention of entering freshmen or allstudents, but Davidson said the center hasanother way of helping students.
“If a student is feeling frustrated about a
class, it is so easy for the student to justgive up,” Davidson said. “The writingcenter is there to help and can give thestudent the encouragement they need tostay in the class.”
There are several programs used by theuniversity to increase the probability thatentering students will continue theircollege careers and eventually graduate.Sometimes, these programs aresupplemented by one-time events targetedat students who have not yet becomestudents.
For example, a group of Valley highschool seniors will converge on thecampus Feb. 22 for a leadershipconference where columnist Molly Ivinswill be the keynote speaker.
RETENTION continued from page 1
February 6, 2003 Sports Page 13
Argentina Drops Mexico
Mexico lost to Argentina 1-0, inan international friendly Tuesdaynight at the Los Angeles MemorialColiseum that put a damper on thedebut of Mexico’s new head coachRicardo Antonio Lavolpe, who ishimself an Argentinian. Argentina’sGonzalo Rodriguez scored the lonegoal of the match in the 14thminute.Argentina will play against theUSA this Saturday in Miami. Thegame is to be held at 2:30 p.m.CST.
NHL RecordBroken
Twenty-two year-old DannyHeatley made history Sunday whenhe broke the record for being theyoungest player to ever score a hat-trick in an NHL All-Star game. Therecord, previously held by Wayne“The Great One” Gretzky, was best-ed by one day when Heatley pickedup his third goal of the game off ofa Olli Jokkinen pass 2:47 into thesecond period. Heatley went on to
net a fourth goal later in that sameperiod, and assisted on a Jokkinengoal in the third, giving him fivepoints for the game, and tying himwith the all-time single-game pointsscored in an All-Star game. Heatley,who plays for the AtlantaThrashers, was named Rookie ofthe Year last season, and is regardedas one of the best young players inthe game.
Correction
In the Jan. 30 issue of The PanAmerican, there was a typographi-cal error in regard to the pitcherwho started for the Broncs againstthe South West Texas Cougars onFeb. 1. Travis Parker, the only sen-ior pitcher on the Bronc squad, wasincorrectly referred to as TreyParker. Trey Parker is the name ofone of the creators of “South Park,”and “Baseketball.” And while TreyParker has a small and comicalaffiliation to the sport, he does notplay for UTPA. We sincerely apolo-gized to Travis Parker, and will bemore attentive to such details inforthcoming issues. NOTE: Travis Parker picked up hisfirst win of the season against SWT.
SPORTS CLIPBOARD
Reporters Reporters needed.needed.
The Pan American is looking for sportsand arts and entertainment reporters toaudition this semester for full-time andvolunteer positions throughout thespring and summer terms. For more information, contact sportseditor Brian Carr or A&E editor AshleyBrooks at 381-2546.
E-mail, shopping, entertainment, and research arejust a few of the uses of the Internet.
With just a touch of a button one can convenientlycatch up with their best friend, find out when a favoriteband is coming to town, take care of banking, or evenconduct a business deal. The information is limitlessand there are no national boundaries. The Internet putsthe world at one’s fingertips.
In the academic world, another on-line facetbecoming popular among professors at the Universityof Texas-Pan American is the software Web CourseTools.
According to Douglas Young, director of the Centerfor Distance Leaning (CDL), in Spring 2003 WebCT isa part of 239 courses, and approximately 25 of thoseare completely online. Altogether, the courses enrollapproximately 7,000 students. The numbers areastounding when compared to those from the Fall 1999semester, when only 35 students were using WebCT.
“The use of WebCT grows tremendously everysemester,” Young said. It makes it easier for students toget the courses they need. When they work they can’talways arrange their school schedules around theirwork schedules. It is a matter of convenience.”
WebCT can also be used to enhance traditionalcourses.
“WebCT allows for more interaction withprofessors,” Young said. “For example, in a musicappreciation class of 75 [students], it is very difficultfor students to communicate with their professors.WebCT allows for one-to-one interaction.”
In addition to its technological and course-enhancement features, WebCT can also beimplemented to offer exams, pretests, and quizzes.Notes, syllabi, and assignments can also be posted.Students can communicate with professors as well asfellow students.
UTPA assistant music professor Rick Davis usesWebCT for both his traditional and online MusicAppreciation courses to hold class discussions. Heplaces questions on WebCT and has each studentanswer.
“In every class there are always the leaders and theshy students. The democracy of WebCT mutes theleaders and inspires the more shy students,” Davissaid, “The shy folks become bold on WebCT and theyparticipate in the discussion too, when in the seatedclass they do not.”
He finds that using WebCT allows students toreceive more facts on music theater, which is what heconcentrates on teaching. The students who take thecourse completely online have multimedia access thatpermits them to receive even more information.
“In my class, I cover pieces from the ancient Greeksto Broadway,” Davis said. “They need to be able to seeand hear musical theater to appreciate it. WebCTallows for them to do this more than what I can showthem in the classroom. With the online course theyspend more time reading on their own and searchingthe Web so they cover more material.”
Davis said there are two myths about courses taughtcompletely online. It is thought that online coursestake less of the professor’s and students’ time, but hedisagrees.
“The majority of people in administration are underthe impression that online courses free up theprofessor’s time, but it actually takes up more time,”he said. “You have to correspond with students on aone-to-one basis instead of with the class as a whole atone time.”
Davis feels that students also have to spend moretime reading and understanding the material because aninstructor is unable to explain it to them verbally.
“If they’ve just gotten home at 11 p.m. after they eatdinner they can log on,” he said. “They don’t have toworry about being in class at a certain time. It does nottake less time; it is just when they have the timeavailable. The idea that it takes professors and studentsless time is an error.”
Davis said another misconception about coursestaught completely online is that they lessen interactionbetween professor and students.
“That is never going to happen,” he said. “Teacher-student interaction is just as, if not more, important inonline courses.”
Davis has found that students enjoy taking onlinecourses and using WebCT as part of traditional coursesbecause it meets different needs.
“There are a lot of students who are not on campusvery often throughout the day and WebCT gives themthe access they need,” he said. “Also, they can accessit at any time from almost anywhere. However,students who are computer-illiterate have tremendoustrouble with it.”
For those students who lack the knowledge or skillto get the most out of WebCT courses, Young said theCDL offers a live orientation to teach students how toutilize the plan to its fullest.
“We walk you through how to use the software,”Young said. “It only takes about half an hour to learneverything. It is easy stuff.”
Jeff Getchell, assistant director for the Center forDistance Learning, feels the orientation to WebCT isan important key in a student’s success with the course.
“Students who get orientated do really well, and areable to get more from the course,” Getchell said.“However, those who do not get properly orientated donot feel comfortable and this effects their learning.”
There is a help desk available by phone duringbusiness hours and online 24 hours a day for students.The phone number is (956)3812979 and the Web siteaddress is http://cdl.panam.edu.
Every student can get a free compact disc withtutorials on the latest software. The CDs are availableat the University Bookstore, library, and at the CDLlocated in room 2.124 in the Academic ServicesBuilding.
The center also offers services for faculty includefaculty development workshops, such as Introductionto WebCT, Teaching Online in Higher Educationavailable in English and Spanish and IntegratingFrontpage 2000.
The center also teaches professors how to transformtheir courses into Web-augmented courses orcompletely online ones. There is also an interactiverubric available to aid faculty in measuring theteaching effectiveness of online courses.
CDL also provides different types of new mediaservices to enhance faculty web courses, such asaudio/video production, streaming media andwebcasting, graphic design, and CD-ROM production.Laptops, cameras, and other productivity tools areavailable for checkout to faculty and staff.
Currently the Writing Center has a pilot programbeing used by Dr. Karen Taylor’s English 1301 class.Judy Davidson, Writing Center Director, said if allgoes well with the pilot program, the Writing Centerwill offer services by Fall 2003. The Online WritingLab (OWL) will be available during the weekend whenthe Writing Center is closed.
“If it works out, then the program will enablestudents to get mechanical assistance, organizationalassistance and general feedback,” Davidson said. “Weprefer the face-to-face assistance done by our trainedstudent tutors, but OWL will enable us to help thestudents when the Center is closed.”
The Writing Center is open to all students Mondays8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, andThursdays 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 1 pm.The CDL is working with the Writing Center to getOWL underway for all students.
“We hope that the OWL works out so that there willbe more help available to students,” Getchell said. “Weare very anxious to see how it is going to turn out.”
As for the future of WebCT, The CDL expects use ofthe system to increase rapidly. Davis said that the CDLis fundamental for providing online courses at UTPA.
“We are in a really wonderful position to have theCenter for Distance Learning to get courses onlinebecause it organizes the system and educates thefaculty and students. Other universities do not havesuch a thing,” he said.
February 6, 2003 THE PAN AMERICAN Page 3
Web help is accessibleBy AMELIA GARCIAThe Pan American
Bruce Friedman knows the difference between doing business andhelping people, and he’s trying to take that message of duality andrun with it.
The associate professor and chair of the Department of SocialWork arrived at the University of Texas-Pan American in Fall 2001.He has practiced social work and developed and directed programsaround the country and in Canada. In September 2001 he was electedtreasurer of the National Network of Social Work Managers.
According to the winter 2002 issue of Social Work Executive, thenetwork’s quarterly newsletter, the NNSWM is the only professionalorganization in America that dedicates itself to equipping managersto become “humanistic leaders.” It consists of 350 individuals andabout 20 institutions such as social work agencies, and organizations.
“Before 1985 there were a number of human service organizationsthat were being ran by businessmen, because not many socialworkers were going into administration,” Friedman said. “They wereindividuals who do not have the background to deal with humanservices. They are money people not human people.”
In 1985 the NNSWM was founded and in 1988 it wasincorporated in Washington, DC. In 1994 the Institute of the NationalNetwork for Social Work Managers was incorporated into thenetwork as a non-profit organization and serves as the educationaland research branch of the NNSWM, which Friedman is a part of.The network provides the certified social work manager credential tosocial workers. There are currently about 150 members who areCSWM’s.
“Our CSWM credential is continuing to gain prominence. Severaluniversities have expressed interest in how they might incorporatethe CSWM into their graduate programs,” said Mary Oldiges,CSWM and NNSWM President, in the winter 2002 issue of SocialWork Executive.
Friedman feels that the NNSWM has helped create social workmanagers who have leadership skills and understand human needs.
“The have a greater sensitivity,” Friedman said. “The network isimportant because it provides knowledge, skills, and ethical behavior.It has established social workers in the role of management.”
Friedman began his career in social work as a group worker in1974. He worked with children, adolescence, and families. Hedeveloped a family-life education program. After two years he beganto work on his master’s degree.
“They thought I was pretty good at it so they said, ‘you should goget your masters,’” Friedman said.
While attending the George Warren Brown School of Social Workin Washington University, he specialized in families and substanceabuse and received awards for programs he developed for retardedcitizens and Russian immigrants. In 1982 he directed one of the fivebest singles programs in the United States. Friedman has also workedwith single-parent, divorced, senior citizen, and Housing Authorityprograms, some of which he developed himself. In the late 1980s hemoved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada to become associate director of acommunity counseling center.
While teaching courses in different universities he worked on hisdissertation. titled “No Place Like Home,” about homeless shelters, awork which was supported by United Way. He has taught in severaluniversities, including Case Western Reserve University inCleveland, University of Akron, and Sacred Heart University inConnecticut. He currently is teaching the undergraduate social workcourse called “Integrative Seminar” and the graduate course“Advanced Field Practicum 2” at UTPA.
While living in the Valley Friedman has had to deal with culturedifferences. He said as an Anglo, he is now in the minority, as 85percent of the area is Hispanic. The veteran social worker has alsofound several key issues he feels should be addressed.
“There seems to be a substance-abuse problem. There is also a lotof domestic abuse, which is sometimes perceived as acceptablebecause of the culture and machismo,” Friedman said. “I havenoticed that there is not a high value on higher education here,” hesaid. “Then there is the border issue. There seems to be an attitudinaldifference in the way the U.S. deals with the Canada border and theMexico border. It probably has to do with the way the two placeswere settled.“
The UTPA Department of Social Work currently aids severalsocial work organizations and programs in Hidalgo County.
“There are agencies looking at the university for leadership andsoon we will work with Cameron County as well,” Friedman said.“There is a high need in the Valley. I always tell potential faculty thatif they feel they need to make a difference, this is the place.”
Social workis mixed bagBy AMELIA GARCIAThe Pan American
Practice this past week was grueling asthe coaches stepped up the pressure to getsome of our athletes to correct the mistakesmade at last week’s meet.
“Meets are used to see what you have toimprove on in practice to get better,” headcoach Doug Molnar said.
To me this week’s meet was different. Sam Houston State University reared its
ugly head and showed up in a blur oforange and white. The rest of thecompetition was as fierce as last week withone small addition - PRESSURE. We werelike gladiators walking into the coliseum -some of us would fall into despair, othersof us would ride into victory and glory.
I watched everyone with new eyes as thecompetition began. The ring was the sameand the track was the same, but to meeverything was different.
I couldn’t deal with the pressure, and I
cracked immediately. I scratched twothrows and the one throw I did get markedwas mediocre.
The rest of my teammates moved towardthe goal that not many people will everreach. In the field events, UTPA was theleader, and earned the dignity and honor ofplacing in the top spots.
Amy Moses once again came out thevictor in the women’s twenty-pound weightthrow. She threw the weight 59 feet 3 1/2inches, shattering her old school record intosmithereens. It was her personal best, butMoses fell a few feet shy of qualifying forNationals. She did, however, placed in theshot put competition with a throw of 41feet, 8 inches.
Deneb De Luna also had an outstandingperformance. She placed third in the weightthrow with a toss of 48 feet. She alsoplaced fourth in the shot put with a throwof 42 feet, 6 inches, marking her personalbest.
Patty Villarreal placed 10th in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 19:38.50, which isher personal best.
Newcomer Kathryn Waslen stunnedeveryone on the team with her debut race.She placed seventh in the 5,000-meter runwith a time of 19:00.20.
Margeaux McCarthy placed eighth in the800-meter run with a time of 2:20.21, andran a split of 59 seconds in the 4x400 meterrelay.
The men’s side had an exceptionallygood meet that resulted in several brokenschool records.
In the 35-pound throw a new victor wascrowned. Isaac Ybarra won the event witha toss of 56 feet, 10 inches, breaking aschool record in the process.
Robert Lopez placed second in theweight throw with a toss of 54 feet and J.C.Crosby placed sixth with a throw of 42feet, 5 inches. Crosby also came in eighthin the shot put with a throw of 47 feet, 41/2 inches.
Matt Clinton placed eighth in the longjump section “B” with a jump of 19 feet, 83/4 inches. He also ran a personal best inthe 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.5seconds. He vaulted 16 feet 3/4 inches tocomplete a solid all-around performance.
The real acknowledgments go to pole-vaulter Jeff Martial, who disintegrated hisold school record and replaced it with anew one. This school record vault allowedhim to place third overall, which was a bigimprovement from last week when hefinished sixth.
Westly Keating placed first in the 3,000-meter run. The All-American keepssurprising people, as he shattered our lastand final record with a time of 8:32.79.
Hugo Cervantes placed fourth in the3,000-meter run with a time of 8:49.13. Itwas quite an honor to see Hugo and Westlyrun, Every lap it seemed as if they weregetting faster and faster.
Most every athlete on our team eithermet or broke their personal records. Thismeet was very different. Butterflies floatedin and out of my stomach as I realized thatUTPA has potential to make nationals.
Pan Am left its mark Saturday because assoon as our team entered the trackeveryone was speaking our name. Thoughsome failed and others succeeded I learnedthat this life is interesting and love for asport will take you a long way.
As we made our way out of the coliseumand into the roads I finally realized how thegladiators felt. Opportunity comes and goesand you may succeed or fail, but your markwill always last forever.
• Jessica Olivarez is a sophomoreUTPA track and field athlete whoparticipates in the 20-pound weightthrow.
February 6, 2003 sports Page 14
Track athletes garner personal recordsA number of UTPA trackand field athletes scorepersonal bests at event
By JESSICA OLIVAREZThe Pan American
After stringing together a two-game winning streak a couple ofweeks ago, the University of Texas-Pan American women’s basketballteam has lost its last three games tofall to 4-18 on the season.
The Lady Bronc’s most recentloss was a 66-41 thrashing at thehands of the Louisiana-LafayetteRagin’ Cajuns, who were led byforward Charlotte Green (22points) and center Sarah Richey (15points). Louisiana-Lafayette made45.6 percent of their shots from thefield compared with UTPA’smiserable 26.8 percent.
Louisiana-Lafayette built up a26-13 halftime lead after outscoringPan Am, 14-2, in the last 10minutes of the half. Things didn’tget much better for the slumpingLady Broncs in the second half.The Ragin’ Cajuns strong-armedtheir way to a 44-22 lead onstrength of a 16-9 run with 11:18left in the game.
Richey hit a three-pointer with7:45 left to play and increased theRagin’ Cajuns impressive lead to29 points, 55-26.
Pan Am tried to make acomeback by outscoring thevisitors in the last portion of thegame 15-11, but it was a little too
late to make amends. The hole thatUTPA had dug themselves in towas too deep to climb out of andinevitably lost the game to theRagin’ Cajuns who improved to 5-14.
Senior Alex Gravel led the LadyBroncs with 10 points and fellowsenior Julie Porter nabbed sixrebounds in the losing battleagainst Louisiana-Lafayette.
Prior to Monday night’s loss,UTPA dropped a hard-foughtcontest to the Centenary Ladies,60-58, last Saturday afternoon inShreveport, La.
Although the Lady Broncsundertook an effort in the secondhalf to make a run at the lead, thecomeback fell short.
With 2:52 left to play, the LadyBroncs went to work. Houstonnative Naima Williams led the PanAm rally sinking three jumpersduring an 8-2 run that pulled PanAm within one point of the Ladies,59-58, with nine secondsremaining.
But that was all she wrote.Williams fouled Julie Danieles whohit one of her two free throws togive Centenary a 60-58 victory.
UTPA will next face archrivalTexas A&M-Corpus Christi on Feb.8 at 3 p.m. at the MemorialColiseum in Corpus Christi.
In the pair’s previous meetingthis season, the Lady Broncsdefeated the Lady Islanders 64-55on Jan. 25.
Williams led UTPA in scoring,racking up 21 points in 34 minutesof play.
After a week of solid practices, the Universityof Texas-Pan American men’s and women’s tennisteams are set to hit the road for a full weekend ofaction.
The Broncs head to La Cruces, NM to faceAbilene Christian on Friday, New Mexico StateUniversity on Saturday and Tennessee Tech onSunday. The Lady Broncs make a pit stop in ElPaso to face the Lady Miners Friday beforemeeting up with the Broncs in Las Cruces formatches against New Mexico State and TennesseeTech Saturday and Sunday.
Men
“Practice has gone well for the men,” said headtennis coach Todd Chapman. “We’ve beenworking a lot on doubles, knowing we’re goingagainst three very competitive teams thisweekend. The doubles point will be very crucial.”
The Abilene Christian Wildcats enter the matchat 2-1, including wins over Dallas BaptistUniversity and Howard Payne at the ACU Men’sIndoor Classic. The NMSU Aggies have yet toearn a win in spring competition, sufferingconsecutive losses to the University of Utah andBrigham Young University. The Tennessee TechGolden Eagles are 1-2 heading into the weekendaction.
Although all three teams enter the weekendwith mixed records, Chapman feels every matchwill come down to the wire.
“All three matches will be close. All ofNMSU’s early-season losses have been againstvery good teams,” he said. “NMSU is probably
stronger than the others, but Abilene Christian is atop Division-II program and will be a tough matchfor us also.”
Regardless of the competition his team willface, Chapman hopes to use the full weekend togauge his team’s progression.
“I’m looking forward to this weekend becausewe will play three good matches in three straightdays,” he said. “It will be good to see how werespond to tough matches and pressure situationsas a team. I’m looking forward to seeing wherewe are.”
Women
According Chapman, the Lady Broncs haveused the extra week of practice to brush up onmany aspects of team play.
“We’re just trying to get ready and work on abit of everything,” he said.
Although UTEP and NMSU enter matchesagainst the Lady Broncs with a combined recordof 1-3, both are solid Division I programs thatshould provide steep competition for the UTPA.Although tough losses can adversely impact ateam’s confidence, Chapman isn’t worried aboutlosing matches.
“I think there are more positives thannegatives,” he said. “I’m not a coach that willschedule matches based on the team I have.You’ve got to play good teams to get better. If youask so-called experts, we would be the underdogin a lot of our matches, but you can’t duckopponents or play an easy schedule if you want tobuild a good program.”
Chapman has set a goal for the Lady Broncs toplay well, regardless of how a match plays out.The first-year coach feels there is more tobuilding a program than tallying wins and losses.
“We want to go in and play better tennis thanwe have been and continue to improve,” he said.“Playing tough competition will prepare us forother matches we may have down the road. We’rejust focused on trying to play better and improve.”
Lady Broncs dropthird straight game
Women fall to 4-18after loss to
Louisiana-LafayetteBy ED CHRNKOThe Pan American
Tennis teams prepare forfull weekend of competition
Broncs face tough Division I foe NMSU, Lady
Broncs meet UTEPBy MATT LYNCHThe Pan American
If students are looking for the opportunityto study abroad but don’t have the funds tofacilitate a change in scenery, there isfinancial assistance available.
According to Monica Alvarado, assistantdirector for the Financial Aid Department atthe University of Texas-Pan American, thereare funds such as Pell grants and loans thatnot many students know about. She said it’simportant for students to have initiative.
“The study abroad form can be picked uphere,” Alvarado said. “They have to start asearly as possible so they can submit anapplication.”
Alvarado says when a student usesfinancial aid, the only funds available will bethose left over from their annual Pell. If astudent lacks sufficient funds to cover thecost of the program, then they can startapplying for loans.
However, if one is not eligible to receive aloan or Pell grant, Maria Salazar, director forthe Center for International Studies at UTPA,said there are still scholarships available thatcan pay for programs. The Gillman StudyAbroad Scholarship also helps students payfor trips.
“Because of financial aid and the availablescholarships, students are able to go,”Salazar said. “The scholarships really helpout the students.”
There will be a numerous amount of studyabroad programs available this summer.According to Salazar, classes will be taughtin countries including Greece, Turkey,Mexico, Spain, China, and Germany.
Salazar said the summer program in Chinawill be rather different from the othersummer programs. During this trip, studentswill have the opportunity to perform ateaching internship.
“A professor from the university will beteaching English classes, the interns willthen be teaching English to Chinese
students,”Salazar said. “Itis going to bebasic Englishsuch asconversationstyle andlisteningskills.”
Since thestudents will bedoinginternships,Salazar saysthe programwill be veryinexpensive.Although aprice has notyet beendetermined,students mightend up payingonly for airfare.
The studyabroad programin Greece andTurkey will include several classes incommunication. George McLemore,communication professor at UTPA, will beteaching a class in photojournalism. He saidhe is looking forward for the programbecause it will offer students a chance toexperience different cultures.
“One of the most important experiences aperson can have as a college student is togain travel experience in other cultures andin other countries,” McLemore said. “Togain that experience while studying isincredible.”
Last summer, communication students hadto the opportunity to attend classes in Spain.Courses such as interculturalcommunications were offered, saidMcLemore, and students had a great time,and some of them forgot they were eventaking classes.
Bianca Carmona, a UTPA senior whowent to Spain last summer, said she had agreat time in many ways. She said theexperience gained was a benefit to hereducation because she got to know some ofthe different cultures from around the world.
“I was taking InterculturalCommunications, so I got to experience itwhile I was studying it,” Carmona said. “Itwas hands on experience while we weretouring the city. It was very different.”
Carmona added that although suchprograms may be out of a student’s budget,such programs are worth taking. She notedthat she was ineligible for financial aid orscholarships, but that loans paid for half ofthe tuition.
“There were people like me who didn’tget anything,” Carmona said. “I had to get aloan to go, but it was well worth it.”
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http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican51th Year – No. 15
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To help with the need of child care forstudents who are parents while attending school,the plans are in the making for the creation of achild daycare facility at the University of TexasPan-American.
According to Samuel Smith, Director of theStudent Union and overseeing the planning ofthe daycare center, the goal is to have the facilityopen by 2004.
“The idea has been on and off among studentsfor years,” Smith said. “But it has to be self-supporting.”
Currently, the daycare committee has beengiven startup money. The money is being usedto run an advertisement to hire a quality daycaredirector to help plan and build a good facility.Smith said the person must also be certified andhave experience and the ability to bring on astaff and help train staff members.”
Though the daycare will be funded by federalgrants, Smith said that it will also be funded bythe students who make use of the new child carefacilities.
“We need to apply for grants and charge theusers,” Smith said. “We cannot tax those whoare not using the service.”
Sophomore Julissa Reyes, who does not haveany children agrees with Smith. She said that itwould be unfair to charge students who don’thave children a daycare fee.
“The daycare center is a great idea for singlemothers,” Reyes said. “It is even better forthose who don’t have kids because it will notcost them.”
Smith said that with the daycare center inplace, students who have children will be able toattend UTPA for longer hours and takeadvantage of the opportunities the university hasto offer.
“The students will able to take a full day ofclass and can drop in and visit with theirchildren,” Smith said.
Senior Melissa Mendoza-Moreno, and motherof a two-year-old little girl, said she wishes shehad the conviencence on an on-site daycare
center were available to her immediately, butsays it will benefit future parents that will go toschool knowing their children are safe and closeby.
“I always thought they should build a daycarebecause it is hard to find a good nanny and gooddaycare,” Moreno said.
Moreno is faced with the daily ritual ofwaking up at seven in the morning and gettingprepared for the day. A 9:30 a.m. Moreno headsfrom Sharyland to Palmview to pick up her littlegirl’s nanny. She then brings the nanny back toher house so the nanny can baby-sit her daughterwhile she is at school. During the day Moreno,is at school from 10:30 in the morning to 3:30 inthe afternoon. After school she goes home topick up the nanny and take her back home toPalmview.
“This is something that I go througheveryday,” Moreno said.
With the creation of a daycare center, Smithhopes to achieve a new level of closeness andconvenience for parent/students.
“We are taking a leap forward and need to seefor a couple of years,” Smith said. “We aredealings with a parent’s most prized possession.”
By HILDA BARRIENTESThe Pan American
Expecting? Daycare comingUTPA plans for
childcare facility
By JENNIFER TAPIAThe Pan American
Funds available to aid travel
Jennifer Tapia/The Pan American
HEADING ABROAD?— Carlos Cepeda (foreground) and Marvin Rodriguez(background) talk with assistant program adviser Ivonne Tovar Wednesdayabout whether going abroad this summer is feasible.
The University of Texas-Pan Americanbaseball team opened up the 2003 seasonwith a bang, literally.
The Broncs, led by first-year head coachWillie Gawlik, rolled over the SouthwestTexas State Bobcats, 11-3, in their inauguralgame at the Edinburg Baseball StadiumSaturday night, in front of a crowd of 3,604fans. The win was topped off with a fittingfireworks display.
UTPA went on to sweep the SchreinerMountaineers, 13-4 and 7-1, Sundayafternoon in a twinbill to start off the seasonwith a 3-0 record.
The last time the Broncs won their homeopener and started off the season with atleast three straight wins was 1996, when theteam finished 25-30 that season. Last seasonthe team was 15-38.
Pan Am started off a little shaky againstthe Bobcats when starting pitcher TravisParker walked three batters, resulting in anearly three-run lead for SWT off an error inthe top of the first inning.
The Broncs’ offense went to work almostright away on Bobcat pitcher BobbySawicki. In the second inning, UTPA cut theSWT lead to 3-2 when Sawicki led off theinning by hitting the first two batters hefaced. In the third inning, the Broncs taggedSawicki for an additional three runs to rackup a 5-3 lead that signaled the end ofSawicki’s night.
In the bottom of the seventh, Pan Amignited for six runs to post an 11-3 lead that
was never threatened by the Bobcats. Parkerwas credited with the win after pitching fivestrong innings and scattering a pair of hits.The Brownsville native struck out three,walked four and gave uponly one earned run.
"We had ashaky firstinning, butafterthatthey
settleddown, gotthe cobwebsout and after thatthey were tough,"said Gawlik.
On Sunday, the Broncs raced to a 2-0 in
the bottom of the first and increased theirtally to 4-1 in the fourth inning. TheMountaineers cut the home team’s lead to 5-4 in the top of the seventh inning, but UTPA
added two more runs in the bottom half ofthe inning and rallied for a six-run
eighth to put the game out ofreach, 13-4.
The win was creditedto junior Ben DiOrio,
who allowed onerun and scattered
six hits in fiveinnings. JuniorJohnny Gibsonwas awardedthe save afterpitching thefinal 3 2/3innings.
In thenightcap,the crowdof 1,634were treated
to anothersolid
performance bythe Bronc nine. The
Mountaineers held aslim 1-0 lead over Pan
Am after three innings,but the orange and green
came right back. Freshmancatcher Jarod Hickle cranked a two-
out, two-run home run inside the left fieldfoul pole to give the Broncs a 2-1 that they
never relinquished.UTPA went on to score five insurance runs
over the next two innings to secure theirthird straight win in two days, 7-1.
Rookie righthander Aaron Guerra ofEdinburg allowed one run on four hits tonotch his first victory of the season.Sophomore lefty Ricky Anderson cleaned upthe last inning to record his first save of theyoung season.
The Broncs scored 31 total runs andlittered the field with 36 hits that included apair of home runs while amassing a teamtotal .375 batting average in the assault ofSWT and Schreiner.
Mansfield standout Bruce Kennedy ledPan Am’s offensive onslaught by going 6-for-14 over a three-game span that includedthree doubles and a home run for seven RBI.
UTPA’s pitching did its part by building upa healthy 2.16 ERA after allowing only eightruns, six earned, and scattering 15 hitsdespite walking fifteen batters.
Among several firsts this past weekendwas the first Spanish broadcast of a Broncbaseball game. KGBT has signed up tobroadcast 10 home games over seven homedates.
Longtime announcer and program directorof KGBT AM and FM, Hugo De La Cruzcalled the play-by-play while ArmandoAlmazan did the color commentary alongwith former UTPA baseball standoutArmando Fuentes.
"The Broncs are a team with a lot ofbaseball history and tradition and we areproud to be able to broadcast the games,"said De La Cruz.
The University of Texas-Pan AmericanIntramural action kicked off late last monthwith three of the 11 events scheduled forthis semester.
Punt, Pass and Kick, Five-on-Fivebasketball, and coed four-on-four volleyballcompetitions are in the history books, butstill to come are such events asVolleypalooza, soccer and softball, leavingplenty opportunity for athletic wannabes toeither bask in the glory of defeating theirbackyard-superstar counterparts, or crumbleunder competitive pressure - watching astheir athletic self-worth further diminishes.
Art Cabrera, along with UTPAcheerleader head coach Charlie Casares, isresponsible for planning intramural eventsand has high expectations for this seasonsturnout.
“Last year we had about 1,200participants,” Cabrera said. “We’re lookingto either meet or beat that number.”
The next entry due date is Feb. 20 for themen’s, women’s and coed softballintramurals, which will begin play Feb. 24.
In the past there was an entry fee chargedto all those wishing to compete in theevents, but this year participation is theonly commerce accepted by the intramural
coordinators.“We have charged people entry fees in
the past,” Cabrera said. “But we didn’twant to do that this semester.”
According to Cabrera a portion ofstudent services fees are allotted toIntramurals to support the organization andchoreography of the events, and a certainnumber of Intramural events are sponsoredby non-university dollars throughsponsorships. Last semester’s three-on-three basketball competition, which washeld in conjunction with Midnight Madnessand gained sponsorship from Mr. Gatti’sPizza, is just oneexample of themarriage betweenoutside advertisersand Intramuralevents thatCabrera andCasares hope toarrange so as tostrengthen thequality of theirprogram.
“We have somestuff going onduring half time ofthe Broncs game[Saturday the 15thagainstTAMUCC],”Cabrera said.” Itshould give somestudents a chanceto win a fewthings.”
For the winners of Intramuralcompetition, state and even nationalcompetitions await as a reward.
“In the past we have had a few studentsgo on to state, and even a few went on tonationals,” Cabrera said.
But Cabrera is unsure of just how farback that past extends.
“I’ve done some research at the libraryand have found Intramural programs thatgo all the way back to the ‘50s,” Cabrerasaid. “It’s something I really want to findout because I would like to see if we havesome kind of anniversary coming up.”
The Fun Walk, which will be held April,8 and will mark the end of the Spring 2003Intramural semester, is expected to drawthe greatest number of participants.
“Basically the Fun Walk includesstudents, faculty, and staff and is a walkaround the UTPA grounds,” Cabrera said.“The event coincides with health andfitness, and we host the event to promotefitness.”
For all those who wish to participate inany of the intramural events planned forthis semester entry forms are available inapt. 2101 of the Bronc Village.
Broncs start season at unbeaten 3-0February 6, 2003 sports Page 15
Intramurals give students opportunity to
showcase ability
By ED CHRNKOThe Pan American
Baseball season gets under way with wins over Southwest Texas State, Schreiner
Intramurals underway; students show skill
By BRIAN CARRThe Pan American
Intramural Schedule
THURSDAYFebruary 6, 2003
An Inside Look:
■ News ............................................2■ A & E............................................7■ Sports ........................................16
T h e S t u d e n t N e w s p a p e r o f 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
Page 4
CCaammppuussVOICEDo you think
the USshould
continuemannedspace
exploration?
LOCAL
■ SettlementSouth TexasCommunity Collegeelected to avoid alengthy and costlylitigation battle againstex-teacher KathleenDahl, by settling outof court for theamount of $31,000The law suit wasbrought against STCCby Dahl, in regard tothe handling of hercontract renewalrequest, which wasdenied. Dahl willreceive $21,000 fromthe settlement, withher attorneys receiving$10,000 in fees. Spokespeople forS.T.C.C. maintain thatthe college personneldid nothing wrongregarding the non-renewal of Ms. Dahl’semployment at thecollege. The decision to settlethe case was reachedby the insurancecompany for SouthTexas CommunityCollege, its president,trustees and otheradministrators.
The UTPAAlumniAssociation will hostthe 2003 Fiesta PanAmericana Gala andAuction at theMcAllen CountryClub (615 WichitaAve.) on Feb. 15.Titled “An Evening ofRomance,” the galawill include live andsilent auctions and acocktail buffet. Ticketsare $40 per alumnimember or $50 fornon-members. Thosewanting to donateitems for the auctionsmay do so by contact-ing Grant in the Officeof Alumni Relations at(956) 381-2500.
Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American
REMEMBRANCE— A group of early arriving students watch the Student Union Theatre screen Tuesdayas the memorial service for the seven astronauts on shuttle Columbia is shown on CNN.
It was only a matter of time before theUniversity of Texas-Pan American felt theeffects of the state’s $9.9 billion deficit. Withenrollment on the rise and hopes of reachingthe goals of Closing the Gaps in 2015, thequestion now faced by the university is, howwill UTPA administrators handle the situation?
According to Juan Gonzalez, Assistant VicePresident for Business Affairs and also theschool’s budget director, last week the statehas asked UTPA to return seven percent of thegeneral revenue that has been appropriated toit from state funds.
Because of vague preliminary details fromthe state, it remains unclear which items maybe included or excluded from the basepercentage. However, the university has arough estimate of how much the seven percentactually is.
“My best guess at this point is around $4million, give or take a few hundred thousand,”Gonzalez said. “It is important to note that thepercent cut is actually greater because five-twelfths (5/12) of the fiscal year has alreadygone by. In other words, we are being asked toreturn 7 percent of the general revenueappropriated to us for the full year from whatwe have left for the remaining seven months.”
The budget cut takes place at the beginningof the spring semester but it is mandatory thatan entire year’s revenue is taken intoconsideration. Thus, deans across campus havetheir hands full trying to figure out how toreasonably cut their budgets to the degree thatthe state requires.
“The budget cut should not affect thecolleges in a drastic manner but there will besome pain,” Gonzalez said. “We will continuefilling vacant faculty positions and evenauthorize new faculty positions to help meetthe growing enrollment demand.”
Gonzalez continued that the greatest stingwill be felt in those areas not directly involvedin academics. For example, all vacant non-faculty positions will be frozen except for afew exceptions that have extraordinaryjustification and approval by the president.Travel for faculty involved in research andsome presentation of scholarly works will notbe affected by the cut, but non-critical travel -for instance, monies for faculty traveling toconferences - will be eliminated.
Although students will not be affecteddirectly to the budget cut, there are certainlong term actions that will be taken to helppay for the state deficit.
This fiscal year the university will return
Collegesplan futurebudget cutsBy CLARISSA MARTINEZThe Pan American
See BUDGET page 6
If retention rates meananything, freshmen may finallybe catching on at the Universityof Texas Pan-American. Thenumber for freshmen entering inthe fall of 2002 reached 88.7percent, and according to JohnEdwards, director of StudentEnrollment Services, solidacademic learning programs haveled to students sticking it out.
“We focus on collegepreparation to encouragestudents to be better prepared,”Edwards said. He added thatseveral programs are offered tohelp entering freshmen becomemore acquainted with collegelife. Such programs include, thesummer start programs,mentoring programs, theLearning Assistance Center, andstudent advising.
“When you break a populationup to teach and help them inwhat they need, it is a good wayto contribute to retention,”Edwards said.
Marta Lopez, assistant director
of the Learning AssistanceCenter, said the center offersseveral programs to help initiateretention.
“We are responsible for avariety of programs that assistthe retention of enteringfreshmen students,” Lopez said.
Lopez added that the LAC isresponsible for offering academicadvice for undeclared enteringfreshmen students, and alsooffers career counseling for thatparticular population. She saidthat her department also has aprogram called “learningcommunities.”
According to Lopez, in theselearning communities, enteringfreshmen take two courses withthe same class of students. Forexample, entering freshmenenroll in an English and historycourse along with otherfreshmen, giving them theopportunity to be together inboth classes. Officials believe theprogram allows students to bond
with each other and feel morecomfortable within the campuscommunity.
“The students do a lot better inthese courses,” Lopez said,adding that in the learningcommunities, the rate of studentswho have gotten a ‘C’ or betterhas reached 82.9 percent.”
According to JeanetteBroshears, director of StudentLife Transitions Services, the useof the summer start program is abig factor in the higher retentionrate.
“The program is like a headstart in college for enteringfreshmen,” Broshears said.
The summer start programtakes about 25 to 50 enteringfreshmen to stay at the residentshall during the second summersession. The program is a quickintroduction to English, historyand recreational sports, and alsoincludes guest speakers whocome and talk about college.This takes a whole summersession and the room and boardis paid for by the university.
“They participate in a lot of
By HILDA BARRIENTESThe Pan American
Retention on the rise
See RETENTION page 4
UTPA programs aidfreshmen
JUSTBRING
IT
CAMPUS
The University of Texas-PanAmerican men’s basketball teamromped on the SouthwestAssemblies of God 100-63 lastTuesday night at the Fieldhouse infront of 1,824 fans, putting togethera two-game winning streak andimproving to 7-17 on the season.
Pan Am shot 56 percent for thegame and four UTPA players scoredin double-digits en route to theoverwhelming victory over SAGU,now 10-11.
The Bronc scoring extravaganzawas spearheaded by team scoringleader Kevin Mitchell, who scored24 points.
Prince Thompson added 16 points,while Allen Holcomb notched 15and Derrick East chipped in with 11points.
The Lions charged out to an early9-3 lead, but the Broncs surged rightback to take an 11-9 advantage on anEast three-pointer with 13:22 left toplay in the first half.
Leading 19-17, UTPA went on a14-0 run to take a commanding 33-17 advantage over SAGU and closedout the first half of play with a 46-34 lead.
In the second half, the Broncswent on a 20-3 scoring rampage toincrease their lead to 66-43 andessentially put the game out of reachwith twelve minutes left to play.
After the impressive scoring-blitz,Pan Am went on to tally more pointsuntil hitting the century mark for thesecond time this season.
The last time the team racked up100 points was Dec. 16 in a 100-65win over Schreiner.
The win marked two in a row forBob Hoffman’s bunch. Last Saturday
night, the Broncs came back todefeat Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne59-54 at the Fieldhouse before ahometown crowd of 2,298.
The Mastodons led 45-39 with9:48 to play in the second half, butPan Am battled back to take a 48-46lead with 6:18 remaining in thegame on a pair of Holcomb layups.IPFW’s Jim Kessenich knotted thescore 50-50 with 3:34 left to play,but a two-point jumper bysophomore Eric Montalvo, and alayup and two free throws byHolcomb gave UTPA a six-point 56-50 advantage with 1:20 remainingon the clock.
The Mastodons cut the Broncs’lead 56-54, but Lithuanian TomasSitnikovas hit three of his last fourfree throws to seal UTPA’scomeback win.
The team will be back in actionFeb. 8, trying for a third straightwin, against Central Baptist at theFieldhouse at 7:30 p.m.
■ Intramurals . . . . . . . . . .15
■ Tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
■ Baseball Recap. . . . . .14
PAGE 16
SPORTS
Photos by Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American
PLAYIN D: Junior Delvis Diaz attempts to block a shot against SAGA during a Broncs’ win Tuesday night.
THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
Baseball - - - - vs. Lamar(dh)1 p.m.
vs. Lamar(dh)1 p.m. -
Track and Field - - Houston IndoorInvitational - - - -
Men’s basketball - - vs. Central Baptist
7:30 p.m. - vs. Savannah State7:30 p.m. - -
Women’s basketball - - at TAMUCC
3 p.m. - - - -Men’s tennis -
vs. Abilene Christian@Las Cruces,NM
10 a.m.
vs. NMSU@Las Cruces,NM
2 p.m.
vs. Tennesse Tech@Las Cruces,NM
10 a.m- - -
Women’s tennis -
vs. Texas El Paso@El Paso
10 a.m.
vs. NMSU@Las Cruces,NM
2 p.m.
vs. Tennesse Tech@Las Cruces,NM
10 a.m- - -
By ED CHRNKOThe Pan American
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Broncs pummel SAGU, hit century markUTPA defeats Southwest Assemblies of God 100-63, reaches 100-point mark for only second time